ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT & RISK...

EIA for exploration of hydrocarbons at Ramanathapuram PML Block

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SENES/H-20084/July 2016 1 ONGC

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT & RISK ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR EXPLORATORY DRILLING OF 22 WELLS (ONSHORE) IN RAMANATHAPURAM PML, RAMANATHAPURAM DISTRICT TAMILNADU

EIA Report

Prepared for:

ONGC

Prepared by:

SENES Consultants India Pvt. Ltd.

July, 2016


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Declaration by Experts contributing to the EIA

EIA coordinator: In House

Name: Debanjan Bandopadhaya (Oct-14- March 2015) and Mangesh Dakhore March 2015-

December 2015.

At Present, Mr. Sunil Gupta is Empanelled EC for this project (since February 2016)

Signature and Date:

Period of involvement: Bandopadhaya (Oct-14- March 2015) and Mangesh Dakhore March

2015- December 2015.

At Present, Mr. Sunil Gupta is Empanelled EC for this project (since February 2016)

Name: Shubhangi (Acted as a Team Member and assisted EIA Coordinator)

Signature and Date:

Period of involvement: Oct-14- March 2015

Contact information:

Functional area experts:

S. No. Functional areas Name of the

expert/s

Involvement

(period and

task**)

Signature and date

1 AP* Mangesh Dakhore

Oct’14 – Dec ‘15 Site visit, supervising the baseline monitoring, preparing

the Impact analysis and prepared the EMP

2 WP* Mangesh Dakhore Oct’14 – Dec’ 15 Site visit, Selection of sampling locations,

“Environmental impact assessment & risk assessment report for Exploratory drilling of 22 wells (onshore) in Ramanathapuram PML, Ramanathapuram district Tamil Nadu I, hereby, certify that I was a part of the EIA team in the following capacity that developed the above EIA.


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expert/s

Involvement

(period and

task**)

Signature and date

Impact analysis, Preparing the EMP against possible water

Pollution aspects; Tendering technical support to other

Junior EIA personnel in WP section.

3 SHW* Mangesh Dakhore

Oct’14 – Dec ’15. Site visit, Impact analysis, Preparing

the EMP to mitigate SHW aspects

4 SE* Rajani Iyer

Oct’14 – contg..

Site visit, stakeholder meeting, need based analysis, baseline section preparation,

possible impact assessment and management and CSR

plan.

5 EB Abhishek Roy Goswami

Oct’14- Feb 15

Site visit and baseline E&B primary data collection, analysis, EMP.

EB Sanjukta Sarkar

Oct ’14- Done the baseline analysis

which was vetted by the FAE and also learnt a few lessons on E&B aspects.

6 HG* -----

7 GEO*

8 SC* V.V. Subbarao

Site visit, Impact analysis, Preparing the EMP to mitigate

SC aspects from the proposed project


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expert/s

Involvement

(period and

task**)

Signature and date

9 AQ* Debanjan

Bandopadhaya

Oct’14 – March’15 Site visit and selection of sampling sites,

ISCST3 modelling, Impact assessment and EMP

AQ Girish Shukla ( as team Member in AQ)

Oct’14 – Oct’15. , run the ISCST3 modelling under

supervision of Mr. Debanjan and also wrote the section

which was reviewed by Debanjan.

10 NV* Debanjan

Bandyopadhyay

Oct ’14 – March ‘15

11 LU* Debanjan

Bandyopadhyay

Oct ’14 – March ‘15

LU Girish Shukla ( as a

team member in LU)

Oct’14 – Oct ‘15

12 RH* Mangesh Dakhore

Oct’ 14– Dec’ 15, Site visit, analysing the possible Impacts,

Preparing the EMP against possible RH aspects; Tendering guidance to Junior EIA

personnel in RH section, so that she could developed as an

RH personnel.

*One TM against each FAE may be shown

**Please attach additional sheet if required


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S.

No. Functional Area Code Complete name of the Functional Areas

1 WP Water Pollution Prevention, Control & Prediction of

Impacts

2 SHW Solid Waste and Hazardous Waste Management

3 EB Ecology and Biodiversity

4 RH Risk Assessment & Hazard Management

5 SE Socio Economics

6 AQ Meteorology, Air Quality Modeling & Predication

7 LU Landuse

8 AQ Air Pollution Monitoring, Prevention & Control

Declaration by the Head of the Accredited Consultant Organization

I, Mainak Hazra, hereby, confirm that the above mentioned experts prepared the Environmenta l

Impact Assessment (EIA) for EIA & EC for O&G Exploration Project, Ramnathpuram Block,

Tamilnadu, India. I also confirm that I shall be fully accountable for any mis-leading

information mentioned in this statement.

Signature:

Name: Mr. Mainak Hazra

Designation: Director

Name of the EIA Consultant Organization: SENES Consultants India Pvt. Ltd.

NABET Certificate No. NABET/EIA/RA016/040


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QCI Accreditation Certificate – SENES Consultants India Pvt. Ltd.


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Abbreviation

ALARP As Low As Reasonably Practicable

BIS Bureau of Indian Standards

BOD Biological Oxygen Demand

BOP Blow out Preventor

Cd Cadmium

CGWB Central Ground Water Board

COD Chemical Oxygen Demand

CPCB Central Pollution Control Board

Cr Chromium

CSR Corporate Social Responsibility

Cu Copper

DFO Divisional Forest Officer

DG Diesel Generator

DGH Directorate General of Hydrocarbons

DMP Disaster Management Plan

DO Dissolved Oxygen

EC Environmental Clearance

ECO Environment Compliance Officer

EGIG European Gas Incident Group

EGIG European Gas Pipeline Incident Data Group

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMC Environment Management Cell

EMP Environment Management Plan

EPIs Environmental Performance Indicators

EQIs Environmental Quality Indicators

ERT Emergency Response Team

ERT Emergency Response Team

ESDs Emergency Shut Down

ETP Effluent Treatment Plant

FC Forest Clearance

GGS Gas Compressor Station

GGS Group Gathering Station

GLC Ground Level Concentrations

GoI Government of India

HC Hydrocarbon


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HFL High Flood Level

HDD Horizontal Directional Drilling

HDPE High Density Polyethylene

HSD High Speed Diesel

HSE Health, Safety and Environmental

ITOPF International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature & Natural Resources

KLD Kilo Liter per Day

KW Kilo Watt

LEL Lower Explosive Limits

LFL Lower Flammability Limit

LOC Level of Concern

LOC Level of Concern

MoEF Ministry of Environment and Forests

MSDS Materials Safety Data Sheets

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NABET National Accreditation Board for Education and Training

NABL National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

NELP New Licensing Policy

NH National Highway

NIHL Noise Induced Hearing Loss

NOx Oxides of Nitrogen

NRSA National Remote Sensing Agency

O&G Oil & Gas

OCS Oil Collection Station

OGP Oil and Gas Producers

JOGPL Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited

OREDA Offshore Reliability Data

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Pb Lead

PEL Petroleum Exploration License

PM Particulate Matter

PMP Petroleum & Mineral Pipelines

PPAP Pollution Prevention and Abatement Plan

PPE Personnel Protective Equipments

PSC Production Sharing Contract

PUCC Pollution Under Control Certificate


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QCI Quality Council of India

QRA Quantitative Risk Assessment

RADD Risk Assessment Data Directory

RF Reserved Forest

RFCC Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracking

SAR Sodium Adsorption Ratio

SCADA Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition

SO2 Sulphur Dioxide

SOPs Safe Operating Procedures

SPCB State Pollution Control Board

SPL Sound Pressure Level

SWMP Storm Water Management Plan

TDS Total Dissolved Solid

TDS Total Dissolved Solids

TG Tea Garden

TSS Total Suspended Solids

UEL Upper Explosive Limits

UKOPA UK Onshore Pipeline Operators Association

VOC Volatile Organic Compound

WBM Water Based Mud

WLS Wild Life Sanctuary

WMP Waste Management Plan


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Table of Contents

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................. 19

1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 19

2 Project ...................................................................................................................... 21

3 Project Activities...................................................................................................... 22

4 Project Cost .............................................................................................................. 22

5 Baseline Environment .............................................................................................. 22

1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................32

1.1 Background .................................................................................................................. 32

1.2 Objective of the study .................................................................................................. 32

1.3 Scope of the study ........................................................................................................ 33

1.4 Structure of the EIA report........................................................................................... 33

2 Description of the Project ............................................................................................39

2.1 Overview ...................................................................................................................... 39

2.2 Objectives and Benefits of Proposed Exploratory & Development Drilling Activities ..

2.3 Field Location & Description ...................................................................................... 40

2.3.1 Location ............................................................................................................... 40

2.3.2 Accessibility......................................................................................................... 40

2.4 Ramanathapuram PML Area ...................................................................................... 45

2.4.1 Environmental Settings of ONGC Onshore-PML Area ...................................... 45

2.4.2 Existing Activity in Gas Field.............................................................................. 47

2.5 Well Locations and Environmental Settings................................................................ 47

2.5.1 Location of Wells ................................................................................................. 47

2.5.2 Environmental Settings ........................................................................................ 49

2.6 Alternative Analysis..................................................................................................... 52

2.7 Project Activities And Schedule .................................................................................. 54

2.7.1 Pre-drilling Activity ............................................................................................. 55

2.7.2 Drilling Activity ................................................................................................... 57

2.7.3 Well Decommissioning........................................................................................ 61

2.8 Utilities & Resource Requirements ............................................................................. 62

2.8.1 Power Supply ....................................................................................................... 62

2.8.2 Water Consumption ............................................................................................. 63

2.8.3 Waste water.......................................................................................................... 63


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2.8.4 Fuel Consumption ................................................................................................ 63

2.8.5 Chemical Storage ................................................................................................. 65

2.8.6 Manpower / Employment..................................................................................... 65

2.8.7 Noise and Vibrations............................................................................................ 65

2.8.8 Air Emissions ....................................................................................................... 66

2.9 Drilling Hazards ........................................................................................................... 66

2.10 Project Cost .............................................................................................................. 67

2.11 HSE Policy ............................................................................................................... 67

3 Description of the Environment ...................................................................................70

3.1 Physical Environment .................................................................................................. 70

3.1.1 Climate & Meteorology ....................................................................................... 70

3.1.2 Ambient Air Quality ............................................................................................ 72

3.1.3 Ambient Noise Quality ........................................................................................ 81

3.1.4 Physiography and Geology .................................................................................. 84

3.1.5 Hydrogeology....................................................................................................... 87

3.1.6 Ground Water Quality.......................................................................................... 88

3.1.7 Drainage ............................................................................................................... 95

3.1.8 Surface water quality ........................................................................................... 98

3.1.9 Additional Surface Water Monitoring ............................................................... 100

3.1.10 Land-Use ........................................................................................................ 102

3.1.11 Soil Quality .................................................................................................... 104

3.1.12 Natural Hazards.............................................................................................. 106

3.2 Ecological Environment............................................................................................. 108

3.2.1 Methodology ...................................................................................................... 108

3.3 Forest Resources ........................................................................................................ 109

3.4 Habitat ........................................................................................................................ 109

3.4.1 Forest Habitat ..................................................................................................... 109

3.4.2 Inland Wetland Habitats..................................................................................... 109

3.4.3 Coastal and Marine Habitat................................................................................ 109

3.5 Vegetation .................................................................................................................. 110

3.6 Wildlife Habitat & Wildlife ....................................................................................... 110

3.6.1 Birds Sanctuary .................................................................................................. 110

3.6.2 Gulf of Mannar................................................................................................... 111


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3.7 Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park ....................................................................... 112

3.8 Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve ........................................................................... 112

3.9 Marine Ecosystem: Gulf of Mannar........................................................................... 113

3.9.1 Off Shore Islands and Coral Reefs..................................................................... 113

3.9.2 Mangrove ........................................................................................................... 115

3.9.3 Sea Grass & Sea-weed habitat ........................................................................... 116

3.9.4 Biodiversity Profile of Biosphere Reserve ........................................................ 117

3.9.5 Planktons ............................................................................................................ 121

3.9.6 Agricultural Diversity ........................................................................................ 124

3.10 Socioeconomic Environment ................................................................................. 124

3.10.1 Methodology .................................................................................................. 124

3.10.2 General Socioeconomic Profile ..................................................................... 126

3.10.3 Demographic Profile ...................................................................................... 126

4 Environmental Impact Assessment ............................................................................130

4.1 Impact Assessment Methodology .............................................................................. 130

4.1.1 Impact Criteria and Ranking .............................................................................. 130

4.1.2 Impact Significance............................................................................................ 131

4.2 Impact Assessment..................................................................................................... 134

4.2.1 Visual Impacts & Aesthetics.............................................................................. 134

4.2.2 Impacts on Air Quality....................................................................................... 135

4.2.3 Impact on Noise Quality .................................................................................... 142

4.2.4 Potential Impact Transport and Traffic .............................................................. 145

4.2.5 Potential Impact on Land Use ............................................................................ 145

4.2.6 Impact on Soil Quality ....................................................................................... 145

4.2.7 Impact on Topography & Drainage ................................................................... 147

4.2.8 Impact on Surface Water Quality....................................................................... 149

4.2.9 Impact on Hydrogeology & Ground Water Quality .......................................... 150

4.2.10 Impact on Biological Environment ................................................................ 150

4.2.11 Impact on Socioeconomic Environment ........................................................ 152

4.2.12 Impact on Occupational Health and Safety.................................................... 154

5 Quantitative Risk Assessment....................................................................................159

5.1 Objective of the QRA Study ...................................................................................... 159

5.2 Risk Assessment Methodology .................................................................................. 160


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5.2.1 Hazard Identification.......................................................................................... 161

5.2.2 Frequency Analysis............................................................................................ 162

5.2.3 Consequence Analysis ....................................................................................... 163

5.2.4 Risk Evaluation .................................................................................................. 165

5.3 Risk Assessment of Identified Project Hazards ......................................................... 166

5.3.1 Blow Outs/Loss of Well Control ....................................................................... 166

5.3.2 Non-process fires/explosions ............................................................................. 177

5.3.3 Pipeline Failure .................................................................................................. 178

Individual Risk ............................................................................................................... 187

5.4 Disaster Management Plan......................................................................................... 188

5.4.1 Objective ............................................................................................................ 188

5.4.2 Purpose............................................................................................................... 189

5.4.3 Emergency Classification .................................................................................. 189

5.4.4 Level 1 - Emergency .......................................................................................... 190

5.4.5 Level 2 - Emergency .......................................................................................... 190

5.4.6 Level 3 - Emergency .......................................................................................... 191

5.4.7 ONGC Emergency Response/Crisis Management Team .................................. 191

5.4.8 Action Plan for Fire Fighting ............................................................................. 192

6 Environmental Management Plan & Monitoring Framework ...................................194

6.1 Environment Management Plans ............................................................................... 195

6.1.1 Pollution Prevention and Abatement Plan (PPAP) ............................................ 195

6.1.2 Waste Management Plan.................................................................................... 200

6.1.3 Storm Water Management Plan ......................................................................... 203

6.1.4 Wildlife Management Plan ................................................................................ 203

6.1.5 Road Safety & Traffic Management Plan.......................................................... 205

6.1.6 Occupational Health & Safety Management Plan ............................................. 207

6.1.7 Management of Social Issues and Concerns...................................................... 208

6.2 EMP Budget ............................................................................................................... 209

6.3 Environmental Monitoring Program .......................................................................... 213

7 Public Consultation ....................................................................................................217

8 Disclosure of Consultants ..........................................................................................219


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List of Tables

Table 1-1: Compliance to MoEF ToR .....................................................................................34

Table 2-1: Details of Well Locations ......................................................................................48

Table 2-2: Well Locations in CRZ area ...................................................................................52

TAble -2.3: well located within 10 Km of therthangali bird sanctuary ...................................53

TAble -2.4: wells located in Ecological Sensitive Zone of sakkarkottai bird sanctuary .........53

Table -2.5: wells located within 10 km gulf of mannar national park .....................................53

Table 3-1: Details of AAQMS .................................................................................................73

Table 3-2: Analytical / Measurement Methods .......................................................................73

Table 3-3: Ambient Air Quality Results - PreMonsoon ..........................................................76

Table 3-4: Ambient Air Quality Results – Post Monsoon .......................................................78

Table 3-4: Ambient Air Quality Results – HC and VOC ........................................................80

Table 3-5 Details of Noise Monitoring Locations ...................................................................81

Table 3-6: Ambient Noise Quality Results ..............................................................................81

Table 3-7: Sampling Locations of Ground Water....................................................................90

Table 3-8: Groundwater monitoring Results ...........................................................................92

Table 3-9: Sampling Location of Surface Water .....................................................................98

Table 3-10: Surface Water Quality Results .............................................................................99

Table 3-11: Additional Surface Water Monitoring Results ...................................................100

Table 3-12: Details of Soil Monitoring Locations .................................................................104

Table 3-13: Soil Analysis Results ..........................................................................................105

Table 3-14: Details of birds sanctuaries.................................................................................110

Table 3-15: Plankton Profile of Marine Surface Water .........................................................121

Table 3-16: Benthic Profile Of Sediment Sample .................................................................123

Table 3-17:Biodiversity Index for Phytoplankton & Zooplankton........................................123

Table 3-18: List of the study area villages in the ONGC Field .............................................126

Table 4-1: Impact Prediction Criteria ....................................................................................131

Table 4-2: Criteria based Significance of Impacts.................................................................132

Table 4-3: Impact Identification Matrix.................................................................................133

Table 4-4: Input Parameters Considered for Monitoring.......................................................136

Table 4-5: Predicted GLCs for Air Pollutants .......................................................................137

Table 4-6: Construction Equipment Noise Levels .................................................................142

Table 4-7: Drilling Rig & Equipment Noise Levels ..............................................................143

Table 4-8: Impact Significance Matrix (with mitigation) ......................................................156

Table 5-1: Frequency Categories And Criteria ......................................................................162


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Table 5-2: Severity Categories and Criteria...........................................................................163

Table 5-3: Risk Matrix ...........................................................................................................165

Table 5-4: Risk Criteria and Action Requirements................................................................166

Table 5-5: Blow Out Cause Distribution for Failures during Drilling Operations ................168

Table 5-6: Natural Gas Release Modeling Scenarios ............................................................171

Table 5-7: Zone of Flammable Vapour Cloud – Natural Gas Release Scenarios .................175

Table 5-8: Frequency of Occurrence - Non-Process Fires.....................................................177

Table 5-9: Scenarios for QRA Study .....................................................................................178

Table 5-10: Primary Gas Pipeline Failure Frequency............................................................179

Table 5-12: Natural Gas Connectivity - Probability of Jet Fire .............................................181

Table 5-13: Pipeline Design Specifications ...........................................................................182

Table 5-14: Threshold Values for each Effect Level .............................................................182

Table 5-15: Threat Zone Distance for Hypothetical Risk Scenarios .....................................186

Table 5-16: Individual Risk – Pipeline Rupture ....................................................................188

Table 6-1: Tentative Budget for EMP Implementation .........................................................209

Table 6-2: Environmental Management Matrix.....................................................................210

Table 6-3: Proposed Monitoring Requirements of the Project ..............................................214

List of Figures

Figure 2-1: Regional Setting Map of Ramanathapuram PML Area ........................................41

Figure 2-2: Ramanathapuram PML Field Location Map on Toposheet ..................................42

Figure 2-3: Ramanathapuram PML Field Location Map on Satellite Imagery .......................43

Figure 2-4: Ramanathapuram PML Field Accessibility Map ..................................................44

Figure 2-6: Typical Drilling Rig Configuration.......................................................................59

Figure 2-7: Drilling Waste Management .................................................................................60

Figure 2-8: Typical Drilling Fluid Circulation System............................................................61

Figure 2-9: Water Balance Diagram ........................................................................................64

Figure 2-10: Typical Noise Emissions from Construction Machinery ....................................66

Figure 3-1: Wind Rose Diagram ..............................................................................................72

Figure 3-2: Location of Air, Noise, Meteorology Locations within the ONGC Field ...........83

Figure 3-3: Topographic Map of ONGC Field ........................................................................86

Figure 3-4: Location of Groundwater, Surface Water and Soil Monitoring Locations within

the ongc Field...............................................................................................................94

Figure 3-5: Drainage Map within the Block ............................................................................97

Figure 3-6: Land Use Map within the ongc Field ..................................................................103


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Figure 3-7: Seismic Zone Map of India .................................................................................107

Figure 3-8: Gulf of Mannar....................................................................................................112

Figure 3.9: Ecological Sensitivity Map .................................................................................120

Figure 3.10: % of Sceduled caste population of the Villages of the study area ....................129

Figure 3.11: literacy of the Villages falling in the study area ................................................129

Figure 4-1: NO2 Plot (3x900 KW DG Set) .........................................................................138

Figure 4-2: PM Plot (3x900 KVA DG Set) ...........................................................................139

Figure 4-3: SOx Plot (3x900 KVA DG Set) ..........................................................................140

Figure 4-4: NOx Plot (Test Flaring) ......................................................................................141

Figure 4-4: Noise Attenuation Plot ........................................................................................144

Figure 5-1: Risk Assessment Methodology ...........................................................................161

Figure 5-2: Ignition Probability Vs Release Rate ..................................................................170

Figure 5-3: Scenario I - Risk Contour Map ...........................................................................173

Figure 5-4: Scenario II - Risk Contour Map ..........................................................................174

Figure 5-5: Scenario III - Risk Contour Map.........................................................................175

Figure 5-6: Scenario III (Worst Case) – Overpressure Risk Modeling Results ....................176

Figure 5.6: Natural Gas Pipeline Failure – Distribution of Incident & Causes .....................179

Figure 5.7: Threat Zone Plot for Jet Fire – 1” Dia Leak ........................................................184

Figure 5.8: Threat Zone Plot for Jet Fire - 4” Pipeline Rupture ............................................185

VCE Modeling Results for Overpressure ..............................................................................186

Figure 5.9: Tolerance Criteria For Individual Risks ..............................................................187

Figure 5-2: Emergency Classification “Decision Tree” ........................................................190

Figure 5-3: Emergency Response Levels .............................................................................191

List of Annexures

Annexure 1.1:Approved TOR by MOEF………………………………………………214

Annexure 3.1:Ambient air Quality Results…………………………………………….219

Annexure 3.2:Ambient Noise Quality Results………………………………………….227

Annexure 3.3: Metrological Data Monsoon-2014 ( July 30 th to September 3rd

2014)…………………………………………………………………………………….237

Annexure 3.4: Demographic Details ……………………………………………………270

Annexre 4-A:Flora&Fauna…………………………….............................................…...278

Annexre 4-B:Phytosociological study…………………...................................................288


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Annexure 5: Public hearing notice……………………………………………………….303

Annexure 6: Public hearing minutes of meeting………………………………………....306

Annexure 7: Coastal zone minutes of meeting………………………………………......327

Annexure 8: Application of Wild life clearance……………………………………….....330

Annexure 9: Nabet Certficate ………………………………………………………....332


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 Introduction

The Ramanathapuram PML block of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is located in

Ramanathapuram District of Tamilnadu. ONGC is proposing to drill 22 wells in the district.

The Ramanathapuram PML block is located in Ramnad sub-basin which is in the southern part

of Cauvery Basin.

The exploratory and testing of hydrocarbons proposed in Ramanathapuram PML block is

included under activities specified in Schedule (Activity 1b) of the new EIA Notification dated

14th September 2006. It requires Environmental Clearance (EC) from the Ministry of

Environment and Forests (MoEF).

ONGC had submitted Form-1 of the EIA Notification, along with a Draft Terms of Reference

(ToR) for EIA study to MoEF. MoEF has issued approved ToR vide letter dated 5th November

2013F. No. J-11011/207/2013- IA II (I). TOR compliance is included in the EIA report as Table

1.1. Details of well locations finalized by ONGC after alternative analysis and geophysica l

studies is given in the following Table 1. The finalized locations fall in the same taluka.

TABLE 1: DETAILS OF WELL LOCATIONS

S.N

o

Well

No

District/T

aluka

Village

Name

Latitude Longitude Survey No.

1 W1

Ramanat

hpuram

Tiruppullan

i

9°16'41.67"N 78°49'7.38"E 236

2 W2 Periyapattanam

9°16'40.92"N 78°54'27.78"

E

26

3 W3**

Reghunathapuram

9°18'32.3"N 78°54'52.1"E 61/1C

4 W4* Panaikulam 9°22'4.8"N 78°56'12.4"E 81/1D

5 W5 Kalari 9°17'28.10"N 78°47'16.90"

E

6

6 W6 Pullandai 9°14'37.67"N 78°43'27.85"

E

3

7 W7*

*

Kalari 9°17'21.03"N 78°47'3.10"E 335/2B


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8 W8**

Puthendhal 9°20'57.81"N 78°47'32.46"

E

208/1B

9 W9 Tiruppullani

9°18'34.43"N 78°47'48.74"

E

24

10 W10 Utttarakosa

magai

9°18'44.24"N 78°44'24.88"

E

121/122

11 W11 Achadipirambu

9°18'55.57"N 78°49'49.55"

E

125

12 W12 Pattanamkattan

9°20'14.98"N 78°52'24.98"

E

375

13 W13 Pattanamka

ttan

9°21'16.79"N 78°52'3.12"E 150

14 W14**

Palangulam 9°24'17.54"N 78°52'7.16"E 103/104

15 W15

*

Chittarakott

ai

9°27'02.00"N 78°53'43.10"

E

180/1A5

16 W16 Devipattina

m

9°27'10.58"N 78°53'1.76"E 333

17 W17 Perunayal 9°28'25.26"N 78°51'41.43"

E

414

18 W18 Attiyuttu 9°24'39.49"N 78°55'19.31"

E

221/222

19 W19*

Athangarai 9°19'33.0"N 78°58'34.70"

E

113/2B

20 W20*

Kil Nagachi

9°18'46.69"N 78°59'31.12"

E

127/6A2

21 W21

*

Pirappanval

asai

9°18'12.80"N 79° 2'32.9"E 107/2A

22 W22 Sattakonvalasai

9°17'23.2"N 79°0 4'16.7"E 150/2B

Note:

Well locations marked with (*) are the updated locations. The previous locations were

within the CRZ area. These updated locations (after alternative analysis) are now

outside of CRZ area and does not require CRZ clearance.

Well locations marked with (**) are the locations updated on the basis of findings from

geological studies


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The awarded block falls within 10 km radius of wildlife sanctuaries, marine national park and

biosphere reserve. Most of the well location identified in the awarded block falls in the 10 km

radius of Therthangali and Sakkarkottai Bird Sanctuary, Gulf of Mannar Marine National park

and Biosphere Reserve. The drilling locations identified on the basis of updated geologica l

study findings were assessed with reference of CRZ area and ecological sensitivity by

superimposing the well lcoations on CRZ and ecological sensitivity maps and it was observed

that some of the well locations fall within 10 km radius of Wildlife Sanctuary, Marine National

Park and Biosphere Reserve. However, based on the analysis, no wells falls within the CRZ

area therefore CRZ clearance is not requried. Application for wild life clearance is already

filed by ONGC on 21.08.2015 to the Chief Wildlife Warden, Gulf of Mannar Park,

Ramnathpuram District, Tamilnadu.

2 Project

Location

The Ramanathapuram PML area of ONGC covers approximately 493.21 sq. km area and is

located in Ramanathapuram district of Tamilnadu. Proposed to drill 22 wells in the block area.

The geographic location of the Ramanathapuram PML area is included within the Survey of

India’s Topo- Sheet Nos. 58 K/11, 58 K/12, 58 K/15, 58 K/16, 58 O/3.

Accessibility

Roads

Ramanathapuram PML area can be reached by NH 49 & NH 210 which connects

Ramanathapuram through Madurai and Trichy cities from the state capital Chennai. The entire

portion of the Field can be accessed by these National Highways which branches off to

Periyapattanam, Thirupullani and Ervadi by PWD roads. Main settlements, industries and

educational institutions within the field can also be accessed by PWD roads. However, small

villages; remote areas, can be accessed by ‘kutcha’ roads.

Railway

Ramanathapuram is the major railway station within the field and is located at the Chennai-

Rameshwaram line of Southern railway.

Airport

The nearest airport to the Ramanathapuram PML area is located at Madurai, which is

approximately 210 km from Ramanathapuram.


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3 Project Activities

The lifecycle of project activities for the exploration project has been divided into distinct steps

and each is described in detail in the subsequent sections and will take approximately three

months to complete drilling and testing activity at each well site.

The project lifecycle has been classified into three phases:

Pre-drilling activity

Site selection

Land acquisition

Site access road and drill site construction

Pre-drilling activities, mobilization and Rigging up

Initial well construction

Drilling activity

Drilling of wells

Well testing

Well decommissioning

Well abandonment

Site closure and decommissioning

Site Restoration

4 Project Cost

The anticipated cost of drilling of each well (which stacking of the location, land acquisit ion,

site preparation and drilling activity works out to Rs.20.00 crores for one well and the total

project cost is Rs.440Crores.

5 Baseline Environment

Attributes of the physical environment like air, water, soil, and noise quality in the surrounding

area were assessed primarily through monitoring and analysis of samples collected from field.

Air, noise, water and soil primary monitoring was carried out by Vitro Labs Pvt. Ltd,

Hyderabad (MOEF certified laboratory). All monitoring at field were undertaken under the

guidance and supervision of SENES personnel during premonsoon period 30th July- 3rd

September 2014

Climate

The block falls under the tropical climate zone.The district characterize a Tropical climate. The

period from May to June is generally hot and dry. The weather is pleasant during the period

from December to January. Usually mornings are more humid than afternoons. The relative


__________________________________________________________________________________________


humidity is on an average between 79 and 84%. The mean minimum temperature is 25.7°C

and mean maximum daily temperature is 30.6°C respectively (Source: CGWB Annual report

2009).

Primary meteorological monitoring conducted at Regunathapuram village within the block the

temperature profile, rainfall pattern relative humidity, wind speed and wind direction of the

region have been discussed below.

Wind Speed and Wind Direction

The wind speed and wind direction of an area influences the dispersal of pollutants from a point

and non point sources. As the proposed drilling and testing activities involve the operation of

both point (DG sets) and non point pollutant emissions sources, analysis of wind speed and

direction data is considered important for predicting the air quality impacts based on pollutant

dispersion. Meteorological monitoring weather station was placed at Regunathapuram village.

Interpretation of Primary Baseline Data

Hourly micro-meteorological data collected during primary monitoring has been analyzed to

generate the monsoon wind rose. The predominant wind direction was observed to be from

West for the study period. The average wind speed for the months was 4.12 m/s. The wind

speed was observed primarily in the range 0.67 – 12.2 m/s for the monitoring period. The calm

frequency was recorded as 5.2 %

Ambient Air Quality

Ambient air quality monitoring was conducted at 8 representative locations within the block

for 24 hours a day twice a week for paramaters PM10, PM2.5, Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen

di oxide (NO2), Carbon monoxide (CO) and HC & VOC during the premonsoon period of the

year 2014. Ambient air quality of Ramanathapuram, is found to be within the limits prescribed

by CPCB for residential area and represent rural environments with slight dust at kutcha roads.

Air Quality Results

Particulate Matter (PM10): The average concentration of 24 hourly PM10 at all the monitor ing

locations ranged between 35-57 μg/m3. 98 percentile PM10 values of the stations ranged

between 42.8-56.6 μg/m3. The average as well as 98 percentile PM10 concentrations were

observed to be in compliance to the NAAQS (100 μg/m3) at all air quality monitoring locations.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5): The average PM 2.5 concentration monitored at all the monitor ing

stations exist within the range of 18-27 μg/m3. The concentration of PM2.5 is also in compliance

with the NAAQ standard of 60 μg/m3.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): The average value of NO2 concentration is found within the range

of 9-16 μg/m3 at all the monitoring locations. The monitored concentration of NO2 complies

with the NAAQS (80 μg/m3) specified for nitrogen dioxide.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Sulfur dioxide (SO2): The average Sulfur dioxide concentration values at all the monitor ing

locations is observed in the range of 6-13 μg/m3 , which is well within the NAAQS (80 μg/m3)

limits specified for nitrogen dioxide.

The concentration of CO, MHC and NMHC observed within the range of 1.0-1.2 mg/m3, 1.51-

1.69 ppm and 0.43-0.58 ppm. Concentration of VOCs were found as below detectable limit

(BDL).

Ambient Noise Level

The ambient noise monitoring was conducted at 10 locations within the block. Noise stations

were selected near to the proposed well locations and settlements to understand the baseline

noise levels that could be impacted upon by the proposed drilling activities at the field during

the period from 1st August 2014 to 17th August 2014.

The results of the noise monitoring indicates that daytime noise levels are in the range of 44 –

54.2 dB(A) and fall within the NAAQS limit i.e. 55 dB(A) prescribed for the residentia l

landuse, at all the monitoring locations. The night time noise level 31.8 – 50.8 dB (A) is

observed as higher than the NAAQS limit of 45 dB(A) at three locations. This higher level of

noise may be attributed to ongoing traffic activities in the study area and high wind speed due

to sea shore region.

Ground Water Quality

Ground Water Sampling Points

A total of 6 nos. ground water samples were collected from shallow tube wells of the study

area prospect zone villages comprising of Enmanamkondan, Raghunathapuram,

Periyapattanam, Kilakkarai, Ervadi and Tirupalani. Samples were analyzed for

physicochemical and bacteriological parameters and results compared with IS: 10500 drinking

water standards to identify and interpret any deviation in the statutory limits set for parameters

under this standard.

Interpretation of Ground Water Quality Results

Turbidity

Turbidity values for range between 2.80 to 6.00 ground water.

Chlorides and Total Dissolved Solids

With respect to IS: 10500 standards the desirable limit of chloride is 250 mg/l while the

permissible limit of the said parameter (in absence of alternate source) is 1000 mg/l. The

chloride concentration in the ground water samples of the study area range between 199-425

mg/l.


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The TDS values for the ground water samples analyzed varies in the range of 1001 mg/l to

1496 mg/l thereby conforming to the exceeding desirable limit of this ground water parameter.

Total Hardness

Total hardness values for the ground water samples analyzed ranged between 344 mg/l to 672

mg/l and were found to be exceeding standard of 300 mg/l specified under IS: 10500.

Iron and Fluoride

Iron concentration of ground water samples collected range 0.01 to 0.07 were found within the

desirable limit of IS: 10500 Standard.

Heavy Metals

The presence of heavy metals like mercury (< 0.001 mg/l), arsenic (< 0.01 mg/l), copper (<

0.02 mg/l), lead (<0.005 mg/l), hexavalent chromium (<0.05 mg/l) and cadmium (< 0.002

mg/l), in the ground water samples of all the six sources were found to be below detection

limits.

Coliforms

Total Coliform is analysed by Four plate method & Incubation Method as per IS:15185 - 2002.

Fecal Coliform is measured is analysed by Four plate method & Incubation Method as per

IS:15185 – 2002 method.

Surface water quality

Surface Water Sampling Points

Surface water samples were collected from all major water channels of the study area i.e. Vagai

river(Upstream & Downstream), Water body in periyapattanam, Water body/river near

Kanjirangudi, Water body near Sattakonvalasai to get an overview of the surface water quality

of the study area

Interpretation of Surface Water Quality Results

The pH of the surface water samples varied from 7.4-7.9. The total coliform count of the

surface water samples range between 15 to 35 MPN/100ml. The presence of contaminants in

the form of oil and grease and heavy metals viz. lead, iron, arsenic, chromium and mercury in

the surface waters of all sources were found to be negligible. The toxic organic component,

phenol, was also found be below detectable limit (<0.001 mg/l) in all the surface water samples

Soil Quality

Primary Soil Sampling and Analysis


__________________________________________________________________________________________


The soil characteristics within the study area, especially the physical quality and fertility of the

soil have been characterized by analyzing the soil samples collected from 5 locations namely,

Panaikkulam, Enmanamkondan, Sattakonvalasai, Raghunathapuram, Ervadi. Primary soil

monitoring includes analysis of the heavy metals with the objective of establishing baseline

values for such contaminants.

Interpretation of Soil Analysis Results

It has been observed that the pH of the soil in the study area ranged from 6.7 to 7.7 the maximum pH value of 7.7 was observed at village (Eravadi), where as the

minimum value of 6.7 was observed at Village (Panikulam).

The electrical conductivity was observed to be in the range of 143 µmhos/cm to 334

µmhos/cm, with the maximum observed at village (Eravadi) and minimum observed in Village (Regunathapuram).

The nitrogen values range between 32.2-177 kg/ha. The nitrogen content in the study area falls in very less to better category.

The phosphorus values range between 2.3 to 66.7 kg/ha, indicating that the phosphorus content in the study area falls in very less to sufficient category.

The potassium values range between 111.6 – 267.3 kg/ha. The potassium content

in the study area falls in less to more than sufficient category.

The chlorides were found to be in the range of 70.9– 301.3 mg/kg of soil.

Ecological Environment

The Ramanathapuram district is rich in biodiversity and has a number of sensitive ecosystems

comprising both terrestrial and coastal & marine components. In the study area important

wildlife habitat is Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park(GMMNP), Gulf of Mannar Biosphere

Reserve and Sakkarkotai Bird Sanctuary. Some of the well locations in awarded block falls

within 10km buffer zone of Gulf of Mannar Reserve and Sakkarkotai Bird Sanctuary.

Socioeconomic Environment

Stakeholders Identification

The local communities which would primarily be affected were identified based on the location

of the tentative exploratory and drilling operations as proposed by ONGC. The villages were

selected within 1-2 km radius of the proposed well location considering the fact that there might

be potential impacts on the socio-economic-cultural and environment of the local communit ies

residing in these villages.

Consultations

The stakeholder analysis was followed by discussions with some of the key stakeholders to

identify their dependence on the affected or shared resources, the extent of impact on them and

measure, which will be undertaken to mitigate these impacts.

Issues like land and resource damage, social disturbance, severance and increased congestion,

noise and air pollution, employment opportunities, need for development of basic


__________________________________________________________________________________________


infrastructure, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities in the surrounding villages were

discussed during the consultations so that they can be adequately addressed through the

environment management plans. The consultations also helped in developing preliminary

understanding of the requirement of social development initiatives, which are required in the

project village and may be undertaken as part of the ONGC’s CSR activity.

Action plan

ONGC has a CSR Policy. Based on the local area of project, CSR interventions will be finalized

by ONGC. During consultation two key areas for CSR interventions identified were drinking

water and educational services beyond primary school in some of the villages.

In terms of CSR interventions key concerns for some of the villages are with respect to drinking

water and education facilities for middle/secondary and further educational services. Currently

the education opportunities within the village are only till the primary school. For further

studies opportunities are available only at Ramanathapuram which is far from the villages.

While transport facilities are available these are not convenient for the students and the costs

are high for families sending their children to school. Villages adjacent to the coast have salt

water ingress due to which there is less availability of drinking water.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The potential impacts of the project on different components of the environment was

systematically identified and evaluated for significance. The principal concerns that emerged

are:

Impact on air Quality

Development of drill sites and approach roads, operation of DG sets, movement of vehicles

and machineries during construction and drilling at drill sites will result in the generation of air

pollutants viz. PM, NO2 and SO2 which will affect the ambient air quality. Air pollutants like

NO2 will also be generated as a result of flaring of natural gas.

Impact on Noise Quality

Operation of heavy machinery/equipments and vehicular movement during site preparatory,

road strengthening/construction activities may result in the generation of increased noise levels.

Operational phase noise impacts are anticipated from operation of drilling rig and ancillary

equipment viz. shale shakers, mud pumps and diesel generators.

Impact on Soil Quality

Stripping of top soil will affect the soil fertility of the well sites. Potential impact on soil quality

may result from storage and handling of fuel, lubricants and from storage and handling of

drilling mud and drill cuttings.

Impact on Local Drainage & Physiography


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Well site preparation, sourcing of quarry material, widening/strengthening of access roads and

restoration of well facilities would potential impact on drainage and topography. This might

also lead to the flow of untreated waste water and excess rain water to the adjoining agricultura l

land thereby adversely impacting the fertility of the soil.

Impact on Biological Environment

Majority of the exploratory & development wells are located on agricultural land where there

are no prominent vegetation except prosopis trees. Further, no wells are located in the coastal

region which will prevent impact on vegetation in coastal area. Vegetation clearance

(prosopis/palm trees) in an area of 2.2 ha will be required for wells located in 22 wells for

construction of drill site.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Site-specific Environment Management Plans (EMP) has been developed to prevent and

mitigate significant adverse impacts and accentuate beneficial impacts will be implemented

by ONGC for the proposed project. The key mitigation measures specific for each

management plan have been discussed in the Table below:

Sl.

No

Environment

Management

Plan

Key Mitigation Measures

1 Pollution Prevention and Abatement Plan

The top soil generated from site clearance activities will be stored in designated area and stabilized to prevent fugit ive

dust emissions.

Preventive maintenance of DG sets to be undertaken.

All vehicles, equipment and machinery used for

construction will be subjected to preventive maintenance as per manufacturer norms.

Installation of acoustic enclosures and mufflers on engine exhaust of DG sets to ensure compliance with generator

noise limits specified by CPCB.

Fuel and chemical storage areas will be paved and properly

bunded.

Run-off discharges to natural drainage channels/water

bodies to conform to CPCB Inland Water Discharge Standards.

Proper casing and cementing of drilling well will be done to

prevent contamination of sub-surface aquifers.

Water based mud to be used as a drilling fluid

2 Waste Management Plan

Use of low toxicity chemicals for the preparation of drilling fluid.

Storage of drill cuttings in impervious HDPE lined pits


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Sl.

No

Environment

Management

Plan


Disposal of wash water will be achieved after necessary treatment to comply with the CPCB onshore effluent discharge standard for oil and gas industry.

Necessary spill prevention measures viz. spill kit will be made available at the hazardous material storage area

The hazardous waste (waste and used oil) will be managed in accordance with Hazardous Waste (Management,

Handling & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008

Used batteries will be recycled through the vendors

supplying lead acid batteries as required under the Batteries (Management & Handling) Rules, 2001.

Recyclables will be periodically sold to local waste recyclers.

3 Road Safety &

Traffic Management Plan

Project vehicular movement involved in sourcing and

transportation of borrow material will be restricted to defined access routes.

Precautions will be taken to avoid damage to the public

access routes including highways during vehicular movement.

Clear signs, flagmen & signal will be set up at major traffic junctions and near sensitive receptors viz. primary schools

in discussion with Gram Panchayat and local villagers.

Movement of vehicles during night time will be restricted.

Speed limits will be maintained by vehicles involved in transportation of raw material and drilling rig.

Routine maintenance of project vehicles will be ensured to

prevent any abnormal emissions and high noise generation.

Adequate training on traffic and road safety operations will

be imparted to the drivers of project vehicles. Road safety awareness programs will be organized in coordination with

concerned authorities to sensitize target groups viz. school children, commuters on traffic safety rules and signage.

4 Occupational

Health & Safety Management Plan

All machines to be used in the construction will conform to

the relevant Indian Standards (IS) codes, will be kept in good working order, will be regularly inspected and properly

maintained as per IS provisions and to the satisfaction of the site Engineer.

Contractor workers involved in the handling of construction

materials viz. borrow material, cement etc. will be provided with proper PPEs viz. safety boots, nose masks etc.

No employee will be exposed to a noise level greater than 85 dB(A) for a duration of more than 8 hours per day.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Sl.

No

Environment

Management

Plan


Provision of ear plugs, ear muffs etc. and rotation of workers operating near high noise generating areas.

All chemicals and hazardous materials storage container will

be properly labeled and marked according to national and internationally recognized requirements and standards.

Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or equivalent data/information in an easily understood language must be readily available to exposed workers and first-aid personnel.

The workplace must be equipped with fire detectors, alarm systems and fire-fighting equipments. Equipments shall be

periodically inspected and maintained to keep good working condition.

Adequate sanitation facilities will be provided onsite for the operational workforce both during construction and

operational phase of the project.

Training programs will be organized for the operational workforce regarding proper usage of PPEs, handling and

storage of fuels and chemicals etc.

Sensors and alarms to detect H2S will be installed at the

project site and nearby area. further, breathing apparatus will be made available at the site

5 Management of

Social issues and concerns

People from adjoining areas especially given job preference

through local contractors according to the skill sets possessed.

ONGC will analys the needs in the area and implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Plan.

During the drilling phase and for the rest of the project activities proper safety measures will be undertaken both for

transportation as well as the other operations.

The drill site would be fenced and gates would be constructed so that the children are refrained from straying

into the site.

7 Emergency Response Plan

Drilling rig and related equipments to be used for development drilling will be conformed to internationa l

standards specified for such equipment.

Blow-out preventers and related well control equipment

shall be installed, operated, maintained and tested generally in accordance with internationally recognized standards.

Appropriate gas and leak detection system will be made available at each of the drilling location.

Adequate fire-fighting equipment shall be provided at each drilling site


__________________________________________________________________________________________


The EMP has been designed with a flexibility so that it can be monitored and adapted to future

changes in project design, scope, or the environment and be seamlessly integrated and

implemented by ONGC.

Emissions from the proposed project will not degrade the ambient air quality of the surrounding areas. The impact on water, noise level, soil and land use is expected to be negligible. Impact

on ecology, socio-economics, amenities and infrastructure of the study area is expected to be positive. All necessary pollution control measures would be invisaged for minimizing any impact foreseen due to the proposed project.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


1 Introduction

1.1 BACKGROUND

The Ramanathapuram PML block of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is located in

Ramanathapuram District of Tamilnadu. ONGC is proposing to drill 22 exploratory wells in

the district. The Ramanathapuram PML block is located in Ramnad sub-basin which is in the

southern part of Cauvery Basin.

The exploratory and testing of hydrocarbons proposed in Ramanathapuram PML block is

included under activities specified in Schedule (Activity 1b) of the new EIA Notification dated

14th September 2006.It requires Environmental Clearance (EC) from the Ministry of

Environment and Forests (MoEF).

ONGC had submitted Form-1 of the EIA Notification, along with a Draft Terms of Reference

(ToR) for EIA study to MoEF. MoEF has issued approved ToR vide letter dated 5th Novembe r

2013, F. No. J-11011/207/2013- IA II (I). The approved ToR is attached as Annexure 1.1 and

is in compliance to ToR is presented at Table 1.1.

The awarded block falls within 10 km radius of wildlife sanctuaries, marine national park and

biosphere reserve. Most of the well location identified in the awarded block falls in the 10 km

radius of Therthangali and Sakkarkottai Bird Sanctuary, Gulf of Mannar Marine National park

and Biosphere Reserve. The drilling locations identified on the basis of updated geologica l

study findings were assessed with reference of CRZ area and ecological sensitivity by

superimposing the well lcoations on CRZ and ecological sensitivity maps and it was observed

that some of the well locations fall within 10 km radius of Wildlife Sanctuary, Marine National

Park and Biosphere Reserve. However, based on analysis, no wells falls within the CRZ area

therefore CRZ clearance is not requried. Application for wild life clearance is already filed by

ONGC on 21.08.2015 to the Chief Wildlife Warden, Gulf of Mannar Park, Ramnathpuram

District, Tamilnadu. The locations of four wells are also updated by ONGC based on recent

geological study findings. However, the updated locations are in the same village and Taluka.

There is no change in the village and taluka level.

1.2 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the EIA study are as follows:

Establish the prevailing baseline environmental and socio-economic condition of the

Ramanathapuram PML block and its surroundings along with the compliance needs for

environmental approvals to carry out exploratory, development and testing of

hydrocarbons;

Assess environmental and socioeconomic impacts arising out of the proposed

exploratory and production testing activities;


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Assess impacts resulting from the proposed exploration project within the

Ramanathapuram PML block;

Conduct Risk Assessment study and propose disaster management plan

Recommend appropriate preventive and mitigation measures to eliminate or minimize

pollution, environmental & social disturbances during the life-cycle of the project,

ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulation applicable ;

Integrate mitigative measures with existing ONGC’s environmental action plans and

management systems so that they can be implemented, monitored and suitable

corrective action can be taken in case of deviations;

Identify and propose alternative actions in terms of technology and practices that may

help in abating environmental or socio-economic impacts due to the project;

1.3 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The basic scope for this study involves conducting of an EIA study of about 3 months duration

to understand the environmental and social impacts of the project and recommend suitable

preventive / mitigative actions through the Environment Management Plan (EMP). The scope

for the study finalized in close consultation with ONGC has been summarized below:

Understand the existing activities conducted by ONGC in the Field posing adverse

impacts on environment and socioeconomic integrity of the area;

Undertake site visits for collection of primary and secondary information on

environmental and social setting in the Ramanathapuram PML block;

Formulate primary environmental monitoring plan and supervision of the onsite

monitoring program as per plan;

Carry out public consultation and stakeholder analysis;

Asses environmental and social impacts; and

Conduct Risk Assessment study

Formulate EMP and DMP.

1.4 STRUCTURE OF THE EIA REPORT

The EIA report documents the results and findings of the EIA study undertaken by SENES.

Subsequent sections of the report present description of the project activities, environmental &

social baseline scenario and the outcome of assessment of the impacts and risks that may arise

during the lifecycle of the project. Subsequently, the environmental management plan

involving mitigation measures that will help in mitigating negative and unacceptable

environmental impacts has also been presented. The content of the report is structured as

follows:

Executive Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Description of the Project


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Chapter 3: Description of the Environment

Chapter 4: Impact Assessment

Chapter 5 Risk Assessment

Chapter 6 Environmental Management Plan & Monitoring Framework

TABLE 1-1: COMPLIANCE TO MOEF TOR

Sl.

No ToR Points Issued Addressed at EIA

1. Executive summary of a project The executive summary is included in the EIA report

2. Project description, project objectives and project benefits.

Proposed project consist of drilling of 22 exploratory wells with an objective

to explore the potential of oil and gas reserves in the awarded block. The

details of project and its benefits is given in section 2.2

3.

Site details within 1 km of the each proposed well, any habitation, any

other installation/activity, flora and fauna, approachability to site, other

activities including agriculture/land, satellite imagery for 10 km area. All the geological details shall be

mentioned in the Topo sheet of 1:40000 scale, superimposing the

well locations and other structures of the projects.

The site detail within 1 km of each well is has been analyzed with the help of

satellite image and site visit. Findings of analysis is presented in the section 2.5.2

and 3.1.9

4.

Copy of CRZ map prepared by one of the agencies authorized by the

MoEF for carrying out the CRZ demarcation, on which the project

boundary and facilities are superimposed.

No wells fall under CRZ area

5.

CRZ clearance/ recommendation

from State Coastal Zone Management Authority, if applicable.

Not applicable

6.

Details of forest land involved in the

proposed project. A copy of forest clearance letter, if applicable.

Forest land is not involved in the

proposed project.

7.

Permission from the State Forest

Department regarding the impact of the proposed plant on the surrounding National Park/Wild life

Sanctuary/Reserve Forest/Eco sensitive area, if any. Approval

Application to obtain wildlife clearance

and Wildlife Management Plan has been submitted Chief Wildlife Warden on 21.08.2015.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Sl.


obtained from the State/Central

Government under Forest (Conservation Act, 1980) for the forestland shall be submitted.

8.

Distance from nearby

critically/severely polluted area as per Notification dated 13th January,

2010, if applicable.

No Critically/Severely Polluted areas

located in Ramanathapuram District.

9. Does proposal involves rehabilitation and resettlement? If yes, details thereof.

Rehabilitation and resettlement is not required.

10. Details of project cost. Total project cost is Rs. 440Crores

11.

Environmental considerations in the

selection of the drilling locations for which environmental clearance is being sought. Present any analysis

suggested for minimizing the foot print giving details of drilling and

development options considered.

The environmental considerations such

as location of sensitive ecologica l habitats, settlements, schools/ hospitals, water bodies, CRZ etc has been

considered for selection of the well sites. Details of site selection criterias have

been provided in Section 2.5.1.

12.

Baseline data collection for air, water and soil for one season leaving

the monsoon season in an area of 10 km radius with centre of Oil Field as

its centre covering the area of all proposed drilling wells.

The Baseline environmental data have been provided in Chapter 3 and detailed

data is provided as Annexure -3

(i) Topography of the project site. The topographic map is provided in Figure 3.3

(ii) Ambient Air Quality monitoring at 8 locations for PM10,

SO2, NOx, VOCs, Methane and non-methane HC.

Ambient Air Quality monitored at 8 locations and analysis is provided at Section 3.1.2. Analysis result shows that

all the parameters of ambient air quality is within the limit of NAAQS

(iii) Soil sample analysis (physical

and chemical properties) at the areas located at 5 locations.

Soil Quality monitored at 5 locations is

provided at Section 3.1.10

(iv) Ground and surface water

quality in the vicinity of the proposed wells site.

Groundwater and surface water quality monitored at 6 and 5 locations

respectively are provided at Sections 3.1.6 and 3.1.8

(v) Climatology and Meteorology

including wind speed, wind direction, temperature rainfall

relative humidity etc.

Climate and Meteorology of the project

area is provided at Section 3.1.1and the detailed results are presented at Annex

3.3

(vi) Measurement of Noise levels within 1 km radius of the proposed wells.

Ambient Noise Quality monitored at 10 near the proposed wells is provide at Section 3.1.3


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Sl.


(vii) Vegetation and land use;

Animal resources

The land use of the Field is provided at

Section 3.1.9. The Land use map is provided at Figure 3.5

13. Incremental GLC as a result of DG set operation.

Ambient air quality has been conducted to assess the increment GLC due to DG

set operation and gaseous flaring. Analysis result is provided at Section

4.2.2 and it shows that there is no significant increase in GLC due to DG set operationa and gaseous flaring.

14.

Potential environmental impact

envisages during various stages of project activities such as site

activation, development, operation/ maintenance and decommissioning.

Impact Assessment due to various phases

of project on surrounding atmosphere is done and presented in Chapter 4 of this

report

15.

Actual source of water and

‘Permission’ for the drawl of water from the Competent Authority. Detailed water balance, waste water

generation and discharge.

Detailed water requirement, waste

generation and waste discharge for the proposed project has been estimated and given in 2.8.2

16.

Noise abatement measures and

measures to minimize disturbance due to light and visual intrusions in

case coastally located.

Impact on ambient noise has been assessed in details during the EIA study

and based on the assessment, noise abatement measures has been provided in Section 4.2.3 Impact on Noise Quality

and Section 6.1.1 Pollution Prevention and Abatement Plan

17. Treatment and disposal of waste

water.

Refer Section 2.7.3 Waste water and

Disposal and Section 6.1.2 Waste Management Plan

18. Treatment and disposal of solid

waste generation.

Refer Section 2.7.3 Waste Streams and Disposal and Section 6.1.2 Waste

Management Plan

19. Disposal of spent oil and loose. Refer Section 2.7.5 Waste Streams and Disposal and Section 6.1.2 Waste

Management Plan

20. Storage of chemicals and diesel at site.

The chemicals for mud preparation would be stored at the drill site at a

secluded site while Fuel will be stored at onsite storage facility as per Petroleum Rules, 2002 in a paved and bunded area.

