Functions
The main functions of the TNPCB under the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 are as follows.
- To plan a comprehensive programme for the prevention, control and abatement of water and air pollution.
- To advise the State Government on any matter concerning the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution.
- To collect and disseminate information relating to water and air pollution and the prevention, control or abatement thereof.
- To inspect sewage and trade effluent treatment plants for their effectiveness and review plans, specifications for corrective measures.
- To inspect industrial plants or manufacturing process, any control equipment and to give directions to take steps for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution.
- To inspect air pollution control areas for the purpose of assessment of quality of air therein and to take steps for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution in such areas.
- To lay down, modify or annual effluent standards for the sewage and trade effluents and for the emission of air pollutants into the atmosphere from industrial plants and automobiles or for the discharge of any air pollutant into the atmosphere from any other source.
- To evolve best economically viable treatment technology for sewage and trade effluents.
- To collect samples of sewage and trade effluents and emissions of air pollutants and to analyze the same for specific parameters.
- To collaborate with Central Pollution Control Board in organizing the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in programme relating to prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution and to organise mass education programme relating thereto
- To perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the State Government or Central Pollution Control Board.
TNPCB is implementing the Pollution Control Legislations and Rules and Notifications framed therein. In discharging the duties entrusted to it, the Board investigates, collects and disseminates data relating to water, air and land pollution, lays down standards for sewage/trade effluent and emissions.
TNPCB issues consent to new industries in two stages. Consent to establish is issued depending upon the suitability of the site before the industry takes up the construction activities and consent to operate is issued after installation of pollution control measures by the unit to satisfy the standards.
The field officers of the Board periodically inspect every industry under their jurisdiction to assess the adequacy of treatment measures provided to treat the effluent and gaseous emission.