National Environmental Engineering Research Institute

About Us
Broad objectives
Noteworthy contributions
Our Major Clientele
Current R & D activities
Major Facilities
Scientists

About Us

NEERI Chennai Zonal Laboratory, one of the five Zonal Laboratories of the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, has been a trail-blazer to the industries in the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Pondicherry, ever since its inception in 1969. The Zonal Laboratory follows the footsteps of the parent organization (NEERI, Nagpur) in its commitment towards the national and societal missions and CSIR thrust area activities. In its 47 years of existence, this unit has made significant strides in such thrust areas of R&D as environmental monitoring, environmental biotechnology, hazardous waste management, environmental systems design, environmental impact & risk assessment and environmental audit

Vision

The vision of NEERI, Chennai Zonal Laboratory is to manage and protect the environment by seeking common solutions to complex environmental problems

Mission

Center’s mission is to develop knowledgebase, provide interdisciplinary support, ensure sustainable environment and economic goals. Further we strive to focus on environmental management of natural resources (air, noise, water and land). Our long-term goals are towards integrating environmental planning, management of systems by encouraging stake holder participation, team work, professionalism, timely response and transparency

The Broad objectives of the laboratory are

Conducting research and developmental studies in the area of environmental science and engineering.
Rendering assistance to the industries of the region, local bodies, etc. in solving the problems of environmental pollution.
Interacting and collaborating with academic and research institutions on environmental science and engineering for mutual benefit.
Providing guidance for research scholars for their doctoral studies as the Unit is recognized by the University of Madras and Anna University.
NEERI Chennai Zonal Laboratory has played an important role in solving some of the most critical problems of pollution in the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and also union territories of Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep. Projects of international status funded by such agencies as WHO, World Bank and the US Government have been undertaken by the Zonal Laboratory. The Zonal Laboratory has designed wastewater treatment and disposal facilities for over 60 industries covering tanneries, pulp and paper, textiles, chemicals and fertilizers, food, sugar and distillery, etc. The Laboratory has carried out Environmental Impact Assessment studies for a number of proposed industrial projects and expansion schemes. The laboratory has been monitoring the ambient air quality of Chennai City since 1978 by installing air samplers at 3 zones of activity viz. Industrial, Commercial and Residential.

Some of the noteworthy contributions of the centre to the cause of environmental protection are

Regional Environmental Impact Assessment study, REIA
Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA
Environmental Impact and Risk Assessment, EIRA
Environment Quality Assessment, EQA
Wastewater management for cluster of Tanneries in Tamil Nadu
Wastewater management in distilleries in Tamil Nadu
Air pollution modeling for point, area, line source emissions
Air pollution monitoring
Solid waste management in mega cities in India

Our Major Clientele

Department of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi
Department of Science & Technology (DST), New Delhi
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), New Delhi
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Kochi
Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO), Delhi
Hyundai Motors India Limited, Sriperumbudur
Indian Tobacco Company Ltd (ITC)
Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation
Thermax, Pune
Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Pondicherry
Directorate of Environment, Govt. o f Tamil Nadu
Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd
IBP Ltd
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
Chennai Port Trust
Tuticorin Port Trust
Chennai Metro Water Supply & Sewerage Board
Tamil Nadu Water Supply & Drainage Board
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board
Jayamkondam Lignite Power Corporation
All India Skin & Hide Tanners & Merchants Association (AISHTMA), Chennai
Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Ltd (SPIC), Tuticorin
Coffee Research Institute, Chickmagalur
Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilizers, Mangalore
Karnataka State Pollution Control Board
Sundram Fasteners, Madurai & Pondicherry
Gem Stone Beach Resorts (P) Ltd, Chennai
Sterlite Industries, Tuticorin
Tamil Nadu Distillers Association, Chennai
Madura Coats Ltd., Ambasamudram
Vekavathi Chemicals, Madurai
Hindustan Unilever Ltd., Mumbai
Chemfab Alkalis Ltd., Pondicherry
Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Port Blair
Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority
M/s. Saint Gobain, Bangaloru
Airports Authority of India (AAI), Chennai
Puducherry Port Department, Puducherry
State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamilnadu Ltd (SIPCOT), Cuddalore
Nagarjuna Oil Corporation Limited (NOCL), Chennai
M/s. Harihar Alloys Private Limited, Trichy
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Chennai
World Health Organization (WHO), New Delhi
Revenue Administration, Disaster Management & Mitigation Department, Chennai
National Shipping Corporation of India
Center for High Technology, New Delhi

Current R & D activities

Assessment and Decontamination Study of Soil and ground water of IOC Outlet, M/s. AP Enterprises, Mogappair, West Area, Chennai
Assessment of impact of noise around Tenkailasantha Temple (Sri Vadakkunntha Temple) in Thrissur City, Kerala due to Pooram Festival Fireworks
Environmental Quality Assessment (EQA) of the Beach Resort & Theme park Site of M/s. Gem Stone Beach Resorts (P) Ltd., Muttukadu, Chennai
Hydrochemical Study of Groundwater in Kalapet village of Puducherry
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring
Soil testing for evaluation of major contaminants in 10 cities