Pakistan Oxygen Limited - epasindh.gov.pk

Pakistan Oxygen Limited

Environmental ImpactAssessment (EIA)

for a new 270 TPD Air Separation Unit(ASU)at Existing Port Qasim Facility, Karachi.

Final Report

June, 2021

Global Environmental Management Services (Pvt.) Ltd2nd Floor, Aiwan-e-Sanat, ST-4/2, Sector 23, Korangi Industrial Area, Karachi

Ph: (92-21) 35113804-5; Fax: (92-21) 35113806; Email: [email protected]

LIST OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 INTRODUCTION1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND 1-11.2 STUDY AREA CHARACTERISTICS 1-1

1.2.1 Project Location 1-11.3 NEED ASSESSMENT 1-41.4 PROPONENT’S PROFILE 1-41.5 CONSULTANT’S PROFILE 1-51.6 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENT 1-51.7 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY 1-61.8 APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY 1-6

1.8.1 Screening 1-71.8.2 Scoping 1-81.8.3 Baseline Studies 1-81.8.4 Impact Assessment and Monitoring 1-101.8.5 Structure of the Report 1-10

1.9 EIA STUDY TEAM 1-11

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION2.1 PAKISTAN OXYGEN LIMITED OVERVIEW 2-12.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 2-12.3 SCOPE OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 2-22.4 PROJECT SIGNIFICANCE 2-2

2.4.1 Project Application 2-22.5 PROPOSED PROJECT LOCATION 2-32.6 PROJECT SYNOPSIS 2-62.7 PROJECT ACTIVITIES 2-6

2.7.1 Pre-Construction / Design Phase 2-62.7.2 Construction Phase 2-7

2.8 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2-122.8.1 Air Separation Unit Process 2-142.8.2 List of Equipment and machinery 2-182.8.3 Applications of Gases 2-19

2.9 WASTE GENERATION BY PROPOSED PROJECT 2-202.9.1 Solid Waste Generation 2-202.9.2 Sewage Water Generation and Treatment 2-20

2.10 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTINGS/CONTROLS: 2-21

3.0 INSTITUTIONAL, LEGISLATION AND POLICY FRAMEWORK3.1 GENERAL OUTLINE AND SCOPE 3-13.2 INTERNATIONAL GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS 3-3

3.2.1 World Bank Guidelines on Environment 3-33.2.2 World Bank EHS General Guidelines, 2007 3-33.2.3 OSHA Standards Health Safety 3-43.2.4 The IUCN Red List 3-4

3.3 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES 3-53.3.1 National Conservation Strategy (NCS) 3-53.3.2 National Environmental Policy 2005 3-63.3.3 Pakistan Climate Change Act, 2017 3-63.3.4 National Environmental Action Plan-Support program (NEAP-SP) 3-73.3.5 National Disaster Management Act (NDMA), 2010 3-73.3.6 Land Acquisition Act, 1894 3-73.3.7 Pakistan Penal Code (1860) 3-73.3.8 The Antiquities Act, 1975 3-83.3.9 Mineral and Industrial Gases Safety Rules 2010 3-83.3.10 The Public Health (Emergency Provision) Ordinance, 1944

(Ordinance No. xxi of 1944) 3-83.3.11 Port Qasim Authority Act, 1973 3-83.3.12 The Pakistan Environmental Assessment Procedures, 1997 3-93.3.13 Pakistan Environmental protection Act, 1997 3-93.3.14 Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Review of IEE/EIA)

Regulations 2000 3-93.4 PROVINCIAL GUIDELINES 3-10

3.4.1 Sindh Environmental Protection Act 2014 3-103.4.2 Sindh Environmental Protection Agency Review of IEE and EIA

Regulations, 2014 3-113.4.3 The Sindh Healthcare Commission Act, 2013 (Sindh Act No. vii

of 2014) 3-133.4.4 THE SINDH FACTORIES ACT, 2015. 3-133.4.5 Sindh Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act 2008 3-143.4.6 Sindh Forest Act (2012) 3-143.4.7 Cutting of Trees (Prohibition) Act, 1975 3-143.4.8 Sindh Solid Waste Management Board Act, 2014 3-143.4.9 Sindh Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2017 3-143.4.10 Sindh Prohibition of Child Employment Act, 2017 3-153.4.11 The Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994 3-153.4.12 Sub Soil Water (Extraction and Consumption) Regulations, 2018 3-15

4.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENT4.1 GENERAL OUTLINE AND SCOPE 4-14.2 PHYSICAL RESOURCES 4-1

4.2.1 Climate 4-24.2.2 Topography 4-54.2.3 Geology and Soil of Project Area 4-84.2.4 Water and Wastewater Resources 4-104.2.5 Environmental Analysis 4-13

4.2.6 Natural Hazard 4-174.3 ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4-22

4.3.1 Methodology 4-224.3.2 Ecology of the Project Site 4-24

4.4 SOCIOECONOMIC RESOURCES 4-294.4.1 Land Cover and Land Use 4-294.4.2 Settlements 4-314.4.3 Communication Network 4-314.4.4 Fire Stations in Project Area 4-354.4.5 Health Care Facilities 4-354.4.6 Socioeconomic Activities 4-364.4.7 The Fishing Communities of the Project Area 4-364.4.8 The Non Fishing Communities of the Project Area 4-36

5.0 SOCIO-ECONOMICS ENVIRONMENT5.1 GENERAL OUTLINE AND SCOPE 5-15.2 ADMINISTRATIVE SETUP OF THE PROJECT AREA 5-45.3 ISSUES OF THE AREA 5-7

5.3.1 Demography 5-75.3.2 Education 5-85.3.3 Health 5-9

5.4 RECREATIONAL AREAS 5-105.4.1 Livelihood and Leadership Dynamics 5-105.4.2 Environmental Issues 5-11

5.5 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION OUTCOMES 5-135.5.1 Summary of Feedback and Comments from Stakeholders 5-13

6.0 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES6.1 GENERAL OUTLINE AND SCOPE 6-16.2 ANALYSIS OF PROJECT REFUSAL 6-1

6.2.1 Overview 6-16.2.2 Key Observations 6-16.2.3 Rationale for Project Approval 6-2

6.3 ANALYSIS OF SITE ALTERNATIVES 6-36.3.1 Overview 6-36.3.2 Key Observations 6-36.3.3 Rationale for Site Selection 6-4

6.4 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY/DESIGN 6-56.4.1 Overview 6-56.4.2 Rationale for technology/design selection 6-56.4.3 Technology Comparison 6-5

7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATIONS MEASURES7.1 GENERAL OUTLINE AND SCOPE 7-17.2 IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY 7-27.3 IMPACT ASSESSMENT (CONSTRUCTION PHASE) 7-3

7.3.1 Impact on Physical Resources 7-3

7.3.2 Impact on Environmental Resources 7-47.3.3 Impact on Ecological Resources 7-97.3.4 Impact on Human Environment 7-107.3.5 Socioeconomics 7-127.3.6 Waste Disposal 7-13

7.4 IMPACT ASSESSMENT (OPERATIONAL PHASE) 7-157.4.1 Impact on Physical Resources 7-157.4.2 Impact on Environmental Resources 7-167.4.3 Impact on Ecological Resources 7-217.4.4 Impact on Human Environment 7-217.4.5 Socioeconomics 7-227.4.6 Waste Disposal 7-23

8.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN8.1 OVERVIEW AND SCOPE 8-18.2 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES 8-18.3 MONITORING INDICATORS 8-268.4 IMPLIMENTATION FRAMEWORK AND TRAININGS 8-268.5 GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM 8-26

9.0 CONCLUSION9.1 RECOMMENDATIONS 9-2

ANNEXUREI- OrganogramII- PQA LetterIII- Site Emergency PlanIV- POL PQ Emergency Contact NumbersV- Emergency Response Flow ChartVI- SHEQ PolicyVII- Contractor Selection and Management SOPVIII- Geo-technical Investigation ReportIX- SEQS 2016X- Grievance FormXI- Socio-Economic Questionnaire

LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 1.0: INTRODUCTIONFigure 1. 1: Location of Proposed Project Area 1-2Figure 1. 2: Adjoining Environment of Proposed Project Site 1-3Figure 1. 3: Components of EIA 1-7

CHAPTER 2.0: PROJECT DESCRIPTIONFigure 2. 1: Location Map for Proposed Project Area 2-4Figure 2. 2: Proposed 270 TPD ASU Plot Plan 2-5Figure 2. 3: Proposed Project Implementation Schedule 2-8Figure 2. 4: Existing Plot Plan 2-13Figure 2. 5: Typical view of ASU Process Block Diagram 2-16Figure 2. 6: General Organogram of QHSE Department 2-23

CHAPTER 4.0: BASELINE ENVIRONMENTFigure 4. 1: Surveys and Monitoring Map 4-1Figure 4. 2: Annual Mean Maximum and Minimum Temperature of Karachi 4-2Figure 4. 3: Mean Monthly Precipitation (mm) and Temperature of Karachi 4-3Figure 4. 4: Monthly Relative Humidity of Karachi 4-4Figure 4. 5: Wind Speed over the Entire Year 4-5Figure 4. 6: Wind Rose Diagram 4-5Figure 4. 7: Topographic Map of Proposed Project Site 4-7Figure 4. 8: Geological Map of Karachi 4-9Figure 4. 9: Water supply network of Karachi city 4-11Figure 4. 10: Existing Sewerage and Drainage System of Karachi 4-12Figure 4. 11: Team Performing Environmental Monitoring 4-13Figure 4. 12: Environmental Monitoring and Sampling Map 4-15Figure 4. 13: Classification of multi-hazard zoning map 4-18Figure 4. 14: Seismic Zoning Map of Pakistan Showing Proposed Project Area 4-19Figure 4. 15: Flood Hazard Map of proposed Project Area 4-21Figure 4. 16: Ecological Survey Map of proposed Project Area 4-23Figure 4. 17: Structure of the Red List Categories and the five Red List Criteria

(Source: IUCN) 4-25Figure 4. 18: Dominant Floral Species around Project Area 4-25Figure 4. 19: Dominant Avifaunal Species around Project Area 4-27Figure 4. 20: Mammals around Project Area 4-28Figure 4. 21: Future Land use Pattern of Karachi, 2030 4-30Figure 4. 22: Route map of proposed Malir Expressway 4-32Figure 4. 23: Transportation Modes around Proposed Project Area 4-33Figure 4. 24: Road Network around Proposed Project Area 4-34Figure 4. 25: Fire Stations Near to Proposed Project Area 4-35

CHAPTER 5.0: SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTFigure 5. 1: Socio-economic Survey Map showing Consulted Stakeholders 5-3Figure 5. 2: Administrative Setup of Proposed Project Area 5-5Figure 5. 3: Administrative Setup of the Project Surroundings 5-6Figure 5. 4: Educational facilities in Proposed Project surroundings 5-8Figure 5. 5: Health care facilities of proposed project area 5-9Figure 5. 6: Quaid-e-Azam Park 5-10Figure 5. 7: Stakeholders Consultation 5-13

CHAPTER 6.0: ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVESFigure 6. 1: Oxygen Production Cost vs. Purity Desired 6-6Figure 6. 2: Approximates Lowest Cost Oxygen Supply Method 6-6

LIST OF TABLES

CHAPTER 1.0: INTRODUCTIONTable 1. 1: EIA study team profile 1-11

CHAPTER 2.0: PROJECT DESCRIPTIONTable 2. 1: Project Synopsis 2-6Table 2. 2: Utility Resources - Construction and Operational Phase 2-11Table 2. 3: Product Specification 2-17Table 2. 4: Land use Plan of Proposed ASU 2-18Table 2. 5: Working Principles 2-18Table 2. 6: The Roles and Responsibilities of the Key QHSE Personnel 2-21

CHAPTER 3.0: INSTITUTIONAL, LEGISLATION AND POLICY FRAMEWORKTable 3. 1: Policies, Legislation, Guidelines and Standards 3-1

CHAPTER 4.0: BASELINE ENVIRONMENTTable 4. 1: Ambient Air Quality and Noise Level Monitoring Results 4-13Table 4. 2: Chemical analysis results of Wastewater 4-17Table 4. 3: List of Flora Observed During Survey and Conservation Status 4-24Table 4. 4: List of Birds Observed During Survey and their Conservation Status 4-27Table 4. 5: List of Mammals Observed During Survey 4-28Table 4. 6: Land Cover Pattern of Karachi 4-30Table 4. 7: Existing Road Network of Karachi City 4-33Table 4. 8: Details of nearest Fire Stations 4-35

CHAPTER 5.0: SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTTable 5. 1: Bin Qasim Town Details 5-

Error! Bookmark not defined.

CHAPTER 8.0: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLANTable 8. 1: Impact Scaling Criteria 8-2Table 8. 2: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan 8-3

LIST OF ACRONYM

AKU : Aga Khan University

ASU : Air Separation Unit

BQATI : Bin Qasim Association of Trade and Industry

BQPS : Bin Qasim Power Station

BQI : Bin Qasim Industrial Zone

CBD : Central Business District

CCA : Climate Change Act

CC : Construction Contractor

CITES : Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

CMS : Conservation of Migratory Species

COVID-19 : Corona Virus Disease

EHS : Environmental, Health, and Safety

EIA : Environmental Impact Assessment

EMMP : Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan

EMP : Environmental Management Plan

EPAs : Environmental Protection Agencies

ESM : Environmental Sampling and Monitoring

EVTL : Engro Vopak Terminal Limited

FGDs : Focused Group Discussions

FOTCO : Fauji Oil Terminal Company

FSO : Fire Safety Officer

GDP : Gross Domestic Product

GEL : Global Environmental Laboratory

GEMS : Global Environmental Management Services

GIIP : Good International Industry Practice

GPS : Global Positioning System

GRDP : Gross Regional Domestic Product

GoS : Government of Sindh

IEE : Initial Environmental Examinations

IEMC : Independent Environmental Monitoring Consultant

IFC PS : International Finance Corporation Performance Standards

IGCC : Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle

ISO : International Organization for Standardization

IUCN : International Union for Conservation of Nature

KIIs : Key Informant Interviews

KMC : Karachi Metropolitan Corporation

KSDP : Karachi Strategic Development Plan

KWH : Kilowatt Hour

KWSB : Karachi Water and Sewerage Board

LMIC : Low Middle Income Countries

LAA : Land Acquisition Act

LAR : Liquid Argon

LC : Least Concern

LGD : Local Government Department

LIN : Liquid Nitrogen

LOX : Liquid Oxygen

LULC : Land use and Land cover

MBT : Main Boundary Thrust

MGD : Million Gallons/Day

MW : Mega Watt

NCS : National Conservation Strategy

NCCW : National Council for Conservation of Wildlife

NDMA : National Disaster Management Act

NE : Not Extinct

NEAP-SP : National Environmental Action Plan-Support program

NOCs : No objection certificate

NT : Near Threatened

OP/BP : Operational Policies, and Bank Procedures

OSHA : Occupational Safety and Health Administration

PAPs : Potential Project Affected Persons

PCEA : Prohibition of Child Employment Act

PEPA : Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency

PIBT : Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Industries

POL : Pakistan Oxygen Limited

PPE : Personal Protective Equipment

PQEPC : Power China-Port Qasim Electric Power Company

PQA : Port Qasim Authority

PSM : Pakistan Steel Mill

PTCL : Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd

QHSE : Quality, Health, Safety and Environment

SBCA : Sindh Building Control Authority

SEPA : Sindh Environmental Protection Agency

SEPA : Sindh Environmental Protection Act

SEQS : Sindh Environmental Quality Standards

SPT : Standard Penetration Tests

STS : Soil Testing Services

SWPO : Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance

TDS : Total Dissolved Solids

TPD : Tons Per Day

UC : Union Councils

WHO : World Health Organization

Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Extension of Air Separation Unit (ASU) Bin Qasim Town Karachi, Sindh

GEMSEIA1450621POL Executive Summary i

Study Type Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Study Title EIA for a new 270 TPD Air Separation Unit (ASU) at Existing Port QasimFacility, Karachi”.

Location Plot # EZ/I/P-5 (SP-1) Port Qasim Eastern Zone, Karachi, Sindh Pakistan.

Project Proponent Pakistan Oxygen Limited (POL).

Project Consultant Global Environmental Management Services (Pvt.) Ltd. (GEMS)

This report discusses the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Proposed ASU Project andanalyzes the impacts associated with the construction and operational phase of the proposed projectand suggest mitigation measures and identify residual impact which needs monitoring.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been carried out by M/s. Global EnvironmentalManagement Services (Pvt.) Ltd. (GEMS), as per legislative requirement under Sindh EnvironmentalProtection Agency (SEPA) Act 2014. This EIA report is consolidation of the finding and assessmentcarried out during the EIA process. This EIA was guided by best international practices and conductedaccording to the aforementioned scope, which has been discussed in depth of the EIA document.

Project Description

Pakistan Oxygen Limited (POL) aims to establish a new Air Separation Unit (ASU) at its existing facilityof Port Qasim Unit. The main objectives of the proposed project to produce the liquid oxygen, liquidnitrogen & liquid argon extraction from atmospheric environment. In addition the proponent has ledand contributed to the development of the industrial gases industry for more than 70 years, providingglobal solutions with a local outlook, each customized to the specific needs of customers. PakistanOxygen Limited supply products to more than 4000 customers from a wide spectrum of industriesranging from chemicals and petrochemicals to steel, food and healthcare. Due to current prevailingsituation of COVID-19 the oxygen demand has been increased 2 to 3 times from healthcare andindustrial sector as well, they are going to setup a new 270 TPD ASU at its Port Qasim facility. Thetotal covered area of the proposed facility is about 74,050 Sq. ft. and it will be comprises of Airseparation processing area, laboratory, office building and storage area. The proposed facility locationmap is given below.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYES


GEMSEIA1450621POL Executive Summary ii

The Proposed Project Location Map

Baseline Environment

The baseline conditions have been studied with respect to Physical Resources, Ecological Resources,Socioeconomic and Cultural Resources. The physical environment includes topography, geology andsoils, climate, hydrology and drainage, land use, surface and groundwater quality, ambient air quality,noise levels, floods and seismicity. The climate of Karachi is characterized as hot and dry duringsummer, and mild during winter with heavy, sporadic, rainfall during the monsoon. As the city islocated on the coast of Arabian Sea; it tends to have a moderate climate due to marine affects.

The city of Karachi can be broadly divided into two parts; the hilly areas in the north and west and thecoastal area in the south-east. The hilly areas of Karachi are known to be the off-shoots of the KirtharRange. The highest point of these hills in Karachi is about 528m in the extreme north. These hilly areasare devoid of vegetation and have wide plains, dry riverbeds and water channels. Karachi has a longcoastline in the south. The famous sea beaches include Hawks Bay, Paradise Point, Sands Pit, andClifton. China Creek and Korangi Creek provide excellent calm water channels for rowing and otherwater activities.

Flora of the site mainly comprised of very few shrubs and a little grass covers. However, variations invegetation composition were observed with varying microhabitats. The terrestrial habitat in the projectarea largely consists of arid and dry plain land. Few species of plants were observed within the vicinityof the proposed project area while the dominant plant species includes Acacia nilotica, Azadirachtaindica, Conocarpus erectus, Ziziphus nummularia, Prosopis juliflora, Phoenix dactylifera, Neriumoleander and Calotropis procera. Most dominating plants found in the area are prosopis juliflora andconcarpus both exotic species are with very high number of counts. Because of the high population


GEMSEIA1450621POL Executive Summary iii

density around the areas with lots of high-rise buildings, the plant cover is quite low. Sporadic flora ofthe area provides few opportunities for fauna to exist in small numbers. Proposed project site islocated in highly semi-arid environment with quite extensive human interventions. The faunal speciesobserved during the survey were mainly of urban origin. The Limited number of species were recordedduring the survey and species identified in the proposed project area are of less ecological importance.Out of recorded birds, none of the species are protected under the Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance(SWPO) and IUCN Red List 2006 as Near Threatened (NT). The proposed development is devoid of anythreatened or endangered species of flora. Since the level and extent of anthropogenic activities inand around the project area is moderate, wildlife is non-existent in the area. The faunal speciespresent is the area are beasts of burden, and livestock-all domesticated.

Stakeholder Consultation

A number of Stakeholders were consulted during informal and formal meetings held in the project areato make them aware about proposed development and they provided their feedback through aplanned questionnaire. Generally, the relevant stakeholders and public perception about the projectis positive. The public envisions that the projects will be beneficial to them as this would createemployment for the locals in the form of construction laborers and unskilled administration staff.

Analysis of Alternatives

Analysis of alternatives is an integral part of the EIA process to select the best option among all thepossible project options. Analysis of Site Alternatives is selecting the best possible site in terms of lessenvironmental degradation while minimizing the environmental and social impacts. The site selectedfor the proposed project has the access of well-developed road network, availability of utilities, manyeducational institutes are present at short distance, and availability of land will decrease the chancesof conflicts with the communities of the area and insignificant impact and disturbance onto theexisting land use patterns of the site.

Environmental Impact and Mitigations

The mitigations for the impacts identified and monitoring requirements are summarized in the EMMP(Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan) which has been designed to address how theproposed measures will be implemented. It defines the responsibilities of the project developer andcontractor; develops a system of checks and balances; proposes actions that are to be taken by each roleplayer; and lays down the required documentation, communication, and monitoring procedures. Theadoption of a proper EMMP will enhance the sustainability of proposed project and the expectedbenefits due to the operation activities of Air Separation Unit.

Conclusion

On the basis of the overall impact assessment, more specifically, nature and magnitude of the residualenvironmental impacts identified during present EIA, it is concluded that the proposed project isunlikely to cause any significant, long lasting impacts on the social, physical and biological environment


GEMSEIA1450621POL Executive Summary iv

of the area, provided that the proposed activities are carried out as suggested in the report, and themitigation measures recommended in this report are completely and effectively implemented. Overallthe proposed project will have positive socioeconomic impacts.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Sapphire Special Economic Zone Thatta, Sindh

GEMSEIA1450621POL Introduction 1-1

1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND

Study Type : Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Study Title : EIA for a new 270 TPD Air Separation Unit (ASU) at Existing Port QasimFacility, Karachi”.

Location : Plot # EZ/I/P-5 (SP-1) Port Qasim Eastern Zone, Karachi, SindhPakistan.

Project Proponent : Pakistan Oxygen Limited (POL).

Project Consultant : Global Environmental Management Services (Pvt.) Ltd. (GEMS)

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has enlightened and analyzed the impactsassociated with the construction and operation of POL. At the end of this report, mitigation measureshave also been proposed for the identified impacts on the surroundings of the proposed project.

The EIA has been carried out by M/s. Global Environmental Management Services (Pvt.) Ltd. (GEMS)as per guidelines set under Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) Act, 2014. This EIA reportis a consolidation of the findings and assessment carried out during the EIA process. EIA study wasguided by best international practices and conducted according to the aforementioned scope, whichis discussed in depth in Chapter-03 of this report.

1.2 STUDY AREA CHARACTERISTICS

1.2.1 Project Location

The proposed project of POL is situated in Bin Qasim Town Karachi, Sindh. Geographically, it is liesbetween 24°47'41.98"N and 67°23'37.43"E. The total area marked for this proposed project is around74,050 Sq.ft which can be easily accessible through National Highway (N5) via Port Qasim road. Thestudy area for the proposed project can be seen in Figure-1.1.

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER

1



Figure 1. 1: Location of Proposed Project Area



Figure 1. 2: Adjoining Environment of Proposed Project Site



1.3 NEED ASSESSMENT

The global oxygen demand has increased due to the increase in demand at different industrialapplications and the current pandemic of COVID-19 has exerted a magnificent pressure on oxygendemand.

According to WHO it is estimated that more than half a million people in Low Middle Income countriescurrently need 1.1 million cylinders of oxygen per day1. COVID-19 has put huge pressure on healthsystems, with hospitals in Low to middle income countries (LMIC) running out of oxygen, resulting inpreventable deaths and families of hospitalized patients paying a premium for scarce oxygen supplies asOxygen is an essential medicine, and despite being vital for the effective treatment of hospitalizedCOVID-19 patients, access in LMICs is limited due to cost, infrastructure and logistical barriers, to caterthe demand of oxygen in prevailing disease and growth of industrial sustainability.

“Hundred percent of oxygen produced by POL is being supplied to the healthcare facilities due tomultifold increase in its demand after surge in COVID-19 cases. If cases continue to rise, hospitals mayface shortage of oxygen as they are producing at maximum capacity," that is whyan official of thePakistan Oxygen Limited is planned to setting up a new 270 TPD Air Separation unit in the existingfacility of port Qasim Karachi.

Pakistan Oxygen Limited is leading supplier of Medical & Industrial Gases (Oxygen, Nitrogen & Argon).An increase in demand from medical as well as industrial sector, Pakistan Oxygen is setting up a new270 TPD Air Separation Unit at its Port Qasim Facility. The total Covered Area of Air Separation unit isapproximately 74,050 Sq. feet. Meets future challenges and to sustain economic growth and tomitigate the impact of widening shortfall of gases such as oxygen, nitrogen and argon. Objective ofthe proposed project is to increase Oxygen supplies in country up to 270 TPD which will help todecrease deficit of compressed gases during pandemic situation of COVID-19.

1.4 PROPONENT’S PROFILE

Pakistan oxygen have led and contributed to the development of theindustrial gases industry for more than 70 years, providing global solutionswith a local outlook, each customized to the specific needs of customers. Theentity supplies products to more than 4000 customers from a wide spectrum

of industries ranging from chemicals, petrochemicals, steel, food and healthcare.

The organization has a trained team and professional staff manages 24-hour operations at ten majorindustrial locations across the country to support customers wherever located. Legacies arepioneering and sustaining technologies for the local industries. Heritage is partnership with customersand enabling them to become leaders in their fields.

1 https://www.path.org/programs/market-dynamics/covid-19-oxygen-needs-tracker/



1.5 CONSULTANT’S PROFILE

Global Environmental Management Services (Pvt.) Ltd. (GEMS) was established in April2007 as a sister company of Global Environmental Laboratory (Pvt.) Ltd. (GEL), which wasestablished in 1997. GEMS is an Environmental Consultancy Firm that provides a broadrange of Environmental Solutions including Environmental Audits, Initial Environmental

Examinations (IEE), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Baseline studies, and Training & CapacityBuilding. GEMS has several divisions at work that provide core quality services i.e., Consultancy Division,Laboratory Division, and Waste Management Division. GEMS is one of the few environmental firmshaving its own ISO 17025 Certified Environmental Laboratory with the name of Global EnvironmentalLaboratory (Pvt.) Ltd. (GEL).

For over a decade GEMS have conducted a number of EIAs in an expanding range of Energy Sector (oiland gas industry, power plants, etc.), Manufacturing Industries (e.g., pharmaceutical, mineral fertilizers,textile, paper, food processing, etc.), Infrastructure Projects (roads, highway’s buildings, etc.), Ports andHarbors, Tourism, Aquaculture, and Fisheries. This EIA study, titled “EIA for a new 270 TPD Air SeparationUnit (ASU) at Existing Port Qasim Facility, Karachi”.” is also a part of the Consultancy Division.

1.6 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENT

EIA is the mandatory requirement in most countries. In this context, Section 12 of PakistanEnvironmental Protection Act, 1997 and Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Review ofIEE/EIA) Regulations, 2000 requires that every new developmental project in Pakistan has to beproceeded by an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)depending upon the magnitude of the project and severity of impacts anticipated at the time ofcommissioning of the project.

After the 18th Amendment in the constitution of Pakistan, powers from Federal EnvironmentalProtection Agency i.e., Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency were delegated at the provinciallevel which empowered Sindh Environmental Protection Agency, and as a result, Sindh EnvironmentalProtection Agency developed Environmental Protection Act for Sindh province in 2014. The EIA of theproposed project will be subjected to the pertinent legislative and regulatory requirements of theGovernment of Sindh including State laws. The legislation presents a synopsis of environmentalpolicies, legislation, and other guidelines that have relevance to the proposed project.

The proposed project falls under the project category of Schedule II, Category B, subsection 04 of SindhEnvironmental Protection Agency Review of Initial Environmental Examination and EnvironmentalImpact Assessment Regulations, 2014. According to these guidelines, projects under this categoryrequire an EIA to be conducted at the planning stage.

The two primary deliberations of the Act are the conduct of projects only after approval of EIA fromthe SEPA and adherence with Sindh Environmental Quality Standards (SEQS).

Category B of Schedule II

“Oil and Gas Projects”

04. “Oil and gas gathering system, separation and storage.”



1.7 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this EIA study is to identify aspects and evaluate impacts of the proposed project onthe adjoining environment during the different phases including construction, installation, operation,and maintenance and suggest the mitigation measures to fulfill requirements and standards that needto be compiled specifically with the requirement of SEPA Act, 2014 and SEQS, 2016. Figure-1.3summarized the entire EIA Process.

The specific objectives of this EIA are:

To assess the existing environmental and social baseline conditions of the project site;

Identify the aspects of the proposed project on the natural and socio-economic environment,predict and evaluate likely impacts quantitatively wherever possible and determine theirsignificance in the light of technical and regulatory concerns, as well as those related to publicperceptions;

To analyze the impacts of different phases including construction, installation, operation, andmaintenance of the proposed project;

Propose mitigation measures for potential negative impacts of the project during differentphases;

To develop an Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP) for the mitigation ofadverse environmental and social impacts and ensure their compliance with the relevantenvironmental regulations of the province as well as international standards and environmentalguidelines; and

Prepare an EIA report for submission to the SEPA in compliance with the SEPA Review of IEEand EIA Regulations, 2014.

1.8 APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY

The EIA has been carried out in five main phases which have also been described in the below section.In this EIA, a comprehensive methodology has been adopted on the basis of primary and secondarydata sources (Figure 1-3). The baseline studies were planned after screening and scoping of the projectcomponent. The baseline studies provided the existing conditions of the project area and records ofthe environmental characteristics. The probable impacts have been outlined in Chapter-7. Acomprehensive EMMP has been prepared and included in Chapter-8 as per guidelines set byregulatory bodies. At various stages, the feedback of stakeholders have been sought and incorporatedin the report as well.



Figure 1. 3: Components of EIA

1.8.1 Screening

Screening is mainly divided into two phases i.e., placement of proposed project in an appropriatecategory either in EIA or IEE and review of relevant legislation.

Screening is the process of deciding on whether an EIA is required or not. Alternatively, it may bebased on site-specific information. Guidelines for whether an EIA is required or not are based on therequirements of prevailing laws of that country. There is sometimes a provision in the legislation thatspecifies the criteria for screening and full EIA. Project screening is performed by the major financinginstitutions before financing to decide whether an EIA is required or not.



1.8.2 Scoping

Scoping is defined as the process of determining the most critical issues to be taken into considerationin EIA through involving public participation. Although EIA carries out in line with the defined scope ofstudy and applicable national legislation and international standards and guidelines but the publicparticipation at the beginning of the EIA can strongly influence determining the right direction of thestudy. The key activities which were done in the scoping phase include:

Project Data Compilation: A generic description of the proposed project (i.e., construction,commissioning and installation, and operation), within the proposed project area relevant toenvironmental assessment, was compiled based on SEPA Guidelines and shared information by theproponent.

Literature Review: Secondary data and information related to weather, soil, water resources, coastaland marine ecology, and wildlife were reviewed and compiled.

Legislative Review: Information on relevant legislation, regulations, guidelines, and standards wasreviewed and compiled.

Key Stakeholder Identification: Key stakeholders, including primary and secondary, were identifiedthat were, directly and indirectly, related to the proposed project. Their concerns were recorded anddocumented.

Identification of Potential Impacts: The information collected in the previous steps was reviewed, andpotential environmental issues were identified.

1.8.3 Baseline Studies

For the collection of baseline information, the following data was gathered.

a) Review of Secondary Data

Secondary data includes the previous literature with respect to the proposed project. The previousstudies conducted for similar projects were also reviewed.

b) Physical Environment

The following parameters were used to study the physical environment:

Land Resources – land acquisition etc.

Protected sites

Water Resources

Water, Air, and Noise Quality

Natural drainage and stormwater

Other infrastructure (Public and private)



c) Ecological Environment

The ecological environment has covered the following parameters:

Terrestrial ecology (Terrestrial Fauna and Flora)

d) Social and Cultural Environment

Study of Social and Cultural Environment was carried out to:

Assess the socio-economic conditions of the Project area;

Identify the potential Project Affected Persons (PAPs) in the project demarcated area;

Ensure adequate public/stakeholder consultations and participation; and

Identify the effects on the natural resources of the local community due to the implementationof the Project.

e) Consultations

Consultations were conducted with the residents and stakeholders of the proposed project site duringfield visits on April 2021. The communities around the project area were consulted through a plannedquestionnaire and interviews during fieldwork. The objectives of the consultation were to describethe community and stakeholders about the proposed project, its consequences and note down theirviews and concerns about this project.

f) Field Data Collection

Field data collection was carried out by the EIA Team. Specifically, primary data and authenticatedsecondary datasets were collected for the various field studies. Detailed information based onenvironmental conditions related to the physical, biological and socio-economic environment hasbeen presented in further Chapters of this report.

g) Analysis of Data

After the collection of primary and secondary data, a critical analysis was done to evaluate the baselineconditions of the environment. The following aspects were analyzed:

Physical environment: topography, geology, soils, surface and groundwater resources andclimate;

Biological environment: habitat, flora, and fauna;

Socio-economic environment: settlements, socio-economic conditions, infrastructure, andland use;

Heritage aspects: sites of cultural, religious, archeological, or historical significance.



1.8.4 Impact Assessment and Monitoring

Environmental Impacts of the proposed project were evaluated on the basis of primary and secondarydata sources which has already been documented in Chapter-4. The physical, biological, and socio-economic environment were the main indicators for the assessment of this EIA study. Furthermore, ithas also been extended to the secondary data and expert’s opinion. The details have been given inChapter-5 of this report. Following components have been covered for impact assessment andmonitoring of EIA study.

a) Impact Analysis, Mitigation, and Monitoring

Mitigation prescribed actions are taken to prevent, avoid, reduce or minimize the impacts/potentialadverse effects of a project.

Monitoring of environmental impacts has been recommended for the construction and operationphases which will be the responsibility of the contractor and proponent respectively. Procedures arerequired for both active and inactive monitoring, which includes information regarding environmentaldamage and prevent future hazards.

b) Development of Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP)

The objective of the Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP) is to ensure that allnecessary measure are identified and implemented in order to reduce environmental risks for theprotection of the environment which to assure legal compliance. While preparing project-specificEMMP institutional capacity and agencies responsible for the implementation of maintenance wasalso reviewed and proposed the effective management, document, communication, and monitoringplan for its effectiveness.

1.8.5 Structure of the Report

At the end of the assessment, a report has been prepared according to the relevant guidelines of SEPAand international standards. This report includes the findings of the assessment, proposed projectimpacts, and mitigation measures to be implemented during the execution of the proposed activities.

The structure of the report is as follows:

- Chapter 1 Presents the background, objectives, scope and approach, and methodologyadopted for the study;

- Chapter 2 Provides an overall description of the project;

- Chapter 3 Describes the legislative and policy framework governing the project;

- Chapter 4 Provides general environmental and social baseline conditions of theproject;

- Chapter 5 Summarizes the Socio economic environment and main concerns raised bystakeholders during various public consultations;

- Chapter 6 Analysis of alternatives;



- Chapter 7 Screening of environmental and social impacts of the project andappropriate mitigation measures;

- Chapter 8 Provides an environmental management and monitoring plan;

- Chapter 9 Provides conclusions and recommendations.

1.9 EIA STUDY TEAM

The EIA study team profile for the proposed project can be seen in Table 1.1 below.

Table 1. 1: EIA study team profile

S. No. Name of Expert Qualification Designation Experience

1. Mr. Saleem-Uz-Zaman

Master of Business Administration (IoBM)

PGD in EIA, Environmental Audit and CBA(UK)

Project Leader 18 Years

2. Ali Aslam MSc. In ChemistryGeneral ManagerOperations

10 Years

3. Mr. Shaheryar AhmedM.S. Environmental Sciences (HUK)

B. S Environsmental Science (UoK)

EnvironmentalExpert & ProjectCoordinator

07 Years

4. Mr. Sikandar AliM.S Environmental Sciences (SMIU)

MSc. Zoology (UoK)

Environmental andSocial SafeguardSpecialist

07 Years

5. Mr. Ali BaharME Environmental Engineering (NEDUET)

BE Civil Engineering (NEDUET)

EnvironmentalOfficer

02 years

6. Mr. Mohsin Ali Bachelor of Science Field Officer 04 Years

7. Mr. Owais Aziz Bachelor of Science Field Officer 02 years


GEMSEIA1450621POL Project Description 2-1

2.1 PAKISTAN OXYGEN LIMITED OVERVIEW

In Pakistan, Pakistan Oxygen Limited (POL) have ledand contributed to the development of theindustrial gases industry for more than 70 years,providing global solutions with a local outlook, eachcustomized to the specific needs of customers.Pakistan Oxygen Limited supply products to morethan 4000 customers from a wide spectrum ofindustries ranging from chemicals andpetrochemicals to steel, food and healthcare. Teamof trained and professional staff manages 24-houroperations at ten major industriallocations acrossthe country to support our customers whereverthey may be located. Pakistan Oxygen Limitedlegacies are pioneering and sustaining technologiesfor the local industries. Heritage is their partnershipwith customers and enabling them to becomeleaders in their fields. The project will obliging thedemand of oxygen across the Pakistan in currentpendamic situation of COVID-19. Currently hospitalsare consuming a huge chunk of the total oxygenproduction. Due to increased demand from medicalas well as industrial sector, Pakistan Oxygen issetting up a new 270 TPD Air Separation Unit at itsPort Qasim Facility.

2.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROPOSEDPROJECT

To the best of information, The proposed project istype of chemical industry. The proposed projectwould produce gaseous oxygen for medical andindustrial use. The proposed project is to be set upin Karachi in existing facility of POL. Oxygen is used in hospitals, chemical processes, generalengineering, fabrication, steel manufacturing, motorcycle and steel cutting / welding industries.Oxygen has mainly three sectors in which the application of this product is going on. First and most

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF THE PROPOSEDPROJECT

Proposed Project Air Seperation Unit.

ProductsClassification

1. Liquid Oxygen (LOX)2. Liquid Nitrogen (LIN)3. Liquid Argon (LAR)

Plot Sizes 74,050 Sq. ft

Target Market Steel IndustriesFood IndustriesHealthcare Unit

Facilities within POL Processing area includingSupercritical Air SeperationUnit;Gas Storage TanksAdmin blockGantry AreaWarehousesGenerator Room + otherutilities

Key Benefits I. Skilled and non-skilledemployment opportunitiesand assist the local;

II. Fast supply of gases such asoxygen, Nitrogen and argonto industrial and medicalsectors

III. This project will helpPakistan and the industrialunit to achieve sustainabledevelopment by productionof gases at local scale.

IV. The project will mitigate theshortfall of separated gasesin the Country specifically tohealthcare unit and willbring a major change inprivate sector investment

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

CHAPTER

2



important is healthcare, all hospitals are involved in this respect. The second biggest sector concernedwith oxygen is the ship-breaking industry, which has a potential usage for oxygen. The third sector isthat of the processes industry, which includes steel melting. These three sectors are very lively all overPakistan at present. With the growing steel, ship breaking and related industries as well as the growingneed of hospitals, the demand for oxygen is increasing, offering a good investment opportunity.

2.3 SCOPE OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

These Product ranges are:

Ambient Air Flow (Intake): 46,000 Nm3/hr

Purity Level of Seperated Gases: Liquid Oxygen 99.7%

Liquid Nitrogen 3ppm O2

Liquid Argon 2ppm O2

2.4 PROJECT SIGNIFICANCE

Project Application

Air separation unit (ASU) is an integral process to many other processes mainly because of theimportance of its constituent gases to many industrial processes. For example, oxygen is used inmedical and other industrial processes such as metal, glass, ammonia, oxy-fuel combustion andintegrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC)1, nitrogen finds use in the chemical and petroleumindustries while argon is used as an inert shielding gas in welding and other electronics such as thelight bulb.

Air in its natural form is a free commodity, however its separation into its components is both capitaland energy intensive. Although there are several technologies used in the separation of air, this studywill focus on cryogenic ASU. Cryogenic ASU is mainly used for the production of high tonnage and highpurity gases. This makes it the status quo in many industrial processes where oxygen and nitrogen arerequired in high tonnage and high purity2. As a result of the importance of cryogenic ASU to severalindustrial processes, many studies have been carried out on how to reduce the capital and energyrequirement of conventional ASU. Amongst the studies are (a) the replacement of tray distillationcolumns with packed columns; (b) operating at higher pressure to reduce the overall column diameter;(c) improving the effectiveness of heat exchangers, the efficiency of compressors and the use ofcontrol system with real-time optimization capability3.

1 Burdyny and Struchtrup, 2010, Jones et al., 2011, Liszka and Zie˜bik, 2010, Zhu et al., 2008.2 Fu and Truls, 2012, Yan et al., 20103 Castle, 2002, Kansha et al., 2011, Rübberdt, 2009

The proposed project envisages pursuing business which though appearing to look separate are integratedinto each other. Following are the product that will achieve from this proposed project



Pakistan Oxygen Limited is leading supplier of Medical & Industrial Gases (Oxygen, Nitrogen & Argon).Due to increased demand from medical as well as industrial sector, Pakistan Oxygen is setting up anew 270 TPD Air Separation Unit at its Port Qasim Facility. Gases majorly for industrial and medicalsector market across the Pakistan. The plant is envisaged to produce 270 TPD of Oxygen, Nitrogen andargon.

2.5 PROPOSED PROJECT LOCATION

The proposed project is located at Plot # EZ/I/P-5 (SP-1) Port Qasim Eastern Zone, Karachi, SindhPakistan. The study area map can be seen in Figure 2.1. The existing facility is situated opposite to Ghani Gas Limited when moving from “Power China-Port Qasim Electric Power Company (PQEPC)” toEastern Zone, 40-45 km from Shahra-e-Faisal Karachi, and can easily be accessed via National Highway(N5) road.The Proposed 270TPD ASU Plot layout can be seen in Figure 2.2.



Figure 2. 1: Location Map for Proposed Project Area



Figure 2. 2: Proposed 270 TPD ASU Plot Plan



2.6 PROJECT SYNOPSIS

Project synopsis can be seen in Table 2.1. below.

Table 2. 1: Project Synopsis

S. No. Aspect Details Description

1. Industry Type - Gas Gathering System, Separation & Storage

2. Project Type - Large Scale, as per define in EIA/IEE Regulation,2014

3. Total covered area - 74,050 Sq. ft will be proposed at its existing facility

4. Total Project Cost - PKR 6.3 Billion

5. Production Sectors - Industrial and Medical sectors

6. Raw materials - Ambient Air will require in quantity of 46,000Nm3/hr

7. Projected direct and indirectemployment generation

- 50-60 Nos.

8. Storage Tanks & its Capacityand Quanity

- Three (03) Liquid Oxygen tank will require forstorage of oxygen having capacity of 300 m3 eachtank.

- Two (02) Liquid Nitrogen tank will require forstorage of nitrogen having capacity of 200 m3 eachTank.

- One (01) Liquid Argon tank will require to stored ofargon having capacity of 50 m3 .

9. Air Filteration Technology - Two Pulse Cartridge Type Filters

10. Chemicals Storage - Chemicals will only be used for circulated which isnot more than 30,000 Kg/Year. It will be stored inthe factory warehouse.

11. Transportation criteria - Through Road Tankers mounted with CryogenicVacuum Insulated Evaporator (VIE) havingcapacities of 4000, 8000, 10000, 14000 & 33000Liters.

2.7 PROJECT ACTIVITIES

Pre-Construction / Design Phase

Construction of Boundary Wall to demarcate the land area for authorized POL development andremoval of all wild vegetation from the site. Site Clearance, Leveling, and filling of Land will be done.Note that currently there are no Human settlements in the proposed project area as it is a dedicatedindustrial zone of Port Qasim. Therefore, there is no concern about their resettlement.



Construction Phase

The proposed project area will be demarcated as plant area, administration block, and all other alliedfacilities, such as Processing area, storage area for chemical and sperated gas, parking area, garden,generator room, and other utilities. Construction will start for the main building, while demarcationfor roads and infrastructures will be continued. After the completion of demarcation work, theconstruction of allied facilities will be initiated which includes:

- Construction of all internal roads;- Provision of complete sewerage system;- Provision of water supply and drainage collection facilities;- Installation of firefighting system;- Completion of electrical work;- Lying of pipelines for Gas internal connections with existing;- Construction of planned amenities and process areas;- Finalization of the security system; and- Provision of a complete communication system.

