Merck Ltd has proposed to double the production of Vitamin E Acetate at its existing plant at Usgaon in Goa. In its letter to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the company sought environmental clearance for capacity enhancement of Vitamin E Acetate from 25 MTPM to 50 MTPM within the plant by increasing batch size and decreasing condensation period.

The various Vitamin E Acetate products are Vitamin E Acetate IP, Vitamin E Acetate USP, Vitamin E Acetate for animal nutrition, Vitamin E cosmetic grade, Vitamin E Min 92 % and Vitamin E Pure.

It said that no additional space or land will be required as the enhancement will be within the existing plant.

"The existing utilities are sufficient for enhancement activity and fuel consumption will remain as it is. Since there will be no increase in fuel consumption, hence SO2, NOx, CO, CO2, SPM generation will not increase," it said.

For the upgrade and renovation of ETP proposed capital cost will be Rs 3,36,25,000 and recurring expenses will be approximately Rs 40,00,000.

The area is notified and marked as industrial zone by town and country planning authority. EIA study for the entire area was carried out in 2007-08.