Refer Section 2.8.5 for Chemical storage and for Diesel storage

21. Commitment for the use of WBM

only

Refer Section 2.6.2 Drilling Activity and

for mud composition to be used at the wells


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Sl.


22.

Mud make up and mud and cutting

disposal – all options considered shall be listed with selective option.

Mud and cuttings disposal has been

provided at Section 2.7.2 Solid and Hazardous Waste Streams and Section 6.1.2 Waste Management plan

23. Hazardous material usage, storage accounting and disposal.

Refer Section 2.8 Hazardous materia l

usage, storage accounting and disposal and Section 6.1.2 Waste Management

Plan

24. Disposal of packaging waste from site.

Refer Section 6.1.2 Waste Management Plan

25. Oil spill emergency plans in respect of recovery/ reclamation.

Refer Section 2.8 Pollution Prevention

and Abatement Plan for emergency plans in case of oil spills. Oil spill emergency plans in case of a

blow-out have been presented at Section 5.3.1

26. H2S emissions control.

Natural gas produced from ONGC’s

existing producing Fields in the area is devoid of any H2S.

27. Produced oil handling and storage. Oil produced at the time of well testing operations will be collected in an Oil

tanker and taken to the nearest OCS

28.

Details of scheme for oil collection

system along with process flow diagram and its capacity.

Not applicable as this is exploratory

drilling project.

29.

Details of control of air, water and

noise pollution in oil collection system.


drilling project.

30. Disposal of produced/formation water.


drilling project.

31. Whether any burn pits being utilized for well test operations.

Burn pits will not be utilized for production test operations.

32.

Restoration and decommissioning

plans which shall include mud pits and wastage restoration also and

documentation and monitoring of site recovery.

Refer Section 2.7.3 Well

Decommissioning

33. Measures to protect ground water and shallow aquifers from

contamination.

Refer Section 6.1.1 Pollution Prevention and Abatement Plans- Groundwater

quality impacts

34.

Risk assessment and disaster management plan for independent

reviews of well designed construction etc. for prevention of blow out.

Refer Chapter-5 for Quantitative Risk Assessment


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Sl.


35. Environmental management plan. Refer Chapter-6 Environment

Management Plan

36. Documentary proof of membership of common disposal facilities, if any.

None

37.

Details of environmental and safety related documentation within the

company including documentation and proposed occupational health

and safety Surveillance Safety Programme for all personnel at site. This shall also include monitoring

programme for the environmental.

Refer Box 2.1 ONGC Corporate HSE Policy

Refer Box 6.1 ONGC Corporate Environment Policy

Refer Section 6.1.6 Occupational Health and Safety Management Plan Environmental Monitoring Programme

has been provided at Table 6.3

38. Total capital and recurring cost for environmental control measures.

Cost for environmental control measures have been provided at Table 6.2.

39.

A copy of Corporate Environment

Policy of the ONGC as per the Ministry’s O.M. No. J-

11013/41/2006-IA.II(I) dated 26th April, 2011 available on the Ministry’s website.

Refer Box 2.1 ONGC Corporate HSE

Policy Refer Box 6.1 ONGC Corporate

Environment Policy

40.

Any litigation pending against the

project and or any direction/order passed by any court of law against

the project. If so details thereof.

No litigation is pending against the

project

41.

Public hearing issues raised and commitments made by the project proponent on the same shall be

included separately in EIA/EMP Report in the form of tabular chart

with financial budget for complying with the commitments made.

Included in Chapter 7- Public Consultation

42. A tabular chart with index for point-

wise compliance of above TORs.

Provided


__________________________________________________________________________________________


2 Description of the Project

2.1 OVERVIEW

Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) obtained exploratory drilling PML lease for onshore

in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu under MoPNG, GOI, vide O.O F.No

12012/52/2003-ONG-II has approved Mining license for Ramanathapuram PML

(493.21Sq.KM) for a period of seven years with effect from the date of grant by Government

of Tamil Nadu. Application for grant of PML has been submitted to Government of Tamil

Nadu.

In the present exploratory drilling plan ONGC is planning to drill 22 wells in Ramanathapuram

PML area to determine more reserve and enhance production to meet the demand in the state.

2.2 OBJECTIVES AND BENEFITS OF PROPOSED EXPLORATORY & DEVELOPMENT

DRILLING ACTIVITIES

Based on detailed geological studies, 22 prospects have been identified in Ramanathapuram

PML area to test the prospects of Nannilam, Bhuvanagiri and Andimadam formations.

Project Objectives

Objectives of the proposed drilling activities are summarized below:

To drill and evaluate hydrocarbons’ prospects safely

To drill and evaluate prospects minimum impacts on the environment

To determine hydrocarbon potential of designated prospects

To decide optimum locations of next few wells to be drilled based on geological models

and Geotechnical investigations and Geological mapping.

Project Benefits

The project will benefit people living in neighboring villages in relation to direct & indirect

employment associated with various project activities and will boost the local economy.

The proposed project will also result in the improvement of existing road and/or bridge

condition thereby enabling the transportation of drilling rig and ancillary equipment.

Local economic development through contracts like vehicle supply, petty business.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


2.3 FIELD LOCATION & DESCRIPTION

2.3.1 Location

The Ramanathapuram PML area of ONGC covers approximately 493.21 sq. km area and is

located in Ramanathapuram district of Tamilnadu. Regional setting of the gas field is shown in

Figure 2.1. The geographic location of the Ramanathapuram PML area is included within the

Survey of India’s Topo- Sheet Nos. 58 K/11, 58 K/12, 58 K/15, 58 K/16, 58 O/3. The regional

setting map, Ramanathapuram PML area location map superimposed on Toposheet and

satellite imagery is shown in Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2 and Figure 2.3 respectively.

2.3.2 Accessibility

Roads

Ramanathapuram PML area can be reached by NH 49 & NH 210 which connects

Ramanathapuram through Madurai and Trichy cities from the state capital Chennai. The entire

portion of the Field can be accessed by these National Highways which branches off to

Periyapattanam, Thirupullani and Ervadi by PWD roads. Main settlements, industries and

educational institutions within the field can also be accessed by PWD roads. However, small

villages; remote areas, can be accessed by ‘kutcha’ roads.

Railway

Ramanathapuram is the major railway station within the field and is located at the Chennai-

Rameshwaram line of Southern railway.

Airport

The nearest airport to the Ramanathapuram PML area is located at Madurai, which is

approximately 210 km from Ramanathapuram. The accessibility map is shown in Figure 2.4.

D


_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SENES/H-20084/ July 2016 41 ONGC.

FIGURE 2-1: REGIONAL SETTING MAP OF RAMANATHAPURAM PML AREA


_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


FIGURE 2-2: RAMANATHAPURAM PML FIELD LOCATION MAP ON TOPOSHEET


_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


FIGURE 2-3: RAMANATHAPURAM PML FIELD LOCATION MAP ON SATELLITE IMAGERY


_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


FIGURE 2-4: RAMANATHAPURAM PML FIELD ACCESSIBILITY MAP


__________________________________________________________________________________________


2.4 RAMANATHAPURAM PML AREA

2.4.1 Environmental Settings of ONGC Onshore-PML Area

The onshore PML area is located in Ramanathapuram district of Tamilnadu and spreads over

an area of about 493.21 sq. km. The block area is located in Kadaladi and Ramanathpuram

Taluk of Ramanathapuram District. The key physical features of the area have been described

below:

The block area is spread all over the district. The eastern boundary of the block area is

aligned with the coast of Bay of Bengal. The block boundary gradually steps down from

Ramanathapuram taluk towards the Southwest direction and ends near Idambadal

village of Kadaladi taluk of the Ramanathapuram district. NH-49 & NH-210 coming

from north direction lead to the well locations in the district. The southern boundary of

the block area spread along the south coast from Ervadi to Sattakonavalasai of the

district.

The main drainage traversing through the block area is Vagai River coming from

Paramkudi flows towards eastern side of the block and merges in to the sea at

Atrangarai. Two back water streams, one is at Kanjirangudi another at

Periyyapattanam, flows in southern side of the block.

Irrigation here is mainly carried with tanks (rain fed), tube wells and dug wells.

The entire district is dry throughout year; the district receives rain in retreat of

monsoons, i.e., in September, October and November months.

Agricultural Lands with in the PML Block Sakkarkottai Bird Sanctuary with in the PML

Block


__________________________________________________________________________________________


NH-49 at Devipatnam Road

Vaigai River at Kil Nagachi

Prosopis within PML Block Palm Trees with in the PML Block


__________________________________________________________________________________________


2.4.2 Existing Activity in Gas Field

The Ramanathapuram PML area has overlapping areas of other production fields of ONGC

which is being operated for a long time. The main activities conducted by ONGC at the field

are

Development and Production well drilling

Production of gas from producing wells

Transportation of gas to respective Gas Compressor Station (GCS) via. interconnec ting

pipelines

2.5 WELL LOCATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SETTINGS

2.5.1 Location of Wells

The proposed well sites are selected based on environmental considerations viz. location of

sensitive ecological habitats, CRZ areas, settlements, schools/ hospitals, water bodies etc. Care

had been taken to located wells sites distantly from these receptors. Alternative analysis had

also been conducted to explore the well sites away from sensitive areas. However, some well’s

locations falls within ecological sensitive zone or 10 km buffer area of Sanctuaries and National

park. Application for wild life clearance is filed by ONGC dated 21.08.2015 to the Chief

Wildlife Warden, Gulf of Mannar Park, Ramnathpuram District , Tamilnadu .

Details of well locations finalized after alternative analysis and geophysical studies is given in

Table -2.1. After alternative analysis, no wells fall under the CRZ area as shown in Figure -

2.5. The wells which are proposed within the ecological sensitive zone/10 km buffer area have

been applied for wild life clearance. The adequate environmental and safety measures will be

adopted to minimize the footprint on ecological sensitive receptors. Primarily, agricultura l

lands have been identified for the drilling program and their survey numbers are given in

Table-2.1. Total 22 exploratory wells are proposed in the Ramanathapuram PML area during

the plan period. The well locations are shown in Figure 2.4.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


TABLE 2-1: DETAILS OF WELL LOCATIONS

S.N

o

Well

No

District/Tal

uka

Village Name Latitude Longitude Survey

No.

1 W1

Ramanathp

uram

Tiruppullani 9°16'41.67"N 78°49'7.38"E 236

2 W2 Periyapattana

m

9°16'40.92"N 78°54'27.78"E 26

3 W3** Reghunathapuram

9°18'32.3"N 78°54'52.1"E 61/1C

4 W4* Panaikulam 9°22'4.8"N 78°56'12.4"E 81/1D

5 W5 Kalari 9°17'28.10"N 78°47'16.90"E 6

6 W6 Pullandai 9°14'37.67"N 78°43'27.85"E 3

7 W7** Kalari 9°17'21.03"N 78°47'3.10"E 335/2B

8 W8** Puthendhal 9°20'57.81"N 78°47'32.46"E 208/1B

9 W9 Tiruppullani 9°18'34.43"N 78°47'48.74"E 24

10 W10 Utttarakosamagai

9°18'44.24"N 78°44'24.88"E 121/12

2

11 W11 Achadipiramb

u

9°18'55.57"N 78°49'49.55"E 125

12 W12 Pattanamkattan

9°20'14.98"N 78°52'24.98"E 375

13 W13 Pattanamkatta

n

9°21'16.79"N 78°52'3.12"E 150

14 W14**

Palangulam 9°24'17.54"N 78°52'7.16"E 103/104

15 W15* Chittarakottai 9°27'02.00"N 78°53'43.10"E 180/1A

5

16 W16 Devipattinam 9°27'10.58"N 78°53'1.76"E 333

17 W17 Perunayal 9°28'25.26"N 78°51'41.43"E 414

18 W18 Attiyuttu 9°24'39.49"N 78°55'19.31"E 221/22

2

19 W19* Athangarai 9°19'33.0"N 78°58'34.70"E 113/2B

20 W20* Kil Nagachi 9°18'46.69"N 78°59'31.12"E 127/6A

2

21 W21* Pirappanvalasai

9°18'12.80"N 79° 2'32.9"E 107/2A


__________________________________________________________________________________________


22 W22 Sattakonvalasai

9°17'23.2"N 79°0 4'16.7"E 150/2B

Note:

Well locations marked with (*) are the updated locations. The previous locations were

within the CRZ area. These updated locations (after alternative analysis) are now

outside of CRZ area and does not require CRZ clearance.

Well locations marked with (**) are the locations updated on the basis of findings from

geological studies

2.5.2 Environmental Settings

As per ToR conditions, environmental setting around one km radius area (referred as study

area) of each well site was carried out during field survey and the same has been checked with

toposheet and satellite imagery. All 22 wells are falling in Ramanathapuram district. Well wise

environmental settings are described below and well wise land use is provided in Annex 2.5.

Well 1

The proposed well site is located at the private land of Thirupullani village. The well site is

located adjacent to an existing production well of ONGC KJ-15. Land use within the study area

primarily includes agricultural lands with palm and prosopis trees. A temple is located towards

northeast side of this well. Settlements of Thirupullani village are on NE side, at about 0.6 km

of the well.

Well 2

The proposed well site is located in Periyyapattanam. Major land use within the study area

includes water body, which usually contains water after heavy rains and accessible from kutcha

road. The Periyyapattanam village located at a distance of 0.8 km South west of the well site.

Well 3

The proposed well site is located in the agricultural lands of Reghunathapuram village. Nearest

settlements are located about 0.02 km on all sides except on west direction it is of 0.14 km from

the proposed well site. Land uses in the study area include agricultural lands and settlements.

The site is located near to the Reghunathapuram main road.

Well 4

Well no. 4 is located at an open place within the Panaikulam. Immediate landuse around the

well is of palm trees.Nearest settlement is Krishnapuram village located at a distance of 1.4km

East of well location.

Well 5


__________________________________________________________________________________________


The well site is located at Kalari village. Landuse in the study area is open agricultural lands

with Prosopis trees. Anaikudi village is loacated on NE side from the well point at a distance

of 0.5km. Another village Pallamorrkulam is located 2.0km south of well location. Village

main road is near to this location but new access road has to make for this well point.

Well 6

The well site is located in the agricultural lands of Pullandai village, which is located at a

distance of 1.6 km SE of well point. Landuse is of agricultural lands with mainly Prosopis tress.

Well point is very near to road connecting Velanur to Ervadi. No immediate settlement for this

well, within radius of 1km.

Well 7

The proposed well site is located at Kalari village. Nearest settlement is Anaikudi village which

is 1.1 km .

Well 8

The proposed well site is located at the Puthendhal Village . Major land use within the study

area includes water body which is almost dry throughout the year. Nearest settlement is

Vannikkudi village located at SE direction at a distance of 2.0km from the well location.

Well 9

The proposed well site is located at the land ward side of a creek near to the Thirupallani village.

Land use classes within the study area creek (water body) and open land with Prosopis trees

and salt pans prepared from this creek water. Nearest settlement is around 1.7 km from the well

site which belongs to Anaikudi in SW direction to well point.

Well 10

The proposed well site is located at the Uttarakosamangai village. Major land use in the study

area includes agricultural lands and settlements. The settlement of Uttarakosamangai village is

located at about 0.06 km north of the proposed well site. A water body, which usually contain

water after heavy rain, is located on north side of well at a distance of 0.18 km which is also

near to well 7. Well No. 10 is not having approach road, but near to Ramanathapuram road at

a distance around 0.5km.

Well 11

The well is located at Achadipirambu village. The major land use within the study area includes

Prosopis trees in open scrub land. This well location is near to Kudakottai town at around 2.7

km.

Well 12


__________________________________________________________________________________________


The well is located in the near Pattanamakattan village. The major land uses within the study

area are Prosopis trees. Nearest settlement is Skakarkotai village at around 1.1km. Sakkarkottai

Bird Sanctuary is at 3.55 km west of well location.

Well 13

The proposed well site is located in agricultural lands of Pattanamkattan village. This well is

surrounded by settlements of this village at a distance of 0.03km. Well is located near the

village road which ia conneted to Madurai-Rameshwaram road at distance of 0.14km.

Well 14

The proposed well site is located near Palangulam village. Major landuse is of open lands with

Prosopis trees and water bodies. Vaigai river is about 2.4km on east of the well location. The

nearest village is Kulasekarakal on NorthEast at a distance of 3.4km from the well location.

Well 15

The well site is located at Chittarakotai . Gokulanagar is located at distance of 1.0km towards

south of the well. No immediate settlements are located near to the well within 1km radius.

The Devipattinam to Athiyuthur road is at 0.81 km to west of the well location. The well is

located on coast of Bay of Bengal, which is on eastern direction at a distance of 2km.

Well 16

The well site is located at Devipatnnam village. The landuse is of open scrub land, with

Prosopis trees. Settlements of Sakkaranallur and Venurkulam hamlets of Kalayanur are located

at a distance of 1.6km towards west direction of the well. East Coast road is at distance of

0.2km on west the wets of the well location.

Well 17

This well is located at the open scrub lands of Peruvayal village. Another village, by name

vattukudi, is at distance of 1.1km on North East side of the well. Village road is at west direction

to the well location at a distance of 0.4km.

Well 18

The proposed well site is located at Athiyuthu village, at a distance of 2.1km towards SW

direction. But nearest settlements is of Palanivalasai village is at distance of 1.1 km in north

East of well locaton.Major land use around the well is covered with Prosopis trees.

Well 19

The proposed well site is located at Athagaraj village. Major landuse is with Prosopis trees.

Vagai river is located at distance of 0.48km to the west of the well location.

Well 20


__________________________________________________________________________________________


The well site is located in Kil Nagachi village. Sea is at a distance of 3.0km to the east of the

well location. Nearest settlement is of Kalkenarvalasai village is at a distance of 0.5 km to

South of well location.

Well 21

The well site is located at the sea coast palm and prosopis tree lands of Pirappanvalasai village.

Sea is at a distance of 0.1km to the east of the well location. Nearest settlement is Irumeni

village is at a distance of 1.2km to the North West. Some fishermen hamlets are located very

near to the well location. Irumeni village road is at a distance of 0.8 km to the north of the well

location.

Well 22

The well site is located at the sea coast prosopis tree lands of Sattankonavalasai village, which

is at around 3km north of the well location. Sea is at a distance of 2.0km to the east of the well

location. Well location is located in marshy land. Nearest settlements is Pirpanvalasai village

are at a distance of 3.0km to the north west of well location.

2.6 ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS

The awarded block in Ramnathpuram District falls under the following environmental sensitive

area:

Ecological sensitive zone of Sakkarakottal Sanctuary

Ecological sensitive zone of Therthangal wildlife sanctuary.

Buffer zone of Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Biosphere Reserve.

CRZ area

The detail of well locations falls under the environmental sensitive area is given in Table -2.2

to Table 2.5. This is to be noted that well locations given in following tables represent the

locations identified prior to alternative analysis. The updated locations finalized by ONGC after

alternative analysis is presented in Table 2.1

TABLE 2-2: WELL LOCATIONS IN CRZ AREA

S.No Well

No

District/Taluka Village Name Latitude Longitude

1. W4 Ramnathapuram Panaikulam 9°22'40.17"N 78°57'46.15"E

2. W15 Chittarkottai 9°26'44.59"N 78°54'37.94"E

3. W19 Athangaraj 9°20'2.25"N 79° 0'25.77"E

4. W20 Kil Nagachi 9°19'28.18"N 79° 1'15.18"E

5. W21 Pirappavalasai 9°18'38.93"N 79° 2'36.98"E


__________________________________________________________________________________________


TABLE -2.3: WELL LOCATED WITHIN 10 KM OF THERTHANGALI BIRD SANCTUARY

Well

No


W17 Ramnathapuram Peruvayal 9°28'25.26"N 78°51'41.43"E

TABLE -2.4: WELLS LOCATED IN ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVE ZONE OF SAKKARKOTTAI BIRD

SANCTUARY

Well

No


W1

Ramanathpuram

Tiruppullani 9°16'41.67"N 78°49'7.38"E

W2 Periyapattanam 9°16'40.92"N 78°54'27.78"E

W3 Reghunathapuram 9°17'57.55"N 78°55'11.55"E

W5 Kalari 9°17'28.10"N 78°47'16.90"E

W7 Kalari 9°16'51.93"N 78°44'15.77"E

W8 Puthendhal 9°19'55.88"N 78°45'43.36"E

W9 Tiruppullani 9°18'34.43"N 78°47'48.74"E

W10 Utttarakosamagai 9°18'44.24"N 78°44'24.88"E

W11 Achadipirambu 9°18'55.57"N 78°49'49.55"E

W12 Pattanamkattan 9°20'14.98"N 78°52'24.98"E


W14 Palangulam 9°23'38.49"N 78°51'55.54"E

TABLE -2.5: WELLS LOCATED WITHIN 10 KM GULF OF MANNAR NATIONAL PARK

Well

No


W1 Ramanathpuram Tiruppullani 9°16'41.67"N 78°49'7.38"E

W2 Periyapattanam 9°16'40.92"N 78°54'27.78"E

W3 Reghunathapuram 9°17'57.55"N 78°55'11.55"E


__________________________________________________________________________________________


W5 Kalari 9°17'28.10"N 78°43'27.85"E

W6 Pullandai 9°14'37.67"N 78°43'27.85"E

W7 Kalari 9°16'51.93"N 78°44'15.77"E

W9 Tiruppullani 9°18'34.43"N 78°47'48.74"E

W11 Achadipirambu 9°18'55.57"N 78°49'49.55"E


W19 Athangarai 9°20'2.25"N 79° 0'25.77"E

W21 Pirappanvalasai 9°18'38.93"N 79° 2'36.98"E

W22 Sattakonvalasai 9°17'31.38"N 79° 4'18.14"E

As a result of alternative analysis, well locations falling under CRZ area have been shifted

outside of CRZ area and presented in Table -2.1. Further, four well locations namely W-3, W-

7, W-8 and W-14 have also been shifted to another locations as presented in Table -2.1. These

four locations have been finalized based on updated findings of geological studies. However,

well locations within 10 km area from wildlife sanctuary are unchanged. The application of

wild life clearance has been filed to Chief Wildlife Warden for obtaining Wildlife Clearance.

2.7 PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND SCHEDULE

The lifecycle of project activities for the exploration project has been divided into distinct steps

and each is described in detail in the subsequent sections and will take approximately three

months to complete drilling and testing activity at each well site.

The project lifecycle has been classified into three phases:

Pre-drilling activity

Site selection

Land acquisition

Site access road and drill site construction

Pre-drilling activities, mobilization and Rigging up

Initial well construction

Drilling activity

Drilling of wells

Well testing

Well decommissioning


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Well abandonment

Site closure and decommissioning

Site Restoration

2.7.1 Pre-drilling Activity

The pre-drilling phase will involve the following activities:

Site Selection

All the locations were selected based on geological data available. Suitable drilling locations

were selected based on the physical (terrain and access) and technical suitability. Detailed drill

site and access road survey will be carried prior to land procurement and construction of drill

site.

Selecting drill site’s environmental considerations is as below:

Away from water bodies.

Away from organized human habitats.

Away from Bird Sanctuaries and sensitive ecological habitat

Land Acquisition

During the site selection process all the legal requirements in will be considered and surface

location finalized. Once the surface drilling location is finalized, land acquisition will be done

including crop compensation. After the finalization drill site, ONGC will take the land from

the land owners on lease. The estimated land required per drill site is approximately 2.2 ha.

All the proposed drill sites are away from human habitation; therefore any displacement will

not be required for this project. As displacement is not required, resettlement and rehabilita t ion

is not applicable for this project

Private Land

Generally, ONGC will get the required land, on lease, through private negotiation. In few cases

ONGC may apply the provision of Rule-189/190 of AL&RR, 1886, if private negotiation is

not successful. During the process of land acquisition standing crops will be compensated as

per the existing rules and lease rent shall be paid till the land is returned.

Access Road and Site Construction

Construction of Access Road

All the wells are located adjacent to the existing road; the distance of the proposed well pad

will be of 200 m (maximum) from existing road. Construction of site access road will not

require any forest land or involve displacement of any household. As far as possible, existing


__________________________________________________________________________________________


roads will be used. Clearing of and cutting of trees will be avoided. If necessary, existing road

will be developed by widening, etc. Culvers and drainage channel will be maintained during

site preparation. The approach road will be constructed by a contractors appointed by ONGC.

Drill Site Construction

The ground is flat in the block area. Vegetation very less in the entire district. Wells located in

coastal side near to sea are on the private agricultural land have palm trees; whereas, wells

located in the interior land side are mainly covered prosopis trees.

After clearance of vegetation, top soil of the entire drill site will be scraped and stored in the

top soil storage area for future use. Once the top soil removal process completed, leveling and

compaction will be done with help of graders and mechanical rollers. Fill material required for

construction will be met from excavated material for pit required for drill site and balance

amount will be sourced from authorized quarry area.

Construction of a flat rectangular/square drilling site (pad) of 100m X 100 m (approximate) at

site to facilitate drilling and testing of hydrocarbons will be required. Reinforced Cement

Concrete (RCC) will be used for the construction of foundation system. For making

foundations of the main rig structure, cast in-situ bored under- reamed piles of specified lengths

will also be used. The proposed well site & campsite will be duly fenced to a height of about 2

m using chain link and barbed wires.

The transport of rig including ancillary equipments and camp facilities to the site is expected

to comprise around 100 trailer loads. Though the rig and related equipments will be directly

brought to site, spares, chemicals and other materials will be received at the warehouse located

at a suitable place in the district. Materials will be intermittently supplied from warehouse to

the drilling site, a provision will be kept for temporary storage of materials at the drilling site

itself.

Rig Mobilization and Rigging up

A rig building process will follow the site preparation activities. This process involves transport

of rig including auxiliary equipments and camp facilities, assembling of various rig parts and

equipment to drill a well. Once the drilling rig is assembled, thorough rig inspection will be

carried out to check equipment working capability and quality standards. The rig will have

various allied equipments like mud tanks, mud pumps, compressors, fuel tank, DG sets etc.

Details of the drilling rig proposed to be deployed is mentioned as below:

Type of rig Electrical Rig

Drilling mud composition Water based Drilling Fluid

Power generator type & Nos. 4x 900 KvA (1 DG will be standby at all the

time)

Diesel consumption 6M3/Day

Qty of fresh water requirement & Source

10 m3/day Transported from nearby source through contractor


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Manpower on rig 25 per shift of 12 hrs. Two shifts/day

Material requirement & Mobilization From ONGC base Karaikal

Details of solids handling system on rig

Shale Shakers- 1200 GPM capacity Desander- 1200 GPM capacity

Desilter- 1200 GPM capacity

Waste Pit Availability & size 30’ x 33’ x 5’ – 2 Nos. 38’x 33’ x 5’ – 1 No. 23’ x 20 x 5’ – 1 No.

Oil Pit availability & size 3 ‘ x 3’ x 4’ – 1 No.

Initial Well Construction

Well spudding is the start of drilling activity. Top-hole section will be drilled to a desired depth

based on well design. After drilling top-hole section, it will be cased with a pipe called

“Casing”. Casing provides support to hole wall and secures hole section. Other than that, it

isolates problematic hole sections such as loss zones, shale sections, over pressurized

formations etc. After running casing, space between hole wall and “Casing” will be cemented.

This process of drilling and casing the hole section continues until the final well depth (target)

is achieved.

Lengths and diameters of each section of the well are determined prior to drilling and are

dependent on the geological conditions through which the well is to be drilled. Once each

section of the well is completed, the drill string is lifted and protective steel pipe or casing

lowered into the well and cemented into place.

2.7.2 Drilling Activity

ONGC will appoint a Drilling Contractor to carry out the drilling work. To support the drilling

operation, the following systems and services will be included at the rig package:

Portable Living Quarters – to house essential personnel on site on a 24 hr basis. These

units are provided with Bath/Washrooms.

Crane-age - cranes for loading/off loading equipment and supplies.

Emergency Systems - this includes fire detection and protection equipment.

Environmental Protection – Blow Out Prevention (BOP) system, wastewater treatment

unit, cuttings handling equipment.

The technical details of the proposed drilling activity are given below:

Duration of drilling 3-4 months for each location and likely to be taken up 2 locations at a time.

Qty. of drilling fluid 350 m3 for each well

Qty. of cuttings 300-400 m3 each well


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Qty. drlg. Waste water 6KLD for each well

Depth 3000-4000 m

Distance of block boundary

from coast line

On-land locations are away from the coast line.

Development plan in case of strike

To be chalked out at the end of Appraisal programme

HC reserve (initial inplace) The provisional Initial Inplace Reserves have been

estimated for 30 BCM (O+OEG).

Formation pressure Hydrostatic

Test flaring duration 2 to 3 days

Drilling of Well

The exploration of hydrocarbons requires the construction of a conduit between the surface and

the reservoir. This is achieved by the drilling process. The exploration well will be drilled

using a standard land rig or a “Mobile Land Rig” with standard water based drilling fluid

treatment system. This rig will be suitable for deep drilling up to the desired depth of 3000--

4000 metres as planned for the project. The typical configuration of a Drilling Rig is shown in

the Figure 2.6.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


FIGURE 2-6: TYPICAL DRILLING RIG CONFIGURATION

Additionally, there will be other ancillary facilities like Drilling mud system, ETP, Cuttings

disposal, Drill Cementing equipment etc. and utilities to supply Power (DG sets), water, fuel

(HSD) to the drilling process and will be set up as a part of the project.

Mud System and Cuttings

Drilling of wells requires specially formulated muds which basically comprise in earth

materials like bentonite, barite in water with several additives to give mud weight, fluidity and

filter cake characteristics while drilling. The drilling muds have several functions like

lubrication and cooling of the drill bit, balancing subsurface formation, bringing out the drill

cuttings from the well bore, thixotropic property to hold cuttings during non-operations,

formation of thin cake to prevent liquid loss along well bore etc.

Several additives are mixed into the mud system to give the required properties. Water based

mud will be used to the possible extent in exploratory drilling but use of synthetic based mud

may require due to complexities associated with the geological formation and associated hold

stability problems.

During drilling operations, approx 300-400 m3 per well of wet drill cuttings are expected to be

generated from each well depending on the type of formation and depth of drilling. In addition

to the cuttings 6KLD of waste water is likely to be generated during well drilling. The waste

residual muds and drill cuttings which contain clay, sand etc. will be disposed into the waste

pit.

Mud used during the operation will flush out formation cuttings from the well hole. These

cuttings will be separated from the drilling mud using a solids-control and waste management

package. Cuttings will then be stored in the pits (of approximately 400 m3 capacity) and after

completion of the drilling activities, cuttings will be tested for hazardous nature and based on

nature of the drill cuttings, final disposal pathway will be finalized by ONGC. The total amount

of cuttings produced during the entire drilling period is projected to be about 300-400 m3.

The whole process by which the drilling fluid will be reused during the drilling operation and

is commonly known as a “closed loop system.” This system is ideal for drilling operations in

sensitive environments as it cuts down immensely on the total water consumption for the

formulation of drilling mud and also saves on the consumption of chemicals. Figure 2.7 shows

the schematic layout of the drilling waste management. Figure 2.8 shows the drilling fluid

circulation system which is designed to enable the drilling fluid to be recycled and mainta ined

in good condition throughout the operation.

Various components of the drilling mud will be selected carefully to be able to provide desired

properties to the mud. Mud chemicals will be added to the uniform mud system to adjust the

mud properties and ensure fluid loss control/circulation, lubricity, shale inhibition, pH control

and pressure control in the well during drilling.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


FIGURE 2-7: DRILLING WASTE MANAGEMENT

Drilling mud reused

Drill cuttings plus drilling mud

Drilling mud separation in

shale shaker

Drill cutting washing

Washed & free of oil drill cuttings

to drill cutting pit

Washed waste water to waste

water pit

Disposal after testing & treatment to

meet regulatory requirement

Disposal after testing & treatment to

meet regulatory requirement

Drilling Operation


__________________________________________________________________________________________

SENES 61 ONGC

FIGURE 2-8: TYPICAL DRILLING FLUID CIRCULATION SYSTEM

Cementing Programme

Cementing is a necessary aspect of drilling gas wells. Cement is used to

Secure/support casing strings

Isolate zones for production purposes

Solve various hole problems

Cementing generally utilizes Portland Cement with various additives in small quantities as

accelerators/retarders, density adjusters, dispersants, fluid loss additives, anti gas migrat ion

additives, etc.

Well Testing

Testing facilities will be available at drilling rig for separation of liquid phase and technica l

flare of all hydrocarbon gas during testing. The test flare boom will be located at a safe distance

from the drilling rig.

2.7.3 Well Decommissioning

Well Abandonment

On completion of activities, wells will be either plugged and suspended (if the well evaluat ions

indicate commercial quantities of hydrocarbons) or killed and permanently abandoned. In the


__________________________________________________________________________________________

SENES 62 ONGC

event of a decision to suspend the well, it will be filled with a brine solution containing very

small quantities of inhibitors to protect the well. The well will be sealed with cement plugs and

few wellhead equipment (Blind Flange) left on the surface (Cellar). If the well is abandoned,

it will be sealed with a series of cement plugs, all the wellhead equipment will be removed

leaving the surface clear of any debris and site will be restored.

Site Closure and Decommissioning

After completion of the drilling activity, partial de-mobilisation of the drilling rig and

associated infrastructure will be initiated. As discussed earlier, well testing may be carried out

immediately after the drilling is completed or about 3 months depending on initial evaluation

timing. The complete de-mobilisation of the facilities at site will happen after well-testing has

been completed. This will involve the dismantling of the rig, all associated equipments and the

residential camp, and transporting it out of the project area. It is expected that demobiliza t ion

phase will last about 10 days and will involve the trucking away of materials, equipments and

other materials from site to bring it back to original condition.

Subsequently, following steps will be typically involved to restore and rehabilitate the area:

The wellhead and all casing string will be cut off to a minimum depth of 3 m (10 ft) below

ground level.

All concrete structures will be broken up, and the debris disposed off as per the regulatory

requirements.

All other waste products, solid and liquid, will be disposed of in accordance with the

requirements of the EIA and will be treated to render them harmless.

All fencing and access gates will be removed.

All pits whose contents will show regulatory compliance for on-site disposal, at the time of

site closure, will be backfilled and closed out as per the legal requirements.

Restoration of unusable portion of the access track, removal of pilings and Landscaping.

Site Restoration

All abandoned drill sites will be restored back to its near original condition. After

decommissioning of site, it will be de-compacted and stored top soil will be overlaying on the

de-compacted site with certain moisture conservation measures and seeding of leguminous

plant for restoration soil nutrient level naturally.

2.8 UTILITIES & RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS

2.8.1 Power Supply

The drilling process requires movement of drill bit through the draw works which require

power. The power requirement of the drilling rig will be met by total 4 DG sets of 900 KVA

capacity. However, only three Diesel Generator sets will remain operational during peak load

and one DG set will be as standby.


__________________________________________________________________________________________

SENES 63 ONGC

2.8.2 Water Consumption

The water requirement in a drilling rig is mainly meant for preparation of drilling mud apart

from washings and domestic use. While the former consumes the majority of water

requirement, the water requirement for domestic and wash use is very less. The daily water

consumption will be 25 m3/d of which 12 m3/d will be used for mud preparation, 9 m3/d in

other drilling activities and 4 m3/d will be used for domestic purposes including drinking. The

water balance diagram is shown in Figure 2-9.

2.8.3 Waste water

The operating personnel in the drilling rigs will operate from the onsite accommodation. It is

estimated that 2 m3/d waste water will be generated from the domestic consumption. Soak pits

and septic tank will be provided at the site for the disposal of domestic waste water. Approx.

6-8 m3/d waste water is estimated to be generated from drilling activities. Onsite ETP will be

provided for the treatment of waste water generated from drilling activities.

2.8.4 Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumed during the drilling phase will mainly be diesel used by rig used for exploratory

drilling, various equipments and vehicles operating to transport goods and supplies to site. It is

estimated that about 6 KL diesel will be required to operate the DG sets.


__________________________________________________________________________________________

SENES 64 ONGC

FIGURE 2-9: WATER BALANCE DIAGRAM


__________________________________________________________________________________________


2.8.5 Chemical Storage

The drilling rig will have normal storage facilities for fuel oil, required chemicals and the

necessary tubulars and equipment. The storagef places will be clearly marked with safe

operating facilities and practices.

2.8.6 Manpower / Employment

The drilling rig will be operated by approximately 25 persons on the rig at any time. The

manpower will operate in two shifts with continuous operations on the rig.

2.8.7 Noise and Vibrations

Noise will be emitted from exploratory drill site during site preparation, drilling and

decommissioning phases. The major noise generating operations from the proposed activity

during drilling, testing are operation of rotary drilling equipment as part of rig, diesel engines

for power generation, mud pumps and operation of vehicles. Noise during the site preparatory

phase will primarily be contributed by heavy construction machinery operating on site and

vehicular sources. Average noise emission ranges for different types of construction machinery

are shown in the Figure 2.10.

As drilling activity is continuous, part of the noise associated with functioning of the rig and

ancillaries will be generated throughout day and night.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


FIGURE 2-10: TYPICAL NOISE EMISSIONS FROM CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

60 70 80 90 100 110

Earthmoving

Compactors (Rollers)

Front loaders

Backhoes

Tractors

Scrapers, Graders

Pavers

Trucks

Materials Handling

Concrete Mixers

Concrete Pumps

Cranes (Movable)

Cranes (Derrick)

Stationery

Pumps

Generators

Compressors

Pneumatic Wenches

Jackhammers and Rock Drills

Pile Drivers (Peaks)

Vibrators

Sows

Others

Noise Level (dBA) at 50 feet

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

Equipment Powered by Internal Combustion Engines

Impact Equipment

Source: USEPA

2.8.8 Air Emissions

Air emissions from point sources expected from the proposed exploratory drilling will be

mainly from combustion of diesel in the diesel engines and power generators which will be

operated to meet power requirement of the drilling rig and the campsite. The principa l

pollutants will comprise of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Sulphur and Nitrogen

dioxides (SO2 and NO2) and other hydrocarbons (HC). The quantity of diesel consumed during

drilling will be in order of 6 KL /day/drilling site.

Additionally, the flaring and technical flare of oil during the testing of the well will also lead

to the release of some pollutants including un-burnt hydrocarbons to the atmosphere. Some

fugitive emissions of dust and air pollutants from vehicular exhaust will also happen during the

project lifecycle, mostly during the construction and decommissioning activities. Additiona lly,

there will be re-entrainment of dust from the approach road leading to the site mainly during

the dry season.

Analysis of natural gas generated from the well site reveals that, it is mostly methane, ethane

and propane without the presence of hydrogen sulfide.

2.9 DRILLING HAZARDS


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Loss of well control / blow-out, fire, explosion and oil spills are the major potential hazards

associated with drilling for oil and gas. Effective response plans to foreseeable emergenc ies

will be developed by ONGC and communicated to the project teams. A risk assessment to be

carried out as part of this EIA will also contribute towards identification of hazards, risks and

formulating management plans for emergency response, blowout, oil spills.

2.10 PROJECT COST

The anticipated cost of drilling of each well (which stacking of the location, land acquisit ion,

site preparation and drilling activity works out to Rs.20.00 crores, for one well and the total

project cost is Rs.440Crores.

2.11 HSE POLICY

ONGC is committed to protecting environment, health and safety of the people who may be

affected, directly or indirectly by its operations. The Drilling Management System (DMS)

framework lays down the corporate Health, Safety and Environment Policy for the entire

organization and the range of operations it undertakes as a part of oil and gas exploration. The

overall corporate health environmental safety policy of ONGC may be supplemented by a local

policy document whenever so required. It is understood that ONGC will try to formulate a local

site level policy taking from the parent corporate policy of ONGC to adequately address the

environmental impacts of the proposed drilling projects in PML Field through the DMS. The

Corporate HSE policy of ONGC is presented below:


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Box 2.1: ONGC HSE Policy


__________________________________________________________________________________________



__________________________________________________________________________________________


3 Description of the Environment

This chapter describes the existing environmental settings in the ONGC field and its immed iate

surroundings. This includes the physical environment comprising air, water and land

components, the biological environment, and socio-economic environment. Attributes of the

physical environment like air, water, soil, and noise quality in the surrounding area were

assessed primarily through monitoring and analysis of samples collected from field. Air, noise,

water and soil primary monitoring was carried out by Vitro Labs Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad (MOEF

certified laboratory). Information about geology, hydrology, prevailing natural hazards like

floods, earthquakes etc. have been collected from literature reviews and authenticated

information made available by Government offices to understand the biological environment

prevailing in the area and the same were collected through interviews with respective

authorities and published information and literature. The socioeconomic environment has been

studied through the data collected from secondary sources and consultations with various

stakeholders in the villages within the study area. Additionally, socioeconomic data have been

obtained from the Census of India reports.

3.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

3.1.1 Climate & Meteorology

Climate and meteorology of a place can play an important role in the implementation of any

developmental project. Meteorology (weather and climate) plays a key role in understanding

local air quality as there is an essential relationship between meteorology and atmospheric

dispersion involving the wind speed/direction, stability class and other factors. The block falls

under the tropical climate zone.

Seasons and rainfall

The sesason in the area comprise of summer, monsoon and winter. The main monsoon season

in the area comprise of north east monsoon which starts from October and remain till

December. As per the IMD Chennai, northeast monsoon is the major period of rainfall activit iy

over south peninsula. Coastal districts in Tamilnadu receives nearly 60% of the annula rainfa ll

during Oct – Dec. The northeast monsoon chiefly contributes to the rainfall in the district.

Most of the precipitation occurs in the form of cyclonic storms caused due to the depressions

in Bay of Bengal. Another monsoon period in the area is known as “Southwest Monsoon”

during which rainfall is highly inconsistent while summer rains are negligible. Rainfall data of

IMD Ramnathpuram stations for the period Oct – Dec 2014 shows the normal annual rainfa ll

over the district is 611 mm.

The Western Ghats acting as a barrier deprive the State of the full blast of South-west monsoon

winds. The Ramanathpuram District depends mainly on the North East Monsoon rains which

are brought by the troughs of low pressure establishing in south Bay of Bengal between October

and December.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


The district characterized by tropical climate. The period from May to June is generally hot

and dry. The weather is pleasant during the period from December to January. Usually

mornings are more humid than afternoons. The relative humidity is on an average varying

between 79 and 84%. The mean minimum temperature is recorded as 25.7°C and mean

maximum daily temperature is 30.6°C, respectively (Source: CGWB Annual report 2009).

Primary meteorological monitoring were conducted during July 2014 - September 2014 at

Regunathapuram village within the block, the temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, wind

speed and wind direction of the region have been mentioned in the following para. The detailed

meterological data collected from site is enclosed as Annexure 3.3.

Wind Speed and Wind Direction

The wind speed and wind direction of an area influences the dispersal of pollutants from a point

and non point sources. As the proposed drilling and testing activities involve the operation of

both point (DG sets) and non point pollutant emissions sources, analysis of wind speed and

direction data is considered important for predicting the air quality impacts based on pollutant

dispersion. Meteorological monitoring weather station was established at Regunathapuram

village.

Interpretation of Primary Baseline Data

Hourly micro-meteorological data collected during primary monitoring has been analyzed to

generate the wind rose. The predominant wind direction is from west followed by southwest

for the study period. The average wind speed for the months was 4.1 m/s. The wind speed was

observed in the range 0.67 – 12.22 m/s for the monitoring period. The calm frequency was

recorded as 5.2 %. The wind rose diagram generated for the primary monitoring study period

has been presented in Figures 3.1.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


FIGURE 3-1: WIND ROSE DIAGRAM

3.1.2 Ambient Air Quality

Primary monitoring of the existing air environment was undertaken in the field to establish

existing ambient air quality within the proposed field. Location of the proposed wells and the

predominant wind direction is important in selection of the ambient air quality sampling

stations as any gaseous and particulate emission from the project activities will disperse based

on the predominant wind directions and affect to the receptors located at that end. Thus the

analyzed values for the pre project environment can be compared during and after the project

activities. The major industrial sources of air emission at the field are gas based power

generation plant of Valathur, which is in north direction at 5.8 km from weather monitor ing

station, Regunathapuram village.

Ambient air quality monitoring was conducted by Vitro Lab (NABL and MoEF approved) at

8 representative locations during premonsoon period July –August 2014, prior to onset of

northeast monsoon. Air quality monitoring was carried out for PM10, Sulphur Dioxide (SO2),

Nitrogen di oxide (NO2), CO, HC & VOC. ONGC being a responsible corporate and concous

about the environment, wanted an additional air quality monitoring to be carried out to have a

better representation of the ambient air quality of the surrounding project area. The additiona l

ambient air quality monitoring was carried out by Netel India (NABL and MoEF approved

Laboratory) in the month of January and February 2016 (post monsoon period) to verify the

inconsistency of the results, if any. The result of air quality monitoring is presented in Table 3-

4 and 3-5.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


TABLE 3-1: DETAILS OF AAQMS

Sampling Numbers Monitoring Locations

AAQ1 Devipattanam

AAQ2 Panaikkulam

AAQ3 Enmanamkondan AAQ4 Sattakonvalasai

AAQ5 Raghunathapuram AAQ6 Periyapattanam AAQ7 Tirupalani

AAQ8 Ervadi

The monitoring was conducted for 24 hours a day twice a week for PM10 by Respirable dust

sampler, Particulate matter(PM2.5) by PM 2.5 Sampler, Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) by West & Gaeke

Method, Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) by Jacob and Hochheiser Method . VOC is monitored by VOC

analyser. Methane, Non-Methane Hydrocarbons were monitored using Gas Chromotography

as per IS 5182 Part -21. The analaytical measurements of each parameter is given below in

Table 3-2.

TABLE 3-2: ANALYTICAL / MEASUREMENT METHODS

POLLUTANTS

METHODS BIS CODES

Particulate matter(PM10) Respirable dust Sampler 5182 (Part - IV) - 1973

Particulate matter(PM2.5) PM2.5 Sampler 5182 (Part - IV) - 1973

Sulphur Dioxide ( SO2 ) West & Gaeke Method 5182 (Part - II) - 1973

Nitrogen Oxides( as NO2 ) Jacob and Hochheiser

Method 5182 (Part - VI) - 1975

Methane & Non Methane

Hydrocarbon Gas Chromatograph

IS 5182 Part -21

The concentrations of various pollutants were processed for different statistical parameters like

minimum concentration, maximum concentration and percentile values. A summary of

ambient air quality results is presented in Table 3.1 and the detailed results are presented in

Annexure 3.1.

Interpretation of Air Quality Results


locations ranged between 35-57 μg/m3. 98 percentile PM10 values of the stations ranged

between 42.8-56.6 μg/m3. The average as well as 98 percentile PM10 concentrations were

observed to be in compliance to the NAAQS (100 μg/m3) at all air quality monitoring locations.


__________________________________________________________________________________________



stations exist within the range of 18-27 μg/m3. The concentration of PM2.5 is also in compliance

with the NAAQ standard of 60 μg/m3.


of 9-16 μg/m3 at all the monitoring locations. The monitored concentration of NO2 complies

with the NAAQS (80 μg/m3) specified for nitrogen dioxide.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2): The average Sulfur dioxide concentration values at all the monito r ing

locations is observed in the range of 6-13 μg/m3which is well within the NAAQS (80 μg/m3)

limits specified for nitrogen dioxide.

The concentration of CO, MHC and NMHC observed within the range of 1.0-1.2 mg/m3, 1.51-

1.69 ppm and 0.43-0.58 ppm. Concentration of VOCs were found as below detectable limit

(BDL).

Photographs of Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Air Monitoring at Devipatnam


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Air Monitoring at Enamankonda

Air Monitoring at Ervadi

Air Monitoring at Periyapattnam


__________________________________________________________________________________________


TABLE 3-3: AMBIENT AIR QUALITY RESULTS - PREMONSOON

Sl.

No

Monitoring

Locations

PM10

(μg/m3)

PM2.5

(μg/m3)

SO2

(μg/m3)

NO2

(μg/m3)

CO

(mg/m3)

HC as

CH4 in

ppm

NMHC

(ppm) VOC

(μg/m3)

1

Devipattanam Average 51.6 25.0 9.5 14.4 1.1 1.66 0.51 BDL

Max 57.0 27.0 12.0 16.0 1.2 2.0 0.8 BDL

Min 47.0 23.0 7.0 13.0 1.0 1.2 0.2 BDL

98 Percentile 56.6 27.0 11.8 16.0 1.2 1.2 0.2 BDL

2

Panaikkulam

Average 46.8 23.4 8.1 13.6 1.1 1.69 0.5 BDL

Max 53.0 26.0 11.0 15.0 1.2 2.1 0.7 BDL

Min 39.0 20.0 6.0 13.0 1.0 1.3 0.3 BDL

98 Percentile 52.8 26.0 10.8 14.8 1.2 1.3 0.3 BDL

3 Enmanamkondan

Average 50.3 24.6 8.1 12.4 1.1 1.56 0.46 BDL

Max 56.0 27.0 10.0 14.0 1.2 2.2 0.7 BDL

Min 45.0 22.0 6.0 10.0 1.0 1.2 0.1 BDL

98 Percentile 55.8 27.0 10.0 14.0 1.2 1.2 0.1 BDL

4 Sattakonvalasai

Average 43.8 21.8 7.8 10.9 1.1 1.63 0.52 BDL

Max 49.0 24.0 10.0 13.0 1.2 1.9 0.7 BDL

Min 38.0 19.0 6.0 9.0 1.0 1.2 0.1 BDL

98 Percentile 49.0 23.8 9.8 12.8 1.2 1.2 0.1 BDL

5 Raghunathapuram

Average 49.7 24.3 8.9 12.2 1.1 1.6 0.58 BDL

Max 55.0 27.0 11.0 14.0 1.2 1.9 0.8 BDL

Min 45.0 22.0 7.0 10.0 1.0 1.1 0.1 BDL

98 Percentile 54.6 26.8 10.8 13.8 1.2 1.1 0.1 BDL

6 Periyapattanam

Average 47.2 23.6 8.9 12.3 1.1 1.72 0.51 BDL

Max 53.0 27.0 11.0 15.0 1.2 2.1 0.9 BDL

Min 41.0 20.0 6.0 9.0 1.0 1.2 0.1 BDL


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Sl.

No

Monitoring

Locations

PM10

(μg/m3)

PM2.5

(μg/m3)

SO2

(μg/m3)

NO2

(μg/m3)

CO

(mg/m3)

HC as

CH4 in

ppm

NMHC

(ppm) VOC

(μg/m3)

98 Percentile 52.6 26.6 11.0 14.8 1.2 1.2 0.1 BDL

7 Tirupalani

Average 38.7 19.4 10.7 13.6 1.1 1.51 0.46 BDL

Max 43.0 22.0 13.0 16.0 1.2 1.9 0.8 BDL

Min 35.0 18.0 8.0 12.0 1.0 1.1 0.1 BDL

98 Percentile 42.8 21.8 12.8 16.0 1.2 1.1 0.1 BDL

8 Ervadi

Average 46.2 22.9 10.0 13.7 1.1 1.53 0.43 BDL

Max 52.0 25.0 12.0 15.0 1.2 2.2 0.9 BDL

Min 39.0 19.0 8.0 13.0 1.0 1.1 0.1 BDL

98 Percentile 51.6 25.0 11.8 14.8 1.2 1.1 0.1 BDL


__________________________________________________________________________________________

SENES/H-20084/ July 2016 78 ONGC

TABLE 3-4: AMBIENT AIR QUALITY RESULTS – POST MONSOON

Sl.

No

Monitoring

Locations

PM10

(μg/m3)

PM2.5

(μg/m3)

SO2

(μg/m3)

NO2

(μg/m3)

CO

(mg/m3)

HC as

CH4 in

ppm

NMHC

(ppm)

VOC

(μg/m3)

1 Devipattanam Average 43.9 11.98 6.74 11.5 1.72 1.66 0.51 BDL

Max 51.2 16.1 10.3 17.8 2.14 2.0 0.8 BDL

Min 33.7 8.7 4.2 7.0 1.2 1.2 0.2 BDL

98 Percentile 50.97 16.10 11.8 17.3 2.14 1.2 0.2 BDL

2 Panaikkulam

Average 46.8 23.4 8.1 13.6 1.1 1.69 0.5 BDL

Max 53.0 26.0 11.0 15.0 1.2 2.1 0.7 BDL

Min 39.0 20.0 6.0 13.0 1.0 1.3 0.3 BDL

98 Percentile 52.8 26.0 10.8 14.8 1.2 1.3 0.3 BDL

3 Enmanamkondan

Average 50.3 24.6 8.1 12.4 1.1 1.56 0.46 BDL

Max 56.0 27.0 10.0 14.0 1.2 2.2 0.7 BDL

Min 45.0 22.0 6.0 10.0 1.0 1.2 0.1 BDL

98 Percentile 55.8 27.0 10.0 14.0 1.2 1.2 0.1 BDL 4 Sattakonvalasai

Average 43.8 21.8 7.8 10.9 1.1 1.63 0.52 BDL

Max 49.0 24.0 10.0 13.0 1.2 1.9 0.7 BDL

Min 38.0 19.0 6.0 9.0 1.0 1.2 0.1 BDL

98 Percentile 49.0 23.8 9.8 12.8 1.2 1.2 0.1 BDL

5 Raghunathapuram

Average 49.7 24.3 8.9 12.2 1.1 1.6 0.58 BDL

Max 55.0 27.0 11.0 14.0 1.2 1.9 0.8 BDL

Min 45.0 22.0 7.0 10.0 1.0 1.1 0.1 BDL

98 Percentile 54.6 26.8 10.8 13.8 1.2 1.1 0.1 BDL

6 Periyapattanam

Average 47.2 23.6 8.9 12.3 1.1 1.72 0.51 BDL

Max 53.0 27.0 11.0 15.0 1.2 2.1 0.9 BDL

Min 41.0 20.0 6.0 9.0 1.0 1.2 0.1 BDL


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Sl.

No

Monitoring

Locations

PM10

(μg/m3)

PM2.5

(μg/m3)

SO2

(μg/m3)

NO2

(μg/m3)

CO

(mg/m3)

HC as

CH4 in

ppm

NMHC

(ppm)

VOC

(μg/m3)

98 Percentile 52.6 26.6 11.0 14.8 1.2 1.2 0.1 BDL

7 Tirupalani

Average 38.7 19.4 10.7 13.6 1.1 1.51 0.46 BDL

Max 43.0 22.0 13.0 16.0 1.2 1.9 0.8 BDL

Min 35.0 18.0 8.0 12.0 1.0 1.1 0.1 BDL

98 Percentile 42.8 21.8 12.8 16.0 1.2 1.1 0.1 BDL

8 Ervadi

Average 46.2 22.9 10.0 13.7 1.1 1.53 0.43 BDL

Max 52.0 25.0 12.0 15.0 1.2 2.2 0.9 BDL

Min 39.0 19.0 8.0 13.0 1.0 1.1 0.1 BDL

98 Percentile 51.6 25.0 11.8 14.8 1.2 1.1 0.1 BDL


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TABLE 3-4: AMBIENT AIR QUALITY RESULTS – HC AND VOC

Sl.