List of Machinery and Equipment to be used during construction

- Grader- Vibratory Roller- Sheep foot Roller- Compactor- Excavator- Water Bowser- Water tanks- Tractor- Dumper- Cranes- Scaffolding Pipes- Mixer Machine- Transit Mixer- Steel & wooden Shuttering- Cable Puller- Container- Diesel tank- Jeep & Car

The proposed project will require at least 02 years to be in the operational phase after getting approvalfrom SEPA. Figure 2.3. shows the implementation schedule.



Figure 2. 3: Proposed Project Implementation Schedule



Table 2. 2: Utility Resources - Construction and Operational Phase

S. No Resource Type Requirement Source

Construction Phase

1. Manpower Technical: ~35-40Non-Technical: ~ 15-20

Senior-level staff will be sourcedfrom Karachi & elsewhere.Locals of nearby areas will bepreferred if available

2. Electrical Power ~ 8 MW Temporary / Portable DieselGenerators

3. Water Requirement 28 m3 Gallons/day Lotte Chemical and underground

4. Gas Requirement NIL

5. Labor Camps 03

6. ConstructionMaterial

Concrete, Steel, and Prefabricated structures

Operational Phase

1. Manpower ~ 10 Total Staff

2. Electrical Power ~ 8 MW K-Electric

3. Water Requirement 28 m3 Gallons/day Lotte Chemical and underground

4. Gas Requirement Nil -

5. Telephone line 09 Existing plant connection via PTCL

6. Wastewater Generation No process water involve in theproposed project. However,domestic waste will generate andits will used for gardening purpose.Water generate from cooling ofequipments will stored and recycleas per define POL’s procedure.

7. Solid Waste Generation ~2-3 tons per year Waste such as plastics, metals,cartons, electrical waste, cardboard etc.

Operating Details

8. Working Hours 8 hours/shift

9. Shifts 03 Shifts

10. Operating Days 365 days/year



S. No Resource Type Requirement Source

Manpower Categorization

11. Management 5

12. Skilled 5

13. Semi-Skilled 10

14. Contractual/ ProductionLabor

15

2.8 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Pkaistan Oxygen Limited (POL) aims to establish a new Air Separation Unit (ASU) at its existing facilityof Port Qasim Unit. The proposed project (POL) objectives to produce the liquid oxygen, liquidnitrogen & liquid argon extraction unit from ambient air of the environment. In addition POL have ledand contributed to the development of the industrial gases industry for more than 70 years, providingglobal solutions with a local outlook, each customized to the specific needs of customers. PakistanOxygen Limited supply products to more than 4000 customers from a wide spectrum of industriesranging from chemicals and petrochemicals to steel, food and healthcare. Due to increase in demanddue to current prevailing situation of COVID-19 as well as from industrial customers, POL is going tosetup a new 270 TPD ASU at its port qaasim facility. The total covered area of the of the proposed ASUis 74,050 Sq. ft. and it will be comprised of ASU processing area, laboratory, office building and storagearea. the proposed ASU Plan is shown in Figure 2.4 respectively.

POL are the most trusted partner at hospitals across the country. A leading supplier of medical gases& associated equipment with more than 80 years of dedicated service. POL offer a complete portfolioof compressed and bulk medical gases. Everyday POL touch the lives of millions of people through theproducts and services POL supply to their customers across a wide range of industries from medicalgases that sustain lives, to gases used in steel making and in food production and distribution. Medicalgases are the most critical and essential part of hospitals and healthcare facilities need continuoushigh-quality supplier. POL are pioneer in manufacturing and supplying medical gases with years ofexperience.

POL also envisages having a state of art Air Seperation processing facility which will also complementits other business. Basically, this proposed facility will provide oxygen in to the healthcare sectors andraw materials to the key market players as well. The process flow diagram for fresh produce is shownin Figure 2.5.



Figure 2. 4: Existing Plot Plan



Air Seperation Unit Process

I. Air separation and precooling system

The incoming air is first cleaned from dust and other particles in an air filter and then compressed bya multistage turbo-type air compressor. After being cooled down by an aftercooler the compressedair enters the direct contact air cooler at the bottom. It passes through one packed bed, is cooleddown by means of chilled water from the evaporation cooler and washed by the down flowing waterbefore it leaves the cooler at the top. The scrubbing process removes harmful components such asSO2, SO3 and NH3 and remaining particles from the process air. The heated water and the condensedwater vapour out of the process air collected at the sump of the DCAC is recycled to the open coolingwater system via a level control valve.

II. Molecular sieve station

Remaining contaminants in the process air such as water vapour, CO2, N2O and potentially hazardoushydrocarbons are adsorbed from the air by passing through one of the two molecular sieve adsorbers.One adsorber is in operation while the other one is in a regeneration mode.The regeneration cycle consists mainly of:

- Heating- Cooling- Pressurizing- Depressurizing Cycles

The regeneration gas is coming from the distillation unit as a waste gas. It is heated up in theregeneration gas heater (electrical heater) during the heating period. At cooling period, the gasbypasses the heaters and the heat is pushed out of the adsorber. At the end of the regeneration cyclethe regenerated adsorber goes into operation, the other one begins with a new regeneration cycle.The cycles are automatically controlled by a process control computer. The dry and purified processair after the molecular sieve unit is cooled down in the main heat exchanger and fed to the bottomsection of the pressure column.

III. Process streams distribution and refrigeration

A part of the process air downstream of the molecular sieve unit is further compressed by the turbinedriven booster blowers. The compressed air enters the heat exchanger coldbox where it is cooled toabout condensing temperature against the product streams, the waste nitrogen gas and part of therecycle air in the main heat exchanger. It is then fed into the bottom section of the pressure column.

A side stream of the compressed air leaves the main heat exchanger with a warmer temperature andis used to produce the required refrigeration for the cryogenic process. Leaving in the middle part ofthe heat exchanger, the side stream is expanded in the expansion turbine. A part of the stream is thenfed into the bottom section of the pressure column and the other part is fed via the heat exchangerto the 2nd expansion turbine and then released to atmosphere.



IV. Rectification

In the pressure column the air is pre-separated into pure nitrogen, yielding at the top, and into oxygenenriched liquid at the bottom. The required reflux for rectification is provided by condensing thegaseous nitrogen in heat exchange against boiling oxygen in the condenser/reboiler. Part of the liquidnitrogen serves as reflux for the pressure column; the remaining part is sub-cooled in the subcoolerand used as reflux for the low pressure column. Thebalance is withdrawn as liquid nitrogen productfrom the top of the low pressure column to the liquid nitrogenstorage system. Oxygen enriched liquidfrom the pressure column is also sub-cooled in the subcooler and expandedinto the crude argoncondenser. The excess liquid from the crude argon condenser/reboiler flows via an overflow tothe lowpressure column as oxygen feed. For direct distillation the pressure column is equipped with sievetrays, thelow pressure column with structured packings. In the low pressure column the finalseparation takes place into pureoxygen, as a bottom product and nitrogen yielding at the top.

The oxygen which evaporates in the condenser/reboiler is partly used as stripping gas for the lowpressure column.The remaining part is warmed in the main heat exchanger and vented toatmosphere.

Liquid oxygen is withdrawn from the sump of the low pressure column, sub-cooled and fed to thestorage tank. Thewaste nitrogen as sidedraw from the low pressure column takes the same way asthe pure gaseous nitrogen. Bothstreams are vented to the atmosphere.

V. Argon Extraction

The argon recovery is achieved completely by rectification and uses one column. In the argon columnthe oxygen is removed by means of cryogenic rectification. The remaining nitrogen is removed bycryogenic rectification in a parof the low pressure column. The Argon column is equipped withstructured packing. For circulating services betweecrude argon column and low pressure column is anargon process pump installed. The pure liquid argon produc(LAR) is withdrawn from the argon columnand fed to the LAR storage tank.

In addition, Liquid Oxygen, Liquid Nitogen, Liquid Argon will separate from the ambient air. Thespecification of products are presented in Table 2.3. While, Imaginery view or block diagram foraforementioned process by Air Seperation Unit (ASU) is shown in Figure 2. 5.



Figure 2. 5: Typical view of ASU Process Block Diagram



Table 2. 3: Product Specification

INDUSTRIAL OXYGEN GAS (O2) NITROGEN GAS (N2)

Product Name Concentration Quantity Product Name Concentration Quantity

CompressedOxygen (O2) Gas

High Purity >99.6%Low Purity >99.5%

5900Nm3/hr.

CompressedNitrogen Gas(N2)

High Purity >99.99%Low Purity >99.999%

1900Nm3/hr.

RefrigeratedLiquid Oxygen(O2)

> 99.5% RefrigeratedLiquid Nitrogen(N2)

> 99.999%

Oxygen GasArgon Mixture

0.5 ppm –99.9%

Nitrogen GasArgon Mixture

1 ppm – 99.99%

Oxygen GasHelium Mixture

0.5 ppm –99.9%

Nitrogen GasHelium Mixture

1 ppm – 99.99%

Oxygen GasNitrogenMixture

0.5 ppm –99.9%

Nitrogen GasHydrogenMixture

1 ppm – 99.99%

MEDICAL OXYGEN (O2) GASNitrogen GasOxygen Mixture

1 ppm – 99.99%

Product Name Concentration ARGON GAS OR LIQUID ARGON(AR)

208Nm3/hr.Compressed

Oxygen (O2) Gas

High Purity >99.5%Low Purity >90%

CompressedArgon Gas (Ar)

> 99.999%

RefrigeratedLiquid Argon

> 99.999%

Argon GasHelium Mixture

1 ppm – 99.9%

Argon GasHydrogenMixture

1 ppm – 99.9%

Argon GasNitrogenMixture

1 ppm – 99.9%



Table 2. 4: Land use Plan of Proposed ASU

S.No. Function Area in SQF Psecent (%)

1. Processing area 14,000 18.91

2. Supercritical Air Seperation 1,150 1.55

3. Liquid Storage Tanks 23,000 31.06

4. Water Circulation Tanks 500 0.68

7. Utilities 500 1.01

8. Office area 750 1.01

9. Service area like mess, toilets, changing room & reception 750 40.51

10. Passages & walkways 30,000 31.06

Total 74,050 100.00

The actual land-use area may vary by +/- 15% depending on final approval by management of POL or maymodifications suggested by them. However, none of the changes shall result in anything with an environmentalimpact.

List of Equipment and machinery

During the process, different types of equipment and machines will be utilized to produce oxygen,nitrogen & Argon. Working principles of the equipment and machineries are given in Table 2.5.

Table 2. 5: Working Principles

Sr.# Equipment List Working Principle

1 Process Air Filter The inlet air filter is installed on the inlet of the main aircompressor and is designed to remove dust and particlesfrom the feed air.

2 Main Air Compressor The air compressor collects the raw material for airseparation by drawing air from the atmosphere into the airseparation unit (ASU). The air compressor then pressurisesthe air, providing enough energy to move the air through theASU.

3 Precooling System Pre-cooling equipment is required in an air separation plantto remove the heat of compression and reduce the moisturecontent of the main air feed stream.

4 Molecular Sieve System The Molecular Sieve System removes CO2,Water, TraceHydrocarbons and Nitrous Oxide from the Feed Air



Sr.# Equipment List Working Principle

5 Cold Boxes The function of the cold box is to enclose the ASU equipmentwhich operates at cryogenic temperatures. The cold boxinsulates the cold equipment and minimises the amount ofheat inleak. Any heat inleak must be balanced by an equalamount of refrigeration generated by the turbine orprovided by injection of liquid nitrogen.

6 Cold & Warm BoosterExpanders

The expansion machine is the primary source ofrefrigeration on an air separation. Expansion machinesprovide refrigeration to compensate the heat inleak to thecold box from the surroundings and compensate fordifferences in temperature of feed and product streams.

7 Cryogenic Pumps Cryogenic pumps are used to transfer cryogenic liquidbetween process equipment and to increase the pressure asneeded.

8 Cooling Water System The cooling water system on an air separation plant is usedto provide cooling to major items of machinery such ascompressor intercoolers, motors, oil coolers and directcoolers.

9 Electrical System To provide constant electric supply to various processequipments as per requirement.

10 Instrumentation and ControlsSystem

To monitor and control various process equipments andmachinery as per plant requirement

11 Liquid Oxygen Storage Tanks

To store final finished product in Storage Tanks from wheretanker are being filled to supply product to customer

12 Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tanks

13 Liquid Argon Storage Tanks

Applications of Gases

POL touch the lives of millions of people ever day as a trusted solution provider. Each day They embarkon their mission to support industry to do industrial business effectively. They full range of industrial,specialty, process and atmospheric gases and innovative engineering solutions can help the industryand medical sector to enhance value creation, health cure and business sustainability. The Keybenficiaries are listed below;

- Aircraft- Atutomotive



- Chemicals- Energy- Welding & Metal Fabrication- Water & Waste Water Treatment- Food and Beverages- Glass- Healthcare- Hygine- Laboraties- Metals & Material Processing- Oil & Gas- Pharmaceuticals- Refining

2.9 WASTE GENERATION BY PROPOSED PROJECT

Solid Waste Generation

The waste shall consist of packaging material, cardboards, scrap plastic, food waste metal and woodscrap. As no chemicals are needed in the production process. the entire waste is categories in non-hazardous form. Appropriate segregated Solid Waste will be collected by the internal units of POLaccording to pre-define SOPs at a set interval to bring it to a centralized location for temporary storage.All of these waste shall collect by SEPA approved vendor that may further sold to recycling industriesThe solid waste expected to be generated during the process will mainly comprise of packaging wastelike wooden crates and food waste etc. The amount of solid waste during operation is expected to bearound 2-3 tons per annum.

During the construction, generic waste will be produced as following and as per the requirements, thesolid waste will be tried to utilize in other activities.

- Inert construction materials, aggregate debris, steel, concrete blocks, wires, conduits, etc.;

- Used lubricating oil/filters;

- Cardboards;

- Plastic, Metal, Wooden crates; and

- Miscellaneous chemicals and enamel.

Sewage Water Generation and Treatment

The proposed POL will have adequate and efficient sewerage and drainage system within existingfacility of POL. The generation of effluent will comprise domestic wastewater during the operationalactivity. It is quantified that about 10 gallons/day of wastewater will be generated per day that willdirectly comes in pre-designed septic tanks which can be utilized for gardening purposes. There willbe no chemical effluents generated during processing. Water used for cooling the equipments willrecyle and reuse in the process. The wastewater which is generated from processing activities will not



contain hazardous material so there is no need to install an effluent treatment plant to treat thewastewater so it will be directly routed to existing drainage network for further treatment anddisposal.

2.10 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTINGS/CONTROLS:

For the Environmental Management and Control for proposed ASU of POL authority will engagethealready existing department of Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) Managementwhen the proposed project will be executed. QHSE Department will have the following functions:

- To devise, implement and amend (if required) QHSE Policy for proposed POL;

- To maintain strong coordination and liaison with all the relevant primary and secondarystakeholders in order to handle project-related environmental, social, health, and safetyconcerns accordingly;

- To devise and implement construction phase standard operating procedures to avoid anymishap;

- To review and address all the queries, concerns, and observations related to environmental,health, and safety concerns raised by environmental regulators as well as primary andsecondary stakeholders;

- To monitor the progress of Environmental Monitoring and to ensure effective, timely, andconcrete implementation of EMMP in true spirit; and

- To design emergency response plan and implement it through training, drills, and toolbox talkamong staff and workers to cope up with any emergency. For this purpose, an emergencyresponse plan and training plan will be developed.

The roles and responsibilities of the QHSE personnel are summarized in Table 2.6 and the organogramin Figure 2.6.

Table 2. 6: The Roles and Responsibilities of the Key QHSE Personnel

S. No Position Responsibilities

1. Manager QHSE Supports the Top Management in the QHSE Policy and Guidelines issue.

QHSE Manager will implement ISO standards such as ISO 22000 duringoperational stage.

Assists the Commercial, Engineering, and Operations Department in theirdealings with Clients in all issues concerned with Health and Safety at work.

Preparation of Health and Safety documentation for new tenders. ProvidesSafety support and advice, including supervision on the preparation ofplans and procedures for initial contract, start-up activities.



To identify issues and where possible propose solutions for inclusion in theEMMP review process.

To ensure that the points of view of staff, contractors, and HSE officers areconsidered and placed in the EMMP accordingly.

To improve coordination and exchange of information between topmanagement, employees, contractors, etc.

To contribute towards the actions to deliver the EMMP and ensure itscontinual development.

To review EMMP every year under the supervision of top management,taking issues and change EMMP accordingly with the solutions andsuggestions.

To monitor the progress, development, and implementation of EMMP.

2. Coordinator QHSE Support the QHSE Manager and team with planning, coordinating, andimplementing effective HSE policies, guidelines and procedures to ensurethat the department objectives are met.

Support the QHSE Manager in ensuring QHSE compliance onshore andoffshore and perform regular audits in the areas of business and vesseloperations.

Ensure training, toolbox meetings, and drills are implemented as part ofthe company’s offshore training and HSE program, i.e. emergencyresponse systems, etc.

Investigate and complete the process for closeout of all AccidentInvestigation Reports and prepare/submit lessons learned to the QHSEManager.

To maintain a balanced, holistic approach to the solution of concerningissues in accordance with the compliance to the legislative requirements.

To provide professional guidance on questions relating to theenvironmental activities are scheduled in all requiring monitors.

To play a significant role in suggesting methods to bring constructionactivity into compliance and/or to temporarily halt certain activities thatmay cause damage to sensitive environmental resources.

In addition to these responsibilities, the QHSE coordinator will contributeto the EMMP Team by developing swift and innovative solutions tounanticipated environmental issues which develop during construction.

3. Officer QHSE Assists in carrying out inspections of workplaces and takes necessary actionto ensure compliance.

Assists in responding to and investigating concerns/complaints fromworkers/employers and assists in taking appropriate action.

Assists in investigating accidents or injuries that occur in the workplace.

Assists in the establishment of workplace safety and health committees.



Figure 2. 6: General Organogram of QHSE Department

Assists in the delivery of related educational programs and disseminateinformation to the public.

Assists in the preparation of various reports, documents, and forms.Performs other related duties as assigned.

4. Fire Safety Officer The FSO shall maintain the fire protection plan which addresses fireprevention and exposure

Always be prepared to operate fire extinguishers, hydrants, fixed monitors,hose carts anytime.

Conduct frequent fire safety and emergency evacuation drills.

5. Medical Officer To supervise the workers’ health.

First aid provision.

Emergency response in case of an accident.


GEMSEIA1450621POL Institutional, Legislation and Policy Framework 3-1

fa

3.1 GENERAL OUTLINE AND SCOPE

This section of the EIA document gives an overview of the Policy, Legal and administrative frameworkthat applies to the proposed Project, in order to ensure the sustainable development. The proposedproject is expected to comply with all the applicable Provincial and National legislation guidelinesrelating to environmental and social aspects, and all the required regulatory clearances will beobtained. All legal provisions relevant to environmental protection applicable to the design,construction and operation were identified under the scope of the EIA. The proponent has to be wellaware of these requirements and comply with the provisions as applicable and necessary. Moreover,it is important to note that the proponent has obtained necessary NOCs or letters (Showing intentionto provide conveniences) from concerned departments, which are also assessed in this chapter.

The environmental study primarily includes review of EIA/IEE regulations 2014 of Sindh EnvironmentalProtection Act. Other laws and guidelines relevant to the project as given in Exhibit 3.1 have also beenreviewed.

Exhibit 3.1: Policies, Legislation, Guidelines and Standards

International

OSHA Standards Health Safety

World Bank Guidelines on Environment

World Bank EHS General Guidelines, 2007

The IUCN red List

National

National Conservation Strategy (NCS)

National Environmental Policy, 2005

Pakistan Climate Change Act, 2017

National Environmental Action Plan-Support program (NEAP-SP)

National Disaster Management Act, 2010

INSTITUTIONAL, LEGISLATION ANDPOLICY FRAMEWORK

CHAPTER

3



Land Acquisition Act, 1894

Pakistan Penal Code, 1860

The Antiquities Act, 1975

Mineral and Industrial Gases Safety Rules 2010

The Public Health (Emergency Provision) Ordinance, 1944

Port Qasim Authority Act, 1973 (Modified in 2002)

The Pakistan Environmental Assessment Procedures, 1997

Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997

Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Review of IEE/EIA) Regulations, 2000

Provincial

Sindh Environmental Protection Act, 2014

Sindh Environmental Protection Agency Review of IEE and EIA Regulations, 2014

Sindh Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2008

Sindh Forest Act, 2012

Cutting of Trees (Prohibition) Act, 1975

Sindh Solid Waste Management Board Act, 2014

Sindh Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2017

Sindh Prohibition of Child Employment Act, 2017

The Sindh Healthcare Commission Act, 2013

The Sindh Factories Bill, 2015

The Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994

Sindh Condominium Act, 2014

Sub Soil Water (Extraction and Consumption) Regulations, 2018



3.2 INTERNATIONAL GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS

3.2.1 World Bank Guidelines on Environment

The principal World Bank publications that contain environmental guidelines are listed below.

- Environmental Assessment-Operational Policy 4.01. Washington, DC, USA. World Bank 1999.

- Environmental Assessment Sourcebook, Volume I: Policies, Procedures, and Cross-SectoralIssues. World Bank Technical Paper Number 139, Environment Department, the World Bank,1991.

The above two publications provide general guidelines for the conduct of EIA’s, and address the EIApractitioners themselves as well as project designers. While the Sourcebook in particular has beendesigned with Bank projects in mind, and is especially relevant for the impact assessment of large-scale infrastructure projects, it contains a wealth of useful information, for environmentalists andproject proponents.

The Sourcebook identifies a number of areas of concern, which should be addressed during impactassessment. It sets out guidelines for the determination of impacts, provides a checklist of tools toidentify possible biodiversity issues and suggests possible mitigation measures. Possible developmentproject impacts on wild lands, wetlands, forests etc. are also identified and mitigation measuressuggested.

3.2.2 World Bank EHS General Guidelines, 2007

The Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines are technical reference documents with generaland industry-specific examples of Good International Industry Practice (GIIP). When one or moremembers of the World Bank Group are involved in a project, these EHS Guidelines are applied asrequired by their respective policies and standards. These General EHS Guidelines are designed to beused together with the relevant Industry Sector EHS Guidelines which provide guidance to users on EHSissues in specific industry sectors. EHS considerations into corporate and facility-level business processesin an organized, hierarchical approach that includes the following steps:

- Identifying EHS project hazards and associated risks as early as possible in the facilitydevelopment or project cycle, including the incorporation of EHS considerations into the siteselection process, product design process, engineering planning process for capital requests,engineering work orders, facility modification authorizations, or layout and process changeplans.

- Involving EHS professionals, who have the experience, competence, and training necessary toassess and manage EHS impacts and risks, and carry out specialized environmentalmanagement functions including the preparation of project or activity-specific plans andprocedures.

- Understanding the likelihood and magnitude of EHS risks, based on:



The nature of the project activities

The potential consequences to workers, communities, or the environment

- Favoring strategies that eliminate the cause of the hazard at its source, for example, byselecting less hazardous materials or processes that avoid the need for EHS controls.

- Improving EHS performance through a combination of ongoing monitoring of facilityperformance and effective accountability1.

3.2.3 OSHA Standards Health Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are issuing safety and health programmanagement guidelines for use by employers to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses. TheOccupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) representatives have noted a strong correlationbetween the application of sound management practices in the operation of safety and healthprograms and a low incidence of occupational injuries and illnesses. Where effective safety and healthmanagement is practiced, injury and illness rates are significantly less than rates at comparableworksites where safety and health management is weak or non-existent.

OSHA has concluded that effective management of worker safety and health protection is a decisivefactor in reducing the extent and the severity of work-related injuries and illnesses. Effectivemanagement addresses all work-related hazards, including those potential hazards which could resultfrom a change in worksite conditions or practices. It addresses hazards whether or not they areregulated by government standards.

3.2.4 The IUCN Red List

Some animal species are already extinct in Pakistan, and many are internationally threatened. The1996 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals classifies 37 species and 14s ub-species of mammals thatoccur in Pakistan as internationally threatened or near threatened. The Red List is based on field datathat is more than 10 to 15 years old and needs to be reassessed. The country also provides criticalhabitat to 25 internationally threatened bird species and 10 internationally threatened reptile species.

There are a number of organizations that were formed to protest the illegal hunting and preserve thewildlife. This includes National Council for Conservation of Wildlife (NCCW), established in 1974 andsupported by the UN, which breaks into three groups;

- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora(CITES);

- Convention on Wetland of International Importance Especially as Water fowl Habitat(RAMSAR); and

- Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

1Environmental, Health, and Safety General Guidelines



3.3 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES

The enactment of comprehensive legislation on the environment, covering multiple areas of concern,is a relatively new and ongoing phenomenon in Pakistan. Whereas, a basic policy and legislativeframework for the protection of the environment and overall biodiversity in the country is now inplace, detailed rules, regulations and guidelines required for the implementation of the policies andenforcement of legislation are still in various stages of formulation and discussion. A brief overviewof the existing national policies, legislation and guidelines is presented below.

3.3.1 National Conservation Strategy (NCS)

The National Conservation Strategy (NCS) is the primary Policy document of the Government ofPakistan on national environmental issues. The Policy was approved by the Federal Cabinet in March1992. The Strategy also attained recognition by international donor agencies, principally the WorldBank. The NCS identifies 14 core areas including conservation of biodiversity, pollution prevention andabatement, soil and water conservation and preservation of cultural heritage and recommendsimmediate attention to these core areas in order to preserve the country’s environment.

A midterm review of the achievements of the NCS in 2000 concluded that achievements under theNCS have been primarily awareness raising and institutional building rather than actual improvementto environment and natural resources and that the NCS was not designed and is not adequatelyfocused as a national sustainable development strategy2. The need therefore arose for a more focusedNational Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) required to bring about actual improvements in the stateof the national environment with greater emphasis on poverty reduction and economic developmentin addition to environmental sustainability.

The NEAP was approved by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council under the chairmanship ofthe President/Chief Executive of Pakistan in February 2001. NEAP now constitutes the nationalenvironmental agenda and its core objective is to initiate actions that safeguard public health,promote sustainable livelihoods, and enhance the quality of life of the people of Pakistan.

A National Environmental Policy has been approved by the Federal Cabinet in its meeting held duringJune 20053. This policy has already been endorsed by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Councilduring 2004. The new policy has total 171 guidelines on sectoral and cross-sectoral issues. Theobjectives of new policy include assurance of sustainable development and safeguard of the naturalwealth of country. The following are the approved Sectoral Guidelines;

- Water Supply and Management;

- Air Quality and Noise;

- Waste Management;

- Forestry;

2Arthur J. Hanson et al, Pakistan’s National Conservation Strategy Renewing Commitment to Action, Report of the Mid-Term Review, 20003National Environmental Policy, GoP, 2005



- Biodiversity and Protected Areas;

- Climate Change and Ozone Depletion;

- Energy Efficiency and Renewable;

- Agriculture and Livestock;

- Multilateral Environmental Agreements.

3.3.2 National Environmental Policy 2005

The national environmental policy aims to protect, conserve and restore Pakistan’s environment inorder to improve the quality of life of the citizens through sustainable development. The objectives ofthe policy are:

- Conservation, restoration and efficient management of environmental resources.

- Integration of environmental considerations in policy making and planning process.

- Capacity building of government agencies and other stockholders at all level for betterenvironmental management.

- Meeting international obligations effectively in line with the national aspirations.

- Creation of a demand for environment through mass awareness and community mobilization4.

3.3.3 Pakistan Climate Change Act, 2017

Climate change is a burgeoning issue in Pakistan. As it stands now, the country has a population of208 million according to the latest census. It ranks third in the list of countries deeply affected bywater shortage. Freshwater reserves are projected to run out by 2025. The immediate ad hoc reformsneed to be capacity building for water infrastructure, meaning that there should be more scientificwater shortage technology and capital in order to bring immediate relief to the crisis affected.However, climate change legislation is a long-term foundation for any policy pertaining to mitigatingthe effects of the inevitable climate change. Whether the policy is to be used to deal with the long runcauses of water shortage, droughts, submerging cities, ecological changes or agro-based crises;climate change legislation needs to meet international standards to ensure that these impendingcrises are being mitigated.

All 197 signatories to the Paris Agreement currently have a climate change law or policy. Whileprogress is being made internationally, Pakistan’s climate change policy framework lacks behind theinternational standards and this has been pointed out by a statistical academic analysis. Furthermore,there is a lack of discussion about creating a link between international legislative trends and domesticones. Consequently, there is a need for such a legislation to be passed by the Parliament of this agethat ensures a scientific way of keeping pollutants and affected parties in check. While Pakistan is the153rd most contributing country to climate change worldwide, it is 7th on the number of countries tobe most affected by it. There is a dire need to mitigate the effects of this exogenous pollution primarilythrough an effective legislation. Conversations such as these are vastly unheard of and

4National Environmental Policy, 2005.



underrepresented in the legal academic circles of Pakistan. This review is an attempt to catalyze aconversation in Pakistan pertaining to these modernized needs of legislation.

With this context in mind, the Parliament of Pakistan came forth with the first legislation regardingclimate change in 2017, called the Pakistan Climate Change Act 2017 (‘CCA’). The Act set up threerelevant institutions: Pakistan Climate Change Council, Pakistan Climate Change Authority, andPakistan Climate Change Fund. This highlighted Pakistan’s due diligence in the international climateregime, resulting in conformity with international legal norms in the contemporary time. The mediacircles appreciated the step as a start to the required degree of legislation for the long run. Thislegislative review will analyses the problems that can occur due to lack of implementation of a policypertaining to the practical control of polluting entities in Pakistan and mitigation of the effects ofinternational climate change in the country5.

3.3.4 National Environmental Action Plan-Support program (NEAP-SP)

The government of Pakistan and united nation development program (UNDP) have jointly initiated anumbrella support program called the National Environmental Action Plan-Support program (NEAP-SP)signed in October 2001 and implemented in 2002. The development objective supported by NEAP-SPis environmental sustainability and poverty reduction in the context of economic growth.

3.3.5 National Disaster Management Act (NDMA), 2010

This Act was enacted to provide for the establishment of a National Disaster Management System forPakistan. Sindh Disaster Management Authority enforces the Act. The Act defines ‘disaster’ as acatastrophe or a calamity in an affected area, arising from natural or man-made causes or by accidentwhich results in a substantial loss of life or human suffering or damage to, and destruction of, property.Disaster management includes preparedness and response. The Act provides establishment ofdisaster management authorities at national, provincial and district levels. The authorities requirepreparing and implementing disaster management plan for their area.

3.3.6 Land Acquisition Act, 1894

The Land Acquisition Act (LAA) of 1894 amended from time to time has been the defacto policygoverning land acquisition, resettlement and compensation in the country. The LAA is the mostcommonly used law for acquisition of land and other properties for development projects. Itcomprises of 55 sections pertaining to area notifications and surveys, acquisition, compensation andapportionment awards and disputes resolution, penalties and exemptions.

3.3.7 Pakistan Penal Code (1860)

The Pakistan Penal Code (1860) authorizes fines, imprisonment or both for voluntary corruption orfouling of public springs or reservoirs so as to make them less fit for ordinary use6.

5 http://www.na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1485513841_966.pdf6www.fmu.gov.pk



3.3.8 The Antiquities Act, 1975

The Antiquities Act of 1975 ensures the protection of cultural resources of Pakistan. The Act is designedto protect ‘antiquities’ from destruction, theft, negligence, unlawful excavation, trade, and export.Antiquities have been defined in the Act as ancient products of human activity, historical sites, or sitesof anthropological or cultural interest, national monuments, etc. The law prohibits new construction inthe proximity of a protected antiquity and empowers the Government of Pakistan to prohibit excavationin any area that may contain articles of archaeological significance.

Under the Act, the project proponents are obligated to:

- Ensure that no activity is undertaken in the proximity of a protected antiquity;

- Report to the Department of Archeology, Government of Pakistan, any archeologicaldiscovery made during the course of a project7.

3.3.9 Mineral and Industrial Gases Safety Rules 2010

The Mineral and Industrial Gases Safety Rules 2010 provides a legal framework for the mineral andindustrial gases safety in Pakistan. This law covers all dimensions related to the installation, fitting,marking, emergency situation dealing, etc. Distribution and Transmission of industrial gases mustfollow all the safety measures to avoid any unfortunate incident.

3.3.10 The Public Health (Emergency Provision) Ordinance, 1944 (Ordinance No. xxi of1944)

The act ‘The Public Health (Emergency Provision) Ordinance, 19448 was passed to make specialprovisions in regard to public health whereas an emergency has arisen which renders it necessary tomake special provision for preventing the spread of human disease, safeguarding the public healthand providing and maintaining adequate medical services and other services essential to the health ofthe community. The “purpose of this Ordinance” includes the purposes of ensuring the provision ofadequate medical services, of preventing the spread of human disease, of safeguarding the publichealth and of providing or maintaining services essential to the health of the community.

3.3.11 Port Qasim Authority Act, 1973

The act of Port Qasim Authority (PQA)9 of the National Assembly received the assent of the President onthe 22nd June, 1973. It is expedient to provide for the establishment of an Authority for making allarrangements for the planning, development and management of Muhammad Bin Qasim Port at PhittiCreek, hereinafter referred to as Port Qasim, and associated facilities and industries and for matters. Itextends to the whole of the Port area.

7pakistancode.gov.pk, 20058 https://phkh.nhsrc.pk/knowledge-article/public-health-emergency-provisions-ordinance-pakistan-1944pdf9 https://moma.gov.pk/SiteImage/Misc/files/PQA%20Act%201973.pdf



3.3.12 The Pakistan Environmental Assessment Procedures, 1997

The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency prepared the Pakistan Environmental AssessmentProcedures in 1997. They are based on much of the existing work done by international donor agenciesand Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s). The package of regulations prepared by PEPA includes:

- Policy and Procedures for Filing, Review and Approval of Environmental Assessments;

- Guidelines for the Preparation and Review of Environmental Reports;

- Guidelines for Public Consultation;

- Guidelines for Sensitive and Critical Areas; and

- Sectoral Guidelines for various types of projects.

3.3.13 Pakistan Environmental protection Act, 1997

The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 was passed by the National Assembly of Pakistan onSeptember 3, 1997, and by the Senate of Pakistan on November 7, 1997. The Act received the assent ofthe President of Pakistan on December 3, 1997. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 is thebasic legislative tool empowering the government to frame regulations for the protection ofenvironment. Act is broadly applicable to air, water, soil and noise pollution, as well as to handling ofhazardous wastes. Penalties have been prescribed for those who contravene the provisions of the Act.The powers of the Federal and Provincial Environmental Protection Agencies (EPAs) were alsoconsiderably enhanced under this legislation and they have been given the power to conduct inquiriesinto possible breaches of environmental laws either of their own accord, or upon the registration of acomplaint. Under section 12 of Act, no project involving installation of industrial plant activities or anychange in the physical environment can be commence unless the fulfillment of prerequisite i.e. toconduct IEE or EIA and a report submitted to the Federal or Provincial EPA.

3.3.14 Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Review of IEE/EIA) Regulations 2000

The PEPA review of IEE and EIA regulations 2000, prepared by the PEPA under the powers conferredupon it by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, provide the necessary details on the preparation,submission and review of the IEE/EIA. These regulations classify projects on the basis of expected degreeof severity of environmental impacts and list them in two separate schedules.

- Schedule-I lists projects that may not have significant environmental impacts and require anIEE.

- Schedule-II lists projects of potentially significant environmental impacts requiring preparationof an EIA.



3.4 PROVINCIAL GUIDELINES

3.4.1 Sindh Environmental Protection Act 2014

The Sindh Environmental Protection Act, 2014 (SEPA 2014) is the basic legislative tool empoweringthe government to frame regulations for the protection of the environment. The SEPA 2014 is broadlyapplicable to air, water, soil, marine and noise pollution. Penalties have been prescribed for thosecontravening the provisions of the Act.

The two primary deliberations of the Act are the conduct of projects only after approval ofenvironmental assessments from the SEPA and adherence with Sindh Environmental Quality Standards(SEQS).

3.4.1.1 EIA Approval Mechanism from Sindh Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

As per the 2014 Regulations, Proponent will submit an EIA report for their project activities to SEPAand seek approval on the same from the agency. Ten hard copies and 2 soft copies of the EIA reportwill be submitted to SEPA. It will then grant its decision on the EIA as per the rules and procedures setout in the 2014 Regulations. The following rules will apply:

- A fee is payable to SEPA for review of the EIA;

- The EIA submission is to be accompanied by an application in the format prescribed inSchedule V of the 2014 Regulations;

- SEPA is bound to conduct a preliminary scrutiny and reply within four weeks of the submissionof the report a) confirming completeness, or b) asking for additional information, if needed;

- The SEPA will publish a public notice in any English or Urdu national newspaper and in a localnewspaper of general circulation in the area affected by the project. The public notice willmention the following:

o The type of project;

o The location of the project;

o The name and address of the proponent;

o The places at which the EIA can be accessed;

o The date, time and place for public hearing of any comments on the project or its EIA;

- The date set for public hearing will not be earlier than fifteen (15) days from the date ofpublication of the public notice

- In the review process SEPA may consult a Committee of Experts, which maybe constituted onthe request of the DG SEPA;

- On completion of the review process, the decision of SEPA will be communicated to theproponent in the form prescribed in Schedule V;

- Where an EIA is approved, SEPA can impose additional controls as part of the conditions ofapproval;



- SEPA is required to make every effort to complete the EIA review process within four months;

- The approval will remain valid for the project duration mentioned in the EIA but on thecondition that the project commences within a period of three years from the date ofapproval. If the project is initiated after three years from approval date, the proponent willhave to apply for an extension in the validity period. The SEPA on receiving such request grantextension (not exceeding 3 years at a time) or require the proponent to submit a fresh EIA ifin the opinion of SEPA changes in baseline conditions or the project so warrant;

- After receiving approval from SEPA the proponent will acknowledge acceptance of theconditions of approval by executing an undertaking in the form prescribed in Schedule VIII ofthe 2014 Regulations;

- The 2014 Regulations also require proponents to obtain from SEPA, after completion of theproject, a confirmation that the requirements of the EIA and the conditions of approval havebeen duly complied with;

- The SEPA in granting the confirmation of compliance may impose any additional controlregarding the environmental management of the project or the operation, as it deemsnecessary.

3.4.2 Sindh Environmental Protection Agency Review of IEE and EIA Regulations, 2014

The SEPA Review of IEE and EIA Regulations, 2014 (The 2014Regulations) promulgated under SEPA2014 were enforced on December, 2014. The 2014 Regulations define the applicability and proceduresfor preparation, submission and review of IEEs and EIAs. These Regulations also give legal status tothe Pakistan Environmental Assessment Procedures prepared by SEPA in 2014.

The Regulation classifies projects on the basis of expected degree of adverse environmental impactsand lists them in two separate schedules. Schedule I lists projects that may not have significantenvironmental impacts and therefore require an IEE. Schedule II lists projects of potentially significantenvironmental impacts requiring preparation of an EIA. The Regulations also require that all projectslocated in environmentally sensitive areas require preparation of an EIA.

The following project falls under the following category:

Category B of Schedule II

Oil and Gas Projects

04. “Oil and gas gathering system, separation and storage.”

3.4.2.1 The Sindh Environmental Quality Standards

During the construction and post development phase of the project SEQS will apply to any effluentsduring operation and emissions. The complete SEQS 2016 is attached as Annexure-IX. SEQS Standardsfor disposal of solid waste have as yet not been promulgated10.

10 Library, Sindh Environmental Protection Agency, 2016



3.4.2.2 Hazardous Substance Rules, 2014

The Sindh Hazardous Substances Rules, 2014 are a set of rules derived from the Sindh EnvironmentalAct, 2014 and are first of the very specific hazardous substances regulations brought into force in 2014after the initial draft set of rules devised in 2003. They represent specific regulations with aspect ofhandling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and issuing an approving license to the useror facility. The Schedule-I of the Rules enlists the hazardous substances that are under the scrutiny ofthe Sindh-EPA11.

Under its licensing terms, the Rules highlight particular components as follows:

- Employment of Qualified technical personnel

- Packing and labelling

- Conditions of Premises

- Safety precautions

- Trainings

- A comprehensive safety plan

- Waste management Plan and

- Transporting of hazardous substances.

3.4.2.3 The Sindh Environmental Quality Standards (Self-Monitoring and Reporting by Industry)Rules, 2014

These rules are called the Sindh Environmental Quality Standards (Self-Monitoring and Reporting byIndustry) Rules, 2014, which is entirely based on the honor system, emerged from a dialogue betweenthe government and industrial representatives. These reports are submitted by an industrial unit toagency in respect of priority parameters. Priority parameters are parameters of Sindh environmentalquality standards which selected for the purpose of submission of Environmental Monitoring Reportsto the Agency by an industrial unit. Industrial unit responsible for the correct and timely submissionreport to the agency. On the basis of the pollution level of an industrial unit, the Director General shallclassify the unit into category “A”, “B” or “C” for liquid effluents, and category “A” or “B” for gaseousemissions.

Category “A” Industrial unit

An industrial unit in category “A” shall submit environmental monitoring reports on monthly basis. Anindustrial unit in category “A” shall maintain a record of the times during which start-up and upsetconditions occur, and shall mention the total time elapsed in such conditions in its monthlyenvironmental monitoring report.

Category “B” Industrial unit

An industrial unit in category “B” shall submit environmental monitoring reports on quarterly basis.

11 Hazardous Substances Rules, 2014;



Category “C” Industrial unit

An industrial unit in category “C” shall submit environmental monitoring reports on biannual basis forpriority parameters in respect of liquid effluents.

All measurements of priority parameters contained in the environmental monitoring report submittedby an industrial unit shall be based on test reports of a certified environmental laboratory, andattested copies of such results shall be attached with the environmental monitoring report. Thegaseous emissions report shall cover the priority parameters listed in Schedule-VII, and shall include,every two years, metal analysis of all gaseous emissions from the industrial unit12.

3.4.2.4 Tribunal Rules for Non-Compliance

A failure to comply with any provision of these Rules (except rule 8(1), 16(1), 23 or 25) or any order ofthe Tribunal (except for an order under rules 38 or 39) does not of itself render void the proceedingsor any step taken in the proceedings. In the case of such non-compliance, the Tribunal may take suchaction as it considers just, which may include:

- Waiving or varying the requirement.

- Striking out the claim or the response, in whole or in part, in accordance with rule 34.

- Barring or restricting a party's participation in the proceedings.

- Awarding costs in accordance with rules 69 - 7513.

3.4.3 The Sindh Healthcare Commission Act, 2013 (Sindh Act No. vii of 2014)

The Sindh Healthcare Commission Act, 201314 was passed to improve the quality of healthcare servicesand banning quackery in the Province of Sindh in all its forms and manifestations. It is applicable tohealthcare establishments, public or private hospitals, non-profit organizations, charitable hospitals,trust hospitals, semi government and autonomous healthcare organizations. It is expedient to makeprovision for the improvement, access, equity, and quality of healthcare service, to ban quackery inall its forms and manifestations and to provide for ancillary matters.

3.4.4 THE SINDH FACTORIES ACT, 2015.

The Sindh Factories Bill, 2015 15 having been passed by the Provincial Assembly of Sindh on 21st March,2016 and assented to by the Governor of Sindh on 25th April, 2016 is hereby published as an Act ofthe Legislature of Sindh. The Sindh Factories Act, 2015 provides legal base to consolidate and amendthe law regulating labour in factories. The law defines terms and conditions about the Inspecting Staff,Health and Safety, Restrictions on Working Hours of Adults, Holiday with Pay, Special Provisions forAdolescents and Children, Penalties and Procedure, Supplemental details.

12 The Sindh Environmental Quality Standards (Self-Monitoring and Reporting by Industry) Rules, 201413 The Employment Tribunals Rules of Procedure 201314 http://www.pas.gov.pk/uploads/acts/Sindh%20Act%20No.VII%20of%202014.pdf15 https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/102141/123387/F839757544/PAK102141.pdf



3.4.5 Sindh Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act 2008

The Sindh Wildlife Ordinance 1972 empowers the government to declare certain areas reserved forthe protection of wildlife and to control activities within these areas. It also provides protection toendangered species of wildlife16.

3.4.6 Sindh Forest Act (2012)

The act empowers the provincial forest departments to declare any forest area as reserved orprotected. The Act also empowers the provincial forest departments to prohibit the clearing of forestfor cultivation, grazing, hunting, removing forest produce; quarrying and felling, lopping and toppingof trees, branches in reserved and protected forests17.

3.4.7 Cutting of Trees (Prohibition) Act, 1975

The Cutting of Trees Act prohibits cutting or chopping of trees without prior permission of the ForestDepartment. Section 3 of this Act states “No person shall, without the prior written approval of thelocal formation commander or an officer authorized by him in this behalf, cut fell or damage or causeto cut, fell or damage any tree.”

