Pune: MPCB Issues Notice to Mercedes Benz India for Non-Compliance with Pollution Control Norms

Reported by Tikam Shekhawat

Pune, 20th September 2024: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a show-cause notice to Mercedes Benz India Pvt. Ltd., based in MIDC Chakan Phase-3, Pune, for failing to comply with pollution control measures, following multiple inspections. The notice, dated 19th September 2024, highlights a range of non-compliances observed during visits by MPCB officials on 23rd August and 4th September 2024.

In the notice, MPCB emphasized that the company had been granted Consent to Operate under various environmental laws, including the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The consent was conditional on Mercedes Benz India adhering to strict pollution control measures.

However, as per the notice, inspections revealed significant violations, including:

1. Failure to operate clarifiers and centrifuge units of the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP).
2. Inaccurate calibration of pH and TDS meters, with RO permeate showing abnormal readings (pH 3.8, TDS 0).
3. Non-installation of essential equipment like Multi-Effect Evaporators (MEE) and Agitated Thin Film Dryers (ATFD) for treating RO reject within the stipulated time.
4. Inoperability of the flow meter in the RO unit.
5. Improper treatment of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) detected near the paint booth.
6. The incinerator (oven) used for burning particulates in the paint booth was deemed inadequate to meet Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards.
7. Lack of a sludge thickener for proper sludge treatment before disposal.
8. Non-compliance with the MPCB’s circular on Retrofitting of Emission Control Devices (RECD) for in-use diesel engines.
9. Poor overall maintenance and operation of the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).

MPCB observed that Mercedes Benz India had failed to comply with consent conditions, resulting in untreated or partially treated effluent and air emissions being discharged into the environment. These lapses have led to concerns about water and air pollution caused by the company.

In the notice, J.S. Salunkhe, Regional Officer of MPCB, directed the company to respond within 15 days, explaining why legal action should not be initiated. Failure to comply within the given timeframe may result in further legal action under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.