No

Monitoring

Locations

HC as CH4

in ppm

NMHC

(ppm)

VOC

(μg/m3)

1 Devipattanam 3.80 <0.5 1.48

2 Panaikkulam

6.97 <0.5 0.69

3 Enmanamkondan

3.72 <0.5 <0.5

4 Sattakonvalasai

2.83 <0.5 <0.5

5 Raghunathapuram

3.11 <0.5 <0.5

6 Periyapattanam

4.32 <0.5 1.26

7 Tirupalani

5.82 <0.5 2.70

8 Ervadi

4.93 <0.5 <0.5

Analysis of Air Quality Results


locations ranged between 37.08-46.84 μg/m3. The average PM10 concentrations were observed

to be in compliance to the NAAQS (100 μg/m3) at all air quality monitoring locations.


stations exist within the range of 9.41-12.84 μg/m3. The concentration of PM2.5 is also in

compliance with the NAAQ standard of 60 μg/m3.


of 8.70-12.53 μg/m3 at all the monitoring locations. The monitored concentration of NO2

complies with the NAAQS (80 μg/m3) specified for nitrogen dioxide.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2): The average Sulfur dioxide concentration values at all the monitor in g

locations is observed in the range of 5.34-7.0 μg/m3which is well within the NAAQS (80

μg/m3) limits specified for nitrogen dioxide.

Carbon Monoxide (CO): The average CO concentration values at all the monitoring locations

is observed in the range of 1.13-1.99 mg/m3which is well within the NAAQS (2 mg/m3) limits

specified for nitrogen dioxide.

The concentration of MHC observed within the range of 2.8-6.9 ppm while concentration of

NMHC and VOCs are less than 0.5 ppm.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


3.1.3 Ambient Noise Quality

The ambient noise monitoring was conducted during the August 2014 at 10 locations within

the ONGC Field. Noise stations were selected near to the proposed well locations to understand

the baseline noise levels that could be impacted upon by the proposed drilling activities at the

Field.

Sound pressure level (SPL) measurements in dB (A) were recorded for every hour continuous ly

for 24 hours at 15 minutes interval for the monitoring stations and equivalent noise levels in

the form of Leq day and Leq night was computed. The results obtained were compared with

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) with respect to noise. The ambient noise

quality monitoring locations within the study area are shown in Figure 3.2 and the rationale for

selection of the stations has been presented in Annexure 3.2.

TABLE 3-5 DETAILS OF NOISE MONITORING LOCATIONS


N1 Panaikulam

N2 Enmanamkondam

N3 Sattakonvalasai N4 Regunathapuram N5 Periyapattinam

N6 Tirupalani

N7 Ervadi

N8 Tanichattanmadal

N9 Kodikulam

N10 Kilakkarai

TABLE 3-6: AMBIENT NOISE QUALITY RESULTS

LOCATION DAY TIME NIGHT TIME

Leq dB(A) Limit dB(A) Leq dB(A) Limit dB(A)

N1 45.8 55 41.6 45

N2 45.0 55 42.5 45

N3 44.6 55 42.5 45

N4 47.0 55 44.0 45

N5 45.3 55 42.2 45

N6 53.9 55 50.8 45

N7 53.8 55 49.8 45

N8 44.0 55 41.3 45

N9 45.9 55 31.8 45

N10 54.2 55 50.1 45

1. Daytime shall mean from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


2 Night time shall mean from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.

The results of the noise monitoring indicates that daytime noise levels are in the range of 44 –

54.2 dB(A) and fall within the NAAQS limit i.e. 55 dB(A) prescribed for the residentia l

landuse, at all the monitoring locations. The night time noise level 31.8 – 50.8 dB (A) is

observed as higher than the NAAQS limit of 45 dB(A) at three locations. This higher level of

noise may be attributed to ongoing traffic activities in the study area and high wind speed due

to sea shore region.


_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


FIGURE 3-2: LOCATION OF AIR, NOISE, METEOROLOGY LOCATIONS WITHIN THE ONGC FIELD


__________________________________________________________________________________________


3.1.4 Physiography and Geology

The physical features and geology are closely related. Most of the area is covered by the

unconsolidated sediments of Quaternary age except in the northwestern part, where isolated

patches of Archaen Crystallines and Tertiary sandstone are exposed. The Archaeans are mainly

represented by the Charnockite Group of rocks comprising garnetiferrous granulite and the

Khondalite Group of rocks made up of quartzite of genesses.

The Tertiary sandstone (Cuddalore Formation) comprise pinkish, yellowish, reddish

(variegated colours) medium to coarse grained sandstone and clay stone. It is overlain by thin

alluvium and exposed towards north of Vaigai River.

Detached exposures of laterite and lateritic soil are seen in the northwestern part of the district.

A major part of the district is covered with the fluvial, fuvio-marine, Aeolian and marine

sediments of Quaternary age. The fluvial deposits which are made up of sand, silt and clay in

varying degree of admixture occur along the active channels of Vaigai, Gundar, Manimuthar

and Pambar rivers. They have been categorized into levee, flood basin, channel bar/ point bar

and paleo-channel deposits. The paleo channel deposits comprise brown coloured, fine to

medium sands with well preserved cross-beddings.

The fluvio-marine deposits are exposed in the Vaigai delta as deltaic plain, paleo-tidal and dune

flat deposits. The deltaic plain and dune flats comprise medium, Grey brown sands. The paleo

tidal flat deposits include black silty clay, black clay and mud. In Rameswaram Island, the

fluvio-marine deposits include indurated sand and dune sands.

The Aeolian deposits comprise red sands which are in nature of ancient dunes and occur over

a 3.2 km wide and 8 km long stretch and lie parallel to the sea coast. These are separated by

marshy deposits of black clays. The sands are underlain by calcareous hardpan. In

Rameswaram Island also brown sand deposits occur around Sambaimadam on either side of

NH 49 west of the town.

The marine formation comprises coastal plain deposits of sand and clay in varied proportion.

Marine calcareous hardpan occurs as low terraces and platforms, with admixture of quartz,

limonite and garnet concentration.

Ramanathapuram PML is in Ramnad sub-basin which is in the southern part of Cauvery Basin.

Ramnad sub-basin and its continuation into Palk Bay-Gulf of Mannar is bounded in the

northwest by Pattukottai-Mannargudi ridge and in the southeast by Mandapam-Delft ridge. The

sub basin holds sediments over 6000 m in thickness, ranging in age from Lower Cretaceous

and older to Recent. The synrift sedimentary column comprises mainly of shale and sandstone

in the Andimadam Formation. Sag phase sedimentation represented in the upper Cretaceous

Bhuvanagiri, Kudavasal Shale, Nannilam and Portonovo shale is predominantly sand shale

alternations with minor limestone development. Major part of the passive margin sequences

ranging from Paleocene to Recent were deposited on the eastern shelf-slope regime with


__________________________________________________________________________________________


eastward prograding coast line. The siliciclastic sequences of the passive margin stage are

interspersed with major limestone intervals corresponding to Eocene and Miocene periods.

Two regional fault trends - older NNE-SSW curvilinear fault set intersected by a younger EW

fault set which are deep seated and Basement controlled play a vital role in the formation of

the structures, subsequent charging and entrapment in Ramnad Sub basin. The established

pools at upper Cretaceous reservoir levels are all located along or at the intersection of these

two trends.

The hydrocarbon potential of Upper Cretaceous reservoirs ranging in age from Turonian to

Campanian (Bhuvanagiri & Nannilam formations) is well established while the efforts to

establish hydrocarbon prospectivity of Lower Cretaceous & older sequences are still at the

nascent stage. About 55 exploratory & development wells were drilled in Ramanathapuram

PML, out of which 29 are gas bearing in Nannilam, Bhuvanagiri and Lower Kamalapuram

formations. The Lower Cretaceous being the source rocks, there is a fair chance of hydrocarbon

accumulation in these sequences at favourable places.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


FIGURE 3-3: TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OF ONGC FIELD


__________________________________________________________________________________________


3.1.5 Hydrogeology

The district is underlain by both porous and fissured formations. The important aquifer systems

in the district are constituted by i) unconsolidated & semi consolidated formations and ii)

weathered and fractured crystalline rocks.

The porous formations can be grouped into three aquifer groups, viz., Cretaceous sediments,

Tertiary Sediments and Quaternary Sediments. The cretaceous aquifer is semi confined to

confined in nature and consists of two zones. The top unit comprises fossiliferous sandstone

red in colour and compact in nature, while the bottom is pinkish or grayish sandstone

intercalated with shales. The aquifers are characterized by freshwater and occurs at the depth

range of 116-407 and 205-777 m below ground level (bgl) and has thickness in the range of 68

to 535 m. The aquifer is made up of compact sandstone and the potential is limited. The wells

may yield a discharge of 5-10 liters per second (lps) and can sustain a pumping of 10-15 hours

a day. However, because of the presence of potential shallow tertiary aquifer, this aquifer has

not been extensively developed.

Cuddalore Sandstone of Tertiary sediments consists Sandstone, Clay & Conglomerate. They

are encountered at the depth of 15-75 m bgl with the thickness ranging from 20 to 70 m. The

groundwater occurs under unconfined condition with thickness varying from 15-20m and under

confined condition in deeper depths. The unconfined aquifer can be tapped by dug well/ dug

cum bore well and can yield about 10-15 lps and can sustain a pumping of 10-15 hours a day.

The deeper tube wells can yield about 15-20 lps and can sustain a pumping of 10-15 hours a

day.

Quaternary sediments comprises fluvial and coastal sands and laterites. The alluvium with

alternate layer of sand and clay with a thickness of 15-25 m and are characterized by floating

freshwater lenses limited to a depth 6-7 m bgl and can sustain a pumping of 2 – 3 hours and

can yield about 2-5 lps.

The water-bearing properties of crystalline formations which lack primary porosity depend on

the extent of development of secondary intergranular porosity . The occurrence and movement

of ground water in these rocks are generally confined to such spaces. These aquifers are highly

heterogeneous in nature due to variation in lithology, texture and structural features even within

short distances. Ground water generally occurs under phreatic conditions in the weathered

mantle and under semiconfined conditions in the fissured and fractured zones at deeper levels.

The thickness of weathered zone in the district is in the range of 4 to 15 m. The depth ofthe

wells ranged from 10.00 to 15.00 m bgl.

The yield of large diameter wells in the district, tapping the weathered mantle of crystalline

rocks ranges from 40 to 110 lpm and are able to sustain pumping for 2 to 6 hours per day. The

Specific capacity of large diameter wells tested in crystalline rocks ranges from 20.25 to 95

lpm / m. of drawdown. The yield characteristics of wells vary considerably depending on the

topographic set-up, litho logy and nature of weathering. The transmissivity of weathered

formations computed from pumping test data using empirical methods range < 1 m2/day.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


The yield of bore wells drilled down to a depth of 40 to 70 m, by various state agencies mainly

for domestic purposes ranged from 10 to 250 lpm.

The depth to water level in the district varied between 0.67 – 12.12 m bgl during pre monsoon

depth to water level (May 2006) and varied between 0.49 – 8.78 m bgl during post monsoon

depth to water level (Jan 2007). The seasonal fluctuation shows a rise in water level, which

ranges from 0.35 to 2.8m bgl. The piezometric head varied between 3.49 to 16.23m bgl (May

2006) during premonsoon and 1.29 to 8.06 m bgl during post monsoon. (Source: Annual

Report, April-2009, CGWB)

Ground Water Resources

The annual replenishable ground water resources of Ramanathpuram district as per the estimate

of Central Ground Water Board (as on 31st March 2004) is 48,943 hectare metre (ham) whereas

the net groundwater availability is found to be 33540 ham. The stage of ground water

development is 15%. Future provision (upto year 2029) for use of ground water resources in

domestic and industrial sector is 963 ham and net ground water availability for future irrigat ion

use is 21,143 ham.

Groundwater is primarily used for drinking and other domestic purposes. Groundwater is

primarily tapped by tube wells from depths ranging mostly between 40-70 m. District

Ramnathapuram is falling under Semi Critical category as per stage of ground water

development of the area.

3.1.6 Ground Water Quality

Primary monitoring of ground water quality was considered important in order to understand

the probable impacts of the proposed project activities on the sub surface aquifers. Potential

pollution of subsurface and unconfined aquifers may occur due to improper casing and

cementing of well leading to infiltration or seeping of drilling chemicals or mud into nearby

aquifer. Contamination of aquifers may also occur from disposal of drilling waste and mud in

an open/unpaved pit.

A monitoring network consisting of 6 locations for groundwater was selected and

representative sampling was carried out at each of the locations and the detailed results of

ground water analysis are presented in Table 3.8.

Ground Water Sampling Points

A total of 6 nos. ground water samples were collected from shallow tube wells of the study

area prospect zone villages comprising of Enmanamkondan, Raghunathapuram,

Periyapattanam, Kilakkarai, Ervadi and Tirupalani. Samples were analyzed for

physicochemical and bacteriological parameters and results compared with IS: 10500 drinking

water standards to identify and interpret any deviation in the statutory limits set for parameters

under this standard.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Interpretation of Ground Water Quality Results

Turbidity

Turbidity values for range between 2.80 to 6.00 ground water. However, turbidity values of

groundwater collected from all the other sites were within the desirable limits of IS 10500

standards.

Chlorides and Total Dissolved Solids

With respect to IS: 10500 standards the desirable limit of chloride is 250 mg/l while the

permissible limit of the said parameter (in absence of alternate source) is 1000 mg/l. At

concentration above 250 mg/l chlorides renders a salty taste to water which may be considered

to be objectionable in terms of human consumption.

The chloride concentration in the ground water samples of the study area range between

199-425 mg/l.

The concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) in ground water is a measure of its suitability

for domestic use. In general, TDS values at 500 mg/l or below is considered to be most

desirable for such purpose being specified under IS: 10500 drinking water standard. The TDS

values for the ground water samples analyzed varies in the range of 1001 mg/l to 1496 mg/l

thereby conforming to the exceeding desirable limit of this ground water parameter.

Total Hardness

Hardness of water is considered to be an important parameter in determining the suitability of

water for domestic uses particularly washing. Hardness of water is correlated to the presence

of bivalent metallic ions viz. calcium and magnesium. Total hardness values for the ground

water samples analyzed ranged between 344 mg/l to 672 mg/l and were found to be exceeding

standard of 300 mg/l specified under IS: 10500. Further as discussed above, the hardness values

recorded at each ground water monitoring station was found to be in correlation with the

calcium and magnesium ions analyzed for such samples. The concentration of calcium and

magnesium ions was found to be within exceeding permissible limits specified for the aforesaid

parameters as per IS: 10500 standards.

Iron and Fluoride

Iron is considered to be an important ground water parameter since at higher concentration it

interferes with laundering operations and imparts objectionable stains. Iron concentration of

ground water samples collected range 0.01 to 0.07 were found within the desirable limit of IS

:10500 Standard.

Heavy Metals


__________________________________________________________________________________________


The presence of heavy metals like mercury (< 0.001 mg/l), arsenic (< 0.01 mg/l), copper (<

0.02 mg/l), lead (<0.005 mg/l), hexavalent chromium (<0.05 mg/l) and cadmium (< 0.002

mg/l), in the ground water samples of all the six sources were found to be below detection

limits.

Coliforms

Coliforms are indicators of contamination from sewage and feacal matter. Coliforms

werenpresent in all collected samples and in the concentration range between 2 to 4

MPN/100ml Absence of faecal coliform at all the samples. Total Coliform is analysed by Four

plate method & Incubation Method as per IS:15185 - 2002. Fecal Coliform is measured is

analysed by Four plate method & Incubation Method as per IS:15185 – 2002 method

TABLE 3-7: SAMPLING LOCATIONS OF GROUND WATER

Sampling Number Sampling Location

GW-1

Enmanamkondam

GW-2 Regunathapuram GW-3 Periyapattanam

GW-4 Kilakkarai

GW-5 Ervadi GW-6 Tirupalani


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Groundwater sampling Enamankonda Groundwater sampling Ervadi

Groundwater sampling Kilkari Groundwater sampling Panipattnam

Groundwater sampling Regunathapuram Groundwater sampling Tirupalani


__________________________________________________________________________________________


TABLE 3-8: GROUNDWATER MONITORING RESULTS

SL. No. Test Parameters Unit GW1 GW2 GW3 GW4 GW5 GW6

1. Colour Hazen <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0

2. Odour - Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable

3. Taste - Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable

4. Turbidity NTU 2.90 6.00 3.90 3.30 2.80 3.60

5. PH - 8.1 7.7 7.4 7.1 7.6 7.2

6. Temperature 0C 29 28 29 28 29 27

7. Total Solids mg/l 1291 788 1504 1435 1015 1670

8. Total Hardness as CaCO3

mg/l 344 200 624 672 496 592

9. Total Alkalinity

mg/l 300 140 320 280 140 480

10. Iron as Fe

mg/l Nil 0.07 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02

11. Chlorides as Cl

mg/l 333 199 425 411 340 425

12. Residual Free Chlorine

mg/l Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

13. Total Dissolved Solids

mg/l 1278 1100 1496 1423 1001 1662

14. Calcium as Ca

mg/l 135 52 183 173 118 157

15. Magnesium as Mg

mg/l 2 18 40 58 48 48

16. Copper as Cu

mg/l <0.005 0.05 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005


__________________________________________________________________________________________


SL. No. Test Parameters Unit GW1 GW2 GW3 GW4 GW5 GW6

17. Manganese as Mn

mg/l 0.01 0.02 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.03

18. Sulphate as SO4

mg/l 170 108 179 286 188 233

19. Nitrate as NO2

mg/l 12 12 21 19 11 15

20. Flourides as F mg/l 0.45 0.44 0.86 0.92 0.78 0.83

21. Sodium as Na mg/l 279 158 226 225 160 345

22. Potassium as K

mg/l 6 4 6 5 3 6

23. Phenolic Compounds as C6H5OH mg/l Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

24. Mercury as Hg mg/l Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

25. Cadium as Cd Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

26. Selenium as Se mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL

27. Arsenic as As mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL

28. Cyanide as CN mg/l Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

29. Lead as Pb mg/l 0.04 0.04 0.06 0.07 0.04 0.06

30. Zinc as Zn mg/l 0.25 0.26 0.33 0.36 0.24 0.39

31. Anionic detergent as MBAS mg/l Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

32. Hexavalent Chromium as Cr+6 mg/l Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

33. Total Coliform Organism MPN/100ml 3 4 2 3 2 4

34. Faecal coliform/100ml MPN/100ml Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent


__________________________________________________________________________________________


FIGURE 3-4: LOCATION OF GROUNDWATER, SURFACE WATER AND SOIL MONITORING LOCATIONS WITHIN THE ONGC FIELD


__________________________________________________________________________________________


3.1.7 Drainage

The Vaigai basin is an important basin among the 12 basins lying between the Cauvery and

Kanyakumari. The basin is bounded by the Varushanadu hills, the Andipatti hills, the

Cardaman hills and the Palani hills on the west and the Palk Strait and Palk Bay on the east.

The basin lies between 90 17' to 100 22' north latitudes approximately. This basin is divided

into two major topographical divisions namely (i) the hilly areas and (ii) the plains.The basin

is elongated in shape and drains into the Palk Bay. The Vaigai drains an area of 7,741 sq km

which entirely lies in the state of Tamil Nadu.

The Vaigai river on the western slopes of the Varushanadu hills at an elevation on 1,200m

above msl near Kottamalai in the Madurai district at a north latitude 90 32' and east longitude

770 23' and flows in the northernly and north easternly directions up to its confluence with the

Varushanadhi and then takes a turn towards east and south east to flow through Madurai,

Sivakangai and Ramanathapuram districts. After traversing about 258 km, the river Vaigai

discharges into Ramnad big tank and some other tanks. The surplus water from the tanks fina lly

discharges into the Palk Bay near Mandapam. On its way, the Vaigai receives two important

tributaries namely the Suruliyar and the Manjalar on its left bank, besides a large number of

small streams and rivulets. The river has been dammed downstream of its confluence with the

Suruliyar.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


The major part of Ramanathapuram district falls in Gundar-Vaigai river basin. Vaigai and

Gundar are the important rivers and in addition, Virusuli, Kottakariyar & Uppar are the othe r

rivers draining the district. The drainage pattern, in general, is dendritic. All the rivers are

seasonal and carry substantial flows during monsoon period. Vaigai., which is one of the

important rivers of the district, which is flow and drain in the Paramakudi, Bogalur, Tirupullani

and Mandapam blocks. The Gundar river originates in Kottamalai hills in the Saptura forest

and enters the district near Anankulam and flows in a south –eastern to due south direction and

enters the Bay of Bengal neare Mukaiyur. The river assumes the name of “ Reghunatha Cauveri

“ from Kamudhi.

The Kottakarai, Virusuli and Uppar are other rivers flowing in south easterly direction and

entering the Bay of Bengal. Major drainage in the study area is Manimuthar, Vaigai & Vaippar.

The drainage map within the block has been prepared and presented as Figure 3.5.


__________________________________________________________________________________________


FIGURE 3-5: DRAINAGE MAP WITHIN THE BLOCK


__________________________________________________________________________________________


3.1.8 Surface water quality

Primary monitoring of surface water quality was given importance during scoping of the EIA

study as the effluent generated during the exploratory well drilling operations are likely to be

discharged to nearby surface water bodies/natural drainage channels/rivers after ensuring that

it meets prescribed norms of CPCB. Further, an effort has been made to establish the baseline

quality of the existing major watersheds and sub watersheds (comprising the major drainage of

the study area) to identify any possible contamination due to any current industrial activit ies.

A monitoring network consisting of 4 locations for surface water monitoring were selected.

Water sampling and analysis was done following CPCB standard guidelines for physical,

chemical and bacteriological parameters. The monitoring locations are shown in Figure 3.5.

Surface Water Sampling Points

Surface water samples were collected from all major water channels of the study area i.e. Vagai

river(Upstream & Downstream), Water body in Periyapattanam, Water body/river near

Kanjirangudi, Water body near Sattakonvalasai to get an overview of the surface water quality

of the study area. Surface water quality was finally assessed against water quality criteria as

per CPCB guidelines for water resources. Results of surface water samples have been discussed

below.

Interpretation of Surface Water Quality Results

The pH of the surface water samples varied from 7.4-7.9. The total coliform count of the

surface water samples range between 15 to 35 MPN/100ml. The presence of contaminants in

the form of oil and grease and heavy metals viz. lead, iron, arsenic, chromium and mercury in

the surface waters of all sources were found to benegligible. The toxic organic component,

phenol, was also found be below detectable limit (<0.001 mg/l) in all the surface water samples.

BOD is varied from 2.2-2.6mg/l. COD is varied from 32-42mg/l.

Detailed surface water analysis results have been provided at Table 3.10.As discussed in the

previous section the channels from which samples were taken and analyzed were primarily

used for irrigation, bathing, cleaning and for catching fish. The analyzed values of the samples

after comparing with the CPCB Water Use Criteria justifies their use in compliance to water

use criteria.

TABLE 3-9: SAMPLING LOCATION OF SURFACE WATER

Sampling Number Sampling Location

SW-1

Vagai river (up stream)

SW-2 Vagairiver(down stream) SW-3 Periyapattanam SW-4 Kanjirangudi

SW-5 Sattakonvalasai


__________________________________________________________________________________________


TABLE 3-10: SURFACE WATER QUALITY RESULTS

SL. No.

Test Parameters Unit SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4 SW5

1. Colour Hazen <5.0 >5.0 >5.0 >5.0 >5.0

2. Odour

- Agreeable Not Agreeable

Not Agreeable

Not Agreeable

Not Agreeable

3. DO mg/l 5.3 5.4 5.2 5.7 5.6

4. BOD mg/l 2.2 2.4 2.4 2.6 2.3

5. COD mg/l 32 35 38 42 38

6. Turbidity NTU 5 9 14 8 12

7. PH - 7.6 7.8 7.4 7.6 7.9

8. Temperature 0C 26 28 29 27 28

9. Total Solids mg/l 365 29300 606 21400 382

10. Total Hardness as CaCO3

mg/l 112 3600 216 2800 128

11. Total Alkalinity mg/l 120 8600 180 7200 110

12. Iron as Fe mg/l 0.01 0.07 0.01 0.06 0.01

13. Chlorides as Cl mg/l 71 9042 106 7340 63

14. Residual Free Chlorine

mg/l Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

15. Total Dissolved Solids

mg/l 338 28808 551 21120 345

16. Calcium as Ca mg/l 25 803 35 722 32

17. Magnesium as Mg

mg/l 11 390 31 244 12

18. Copper as Cu mg/l <0.005 0.05 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005

19. Manganese as Mn

mg/l BDL 0.08 0.04 0.06 0.03

20. Sulphate as SO4 mg/l 66 4850 106 4160 78

21. Nitrate as NO2 mg/l 13 72 22 44 18

22. Flourides as F mg/l 0.5 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.6

23. Sodium as Na mg/l 68 8087 108 7100 72

24. Potassium as K mg/l 3 22 2 16 2

25. Phenolic Compounds C6H5OH


26. Mercury as Hg mg/l Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

27. Cadium as Cd Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

28. Selenium as Se mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL

29. Arsenic as As mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL

30. Cyanide as CN mg/l Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

31. Lead as Pb mg/l 0.05 0.09 0.04 0.07 0.03

32. Zinc as Zn mg/l 0.40 0.52 0.29 0.48 0.26


__________________________________________________________________________________________


SL. No.

Test Parameters Unit SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4 SW5

33. Anionic detergent as MBAS


34. Hexavalent Chromium Cr+6


35. Total Coliform Organism

MPN/100ml

15 18 35 16 31

36. Faecal coliform/100ml

MPN/100ml

2 4 8 3 6

Surface water sampling Vaigai Down Stream

Surface water sampling Vaigai UP Stream

3.1.9 Additional Surface Water Monitoring

The additional surface water monitoring conducted in January 2016 to recheck the result of

BOD, COD and TDS at two locations i.e. Vagai River downstream and Kanjirangudi River.

In the study area month of January 2016 represent post monsoon period. The details of

monitoring result is represented in Table – 3.11.

TABLE 3-11: ADDITIONAL SURFACE WATER MONITORING RESULTS

SL. No.

Test Parameters Unit SW1 SW2

1. pH --- 8.35 8.15

2. Colour Hazen <5 <5

3. Turbidity NTU 9.7 4.5

4. Temperature ⁰C 23.3 22.9

5. Electrical Conductivity mS/cm 19.78 4.68

6. Total Suspended Solids mg/l 105 176

7. Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 16838 49101

8. Alkalinity mg/l 223 125


__________________________________________________________________________________________


SL. No.

Test Parameters Unit SW1 SW2

9. Hardeness mg/l 2855.6 5121.2

10. Dissolved Oxygen mg/l 4.7 5.2

11. Biochemical Oxygen Demand mg/l 71 96

12. Chemical Oxygen Demand mg/l 191.84 253.28

13. Nitrate mg/l BDL BDL

14. Nitrite mg/l 0.049 0.014

15. Sulphate mg/l 1106.47 1017.04

16. Chloride mg/l 6792.93 14802.50

17. Phosphate mg/l <0.5 <0.5

18. Fluoride mg/l 1.34 1.56

19. Sodium mg/l 3922.5 6567.5

20. Potassium mg/l 85.33 235.2

21. Nitrogen mg/l 2.8 3.5

22. Phosphorus mg/l <0.5 <0.5

23. Calcium mg/l 387.04 368.16

24. Magnesium mg/l 453.12 1008.20

25. Silica mg/l 1.08 1.30

26. Oil & Grease mg/l BDL BDL

27. Phenolic Compounds mg/l 0.83 1.43

28. Lead mg/l 0.27 0.47

29. Arsenic mg/l BDL BDL

30. Mercury mg/l BDL BDL

31. Cadmium mg/l 0.60 0.05

32. Hexavalent Chromium mg/l BDL BDL

33. Total Chromium mg/l BDL BDL

34. Copper mg/l BDL BDL

35. Zinc mg/l 0.040 0.040

36. Iron mg/l 0.76 0.09

37. Total Coliform MPN/100ml 12 23

Analysis of Additional Monitoring Result


__________________________________________________________________________________________


The analysis of result shows that BOD value at both the monitoring location is reported as 71

– 96 mg/l. This BOD value indicates the presence of higher organic content and therefore

higher demand of oxygen would be requried to degrade the organic content. The higher BOD

result monitored after monsoon may attribute to decaying of plant and other organic matter

due to Chennai flood incident. The Chennai flood incident also influenced this area. Further,

BOD/COD ration also lies in the range of 0.3 – 0.6 which indicates that presence of toxic

components and acclimated mircroorganism may be requried in stabilization of these water

bodies.

TDS result is observed as high in both the samples. TDS was also observed as high value in

the sample collected during the pre-monsoon season. The high value of TDS may attribute to

tidal influence in Vagai River (downstream) and increased water flow in Kanjirangudi River.

3.1.10 Land-Use

The land-use and land-cover of the study area has been interpreted from the satellite data

(Google Imagery), toposheet of the area, and subsequently by ground truthing during field

surveys. The study area land use shows that the land (48.0%) in the area is used Prosopi Jungle,

Agriculture ( 25.0%), Aquaculture (5%), Bird Sanctuary (0.3%), Settlements (15.0%),

Coconuts (6.1%), Mangroves Forest (0.2%), Bird Sanctuary (0.2%), Salt ponds (0.2%), Water

Body (0.2%). The land use analysis result is shown in the following Table. The land use map

of the study area is presented in Figure 3.5.

Type of Landuse Distribution

Prosopis Jungle

48 %

Agriculture 25 %

Aquaculture 5%

Bird Sanctuary 0.5%

Settlements 15.0 % Coconuts 6.1%

Mangroves Forest 0.2%

Salt ponds & Water Body 0.4 %


___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


FIGURE 3-6: LAND USE MAP WITHIN THE ONGC FIELD


__________________________________________________________________________________________


3.1.11 Soil Quality

Soils in the area have been classified into i) Black Clayey soil, ii) Sandy soil and iii) Red –

ferruginous soil.

In the Ramanathapuram district, majority of the area is covered by Black Clayey soil type.

These soils are mostly black or black to brownish in colour and are found in parts of

Ramanathapuram, Paramakudi, Kamuthi, Tiruvadanai and Mudukulathur blocks. Sand occur

in flat elevation along the Rameshwaram and Kadaladi blocks, Alluvial soils occur along the

river courses of Vaigai and Gundar river covering in the blocks Paramakudi, Tiruvadanai and

Muthukulayhur. The Red ferruginous soil of the Chettinad plains occurs as few pockets around

Paramakudi and Tiruvadanai blocks.

As discussed above, since soils of the Ramanathpuram Taluka, of which the exploratory block

is a part is characterized by Black Clayey Soil. Major part of district soil is infertile in nature,

however the implementation of the proposed project may lead to the temporary change/loss of

soil fertility at the drilling site. The understanding of soil quality therefore assumes significance

considering the block soil fertility characteristics and also given the responsibility of the

proponent to restore the site back to its original condition following decommissioning. An

effort has been therefore been made to establish the soil quality of the block through primary

monitoring study as discussed in the section below.

TABLE 3-12: DETAILS OF SOIL MONITORING LOCATIONS


S-1 Panikulam

S-2 Enmankondan

S-3 Sattakonvalsai S-4 Regunathapuram S-5 Ervadi

Primary Soil Sampling and Analysis

The soil characteristics within the study area, especially the physical quality and fertility of the

soil have been characterized by analyzing the soil samples collected from 5 locations namely,

Panaikkulam, Enmanamkondan, Sattakonvalasai, Raghunathapuram, Ervadi. Primary soil

monitoring includes analysis of the heavy metals with the objective of establishing baseline

values for such contaminants.

Interpretation of Soil Analysis Results

It has been observed that the pH of the soil in the study area ranged from 6.7 to 7.7

the maximum pH value of 7.7 was observed at village (S1), where as the minimum value of 6.7 was observed at Village (S5).


__________________________________________________________________________________________


It has been observed that the pH of the soil in the study area ranged from 6.7 to 7.7

the maximum pH value of 7.7 was observed at village (Eravadi), where as the minimum value of 6.7 was observed at Village (Panikulam).

The electrical conductivity was observed to be in the range of 143 µmhos/cm to 334

µmhos/cm, with the maximum observed at village (Eravadi) and minimum observed in Village (Regunathapuram).

The nitrogen values range between 32.2-177 kg/ha. The nitrogen content in the study area falls in very less to better category.

The phosphorus values range between 2.3 to 66.7 kg/ha, indicating that the phosphorus content in the study area falls in very less to sufficient category.

The potassium values range between 111.6 – 267.3 kg/ha. The potassium content in the study area falls in less to more than sufficient category.

The chlorides were found to be in the range of 70.9– 301.3 mg/kg of soil.

TABLE 3-13: SOIL ANALYSIS RESULTS

Sr.

No.

Parameter Units S1 S2 S3 S4 S5

1 pH (1:5 Aq.Extract) ---- 6.7 7.0 6.8 7.1 7.7

2 Condutivity (1:5 Aq.Extract) scm 145 175 221 143 334

3 Texture ---- Clay Sandy Clay

Clay Sandy Clay

Sandy clay

4 Sand % 35 55 36 50 52

5 Silt % 22 15 24 12 11

6 Clay % 43 30 40 38 37

7 Bulk Density mg/cc 1 1.2 1.1 1 1

8 Exchangeable Calcium as Ca mg/kg 1598 839 1518 1479 1840

9 Exchangeable Magnesium as Mg

mg/kg 461 218 680 413 1312

10 Exchangeable Sodium as Na mg/kg 181.8 498.5 245.7 81 327

11 Available Potassium as K Kg/ha 155.6 223 111.6 122.4 267.3

12 Available Phosphorous as P Kg/ha 2.3 44.7 66.7 14 9.3

13 Available Nitrogen as N Kg/ha 161.6 32.2 177 134.6 107.2

14 Organic Matter % 1.67 0.28 1.66 1.39 1.11

15 Organic Carbon % 0.97 0.16 0.96 0.81 0.64

16 Water Soluble Chloride as Cl mg/kg 88.6 227.7 212.6 70.9 301.3

17 Water Soluble Sulphate as SO4 mg/kg 62.2 131.6 104.2 109.3 141.6

18 Sodium Absorption Ratio ---- 0.46 1.77 0.59 0.21 0.64

19 Aluminium % 1.77 1.82 1.43 0.97 0.75

20 Total Iron % 2.08 1.43 0.64 0.41 2.11

21 Manganese mg/kg 442.1 362 86.5 102.3 294.1

22 Boron mg/kg 14.5 12.9 16.2 11.9 14.8

23 Zinc mg/kg 44.2 61.8 56.3 37.3 46.5


__________________________________________________________________________________________


Soil Sampling at Ervadi

Soil Sampling at Panikulam

Soil Sampling at Sttakonavalsai

Soil Sampling at Regunathapuram

3.1.12 Natural Hazards

A natural disaster during the life cycle of the project can have a significant effect on the

functioning of the project in addition to affecting the local environment in the area and stressing

the availability of resources for the project. Such disasters also sometimes create difficulties in

access through disruption of transportation links.

Seismicity & Earthquakes


__________________________________________________________________________________________


The study area is located in Zone II as shown in the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) 2000

seismic zone map for India. Seismic Map of India is shown in Figure 3-6.

FIGURE 3-7: SEISMIC ZONE MAP OF INDIA

[Source : Amateur Seismic Centre www.asc-india.org]

http://www.asc-india.org/



3.2 ECOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The Ramanathapuram district is rich in biodiversity and has a number of sensitive ecosystems

comprising both terrestrial and coastal & marine components. In the study area important

wildlife habitat is Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park(GMMNP) and Biosphere Reserve.

Sakkarkotai Bird Sanctuary, Gulf of Mannar National Park 10km buffer zone falls in ONGC

Ramanathapuram PML block area.

The primary objectives of the biological environment study are:

To assess the vegetation types

Phytosociological study of tree and herbs

To identify common flora & fauna in the study area

To find out rare and endangered floral and faunal species (if any)

To evaluate wildlife habitat of the area and assess impact of the proposed project on

wildlife & their habitats.

To assess impact of the proposed project on agriculture and domestic livestock.

3.2.1 Methodology

Study Area

The study area for terrestrial ecological surveys is considered taking the entire area of ONGC

block.

Desktop Review and Reconnaissance Survey

A desktop review (documents collected from GMMNP and other published documents, etc.)

was conducted to determine the area (Toposheet and Satellite imagery), vegetation type

(Champion and Seth, 1962), floral and faunal assemblage in the study area. A site

reconnaissance visit was conducted on July 30th – 7th August and 4th-11th September 2014 to

identify different ecological habitats, sensitive ecological habitat and also to identify the

targeted study area for baseline survey.

Baseline Survey

Baseline survey was carried out to determine the existing ecological conditions and was

designed to fill any data gaps, and to facilitate an adequate assessment of the project’s impacts

upon ecology and the development of appropriate mitigation measures. Baseline survey was

conducted on July 30th – 7th August and 4th-11th September 2014 for habitat survey, flora &

faunal assemblage, in the study area. Baseline survey has two parts- (i) Secondary data

collection and (ii) Primary Survey.



Secondary Data Collection

Secondary baseline data regarding sensitive ecological habitat (National Park, Sanctuary,

Ecological Sensitive Area, Migratory Corridor, etc.), flora & fauna in the study area, published

and unpublished documents.

Primary Survey

Primary survey was carried out the targeted study area for habitat (terrestrial and aquatic), flora

and faunal survey (terrestrial and aquatic), phyto-sociological survey through transect and

quadrant method (natural forest), planktonic monitoring. Special attention was paid to those

areas, which will be directly impacted by proposed drilling activity.

3.3 FOREST RESOURCES

The district has only 273 sq km forest cover, i.e. 6.4% of the total geographical area of the

district. However, the ML area has no demarcated forest land. There some scrub land in the

ML area. In the study area has four types of habitat –forests (mostly scrub land), coastal habitat

and agricultural land.

3.4 HABITAT

3.4.1 Forest Habitat

When Tropical dry-mixed evergreen forests are destroyed, often, tropical thorn forests

(scrublands) grow in their place. Tropical thorn forests also grow in arid areas where the dry

season is very long. Plants in thorn forests have to conserve water, so they have small leaves

or thorns, to reduce water loss, or store water in fleshy leaves and stems. During the dry season,

leaves fall off.

3.4.2 Inland Wetland Habitats

Several streams and rivers drain into the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar. Rivers and streams

are bodies of water that move continuously in one direction. At the beginning of the stream the

channel is narrow and the water is pure and carries less sediment than downstream, as well as

only a few minerals. Many such streams (tributaries of a river) join together to form a larger

river.

3.4.3 Coastal and Marine Habitat

In this region there are also many coastal and marine habitats. They are

Mangroves: above Devipattanam, and small patch at Karanjigudi

Salt marshes: near to sea side creeks,

Sand dunes and beaches (including seashore vegetation): are mainly on east part of the

district,

Mud flats: are mainly on east part of the district,

Sea grass meadows, and

Coral Reefs.



3.5 VEGETATION

Forest types occurring in this region are Tropical dry-mixed evergreen forests and Tropical

thorn forests (scrublands). The flora of the area is dominated by species like Acacia nilot ica,

Prosopis juliflora, Tamarindus indica, Azadirachita indica, Albizzia amara, Ficus bengalens is,

Ficus religiosa, Morinda tinctoria, Borassus flabellifer, Syzygium cumuni, Acacia planifons,

etc. About 45 plant angiosperm plant species were reported from this area.

Phytosociological study of terrestrial vegetation

The detailed phytosociological study of 9 wells of the study area are included in Annexure

4-B.

3.6 WILDLIFE HABITAT & WILDLIFE

The study area has important wildlife habitat – Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and

Biosphere Reserve. The sanctuary and its adjoining forests are very rich in diversity.

Ramanathapuram district has also three bird sanctuaries, namely Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary,

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary and Melaselvanur - Kilaselvanur Bird Sanctuary.

3.6.1 Birds Sanctuary

The location and details of birds sanctuaries in the district is shown below:

TABLE 3-14: DETAILS OF BIRDS SANCTUARIES

Sanctuary Area of the

Sanctuary (sq.

km)

Location Distance from

ML area (km)

Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary 0.48 9°19′48″N 78°29′23″E 22.5

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary

1.04 9°20′N 78°29′E. 23.4

Melaselvanur - Kilaselvanur Bird Sanctuary

5.93 9°13’47” & 9°12’27” N and 78°32’29” & 78°34’28” E

10.8

Therthangal Bird Sanctuary 0.29 9°28'15.09"N& 78°47'15.19"E

4.0

Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary 16.50 09°22'00"N, 78° 52'00"E

Within the ML area

Melaselvanoor and Keelaselvanoor bird sanctuary

The area under present study is KMBS, Ramanathapuram lies between latitude which is

9°13’47” and 9°12’27” N and longtitude 78°32’29” and 78°34’28” E in Kadaladi taluk of

Ramanathapuram District in Tamil Nadu. This sanctuary was declared in the year 1998. This

is the biggest birds Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. The total area of the Sanctuary is 593.08 ha. The

flora of the area is dominated by species like Acacia nilotica, Prosopis juliflora, Tamarindus

indica, Azadirachita indica, Albizzia amara, Ficus bengalensis, Ficus religiosa, Morinda

tinctoria, Borassus flabellifer, Syzygium cumuni, Acacia planifons, etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chitrangudi_Bird_Sanctuary

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanjirankulam_Bird_Sanctuary


http://tools.wmflabs.org/geohack/geohack.php?pagename=Protected_areas_of_Tamil_Nadu&params=9_19_48_N_78_29_23_E_



http://tools.wmflabs.org/geohack/geohack.php?pagename=Kanjirankulam_Bird_Sanctuary&params=9_20_N_78_29_E_



The three different habitats i.e., aquatic fresh water habitat (FWH), shrubby habitat (SH) and

mixed forest habitat (MFH). A total of 116 species of birds belonging to 47 families was

reported from this sanctuary. Of the total 116 species of birds 51 species were mixed forest

residents, 18 species were reported to use more than one habitat, 26 species were reported to

be aquatic residents and 21 species of birds use only shrubby habitat. Major bird species were

Dater, Cormorant, Egret, Heron, Ibis, Spoonbill, Cotton Teal, Spot-Billed Duck, Plover,

Lapwing, Sandpiper, Wagtail, Kingfisher, etc.

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary is a 1.04 sq. km Protected area near Mudukulathur,

9°20′N 78°29′E. It is adjacent to Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary. It is notable as a nesting site for

several migratory Heron species that roost in the prominent growth of Babul trees there.

International name: Chitragudi and Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary, IBA Code: IN261, Criteria:

A1, A4i.

The sanctuary vegetation is mostly Tropical Dry Deciduous forest. It is dominated by Babul

along with Prosopis juliflora and the grasses Bermuda grass and Eremopogon foveolatus.

The invasive Prosopis is slowly encroaching on much of the sanctuary area, retarding growth

of Babuls. The irrigation tank bund and the area outside the tank

have Tamarind trees, Fig trees, Neem trees, Portia trees, Silk trees Drumstick trees and palms

3.6.2 Gulf of Mannar

The Gulf of Mannar lies between India and Sri Lanka. It encompasses the territorial waters of

the southeast coast of India, from Dhanushkodi in the north to Kanyakumari in the south

(Figure 3.7). It has a chain of 21 islands covering an area of 623 ha, with each island having an

area of 0.5 ha minimum and 129 ha maximum. They are located 2 to 10 km from the mainland

along the 140 km stretch between Tuticorin and Rameswaram (Lat 8°55'-9°15’N and Long

78°0'-79°16’E). The islands are occurring in 4 groups namely Mandapam group, Keezhakarai

group, Vembar group and Tuticorin group. There are no permanent inhabitants in these islands

and temporary camping by forest officials and fishermen for a few days is common in some of

the islands.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protected_areas_of_India

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudukulathur

http://tools.wmflabs.org/geohack/geohack.php?pagename=Kanjirankulam_Bird_Sanctuary&params=9_20_N_78_29_E_


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heron

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acacia_nilotica

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Important_Bird_Area

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosopis_juliflora

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynodon_dactylon

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dichanthium_foveolatum&action=edit&redlink=1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albizzia



FIGURE 3-8: GULF OF MANNAR

3.7 GULF OF MANNAR MARINE NATIONAL PARK

The government of Tamil Nadu in G.O. M.S. No 962 dated 10th September 1986 notified under

section 35(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 the intention to declare the 21 islands as

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (GOMMNP) for the purpose of protecting marine

wildlife and its environment including depths of 3.5 fathoms on the bay side to 5 fathoms on

the seaward side.

The primary objective of the establishment of the GOMMNP is to conserve the rich marine

biodiversity of the Gulf of Mannar region by providing protection and through management

and restoration of the degraded marine coral reef system, which have been historically mined

and exploited to an unsustainable level.

3.8 GULF OF MANNAR BIOSPHERE RESERVE

The GOMBR was set up as part of the UNESCO-MAB programme in 1989 through a

notification issued by the MoEF, following acceptance by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The

GOMBR was set up with the broad objectives of conserving representative samples of

ecosystems, providing long-term conservation of genetic diversity in situ, promoting basic and

applied research work and its monitoring, and disseminating experiences for education and

training. The GOMBR is the first marine biosphere reserve not only in India but also in all of

South and Southeast Asia.



According to the notification, the area of the GOMBR is 10,500 sq km, running southwards

and parallel to the mainland coastline to a distance of about 170 nautical miles. It includes the

national park as the core area. The original notification includes the 21 islands, starting from

the northern-most Pamban island to Tuticorin (the pearl banks near and away from Tuticorin,

and between Tuticorin and Kanyakumari). The buffer zone includes the immediate sea between

Keezhakarai and Mukairyur, Valimunai, Poovarsanpatti, Van, Kasuwar, Karaichalli and

Vallanguchali islands and the remaining waters in the Tuticorin– Kanyakumari belt. Recent

reports from the GOMBRT office show that the reserve has a coastline of about 300 km and a

10-km wide buffer zone on either side of the coastline (Melkani et al., 2006). The buffer zone

comprises Gulf waters to the south and an inhabited coastline to the north, according to the

draft management plan prepared by the WII and submitted to the GOI.

The broad guidelines and principle of this biosphere reserve is to safeguard the traditional and

eco-friendly nature based livelihood practices of local communities as well as the ecologica lly

fragile Marine habitat within the GOMBR.

3.9 MARINE ECOSYSTEM: GULF OF MANNAR

The national park was declared to protect wildlife and its environment, because of its

ecological, faunal, floral and zoological association and importance. The GOM has coral reefs,

and mangrove and seaweed ecosystems, apart from rocky shores, sandy beaches, mud flats and

estuaries.

These ecosystems support a wide variety of fauna and flora including rare cowries, cones,

volutes, murices, whelks, strombids, chanks, tonnids, prawns, lobsters, pearl oysters, seahorses,

seacucumbers, etc. The biosphere reserve and particularly the Marine National Park of the Gulf

of Mannar also gains more importance because of the alarmingly declining population of the

endangered Dugongs.

3.9.1 Off Shore Islands and Coral Reefs

A chain of 21 low islands has been observed along the offshore region of GOM. All islands are

made up of a calcareous framework of dead reef and sand. They have a low and narrow sandy

coast and some of them have rocky coast. Around all offshore islands, well-developed coral

reefs have been noticed. Geomorphologically, coral reefs in this area are of fringing type,

though some patchy corals are also observed in between Appa Island and Pilliyarmuni Island,

and in some areas like Bharathinagar coast and southeast coast of Kariya Shuli Island. Two

islands namely Velanguchalli and Poovarasanpatti are now submerged in the seascape.

Based on biodiversity assessments made by the recent survey in 2013 conducted by Zoologica l

survey of India the fauna and flora known so far from our Indian reefs comprises 1097 species

under 254 families and 567 genera which includes 85 species of corals, 15 gorgonids,16 sea

anemones, 24 prawns, 3 lobsters, 21 crabs, 88 molluscs, 106 echinoderms, 2 hemichordates, 2

cephalochordates, 78 tunicates, 553 fishes, 6 reptiles, 63 birds, 6 mammals (Venkataraman et

al., 2002). Endemic Hemichordata Phycodera fluva flagship species such as Dugong, 3 species



of dolphins, 2 species of whales, at least 5 species of turtles and 68 elasmobranchs

(Venkataraman et al., 2002).

Threats

The anthropogenic factors such as industrialization, pollution and discharge of large quantit ies

of sewage into coastal areas, in addition to the over exploitation of reef resources and illega l

mining of corals by the local population are the major threat to coral reefs.

Coral mining: The majority of damage to coral reefs in the Gulf of Manar has been through

direct anthropogenic stress The human activity such as coastal development, destructive

fishing, over exploitation, marine pollution, runoff from deforestation and toxic discharge from

industrial and agricultural chemicals. Some of the factors affecting coral reefs growth are

regression of coral growth due to silt laden water with greater load of suspended matter during

monsoon flow, windblown sandy deposition, cyclone, quarrying for limestone, effect of

current, etc.

Seaweed collection: Seaweed collection was carried out around the islands as a source of

alternate livelihood for fishermen communities. Seaweed collections over coral reefs severely

threaten and destroy coral reefs causing the release of bottom sediments and smothering affect,

increase of turbidity and reducing the intensity of light; breaking and killing of coral.

Destructive Fishing Practices: Bottom trawlers and trap nets for crab and lobster are two of

the major destructive fishing practices in the region. This fishing practices churn up the sea

bottom releasing the sediments and casing turbidity, these silt laden waters are carried by

currents and wave action over reefs causing stress to the corals by reducing light penetration

or smothering the corals with sediment. These fishing activities are also destroying the corals.

Sedimentation: Sedimentation affects corals in three ways, photo-synthetically, physically and

chemically. Sedimentation is caused my many sources, both natural and anthropogenic. The

anthropogenic causes are through seaweed collection and by coral mining; the other sources of

sedimentation are from afforestation and removal of vegetation on sand dunes and coast

increases erosion by waves, wind and rainfall increases the sediment load in the water

Eutrophication: The release of sewage has resulted in heavy load of organics and low primary

production, which in turn would drastically affect the growth of the coral habitat

Industrial pollutants: The release of heated water and fly ash from thermal plant has an affect

the coral reefs.

Natural threats: During cyclones heavy wave actions uproots and break corals.



3.9.2 Mangrove

Islands Mangrove

The Gulf of Mannar islands possess some unique type of mangrove vegetation. A total of 10

true mangrove species were reported belonging to 6 families of 6 order1. Mangrove species

was reported in 16 islands. The island Manoli ranks high in having 9 mangrove species and is

followed by Krusadai, Pullivasal, Poomarichan and Hare Island respectively. The mangrove

vegetation in Manoli is striking for its luxuriant growth and diversity. The islands Valai,

Pullimunai, Nallathanni, Upputhanni and Van islands have only one mangrove species each.

About 24 mangrove associated species were recorded from all the islands. The species

Salvadora persica and Sesuvium portulacastrum were the dominant associate flora found in

about 15 islands. Similarly, the species like Thespesia populnea and Scaevola taccada have

been recorded in 13 islands. Caesalpenia, Dalbergia, Pandanus, Pongamia, Salvadora and

Thespesia were found distributed well away from the upper reaches of high tide. The grass

species like Aleuropus, Fimbristylis, Spinifex and Tamarix were recorded at or near the upper

reaches whereas halophytes Salicornia, Scaevola, Sesuvium, Suaeda occupies the gaps between

the mangroves and in exposed areas in the mudflats. Clerodendrum, Ipomoea, and Spinifex

covers the periphery of the islands.

About 61 species belong to trees, herbs, shrubs etc. (other than mangroves and mangrove

associates), were identified at all islands of the Gulf of Mannar. Three alien invasive species

(Acacia eburnean, Acacia nilotica and Prosopis juliflora) were reported from these islands.

On-shore Mangroves

About 13 typical riverine-estuarine and canal have been recorded along coastline of the

Biosphere Reserve in the four coastal districts. Among them only Kanjirangudi of

Ramnathapuram; Vaipar, Buckil odai, Punakayal-Pazhayakayal complex of Tuticorin and

Manakudi of Kanyakumari district have mangrove distribution.

The Kanjirangudi estuary falls in the oil and gas block. The estuarine waters have largely been

utilized for aquaculture practice nearby. Avicennia marina is the only mangrove species found

along the muddy shoreline of the estuary and its distribution extents upto a1.5 km distance from

the coast.

Threats

There is no direct profound threat to mangrove ecosystem in the off-shore Islands.However,

the activities such as docking of small boats, cooking adjacent to the vegetation were pose very

little damage. Natural degradation of mangroves has been reported in few islands due to

increased anaerobic conditions, hyper salinity and sulfide stress at water-logged area over a

period of time has killed mangroves.

1 A study was conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India, National Institute for Coastal and Marine

Biodiversity Centre in 2006



3.9.3 Sea Grass & Sea-weed habitat

Sea-Grass

Sea-grasses occur in the intertidal and mid-tidal zones of shallow and sheltered areas of sea,

gulf, bays, backwaters and lagoons. They form a dense meadow on sandy and coral rubble

bottom and sometimes in the crevices under water.

The Gulf of Mannar is well known for its rich diversity of sea grasses along with dugong.

Various fishes, molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms form the predominant associated fauna

of the sea grass habitats. Under normal conditions, seagrasses maintain water clarity by

trapping silt, dirt, and other sediments suspended in the water column. These materials are then

incorporated into the benthic substratum, where they are stabilized by seagrass roots. However,

when sediment loading becomes excessive, turbidity in the water column increases and the

penetration of sunlight is inhibited. In extreme cases, excessive sediment loading can actually

smother seagrasses.

It was estimated that the total extent of seagrass beds around all islands of the Gulf of Mannar

Biosphere Reserve was 80.7 sq. km. The species composition of seagrass community in the

Gulf of Mannar region include Enhalus acoraides, Halophila ovalis, Halophila ovata, Halophila

beccari, Halophila stipulacea, Thalassia lemprichii, Cymadocea serrulata, Cymadocea

rotundata, Halodule uninervis and Syringodium isoetifolium etc .

Threats

The major threats which present in this region are mentioned below

Since the seagrass productivity is highly dependent on ideal salinity, water temperature ,

and turbidity, which are getting polluted by industrial and domestic wastes, which comes

from the near by coastal areas of the GOMMNP

Port and dredging related activities in the region churns up seagrass beds, increasing

turbidity and suspended sediments in the water column, which would have a long- term

impacts on seagrasses of this region.

Use of indiscriminate fishing technology especially trawling on these beds is also expected

to harm this habitat.

With increased agricultural activity on the nearby landscape is also posing a threat to the

sea grass beds because of its pollution.

Fishing in the seagrass beds and increase use of fishing vessels on the habitat are also

threatening this habitat.

Collection of sea grasses for fodder and fertilizers.

Sea-weeds

Seaweeds are marine plants belonging to lower Cryptogams. They occur in the intertida l,

shallow and deep waters of the sea upto 150m depth and also in estuaries 49 and backwaters.

