BPCL gets CPCB notice, fined Rs 2 crore as environmental compensation

In December 2018, CPCB had imposed a fine of Rs 1 crore on Bharat Petroleum for not installing vapour recovery systems at fuel stations in Delhi-NCR

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) on October 19 received a notice from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for flouting its statutes and failing to install Vapour Recovery Systems.

BPCL informed the bourses on October 20 that it has been asked to pay Rs 2 crore as environmental compensation to CPCB for not installing vapour recovery systems in petrol refuelling stations and storage terminals within the given timeline.

The direction was sent to the petroleum company under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

“Under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, BPCL is to pay environmental compensation of Rs 2 crore to CPCB, for non-installation of Vapour Recovery Systems within the timeline, as prescribed by the Supreme Court and CPCB,” the notice read.

The company said it is examining the notice and would be giving an appropriate reply soon. Meanwhile, it has requested the CPCB not to proceed further and discharge the company from the notice.

Vapour recovery systems capture displaced vapour that emerges from inside the fuel tank of vehicles while they are filled with diesel or petrol. The recovery systems effectively control the emission of these volatile compounds, especially benzene and ozone.

In February 2016, CPCB issued directions to oil firms having retail outlets with a capacity of 300 KL/M and above to install stage one and two vapour recovery systems. “Petrol refuelling stations are a major source of emissions of benzene, which is a carcinogenic compound, and the people in the vicinity of these stations, including the workers engaged in the dispensing activities, may potentially be at risk of benzene exposure,” CPCB had said.

In December 2018, CPCB had imposed a fine of Rs 1 crore on Bharat Petroleum for not installing vapour recovery systems at fuel stations in Delhi-NCR.