COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF STEEL INDUSTRIES IN I-9 INDUSTRIAL AREA ISLAMABAD TO EVALUATE EFFECTIVNESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Abstract

In this study, industries targeted are the steel industries in the sector i-9 of Islamabad which are compared to evaluate the effectiveness of Environmental Management Plan. Research is based on secondary data provided by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Data is compared, analyzed and graphically represented for each of the parameters i.e. CO, SOx, NOx, H2S and PM in exhaust gases that are emitted outside in the air and NO, NO2, O3, SO2, PM2.5, PM 10 and CO in ambient air and TSS, pH, TDS, COD, BOD, Pb, Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn and other heavy metals and oil and grease in waste water of the steel industries along with the noise levels. Results showed that most of the parameters analyzed in all four industries were found within permissible limits of NEQs among two have documented EMP and two have not. Since, pollution control device is installed as per the direction of EPA. However, few parameters were found high but within permissible limits like particulate matter 10 and 2.5 in ambient air of all four targeted industries were found high and at th edge of the permissible limits. COD in waste water of Al-Mustehkam Ittefak is found high as 148 mg/l> Mat Cast > Sarhad Steel where permissible limit defined by Pak EPA is 150 mg/l. Similarly Cu, Fe, Ni also found close to the permissible limits in the wastewater of Al-Mustehkam Ittefak because no SOPs are defined to collect slag on the surface of septic tanks being used to store cooling water after cooling of furnace for reuse. Presence of these SOPs and apparent organizational culture i.e. organizational structure, staff allocation to manage environmental aspects, staff trainings, record keeping, provision of impact summaries etc. were found more effective and professional in those industries that have documented EMP. Hence to consider the pollution prevention as national obligation industrialists should incorporate such pollution control devices to minimize and monitor their exhaust emission. Technology modification is also recommended as MAT Cast has been found with latest technology that minimizes the pollution factors in production process.