These are large and diversified groups with size ranging from single cell such as



Chlamydomonas to several meters in length (Macrocystis). The four classes of seaweeds are

Chlorophyta (green algae), Phaeophyta (brown algae),

A total number of 147 species of algae comprising 42 species of green algae, 31 species of

brown algae, 69 species of red algae and 5 species of blue green algae distributed in Gulf of

Mannar islands.

3.9.4 Biodiversity Profile of Biosphere Reserve

About 3600 species of fauna and flora have been identified in the GOMBR by the Central

Marine Fisheries Research Institutes and other organizations. The fauna is said to be one of the

richest in the whole of Indo-west pacific region.

About 126 species of phytoplankton, 360 species of zooplankton, 51 species (2 endemic) of

foraminiferans, 275 species (31 endemic) of sponges, 128 species (42 endemic), 14 species of

Gorgonids, 75 species of Polychaeta, 9 species of Nematoda, 41 species Penaeid and Non-

Penaeid shrimps, 7 specise Lobster, 210 species of Crabs, 25 species of Stomatopod, 731

species of Molluscs (Bivalvia, Gastropods and Cephalopods), 264 species of Echinodermata

were reported from GOMMBR.

Corals

128 species (42 endemic) were recorded (Pillai, 1986, CMFRI, 1998). The dominant genera

were Pocillopora, Acropora, Montipora, Favia, Favites, Goniopora, Goniastrea, Platygyra,

Echinopora, Galaxea, Porites, Turbinaria, Leptoria, Pavona and Pachyseris.

Crabs and economically important

A total of 38 crab species belong to 21 genera and five families occur in the Gulf of Mannar

Biosphere Reserve, which is 5.6% of Indian crab germ plasm. Of the 11 important commercia l

crabs in India, six crab species occur in this region. Several species are considered to be

becoming rare and threatened, or having reduced over all size because of over exploitation and

their habitat destruction. Inter-tidal zone of Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and the

Biosphere Reserve are considered to be good habitats for these crabs in this region.

Shrimps

Shrimps are abundant in the Gulf of Mannar. Penaeus semisulcatus, P. indicus and P. monodon

are commonly available. There are 18 species of shrimps of which 10 are heavily exploited.

The lobsters Panulirus homarus, P.ornatus, P. logipes and P. versicolor are abundant, of the 7

species of spiny and sand lobsters. The crabs Scylla serrata, Portunus pelagicus, and P.

sanguinolentus are the three commercially important species. The sacred chunk, Xancus

pyrum, forms an important fishery in the Gulf of Mannar. About 1,000 km2 area of inshore

waters of Gulf of Mannar have been identified as chunk grounds.

Fishes



A large number of finfish species are available in the Gulf of Mannar. This includes nearly 125

species of reef fishes. The common finfishes of Gulf of Mannar belong to Leiognathids,

Sardines, Lethrinids, Perches, Carangids, Anchovies, Seer fishes, Red mullets, Half beaks,

Needle fishes and Elasmobranchs such as sharks and rays. There are 15 species of silver bellies

in this region of which four species of Leiognathus are common. They are L.equulus, L.bindus,

L.dussumieri and L. splendens. As many as 20 species of lethrinids have been reported. The

commonly available species of Lethrinus are L. ornatus, L. varigatus, L. hark, L. lentjan, L.

nebulosus and L. microdon. The other major contributors to the fishery are Perches,

Nemipterids Haemulids, Serranids, Lutjanids and Epinephelids.

Avi-fauna

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is also an Important Bird Area. About 187 species

of aquatic and terrestrial birds have been identified from this IBA (Balachandran 1990, 1995),

which is famous for waders and seabirds. Sometimes >50,000 water birds are found here.

Pelagic birds are also recorded (Balachandran 1990).

Sea turtles

Four of the seven species of sea turtles found worldwide are reported to occur in the Gulf of

Mannar Biosphere Reseves (Kar & Bhaskar, 1982; Bhupathy & Saravanan, 2003). These are

the olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmoche lys

mbricate) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea. All the four species of sea turtles that occur

in these coastal waters are protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act

(1972), as well as listed in Appendix I of Convention of International Trade in Endangered

Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which prohibits trade in turtle products by signatory

countries.

Sea snakes

Sea snakes are considered to be the most successful marine reptiles in the world. 12 species of

sea snakes have been reported in the Gulf of Mannar region. Of which, nine species are true

sea snakes i.e. belong to the family Hydrophiinae. Studies shows that the sea snake population

in Indian seas are declining. It is understood that, incidentally captured sea snakes are released

back into sea but in several occasions the incidentally captured sea snakes are killed by the

fishermen due to fear.

Marine Mammals

11 species have been recorded (James and Lal Mohan, 1987, CMFRI, 1998) including 6 species

of whales, 4 species of dolphins and 1 species of Dugong. All are endangered species and

placed under schedule 1 of "The Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972.

Dugong

The Dugong (Dugong dugong) is one of the four surviving species in the Order Sirenia and it

is the only existing species of herbivorous mammal that lives exclusively in the sea (Heinsohn,

1972). The Dugong ranges along the coast of east Africa into the Red Sea, along the coast of



southern Asia to as far east as the Solomon Islands, and along the northern coasts of Australia

from southern Queensland to subtropical Western Australia (Marsh et al. 1999).

In India, the dugong occurs in the Gulf of Mannar and Gulf of Kutch, the Palk Bay and in the

Andaman and Nicobar Islands. All these areas have sea grass beds, which are good foraging

ground for the Dugongs.

The Gulf of Mannar had a good population of dugong but due to illega l off take of this species

caused the species to be threatened with local extinction.. However, since from 1988 the Tamil

Nadu Forest Department initiated awareness campaign to safeguard this species. Though, the

illegal off take of this species drastically reduced their population, information on current status

and distribution is not known in detail.

.



FIGURE 3.9: ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY MAP



3.9.5 Planktons

Plankton are microscopic organisms that float freely with oceanic currents and in other bodies

of water. Plankton is made up of tiny plants (called phytoplankton) and tiny animals (called

zooplankton). The word plankton comes from the Greek word "planktos" which means

"drifting." Phytoplankton are primary producers (also called autotrophs). As the base of the

oceanic food web, phytoplankton use chlorophyll to convert energy (from sunlight), inorganic

chemicals (like nitrogen), and dissolved carbon dioxide gas into carbohydrates. Zooplankton

are microscopic animals that eat other plankton. Phytoplankton are the most important primary

producers in the ocean. Small zooplankton consume phytoplankton. Larger organisms eat the

small zooplankton. Larger predators eat these consumers.

To establish the profile of these planktons, marine surface water samples were analyzed at

Mandapam for presence of various species. The plankton profile observed indicates that:

Around 26 families of phytoplanktons were observed. Of the plankton families observed,

Zygnemataceae, Volvocaceae, Naviculaceae, Pyrocystaceae, Stephanopyxidaceae,

Rhizosoleniacea and Stephanopvxidaceae were found to be present in 15% or more

composition.

Phytoplankton count ranged between 19,000 to 21,000 cells/ml.

Of the zooplankton families observed, Bosminidae, Pontellidae, Lumbriculida, Calanoida,

Collothecidae and Asterigerinacea were found to present in 25% or more composition.

Fish Larvae, crustacean larvae & Eggs composition ranged between 10-20%.

Zooplankton count ranged between 1800 to 2000 cells/m3.

Table 3-15: PLANKTON PROFILE OF MARINE SURFACE WATER

Plankton Profile Family

Phytoplankton Bacillariaceae

Bellerocheaceae

Biddulphiaceae

Ceratiaceae

Chaetocerataceae

Chlorellaceae

Climacospheniaceae

Closteriaceae

Coscinodiscaceae

Cymbellacae

Euglenales

Eutreptiaceae

Hemiaulaceae

Leptocylindraceae

Microcystaceae

Naviculaceae



Pinnulariaceae

Pleurosigmataceae

Pyrocystaceae

Rhizosoleniaceae

Scenedesmaceae

Stephanopvxidaceae

Thalassiosiraceae

Ulotrichaceae

Volvocaceae

Zygnemataceae

Zooplankton Asterigerinacea

Bosminidae

Calanoida

Chitonophilidae

Collothecidae

Cypriclinidae

Lumbriculida

Misophrioida

Pontellidae

Sabellida

Serpulidae

Benthos

Benthos are living things on the ocean floor. Many benthic organisms attach themselves to

rocks and stay in one place. This protects them from crashing waves and other water

movements.

To establish the profile benthos in project area, sediment samples were analyzed at Mandapam

for presence of various species. The benthic profile observed indicates that:

Macro bethons formed 54-74% of total composition of benthos. Nephtyidae, Stylasteridae,

Ampharetidae, Stylasteridae, Sabellidae are the prominently observed families.

Meiobethos formed 17-33 % of total composition of benthos. Carterinidae, Centropagidae,

Ammodiscacea, Carterinidae, Acartiidae, Chaetonotidae and Misophriidae are the prominently

observed families.

Micro benthos formed 7-18% of total composition of benthos. Micro benthos showed presence

of Bacillariaceae, Cercomonadidae and Euglenaceae families.



Table 3-16: BENTHIC PROFILE OF SEDIMENT SAMPLE

Benthic Profile Family

Macro Benthos Ampharetidae

Eucopidae

Eunicidae

Magelonidae

Milleporidae

Nephtyidae

Nereidae

Onuphidae

Prayidae

Sabellariidae

Sabellidae

Stylasteridae

Uncispionidae

Meio Benthos Acartiidae

Ammodiscacea

Cafterinidae

Centropagidae

Diaptomidae

Misophriidae

Pontellidae

Micro Benthos Bacillariaceae

Cercomonadidae

Euglenaceae

Biodiversity Index

A biodiversity diversity index is the measure of species diversity in a given

community.Shannon - Weineer (H) Diversity Index is a commonly used diversity index that

takes into account both abundance and evenness of species present in the community.

The details of Biodiversity Index and evenness for phytoplankton, zooplankton and benthos

are given in table below.

Table 3-17:BIODIVERSITY INDEX FOR PHYTOPLANKTON & ZOOPLANKTON

Location Phytoplankton Zooplankton Benthos

S-W Index Evenness S-W

Index

Evenness S-W

Index

Evenness

Mandapam 2.4419 0.953 1.694 0.946 2.79 0.95 S-W Index: Shannon -Weineer (H) Diversity Index

Biologists proposed a different scale of pollution in terms of phytoplankton community

diversity index, which states a negative correlation between Shannon and Wiener index and

pollution: of 0.0-1.0 for heavy pollution, 1.0-2.0 for moderate pollution, 2.0-3.0 for light



pollution, 3.0-4.5 for slight pollution (Shanthalaet al., 2009 Biligrami (1988)). It was

established that the diversity index value of a phytoplankton community in less polluted waters

would be higher. Shannon - Weineer Diversity Index for Phytoplankton for the project area

ranged between 2.2 to 2.6, indicating light pollution.

3.9.6 Agricultural Diversity

A major crop in the district is paddy followed by chillies. Other important crops are cultivated

are coconut, oilseeds, cotton, millets and pulses.

3.10 SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

This section discusses the baseline socio-economic environment of the Ramanathpuram district

Ramanathpuram Taluka with respect to ONGC’s proposed exploratory well drilling operations.

The following section discusses the methodology used for the socio-economic assessment. The

subsequent sections discuss the baseline profile of the district and the villages within the study

area. The information provided has been primarily derived from the secondary sources (Census

of India and District Statistical Handbook). In addition primary information was also collected

during the discussions at the villages with the local community members. The informal public

consultations have been used to validate the Census 20011 data. The village-wise secondary

data (obtained from Census, 20011 and presented) has been taken into consideration for

analyzing the socio-economic profile in a comparative manner for the exploratory block.

3.10.1 Methodology

A socio economic assessment of the positive and negative impacts on the people likely to be

directly and indirectly affected by the project was conducted along with other studies during

the EIA study. The assessment facilitated an understanding of the needs, demands, preferences,

capacities and constraints of the people in the vicinity of the project operation. It was

undertaken primarily to enhance the understanding of other relevant factors such as social

organizations and networks, livelihood patterns, social infrastructure etc and thus helped

prioritise ONGC’s commitment towards the CSR initiatives. Inputs from the social assessment

into the design phase facilitated in:

Tracking potential adverse effects over different time frames and different activities

Reviewing options to eliminate such negative impacts through design changes or

mitigate them through specific social protection or mitigation measures

Reviewing options to extend or enhance benefits for the population in the vicinity of

the project site.

The social assessment was primarily based on the analysis of the secondary data obtained from

the census survey (20011 and provisional data of 2011) and stakeholder consultations.

Considering the nature of the project operations and understanding of the demographic

characteristics of the area from the secondary data the following tools was used for the

gathering information and validating the secondary data to carry out the assessment.



Stakeholders Identification

At the beginning of the EIA process, the SENES team conducted a preliminary identifica t ion

of probable stakeholders. An inventory of actual / potential stakeholders, including local groups

and individuals, local institutions like the panchayats which may be directly or indirect ly

affected by the project or with interest in the development activities of the region. This

inventory was arrived through discussions with ONGC personnel and members of the local

community. The local communities which would primarily be affected were identified based

on the location of the tentative exploratory and drilling operations as proposed by ONGC. The

villages were selected within 1-2 km radius of the proposed well location considering the fact

that there might be potential impacts on the socio-economic-cultural and environment of the

local communities residing in these villages. For further assessment of socioeconomic issues

and impacts on different stakeholders, detailed consultations with the community were

planned. The discussions focused on the issues of population/demography, education profile,

medical facilities and amenities like drinking water, transport and communication and also on

primary and secondary occupation of the villagers.

Consultations

Consultations with key stakeholders are a continuous process that was carried all through the

EIA process and would be continued during the construction and operation phases of the

project. The stakeholder analysis was followed by discussions with some of the key

stakeholders to identify their dependence on the affected or shared resources, the extent of

impact on them and measure, which will be undertaken to mitigate these impacts.

Issues like land and resource damage, social disturbance, severance and increased congestion,

noise and air pollution, employment opportunities, need for development of basic

infrastructure, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities in the surrounding villages were

discussed during the consultations so that they can be adequately addressed through the

environment management plans. The consultations also helped in developing preliminary

understanding of the requirement of social development initiatives, which are required in the

project village and may be undertaken as part of the ONGC’s CSR activity.

Action plan

ONGC has a CSR Policy. Based on the local area of project, CSR interventions will be finalized

by ONGC. During consultation two key areas for CSR interventions identified were drinking

water and educational services beyond primary school in some of the villages.

In terms of CSR interventions key concerns for some of the villages are with respect to drinking

water and education facilities for middle/secondary and further educational services. Currently

the education opportunities within the village is only till the primary school. For further studies

opportunities are available only at Ramanathapuram which is far from the villages. While

transport facilities are available these are not convenient for the students and the costs are high

for families sending their children to school. Villages adjacent to the coast have salt water

ingress due to which there is less availability of drinking water.



3.10.2 General Socioeconomic Profile

The ONGC Field study area falls in the Ramanthapuram Taluka of district Ramanathpuram of

Tamilnadu state.

3.10.3 Demographic Profile

The study area for socio economic profiling was defined within block and surrounding areas

based on the proposed location of exploratory and development wells and its proximity to the

village and professional judgment. Of the study area defined, the baseline study focuses on

seventy one villages within the block. This Ramanathpuram Taluka of Ramanathpuram

district. The list of villages has been provided in the Table 3.6 below.

TABLE 3-18: LIST OF THE STUDY AREA VILLAGES IN THE ONGC FIELD

District Taluka Villages

Ramanathpuram Ramanthpuram Pandamangalam, Pamban, Valinockam, Andichiendal, Vennathur ,

Pathanendal, Naranamangalam, Alamalandal, Devipattinam ,

Peruvayal, Kumariyendal, Kavanur , Karendal, Pullangudi,

Chittrakkottai, Athyuthu, Palangulam, Toruvalur, Vannivayal,

Surankottai, Pattinamkattan , Thiruvolhiyakalugoorani , Terbhogi ,

Alagankulam , Attangarai, Perungulam , Valantaravai, Kusavankudi,

Sakkarakottai, Rajasuriamadai, Kooriyur , Achchundanvayal ,

Landai, Panaikkulam, Malangudi, Ekkakudi, Vellamarichchukkatti,

Achadipirambu, Kudakottai , Vannankundu , Raghunathapuram ,

Kumbaram, Rettaiyurani, Nagachi, Enmanamkondan,

Pirappanvalasai , Sattakkonvalasai, Mandapam , Nochiyurani ,

Pudumadam, Karan , Periapattinam, Kalimankundu , Tiruppullani ,

Kalari, Utrakosamangai, Mallal, Alagankulam, Nalirukkai,

Panaydiyendal, Valanur , Kulapatham, Pallamerkkulam,

Kanjirangudi , Keelakarai , Manikkaneri, Pullandai, Mayakulam,

Ramanathapuram , Keelakarai (TP), Mandapam (TP)

The study area for socio economic assessment was defined as an area within 1-2 km radius

around the 22 exploratory and development wells and is based primarily on reconnaissance

surveys, census data information, toposheet maps, understanding of the project and

professional judgment.

The demographic profile in terms of total population, household size, sex-ratio of the selected

villages in the block has been summarized in the sections below, while the detailed

demographic profile of the study area villages has been provided in Annexure 3.4.

Population and Household Size

Ramanthapuram District has an area of 4123 km² and nearly 271-km-long coastline (Palk Bay

130 kms and Gulf of Mannar 141 kms). The coastal areas stretch from the Palk straits to the

Gulf of Mannar in the South. The district contains the Pamban Bridge, an east-west chain of

low islands and shallow reefs that extend between India and the island nation of Sri Lanka, and

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamban_Bridge

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka



separate the Palk Strait from the Gulf of Mannar. The Palk Strait is navigable only by shallow-

draft vessels.

As of 2011, Ramanathapuram district had a population of 1,353,445 with a sex-ratio of 983

females for every 1,000 males. Presentation and depiction of the demography details of the

villages.

Ramanathapuram (M) (62050) is having the highest populations among all settlements within

the district and Andichiendal (80) with the lowest. All the above-mentioned villages belonged

to the Ramanthpuram Taluka. . The study area household size is 4.5. The average sex ratio for

the villages is 1060.

Sex Ratio

The average sex ratio of 1078 recorded for the study area villages. The highest sex ratio is

recorded for Pallamerkkulam (1414) . Of all the villages within the study area, 75% of the

villages have a sex-ratio of more than 900 and the lowest sex-ratio was been recorded at

Mayakulam (707).

Scheduled Caste (SC) & Scheduled Tribes (ST)

The overall demographic data of study area villages shows only 11 villages which consist of

some STs. Only in one Village Devipattinam, the ST population is 2.21 % and in the rest the

ST population was less than 1 %. There is a significant SC population in 58 % of the villages.

In five villages the SC population in proportion to the total population is between 75 to 100 %

and 10 villages the proportion of SC is more than 50 %. . The highest SC population is in

Achadipirambu (98.04%).

Education & Literacy

The study of the education and literacy profile in the region is relevant in order to have an

understanding whether the proposed project can utilize skilled human resources availab le

within the area.

According to 2011 census data, the literacy rate in the Ramnad district is 81.48% and

Ramanathpuram Taluka is 67.21%. The average literacy rate of the study area villages observed

as 61.36% . The highest literacy rate was observed in Pandamangalam (89.08%) and the lowest

in Panaydiyendal (35.61%).

Economic Activity & Livelihood Pattern

The relevance of economic activity and livelihood pattern is important in the context of the

study since depending on the existing situation one can predict the impact of the project activity

on the economy of the region.

The total cropped area in Ramanathapuram district is 183651 hectares of which the net rrigated

area is 66865 hectares (2014). Irrigation is mainly from tanks, tube and dug wells. The main



crops grown are paddy, red gram, green gram, cowpea, maize, chillies, cotton, mille ts,

groundnut etc. With a 34% share, the district is the top chilli pepper producer in Tamil Nadu.

In Ramanathanpuram district, as per the Census 2011, there were a total of 602,977 workers,

comprising 149,959 cultivators, 103,592 main agricultural labourers, 18,546 in house hold

industries, 214,053 other workers, 116,827 marginal workers, 23,808 marginal cultivators,

50,282 marginal agricultural labourers, 6,682 marginal workers in household industries and

36,055 other marginal workers. In the district there are a number of fishing villages whose

population is dependent on fishing and related activities for livelihood.

The total working population in the study area villages varies from 35.81%. Of the total

workforce, Andichiendal village revealed the highest percentage of workforce with 92.5%

workers while Alagankulam revealed the lowest workforce percentage (20.65%).



FIGURE 3.10: % OF SCEDULED CASTE POPULATION OF THE VILLAGES OF THE STUDY AREA

FIGURE 3.11: LITERACY OF THE VILLAGES FALLING IN THE STUDY AREA

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(M)

Ma

nd

apam

(TP

)

Literacy %



4 Environmental Impact Assessment

The impact assessment section of the EIA study systematically identifies, characterizes and

evaluates the potential impacts arising out of the project and prioritizes them through a semi-

quantitative system so that they can be effectively addressed by Environment Management

Plans. Potential environmental impacts may arise out of various sequential activities to be

undertaken as part of proposed project exploratory drilling and development drilling

operations.

4.1 IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

An environmental impact identification matrix has been developed to present an overview of

possible interactions between project aspects and components of the environment which may

get affected. The matrix structure takes into account physical, biological and socioeconomic

components of the environment on one axis (X axis) and activities / aspects of the proposed

exploratory well drilling project on the other side (Y axis). Aspects (based on phases of

activities like pre-drilling activities, drilling, decommissioning and potential accidental events)

and impacts on environmental components that have been taken into consideration were in line

with standard environment management system terminology. Environmental and

socioeconomic components were identified based on reviewing of applicable legislation and

baseline environment, site reconnaissance visits, discussions with stakeholders and SENES’

professional judgment.

Potential environmental and socio-economic impacts that may result from any of the identified

project aspects has been identified in a matrix based on activity-component interaction and has

subsequently been used to develop an impact evaluation matrix that list evaluation scores based

on significance criteria delineated in section 4.1.2.

4.1.1 Impact Criteria and Ranking

Once all project environmental aspects were comprehensively identified for the different

activities of the project, the level of impact that may result from each of the activity-component

interactions has been assessed based on subjective criteria.

For this, three key elements have been taken into consideration based on standard

environmental assessment methodologies:

Severity of Impact Degree of damage that may be caused to the environmenta l

components concerned;

Extent of Impact : Geographical spread of impact around project location and corridors

of activities; and

Duration of Impact: Time for which impact lasts taking project lifecycle into account.

These elements have been ranked in three levels viz. 1 (low), 2 (moderate) and 3 (high) based

on the following criteria provided in Table 4.1 below:



TABLE 4-1: IMPACT PREDICTION CRITERIA

Impact

Elements Criteria Ranking

Severity Regional impact resulting in long term and/ or medium damage to the

natural environment.

Major impact on community and occupational health (e.g. serious

injury, loss of life) on account of accidental events viz. well blow-outs

and related operational activities.

Adverse national media attention.

3

Local scale impact resulting in short term change and / or damage to

the natural environment.

Temporary loss of land, livelihood source of affected communities

Local scale impact on terrestrial habitat, endangered species, drainage

pattern and community resources.

Moderate impact on occupation and community health & well being

(e.g. noise, light, odour, dust, injuries to individuals)

Complaints from the public, authorities and possible local media

attention.

2

Limited local scale impact causing temporary loss of some species etc

Limited impact on human health and well-being (e.g. occasional dust,

odour, light, and traffic noise).

Public Perception/Concern

1

Extent Regional scale impact and including impacts to physical, biological

and socio-economic environment of the exploratory block 3

Largely local level impact limited to immediate vicinity of the

exploratory well site 2

Impact not discernable on a local scale 1

Duration The impact is likely to occur during the entire project life cycle at all

times.

3

The impact is likely to occur in some phases of project life under

normal operating conditions.

2

The impact is very unlikely to occur at all during project life cycle but

may occur in exceptional circumstances.

1

A positive or beneficial impact that may result from this project has not been ranked and has

been depicted in the form of ++.

4.1.2 Impact Significance

The significance of impact has been adjudged based on a multiplicative factor of three element

rankings. The Table 4.2 (below) depicts impact significance in a scale of LOW-MEDIUM-

HIGH and will be used for delineation of preventive actions, if any, and management plans for

mitigation of impacts.

Impact significance has been determined taking into account measures which have been

factored in the design and planning phase of the project. Legal issues have been taken into



account, wherever appropriate in the criterion sets, to aid in ONGC’s effort to comply with all

relevant legislation and project HSE requirements. Additionally, the results of quantitat ive

impact prediction exercise, wherever undertaken, have also been fed into the process.

TABLE 4-2: CRITERIA BASED SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS

Severity of Impact

(A)

Extent of Impact

(B)

Duration of Impact

I

Impact Significance

(A X B X C)

1 1 1 1

Low

1 1 2 2

1 2 1 2

1 1 2 2

2 1 2 4

1 2 2 4

3 1 2 6 Medium

1 3 2 6

2 2 2 8

3 2 2 12

High

2 3 2 12

2 2 3 12

3 3 2 18

3 2 3 18

2 3 3 18

3 3 3 27 - Beneficial Impact - ++ Positive

To assist in determining and presenting significance of an impact, an impact evaluation matrix

(Table 4.3) has been developed based on the one developed for the impact identifica t ion

exercise. In addition to ranked weights, significance of impacts has been depicted using colour

codes for easy understanding. In case an environmental component be impacted by more than

one project activity, higher impact significance ranking has been taken as the significance

ranking for subject receptor. Impacts that have been determined to be having high significance

ranking of “>12” are considered significant and hence require examination in terms of

preventive actions and/or additional mitigation to reduce level of the potential impact.

Recommended additional mitigation measures and management plans are presented in

Chapter 6. A second evaluation matrix presents significance of impacts after considering that

proposed mitigation measures will be implemented.

The identified impacts are further discussed in detail in the following section with discussion

focusing on impacts of higher significance. This is followed by a point wise outline of

mitigation measures recommended.



TABLE 4-3: IMPACT IDENTIFICATION MATRIX

Environment Activity

Physical Environment Biological Environment Socio-economic Environment

Aes

thet

ics

& V

isu

als

Air

Qu

alit

y

No

ise

Qu

alit

y

Tran

spo

rt &

Tra

ffic

Lan

d U

se

Soil

Qu

alit

y

Loca

l Dra

inag

e &

Phy

siog

raph

y

Surf

ace

Wat

er R

esou

rces

Surf

ace

wat

er q

ualit

y

Gro

und

Wat

er R

esou

rces

Gro

und

wat

er q

ualit

y

Flo

ra &

Flo

ral H

abit

at

Wild

life

Hab

itat

Fau

na

Thre

aten

ed &

En

dan

gere

d

spec

ies

Mig

rato

ry c

orr

ido

r &

ro

ut

Aq

uat

ic H

abit

at

Aq

uat

ic F

lora

& F

aun

a

Loss

of L

ivel

iho

od

Co

nfl

ict

on

Jo

b o

pp

ort

un

ity

Dis

rup

tio

n o

f In

fras

tru

ctu

re

Co

mm

on

Pro

per

ty R

eso

urc

es

Du

st &

No

ise

Dis

com

fort

Loss

of A

gric

ult

ura

l Pro

du

ctiv

ity

Infl

ux

of P

op

ula

tio

n

Cu

ltu

ral &

Her

itag

e Si

te

Job

& E

con

om

ic O

pp

ort

un

ity

Occ

up

atio

nal

Hea

lth

& S

afet

y

Co

mm

un

ity

Hea

lth

& S

afet

y

A. Pre-Drilling Activities

Site selection and land acquisition x x x

Site clearance and top soil removal X x x x X x X X x x x x + x

Well site& access road construction X x x x X x x x + x X

Sourcing & transportation of borrow material etc X x x x x X x X x x x + x X

Storage and handling of construction debris X x x

Transportation of drilling rig and ancillaries x x x x x x x X

Operation DG set x x

Workforce engagement & accommodation at construction site x x x + X

Consumption of water for construction & domestic use for labourer x x

Generation of domestic solid waste & disposal X x x x x X Generation of waste water & discharge from construction activity &

labour camp x x X

Surface run-off from construction site x X x x x x

B. Exploratory Well Drilling & Testing

Physical Presence of drill site X X

Operation of DG sets and machinery x x x X

Operation of drilling rig x X x x x

Storage and disposal of drill cuttings and mud X x x x x

Generation of process waste water & discharge x x x

Surface run-off from drill site x x x x

Generation of domestic waste water & discharge x x x x

Generation of Municipal waste & disposal X x x x

Workforce engagement & accommodation at drill site x x x + X

Flaring during production testing and process upset x x x X

Accidental events – blow out x x x x x X X x x x x X

Accidental events-spillage of chemical & oil x x x

C. Decommissioning and Reinstatement

Dismantling of rig and associated facilities x x x X

Transportation of drilling rig and ancillaries x x x X

Removal of well site construction materials & disposal x x X

Site Restoration + + +



4.2 IMPACT ASSESSMENT

This section discusses the impacts of the project activities (exploratory drilling) on the

environmental receptors that stand to get affected adversely by the project. It discusses

probable impacts during various phases of the project lifecycle on the environmental and

socioeconomic components. Rankings for every activity – component interaction is based on

the criterion set earlier and resulting environmental significance with necessary justifica t ion

that has been recorded below for every set of impacts and the same has been represented in

evaluation matrices. In broader context, it is however important to remember that operations

related to exploratory well drilling, testing and completion activities also include positive

socioeconomic impacts in terms of increase in local business opportunities and on a larger

perspective, by providing potential energy security at a national level.

4.2.1 Visual Impacts & Aesthetics

Ramanathapuram PML block is an operating gas field, which has gas producing wells, GCS.

In this gas field, drilling, geophysical survey is a regular activity about which people are very

aware. Visual impacts during proposed drilling operations is anticipated from site clearance

and well site preparation, vehicles involved in transportation of raw materials and personnel,

material stockpiles and physical presence of drilling rig and associated facilities.

During drilling site preparation nearly 2.2 ha land is to be cleared for construction of drill site.

During site construction activity, dust will be generated from transport of construction material,

machinery and personnel, haphazard dumping of construction waste, domestic waste from

labour camp may cause visual and aesthetic impacts. Such impacts likely to be particula r ly

experienced by communities residing in villages located in the vicinity of exploratory well.

However taking into account the temporary nature of site preparatory activities and necessary

mitigation measures to be implemented by the proponent with respect to the siting of well

locations ( borrow areas, use of existing infrastructure etc.) the impact is not major.

Visual impact due to the operation of drilling rig and presence of base camp is not considered

significance given the temporary nature of exploratory activities (about 60 days) provided the

well is not indicative of any commercial hydrocarbon reserve. Also with drilling waste and

process waste water is likely to be temporary stored in impervious pits no visual impact to this

regard is envisaged. Some visual impacts are also envisaged from light generated from flaring

events. However such activity is likely to be of intermittent in nature, to occur only during

process testing. Reinstatement of well site not indicative of any commercially exploitab le

hydrocarbon reserve is also likely to positively contribute to the site visual aesthetic.

Severity of Impact 1 Extent of Impact 2 Duration of Impact 1

Impact Significance = 2 i.e. Low

Mitigation Measures

All the construction activity will be restricted within the designated site



Dust nuisance from construction site will be suppressed through periodical water

spraying at disturbance area;

On completion of work all temporary structures, surplus materials and wastes will be

completely removed;

Construction wastes and municipal solid waste temporarily stored at the sites will be

transported to the designated disposal site/facility at regular intervals;

Domestic solid wastes temporarily stored in the collection point within the labour camp

or township and will be transported to designated solid waste disposal site at regular

intervals;

After decommissioning of rig and associated facilities, drill sites will be restored –drill

platform will be removed, pits & garland drains will be filled up, construction material

of will be removed & disposed;

Site will be rehabilitated through laying of top soil

4.2.2 Impacts on Air Quality

Operation of vehicles and construction machinery

Exhaust emission from operation of construction machinery is likely to contribute to air

pollutant load (primarily PM, NO2, SO2 etc.) in the ambient air near well site facilit ies.

However considering localized nature of impacts, temporary nature of construction and drilling

activities along with necessary mitigation measures is likely to be adopted by the proponent

and impact is considered to be of low significance.



Construction material transport, storage and handling

During construction phase it is estimated that about 500 m3 of borrow material and 1000 m3

of aggregates will be required per well site location for road construction/strengthening and

site preparatory activities. Fugitive emission is therefore anticipated from transportation,

storage and handling by contractor personnel. However, generation of such fugitive dust is

likely to be governed by micro-meteorological conditions (wind speed and direction) and the

transportation route condition considering the exploratory drilling activity will be carried out

dry season and majority of internal roads are kutcha or degraded condition. Such impacts are

considered to be medium. However, the construction activity, rig mobilization and

decommissioning activity is a temporary and limited movement of project vehicles (5 nos.

/well) and adopting specific mitigation measures, no significant impact is therefore envisaged.





Operation of Diesel Generator (DG) Sets

The proposed project will involve the operation of diesel driven 4 X 900 KW generators for

drilling of exploratory well. However, only three DG sets will be used at a time. One DG set

will be kept as standby. The operation of DG sets will therefore result in the generation of air

pollutants viz. PM, SO2 and NOx, thereby affecting the ambient air quality. The dispersion of

these air pollutants may affect the receptors viz. village settlements located in near vicinity of

the well site only under exceptional combination of meteorological conditions. It has been

already mentioned in baseline that PM10, SO2 and NOx concentrations in ambient air is well

within the NAAQS specified limits. Moreover, considering the temporary nature of drilling

phase (approx 45- 60 days), dry conditions prevalent in the Block region and provision of

adequate DG set stack height for effective dispersion of air pollutants, no significant impact to

this regard is envisaged. Additionally the proponent also plans to adopt and implement

necessary mitigation measures as discussed in the subsequent section to effectively address

potential air quality impacts from DG set operation. Impact due to flaring operation is also

assessed by modeling. The worst case scenario has been considered to run the ISCST3 model

for following activities:

3 DG sets of 900 KW capacity

Test Flaring

In order to predict the maximum worst case Ground Level Concentrations (GLCs) of the above

mentioned pollutants, air modeling has been undertaken with the following inputs.

TABLE 4-4: INPUT PARAMETERS CONSIDERED FOR MONITORING

Source

Stack

Height

(m)

Stack

Dia(m)

Stack gas

temp (K)

Stack gas

velocity

(m/s)

Emission Rate (g/sec)

PM NOx SO22

DG set operation

900 KW DG 9 0.30 773 17.0 0.05 1.0 0.06

Test Flaring

30 0.50 1273 20 - 2.0 -

Though, ISCST3 is a refined model, the model run was carried out based on micro -

meteorology to predict air quality impacts for a average 24 hr period that may be caused by

peak power utilization at the drill site. The model was run considering operation of three 900

KW DG sets simultaneously and intermittent flaring. Maximum back ground concentrations,

incremental and projected back ground concentrations for the pollutants are shown in the

following Table 4-5.:

2 Sulphur content in disel (BSIII) was taken as 0.035% or 350 ppm.



TABLE 4-5: PREDICTED GLCS FOR AIR POLLUTANTS

Pollutants Predicted Maximum GLC (μg/m3)

Max. Baseline concentration

Predicted Incremental

GLC

Projected Worst Case

GLC

Distance

from well (m) Direction

DG set operation

NO2 (μg/m3) 13.00 11.70 24.70 532 E

PM10 (μg/m3) 57.00 0.59 57.59 532 E

SO2 (μg/m3) 16.00 0.70 16.70 532 E

Test Flaring

NO2 (μg/m3) 13.00 1.30 14.30 2046 E

Maximum monitored back ground concentration of NO2, PM and SO2 at all locations were

recorded to be maximum 13.00, 57.00 and 16.00 μg/m3, respectively. Silmilarely, maximum

predicted incremental concentration of NO2, PM and SO2 were found to be 11.70, 0.59 and

0.70 μg/m3, respectively. Projected worst case GLC’s of NO2 , PM10 and SO2 are predicted to be

24.70, 57.59, and 16.70 μg/m3, respectively. The distance and direction for the occerance of

incremental GLC’s are found to be 532 m from the source as shown in the above Table 4.5.

The predicted worst case background concentration of NO2, PM and SO2 are found to be well

within the stipulated standard of MOEFCC for the ambient air quality.

The incremental Ground Level Concentration (GLCs) of the pollutants (as discussed above),

do not exhibit any appreciable increase in the concentration of air quality. Therfore, impact on

ambient air quality due to operation of DG set and flaring is considered to be of low

significance.





Incremental Isopleth for NO2 – AQ Modeling

FIGURE 4-1: NO2 PLOT (3X900 KW DG SET)



Incremental Isopleth for PM

FIGURE 4-2: PM PLOT (3X900 KVA DG SET)



Incremental Isopleth for SO2

FIGURE 4-3: SOX PLOT (3X900 KVA DG SET)



Incremental Isopleth for NO2

FIGURE 4-4: NOX PLOT (TEST FLARING)



Mitigation Measures:

All vehicles used for transportation of loose and friable materials will not be loaded

over the freeboard limit and will be covered.

Water spraying will be done on the access roads to control re-entrained dust during dry

season;

Equipment, machinery and vehicles having inbuilt pollution control devices will be

considered as a measure for prevention of air pollution at source

Engines and exhaust systems of all vehicles and equipment used for the project will be

maintained so that exhaust emissions are low and do not breach statutory limits set for

that vehicle/equipment type.

DG set will appropriate stack height will be utilized.

Providing Personnel Protective Equipments (PPEs) like mask to workers at site.

4.2.3 Impact on Noise Quality

Potential impact on noise quality is anticipated from noise vehicular movement, operation of

construction machinery during well site preparation and access road strengthening and

operation of drilling rig.

Operation of construction machinery/equipments

Operation of heavy machinery/equipments and vehicular movement during site preparatory

and road strengthening/construction activities may result in the generation of increased noise

levels as specified in the Table 4.6. The same can be used as a reference for calculat ing

probable noise pressure levels arising out of a number of such equipments.

TABLE 4-6: CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NOISE LEVELS

Equipment Sound Level At Operator (in decibels)

Average Range

A. Earth Moving Equipment

Front End Loader 88.0 85-91

Back Hoe 86.5 79-89

Bull Dozer 96.0 89-103 Roller 90.0 79-93

Truck 96.0 89-103

B. Material Handling Equipment

Concrete Mixer <85.0 - Crane/Hydra <85.0 -

Derrick 100 97-102

Source: British Columbia, “Construction Noise,” Workers Compensation Board of BC

The noise related disturbance is likely to be experienced by communities residing in proximity

of the construction site and along material transportation routes. The environmental setting of

well sites reveals that settlements are very close to the proposed well site and site access road.

Distance of settlement varies between 50 m (W- 6) to 700 m (W-19) and 18 wells having

settlement within 250 m from proposed well site. Considering the construction phase activit ies



to be of temporary nature, limited daily movement of project vehicles (3-4 nos. vehicle for

transportation of personnel and 8-10 nos. for material transport) and adequate mitiga t ion

measures viz. equipment maintenance etc. to be implemented by the project proponent, impact

is not considered to be of significance.



Operation of drilling rig

Operational phase noise impacts are anticipated from operation of drilling rig and ancillary

equipment viz. shale shakers, mud pumps and diesel generators. Studies indicated that noise

generated from operation of drilling rig generally varies in the range of 88-103 dB(A). Other

contributors of high noise level at the exploratory well site include shale shakers, mud pumps

and diesel generators. The average equivalent noise levels of drilling rig and ancillary

equipment has been provided in the Table 4.7 (below) for reference.

TABLE 4-7: DRILLING RIG & EQUIPMENT NOISE LEVELS 3

Equipment Equivalent noise levels in dB(A)

Average Range

Drilling Rig 96.9 88.0-103.0

Mud Pumps 76.9 73.3 -80.5

Diesel Generators 72.7 71.8-73.7 Shale Shakers 76.6 -

Further, considering drilling to be a continuous operation, noise generated from aforesaid

equipments has the potential to cause discomfort to the local communities residing in proximity

(within 500m) of the rig facility. All drill sites, except W-19 and W-21 having settlement within

500m from proposed well site. Occupational health and safety impacts viz. Noise Induced

Hearing Loss (NIHL) is also anticipated on personnel working close to such noise generating

equipment. However, considering short duration of drilling period (approx 60 days) and

necessary noise prevention and control measures viz. use of acoustic barriers, provisions for

proper PPEs, regular preventive maintenance of equipments etc. to be implemented by the-

proponent no significant impact to this regard is envisaged.

Noise Level Prediction

A noise modeling exercise has been undertaken based on standard noise attenuation equations

to predict noise levels from drilling rig near sensitive receptors within 200m. A noise

3 “Noise Report on Drilling Operation” – British Drilling & Freezing Ltd – Prepared by K A Worthington; AEC

Report: P852-2; 17th October 2002;



attenuation plot has been developed considering natural attenuation by distance with noise level

predictions only expected to help in planning and decision making.

The noise generated from drilling rig is considered to be about 95.0 dB(A) at a distance of 10m

from the rig location. Noise attenuation equations (without any noise barrier) show that the

normal attenuated noise at any receptor points located at a distance of about 100 m and 200 m

from the fence-line of the rig, will be in the range of about 75.0 dB(A) and 68.9 dB(A)

respectively. In the absence of an acoustic barrier, the predicted noise levels were found to

exceed the day time noise standard of i.e. 55 dB (A) leading to discomfort to neighbouring

communities. However, with the introduction of a noise barrier at the fence-line with a height

of 5 m the noise level may be controlled. This control measure will be enough to decrease noise

levels near sensitive receptors at 200m to about 56.9 dB (A). However a detailed noise

modelling exercise to look at option of noise reductions will be conducted at the design stage

to determine the barrier specifications. The noise attenuation plot with and without acoustic

barrier is presented in Figure 4.5 below.

FIGURE 4-4: NOISE ATTENUATION PLOT


Impact Significance = 8 i.e. Medium

Mitigation Measures

Typical mitigation measures for noise will include the following:

68.98

56.98

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

80.00

90.00

100.00

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

100

110

120

130

140

150

160

170

180

190

200

210

220

230

240

250Eq

uiv

ale

nt n

ois

e le

vel (

in d

eci

be

ls)

Distance (in metres)

Without acoustic barrier (decibels) With acoustic barrier (decibels)



Installation of sufficient engineering control on equipment and machinery (like

mufflers & noise enclosures for DG sets and PC pumps) to reduce noise and vibration

emission levels at source, carrying out proper maintenance and subjecting them to rigid

noise and vibration control procedures.

Re-locating noise sources to less sensitive areas to take advantage of distance and

shielding

Providing Personnel Protective Equipments (PPEs) like ear plugs/muffs to workers at

site.

Undertaking preventive maintenance of vehicles and machinery to reduce noise levels.

4.2.4 Potential Impact Transport and Traffic

The drill site access roads (i.e. village road) are not busy vehicular route. Only private/Govt.

buses vehicles ply at the internal village roads. Considering the movement of 100 trailer/truck

load material will be transported during site construction and decommissioning phase from

Ramanathapuram to each drill sites. In the transport route, there are schools and Hospitals.

Disturbance to traffic movement during school time is therefore anticipated from additiona l

traffic during school hour. With respect to increase in traffic movement the impact is

considered to be of medium significance considering low density traffic route.



4.2.5 Potential Impact on Land Use

To construct drill site, approximately 2.2 ha of agricultural land per well site will be required.

ONGC will purchase these private lands and same will be permanently converted into industr ia l

purposes for sites in which hydrocarbons are promising. Rest of the sites will be handed over

to the land owners after land restoration. The change of land use is considered to be medium

significance.



4.2.6 Impact on Soil Quality

Potential impact on soil quality is envisaged in the form of increase in soil erosion and loss of

soil fertility resulting site clearance and top soil stripping for exploratory well site preparation,

and accidental spillage resulting from storage and handling of mud chemicals Soil quality

impacts so identified have been assessed and evaluated in the section below.

Site clearance and stripping of top soil

The soils of Ramanathapuram District can be categorized into clay, coastal alluvium, sandy

loam, alluvium, sandy and red soil clay, black cotton soil, which is believed to have been



derived from the Archaen gneisses where calcareous formation are abundant. Calcium

carbonate concretions of various sizes and shapes are present in majority of the black soil area

and this affects the fertility of the soils. Stripping of top soil is therefore likely to affect the

soil fertility of the well sites. It is estimated that about 3300 m3 of top soil will be removed per

well site having an area of 2.2 ha considering 15 cm top soil. However, such impact is

considered to be temporary taking into account the fact the proper reinstatement of site will be

undertaken by the proponent in case the exploratory wells are not indicative of any

commercially exploitable hydrocarbon reserves. Necessary surface run-off control measures

need to be adopted by the proponent during construction phase to prevent contamination of

abutting agricultural land from discharge of surface run-off characterized by increased

sediment load. Further specific mitigation measures will be implemented by the proponent to

stabilize the top soil to preserve their fertility characteristics during site restoration. The impact

is therefore considered to be of medium significance.



Sourcing of borrow material

Site preparatory activities will involve the sourcing of earth-fill from borrow areas. Such

sourcing activity may lead to direct and indirect long-term major adverse impacts on the

environment due to loss of top soil if located on agricultural land. The loss of top soil may also

enhance the soil erosion potential of the area resulting in increased sediment load in surface

run-off. But terrain of Ramanathapuram district is flat, receives less rainfall, thus less soil

erosion is expected due to surface run-off. Since most of the construction materials would be

available from existing quarries nearby, relatively few new borrow areas will be required.

Further necessary mitigation measures will be implemented by the proponent with respect to

the borrow area reinstatement (particularly those located on agricultural land) and run-off

control to prevent any possible impact on soil quality. Considering above scenario the impact

is considered to be of low significance.



Storage and disposal of drill cuttings and drilling mud

It is estimated that nearly about 400 m3 of drill cuttings and 20 m3/day of drilling mud is likely

to be generated from each well during exploratory drilling operation. Improper storage and

disposal of such process waste on open soil or unlined areas may therefore lead to the

contamination of soil onsite and abutting land if not properly managed. With the project design

planning taking into account construction of a HDPE lined impervious pits of capacity 1200

m3 each for temporary storage of drill cuttings and drilling fluid respectively and their disposal



in accordance with “CPCB Oil & Extraction Industry Standard – Guidelines for Disposal of

Solid Wastes”( The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986-Schedule1) no significant impact to

this regard is envisaged. Further with the proponent catering to the use of water based mud the

drill cuttings and waste drilling mud generated are likely to be non-hazardous in nature and is

not anticipated to pose any potential threat to the soil environment. The impact is therefore

considered to be of low significance.



Storage and handling of fuel and chemicals

Contamination of soil can result from the project activities if certain operations like storage of

chemicals and fuels, spent oil and lubricants are not managed efficiently. Storage of chemica ls

and fuels, spent lubricants on unpaved surfaces also have potential for contamination of soil.

Accidentally, if chemicals, oil and lubricants are spilled, either during transportation or

handling, on open soil may contribute to soil contamination. However, considering that

appropriate spill prevention and control measures to be implemented by the proponent the

impact is not considered to be of significance.



Mitigation Measures

The following mitigation measures are proposed for reducing impact on soil quality:

Restricted project and related activities during monsoon season;

Carrying out adequate restoration of soil, to the extent possible;

Implementing adequate sediment control measures to prevent discharge of untreated

surface run-off characterized by increased sediment load to abutting agricultural land.

Ensuring proper storage of drill cutting and chemicals to prevent any potential

contamination from spillage.

Implementing appropriate spill prevention and control measures.

4.2.7 Impact on Topography & Drainage

Potential impact on drainage and topography viz. alteration of drainage pattern, water logging

etc. are anticipated during well site preparation, widening/strengthening of access roads and

restoration of exploratory well facilities. The impact details have been discussed below:

Site preparation and road construction/strengthening

Potential impact on drainage is primarily anticipated in the form of disruption of natural

drainage pattern during site preparation and approach road construction. Since site preparation



involves raising of acquired/leased land to about 0.25 m from the ground level it may lead to

alteration of onsite micro-drainage pattern leading to potential problems of water logging in

the agricultural land abutting the drill site. However agricultural practice is less in

Ramanathpuram, as the lands in the district are non-fertile lands.

The infrastructure in major portion of the block is characterized by paved and unpaved rural

roads which are adversely affected during rainfall received by the district. Effect of rainfall on

unpaved rural roads is more pronounced than the paved ones and sometimes could lead to

complete isolation of few villages from the other parts of the district. Well specific

environmental setting study shows that all the wells are located closed to existing road. Site

approach to be constructed for drill site varies to 0 to 40m only. However, widening of existing

road will be required for effective transportation of drilling rig and heavy equipments to the

well site. Widening/ new construction of roads could therefore result in the alteration of

drainage along water crossings and may lead to water-logging of adjacent lands and settlements

if not properly managed. However considering the provision of cross drainage structures viz.

culverts etc. at road embankments and stream crossings by the proponent to ensure

uninterrupted drainage flow the impact is considered to be of medium significance.



Well site restoration

Site restoration will be initiated for well site not indicative of any commercially exploitab le

hydrocarbon reserves. Unplanned restoration may lead to the long term disruption in natural

drainage pattern and water logging in neighbouring agricultural land abutting the site.

However, adequate care will be taken by the proponent to restore the site back to its origina l

condition based on the originally existing contours and predominant slope to prevent any such

adverse drainage impacts. The impact is considered to be of medium significance with onsite

drainage being dependent on the proper site restoration.



Mitigation Measure

Leveling and grading operations will be undertaken with minimal disturbance to the

existing contour, thereby maintaining the general slope of site;

Disruption/alteration of micro-watershed drainage pattern will be minimized to the

extent possible.



Loss of micro-watershed drainage, if any, is to be compensated through provision of

alternate drainage.

4.2.8 Impact on Surface Water Quality

Impact on surface water quality of natural drainage channels and community water bodies may

arise from discharge of contaminated surface run-off, sewage and process waste water

generated during various phases of the proposed project.

Surface run-off discharge

Site clearance and stripping of top soil during site construction will result in an increase in soil

erosion potential leading to an increased sediment load in the surface run-off during monsoon.

Also, surface run off from drilling waste (cuttings and drilling mud), hazardous waste (waste

oil, used oil etc) and chemical storage areas may cause contamination, if allows to discharge in

the water bodies viz. natural drainage channels, ponds etc. However, taking into account the

provision of onsite drainage system and sediment control measures to be implemented by the

proponent in compliance with the CPCB Inland Water Discharge Standards, the impact is

considered to be of medium significance.



Discharge of drilling mud and process wash water

It is estimated that nearly about 350 m3/day of drilling waste and process waste water is likely

to be generated during drilling operation. The drilling waste so generated may be characterized

by the presence of oil & grease, barites and heavy metal which on discharge to nearby natural

drainage channels and/or rivers may lead to possible surface water contamination. However

considering usage of water based mud for the proposed project, temporarily storage of drilling

waste in an HDPE lined pit and subsequent treatment to ensure conformance with CPCB

Industry Specific Standards for Oil Drilling & Gas Extraction Industry and guidelines provided

by the MoEF under the Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling & Transboundary

Movement) Rules, 2008 the impact is not considered to be of significance.



Mitigation Measures

Following mitigation measures will be implemented for water pollution control:

Proper treatment of all wastewater and produced water discharges will be made to

ensure that they comply with criteria set by the regulatory body (MoEF and SPCB)



Drainage and sediment control systems at the well site will be efficiently designed

Construction activities viz. stripping, excavation etc during monsoon season will be

restricted to the extent possible.

All chemical and fuel storage areas, process areas will have proper bunds so that

contaminated run-off cannot escape into the storm-water drainage system. An oil-water

separator will be provided at the storm water drainage outlet, to prevent discharge of

contaminated run-off.

4.2.9 Impact on Hydrogeology & Ground Water Quality

Potential impacts on groundwater resources that could arise as a result of the proposed drilling

activities include the following:

Storage of drill cuttings and waste drilling mud

Possibility of contamination of subsurface and unconfined aquifers may exist if the casing and

cementing of the well is not carried out properly leading to infiltration or seeping of drilling

chemicals or mud into porous aquifer region. The same is also valid for disposal of drilling

waste and mud in an open/unpaved pit. However with the project proponent catering to the use

of water based mud and storage of drill cuttings and waste drilling mud in an HDPE lined pit,

impact is considered to be of low significance.



Mitigation Measures

Proper engineering controls will be used for drilling and cementing operations

Water based, non hazardous type of drilling mud will be utilized for drilling operation

Drill cuttings & mud will be stored in HDPE lined pits

4.2.10 Impact on Biological Environment

The potential impacts on ecological habitat of the exploratory block region due to proposed

exploratory & development drilling operations are discussed below:

Loss of flora and floral habitat

Majority of the exploratory & development wells ( 18 wells ) are located on agricultural land

where there are no prominent vegetation except prosopis trees. Further, no wells are located in

the coastal region which will prevent impact on vegetation in coastal area. Vegetation clearance

(prosopis/palm trees) in an area of 2.2 ha will be required for wells located in 22 wells for

construction of drill site. Reviewing of ecological conditions of the exploratory block reveals

no flora or floral assemblages that are unique to the sites or are listed as protected or threatened

plant species or trees with important heritage values. Taking drilling activity into account, drill



site will be restored to near original condition and its impact on flora and floral habitat is

considered to be of less significance.



Impact of Fauna & Faunal Habitat

Majority of exploratory wells are located on open scrub land, private lands mainly covered

with plam and prosopis trees. However, some of the wells also falls within the 10 km radius of

ecological sensitive areas as mentioned in chapter 2 of this report and attracts wildlife clearance

as per Wildlife Protection Act 1972. In view of proposed sensitivities and proximity to the

Wildlife Sanctuary ONGC will prepare site specific Wildlife Management Plan and get it

approved from the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State of Tamilnadu. ONGC will also take

specific measures for implementation of the Wildlife Management Plan



.

Aquatic Habitat, Aquatic Flora & Fauna

The major river viz. Vaigai River, water body at Mandapam and creek near Kanjirgudi forms

the aquatic ecosystem in the study area. Since no well is proposed in CRZ area therefore impact

on aquatic habitat due to drilling of exploratory wells are not anticipated. However, precautions

will be taken for the wells located outside of CRZ area but near to any water body so that

impact on aquatic habitat can be prevented. It has been established in the baseline studies, that

existing water quality of the surface water bodies is quite favorable to support diverse range of

aquatic fauna and flora. Therefore, in case of any discharge of untreated waste water from

exploratory drilling site may result in the possible contamination of receiving streams and their

ecological habitat. Surface runoff during monsoon from the construction site of the wells has

the potential to contaminate receiving surface water bodies thereby impacting their aquatic

ecology. Again, all such process water to be discharged offsite will be undergoing adequate

treatment to comply with discharge standards specified by regulatory authorities. Adequate

treatment coupled with dilution factor of receiving water bodies will thus significantly

contribute in preventing any deleterious effect on the aquatic ecological habitat.