3.4.8 Sindh Solid Waste Management Board Act, 2014

A board established under the Act for management of collection and disposal of all solid waste, toarrange for effective delivery of sanitation services, and to deal with other relevant matters. Underthe Act, the board shall have the right over the solid waste related issues, assets, funds and liabilitiesof the Councils and shall possess sole rights on all kinds of solid waste within the limits of all Councils.

3.4.9 Sindh Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2017

In order to provide a comprehensive framework for regulating occupational safety and health in Sindh,the Sindh Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2017 has been formulated through extensive tripartiteconsultations throughout the province involving workers, employers, government, civil society andexperts. The Act defines and fixes responsibilities of employers, workers and government with respectto OSH related matters. The law extends the scope of applicability of OSH laws from any establishment/ factory employing 10 or more workers to those even employing one person. The Act is aimed atpreventing incidents such as fire and to promote workplace safety and health. Under the proposedlaw: enhanced occupational safety & health management system, efficient and effective labourinspection mechanism and work-related injuries/accidents compensation system (social protection)would be established. The cabinet approved the proposed law for presentation in the assembly.

16faolex.fao.org, 200917Sindhforests.gov.pk



3.4.10 Sindh Prohibition of Child Employment Act, 2017

Article 11(3) of the Constitution of Pakistan prohibits employment of children below the age of 14years in any factory, mines or any other hazardous employment. In accordance with this Article, theProhibition of Child Employment Act (PCEA) 2017 disallows the child labor in Sindh. The PCEA definesa child as a person who has not completed his/her fourteenth years of age, and an adolescent meansa person who has completed fourteenth year of age but has not completed eighteenth years of hisage. No child shall be employed or permitted to work in any establishment including construction butan adolescent can be employed or permitted to work under strict guidelines provided in the PCEA andrules. An adolescent shall not be employed in any hazardous work included in the schedule to thePCEA.

3.4.11 The Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994

The Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994 is the provincial law for the protection of culturalassets. According to KB&TPR 2002, any building declared as a Heritage Building by the GoS, under theabove-mentioned preservation Act (1994) shall not be considered for approval by the KBCA, exceptwith the prior approval of the department designated as such by the Government of Sindh. Under theAct an Advisory Committee is formulated to overlook and subsequent right of Acquisition of a protectedheritage of architectural, historical, archaeological or national value, custodian /guardianship rights forpreservation and declaration of protected heritage, evaluation of ownership rights, take legal actionagainst any offender who attempts to damage, destroy, remove, deface, alter or imperil the protectedheritage or to build on or near the site. It also details the purchase, maintenance and repair works ofa protected heritage under the government’s jurisdiction. The advisory committee may also receivevoluntary donations towards the cost of maintenance of a protected heritage site. The act alsoestablishes the right of access to certain protected heritage sites, penalties for violators, formulationof rules and provides protection to the persons working under this Act.

3.4.12 Sub Soil Water (Extraction and Consumption) Regulations, 2018

Besides many one big achievement of the Supreme Court appointed water commission was ensuringmaking of regulations on sub soil water. The Regulations are made in exercise of the powers conferredunder section 16 of the KW&SB Act 1996. The Regulation introduces license regime for sub soil waterextraction and consumption by industrial consumers. It empowers the Board established underKW&SB Act 1996 to ask for carrying out hydrological study and tests to qualify for applying for thelicense. The Regulations prohibit transportation of extracted water through water tankers anddiscourages water extraction in excess. The Board retains power of inspection of the water abstractionfacility and cancellation of license in case of violation of the terms and conditions of the license.


GEMSEIA1450621POL Baseline Environment 4-1

an


This section gives the detailed description of the physical environmental conditions of the study area.The data collection techniques are combination of both primary and secondary means i.e., by fieldverifications, observations, sampling and monitoring which was supplemented by review of publishedliterature and previous EIA studies conducted in the surrounding areas of proposed project. The baselinedata defines and elaborates present physical environmental quality within the project surrounding.

Description of the environment of the Project requires baseline data on the existing resources of itsmicroenvironment and macro environment, including the following:

1. Physical Resources2. Ecological Resources3. Socioeconomic and Cultural Resources

A baseline survey was performed in the month of May 2021, in order to know the ground situationand available resources in and around project area.

Figure 4. 1: Surveys and Monitoring Map

4.2 PHYSICAL RESOURCES

The comprehension and evaluation of physical resources are very important before the installationand commissioning of the proposed Air Separation Unit at Port Qasim, Karachi. Proceeding sectionwill explain important elements of physical environment.

BASELINE ENVIRONMENT

CHAPTER

4



4.2.1 Climate

The climate of Karachi is characterized as hot and dry during summer, and mild during winter withheavy, sporadic, rainfall during the monsoon. As the city is located on the coast of Arabian Sea; ittends to have a moderate climate due to marine affects. In Karachi, the summers are hot, oppressive,arid, and windy; the winters are short, comfortable, and dry; and it is mostly clear year-round. Overthe course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 13°C to 35°C and is rarely below 10°C orabove 37°C.

The hot season lasts for 3.4 months, from March 31 to July 12, with an average daily high temperatureabove 33°C. The hottest day of the year is June 6, with an average high of 34°C and low of 29°C. Thecool season lasts for 1.9 months, from December 16 to February 12, with an average daily hightemperature below 27°C. The coldest day of the year is January 6, with an average low of 13°C andhigh of 26°C (Figure 4.2).

Figure 4. 2: Annual Mean Maximum and Minimum Temperature of Karachi

Source: Average Weather in Karachi, Pakistan, TCC (2020)

4.2.1.1 Precipitation

The rainfall in Karachi is extremely low and erratic; most of the rainfall is restricted to the summermonsoon months with sporadic rains during the winter. A wet day is one with at least 0.04 inches ofliquid or liquid-equivalent precipitation. The chance of wet days in Karachi varies throughout the year.The wetter season lasts 1.9 months, from July 5 to September 1, with a greater than 7% chance of agiven day being a wet day. The chance of a wet day peaks at 14% on July 29. The drier season lasts 10months, from September 1 to July 5. The smallest chance of a wet day is 0% on May 2.



The rainy period of the year lasts for 2.7 months, from June 24 to September 14, with a sliding 31-dayrainfall of at least 0.5 inches. The most rain falls during the 31 days centered around July 30, with anaverage total accumulation of 1.6 inches.

The rainless period of the year lasts for 9.3 months, from September 14 to June 24. The least rain fallsaround May 4, with an average total accumulation of 0.0 inches. The highest rainfall recorded inKarachi i.e. 205 mm in the months of August 2019 and 101 mm in July in 2020 (Figure 4.3).

Figure 4. 3: Mean Monthly Precipitation (mm) and Temperature of Karachi

Source: Average Weather in Karachi, Pakistan, TCC (2020)

4.2.1.2 Relative Humidity

Karachi experiences extreme seasonal variation in the perceived humidity. The humidity comfort levelis based on the dew point, as it determines whether perspiration will evaporate from the skin, therebycooling the body. Lower dew points feel drier and higher dew points feel more humid. Unliketemperature, which typically varies significantly between night and day, dew point tends to changemore slowly, so while the temperature may drop at night, a muggy day is typically followed by a muggynight.

Karachi experiences extreme seasonal variation in the perceived humidity. The muggier period of theyear lasts for 7.8 months, from March 14 to November 8, during which time the comfort level is muggy,oppressive, or miserable at least 27% of the time. The muggiest day of the year is July 25, with muggyconditions 100% of the time. The least muggy day of the year is January 18, with muggy conditions 2%of the time. (Figure 4.4).



Figure 4. 4: Monthly Relative Humidity of Karachi

Source: Average Weather in Karachi, Pakistan, Weather Spark (2020)

4.2.1.3 Wind Speed and Direction

The wind experienced at any given location is highly dependent on local topography and other factors,and instantaneous wind speed and direction vary more widely than hourly averages. The averagehourly wind speed in Karachi experiences significant seasonal variation over the course of the year.

The windier part of the year lasts for 5.1 months, from April 13 to September 17, with average windspeeds of more than 10.8 miles per hour. The windiest day of the year is June 29, with an averagehourly wind speed of 14.7 miles per hour. The calmer time of year lasts for 6.9 months, fromSeptember 17 to April 13. The calmest day of the year is November 26, with an average hourly windspeed of 6.9 miles per hour (Figure 4.5).

The wind velocity is high almost throughout the year. During summer it has direction from south-westto west' while in winter, it is from north to northeast and shifts southwest to west in the eveninghours. This high velocity wind usually carries sand and salt, resulting in severe corrosion and erosion.The predominant average hourly wind direction in Karachi varies throughout the year. The wind ismost often towards the west for 11 months, from January to November. The wind direction isobserved most often towards the West south west (WSW). Wind speed across the year found 10-15mph while in few months it cross 20-25mph (Figure 4.6).



Figure 4. 5: Wind Speed over the Entire Year

Source: Average Weather in Karachi, Pakistan, Weather Spark (2020)

Figure 4. 6: Wind Rose DiagramSource: Climate Karachi, Wind Alert (2021)

4.2.2 Topography

The city of Karachi has a land area of 3,640 km² and is located on the Arabian Seacoast in the extremesouth of Pakistan; the city is located at 24° 56' 46.3848'' North and 67° 0' 20.2140'' East. It is boundedby Jamshoro District in the northeast, Thatta District in the southeast, the Arabian Sea to the southand the Lasbela District of Balochistan Province to the west. The city represents quite a variety oftopographic features such as the sea coast, islands, sand dunes, swamps, semiarid regions, cultivatedfields, dry stream beds, sandy plains, hillocks.

The city of Karachi can be broadly divided into two parts; the hilly areas in the north and west and thecoastal area in the south-east. The hilly areas of Karachi are known to be the off-shoots of the Kirthar



Range. The highest point of these hills in Karachi is about 528m in the extreme north. These hilly areasare devoid of vegetation and have wide plains, dry riverbeds and water channels. Karachi has a longcoastline in the south. The famous sea beaches include Hawks Bay, Paradise Point, Sands Pit, andClifton. China Creek and Korangi Creek provide excellent calm water channels for rowing and otherwater activities. However, the proposed project, “Installation of a new 270 TPD Air Separation Unit islocated at Port Qasim, District Malir, Karachi. The proposed project area is surrounded by differenttypes of industries and warehouses. The proposed project area is a flat land with an elevation of 46 ft.above mean sea level. Elevation Map of the project site is shown in Figure 4.7.



Figure 4. 7: Topographic Map of Proposed Project Site



4.2.3 Geology and Soil of Project Area

Geology of Karachi is underlain a lower Indus basin described as Indus river alluvial zone of earlyEoicene age. Early deposition of sediments includes silt, sandstone, conglomerate and limestone withlow compact and cementing materials. Surface feature describe as syncline delta and valley regionand anticline ridges exposed.

Karachi and adjoining areas have plains, hills, rivers, valleys and coasts as diversified physical features.Rocks ranging in age from Eocene to recent, deposited under shallow marine to deltaic conditions areexposed. Karachi is a part of major synclinorium stretching from Ranpathani River in the east to CapeMonze in the west. Mehar and Mol mountains lie in the north. Karachi and its surrounded area areexposed by middle and upper tertiary rocks, shale-clay, sandstone and limestone. The lowest of thisexposure are sandstone and limestone of nari formation of Oligocene age. The underlying rocks aremostly of marine origin, highly folded, faulted and fissured everywhere. The rock type of proposedproject area is Miocene Sedimentary Rocks of Gaj Formations which includes shale, sandstone,limestone, some marl, gypsum and conglomerate (Figure 4.8).

The soil study was carried out by M/s. Soil Testing Services (STS) to identify the soil structure, textureand to evaluate the foundation design parameters. Drilling was performed using the rotary method.In order to ascertain the degree of compactness / consistency of overburden soil, soil quality standardpenetration tests (SPTs) were performed wherever found feasible. Moreover, core samples wereextracted using double tube core barrel. Selected soil samples were tested in the laboratory of ‘STS’for the evaluation of geo-engineering characteristics of subsoil materials.

The program of investigation for 270 TPD new Air Separation Unit is consisted of drilling fourboreholes; three up to the depth of 10.0 meters and one up to the depth of 15.0 meters below theexisting ground level Elevation of the drilling platform at each borehole point was noted with respectto the adjacent road level. The deposition of the area mainly consists of ‘dense to very dense, fine tocoarse grained, sand’, ‘very stiff to hard, fine to coarse grained sandy, silty, clay’ and ‘hard, clayey, silt’.Groundwater table was not encountered in any of the boreholes drilled at the site at the time of thisgeotechnical investigation.



Figure 4. 8: Geological Map of Karachi



4.2.4 Water and Wastewater Resources

This section discusses the ground water and freshwater resources of the proposed project area. Thedata has been supported with secondary literature, field sampling and surveys and the testing resultsof the water quality.

4.2.4.1 Surface Water Resources

Karachi City District does not have significant natural freshwater source of its own. The City has todepend for its supplies from the River Indus. The Indus River and Hub River are the main sources offresh Surface water for Karachi Division. The Indus River is 120 km to the East of Karachi city and theHub River is 22 Km from Karachi, a perennial stream that originates in Balochistan and marks theboundary between Karachi Division and Balochistan are the sources of fresh water and the residentsof Karachi get their water supply mainly from two sources; River Indus supplies up to 1,200 cusecsdaily equal to 645 Million Gallons per Day (MGD), and Hub dam supplies about 50 MGD. The Hub damsupply is rain fed so it fluctuates between 30 -75 MGD. The existing water supply network of Karachiis presented in Figure 4.9.

The Lyari and Malir Rivers that pass-through Karachi City do not have any natural flow, except duringthe monsoons. Malir River is ephemeral and is made up from two major tributaries, i.e., Mol andKhadeji as well as some minor tributaries. The Malir and Khadeji River basins include dry hill torrentsand flow depends upon precipitation during rains. Khadeji is a perennial stream that originates atKhadeji hills and gains flow during the rains as it travels across the Malir Basin. The flowing water islost upstream of its confluence with Mol.

The total estimated water supply to Karachi is about 2.27 million m3/d (500 MGD). Approximately 2.02million m3/d (445 MGD), which amounts to 89% of the total supply to Karachi is transported to thecity from the Kotri Barrage on the Indus River through a system of canals and conduits. The secondsource of surface water to Karachi is the dam on the Hub River located north of Karachi, which suppliesabout 0.13 million m3/d (29 MGD) of water to the city. In addition to these surface water sources, anestimated 0.09 million m3/d (20 MGD) is supplied from private and public groundwater wells in andaround Karachi. Except for a few Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) wells, all of which areconnected to the piped supply system, the water from the groundwater wells is distributed throughwater tankers to various parts of the city.



Figure 4. 9: Water supply network of Karachi citySource: Karachi Strategic Development Plan 2020 (2007)

4.2.4.2 Surface Drainage and Sewerage System

The drainage pattern of Karachi is dominated by dendritic. The surface drainage of Karachi City isdivided in four parts based upon surface runoff and streams flow.

- Malir River Basin

- Lyari River Basin

- Budnai Basin

- Coastal Basin

The Malir River basin and the Lyari River basin are two main basins which contribute about 80 percentof the surface runoff. The Budnai basin and the coastal basin are minor basins. Thus, the naturaldrainage system of Karachi City includes mainly the tributaries of the Malir and Lyari Rivers, both ofwhich share areas within the Project. While these are perennial streams, instream flow is intermittent,and freshwater inflow depends on rainfall and runoff; both rivers also intercept discharges from sewerlines and outfalls and carry sewage to the sea from all parts of the city. The Budnai Basin and theCoastal Basin are minor basins. The Malir River flows from the east towards the south and centre, andthe Lyari River stretches from north of the City to the southwest ending in the Arabian Sea. KarachiHarbour is another hydrographic landmark, and is a sheltered bay to the southwest of the city,protected from storms by Sandpit Beach, Manora Island and Oyster Rocks.



Drainage channels collect surface runoff through hundreds of small/large side channels and linednullahs (drains) that serve as important components of the drainage network. These are generally drybuilt channels and streambeds that flow into the main rivers described above. Whenever a heavy raintakes place, the huge amount of runoff that course through these channels may cause the rivers tooverflow their banks and spread over adjacent floodplains. In any event, the drainage network of thecity is severely stressed due to increased runoff from paved surfaces, and encroachment on drainagechannels. The Lyari River is an ephemeral stream having a substantial catchment area starting from asfar back as the Badra range of hills, some 100 km north of the city. Its catchment covers an area of 700km2, out of which approximately 150 km2 is in the metropolitan area.

The river is the main contributor to an estimated amount of 200 MGD of sewage that enters the ArabianSea. A large number of industries including leather tanning units, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals,refineries, chemical, textile, paper and pulp, engineering works and thermal power stations, locatedalong the river, regularly discharge their untreated industrial waste, including the waste flows from theSITE industrial estate in Orangi that flows via the Orangi Nala to the Lyari and thence to the ocean (Nergiset al., 2013). A range of contaminants affect the marine ecology along the coastal shelf.

Malir River is shorter with a smaller drainage area. It is ephemeral and is constituted from two majortributaries, the Mol and Khadeji, as well as some minor tributaries. Khadeji is a perennial stream thatoriginates at Khadeji falls and gains flow as it travels across the Malir Basin. The Malir and KhadejiRiver basins include dry hill torrents and flow depends upon precipitation during rains. Once the Malirenters urban space, it receives large amounts of industrial effluent from the Korangi industrial area,and discharges into the sea. Data by the World Bank (2006) report values of 650 and 1,250 mg-COD/Lfor the Lyari and Malir Rivers, respectively.

Figure 4. 10: Existing Sewerage and Drainage System of KarachiSource: Orangi Pilot Project (2005)



4.2.5 Environmental Analysis

Environmental analysis is a tool that helps us to evaluate the external and internal elements which areresponsible to pollute the atmosphere, water body and other environmental settings. Whereas, otherenvironmental analysis includes ecological survey, soil/subsoil analysis, vegetation/trees identificationsurvey and utilize remote sensing technique to assess the surrounding environment of the area. Forenvironmental analysis, five point identified for air and noise monitoring, one raw water sample werecollected from proposed project surrounding, monitoring can be seen in Figure 4.11.

Figure 4. 11: Team Performing Environmental Monitoring

4.2.5.1 Ambient Air Quality & Noise Level

Air pollution has a direct impact on the health of humans and the environment. Different emissionscan cause effect the air quality. Subsequent to the air quality baseline parameters subjected tomonitoring, primary baseline data was compiled by mobilizing Global Environmental Laboratory (GEL)team of Environmental Sampling and Monitoring (ESM). The ESM team carried out ambient air qualitymonitoring and sampling at five different locations within and outside of the proposed project siteand GPS coordinates have been recorded at all locations (Figure 4.12).

Table 4. 1: Ambient Air Quality and Noise Level Monitoring Results

S.No Parameters UnitsSEQSLimits

Location 1 Location 2 Location 3 Location 4 Location 5

1 Carbon monoxide (CO) mg/m3 10 0.3 0.6 0.7 .5 0.4

2 Ozone (O3) ug/m3 130 13 14 15 14 15

3 Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) ug/m3 120 57 73 61 72 65

4 Sulphur dioxide (SO2) ug/m3 120 6 10 8 10 7

5 Particulate Matter (SPM) ug/m3 500 162 283 185 297 180



S.No Parameters UnitsSEQSLimits

Location 1 Location 2 Location 3 Location 4 Location 5

6 Particulate Matter (PM10) ug/m3 150 93 116 96 94 95

7Particulate Matter(PM2.5)

ug/m3 75 52 66 60 59 53

8Volatile OrganicCompound (VOC)

ppb ….. 0 0 0 0 0

9 Noise dB 75 63.6 73.9 72.1 65.4 66.7

10 Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) ug/m3 80 34 42 40 37 34

11 Nitrogen Oxide ug/m3 40 23 31 28 32 30

Location 1: Proposed Project Area Site (South Side,) Lat: 24.793859, Long: 67.394046

Location 2: On main access road to POL (In front of POL), Lat: 24.792853, Long: 67.394124

Location 3: Proposed Project Area Site (North Side) Lat: 24.796769, Long: 67.393456

Location 4: Backside of the Project site (North Side- Barren Land), Lat: 24.798466, Long: 67.394046

Location 5: On the main access road to POL near Lotte Chemical Pak Ltd., Lat: 24.790333, Long: 67.391528

Key Observations on Ambient Air Quality

The key observations of primary data collected for the different sampling points are as follows:

- All the ambient air quality parameters monitored at five different locations were observed to bewithin the SEQS limits.

- Ambient air quality and pollutant’s concentration in proposed project locations and itssurrounding was observed to be clean and all the parameters monitored here were well withinthe SEQS limits. One of the reasons behind clean air quality with less concentrations for eachpollutant i.e., CO, O3, NOx, SO2, SPM, PM2.5, PM10, NO, and NO2 at monitoring locations wasobserved to be fresh sea breeze, which dilutes air pollution.



Figure 4. 12: Environmental Monitoring and Sampling Map



4.2.5.2 Ground Water Resources

Groundwater resources in Karachi area are limited. The aquifers close to the coastal belt are mostlysaline and unusable for domestic purposes. The aquifers near the Hub River bed were well developedand remained a source of water for agriculture and other domestic purposes until the constructionand commissioning of Hub Dam in 1981.The aquifers that were estimated to lie at depths of 50-100m have gone deep down and most wells along the Hub River have dried up.

Groundwater sources: Karachi city falls in a dry and arid zone with scanty and intermittent rainfall withprolonged period of drought. The groundwater exists in the river basins within the alluvial deposits ofQuaternary age and Manchar conglomerate, sandstone, Gaj sandstone, limestone, Nari sandstone andsilica sand.

Groundwater aquifer is available at different depths of different strata. Semi artesian condition hasalso been identified in deeper confined aquifers. The depths of aquifers and the water table in Karachirange from 20 feet (6 m) to 300 feet (91 m) below ground surface. The groundwater is rechargedmainly by precipitation in the watershed of the basins. Since the major streams and nallahs areephemeral in nature, most of the precipitation is lost through surface runoff. Some of this waterpercolates into the subsoil strata and contributes to recharge of groundwater. At present, thegroundwater is withdrawn from the open wells and tube wells. About 1000 existing dug wells and tubewells are provided with centrifugal or submersible pumps. The average pumping discharge of thesewells has been estimated at 80 gallons per minute (363 liter/min) that amounts to a discharge of 53cusecs (1.5 m3/sec.) against an estimated recharge of 91 cusecs (2.6 m3/sec.). The balance ofapproximately 38 cusecs (1.1 m3/sec.) represents a rough assessment of the present potentialavailability of groundwater sources. This quantity is partly represented in groundwater flows forsprings, evaporation, evapo-transpiration and base flows of sub-soil storage. In the past, ground waterat Dumlottee location was a major source of water for Karachi. The Khadeji, Thaddo Nallah, Moletributary are the main sources of recharge to the Malir Basin area. However, with the passage of timeand due to excessive lifting of sand from Malir River bed along with extensive use of ground water byfarmers, the water table has gone deep down to 100 to 150 ft. Moreover, as Management of PakistanOxygen Limited (POL) has already completed geotechnical investigation of the proposed site, whichrevealed groundwater table was not encountered in any of the boreholes drilled at the site at the timeof this geotechnical investigation.

Water Quality Analysis

Raw water sample was collected from the proposed project area (Figure 4.12). To analyze the qualityof this raw water, analysis of several parameters was performed for the collected sample asrecommended by Sindh Environmental Quality Standards. The chemical analysis has been conductedand compared with the SEQS 2016 (Table 4.2).



Table 4. 2: Chemical analysis results of Wastewater

S. No. Parameter Units SEQS Results Method

1 Sulphate mg/lSea

Concentration 57 Hach Method 8501

2 Bicarbonate mg/l - 145.82 APHA 23200 B

3 Residual Chlorine mg/l 1.0 0.01 Hach Method 8021

4 Nitrate mg/l - 0.5 Hach Method 8171

5 Nitrite mg/l - 0.006 Hach Method 8507

6 Fluoride mg/l 10 0.40 Hach Method 8029

7 pH Value …. 6-9 6.8 pH meter

8 Chloride mg/lSea

Concentration 111.81 APHA 4500 CI B

9 Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 3500 570 APHA 2540 C

10 Total Suspended Solids mg/l 200 <1 Hach Method 8006

11 Total Hardness mg/l - 201.16 APHA 2340 C

Key Observations on Raw water Quality

- All the raw water quality parameters monitored were observed to be within the SEQS limits.

4.2.6 Natural Hazard

The city has historically suffered from many natural disasters. The high level of risk is mainly fromurban floods, heavy rains, cyclones, seawater intrusion, droughts, earthquakes, epidemics etc. Thecity Hazard Profile states that urban Flooding has been reported as the most frequent and damagingnatural hazard which mostly occurs at regular intervals during the monsoon seasons. Karachi is proneto flash floods, urban floods, tropical cyclone, and Tsunami. The multi-hazard map that takes intoaccount various natural hazards identifies this area as earthquake dominant. Hence it verifies that theprobability of occurrence of a specific natural hazard is correctly shown in the Figure 4. 13.



Figure 4. 13: Classification of multi-hazard zoning map

4.2.6.1 Seismic Hazard

Pakistan is located at the hub of three seismic plate boundaries as, Indian Plate (east), Eurasian Plate(West) and Arabian Plate (South). First two are continental plates while third is an oceanic plate. Indianplate activates and subdue into north of Pakistan caused formation of Himalayan and Karakorammountain range along subduction boundary MBT (Main Boundary Thrust), Arabian plate subductioninto Eurasian plate along coastal line of Makran, Baluchistan. Being located close to the collisionboundary of the Indian and Eurasian plates, Pakistan lies in a seismically active zone. Pakistan islocated in the Indus-Tsangpo Suture Zone, which is roughly 200 km north of the Himalaya Front and isdefined by an exposed ophiolite chain along its southern margin. This region has the highest rates ofseismicity and largest earthquakes in the Himalaya region, caused mainly by movement on thrustfaults. Seismic zone mapping of Pakistan has divided the country into four seismic zones ranging interm of major, moderate, minor and negligible zones with respect to ground acceleration values.

According to Building Code of Pakistan, Seismic Provision 2007, the proposed project area lies in Zone2B which has moderate damaging effects with peak horizontal ground acceleration of 0.16 to 0.24 g(Figure 4. 14.14).

NHDA : No Hazard Dominated Areas

EHDA: Earthquake Hazard Dominated Areas

FHDA : Flood Hazard Dominated Areas

CHDA : Combined Hazard Dominated Areas



Figure 4. 14: Seismic Zoning Map of Pakistan Showing Proposed Project Area



4.2.6.2 Floods

Pakistan is one of the five South Asian countries with the highest annual average number of peoplephysically exposed to floods, which occur normally due to storm systems that originate from Bay ofBengal during the monsoon from July to September. The storms originating in Bay of Bengal passingover lower Central India and Rajputana enter Pakistan and continue towards North into Kashmir. Themountain ranges in the extreme north of Pakistan provide a perennial source of inflow into the rivers.Floods particularly hit Punjab and Sindh while hill torrents tend to affect the hilly areas of NorthWestern Frontier Province (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Balochistan and the northern federallyadministered areas. Flood events of 1950, 1992 and 1998 caused many deaths and huge losses to thenational economy. According to official sources, floods in Pakistan during the decade 1991 to 2001caused an estimated damage of over Pak Rs. 78,000 million to property. Concomitant with the riverinefloods during the summer monsoons, flash floods and land slide hazards occur frequently in themountainous north along watersheds. Flash floods also occur in upper plains adjacent to rivercatchment areas. Rising incidence of loss of life and property indicates relative un-preparedness tosuch hazards.

Karachi, due to its large and dense population faces the risk of water accumulation in the populationcenters. Urban floods – due to excessive rains - have adversely affected Karachi’s city population. In1966 and 1977, it has led to considerable damage. Karachi is a densely populated area that is why rainfloods of even a small scale can adversely affect the communication, transportation and publicinfrastructure networks. Currently considerable human settlements (especially slums and katchiabadis) are prone to fluvial, storm and water flooding risk. Other than the ‘Malir River Embankment’,there is no provision for flood defenses. Drainage system is such that it cannot accommodateprolonged rains and drains get blocked due to clogging. Moreover, sensitive national installations andsignificant human settlements (especially fishing communities) are exposed to tidal flooding.According National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the proposed project area falls inmedium flood hazard zone where the chances of urban flooding/ water logging are high duringmonsoon spell due to moderate to heavy rainfall (Figure 4.15). According to Pakistan MeteorologicalDepartment, Karachi has received 223.5mm of rain in just 12 hours on Thursday (August 27, 2020)alone, the highest amount of rain ever recorded in a single day in the city. Downpours in August haveshattered 89-year-old records for the city and 484mm (19 inches) of rain has fallen this month so far.Moreover, rainfall of as little as 50mm (two inches) could easily cause urban flooding in some ofKarachi's low-lying areas, whereas, more downpour may easily exceed that across the city1.

1 https://www.dawn.com/news/1576214https://www.dawn.com/news/1576736/at-least-19-killed-amid-urban-flooding-in-parts-of-karachi-as-incessant-rain-wreaks-havoc



Figure 4. 15: Flood Hazard Map of proposed Project Area



4.3 ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Appropriate knowledge of Ecological resources is important to document the existing environment.Hence, the proper documentation of the state of present ecological conditions of the proposed projectthat is highly significant to observe the impacts of this project on the indigenous environment. Thissection accounts the detailed description of the existing environmental conditions of the study area.The proposed project area under consideration was evaluated for its potential impact on Biodiversityand ecosystem in short and long terms scenarios. For this specific purpose, the data collectiontechniques are in combination of both primary data collection and secondary data through rigorousliterature review. Furthermore, Information were collected from Remote Sensing data, fieldverifications and photographic documentation in the field (Figure 4.16). Experts in the field of spatialecology were engaged in the project area and its immediate vicinities. The floral and faunal diversitieswere determined by observations in and around study which was under focus through establishedtechniques of ecology. A hand-held GPS was used to document significant ecological habitats and itsassociated flora and fauna. Data were further supplemented by secondary means, which includedreview of published literature and previous IEE/EIA reports, conducted in the proposed projectsurrounding areas. The base line data defines and elaborates the present ecological environmentalquality and features of the proposed project surroundings.

4.3.1 Methodology

To study the biological environment of the project area review of previously conducted EIA studies inthe project surrounding were reviewed. This review was supplemented by on spot field visits fordeveloping a detailed biological baseline by identifying key floral and faunal species of the project areaalong with their appropriate ecological habitats.

Primary data for flora and fauna were collected at different sampling locations within the proposedproject area. In order to study the avifaunal diversity of the proposed project area individual counttechnique was also used by using Zoom Camera spotting technique with the help of Sony DSC-WX350camera during field surveys and the identified species were immediately recorded and reportedaccordingly. However, it is important to note that most of the avifaunal species were reported afterthe detailed literature review and previously conducted EIA studies in the proposed project area.Anecdotal information regarding specific mammals was collected from the local people and relevantliterature was also consulted.



Figure 4. 16: Ecological Survey Map of proposed Project Area



4.3.2 Ecology of the Project Site

Ecology of the project area is important to evaluate the impacts of the project in construction andoperational stages. The Comprehension of the ecosystem is essential for the development ofecological profile of the area. This existing knowledge of the ecology is quite significant both at theconstruction and operational phases of the project. This section specifically provides the details ofmain ecological habitat, associated flora and prominent fauna found in the study area. Project lieswithin the premises of Port Qasim, Bin Qasim Town, District Malir of Karachi.

4.3.2.1 The Habitat:

For the evaluation of the habitat in and around project site, both high-resolution satellite imageries andin-situ observations were used to document the main surroundings of the project area. The GeoEyesatellite imageries mainly captured with the help of Google-Earth. The project site is absolutely flat, andsurroundings of the project site are also relatively leveled. Topographically, the project area is showingno variation of the relief. The proposed project site is situated within the existing Pakistan OxygenLimited facility in the eastern zone of Port Qasim, Karachi. Some nearby open plots provide the habitatfor wild vegetation. The vegetation is scarce in and around the proposed plot only having some chunksof wild vegetation are dominant.

4.3.2.2 Flora

Flora provides the basic ingredients of the eco-system. Generally, the flora of an area is the sum of theplant species in an area. "Flora" refers to the species composition of the vegetation, whereas,the vegetation of an area is the total plant cover of that area (CRC, 2004). More specifically, flora ofthe proposed site mainly comprised of some trees, shrubs and few grass covers. The proposed projectarea sustains a semi-arid environment with high humidity. Few species of plants were observed withinthe vicinity of the proposed project area while the dominant plant species includes Acacia nilotica,Azadirachta indica, Conocarpus erectus, Ziziphus nummularia, Prosopis juliflora, Nerium oleander andCalotropis procera, Ricinus communis, Calotropis gigantea. Most dominating plants found in the areaare prosopis juliflora and concarpus both exotic species are with very high number of counts. Othercommon plant species were recorded as shown in Figure 4.17.

Table 4. 3: List of Flora Observed During Survey and Conservation Status

S.No Scientific Name English Name/Common Name IUCN Conservation Status

1. Azadirachta indica Neem LC

2. Acacia nilotica Babul LC

3. Nerium oleander Kaner LC

4. Prosopis juliflora Devi LC

5. Conocarpus erectus Buttonwood LC

6. Calotropis procerica Apple of sodom LC

7. Phargmitis karka Tall Reed / Doka-ghas LC



8. Ziziphus nummularria Jharberi LC

9. Ricinus communis Castor oil plant LC

10. Calotropis gigantea Calotropis gigantea LC

Figure 4. 17: Structure of the Red List Categories and the five Red List Criteria (Source: IUCN)

Figure 4. 18: Dominant Floral Species around Project Area



4.3.2.3 Fauna

Because of industrial area, there are no human settlements in the immediate surrounding of theproposed project area so no pet animals found in the surroundings but wild animal species wereobserved. Sporadic flora of the area provides few opportunities for fauna to exist in small numbers.Proposed project site is located in highly semi-arid environment with quite extensive humaninterventions. Moreover, it is important to note that most of the faunal species were reported afterthe detailed literature review and previously conducted ecological studies in the proposed projectarea. Furthermore, area search method was selected to observe birds, mammals and reptiles in thearea. This method involves searching a set area and recording data only from within the pre-definedsearch zone. The area is usually covered by walking a route which is entirely flexible, but in some casesparallel, equally spaced transects are used to ensure complete coverage of the area. Similarly,anecdotal information regarding specific mammals were collected from the local people and relevantliterature was also reviewed. Active searching was carried out in sampling areas with a focus on theirmicrohabitats. Detailed sampling protocol and method is outlined below after brief description of thespecies and list of identified avifauna, mammals and reptile species of the proposed project area. Dueto extension of industrial buildings, reptile species and traces of their habitats were not observed inthe project area.

The impoverished as well as degraded environment resulting from non-availability of surface as wellas groundwater and discharge of untreated wastewater into Lyari and Malir Rivers has irreversiblyreduced the biodiversity of the indigenous as well as introduced vegetation and hence it offers verylittle chance for the survival/growth of fauna in the macro-environment of Karachi City District. Thereare even otherwise no habitats of large and small animals, birds or reptiles within Karachi. Domesticlivestock, particularly goats, sheep and camels, are found grazing in the suburban towns. Wateravailability is the main constraint for the distribution of many animal species.

4.3.2.4 Avifauna

In order to study the avifaunal diversity of the project area individual count technique was used duringfield surveys and the identified species were immediately recorded and reported accordingly, mainlydocumented through Sony DSC-WX350 camera. The Limited number of species were recorded duringthe survey and species identified in the proposed project area are of less ecological importance. Out ofrecorded birds, none of the species are protected under the Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance (SWPO)and IUCN Red List 2006 as Near Threatened (NT). The most common birds’ species in the area are Crows,Red vented Bulbul, Common Mynah, Koel, Pigeons, Doves and house Sparrows.



Table 4. 4: List of Birds Observed During Survey and their Conservation Status

S. No. English Name Scientific Name IUCN Conservation Status

1 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis LC

2 Asian Dove Spilopelia chinensis LC

3 House Sparrow Passer domesticus LC

4 White Eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis LC

5 Crow Corvus splendens LC

6 Rock Pigeon Columba livia LC

7 Kites Milvus milvus NT

8 Red Vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer LC

9 Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus LC

Figure 4. 19: Dominant Avifaunal Species around Project Area



4.3.2.5 Mammals

Direct count method was adopted to identify total number of identified species during the ecological/baseline surveys. The proposed project area sustains few domesticated mammals such as: Dogs,Sheep, Goats, and Donkey are the common species of the area. None of the species recorded isprotected, threatened or included in the IUCN appendices. The list of identified mammals is presentedbelow in Table 4.5 and Figure 4.20.

Table 4. 5: List of Mammals Observed During Survey

S. No. English Name Scientific Name IUCN Conservation Status

1 Dog Ovis ariesNot Defined

Common in project area

2 Buffalow Bubalus bubalis LC

3 Goat Capra aegagrus hircus LC

4 Cat Felis catus …

Figure 4. 20: Mammals around Project Area



4.4 SOCIOECONOMIC RESOURCES

4.4.1 Land Cover and Land Use

Land use and Land cover (LULC) composition and itschange are the substantial factors having direct influenceon urban ecological systems and conditions. The city ofKarachi has been through a stringent urbanization duringlast two decades and many studies have been performedfor its LULC analysis.

The Karachi Strategic Development Plan 2020 (KSDP-2020,August 2007) indicated that Karachi's area covers varioustypes of land uses, while the Infrastructure such as Roads,Airport occupies 26%. Industrial and Government officeland use is 11%. The area percentage is less than around2% for both commercial and mixed land use2. Land useand land cover pattern of Karachi has been presented inTable 4.6.

The city of Karachi has grown from the old town and theport at the sea outwards along radial avenues that connectall city segments to the port. There are a few means ofcircumferential movements. The CBD of Karachi, located inSaddar, Jamshed and Keamari towns, represents a hugeconcentration of retail trade establishments, wholesalemarkets, warehouses, business offices, banks, financial andcommercial institutions, transport terminals like truck and bus stands, etc. More than 50 percent of thecity’s jobs or employments are found in this section of the inner city. Since the CBD is the most preferredlocation for most businesses, there is heavy pressure for commercial space. As a result, congestion,overcrowding, and heavy traffic movements, punctuated by regular traffic jams and air pollution, areprevalent features. De-congestion of the CBD and a few adjoining parts poses a challenge that wouldrequire a well thought out strategic initiative involving a major regeneration and upgradation scheme toensure convenient access, safe, undisturbed pedestrian movements, healthy or pollution-freeenvironment and increased commercial space through well designed/regulated densification. The innercity is manifestly the historic Karachi, containing, as it does, its proud possession of an array of historicstructures, the heritage buildings, protected and preserved under the Sindh Cultural Heritage Act 1994.Along the Bundar Road, stand the oldest Mandir, the Mereweather Tower, the KMC Building, Khaliq DinaHall, the old Sindh Assembly Building, whereas the Lea Market, Spencer Eye Hospital, and residentialquarters of Napier Street and Pakistan Chowk mark the historic quarters of the city. Conservation of thehistoric buildings and building a compatible environment around them must be an essential componentof urban renewal schemes for regeneration of the inner city.3

2People and the Land Empowering Communities for Social Justice Rural Karachi - A Case Study3 Karachi Strategic Development Plan 2020

LAND COVER

The physical land type on thesurface of the earth.

Land cover data documents howmuch of a region is covered byforests, wetlands, impervioussurfaces, agriculture, andother land and water types.

LAND USE

Land use describes how the landcover is modified.

There are many types of land use:

- Recreational -, non-essentialslike parks.

- Transport - roads, railways,and airports.

- Agricultural - farmland.

- Residential - housing.

- Commercial - businesses andfactories.



Table 4. 6: Land Cover Pattern of Karachi

Categories Area(ha) Area (%)

Residential 32,600 41%

Commercial 1,100 1%

Mixed Land Use 1,700 2%

Industrial 8,800 11%

Govt. office 8,800 11%

Urban facility 2,600 3%

Infrastructure 20,400 26%

Parks 1,800 2%

Restricted Area 1,800 2%

Total 79,600 100%

Figure 4. 21: Future Land use Pattern of Karachi, 2030

Source: Karachi Transportation Improvement Project



The proposed site is an open plot with in the Pakistan Oxygen Limited’s facility, and has very littlehabitation or vegetation and can be considered as a vacant land. Though its immediate surroundingsare covered with plant vegetation. Prominent industries like, Pakistan International Bulk TerminalIndustries (PIBT) Engro Vopak Terminal Limited (EVTL), Pakistan International Bulk Terminal (PIBT),Fauji Oil Terminal Company (FOTCO) and Multi-Purpose Berths etc. are located on the South WesternZone of Port Qasim. However industries such as, Trans Asia Refinery Limited, 1320 MW Coal PowerPlant of Port Qasim Electric Supply Company (PQEPC), Engro Polymers, Engro Zarkhez, Tuwairqi SteelMills Limited, KE Bin Qasim Power Station-I, II and III (BQPS) and Lotte Chemicals Pakistan Limited, etc.located near the project area comes under the Eastern Industrial Zone of PQA.

4.4.2 Settlements

The proposed project lies in an industrial area, so there are no as such settlements in the immediatevicinity of the proposed project. But in some residential areas where both upper and middle classpopulation of the city is living. Gulshan-e-Hadeed and Steel Town are two main residential areaslocated about 8 to 10 km away from the proposed project area. Cattle colony is the center of cattleand meat trade in Karachi. Cattle Colony is the dairy products supply hub for Karachi. Small Goths suchas Rehri Goth and Lath Basti sustains a major chunk of lower middle and lower class fishingcommunities. These communities are located about 12 to 15 km away from proposed project site onthe North Western Zone of PQA.

4.4.3 Communication Network

Karachi District covers an area of 3,527 Sq. Km and is served by a well-established network of majorroads. According to the KSDP-2020, the total length of roads in Karachi City is approximately 10,000 km.By type of road, local roads account for 93%. The combined length of expressways, principal arterialroads and minor arterial roads is less than 5% of the total. The main seaport at Karachi i.e., Karachi Port,is the main point from where, all the major roads originate. As a principal seaport of Pakistan, almost allthe upcountry commercial traffic is routed through Karachi. In order to control this commercial traffic, amega project of Lyari Expressway was also constructed which has ameliorated the traffic burden. Stillthere is a traffic burden on the road infrastructure of Karachi city, for that Local Government Department('LGD'), Government of Sindh intends to develop the Malir Expressway which will be a 4-lane dualizedexpressway along the Malir River from Hino Chowk near KPT Flyover to Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway(M-9) near Kathore via link road. The total length of the Malir Expressway will be 39.3 km. The proposedexpressway will provide a new southern alternative route for carrying port traffic and traffic fromindustrial areas to main highways. The Expressway will provide speedy access to key real estate schemesalong the route, reducing commuting time from KPT Flyover to Super highway (M-9) to only 25minutes.4. Route map of proposed Malir Expressway is shown in Figure 4.22 Total road length of theMalir district is 2688.43 Kilometers. The District Malir comprises about 4423 km of roads, the proposedproject surrounding is less populated but it is busy industrial area of Karachi city. The PQA administrationis working on the development and maintenance of roads and infrastructures and has led to thedevelopment of new roads and traffic networks in the jurisdiction. As far as the transportation modesare concerned, near main railway stations in the proposed project area are Bin Qasim railway station,Landhi Railway Station, Badal Nala Railway Station, Malir Cantt Station and Drigh Colony Railway Station.

4 Malir Expressway Project-MEW



Figure 4. 22: Route map of proposed Malir Expressway



Table 4. 7: Existing Road Network of Karachi City

Source: Pakistan Emergency Situational Analysis, District Karachi (2015)

Considerable Major Access Routes to The Proposed Project Area

Identification Total Length Status

National Highway N5 About 1819 km Operational

Port Qasim Road About 23.5 km Operational

Motorway M9 via eastern Bypass About 136 km Operational

4.4.3.1 Major Roads Linked with Proposed Project Area

The proposed project can be accessed through mentioned roads National Highway N5, Port QasimRoad, Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway M9, Landhi road, Pakistan Steel Port road, Eastern Bypass,Shahrah-e-Faisal, Main Korangi Road, Malir Cantt Road.

Figure 4. 23: Transportation Modes around Proposed Project Area

Roads Total Length (KM)

Expressway 77.17

Principal Road 265.90

Minor Roads 169.90

Collector Streets 234.20

Local Streets 9,197.70

Total 9,944.87



Figure 4. 24: Road Network around Proposed Project Area



4.4.4 Fire Stations in Project Area

Fire brigade system, Port Qasim Authortiy is responsible for the operation of fire rescue in projectarea. During the field surveys and consultations it was revealed that the project area has three majorfire brigade stations within the range of approximately 0.5 km to 15 km. Details of distance andlocation are given in Table 4.8 and fire stations are shown in Figure 4.25.

