(Effluent Treatment Plant)

• Over the past one to two decades, the emphasis for retailers and brands has largely centered on chemical testing of final products to meet regulatory standards.
• However, recent years have witnessed a shift in focus, moving from end products to manufacturing processes.
• This shift is in response to the increasing compliance demands of environmental protection laws in manufacturing countries and a growing public awareness regarding the overall environmental performance of brands and retailers.
• When examining the environmental performance of manufacturing processes, various approaches are employed.
• These include self-assessments by suppliers or factories on environmental and chemical management policies, organizing training sessions to enhance knowledge, and conducting on-site environmental assessments of facilities.
• Interestingly, despite these efforts, Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) are often overlooked in many companies’ planning.
• This article aims to elucidate the distinctions between an ETP audit and an environmental audit, shed light on what an ETP audit entails, and provide recommendations for enhancing ETP performance.

What distinguishes an ETP audit from an environmental audit?

• While an environmental audit aims to comprehensively evaluate a factory’s overall environmental performance, covering aspects like chemical and waste management,
• “wastewater management” is just one of many facets of this process.
• For facilities with ETPs, it is crucial to hone in on the plant’s performance as untreated or improperly treated wastewater may contain hazardous chemicals.
• Ensuring optimal ETP performance is a critical component of corporate environmental policies.
• In a Wastewater and ETP audit, the auditor exclusively focuses on assessing the wastewater treatment plant, providing detailed technical analysis and a comprehensive report to the corporate entity.

What factors are assessed in an ETP audit?

• Delving deep into the plant’s operations, an ETP audit scrutinizes everything from hidden bypasses to operator expertise, ensuring efficient wastewater treatment and preparedness for the unexpected.
• By dissecting drainage systems, analyzing treatment volumes, and evaluating personnel skills, an ETP audit safeguards environmental compliance and minimizes risk, leaving no stone unturned in its quest for optimal wastewater management.

What are common critical/major non-conformities related to the ETP?

• Common non-conformities include a lack of knowledgeable managers to operate the ETP, Bypass lines for untreated industrial wastewater disposal, Absence of systems to monitor total water consumption.
• Additionally, non-functional meters at ETP inlet/outlet, treated wastewater parameters exceeding legal limits, and inactive ETP tanks or malfunctioning machinery are also frequently observed.

How can factories address non-conformities to improve ETP performance?

• To enhance performance, factories can hire experts or train existing ETP operators, purchase testing devices, and establish equipped labs.
• Initiatives should focus on better control in production sections, proper maintenance of equipment, use of alternative chemicals, and regular inspections to minimize water leaks and wastage.

How can ETP personnel improve their knowledge about wastewater treatment?

ETP personnel can enhance their knowledge by thoroughly reading the ETP manual, participating in training programs on ETP operations and wastewater management, and adopting industry best practices.

Conclusion

• Untreated or improperly treated wastewater poses significant threats to the environment and nearby human settlements.
• By conducting ETP audits, Northern Ridge Geotech Private Limited can identify areas for improvement, stay compliant, and proactively contribute to sustainability efforts.