4.2.11 Impact on Socioeconomic Environment

Based on the nature and type of impacts, the assessment has been divided into broad categories

namely (i) Adverse impacts and (ii) Positive impacts.

Adverse Impact

Loss of Livelihood

The proposed tentative well location map shows that, out of 22 exploratory wells, all wells are

located in a private land. Approximately, 2.2 ha per well land will be required for proposed

drilling activity. The agricultural lands are covered with either prosopis or palm trees which

are helping local people in producing char coal. ONGC will procure this land through private

negotiation. In all cases, necessary payments will be made against purchase and crop

compensation to concerned land owners. The proposed project would not require any

displacement of villagers. The impact on livelihood is considered to be of medium significance.



Conflicts on Job Opportunity

Primary survey and public consultation showed that the local people desired to work in the

ONGC. Involvement of outside workers in proposed activity may possibly create conflict with

the local people, as most of the villagers are small scale cultivators, daily labours, small

businessmen. Local people are strongly objected to outsiders, and demanded that major

proportion of workers be involved from surrounding villages. Considering public opinion,

impact will be low.


Impact Significance = 4 i.e. low

Disruption on Infrastructure

Road network in the block area are observed that main roads are all weathered black top roads

and internal village roads are Kutcha road. Numbers of access roads passes through villages

are mostly Kutcha. Transportation of drilling rig and associated facilities to drill and

decommissioning of rig and associated structure will increase traffic movement. An abrupt

increase in vehicular fleet may damage road infrastructure if not properly maintained.





Dust and Noise Discomfort

Very less of wells are located in close proximity to settlement. Inhabitants residing close to

access roads will get affected due to noise and dust generated from vehicular movement during

site preparation, setting up of rig and associated facilities , decommissioning of rig and

associated facilities. Again, during drilling operation, inhabitants residing close to drill sites

(within 200 m) will get affected due to noise and emissions from DG sets and occasional flaring

activity. Considering proximity of human settlement and short term activity with proper

mitigation measures, impact will be of Medium significance.



Ecological Productivity of Agricultural Fields

Ecological productivity of the agricultural land taken up for exploratory drilling activity stands

temporarily affected during the entire lifecycle of the project. Reinstatement of ecologica l

productivity will be dependent on successful restoration of soils, their structure, chemistry

drainage characteristics and possibly other physical factors, such as micro-topography. These

will provide a basis for successful recovery of ecological populations, whether allowed to occur

naturally or aided by seeding and cultivation. However, considering necessary mitiga t ion

measures like top soil preservation, process water treatment, etc will be implemented by the

proponent. During various project phases any impact in this regard is considered to be of low

significance.



Influx of Population

Influx of population is anticipated in all stages of the project cycle particularly during

exploratory drilling. The drill site will involve the operation of about 30 onsite workers. Hence

there might be an impact on the local communities due to the sharing of common resources

like space, drinking water, roads, etc. Interaction between workers with villagers of nearby

areas might give rise to various issues like conflict of workers with the local population,

nuisance caused by workers due to improper sanitation facilities, etc. However, taking into

account that workforce is likely to be sourced from nearby villages and adequate sanitation

facilities will be provided chances of such conflicts are negligible.



Cultural & Heritage Site



Impact on cultural environment may occur due to site preparation, operation of drilling rig and

also during vehicular movement with respect to the proposed exploration activities. There are

no designated historical or cultural spots within block area. The project will however be

adopting following mitigation measures to prevent any adverse impact to properties/remains

of cultural and historical significance of any such remains accidentally encountered during

aforesaid activities.

Prior to commencement of site construction activities, location of cultural important properties

will be communicated to the contractor; and reporting of chance find of any properties/remains

of archeological significance by the contractor to the proponent. Thus any significant impact

due to project activities on cultural environment of the block is unlikely.



Employment opportunities: Project will benefit people living in the neighboring villages by

giving preference to them in relation to direct & indirect employment associated with the

various project activities. Site preparation phase will involve certain number of laborers and

there is a possibility that local people can be engaged for this purpose. Drilling process will

involve a number of skilled and unskilled workers. There is a possibility that local people will

be engaged for this purpose to the extent possible and hence improve existing employment

scenario of the region.

However, most jobs will comprise technical involvement. Hence villagers can possibly be

employed only in certain non-technical or casual labor jobs and that too for a limited duration.

It is proposed that first preference be given to people whose land is acquired and to their

relations. Next preference will be given to the poorer people and subsequently the other

villagers.

4.2.12 Impact on Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational injuries and ill-health have huge socio-economic implications on individua ls,

their families and communities. They also have economic impacts in form of direct and indirect

costs for society as a whole. Major occupational health risks encountered in proposed drilling

activity include noise from drilling activity, operation of heavy vehicles and machinery,

handing of chemicals.

However, the proponent will adopt necessary control measures through implementation of

mitigation measures and provision of proper PPEs to workers operating in aforesaid area to

prevent and/or mitigate adverse health related impacts. Hence any possible occupational health

impact from exposure to such fugitive dust is not likely to be of major significance.

Impact Significance = ++ i.e. POSITIVE





Community Health & Safety: Community health and safety of inhabitants residing close to

the drilling site stands to get affected from frequent heavy vehicular movement along village

access roads and due to noise from drilling rig operations. Health and safety impact arising

from technological emergencies viz. well blow outs, explosions will be dealt separately in the

QRA section. Although the aforesaid activities are temporary in nature it may not adversely

affect community health and safety and hence is considered to be of medium significance.





TABLE 4-8: IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE MATRIX (WITH MITIGATION)

Environment

Activity


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Hea

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Co

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Pre-Drilling Activities

Site selection and land acquisition M M L

Site clearance and top soil removal L L L M M M M L L + L

Well site& access road construction L L L M M L + L L

Sourcing & transportation of

borrow material etc L L L M L L M M L M L + L L

Storage and handling of construction debris L L L

Transportation of drilling rig and ancillaries L L M L M L L L

Operation DG set L L M M M

Workforce engagement & accommodation at

construction site L L L + L

Consumption of water for construction & domestic use for labourer L L

Generation of domestic

solid waste & disposal L L L L L L L

Generation of waste water & discharge from construction activity & labour camp L L L

Surface run-off from

construction site L M L L L L



Environment

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up

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Hea

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Co

mm

un

ity H

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Exploratory Well Drilling & Testing

Physical Presence at drill site L

M M M

Operation of DG sets and machinery L M

M M M M M M

Operation of drilling

rig M

M M M M

M M

Storage and disposal of drill cuttings and mud L L L L

Generation of process waste water & discharge M L L L

Surface run-off from

drill site L L L L Generation of domestic

waste water & discharge L L L L L

Generation of Municipal waste & disposal L L L L

Workforce engagement

& accommodation at drill site L L L + M

Flaring during production testing and process upset L M M

M M M M

M M

Accidental events -

blow out L M M M M

M M M M

L L M M

Accidental events-spillage of chemical & oil M M M M M

Decommissioning and Reinstatement



Environment

Activity


Aes

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Co

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Dismantling of rig and associated facilities L L M M

Transportation of drilling rig and

ancillaries L L M M Removal of well site

construction materials & disposal L L M

Site Restoration + + +



5 Quantitative Risk Assessment

This section on Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) aims to provide a systematic analysis of

the major risks that may arise as a result of drilling of 22 exploratory well in in

Ramanathapuram PML area. The QRA process outlines rational evaluations of the identified

risks based on their significance and provides the outline for appropriate preventive and risk

mitigation measures. Results of the QRA provides valuable inputs into the overall project

planning and the decision making process for effectively addressing the identified risks. This

will ensure that the project risks stay below As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP)

levels at all times during project implementation. In addition, the QRA will also help in

assessing risks arising from potential emergency situations like a blow out and develop a

structured Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to restrict damage to personnel, infrastructure and

the environment.

The risk study for the onshore exploratory drilling activities in Ramanathapuram PML area has

considered all aspects of operation of the drilling rig and other associated activities during the

exploration phase. Loss of well control / blow-out and process leaks constitute the major

potential hazards that may be associated with the proposed onshore exploratory drilling in

Ramanathapuram PML area.

The following section describes objectives, methodology of the risk assessment study and then

presents the assessment for each of the potential risk separately. This includes identification of

major hazards, hazard screening and ranking, frequency and consequence analysis for major

hazards. The hazards have subsequently been quantitatively evaluated through a criteria based

risk evaluation matrix. Risk mitigation measures to reduce significant risks to acceptable levels

have also been recommended as a part of the risk assessment study.

5.1 OBJECTIVE OF THE QRA STUDY

The overall objective of this QRA with respect to the proposed project involves identifica t ion

and evaluation of major risks, prioritizing risks identified based on their hazard consequences

and formulating suitable risk reduction/mitigation measures in line with the ALARP princip le.

Hence in order to ensure effective management of any emergency situations (with potential

individual and societal risks) that may arise during the exploratory drilling activities, following

specific objectives need to be achieved.

Identify potential risk scenarios that may arise out of proposed drilling and other associated

activities like operation of ancillary facilities and equipment’s, mud chemicals storage and

handling etc.

Analyze the possible likelihood and frequency of such risk scenarios by reviewing

historical accident related data for oil and gas industries.

Predict the consequences of such potential risk scenarios and if consequences are high,

establish the same by through application of quantitative simulations.



Recommend feasible preventive and risk mitigation measures as well as provide inputs for

drawing up of Emergency Management Plan (EMP) for the project.

5.2 RISK ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

The risk assessment process is primarily based on likelihood of occurrence of the risks

identified and their possible hazard consequences particularly being evaluated through

hypothetical accident scenarios. With respect to the proposed project, major risks viz. blow

outs, process leaks and fires; non-process fires etc. have been assessed and evaluated through

a risk matrix generated to combine the risk severity and likelihood factor. Risk associated with

the exploratory drilling activities have been determined semi-quantitatively as the product of

likelihood/probability and severity/consequence by using order of magnitude data (risk ranking

= severity/consequence factor X likelihood/probability factor). Significance of such project

related risks was then established through their classification as high, medium, low, very low

depending upon risk ranking.

The risk matrix is a widely accepted as standardized method of quantitative risk assessment

and is preferred over purely quantitative methods, given that its inherent limitations to define

a risk event is certain. Application of this tool has resulted in the prioritization of the potential

risks events for the exploratory drilling, GCS and pipeline operations thus providing the basis

for drawing up risk mitigation measures and leading to formulation of plans for risk and

emergency management. The overall approach is summarized in the Figure 5.1



FIGURE 5-1: RISK ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

5.2.1 Hazard Identification

Hazard identification for the purposes of this QRA comprised of a review of the project and

associated activity related information provided by ONGC. In addition, guidance provided by

knowledge platforms/portals of the upstream oil & gas industry including OGP, ITOPF, EGIG

and DNV, Norwegian Petroleum Directorate etc. are used to identify potential hazards that can

arise out of proposed project activities.

Taking into account the applicability of different risk aspects in context of the exploratory

drilling operations in Ramanathapuram PML area, there are three major categories of hazards

that can be associated with proposed project which has been dealt with in detail. This includes :

Blowouts leading to pool fires/jet fires

Process leaks and fires

Non-process fires / explosions



Well control incident covers a range of events which have the potential of leading to blow-outs

but are generally controlled by necessary technological interventions. Hence, such incidents

are considered of minor consequences and as a result not well documented. Other possible

hazard scenarios like mud chemical spills, falls, etc. has also not been considered for detailed

assessment as preliminary evaluation has indicated that the overall risk that may arise out of

them would be low. In addition, it is understood that, causative factors and mitigation measures

for such events can be adequately taken care of through exiting safety management procedures

and practices of ONGC.

It must also be noted here that many hazards identified are sometimes interrelated with one

hazard often having the ability to trigger off another hazard through a domino effect. For

example, a large oil spill in most instances is caused by another hazardous incident like a

blowout or process leak. This aspect has been considered while drawing up hazard mitiga t ion

measures and such linkages (between hazards) has also been given due importance for

managing hazards and associated risks in a composite manner through ONGC’s Health, Safety

& Environmental Management System (HSEMS) and through the Emergency Management

Plan, if a contingency situation so arises.

5.2.2 Frequency Analysis

Frequency analysis involves estimating the likelihood of each of the failure cases identified

during the hazard identification stage. The analysis of frequencies of occurrences for the key

hazards that has been listed out is important to assess the likelihood of such hazards to actually

unfold during the lifecycle of the project. The frequency analysis approach for the proposed

project is based primarily on historical accident frequency data, event tree analysis and

judgmental evaluation. Major oil and gas industry information sources viz. statistical data,

historical records and global industry experience were considered during the frequency analys is

of the major identified risks4.

For QRA for the proposed project, various accident statistics and published oil industry

databases have been consulted for arriving at probable frequencies of identified hazards. Based

on the range of probabilities arrived at for different potential hazards that may be encountered

during the proposed drilling activities, following criteria for likelihood rankings have been

drawn up as presented in the Table 5.1.

TABLE 5-1: FREQUENCY CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA

Likelihood Ranking Criteria Ranking

(cases/year) Frequency Class

5 >1.0 Frequent

4 >10-1 to <1.0 Probable

4 It is to be noted that the frequency of occurrences are usually obtained by a combination ofcomponent

probabilities derived on basis of reliabilitydata and /or statistical analysis of historicaldata.



3 >10-3 to <10-1 Occasional/Rare

2 >10-5 to <10-3 Not Likely

1 >10-6 to <10-5 Improbable

5.2.3 Consequence Analysis

In parallel to frequency analysis, hazard prediction / consequence analysis exercise assesses

resulting effects in instances when accidents occur and their likely impact on project personnel,

infrastructure and environment. In relation to the proposed project, estimation of consequences

for each possible event has been based either on accident experience, consequence modeling

or professional judgment, as appropriate.

Given the high risk perception associated with blow outs in context of onshore drilling

operation, a detailed analysis of consequences has been undertaken for blow outs taking into

account physical factors and technological interventions. Consequences of such accidental

events on the physical, biological and socio-economic environment have been studied to

evaluate the potential of the identified risks/hazards. In all, the consequence analysis takes into

account the following aspects:

Nature of impact on environment and community;

Occupational health and safety;

Asset and property damage;

Corporate image

Timeline for restoration of environmental and property damage

Restoration cost for environmental and property damage

The following criterion for consequence rankings (Table 5.2) is drawn up in context of the

possible consequences of risk events that may occur during proposed exploratory drilling

activities:

Table 5-2: Severity Categories and Criteria

Consequence Ranking Criteria Definition

Catastrophic 5 Multiple fatalities/Permanent total disability to

more than 50 persons

Severe violations of national limits for

environmental emission

More than 5 years for natural recovery

Net negative financial impact of >10 crores

Long term impact on ecologically sensitive areas

International media coverage



Consequence Ranking Criteria Definition

National stakeholder concern and media coverage

Major 4 Single fatality/permanent total disability to one or

more persons

Major violations of national limits for

environmental emissions

2-5 years for natural recovery

Net negative financial impact of 5 -10 crores

Significant impact on endangered and threatened

floral and faunal species

Loss of corporate image and reputation

Moderate 3 Short term hospitalization & rehabilitation leading

to recovery

Short term violations of national limits for

environmental emissions

1-2 years for natural recovery

Net negative financial impact of 1-5 crores

Short term impact on protected natural habitats

State wide media coverage

Minor 2 Medical treatment injuries

1 year for natural recovery

Net negative financial impact of 0.5 – 1 crore

Temporary environmental impacts which can be

mitigated

Local stakeholder concern and public attention

Insignificant 1 First Aid treatment with no Lost Time Incidents

(LTIs)

Natural recovery < 1year

Net negative financial impact of <0.5 crores.

No significant impact on environmenta l

components

No media coverage



5.2.4 Risk Evaluation

Based on ranking of likelihood and frequencies, each identified hazard has been evaluated

based on the likelihood of occurrence and the magnitude of consequences. Significance of risks

is expressed as the product of likelihood and consequence of the risk event, expressed as

follows:

Significance = Likelihood X Consequence

The Table 5.3 below illustrates all possible product results for five likelihood and consequence

categories while the Table 5.4 assigns risk significance criteria in four regions that identify the

limit of risk acceptability. Depending on the position of intersection of a column with a row in

the risk matrix, hazard prone activities have been classified as low, medium and high thereby

qualifying a set of risk reduction / mitigation strategies.

Table 5-3: Risk Matrix

Con

seq

uen

ce →

Likelihood →

Frequent Probable Remote Not

Likely

Improbabl

e

5 4 3 2 1

Catastrophi

c 5 25 20 15 10 5

Major 4 20 16 12 8 4

Moderate 3 15 12 9 6 3

Minor 2 10 8 6 4 2

Insignificant 1 5 4 3 2 1



TABLE 5-4: RISK CRITERIA AND ACTION REQUIREMENTS

Risk Significance Criteria Definition & Action Requirements

High (16 - 25) “Risk requires attention” – Project HSE Management need to ensure that necessary mitigation are adopted to ensure that possible risk remains within acceptable limits

Medium (10 – 15) “Risk is tolerable” – Project HSE Management needs to adopt necessary measures to prevent any change/modification of existing risk controls and ensure implementation of all practicable controls.

Low (5 – 9) “Risk is acceptable” – Project related risks are managed by well-established controls and routine processes/procedures. Implementation of additional controls can be considered.

Very Low (1 – 4) “Risk is acceptable” – All risks are managed by well-established controls and routine processes/procedures. Additional risk controls need not to be considered

5.3 RISK ASSESSMENT OF IDENTIFIED PROJECT HAZARDS

As already discussed in the previous section, three major categories risk have identified in

relation to proposed exploratory drilling activities. A comprehensive risk assessment study has

been undertaken to assess and evaluate significance of identified risks in terms of severity of

consequences and likelihood of occurrence. Risk assessment study details have been

summarized in the subsequent sections below:

5.3.1 Blow Outs/Loss of Well Control

Blow out is an uncontrolled release of well fluid (primarily hydrocarbons viz. oil and/or gas

and may also include drilling mud, completion fluid, water etc) from an exploratory or

development well. Blow outs are the result of failure to control a kick and regain pressure

control and are typically caused by equipment failure or human error. The possible blow out

cause events occurring in isolation or in combination have been listed below:

Formation fluid entry into well bore

Loss of containment due to malfunction (viz. wire lining)

Well head damage (e.g. by fires, storms, dropped object etc)

Rig forced off station (e.g. by anchor failure) damaging Blow Out Preventor (BOP) or

wellhead

The most common cause of blow out can be associated with the sudden/unexpec ted

entry/release of formation fluid into well bore that may arise as a result of the following events

as discussed in the Box 5.1 below.



BOX 5.1: PRIMARY CAUSES OF BLOW OUTS

Shallow gas

In shallow formations there may be pockets of shallow gas. In these instances there is often

insufficient mud density in the well and no BOP is in place. If the hole strikes shallow gas the

gas may be released on the drilling rig very rapidly. Typical geological features which

suggest the presence of shallow gas can then be detected. Historically, striking of shallow gas

has been one of the most frequent causes of blowouts in drilling.

Swabbing

As the drill pipe is pulled upwards during trips out of the hole or upward movement of the

drill string, the pressure in the hole beneath the drill bit is reduced, creating a suction effect.

Sufficient drilling mud must be pumped down-hole to compensate for this effect or well

fluids may enter the bore. Swabbing is also a frequent cause of drilling blowouts.

High formation pressure

Drilling into an unexpected zone of high pressure may allow formation fluids to enter the

well before mud weight can be increased to prevent it.

Insufficient mud weight

The primary method of well control is the use of drilling mud; in correct operation, the

hydrostatic pressure exerted by the mud prevents well fluids from entering the well bore. A

high mud weight provides safety against well fluids in-flows. However, a high mud weight

reduces drilling speed, therefore, mud weight is calculated to establish weight most suitable

to safely control anticipated formation pressures and allows optimum rates of penetration. If

the required mud weight is incorrectly calculated then well fluid may be able to enter the

bore.

Lost Circulation

Drilling mud circulation can be lost if mud enters a permeable formation instead of returning

to the rig. This reduces the hydrostatic pressures exerted by the mud throughout the well

bore, and may allow well fluids from another formation to enter the bore.

Gas cut mud

Drilling fluids are denser than well fluids; this density is required to provide the hydrostatic

pressure which prevents well fluids from entering the bore. If well fluids mix with the mud

then its density will be reduced. As mud is circulated back to surface, hydrostatic pressure

exerted by the mud column is reduced. Once gas reaches surface it is released into the

atmosphere.

Source: A Guide to Quantitative Risk Assessment; John Spouge – DNVTechnica Publication 99/100a



For better understanding, causes of blow outs have been systematically defined in terms of loss

of pressure control (failure of primary barrier), uncontrolled flow of fluid or failure of

secondary barrier (BOP). The blow out incidents resulting from primary and secondary failures

for proposed operations as obtained through comprehensive root cause analysis of the Gulf

Coast (Texas, OCS and US Gulf of Mexico) Blow Outs 5 during 1960-1996 have been

presented in the Table 5.5 below.

TABLE 5-5: BLOW OUT CAUSE DISTRIBUTION FOR FAILURES DURING DRILLING OPERATIONS

Sl.No Causal Factors Blow Out Incidents (nos.)

A Primary Barrier

1 Swabbing 77

2 Drilling Break 52

3 Formation breakdown 38

4 Trapped/expanding gas 09

5 Gas cut mud 26

6 Low mud weight 17

7 Wellhead failure 05

8 Cement setting 05

B Secondary Barrier

1 Failure to close BOP 07

2 Failure of BOP after closure 13

3 BOP not in place 10

4 Fracture at casing shoe 03

5 Failure to stab string valve 09

6 Casing leakage 06

Thus, underlying blowout causes as discussed in the above table can be primarily attributed to

swabbing as the primary barrier failure which is indicative of insufficient attention given to trip

margin and controlling pipe movement speed. Also, it is evident from the above table that lack

of proper maintenance, operational failures and absence of BOPs as secondary barrier

contributed to majority of blowout incidents (approx 30 nos.) is recorded.

Blowout Frequency Analysis

Blow out frequency estimates is obtained from a combination of incident experience and

associated exposure in a given area over a given period. For the purpose of calculation of blow

out frequency analysis in context of the present study involving drilling operations, blow out

frequencies per well drilled have been considered.

5 “Trends extracted from 1200 Gulf Coast blowouts during 1960-1996” – Pal Skalle and A.L.Podio



For onshore blowouts, the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) maintain a database of

onshore drilling incidents. The database includes drilling occurrence data for Alberta from

1975 till 1990 with a total of 87994 wells drilled. Taking the full number of blowouts gives a

frequency of 4.9 X 10-4 blowouts per well drilled.

Based on the given frequency and information provided by ONGC on the proposed exploratory

drilling project the blow out frequency is calculated as follows:

No of exploratory wells to be drilled = 22 (A)

Blow out frequency for onshore drilling = 4.9 X 10 -4 per well drilled (B)

Frequency of blow out occurrence for the proposed project = (A X B) = 22 X 4.9 X 10 -4

= 1.07 X 10-2 per well drilled

Thus, the blow out frequency for the proposed project is calculated at 1.07 X 10-2 per well

drilled i.e. the likelihood of its occurrence is “Occasional/Rare”

Blowout Ignition Probability

Review of SINTEF database indicates that a rounded ignition probability of 0.3 has been

widely used for the purpose of quantitative risk analysis arising from blow outs. As per this

database generally ignition occurred within first 5 minutes in approximately 40% of the

blowouts leading to either pool and/or jet fire. Blow out leading to flammable gas release has

a greater probability of ignition compared to liquid releases6 (Figure 5.2).

6 Fire and Explosion – Fire Risk Analysis by Daejun Change, Division of Ocean System and Engineering



FIGURE 5-2: IGNITION PROBABILITY VS RELEASE RATE

An alternative to the blowout ignition probabilities given by the UKOOA look-up correlations

can be obtained from Scandpowers’s interpretation of the blowout data provided by SINTEF

2. The most significant category is that for deep blowouts which indicates an early ignit ion

probability of 0.09. For the purpose of the QRA study this can be taken as occurring

immediately on release and calculation provided below:

No of exploratory wells to be drilled = 22 (A)

Blow out frequency for onshore drilling = 4.9 X 10 -4 per well drilled (B)

Blow out ignition probability = 0.09 (C)

Probability of Blow out ignition for the proposed project = (A X B X C) = 22 X 4.9 X 10 -4 X 0.09

= 0.97 X 10-3

Hence based on the aforesaid calculation the probability of ignition of blow out releases of

hydrocarbons for the proposed drilling project will be about 0.97 X 10-3 and can be considered

to be as negligible.

Blowout Consequence Analysis

Blow out from a hydrocarbon exploratory and/or development well may lead to the following

possible risk consequences:

a. Pool fires and smoke plumes resulting from ignited oil blow outs

b. Jet fires resulting from ignited gas blow outs

c. Oil slicks resulting from un-ignited oil pools.

However for the proposed project involving exploration of gas wells for natural gas releases

leading to jet fire, modeling has been based considering methane which has been identified as

the principal constituent (~ 95%) of natural gas.



Ignition of Flammable Gas Release leading to Jet Fire

Jet fires are burning jet of gas or sprays of atomized liquids resulting from gas and condensate

release from high pressure equipment and blow outs. Jet fires may also result in the release of

high pressure liquid containing dissolved gas due to gas flashing off and turning the liquid into

a spray of small droplets. In context of the present study, formation of jet fires can be attributed

by the high pressure release and ignition of natural gas if encountered during exploration of

block hydrocarbon reserves.

Natural gas as recovered from underground deposits primarily contains methane (CH4) as a

flammable component, but it also contains heavier gaseous hydrocarbons such as ethane

(C2H6), propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10). Other gases such as CO2, nitrogen and hydrogen

sulfide (H2S) are also often present. Methane is typically 70-90 percent, ethane 5-15 percent,

propane and butane, up to 5 percent. Thus, considering higher percentage of methane in natural

gas, the thermo-chemical properties of the same has been utilized in the jet fire blow out

consequence modeling. The following risk scenarios (Table 5.6) have been considered for

nature gas release consequence modeling:

TABLE 5-6: NATURAL GAS RELEASE MODELING SCENARIOS

Scenario Release Rate (kg/s) Release Type

Scenario - I 0.5 Small

Scenario - II 1 Medium

Scenario – III (Worst Case) 2 Large

As in the case of pool fire, modeling of nature gas releases has also been carried out using

ALOHA. A Flammable Level of Concern approach has been utilized for assessing safety risk

associated with the release of flammable gases (here methane) from well blow outs.

In ALOHA, a flammable Level of Concern (LOC) is a threshold concentration of fuel in the

air above which a flammability hazard may exist. While modeling the release of a flammab le

gas that may catch on fire—but which is not currently burning—ALOHA can predict the

flammable area of the vapor cloud so that flammability hazard can be established.

The flammable area is the part of a flammable vapor cloud where the concentration is in the

flammable range, between the Lower and Upper Explosive Limits (LEL and UEL). These

limits are percentages that represent the concentration of the fuel (that is, the chemical vapor)

in the air. If the chemical vapor comes into contact with an ignition source (such as a spark), it

will burn only if its fuel-air concentration is between the LEL and the UEL—because that

portion of the cloud is already pre-mixed to the right mixture of fuel and air for burning to

occur. If the fuel-air concentration is below the LEL, there is not enough fuel in the air to

sustain a fire or an explosion—it is too lean. If the fuel-air concentration is above the UEL,

there is not enough oxygen to sustain a fire or an explosion because there is too much fuel— it

is too rich.

When a flammable vapor cloud is dispersing, the concentration of fuel in the air is not uniform;

there will be areas where the concentration is higher than the average and areas where the

concentration is lower than the average. This is called concentration patchiness. Because of



concentration patchiness, there will be areas (called pockets) where the chemical is in the

flammable range even though the average concentration has fallen below the LEL. Because of

this, ALOHA's default flammable LOCs are each a fraction of the LEL, rather than the LEL

itself. ALOHA uses 60% of the LEL as the default LOC for the red threat zone, because some

experiments have shown that flame pockets can occur in places where the average

concentration is above that level. Another common threat level used by responders is 10% of

the LEL, which is ALOHA's default LOC for the yellow threat zone. The flammable LOC

threat zones for methane release are as follows:

Red : 26,400 ppm = 60% LEL = Flame Pockets

Yellow: 4,400 ppm = 10% LEL

Well site risk contour maps for worst case scenario prepared based on ALOHA modeling of

natural gas releases for flammable vapour cloud has been presented in Figure 5.3-5.5 below



FIGURE 5-3: SCENARIO I - RISK CONTOUR MAP

THREAT ZONE:

Threat Modeled: Flammable Area of Vapor Cloud

Model Run: Gaussian

Red : 45 meters --- (26,400 ppm = 60% LEL = Flame Pockets)

Note: Threat zone was not drawn because effects of near-field patchiness make dispersion

predictions less reliable for short distances.

Yellow: 114 meters --- (4,400 ppm = 10% LEL)



FIGURE 5-4: SCENARIO II - RISK CONTOUR MAP

THREAT ZONE:


Model Run: Gaussian





FIGURE 5-5: SCENARIO III - RISK CONTOUR MAP

THREAT ZONE:


Model Run: Gaussian



The zone of flammable vapour cloud calculated for hypothetical natural gas release under risk

scenarios discussed in the earlier sections have been presented in the Table 5.7 below.

TABLE 5-7: ZONE OF FLAMMABLE VAPOUR CLOUD – NATURAL GAS RELEASE SCENARIOS

Release

Type

Release Rate

(kg/s)

Red – 60%

LEL (m)

Yellow -10%

LEL (m)

Small 0.5 45 114

Medium 1 65 163

Large 2 92 228



Hence for a worst case scenario (2kg/s) the flammable vapor cloud zone/flame pockets’

resulting from accidental release of natural gas will be covering a radial zone of 92 m from

source with the flammable gas concentration within this zone being 26,400 ppm.

Based on the flammable vapour cloud concentration modeled for the worst case scenario (10

kg/s) an effort was made to establish the overpressure (blast force zone) that may result from

delayed ignition of vapour cloud generated from any such accidental release. For overpressure

risk modeling using ALOHA a delayed ignition time of 5 minutes was considered of the vapour

cloud mass. However the threat modeled revealed that Level of Concern (LOC) was never

exceeded that may possibly lead to damage to property or life within the blast radius. The

results have been provided in Figure 5.6 below

FIGURE 5-6: SCENARIO III (WORST CASE) – OVERPRESSURE RISK MODELING RESULTS

Risk Ranking – Blowout Natural Gas Release (Worst Case Scenario)

Likelihood ranking 3 Consequence ranking 4

Risk Ranking & Significance = 9 i.e. “Medium”

Preventive and Mitigation Measures

Blowouts being events which may be catastrophic to any well operation, it is essential to take

up as much a preventive measures as feasible. This includes:

Necessary active barriers (eg. Well-designed Blowout Preventor) be installed to control

or contain a potential blowout.

Weekly blow out drills be carried out to test reliability of BOP and preparedness of

drilling team.

Close monitoring of drilling activity be done to check for signs of increasing pressure,

like from shallow gas formations.

Installation of hydrocarbon detectors.

Periodic monitoring and preventive maintenance be undertaken for primary and

secondary barriers installed for blow out prevention, including third party inspection &

testing

An appropriate Emergency Response Plan be finalized and implemented by ONGC.



Marking of hazardous zone (500 meters) around the well site and monitoring of human

movements in the zone.

Training and capacity building exercises/programs be carried out for onsite drilling

crew on potential risks associated with exploration drilling and their possible mitiga t ion

measures.

Installation of mass communication and public address equipment.

Good layout of well site and escape routes.

Additionally, ONGC will be adopting and implementing the following Safe Operating

Procedures (SOPs) developed as part of its Onsite Emergency Response Plan to prevent and

address any blow out risks that may result during drilling and work over activities:

Blow Out Control Equipment

Choke lines and Choke Manifold Installation with Surface BOP

Kill Lines and Kill Manifold Installation with Surface BOP

Control System for Surface BOP stacks

Testing of Blow Out Prevention Equipment

BOP Drills

5.3.2 Non-process fires/explosions

Non-process fires are any fires and explosions that involve material other than hydrocarbons

(e.g. electrical fires, diesel fires, accommodation fires, DG set fires, miscellaneous sources

etc.). Most non-process fires are small incidents which can be managed within the facility using

existing firefighting equipment’s. Such fires have however a higher frequency of occurrence

compared to process fires and explosions as recorded by HSE database. Due to the absence of

veritable data source recording non-process fire/explosion incidents for onshore installat ions

the aforesaid databases for upstream oil and gas sector have been referred in an effort to analyze

non-process fire/explosion risks with respect to the proposed onshore exploratory project.

Historically few fatalities have been reported from non-process fires and most of them have

been successfully managed at the installation level. Based on the WOAD 1996 statistical report,

the average fatality rate for non-process fires is estimated at 10-3 platform year. Again, these

fatalities have already been addressed under risks covered under personal accidents and need

not be considered for fatalities due to non-process fires. However, as they have a higher

probability to occur such incidents may cause inconveniences and come in the way of smooth

operation of the drilling activities. The frequency of occurrence of fires due to possible non-

process accident has listed in the Table 5.8 below:

TABLE 5-8: FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE - NON-PROCESS FIRES

Non-Process Accidents Frequency (per year)

Electrical fires 7.0 X 10-2



Diesel fires 9.2 X 10-3

Machinery fires 2.2 X 10-3

Miscellaneous fires 2.1 X 10-3

Source: WOAD

As a result, though the damage potential is low, it is important to take appropriate safeguard

measures to minimize their occurrence. Many of these measures can be implemented through

the stipulation of simple work instructions and procedures.

Risk Ranking for Non-Process Fires


Risk Ranking & Significance = 3 i.e. “Low”

Preventive and Mitigation Measures

The preventive and mitigation measures for small non-process fires would be implemented by

delineating appropriate operational procedures through the existing safety management system.

5.3.3 Pipeline Failure

In addition to risk assessed with respect to the proposed project in the form of “Blow Outs”

efforts has also been made to understand the potential risks/hazards associated with respect to

existing industrial operations in the near vicinity. Based on the information made available by

ONGC and site visits undertaken it is understood that nearly 22 nos. Gas Collection Stations

(GCS) of ONGC along with integrated pipeline network (4” dia) is operational in the Ramanad

area. Hence potential risks have been identified in the form of loss of containment events for

each section of the pipeline, corresponding to the relevant process conditions, as listed in Table

5.9.

TABLE 5-9: SCENARIOS FOR QRA STUDY

Sl.

No Plant Section

Initiating

Event Risk Scenario

Potential Outcome

Scenario

1 Pipeline Rupture 4” pipeline rupture Jet fire, flash fire

Pipeline Failure Frequency Analysis

An effort has also been made to understand the primary failure frequencies of gas pipeline

which is the result of the number of incidents within a period divided by the corresponding

total system exposure. Based on the European Gas Pipeline Incident Data Group (EGIG)



database the evolution of the primary failure frequencies over the entire period and for the last

five years has been provided in Table 5.10below.

TABLE 5-10: PRIMARY GAS PIPELINE FAILURE FREQUENCY

Period No. of Incidents Total System

Exposure (km.yr)

Primary failure

frequency

(1000 km.yr)

1970-2007 1173 3.15.106 0.372

1970-2010 1249 3.55.106 0.351

1971-2010 1222 3.52.106 0.347

1981-2010 860 3.01.106 0.286

1991-2010 460 2.25.106 0.204

2001-2010 207 1.24.106 0.167

2006-2010 106 0.654.106 0.162

Source: 8h EGIG Report

As referred in the above table the overall failure frequency (0.35) of the entire period (1970-

2010) is slightly lower than the failure frequency of 0.37 reported in the 7 th EGIG report (1970-

2007). The failure frequency of the last 5 years was found to be half the primary failure

frequency over the entire period showing the improved performance over the recent years.

Incident Causes

Natural gas pipeline failure incidents can be attributed to the following major causes viz.

external interference, construction defects, corrosion (internal & external), ground movement

and hot tap. The distribution of incidents with cause has been presented in the Figure 5.6

below.

FIGURE 5.6: NATURAL GAS PIPELINE FAILURE – DISTRIBUTION OF INCIDENT & CAUSES

Source: 8th EGIG Report



The interpretation of the aforesaid figure indicated external interference as the major cause of

pipeline failure contributing to about 48.4% of the total failure incidents followed by

construction defects (16.7%) and corrosion related problems (16.1%). Ground movement

resulting from seismic disturbance, landslides, flood etc contributed to only 7.4% of pipeline

failure incident causes.

The pipeline failure frequency viz. leaks or rupture from natural gas transportation pipeline

with respect to the proposed project has been established based on the interpretation of the

database of European Gas Pipeline Incident Data Group (EGIG) representing almost 2 million

kilometer year of pipeline operations. The failure rate reported by EGIG for on-shore gas

pipeline with design pressure greater than 15 bar is 4.76 x 10-4 km/year. Full Bore Rupture

(FBR) represents 13% of the cases (6.188 x 10-5 failure /km/yr) and 87% of the cases

represents Leaks (4.14 x 10-4 failure /km/yr).

The frequency of pipeline failure computed for the proposed project based on EGIG failure

frequency is presented in the Table 5.11 below.

TABLE 5-11: NATURAL GAS PIPELINE FAILURE FREQUENCY

Sl. No Pipeline Failure Case

EGIG Failure

Frequency

(per km.year)

Longest

Pipeline

Length (km)

Project Pipeline

Failure Frequency

(per year)

1 Gas Pipeline Rupture 6.188 x 10-5 9.39 5.81 x 10-4

2 Gas Pipeline Leak 4.14 x 10-4 9.39 3.88 x 10-3

Pipeline Failure – Ignition Probability

In the period 1970-2010, only 4.4% of the gas releases recorded as incidents in the EGIG

database ignited. Ignition depends on the existence of random ignition sources. The EGIG

database gives the opportunity to evaluate the link between ignition and leak size.

The ignition probability of pipeline failure (rupture & leaks) with respect to the proposed

project is derived based on the following equations as provided in the IGEM/TD/2 standard

P ign = 0.0555 + 0.0137pd2; for 0≤pd2≤57

(Ignition Probability for pipeline ruptures)

P ign = 0.81; for pd2>57

P ign = 0.0555 + 0.0137(0.5pd2); for 0≤0.5pd2≤57

(Ignition Probability for pipeline leaks)

P ign = 0.81; for 0.5pd2>57

Where:

P ign = Probability of ignition

p = Pipeline operating pressure (bar)



d = Pipeline diameter (m)

The ignition probability of natural gas release from 4” pipeline leak or rupture is calculated

based on the above equations utilizing the following input parameters as discussed below.

Based on the aforesaid calculation the probability of jet fire occurring from accidental gas

release from pipeline leak or rupture and subsequent ignition has been presented in Table 5.12

below:

TABLE 5-12: NATURAL GAS CONNECTIVITY - PROBABILITY OF JET FIRE

Sl.

No Pipeline Failure Case

Project Pipeline Failure

Frequency (per year)

Ignition

Probability

Jet fire

Probability

1 4” Gas Pipeline Rupture 5.81 x 10-4 0.06 3.48 x 10-5

2 4” Gas Pipeline Leak 3.88 x 10-3 0.06 2.32 x 10-4

Pipeline Failure - Consequence Analysis

Pipeline generally contains large inventories of oil or gas under high pressure; although

accidental releases from them are remote they have the potential of catastrophic or major

consequences if related risks are not adequately analyzed or controlled. The consequences of

possible pipeline failure is generally predicted based on the hypothetical failure scenario

considered and defining parameters such as meteorological conditions (stability class), leak

hole & rupture size and orientation, pipeline pressure & temperature, physicochemica l

properties of chemicals released etc.

As discussed earlier, jet fire have been identified as the possible consequences resulting from

release and is dependent on the ignition time. Taking into account the gas gathering and

Pipeline Inlet Pressure (bar) = p= 70 kg/cm2 or ~68 bar

Pipeline diameter = d = 4 inches or 0.101 m

For 4” pipeline rupture pd2 = (68) X (0.101)2 = 0.693

For 4” pipeline leak 0.5 pd2 = 0.5 X (68) X (0. 101)2 = 0.346

Since 0≤pd2≤57 and 0≤0.5pd2≤57, the following equation has been utilized for deriving the

ignition probability for pipeline failure.

P ign for 4’ pipeline rupture = 0.0555 + 0.0137pd2 = 0.0555 + 0.0137 (0.693) = 0.065

P ign for 4” pipeline leak = 0.0555 + 0.0137(0.5pd2) = 0.0555 + 0.0137 (0.346) = 0.060



processing facilities and pipeline the hypothetical risk scenarios as provided in Table 5.7 have

been considered for failure consequence modeling with respect to proposed project. In addition

to the above the following design specifications as presented in Table 5.13 have been

considered for consequence modeling

TABLE 5-13: PIPELINE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

Sl.

No. Parameters Values

1 Pipeline diameter (inch) 4 inch

2 Longest Pipeline length (km) ~9.4 km

4 Design pressure (bar)* 68

5 Design temperature (in °C) 50

In the present study, we have estimated the consequence of each reference scenarios (as

mentioned in Table 5.7) in terms of fatality only. For each effect type (i.e. radiation,

overpressure and toxic release), a set of threshold values were considered having 1, 5, 10, 20

and 50% fatality. These threshold values were derived from Probit functions using the

following equations:

Thermal Radiation [1]: Pr = -14.9 + 2.56 x In (Q4/3 x t)......................................... Eq.

Overpressure [2]: Pr = 1.47 + 1.37 ln (p) ..................................................... Eq.

Toxic release [3]: Pr = a +b x In (Cn x t) ....................................................... Eq.

where,

Pr = Probit

Q = heat radiation (W/m2)

t = exposure time (s)

p = peak overpressure (psig)

a, b, n = constants describing the toxicity of a substance

C = concentration (mg/m3)

t = exposure time (minutes)

TABLE 5-14: THRESHOLD VALUES FOR EACH EFFECT LEVEL

Fatality (%) Radiation (kW/m2) Overpressure (psi)

50 26.50 13.10

20 20.78 7.15

10 18.25 5.20

5 16.42 3.95

1 13.42 2.40

[N. B. The values were derived using the above mentioned Probit equations]



Based on these threshold values, effect distances were calculated to delineate different threat -

zones for each reference scenario. The analysis made use of the ALOHA model, one of the

most commonly used effect models to generate the consequence effects showing the estimated

distances for each scenario considered to a specified hazard end-point. These zones are

displayed on a single Threat Zone plot displayed as red, orange and yellow with red

representing the worst hazard. The threat zone displayed by ALOHA represent thermal

radiation levels and also indicates the effects on people who are exposed to those thermal

radiation levels but are able to seek shelter within one minute.

Predominant local meteorological conditions and composition of the natural gas as provided

by ONGC was also considered for this study. Nearly about 91.5% of the natural gas is

constituted by methane with ethane representing the remaining 4%.



Case I: Release of natural gas from valves/flanges of GCS – hole size (1”dia)

The jet fire threat zone plot for release and ignition of flammable natural gas from GCS

facility valves/flanges leak of size - diameter 1 inch is represented in Figure 5.7 below.

FIGURE 5.7: THREAT ZONE PLOT FOR JET FIRE – 1” DIA LEAK

THREAT ZONE:

Threat Modeled: Thermal radiation from jet fire

Yellow: 11 meters --- (13.42 kW/ (sq m) = 1% fatality

The worst hazard for release and ignition of natural gas from complete rupture of 1” dia

pipeline will be experienced to a maximum radial distance of 11m from the source with 1%

fatality.



Case II: Ignition of natural gas from complete rupture of 4” pipeline

The complete rupture of 4” pipeline will result in the release of natural gas (in gaseous phase)

the ignition of which is likely to result in jet fire. The threat zone plot of jet fire resulting from

pipeline rupture is derived using ALOHA and represented in Figure 5.8.

FIGURE 5.8: THREAT ZONE PLOT FOR JET FIRE - 4” PIPELINE RUPTURE

THREAT ZONE

Threat Modeled: Thermal radiation from jet fire resulting from full bore rupture

Red : 11 meters --- (26.50 kW/ (sq m) = 50% fatality

Orange: 14 meters --- (18.25 kW/ (sq m) = 10% fatality

Yellow: 17 meters --- (13.42 kW/ (sq m) = 1% fatality

The worst hazard for release and ignition of natural gas from complete rupture of 4” dia

pipeline will be experienced to a maximum radial distance of 11m from the source with 50%

fatality.



For various hypothetical scenarios considered with respect to proposed production project, the

threat zones calculated using ALOHA for defined thermal radiation intensities have been


TABLE 5-15: THREAT ZONE DISTANCE FOR HYPOTHETICAL RISK SCENARIOS

Case

No Pipeline Failure Case

Hole Size

(inch)

Distance to

26.50 kW/m2

(m) – 50%

fatality

Distance to

16.42 kW/m2

(m) – 10%

fatality

Distance to

13.42 kW/m2

(m) – 1%

fatality

I Valves/flanges leak 1.00 <10 <10 11

II 4” pipeline rupture 4.00 11 14 17

Modeling Risk of Overpressure from Vapour Cloud Explosion

A flash fire is the most likely outcome upon ignition of a dispersing vapour cloud from a natural

gas release. If ignited in open (unconfined) areas, pure methane is not known to generate

damaging overpressures (explode). However, if the gas is ignited in areas where there is

significant degree of confinement and congestion an explosion may result.

Although an unconfined explosion is considered to be unlikely for the proposed project an

effort has been made to establish the overpressure (blast force zone) that may result from

delayed ignition of vapour cloud generated from any such accidental release from ruptures. For

overpressure risk modeling using ALOHA a delayed ignition time of 15 minutes was

considered of the vapour cloud mass. However the threat modeled revealed that Level of

Concern (LOC) was never exceeded that may possibly lead to loss of life within the blast

radius. This is in agreement with the earlier assessment that no damaging overpressure is likely

to be generated from unconfined ignition of natural gas vapour cloud. The results have been

provided below

VCE MODELING RESULTS FOR OVERPRESSURE



Individual Risk

Individual risk is the probability at which an individual may be expected to sustain a given

level of harm from the realization of specified hazards. In simple terms it is a measure to assess

the overall risk of the area concerned thus to protect each individual against hazards involving

hazardous chemicals, irrespective of the size of the accident that may occur. Graphically it

represents as iso-risk contour which connects all of the geographical locations around a

hazardous activity with the same probability of fatality.

In order to generate different level of iso-risk curves for the area concerned, it is required to

estimate the respective contribution of each reference scenario. Accordingly, individual risk of

each scenario was estimated by combining the frequency of the initiating event, the conditiona l

probability of that scenario sequence and the Probit value of the effect footprints. In particular

following expression was used to estimate the Individual Risk (IR) at a given geographica l

location for each reference scenario:

IR(x, y, i) = fi. PFi ………………………………………………………………………………………………… (Eq. iv)

where:

- fi is the frequency of the accident scenario i (year-1); calculated as multiplicative factor of the

frequency of the initiating event and the probability that the sequence of events leading to the

accident scenario i will occur: fi = fincident i . Psequence i

- PFi is the probability of fatality that the accident scenario i will result at location (i.e. Probit).

The individual risk so obtained is then compared with the Tolerance Criteria of Individual Risk

as provided in the Figure 5.9below.

FIGURE 5.9: TOLERANCE CRITERIA FOR INDIVIDUAL RISKS

Hence for the proposed project the individual risk has been considered only for pipeline rupture

as no predicted fatality has been established for the consequence modeling undertaken for



natural gas release ignition from blow outs and/or valves/flanges of the GGS facility. Based

on the above equation the individual risk as calculated including the tolerance criteria has been


TABLE 5-16: INDIVIDUAL RISK – PIPELINE RUPTURE

Accident Scenario

Frequency Fatality Probability Individual Risk

Individual Risk

Criterion

A. 4 inch Pipeline Rupture

3.48 x 10-5 0.50 1.7 x 10-5 ALARP

3.48 x 10-5 0.10 3.5 x 10-6 Tolerable

3.48 x 10-5 0.01 3.5 x 10-7 Tolerable

B. GCS Leak

2.30 x 10-4 0.01 2.3 x 10-6 Tolerable

The individual risk resulting from proposed project particularly from nearby GCS and pipeline

operations in most cases is assessed to be within tolerable limits. The maximum off-site risk is

computed to be 1.7 x 10-5 which falls in the ALARP region of the individual risk criterion.


Risk Ranking & Significance = 9 i.e. “Low”

5.4 DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN

5.4.1 Objective

The primary objective of the DMP is to provide a safe, timely, effective and coordinated

response by the onsite Emergency Response Team (ERT), along with the other local and

government agencies/departments to prevent or minimize any major emergencies that may

arise from possible failures/risks viz. blow outs, oil spill, fire & explosion etc. associated with

drilling.

The main objectives of this plan are:

To minimize the risk for human life, environment and common property resources, by

means of an effective and efficient intervention;

Protection of the environment;

Protection of public safety;

To initiate the early and efficient response throughout the utilization of all availab le

resources.



5.4.2 Purpose

The purpose of the DMP is to effectively manage and control the emergencies occurring during

project operations. This DMP ensures,

Emergency response group is effective & adequate;

Clear roles and responsibilities of key personnel & support groups;

Availability and adequacy of emergency infrastructure & resources; and

Efficient emergency communication

5.4.3 Emergency Classification

Due consideration is given to the severity of potential emergency situation that may arise as a

result of storage tank as discussed in the Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA) study. Not all

emergency situations call for mobilization of same resources or emergency actions and

therefore, the emergencies are classified into three levels depending on their severity and

potential impact, so that appropriate emergency response procedures can be effective ly

implemented by the Emergency/Crisis Management Team. The emergency levels/tiers defined

with respect to this project based on their severity have been discussed in the subsequent

sections with 'decision tree' for emergency classification being depicted in Figure 5-3.



FIGURE 5-2: EMERGENCY CLASSIFICATION “DECISION TREE”

5.4.4 Level 1 - Emergency

An event that can be dealt with by on-site/location personnel and resources; the event does not

have any effect outside the site and external agencies are unlikely to be involved. There is

unlikely to be danger to life, to the environment, or to Company assets or reputation. The

Disaster Management Plan and relevant procedures are activated; the Site Head is notified.


It is an event which may be dealt by the ONGC Emergency/Crisis Management Team but

requires involvement of wider Company support and external services. The initial event may

be “on-site”, having some effects outside the site or be “off-site”, and external emergency

services will be involved. There is likely to be a danger to life, the environment, or company

assets or reputation. The Disaster Management Plan and relevant procedures are activated;

EMERGENCY

Activate Disaster Management Plan

Mobilization of equipment/human resources

available onsite is sufficient to contain the

emergency

Containment of emergency requires

involvement of additional resources and local

emergency responder group’s viz. local police,

fire brigade etc

NO

YES LEVEL 1

EMERGENCY

YES LEVEL 2

EMERGENCY

Management of emergency requires the

involvement of District/State Disaster

Management Team

NO

YES LEVEL 3

EMERGENCY



local administrative bodies and Emergency Response Groups including ONGC India Corporate

are notified.


It is a major event which requires the involvement of District or State Crisis Management

Group. For Company this may result from insufficient local resources and/or because the

incident has broader implications such as reputation, legal prosecution, financial loss etc. Under

such circumstances, the Disaster Management Plan is activated; ONGC India Corporate,

District/State Administrative Authorities and other Emergency Response Groups are notified.

The criterion for classification of various levels of emergencies and associated response has

been presented in the Figure 5-4 below.

FIGURE 5-3: EMERGENCY RESPONSE LEVELS

Level Type Criteria for Classification

Level 1 Small Minor medical or injury case requiring no external support

Equipment damage without any significant impact on operation

Minor fire without any personnel injury or plant damage

Net negative financial impact of <1 crores.

Small operational spills

No potential impact on flora and fauna of identified eco-sensitive areas.

Local stakeholder concern and public attention

Level 2 Medium Fire and explosion which requires external assistance

Requires evacuation of injured personnel and locals through assistance from

local emergency groups.

Loss of corporate image and reputation

Adverse impact on environmental sensitivities (if any) within a radius of

1km.

Medium sized spills

Net negative financial impact of 1 - 5crore

Level 3 Large

Incident leading to multiples injuries or fatalities

Requires assistance from District/State emergency responding groups.

Adverse impact on environmental sensitivities (if any) within a radius of

>1km.

Major oil spills

State/nationwide media coverage

Net negative financial loss of >5crore

5.4.7 ONGC Emergency Response/Crisis Management Team

ONGC has in place an Emergency Response/Crisis Management Team to respond to fire,

blow-out, spills, accidents and technical emergencies. These teams will be made up from

operations personnel, who can be called upon 24 hours a day, supported by senior management



field personnel as and when required. The emergency response teams will receive specific

training for their roles and exercise on a regular basis.

5.4.8 Action Plan for Fire Fighting

General

As soon as fire is noticed, shout “FIRE” “FIRE” “FIRE” or “AAG” “AAG” “AAG”. Try to

eliminate the fire by using proper portable fire extinguishers.

Installation Manager

He should ensure regularly the working status of fire equipment / its maintenance through fire

section and see that they are kept in their respective places as per the need. As soon as, the fire

accident is reported, rush to site and take charge of the situation. Inform Mines Manger besides

Area Manager as well Fire Manager.

Shift In-charge

If situation demands sound “Hooter”; call on the nearest Fire Services and Hospital attending

doctor. Inform Installation Manager / Field Manager / Surface Area Manager. Give instruct ions

to the assembled staff and get the best out of them.

Drilling Officials

Remove other inflammable materials to the safer distance. Remove important documents to a

safer place. The first aid trained persons should be ready to give first aid to the injured persons

and move them to the hospital if required. Get well acquainted with the location of the wells.

Electrical Officials

No naked flame should be allowed. Generator should be stopped. Electrical lines are required

to be de-energized. See that uninterrupted supply of water from tube well to the fire services.

Mechanical Officials

Get the instruction from the Shift In-charge to act accordingly to stop the equipment and ready

to carry out repair jobs if required like pump problems of fire services etc. Help production

officials in removing inflammable materials.

Transport Officials

Get vehicles parked at a safer distance. See that approach road is clear for fire services vehicle

to the approach the accident site.



Security at Gate

To prevent unauthorized entry of persons / vehicles inside the area of responsibility and also to

ensure no abnormal activity by unauthorized persons is allowed.

Fire Officials

On arrival they fight fire with the assistance of site staff in extinguishing the fire. If the situation

still proves to be beyond control, then the help from the nearest agencies could be taken.

Fire Control Room

A fire control room will be set up for smooth functioning of firefighting/ rescue operations at

the site of incident. Manager (F.S)/ one fire officer or senior most person of fire section will be

I/C of that control room. Meanwhile one Fire officer will take charge of Control Room of

Central Fire Station to assist/ back support for required fire equipment / man power. In charge

control room of Central fire Station will be responsible for arranging of man power and

equipment if required at site.