Table 4. 8: Details of nearest Fire Stations

S.No. Nearest Fire Station LocationApproximateDistance (km)

01 LOTTE Chemicals FireStation

Eastern Industerial Zone، EZ/1-P-4 PortQasim Rd, Karachi, Karachi, Sindh. 0.5 km

02 Port Qasim Authority FireStation Port Qasim Bin Qasim Town, Karachi, Sindh 5.5 km

03 Fire Station Cattle colony Shah Latif Town, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 15 km

Figure 4. 25: Fire Stations Near to Proposed Project Area

4.4.5 Health Care Facilities

Only few hospitals and health care facilities are available within the proposed project area. In additiononly one hospital is well equipped within the Bin Qasim Town namely Pakistan Steel Hospital. Thishospital has a capacity of about 100 beds. This hospital can only accommodate approximately oneHundred serious patients at a time which is comparatively low as compared to the existing populationof Bin Qasim Town. The hospital is located on National Highway near Steel Town, which wasestablished to facilitate the local community. The residents of nearby Goths of the proposed projectsites have only one public health facility namely Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Dispensary, which is a publicfacility. Other health facilities in the surrounding towns include Al-Hadeed Medical Centre, Child andMother Clinic and Family Health Care Hospitals. Major contagious diseases in the area were observed



to be GIT “Gastro Intestinal Tract Infections” and respiratory tract diseases due to the unavailabilityof clean drinking water and emissions of industries at Port Qasim and Pakistan Steel Mill

4.4.6 Socioeconomic Activities

The proposed project area sustains variety of livelihood opportunities for the residents of the vicinityas well as other parts of the city. The livelihood opportunities in the project area can be broadlyclassified as; the fishing and non-fishing communities

4.4.7 The Fishing Communities of the Project Area

Fishing communities are those who are engaged in fishing as amajor source of their livelihood, these communities are locatedon the northwestern side of the port Qasim at distance of about10 km away from the proposed project site. These communitiesare a group of diverse community who resides on the seashoreof Rehri Goth, Lath Basti, and Ibrahim Haidiri, most of thembelong to the Baloch khaskhali tribe, and they totally rely on themangroves forest for hunting of fish, crabs and shrimps. IbrahimHaidiri and Rehri Goth are the two biggest fishing communitiesof the proposed project site almost 90% of the fishing communities are directly or indirectly attachedwith fishing business in the form of net forming, boats and ships building, fisheries, selling fishes inthe local as well as in international markets. The fishing communities are also engaged withecotourism as many local tourists visit the creeks for recreational activities as well as for fishing, thesesites are playing an important role for the nature explorer to explore the beauty of mangroves andother aquatic flora and fauna. The mangroves and migratory birds of the creeks provide fun to thevisitors and nature lovers.

4.4.8 The Non Fishing Communities of the Project Area

The communities located near the proposed project area were categorized as ‘Non-FishingCommunities and belong to lower income class as their livelihood mainly depends on daily wages andlabor in the industries located in PQA industrial and commercial zones, towns of Gharo, Dhabeji, andKarachi city. On the other side, most of the people living in Steel Town belong to higher and middleincome class. These people are engaged with Pakistan Steel Mills while some of the people living nearthe proposed project area are working on the port, the rest of the population is working in differentindustrial units of North-western, south-western and eastern part of Port Qasim. Livelihood of thepeople living in these areas is different from the residents of central city. The residents of Gulshan-e-Hadeed and other developed towns of the proposed project area are usually engaged in private andgovernment jobs within and outside the city. The Higher Income class of the proposed project area ismostly engaged with businesses and working in private and public sectors.

ESTIMATED POPULATION OFFISHING COMMUNITIES

Village Name PopulationRehri Goth 4450Lat Basti 3000Ibrahim Hyderi 150,000

Source: EIA, Global Energy Holding, 2012


GEMSEIA1450621POL Socio-Economic Environment 5-1


The main objective of public consultation and disclosure is todisseminate information about the project and its expectedimpact on the primary and secondary stakeholders.Stakeholder consultation is a means of involving all primaryand secondary stakeholders in the project’s decision-makingprocess in order to address their concerns, improve projectdesign, and give the project legitimacy. Stakeholderconsultation, if conducted in a participatory and objectivemanner, is a means of enhancing project sustainability. Publicconsultation is an important component of EIA report thatgives strength to the stakeholders, self-assurance andpossession. As discussed the EIA of the proposed project isundertaken in compliance with relevant national andinternational legislation, therefore, stakeholder consultations have been done in accordance with theenvironmental and social safeguards mandated under IFC performance standards (PS), World BankOperational Policies and Bank Procedures (OP/BP), and Sindh IEE/EIA Regulations, 2014 provides thegeneral requirements whereas the sectoral guidelines indicating specific assessment requirements areprovided in the Guidelines for Public Consultation 1997.

The perception of people regarding development of proposed project is very important. The futuresuccess and sustainability of the project depends on participation of local communities and concerneddepartments. It also develops awareness in local people about the future development strategies. Ateam of experts comprising of sociologist and environmentalists that were familiar with the area andlocal languages carried out a comprehensive study of socio-economic and cultural environment of theproposed project surrounding. Experts provided information in a form that can be easily understoodby a layman, and allowed sufficient time to stakeholders to read, discuss and consider the informationand its implications as they can present their views. Additionally, this section of EIA clearly describesthe issues raised by the stakeholders during different consultation meetings conducted specifically forthis assignment. Informal key meetings with the primary and secondary stakeholders were carried outwhich was primarily focused on determining the perceptions of the following key stakeholders:

Public Sector / Governmental departments

Service Departments

Local Community

SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

CHAPTER

5

KEY FEATURES OF SOCIO -ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT

Administrative Setup

Demographic

Amenities

Health

Education

livelihood

Law and Order (Security)

Economics



Consultations with the Project stakeholders were conducted in the month of May 2021. Many peoplewere consulted to make them aware about proposed Air Separation Unit Project and they gave theirfeedback through a planned questionnaire. Their views about positive and negative impacts of projectand others factors that exist within and outside the socio-economic framework determines their levelof cooperation for the project. The socioeconomic baseline information has also been gathered withthe help of questionnaires and summarizes the main issues of surrounding settlements (Figure 5.1).The SEPA requires one or more public hearings to be held to assess public opinion on theenvironmental impacts of the Project, after submission of the final report.



Figure 5. 1: Socio-economic Survey Map showing Consulted Stakeholders



The socio-economic assessment is focused on evaluation of population, languages, literacy rate,educational facilities, health facilities, diseases, available utilities, access to social amenities, road access,occupational statistics, water resources and basic needs of the people living in the area. The informationgained, helped in the measurement and determination of the impacts (positive and negative) on socialservices, livelihood and cultural pattern of the population under study. The overall objectives of theprocess were identified as follows:

To delineate the appropriate boundaries of the environmental assessment and social issues;

To inform and acquire feedback from primary and secondary stakeholders on proposedproject activities;

To gain the consent of all the primary and secondary stakeholders for carrying out proposedproject activities;

To identify potential issues and mitigation measures;

To incorporate stakeholders concerns in the project documents;

To identify the negative impacts due to the project execution; and

To identify project affected regarding replacement of land, resettlement and structures ifneeded.

5.2 ADMINISTRATIVE SETUP OF THE PROJECT AREA

The proposed project lies in the jurisdiction of Port QasimAuthority (PQA), Bin Qasim Town, District Malir, Karachi. PQAwas established on June 29, 1973 and it is the second deep-sea industrial commercial port operating in Karachi. This Portis situated in Indus delta region at a distance of about 28nautical miles in the south-east of Karachi. Port Qasim isgeographically located on the trade route of Arabian Gulf.Malir District is an administrative district of Karachi Divisionin Sindh, Pakistan. Population of this district according toCenses 2017 is 2,008,901 and Subdivisions of the districtincludes Airport, Bin Qasim, Gadap, Ibrahim Hyderi, MuradMemon, and Shah Mureed. The administrative setup map ofthe proposed project area is given in Figure 5.2. Major industrial areas in close proximity of theproposed project includes southwestern and North Western Industrial zone of PQA which houses asizeable number of industries in its surrounding. Port Qasim Authority is the main administrative bodyof the town comprising of 7 UCs (Union Councils). Figure 5.3 represents the administrative setup of theproject surroundings.

UNION COUNCILS IN BIN QASIMTOWN

Cattle Colony

Gaghar

Gulshan-e-Hadeed

Ibrahim Hyderi

Landhi Colony

Quaidabad

Rehri



Figure 5. 2: Administrative Setup of Proposed Project Area



Figure 5. 3: Administrative Setup of the Project Surroundings



5.3 ISSUES OF THE AREA

This section of the report discusses the prevailing issues of the surrounding of the proposed project areai.e. PQA employees residential society, Pakistan Steel Mills Township, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Rehri Goth andLath Basti. For socio-economic environment locals were consulted to highlight major environmental andsocial issues and livelihood of the area. During the consultations and surveys, it was revealed that themajority of its residents are facing issues due to unavailability of basic health, basic education, andunemployment. Also due to the poor and damaged road, people are facing difficulty in using the means ofcommunication and performing their daily life chores. The lack of a proper maintenance and cleaning ofthe drainage system is responsible for damage to the roads. The present situation has really becomepainful and distressing for the locals. Among highlighted issues; price hikes, water shortage, poverty andother civic problems are compelling the youth of Bin Qasim Town to take solace in drug addiction, saidlocal activists.

5.3.1 Demography

Karachi is one of the world's largest populated cities and ranked as 5th largest city, spread over an areaof 3,530 square kilometers. The city credits its growth to the mixed populations of economic and politicalmigrants and refugees from different national, provincial, linguistic and religious origins largely come tosettle here permanently.

The population of Bin Qasim Town is approximately 1,260,000 (Pakistan Economic Survey 2013-2014)1.However, the population of the city is exponentially increasing with the passage of time due to therapid developmental activities such as new residential towns are being developed to reduce theburden of overpopulation on the central city. Within the limits of Port Qasim, above the high waterline, there are no residential areas. However, adjacent to these limits some urban settlements ofsignificance are located. Further, there are several coastal villages along the creeks. Significant amongthese are Rehri Goth and Lath Basti. Both upper and middle class population of the city is living nearPort Qasim. Gulshan-e-Hadeed and Steel Town are two main residential areas of the vicinity of theproject area. Cattle colony is the center of cattle and meat trade in Karachi. Cattle Colony is the dairyproducts supply hub for Karachi. Small Goths such as Rehri Goth and Lath Basti sustains a major chunkof lower middle and lower class fishing communities. These communities are located about 10 to 12km away from proposed project site on the North Western Zone of PQA. Various cultural and ethnicalgroups such as Baloch, Pakhthuns, Sindhi and Punjabies are living in the project surroundings, someof the them are permanent residents of Gulshan-e-Hadeed and steel town while a major portion ofthe population are residing in the project vicinity due to employment opportunities.

1 http://www.finance.gov.pk/survey/chapters_15/Highlights.pdf



5.3.2 Education

There are only few renowned educational facilities available within the project surrounding; theseeducational facilities are not enough to facilitate the communities of these areas. Most of the studentswithin the project area seek higher education from central part of city.

Few renowned educational institutions in Bin Qasim Town are listed below:

- Textile Institute of Pakistan (Main Campus)

- Fast Institute (National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences)

- Islamic Public School

- Askari Public School

- The Educators (Gulshan-e-Hadeed Campus)

- TCF School (Near Rehri Goth)

Figure 5. 4: Educational facilities in Proposed Project surroundings

Note* None of the educational facility is in close proximity of the proposed project site



5.3.3 Health

Only few hospitals and health care facilities are available within the proposed project area. In additiononly one hospital is well equipped within the Bin Qasim Town namely Pakistan Steel Hospital. Thishospital has a capacity of about 100 beds. This hospital can only accommodate approximately oneHundred serious patients at a time which is comparatively low as compared to the existing populationof Bin Qasim Town. The hospital is located on National Highway near Steel Town, which wasestablished to facilitate the local community. The residents of nearby Goths of the proposed projectsites have only one public health facility namely Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Dispensary, which is a publicfacility. Other health facilities in the surrounding towns include Al-Hadeed Medical Centre, Child andMother Clinic and Family Health Care Hospitals. Major contagious diseases in the area were observedto be GIT “Gastro Intestinal Tract Infections” and respiratory tract diseases due to the unavailabilityof clean drinking water and emissions of industries at Port Qasim.

Respiratory tract related infectious diseases are the major contagious disease reported in theproposed project area, this type of diseases are directly linked with the emissions from the industrialunits. The people of Rehri Goth reported that they are having the epidemics of water borne, waterwashed and water related diseases, and these diseases are linked with the inadequate supply of freshwater in the area. Figure 5.5 shows the health care facilities of the proposed project area.

Figure 5. 5: Health care facilities of proposed project area

The people of the project area have adopted a mix lifestyle. Both the urban and rural establishmentsof the area have miscellaneous ethnic communities and multiple languages are spoken such as Sindhi,Punjabi, Pashtu and Balochi. The residents of Rehri Goth which near the proposed project site aremostly Balochi belonging to Khaskhali tribe and they speak Balochi Language.

The developing areas and Goths of Bin Qasim Town are facilitated with basic amenities especially theresidents of Bin Qasim and Gulshan-e-Hadeed. People of the project area have however establishedsmall communities according to their livelihood. The people of Steel Town and Gulshan-e-Hadeedrepresent urban life style and their way of life reflects the developed environment while on the otherside, the inhabitants of Lath Basti and Rehri Goth are urban villages and their daily routine practicesresemble the Sindhi rural environment. There are two mosques Jamia Masjid Head Office and JamiaMasjid Bait Ul Mukkaram located in Pakistan Steel Mills complex and both located by a distance of 5



km from Proposed Project Area. There is a famous shrine of Hazrat Hassan Shah Bukhari at Russianpoint additionally it is important to note that variety of mosques and madaris are available in eachsociety and Goths.

5.4 RECREATIONAL AREAS

Bin Qasim Town has a few recreational areas. Quaid eAzam Park is the only noted public recreational parkof the town and this park was built in recent yearsadjacent to Steel Town. A large number of localpeople and residents from different part of Karachivisits this park and it has been noticed that onweekends the number of visitors increases. Anotherfamous recreational point is the Arabian Sea CountryClub situated in the centre of Bin Qasim IndustrialZone. This recreational place is basically a golf club anda resort situated away from the residential areas.There are many playgrounds, small parks and gardensavailable within towns of the area especially Gulshan-e-Hadeed and Steel Town.

5.4.1 Livelihood and Leadership Dynamics

Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and represents almost 10% of the population of Pakistan. Itseconomy is about one-quarter that of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Karachi producesabout 30% of the manufactured goods, handles 95% of foreign trade and contributes more than 65%of the national revenue. The primary sector of Pakistani economy (agriculture) probably does notrepresent more than 1% of Karachi’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). The secondary sector(manufacturing, construction, electricity, gas) constitute one quarter of the metropolitan’s economy.The tertiary sector (services) represents the remaining three-quarters of GRDP.2

Karachi has seen a large increase in its labour force and labour force participation rate continues toincrease. While higher than other areas of the country, it remains quite low at 30.4%. This can bepartly explained by low female participation rate. The male participation rate is 48%. This means lessthan half of the households have no regular formal-sector employment. Employment rate is quite highin this city district as, according to a survey, 81% of the population is employed. Out of the totalemployed population; 50% are self-employed, 31% are working in the private sector, 16% in the publicsector and 3% in the semi-private sector. Out of the total self-employed population, 32% areshopkeepers and 12% are laborers.

Karachi is Pakistan’s only port and the country’s major industries and businesses are located there.The head offices of all major Pakistani banks are in Karachi and the Karachi Stock Exchange is thecountry’s largest having an annual turnover of Rs 436 million (US$7.2 million). 70 per cent of income

2 Karachi Master Plan, 2007

Figure 5. 6: Quaid-e-Azam Park



tax and 62 per cent of sales tax collected by the Government of Pakistan comes from Sindh provinceand of this 94 per cent is generated in Karachi.3

The proposed project surrounding sustains a variety of industrial units and all the administrativematters are undertaken by PQA within the project surrounding. As mentioned earlier the proposedproject surrounding sustains a number of industrial units, therefore a fully functional associationreferred to as Bin Qasim Association of trade and Industry (BQATI) looks after general industrialmatters and affairs. This association came into existence under section 42 of companies ordinance1984 dated February 3, 2006 with clear objectives to promote industrial activities in the area insustainable way and to contribute positively to the economic well-being, industrial production and toadvance, develop, protect, safeguard, and to promote the rights, interest and privileges of theindustrialist, traders and service providers having their office and / or industries / facilities in the BinQasim Town, Karachi. The proposed project surrounding is less populated, hence no political orreligious leadership was observed.

The Settlements in the Rehri Goth and Lath Basti area are fisherman's villages but the dwellers areengaged in other low level occupations as well. The employment and therefore earnings for a largesection of population in the area is variable, heavily dependent on fisheries and seasonal variations.Prawn and shrimp fishing from inshore waters is the main source of income of the majority. However,quite a substantial number are employed on deep-sea fishing boats. The relatively low level of incomein this rural setting is reflected in the poor conditions of housing, with water supply and sanitationbeing too inadequate. These villages are now provided with electricity, connected by paved road andserved by Public Transport. The nearby urban areas are better served with civic amenities, schools,colleges and hospitals. Most people are employed in the nearby port and industries and the servicessector. Income levels are higher than rural area.

5.4.2 Environmental Issues

In terms of the existing environmental issues, Karachi is facing a number of the issues. IUCN’s 2005Report on the State of the Environment of Sindh4 draws on a variety of source documents andhighlights many of the environmental issues, both facing Karachi and caused by Karachi.

Within the city itself, a key contributory factor to the poor and deteriorating environmental conditionsis the lack of any effective urban planning. This works at two levels: firstly, there is no current masterplan,structure plan or development framework for the city; secondly, what planning controls do exist arefrequently ignored in providing development approvals. As a result, no attention is paid to preventdevelopment in environmentally sensitive areas or within reserves for critical infrastructure. This isparticularly problematic where development is allowed to take place in storm water drainage channelscausing major environmental problems during periods of heavy rainfall. The rapid and uncontrolledgrowth of the city which has resulted in unregulated development and inappropriate land-use changeshas also resulted in an estimated 50% of the population living in poorly service and polluted informalsettlements i.e. Kachi Abadis.

3 Urban Slums Reports: The case of Karachi, Pakistan4 Report on the State of the Environment of Sindh, IUCN, 2005



Both surface water and groundwater sources are getting polluted due to largely disposal of untreateddomestic and industrial wastewaters to rivers, nullahs and irrigation systems. There is inadequatesewage treatment capacity, and where it does exist, it frequently operates ineffectively. However, theproposed project will not contribute in deteriorating the surface or groundwater quality.

The inadequate solid waste collection system. The piles of uncollected waste are unsightly, causenuisance and attract vermin (flies and rats) which can carry disease, and uncollected solid waste blockssewers and drainage channels causing disruption of system and stagnation of water all around, whichin return causes nuisance, mosquito breeding and health risk to the residents.

Table 5. 1: Bin Qasim Town Details

Well BeingIndicator

Name of Town / Area

Bin Qasim Town

GPS Coordinates25o50’05.29’’N

67o21’22.67’’E

Major Communities Urdu-speaking, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pakhtoon, Balochi

Population 247,141 (2017 Census of Pakistan)

No. of Houses 105000 approx.

Livelihood Labor, business, shops, transporters, Public and private jobs

Electricity Available

Major EducationalInstitutions

National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (Fast Institute)

Textile Institute of Pakistan (Main Campus)

Drinking Water Tankers system, groundwater, KWSB

Major Health Problems Malaria, Skin Diseases, Respiratory Tract Diseases

Major Hospitals Pakistan Steel Hospital (100 beds)

Major Needs Govt. hospitals. Modern Schools, Security, Drinking Water,Continuous Electricity

Major Markets Small Markets and Shops

Transport Public Transport, Motorcycle, cars, buses



5.5 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION OUTCOMES

As discussed above, stakeholder consultations were carried out with both primary and secondarystakeholders through key informant interviews (KII) and focus group discussions. The proposed projectis located in the eastern zone of Port Qasim. The secondary stakeholders were briefed about theproposed development and asked about their concerns, views and suggestions. Most people werefound to be unaware of the proposed development but considering the need of the project theyshowed their support for the implementation of project.

Figure 5. 7: Stakeholders Consultation

5.5.1 Summary of Feedback and Comments from Stakeholders

This section summarizes the key concerns emerging from consultations with primary and secondarystakeholders. However, most of the concerns are already being addressed in the EIA report, since themain feedbacks and comments are following;

- Majority of the participants welcomed the proposed project as they think that the proposeddevelopment will fulfill the increasing demand of oxygen and other industrial gases in Pakistanspecially it will support the oxygen supply in healthcare system in the current pandemic ofCOVID-19. Also, the proposed project will have positive socioeconomic impacts and will enhanceemployment opportunities as well as will improve the efficiency and performance of associatedmanufacturing industry.



- This proposed project will be highly encouraged and appreciated to the project developer duringthe Covid-19 pandemic situation throughout Pakistan, as the proposed project is alsoenvironmentally safe development. The project developer should follow all the safety measuresin true spirit throughout the project life cycle.

- Oxygen demand has been increased 2 to 3 times during this Covid-19 crisis, as we know thatPakistan Oxygen Limited is already providing and fulfilling the oxygen requirement to Aga KhanUniversity (AKU), in this global pandemic AKU has decided to expand oxygen storage facility inorder to avoid any hurdles in future. About 99.9% purity level is required for medical uses. TheOxygen storage facility is continuously monitored by Pakistan Oxygen Limited.

- During the Covid-19, healthcare facilities are facing shortage of Oxygen due to huge usage, inthis situation Pakistan Oxygen Limited is taking an appreciative and responsive step. PakistanSteel Hospital is only dealing with emergency cases, while the other medical department of thehospital are closed. We appreciate this project, but the proposed project should be installedaway from other polluting industries.

- The Environment and Safety Department of PQA ensures the environmental and safetycompliance. Development projects are necessary but environmental consideration is alsoimportant so we have to find out an environment friendly approach. Plantation must be done ifmature trees are damaged due to this project development or cut in project area. Furtherconcerns may arise when it goes in operational phase, Environment and Safety Departmentteam will visit and monitor.

- Firefighting system is essential for every industry, PQA fire station serves in the jurisdiction ofPort Qasim but in emergency situations we also facilitate to KMC as well. There are fouroperational fire tenders and one water bowser in PQA fire station. Industries must haveEvacuation Plan, Emergency Response Plan (ERP), Fire Fighting Tools like (Fire ALaram, fireHydrants, Fire houses, Smoke detector, etc.). Fortunately, no any fatality caused due to fire inPort Qasim in recent years despite the multiple fire incidents.

- Bulk water is supply throughout the PQA jurisdictions, separate water pipeline for Port Qasimfrom Dhabeji pumping station. PQA have 10 lac liters of water in reserve always for anyemergent situation. PQA keep in touch with industries to monitor basic health and safetyrequirements for industries situated in Port Qasim.

- As we know that there will be no significant adverse environmental impacts from this proposedproject. Considering the current need and significance of the project it must be completed on timeby complying the conditions laid down by Sindh EPA. This project is very helpful for healthcarefacilities to fulfill their oxygen demand. All the processes and procedures must comply the nationaland international environmental standards. Currently no adverse environmental impacts areanticipated from the proposed project, because it will not involve any type of production orgeneration of pollution, using of chemicals etc. It will enhance employment opportunities as wellas people will become skillful. The project proponent or developer should be prefer foremployment to the local laborers during construction and operational activities. They are veryoptimistic about the proposed development as the number of vehicles will be increased which willhave positive impact on their business. The project proponent must ensure the proper handling,storage and treatment of waste including hazardous and nonhazardous (if produce).



- Certified construction contractors and Engineers should be assigned for the proposeddevelopment project activities. It must ensure to provide and attached all the relevant NOC’swith the EIA report as per the SEPA regulation. The Construction debris must be disposed off oncontinuous basis through proper waste contractor or SEPA approved vender, and avoid todispose nearby barren lands or settlements. In case of fire accidents and emergencies withinthe proposed Oxygen Plant, Pakistan Oxygen Limited strictly maintain the condenser unit in afully submerged condition; use of absorbers in the liquid oxygen phase to remove hydrocarbonsand purging liquid oxygen from the main condenser to prevent accumulation.

- The distance that the plant air compressor intake shall be kept away from any potential sourceof airborne contaminants depends on the plant's capability for removing them to avoidhazardous concentrations within the ASU as well as wind velocity and other weather conditionsthat can affect contaminant dilution and dispersal. Ensure green belt around the projectboundaries and native species should be planted as they require less water.

- The stakeholders in the neighborhood identified several precautionary measures that must bein place to ensure the peace of their area. It is suggested that contractor must comply with allthe HSE protocols, specifically display fluorescent sign boards with safety purpose, in a way thateveryone can see. Also ensure to wear fluorescent jackets during night working. The sanitarytreatment system must be developed within the facility during construction and operationphase of this project. The concerns authorities must be ensured to develop proper sewagetreatment system.

- People were also concerned that the workers and labourers will be brought by the Contractorfrom outside the project area and an opportunity of employment generated locally shall beavailed by the people from other areas. People were also concerned about the dust which wouldresult due to excavation of trenches for sewer/drain laying. They were informed that Contractorwill be bound to undertake frequent sprinkling of water to minimize the hazards of dust etc.


GEMSEIA1450621POL Analysis of Alternatives 6-1

fff


Analysis of alternatives is an integral part of the EIA process to select the best option among all thepossible project options such as:

Analysis of Project Refusal

Analysis of Site Alternatives

Analysis of Alternate technology/design

The assessments and recommendations made by the EIA teamare presented below:

6.2 ANALYSIS OF PROJECT REFUSAL

6.2.1 Overview

The “Project Refusal” means not proceeding with the proposed project and bringing no change to thebaseline scenario and alternative options.

6.2.2 Key Observations

The global oxygen demand has increased due to the increase in demand at different industrialapplications and the current pandemic of COVID-19 has exerted a magnificent pressure on oxygendemand.

According to WHO it is estimated that more than half a million people in Low Middle Income countriescurrently need 1.1 million cylinders of oxygen per day1. COVID-19 has put huge pressure on healthsystems, with hospitals in LMIC running out of oxygen, resulting in preventable deaths and families ofhospitalized patients paying a premium for scarce oxygen supplies as Oxygen is an essential medicine,and despite being vital for the effective treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, access in LMICs islimited due to cost, infrastructure and logistical barriers, to cater the demand of oxygen in prevailingdisease and growth of industrial sustainability.

Pakistan produces around 800 tonnes of oxygen every day and some 550 tonnes of the total productionis currently being consumed by the country’s healthcare system. Officials and industry sources said thatfive major producers in Pakistan enjoyed the monopoly with more than 95 per cent of the total oxygen

1 https://www.path.org/programs/market-dynamics/covid-19-oxygen-needs-tracker/

KEY FEATURES OF PROJECTALTERNATIVES

Analysis of alternatives ismainly based on followingkey aspects:

Project Refusal

Site Alternatives

Technology Alternatives

ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

CHAPTER

6



production and all of them were mainly supplying their product to healthcare facilities across thecountry. Currently hospitals are consuming a huge chunk of the total oxygen production, said a sourceprivy to the industry. Country had already used up 90 per cent of its oxygen reserves attending hospitalemergencies. Producer are meeting the demand and have capacity to face the current challenge. Butobviously if the cases continue to rise, there can be a shortage or you can say we may face a crisis. Theproducers at the same time are trying to increase their production capacity, but that process requirestime and investment.”2

Oxygen production can stay roughly at par with the spiralling demand. It is estimate the average annualdemand for medical oxygen to be around 100-110 tonnes per day (tpd) in Pakistan. It is also estimatethat Covid-19 has raised the consumption of medical oxygen, with figures varying from 300 to 500 tonnesper day in 2020. Expected high demand for medical oxygen to continue throughout 2020 and next, withlevels of 300-400 tonnes per day in 2021 and about 200-250 tonnes per day in 20223. “100 TPD ofmedical oxygen in a “peacetime” is a very low volume for 220 million population country. To compare,Vietnam having 62 million population had about 250 tpd of medical oxygen available in hospitals beforeCovid-19. There are demands that the oxygen plant of Pakistan’s Steel Mill, long shut and awaitingprivatisation, should be revived and that can meet the need of the health sector.

Pakistan Oxygen Limited is leading supplier of Medical & Industrial Gases (Oxygen, Nitrogen & Argon).Hundred percent of oxygen produced by POL is being supplied to the healthcare facilities due tomultifold increase in its demand after surge in COVID-19 cases. If cases continue to rise, hospitals mayface shortage of oxygen as they are producing at maximum capacity, therefore an official of the PakistanOxygen Limited Pakistan Oxygen is planned to setting up a new 270 TPD Air Separation unit in theexisting facility of port Qasim Karachi. Meets future challenges and to sustain economic growth and tomitigate the impact of widening shortfall of gases such as oxygen, nitrogen and argon. Objective of theproposed project is to increase liquid gases supplies in country up to 270 TPD which will help to decreasedeficit of compressed gases during pandemic situation of COVID-19.

6.2.3 Rationale for Project Approval

Based on the environmental expert’s judgment and overall current and future demand of oxygen inhealthcare and industrial sector, which is supplemented by the aforementioned facts and figures itcan be interpreted that the proposed project has the huge potential to contribute to the medical andindustrial and prosperity in the region.

The proposed Air Separation Unit will be the beneficial due to current scenario and to meet the futurechallenges and to sustain the economic growth in the region. Proposed project will be in a position toboost the availability of medical and industrial gases. There is a large number of hospitals andindustries in Karachi area, there has been increased demand for medical gases such as Oxygen,Nitrogen, and argon. This proposed project will thus provide these much needed gases at nationallevel. This is proposed to be the largest and most integrated set up under one roof. Also, the proposedproject will generate direct and indirect job opportunities for the locals as well as professionals.

2 https://www.dawn.com/news/1622279, Published in Dawn, May 6th, 20213 https://gulfnews.com/opinion/op-eds/covid-19-pakistan-scrambles-to-arrange-medical-oxygen-1.78789740



In this scenario, project refusal would mean loss of first iniciative and significant of its kind facilitydevelopment, about 100 direct, shortfall in oxygen supply employment opportunities, loss of humanlives, loss of industrial growth, economic generation loss, reduce GDP contribution, reduction inexports potential, loss in tax generation, loss of a potent source of foreign exchange, minimizing theindustrial outputs and ultimately resulting in a socioeconomic loss. In addition, the proposed projectwill also assist the local oxygen producer plant such as Pakistan Steel Mill (PSM) etc. The project willcontribute towards improving the local community as highly educated persons will be employed atthe POL. In terms of environment, impact from the proposed project’s would not cause majoralteration in ambient environment of the region.

6.3 ANALYSIS OF SITE ALTERNATIVES

6.3.1 Overview

The basic purpose of “Analysis of Site Alternatives” is to select the best possible site in terms of lessenvironmental degradation while minimizing the environmental, social, and monetary cost.

6.3.2 Key Observations

Various site alternatives have been assessed and identified as early as a possible basis, as the siteswere visited and assessed during the pre-feasibility stage and scoping phase of this EIA. The designteam of the POL conducted various visits to different areas, where industries and basic amenities arepresent. Finally, POL slected the exiting area of port Qasim facility for the proposed project and thefinal selection of the site was based on the availability of a contiguous patch of land and no settlementon the same. The proposed project is the extension in the existing facility of POL which is located atPort Qasim unit. Air separation projects is a non-polluting generation project which are site-specificand dependent on the availability of atmospheric air irradiance resource. Followings details on theother identified locations were not available.

- No settlement and large scale industrial activities present in the project site;

- The project site land is predominantly POL land;

- The proposed project site has the following location advantages;

o Site with high air pressure and direction;o No ecological sensitive receptor such as National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuary within 05 km

radius;o No cultural property of archeological importance within 5km radius; and

The study team together with stakeholders analyzed various project alternatives available that wouldachieve this project’s objectives with few adverse environmental consequences.

Site/Location Alternatives for the proposed facilities, which were evaluated based on potentiallocation-based impacts and land-use conflicts;

The project surrounding area is industrial and the majority of the area is occupy in different industrialactivities. The following criteria for the proposed development of the project have been consideredfor the selection of the site for the proposed project:



- Ease of access to Locally distribution and supply;

- Availability of Labor and technical staff;

- Availability of land and Utilities;

- Ease of access to Highway (N-5) for transportation; and

- Fewer industries and industrial pollution.

6.3.3 Rationale for Site Selection

Based on the key observations in the above section, the site evaluation was carried out by thefeasibility experts of the proponent and verified by the EIA team that the selected site is suitablekeeping in view the environmental and social soundness, land use of the project area, monetary cost,operational cost and economic feasibility. The proposed development will first initiate a new 270 TPDin current demand of oxygen supply specially from healthcare and industries rendering numerousadvantages into the city and beyond. The proposed project selected site is strategically located withinthe Industrial Eastern Zone of Bin Qasim Town. Based on the key observations as discussed above, thebest possible site for the proposed project at its existing facility of POL will result in the following keybenefits:

- The sites selected for the proposed project are expected to exhibit insignificant impact anddisturbance onto the existing land use patterns as the processing units already exist in the areaand various are in pipeline.

- Existence of infrastructures such as roads, water, sewerage, electricity, and administrativebuildings including a conference hall.

- The proposed project will be developed within the POL boundary that’s helps to ease dealing withhealthcare and industries. In addition, potential growth of investment could see a dramatic rise inthe number of employees hired from the proposed extension of POL. Existence of best-in-classinfrastructure, efficient design, access to trannied labor and, the ability to be close to keysuppliers, and quality logistics services.

- The site chosen being a designated Industrial area is ideal for the project given the availability ofnecessary utilities. The area is serviced by a good infrastructure; which include a road, a rearaccess road, electricity and telecommunication service, adequate water supply, Fire brigadeservices, several hospitals and sufficient security.

- The proposed site has no sensitive areas such as protected sites including wildlife sanctuaries,game reserves or national parks, or any archaeological, historical, or cultural heritage in itsimmediate neighborhood; as such its siting would have no sensitivity in this regard.

The people of the proposed project surrounding area are involved in public and private officials andsome of area inclosed where the people life style is average lower class and these people are involvedin fish farming and labour works. The site selected for the development of the proposed project isexpected to exhibit insignificant impact and disturbance onto the existing land use patterns of theproject area. Moreover, the people of the proposed project surrounding area are involved in laboreractivities, this will support the project proponent during the construction phase as most of the locallabor will be employed.



6.4 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY/DESIGN

6.4.1 Overview

The basic purpose of “Analysis of Alternate technology/design” is to select the best possible technology,design, or arrangements to minimize environmental degradation by promoting sustainabledevelopment.

6.4.2 Rationale for technology/design selection

There is a wide range of construction and furnishing materials that can be sourced for the constructionof the proposed project. The proposed project will be constructed using state-of-the-art technology,modern, locally and internationally acceptable materials to achieve public health, safety, security, andenvironmental aesthetic requirements. A modern Air Separation Unit (ASU) is a carefully engineered,integrated and highly efficient process and cost effective. A basic block diagram is shown here, withaccompanying process description below. A more detailed schematic is shown in Figure 2.4.

Cryogenic separation is most effective when any of the three criteria need to be met: high purityoxygen is required (>99.5%), high volumes of oxygen are required (tons of oxygen/day), or highpressure oxygen is required. Cryogenic air separation unit (ASU) is a process of high energyconsumption. There are various technologies that are used for the separation process, the mostcommon is via cryogenic distillation. In addition to the cryogenic distillation method there are othermethods such as Membrane, Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) and Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption(VPSA), which are typically used to separate a single component from ordinary air.

6.4.3 Technology Comparison

6.4.3.1 Comparison of VPSA with PSA and cryogenic ASU

- Though VPSA systems are more costly to build, they are comparatively more energy efficientthan PSA systems for the same product flow, pressure and purity conditions.

- They are more preferred in those cases when providing high purity oxygen is not required. ·Cryogenic plants are preferred production rate is significant.

- However, two oxygen VPSA plants can also perform in the same manner when they allow forbetter matching of large step-changes in demand.



- According the Figure 6.1 which is mentioned in the section below, illustrates the mean cost ofthe cost per ton of oxygen at a desired purity level. As one can see, PSA is a better option interms of running costs for purity levels slightly less than 100%. However, at high purity levels,i.e. greater than 99%, cryogenics will prove to be less expensive.

Figure 6. 1: Oxygen Production Cost vs. Purity Desired

Source Tuson 1994

- PSA specific power is approximately 1/3rd less than that for oxygen PSA plants, but almostsame to the specific power of cryogenic air separation units.

- Oxygen VPSA units are economical than oxygen PSA units only when the desired productionrate is greater.

- Refer Figure 6.2 shows, PSA/VPSA is suitable for low volumes and low purity oxygenrequirements. Cryogenic separation is best suited for high flow rates and when high purityoxygen is required. Finally, if high purity oxygen at low rates is desired, the plant may want toconsider delivery of liquid oxygen.

Figure 6. 2: Approximates Lowest Cost Oxygen Supply MethodSource Tuson 1994



- Cryogenic ASU are the most well-established and used systems for oxygen generation.However, advances in PSA and membrane technology have and will continue to challengecryogenic ASU. Furthermore, the proposed project will be equipped with a modern and state-of-the-art processing facility to meet the requirement of national and international standards.It is anticipated that the change of technology/design option is not a viable option for theproposed development as the company is already employing better possible practices andtecholnolgy emploted in the first world.


GEMSEIA1450621POL Environmental Impacts and Mitigations Measures 7-1


An environmental impact is defined as any change to an existing condition of the environment. ThisSection identifies both positive and negative impacts associated with the proposed establishment of AirSeparation Unit (ASU) within the existing land of Pakistan Oxygen Limited at Bin Qasim Town, Port Qasim,and Karachi.

The proposed area is identified, characterized and evaluated systematically. After a thorough review andassessment of the existing environmental and socio-economic conditions and review of technical data, ateam of environmental professionals analyzed the significant environmental impacts and suggested thenecessary measures for mitigating the impacts during construction and operations of the proposedproject. Additionally, this section of the report predicts the magnitude of the impact, assess itssignificance, recommends mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts, and identifies the residualimpacts of the proposed project.

The discussion starts with a description of the methodology used for the impact assessment. The impactson the environment from the proposed project development activities can be categorized as follows:

Impact on Physical Resources

Topography and Land Use

Impact on Environmental Resources

Ambient Air Quality

Noise Quality

Surface and Groundwater Quality

Soil Quality

Impact on Ecological Resources

Terrestrial Ecology (Fauna & Flora)

Impact on Human Environment

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

Socio-economics

Road Safety & Traffic Management

Livelihood & Economy

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ANDMITIGATIONS MEASURES

CHAPTER

7



Waste Disposal

Solid Waste

Wastewater

7.2 IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

Potential impacts from the proposed project activities were identified by thorough review of theproject activities, study of surrounding environment, review of literature, review of previoussimilar studies and expert’s judgment.

The identification and assessment of environmental impacts is based on the local and internationalguidelines as discussed previously in chapter 3; legislative requirements of this EIA document,which was supplemented by review of project activities, expert’s judgments of surroundingenvironment, review of literature and review of previous similar studies. The assessmentprocedure includes following steps:

a. Prediction of the potential environmental and social impacts

This step refers to the description, quantitatively (where possible) or qualitatively impacts of theproposed project. This may be achieved through comparison with other similar activities.

b. Definition of the Criteria for Determining Significance

The consequence of the proposed activity is evaluated by comparing it against a recognizedSignificance Criteria. The criteria are of the following types:

Institutional recognition laws, standards, government policies, or plans.

Technical recognition guidelines, scientific or technical knowledge, or judgment of recognizedresource persons;

Public recognition social or cultural values or opinion of a segment of the public, especially thecommunity directly affected by the proposed project; and

Professional interpretation of the evaluator.

c. Identification of the mitigation measures

If it is determined that the predicted impact is significant then the suitable mitigation measures areidentified. There is a range of mitigation measures that can be applied to reduce impacts. Broadly,these measures can be classified into four categories:

Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking certain proposed activity or parts of an activity, forexample, using CFC-free equipment to avoid impact on ozone layer;

Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the activity, for example, minimizingdust emission by reducing vehicle speed;

Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment;



Compensating for the impact by replacing or providing substitute resources or environments.

The project developer plays a key role in implementing the mitigation plan and assessing thefeasibility of proposed measures.

d. Evaluation of the residual impacts

Incorporation of the suggested mitigation measures reduces the adverse impact of the proposedproject and brings it within the acceptable limit. This step refers to the identification of theanticipated remaining impacts after mitigation measures have been applied.

e. Identification of the monitoring requirements

The last step in the assessment process is the identification of the minimum monitoringrequirements. The scope and frequency of the monitoring depends on the residual impacts, and itsdetails are later addressed in Chapter 08; Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP)of this EIA document. The purpose of monitoring is to confirm that the impact is within the predictedlimits and to provide timely information if unacceptable impact is taking place.

7.3 IMPACT ASSESSMENT (CONSTRUCTION PHASE)

7.3.1 Impact on Physical Resources

7.3.1.1 Topography and Land use

a. Potential Impact

The activities associated with construction phase are expected to exhibit impacts onto the surfacetopography as the project will be constructed on the barren land. The land of proposed project iscurrently free from any encumbrances as it is a dedicated industrial zone of Port Qasim. The projectconstruction activities may include excavation activities, site leveling and grading etc., though theimpact on the topography at proposed project site is expected to be insignificant since there is nounique topography of the proposed project site. Also, it is important to note that there are no housesor permanent residential camps located within the site boundaries.

The current land use of the area will be changed (i.e. from barren area to the proposed ASU projectplant facility). The site will be utilized as Pakistan Oxygen Limited (POL) proposes to set up an Airseparation Unit (ASU) project with a product range that has applications in hospitals, health carefacilities, industries etc. The change will be long term and permanent.

The establishment of the ASU and its auxiliary facilities will have significant impact to the landscape ofthe proposed project since the proposed plant will comprises the construction of air processing unit,and all other allied facilities, such as storage area, parking area, generator room and other utilities willbe developed.



The impact of the construction stage to the existing landscape is temporary and short-lived but isexpected to be permanent and long terms once the ASU is operational. However, the proposed area iswell known for industrial activities or industrial Hub and low plains covered with wild vegetation orshrubs, Therefore, no additional impacts on the surface topography is expected.

b. Criteria for Determining the Significance

An adverse impact will be interpreted if surface topography is modified and the proposed projectwould become flooded during rainy season in case of prominent heaps formation. Also, the landidentified in the study area is barren, so no significant impact is envisaged due to change in land use.

c. Mitigations

Proper site leveling should be ensured, in order to minimize the probability of topographicchanges and project site flooding during rainy season;

Save topsoil removed at the start of the project and use it to reclaim disturbed areas uponcompletion of construction activities;

The necessary and appropriate measures shall be implemented to effectively accommodateincreased levels of runoff caused by changes in soil conditions; and

Ensure that construction material such as cement and or ready mix is handled properly, and noresidual material is left unattended so as to avoid the probability of formation of heaps anduneven structures.

d. Residual Impacts

If the suggested mitigation measures are implemented, disturbance to the surface topographywill be minimized.

e. Monitoring Requirements

Surface topography, to be monitored during construction by an Independent EnvironmentalMonitoring Consultant (IEMC).

7.3.2 Impact on Environmental Resources

7.3.2.1 Ambient Air Quality

a. Potential Impact

Particulate matter pollution is likely to occur during the site clearance, and transportation of theheavy machineries or vehicle. Clearance of site will involve removal of wild vegetation or shrubs,land leveling and filling activities. The sources of air pollutions during proposed project constructionwill not be significantly enough to alter the ambient air quality. The pollution will disperse quicklywith the prevalent wind currents. All generators, vehicles, equipment and machinery will be properlymaintained during this phase to minimize the unexpected emissions. All earthworks construction,



top soil removal, procurement and transport of construction materials, such as sand and cement tothe construction site, civil construction, handling and stocking of construction materials, drymaterials stockpiling, construction of access road, will generate dust and affect the air shed.

Not only this but un-tuned construction equipment, vehicles and machineries may result in elevatedlevels of SOx, NOx, PM10 CO and Smoke thereby affecting the air quality of the proposed projectsurrounding which will be transitory in nature. Further, VOCs from surface cleaning and painting isalso anticipated, the fumes generated during the said activities can cause health hazard to workers.


An adverse impact will be interpreted if the ambient air quality at the proposed project site exceedsthe prescribed SEQS limits.

c. Mitigations

The excavated material shall be reused within the boundary from the proposed project area andthe movement of cut and fill material will be limited.

