The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on December 29, 2023, issued the Guidelines on Management of Pyro-metallurgical Slags Iron & Steel Slags
The following has been stated namely: -
• It states that The following guidance is applicable to all types of iron and steel slags
• It states that the Iron and Steel plants shall use the best available options for maximizing the internal use of slags in the process and recovery of resource material from slags.
• The plants shall adopt appropriate cooling/quenching/treatment techniques to maximize recovery of resource material from slags.
• It states that the slag treatment pits if any should have impervious hard surfaces to avoid contamination of soil and wastewater or surface run-off generated should be either re-cycled or treated prior to discharge. The slag handling in open yards if any should have Imperious hard surfaces, and run-off from the handling area shall be collected and treated prior to discharge.
• It states that the Iron and Steel plants shall adopt environmentally friendly practices in the collection, handling, storage, and transport of slag to avoid water and air pollution.
• The Iron and Steel plants shall adopt an environmental policy for continuous improvement by adopting cleaner / new techniques. Environment management should be supervised by senior management.
• It further states that the Un-utilized slag shall be stored in a captive storage yard having an impermeable base and garland drain to prevent soil and water/groundwater contamination.
• The unlined slag handling, storage areas, and dumpsites shall be discontinued within 2 years from issuance of these guidelines.