Area Manager: (In Case of Major Fire)

Pre-identified source of additional water to be used for uninterrupted supply of water. If

situation demands, pits be dug to store sufficient water, pipeline be laid to carry water from the

sources to water pits. Maintenance party to remain to attend any problem. Besides special

maintenance team is immediately sought from the workshop. Arrangements to provide

flameproof lights at a safer distance.

Arrangements to provide mud and chemicals necessary to control situation. Arrangements for

food, water, temporary rest rooms or tents for the officials on the round the clock duty at site.

To keep ready fleet of jeeps, tractors, crane to meet demand



6 Environmental Management Plan & Monitoring Framework

This Environmental Management Plan and Monitoring Framework is a site specific document

for the exploratory, development and testing of hydrocarbons that has been developed to ensure

that ONGC can implement the project in an environmentally conscious manner and where all

contractors, understand the potential environmental risks arising out of the proposed project

and take appropriate actions to properly manage such risk.

This EMP will be an overview document that will guide environment management of all

aspects of ONGC’s activities within the block. This EMP will be backed up by more specific

Environmental Action Plans, Procedures and Bridging Documents with the progress of the well

site preparation, exploratory and development drilling, well testing and site decommissioning

activities.

The EMP describes the actions to be adopted in terms of:

National Policies and Regulations

Best Practices and guides

Local Environmental and Social Sensitivities

The Environment Policy of ONGC is presented at Box 6.1.

Box: 6.1: ONGC Corporate Environment Policy



6.1 ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLANS

The Environment Management Plan details out the mitigation measures to be implemented by

both ONGC and the Contractors during various stages of the exploratory and testing of

hydrocarbons within the PML block. The following environmental management plans have

been formulated in line with the proposed project activities viz. site preparation, exploratory

and development drilling, well testing and decommissioning

Pollution Prevention and Abatement Plan

Waste Management Plan

Storm Water Management Plan

Wildlife Management Plan

Road Safety and Traffic Management Plan

Occupational Health & Safety Management Plan

ONGC will ensure communication and implementation of the aforesaid management plans

prior to the commencement of site preparation and exploratory and development well drilling

operations in the field. In addition, the mitigation measures for social issues and concerns are

also separately presented in this report. An Emergency Response Plan to address technologica l

emergency situations viz. blow outs, fires, oil spill etc. etc. that may arise out of drilling

operations has already been discussed in previous chapter. In cases, where there are possible

overlaps, the plans have been cross-referenced to avoid repetition. Additional mitiga t ion

measures to ensure effective management of identified environmental aspects during various

phases of the proposed project have been discussed under the aforesaid plans in the subsequent

sections.

6.1.1 Pollution Prevention and Abatement Plan (PPAP)

Scope

The Pollution Prevention and Abatement Plan (PPAP) is applicable for and encompasses both

construction and operational phase activities for the proposed project which has the potential

to adversely impact ambient air and noise quality, surface and ground water quality and soil

quality of the Field.

Purpose

The PPAP establishes specific measures and guidelines aimed at effectively addressing and

mitigating the air, noise, water and soil quality impacts that may arise as result of well site

preparation and access road construction/strengthening, drilling operations, well testing and

decommissioning/site closure. The plan also details out roles and responsibilities of ONGC and

the contractors to ensure effective implementation of the plan.



Mitigation Measures & Strategies

The following mitigation measures need to be adopted and implemented by ONGC and its

contractors during various phases of the proposed project to prevent and control air emissions

(both point and fugitive), high noise generation, soil contamination and fertility loss,

contamination and depletion of ground water resources and storm water discharge.

A. Control of fugitive and point source emissions

Project Phase Mitigation measures

Construction Siting of exploratory well and borrow areas away from human

settlement/habitation and sensitive receptors. Special care will be

taken for Wells 3,10, 13 as they were located very close ( around

200 m) to human settlement.

Vehicles delivering raw materials like soil and fine aggregates will

be covered to prevent fugitive emissions.

Storage and handling of raw material and debris will be carefully

managed to prevent generation of fugitive dust.

Sprinkling of water on earthworks, material haulage and

transportation routes on a regular basis during dry season.

All vehicles, equipment and machinery used for construction will

be subjected to preventive maintenance as per manufacturer norms.

All vehicles utilized in transportation of raw material and personnel

will have valid Pollution under Control Certificate (PUC).

Vehicular exhaust will be complying with the CPCB specified

emission norms for heavy diesel vehicles.

The top soil generated from site clearance activities will be stored

in designated area and stabilized to prevent fugitive dust emissions.

Drilling and well testing Locations of flare stack will be governed by the presence of

habitation and sensitive receptors. Special care will be taken for

Wells 3,10, 13 as they were located very close ( around 200 m) to

human settlement .

Duration of flaring will be minimized by careful planning;

Exhausts of engines on the drilling rig diesel generators will be

positioned at a sufficient height to ensure dispersal of exhaust

emissions; engines will not be left running unnecessarily.

Preventive maintenance of DG sets will be undertaken as per

manufacturers schedule to ensure compliance with CPCB specified

generator exhaust.

Decommissioning/Site

Closure

Mitigation measures to address the air quality impacts resulting from

vehicular movement, operation of heavy construction machinery and

material handling are similar to those discussed above

B. Control of Noise and Vibration




Construction Selection and use of low noise generating equipment equipped with

engineering controls viz. mufflers, silencers etc

All vehicles utilized in transportation of raw material and personnel

will have valid Pollution under Control Certificate (PUC)

Periodic preventive maintenance of vehicles as per manufacturer’s

schedule to ensure compliance with the vehicular noise limits

specified by CPCB

All high noise generating equipments will be identified and

subjected to periodic preventive maintenance.

No night time operation of vehicles and construction activities will

be undertaken.

Engines of vehicles and construction equipment will be turned off

when not in use for long periods.

Drilling Siting of drilling rig and facilities away from sensitive receptors

viz. schools, settlements etc. with all reasonable screening being

utilized where necessary. Special care will be taken for Wells 3,10,

13 as they were located very close ( around 200 m) to human

settlement .

Installing acoustic enclosures and muffler on engine exhaust of DG

sets to ensure compliance with generator noise limits specified by

CPCB.

Restrict all noise generating operations ,except drilling, to daytime;

Periodic monitoring of noise levels on site and nearby receptors to

ensure compliance with Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control)

Rules 2000.


Closure

Management measures to address noise impacts with respect to

operation of heavy equipments/machinery and movement of vehicles

during decommissioning/site closure phase are similar to those

discussed in the “Construction Phase” of this section

C. Prevention and Control of Soil Quality Impacts


Construction

Site preparation and road strengthening/widening activities will be

restricted within defined boundaries.

Avoid construction activities during monsoon season as moist soil

is most susceptible to compaction.

Use appropriate machinery and/or protective boarding during top

soil stripping to ensure minimum compaction.

Debris and excavated material generated during construction

activities will be stockpiled in designated areas onsite. No material

will be disposed in adjacent land surrounding the site boundary.




For cleared areas, retain top soil in stockpile where possible on

perimeter of site for subsequent re-spreading onsite during

restoration.

Install and maintain effective run-off controls, including silt traps,

straw barriers etc. so as to minimize erosion.

Drip trays to be used during vehicular/equipment maintenance and

during refueling operations.

In case of a spill, the spilled soil is to be removed and stored in

hazardous waste storage area

Drilling All chemical and fuel storage areas will be designed considering

site slope.

Fuel and chemical storage areas will be paved and properly

bunded. Bunded areas will be designed to accommodate 110% of

the volume of spilled material.

Spill kits will be made available at all fuel and chemical storage

areas. All spills/leaks contained, reported and cleaned up

immediately.

Drip pans/trays will be used in areas identified having spillage

potential but not limited to drill rig engine; electric generator

engine; pumps or other motors; maintenance areas; fuel transfer

areas.

In case of a spill, the spilled soil is to be removed and stored in

hazardous waste storage area

Management of drill cuttings, waste drilling mud, waste oil and

domestic waste will be made in accordance with “Waste

Management Plan”


Closure

Decommissioning at the end of project life/drilling will have some

adverse impacts in terms of increase in soil erosion and would require

adequate mitigation measures to minimize any adverse impacts. The

mitigation measures will be similar to those outlined for construction

phase activities as discussed earlier.

D. Prevention and Control of Surface Water Quality Impacts


Construction Minimize clearing and construction activities during monsoon

season (as far as practicable).

Construction work close to the creek or water bodies or coast to

be avoided during monsoon

During site preparation and construction, surface water run-off will

be managed through implementation of proper drainage system

and silt trap and sedimentation tank onsite.




Run-off discharges to natural drainage channels/water bodies to

conform to CPCB Inland Water Discharge Standards.

Regular inspection of surface water drainage/diversion system and

sediment controls will be undertaken.

Drilling Run-off from vehicular wash and chemical storage areas will be

channeled through closed drainage system provided with an oil-

water separator prior to silt trap and sedimentation tank to disposal

to nearby drainage channels/surface water bodies. Spill kits will be

made available in these areas.

Drip trays will be used during preventive maintenance of vehicles

and machinery.

Hazardous chemicals and fuel drum will be stored in bunded area

equipped with proper spill control equipment.

Management of drill cuttings, waste drilling mud, waste oil and

domestic waste will be made in accordance with “Waste

Management Plan”


Closure

No significant impacts to surface water quality can be associated with

activities during decommissioning/site closure phase. Any possible

impacts that may arise due to surface run-off will be mitigated in manner

similar to that discussed during construction phase activities.

E. Prevention and Control of Ground Water Quality Impacts


Construction No significant impact on the ground water quality can be associated

with the construction phase activities

Drilling The exploratory wells will be sited at a sufficient distance away

from an existing tube well or open well.

Proper casing and cementing of exploratory well will be done to

prevent contamination of sub-surface aquifers.

Water based mud to be used as a drilling fluid for the proposed

project

Selection of low toxicity chemicals/additives in the preparation of

water based mud.

Periodic monitoring of ground water quality will be carried out for

village wells located outside the project boundary to assess the

level of ground water contamination, if any.

Storage and disposal of drill cutting and waste mud to be made in

accordance with “Solid & Hazardous Waste Management Plan”


Closure

No significant impacts to ground water quality can be associated with

activities during decommissioning/site closure phase



6.1.2 Waste Management Plan

Scope

The Waste Management Plan (WMP) is applicable for all process and non-process waste

streams which are generated during various phases of ONGC’s proposed exploratory,

development and testing of hydrocarbons in Field. The major waste streams covered under this

plan includes drill cuttings, waste drilling mud cuttings, wash water, kitchen waste and sewage.

In addition, waste oil and lead acid batteries generated from the proposed project operations

have also been dealt in this plan.

Purpose

The WMP establishes specific measures to ensure proper collection, storage, treatment and

disposal of the identified process and non-process waste streams in accordance with the

applicable national regulations and guidelines7 and also to ensure compliance with ONGC’s

corporate HSE Policy. The plan also outlines roles and responsibilities of both ONGC and the

contractors involved in the implementation of the plan.

Mitigation Measures

The following mitigation measures need to be adopted and implemented by ONGC and its

contractors for the major waste streams identified in the plan.

7 “Guidelines for Disposal of Waste – CPCB Oil & Gas Extraction Industry Standard” – EPA Notification [GSR

176(E), April 1996]

“Guidelines for disposal of Solid Waste, Drill Cuttings and Drilling Fluids for Offshore & Onshore Drilling

Operation” –MoEF Notification, 30th August 2005



Waste Quantity Mitigation Measure

Drill Cuttings 400 m3/well Drill cuttings separated from drilling fluid will be

adequately washed and temporarily stored and disposed

in an impervious pit lined by HDPE.

Design aspects of the impervious waste disposal pit will

be communicated/shared by ONGC with Tamilnadu

State Pollution Control Board (TNPCB).

The drill cuttings pit will be bunded.

Periodic monitoring and analysis of drill cuttings will be

undertaken to establish its nature and characteristics.

The waste pit after it is filled up over which a thick layer

of native top soil with proper top slope will be provided.

Feasibility study for use of drill cuttings as a road

construction material in consultation with nodal

authorities

Drilling Mud and wash water

12m3/day Use of water based mud as the drilling fluid.

Use of low toxicity chemicals for the preparation of

drilling fluid.

Barite used in the preparation of drilling fluid shall not

contain Hg>1mg/kg and Cd>3mg/kg

Recycling of drilling mud will be ensured to the

maximum extent possible.

Temporary storage of drilling fluid and wash waste

water will be done in an impervious pit lined with

HDPE.

The waste pit will be bunded to prevent water overflow

during heavy monsoon.

Disposal of drilling wash water will be achieved through

necessary treatment through onsite Effluent Treatment

Plant (ETP) to comply with the CPCB onshore effluent

discharge standard for oil and gas industry.

Kitchen Waste 10-20 kg/day The waste will be segregated and stored in designated

waste bins.

All such waste bins will be properly labeled and covered.

The kitchen waste will be disposed in nearest municipal

dumping site on a daily basis through approved waste

handling contractors

Waste oil Used oil

As generated The hazardous waste (waste and used oil) will be

managed in accordance with Hazardous Waste

(Management, Handling & Transboundary Movement)

Rules, 2008.



Waste Quantity Mitigation Measure

The hazardous waste will be stored in properly labeled

and covered bins located in paved and bunded area.

Necessary spill prevention measures will be made

available at the hazardous material storage area

Storage details of onsite hazardous waste generated will

be maintained and periodically updated.

Adequate care will be taken during storage and handling

of such waste viz. use of proper PPEs by personnel

The hazardous waste so stored (not more than 3 months)

to be periodically sent to TNPCB registered used and/or

waste oil recyclers/ facilities.

Proper manifest as per HWMH rules to be maintained

during storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous

waste.

Sewage 2 m3/day per well

The sewage generated will be treated in a combination

of septic tank and soak pit.

Regular supervision will be undertaken for the domestic

waste treatment system to report any overflows, leakage,

foul odour etc.

Lead Acid Batteries 2-3 batteries per well

Will be recycled through the vendors supplying lead acid

batteries as required under the Batteries (Management &

Handling) Rules, 2001.

Proper manifest will be maintained as per Batteries

(Management & Handling) Rules, 2001.

Recyclables viz. paper, plastic, packaging waste etc.

Depending on usage

Proper segregation and storage of recyclable waste in

designated bins onsite.

Recyclables will be periodically sold to local waste

recyclers.

In addition to the management measures specified for the major waste stream, ONGC will

prepare and update periodically a waste management inventory of all waste streams identified

for the proposed project. Necessary measure will also be taken by ONGC to incorporate

appropriate waste management and handling procedures in the contractor work document and

conduct periodic training of personnel involved in waste handling onsite to ensure proper

implementation of the WMP. In this regard, necessary inspection, record keeping, training

program and monitoring procedures will be established by ONGC and made operational to

achieve proper management of all wastes generated on site.



6.1.3 Storm Water Management Plan

Scope

The Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) refers to the proper management of surface run-

off generated during monsoons for various phases of activities involved in the project.

Purpose

The purpose of Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) is to ensure prevent and control any

adverse impact of discharge of storm water from the well site and road widening/strengthening

areas to nearby natural drainage channels and community water bodies. Proper management

of storm water runoff will minimize damage to public and private property, reduce effects of

development on land, control stream channel erosion, pollution and sediment deposition and

also reduce local flooding.

Mitigation Measures

Pipe drainages will be provided for diversion roads constructed for the construction of

new bridges and culverts.

Storm water from all longitudinal and cross drainage works will be connected to the

natural drainage courses.

Necessary measures will be undertaken during construction phase to prevent earth and

stone material from blocking cross drainage structures.

Periodic cleaning will be undertaken to cross drainage structures and road drainage

system to maintain uninterrupted storm water flow.

Obstructions that may cause temporary flooding of local drainage channels, during

construction phase will be removed.

Oil traps will be used to separate oil from runoff water

Sediment control measures in the form of silt traps and sedimentation tank will be

provided to treat surface run-off before disposal

6.1.4 Wildlife Management Plan

Scope

The proposed exploratory, testing of hydrocarbons in Ramanathpuram PML area may impart

potential impact on birds, as twelve wells Sakkarkottai bird sanctuaries within the Block area.

As the 6 exploratory wells out of 22 wells is located within the Eco-sensitive Zone of

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, 9 wells located within the ESZ of Sakkarakottai Bird

Sanctuary and one well located in ESZ of Therthangal Bird Sanctuary, Wildlife Management

Plan has been prepared to ensure minimum effects of oil & gas activities of Ramanathapurma

PML on wildlife and issue of No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Standing Committee

of National Board of Wildlife.



The likely impacts of the project activities on the ecological habitat have been addressed in

impact assessment chapter of this report and a Wildlife Management Plan is prepared to

safeguard sanctuary areas and their characteristic floral and faunal component.

Purpose

The purpose of Wildlife Management Plan is to minimize the impact on natural habitat (lakes

ecosystem) and control any adverse impact due to air and noise pollution from drilling and well

testing activities, discharge of untreated waste water from drilling operation, storm water runoff

from the well site and road widening/strengthening activities. The Management Plan details

out the mitigation measures and strategies to be adopted by ONGC and the Contractors during

each phase of the project, at the same time establishing a monitoring network to investigate the

effective implementation of the Management Plan.

Mitigation measures

Care should be taken during finalization of drilling sites and location should avoid the

ecologically sensitive areas like bird sanctuaries, coastal zone, Gulf of Mannar National

Park buffer zone. Permission from the State Wildlife Authority to be taken for proposed

drill sites as it is located within 10 km of Therthangal Bird Sanctuary and 10 km from

Sakkarkottai Bird Sanctuary. Permission also to be taken for well sites as they are

located within 10 km of the Gulf of Mannar National Park

The drill site will be properly fenced (chain-linked) to avoid straying of any outsider as

well as wildlife;

No temporary electric supply connection line from the grid will be laid for the proposed

project activity. All electric requirements will be supplied from the internal DG sets.

Noise Levels at the drill site will be controlled through selection of low noise generating

equipment and installation of sufficient engineering controls viz. mufflers, silencers etc.

Movement of heavy vehicles will be restricted at night time.

The borrow areas and quarries will be located away from ecologically sensitive areas.

Care would be taken while disposal drill cutting & other drilling waste and discharge

of waste water from the drilling site.

The following measures and strategies needs to be adopted to safeguard the natural habitat

from the possible impacts resulting from the project and its related activities. An

Environment Management Cell (EMC) will be developed for implementation of

environmental mitigation & management plan. The environment cell would look after the

following measures:

Any wild animal species if trapped during site development or operation of drilling

would be released into the suitable habitat;

Proper monitoring of indicator species will be carried out and compared to baseline to

understand any negative impacts;

The committee will review the mitigation measures and management plan

implementation.



All sightings of sensitive species in and around the project site will be reported and

adequate steps will be taken with the help of forest personnel to reduce conflict between

such animals and project activities or people working at site.

6.1.5 Road Safety & Traffic Management Plan

Scope

The Road Safety & Traffic Management Plan is applicable to all operation pertaining to ONGC

and contractor vehicular movement viz. vehicle involved in the transportation of raw materia ls,

project and contractor personnel, drilling rig and heavy equipment transportation to well site

and decommissioning.

Purpose

The Road Safety & Traffic Management Plan outlines specific measures to be adopted and

implemented by ONGC to mitigate any potential impact on community health and safety that

may arise out of movement of vehicles and transportation of drilling rig and heavy equipments

during site preparation, drilling and decommissioning activities.

Mitigation Measures

Project vehicular movement involved in sourcing and transportation of borrow material

will be restricted to defined access routes to be identified in consultation with locals

and concerned authorities.

Proper signage will be displayed at important traffic junctions along the predefined

access routes to be used by construction and operational phase traffic. The signage will

serve to prevent any diversion from designated routes and ensure proper speed limits

are maintained near village residential areas.

The condition of roads and bridges identified for movement of vehicles and drilling rig

will be assessed by ONGC to ensure their safe movement.

Precautions will be taken to avoid damage to the public access routes includ ing

highways during vehicular movement.

Safe and convenient passage for vehicles, pedestrians and livestock to and from side

roads and property accesses connecting the project road will be provided. Work that

affects the use of side roads and existing accesses will not be undertaken without

providing adequate provisions.

Parking of project vehicles along village access roads prohibited. Signposted parking

facilities will be utilized for such purpose.

Any road diversions and closure will be informed in advance to the villagers who are

accessing the defined routes

Traffic flows will be scheduled wherever practicable during period of increased

commuter movement.

Personnel will be deployed at major traffic intersection for control of traffic



Clear signs, flagmen & signal will be set up at major traffic junctions and near sensitive

receptors viz. primary schools in discussion with Gram Panchayat and local villagers.

Movement of vehicles during night time will be restricted. Speed limits will be

maintained by vehicles involved in transportation of raw material and drilling rig.

Regular supervision will be done by contractor to control vehicular traffic movement

along defined traffic routes particularly near identified sensitive receptors

A Journey Management Plan will be formulated and implemented by the contractor to

control construction and operational phase traffic.

Routine maintenance of project vehicles will be ensured to prevent any abnormal

emissions and high noise generation.

Adequate training on traffic and road safety operations will be imparted to the drivers

of project vehicles. Road safety awareness programs will be organized in coordination

with concerned authorities to sensitize target groups viz. school children, commuters

on traffic safety rules and signage.

In addition, ONGC will ensure that all vehicles transporting hazardous substances (fuel oil,

chemicals, etc.) will be properly labeled in accordance with the specifications of the Motor

Vehicles Rules. The implementation of the Road Safety & Traffic Management Plan will be

monitored which will include keeping track of vehicular densities on the NH 49, NH 210,

Madurai-Rameshwaram Road and East Coast Road etc.



6.1.6 Occupational Health & Safety Management Plan

Scope

The Occupation Health & Safety Management Plan (OHSMP) is applicable for all project

operations which have the potential to adversely affect the health and safety of contractors’

workers and onsite ONGC personnel.

Purpose

The Occupation Health & Safety Management Plan (OHSMP) has been formulated to address

the occupational health and safety related impacts that may arise from proposed project

activities viz. exploratory/development drilling and testing operation of construction

machinery/equipments, storage and handling of fuel and chemicals, operation of drilling rig

and associated equipment, during drilling and decommissioning/site closure.

Mitigation Measures

Contractor workers involved in the handling of construction materials viz. borrow

material, cement etc. will be provided with proper PPEs viz. safety boots, nose masks

etc.

No employee will be exposed to a noise level greater than 85 dB(A) for a duration of

more than 8 hours per day. Provision of ear plugs, ear muffs etc. and rotation of workers

operating near high noise generating areas.

Hazardous and risky areas, installations, materials, safety measures, emergency exits,

etc. shall be appropriately marked.

All chemicals and hazardous materials storage container will be properly labeled and

marked according to national and internationally recognized requirements and

standards. Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or equivalent data/information in an

easily understood language must be readily available to exposed workers and first -aid

personnel.

The workplace must be equipped with fire detectors, alarm systems and fire-fighting

equipments. Equipments shall be periodically inspected and maintained to keep good

working condition.

The sewage system for the camp must be properly designed, built and operated so that

no health hazard occurs.

Adequate sanitation facilities will be provided onsite for the operational workforce both

during construction and operational phase of the project.

Garbage bins will be provided in the camp and regularly emptied and the garbage

disposed off in a hygienic manner.

Training programs will be organized for the operational workforce regarding proper

usage of PPEs, handling and storage of fuels and chemicals etc.



6.1.7 Management of Social Issues and Concerns

Mitigation measure have been outlined to address project related social issues and concerns in

order for ONGC to take proactive steps and adopt best practices, which are sensitive to the

socio-cultural setting of the region.

Providing Job Opportunities

During site construction non technical jobs will be generated. Most of the people employed

during this stage would be semi-skilled. People from adjoining areas especially given

preference through local contractors according to the skill sets possessed.

Ensuring Public Safety

Since the project involves the movement of heavy vehicles and machinery in the area, the issue

of public safety of the villagers, especially children, is an important concern. During the drilling

phase and for the rest of the project activities proper safety measures will be undertaken both

for transportation as well as the other operations. The drill site would be fenced and gates would

be constructed so that the children are refrained from straying into the site.

The movement of traffic is also likely to disrupt access conditions of the inhabitants residing

close to the approach road. The increase in traffic will have implications on their safety too, as

well as create congestion, potential delays and inconvenience for pedestrians. The mitiga t ive

measures in this regard have been discussed in detail under the Road Safety & Traffic

Management Plan.

Common Property Resources

During the project tenure there might be some sharing of resources viz. land, water, access

routes etc. by the villagers and the contractor workforce. Prior to the commencement of the

proposed activity, a consultation program will be conducted by ONGC with the target groups

and local authorities. The primary objective of such consultation will be to share with the

concerned villagers/stakeholders the objective of the proposed project associated impacts and

their mitigation. The movement of heavy vehicles and machinery might lead to conditions like

disruption of electric wires and telephone wires in the site area and along transportation routes.

These public utilities will be restored back to normal conditions, at the earliest.

Corporate Social Responsibility

ONGC has taken up various CSR initiatives in Ramanathapuram District. ONGC's operational

areas for the benefit of the educational institutes, village panchayats for various development

activities, hospitals, government departments like police, forest. Yearly expenditure done for

various CSR activities is mentioned below:

S.No. Year Expenditure (Rs.)

1 2014-2015 80,75,742

2 2013-2014 34,70,810



3 2012-2013 66,55,149

4 2011-2012 49,25,100

Following are the activites taken up in village Valantahravai. Yearwise expenditure is shown

in the following table:

S.No. Expenditure (Rs.)

1 Govt.High School 2.25 lakhs

2 President, Pannaikulam Grama Panchayat, Valantharavai,

1.00 lakhs

3 Panchayat President,

Valantharavai Panchayat, Valantharavai

4.00 lakhs

4 Valantharavai, Panchayat President

1.60 lakhs

6.2 EMP BUDGET

The tentative budget for implementation of the environmental management plans has been

provided below:

TABLE 6-1: TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR EMP IMPLEMENTATION

Sl. No Project head Name of the

work

Estimated Expenditure

/Budget

1 Environment Protection Waste pit

preparation and HDPE lining

Rs 6 lakhs per well

2 Environment Protection Restoration Rs 40 lakhs Per well

(Budgeted)

3 Environment protection Acoustic enclosure(Noise control for Gen

Set)

Rs 5 Lakhs per year

4 Environment Protection Garland Canal for drill sites

Rs 20 Lakhs per year

5 Environment

Monitoring

AAQM,SM,NM Rs6 lakhs per year



Table 6-2: Environmental Management Matrix

Sl. No Activity Potential Impact Mitigation

A. Pre-drilling Activities

B1 Siting of well site facility Potential adverse impact on environment in the vicinity of the drill

site

Potential safety issues to local people related to drill site

preparation and drilling operation

Selection of drill site taken into account of local environmental

vulnerability Sufficient distance maintained in between site and nearest habitation

B2 Procurement of land for well sites and related facilities

Loss of agricultural land and crop productivity

Loss of livelihood for affected communities

Providence of compensation for standing crops

Finalization of compensation package in consultation with revenue

authorities/collector

B3 Site preparation and road

strengthening/widening Loss of top soil and increase in soil erosion potential

Alternation in onsite drainage pattern

Minimal felling of trees and removal of vegetation through proper

and careful selection of site.

Site preparation and road strengthening/widening activities to be restricted within defined boundaries.

Avoidance of construction activities during monsoon season.

Top soil stockpiles to be stabilized and stored in designated areas

Provision of onsite drainage onsite.

B4 Sourcing and transportation of raw

materials Generation of fugitive emission

Community health and safety concerns

Contractor to source raw materials from approved/licensed quarries.

Proper covering of raw material during transportation to be ensured

Periodic water sprinkling along haulage routes near sensitive

receptors

Project vehicular movement be restricted to defined access routes to be identified in consultation with locals and concerned authorities.

Proper signage be displayed at important traffic junctions along the

predefined access routes.

Night time movement of vehicles to be restricted

B5 Operation of construction

machinery/equipments Fugitive emissions and high noise generation

Occupational health and safety concerns

Selection of low noise generating equipment

Installation of engineering controls viz. silencers, mufflers

Rotation of workers operating in high noise generating areas

Use of proper PPEs viz. ear plugs, ear muffs.

Periodic preventive maintenance of machinery/equipments

B6 Transportation of drilling rig and

ancillaries Disruption of public utilities

Community health and safety concerns

The public utilities viz. telephone and electrical wire to be restored

to its original condition at the earliest.

Movement of rig and heavy equipments to be carried out in

accordance with the Road Safety & Traffic Management Plan

formulated.




B7 Discharge of surface run-off Increase in sediment load contributing to turbidity of receiving

water bodies Provision of onsite sediment control measures viz. silt traps,

sedimentation tank

Construction work close to the streams or water bodies be avoided during monsoon

Run-off discharges to natural drainage channels/water bodies made

to conform to CPCB Inland Water Discharge Standards.

B. Drilling and Testing

C1 Physical presence of drilling rig and

ancillaries

Temporary change in visual characteristics of the area Restoration of site to its original condition following decommissioning/site closure

C2 Operation of DG sets and machinery

and exploratory drilling Air emissions and high noise generation

Occupational health and safety concerns

Community discomfort

Siting of drilling rig and facilities away from sensitive receptors

Installing acoustic enclosures and muffler on engine exhaust of DG sets

Setting up effective noise barrier at the fence-line of the site;

Exhausts of engines on the drilling rig diesel generators be positioned at a sufficient height

Preventive maintenance of DG sets to be undertaken as per

manufacturer’s schedule.

C3 Casing & cementing of exploratory

well

Damage to subsurface aquifer

Use of low toxicity chemicals

Periodic monitoring of ground water quality be carried out for

village wells located outside the project boundary to assess the level of ground water contamination, if any

C4 Storage and disposal of drill cuttings,

mud and process wastewater

Soil and ground /surface water contamination

Use of water based mud as the drilling fluid.

Use of low toxicity chemicals for the preparation of drilling fluid.

Recycling of drilling mud to be ensured to the maximum extent

possible.

Use of HDPE lined pit for disposal of drill cuttings, process wastewater

Disposal of drill cuttings in accordance with CPCB and MoEF

guidelines on management of drilling wastes

C5 Discharge of surface run-off Soil and surface water contamination Run-off from vehicular wash and chemical storage areas be

channeled through closed drainage system provided with an oil-

water separator.

Drip trays be used during preventive maintenance of vehicles and

machinery.

Hazardous chemicals and fuel drum be stored with bund and lined

area equipped with proper spill control equipment.




C6 Sewage treatment Occupational health problems of operational workforce Sewage be treated using a combination of septic and soak pits

The sewage treatment system (septic tank & soak pit) to be regularly

monitored for any possible overflows, leakages etc.

C7 Flaring during production testing and process upset

Air emission leading to discomfort to nearby communities Siting of flare stack considering nearest habitation and sensitive receptor.

Elevated flaring to be undertaken as per guidelines issued by CPCB

for Oil & Gas Extraction Industry.

Duration of flaring to be minimized by careful planning;

C. Decommissioning/Site Closure

D1 Dismantling of rig and associated

facilities

High noise generation and fugitive emissions causing discomfort to

locals Rotation of workers operating in high noise generating areas

Use of proper PPEs viz. ear plugs, ear muffs.

D2 Transportation of drilling rig and

ancillaries

Same as in B6 Same as in B6



6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM

Monitoring is one of the most important components of a management system. Continuous

monitoring needs to be carried out for regulatory requirements, to monitor the environmenta l

quality and to determine performance of proposed mitigation measures. Monitoring indicators

have been developed for each of the activity considering the mitigation measures proposed.

Indicators have been developed for ascertaining the environmental quality and performance of

the EMP implementation through Environmental Quality Indicators (EQI’s) and

Environmental Performance Indicators (EPI’s) respectively which focus not only on

quantifying or indexing activity-environment interactions that may potentially impact the

environment but at the same time also help in comparing different components of

environmental quality against previously established baseline values. Monitoring results will

be to be documented, analyzed and reported internally to Head - HSE. Monitoring requirements

have been described in the following Table 6.3. Frequency of monitoring and responsibility of

carrying out the monitoring have also been presented in the table below.



TABLE 6-3: PROPOSED MONITORING REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROJECT

A) Environmental Performance Monitoring

EPI

No.

Environmental

Performance Indicator

(EPI)

Monitoring Parameter Location Period &

Frequency Responsibility

A. Design & Planning

A.1 Proximity of sensitive

environmental habitat

Distance between the drill

site and sensitive

environmental habitat

Site Once in project

lifecycle

Civil supervisor

A.2 Proximity of nearest

habitation

Distance between the drill

site and nearest habitation


lifecycle

Civil supervisor

A.3 Location and Size of

Land Leased

Number of land owners

affected

Total area leased for drill site (Ha)


lifecycle

Civil Supervisor

A.4 Approval /

Authorization of

quarries

Validity of the Approval /

Authorization

Quarry Once in project

lifecycle

Civil Supervisor

A.5 Land use Land use Type Quarry/

Borrow

Area

Once in project

lifecycle

Civil Supervisor

A.6 Haul Routes Distance of quarry / borrow

area from project site

Condition of haul road

Quarry /

Borrow

Area

Once in project

lifecycle

Civil Supervisor

A.7 Undisrupted flow of

water in drainage

channels

Number of cross drainage

structures planned to number

of actual stream crossings

Site & Road Once in project

lifecycle

Civil Supervisor

B Approach Road & Site

Development

B.1 Local drainage pattern Number of Cross Drainage

structures constructed to

actual number of cross

drainage structures designed

Site & road Once in project

lifecycle

Civil Supervisor

B.2 Accident reporting

Number of casualties /

Number of fatalities

Site & Haul

Routes

During life

cycle of project

HSE Supervisor

B.3 Fugitive emission of

dust during material

handling and storage

Visual observation of dust in

air by haziness

Near

stockpiles

and storages

Daily during the

entire project

life-cycle

HSE Supervisor

C Drilling & Testing

C.1 Gaseous pollutant

emissions from DG Set

Pollutant concentrations in

gaseous emissions and

maintenance parameters (air,

fuel filters & air-fuel ratio) of

DG sets influencing air

emissions

Visual observation of exhaust

smoke characteristics

DG Stack Once during

drilling

operations

HSE Supervisor

through Drilling

contractor

C.2 Noise emission from

DG Sets

Noise pressure level in dB(A) Near noise

sources (5m)

Once during

drilling

operations

HSE Supervisor

through Drilling

contractor

C.3 Noise emission from rig

Noise pressure level in dB(A)

Number of cases of workers

not using PPE

On the rig

floor Near noise

sources (5m)

Once during

drilling operations

HSE Supervisor

through Drilling contractor



EPI

No.

Environmental

Performance Indicator

(EPI)



Site

C.4 Accident reporting

Number of casualties /

Number of fatalities

Site

As and when

accident occurs

HSE Supervisor

through Drilling

contractor

C.5 Spilled Chemicals/Oil Area of Spill / Quantity

Spilled / Severity of Spill /

Characterization of Spilled

Substances for Contaminants

(Heavy Metals, Toxics, etc.)

Site As and when

spills occur

HSE Supervisor

through Drilling

contractor

C.6 Runoff from temporary

storage areas

Supervision of functioning of

conduits / drains, channels

Site As & When

required during

drilling phase

HSE Supervisor

C.7 Waste water quantity &

quality (Process water

viz. rig wash, formation

water etc)

Volume estimate

CPCB General discharge

parameters and Oil & Gas

Extraction Industry Standards

At discharge

point

Once during

drilling

HSE Supervisor

through Drilling

contractor

C.8 Storm water/wash down

water discharge

CPCB General discharge

parameters and Oil & Gas

Extraction Industry Standards

At discharge

point

Depending on

generation

particularly

during monsoon

HSE Supervisor

through Drilling

contractor

C.9 Drill cutting storage and

disposal

Total volume generated

Concentration of hazardous

constituents as per Hazardous

Waste Management and

Handling Rules

CPCB Onshore discharge

standards for Oil & Gas

Extraction Industry

At storage

location

Once during

drilling period

HSE Supervisor

through Drilling contractor

B) Environmental Quality Monitoring

EQI

No

Environmental

Quality Indicator

(EQI)



A Approach Road &

Site Development

A1 Quality of water Analysis of Parameters as

per CPCB Use-class

Natural

drainage

channel

receiving run-

off discharges

Monthly during

site and road

works

HSE

Supervisor

A2 Ambient Air Quality Measurement of PM 10,

PM 2.5, NOx, SO2, CO, HC

using ambient air sampler

At Surrounding

receptor points

Monthly during

site and road

works

HSE

Supervisor



EQI

No

Environmental

Quality Indicator

(EQI)



A3 Ambient noise quality Hearing / perception

Measurement of Noise

Pressure Level in dB(A)

At surrounding

receptor points

Monthly once in

site and road

works

Monthly site and

road works

HSE

Supervisor

B Drilling & Testing

B1 Ambient Air Quality Measurement of PM 10,

PM 2.5, NOx, SO2, CO, HC ,

using ambient air sampler

At Surrounding

receptor points

Once during

drilling

HSE

Supervisor

B2 Ambient noise quality Hearing / perception



At surrounding

receptor points

Once during

drilling

HSE

Supervisor

B3 Groundwater Quality Analysis of Parameters as

per IS:10500

Nearby wells Once during

drilling

HSE

Supervisor

B4 Soil Contamination Analysis for suite of

contaminants (heavy metals,

TPH, organics, pesticides).

Site, adjacent

areas and Waste

disposal site

Once during

drilling

HSE

Supervisor

B5

Quality of water Analysis of Parameters as

per CPCB Use-class

Natural

drainage

channel

receiving run-

off discharges

Once during

drilling

HSE

Supervisor

C Decommissioning /

Closure

C1 Ambient noise quality Hearing / perception



At surrounding

receptor points

Bi-Monthly

during

decommissioning

Monthly during

decommissioning

HSE

Supervisor



7 Public Consultation

“Public Consultation” refers to the process by which the concerns of local affected persons and

others who have plausible stake in the environmental impacts of the project or activity are

ascertained with a view to taking into account all the material concerns in the project or activity

design as appropriate. All Category ‘A’ projects are required to undertake Public Consultat ion

as per the EIA notification dated September 14, 2006.

The present project is a designated project under Schedule and falls under category A (Activity

1(b)-Any oil and gas exploration, development & production)).

The Public Consultation normally has two components comprising of:

a public hearing at the site or in its close proximity- district wise, to be carried out in

the manner prescribed in Appendix IV of EIA Notification, 2006, for ascertaining

concerns of local affected persons; (Reproduced in Appendix VI of EIA Report)

Obtain responses in writing from other concerned persons having a plausible stake in

the environmental aspects of the project or activity.

The public hearing at, or in close proximity to, the site(s) in all cases is conducted by the State

Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or the Union territory Pollution Control Committee (UTPCC)

concerned in the specified manner and forward the proceedings to the regulatory authority

concerned within 45(forty five ) of a request to the effect from the applicant.

In case the State Pollution Control Board or the Union territory Pollution Control Committee

concerned does not undertake and complete the public hearing within the specified period,

and/or does not convey the proceedings of the public hearing within the prescribed period

directly to the regulatory authority concerned as above, the regulatory authority will engage

another public agency or authority which is not subordinate to the regulatory authority, to

complete the process within a further period of forty five days.

If the public agency or authority nominated under the notification reports to the regulatory

authority concerned that owing to the local situation, it is not possible to conduct the public

hearing in a manner which will enable the views of the concerned local persons to be freely

expressed, it will report the facts in detail to the concerned regulatory authority, which may,

after due consideration of the report and other reliable information that it may have, decide that

the public consultation in the case need not include the public hearing.

For obtaining responses in writing from other concerned persons having a plausible stake in

the environmental aspects of the project or activity, the concerned regulatory authority and the

State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or the Union Territory Pollution Control Committee

(UTPCC) shall invite responses from such concerned persons by placing on their website the

Summary EIA report prepared in the specified format, as given in Appendix IIIA of EIA

Notification, 2006 (Reproduced in Appendix VI of EIA Report), by the applicant along with

a copy of the application in the prescribed form , within seven days of the receipt of a written

request for arranging the public hearing . Confidential information includ ing non-disclosab le

or legally privileged information involving Intellectual Property Right, source specified in the



application shall not be placed on the web site. The regulatory authority concerned may also

use other appropriate media for ensuring wide publicity about the project or activity. The

regulatory authority shall, however, make available on a written request from any concerned

person the Draft EIA report for inspection at a notified place during normal office hours till the

date of the public hearing. All the responses received as part of this public consultation process

shall be forwarded to the applicant through the quickest available means.

After completion of the public consultation, the applicant will address all the material

environmental concerns expressed during this process, and make appropriate changes in the

draft EIA and EMP. The final EIA report, so prepared, shall be submitted by the applicant to

the concerned regulatory authority for appraisal. The applicant may alternatively submit a

supplementary report to draft EIA and EMP addressing all the concerns expressed during the

public consultation.

Public hearing was conducted by Tamil Nadu State Pollution Control Board at Audotorium,

District Collectorate, Ramanathapuram District 14th May, 2015. The queries rose by the public

and responses given by management of ONGC are given in the minutes of meeting. The

minutes of meeting and compliance report are given Annexure 6.



8 Disclosure of Consultants

SENES Consultants India Private Limited

SENES Consultants India Private Limited (SENES India) is a professionally managed, fast

growing, wholly owned subsidiary of SENES Consultants Limited (SENES),Canada.

SENES specializes in the fields of energy, nuclear, environmental and social sciences with

offices spread across in Canada, United States, South America and India. SENES has been

operational in India for more than seven years having its head office in New Delhi with branch

offices in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai with all supporting infrastructure necessary for

project implementation.

SENES India was responsible for carrying out the EIA study of Ramanathapuram PML block

of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).

SENES has already obtained QCI Accreditation under the QCI-NABET Scheme for

Accreditation of EIA Consultant Organizations vide certificate no: NABET/EIA/RA016/040.

The QCI/NABET accreditation certification is provided in Annexure 8.



ANNEXURES



ANNEXURE 1.1

Approved TOR by MOEF



Annexure-3.1

Ambient Air Quality Results – Premonsoon

AAQ1 Devipattnam

S.No Date PM 10 ( µg/m3) PM 2.5 ( µg/m3) SO2 ( µg/m3

) NO2 ( µg/m3

)

CO (mg/m3)

HC as

CH4

in

ppm

HC as

Non-

Methane

in ppm VOC (µg/m3)

I II III

1 30-07-2014 51 24 8 14

1.2 1.2 1.1 1.9 0.7

BDL

2 31-07-2014 50 25 9 15

1.2 1.1 1.2 2.0 0.2

BDL

3 05-08-2014 54

27 11 16

1.1 1.0 1.2 1.6 0.5

BDL

4 06-08-2014 47

23 12 14

1.0 1.1 1.1 1.4 0.4

BDL

5 11-08-2014 49

24 7 13

1.1 1.2 1.1 1.2 0.3

BDL

6 12-08-2014 51

24 10 14

1.2 1.2 1.2 1.6 0.6

BDL

7 17-08-2014 55

26 8 15

1.2 1.0 1.1 1.6 0.5

BDL

8 18-08-2014 49

24 9 13

1.2 1.1 1.2 1.8 0.8

BDL

9 23-08-2014 53

26 10 14

1.0 1.0 1.1 1.6 0.5

BDL

10 24-08-2014 57

27 11 16

1.1 1.0 1.2 1.9 0.6

BDL

Maximum 57.0 27.0 12.0 16.0 1.2 2.0 0.8

Minimum 47.0 23.0 7.0 13.0 1.0 1.2 0.2

Average 51.6 25.0 9.5 14.4 1.1 1.66 0.51

98 th Percentile 56.6 27.0 11.8 16.0 1.2 1.2 0.2



AAQ2 Panaikulam

S.No Date PM 10 ( µg/m3) PM 2.5 ( µg/m3) SO2 ( µg/m3) NO2 ( µg/m3)

CO (mg/m3)

I II III HC as CH4 in ppm HC as Non-Methane in ppm VOC ( µg/m3)

1 02-08-2014 44 25 8 13 1.0 1.2 1.1 1.7 0.6

2 03-08-2014 49 25 6 14

1.1 1.2 1.1 2.0 0.5

BDL

3 08-08-2014 51

26 7 13

1.1 1.0 1.2 2.1 0.3

BDL

4 09-08-2014 42

21 10 15

1.0 1.0 1.2 1.4 0.4

BDL

5 14-08-2014 46

22 11 13

1.2 1.2 1.1 1.3 0.3

BDL

6 15-08-2014 39

20 9 14

1.2 1.0 1.1 1.7 0.6

BDL

7 20-08-2014 52

25 8 14

1.2 1.2 1.1 1.8 0.5

BDL

8 21-08-2014 44

21 6 13

1.0 1.1 1.2 1.9 0.7

BDL

9 26-08-2014 53

26 7 14

1.0 1.1 1.2 1.5 0.5

BDL

10 27-08-2014 48

23 9 13

1.0 1.2 1.1 1.5 0.6

BDL

Maximum 53.0 26.0 11.0 15.0 1.2 2.1 0.7

Minimum 39.0 20.0 6.0 13.0 1.0 1.3 0.3

Average 46.8 23.4 8.1 13.6 1.1 1.69 0.5

98 th Percentile 52.8 26.0 10.8 14.8 1.2 1.3 0.3



AAQ3 Enmanamkondam


CO (mg/m3)

HC as CH4 in ppm

HC as Non-Methane in

ppm

VOC

( µg/m3) I II III

1 30-07-2014 55 27 6 10

1.0 1.0 1.2 2.2 0.5

BDL

2 31-07-2014 51 25 7 12

1.2 1.1 1.2 1.4 0.4

BDL

3 05-08-2014 48

23 9 13

1.0 1.0 1.2 1.3 0.3

BDL

4 06-08-2014 56

27 10 14

1.0 1.2 1.2 1.6 0.6

BDL

5 11-08-2014 45

22 8 11

1.0 1.2 1.0 1.7 0.7

BDL

6 12-08-2014 48

24 6 14

1.0 1.2 1.2 1.8 0.7

BDL

7 17-08-2014 53

26 8 12

1.2 1.1 1.0

1.6 0.5

BDL

8 18-08-2014 47

23 9 13

1.1 1.2 1.2

1.5 0.6

BDL

9 23-08-2014 49

25 10 13

1.0 1.0 1.1 1.2 0.1

BDL

10 24-08-2014 51 24 8 12 1.0 1.2 1.2 1.3 0.2

Maximum 56.0 27.0 10.0 14.0 1.2 2.2 0.7

Minimum 45.0 22.0 6.0 10.0 1.0 1.2 0.1

Average 50.3 24.6 8.1 12.4 1.1 1.56 0.46

98 th Percentile 55.8 27.0 10.0 14.0 1.2 1.2 0.1



AAQ4 Sattakonvalasai


CO (mg/m3)

I II III HC as CH4 in

ppm

HC as Non-

Methane in

ppm

VOC

( µg/m3)

1 02-08-2014

45 23 6 9 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.4 0.4

BDL

2 03-08-2014

48 23 7 11 1.2 1.0 1.2 1.3 0.3

BDL

3 08-08-2014

38 20 8 12 1.0 1.0 1.2 1.7 0.6

BDL

4 09-08-2014

40 21 9 13 1.1 1.2 1.1 1.8 0.5

BDL

5 14-08-2014

47 23 8 11 1.1 1.0 1.2 1.9 0.7

BDL

6 15-08-2014

39 19 7 10 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.7 0.7

BDL

7 20-08-2014

38 20 6 10 1.2 1.1 1.0 1.8 0.7

BDL

8 21-08-2014

45 22 9 11 1.0 1.1 1.2

1.6 0.5

BDL

9 26-08-2014

49 24 10 12 1.2 1.2 1.1

1.2 0.1

BDL

10 27-08-2014 49 23 8 10 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.9 0.7

Maximum 49.0 24.0 10.0 13.0 1.2 1.9 0.7

Minimum 38.0 19.0 6.0 9.0 1.0 1.2 0.1

Average 43.8 21.8 7.8 10.9 1.1 1.63 0.52

98 th Percentile 49.0 23.8 9.8 12.8 1.2 1.2 0.1



AAQ5 Regunathpuram


CO (mg/m3) HC as CH4 in ppm

HC as

Non-

Methane

in ppm VOC ( µg/m3)

I II III

1 04-08-2014

53 26 10 13 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.1 0.5

BDL

2 05-08-2014

55 27 8 12 1.0 1.1 1.0 1.4 0.6

BDL

3 10-08-2014

49 24 9 12 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.7 0.7

BDL

4 11-08-2014

45 22 7 10 1.2 1.1 1.0 1.9 0.8

BDL

5 16-08-2014

50 24 11 13 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.6 0.7

BDL

6 17-08-2014

47 23 10 12 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.7 0.8

BDL

7 22-08-2014

52 26 9 12 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.9 0.4

BDL

8 23-08-2014

46 23 8 11 1.0 1.2 1.2

1.5 0.6

BDL

9 28-08-2014

52 25 7 14 1.0 1.2 1.1

1.4 0.1

BDL

10 29-08-2014

48 23 10 13 1.1 1.0 1.2 1.8 0.6

BDL

Maximum 55.0 27.0 11.0 14.0 1.2 1.9 0.8

Minimum 45.0 22.0 7.0 10.0 1.0 1.1 0.1

Average 49.7 24.3 8.9 12.2 1.1 1.6 0.58

98 th Percentile 54.6 26.8 10.8 13.8 1.2 1.1 0.1



AAQ6 Periyapattinam

S.N

o Date

PM 10 (

µg/m3)

PM 2.5 (

µg/m3)

SO2 (

µg/m3)

NO2 (

µg/m3)

CO (mg/m3)

I II III HC as CH4 in

ppm


ppm

VOC (

µg/m3)

1

01-08-

2014

44 22 6 9 1.0 1.1 1.0 1.8 0.5

BDL

2

02-08-

2014

48 23 7 10 1.2 1.0 1.2 1.9 0.7

BDL

3

07-08-

2014

51 25 8 11 1.2 1.0 1.2 1.7 0.7

BDL

4

08-08-

2014

49 24 9 12 1.1 1.1 1.0

2.1 0.8

BDL

5

13-08-

2014

53 27 10 13 1.1 1.2 1.2

1.2 0.1

BDL

6

14-08-

2014

42 22 11 14 1.1 1.2 1.1

1.6 0.4

BDL

7

19-08-

2014

47 24 8 12 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.6 0.3

BDL

8

20-08-

2014

47 25 9 14 1.2 1.1 1.0 1.5 0.6

BDL

9

25-08-

2014

41 20 10 13 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.8 0.9

BDL

10

26-08-

2014

50 24 11 15 1.0 1.2 1.1

2.0 0.1

BDL

Maximum 53.0 27.0 11.0 15.0 1.2 2.1 0.9

Minimum 41.0 20.0 6.0 9.0 1.0 1.2 0.1

Average 47.2 23.6 8.9 12.3 1.1 1.72 0.51

98 th Percentile 52.6 26.6 11.0 14.8 1.2 1.2 0.1



AAQ7 Tirupalani

S.N

o Date

PM 10 (

µg/m3)

PM 2.5 (

µg/m3)

SO2 (

µg/m3)

NO2 (

µg/m3)

CO (mg/m3)

I II III HC as CH4 in ppm

HC as Non-Methane

in ppm

VOC (

µg/m3)

1

04-08-

2014

41 20 9 13 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.7 0.7

BDL

2

05-08-

2014

38 19 10 12 1.2 1.0 1.1 1.9 0.8

BDL

3

10-08-

2014

36 18 11 13 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.6 0.7

BDL

4

11-08-

2014

40 20 12 14 1.0 1.1 1.0 1.7 0.8

BDL

5

16-08-

2014

37 19 8 13 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.1 0.7

BDL

6

17-08-

2014

43 22 11 16 1.2 1.0 1.1 1.5 0.2

BDL

7

22-08-

2014

35 18 10 13 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.2 0.1

BDL

8

23-08-

2014

38 19 12 13 1.0 1.1 1.0 1.6 0.2

BDL

9

28-08-

2014

42 21 13 16 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.7 0.3

BDL

10

29-08-

2014

37 18 11 13 1.0 1.1 1.1

1.1 0.1

BDL

Maximum 43.0 22.0 13.0 16.0 1.2 1.9 0.8

Minimum 35.0 18.0 8.0 12.0 1.0 1.1 0.1

Average 38.7 19.4 10.7 13.6 1.1 1.51 0.46

98 th Percentile 42.8 21.8 12.8 16.0 1.2 1.1 0.1



AAQ8 Ervadi

S.N

o Date

PM 10 (

µg/m3)

PM 2.5 (

µg/m3)

SO2 (

µg/m3)

NO2 (

µg/m3)

CO (mg/m3)

I II III

HC as CH4 in

ppm


ppm

VOC

(

µg/m3)

1

01-08-

2014

43 22 9 13 1.

1

1.

2

1.

1 1.1 0.2

BDL

2

02-08-

2014

48 24 10 14 1.

1

1.

0

1.

0 2.2 0.2

BDL

3

07-08-

2014

50 25 11 13 1.

2

1.

0

1.

1 1.1 0.3

BDL

4

08-08-

2014

39 19 10 14 1.

2

1.

0

1.

1 1.2 0.4

BDL

5

13-08-

2014

44 21 12 14 1.

0

1.

1

1.

1 1.2 0.6

BDL

6

14-08-

2014

49 24 10 14 1.

0

1.

0

1.

2 1.9 0.9

BDL

7

19-08-

2014

41 21 9 13 1.

2

1.

1

1.

0 2.0 0.5

BDL

8

20-08-

2014

52 25 8 15 1.

0

1.

0

1.

2 1.8 0.1

BDL

9

25-08-

2014

47 23 10 13 1.

2

1.

1

1.

2 1.6 0.5

BDL

10

26-08-

2014

49 25 11 14 1.

0

1.

2

1.

0 1.2 0.6

BDL

Maximum 52.0 25.0 12.0 15.0 1.2 2.2 0.9

Minimum 39.0 19.0 8.0 13.0 1.0 1.1 0.1

Average 46.2 22.9 10.0 13.7 1.1 1.53 0.43

98 th Percentile 51.6 25.0 11.8 14.8 1.2 1.1 0.1



Annexure-3.1 (A)

Ambient Air Quality Results – Postmonsoon

Location : Devipattanam

Sr. No.