All equipment, generators, and vehicles used during the project will be properly tuned andmaintained in good working condition in order to minimize exhaust emissions;

Construction materials that are susceptible to dust formation will be transported only in securelycovered trucks to prevent dust emission during transportation.

Trucks transporting fine materials, soil and waste to and from the project site will be covered toreduce the dispersion of dust;

Scheduled maintenance of equipment and vehicles including engine tuning, filter cleaning, etc.;

Implementation of the proposed mitigation measures is likely to leave no long-term residualimpact on the ambient air.

Regular water sprinkling will be done to avoid the dust emission into the atmosphere.Furthermore, during windy days, the frequency of the water sprinkling will be increased;

Provision of PPEs to workers to minimize inhalation of dust particles.

d. Residual Impacts

Dust and Particulate matter dispersion will occur but will be transitory in nature. Fumes frompainting and fabrication works will be controlled to minimized levels.


Ambient air quality monitoring including critical pollutants such as SOx, NOx, PM10, PM2.5 and COto be conducted by engaging Independent Environmental Monitoring Consultant (IEMC). Themonitoring reports to be submitted to SEPA as specified by SEPA, providing compliance statuswith applicable regulations.



7.3.2.2 Noise

a. Potential Impact

Potential sources of noise pollution will include operation of generators, machinery, weldingequipment, and vehicles during the project activities. The potential noise related issues duringconstruction activities which will create disturbance to workers and of native foral and faunal speciesat proposed site. The nearest local community is approximately 5 km away from the project area sothe impacts on human regarding noise will be negligible.

Further, it is anticipated that the heavy equipment used for the construction activities includesfoundation works, fabrication activities, operation of construction equipment like dozers, scrapers,concrete mixers, movement of vehicles used for transportation of materials to site, generators,vibrators and power tools etc., may result in elevated levels of noise which may serve as nuisance tothe workers working in close proximity of the construction site. Continuous exposure of employeesto high noise level may result in noise induced hearing loss and may result to deafness. However, it isimportant to note that the major construction activity is expected to be carried out during thedaytime. There would be short-term noise impacts in the immediate vicinity of the project corridor.Since the proposed project surrounded and lies within the industrial area having fewer smallindustries, so no major adverse impacts are envisaged in the project area.


An adverse impact will be interpreted if, the noise levels at within the proximity of the proposedproject construction sites exceeds the SEQS limits.

c. Mitigation Measures

All on-site personnel will use required personal protective equipment (PPE) in high noise areasthat will be clearly marked.

Proper engineering control will be applied to noise producing sources like generator.

It will be ensured that generators, vehicles and other potentially noisy equipment used are ingood condition. Noise from generators, vehicles and other equipment and machinery should bekept in control through regular maintenance.

No activities to be undertaken during night hours to prevent any disturbance to nearby residentsand labors in labor camps;

Construction equipment/machineries will be provided with suitable noise dampening systemssuch as mufflers, silencers, etc. as feasible, to minimize noise at source;

d. Residual Impact

Strict implementation of the proposed mitigation measures is not likely to leave any long-termresidual impact; however, the minimal level of noise is still expected from proposed projectactivities.




During construction phase periodic noise level monitoring will be carried out as prescribed inSEQS, by engaging an IEMC. The ambient noise levels and noise emission from equipment andmachineries will also be monitored.

7.3.2.3 Surface and Groundwater Quality

a. Potential Impact

During the construction phase run-off from the construction site may carry the black and grey water,which contains higher quantity of sediments and oil which may results in significant pollution in thereceiving water bodies. However, during the survey it was envisaged that no immediate Water Bodyfound near the project site.

The storage of used engine oil and lubricants as waste materials has a potential to create impacts ifspillage occurs which result in contamination of groundwater quality. The soil extractor or soilcollector truck will move continuously in the project site that may also spill oil’s residues. Accessroad construction materials and debris (sand, bricks, stones, brick chips, cement etc.) may also causewater pollution.

Furthermore, wastewater will be generated from temporary sanitary facilities. Significant impact onwater quality is envisaged if the sewage is discharged directly into the receiving waters bodieswithout holding in septic tank.


A significant impact on the groundwater and surface water quality will be interpreted if no propermanagement system will be developed for handling of construction material. This potential problemwill be increased in the absence of appropriate mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures

Avoid excavation activities during rain;

Prevent piling up of excavated soil, raw material and construction debris at project site byproper management and disposal;

Water conservation practices provided will be followed to minimize the water usage.

Maintaining appropriate flow of water sprinklers at site;

Timely disposal of the construction/chemical/hazardous waste so as to prevent leaching ofany pollutant to ground;

Implement the national 3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) strategy for both solid and liquid wastemanagement;

Construction of soak pits/septic tanks to dispose-off the domestic wastewater generatedseparately such as black and gray water from labor camps to prevent disposal of sewage in



surface water bodies. The settled gray water will be reused for constructional purposes and forsprinkling on roads to control the dust emissions;

During site development necessary precautions will be taken, so that the runoff water from thesite gets collected in a soak pit. If any overflow occurs, the excess water will be diverted tonearby greenbelt/ plantation area; and

Ensure that the all liquid raw material such as oil, lubricants and chemical at proposed projectsite is stored within the storage yard with impermeable floors and roof top, the storage yardshould be protected with secondary containment facility with appropriate labeling, this willsignificantly reduce the chances of liquid waste or material discharge during the accidental spilland will reduce the chances of ground water contamination by impermeable flooring.

c. Residual Impacts

Residual impacts are foreseen to be low in this case if recommended mitigation measures areadhered with.

d. Monitoring Requirements

Visual inspection and chemical testing of groundwater quality to be done by an IEMC. Theparameters to be monitored includes:

TSS pH Temperature Oil and grease

7.3.2.4 Soil

a. Potential Impact

As the site clearance and leveling will be required during construction phase, which may result in soilerosion, not only this but leakage and spillage of construction material and or leakages fromconstruction machineries may also result in soil contamination. Presence of heavy metals in soil intoxic amounts can cause irreversible damage. Improper disposal of waste may cause soil pollution.

Development of the structures and construction of the access road may disturb the soil profile of thearea. Usually soil pollution by leaked pipe connection of ill-maintenance heavy equipment andstorage tanks can cause oil leaking that result in pollution of subsoil.

The machines and equipment on site contain moving parts which require continuous oiling tominimise the usual corrosion or wear and tear. Likewise, moving vehicles on site may also require oilchange. Such oils spills due to accidental occurrences, leakages or negligence have a potential ofcausing soil and water contamination and hence having detrimental effects on the surroundingenvironment.




The adverse impact onto the site soil will be interpreted in case if it is contaminated by spillage ofconstruction material.


Raw material will be stored under covered sheds and paved surface;

Ensure that the all liquid raw material such as oil, lubricants and chemical at proposed projectsite is properly stored with impermeable, the storage yard should be protected with secondarycontainment facility;

Best management practices should be adopted to prevent any spillage of raw materials;

Construction debris should be stored under covered sheds and paved surface and should bedisposed-off regularly to designated sites;

Careful use of heavy machineries and equipment should be ensured in order to prevent leakageswhich may result in release of contaminants directly onto the soil;

Ensure that malfunctioning machineries should be kept away from exposed soil area and berepaired on immediate basis at designated workshops having impermeable floors; and

A spill prevention response team will be available throughout the construction phase.

d. Residual Impacts

Residual impacts are foreseen to be negligible / low in this case if recommended mitigationmeasures are adhered with.

e. Monitoring Requirement

Visual inspections will be carried out by an IEMC to ensure that the soil within the projectsurrounding is not being contaminated during the project activities.

7.3.3 Impact on Ecological Resources

7.3.3.1 Terrestrial Ecology

a. Potential Impact

The impact on terrestrial ecology is envisaged to be insignificant as none of the Species within oraround the project sites that are classified as rare, threatened, and endangered or of significantconservation value. Also, biodiversity in the project area is not that much rich as most of the floraand fauna is related to cultivated land or availability of orchards and crops.

However, small scale or insignificant impact onto the terrestrial ecology is envisaged due to siteclearing and leveling activities. While the severity of the impacts from project activities will alsodepend on the biological communities and their resilience to handle sudden alterations. Further,disturbance to ecology in the area may also result from increase in noise during construction



activities and vehicle movements, which can be easily mitigated by adopting best and safe practices.Though, it’s important to note that the proposed project will be established within a dedicatedindustrial zone, therefore impacts are negligible.

Moreover, the species both vertebrates and invertebrate’s species found in the project sites, arehighly adaptive to regular anthropogenic disturbance and so the impact from project activities willbe short and non-severe. But, any overlap between the project activity and their breeding period willproduce much greater impact. In general, the proposed project site is foreseen to have a very minimalor insignificant impact to the flora and fauna in the area.


A significant impact on the terrestrial ecology will be interpreted if appropriate mitigation measureswill not be adopted.

c. Mitigations

Ensure clear marking of boundary of the project site to prevent the clearing the vegetationoutside of the project site;

Best and safe industrial practices should be adopted for the less disturbance of ecology of thearea;

Limiting vehicular transport to defined roads as to prevent unnecessary injury and habitatdestruction; and

Hunting and trading of any wildlife species will be strictly prohibited, if found any.

d. Residual Impacts

Residual impacts are foreseen to be negligible / low in this case if recommended mitigationmeasures are adhered with.

e. Monitoring Requirement

Periodic onsite inspection or Visual Assessment.

7.3.4 Impact on Human Environment

7.3.4.1 Health and Safety

a. Potential Impact

Construction phase activities may result in severe health and safety hazards and health conditions.There would be a possibility of occurrence of accidents and incident during construction works.Physical trouble, noise, vibration, lighting, electrical, heat and cold, nuisance dust, gases, dusts,fumes, vapors, liquids are the major hazards which are harmful for workers health. It is important tonote that the untrained workers may cause harm to themselves as well as others due to lack ofawareness and skills.




A significant impact will be interpreted if a large number of frequent accidents, incidents, injuriesand hazards occurs at proposed project site.


The contractor will ensure that activities at the site will not cause damage to live and properties byimplementing the following measures to ensure the health and safety of workers and the public.

Provision of adequate first aid within construction site for emergency needs of workers;

Emergency response training should be given to employees and evacuation drills should bescheduled and conducted;

Ensure that hazards associated with manual lifting are controlled by proper lifting techniques,work rotation system will reduce the chances of being exposed to work related stress associatedwith construction activities;

Unauthorized personnel will not be allowed to access the proposed project site withoutpermission and safety permits;

Arrangement of proper first aid unit and emergency vehicle to take affected personnel to thenearest medical facility;

Workers should be facilitated by providing appropriate work specific PPE’s;

The developers will provide temporary shelters to protect against heat stroke during workingactivities or for use as rest areas as needed;

Construction area will be fenced to avoid accidents and will be properly drained to avoidponding of water that could harbor mosquitoes and other disease vectors;

Promote the use of repellents, clothing, netting, and other barriers to prevent insect bites andsnake bite;

Adequate preventive measures from negative factors such as fire precautions, lighting, safeaccess, work environment temperature, area signage, labelling of equipment, communicateHazard codes, electrical;

Use of signage must be implemented; and

The project developer must ensure implementation of proper HSE policy at all project locationsso as to reduce the chances of occurrence of frequent hazards.

d. Residual Impacts

Residual impacts are foreseen to be negligible / low in this case if recommended mitigationmeasures are implemented.


Risk assessment to be carried out on monthly basis by engaging IEMC.



7.3.5 Socioeconomics

7.3.5.1 Road Safety and Traffic Management

a. Potential Impact

It is expected that during the construction phase the major impact on public safety will be due tothe vehicle traffic, which is cumulatively increased by this development project, and the operationof heavy machineries. During construction phase of various vehicles will be used. Since theproposed project construction and development activities will be undertaken within the projectboundaries, also the construction equipment and material carrying vehicles will be parked indesignated areas within the premises of aforementioned project site therefore the impact on roadsafety and traffic management is anticipated to be insignificant.


The impact on the traffic movement is envisaged if the timings for the movement of constructionvehicles will not properly managed and dedicated area for their parking is not provided.

c. Mitigations

Avoiding unnecessary movement of vehicle through settlement area to minimize disturbanceand traffic safety related issues;

Provision of traffic signs, road mark, bump, zebra mark, guard rail and pole, and curb stones etc.;

It is strongly recommended that the drivers of construction equipment and material carryingvehicles should have valid licenses and must obey all the relevant road safety standards,protocols and traffic rules;

Adequate warning signs in both directions will be provided at the approaches to road crossings;and

There will be a designated parking area with suffice space of vehicles involved in constructionactivities.

d. Residual Impact

The impact on road safety and traffic management is anticipated to be insignificant ifaforementioned mitigations are followed.


Vehicle logs are to be maintained, monitoring the movement and distance traveled by the vehicles.

7.3.5.2 Impact on Livelihood & Economy

a. Potential Impact

Since the proposed project will be established in Bin Qasim Industrial Zone (BQI), District Malir, itwould create employment for 20 individuals and business opportunities, and accordingly the impact



on livelihood is assessed to have significant positive impacts. Apart from this the proposed projectwill promote the procurement of equipment and machineries for the various activities involvedduring the construction phase, procurement of materials during construction phase will promote thegrowth of the economy of the local material suppliers in and around the project site. However,construction activities will require significant number of construction laborers, skilled and unskilledworkers therefore a positive impact on the local livelihood during the construction phase throughcreating new job opportunity is envisaged. In addition, rapid growth of service sector will result inincrease of incomes in the area, local hotels (Dhabas) in project vicinity will also be benefited interms of increased routine sales. Considering the above, beneficial impacts on the local employmentand economy, it can be concluded that the proposed project will set positive impact on locallivelihood option.

7.3.6 Waste Disposal

7.3.6.1 Solid waste

a. Potential Impact

The construction phase of the proposed project is expected to generate wastes such as excavatedmaterials from earthworks like cuttings, grading, and foundation works, general construction wastelike wood, metal cuttings, rejected materials, surplus materials, surplus spoil, paper bags, emptycartons, empty paint and solvent containers, broken glass and concrete debris etc. other wasteincludes bricks, tiles, cement plaster, steel (from RCC, door/ window frames, roofing support, railingsof staircase etc.),rubble, sand, stone (marble, granite, sand stone), timber/wood, paints/varnishesand domestic waste generated by site workers. Besides being an eyesore, the waste can also pose ahealth hazard; pollute soil, surface and ground water if disposed of improperly.

Majority of the construction material to be used and waste generated as a result of constructionactivity will be inherently less reactive and chemically inert under normal conditions however, itshandling and storage may pose adverse impacts of minor nature which could easily be controlled byemploying the recommended mitigation measures in this report. All unused materials needs to becollected, transported and disposed off appropriately in approved designated areas. It is encouragedthat other alternative uses of these materials should be found. Solid wastes if not well managedhave a potential of causing disease outbreaks due to suitable breeding conditions for vectors ofcholera and typhoid. Malaria outbreak could also be exacerbated by the presence of open waterditches for breeding of anopheles mosquitoes.


A significant impact will be interpreted if the construction waste is scattered and disposed-off atproposed project sites.

c. Mitigations Measures

A waste management plan will be developed by the contractor after approval before the start of theconstruction activities. Key elements of the waste management system will be the following:



Separate bins will be placed for different type of wastes - plastic, paper, metal, glass, wood, andcotton;

Recyclable material will be separated at source. The recyclable waste will be sold to wastecontractors for recycling;

No waste will be dumped at any location outside the proposed site boundary;

Record all waste generated during the construction period will be maintained. Quantities ofwaste disposed, recycled, or reused will be logged on a Waste Tracking Register;

Training will be provided to personnel for identification, segregation, and management of waste;

All hazardous waste will be separated from other wastes. Hazardous wastes will be stored indesignated areas with restricted access and proper marking. Hazardous wastes will be disposedof through approved waste contractors; and

Surplus construction materials including partially filled chemical and paint containers will bereturned to suppliers. Inert construction wastes will be sold as scrap to contractors.

d. Residual Impacts

Proper implementation of the mitigation measures will ensure that the residual impact from wasteis minimal.


An IEMC will carry out monthly visual inspections to ensure good solid waste managementpractices at proposed project site.

7.3.6.2 Wastewater

a. Potential Impact

Improper disposal of domestic effluent from the construction site and campsite may result incontamination of soil and groundwater and become a health hazard. The construction workers willalso generate faecal waste during their day-to-day operations. The generated waste needs properhandling to prevent disease, for example cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea outbreak on the site.Unless this is addressed, it can prove to be an environmental/health disaster.

The source of wastewater includes toilets, washrooms, laundry and kitchen. Campsites will have asewerage collection system in the form of septic tanks; the collected sewage generally consisting ofsanitary wastewater would be routed to the existing municipal drain/sewerage system. Thiswastewater would comply with the SEQS values provided that other hazardous wastes (i.e. paintsetc.) are not mixed with it. The impact of disposal of such wastewater would not be significant sinceit is expected to comply with the Sindh Environmental Quality Standards (SEQS) for municipaleffluent.


A significant impact will be interpreted if the construction wastewater is scattered and disposed-offat proposed project sites.




A wastewater management plan will be developed after approval before the start of theconstruction activities. Key elements of the wastewater management system will be the following:

Wastewater generated at the campsites will be stored temporarily in septic systems comprisingseptic tanks from where it will be routed to the nearest drain/sewerage system.

At the time of restoration, septic tanks will be dismantled and backfilled with at least 1m of soilcover above the surrounding natural surface level.

d. Residual Impacts

Proper implementation of the mitigation measures will ensure that the residual impact fromwastewater is minimal.


An IEMC will carry out monthly visual inspections to ensure good wastewater managementpractices at proposed project site.

7.4 IMPACT ASSESSMENT (OPERATIONAL PHASE)

7.4.1 Impact on Physical Resources

Since all the developments and installations will be executed during the construction phase, henceno impact on to the topography and land use pattern is envisaged during the operational phase ofthe proposed project. The air separation process would produce no solid wastes. Domestic solidwastes would be disposed of by sanitary landfill to the satisfaction of the local authority.

7.4.1.1 Site Aesthetics

The impact on the landscape of the proposed plant and associated facilities would be minor whencompared with their immediate industrial context. The 50m high air column would be the mostvisible structure of the air separation plant. This structure would be seen from Port Qasim Roadagainst an industrial backdrop.

a. Criteria for Determining Significance

A significant impact will be interpreted if the operational residue will be scattered at or nearby theproject site.

b. Mitigation Measures

A designated area will be allocated for storage of the operation residue and associated wastematerial, prior to its final disposal.

Proper site-specific housekeeping is to be ensured during project activities during operationalphase.

The proponent will maintain an inventory of waste produced and disposal.



c. Residual Impacts

Implementation of the proposed mitigation measures is not likely to leave any long-term residualimpact.


During operational phases periodic visual inspections will be carried out as part of the EnvironmentalManagement and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) to ensure good site aesthetics by HSE internal team:

Proper housekeeping

Operation waste disposal

7.4.2 Impact on Environmental Resources

7.4.2.1 Air Quality, Odor and Gas Emissions

a. Potential impact

The proposed Air Separation Unit would not produce atmospheric wastes during operations. Instead,the process returns unused components of the air. In essence, only the oxygen, nitrogen and argoncomponents are removed, allowing the remaining components to be returned to the atmosphere.Carbon dioxide is not normally regarded as an atmospheric contaminant and, due to the nature,quantity and method of discharging of this emission, no significant impact on the surrounding areawould occur. The plant would have no influence on the level of Greenhouse gases. The discharge ofwater vapour into the atmosphere would not constitute any impact on the surrounding area.

The proposed development will involve generation of emissions and increased vehicular movementswhich may also results in minimal dust emissions from paved access and all internal roads. Thesealtogether may have overall negative impact on the air quality of the site and the nearby areas.

Elevated levels of exhaust emissions are also anticipated from operational phase machineries,equipment and from stand-by generators within the project vicinity, not only this but elevated levelsof ambient air pollution within the project area may result from fugitive dust emission of particulatematter, gases including sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) arethe main emissions expected to release in the atmosphere due to the vehicular movement.


Elevated levels of exhaust emissions are anticipated from operational phase machineries, equipmentand from stand-by generators within the project vicinity.


Operational phase impacts on air quality by use of equipment and machineries or generatorsshould be mitigated by ensuring timely maintenance and tuning of operational phasemachineries and equipment.



Plantation of dense canopy trees is strongly recommended around the proposed project toprevent and minimize the probability of nearby community’s exposure to the dust and gaseousemission.

All the possible ambient air pollution sources shall be installed with appropriate air pollutionabatement technologies;

Air pollution control device such as Scrubbers with efficiency to remove more than 95% to 99%pollutants, must be installed and which must be regularly inspected for performance check sothat its effectiveness in protecting the environment is achieved;

The vehicle speeds on graded roads will be limited in order to minimize dust emissions;

Proper ventilation and Air filters should be installed;

Ensure the implementation of best practices such as cell phase approach with special focus onprohibiting waste burning must be considered;

Gas monitoring should be done on a continuous basis to determine alarming levels of gases;

Best management practices and good housekeeping measures must be implemented tominimize the release of objectionable odors;

Energy conservation should be adopted by adopting the alternate energy options like solarpower and other energy efficient technologies; and

Ensure the development of green belt around the proposed project.

a. Residual Impacts

Strict implementation of the proposed mitigation measures is unlikely to leave any long-termresidual impact.


During Operation periodic ambient air quality monitoring within the project surrounding andgaseous emissions from project related machineries, generators and equipment should besubjected to environmental monitoring as per Sindh Environmental Quality Standards (SEQS) byengaging an Independent Environmental Monitoring Consultant.

7.4.2.2 Noise

b. Potential Impact

The design of the plant would comply with the requirements of the standards of the SindhEnvironmental Protection Act, 2014 where applicable to plant workforce noise levels. Most noiseemissions would originate from the air compressors. However noise from this source would notexceed 85 dBA at a distance of one metre. The proponent has indicated that this maximum noiselevel and the distance to receivers would ensure that, under no circumstances, would there be noiseimpacts on nearby settlements.



On the other hand elevated levels of noise pollution is expected within the proposed project areawhich may result from un-tuned vehicles and noise producing machineries like, generators, etc.this continuous exposure to the elevated levels of noise may result in; headaches, hearingproblems and even hearing loss in severe conditions, anxiety, and accumulation of stresshormones as well as hypertension.

In general, human sound perception is such that a change in sound level of 3 dB is clearlynoticeable, and a change of 10 dB is perceived as a doubling or halving of sound level. The noise inthe project area will increase during construction of the proposed project and may result indisturbance to the nearby receptors unless it is contained within the appropriately fenced andcovered site of the Project.

Baseline noise measurements were obtained through continuous monitoring for a 24-hour periodat the project site. It was found from the noise monitoring that the typical average noise level inthe project area was 60.35 dB (A). The World Bank and IFC guidelines for noise require that thesound level in industrial and commercial areas should not exceed 70 dB and 75 as per SEPA.

c. Criteria for Determining the Significance

An adverse impact will be interpreted if the noise level exceeds the prescribed SEQS limits.

d. Mitigations Measures

Preparation of the sound barrier, sound–absorbing materials, installing the facility in the house,having the enough buffer zone as necessary;

Plantation should be developed along the roads and boundary to form continuous barrier thatwill reduce the noise level significantly;

Use of earmuffs and ear-plugs by personnel working at the facility and undertake an annualhearing survey of all the workers;

Proper maintenance of all the equipment’s to be utilized during operational phase will bemaintained throughout the entire life cycle of the proposed project to reduce the chances ofelevated noise levels;

High noise areas, will be identified and proper safety signs indicating noise hazards will bedisplayed, employees accessing high noise area will always wear PPE’s like ear protection muffsor ear plugs; and

Unauthorized personnel will not be allowed to access the plant facility area.

e. Residual Impacts


f. Monitoring Requirements

During operational phase periodic noise level monitoring of the facility will be carried out asprescribed in SEQS by an IEMC. The ambient noise levels and noise emission from equipment andmachineries will also be monitored.



7.4.2.3 Surface and Groundwater

a. Potential Impact

The excessive discharge of water can cause ponding of water which if remain for longer period willserve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects. Accidental discharge of material andleachate and other additives can alter the surface and ground water quality. There is no significantinland surface water body within the close proximity of the project area.

The proponent has stated that the Air Separation Unit would not produce aqueous wastes. Surfacerunoff from the process area would increase due to the impervious paving. Storm water and washwater runoff would be channelled to the nearby existing effluent system of Pakistan Oxygen Limited.Handling of any collected material would be under the statutory control of the local agency. The airseparation process would produce no solid wastes. Domestic solid wastes would be disposed of bysanitary landfill to the satisfaction of the local agency. Wastewater will be treated properly prior todischarge and therefore it will not impact the surface water quality of the project area.


An adverse impact on the ground water resources will be interpreted if the leachate will generatedfrom the agro waste and waste will not handle properly.

c. Mitigations Measures It is recommend to conduct a water quality monitoring program to ensure the identification of

any possible contamination and immediately address the problem;

Water conservation program will be initiated to prevent wastage of water;

Groundwater from tube well will be carried out on regular basis for analysis.

d. Residual Impacts



Visual inspection and chemical testing of wastewater quality to be done by an IndependentEnvironmental Monitoring Consultants. The parameters to be monitored includes:

TSS pH Temperature Oil and grease



7.4.2.4 Soil Quality

a. Potential Impact

During the operational phase of proposed project, soil contamination is likely to be occurred due todiesel equipment activities. The leaked fuel or oil may degrade soil quality and leaching into soil.During the operational phase of proposed project, disposal of waste may also contaminate land andsoil quality of the area. No substantial use of diesel is envisaged in proposed project and it will belimited to only generator.

Soil erosion and degradation may also occur due to reduction in vegetation cover. This happens duringsite excavation and in the surrounding areas due to the effect of nylon bags, which escape from thesite and are caught by natural vegetation. This is usually accompanied by soil erosion, sedimentation oflower slopes and increased surface runoff. Soil erosions and land degradation are the main agronomicbut limited negative impacts of the project. The impacts are expected to be moderate to minimal.


The adverse impact onto the soil quality will be interpreted in case if it is contaminated by spillage ofhazardous waste, ash disposal, and wastewater of the facility.


The work area to be kept neat and clean, in order to prevent spreading of spilled chemicals, it isto be cleaned immediately;

Plantation should be done wherever possible in order to avoid dust emissions and soil erosion;

Contamination of soil should be avoided by preventing or controlling the release of hazardousmaterials, hazardous wastes, or oil to the surrounding environment; and

Contaminated soil should be managed to avoid the risk to human health and ecologicalreceptors.

d. Residual Impacts



Visual inspections will be carried out by an IEMC to ensure that the soil within the projectsurrounding is not being contaminated during the project operational activities.



7.4.3 Impact on Ecological Resources

7.4.3.1 Terrestrial Ecology

a. Potential Impact

During the operational phase of the proposed project the anticipated impact on the terrestrialecology will be transitory and insignificant in nature as most of the developments and installationsactivities will be executed during the construction phase and the temporary disturbance of ecology isonly limited to the construction activities hence no major impact will be foreseen in the operationalphase of the proposed project.

Noise, vibrations, artificial lights and emissions resulting from the project activities will lead toadditional migration of Rodents and other burrowing animals from the project’s neighboring areas.Although some wildlife may become accustomed to noise, others will move from the area,potentially reducing the population of those species in the immediate proximity of the site.

However, it is important to note that the proposed project is in industrial area where scatteredindustrial development is present and the ecological point of view the area is diverse. Field visitrevealed the absence of valuable biodiversity within the site boundary. Also, there are no wildlifesanctuaries or any rare, endangered or endemic species within the 5 km radius of the project site.The ecology of the project area is moderate in diversity or high in endemism. Wildlife witnessed inand around the proposed project area are mostly reptiles including snakes and monitor lizards. Theproject site land use pattern within the Pakistan Oxygen facility.

7.4.4 Impact on Human Environment

7.4.4.1 Occupational Health and Safety

a. Potential Impact

Operational activities which may result in health and safety hazards such as, slipping, tripping, fallingfrom height, suffocation in confined space etc. It is important to note that the untrained workers maycause harm to themselves as well as others due to lack of awareness and skills. One of the majorpotential issue related to the health of the workers working in close proximity of the electrical andmechanical machines or instruments, chemical reaction and heat produced during the production ofthe gases will cause potential hazards to workers and neighbors. Also, improper handling and storageof the operational accessories and items may pose health impacts onto the workers. Therefore,impacts are envisaged as moderate which needs proper implementation of the measures.

b. Criteria for determining the significance

A significant impact will be interpreted if a large number of fires, explosions, frequent accidents,incidents, injuries and hazards occurs at proposed project site.




Ensure that all the safety and security procedures are in place and implemented in true spirit.

All components such as electrical instrumentation and mechanical items should be comply withthe relevant design standards and accordance with relevant codes.

The plant will be fitted with all the necessary and appropriate safety valves, purges, defrostingand monitoring devices to ensure maximum safety for both the workforce and nearby areas.

A mechanism for a failsafe mode will be installed, which will involve a strategy of automaticvalving shutdown in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Arrangement of proper first aid unit and emergency vehicle to take affected personnel to thenearest medical facility.

All the workers involved in, operational activities will be provided with proper PPEs according totheir job description including; safety belts, footwear, helmets, goggles, eye-shields, and coverallto workers depending on their nature of work.

Necessary training regarding safety aspects to the personnel working at the proposed projectsite will be given.

The project developer must ensure implementation of proper HSE policy at all project locationsso as to reduce the chances of occurrence of frequent hazards.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for chemicals, if any, will accompany the consignment.

d. Residual Impacts

Low level of impacts are foreseen in the case if recommended mitigation measures are adhered with.


HSE Inspections and detailed risk assessments will be carried out on Quarterly basis by engagingIEMC at facility to evaluate the health and safety practices.

7.4.5 Socioeconomics

7.4.5.1 Road Safety & Traffic

a. Potential Impact

This section discusses the range of potential road safety and off-site traffic impacts associated withproposed project and their potential significance.

The proposed project is expected to interrupt the routine traffic activities within the project areaduring the operational phase as the project activities will involve the production of oxygen gas andfinally its distribution to the end users locally, it may result in traffic congestion and disturbance tothe routine traffic load due to the continues vehicle movement for the transport of gases to thehealthcare facilities and industries.



The proposed project is situated on Port Qasim Industrial area, eastern zone when moving fromPakistan Oxygen Plant to enter city, and can easily be accessed via National Highway (N5) road.Moreover, easy access to Karachi Port enabling raw material to import and finished goods exportwithout incurring major inland transportation costs and saving time.

Moreover, during a site visit and surveys no congestion were observed in project area. Therefore, notraffic congestion is anticipated due to project activities. However, probability of road accidents ispossible in the future therefore all the containers and other vehicles drivers moving from differentparts of the city towards facility will have valid driving licenses and will obey traffic rules at all times.As the impacts are with minimal significance, no specific mitigation measures are required. However,it is the recommended to follow good maintenance practices and conduct annual emissions testingfor the fleet to ensure low emission levels from vehicles.

7.4.5.2 Livelihood & Economy

a. Potential Impacts

In operation phase, few impacts on living and livelihood of the surrounding community would bearisen due to the operational activities. However, the impact on livelihood is assessed to havesignificant positive impacts.

In addition to the socio-economic and health issues, POL may create considerable impacts on landvalue, land degradation and land availability. However, the proposed project site is totally barrenland and within the existing property of POL and no such impacts are envisaged due to the proposeddevelopment. The overall impact on the socio-economic environment will be beneficial.

The project activities will not involve population displacement, or loss of productive land. Moreover,the project activities will not affect recreational, religious, archeological or touristic areas. Therefore,no specific mitigation measures are required.

Following are some key benefits of the proposed project in terms of livelihood and economy:

Skilled and non-skilled employment opportunities;

Boost economy of Pakistan through generation of gases and export in future; and

Potential for other healthcare facilities to provide better improvement of health issues speciallyCovid-19 pandemic.

7.4.6 Waste Disposal

7.4.6.1 Wastewater

a. Potential Impacts

The proponent has stated that the Air Separation Unit would not produce aqueous wastes. Domesticwastewater would be produced from washrooms, disposed of by sanitary channel by complyingstandards to the satisfaction of the local authority. Cooling in the plant would be by water evaporation.



The circulating water flow rate would be 28 cubic metres per hour (m3/h), with blowdown formaintenance of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels being approximately 13.8 m3/h. Components of theincoming air which would be vented back into the atmosphere during air purification operationsinclude:

Carbon dioxide; Water vapour;

Wastewater generated during operational stage of the Project is estimated to be approximately 10gallon per day. The domestic wastewater will be treated through routing to proposed Septic tanks. .


A significant impact will be interpreted if the discharge wastewater does not meet the prescribedSEQS limits or exceeds the limits.


The generated wastewater must be treated effectively before it is discharged into the receivingenvironment, and it will be drain only after meeting the prescribed SEQS limits for wastewater;

Drainage system to be periodically cleaned and inspected for integrity in order to ensureeffective transport of wastewater and prevent overflows, leakages and infiltration;

Sanitary wastewater from all sections of the facility to be collected and routed to sanitarytreatment system; and

Nearby surface water and groundwater quality to be monitored periodically.

d. Residual Impacts



Wastewater is to be periodically analyzed for relevant parameters in order to assess compliancewith SEQS. Analysis reports will be submitted to SEPA as required, and periodic audits to beconducted to assess implementation of the control measures and results of audits to be reviewedand corrective actions to be taken for any deviations.

7.4.6.2 Solid Waste

e. Potential Impacts

The project will generate solid waste during operation. The solid waste will mainly include paper andpackaging material. If not properly managed and disposed of this can pose minimum environmentalpollution. The quantity of solid waste to be managed will be categorized into hazardous andnonhazardous. Therefore, waste segregation can solve much of the solid waste managementproblem.



f. Criteria for Determining the Significance

The viable options after storing, collecting and transportation of segregated waste components forits ultimate safe disposal are composting and recycling, respectively which needs to be carefullydesigned and managed properly.

g. Mitigations Measures

All solid waste shall be segregated and then collected, stored, and transported for ultimate safedisposal.

Handling and disposal of such waste shall be managed by a dedicated waste managementcontractor.

The solid waste management plan will be developed and facilities for collection, storage andtransportation will be established and organized.

h. Residual Impacts


i. Monitoring Requirements

Wastewater is to be periodically analyzed for relevant parameters in order to assess compliancewith SEQS. Analysis reports will be submitted to SEPA as required, and periodic audits to beconducted to assess implementation of the control measures and results of audits to be reviewedand corrective actions to be taken for any deviations.

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (EIA) of Tyre Manufacturing Unit Nooriabad, Jamshoro

GEMSEIA1450621POL Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan 8-1

huntingf

8.1 OVERVIEW AND SCOPE

The potential quantifying impacts during the design, construction and operation of the proposed AirSeparation Unit (ASU) project on various environmental components such as social, biological andphysical environment has been predicted in the course of this EIA study. The EIA has also identifiedmitigation measures to minimize the environmental and social impacts of the proposed project,keeping these effects within acceptable limits.

The EMMP (Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan) has been designed to address how theproposed measures will be implemented and monitored. It defines the responsibilities of the projectproponent and contractor; develops a system of checks and balances; proposes actions that are to betaken by each role player; and lays down the required documentation, communication, andmonitoring procedures. The adoption of EMMP will not only enhance the sustainability of proposedproject but will also reduce risks associated with different phases.

8.2 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this EMMP is not only to address the expected environmental impacts of the proposedproject, but also to enhance project benefits and to introduce standards of good practice to beadopted for the proposed project.

The primary objectives of the EMMP are to:

Facilitate the implementation of the mitigation measures that are identified in the EIA;

Define the responsibilities of the project proponent and contractor and to provide a means foreffective communication of environmental issues between them;

Identify monitoring parameters in order to ensure the effectiveness of the mitigation measures;and

An integrated Environment Management System play important role in sustainable industrialdevelopment if their Environment Management and Monitoring Plan is more effective andeconomically beneficial covering all activities of the facility and give proper implementableguidelines.

The project specific EMMP for the proposed activities of the establishment of ASU project has beenprepared by assessment of impact scale which has been categorized as high, medium and lowobtained by multiplying impact severity into likelihood. The impact scaling criteria has been presentedbelow in Table 8.1, a detailed EMMP in Table 8.2.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENTAND MONITORING PLAN

CHAPTER

8



Table 8. 1: Impact Scaling Criteria

IMPACT SCALING CRITERIA

Severity Rating Likelihood Rating

HIGH 3 HIGH 3

MEDIUM 2 MEDIUM 2

LOW 1 LOW 1

IMPACT SCALE = SEVERITY X LIKELIHOOD

HIGH = 7-9

MEDIUM = 4-6

LOW = 1-3

SEVERITY

Impact severity has been categorized asfollows:

HIGH: The anticipated environmentalimpact may adversely affect theenvironmental conditions.

MEDIUM The anticipated environmentalimpact may exhibit moderate effectonto the environmental conditions.

LOW The anticipated environmentalimpact is insignificant and may not affectthe environmental conditions.

LIKELIHOOD

HIGH: The anticipated environmentalimpact is most likely to occur.

MEDIUM The anticipated environmentalimpact is likely to occur.

LOW The anticipated environmentalanticipated environmental impact is lesslikely to occur.



Table 8. 2: Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Aspect Impact

ImpactScale

Severity XLikelihood

Mitigation SafeguardsResidualImpact

MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency

MonitoringResponsibility

Construction Phase

Topographyand Land use

Site clearance leveling& filling activities forproposed project willcause microtopographical changesand may loss ofbiomass/asset

1 X 2 = 2

LOW

- Proper site clearance andleveling should be ensured, inorder to minimize theprobability of topographicchanges and proposedproject site flooding duringrainy season;

- Save topsoil removed, if any,at the start of the project aduse it to reclaim disturbedareas upon completion ofconstruction activities;

- The necessary andappropriate measures shallbe implemented to effectivelyaccommodate increasedlevels of runoff caused bychanges in soil conditions;

- Ensure that constructionmaterial such as cement andor ready mix is handled

1 X 1 = 1

LOW

Visualassessment of

site duringleveling and

clearanceactivities

ProposedProject site

Monthly POL/Construction Contractorby engaging

IEMC



Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


properly, and no residualmaterial is left unattended soas to avoid the probability offormation of heaps anduneven structures; and

- No major impacts onto theexisting land use pattern isenvisaged as the humansettlement is not present inthe immediate vicinity of theproposed project area.

Ambient AirQuality

Earthworks, level andgrading of earth,preparation offormworks, laying,curing of concreteworks, rigging activities,welding, cuttingactivities and finalfinishing activities,these activities mayalter the ambient airquality.

3 X 2 = 6

MEDIUM

- All the vehicles carrying rawmaterials will be covered withtarpaulin sheet; unloadingand loading activity will bestopped during windy period;

- Trucks transporting finematerials, soil and waste toand from the Project site willbe covered to reduce therelease of dust;

- Scheduled maintenance ofequipment and vehicles

2 X 1 = 2

LOW

Emissions ofSOx, NOx, PM10,

PM2.5 CO andSmoke fromconstructionvehicles andmachineries


Monthly POL/CC byengaging IEMC



Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


Impairment of ambientair quality due tofugitive exhaustemissions and dustgeneration.

Release of VOCs andhazardous air pollutantsfrom metal cutting.

including engine tuning, filtercleaning, etc.;

- The vehicular movement willbe minimized, with a plannedscheduling, to reduce theemission of pollutants;

- Low Sulphur diesel should beused for running constructionequipment and vehicles;

- Regular water sprinkling willbe done to avoid the dustemission into theatmosphere. Furthermore,during windy days, thefrequency of the watersprinkling will be increased;

- Provision of PPEs to workersto minimize inhalation of dustparticles;

- The excavated material shallbe reused within theboundary from the proposedproject area and the



Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


movement of cut and fillmaterial will be limited; and

- Enclosed painting booths anddedicated fabrication areas infavor of wind direction so thefumes may divert away fromthe site.

Noise Foundation works,fabrication activities,cutting, unloading ofmaterial, concretemixers, movement ofvehicles used fortransportation ofmaterials to site,generators, vibratorsand power tools etc.,may result in elevatedlevels of noise;

Increase level ofambient noise fromconstruction activitiesresult in followinghealth impacts:

2 X 2 = 4

MEDIUM

- Machinery to be used shouldcomply with the noisestandards prescribed bySEQS;

- Noise levels as per SEQS willbe maintained at the fencelines of the construction site;

- No activities to be undertakenduring night hours to preventany disturbance to nearbyresidents or communities andlabors in labor camps;

- Project construction zone tobe barricaded and propersigns boards to be displayedat commissioning site;

2 X 1 = 2

LOW

Noise levels At every1000 meter




Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


Headaches

Hearing problems,Accumulation of stresshormones

Hypertension

- Unauthorized personnel willnot be allowed to accessconstruction zone;

- Onsite workers associatedwith construction activitieswill be provided withadequate ‘personalprotective equipment’ (PPE)to reduce their probability ofhigh noise exposure;

- Construction orcommissioning equipment/machineries will be providedwith suitable noisedampening systems such asmufflers, silencers, etc. asfeasible, to minimize noise atsource;

Surface andGroundwaterQuality

Accidental discharge ofconstruction material,other can alter theground water quality

Excessive discharge ofwater can cause storm

2 X 2 = 4

MEDIUM

- A complete record of waterconsumption will bemaintained;

- Water conservation practiceswill be adopted to reduce

1 X 1 = 1

LOW

pH

TDS

TSS

Oil & Grease


Quarterly POL byengaging IEMC



Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


water which can serveas breeding grounds formosquitoes

waste water dischargesduring construction;

- Ensure that the all liquid rawmaterial such as oil, lubricantsand chemical are storedwithin the storage yard withimpermeable floors and rooftop;

- Ensure no water remainsstagnant at any proposedproject area;

- Water used for wettingpurpose should be reduced tothe required extent;

visual inspectionof Surface

Water Quality

Soil Quality Development of thestructures may disturbthe soil profile of thearea.

Excavations activitieswill result in soilerosion.

Leakage and spillage ofconstruction material

2 X 2 = 4

MEDIUM

- Raw material will be storedunder covered sheds andpaved surface;

- Ensure proper storage of oil,lubricants and chemical atproposed project site withsecondary containmentfacility;

1 X 1 =1

LOW

VisualInspection

Soil pH

Proposedproject

constructionsite

Quarterly POL/CC byengaging IEMC



Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


and improper disposalof waste may result insoil contamination.

- Best management practiceswill be adopted to preventany spillage of raw materials;

- Careful use of machineriesand equipment will beensured in order to preventleakages which may result inrelease of contaminantsdirectly onto the soil;

- Ensure that malfunctioningmachineries will be kept awayfrom exposed soil area andshould be repaired onimmediate basis atdesignated workshops havingimpermeable floors;

Ecology (Flora& Fauna)

Local ecology may bedisturbed duringconstruction activitiesand vehicle movementsthough the location is inan industrial zone.

Disturbance to plant life

2 X 1 = 2

LOW

- Project activities should bestarted at low scale as earlywarning sign for theterrestrial animals;

- Ensure clear marking ofboundary of the project siteto prevent the clearing the

1 X 1 =1

LOW

Periodic OnsiteInspection and

VisualInspection

Proposedproject

boundaries

Quarterly POL/CC byengaging IEMC



Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


Medium and smallmammals and reptileswill avoid the locationsdue to increased humanpresence. Asconstruction activity isalready taking place dueto other industries, nosignificantlyincremental impact isenvisaged;

Loss of foraging area foravifauna;

No chopping of trees isenvisaged.

vegetation outside of theproject site;

- Limiting vehicular transportto defined roads as to preventunnecessary injury andhabitat destruction;

- The animals, reptiles andbirds encountered during theconstruction will not beharmed and will be draggedback to their environment;

- Green areas will be developedin vacant portions ofproposed project andpreservation of flora at allpossible levels will be done;

- The development of greenareas will provide artificialnesting habitats to birds suchas house sparrow (Passerdomestics);



Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


Risk of Fire Fires can occur as aresult of negligence in avariety of differentways includingimproper use ofequipment, falling onsome combustiblematerials, accidents,electrical short-circuit,cooking with firewoodand cylinders.

3 X 2 = 6

MEDIUM

- Maintain safe housekeepingpractices at campsite thatreduce the risk of fire;

- Implement a program thatincludes preparation,prevention, and recognitionof fire Risk;

- Proper handling ofcombustible and flammablematerial;

- Appropriate fire extinguishersand fire response provisionswill be available at the site;

- Firefighting trainings shouldbe imparted at site. Othertraining programs includesenvironmental awarenesstraining program for newemployees and for siteemployees. Health, Safetyand Environmental Auditing,Social & Environmental laws& regulations, norms,procedures and guidelines of

1 X 1 =1

LOW

HSE inspections

Risk assessmentreports

VisualAssessments

Fire FightingTraining

ProposedProject Site,

Campsite




Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


Government should befollowed;

Health & Safety Unskilled and untrainedworkers might causeharm to themselves andothers.

