On 14th July 2022, a 24 hour ambient quality air was studied by TNPCB or Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board in Tiruvottiyur. The study has found out the presence of traces of TPC or total petroleum hydrocarbons.
It must be remembered that many localities in Tiruvottiyur and Manali recently complained of a pungent smell many times in a day and the smell was similar to that of LPG. Between 10am to 1pm on 16th July 2022, Theradi in Tiruvottiyur reported the issue.Po9int is that though India does not have standards for volatile organic compounds or VOC some spikes in the values of TPH were witnessed.
It was later mentioned by an official belonging to TNPCB that on 15th of July 2022 all petrochemical companies in Manali took part in a meeting where these companies were given instructions to conduct leak detection and repair or LDAR study for surveying, identifying and repairing natural gas leaks in the pipelines. He hinted that if the odour continues then TNPCB would collect crude samples and test them.
The entire pipeline system inside CPCL was checked and no leakage was found and this was according to the spokesperson belonging to CPCL. He spoke about how CPCL monitors live stack emission reports from several locations in its Manali Refinery and transmits live report to both TNPCB and CPCB or Central Pollution Control Board. Truth is that there have been no deviations.
To check for any abnormality, CPCL has deployed its AAQMS or Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System at several public places. It is true that CPCL is working with TNPCB to identify the cause for the emissions. The rectification would be done at the earliest. It must be noted that CPCL has not purchased any Russian crude oil or it has processed crude oil from Russia etc.