Date of Monitoring Week

Parameters

Sample Referance PM10

(μg/m 3) PM2.5

(μg/m 3) SO2

(μg/m 3) NOX

(μg/m 3)

CO (mg/m 3) HC (ppm) VOC

(μg/m 3) 0600 - 1400

1400 - 2200

2200 - 0600

Methane Non-

Methane

1 1/13/2016 I 43.8 13.9 7.6 13.9 1.71 1.45 1.71 3.80 <0.5 1.48 NIL/ABA/01/16/221

2 1/18/2016 I I

35.5 9.1 4.2 9.5 1.40 1.75 1.28 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/229

3 1/22/2016 33.7 8.7 5.0 7.0 1.56 1.42 2.09 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/237

4 1/25/2016 I I I

49.9 16.1 9.5 17.8 1.97 1.61 1.97 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/245

5 1/28/2016 39.9 11.7 7.2 8.9 2.05 1.57 1.54 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/005

6 2/3/2016 IV

49.5 16.1 10.3 15.0 2.09 1.81 1.92 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/108

7 2/4/2016 48.6 12.2 5.5 13.5 1.85 1.61 2.10 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/110

8 2/10/2016 V

51.2 13.0 6.3 12.8 1.28 1.75 1.30 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/209

9 2/13/2016 47.7 9.5 6.0 8.0 2.14 1.71 2.14 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/252

10 2/17/2016 VI 39.4 9.5 5.8 9.2 1.95 1.26 1.57 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/261

CPCB Limits 100 60 80 80 2 -- --

Minimum 33.7 8.7 4.2 7.0 1.26 -- --

Maximum 51.2 16.1 10.3 17.8 2.14 -- --

Average 43.92 11.98 6.74 11.56 1.72 -- --

98th Percentile 50.97 16.10 10.16 17.30 2.14 -- --



Location : Panaikkulam

Sr.

No. Date of Monitoring Week

Parameters Sample

Referance PM10

(μg/m 3) PM2.5

(μg/m 3) SO2

(μg/m 3) NOX

(μg/m 3)


(μg/m 3) 0600 -

1400

1400 -

2200

2200 -

0600 Methane

Non-

Methane

1 1/13/2016 I 40.4 8.2 4.7 8.9 1.67 1.62 1.66 6.97 <0.5 0.639 NIL/ABA/01/16/222

2 1/18/2016 I I

43.2 9.1 4.6 7.1 1.32 1.93 1.98 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/230

3 1/22/2016 48.9 14.3 6.6 13.9 1.30 1.41 1.56 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/238

4 1/25/2016 I I I

44.8 14.8 8.5 12.3 1.55 1.72 1.39 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/246

5 1/29/2016 47.3 11.7 5.6 11.5 1.29 1.57 1.28 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/006

6 2/1/2016 IV

44.8 13.0 6.3 11.4 1.59 1.25 1.29 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/109

7 2/5/2016 50.5 13.0 7.3 12.4 2.02 1.56 1.76 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/111

8 2/8/2016 V

43.2 10.9 7.1 10.2 1.50 1.65 1.36 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/208

9 2/12/2016 32.3 9.1 4.2 8.0 2.00 1.99 1.31 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/253

10 2/15/2016 VI 39.2 12.6 6.9 9.5 1.37 1.64 1.49 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/260

CPCB Limits 100 60 80 80 2 -- --

Minimum 32.3 8.2 4.2 7.1 1.25 -- --

Maximum 50.5 14.8 8.5 13.9 2.02 -- --

Average 43.46 11.67 6.18 10.52 1.57 -- --

98th Percentile 50.21 14.71 8.28 13.63 2.01 -- --



Location : Enmanamkondan

Sr. No.


Parameters


(μg/m 3) PM2.5

(μg/m 3) SO2

(μg/m 3) NOX

(μg/m 3)


(μg/m 3) 0600 - 1400

1400 - 2200

2200 - 0600

Methane Non-

Methane

1 1/13/2016 I 42.6 12.2 6.4 10.6 1.84 1.84 1.85 3.72 <0.5 <0.5 NIL/ABA/01/16/223

2 1/18/2016 I I

36.6 11.3 6.3 11.1 2.02 1.58 1.67 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/231

3 1/22/2016 34.5 7.4 4.5 7.1 1.64 1.97 1.89 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/239

4 1/25/2016 I I I

32.4 7.4 4.0 7.3 1.44 1.64 2.15 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/247

5 1/28/2016 38.8 10.9 6.4 10.5 1.64 2.30 2.29 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/007

6 2/4/2016 IV

32.8 7.4 4.2 7.9 2.10 1.49 1.50 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/112

7 2/6/2016 32.8 8.7 5.0 9.4 2.06 2.28 1.78 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/116

8 2/9/2016 V

53.3 10.9 5.6 9.3 1.84 2.23 1.68 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/206

9 2/12/2016 32.8 8.7 4.6 9.9 2.28 1.40 1.92 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/213

10 2/16/2016 VI 43.9 15.2 9.4 12.4 2.04 1.90 1.39 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/258

CPCB Limits 100 60 80 80 2 -- --

Minimum 32.4 7.4 4.0 7.1 1.39 -- --

Maximum 53.3 15.2 9.4 12.4 2.30 -- --

Average 38.05 10.01 5.64 9.55 1.86 -- --

98th Percentile 51.61 14.66 8.86 12.17 2.29 -- --



Location : Sattakonvalasai

Sr. No.


Parameters


(μg/m 3) PM2.5

(μg/m 3) SO2

(μg/m 3) NOX

(μg/m 3)


(μg/m 3) 0600 - 1400

1400 - 2200

2200 - 0600

Methane Non-

Methane

1 1/16/2016 I 37.6 7.8 3.9 6.0 1.65 1.45 1.50 2.83 <0.5 <0.5 NIL/ABA/01/16/227

2 1/20/2016 I I

32.7 7.4 4.6 5.6 2.01 1.55 1.28 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/235

3 1/24/2016 30.1 8.2 5.3 6.5 1.29 1.52 1.14 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/243

4 1/27/2016 I I I

42.5 10.0 4.5 10.8 2.06 1.46 1.52 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/251

5 1/31/2016 28.6 8.2 4.5 7.7 1.67 1.38 1.86 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/011

6 2/3/2016 IV

42.5 11.3 7.3 10.0 1.40 1.46 1.29 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/014

7 2/7/2016 44.4 13.0 7.9 10.4 1.83 1.77 1.25 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/207

8 2/10/2016 V

34.6 7.8 4.9 8.3 1.96 1.77 1.29 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/214

9 2/14/2016 31.2 6.9 3.3 7.2 1.95 1.38 1.55 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/259

10 2/17/2016 VI 46.6 13.5 7.2 14.5 1.55 1.26 1.46 -- -- --

CPCB Limits 100 60 80 80 2 -- --

Minimum 28.6 6.9 3.3 5.6 1.14 -- --

Maximum 46.6 13.5 7.9 14.5 2.06 -- --

Average 37.08 9.41 5.34 8.70 1.55 -- --

98th Percentile 46.20 13.41 7.79 13.83 2.03 -- --



Location : Periyapattanam

Sr. No.


Parameters Sample

Referance PM10

(μg/m 3) PM2.5

(μg/m 3) SO2

(μg/m 3) NOX

(μg/m 3)


(μg/m 3) 0600 - 1400

1400 - 2200

2200 - 0600

Methane Non-

Methane

1 1/16/2016 I 43.2 14.3 8.8 13.1 1.16 1.07 1.10 4.32 <0.5 1.26 NIL/ABA/01/16/228

2 1/29/2016 I I

46.7 12.2 5.5 12.5 1.40 0.93 1.11 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/233

3 2/2/2016 43.6 11.7 6.0 10.4 1.11 1.13 0.85 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/241

4 2/5/2016 I I I

35.4 7.4 4.0 7.0 1.14 1.27 1.06 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/249

5 2/8/2016 51.0 13.0 6.2 12.9 0.95 0.91 1.30 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/009

6 2/11/2016 IV

47.1 16.1 10.0 18.2 1.22 1.06 1.02 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/106

7 2/15/2016 38.0 8.2 5.1 8.2 1.45 0.98 1.07 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/114

8 2/18/2016 V

45.4 13.0 7.0 13.3 0.90 1.20 1.03 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/203

9 1/19/2016 44.1 14.3 8.3 11.2 1.32 1.02 1.19 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/211

10 1/23/2016 VI

34.1 10.9 5.8 10.4 1.04 1.21 1.30 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/255

11 1/26/2016 48.6 12.2 6.8 13.8 1.39 1.71 0.68 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/264

CPCB Limits 100 60 80 80 2 -- --

Minimum 34.1 7.4 4.0 7.0 0.68 -- --

Maximum 51.0 16.1 10.0 18.2 1.71 -- --

Average 43.38 12.12 6.68 11.91 1.13 -- --

98th Percentile 50.52 15.74 9.76 17.32 1.54 -- --



Location : Tirupalani

Sr. No.


Parameters


(μg/m 3) PM2.5

(μg/m 3) SO2

(μg/m 3) NOX

(μg/m 3)


(μg/m 3) 0600 - 1400

1400 - 2200

2200 - 0600

Methane Non-

Methane

1 1/14/2016 I 44.8 12.2 6.6 12.6 1.24 1.30 0.96 5.82 <0.5 2.70 NIL/ABA/01/16/225

2 1/19/2016 I I

44.4 15.2 9.6 14.0 1.34 1.48 0.97 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/234

3 1/23/2016 54.7 16.1 8.1 15.2 1.33 0.98 1.13 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/242

4 1/26/2016 I I I

45.2 13.9 6.4 14.9 1.00 1.31 0.81 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/250

5 1/30/2016 47.9 13.0 7.7 9.8 1.33 1.43 0.85 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/012

6 2/1/2016 IV

49.7 12.6 6.0 10.0 1.54 1.00 0.86 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/014

7 2/6/2016 49.3 12.6 5.9 12.4 1.41 1.35 0.73 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/116

8 2/9/2016 V

36.7 8.7 4.2 8.7 0.98 1.21 0.91 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/205

9 2/12/2016 36.7 9.1 4.2 7.4 1.08 1.30 1.00 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/215

10 2/16/2016 VI

49.7 16.1 7.7 14.9 1.51 1.05 0.98 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/257

11 2/19/2016 53.4 11.7 7.2 16.3 1.80 1.11 1.27 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/265

CPCB Limits 100 60 80 80 2 -- --

Minimum 36.7 8.7 4.2 7.4 0.73 -- --

Maximum 54.7 16.1 9.6 16.3 1.80 -- --

Average 46.59 12.84 6.69 12.38 1.17 -- --

98th Percentile 54.44 16.10 9.30 16.08 1.63 -- --



Location : Raghunathapuram

Sr. No.


Parameters


(μg/m 3) PM2.5

(μg/m 3) SO2

(μg/m 3) NOX

(μg/m 3)


(μg/m 3) 0600 - 1400

1400 - 2200

2200 - 0600

Methane Non-

Methane

1 1/14/2016 I 48.1 16.5 10.0 16.6 2.10 2.63 1.23 3.11 <0.5 <0.5 NIL/ABA/01/16/224

2 1/19/2016 I I

55.8 14.8 8.2 13.0 1.66 2.10 1.09 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/232

3 1/23/2016 51.0 10.4 5.3 10.5 2.18 2.24 1.27 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/240

4 1/26/2016 I I I

41.8 12.2 6.9 10.4 1.85 2.08 1.23 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/248

5 1/29/2016 42.3 11.7 5.9 12.5 2.04 2.03 1.27 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/008

6 2/2/2016 IV

45.2 13.9 7.8 14.6 2.25 2.45 0.98 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/105

7 2/5/2016 45.2 14.8 7.6 16.5 2.35 2.05 1.50 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/113

8 2/8/2016 V

47.6 9.5 5.0 8.9 1.68 2.29 1.12 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/202

9 2/11/2016 36.1 8.7 5.5 9.8 1.74 2.13 1.25 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/210

10 2/15/2016 VI

43.8 12.2 6.4 10.9 2.25 3.10 1.48 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/256

11 2/18/2016 51.9 14.8 8.4 14.1 2.60 3.05 0.95 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/263

CPCB Limits 100 60 80 80 2 -- --

Minimum 36.1 8.7 5.0 8.9 0.95 -- --

Maximum 55.8 16.5 10.0 16.6 3.10 -- --

Average 46.25 12.68 7.00 12.53 1.89 -- --

98th Percentile 55.02 16.16 9.68 16.58 3.07 -- --



Location : Ervadi

Sr. No.


Parameters


(μg/m 3) PM2.5

(μg/m 3) SO2

(μg/m 3) NOX

(μg/m 3)


(μg/m 3) 0600 - 1400

1400 - 2200

2200 - 0600

Methane Non-

Methane

1 1/14/2016 I 45.3 10.9 5.4 10.3 2.30 2.19 1.62 4.93 <0.5 <0.5 NIL/ABA/01/16/226

2 1/20/2016 I I

38.1 9.1 4.6 7.7 2.35 1.71 1.75 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/236

3 1/24/2016 56.6 18.7 9.8 16.9 2.05 1.99 1.49 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/244

4 1/27/2016 I I I

35.8 7.4 4.7 5.7 2.14 1.69 1.56 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/01/16/252

5 1/29/2016 48.5 13.0 7.9 9.9 2.32 2.43 1.25 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/010

6 2/2/2016 IV

53.0 16.5 8.7 18.8 1.91 2.56 1.90 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/107

7 2/5/2016 35.3 10.4 6.5 9.4 2.53 2.41 1.90 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/115

8 2/8/2016 V

47.6 10.0 4.7 10.3 1.75 2.39 1.39 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/204

9 2/11/2016 48.5 10.9 6.6 12.0 2.83 2.74 1.28 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/212

10 2/15/2016 VI

52.1 13.0 8.0 10.8 2.42 2.61 1.28 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/254

11 2/18/2016 54.4 11.3 6.9 12.2 1.58 1.96 1.48 -- -- -- NIL/ABA/02/16/262

CPCB Limits 100 60 80 80 2 -- --

Minimum 35.3 7.4 4.6 5.7 1.25 -- --

Maximum 56.6 18.7 9.8 18.8 2.83 -- --

Average 46.84 11.93 6.71 11.27 1.99 -- --

98th Percentile 56.16 18.26 9.58 18.42 2.77 -- --



Annexure-3.2

Ambient Noise Quality Results

Location Name & Code: PANAIKULAM & N1

S.No. Date of

monitoring

Time of

monitoring

I II III IV

1 02-08-2014 06:00AM 50 48 47 45

2 02-08-2014 07:00AM 48 46 44 42

3 02-08-2014 08:00AM 45 42 43 48

4 01-08-2014 09:00AM 49 48 46 50

5 01-08-2014 10:00AM 48 46 49 52

6 01-08-2014 11:00AM 46 45 48 51

7 01-08-2014 12:00PM 51 48 49 53

8 01-08-2014 01:00PM 49 48 46 50

9 01-08-2014 02:00PM 48 46 49 52

10 01-08-2014 03:00PM 46 45 48 51

11 01-08-2014 04:00PM 46 45 48 51

12 01-08-2014 05:00PM 45 42 43 48

13 01-08-2014 06:00PM 49 48 46 50

14 01-08-2014 07:00PM 48 46 49 52

15 01-08-2014 08:00PM 46 45 48 51

16 01-08-2014 09:00PM 45 44 43 46

17 01-08-2014 10:00PM 45 42 43 48

18 01-08-2014 11:00PM 49 48 46 50

19 02-08-2014 12:00AM 48 46 49 52

20 02-08-2014 01:00AM 46 45 48 51

21 02-08-2014 02:00AM 49 48 46 50

22 02-08-2014 03:00AM 48 46 49 52

23 02-08-2014 04:00AM 46 45 48 51

24 02-08-2014 05:00AM 46 45 48 51



Location Name & Code: ENMANAMKONDAM & N2

S.No. Date of

monitoring

Time of

monitoring

I II III IV

1 03-08-2014 06:00AM 51 48 49 53

2 03-08-2014 07:00AM 49 48 46 50

3 03-08-2014 08:00AM 48 46 49 52

4 02-08-2014 09:00AM 46 45 48 51

5 02-08-2014 10:00AM 46 45 48 51

6 02-08-2014 11:00AM 45 42 43 48

7 02-08-2014 12:00PM 49 48 46 50

8 02-08-2014 01:00PM 48 46 44 42

9 02-08-2014 02:00PM 45 42 43 48

10 02-08-2014 03:00PM 45 48 46 49

11 02-08-2014 04:00PM 48 46 49 52

12 02-08-2014 05:00PM 46 45 48 51

13 02-08-2014 06:00PM 49 48 46 50

14 02-08-2014 07:00PM 48 46 49 52

15 02-08-2014 08:00PM 46 45 48 51

16 02-08-2014 09:00PM 45 44 43 46

17 02-08-2014 10:00PM 48 46 49 52

18 02-08-2014 11:00PM 46 45 48 51

19 03-08-2014 12:00AM 49 48 46 50

20 03-08-2014 01:00AM 48 46 49 52

21 03-08-2014 02:00AM 46 45 48 51

22 03-08-2014 03:00AM 44 43 42 45

23 03-08-2014 04:00AM 42 44 46 48

24 03-08-2014 05:00AM 40 42 44 46



Location Name & Code: SATTAKONVALASAI & N3

S.No. Date of

monitoring

Time of

monitoring

I II III IV

1 05-08-2014 06:00AM 45 42 43 48

2 05-08-2014 07:00AM 49 48 46 50

3 05-08-2014 08:00AM 48 46 44 42

4 04-08-2014 09:00AM 45 42 43 48

5 04-08-2014 10:00AM 45 48 46 49

6 04-08-2014 11:00AM 48 46 49 52

7 04-08-2014 12:00PM 48 46 44 42

8 04-08-2014 01:00PM 45 42 43 48

9 04-08-2014 02:00PM 49 48 46 50

10 04-08-2014 03:00PM 48 46 49 52

11 04-08-2014 04:00PM 46 45 48 51

12 04-08-2014 05:00PM 46 45 48 51

13 04-08-2014 06:00PM 44 45 46 47

14 04-08-2014 07:00PM 49 48 46 50

15 04-08-2014 08:00PM 48 46 49 52

16 04-08-2014 09:00PM 46 45 48 51

17 04-08-2014 10:00PM 44 43 42 45

18 04-08-2014 11:00PM 42 40 45 43

19 05-08-2014 12:00AM 40 41 42 44

20 05-08-2014 01:00AM 46 45 48 51

21 05-08-2014 02:00AM 44 43 42 45

22 05-08-2014 03:00AM 42 44 46 48

23 05-08-2014 04:00AM 46 48 47 49

24 05-08-2014 05:00AM 42 45 48 50



Location Name & Code: REGUNATHAPURAM & N4

S.No. Date of

monitoring

Time of

monitoring

I II III IV

1 07-08-2014 06:00AM 55 57 59 60

2 07-08-2014 07:00AM 51 52 55 58

3 07-08-2014 08:00AM 57 56 54 59

4 06-08-2014 09:00AM 60 61 55 59

5 06-08-2014 10:00AM 54 55 58 60

6 06-08-2014 11:00AM 55 58 60 61

7 06-08-2014 12:00PM 49 48 46 50

8 06-08-2014 01:00PM 48 46 49 52

9 06-08-2014 02:00PM 46 45 48 51

10 06-08-2014 03:00PM 46 45 48 51

11 06-08-2014 04:00PM 44 45 46 47

12 06-08-2014 05:00PM 58 56 59 60

13 06-08-2014 06:00PM 55 52 49 58

14 06-08-2014 07:00PM 52 54 55 54

15 06-08-2014 08:00PM 48 46 49 52

16 06-08-2014 09:00PM 46 45 48 51

17 06-08-2014 10:00PM 44 43 42 45

18 06-08-2014 11:00PM 42 40 45 43

19 07-08-2014 12:00AM 40 41 42 44

20 07-08-2014 01:00AM 46 45 48 51

21 07-08-2014 02:00AM 44 43 42 45

22 07-08-2014 03:00AM 42 40 45 43

23 07-08-2014 04:00AM 40 41 42 44

24 07-08-2014 05:00AM 43 44 47 48



Location Name & Code: PERIYAPATTINAM & N5

S.No. Date of

monitoring

Time of

monitoring

I II III IV

1 08-08-2014 06:00AM 48 46 49 52

2 08-08-2014 07:00AM 46 45 48 51

3 08-08-2014 08:00AM 46 45 48 51

4 07-08-2014 09:00AM 45 42 43 48

5 07-08-2014 10:00AM 49 48 46 50

6 07-08-2014 11:00AM 51 48 49 53

7 07-08-2014 12:00PM 49 48 46 50

8 07-08-2014 01:00PM 48 46 49 52

9 07-08-2014 02:00PM 46 45 48 51

10 07-08-2014 03:00PM 46 45 48 51

11 07-08-2014 04:00PM 45 42 43 48

12 07-08-2014 05:00PM 49 48 46 50

13 07-08-2014 06:00PM 48 46 49 52

14 07-08-2014 07:00PM 46 45 48 51

15 07-08-2014 08:00PM 46 45 48 51

16 07-08-2014 09:00PM 44 45 46 47

17 07-08-2014 10:00PM 49 48 46 50

18 07-08-2014 11:00PM 48 46 49 52

19 08-08-2014 12:00AM 46 45 48 51

20 08-08-2014 01:00AM 44 43 42 45

21 08-08-2014 02:00AM 42 40 45 43

22 08-08-2014 03:00AM 48 46 49 52

23 08-08-2014 04:00AM 46 45 48 51

24 08-08-2014 05:00AM 46 45 48 51



Location Name & Code: TIRUPALANI & N6

S.No. Date of

monitoring

Time of

monitoring

I II III IV

1 09-08-2014 06:00AM 60 61 55 59

2 09-08-2014 07:00AM 54 55 58 59

3 09-08-2014 08:00AM 55 56 62 58

4 08-08-2014 09:00AM 54 60 56 58

5 08-08-2014 10:00AM 58 61 61 59

6 08-08-2014 11:00AM 52 59 58 55

7 08-08-2014 12:00PM 58 58 59 57

8 08-08-2014 01:00PM 54 54 55 57

9 08-08-2014 02:00PM 53 56 52 53

10 08-08-2014 03:00PM 56 57 53 56

11 08-08-2014 04:00PM 55 53 59 53

12 08-08-2014 05:00PM 52 53 50 52

13 08-08-2014 06:00PM 55 52 52.6 52.9

14 08-08-2014 07:00PM 53 56 58 56

15 08-08-2014 08:00PM 56 53 57 57

16 08-08-2014 09:00PM 58 59 58 57

17 08-08-2014 10:00PM 59 54 59 57

18 08-08-2014 11:00PM 54 56 58 53

19 09-08-2014 12:00AM 58 60 54 56

20 09-08-2014 01:00AM 56 53 59 53

21 09-08-2014 02:00AM 53 52 59 52

22 09-08-2014 03:00AM 56 57 52 52

23 09-08-2014 04:00AM 54 56 58 56

24 09-08-2014 05:00AM 56 53 57 57



Location Name & Code: ERVADI & N7

S.No. Date of

monitoring

Time of

monitoring

I II III IV

1 12-08-2014 06:00AM 57 59 58 56

2 12-08-2014 07:00AM 59 60 58 59

3 12-08-2014 08:00AM 57 56 54 56

4 11-08-2014 09:00AM 59 58 55 58

5 11-08-2014 10:00AM 59 57 56 54

6 11-08-2014 11:00AM 54 54 55 57

7 11-08-2014 12:00PM 53 56 52 53

8 11-08-2014 01:00PM 56 57 53 56

9 11-08-2014 02:00PM 55 53 59 53

10 11-08-2014 03:00PM 52 53 50 52

11 11-08-2014 04:00PM 55 52 50 52

12 11-08-2014 05:00PM 52 55 56 50

13 11-08-2014 06:00PM 51 54 52 56

14 11-08-2014 07:00PM 55 59 57 54

15 11-08-2014 08:00PM 58 56 54 57

16 11-08-2014 09:00PM 52 54 52 57

17 11-08-2014 10:00PM 59 62 62 58

18 11-08-2014 11:00PM 58 61 58 56

19 12-08-2014 12:00AM 59 54 59 57

20 12-08-2014 01:00AM 54 56 58 53

21 12-08-2014 02:00AM 58 60 54 56

22 12-08-2014 03:00AM 56 53 59 53

23 12-08-2014 04:00AM 53 52 59 52

24 12-08-2014 05:00AM 52 54 52 57



Location Name & Code: TANICHATTANMADAL & N8

S.No. Date of

monitoring

Time of

monitoring

I II III IV

1 10-08-2014 06:00AM 45 42 43 48

2 10-08-2014 07:00AM 49 48 46 50

3 10-08-2014 08:00AM 48 46 49 52

4 09-08-2014 09:00AM 46 45 48 51

5 09-08-2014 10:00AM 51 48 49 53

6 09-08-2014 11:00AM 48 46 49 52

7 09-08-2014 12:00PM 46 45 48 51

8 09-08-2014 01:00PM 49 48 46 50

9 09-08-2014 02:00PM 48 46 49 52

10 09-08-2014 03:00PM 46 45 48 51

11 09-08-2014 04:00PM 45 44 43 46

12 09-08-2014 05:00PM 48 46 49 52

13 09-08-2014 06:00PM 46 45 48 51

14 09-08-2014 07:00PM 46 45 48 51

15 09-08-2014 08:00PM 44 45 46 47

16 09-08-2014 09:00PM 49 48 46 50

17 09-08-2014 10:00PM 48 46 49 52

18 09-08-2014 11:00PM 46 45 48 51

19 10-08-2014 12:00AM 44 43 42 45

20 10-08-2014 01:00AM 42 40 45 43

21 10-08-2014 02:00AM 44 43 42 45

22 10-08-2014 03:00AM 42 40 45 43

23 10-08-2014 04:00AM 46 45 48 51

24 10-08-2014 05:00AM 46 45 48 51



Location Name & Code: Kodikulam & N9

S.No. Date of monitoring Time of

monitoring

I II III IV

1 14-08-2014 06:00AM 46 45 48 51

2 14-08-2014 07:00AM 45 42 43 48

3 14-08-2014 08:00AM 49 48 46 50

4 13-08-2014 09:00AM 48 46 44 42

5 13-08-2014 10:00AM 45 42 43 48

6 13-08-2014 11:00AM 45 48 46 49

7 13-08-2014 12:00PM 48 46 49 52

8 13-08-2014 01:00PM 46 45 48 51

9 13-08-2014 02:00PM 49 48 46 50

10 13-08-2014 03:00PM 45 48 46 49

11 13-08-2014 04:00PM 48 46 49 52

12 13-08-2014 05:00PM 48 46 44 42

13 13-08-2014 06:00PM 45 42 43 48

14 13-08-2014 07:00PM 49 48 46 50

15 13-08-2014 08:00PM 46 45 48 51

16 13-08-2014 09:00PM 44 45 46 47

17 13-08-2014 10:00PM 49 48 46 50

18 13-08-2014 11:00PM 48 46 49 52

19 14-08-2014 12:00AM 46 45 48 51

20 14-08-2014 01:00AM 44 43 42 45

21 14-08-2014 02:00AM 42 40 45 43

22 14-08-2014 03:00AM 48 46 49 52

23 14-08-2014 04:00AM 46 45 48 51

24 14-08-2014 05:00AM 46 45 48 51



Location Name & Code: KILAKKARAI & N10

S.No. Date of monitoring Time of

monitoring

I II III IV

1 17-08-2014 06:00AM 59 58 55 58

2 17-08-2014 07:00AM 59 60 56 54

3 17-08-2014 08:00AM 54 54 55 57

4 16-08-2014 09:00AM 53 56 52 53

5 16-08-2014 10:00AM 56 57 53 56

6 16-08-2014 11:00AM 55 53 59 53

7 16-08-2014 12:00PM 52 53 50 52

8 16-08-2014 01:00PM 55 52 52.6 52.9

9 16-08-2014 02:00PM 52 55 56 50

10 16-08-2014 03:00PM 51 54 52 56

11 16-08-2014 04:00PM 55 59 57 54

12 16-08-2014 05:00PM 58 56 54 57

13 16-08-2014 06:00PM 60 62 63 67

14 16-08-2014 07:00PM 63 62 64 61

15 16-08-2014 08:00PM 64 58 59 62

16 16-08-2014 09:00PM 68 63 57 58

17 16-08-2014 10:00PM 63 61 56 62

18 16-08-2014 11:00PM 54 58 57 58

19 17-08-2014 12:00AM 53 53 52 52

20 17-08-2014 01:00AM 60 57 54 52

21 17-08-2014 02:00AM 57 58 54 53

22 17-08-2014 03:00AM 56 55 56 55

23 17-08-2014 04:00AM 53 54 59 55

24 17-08-2014 05:00AM 57 53 57 56



Annexure-3.3

Metrological Data Monsoon-2014 ( July 30 th to September 3rd 2014)

Year Month Day Hour Wd Ws (km/hr)

temp

(K)

2014 7 30 1

216 9.6

301

2014 7 30 2

198 10.2

301

2014 7 30 3

268 9.5

302

2014 7 30 4

234 12.4

302

2014 7 30 5

221 13.3

302

2014 7 30 6

185 15.5

303

2014 7 30 7

261 17.6

303

2014 7 30 8

255 19.4

303

2014 7 30 9

253 20

304

2014 7 30 10

264 20.2

304

2014 7 30 11

239 21.5

304

2014 7 30 12

199 21

305

2014 7 30 13

240 21.8

305

2014 7 30 14

267 23.2

306

2014 7 30 15

208 22.7

306

2014 7 30 16

231 23.8

305

2014 7 30 17

185 24.2

304

2014 7 30 18

237 23

304

2014 7 30 19

206 22.8

303

2014 7 30 20

246 24.4

303

2014 7 30 21

194 25.2

303

2014 7 30 22

269 21.7

303

2014 7 30 23

266 15.6

302

2014 7 30 24

247 7.8

301




temp

(K)

2014 7 31 1

234 17.4

301

2014 7 31 2

228 23.8

301

2014 7 31 3

259 19.6

302

2014 7 31 4

267 18

302

2014 7 31 5

197 13.5

302

2014 7 31 6

204 11.7

303

2014 7 31 7

213 9.8

303

2014 7 31 8

269 5.2

303

2014 7 31 9

248 3.6

304

2014 7 31 10

255 4.5

304

2014 7 31 11

237 7.8

304

2014 7 31 12

251 9.7

305

2014 7 31 13

228 10

305

2014 7 31 14

236 12.6

305

2014 7 31 15

187 15.7

306

2014 7 31 16

192 17.5

305

2014 7 31 17

249 14.9

305

2014 7 31 18

273 9.5

304

2014 7 31 19

185 13.6

303

2014 7 31 20

241 19.3

303

2014 7 31 21

265 15

303

2014 7 31 22

220 11.3

303

2014 7 31 23

253 8.8

302

2014 7 31 24

277 12.6

301

2014 8 1 1

276 0.8

301

2014 8 1 2

195 3.7

301

2014 8 1 3

203 1.9

301




temp

(K)

2014 8 1 4

209 2.7

301

2014 8 1 5

258 4.8

302

2014 8 1 6

269 7.5

302

2014 8 1 7

174 8.3

302

2014 8 1 8

244 10.1

303

2014 8 1 9

180 10.5

303

2014 8 1 10

212 11.8

303

2014 8 1 11

269 12.7

303

2014 8 1 12

217 13

304

2014 8 1 13

226 15.2

304

2014 8 1 14

275 17.2

304

2014 8 1 15

189 19.6

304

2014 8 1 16

270 19

303

2014 8 1 17

261 17.9

303

2014 8 1 18

209 20.4

303

2014 8 1 19

245 18.6

302

2014 8 1 20

266 16.7

302

2014 8 1 21

213 21.8

302

2014 8 1 22

193 17.1

302

2014 8 1 23

252 11.7

301

2014 8 1 24

224 2.4

301

2014 8 2 1

248 1.8

301

2014 8 2 2

183 0.2

301

2014 8 2 3

240 2.9

302

2014 8 2 4

266 3.3

302

2014 8 2 5

217 3.8

302

2014 8 2 6

172 4.4

303




temp

(K)

2014 8 2 7

254 5

303

2014 8 2 8

285 6.7

303

2014 8 2 9

249 7.2

304

2014 8 2 10

210 8.1

304

2014 8 2 11

267 10.3

304

2014 8 2 12

197 7.5

305

2014 8 2 13

190 7.8

305

2014 8 2 14

238 9.5

306

2014 8 2 15

224 8.6

306

2014 8 2 16

201 11.7

305

2014 8 2 17

267 10.2

304

2014 8 2 18

239 7.5

304

2014 8 2 19

247 8.5

303

2014 8 2 20

205 11

303

2014 8 2 21

250 9.8

303

2014 8 2 22

187 7.9

303

2014 8 2 23

288 7.3

302

2014 8 2 24

279 3.6

301

2014 8 3 1

266 2.8

301

2014 8 3 2

247 5.9

301

2014 8 3 3

184 3.6

302

2014 8 3 4

206 2.7

302

2014 8 3 5

249 2.3

302

2014 8 3 6

280 1.5

303

2014 8 3 7

191 0.8

303

2014 8 3 8

257 0

303

2014 8 3 9

234 2.5

304




temp

(K)

2014 8 3 10

221 4.6

304

2014 8 3 11

196 7.9

304

2014 8 3 12

175 8.4

305

2014 8 3 13

255 9.6

305

2014 8 3 14

208 10.5

305

2014 8 3 15

230 10.9

306

2014 8 3 16

268 12.2

305

2014 8 3 17

182 12.6

305

2014 8 3 18

244 10.6

304

2014 8 3 19

279 13.1

303

2014 8 3 20

233 11

303

2014 8 3 21

208 10.3

303

2014 8 3 22

185 9.7

303

2014 8 3 23

164 10.8

302

2014 8 3 24

218 7.4

301

2014 8 4 1

201 2.8

301

2014 8 4 2

250 3.3

301

2014 8 4 3

184 4.1

301

2014 8 4 4

226 3.9

301

2014 8 4 5

271 4.4

302

2014 8 4 6

203 4

302

2014 8 4 7

185 5.5

302

2014 8 4 8

166 5.3

303

2014 8 4 9

287 6.7

303

2014 8 4 10

269 4.2

303

2014 8 4 11

231 3.6

303

2014 8 4 12

260 5.4

304




temp

(K)

2014 8 4 13

248 3

304

2014 8 4 14

277 8.8

304

2014 8 4 15

213 7.6

304

2014 8 4 16

226 9.7

303

2014 8 4 17

215 11

303

2014 8 4 18

279 12.8

303

2014 8 4 19

178 15.9

302

2014 8 4 20

218 18.1

302

2014 8 4 21

263 20.4

302

2014 8 4 22

279 19

302

2014 8 4 23

210 13.5

301

2014 8 4 24

239 3.2

301

2014 8 5 1

287 7.8

301

2014 8 5 2

226 10.7

301

2014 8 5 3

259 16.5

302

2014 8 5 4

230 18.9

302

2014 8 5 5

182 13.4

302

2014 8 5 6

219 10.8

303

2014 8 5 7

187 13.1

303

2014 8 5 8

269 5.5

303

2014 8 5 9

243 6.4

304

2014 8 5 10

255 8.2

304

2014 8 5 11

213 5

304

2014 8 5 12

275 7.3

305

2014 8 5 13

209 8.6

305

2014 8 5 14

173 9.6

306

2014 8 5 15

211 11.5

306




temp

(K)

2014 8 5 16

197 5.4

305

2014 8 5 17

215 4.7

304

2014 8 5 18

285 1.8

304

2014 8 5 19

244 0.9

303

2014 8 5 20

261 0

303

2014 8 5 21

278 2.5

303

2014 8 5 22

209 2.1

303

2014 8 5 23

215 3.8

302

2014 8 5 24

211 11.1

301

2014 8 6 1

208 6.4

301

2014 8 6 2

276 6

301

2014 8 6 3

250 4.6

302

2014 8 6 4

248 5.1

302

2014 8 6 5

219 3.5

302

2014 8 6 6

211 1.9

303

2014 8 6 7

267 0.7

303

2014 8 6 8

195 0.3

303

2014 8 6 9

247 1.2

304

2014 8 6 10

206 1.8

304

2014 8 6 11

257 2.6

304

2014 8 6 12

249 4

305

2014 8 6 13

218 4.7

305

2014 8 6 14

237 5.5

305

2014 8 6 15

261 5.8

306

2014 8 6 16

201 6.4

305

2014 8 6 17

197 7.6

305

2014 8 6 18

213 9.7

304




temp

(K)

2014 8 6 19

250 8.9

303

2014 8 6 20

284 11.2

303

2014 8 6 21

204 12.1

303

2014 8 6 22

175 10.5

303

2014 8 6 23

244 7

302

2014 8 6 24

233 8.8

301

2014 8 7 1

249 3.6

301

2014 8 7 2

217 3.1

301

2014 8 7 3

230 5.7

301

2014 8 7 4

201 1.5

301

2014 8 7 5

285 1.8

302

2014 8 7 6

277 2.7

302

2014 8 7 7

245 0.6

302

2014 8 7 8

218 2.1

303

2014 8 7 9

184 4.9

303

2014 8 7 10

215 1

303

2014 8 7 11

190 3.2

303

2014 8 7 12

277 4.3

304

2014 8 7 13

236 5.5

304

2014 8 7 14

248 4.6

304

2014 8 7 15

219 7.6

304

2014 8 7 16

197 7.8

303

2014 8 7 17

166 9.4

303

2014 8 7 18

228 8

303

2014 8 7 19

244 9.1

302

2014 8 7 20

260 7.3

302

2014 8 7 21

210 7.7

302




temp

(K)

2014 8 7 22

237 8.2

302

2014 8 7 23

269 5.8

301

2014 8 7 24

186 2.9

301

2014 8 8 1

224 3.7

301

2014 8 8 2

273 1.4

301

2014 8 8 3

212 2.6

302

2014 8 8 4

254 7.8

302

2014 8 8 5

198 6.5

302

2014 8 8 6

191 6.1

303

2014 8 8 7

248 5.2

303

2014 8 8 8

263 3.6

303

2014 8 8 9

237 2.4

304

2014 8 8 10

208 4.7

304

2014 8 8 11

217 7.3

304

2014 8 8 12

195 5.2

305

2014 8 8 13

241 5.8

305

2014 8 8 14

281 4.1

306

2014 8 8 15

204 8.4

306

2014 8 8 16

213 6.4

305

2014 8 8 17

176 6

304

2014 8 8 18

229 5.6

304

2014 8 8 19

288 4.5

303

2014 8 8 20

238 2.6

303

2014 8 8 21

198 5.6

303

2014 8 8 22

277 4.8

303

2014 8 8 23

242 3

302

2014 8 8 24

180 8.4

301




temp

(K)

2014 8 9 1

249 2.5

301

2014 8 9 2

207 2.1

301

2014 8 9 3

268 1.8

302

2014 8 9 4

271 3.9

302

2014 8 9 5

213 2.6

302

2014 8 9 6

228 4.7

303

2014 8 9 7

164 3.3

303

2014 8 9 8

208 1.9

303

2014 8 9 9

220 5.2

304

2014 8 9 10

276 4.4

304

2014 8 9 11

264 3.4

304

2014 8 9 12

183 3.7

305

2014 8 9 13

250 2.8

305

2014 8 9 14

282 4.1

305

2014 8 9 15

189 5.3

306

2014 8 9 16

201 4.5

305

2014 8 9 17

257 1.6

305

2014 8 9 18

294 1.8

304

2014 8 9 19

212 2.7

303

2014 8 9 20

239 2.3

303

2014 8 9 21

214 2

303

2014 8 9 22

233 3.6

303

2014 8 9 23

199 3.9

302

2014 8 9 24

233 0.7

301

2014 8 10 1

280 3.2

301

2014 8 10 2

227 1.8

301

2014 8 10 3

208 0.3

301




temp

(K)

2014 8 10 4

238 1.7

301

2014 8 10 5

246 2.1

302

2014 8 10 6

267 5.2

302

2014 8 10 7

211 4.5

302

2014 8 10 8

179 3.7

303

2014 8 10 9

283 0.9

303

2014 8 10 10

277 2.4

303

2014 8 10 11

236 3.6

303

2014 8 10 12

221 1.6

304

2014 8 10 13

194 1.9

304

2014 8 10 14

183 2.8

304

2014 8 10 15

273 3.8

304

2014 8 10 16

243 4.3

303

2014 8 10 17

288 4

303

2014 8 10 18

218 3.4

303

2014 8 10 19

248 3.1

302

2014 8 10 20

206 4.6

302

2014 8 10 21

264 3

302

2014 8 10 22

197 1.3

302

2014 8 10 23

255 5.8

301

2014 8 10 24

261 2

301

2014 8 11 1

237 3.4

301

2014 8 11 2

205 3.1

301

2014 8 11 3

267 4.5

302

2014 8 11 4

261 4.2

302

2014 8 11 5

228 5.6

302

2014 8 11 6

219 2.5

303




temp

(K)

2014 8 11 7

208 4

303

2014 8 11 8

273 7.6

303

2014 8 11 9

260 7.8

304

2014 8 11 10

169 9.3

304

2014 8 11 11

274 6.7

304

2014 8 11 12

191 5.5

305

2014 8 11 13

228 4.3

305

2014 8 11 14

237 5

306

2014 8 11 15

261 2.6

306

2014 8 11 16

283 3.5

305

2014 8 11 17

274 3.9

304

2014 8 11 18

269 5.1

304

2014 8 11 19

249 5.7

303

2014 8 11 20

196 6.2

303

2014 8 11 21

187 7

303

2014 8 11 22

284 8.5

303

2014 8 11 23

267 7.6

302

2014 8 11 24

249 5.8

301

2014 8 12 1

208 7.7

301

2014 8 12 2

237 8.8

301

2014 8 12 3

190 2.6

302

2014 8 12 4

274 3.8

302

2014 8 12 5

260 4.7

302

2014 8 12 6

229 2.9

303

2014 8 12 7

207 2.2

303

2014 8 12 8

238 5.4

303

2014 8 12 9

269 3

304




temp

(K)

2014 8 12 10

204 3.8

304

2014 8 12 11

185 4.8

304

2014 8 12 12

234 5.3

305

2014 8 12 13

263 6.2

305

2014 8 12 14

213 6

305

2014 8 12 15

288 7.5

306

2014 8 12 16

193 7.9

305

2014 8 12 17

270 8.5

305

2014 8 12 18

246 9.6

304

2014 8 12 19

249 8

303

2014 8 12 20

212 9.4

303

2014 8 12 21

177 10.1

303

2014 8 12 22

283 7.8

303

2014 8 12 23

244 6.7

302

2014 8 12 24

267 2.9

301

2014 8 13 1

234 11.2

301

2014 8 13 2

260 10.8

301

2014 8 13 3

175 12.7

301

2014 8 13 4

266 10.4

301

2014 8 13 5

218 9

302

2014 8 13 6

202 9.5

302

2014 8 13 7

258 8.2

302

2014 8 13 8

245 9.9

303

2014 8 13 9

235 7.6

303

2014 8 13 10

196 7.1

303

2014 8 13 11

281 8.7

303

2014 8 13 12

174 9.6

304




temp

(K)

2014 8 13 13

182 7

304

2014 8 13 14

273 6.8

304

2014 8 13 15

239 6.1

304

2014 8 13 16

210 7.3

303

2014 8 13 17

227 8.3

303

2014 8 13 18

177 6.5

303

2014 8 13 19

165 7.9

302

2014 8 13 20

268 6.2

302

2014 8 13 21

189 7.7

302

2014 8 13 22

249 5.8

302

2014 8 13 23

220 6.7

301

2014 8 13 24

251 13.5

301

2014 8 14 1

230 3.7

301

2014 8 14 2

274 0.5

301

2014 8 14 3

245 2.6

302

2014 8 14 4

216 2.9

302

2014 8 14 5

193 0.7

302

2014 8 14 6

164 7.3

303

2014 8 14 7

257 5.8

303

2014 8 14 8

239 1.9

303

2014 8 14 9

260 8.1

304

2014 8 14 10

207 4.6

304

2014 8 14 11

219 10.3

304

2014 8 14 12

197 7.3

305

2014 8 14 13

182 9.5

305

2014 8 14 14

268 7.4

306

2014 8 14 15

257 8.7

306




temp

(K)

2014 8 14 16

231 10.2

305

2014 8 14 17

281 7.2

304

2014 8 14 18

188 15.9

304

2014 8 14 19

219 10

303

2014 8 14 20

210 12.3

303

2014 8 14 21

264 8.4

303

2014 8 14 22

206 13.8

303

2014 8 14 23

229 10.8

302

2014 8 14 24

188 -0.6

301

2014 8 15 1

174 1.5

301

2014 8 15 2

199 2.3

301

2014 8 15 3

258 4.1

302

2014 8 15 4

237 3.6

302

2014 8 15 5

249 4.4

302

2014 8 15 6

274 6.9

303

2014 8 15 7

207 7.7

303

2014 8 15 8

176 5.2

303

2014 8 15 9

235 5

304

2014 8 15 10

275 6.3

304

2014 8 15 11

208 7.5

304

2014 8 15 12

219 8.6

305

2014 8 15 13

277 7.4

305

2014 8 15 14

178 10.3

305

2014 8 15 15

182 6.8

306

2014 8 15 16

237 5.9

305

2014 8 15 17

244 5

305

2014 8 15 18

211 4.6

304




temp

(K)

2014 8 15 19

257 4.3

303

2014 8 15 20

260 3.7

303

2014 8 15 21

207 3.1

303

2014 8 15 22

230 2.5

303

2014 8 15 23

241 2.8

302

2014 8 15 24

233 1.5

301

2014 8 16 1

249 7.5

301

2014 8 16 2

266 6.8

301

2014 8 16 3

237 7.6

301

2014 8 16 4

189 8.8

301

2014 8 16 5

284 6.4

302

2014 8 16 6

181 6

302

2014 8 16 7

241 5.3

302

2014 8 16 8

129 5.7

303

2014 8 16 9

90 1.4

303

2014 8 16 10

169 2.9

303

2014 8 16 11

202 3.2

303

2014 8 16 12

229 2.5

304

2014 8 16 13

146 3.7

304

2014 8 16 14

197 5.8

304

2014 8 16 15

173 6.1

304

2014 8 16 16

221 5.6

303

2014 8 16 17

253 8.1

303

2014 8 16 18

195 8.8

303

2014 8 16 19

147 10.4

302

2014 8 16 20

208 9.6

302

2014 8 16 21

267 9.2

302




temp

(K)

2014 8 16 22

123 10.2

302

2014 8 16 23

181 7.7

301

2014 8 16 24

126 8

301

2014 8 17 1

276 10.5

301

2014 8 17 2

209 11.8

301

2014 8 17 3

194 7.9

302

2014 8 17 4

227 3.8

302

2014 8 17 5

254 6.2

302

2014 8 17 6

213 8.4

303

2014 8 17 7

185 7.7

303

2014 8 17 8

286 4.3

303

2014 8 17 9

217 4.6

304

2014 8 17 10

230 6.8

304

2014 8 17 11

241 9.1

304

2014 8 17 12

179 5.8

305

2014 8 17 13

193 7.2

305

2014 8 17 14

257 4.5

306

2014 8 17 15

219 4.3

306

2014 8 17 16

207 3.8

305

2014 8 17 17

168 3.2

304

2014 8 17 18

182 4.1

304

2014 8 17 19

274 3

303

2014 8 17 20

294 2.6

303

2014 8 17 21

227 2.2

303

2014 8 17 22

260 3.7

303

2014 8 17 23

285 5.8

302

2014 8 17 24

233 11.6

301




temp

(K)

2014 8 18 1

158 3.7

301

2014 8 18 2

241 7.4

301

2014 8 18 3

199 2.4

302

2014 8 18 4

175 2.9

302

2014 8 18 5

238 4.8

302

2014 8 18 6

207 3.5

303

2014 8 18 7

226 4.2

303

2014 8 18 8

285 6.3

303

2014 8 18 9

246 6

304

2014 8 18 10

218 3.4

304

2014 8 18 11

267 7.6

304

2014 8 18 12

249 1.7

305

2014 8 18 13

234 2

305

2014 8 18 14

216 5.8

305

2014 8 18 15

168 3.1

306

2014 8 18 16

239 3.4

305

2014 8 18 17

197 4.9

305

2014 8 18 18

240 4.2

304

2014 8 18 19

260 9.4

303

2014 8 18 20

180 10.8

303

2014 8 18 21

273 8

303

2014 8 18 22

243 8.9

303

2014 8 18 23

219 7.5

302

2014 8 18 24

287 0.9

301

2014 8 19 1

178 3.5

301

2014 8 19 2

166 1.5

301

2014 8 19 3

218 1.9

301




temp

(K)

2014 8 19 4

268 2.8

301

2014 8 19 5

249 1

302

2014 8 19 6

206 4.7

302

2014 8 19 7

230 3.9

302

2014 8 19 8

261 5

303

2014 8 19 9

241 5.2

303

2014 8 19 10

194 6.3

303

2014 8 19 11

267 7.2

303

2014 8 19 12

237 7.8

304

2014 8 19 13

264 6.7

304

2014 8 19 14

169 6.2

304

2014 8 19 15

291 7.1

304

2014 8 19 16

273 9

303

2014 8 19 17

219 8.6

303

2014 8 19 18

234 6.8

303

2014 8 19 19

227 7.6

302

2014 8 19 20

267 5.5

302

2014 8 19 21

201 13.4

302

2014 8 19 22

237 9.3

302

2014 8 19 23

183 6.8

301

2014 8 19 24

244 0.7

301

2014 8 20 1

190 11.8

301

2014 8 20 2

238 10.7

301

2014 8 20 3

210 9.5

302

2014 8 20 4

182 8.9

302

2014 8 20 5

246 11.3

302

2014 8 20 6

154 9.6

303




temp

(K)

2014 8 20 7

238 11.7

303

2014 8 20 8

267 7.8

303

2014 8 20 9

207 10.5

304

2014 8 20 10

260 11.2

304

2014 8 20 11

193 11.9

304

2014 8 20 12

155 11.6

305

2014 8 20 13

259 11

305

2014 8 20 14

281 10.7

306

2014 8 20 15

224 9.8

306

2014 8 20 16

264 10.5

305

2014 8 20 17

200 11.1

304

2014 8 20 18

240 10.6

304

2014 8 20 19

188 9.2

303

2014 8 20 20

246 11.8

303

2014 8 20 21

283 9.4

303

2014 8 20 22

249 7.3

303

2014 8 20 23

227 12.5

302

2014 8 20 24

199 10.8

301

2014 8 21 1

215 3.5

301

2014 8 21 2

231 2.9

301

2014 8 21 3

274 0.5

302

2014 8 21 4

206 1.9

302

2014 8 21 5

219 1.4

302

2014 8 21 6

185 3.1

303

2014 8 21 7

269 0.8

303

2014 8 21 8

213 3.6

303

2014 8 21 9

228 2.9

304




temp

(K)

2014 8 21 10

270 1.1

304

2014 8 21 11

192 2.7

304

2014 8 21 12

177 4.9

305

2014 8 21 13

269 5

305

2014 8 21 14

281 6.4

305

2014 8 21 15

237 9.5

306

2014 8 21 16

249 13.7

305

2014 8 21 17

260 10.9

305

2014 8 21 18

210 8.5

304

2014 8 21 19

276 10.1

303

2014 8 21 20

243 12

303

2014 8 21 21

288 10.3

303

2014 8 21 22

216 8.3

303

2014 8 21 23

224 7.8

302

2014 8 21 24

261 0.7

301

2014 8 22 1

189 0.9

301

2014 8 22 2

249 2.1

301

2014 8 22 3

203 -0.2

301

2014 8 22 4

173 0.6

301

2014 8 22 5

180 1.4

302

2014 8 22 6

241 1.9

302

2014 8 22 7

267 0.1

302

2014 8 22 8

294 0

303

2014 8 22 9

234 1.6

303

2014 8 22 10

217 2.7

303

2014 8 22 11

237 1.9

303

2014 8 22 12

247 3.2

304




temp

(K)

2014 8 22 13

233 1.2

304

2014 8 22 14

186 2.8

304

2014 8 22 15

276 8.2

304

2014 8 22 16

249 10.7

303

2014 8 22 17

277 9.9

303

2014 8 22 18

211 16.8

303

2014 8 22 19

238 23.4

302

2014 8 22 20

268 24

302

2014 8 22 21

185 25.4

302

2014 8 22 22

241 18.6

302

2014 8 22 23

261 19.9

301

2014 8 22 24

218 0.3

301

2014 8 23 1

234 27.4

301

2014 8 23 2

215 23.5

301

2014 8 23 3

228 25.7

302

2014 8 23 4

198 22

302

2014 8 23 5

264 24.2

302

2014 8 23 6

256 19.5

303

2014 8 23 7

223 15.1

303

2014 8 23 8

207 10.8

303

2014 8 23 9

183 10.2

304

2014 8 23 10

247 14.9

304

2014 8 23 11

268 16.6

304

2014 8 23 12

219 20.3

305

2014 8 23 13

230 23

305

2014 8 23 14

281 24.3

306

2014 8 23 15

183 23.6

306




temp

(K)

2014 8 23 16

276 20.8

305

2014 8 23 17

262 27.5

304

2014 8 23 18

228 28.6

304

2014 8 23 19

197 31.2

303

2014 8 23 20

168 25.7

303

2014 8 23 21

233 23.9

303

2014 8 23 22

259 26.9

303

2014 8 23 23

216 27.2

302

2014 8 23 24

296 29.6

301

2014 8 24 1

234 26.6

301

2014 8 24 2

216 29.7

301

2014 8 24 3

208 27.3

302

2014 8 24 4

174 28.9

302

2014 8 24 5

233 21.7

302

2014 8 24 6

192 25.6

303

2014 8 24 7

269 21.5

303

2014 8 24 8

244 29.8

303

2014 8 24 9

219 19.6

304

2014 8 24 10

250 15.5

304

2014 8 24 11

194 10.1

304

2014 8 24 12

166 9.7

305

2014 8 24 13

273 5.2

305

2014 8 24 14

248 1.7

305

2014 8 24 15

231 2.8

306

2014 8 24 16

281 5

305

2014 8 24 17

209 10.3

305

2014 8 24 18

237 13.5

304




temp

(K)

2014 8 24 19

241 18.9

303

2014 8 24 20

268 21.7

303

2014 8 24 21

259 25.4

303

2014 8 24 22

213 27.1

303

2014 8 24 23

262 23.6

302

2014 8 24 24

277 22.1

301

2014 8 25 1

247 23.4

301

2014 8 25 2

268 17.7

301

2014 8 25 3

215 13.6

301

2014 8 25 4

234 15.3

301

2014 8 25 5

208 12.7

302

2014 8 25 6

199 11.3

302

2014 8 25 7

174 10.8

302

2014 8 25 8

269 9.6

303

2014 8 25 9

233 10.5

303

2014 8 25 10

261 13.6

303

2014 8 25 11

246 15

303

2014 8 25 12

270 17.7

304

2014 8 25 13

259 19.7

304

2014 8 25 14

228 23.2

304

2014 8 25 15

183 24.6

304

2014 8 25 16

234 25.2

303

2014 8 25 17

266 30.5

303

2014 8 25 18

249 27

303

2014 8 25 19

281 25.7

302

2014 8 25 20

200 31.9

302

2014 8 25 21

237 30.1

302




temp

(K)