Construction worksmay include many risksand hazards that maylead to severe injuries.

There may be eitherminor or majoraccidents which pose aninherent risk of injury toworkers from accidentsand hazardous workingenvironments like workon height andcongested places.

Risks for communicableand vector-bornedisease are expectedamong workers and the

3 X 2 = 6

MEDIUM

- Provision of adequate healthcare facilities and first aidwithin construction site foremergency needs of workersand emergency vehicle totake affected personnel tothe nearest medical facility;

- Emergency response trainingshould be given to employeesand evacuation drills shouldbe scheduled and conducted;

- Ensure that hazardsassociated with manual liftingare controlled by properlifting techniques, workrotation system will reducethe chances of being exposedto work related stressassociated with constructionactivities;

- Unauthorized personnel willnot be allowed to access the

2 X 1 = 2

LOW

HSE inspections


Record of SafetyTalks

Record of safetyIncidents (Major

& Minor)

Record of PPEs

VisualAssessments

ProposedProject Site,




Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


surrounding localcommunity.

proposed project site withoutpermission and safetypermits;

- Workers should be facilitatedby providing appropriatework specific PPE’s;

- The proponent will providetemporary shelters to protectagainst heat stroke duringworking activities or for use asrest areas as needed;

- Construction and campsitearea will be fenced to avoidaccidents and will be properlydrained to avoid ponding ofwater that could harbormosquitoes and other diseasevectors;

- Adequate preventivemeasures should be taken toreduce negative factors suchas fire precautions, lighting,safe access and workenvironment, temperature,



Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


area signage, labelling ofequipment, communicatehazard codes etc.

Road Safetyand TrafficManagement

Traffic congestion dueto increased number offlow from cars doublecabin, bus/coasters,dump trucks, low bedtrailer, tractor trolley,water bowsers andvibratory roller forconstruction activities

Risk of accident

Stress on local trafficinfrastructure

2 X 2 = 4

MEDIUM

- Creating awareness amongthe drivers about speed,traffic safety, use of horns etc.while driving throughsettlement areas;

- It is strongly recommendedthat the drivers ofconstruction equipment andmaterial carrying vehiclesshould have valid licenses andmust obey all the relevantroad safety standards,protocols and traffic rules;

- There will be a designatedparking area for vehiclesinvolved in constructionactivities; and

- Traffic management plan willbe developed that will befollowed POL and CC.

1 X 1 = 1

LOW

Driver’s license

Vehicles logRecord

ProposedProject site.

Daily POL/CC byengaging IEMC



Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


Livelihood &Economy

The proposed projectwill have positiveimpacts on localeconomy, howeversmall scale conflictsbetween local vendors,communities andproject proponent mayoccur.

2 X 1 = 2

LOW

- Job opportunities should beprovided to locals in fair way;

- The job skills and the priorityfor the affected people shallbe taken into account and theworkers can be chosen;

- Suppliers and Vendors ofneighboring areas will begiven priority for trading andbusiness opportunities;

1 X 1 = 1

LOW

Monitoring ofproper

distribution ofresources andopportunities

Local suppliers& Vendors

engagement

Within 10 kmradius ofproposed

project area


Solid waste Construction wasteswill comprise excavatedmaterials, generalconstruction wastes likewood, scrap metal andconcrete, chemicalwastes from servicing/maintenance ofmachineries and wastefrom site workers.

Waste can pose a healthhazard, pollute soil,surface and ground

2 X 2 = 4

MEDIUM

- Separate bins will be placedfor different type of wastes;

- Recyclable material will beseparated and will be sold towaste contractors forrecycling;

- No waste will be dumped atany location outside theproposed site boundary ornear to any settlement;

- Record all waste generatedduring the constructionperiod will be maintained.

2 X 1 = 1

LOW

Visualinspections

Waste TrackingRegister

Campsite andProject Site

Weekly POL/CC byengaging IEMC



Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


water if disposed ofimproperly.

Unaesthetic conditionsat the project site ifwaste is leftunattended.

Quantities of waste disposed,recycled, or reused will belogged on a Waste TrackingRegister;

- All hazardous waste will beseparated from other wastes.Hazardous wastes will bedisposed of throughapproved waste contractors;however, Non-hazardousshould be disposed / recycledaccording to wastemanagement procedure; and

- Surplus constructionmaterials including partiallyfilled chemical and paintcontainers will be returned tosuppliers.

Wastewater Disposal of domesticeffluent from theconstruction site andcampsite may affect.

2 X 2 = 4

MEDIUM

- Wastewater generated at thecampsites will be storedtemporarily in septic systemscomprising septic tank fromwhere it will be routed to the

2 X 1 = 1

LOW

Wastewatermonitoring

Campsite andProject Site

Weekly POL/CC byengaging IEMC



Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


nearest drain/seweragesystem.

- At the time of restoration,septic tank will be dismantledand backfilled with at least1m of soil cover above thesurrounding natural surfacelevel.

Operation Phase

Site Aesthetics Scattered constructionresidue and waste mayaffect the siteaesthetics.

2 X 2 = 4

MEDIUM

- Construction material shouldbe stored at a storage areaand in any case constructionmaterial will not be allowedto be dumped outside thestorage area or inundesignated site;

- Proper site-specifichousekeeping is to beensured during projectactivities;

2 X 1 = 2

LOW

Housekeepingand waste

managementpractices


Weekly Proponent &Contractor



Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


Air Quality,Odor and GasEmissions

Elevated levels of airpollution fromoperational phasemachineries,equipment and fromstand-by generatorsmay result in followingimpacts:

Respiratory diseasesand other healthimpacts.

2 X 1 = 2

LOW

- Operational phase impacts onair quality by use ofequipment and machineriesor generators should bemitigated by ensuring timelymaintenance and tuning ofoperational phasemachineries and equipment.

- Plantation of dense canopytrees is stronglyrecommended around theproposed project to preventand minimize the probabilityof nearby community’sexposure to the dust andgaseous emission.

1 X 2 = 2

LOW

NOx

SOx

PM10

PM2.5

CO

VOCs

ProposedProject Site


Noise Un-tuned and noisyequipment may resultin following impacts:

- Headaches

- Hearing problems

- Hypertension

2 X 2 = 4

MEDIUM

- It is strongly recommended tomaintain and properlylubricate operational phaseequipment and machineriesso as to reduce the noiselevels at source.

1 X 2 = 2

LOW

Noise levels ProposedProject Site




Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


- High noise areas, will beidentified and proper safetysigns indicating noise hazardswill be displayed, employeesaccessing high noise area willalways wear PPE’s like earprotection muffs or ear plugs;

- Unauthorized personnel willnot be allowed to access highnoise areas.

Surface andGroundwater

Accidental discharge ofliquid material andwashing waste fromprocessing can alter thesurface and groundwater quality.

2 X 1 = 2

LOW

- A complete record of waterconsumption duringoperational phase will bemaintained;

- Water conservation programwill be initiated to preventwastage of water;

- Treatment mechanism shouldbe established in order tocomply SEQS. If required

1 X 1 = 1

LOW

pH

Oil & Grease

TDS

TSS

Wastewaterfrom

Processingunits


Soil Quality Leakage, spillage,disposal of waste andwaste processing may

2 X 2 = 4

MEDIUM

- Plantation should be donewherever possible in order to

1 X 1 = 1

LOW

VisualAssessment

Proposedproject site




Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


contaminate land andsoil quality of the areafrom maintenancemachineries andimproper disposal ofdomestic and processwaste may contaminatesoil quality of the area

avoid dust emissions and soilerosion;

- Contamination of soil shouldbe avoided by preventing orcontrolling the release ofhazardous materials,hazardous wastes, or oil tothe surroundingenvironment; and

- Contaminated soil should bemanaged to avoid the risk tohuman health and ecologicalreceptors.

and within 5km radius

TerrestrialEcology

Minimal impact will beforeseen on theterrestrial ecology ofthe area as the area isalready built-up as anindustrial zone andscattered vegetationare found in the projectsurrounding

2 X 1 = 2

LOW

- Faunal disturbance should beminimized from sunset tosunrise, as during this intervalfauna is more active inperforming its naturalnecessities. Most operationsshould not be carried outduring this period of time;

- A fence should beconstructed around the site

1 X 1 =1

LOW

VisualAssessment

Proposedproject site




Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


to limit the entrance of largeranimals.

- Implementing goodhousekeeping practicesduring the waste handlingstorage and transportation inorder to eliminate any sourceof hazard to the native fauna.

OccupationalHealth andsafety

Inadequate safety andsecurity regime mayresult in sever healthand safety hazards andthreats

Untrained workers maycause harm tothemselves as well asothers due to lack ofawareness and skills.

Lack of awarenessamong general laborersabout safety may leadto accidents

2 X 3 = 6

MEDIUM

- Ensure that all the safety andsecurity procedures are inplace and implemented intrue spirit.

- Arrangement of proper firstaid unit and emergencyvehicle to take affectedpersonnel to the nearestmedical facility.

- All the workers involved in,operational activities will beprovided with proper PPEsaccording to their jobdescription.

2 X 1 = 2

LOW

HSE inspectionsreports


Record of PPEs

Work permits

Severe injuriesand hazards

VisualAssessment


Monthly POL andInternal HSE

team



Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


- Necessary training regardingsafety aspects to thepersonnel working at theproposed project site will begiven.

- The project developer mustensure implementation ofproper HSE policy at allproject locations.

- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) forchemicals, if any, willaccompany the consignment.

Road Safety &Traffic

Road accidents Trafficcongestions

2 X2 = 4

MEDIUM

- Traffic Management planshall be developed andimplement in true sprit duringproject life cycle.

- Product carry vehicles shallcomply the rules of safetyprotocols; POL must ensurethe implementation of SOPs.

- Drivers have valid license andshall obey the road safetyrules

1 X 1 = 1

LOW

Driver’s license

Vehicles logRecord

ProposedProject

access routes

Daily POLManagement



Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


- The waste collector trucksmoving from different partsof the city towards facility willhave valid driving licenses andwill obey traffic rules at alltimes.

Livelihood andEconomy

People will benefit inform of employmentand business activities

2 X 1 = 2

LOW

- Possibility of recruitment oflocal workers havingpertinent education skills willbe explored; and

- Local businesses such asmaintenance serviceproviders, food suppliers,transporters, etc., are likely tohave business opportunitiesassociated with the operationof the facility.

1 X 1 = 2

LOW

LocalConsultations

records

Within 10kmradius of the

proposedproject area

As and whenrequired

POLManagement

Solid WasteDisposal

Adverse aesthetic view

Environmentalpollution and healthhazard

2 X 2= 4

MEDIUM

- The air separation processwould not produce solidwastes, but Domestic solidwastes would be disposed ofby SEPA approved vender.

1 X 2 = 2

LOW

VisualAssessment

Assessment ofsolid waste

quantity andtype


Quarterly POL



Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


- A waste management planwill be prepared,implemented and monitoredfor the safe collection,storage and treatment/disposal of the waste;

- Records of all wastegenerated will be maintained.Quantities of waste disposed,recycled, or reused will belogged on a Waste TrackingRegister.

Wastewater Discharge of untreatedleachate and domesticwastewater may resultin groundwaterpollution.

The site has no impacton changing the naturaldrainage pattern whichin turn has no effect onthe surface waterresources and

2 X 2 = 4

MEDIUM

- The proposed Air Separationprocess would not produceaqueous wastes.

- Sanitary wastewater from allsections of the facility to becollected and routed to septictank for further disposal;

- Water used for cooling ofequipments shall properrecycle and stored for furtherreuse in the process;

Wastewater allparameters

prescribed inSEQS

Project site Quarterly POL byengaging IEMC



Aspect Impact

ImpactScale



MonitoringParameter

MonitoringLocation

MonitoringFrequency


distribution of thewildlife habitat.

- The sanitary treatmentsystem must be cleaned inorder to ensure effectivetransport of sewage andprevent overflows, leakages;



8.3 MONITORING INDICATORS

Environmental monitoring reports will be prepared primarily to comply with prevailing applicableenvironmental regulations laid down in Sindh Environmental Protection Act, 2014. Environmentalreports prepared shall also provide compliance with HSE/environmental requirements of constructioncontract, conditions laid down in NOC/approvals acquired from relevant government departmentsincluding Sindh Environmental Protection Agency.

Environmental Monitoring reports will be submitted to SEPA in accordance with the conditions of NOCgiven by SEPA and SEPA-SMART Rules, 2015 as per the regulatory requirements at the end ofconstruction and operation phase. The physical, biological and social components, which are ofparticular significance to the proposed project are listed below:

1. Air quality;

2. Water quality;

3. Noise levels;

4. Solid & Hazardous Waste Management;

5. Soil Contamination & Soil Erosion;

6. Health and Safety;

These indicators will be evaluated periodically based on the monitoring results, baseline conditions,predicted impacts and mitigation measures.

8.4 IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK AND TRAININGS

This Framework demonstrates the roles and responsibilities for the implementation of EMMP in allphases. POL is responsible for the overall EMMP implementation. However, Construction Contractorwill be responsible for taking on-ground measures to ensure compliance with EMMP undersupervision of POL and monitoring by IEMC. During operation phase, the implementation of EMMPwould be the sole responsibility of management. Also, it is important to note that the EMMP will bemade a part of the bidding documents and contract agreement. The CC will plan task specific trainingsessions for workers involved in specific jobs.

8.5 GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM

A GRM will be established for the project to build a long-term sustainability and acceptability for theproject. The proponent and CC will adopt the GRM Procedure which requires a Community Grievancebased on consultative and timely resolution of legitimate grievances.

POL and/or grievance officer will provide all Contractor(s) teams with training in Community GrievanceProcedures. In implementing POL’s Community Grievance Procedure, the Contractor(s) shall:

Record all grievances using the Template Grievance Form attached as an Annexure X; and

Assess and advise the resolution of the grievance within a time frame.



All grievances will be investigated and a response (outlining a resolution) provided by POL/Contractor(s) as soon as possible and not more than 20 days after receiving the grievance. If moretime is required for resolution, the person raising the grievance shall be kept informed. All grievancesand its subsequent corrective action by contractor(s) shall be discussed and finalized with the consentof proponent.

POL and its Contractor(s) shall plan to ensure sufficient resources including manpower, if needed, areallocated on an ongoing basis to achieve effective implementation of this Plan.


GEMSEIA1450621POL Conclusions 9-1

The increasing demand of medical and industrial gases from major end-users such as healthcaresector, oil and gas, chemicals, petrochemicals, food and beverage, and power sector have generatedstress on existing supply-chain. The demand for medical oxygen has jumped manifold due to currentpandemic of corona virus globally. In this scenario, oxygen supply capacity in Pakistan is also understress, due to the consumption of huge chunk of oxygen production in healthcare sector. Due toincrease in demand of medical and industrial gases, M/s Pakistan Oxygen Limited is setting up a new270 TPD Air Separation Unit at its Port Qasim facility.

This chapter concludes the findings of the environmental assessment study and summarizes the keypoints to be addressed to ensure the environmental sustainability of the project during theconstruction and operation phases. The major environmental issues related with the Project Activitiesalong with the Proposed Mitigation Measure are summarized as under:

- In terms of physical environment, most of the impacts are controlled and limited in andaround the project area. The key negative impacts such as site aesthetics, generation ofwastes, changes in soil characteristics, emission of air pollutants from standby generators.However, implementation of appropriate mitigation and management plan these risks can bemanaged and monitored, such as water sprinkling to bare areas for dust prevention andproper maintenance of the construction machinery for prevention of gas emissions, noise andvibration and through the provision of proper waste management plans and OHS plans duringall project activities to comply with the relevant legislation will minimize these impacts.

- With respect of ecological environment, the key negative impact is the clearance of existingwild vegetation during construction phase although there is no sensitive ecologicallyprotected area also biodiversity in the project area is not rich because of the industrial settingof the area. However, resident birds in the area may be disturbed. Further, implementationof appropriate mitigation measures, such as the adaptation of good construction practices,strict probation of hunting and trading of wildlife species and the development of green areasat the site as soon as possible will minimize the impact on the ecosystem.

- As far as the social environment is concerned, proposed project lies in designated industrialarea so no as such social environment will be disturbed. The proposed development will havepositive impacts on the local livelihood in terms of increase in employment opportunities,aesthetic of the project area. The proposed 270 TPD Air Separation Unit project will contributein the increasing demand for industrial gases more specifically medical oxygen in the runningpandemic time of COVID-19.

- In terms of health and safety, the impacts on occupational/community health and safety areexpected such as increase in number of accidents during construction, risk of fire, improper

CONCLUSIONS

CHAPTER

9



disposal of solid waste and risks for communicable disease among workers and thesurrounding local community due to the influx of labors from outside. However,implementation of appropriate mitigation and management plan, such as the provision ofadequate number of firefighting extinguisher at different location of proposed project site,implementation of emergency response plan, manage working conditions during theconstruction work and to provide security and safety during all project activities will minimizethese impacts.

- In the process of EIA, opportunity of public involvement was ensured and comments from thepublic were reflected into the EIA Report. In consideration of the result of the EIA study forthe establishment of new 270 TPD Air Separation Unit, the Environmental Management Plans(EMPs) satisfying the requirements of the Sindh EPA has been developed to effectivelyimplement the mitigation measures to reduce the identified negative impacts for each phaseof the proposed project: pre-construction phase, construction and operation phase.

- On the basis of the overall impact assessment, more specifically, nature and magnitude of theresidual environmental impacts identified during present EIA, it is concluded that the new 270TPD Air Separation Unit project is unlikely to cause any significant, lasting impacts on thesocial, physical and biological environment of the area, provided that the proposed activitiesare carried out as suggested in the report, and the mitigation measures recommended in thisreport are completely and effectively implemented. Overall, the project will have positivesocioeconomic impacts. The proposed project will achieve its objective of fulfilling theincreasing demand of industrial gases in all over Pakistan. The proposed project will alsoenhance the beauty of the area and it will also comply with all legislative requirements andstandards listed in this EIA report.

9.1. RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendations made for the project development on the basis of EIA study are given below:

- All construction materials and practices would be in accordance with the relevant National orinternational codes.

- Water contamination, air pollution should be controlled with the use of good engineeringpractices including land management, selection of abatement devices, and use of proactivemeasures, etc. System of periodic auditing and reporting will be adopted during theconstruction period to ensure that the contractors adhere to the EMMP.

- Water spraying will be done; as well as vehicle speeds on graded roads will be limited in orderto minimize dust emissions.

- Contractor should take due care of the local community and its sensitivity towards localcustoms and traditions of indigenous Culture.

- The project proponent and its team of consultants and contractors are urged to develop astrategy for local community engagement for complaints and suggestions.



- Appropriate noise suppression devices should be fitted to all machinery likely to exceed noisecriteria specified in the relevant legislation in all phases of the project.

- Ensure that all the safety and security procedures are in place and implemented in true spiritwhich includes use of safety nets/sheets, erection of safety warning signs, provision of thenecessary PPE’s for the workers are in place and implemented in true spirit.

- Proposed environment management and monitoring plan should be implemented strictlyboth during construction and operation phase of the project.

- Ensure the proper control, and treatment, discharge and reuse mechanism for particulatematter, captured carbon dioxide, cooling water, vaporizer blow down water.

- A solid waste management plan will be prepared, implemented and monitored for the safecollection, storage and treatment/ disposal of the waste. Also, separate bins will be placed fordifferent type of wastes at different locations.

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE-I

Organogram

Project Manager

Ali Adnan Dar

Total HC 05

Project Procurement Officer

Hasan Hamid

Project Safety Officer

M. Rohail Arshad

270 TPD ASU ProjectOrganogram

Head of Procurement

Yasir H. Zubairi

Project Planning Engineer

TBC

Project Engineer

M. Ashfaque

ANNEXURE-II

PQA Letter

ANNEXURE-III

Site Emergency Plan

Site Emergency Plan Port Qasim

IMS-25-11 Version 4.0, July 2019 Page 1 of 56 Copyright © Pakistan Oxygen Limited

Uncontrolled Copy - do not use after date of printing

Purpose and Scope 3

Administration 3

Site Location 3

Site Layout Map 4

On Site Personnel 4

Hazardous Substances 5

Storage Manifest 5

Location of Stores 6

Product Manifest 6

Hazard Ranges 7

Emergency Communication 8

Post Emergency Activities 9

Training 10

Evacuation Drill 10

Emergency Equipment Checks 10

Post Evacuation Drill Debrief 11

Emergency Organization 12

General Site Emergency Procedures 12

If Safe To Do So 12

Alarm Procedures 13

Definition of Emergency 13

Alarm Initiation - Chief Warden Procedure 13

Alarm Activation 13

Response to Alarms 14

Control 14

Evacuation 15

First Aider 16

Search and Rescue- Procedure 17

Fire and Explosion- Detection 18

Termination of Emergency 18

Medical Emergency Procedure 19

Fire Fighting Procedures 20

Liquid Oxygen Storage Tank Fire 20

Liquid Oxygen Pump Fire 21

Hydrogen Fire 22

CyPakistan Oxygenr Fire- Non Toxic, Flammable 23

Hydrogen Trailer Fire 24

Electrical Fire or Incident 25

Chemical Leak Procedures 26

Hydrogen - Pipeline Leak 26

Gas Pipeline Leak- Nitrogen 29

Cryogenic Liquid Spill 30

Toxic Gas Leak - ex Lotte PTA 32

CyPakistan Oxygenr Leak- Non Toxic, Flammable 34

Natural Gas Pipe Line Leak 36

Liquid Carbon Dioxide Spill 36

Liquid Carbon Dioxide Storage Tank Pressure 37

Ammonia Leak Handling Procedures 39

Typical Ammonia Leak Incidents and Relevant Emergency Procedures 40

Hazards of Ammonia 41

Other Hazards 41

Health Effects 42

Electrical Hazards and Safety 42




Water Treatment Chemical Spill 43

External Threats 44

Civil Disturbance 46

Armed Holdup 46

Storms 48

Flood 50

Earthquake 51

Off-site Incidents Impacting on Pakistan Oxygen Gases Operations Sites 52

Verification and Control 53

Material Safety Data Sheets 53-55




Purpose and Scope

Purpose This plan has been developed to:

• Control or limit any effect that an emergency or potential emergency may have on a

Pakistan Oxygen Gases site, neighbouring sites and the surrounding community;

• Facilitate emergency response and provide assistance on the site as may be appropriate to the

occasion;

• To ensure communication of all vital information to appropriate internal and external parties

as soon as possible;

• To facilitate reorganisation activities so that operations can be resumed;

• To provide for training so that an appropriate level of preparedness can be continually

maintained;

• To provide for a basis for updating and reviewing emergency procedures.

Scope This plan details the emergency procedures to be followed for the Pakistan Oxygen

Limited Gases site at Port Qasim, Karachi Pakistan

Administration

Site Location

Location Pakistan Oxygen Port Qasim is located at approximately 60 km east of Karachi city.




Site Layout Map

Layout The site layout of Port Qasim Site is given below. Click anywhere on the graphic to see the enlarged

view.

On Site Personnel

On – Site

Personnel

The following details relate to the average numbers of personnel likely to be present at any

given time. This list includes employees and subcontractors (e.g. cleaners and security

personnel).

Day 0830 - 1630 1630 - 1230 1230 - 0830

Monday-Saturday 1 Site Manager 1

O & M Lead

1 Maintenance Engineer 1

E & I Engineer

2 Store Staff

4 Operations Staff

2 Plant Technicians

15 Contractor’s Labour

11 Security Staff

1 KESC Staff

8 Driver

4 Decanter

4 Operations Staff

4 Contractor’s Helper

11 Security Staff

1 KESC Staff

8 Driver

4 Decanter

4 Operations Staff


11 Security Staff

1 KESC Staff

8 Driver

4 Decanter




Sunday 4 Operations Staff


11 Security Staff

1 KESC Staff

8 Driver

4 Decanter

4 Operations Staff


11 Security Staff

1 KESC Staff

8 Driver

4 Decanter

4 Operations Staff


11 Security Staff

1 KESC Staff

8 Driver

4 Decanter

Hazardous Substances

Storage Manifest

Hazardous

substances

manifest

The following list contains hazardous substances manufactured, stored or used on site. This list

should be read in conjunction with the Site Layout Map below.

.

1013

cylinders

used for calibration

of analysers

Hydrogen compressed used

2.1 2[S]E 1049 135 Kg as flue gas in THC

analyser and used for

argon purification in

ASPEN plant

2.3(8) 2PE 1005 300 Kg Ammonia gas use in

Refrigeration System

Class HAZCHEM UN No Weight Volume Substances

2.2 2PE 1073 687 tons 5071434 Sm3 Oxygen, cryogenic liquid

2.2 2RE 1977 585.62 tons 493888 Sm3 Nitrogen, cryogenic liquid

2.2 2RE 1005 86 tons 50847 Sm3 Argon, cryogenic liquid

2.1 2[S]E 1049 10000 Nm3 Hydrogen, compressed

2.1 2[S]E 1001 13 Kg Dissolved Acetylene,

compressed

6.1 2[Z] 1710 210 Kg Trichloroethylene

Water Treatment Chemicals

Nalco 3DT 104

Nalco 8506

Nalco 3DT 129

Nalco 7330

Sodium hypochlorite

2.2 2RE 2187 150 tons Carbon Dioxide Liquid

45 m3 in Oxygen compressed N4

2.2 2[S] 1272 cylinders grade used for calibration of analyser

250 Kg in

Carbon Dioxide compressed

2.2 2RE




Refrigerant gas R 22

MEA use in Lye heater,

adsorber & stripper

Natural Gas for

CO2 Plant

MSDS location Material Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Substances indicated above are located at the

Administration Office.

For complete list, see Material Safety Data Sheets (page 52 &53)

Location of Stores

Product Manifest

Product imports

and exports

The following products are supplied to Lotte PTA through pipeline.

• Hydrogen gas (H2).

• Gaseous Nitrogen on request.

The following products are exported to Pakistan Oxygen merchant customers by insulated road tankers:

• Liquid oxygen (LOX).

• Liquid nitrogen (LN).

• Liquid argon (LAR).-

• Beverage Grade Liquid Carbon Dioxide (LCO2).

2 2TE 1018 90 Kg

2.1 3Z 1202 2870 Kg




Hazard Ranges

Hazard Ranges Hazard Ranges are calculated as part of the Major Hazard Review Program to indicate the distance

limits for the effect of the hazard event. The ranges depend on the amount of the hazardous

material in stock. Three ranges are normally calculated:

• Extreme (EHR) - the distance beyond which there would be less than 50 fatalities. Not

considered for oxygen.

• High (HHR) - the distance beyond which there would be less than 1- fatalities. For oxygen,

this has been taken as the 40 level in air.

• Low (LHR) - the distance beyond which injuries are unlikely. A

further hazard range is calculated for cryogenic liquid spills

• Fog - Within this hazard range, the hazard arises from accidents which might occur due to the

reduced visibility.

Material Hazard Range (meters)

EHR HHR LHR FOG

Liquid Oxygen 40 180 260

Liquid Nitrogen 260

Liquid Argon 260

Hydrogen 44 82 231

Liquid Carbon Dioxide NA NA NA NA

Natural Gas NA NA NA NA

Ammonia 80 155 220

Emergency Communication

Emergency Communication equipment

Communication

during an

emergency

For communication within Pakistan Oxygen Gases or externally, during an emergency, see

Emergency Telephone Numbers (see attachment) for the applicable contact numbers.

Media The following personnel have been trained and authorised to speak to the media and release public

statements for this site:

• Country Head

If any other site personnel are approached by the media to give a statement, the following

statement should be given:

"I am not authorised to give information, but I can put you in touch with our Corporate Officers."




Post Emergency Activities

Emergency

assessment team

The Site Manager is responsible for assembling an Emergency Assessment Team of all site

supervisors, plus others as required, immediately after the emergency event has ended

to determine the extent of damage and the likely effect on the continuity of business.

After the initial assessment has been made and no later than four (4) working hours after

the emergency, the Site Manager should convene a meeting of the Assessment Team.

Acting on the information provided by the Site Engineers, the Assessment Team would initiate the

recovery plan for the affected area.

The Emergency Assessment Team must address:

• Whether the emergency has cast doubt on the safety and integrity of the operation.

• The repair or replacement of plant or equipment including such considerations as the hire of

contractors (contract numbers for emergency supplies in shall be presented, refer to the list of

contract suppliers in.

• The continuity of business, including extra transport requirements, if products can be obtained

from other sources.

• Investigation of the emergency incident with the establishment of facts, conclusions &

remedial actions.

• The necessity of engineering audits before the re-commissioning of damaged plant

or equipment.

• Progress reporting to customers, RSE ROC and the Head Of Operations

• When repair or replacement is nearing completion, the Site Manager should arrange

suitable engineering audit dates before affected plant or equipment is made fully

operational.

Alternative

product source

Critical products may be sourced within the Pakistan Oxygen Gases network as follows:

Critical Product Alternate Source 1 Alternate Source 2

Liquid Argon Pakistan Oxygen site -Sunder Import

Liquid Nitrogen Pakistan Oxygen site -Sunder Ghani Gases

Liquid Oxygen Pakistan Oxygen site -Sunder Ghani Gases

Incident reporting

and investigation

Reporting and investigation of emergency incidents must be carried out in accordance with IMS-24-

01 : Incident Reporting in Pakistan Oxygen Gases

All corrective action must be carried out in accordance with IMS-14-01 : Corrective and Preventive

Actions

Training

Training A regular schedule of training must be established to keep Emergency Team members knowledge

and skills current. The training must be designed to include both the classroom and field depending

on the targeted participants.

Standard All training of personnel must be carried out in accordance with IMS-18-01 : Training in Pakistan Oxygen

Gases




Training

conducted

There are two levels of training performed on the Pakistan Oxygen site.

• Evacuation and fire drill training for all employees.

• Specific training on the Pakistan Oxygen site and equipment. This training needs to be

undertaken by any Pakistan Oxygen person that may act as the Chief Warden of the site

at any time.

Training in the

use of Emergency

Response

Equipment

Fire Fighting staff is provided with ongoing training in the use of the fire fighting equipment by

qualified trainers. This training includes the use of hose reels, portable fire extinguishers, PPE and

the principle of fire and fire extinguishment.

Evacuation Drill

Emergency trial

evacuation

• An emergency evacuation drill must be conducted at least in six months basis.

• The emergency drills must be designed and conducted to test the response capabilities of the

Emergency Command Structure, communications system and local emergency service

providers.

• The Chief Warden must notify all neighbouring companies 24 hours prior to

the commencement of an evacuation drill.

Emergency drills should be conducted at varying times to test the adequacy of the emergency

procedures during and after normal working hours, and on weekends or holidays.

Emergency drills must be varied from drill to drill to ensure testing of all aspects of the emergency

plan.

Emergency Equipment Checks

Testing of

emergency alarm

systems

The emergency alarm system must be tested at least once every month. A more frequent interval

may have to be introduced if required. These tests are conducted to:

• provide confidence in their operation

• make sure that all personnel are familiar with the different alarm tones

• make sure that alarms can be heard in all areas.

• Testing should be conducted at an appropriate time (or times) to make sure that all personnel

on all shifts are considered. The test must be activated from different locations in order that all

alarm points are tested in rotation.

Emergency

equipment test

Emergency equipment must be checked/tested in each site emergency drill. The test results should

be logged in the Emergency Equipment Checklist (see attachment).




Post Evacuation Drill Debrief

Formal debrief

and review

Emergency drills or any emergency occurrence must be immediately followed by a formal

debriefing and review process involving all emergency personnel on the Debrief logsheet (see

attachment).

This review must seek to identify any variations from the Emergency Plan and reasons for their

occurrence. Any inadequacies in the Emergency Plan such as procedures, equipment and training

must be noted and assigned to employees through the substandard condition reporting process.

Minutes of the review must be kept, discussed and a copy forwarded to all site personnel with

emergency response roles.

Emergency Organization

Chief Warden This position has duties described in the plan with respect to the active and protective response to

an emergency.

The person occupying this position must also decide, at the time, the off-site aid required to handle

the emergency.

Responsibilities The Chief Warden must:

• Assume a co-ordinating role in the event of an emergency.

• His actions must aim to:

• Ensure the safety of personnel on site.

• Minimise damage.

• Secure the plant.

• Have a sound knowledge of:

• Hazards.

• Likely consequences.

• Material use.

• Procedures and application of the Emergency Plan.

• Authorise the Emergency Plan distribution list.

• Ensure evacuation drills are conducted every 6 months.

• Conduct a debriefing session following evacuation drills.

• Review and update the Emergency Plan.

• Schedule fire fighting equipment training.

• Ensure fire-fighting equipment is inspected regularly.




Responsibilities in

the event of an

emergency

The Chief Warden shall be responsible for ensuring:

• Emergency services have been contacted as appropriate, and assistance is provided.

• Ensures the site is closed to prevent unauthorised entry of people and vehicles.

• Decisions to evacuate site are taken promptly. For evacuation procedure

• The emergency site/area is secure.

• Co-ordinate the activities of Emergency Wardens and site personnel.

• Immediate security issues are addressed.

• Meets the Emergency Services at the Gate, or delegates this task.

• The situation is controlled/contained to prevent escalation of the crisis.

• The assessment of hazards and risks as crisis unfolds.

Who becomes the

Chief Warden

Following personnel at different times will become Chief Warden:

• Site Manager is the Site Emergency Controller (Chief Warden) for Port Qasim site.

• In the absence of Site Manager, Production Engineer becomes the Chief Warden.

• In the absence of Production Engineer, Maintenance Engineer becomes the Chief Warden.

• In the absence of Maintenance Engineer, E & I Engineer becomes the Chief Warden.

• The Senior Shift Engineer on shift becomes the Chief Warden in the absence of the Site

Manager, Production Engineer, Maintenance Engineer and E & I Engineer, until relieved by

Site Manager, Production Engineer, Maintenance Engineer or E & I Engineer.

On-site The Chief Warden must remain on site.

The role must be handed over to the next in line at the time of leaving.

Similarly the role is handed over to the next in line at the time of their arrival.

Emergency

Organisation

For details of the emergency organisation at Port Qasim, see Emergency Organization (Page 121)

General Site Emergency Procedures

If Safe To Do So

What does "If safe

to do so" means

If safe to do so" means that you:

• have checked the surrounding environment.

• are trained for the emergency task(s).

• are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• have a safe means of escape.

• can take appropriate action without undue risk to yourself or others, and finally.

• do not be a hero.




Alarm Procedures

Definition of Emergency

Definition An emergency situation is defined as an event where there is either a major operational problem

(for example, fire or serious incident) or where there is loss of life or considerable environmental

damage, and there is the possibility of media coverage.

• An emergency is an unplanned or unwanted event, on or off site, involving BOC products,

services, property or people.

Examples of an

emergency

Examples of an emergency may include one or more of the following events:

• Medical emergency/Injury: requiring outside emergency services see Medical Emergency

Procedure and Medical Emergency Numbers(Page 209)

• Fire or explosion: any combustion outside the maintenance area not covered by a work

permit see Fire Fighting Procedures (Page 20)

• Major leak: any leak threatening personal injury, property/equipment damage or the creation

of a hazardous atmosphere. See Chemical Leak Procedures (Page 25)

• External threats: for example, civil disturbance, storm, flood, bomb threat, etc see

Alarm Initiation - Chief Warden Procedure

Procedure The following steps should be taken by the Chief Warden to initiate an alarm involving evacuation:

Step Action

1 Wear green helmet and green vest for identification.

2 Ascertain nature and location of emergency and determine appropriate action.

3 Contact Lotte PTA control room by dialling 102 and advice any alarms that may

be required to be activated.

4 If necessary, initiate evacuation procedure for affected areas. Refer to

Evacuation (Page 165)

Alarm Activation

Alarms activation Smoke detection in the plant Control Room will activate automatically a local alarm in the ASU plant control

room.

Smoke detection in the Stores will activate automatically alarms, which will sound in the plant area

and the Gate House.

Further, break glass type switches are available for activation of alarm manually.

In addition to all these a manually operated electrical alarm and a manually operated mechanical

alarm has been installed in Gate House, which may be operated in case of an emergency.

Alarms activation There are two alert alarms, and one all clear:

Alarm Description




1x 30 second blasts (Alert Alarm) Active Aid Response; used for a fire or spill incident which is thought to

be controllable with out the help of external emergency services or

evacuation

1 x 2 minutes blast (10 second sup &down the cycle) Evacuation of the Site of all non-operational personnel

10 Seconds Straight All clear

Response to Alarms

Alarm response

procedure

When an alarm sounds, all employees, visitors and contractors must follow the procedure outlined

below:

Step Action

1 Cease any telephone conversations.

2 If Safe To Do So (Page 13) stop and secure all working equipment:

• Secure critical records and personal effects.

• Save current computer data and shut it down.

Shut down and secure the plant (e.g., isolate storage tanks etc).

3 Evacuate immediately to the Emergency Assembly Area at the front gate.

Assemble in the assembly area in front of the respective name boards. There

are three name boards available in the emergency assembly area as

"Employees", "Contractors" and "Visitors". All employees shall assemble in

front of "Employees" name board with their backs to the KESC Yard.

Similarly contractors and visitors are required to assemble in front of their respective

name boards.

4 Remain in the emergency assembly area (or alternate evacuation assembly

area if directed to go there) until the all clear is given.

5 Once clear of the building or site, do not attempt to re-enter for any reason

until the Chief Warden gives the signal of "all clear".

6 Follow the instruction given by Emergency Services.

Control

Senior

Pakistan

Oxygen

member

The senior Pakistan Oxygen person on site will take control of the response to the

emergency. Implicit in this control shall be:

• Regard for overall site safety.

• The summoning of off-site emergency services.

• The taking of available advice from Pakistan Oxygen operators and wardens




Evacuation

Emergency

evacuation route

See the Emergency Evacuation Route

Chief Warden The following steps should be taken by the Chief Warden (Chief Warden) once it becomes

necessary to evacuate the site. The initial alert alarm(s) should already have been sounded and

acted upon.

Evacuation Procedure for Chief Warden

Step Action

1 Ascertain nature and location of the emergency to determine the appropriate

emergency procedures to be taken.

2 Contact the LottePTA official and inform him about the emergency. 3 Contact RSE ROC operations and inform them about the emergency.

(Additional line).

4 Inform other neighbouring premises of the emergency (if necessary). Refer to Emergency Telephone Numbers (see attachment)

5 Inform the Emergency Services.

6 Notify the following Pakistan Oxygen people:

Head Of Operations

On Site Operations Manager O

& M Lead

Maintenance Engineer E

& I Engineer

Distribution Officer

SHEQ Manager

Refer to Emergency Telephone Numbers (see attachment)

7 Proceed to Emergency Assembly Area and:

7.1 Brief employees gathered at assembly point of the situation.




7.2 Confirm that all staff and onsite visitors have been accounted for and

determine if any one requires first aid assistance. Check entrance log

books in the gate room.

7.3 If missing personnel, co-ordinate an initial

7.4 Brief emergency services personnel on arrival.

7.5 Co-ordinate with first aid if required.

7.6 Assess when all clear can be issued.

First Aider First Aider should take the following steps once it becomes necessary to evacuate the site. The

initial alert alarm(s) should already have been sounded and acted upon.

Evacuation Procedure for First Aider

Step Action

1 Prepare for initial first aid assistance and establish a first aid station.

2 Administer first aid to personnel as required.

3 Co-ordinate the transfer of injured personnel from the site to a safe location.

4 Liase with hospitals or ambulance services in the case of serious health impact

to employees.

5 Advise the Emergency Co-ordinator on medical concerns.

Security

Supervisor

The following steps should be taken by Gate Keeper once it becomes necessary to evacuate the

site. The initial alert alarm(s) should already have been sounded and acted upon.

Evacuation Procedure for Security Supervisor

Step Action

1 Secure site from vehicle and personnel entry and exit.

2 Control access to authorised people.

3 Be stationed at the main entrances to the site to ensure that no vehicles enter

or leave the site except Emergency Services Units.

4 Maintain clear access of site entrance for Emergency Services.

5 Advise all drivers to remain with their vehicles.

6 Await arrival of Emergency Services and assist them if requested.

7 Notify Chief Warden of the arrival of Emergency Services.

8 Provide assistance to the Chief Warden and await further instructions.

Employees,

visitors and

contractors

Employees, visitors and contractors should take the following steps once it becomes

necessary to evacuate the site. The initial alert alarm(s) should already have been

sounded and acted upon.

Evacuation Procedure for Employees including Visitors and Contractors

Step Action




1 Cease any telephone conversations.

2 If Chief Warden allows:

• Secure critical records and personal effects.

• Save current computer data and shut it down.

• Shut down and secure the plant (e.g., isolate storage tanks etc). 3 Contact RSE ROC operations and inform them about the situation.

(additional line).

4 Evacuate immediately to the Emergency Assembly Area at the front gate.

Assemble in the assembly area in front of the respective name boards. There

are three name boards available in the emergency assembly area as

"Employees", "Contractors" and "Visitors". All employees shall assemble in

front of "Employees" name board with their backs to the KESC Yard.

Similarly contractors and visitors are required to assemble in front of their respective

name boards.

5 Remain in the emergency assembly area (or alternate evacuation assembly

area if directed to go there) until the all clear is given.

6 Do not attempt to leave the site unless directed by the Chief Warden.

Note:

Under no circumstances should personnel attempt to remove vehicles from

site.

7 Once clear of the building or site, do not attempt to re-enter for any reason

until the Chief Warden gives the signal of "all clear".

8 Follow the instruction given by Emergency Services.

Search and Rescue- Procedure

Chief Warden

procedure

The following steps should be taken by Chief Warden when a person is unaccounted for at the

Emergency Assembly Area in an emergency situation:

Step Action

1 Appoint Search and Rescue Team of appropriately trained personnel. This

team shall comprise of at least two members and there shall be a

communication between chief warden and the team by radio. (For this

purpose two sets of radios are available in the "Emergency Response Team

Post" at the Emergency Assembly Area).

2 Identify the missing person and his last known location.

3 Identify hazards (i.e. nature of emergency) in the area of concern.

Note:

A search for unaccounted for personnel should only be conducted provided that

the well being of searchers can be safe guarded. Search activities should

normally be carried out in conjunction with Emergency Services.

Searcher/

Rescuer

The personnel involved in the search and rescue will carry out this activity.




Step Action

1 Obtain last known location and circumstances from local BOC site personnel.

2 Obtain direction from Site Layout Map (Page 5)

3 Equip yourself with proper PPEs, personal monitors and fire fighting

equipment.

Fire and Explosion- Detection

Any employee The following steps should be taken on detection or suspicion of fire (e.g. smell or smoke) or

explosion:

Step Action

1 Ensure immediate safety of anyone in the affected area. Request assistance if

necessary.

2 Contact the Chief Warden and inform him.

3 If trained and If Safe To Do So (Page 132), fight the fire.

4 If the situation poses a threat to the safety of personnel, evacuate the area

and close the doors behind you.

5 In case of explosion, remain clear of all buildings and structures, which may

have been weakened by the explosion. Damaged gas pipelines may lead to

subsequent explosions.

Pakistan

Oxygen Chief

Warden

The following steps should be taken by the Chief Warden on detection or suspicion of fire or

explosion:

Step Action

1 Ascertain nature and location of the emergency to determine the appropriate

emergency procedures to be taken.

2 Call the Emergency Services if required. 3 Inform RSE ROC operations and inform them about the situation.

(additional line).

4 Inform the Lotte PTA officials if required.

Termination of Emergency

Termination of

emergency

The all clear’ may be given to staff when:

• The Chief Warden is satisfied. Personnel safety will not be placed at risk by a return to

normal duties.

• Decide which areas may return to normal duties and advise staff in the Emergency

Assembly Area.




Medical Emergency Procedure

Key Points • Follow first aid principals.

• Immediate family notification.

• Pakistan Oxygen representative to provide support for injured person: For example,

• Stay with the injured person.

• Go to the hospital/medical centre.

First Person on the Scene

Step Action

1 Assess the situation and administer first aid if trained and If Safe To Do So

(Page 13).

2 Beware of the possibility of electrocution or asphyxiation hazards.

3 Arrange for First Aider immediately.

4 Arrange for Chief Warden to be notified.

5 Arrange for ambulance. See Medical Emergency Telephone Numbers (see

attachment)

Chief Warden

Step Action

1 Assess Incident.

2 Confirm Ambulance notification if required.

3 Report to Management.

4 Arrange for Emergency Services to be met.

5 Identify missing or injured persons.

6 Assist Emergency Services as appropriate.

7 Give all clear on advice of Emergency Services.

8 Debrief.




Fire Fighting Procedures

Liquid Oxygen Storage Tank Fire

Key Points • Oxygen, although non-combustible, promotes combustion.

