Consent for Operation (CFO)
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Overview of Consent for Operation (CFO) from SPCB
Consent for Operation (CFO), also known as Consent to Operate (CTO), is a mandatory environmental clearance that industrial units must obtain before commencing their operations. As per Section 25/26 of the Water Act, 1974 and Section 21 of the Air Act, 1981, industries with the potential to pollute air or water must apply for this Pollution No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the respective State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC).
1. Documents Required for CFO Application Under Air Act
- Site Plan and Index
- Topographic Map
- Process Flow Sheets
- Air Pollution Control Device Details
- Ambient Air Quality Report
- Copy of Consent for Establishment (CFE)
- List of Raw Materials with quantities
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for chemical industries
2. Documents Required for CFO Application Under Water Act
- Water Pollution Control Device Details
- Process Flow Diagram with Inputs and Outputs
- Site Location Map and Local Authority Site Clearance
- Water Usage and Balance Details
- Boiler and Steam Generation Certificates
- Wastewater Third-Party Analysis Reports (NABL/MoEF Accredited)
Consent for Operation (CFO) Approval Procedure
- Submission of Online Application and Fee: Most states use the Online Consent Management and Monitoring System (OCMMS) to streamline applications and renewals for Consent to Establish (CTE) and CFO.
- Application Scrutiny: The application is initially checked by a Section Officer and then reviewed by Senior Scientific Officers or Environmental Engineers for recommendations.
- Site Inspection: An expert Inspecting Officer visits the site with the owner or authorized representative to verify the facility and pollution control measures. Inspection includes sample collection for effluent and emission testing.
- Issuance or Rejection of CFO: Based on inspection findings and compliance, the Chairman or Member Secretary of the SPCB approves or rejects the consent as per delegated powers.
Approving Authorities for CFO by Category
- Green category: All sizes – Approving Authority: Environment Engineer, Office Location: Regional Office
- Orange category: Up to ₹1 Cr – Approving Authority: Environment Engineer, Office Location: Regional Office
- Orange category: Above ₹1 Cr – Approving Authority: Joint Chief Environmental Engineer, Office Location: Zonal Office
- Red category: Without Environment Clearance – Approving Authority: Joint Chief Environmental Engineer, Office Location: Zonal Office
- Red category: With EC, < ₹5 Cr investment – Approving Authority: Joint Chief Environmental Engineer, Office Location: Zonal Office
Validity of Consent for Operation (CFO)
- Red category: All scales – Validity Period: 5 years
- Orange category: Large, Medium – Validity Period: 10 years
- Orange category: Micro scale – Validity Period: 10 years
- Green category: All scales – Validity Period: 15 years
- Renewal is mandatory before expiry to ensure continuous compliance.