K P R Fertilizers has proposed to manufacture new products at its existing unit at Biccavolu in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district. In its presentation to the Ministry of Environment and Forests for environmental clearance, the company said that the estimated cost of the expansion project is Rs 20 crore. The total land of the unit is 39.78 acres.

The existing capacity of the company is 500 TPD of Single Super Phosphate, 800 TPD of NPK Mixtures, 40 TPD of Di-Calcium Phosphate and 300 TPD of Sulphuric Acid. The proposed products are 50 TPD of Di-Methyl Sulphate, 40 TPD of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid, 50 TPD of Alum (ferric/non-ferric) and 50 TPD of Chloro Sulphonic Acid.

The company said that the source of water is Samalkot canal. The estimated total water requirement for the proposed expansion will be 42 KLD. The total water consumption after the proposed expansion will be 763 KLD.

There are no historical places, archaeological sites, wildlife sanctuaries or national parks within a 10 km radius from the project site.

According to company, baseline data is being collected for the proposed project and a study area of 10 km radius has been chosen.

Five sampling stations have been selected within the study area as per the guidelines of the Environment Ministry and Central Pollution Control Board based on predominant wind direction, upwind direction, crosswind direction, rural area representation and urban area representation.

Parameters like PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and NO2 are analysed twice in a week for each station throughout the study period of three months.

In its presentation, the company also said there will not be any major potential for negative impact on the environment due to the proposed expansion. On the contrary, there will be positive impact on the socio-economic environment since the project will generate some permanent and secondary employment and it will increase direct and indirect employment opportunities, the company said.

In order to mitigate the air pollutants and to attenuate the noise generated by the plant and also improving the ecology and aesthetics of the area, the unit will develop the green belt, the company said.

The company it will adopt all safety and hazard identification measures besides a strong disaster management policy.