• Materials, which are considered non-combustible under normal circumstances, become

combustible in the presence of oxygen when heat is applied.

• This applies to metals such as steel and aluminium.

• Liquid oxygen forms an unstable explosive mixture when in contact with organic compounds

such as oil, asphalt, wood, carbon rubber and plastics.

• Oxygen fires are extremely difficult to control unless the supply is interrupted. If the oxygen

flow cannot be stopped, attempt to lower the temperature of the fire sufficiently to extinguish

the fire.

• The impingement of a cryogenic liquid onto a mild steel structure may cause that structure to

fail.

Hazards Cold Burns: If a large escape of liquid oxygen is involved there is an obvious risk that personnel may

receive cold burns. Extreme care must be taken to avoid this occurring.

Mist Formation: Atmosphere water vapour in the vicinity of a large liquid spill will condense to form mist,

which could cause disorientation.

Explosion: Because liquid oxygen creates large volumes of gas under certain conditions there is a

possibility of an explosion occurring.

Ice Formation: Application of water forms ice, and, combined with a "Mist Formation" could create an

extremely hazardous situation.

PPEs Personal Protective Equipment required:

• Long sleeve cotton shirt and trousers

• Heat resistant gloves

• Leather Boots

• Face shield

Initial Procedure

Step Action

1 Raise alarm with Pakistan Oxygen Chief Warden

2 Evacuate people from hazard zone and barricade against entry. See


Isolation Procedure

Step Action Where

1 Press the emergency stop buttons HS-

80-06 and HS-80-07. This action will

close tank outlet quick shut-off valves

and pressure raising coil valve.

HS-80-06 at the road side,

HS-80-07 at the back side of tanks




2 Press emergency stop button HS-80-

08 to stop all the tanker filling pumps.

Near waste disposal unit.

3 Send LOX product to dump. Control room

4 If Safe To Do So (Page 13) close

upstream block valves to storage tank

inlet and outlet.

In the field

Fire Fighting Procedure

Step Action

1 Cut off supply of oxygen. See Isolation Procedure above.

2 Use water to cool structure subject to flame impingement.

3 Spray water directly onto the exposed and involved containers, tanks,

pipework and associated structure.

Water application is most needed at the point of flame contact. The tanks

vapour space (that is the space above the liquid level) is most vulnerable.

4 Fight secondary fires.

Liquid Oxygen Pump Fire

Initial Procedure

Step Action

1 Raise alarm with Pakistan Oxygen Chief Warden.



3 Remove oxygen tanker vehicle from that place if present.

Isolation Procedure- For Tanker Filling Pumps

Step Action Where


80-06 and HS-80-07. This action will

close tank outlet quick shut-off valves

and pressure raising coil valve.

2 Press emergency stop button HS-80-

08 to stop all the tanker filling pumps.

• HS-80-06 at the road side,

• HS-80-07 at the back side

of tanks

Near waste disposal unit.

3 Send LOX product to dump. Control room

4 If Safe To Do So (Page 13) close


inlet and outlet.

In the field

Isolation Procedure- For LOX Recycle Pumps

Step Action Where


371A-08 and HS-371B-08. This action

will trip the pump motor.




2 If Safe To Do So (Page 13) close the

pump suction valve.

In the field


Step Action

1 Cut off supply of oxygen. See Isolation Procedure mentioned above.

2 Use water to cool structure subject to flame impingement.

3 Spray water directly onto the exposed and involved containers, tanks,

pipework and associated structure.

Water application is most needed at the point of flame contact. The tanks

vapour space (that is the space above the liquid level) is most vulnerable.

4 Fight secondary fires.

Should liquid oxygen spills occur, these should be contained if possible by using water from fire

hydrant hose to form ice pools.

Hydrogen Fire

Initial Procedure

Step Action




Isolation Procedure

Step Action Where

1 Shutdown the plant by pressing

emergency stop buttons.

• In the control room,

• At each exit door of

compressor hall.

• See the diagram below

2 If Safe To Do So (Page 13), complete the following isolation steps:

2.1 Close gasholder supply valve V112 and

open vent valve V111.

2.2 Close gasholder supply valve LV-06 from

EPCL to Pakistan Oxygen in front of CR

2.3 Close hydrogen distribution valve V-250

and open vent valve V249.

2.4 If the fire is in the supply line, isolate it by

closing V255A/B. Depressurise the line by

opening V224A/B.

Water seal

EPCL H2 supply line

In the purification skid

In the purification skid





No attempt should be made to extinguish the fire until the hydrogen source has been isolated as

hydrogen gas will continue to build up and may be re-ignited causing an explosion.

Step Action

1 Use large amounts of water to cool down the adjacent surfaces of fire -

exposed vessels and pipes to eliminate hot surfaces in surrounding areas.

These will both prevent ignition sources and mechanical damage to

equipment due to over temperature.

2 Fight secondary fires with appropriate methods.

CyPakistan Oxygenr Fire- Non Toxic, Flammable

Example Example of a non toxic, flammable product present at site is:

• Hydrogen

• Dissolved Acetylene

Hazards Hazards of these gases include:

• Fire (hydrogen burns with an invisible flame)

• Explosion of overheated cyPakistan Oxygenrs

• Jet of flame issuing from cyPakistan Oxygenr safety device





• Long sleeve cotton shirt and trousers

• Heat resistant gloves

• Leather Boots

• Face shield

• Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

Procedure For fires involving cyPakistan Oxygenrs containing flammable gas, follow the steps below:

Step Action




3 Do not approach suspected hot cylinders.

4 If Safe To Do So (Page 13) isolate the source of gas (shut cylinders valve).

5 Do not attempt to extinguish fire without first isolating the supply.

6 If Safe To Do So (Page 13) remove other cylinders from area surrounding fire.

7 Use water to keep the cylinders cool (i.e., the shell stays wet and steam is

not produced).

Hydrogen Trailer Fire

Procedure Follow instructions under Fire (Page 22) and continue steps below wherever possible.

Emergency overview

Simple This product does not contain oxygen and may cause asphyxia if released in a confine area. Asphyxiant Maintain oxygen level above 19.5 Flammable.

Fire and Explosion Hazards

Extremely Hydrogen is very light and may collect in the upper portions of storage areas. Hydrogen burns

Flammable gas with an almost invisible flame.

Extinguishing Media

Water, Dry chemical, Carbon dioxide:

Step Action

1 Immediately inform customer for emergency stop supply gas H2.

2 Ensure SV, SV1, V1 and V2 close.

3 Use water spray to cool surrounding containers. A water fog may be used to

create ventilation. Ventilation fans must be explosion proof.

4 Emergency call to fire station outsource to support.

5 Keep tank, particularly exposed pipes cool by spraying with water. Avoid

6 wetting relief devices as they may freeze and become inoperable.

7 If vessel ruptures, evacuate area immediately to prevent asphyxiation due to O2

displacement by H2




Fire Victim First Aid

Step Action

1 Move victim to safe area if safe to do so.

2 If breathing has stopped, immediately apply mouth to mouth resuscitation.

3 Where there is no pulse, give external heart massage with the artificial

respiration. It is important to have the victims pulse and breathing before

treating physical wounds.

4 When breathing is restored or if victim’s breathing is inadequate, oxygen

should be administered by a trained person.

5 Treat heat burns by rinsing affected areas under tepid water for 20 min, take

care not to overcool victim. Do not attempt to remove clothing especially if large areas of the body are affected.

6 After restoring burnt area to body temperature, cover lightly, keep patient

warm and seek medical aid.

Note: Do not apply cream or oil to wound.

Electrical Fire or Incident

Key Points • Electrical substation has high voltage power equipment. Do not attempt any fire fighting.

• Use the correct type of fire extinguisher.

• Be aware of the possibility of being electrocuted.

PPEs • Long sleeved cotton shirt and trousers

• Long leather gloves

Initial Procedure

Step Action




Isolation

Procedure

All electrical equipment on fire should be electrically isolated first. It may also be necessary to

isolate electrical equipment as part of fighting other fires.

Step Action

1 For isolation of electrical equipment refer to Electrical Isolation Directory (see

attachment)


Step Action




1 If Safe To Do So (Page 13) try to extinguish the fire using a CO2 or Dry

Chemical fire extinguisher.

Do not use water or foam extinguishers on electrical fires. If

situation becomes unsafe withdraw to Emergency Assembly Area.

Chemical Leak Procedures

Hydrogen - Pipeline Leak

P&ID For more detail of hydrogen product pipeline, see Hydrogen P&ID (see attachment)

Hydrogen supply Hydrogen feed gas is supplied to Lotte PTA via pipeline at approximately 98-bar (g).

Hydrogen

properties

Hydrogen is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, non-toxic gas. But, it is an extremely flammable gas,

burning with an almost invisible flame. Because of its flammability, hydrogen presents an explosion

hazard.

Hydrogen has a small molecule. It is very light and disperses upwards readily. It also leaks readily.

Due to its ability to leak through connections and materials which would otherwise be considered

air tight; great care has to be taken in the design, operation and maintenance of hydrogen

production, storage and delivery systems.




Hydrogen

flammability

Hydrogen is one of the most flammable gases because of its low explosive limit (LEL) and upper

explosive limit (UEL) in air is very wide (4 to 75 ).

Hydrogen fire and/or flames are invisible. Impurities or heat waves in the air cause visibility. A

hydrogen fire may be detected primarily by the noise of a leaking gas stream from pipes or

equipment. The heat effects on objects they impinge on, including a broom used for that purpose

can also detect the flames.

Hydrogen fires can cause an explosion almost instantaneously (within a fraction of a second). The

explosion can often be much more dangerous than the original fire.

Hydrogen produced in hydrogen plant is very dangerous because of:

• its very high purity (99.99 or < 5 PPM of O2)

• its very high pressure 220 bar (g)

The chance of survival from an explosion in an open area is many times greater than the chance of

survival from an explosion in a constructed area or building.

Hydrogen

Leakability

Hydrogen exists as a gas at ambient temperature and pressure and it is the lightest gas among all

the gases. Therefore, its tendency to rise and diffuse in the air is very fast.

Hydrogen can diffuse rapidly through certain porous materials or systems, which would normally be

gas tight with respect to air or other gases. In practice, hydrogen venting or leaking to atmosphere

(particularly from a high-pressure source) is very likely to ignite due to electrostatic or self-igniting

impurities in the hydrogen.

Depending on the pressure of release, weather conditions and the size of the smallest internal

diameter of pipe work, hydrogen will disperse within its flammable range for several meters from

the leak (typically 6 to 12 meters).

If there is a leak, the hydrogen source must be closed immediately and the hydrogen circuit must

be de-pressurised to the vent system, and followed by purging with nitrogen before inspection and

repair.

PPE The PPE required for hydrogen leaks is:

• Safety glasses

• Rubber Gloves

• Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or filter respirator

• Full cover work clothes

• Leather shoes

• Minigas Analyzer ( oxygen analyzer)

Gas cloud Site personnel are not allowed to enter a gas cloud. If a gas cloud is ignited, any personnel within

the cloud are likely to be killed or severely burned. Use an analyser to determine the limit of the

hazard zone.

This restriction does not apply to the emergency services that will make their own assessment of

risks and responses.

The intention of the emergency procedures is to safely isolate the hydrogen gas flow to the leak

and allow the cloud to disperse naturally.

Minimum safety

distances

The hydrogen production and storage facilities must be located to minimise risk to personnel,

surrounding equipment and the site. The surroundings must be considered as hazardous zones. The

extent of these zones is given below (normally 8-meters/ 25 ft away). These minimum distances

must be complied with, and are measured from any point within the hydrogen supply which, in the

course of operation, an escape or leak of hydrogen may occur:




Open flames and other ignition sources (including electrical). 8 m/ 26 ft

Site boundary. 8 m/ 26 ft

Areas where people are likely to congregate (car park, mess). 8 m/ 26 ft

Wall openings of buildings. 8 m/ 26 ft

Bulk storage of flammable liquids and gases. 8 m/ 26 ft

Flammable gas cylinders storage (other than hydrogen). 8 m/ 26 ft

Gaseous oxygen storage (cylinders). 8 m/ 26 ft

Stocks of combustible material (timber). 8 m/ 26 ft

Air compressors, ventilator intakes etc.

Source: NFPA 50A, and IGC 15/80 "Gaseous Hydrogen Stations"

8 m/ 26 ft

Procedure In the event of a significant hydrogen leak and/or fire, hydrogen pipeline failure or

leak is detected, the Pakistan Oxygen Gases emergency procedure should be

followed.

Step Action

1 Immediately notify Chief Warden. Warn and evacuate all personnel from the

plant. See

2 Shutdown the plant by pressing emergency stop buttons. For location of

Emergency stops see the diagram below.

3 Complete the following isolation steps:

3.1 Close gasholder supply valve V112 and open vent valve V111. These

valves are located at the water seal.

3.2 Close hydrogen distribution valve V-250 and open vent valve V249.

These valves are located in purification skid.

3.3 If the fire is in the supply line, isolate it by closing V255A/B.

Depressurise the line by opening V224A/B.

4 Inform Lotte PTA control room at 102 hotline.

5 Inform Site Manager.

6 Declaration of an Active Aid Response Emergency.

7 The Chief Warden will take charge on arrival at the scene.




Step Action

Hydrogen fire

procedure

If hydrogen leak catches fire, see Hydrogen Fire (Page 22)




Gas Pipeline Leak- Nitrogen

Major hazard The major hazard created from the leak of nitrogen or argon is

Asphyxia from Oxygen-Deficient-Atmosphere (ODA)

PPEs • Safety glasses

• Rubber Gloves


• Full cover work clothes

• Leather shoes


Procedure

Step Action

1 Immediately notify the Pakistan Oxygen Chief Warden.

2 Quickly determine if the hazard zone is likely to engulf people or critical plant.

Use an analyser to determine the limits.

3 Evacuate personnel from area and barricade against entry.

4 If leak is creating a hazardous zone and If Safe To Do So) Page 13( try to

isolate the supply of gas through ESOV. Prior to this give notice to the end user

that you intend to shut down supply of the gas.

5 If shut off is not possible, consider live ‘plugging’ with appropriate tools and

appropriate PPE (including SCBA for nitrogen & argon).

6 If leak cannot be stopped, use water jet to aid dispersion and reduce hazard

zone.

Cryogenic Liquid Spill

Source Following cryogenic liquids are produced and stored at Port Qasim Pakistan Oxygen site:

• Liquid oxygen storage tank T-80A/B (327.1 tonnes x 2 nos., at –183oC and 2 bar (g)).

• Liquid nitrogen storage tank T-81A/B (233.2 tonnes x 2 nos., at –196 oC and 1 bar (g)).

• Liquid nitrogen storage tank T-81 C (46.6 tonnes x 1 no., at –196 oC and 2 bar (g)).

• Liquid nitrogen storage tank T-87 (73.6 tonnes x 1 no., at –196 oC and 10 bar (g)).

• Liquid argon storage tank T-83A (80.7 tonnes x 1 no., at –186 oC and 1-1.5 bar (g)).

• Liquid argon storage tank T-83B (4.4 tonnes x1 no., at –186 °C and 1-16 bar (g)).

• Liquid oxygen storage tank (15 tonnes x 1 nos., at –183oC and 2 bar (g)). (ASPEN-Plant)

• Liquid oxygen storage Batch tank (32.92 tonnes x 1 nos., at –183oC and 2 bar (g)). (ASPEN-Plant)

• Liquid nitrogen storage tank 4.62 tonnes x 1 nos., at –196 oC and 1 bar (g)). (ASPEN-Plant)

• Liquid argon storage tank 4.28 tonnes x 1 no., at –186 oC and 1-1.5 bar (g)). (ASPEN-Plant)




Hazards Cryogenic liquids are stored at temperatures as low as –196 °C. Their hazards include:

• Cryogenic liquids will cause "cold" burns if it comes in contact with the skin.

• Many materials (e.g. carbon steel) will become brittle in cryogenic liquids and will fracture

easily.

• Small spill of liquid will yield large quantities of vapour. A cryogenic liquid will expand

approximately 800 times when it vaporises

• Depending on the product spilt, the atmosphere may either be oxygen rich, and support

combustion, or oxygen deficient, or cause asphyxiation.

• If released to the atmosphere, they will condense moisture in the atmosphere, forming a thick

fog.

• Air clothing for at least 20 minutes before exposure to ignition sources (flames, sparks,

cigarettes etc.) (Oxygen).

PPEs • Cryogenic gloves

• Long sleeve cotton shirt and trouser

• Leather boots

• Face shield & safety goggles

• Coveralls

• Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for oxygen deficient atmosphere

• Personal oxygen monitor

Cryogenic spill

procedure

The procedure for a cryogenic liquid spill is as follows:




Initial Response to Cryogenic Spill

Step Action

1 Quickly determine if the hazard zone is likely to engulf people or critical plant,

or if product supply is likely to be affected. Use an analyser to determine the

limits of hazard zone if in doubt.

IF YES, continue to step 2.

2 Immediately raise alarm and notify the Chief Warden.

3 Evacuate people from hazard zone and barricade against entry. Use analyser

to determine limit of hazard zone.

4 Do not enter hazard zone arising from spilled liquid without appropriate PPE.

As described above.

5 Remove any cylinders or road tanker or vehicles and shut down any source of

ignition (such as running pumps, fans) from the path of spill.

6 Use water hose to form ice dams to contain to prevent spill from reaching

drains, metal structures or tanks.

7 Promote evaporation using water spray, but avoid wetting relief valve area.

8 If oxygen fire occurs, contact Lotte PTA control room immediately to send fire-

fighting team for the help.

Note:

Do not attempt to extinguish fire without first isolating the liquid oxygen

source of spill. It is advisable to apply direct cooling to limit the potential

for structural damage, especially to the pipe racks and surrounding

equipment

See also: Liquid Oxygen Storage Tank Fire (Page 21).

9 If Safe To Do So (Page 13), establish source of leak and try to isolate it.

Actions to Cryogenic Spill

Step Action Where

1 Press the following emergency stop

buttons and trip close the cryogenic

inlet and outlet valves at the storage

tank:

(O2) HS-80-06 (if there is spill at

oxygen storage). It will close UYV-

80A/B-6 and ESOVs.

(O2) HS-80-07 (if there is spill at

oxygen storage). It will close UYV-

80A/B-6 and ESOVs.

HS-80-08, it will stop all tanker filling

pumps.

(O2) HS-371A/B-6 (if there is spill at the

LOX recycle pump). It will stop the

pump.

Near turbines

On the road side

Near waste disposal unit

Near pumps




(N2) HS-81-06 (if there is spill at

nitrogen storage/P815). It will close

UYV81A/B-2 and UYV81A/B-6.

(N2) HS-81-07 (if there is spill at

nitrogen storage/P815). It will close

UYV81A/B-2 and UYV81A/B-6.

2 If Safe To Do So (Page 13), close the


inlet and outlet as follows:

(O2) If there is a spill at oxygen

storage tank, then send LOX to DUMP

and close V80A/B-4.

Near HE-761

Near T-81B

T-80A/B

N2) If there is a spill at nitrogen

storage tanks T-81A/B, then send LOX to

DUMP and close V81A/B-2.

(N2) If there is a spill at nitrogen

storage tank T-87, close V87-1.

(Ar) If there is a spill at argon storage

tank T-83A then send Ar product to

dump and close V83-1.

T-81A/B

T-87

T-83A

Toxic Gas Leak - ex Lotte PTA

Alarms The alarm for this emergency is:

1 x 30 second blast of an alternating Klaxon - known as the 'gas release' or 'protective aid' alarm

Response to Gas Release Alarm - Procedure

Step Action

1 Proceed to a 'safe haven' area inside the Pakistan Oxygen administration / control

room

building.

2 Ensure the building is gas tight by taking the following steps:

• Close all external doors, including the door leading to the toilets.

• Close all windows.

• Turn off extractor fans in toilets.

• Turn off all air conditioners (even though these are internal recirculation

only, air movement should be minimised).

• Seal underneath external doors with wet towels (stored in kitchen).

Toxic gas at Lotte

PTA site

The largest toxic gas leak threat to the Pakistan Oxygen plant comes from the storage tanks located

directly adjacent to the Pakistan Oxygen site. Storage tanks containing Acetic acid and Paraxylene.

Because of its close proximity and the hazard of the gas, information has been included in this

Pakistan Oxygen Site Emergency Plan. Below are all the details relevant to this gas.




About Acetic acid

and Paraxylene

Acetic acid and Paraxylene are hazardous chemicals and properties peculiar to itself, which call for

specific handling and treatment. With improper handling, it can be lethal.

Acetic acid: It is a colourless mobile liquid having density 1.05 g/ml. Its flammable limit is 5.4 v/v

(lower) and 16 v/v (upper). Vapours are flammable and combustion or thermal decomposition

will evolve toxic and irritant vapours.

Paraxylene: It is a colourless liquid having boiling point 138.3-138.5. Its density is 0.871 at 25 °C.

Its flammable limit is 1.08 v/v (lower) and 6.6 v/v (upper). The vapour flammable, heavier than

air and may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flashback.

Medical

assistance vital

Even if Acetic acid and Paraxylene exposure is small or only suspected, professional medical

assistance should be immediately sought. No self-medication should be administered except that

described in the discussion of first aid.

In the case of accidental exposure to Acetic acid and Paraxylene arrangements have been made

with the Hospital so that professional medical personnel with the proper medical equipment are

available 24 hours a day for immediate treatment of people exposed to Acetic acid and Paraxylene.

Initial first aid

response

Immediately following contact with acetic acid and Paraxylene:-

• Remove the person from further exposure

• Avoid inflicting acid burns on other persons by using gloves and protective equipment

Depending on the nature of the contact, treat the person for:

• Skin contact

• Eye contact

• Inhalation of vapours

• Ingestion

Skin Contact - First Aid

Chemical Action

Acetic acid • Wash skin with water.

• Use safety shower if available.

• Remove contaminated clothing.

• If symptoms (irritating or blistering) occur obtain medical

attention.

Note:

Persons removing clothing must wear surgical gloves or gauntlets.

Paraxylene • Remove contaminated clothing.

• Wash skin with water.

• If symptoms (irritating or blistering) occur obtain medical

attention.

• Contaminated clothing should be laundered before re issue.

Note:

Persons removing clothing must wear surgical gloves or gauntlets.

Eye Contact - First Aid

Chemical Action




Acetic acid • Irrigate with eye wash solution or clean water, holding the eyelids apart, for at least 10 minutes.

• Obtain medical attention.

Paraxylene • Irrigate with eye wash solution or clean water, holding the eyelids apart, for at least 10 minutes.

• Obtain medical attention

Inhalation of Vapours - First Aid

Chemical Action

Acetic acid • Remove patient from exposure, keep warm and at rest.

• Obtain immediate medical attention.

Note:

The affected person must be kept quiet and not permitted to exert him

self or her self in any way.

Paraxylene • Remove patient from exposure, keep warm and at rest.


• Apply artificial respiration if breathing has ceased or shows signs

of failing.

Ingestion - First Aid

Chemical Action

Acetic acid • Do not induce vomiting.

• Wash out mouth with water and give 200-300 ml (half a pint) of

water to drink.


Paraxylene • Do not induce vomiting.

• Wash out mouth with water and give 200-300 ml (half a pint) of

water to drink.

• Obtain immediate medical attention

Gas release It can be expected that a gas release from the storage tanks at Lotte PTA will contain acetic acid and

Paraxylene. Leaking material will normally form a dense vapour cloud, which will stay, close to the

ground. These vapours present a fire hazard in addition to an extreme health hazard to any person

who contacts the material.

For paraxylene water can be used to knock down the escaping vapours. It is absorbed into the

earth, sand and water, so proper care must be taken to dispose off the absorbent after the

emergency.

Cylinders Leak- Non Toxic, Flammable

Example Examples of non toxic, flammable products in cylinders present at site that can leak:

• Acetylene

• LPG

• Hydrogen




Hazards Hazards of these gases include:

• High pressure leaks may auto-ignite

• Burns with colourless flame

• Fire or explosion

• Asphyxiation

PPEs

Personal Protective Equipment required:

• Gloves

• Hearing protection

• Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) in enclosed areas

• Eye protection

• Non-static full cover work clothes


Step

Action

1 If Safe To Do So) Page 13 (stop leak. Use mini gas analyzer to check for LEL

level. (See Isolation Procedure below).

2 Evacuate personnel from the area, 100 metres down-wind, to an area 50

metres up-wind

3 Remove all sources of ignition from evacuated area

4 If leak catches fire:

Evacuate personnel from the area (to a location 100 metre and

barricade to prevent access).

Do not approach suspected hot cylinders.

If Safe To Do So) Page 13 (isolate the source of gas (shut cylinders

valve).

Do not attempt to extinguish fire without first isolating the supply.

If Safe To Do So) Page 13 (remove other cylinders from area

surrounding fire.

Use water to keep the cylinders cool (i.e., the shell stays wet and

steam is not produced).

When safe to do so, condemn cylinders.

Isolation

Procedure

Refer to the table below for the appropriate isolation or leak mitigation:

Step Leak Source Action

1 Outlet Tighten valve

2 Valve Gland Tighten valve gland




3 Bursting Disc Allow to blow down (must not block flow)

Note:

If the leak cannot be stopped by any of the above, the cylinders should

be allowed to blow down in safe, well ventilated area.

Natural Gas Pipeline Leak

Natural Gas

from SSGC

The Pakistan Oxygen Pakistan PQ site is supplied Natural gas at about 0.8bar via a 6” diameter CS

pipeline by the Sui southern Gas company Karachi.

Hazards

Extremely flammable

In high concentrations may cause asphyxiation.

Compressed gas

Initiating event A possible location for a release of gaseous nitrogen would be along the pipe line supply from

SSGC

PPEs The PPE required for Natural gas leaks are:

• Safety glasses

• Long leather gloves


• Leather shoes

• Long sleeved cotton shirt and trousers • Helmet with face shield

Major release

detection

• The noise of the release from high pressure

• The gas detector

Major gas

leak –Isolation

procedure

The major leak is one in which the hazard zone engulfs people or critical plant. The active

response is to reduce the hazard zone by shutting off the gas flow. The protective response is to

evacuate people from the hazard.

Procedure The procedure for natural gas pipe line leakage is:

Step Action

1 Immediately raise alarm and notify the site emergency co-ordinator or area

warden

2 If safe To Do so evacuate people in immediate danger.

3 If possible, stop flow of product.

4 Do not extinguish a leaking gas flame unless absolutely necessary.

Spontaneous/explosive re-ignition may occur.

5 If safe to Do so try to extinguish the fire using Fire Hydrant or other know

extinguishers.

6 Remain in Emergency Assembly Area until told to lea ve by the site emergency

Co-ordinator, Chief warden or other Emergency services personnel.

Liquid Carbon Dioxide Spill

Liquid carbon dioxide is stored at Linde PQ site in the followings:

• Liquid carbon dioxide batch storage tanks 50 tons X 2 nos. at –21°C and 20 bar(g)

• Liquid carbon dioxide finished storage tanks 50 tons X 1 nos. at –21°C and 20 bar(g)

Sources




Hazards

Liquid carbon dioxide is stored at temperatures as low as –21°C. Its hazards include:

• Extreme cold - tissue freezing, burning or frostbite on contact with skin or eyes.

• Asphyxiate in high concentrations.

• Small spill of liquid will yield large quantities of vapour.

PPEs • Cryogenic gloves

• Long sleeve cotton shirt and trouser

• Leather boots

• Face shield & safety goggles

• Coveralls

• Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for oxygen deficient atmosphere • Personal oxygen monitor

Procedure The procedure for Liquid Carbon Dooxide Spill is:

Step Action

1

Quickly determine if the hazard zone is likely to engulf people or critical plant. Use

an analyser to determine the limits of hazard zone if in doubt.

IF YES, continue to step 2.

2

Immediately raise alarm and notify the Site Emergency Co-ordinator or Area

Warden.

3

Evacuate people from hazard zone and barricade against entry. Use analyser to

determine limit of hazard zone.

4

Do not enter hazard zone arising from spilled liquid without appropriate PPE. As described above.

5

Use water hose to form ice dams to contain to prevent spill from reaching drains,

metal structures or tanks.

6 Promote evaporation using water spray, but avoid wetting relief valve area.

7

During a cold liquid spillage intense vapour fog will occur. This could cause disorientation. If the fog collects over, traffic in that area must be halted.

8 Establish source of leak from location and analysis in hazard zone (if necessary).

9

In order to isolate and shut off the source of spill, close the upstream valves to

storage tank inlet and outlet from which the spillage has occurred.

Liquid Carbon Dioxide Storage Tank Pressure

High Pressure

Hazards

Pressure energy becomes a hazard when it escapes its containment (for example, a valve is

opened to atmosphere), or when it overcomes its containment (for example, vessel failure).

Gases or liquids under pressure always present a hazard in the operation of a CO2 plant. The

potential energy is a product of pressure and volume. It is a popular myth that high pressures

are more dangerous than low pressures, but this is not always the case. For example, a low

pressure in a large vessel can be more hazardous than high pressure in a small container

because of the greater potential energy available. A special hazard exists in a process

system wherever liquid CO2 can be trapped between closed valves. As the liquid vaporizes

through normal heat in leak, the pressure generated can cause the closed section of piping

or equipment to fail. A special hazard exists in applications where the feed gas source is high

pressure. Plant equipment has a maximum operating pressure. Exceeding this pressure can

cause damage to the equipment, including rupture of the equipment, casings and pipe work and can be extremely dangerous to operating personnel.

Safeguards Safety relief devices must:

• be provided to protect pressurized systems against excessive pressure under all operating

conditions • be maintained to ensure reliable operation at the design set pressure




• not be arbitrarily adjusted during operation

• be checked to ensure that they are unobstructed by ice or by other debris

• be periodically tested as required by local or national code or by insurance authorities

• not be isolated from the system that they are protecting unless under strict control and a

permit to work system (for example, during maintenance and testing of the safety relief

device)

• vent to a safe location ensuring personnel protection from direct exposure.

Protection against pressure generated by trapped liquid vaporizing between closed valves

must be provided by thermal relief safety valves.

Engineering Management of Change procedures must be followed before equipment

maximum operating pressures are changed. The equipment manufacturer should always be

consulted if the equipment is required to operate at a pressure higher than its original

design. For more information, see IMS-04-15 : Engineering Management of Change.

Even if machine pipe work has been depressurized, it is possible that internal parts,

including the oil system, may be under pressure. Before working on a machine, it is essential

that all physical and electrical isolations have been carried out, as required by the Permit to

Work. All pressure vessels and associated pipe work must be periodically tested to ensure

compliance with Pakistan Oxygen pressure system inspection r requirements or local

standards whichever are more stringent. See EQF-02-03 : Pressure Relieving Devices

The use of burst/rupture disks is strictly prohibited and must not be used in liquid CO2

service, with the exception of regulatory mandated use (for example, CO2 railcars). This

policy is intended to prevent the sudden total de-pressurization of any pressurized liquid

CO2 contained system

Low Pressure

Hazards

Low pressures can occur occasionally in CO2 plants. Some examples are:

• Compressor suction pressures turning sub-atmospheric due to a shortage of feed gas.

Typically occurs at start-up when running on recycle with a low makeup flow source

• low-pressure operation of refrigeration systems leading to incorrect heat balances in the

purification process, potentially resulting in product that is out of specification

• in high-pressure feed gas source applications (for example, well sources), a reduction in

design operating pressure, leading to inoperable conditions

• Low pressures in CO2 storage tanks and liquid CO2 processing equipment, resulting in dry ice formation and potential equipment damage.

Where vacuum conditions are anticipated, the design of equipment, vessels and piping

should tolerate the low pressure without failure, or incorporate control devices to protect

against potential vacuum conditions. Appropriate trips and alarms must be incorporated into

the plant design to protect against low pressure conditions, which may adversely affect the

operation of the process. Total de-pressurisation of any pressurised liquid CO2 contained system.




Pressure Control Pressure control, both high and low, must be in place and operational to ensure the integrity

of the storage tank(s) is maintained. The maximum operating pressure of each storage tank

must be known in order to establish a safe operating range for the tanks while in service.

Pressures falling below 200 psig (13.8 barg) may result in temperatures below those

permissible for the steel the vessel is constructed of, creating a potential for catastrophic

vessel failure. Controls must be in place to prevent pressures from falling below this point

when liquid CO2 is present in the tank. A low pressure alarm must be operational, routinely

calibrated and tested, with documentation available. The alarm setting must be at a pressure

greater than the minimum safe pressure defined for that tank. If low temperature carbon

steel is used, lower safe operating temperatures may be acceptable.

Documentation of these lower temperatures rated materials must be available for review.

A formal procedure must be in place to manage a CO2 storage tank containing liquid CO2

that has fallen to a pressure below the safe minimum pressure defined for the tank. This will

include uncontrolled loss of pressure ranging from total depressurisation up to 200 psig

(13.8 barg), depending upon the tank material of construction. This procedure for loss of

pressure must be in the site Emergency Plan (IMS-25-11-SITE) and identify the appropriate

suitably qualified contact person(s) required to assist in reestablishing a safe tank pressure.

For more information on loss of pressure, see CO2 -02-02 : Hazards and Safeguards.

A documented procedure for controlled depressurisation and re-pressurisation of storage

tanks to prevent the potential of exceeding the low temperature design ratings of the tanks

must also be available. These procedures require the guidance and or assistance of persons

knowledgeable or suitably qualified in CO2 tank re-pressurising operations.

If a tank vapour recondenser or vent gas recovery system is not installed, then a pressure

control system must be installed to control the tank pressure without operating the pressure

relief devices. This is typically a pressure control valve venting to atmosphere actuated by a

local pneumatic controller (will function in a power failure) Relying solely on a pressure

relief device for tank pressure control could result in a cyclic operation of the pressure relief

device. This condition could then lead to the failure of the pressure relief device and an

uncontrolled tank depressurisation, creating the potential for tank embitterment.

For more information on material suitability see: CO2-01-06 : Materials of Construction and

Suitability

Ammonia Leak Handling Procedures

Characteristics of

Ammonia

Ammonia gas is colourless and has a pungent and suffocating odour.

• Ammonia gas has a powerful corrosive action on the skin, particularly on the corneal tissue

of the eye.

• Ammonia readily dissolves in water with evolution of heat

• Ammonia solution (ammonia dissolved in water) is also corrosive and can burn the skin. At

high concentrations, it can cause burns, acute pulmonary oedema and asphyxia which is

usually fatal.

• Gaseous ammonia is lighter than air and will rise up.

• When an ammonia cylinders is in a horizontal position, liquid ammonia will flow out.

When the cylinders is in a vertical position, only gaseous ammonia will be released

Precautions Direct exposure to gaseous ammonia can also cause burning to the skin and eyes. Wash or

rinse the burn area with running water. If the burn is severe, especially to the eyes, medical

attention is needed.

• When ammonia dissolves in water heat is released and the water will become hot. Ensure that there continuous flow of water fresh water on to the leaking point.

Emergency

Equipment

Breathing Apparatus (BA) - chemical cartridge or self contained (SCBA).

• In case there is no BA apparatus or if the apparatus is not working, a simple way to filter off

ammonia is by wetting a towel with water and uses it to cover your face.

• Leak detecting solution, teepol or ‘Snoopy’.

• Readily available continuous of water supply.

• Container of sufficient size to submerge the entire ammonia cylinders or at least ensure

that its valve can be kept under water.




Typical Ammonia Leak Incidents and Relevant Emergency Procedures

If ammonia leak is detected at the Condenser unit

Step Action

1 Determine the scale of leakage. Check windsock and move upwind.

2 Warn people in the immediate area, within an estimated 100-meter radius of the leak.

3 If unable to approach the area, wear breathing apparatus.

4 Identify the source of leakage.

5 Determine whether can be repaired or isolated.

6 If it is just a small leakage but unable to repair at the moment, put up warning sign and get maintenance assistance.

7 If leaks look uncontrollable, emergency stop the machine and plant. If required, break the nearest fire alarm break -glass to initiate evacuation.

If possible, try to eliminate emergency. If not, proceed to assembly point i.e. at

the PQ Entrance gate.

• The trained operative should put on the breathing apparatus located on

8 site to try to cut off the ammonia leak:

• Isolate the appropriate valves on the chiller unit to allow a blowdown of

ammonia from the leaking point.

• Spray copious amount of water on the leaking point while blowing down. If

it is not possible to isolate the source of ammonia or if the ammonia

9 concentration in air has become excessive, then copious amount of water

should be directed onto the gas cloud until the air is clear..

If ammonia leak is detected at the ammonia cylinders valve

1 Get away from the affected areas. Check windsock and move upwind.

2 Warn people in the immediate area, within an estimated 100-meter radius of

the leak.

3 If leaking cylinders occurs in plant area, press the nearest emergency stop

button to stop the plant.

4 If leaks look uncontrollable, break the nearest fire alarm break -glass to initiate

evacuation.

5 If possible, try to eliminate emergency. If not, proceed to assembly point i.e.

atthe PQ Entrance gate.

• The trained operative should put on the breathing apparatus located on

site to try to cut off the ammonia leak.

• If leaks occur at the valve gland, tighten the gland nut.

• If leaks occur at the valve outlet, try to close the valve. If this fails, use an

adapter to plug the leak.

• If leaks are from the joint between the cyPakistan Oxygenr and the

valve, DO NOT TRY TO TIGHTEN THE VALVE. This action might further

loosen the valve and cause the valve to eject out from the cyPakistan Oxygenr at great force.

6 If above step 5 measures above cannot be carried out, then:

• Submerge the valve of the ammonia cyPakistan Oxygenr under

water and have a continuous flow of water to dissolve the escaping

ammonia.

• Or if submerging the ammonia cyPakistan Oxygenr or the valve

under water is not possible, then place the cyPakistan Oxygenr in the

upright position so that only gaseous ammonia escapes. Spray

copious amount water on the valve of the cylinders




Hazards of Ammonia

Toxicity Ammonia is considered to be harmful by all exposure means. Effects from exposure may be

delayed. The effects of exposure to different concentrations of ammonia on health are listed in

the following table: Vapour

concentration (p.p.m. V/V)

General effect

Exposure period

25*

Odour, detectable by most persons

Maximum for 8 h working

period

100 No adverse effect for average worker

Deliberate exposure for long periods not permitted

400

Immediate nose and throat irritation

No serious effect after 30 min t o

1 h

700 Immediate eye irritation No serious effect after 30 min to

1h

1 700

Convulsive coughing

Severe eye, nose and throat irritation

Could be fatal after 30 min

2 000 to 5 000

Convulsive coughing

Severe eye, nose and throat irritation

Could be fatal after 15 min

5 000 to 10 000

Respiratory spasm Rapid asphyxia

Fatal within minutes

Flammability * This is the present threshold limit value (TLV).

Flammability

Ammonia can form a flammable mixture when mixed with air. Whilst more difficult to igni te than

a lot of other flammable gases, when within the flammable range there is a risk of ignition. Areas

where there is higher risk of the presence of ammonia, such as cylinders filling operations,

must have appropriate electrical zoning and be kept free of other sources of ignition.

See AMM-01-03 : Advanced Properties of Ammonia for the flammable range of ammonia.

Other Hazards Escape of

Ammonia Gas

Ammonia gas is lighter than air and the leaking gas rises. Under normal conditions no

ammonia gas should be escaping.

The risk of ammonia gas escapes can be reduced by:

• Leak checking containers, transfer hoses and other equipment

• Vent and purging when disconnecting filling or transfer hoses

• Forced extraction in container filling areas • Gas detection equipment

Escape of

Ammonia Liquid

Large volumes of gas may evaporate from a liquid spill. While ammonia gas is lighter than air

and disperses under normal conditions, when the cold liquid comes in contact with the air, the

gas produced is then heavier than air.

Prevent gas concentration in hollows or sumps. DO NOT enter confined spaces where gas may

have collected. The cold gas may absorb water from the air, forming a dense cloud making it

difficult to see. Large spills may result in large pools of liquid forming. Once the ground has

cooled the rate of vaporisation will slow. See SPE-90-05 : Dealing with Large Ammonia Spills .

Re-liquefaction Ammonia in the vapour phase at low temperatures will re-liquefy which causes liquid to be

present in vapour service lines. Re-liquefaction must therefore be considered in all ammonia

installation design.




Health Effects

Inhalation Inhalation of concentrations moderately above the exposure standard (25 ppm) may cause

irritation to the nose and throat. Higher concentrations may cause breathing difficulty, chest

pain, coughing, pink frothy sputum and pulmonary edema. Accumulation of fluid in the lungs can

occur. Upper airway swelling may occur and lead to airway obstruction. Overexposure may

predispose to the development of acute bronchitis and pneumonia.

Ingestion This is an unlikely route of exposure because ammonia is a gas at room temperature and

pressure, but may cause chemical burns to the mouth and esophagus and stomach when ingested as aqueous ammonia (ammonium hydroxide).

Eye Ammonia vapour is irritating to eyes and may cause pain, tears and acute corneal damage at

high concentrations. Ammonia liquid is corrosive to eyes and splashes or spray may cause freeze

burns, leading to severe redness, swelling of the mucus membranes that cover the eye and

inside of the eyelids, damage to the iris and cornea and permanent damage and blindness.

Skin High concentrations of ammonia are corrosive to skin and may cause chemical skin burns.

Depending on the degree and duration of contact, liquid may cause moderate to severe redness,

swelling and ulceration of the skin.

Liquid splashes or spray may cause freeze burns. The burns occur because the liquid in contact

with the skin rapidly absorbs heat as it vaporises. The frost burns give the affected area of skin a waxy appearance.

Carcinogenicity Ammonia has not been classified as a carcinogenic.

Reproductive

effects

No data exists to evaluate the reproductive and developmental effects of ammonia in humans.

Electrical Hazards and Safety

Introduction The strict control of ignition sources is essential where ammonia is stored or used. Potential

ignition sources can be created by:

• faults in electrical circuit

• lightning discharge

• build-up of static electricity.

• These hazards can be eliminated by:

• the use of approved electrical fittings, and

• effective earthing and bonding of ammonia plant and equipment.

The use of non-approved electrical equipment in atmospheres where ammonia could be present

is a potential hazard.

Protection

Against Static

Electricity

Static electricity can be generated in sufficient quantity to cause sparks by a variety of means

including an operator wearing nylon or nylon mix clothing including. Therefore operators must:

• Wear cotton clothing or clothing made from certified 'anti-static' materials. Wear shoes with

slow static release soles must be worn.

• When decanting (Tran filling), touch the top of the cylinders r with bare hands before

operating the valve of cylinders being filled. This is to reduce the operator electrical

potential to the cylinders. For further information see IMS-27-01 : Personal Protective

Equipment – Selection

and Assessment.




PPEs • Safety eyewear complying with an approved standard should be used when a risk assessment

indicates this is necessary to avoid exposure to liquid splashes, mists or dusts.

• Personal protective equipment for the body should be selected based on the task being

performed and the risks involved and should be approved by a specialist before handling this

product.

• Use a properly fitted, air-purifying or air-fed respirator complying with an approved standard if a risk

assessment indicates this is necessary. Respirator selection must be based on known or

anticipated exposure levels, the hazards of the product and the safe working limits of the selected

respirator.

• Chemical -resistant, impervious gloves or gauntlets complying with an approved standard should be

worn at all times when handling chemical products if a risk assessment indicates this is

necessary.

• Full chemical resistant suit and self-contained breathing apparatus only by trained and authorized

persons.




Can cause corneal burns to skin.

• Avoid contact skin

Water Treatment Chemical Spill

Water treatment

chemicals

There are different chemicals used in the water treatment process. Each chemical is in a liquid state

and is added to the cooling tower via separate pipes. These chemicals are:

• Nalco 3DT 129 – used as Scale and Corrosion inhibitor.

• Nalco 3DT 104-

• Nalco 8506 – dispersant for suspended particles slit, oil, iron and organic fouling.

• Nalco 7330 – used for Non oxidising biocide (slims) and algicide for microbiological control.

• H2SO4 – used for pH control.

• Hypochlorite – used as Oxidising biocide (algae control)

Hazards Hazards of these five liquids include:

Nalco 3DT 129 • Toxic to aquatic organism.

• Can cause corneal burns to eyes.

• Can causes burn to skin.

May be harmful if swallowed and may cause muscular damage.

Nalco 8506 • May cause irritation with prolonged contact.

• Can cause mild irritation.

• No adverse effects expected on inhalation

Nalco 7330 • Causes irritation to respiratory tract if inhaled repeatedly or for longer duration.

• On skin contact can causes burns.

• Causes severe irritation and burns to eyes on contact.

• May cause nausea and vomiting if swallowed.

H2SO4 • Can cause irritating to eyes.

• Causes irritating of the mouth and oesophagus, may cause vomiting, diarrhoea to ingestion.