2014 8 25 22

219 27.4

302

2014 8 25 23

294 22.7

301

2014 8 25 24

194 19.2

301

2014 8 26 1

217 22.4

301

2014 8 26 2

168 28.6

301

2014 8 26 3

287 21.9

302

2014 8 26 4

269 19.7

302

2014 8 26 5

238 17.3

302

2014 8 26 6

271 23.9

303

2014 8 26 7

207 15.4

303

2014 8 26 8

239 14.3

303

2014 8 26 9

243 13.6

304

2014 8 26 10

282 12

304

2014 8 26 11

262 12.6

304

2014 8 26 12

215 10.7

305

2014 8 26 13

240 9.9

305

2014 8 26 14

196 6.5

306

2014 8 26 15

181 9.6

306

2014 8 26 16

271 13

305

2014 8 26 17

237 19.3

304

2014 8 26 18

264 22.1

304

2014 8 26 19

298 29

303

2014 8 26 20

194 31.5

303

2014 8 26 21

268 34.8

303

2014 8 26 22

233 36.2

303

2014 8 26 23

274 30.6

302

2014 8 26 24

244 18.9

301




temp

(K)

2014 8 27 1

277 39.6

301

2014 8 27 2

198 35.3

301

2014 8 27 3

237 32.1

302

2014 8 27 4

246 30.8

302

2014 8 27 5

281 29

302

2014 8 27 6

273 32.4

303

2014 8 27 7

225 29.8

303

2014 8 27 8

210 19.6

303

2014 8 27 9

182 28.9

304

2014 8 27 10

246 21.7

304

2014 8 27 11

239 25

304

2014 8 27 12

297 29

305

2014 8 27 13

280 30.4

305

2014 8 27 14

191 32.8

305

2014 8 27 15

251 30.9

306

2014 8 27 16

237 27.1

305

2014 8 27 17

207 25.4

305

2014 8 27 18

266 23.6

304

2014 8 27 19

217 22.1

303

2014 8 27 20

284 19.8

303

2014 8 27 21

279 17.9

303

2014 8 27 22

229 13.5

303

2014 8 27 23

249 16.8

302

2014 8 27 24

217 41

301

2014 8 28 1

256 11.5

301

2014 8 28 2

218 9.6

301

2014 8 28 3

274 7.9

301




temp

(K)

2014 8 28 4

194 11.1

301

2014 8 28 5

237 8.8

302

2014 8 28 6

266 9.1

302

2014 8 28 7

281 13.7

302

2014 8 28 8

234 6.2

303

2014 8 28 9

209 13

303

2014 8 28 10

193 15.4

303

2014 8 28 11

169 15.9

303

2014 8 28 12

267 19.3

304

2014 8 28 13

249 21

304

2014 8 28 14

218 21.6

304

2014 8 28 15

237 27.3

304

2014 8 28 16

264 29.1

303

2014 8 28 17

280 30.4

303

2014 8 28 18

197 29.5

303

2014 8 28 19

216 31

302

2014 8 28 20

259 32.4

302

2014 8 28 21

238 30.9

302

2014 8 28 22

227 22.7

302

2014 8 28 23

213 23.3

301

2014 8 28 24

290 12.7

301

2014 8 29 1

249 17.7

301

2014 8 29 2

218 26.8

301

2014 8 29 3

277 24.3

302

2014 8 29 4

230 24

302

2014 8 29 5

269 23.7

302

2014 8 29 6

257 23

303




temp

(K)

2014 8 29 7

194 19.4

303

2014 8 29 8

255 20.8

303

2014 8 29 9

238 25.3

304

2014 8 29 10

294 27.1

304

2014 8 29 11

206 30.2

304

2014 8 29 12

240 31.5

305

2014 8 29 13

191 33.9

305

2014 8 29 14

231 37.4

306

2014 8 29 15

262 38.7

306

2014 8 29 16

214 35.8

305

2014 8 29 17

292 37.3

304

2014 8 29 18

260 36

304

2014 8 29 19

227 34.7

303

2014 8 29 20

199 33.5

303

2014 8 29 21

273 31.6

303

2014 8 29 22

254 27.3

303

2014 8 29 23

251 22.5

302

2014 8 29 24

172 20.5

301

2014 8 30 1

267 31

301

2014 8 30 2

210 29.8

301

2014 8 30 3

238 27.1

302

2014 8 30 4

279 24.7

302

2014 8 30 5

187 23.1

302

2014 8 30 6

269 23

303

2014 8 30 7

217 19.5

303

2014 8 30 8

244 17.3

303

2014 8 30 9

273 16.7

304




temp

(K)

2014 8 30 10

214 13.8

304

2014 8 30 11

264 15.6

304

2014 8 30 12

239 14.6

305

2014 8 30 13

210 16.9

305

2014 8 30 14

192 18.1

305

2014 8 30 15

227 19.6

306

2014 8 30 16

268 17.3

305

2014 8 30 17

249 20.7

305

2014 8 30 18

299 19.9

304

2014 8 30 19

237 21.5

303

2014 8 30 20

281 20.6

303

2014 8 30 21

267 16.8

303

2014 8 30 22

284 19.1

303

2014 8 30 23

219 21.3

302

2014 8 30 24

222 22.7

301

2014 8 31 1

214 3.7

301

2014 8 31 2

284 5.8

301

2014 8 31 3

217 1.5

301

2014 8 31 4

197 3.6

301

2014 8 31 5

238 5

302

2014 8 31 6

267 11.6

302

2014 8 31 7

269 21

302

2014 8 31 8

247 19.3

303

2014 8 31 9

284 21.7

303

2014 8 31 10

286 22.8

303

2014 8 31 11

217 25.9

303

2014 8 31 12

230 27.1

304




temp

(K)

2014 8 31 13

192 29

304

2014 8 31 14

164 30.3

304

2014 8 31 15

234 31.7

304

2014 8 31 16

264 32.6

303

2014 8 31 17

279 27.7

303

2014 8 31 18

257 25.7

303

2014 8 31 19

248 19.6

302

2014 8 31 20

293 20.1

302

2014 8 31 21

213 24

302

2014 8 31 22

245 30.5

302

2014 8 31 23

277 24.8

301

2014 8 31 24

262 0

301

2014 9 1 1

216 26.3

301

2014 9 1 2

223 30.7

301

2014 9 1 3

274 24

302

2014 9 1 4

270 22.8

302

2014 9 1 5

234 19.8

302

2014 9 1 6

265 20

303

2014 9 1 7

184 15.7

303

2014 9 1 8

204 13.6

303

2014 9 1 9

236 15.1

304

2014 9 1 10

247 18.2

304

2014 9 1 11

267 21.6

304

2014 9 1 12

218 28.2

305

2014 9 1 13

203 30.5

305

2014 9 1 14

249 34.9

306

2014 9 1 15

221 35.4

306




temp

(K)

2014 9 1 16

193 33.2

305

2014 9 1 17

242 31

304

2014 9 1 18

266 32.3

304

2014 9 1 19

215 29.7

303

2014 9 1 20

201 27.5

303

2014 9 1 21

188 24.4

303

2014 9 1 22

165 20.6

303

2014 9 1 23

196 14.9

302

2014 9 1 24

251 23.4

301

2014 9 2 1

206 1.8

301

2014 9 2 2

184 0.6

301

2014 9 2 3

210 2.7

302

2014 9 2 4

268 3.9

302

2014 9 2 5

232 2.4

302

2014 9 2 6

199 5

303

2014 9 2 7

240 10.5

303

2014 9 2 8

246 12.3

303

2014 9 2 9

269 13

304

2014 9 2 10

187 17.1

304

2014 9 2 11

205 21.2

304

2014 9 2 12

219 24.3

305

2014 9 2 13

235 28.1

305

2014 9 2 14

190 29.5

305

2014 9 2 15

261 31

306

2014 9 2 16

231 31.5

305

2014 9 2 17

204 33.4

305

2014 9 2 18

289 27.3

304




temp

(K)

2014 9 2 19

173 30.7

303

2014 9 2 20

198 27.9

303

2014 9 2 21

245 21.8

303

2014 9 2 22

240 13.8

303

2014 9 2 23

271 19.6

302

2014 9 2 24

226 0.4

301

2014 9 3 1

254 10.2

301

2014 9 3 2

266 12.8

301

2014 9 3 3

175 7.9

301

2014 9 3 4

208 15.7

301

2014 9 3 5

259 14

302

2014 9 3 6

237 11.5

302

2014 9 3 7

215 9.3

302

2014 9 3 8

169 7.6

303

2014 9 3 9

274 11.2

303

2014 9 3 10

251 14.4

303

2014 9 3 11

232 15.1

303

2014 9 3 12

272 19.7

304

2014 9 3 13

248 21.6

304

2014 9 3 14

210 23

304

2014 9 3 15

268 24.5

304

2014 9 3 16

197 22.3

303

2014 9 3 17

226 20.7

303

2014 9 3 18

275 17.6

303

2014 9 3 19

250 17.9

302

2014 9 3 20

184 15.4

302

2014 9 3 21

217 13.6

302




temp

(K)

2014 9 3 22

263 12

302



Annexure-3.4

Demographic Details

Sl

No

NAME No. HH TOT_P TOT_M TOT_F P_SC P_ST P_LIT P_ILL TOT_WORK_P

1 Pandamangalam 58 229 119 110 22 0 204 25 171 2 Pamban 8522 37819 19163 18656 503 3 28304 9515 13116 3 Valinockam 1067 6221 3177 3044 10 0 4139 2082 2069

4 Andichiendal 18 80 45 35 52 0 70 10 74 5 Vennathur 544 2218 1063 1155 508 0 1471 747 1390 6 Pathanendal 161 638 275 363 33 0 334 304 310

7 Naranamangalam 296 1342 654 688 352 0 715 627 985 8 Alamalandal 450 1961 956 1005 913 0 1106 855 1218 9 Devipattinam 2097 10166 4891 5275 1830 225 6779 3387 2987

10 Peruvayal 329 1394 681 713 1075 0 700 694 803 11 Kumariyendal 63 298 154 144 28 0 145 153 207 12 Kavanur 573 2379 1145 1234 981 0 1437 942 1531

13 Karendal 232 911 426 485 360 0 589 322 618 14 Pullangudi 323 1398 703 695 727 0 892 506 742 15 Chittrakkottai 1818 8111 3701 4410 754 0 5331 2780 2735

16 Athyuthu 491 2448 1151 1297 302 0 1555 893 775 17 Alangulam 201 941 439 502 304 0 614 327 258 18 Toruvalur 647 2474 1205 1269 1407 0 1553 921 1535

19 Vannivayal 407 1625 817 808 1019 0 851 774 920 20 Surankottai 1014 4445 2253 2192 1728 3 2857 1588 1330 21 Pattinamkattan 3310 14244 7122 7122 2605 1 10246 3998 4682

22 Thiruvolhiyakalugoorani 630 2960 1437 1523 325 0 1879 1081 1076 23 Terbhogi 1037 4685 2128 2557 112 0 2927 1758 1441 24 Alagankulam 2894 13754 6262 7492 500 0 9713 4041 2797

25 Attangarai 565 2764 1319 1445 0 0 1810 954 815



26 Perungulam 1134 5280 2616 2664 51 0 3336 1944 2514

27 Valantaravai 1689 7400 3665 3735 1354 0 4697 2703 3067 28 Kusavankudi 599 2728 1288 1440 727 0 1717 1011 1000

29 Sakkarakottai 3737 16014 7937 8077 3090 25 10667 5347 5787

30 Rajasuriamadai 844 3898 1958 1940 964 0 2069 1829 1386 31 Kooriyur 406 1831 889 942 637 0 1070 761 761

32 Achchundanvayal 329 1451 707 744 410 0 941 510 679

33 Landai 538 2136 1053 1083 1814 0 1324 812 1120 34 Panaikkulam 297 1127 543 584 538 0 565 562 631

35 Malangudi 455 1910 941 969 1276 0 997 913 1175

36 Ekkakudi 326 1370 611 759 482 0 734 636 462 37 Vellamarichchukkatti 358 1380 673 707 882 0 669 711 821

38 Achadipirambu 31 153 76 77 150 0 100 53 1

39 Kudakottai 705 3327 1588 1739 580 0 1660 1667 1216 40 Vannankundu 1515 6607 3061 3546 176 0 3717 2890 3690

41 Raghunathapuram 1529 6410 3052 3358 141 0 4159 2251 3189

42 Kumbaram 499 2027 1022 1005 0 0 1075 952 1354 43 Rettaiyurani 1521 6357 3173 3184 170 0 3881 2476 3366

44 Nagachi 723 3329 1710 1619 33 0 1955 1374 1245

45 Enmanamkondan 1418 6590 3293 3297 590 13 4630 1960 2066 46 Pirappanvalasai 1045 4687 2220 2467 198 7 3180 1507 1330

47 Sattakkonvalasai 533 2496 1226 1270 53 0 1721 775 1003

48 Mandapam 1720 8255 4166 4089 417 8 5924 2331 2359 49 Nochiyurani 554 2343 1149 1194 35 0 1642 701 886

50 Pudumadam 1751 7688 3419 4269 62 0 5375 2313 1713

51 Karan 790 3325 1637 1688 23 0 2097 1228 1851 52 Periapattinam 1799 9478 4793 4685 100 0 6442 3036 2596

53 Kalimankundu 1275 5338 2626 2712 118 0 2828 2510 2665

54 Tiruppullani 1440 6084 2895 3189 2020 0 3592 2492 2517 55 Kalari 391 1478 697 781 1187 0 799 679 846



56 Utrakosamangai 483 2084 1051 1033 278 0 1541 543 1090

57 Mallal 259 1046 488 558 677 0 441 605 596 58 Alagankulam 278 1173 603 570 746 0 571 602 685

59 Nalirukkai 285 1070 536 534 363 0 516 554 613

60 Panaydiyendal 310 1151 566 585 1015 0 410 741 782 61 Valanur 616 2322 1131 1191 1777 0 1237 1085 1258

62 Kulapatham 351 1447 659 788 545 0 754 693 724

63 Pallamerkkulam 532 2535 1050 1485 1312 0 1556 979 952 64 Kanjirangudi 1248 5533 2646 2887 676 0 3415 2118 1924

65 Keelakarai 593 2591 1294 1297 879 0 1385 1206 936

66 Manikkaneri 150 503 221 282 27 0 239 264 373 67 Pullandai 242 1101 515 586 703 0 711 390 676

68 Mayakulam 860 5842 3423 2419 490 1 4328 1514 1519

69 Ramanathapuram (M) 12952 62050 31111 30939 4742 580 48694 13356 18738 70 Keelakarai (TP) 5863 30412 14047 16365 1014 0 23116 7296 7462

71 Mandapam (TP) 3291 16343 8254 8089 1136 6 11679 4664 4732



Sl No NAME MAINWO

RK_P

MAI

N_

CL_

P

MAIN_A

L_P

MAI

N_

HH_

P

MAI

N_

OT_

P

MARGWO

RK_P

MAR

G_

CL_P

MAR

G_

AL_P

MARG_H

H_P

MAR

G_

OT_P

NON_WO

RK_P

1 Pandamangalam 167 86 24 7 50 4 2 0 0 2 58

2 Pamban 11937

209 127 264

1133

7 1179 295 110 52 722 24703

3 Valinockam

1119 7 13 9 1090 950 11 12 5 922 4152

4 Andichiendal 58 42 13 0 3 16 14 1 0 1 6

5 Vennathur 1236 756 201 37 242 154 63 81 3 7 828

6 Pathanendal 309 201 13 0 95 1 1 0 0 0 328

7 Naranamangalam 899 810 16 7 66 86 67 3 4 12 357

8 Alamalandal 828 735 13 14 66 390 39 347 0 4 743

9 Devipattinam 2508 98 106 129 2175 479 229 67 35 148 7179

10 Peruvayal 798 480 12 244 62 5 2 2 0 1 591

11 Kumariyendal 207 204 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 91

12 Kavanur 1136 657 307 5 167 395 221 156 1 17 848

13 Karendal 378 111 187 0 80 240 19 214 0 7 293

14 Pullangudi 612 270 69 4 269 130 49 70 0 11 656 15 Chittrakko

ttai 1954 179 118 40 1617 781 23 50 353 355 5376

16 Athyuthu 507 98 49 121 239 268 32 126 2 108 1673



17 Palangulam 162 1 2 0 159 96 1 91 3 1 683

18 Toruvalur 1034 249 340 0 445 501 22 454 1 24 939 19 Vannivaya

l 604 355 187 0 62 316 12 256 5 43 705 20 Surankotta

i 1300 234 190 48 828 30 11 6 2 11 3115

21 Pattinamkattan 3913 178 662 51 3022 769 186 327 31 225 9562

22 Thiruvolhiyakalugoorani 747 224 159 4 360 329 5 317 4 3 1884

23 Terbhogi 939 34 166 18 721 502 0 215 229 58 3244 24 Alagankul

am 2292 85 24 41 2142 505 4 0 183 318 10957

25 Attangarai 706 34 176 9 487 109 6 56 1 46 1949 26 Perungula

m 2236 97 194 651 1294 278 5 153 44 76 2766

27 Valantaravai 2121 114 1182 183 642 946 12 634 245 55 4333

28 Kusavankudi 721 175 207 5 334 279 11 129 90 49 1728

29 Sakkarakottai 4420 543 338 113 3426 1367 30 602 397 338 10227

30 Rajasuriamadai 1029 287 56 5 681 357 55 224 1 77 2512

31 Kooriyur 737 290 139 9 299 24 18 6 0 0 1070

32 Achchundanvayal 360 157 95 1 107 319 27 244 3 45 772

33 Landai 905 681 32 4 188 215 77 84 5 49 1016

34 Panaikkulam 350 237 50 1 62 281 95 178 1 7 496

35 Malangudi 740 496 190 1 53 435 198 217 0 20 735

36 Ekkakudi 175 66 3 9 97 287 17 245 2 23 908



37 Vellamarichchukkatti 787 734 5 0 48 34 32 1 0 1 559

38 Achadipirambu 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 152

39 Kudakottai 688 82 29 186 391 528 13 176 71 268 2111

40 Vannankundu 3040 848 799 811 582 650 50 225 306 69 2917

41 Raghunathapuram 2645 671 746 644 584 544 159 107 152 126 3221

42 Kumbaram 304 89 109 57 49 1050 43 418 574 15 673

43 Rettaiyurani 2352 511 711 309 821 1014 26 536 101 351 2991

44 Nagachi 986 43 76 115 752 259 3 30 213 13 2084 45 Enmanam

kondan 1888 159 63 103 1563 178 3 35 81 59 4524

46 Pirappanvalasai 1191 102 196 56 837 139 9 86 4 40 3357

47 Sattakkonvalasai 896 13 6 141 736 107 33 4 34 36 1493

48 Mandapam 1817 58 13 69 1677 542 28 75 269 170 5896

49 Nochiyurani 616 48 22 19 527 270 1 27 167 75 1457

50 Pudumadam 1318 79 133 8 1098 395 13 164 135 83 5975

51 Karan 898 64 291 51 492 953 5 217 650 81 1474 52 Periapattin

am 2521 35 167 262 2057 75 5 7 21 42 6882

53 Kalimankundu 2309 85 207 584 1433 356 11 18 61 266 2673

54 Tiruppullani 2235 830 122 107 1176 282 17 10 130 125 3567



55 Kalari 609 422 90 23 74 237 3 227 0 7 632

56 Utrakosamangai 842 496 33 16 297 248 1 238 0 9 994

57 Mallal 562 427 68 0 67 34 4 29 0 1 450

58 Alagankulam 653 405 131 12 105 32 6 11 1 14 488

59 Nalirukkai 604 245 285 0 74 9 2 7 0 0 457

60 Panaydiyendal 758 711 16 1 30 24 2 18 0 4 369

61 Valanur 783 356 286 3 138 475 4 416 2 53 1064

62 Kulapatham 582 9 496 7 70 142 2 137 1 2 723

63 Pallamerkkulam 489 112 3 34 340 463 47 356 2 58 1583

64 Kanjirangudi 1822 291 55 90 1386 102 3 61 4 34 3609

65 Keelakarai 755 135 66 26 528 181 45 73 31 32 1655

66 Manikkaneri 292 272 3 1 16 81 77 1 2 1 130

67 Pullandai 399 125 19 16 239 277 227 8 25 17 425

68 Mayakulam 1306 24 15 17 1250 213 1 8 2 202 4323

69 Ramanathapuram (M) 17603 98 45 237

17223 1135 11 22 57 1045 43312

70 Keelakarai (TP) 6916 40 14 207 6655 546 7 2 70 467 22950

71 Mandapam (TP) 4470 5 19 67 4379 262 4 12 27 219 11611



Annexure 4-A

Flora & Fauna



Checklist of Plant Species in Ramanathapuram ML Area

Sl No. Plant Species Local Distribution

A. Trees

1. Acacia eburnean Sporadic

2. Acacia nilotica Common

3. Acacia planifrons Sporadic

4. Syzygium cumuni Sporadic

5. Moginga oleifera Sporadic

6. Thespesia populnea Sporadic

7. Albizia lebbeck Common

8. Azadiracta indica Common

9. Borasus flabilifer Abundant

10. Buchannania axillaris Sporadic

11. Caesalpenia coriasia Sporadic

12. Casuarina equisetifolia Sporadic

13. Cocus nucifera* Abundant

14. Ficus benghalensis Sporadic

15. Ficus religiosa Sporadic

16. Merope angulata Sporadic

17. Pongamia glabra Common

18. Olax scandens Sporadic

19. Phoenix lourerii Common

20. Pithicellobium dulce Sporadic

21. Peltophorum pterocarpum Sporadic

22. Prosopis juliflora Abundant

23. Psidium guajava Sporadic

24. Odian wadia Sporadic

25. Tamarind sp. Common

26. Terminala catppa Sporadic

27. Siaminea saman Sporadic

28. Terminalia arjuna Sporadic

29. Ziziphus mauritiana Common

30. Ziziphus xylophyrus Common

B. Shrubs

31. Azima tetracantha Common

32. Cassia auriculata Common

33. Euphorbia tirucalli Sporadic

34. Hoya parasitica Sporadic

35. Jasminum angustifolium Sporadic

36. Jatropa sp Common



37. Lumnitzera racemosa Common

38. Manilkara hexandra Common

39. Opuntia monocanthus Sporadic

40. Tephrosia perpurea Common

C. Herbs and climbers

41. Allotropis cimicina Common

42. Aloe vera Sporadic

43. Aristida adscensiones Common

44. Aspargaus racemosus Common

45. Bulbostylis densa Common

46. Canavelia virosa Common

47. Capparis divaricata Common

48. Cassis obtusa Common

49. Catharanthus roseus Common

50. Chloris barbata Common

51. Cissus quandrangularis Common

52. Citronella sp. Common

53. Cleome aspera Common

54. Coccinia grandis Common

55. Crotolaria laburnifolia Common

56. Crotolaria verucosa Common

57. Cymbophogon gibarba Common

58. Cynadaon dactylon Common

59. Cyperus arenarius Common

60. Cyperus cartaneus Common

61. Cyperus rubicundus Common

62. Emilia scabra Common

63. Eragros unioloides Common

64. Eragrostis altrovirens Common

65. Hydrophylax maritime Common

66. Leucas maritinicensis Common

67. Lophopogon tridentatus Common

68. Rottboellia exaltata Common

69. Sporobolus diander Common

70. Veronica albicans Common

71. Vigna trilobata Common

[Source: SENES Primary Survey, September 2014 and Integrated Management Plan for the Gulf of

Mannar Marine National Park and Biosphere Reserve (2007-2016)]



Checklist of Birds in Study Area



[Source: Integrated Management Plan for the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and Biosphere

Reserve (2007-2016)]



Annexure 4-B

PhytoSociological Study



A. Flora

The study area (covering 22 oil wells) falls within the biogeographic province- 6E- Deccan

Peninsula- Deccan South (Rodgers, Panwar & Mathur, 2002). The Biogeographic province map

is presented in Figure as mentioned below:

Map showing Biogeographic Provinces of India

To analyse the Phytosociological significance of the study area, the survey was carried randomly

at 9 proposed oil well sites and its surrounding areas. The primary flora survey was conducted at

well nos- 1, 3, 6, 7, 11, 14, 17, 18, 22. The location of these sampling sites are indicated in the

Chapter 2 – Project Description. The phyto-sociological analysis was conducted for tree as well

ground cover species.

The major tree species recorded from these sites were Casuarina equisetifolia, Cocus nucifera,

Acacaia nilotica, Acacia eburnea, Pongamia glabra, Ficus benghalensis, Ficus religiosa,

Pithecellobium dulce, Borasus flabellifer, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Terminalia catappa,

Prosopis julflora etc.



Methodology for Flora Study

Flora Survey

The Phytosociological analysis of the local vegetation (tree as well ground cover) was conducted

randomly in 9 well blocks within the proposed project site. Six transects at each well site were laid to

record the floral species. These plots were selected on the basis of similarity in vegetation

component. At each site a quadrat each of 10 m radius for tree species and 1 m radius for herbaceous

species were established to cover the survey. The Relative frequency, relative density, relative

abundance and Important Value Index (IVI) were computed from the primary survey.

Importance Value is a measure of how dominant a species is in a given forest area. It is a standard tool

used by foresters to inventory a forest/vegetation. Species diversity was also estimated as Shannon -

Weiner index following Shannon and Weaver (1963).

H = - SUM [(pi) × ln (pi)]

Where, “H” is the species diversity index; “S” the total number of species; “Pi” the proportion of total

sample belonging to ith species (i.e ni/N, n is the number of individuals of each species and N is the

number of individuals of all species).

Well no -1

From the analysis, it is found that, Cocus nucifera has the highest IVI index with 45.7 followed by

Casuarina equisetifolia 34.9 and Peltophorum pterocarpum 24.9, Borasus flabellifer 16.9 and

Thespesia populnea 16.8. Being near the coast, the species such as Cosus nucifera and Casuarina

equisetifolia is quite common and Peltophorum pterocarpum is considered as a most suitable fast

growing ornamental social forestry species. Borasus flabellifer is considered to be a most

commercial viable species of these area after Cocus nucifera and Casuarina equisetifolia.

The Shanon-Wiener Index (H) provides the status of how evenly the species are distributed as

wells as it gives clear picture of the abundance of the species in a particular community. The higher

“H” values states the more diverse communities. From the above analysis The Shanon-Wiener

Index (H) is found 2.5. The “H” value indicates the area is not well diversified.

As far as the ground cover is concerned, the grass/sedges were found to be more abundant and

dominant in comparison to other herbaceous species. Cyperus arenarius was having the highest

IVI with 36.6 followed by Cynodon dactylon 29.2, Aristida adscensiones 20.5. Cassia auriculata

was the most visible shrub of this study area. The “H” value was calculated 2.86 gives an

impression of less diversified ground cover.

Well No- 17



From the analysis, it is found that, Borasus flabilifer had the highest IVI value with 67.5 followed

by Peltophorum pterocarpum 34.2, Casuarina equisetifolia 30 and Thespesia populnea 28.6. The

“H” value was calculated as 2.42.

As far as the ground cover is concerned, the grass/sedges were also found to be more abundant

and dominant in comparison to other herbaceous species. Cynodon dactylon was having the IVI

value 49.6 followed by Cyperus arenarius 34.3, Sporobolus diander 29.8, Cassia auriculata 22.7.

The “H” value was calculated 2.1 which gives an impression that the ground cover was less

diversified.

Well Number 14

From the analysis, it is found that, Azadirachta indica had the highest IVI value with 70.5 followed

by Prosopis juliflora 65, Buchanania axillaris 32.5 and Thespesia populnea 31.9. In terms of

diversity the study area was found to be less diversified but the vegetation was dominated by

indigenous natural plant species like Azadirachta indica. The “H” value was calculated as 1.84

which was found to be one amongst the lowest diversified areas.

As far as the ground cover is concerned, Hydrophylax maritima had the highest IVI value with

58.9 followed by Cyperus arenarius 42, Cynodon dactylon 37.4 and Chloris barbata 31.2. The

“H” value was calculated 2.11 which once again gives an impression that the ground cover was

less diversified.

Well Number 7

From the analysis, it is found that, Casuarina equisetifolia had the highest IVI with 52.5 followed

by Borasus flabilifer 25.5. There were 24 plant species were recorded from the primary survey and

the diversity was recorded to be better in comparison to other sampled area. Other than Borasus

flabilifer the IVI of the rest of the plant species were recorded to be in range of 6.5 to 25.5. The

“H” value was calculated as 2.71.

As far as the ground cover is concerned, about 35 herbaceous species were recorded during the

primary flora survey. In terms of relative abundance, Cynodon dactylon was having the highest

percentage of 9.4 followed by Chloris barbata (5%). Cassia obtuse was recorded as having highest

IVI value with 21.2 followed by Cynodon dactylon 19, Chloris barbata 17.4 and Cyperus

arenarius 15.3. The “H” value was calculated 3.3 which found to be very well diversified.

Well Number 18

From the primary floral analysis in and around well block number -18, a mere 9 type of plant

species were recorded. Borasus flabilifer ws having the highest IVI value with 58.3 followed by

Thespesia populnea 39.2, Ziziphus mauritiana 36.5 and Azadirachta indica 35.6. The “H” value

was calculated as 2.07.



About 15 species of herbs and shrubs were recorded during the primary floral survey. The Relative

frequency of Cissus quadrrangularis was recorded as 13.89 % followed by Emilia scabra, Chloris

barbata and Tephrosia purpurea with 11.11% each. Chloris barbata had the highest IVI value with

45.6 followed by Tephrosia purpurea 34.1, Cissus quadrangularis 33.3. The “H” value was

calculated 2.4.

Well Number 3

A meagre 6 species were recorded during the primary survey and the vegetative cover of the study

area was found to be highly degraded. Species such as Casuarina equisetifolia was the most

dominant species recorded from the survey followed by Borasus flabilifer. The rest of the species

were found scattered. The IVI of Casuarina equisetifolia was recorded as highest followed by

Borasus flabelifer 56.3, Terminalia catappa 37.8. The “H” value was calculated a poor 1.45.

About 7 species of herbs and shrubs were recorded during the primary floral survey. Cassia obtuse

was the most visible shrub of the area with IVI of 64, followed by Chloris barbata 53.9 and Cissus

quadrangularis 40.1. The “H” value was calculated 1.9.

Well Number 11

This oil well block and its surrounding areas was found to be most degraded site in comparison to

other sites. The tree species were found scattered and hence efforts were limited to analyse the

herbaceous ground cover to draw a conclusion on the vegetative cover of the site.

About 14 species were recorded during the primary survey. Cassia obtusa was the most dominating

species recorded from the floral survey. The other associated species were Cynodon dactylon,

Chloris barbata, Cyperus arenarius and Aristida adscensiones etc. Cassia obtusa was having the

highest IVI with 43 followed by Cynodon dactylon 37.8, Chloris barbata 35.1. The “H” value was

calculated 2.4.

Well no -22

Being located near the coast, Casuarina equisetifolia was the most dominant species recorded from

the flora survey. Borasus flabelifer was recorded the second highest dominant species and mostly

found towards inland. Casuarina equisetifolia was having the highest IVI with 84.7, followed by

Borasus flabelifer 41.9, Thespesia populnea 28.8 and Cocus nucifera 25.5. The Shanon-Wiener

Index (H) was calculated 1.95.

As far as the ground cover is concerned, the grass/sedges were found to be more abundant and

dominant in comparison to other herbaceous species. Cyperus arenarius was having the highest

IVI with 42.5 followed by Aristida adscensiones 36.3, Emilia scabra 26.1 and Eragrostis

altrovirens 25.4. The “H” value was calculated 2.5.

Well no -6



From the analysis, it is found that, Casuarina equisetiafolia was the most dominant species in and

around the proposed oil well block. It has the highest IVI value also. The IVI of Casuarina

equisetifolia was recorded 80.1, followed by Terminalia catappa 26.1 and Azadirachta indica

23.3. The Shanon-Wiener Index (H) was recorded as 2.18.

About 23 species of shrubs/herbs and grasses were recorded during the primary floral survey.

Cynodon dactylon was having the highest IVI with 32, followed by Cyperus arenarius 26.5,

Tephrosia purpurea 22.9, Aristida adscensiones 22.5. The “H” value was calculated 2.8.

From the above analysis, the diversity of species ws not impressive. A few dominant tree species

were almost exist in all theproposed oil well blocks. The most dominant as well as important tree

species were Casuarina equsetifolia, Borasus flabelifer, Azadirachta indica, and Cocus nucifera.

Among the herbaceous species Cassia obtusa, Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus arenarius, Chloris

barbata were the most dominant and frequently observed species.

Among the tree species, the Shanon-Wiener Index ranged between 1.45 to 2.71 and in case of

herbaceous species the “H” value ranged between 2.1 and 3.3.

TABLE 1 (A) Phytosociological Analysis of Tree species at Well Number 1

Name of the tree spp. RF RA RD IVI

Acacia eburnea 3.17 5.1 2.7 11.0

Acacia nilotica 6.35 3.2 3.4 12.9

Syzygium cumuni 3.17 2.6 1.3 7.1

Thespesia populnea 6.35 5.1 5.4 16.8

Azadiracta indica 4.76 5.1 4.0 13.9

Borasus flabilifer 3.17 7.7 6.0 16.9

Casuarina equisetifolia 4.76 14.7 15.4 34.9

Cocus nucifera 9.52 14.1 22.1 45.7

Ficus benghalensis 1.59 2.6 0.7 4.8

Ficus religiosa 4.76 2.6 2.0 9.3

Merope angulata 3.17 2.6 1.3 7.1

Pongamia glabra 6.35 3.2 3.4 12.9

Pithecellobium dulce 6.35 5.8 6.0 18.1

Peltophorum pterocarpum 9.52 6.0 9.4 24.9

Prosopis juliflora 4.76 5.1 4.0 13.9

Tamarindus indica. 3.17 5.1 2.7 11.0

Terminalia catappa 6.35 3.2 3.4 12.9

Samanea saman 6.35 2.6 2.7 11.6

Terminalia arjuna 6.35 3.8 4.0 14.2

H= 2.5

https://www.google.co.in/search?biw=1366&bih=673&q=acacia+eburnea&spell=1&sa=X&ved=0CBkQvwUoAGoVChMIwpORysX2xwIVTASOCh0oawr_

https://www.google.co.in/search?biw=1366&bih=673&tbm=isch&q=Samanea+saman&spell=1&sa=X&ved=0CBgQvwUoAGoVChMI6N7fxefuxwIVQT6OCh2IKAnZ



TABLE 1 (B) Phytosociological Analysis of the ground cover at Well Number 1

Name of Ephemeral spp RF RA RD IVI

Azima tetracantha 1.83 1.1 0.5 3.4

Cassia auriculata 5.50 3.3 4.3 13.1

Euphorbia tirucalli 1.83 2.6 1.1 5.5

Jatropa sp 3.67 4.5 3.8 11.9

Opuntia monocanthus 0.92 3.0 0.6 4.5

Tephrosia perpurea 4.59 4.9 5.2 14.7

Allotropis cimicina 1.83 4.8 2.1 8.7

Aristida adscensiones 4.59 7.7 8.2 20.5

Asparagus racemosus 2.75 3.0 1.9 7.6

Bulbostylis densa 2.75 2.5 1.6 6.8

Cassia obtusa 2.75 2.0 1.3 6.0

Catharanthus roseus 2.75 1.0 0.6 4.4

Chloris barbata 5.50 3.5 4.4 13.4

Cissus quandrangularis 3.67 1.9 1.6 7.1

Cleome aspera 3.67 2.0 1.7 7.5

Crotalaria laburnifolia 3.67 0.9 0.8 5.4

Cymbophogon gibarba 5.50 4.5 5.7 15.7

Cynodon dactylon 5.50 10.4 13.3 29.2

Cyperus arenarius 5.50 13.6 17.4 36.5

Emilia scabra 5.50 2.4 3.0 10.9

Eragrostis altrovirens 5.50 5.6 7.1 18.2

Leucas martinicensis 3.67 3.2 2.7 9.5

Lophopogon tridentatus 3.67 4.3 3.6 11.6

Rottboellia exaltata 5.50 2.7 3.5 11.7

Sporobolus diander 4.59 2.2 2.4 9.2

Veronica albicans 2.75 2.5 1.6 6.8

H= 2.86

Table 2 (A) Phytosociological Analysis of Tree species at Well Number 17



Albizia lebbeck 7.69 8.1 6.1 21.9



Cocus nucifera* 10.26 7.8 7.8 25.9

Pithicellobium dulce 12.82 6.9 8.7 28.5


https://www.google.co.in/search?biw=1366&bih=673&tbm=isch&q=Leucas+martinicensis&spell=1&sa=X&ved=0CBgQvwUoAGoVChMI7bGqvO_uxwIVAwmOCh0vhwFY






Samanea saman 10.26 7.8 7.8 25.9

H=2.42

Table 2 (B) Phytosociological Analysis of Ground cover species at Well Number 17

Name of the Ephemeral spp. RF RA RD IVI



Jatropa sp 7.35 3.5 3.8 14.7






Crotalaria verucosa 7.35 3.0 3.2 13.6

Cynadon dactylon 8.82 17.9 22.9 49.6


Cyperus rubicundus 2.94 3.8 1.6 8.3

Emilia scabra 7.35 6.3 6.7 20.4




H=2.1




Azadirachta indica 17.86 23.0 29.6 70.5


Buchannania axillaris 14.29 9.0 9.3 32.5

Caesalpenia coriasia 10.71 9.6 7.4 27.7



Ziziphus xylopyrus 10.71 8.8 6.8 26.3

H=1.84

Table 3 (A) Phytosociological Analysis of Ground cover at Well Number 14











Cleome aspera 11.90 7.5 8.9 28.3



Hydrophylax maritima 14.29 18.5 26.2 58.9

Vigna trilobata 7.14 3.7 2.6 13.5

H=2.11


Name of the spp. RF RA RD IVI

Acacia eburnean 3.03 2.1 1.4 6.5





Azadiracta indica 7.58 3.0 4.8 15.4





Cocus nucifera* 6.06 3.7 4.8 14.6



Phoenix lourerii 3.03 2.1 1.4 6.5






Samanea saman 4.55 4.3 4.1 12.9


Ziziphus mauritiana 6.06 4.3 5.5 15.8





H=2.71

Table 4 (B) Phytosociological Analysis of Ground cover at Well Number 7





Jasminum angustifolium 1.18 2.2 0.9 4.2

Jatropa sp 1.18 2.2 0.9 4.2





Aspargus racemosus 2.35 1.1 0.9 4.3


Canavalia virosa 3.53 2.9 3.4 9.9

Capparis divaricata 2.35 2.8 2.2 7.3

Cassia obtusa 7.06 4.2 9.9 21.2






Crotalaria verucosa 2.35 2.2 1.7 6.3

Cymbopogon gibarba 3.53 2.6 3.0 9.1



Cyperus cartaneus 1.18 2.2 0.9 4.2


Emilia scabra 4.71 1.9 3.0 9.6

Eragros unioloides 2.35 2.8 2.2 7.3









https://www.google.co.in/search?biw=1366&bih=673&tbm=isch&q=Canavalia+virosa&spell=1&sa=X&ved=0CBgQvwUoAGoVChMIzra8_-ruxwIVCxmOCh377wwB




H= 3.3








Samanea saman 10.71 9.5 9.5 29.7


Ziziphus mauritiana 14.29 9.5 12.7 36.5


H=2.07



Jatropa sp 2.78 5.9 2.4 11.1




Chloris barbata 11.11 13.3 21.2 45.6


Cleome aspera 5.56 8.9 7.1 21.5




Emilia scabra 11.11 5.2 8.2 24.5





H=2.4









Cocus nucifera 20.00 7.6 9.1 36.7


Tamarindus indica 20.00 4.4 5.2 29.6


H=1.45

Table 6 (B) Phytosociological Analysis of Tree species at Well Number 3


Cassia obtusa 22.22 16.5 25.3 64.0


Chloris barbata 14.81 19.3 19.8 53.9


Cleome aspera 7.41 12.9 6.6 26.9



H=1.9

Table 7 Phytosociological Analysis of Ground cover at Well Number 11



Aspargus racemosus 5.41 2.2 1.6 9.2


Canavalia virosa 8.11 5.9 6.3 20.4

Capparis divaricata 5.41 5.5 4.0 14.9

Cassia obtusa 16.22 8.5 18.3 43.0

Chloris barbata 10.81 10.0 14.3 35.1

Cleome aspera 5.41 6.7 4.8 16.8







H= 2.4

https://www.google.co.in/search?biw=1366&bih=673&tbm=isch&q=Canavalia+virosa&spell=1&sa=X&ved=0CBgQvwUoAGoVChMIzra8_-ruxwIVCxmOCh377wwB












Cocus nucifera 12.12 5.9 7.4 25.5


Phoenix lourerii 6.06 3.4 2.1 11.6

Pitheellobium dulce 12.12 5.1 6.4 23.6


H=1.95







Jatropa sp 2.94 5.7 2.7 11.3




Cymbopogon gibarba 8.82 6.7 9.3 24.9




Emilia scabra 11.76 5.0 9.3 26.1







H=2.5















Samanea saman 6.82 6.6 6.3 19.7



H= 2.18







Jatropa sp 2.08 3.4 1.6 7.1














Emilia scabra 8.33 3.0 5.5 16.8










H=2.8




Annexure-5

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE



Annexure-6

PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES OF MEETING



Minutes of the Public Hearing Conducted on 14.05.2015 at 10.30 AM at the Auditorium, District

Collectorate, Ramanathapuram District, for the project of proposed 22 numbers of exploratory

wells(Natural gas) by M/s. ONGC Limited in 21 Villages of Ramanathapuram Taluk and

Keelakarai Taluk of Ramanathapuram District

The District Collector, Ramathapuram District, has welcomed the gathering and requested M/s

ONGC Ltd., to give a presentation on the project.

The General Manager, ONGC Ltd., has given presentation about the project on Planning,

Execution, Environmental Impacts and Environment Management plan to the Public.

Then, the District Collector, Ramanathapuram District has requested the public to come and record

their views one by one. Accordingly the public have expressed their views as stated below.

S. No Issues Raised in Public Hearing Response of Project Proponent

1. Thiru. Karthick, Pamban Village President

Thiru.Karthick told that the Gulf of Mannar has 21

Islands and it is the place for Bio-diversity. Due to

this project there will be a threat for Gulf of

Mannar and its Bio-diversity. Also fisher men

region of Ervadi and Keelakarai may get affected

due to the proposed wells at Reghunathapuram

and Periyapattinam. He expressed his protest

against this proposed project in view of the above

said Environmental impacts.

Proposed wells are falling in buffer

zone of 10 Km from the coast line,

considering the Marine bio-reserve of

Gulf of Mannar. Wild life management

report has been submitted to wild life

warden and exploration shall be taken

up after getting EC, which shall be

given only after considering the wild

life clearance.

Exploratory drilling proposed is for

onshore, and is of temporary nature,

hence it will not affect the fishing

industry.

2. Thiru.Kalidass,Secretary,Rotary,

Ramanathapuram

Thiru .Kalidass told that this proposed project may

give threat to the normal life of the public. Even

though, there are natural gas wells located in

Ramanathapuram District already, it is of no use

Proposed drilling shall not affect day to

day life of the people as the locations

are normally chosen in places away

from residences and human activity.



to the public of Ramanathapuram. He also told that

if the proposed 22 wells are drilled, agriculture

lands will become dry lands. Hence, he requested

to record his protest against to the project.

Gas from wells is used for power

generation. If gas is found and

commercially viable, this gas shall be

used for setting up of power plants or

other industries

After drilling wells if oil or gas is

found only those area will be acquired

on lease and development shall be

taken up after obtaining permission

from MoEF again. Those wells which

are dry shall be restored to near

original condition and shall be returned

to owners to continue with agriculture.

Hence agricultural lands will not

become dry lands.

3. Thiru.Kanianbu,FishermenRepresentative,

Rameshwaram.

Thiru.Kanianbu told that M/s ONGC Ltd, has not

done any goodwill to the public of

Ramanathapuram District. If this proposed project

be executed, impacts on the Environment and

Public will get increased. He requested to cancel

the project in view of Environmental Protection

For the Ramanathapuram District,

ONGC in the last four years has spent

for CSR Activities as under :

Year In Rupees

2014-2015 80,75,742 2013-2014 34,70,810 2012-2013 66,55,149

2011-2012 49,25,100

EIA study and the mitigation measures

has already been studied and report

submitted to TNPCB and shall be

submitted to MoEF also. After

examining the proposal and EIA report

MoEF may issue Environment

Clearance. Exploration shall take place

only after obtaining EC.



4. Thiru. Muhilan, TamilNadu Environment

Protection Group.

Thiru.Muhilan told that the public hearing is being

conducted without much participation of public

from the villages, where the wells are proposed.

He informed that the executive summary of the

project did not mention the names of the villages

where the wells are proposed. He requested the

District Collector to re-organize the public hearing

at each and every village separately. He also

expressed that Gulf of Mannar and Bird

Sanctuaries are located within 10 KiloMeters from

the project area which are not taken into

consideration.

Press notice for Public hearing on

14.05.15 for the proposed exploration

project, comprising of exploratory

drilling in 22 locations in Ramnad

district was given by TNPCB in “The

Indian Express” and “Dinamani “on

10.04.15.Besides as per their procedure,

this has been uploaded in their website

and it was mentioned in the press

notification that the EIA report and

executive summary were available for

reference in other Govt. offices like

Office of the district collector,

Ramanathapuram, Office of the Asst.

director(Panchayat), Ramanathapuam,

District Industries

Centre(DIC),Ramanathapuram, Office

of District Environment Engineer,

Sivagangai, Office of the

Commissioner/BDO, Ramanathapuram

Panchayat Union, Thirupullani

Panchayat Union, Thiruvadadana i

Panchayat Union in Ramanathapuram

District, Corporate Office, TNPCB,

Chennai, Office of the secretary to

Government, Environment and Forest

Department, Chennai and Ministry of

environment and Forest, New Delhi.

Subsequent to press notificat ion,

District Environment Engineer TNPCB

has sent the copies of Executive

summary, in local language, of the

proposed project to all the Panchayat

presidents of the villages falling in the

proposed 22 locations. Besides in every



panchayat office, TNPCB also

displayed a banner mentioning the

above Public Hearing details.




Gulf of Mannar.

Wild life management report has been

submitted to wild life warden and

exploration shall be taken up after

getting EC, which shall be given only

after considering the wild life clearance.

5. Thiru.Pudhurnalar Prabhakaran, Maravan

Sena Organisation, Ramanathapuram

Thiru.Pudhumalar Prabhakaran told that this

project should not in Ramanathapuram District,

since the ground water level has gone down to 200

feet and below. When the natural gas is pumped

out, seawater intrusion may occur and hence the

ground water will become more saline.

Exploration activities are in zones

beyond 2000 metres, which is much

below the ground water table.

Exploration activities do not cause salt

water intrusions into the ground water.

6. Thiru.M.Madasamy, Puthiya Thamilagam,

Ramanathapuram

Thiru.Madasamy told that before selecting the

drilling points of the wells, the views of the public

of the villages should have been obtained. The

agriculture lands for a radius of 25Km will get

affected if a well is drilled which will affect the

normal life of the public. Further toxic substances

will come out of the well and will affect the public

health. This proposed natural gas wells may lead

to coal bed methane project. Hence, he wanted to

register his protests against the project.

Public Hearing conducted to obtain the

views of the public. Only 4 to 5 acres

of land shall be obtained on lease for

exploration activity. Land acquired

shall be within 0.13KM Radius of

drilling location.

After drilling wells if oil or gas is

found only those area will be acquired

on lease and development shall be

taken up after obtaining permission

from MoEF again. Those wells which

are dry shall be restored to near



original condition and shall be returned

to owners to continue with agriculture.

Proposed drilling shall not affect day to

day life of the people as the locations

are normally chosen in places away

from residences and human activity

No toxic substances are generated from

well and hence will not affect public

health

This proposal is only to explore oil and

natural gas from these wells and shall

not lead to coal bed methane

exploration.

7. Thiru Murugan, Advocate, Tamil National

People Front, Ramanathapuram.

Thiru Murugan told that the mineral resources in

the soil of District will get spoiled due to the

proposed natural gas well project., leading to

reduction in fertility of the soil.He also requested

the District Collector not to recommend this

project for environmental clearance.

Oil exploration activity in no way

spoils the mineral resources of the area,

nor the fertility of the soil.

8. Thiru Manikumar, Valantharavai village .

Thiru Manikumar told that already. ONGC has

established its gas collection center at

Valantharavai Village and hence agriculture has

vanished in this village. If ONGC established

another setup here, the public of valantharaya i

village has to move out for their livelihood. ONGC

has not given job opportunities to the local public

and due to the power plants, the public lost their

peacefullness due to noise pollution

ONGC has leased/ acquired land 22

acres (aaprox.) for GCS installation.

Except this area Agricultural activity,

can be done in other areas

If commercial viability is established

from the exploration activities , ONGC

may augment the existing facilities

only, hence loss of livelihood is not

there.



Local labour isgiven preference in

temporary jobs by contractors during

the construction activities.

ONGC does not have any power plants

in this area.

9. Thiru. Javarullah, Environment Activists,

Madurai.

Thiru Javarullah told that, already ground water

was contaminated due to aquaculture units in

Ramanathapuram District. If this project comes up

the total water resources of this district will be

contaminated and hence he requested the District

Collector to take decision as per the opinion the

public of Ramanathapuram.

Exploration activities are in zones

beyond 2000 metres, which is much

below the ground water table.

Exploration activities do not

contaminate water resources of the

district

10. Thiru Appu Sulthan, Secretary, Tamilnadu

Mslim Munnetra Kalakam, Ramanathapuram

Thiru Appu Sulthan told that both Central and

State Government bringing such projects to this

district which are of no use to the the CSR works

done by ONGC are not satisfied. The lands of poor

are being takenaway by such projects. Hence he

requested the District Collector not to give

permission to this project.

ONGC is paying royalty/licence fee to

the state government, and these funds

are used for development purposes by

the state. In addition ancilliary

industries /businesse develop if oil and

gas reserves are established creating

employment opportunities for the local

public.




Year In Rupees

2014-2015 80,75,742

2013-2014 34,70,810 2012-2013 66,55,149

2011-2012 49,25,100

Around 4.5 acres of land will be

acquired on lease for exploratory

activity. Compensation and lease rent



shall be paid as per norms decided by

Revenue authorities.

Those wells which are dry shall be

restored to near original condition and

shall be returned to owners to continue

with agriculture

11. Thiru Ramesh Karuppaya, Environmenta l

Activists, Cuddalur..

Thiru Ramesh Karuppaya told that ONGC has

obtained Petroleum Mining Lease for 493 Sq.km.

ONGC has proposed 22 natural gas wells. This is

only a starting and if this project comes, ONGC

will extend its operations all through the

Ramanathapuram District. This will result in

degradation of natural resources. He has also told

that there arc more than 3600 species in Gulf of

Mannar, which are in danger due to such projects.

No additional wells shall be taken up for

exploration unless a permission form

MoEF is obtained again.

Even in case if oil and gas found in the

proposed exploratory wells the

exploitation shall be carried out only

after obtaining EC for development

activities.




Gulf of Mannar.






12. Thiru Chinnathampi, All India Forward

Black, Ramanathappuram.

Thiru Chinnathampi has expressed that rare

species of (hilt' of Mannar will get affected due to

this project and hence he requested the District.

Collector not to permit this project.




Gulf of Mannar.








13. Thiru Dhinesh Kumar, Joint Secretary

MDMK, Ramanathapuram

Thiru Dhinesh Kumar told that already people of

Valantharavai village has given their agriculture

lands to ONGC. However in town ONGC has not

done anything to the public of Valantharava i

village so far. Similarly ONGC will not do any

goodwill to the public of Ramanathapuram

District.

ONGC has leased/ acquired land of

….. sq.m /acres for GCS installation.

Except this area Agricultural activity,

can be done in other areas

Following are the activites taken up in

village Valantahravai………

Govt.High School 2.25 lakhs

President, Pannaikulam 1.00 lakhs

Grama Panchayat,

Valantharavai,.

Panchayat President, 4.00 lakhs

Valantharavai Panchayat,

Valantharavai,

Valantharavai, 1.60 lakhs

Panchayat President




Year In Rupees

2014-2015 80,75,742 2013-2014 34,70,810 2012-2013 66,55,149

2011-2012 49,25,100

14. Thiru Vinoth Kumar, Secretary Tamilnadu

Valvurimai party

Thiru Vinoth Kumar has condemned the Central

Government for permitting ONGC to dig 22

natural gas wells in Raman.athaptirani District. He

No natural resources are taken away by

ONGC. Oil & gas if found shall be used

for the development activities for

state/country



expressed that ONGC should not take away the

natural resources of Tamilnadu.

15. Thiru Raju, Valenokkam,Naam Tamilar Party

Thiru Raju told that the public hearing is

conducted without proper intimation to the public

of Ramanathapuram. He expressed that his party

will not allow any project which will affect the

environment.

Press notice for Public hearing on

14.05.15 for the proposed exploration

project, comprising of exploratory

drilling in 22 locations in Ramnad

district was given by TNPCB in “The

Indian Express” and “Dinamani “on

10.04.15.Besides as per their procedure,

this has been uploaded in their website

and it was mentioned in the press

notification that the EIA report and

executive summary were available for

reference in other Govt. offices like

Office of the district collector,

Ramanathapuram, Office of the Asst.

director (Panchayat), Ramanathapuam,

District Industries

Centre(DIC),Ramanathapuram, Office

of District Environment Engineer,

Sivagangai, Office of the

Commissioner/BDO, Ramanathapuram

Panchayat Union, Thirupullani

Panchayat Union, Thiruvadadana i

Panchayat Union in Ramanathapuram

District, Corporate Office, TNPCB,

Chennai, Office of the secretary to

Government, Environment and Forest

Department, Chennai and Ministry of

environment and Forest, New Delhi.

Subsequent to press notificat ion,

District Environment Engineer TNPCB

has sent the copies of Executive

summary, in local language, of the

proposed project to all the Panchayat

presidents of the villages falling in the

proposed 22 locations. Besides in every

panchayat office, TNPCB also



displayed a banner mentioning the

above Public Hearing details.

16. Thiru Tamil Doss, Social Worker Madurai.

Thiru. Tamil Doss told more agriculture lands

will be acquired by the ONGC for its pipe line

conveyance. This will economically affect the

agriculturalists. Further he told that the CSR works

done by the ONGC are not satisfied.

This project is only an exploratory

phase. If commercial viability is

established, sustainable development

shall be made.

Pipelines shall be laid only when EC is

accorded for the project and land shall

be acquired after obtaining the consent

of the people affected, after paying

necessary compensation as fixed by

revenue authorities




Year In Rupees

2014-2015 80,75,742 2013-2014 34,70,810 2012-2013 66,55,149

2011-2012 49,25,100



Annexure-6

Application of Wild Life Clearance



Annexure-7

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