• May cause respiratory tract irritation teeth erosion mouth soreness and difficult breathing to

inhalation.

• Targeted organs are lungs on inhalation.

Nalco 3DT 104




Hypo chlorite • Causes burn, blisters, nausea, difficulty breathing, and lung congestion to inhalation.

• On skin contact can causes burn blisters and itching.

• Causes severe irritation and eye damage to eye contact.

• Ingestion causes burn, vomiting, stomach pain, disorientation, bluish skin colour convulsions

and coma.

Note: These chemicals are not considered flammable under conditions of use


• Chemical resistant gloves

• Gum boots

• Chemical resistant goggles/ face shield

• Chemical resistant apron

Procedure The procedure for water treatment chemical spill is:

Step Action

1 Absorb the spill in sand or other absorbent material and store in containers for

disposal.

Note:

Do not let the spill spread to natural waterways.

2 Flush away residues with large quantities of water.

Further

information

For more information, refer to the MSDS for the above chemicals. See . Material Safety

Data Sheets (Page 52)

External Threats

Bomb Threat Once a bomb threat has been recognised, take the appropriate steps as follows:

Written Bomb Threat

Step Action

1 Keep envelope or container.

2 Place message and container in plastic sleeve or envelop.

Note: Avoid unnecessary handling of message and container.

3 Contact Chief Warden and await further instructions.

Telephone Bomb Threat

Step Action

1 Remain calm.

2 Do not hang up.

3 Ask questions of the caller to help complete the Bomb Threat Checklist (see

attachment)




4 Do not hang up, even when caller does so.

5 Immediately after caller hangs up:

• Contact the Chief Warden.

• Complete the Bomb Threat Checklist (see attachment).

6 Await further instructions from the Chief Warden.

Suspect Object (including delivery or envelope) Procedure

Step Action

1 Do not touch or handle object.

2 Contact the Chief Warden.

3 Keep all personnel (at least 100m) away from the suspect object.

4 Await further instructions from the Chief Warden.

Chief Warden Once a bomb threat has been recognised, the Chief Warden should take the following steps:

Chief Warden Procedure

Step Action

1 Contact the Lotte PTA officials, if necessary.

2 Contact operations and inform them about the situation. (additional line).

3 Evaluate the nature of the threat and take one of the following options:

• Take no further action.

• Search site without evacuation.

• Evacuate and search site (full or partial).

• Evacuate site (full or partial) without search.

Note:

If it is less than 30 minutes to the threatened detonation time, evacuate the

site without a search.

4 If evacuating the site, proceed as per procedures of Alarm Initiation - Chief

Warden Procedure and Evacuation

• Notify personnel to take all personal belongings including handbags,

briefcases, shopping, baskets etc.




5 Set up a search for the bomb (if appropriate). A search for suspect objects

should only be conducted provided the well being of searchers can be

safeguarded. The search sequence should be as follows:

• outside areas including emergency assembly areas;

• building entrances, exits and thoroughfares;

• public areas within site or building;

• other areas, beginning with lower floor or closest areas, proceeding to

upper floors or furthest areas.

Note:

Search activities should normally be carried out in conjunction with the

Emergency Services.

6 Searched areas should be distinctively marked (with a large "S") to avoid

duplication of effort.

7 Suspect objects must not be touched or disturbed. Use a paper trail, string,

chalk or similar marking to the nearest exit to mark the object location.

Civil Disturbance

What is civil

disturbance?

Civil disturbance may include protest, unauthorised entry, sabotage, kidnap, hostage or other

threat to employee safety.

Personnel

discovering a

disturbance

Any personnel discovering a disturbance should contact the Chief Warden and await further

instructions.

Chief warden

procedure

If the site is involved in a civil disturbance, the Chief Warden should take the following steps:

Step Action

1 Contact the Police on 15 and advise them of the nature of the disturbance.


3 Initiate action to:

• Restrict entrance to the site or building.

• Confine the presence of the disturbance to the site entrance.

• Restrict contact between staff and the demonstrators or source of

trouble.

• Secure offices, records and valuables.

4 Withdraw personnel from the affected area, if necessary.

5 Meet and advise police on arrival.

Armed Holdup

Armed holdup Armed holdup can occur on-site and off-site during travelling for theft, robbery etc.




Key points • Do nothing to provoke or confront the intruder.

• Follow the instructions of offender.

Person Directly Involved

Step Action

1 Remain calm.

2 Carry out instructions of offender.

3 Do not attempt to frustrate the offender.

4 Observe as many details of the offender as possible

• Height

• Weight,

• Age,

• Face features/colour,

• Clothing,

• Speech,

• In case of vehicle, its registration no.,

• And so on)

5 Do not obviously stare.

6 As soon as possible after the event note down details of your observations.

7 Immediately notify the chief warden.

First Person on the Scene

Step Action

1 Remain calm.

2 Do not approach the offender.

3 Immediately notify the chief warden.

4 Contact operations and inform them about the emergency. (additional

line).

5 If contact with chief warden could not be established, notify Police. Dial 15.

6 Withdraw to a safe location and keep others away.

7 Remain at location where you can be accounted for.

Chief Warden

Step Action

1 Assess incident.

2 Notify POLICE on 15.


4 Immediately cordon area off.




5 Evacuate personnel including customers to appropriate off site Evacuation

Assembly Area.

6 Ensure that Evacuation Assembly Area does not place people in danger.

7 Determine identity of person/s directly involved with offender- advise Police.

8 If Safe To Do So (Page 13) from a safe distance, collect information on

location and activity of offender and complete

9 Give all clear on advice from Police.

10 Report to management.

11 Debrief.

Note

• Maintain.

• Ensure management reporting.

Storms

Storm warnings Storm warnings may be broadcast by the electronic media (TV, radio), or advised by the Emergency

Services.

Storm

precautions

Main Hazards

The main hazards during a storm are:

• Fire

• Flooding

• Structural damage

• Flying debris

Other Hazards

Other hazards include property damage and environmental contamination.

• Specific hazards include:

• Electrical short-circuits in broken wiring or wet electrical equipment.

• Oxygen or inert gases escaping from damaged pipework and chances of ignition.

• Release of harmful (toxic, flammable, biologically active) substances into

the environment.

• Loose or floating debris.

Chief Warden

procedure

When the storm warning is received, the Chief Warden should ensure the following actions are

taken.

Step Action

1 Secure all vulnerable areas against water ingress. The following equipment

should be secured against water:

• Control Room,

• Electrical Rooms (LT, HT and transformer rooms),

• Chemical storage drums (outdoor) if any,

• Any cylinders (outdoors).




Step Action

2 Chemicals which may react with water (e.g. water treatment chemicals), or

which may react or produce hazardous effects if damaged or intermixed must

be secured or removed to a separate location, above the anticipated storm hit

area

3 Close all doors, windows etc.

4 Inform RSE ROC operations about the situation. (additional line).

5 Remove/secure all critical records and items of equipment (e.g. files,

computers, etc.)

6 Secure or remove vehicles including tankers, cars and trucks.

7 If storm threatens, isolate electrical power to the affected area (even in the

event of a power failure)

8 Shutdown the plant and equipment as necessary in affected areas.

9 PABX systems should be switched to alternative contact arrangements (e.g.,

mobile number).

During the storm Depending on the severity of the storm, the emergency team should patrol (If Safe To Do So

(Page 13)) the plant. If advised to do so by Emergency Services, the site should be secured and all

personnel evacuated.

After the storm After a storm, the Chief Warden should co-ordinate and oversees the following clean-up activities

with particular attention given to the assessment and repair of structural damage to any buildings,

plant and equipment.

Step Action

1 Tag any affected engines, electric motors and other mechanical equipment with "Out of Service" and set aside for reconditioning.

2 • Power must not be restored without inspecting the main incoming electrical switch-gear and ensuring it is clean, dry and fully operational.

• Inspect, clean, dry and test all distribution circuits before returning to

service.

3 Clean, dry and check the insulation for resistance on all electrical equipment

and circuits before returning to service.

4 • Drain, clean and thoroughly dry all wiring systems.

• Check the insulation for resistance, and replace (if necessary), before

returning to service.

5 Inspect, clean, dry, recondition (if needed) and return to service the following

equipment:

• Air Separation Unit (ASU) Plant

• Hydrogen Plant

• CO2 Plant

• ASPEN-1000 ASU Plant

• Dry Ice Machine




Flood

Flood warning Flood warnings may be broadcast via the electronic media (radio, TV) or advised by the Emergency

Services.

Precautions The main hazard during a flood is fire. Other hazards include property damage and environmental

contamination. Specific hazards include:

• Electrical short-circuits in broken wiring or wet electrical equipment.

• Flammable liquids floating on the surface of flood waters, carrying the threat of fire.

• Flammable gas escaping from damaged pipe work igniting.

• Loose or floating debris.

Preparing for a

flood

When the flood warning is received, the Chief Warden should ensure the following actions are

taken (typically by the emergency team):

Step Action

1 Secure all vulnerable areas against water ingress, using flood shields such as

metal barriers, sandbags etc. The following equipment should be secured

against water:

• Control Room

• Air Separation Unit (ASU) Plant equipment (Compressors, Pumps,

• Analyser Room, Switch Room, etc.)

• Hydrogen plant

• CO2 Plant

• ASPEN-1000 ASU Plant

2 Remove fire hoses and associated equipment from areas likely to be flooded

and store them in a safe and accessible location.

3 Contact RSE ROC operations and inform them about the situation. (additional

line).

4 Remove/ secure all critical records and items of equipment (e.g. files,

computers, etc.)

5 Secure (i.e. tie down) the following storage tanks and other chemical storage

facilities, e.g. Drums.

• Water treatment chemicals storage area

6 Chemicals which may react with water (e.g. water treatment chemicals), or

which may react or produce hazardous effects if damaged or intermixed must

be secured or removed to a separate location, above the anticipated flood

level.

7 Open flames and sources of ignition (including pilot lights) must be

eliminated, as far as possible.

8 Secure or remove vehicles including tankers, cars and trucks.

9 Goods in storage must be secured or removed to higher levels or non-flooding

areas. If removing to a non-flooding area, move to the roof of the

maintenance shed/ building.

10 As far as is practical, cylinders should be secured or removed.




Step Action

11 If flooding threatens, isolate electrical power to the affected area (even in the

event of a power failure).

12 Shutdown the plant and equipment as necessary in affected areas.

• ASU Plant

• Hydrogen Plant

13 PABX systems should be switched to alternative contact arrangements (e.g.

mobile number).

During the flood If safe to do so, the emergency team should patrol the plant continuously.

After the flood After the flood, the Chief Warden should co-ordinate and oversee the following clean-up activities:

Step Action

1 Tag any affected engines, electric motors and other mechanical equipment with "Out of Service" and set aside for reconditioning.

2 • Power must not be restored without inspecting the main incoming electrical switch-gear and ensuring it is clean, dry and fully operational.

• Inspect, clean, dry and test all distribution circuits before returning to

service.

3 Clean, dry and check the insulation for resistance on all electrical equipment

and circuits before returning to service.

4 • Drain, clean and thoroughly dry all wiring systems.

• Check the insulation for resistance, and replace (if necessary), before

returning to service.

5 • Update operations about the situation.

5 Inspect, clean, dry, recondition (if needed) and return to service the following

equipment:

• Air Separation Unit (ASU) Plant

• Hydrogen Plant

• CO2 Plant

• ASPEN-1000 ASU plant

Earthquake

Procedure In the interest of safety these procedures are to be followed once an earthquake is occurring:

Step Action

1 Move away from windows, tall filing cabinets and other items that might fall.

2 Obtain shelter under any available solid cover such as desks and tables.

3 Keep calm – assist anyone who may be inclined to panic.

4 Permit no smoking.

5 Remain in the building and do not move outside until earthquake has stopped completely.




Step Action

6 Do not use telephones otherwise emergency communication could be

disrupted.

7 If evacuation is ordered follow the standard fire procedure.

8 If any persons are injured make them as comfortable as possible and apply initial first aid.

9 If any persons are trapped attempt to free them or obtain additional help

Outside after an

earthquake

After an Earthquake do the following:

Step Action

1 Keep well clear of building.

2 Do not stand under or near poles or other lightly braced structures.

3 Report any damage, casualties or trapped persons to the Area Warden or Chief

Warden.


5 Be prepared for after shocks.

6 When you are sent home you will be notified when to return to work.

If normal lifelines, that is: power, sewerage, communications and water are

damaged in the building then this may not be for some days.

Off-site Incidents Impacting on Pakistan Oxygen Gases Operations Sites

Off-site

emergencies

This section considers off-site emergencies to be incidents that occur away from Port Qasim, but

which may impact on Pakistan Oxygen Gases operations sites and includes transport accidents

(road, rail, aircraft), and incidents emanating from adjacent properties. This section only

covers vehicles directly related to the Port Qasim site. For more information on such

incidents, refer to directly related to the Port Qasim site. For more information on such

incidents, refer to IMS-25-22 : Off Site Emergency Planning and. IMS-25-23 : Managing an Off Site

Emergency

Non Pakistan

Oxygen

emergencies

Responsibility for handling incidents not originating on BOC Gases sites remains within the

jurisdiction of the Emergency Services. Pakistan Oxygen Gases involvement is to be limited to

that defined in formal mutual aid agreements.

Chief warden co-

ordinates

response

The Chief Warden is responsible for co-ordination of Pakistan Oxygen Gases response to off-site

incidents, which affect Pakistan Oxygen Gases operations. The Chief Warden will determine Pakistan

Oxygen Gases’ response based on:

• Information provided by emergency controllers (neighbours or Emergency Services).

• Assessed risk to Pakistan Oxygen Gases personnel and property.

Lotte PTA

emergency

Off-site emergencies on the Lotte PTA site are a special case for Lotte, if Lotte PTA emergency alarm

sounds, Chief Warden at Pakistan Oxygen will immediately contact Lotte PTA on hotline 102 to

access the nature of emergency and will decide on the actions based on the advice by Lotte PTA

control room.




Head Of

Operations

The Chief Warden should contact Head Of Operations who will do the following:

• Assessment of impact to Pakistan Oxygen Gases operations;

• Notification of Emergency Services;

• Securing of Pakistan Oxygen Gases site;

• Full or partial evacuation of Pakistan Oxygen Gases site;

• Other actions as deemed appropriate (including doing nothing).

• Advise Group Manager, Legal, and Group Insurance Administrator of any off-site

incident which affects Pakistan Oxygen Gases operations and any actions taken by

Pakistan Oxygen Gases personnel in response to such.

Verification and Control

Verification and

control

The Site Manager must ensure compliance with this plan.

SHEQ Manager must ensure that this plan is developed, distributed, reviewed and updated in

accordance with IMS-25-02 : Emergency Planning and IMS-25-10 : Response to an Emergency.

Material Safety Data Sheets

MSDS Following is the list of MSDS of material used in Port Qasim site with downloading hyperlinks:

S# Chemical Storage Usage

1 MSD-01-01 : Acetylene Workshop Welding

2 Activated Alumina Pallet (see attachment) Chemical Store ASU Plant

3 Alvania G-2 (see attachment) Chemical Store ASU Plant

4 Albeda R-2 (see attachment) Chemical Store ASU Plant

5 MSD-01-01 : Argon CyPakistan Oxygenrs Calibration

6 MSD-01-01 : Argon, Refrigerated Liquid VIE Supply

7 Bromcresol Green-Methyl Red Indicator Powder Pillows (see attachment)

ASU Plant Water Test

8 Buffer Solution Hardness 1 pH 10.1 + 0.1 (see attachment) ASU Plant Water Test

9 Calver2 Calcium Indicator Powder Pillows (see attachment) ASU Plant Water Test

10 MSD-01-01 : Carbon dioxide, Gas ASU Plant Fire

Extinguisher

11 Caustic Soda >98 Solid (see attachment) Chemical Store Hydrogen Plant

12 Diesel (see attachment) Oxygen

Compressors

Scale

Removin

g

13 Diphenylcarbazone Reagent Powder Pillows (see attachment) ASU Plant Water Test

14 Dry Chemical Powder in Fire Extinguishers (see attachment) ASU Plant Fire

Extinguishers

15 EDTA Tetrasodium Salt 0.800 + 0.004 M (see attachment) ASU Plant Water Test




16 Fomblin Oil (see attachment) ASU Plant O2/ Vacuum

Pump

17 MEA Chemical Store CO2 Plant

18 HCL 30 Concentrated (see attachment) Chemical Store Hydrogen Plant

19 MSD-01-01 : Hydrogen Hydrogen Plant Supply

20 Kerosene (see attachment) Workshop General

Maintenance

21 Manver2 Hardness Indicator Powder Pillows (see attachment) ASU Plant Water Test

22 Molecular Sieves (see attachment) Stores ASU Plant

23 Nalco 3DT 129 (see attachment) Chemical Store Water

treatment

24 Nalco 8506 (see attachment) Chemical Store Water

treatment

25 Nalco 3DT 104 (see attachment) Chemical Store Water

treatment

26 Nalco7330 (see attachment) Chemical Store Water

treatment

27 MSD-01-01 : Nitrogen Cylinders Calibration

28 MSD-01-01 : Nitrogen, Refrigerated Liquid VIE Supply

29 Oil Shell Tellus C 150 (see attachment) Chemical Store ASU Plant

30 Oil Shell Rimula C-40 (see attachment) Chemical Store ASU Plant

31 Oil Shell Rimula X (see attachment) Chemical Store ASU Plant

32 Oil Shell Turbo T-46 (see attachment) Chemical Store ASU Plant

33 Oil Turbine T-68 (see attachment) Chemical Store ASU Plant

34 Oil Transformer (see attachment) Chemical Store Transformer

35 Sodium Hypochlorite (see attachment) Chemical Store Water

treatment

36 Sulphuric Acid 1.600 + 0.005 N (see attachment) Chemical Store Water

treatment

37 MSD-01-01 : Oxygen Cylinders Supply

38 MSD-01-01 : Oxygen, Refrigerated Liquid VIE Supply

39 MSD-01-01 : Perlite Powder Chemical Store Cold Box, VIE

40 Phenolphthalein (see attachment) ASU Plant Purity Solution

41 Polyvinyl Alcohol (see attachment) ASU Plant Purity Solution

42 Potassium Hydroxide Flake >90 (see attachment) Hydrogen Plant Electrolyte

43 Potassium Hydroxide Solution, 8 N (see attachment) Hydrogen Plant Electrolyte

44 Pyrogallol acid (see attachment) ASU Plant Purity Solution

45 Silica Gel (indicator) (see attachment) Stores Transformer

46 Sulphuric Acid (see attachment) ASU Plant Water

Treatment

47 Trichloroethylene (T.C.E.) (see attachment) Chemical Store Degreasing




48 WD 40 (see attachment) Workshop General

49

Soda Ash

Chemical Store

Maintenance

CO2 Plant

50 Food Grade Salt Chemical Store CO2 Plant 51 KMnO4 Chemical Store CO2 Plant

ANNEXURE-IV

POL PQ Emergency Contact Numbers

Matin Amjad Chief Executive & Managing Director 0300-8477526 32202036

Muhammad Saad-E-Alam Head Of Operations 0301-8286235 32330862

Ali Adnan Dar Operations & Project Manager 0300-0659056 34740372 120

Muhammad Rasheed Production Manager - PQ 0300-7036158 119

Muhammad Yousuf PQ Admin Incharge 0301-8215783 34740059 105

Syed Huzaifa Ali Operations Lead 0306-0824737 105

S.M Hassan Raza Operations Lead 0301-3329272 105

Joveria Chauhdry Head Of SHEQ 0300-8116271 32316154

Mazhar Iqbal Head of Human Resources 0301-8221709 32200242

Ahmed Zaman Security Manager 0301-8200724 32310645

0300-8230731 34726029 102

0316-8225306 34750419 111

0331-2641487 34740013

16

99272111 Ext. 4444

99212674

134

15

1101

39232085

39215452

35081200

18

39272111-30 Ext. 4264

115

35075353

1020

111-111-134

PQ AMBULANCE

EDHI AMBULANCE

EHDI AMBULANCE SERVICE

CHHIPA AMBULANCE

CHHIPA HELPLINE

ARMY MONITORING

EMERGENCY STAFFLOTTE CONTROL ROOM

KE GRID STATION

EPCL CONTROL ROOM

K.E COMPLAINT

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

NAME DESIGNATION MOBILE

PAKISTAN OXYGEN LIMITED STAFF

EXTENSION/

HOT LINEOFFICE

RANGERS EMERGENCY

RANGERS LANDHI/BIN QASIM

TPO BIN QASIM TOWN

POLICE EMERGENCY

BIN QASIM POLICE STATION

FIRE BRIGADE

FIRE BRIGADE (PQA)

BOMB DISPOSAL

ANNEXURE-V

Emergency Response Flow Chart

PAKISTAN OXYGEN LIMITED DOC. # REC-25-01-PQ

EMERGENCY RESPONSE FLOW CHART –

PORT QASIM

REV. # 00 DATE: 12-03-21

Page 1 of 1

PREPARED BY:

Syed Huzaifa Ali

(Operations Lead)

COPY RIGHT © Please don’t copy without

authorization.

APPROVED BY: Ali Adnan Dar

(Operations Manager – PQ)

NOTE:

For detailed Procedure & Responsibilities refer to “IMS 25-11-PQ Site

Emergency Plan Port Qasim”

EMERGENCY

COMMUNICATION & ARRANGEMENT – CHIEF WARDEN

EMERGENCY INITIATION ALARM – CHIEF WARDEN

SEARCH & RESCUE

– FIRST AID TEAM

EVACUATION TO ASSEMBLY AREA – ALL STAFF

FIRE & EXPLOSION DETECTION

– FIRE FIGHTING TEAM

HEAD COUNT AT ASSEMBLY AREA – SECURITY SUPERVISOR

EMERGENCY TERMINATION ALARM – CHIEF WARDEN

RETURN TO WORKSTATIONS – ALL STAFF

ANNEXURE-VI

SHEQ Policy

Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) Policy

VVP-01-05 Version 3.0, Oct. 2020 Page 1 of 1 Copyright © Pakistan Oxygen Limited

Pakistan Oxygen Limited will avoid harm to people, the society at large and the environment as it manufactures and markets quality products to its customers.

Our Principles: — Safety, health, quality and care for the environment are foundational principles of our business. — The safety and health of our colleagues, customers, business partners and communities in which we

operate is our top priority. — Visible leadership and personal accountability for SHEQ, at all levels. — SHEQ principles shall be reflected in 100% of our behavior, 100% of the time.

Our Vision:

— All accidents are preventable — Safe, secure, healthy working conditions, prevention of work-related injury & ill health to all who work with

and for us. — High quality, safe and environmentally responsible products and services that meet or exceed customers’

expectations. — Responsible use of natural resources. — Economic and environmental sustainability in everything we do.

Our Commitment:

— Comply with applicable legal, regulatory, industry and corporate requirements. — Operate our facilities in a safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

— Accountability and performance tracking against our SHEQ goals and targets. — Work with our business stakeholders to actively promote and enforce compliance with this policy. — Maintain high standards of safety, health, environment, quality and ethics. — Consult with and encourage participation of all staff & workers on OHS matters. — Continuously improve our performance and actively manage risks & opportunities in our business — Provide resources, training, equipment and other support to enable fulfilment of this policy. — Comply with the halal Shariah laws and Principles. — Comply with applicable FSSC 22000 regulations.

This policy is integral to Pakistan Oxygen’s strategy and is periodically reviewed by its Top Management. The Top Management of the company is committed to the implementation of this SHEQ policy. Matin Amjad Chief Executive Officer

Joveria Chauhdry Head of SHEQ

Muhammad Saad-e-Alam Head of Operations

Mazhar Iqbal Head of HR, Admin Co. Secretary &

Financial Controller

Syed Ali Adnan Chief Financial Officer

Aqeel A. Bhatti Head of Business Bulk Sales

Mazhar Ali Head of Business (Healthcare & MES)

Arshad Manzoor Head of Information

Services

Farried Shaikh Head of Marketing,

Business Devp & Customer Services

Hassan Imran Head of Sales PGP,

Hardgoods & Distributors N/W

Shahbaz Khalil Head of Sales PGP,

Hardgoods & Distributors South

Yasir H. Zubairi Head of

Procurement, Supply Chain & Financial Planning

ANNEXURE-VII

Contractor Selection and Management SOP

Contractor Selection and Management

IMS-32-01 Version 2.0, July 2019 Page 1 of 17 Copyright © Pakistan Oxygen Limited Uncontrolled Copy - do not use after date of printing

Table of Contents Purpose ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Scope ........................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Definitions and Abbreviations ....................................................................................................................................... 3 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Process - Contractor Selection and Management ....................................................................................................... 5

Approval (1.0) ...................................................................................................................................................... 6 Selection (2.0) ..................................................................................................................................................... 7 Preparation / Induction (3.0) .................................................................................................................................... 9 Supervision / Monitoring (4.0) ........................................................................................................................... 13 Post-Work Contractor Review (5.0) ................................................................................................................... 15

Forms and Attachments.............................................................................................................................................. 17 Document Information ............................................................................................................................................... 18

About this Document ......................................................................................................................................... 18 Change History .................................................................................................................................................. 18



Purpose

Purpose

This document describes The Pakistan Oxygen Limited Group minimum requirements for contractor selection and management systems, including the roles, responsibilities and processes required to achieve an acceptable level of risk, service and value for money.

This standard also provides recommendations to assist with the development of best practices.

Scope

Scope (and Implementation Timescales)

This document applies throughout The Pakistan Oxygen Limited and its all Units

The requirements for Quality, Health, Safety & Environment are met upon implementation of this procedure. All products and services to be procured from external parties are evaluated for respective QHSE compliance during the procurement stage

Additional information to assist with implementation of this document is provided in Forms and Attachments (page 16).

Audience

This document is intended for those involved in selecting and/or managing contractor activities, typically management roles involved in:

• Supply/Operations

• Construction

• Field Service Organisations (such as 'Customer Engineering Services' or 'Applications Engineering')

• Project Management

• Facilities Management

• Procurement

• SHEQ (Safety/Security, Health, Environment, Quality).



Definitions and Abbreviations Term Definition

Contractor: external organization (including a company, partnership or sole trader ) which provides services/perform work to the POL in accordance with agreed specifications, terms and conditions

Notes:

• Contractors undertake a wide range of activities within POL such as construction; installation; mechanical lifting; maintenance; repair; servicing; testing; analysis; transportation; security; gardening; cleaning.

• 'Couriers' are not selected or managed as contractors. Couriers are those providing a delivery service (for example DHL, UPS or FedEx) and where POL does not manage their day-to-day activities or operations. Couriers are to be considered as 'Visitors'.

• Visitors are not managed as contractors and are subject to separate processes to ensure their safety. 'Visitors' may include potential contractors e.g. those attending site for quotation/tendering purposes. 'Visitors' includes those needing to enter POL premises to check and maintain utility equipment (such as power supply companies) or to maintain office equipment.

Sub-contractor The term 'sub-contractor' applies to those who are performing work for POL under a contractual agreement with one of POL's contractors, but they are not employees of the contractor.

Notes:

• The prime responsibility for managing sub-contractors lies with the contractor. However, this does not exclude the need for POL's involvement in their induction and in monitoring their activities (with any matters of concern being dealt with through the appropriate contractor).

• Sub-contractor management requirements need to be included in applicable contractual arrangements.

Temporary Workers

Temporary Workers are not contractors. To ensure the safety of Temporary Workers, POL provides their supervision, work procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment, tools, safety management systems and training as if they are an employee.

Notes:

Temporary Workers include:

• 'Agency Workers' (those hired through a staffing agency to perform work for a defined period of time under the direct control of POL employees); and

• 'Casual Workers' (those working for POL with no formal contractual arrangements, however meeting the requirements of local employment law).

Contractor Coordinators

The term 'Contractor Coordinators' applies to POL employees who provide the point of contact for contractors and who have the overall responsibility for ensuring that the work is completed as agreed with the contractor.

The role of Contractor Coordinators is typically performed by Project Managers, Site Managers, Transport Managers, Production Managers, Field Service Managers, Project Engineers, Field Engineers and Building Service Managers.

Note: Contractor Coordinators do not include those in SHEQ and Procurement (Purchasing).

Risk / Risk Assessment

Where the term 'risk' or 'risk assessment' is used it applies to matters of Safety/Security, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ). It is not intended for commercial matters.

Complex work The complexity of a work task takes into consideration issues that include: • number of people involved • number of sub-contractors • interactions with other internal or external work groups / contractors / sub-contractors • duration of the work • number of times the work has previously been done



Introduction

The need for contractor selection and management

POL needs specific management system processes to select and manage contractors due to the higher risks associated with them as a result of one or more of the following factors:

• they are often engaged in specialised and/or hazardous/non-routine tasks

• they do not have the same accountability and performance management criteria

• they have separate (different) management systems

• they may not be familiar with the work environment, equipment, procedures or other workers

• unsafe behaviours/cutting corners may result from cost pressures, for example due to fixed price or penalties for late completion

• their standards and training is not based on the same experience as POL

• they may regularly change the members of their workforce (often without notice)

• they often subcontract work without notification or adequate management arrangements

• their work situations may introduce conflicting responsibilities and/or priorities

The 5 stages of the Contractor Management process

After the Contractor Coordinator has defined the work to be done and decided to use a contractor(s), a general five stage process applies to their selection and management:

1. Approval

2. Selection

3. Preparation/Induction

4. Monitoring/Supervision

5. Post-work contractor review

Effort & level of detail to be proportional to the nature of the work

The effort and level of detail applied to selecting and managing contractors must be proportional to the nature of the work, where this is defined by the:

• complexity of the work task

• hazards and level of risk

• previous experience that POL has with the contractor

• extent that the contractor is expected to work under POL supervision



Process - Contractor Selection and Management



Approval (1.0) Approval of contractors – fundamental requirements and recommendations

A contractor is 'Approved' when Supply / Operations / Projects, SHEQ and Procurement requirements are met. A contractor must be Approved prior to being selected to do work for POL, except in exceptional/emergency situations (and with the effort and level of detail being proportional to the nature of the work).

To achieve consistent and quality assessments of potential new contractors, an agreed form should be used, for an example, see Approval of Potential New Contractors - Template (see attachment).

A reference should be obtained from a previous customer of the contractor using an agreed form, for an example, see Customer Reference for Potential New Contractors - Template (see attachment).

A contractor may be approved by one person in an appropriate position of responsibility, however Procurement must be involved in accordance with local policies.

If the work is complex and/or high risk and/or unfamiliar to the relevant Contractor Coordinator written agreement to use the contractor must be obtained from SHEQ.

Notes:

• To ensure sufficient contractors are available to meet business needs, especially in emergency / specialist situations, it is recommended that they are approved in advance (as far as practical).

• If a contractor has already been approved by one part of the business another part should consider if further approval is necessary, taking into account similarity of work, variations in local conditions, additional risks and references.

• In countries where formal external processes exist for the certification of contractors (including assessment, confirmation and validation against industry accepted criteria) this may be taken to fully meet the approval requirements of a contractor.

Use of non-approved contractors in exceptional or emergency situations

In exceptional/emergency situations where non-approved contractors are used, this must be:

• authorised by the appropriate Contractor Coordinator(s)

• supported by additional agreed risk mitigation measures (e.g. higher levels of supervision, checking of licences, training/coaching to cover identified competency gaps, Permit to Work, assigning them to less demanding tasks)

Note: 'Exceptional circumstances' may include ad-hoc/short term requirements.

Approved Contractor Listing or database

Following assessment of a potential contractor, a record should be made in a controlled listing / database that is held within the Business Unit, Region, Country, Division and/or Project as applicable.

It is recommended that the relevant Procurement management team take the lead for the ownership and creation of the contractor listing/database with support from SHEQ as necessary.

It is recommended that the 'Approved Contractor' listing/database records (as applicable):

• contractor company name and contact details

• scope of work they are approved for and the level of insurances (with effective dates)

• current status - 'approved', 'not approved' or 'suspended' (a temporary block on use)

• further comments relating to the initial approval (including any restrictions/limitations)

• details from the 'Approval of Potential New Contractors', 'Customer Reference' and/or Post-Work Contractor Review (5.0) (page 14)

It is recommended that the listing/database includes the following features/protocols:

• central (read only) access to anyone within the Region/Division requiring contract services

• ability to change contractor details and 'flag' if there are significant concerns (with comment)

• periodic review of contractor status to ensure licences/insurance etc. have not lapsed

• reassessment of contractors approved to complete high risk or complex work if they have not been used within the past three years (maximum)



Selection (2.0)

Selecting contractors – fundamental requirements and recommendations

The selection of a contractor must be made by a responsible POL person in an appropriate position (this may be the Contractor Coordinator) with input as necessary from their line manager and relevant personnel in Procurement and SHEQ (and with the effort and level of detail applied being proportional to the nature of the work). Apart from exceptional/emergency situations, contractors selected for high risk and/or high value and/or complex work tasks must be made from an approved listing/database if one exists locally.

If a contract for the supply of services required is already in place, then selection of a contractor must be in accordance with that contract.

When selecting a contractor from an approved listing/database, any criteria which could have changed, e.g. currency of licences or insurance cover, should be reviewed.

Note: For low risk/small size/low complexity work the selection and approval processes may merge.

Define and agree requirements through RFQ / tendering process

Identifying potential contactors and instigating a Request For Quotation (RFQ)/tendering process must be the first stage in the selection of a contractor. It is recommended that this stage considers matters such as:

• scope of the work including deliverables, expectations and timescales

• how work will be performed/the service that will be provided

• specific POL technical or project requirements

• resources (people, skills, equipment, tools and materials)

• interactions, constraints or dependencies on other work or services

• how sub-contractors will be managed and what the lines of communication will be

• how POL's Safe System of Work applies (see IMS-26-01 : About Safe Systems of Work) and how it will be complied with, for example, Risk Assessment, Permit to Work, Personal Protective Equipment, Method Statements, etc

• POL's 'Golden Rules of Safety', see IMS-01-03 : The POL Group Golden Rules of Safety

• how they will ensure their workers are suitably trained (including induction) and competent

• requirements to cooperate in the management of safety, e.g. reporting incidents, attending daily safety briefings ('tool-box talks'), etc

• details of safety equipment to be used and who will provide it, e.g. fire extinguishers for hot work, fall arrest equipment for working at height, gas monitors for confined space

• what documentation will be provided

• commercial terms, e.g. invoice arrangements and stage payments (if applicable)

Visit by contractors as part of the tender process

It is recommended that contractors are invited to visit the relevant construction or production site, plant, customer facility, building or operation during the RFQ/tendering process. This will enable them to fully appreciate the nature of the work, identify any local hazards and/or identify factors that may impact the work such as procedures, access, services or space.

Overall minimum selection criteria

The minimum selection criteria that must be applied after receipt of quotations/tenders are:

• conformance with RFQ/tender document and commitment to meet POL's requirements

• ability to do the work with an acceptable start/finish time

• applicability and quality of product or service being offered, including ability to deliver on time

• pricing, commercial terms and overall service offering



Purchase Order / Contract Agreement

The formal appointment of contractors and award of a contract must be provided in writing using a Purchase Order or Contract Agreement that has been agreed by local/project Procurement and include any agreed outcomes/conditions that arose during contract negotiations.

Note: Unsuccessful contractors from the quotation/tendering process should be notified.



Preparation / Induction (3.0)

Post-contract first step to confirm details

After award of the contract and prior to commencing work, the Contractor Coordinator must prepare the contractor to commence work and provide the necessary induction for contractor personnel (and with the effort and level of detail being proportional to the nature of the work).

Confirmation of understanding

The Contractor Coordinator must confirm that the contractor has a clear understanding of all requirements and contractual matters. For sizable/complex/high value/high risk work it is recommended that this is achieved through a 'Contractor Information Conference' using an agreed checklist, for an example, see Contractor Information Conference Checklist – Template (see attachment).

Plan of Work

A 'Plan of Work' should be produced by the contractor and submitted to the Contractor Coordinator for review with the level of detail being appropriate for the nature of the work. It is recommended that the Plan of Work includes:

• Method Statement – a description of how the work will be performed, for example:

• the work procedures

• service level agreement

• tools that will be used and equipment that will be provided

• equipment/materials/services required from POL

• how waste will be managed

• which tasks will be sub-contracted

• testing and commissioning

• Planned timescales

• An organisational chart (for larger/more complex contracts) showing roles and management relationships, including sub-contractors if applicable

• How the work will be supervised/monitored including the responsibilities and activities of the contractor(s) and POL, see Supervision / Monitoring (4.0) (page 12)

Notes:

• The Plan of Work may be covered by the 'Project Safety Plan' on complex projects.

• When reviewing the Plan of Work, the Contractor Coordinator should confirm that assumptions/information from the tendering process remain valid, including the scope of work.

• A Plan of Work may not be required for small low risk tasks.

Risk assessment

Contractors must provide a risk assessment and identify safety controls (based on the Plan of Work as applicable). The Contractor Coordinator must ensure that POL personnel provide necessary input into the risk assessment, including review with POL SHEQ personnel as appropriate.

Confirmation of personnel

As far as practical, the names of the people who will be doing the work should be agreed and linked with evidence of their suitability and competency (knowledge, physical and cognitive skills, qualifications, attitude).



Visit by contractors as part of the preparation process

It is recommended that contractor representatives are invited by the Contractor Coordinator to visit the relevant site, plant, facility, building or operation, especially if:

• the contractor did not visit the site as part of the quotation/tendering process

• the contractor has not worked for POL before

• the work is unusual and/or high risk and/or complex and/or unfamiliar to POL

• local changes to work conditions or procedures have recently occurred that may have introduced or changed local hazards

• matters have arisen during discussions that would benefit from examination in person

During the contractor visit, time should be spent reviewing/confirming:

• details in the Plan of Work and Risk Assessments

• relevant documentation (including development of any necessary new work instructions)

• potential hazards, including from neighbouring facilities

• local specific rules

• what induction and specialist training will be necessary

• understanding and implications of POL's safety management system

• how progress will be reported

QHSE Audit Contractor audits shall be conducted at pre‐determined intervals by the QHSE Department to monitor

compliance with this procedure. Results shall be discussed during management review meetings and where necessary improvement initiatives and / or non‐conformances shall be recorded and analysed to determine trends and areas for improvement.

Induction requirements

The Contractor Coordinator must ensure that contractor/sub-contractor personnel receive induction that adequately covers Safety/Security, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) matters.

During and at the end of induction a responsible person(s) should satisfy themselves that local rules and task specific requirements are known and understood. If necessary, materials must be translated or delivered via an interpreter.

It is recommended that induction covers (as applicable):

• the name, location and contact details of the POL person that will supervise/monitor their work and be

their main point of contact (i.e. the Contractor Coordinator)

• the lines of communication and management structure in POL, as relevant to the contractor and including

reporting procedures for any concerns or incidents (including near-misses)

• the working relationship with others (including other contractors and sub-contractors)

• familiarisation with their work area, including walkways and any access restrictions

• an overview of any processes and systems they will be required to use or interface with

• local hazards and the controls in place to achieve an acceptable level of risk

• the relevant requirements of the Permit to Work system and covering specific relevant matters such as work

at height; excavation; hot work; high voltage electric work; lifting; confined space entry; high hazard

energy/materials



• equipment/material safety rules, e.g. ladders, machines, tools, paints/solvents/oils/greases

• what, where, when and how to use any Personal Protective Equipment supplied by POL

• local safety and security procedures and rules (for POL site, customer site, project, etc.), for example,

emergency / evacuation procedures; first aid arrangements; waste disposal arrangements; smoking rules;

traffic rules; restrictions on use of electronic equipment

• POL's 'Golden Rules of Safety'

Note: Records of induction must be kept following local documentation retention requirements.



Being authorised to commence work

After successful completion of preparation/induction, the Contractor Coordinator must provide the authorisation to commence the work subject to (as applicable):

• compliance with matters arising from the Permit to Work, see IMS-26-03 : Permit to Work System

• training on specialist matters (if applicable) being completed, e.g. oxygen degreasing, use of PPE provided by POL (such as personal alarm gas monitors), defensive driving, lifting signals

• any special conditions identified in the contract

• agreement on how long work can continue and if (and when) any re-authorisation is required



Supervision / Monitoring (4.0)

Supervision and monitoring fundamentals and protocols

The fundamental requirements and protocols for supervising and monitoring contractor work are:

• The Contractor Coordinator must ensure that contractor personnel are adequately supervised so that their work is completed safely and as planned. They should also monitor sub-contractor activities and resolve any identified issues with the relevant contractors.

• The level of supervision/monitoring should be based on the Risk Assessment, Plan of Work (as applicable) and the experience that POL has with the contractor.

• Work that is complex, or where adequacy of the contractor's supervision is in doubt, must include supervision by POL - if not, the work must be stopped.

• The overall level of supervision provided is a combination of that provided by both POL and contractor personnel. Specific POL and contractor supervision responsibilities/activities should be agreed as part of the planning/preparation stage. Supervision/monitoring does not necessarily require a constant presence by POL personnel, with periodic reviews and random checks being sufficient in some circumstances.

• For some specialist activities it may be acceptable for contractors to work with no direct supervision by POL personnel. In all cases this must be subject to risk assessment and the following criteria applied:

• the contractor is approved, with confirmation that safety training is up to date and relevant documentation/certificates are on file

• adequate induction is provided

• the work is not complex

• the work is not on an operational or major construction site

• periodic assessment processes are in place

• the contract includes a 'Master Service Agreement' or equivalent

• the contractor provides adequate supervision, including for any sub-contractor activities (and these matters are covered in the contract)

Supervision and monitoring general requirements

The supervision and monitoring of contractors/sub-contractors should be integrated as far as practical into other existing routine management processes, e.g. during planned general/workplace inspections, safety walks, audits and project progress reviews.

As a minimum the level of supervision/monitoring of contractors/sub-contractors must:

• be proportional to the nature of the work

• not be lower than that given to POL employees

• be higher in circumstances that may lead to higher risks, e.g.:

• new, unfamiliar or change of contractor (or sub-contractor) personnel

• emergency circumstances

• work subject to significant time pressure

Note: If significant adverse observations or experiences occur (e.g. poor SHEQ behaviours, attitudes or competency are observed, serious concerns are reported or an incident occurs), then the level of supervision/monitoring must be more rigorous than originally intended.



Minimum requirements for supervision / monitoring

The supervision/monitoring of contractor work, if required, must include:

• review of progress versus plan

• quality of work/performance against service level agreements

• compliance with Permit to Work, safe work procedures, safety controls etc

• safe behaviours, including compliance with the 'Golden Rules of Safety', PPE requirements and housekeeping

• cooperation with other parties (POL personnel and sub-contractors)

• resolution of any queries or concerns

• closing of Permit to Work

• handback to operations/project sign-off upon completion of work

Major contractor work, such as construction projects, must be monitored through formal documented safety audit processes.

Note: Positive feedback should be provided where opportunities arise.

Work not being conducted properly

Where the Contractor Coordinator considers that contractor (or sub-contractor) personnel are working in a significantly unsafe manner they must:

• stop the work until safe conditions are agreed and implemented

• document the breach, e.g. enter a 'near miss' in IMS Software

• discuss the breach and corrective actions with management of the contractor company

Note: Significant breaches should be reviewed in Post-Work Contractor Review (5.0) (page 14).



Post-Work Contractor Review (5.0)

Requirements for a post-contractor review

The overall aim of post-work contractor reviews is to reduce the risks posed by under-performing/poor attitude contractors and encourage continuous improvement of their service.

The specific aim is to identify contractors (and sub-contractors if applicable) who:

• provided a good service and are recommended for future work

• failed to meet safety requirements and/or perform at the required level

The effort and level of detail of post-work contractor reviews must be proportional to the nature of the work, for example, simple low risk work only requires a relatively informal and short review.

Post-work contractor reviews must be completed if:

• the contract is a long term ongoing contract; and/or

• a significant problem has arisen with an approved contractor on a central listing/database; and/or

• it is identified as necessary during the planning stage (e.g. high risk/complex work)

Post-work contractor reviews may be conducted in other circumstances if required, but are not expected to be performed for simple/low risk/non-repeat work.

Note: Any significant feedback provided by the contractor relating to the performance of POL personnel, processes or protocols must be noted and action taken to ensure continuous improvements are made.

Post-work contractor review general requirements

The formal post-work contractor review should be conducted by the Contractor Coordinator with input recommended from SHEQ and Procurement, as necessary.

Post-work contractor reviews should commence upon completion of the work, or at an appropriate period of time for long term ongoing contracts (see 'Ongoing contract review meeting below).

The post-work contractor review should consider performance in SHEQ, Procurement, Supply/Operations, Project Management.

An agreed form should be used to perform the post-work contractor review, for an example, see Post-Work Contractor Review – Template (see attachment).

Long term ongoing contractor review meetings

For contracts involving long timescales (e.g. transport contractors, security services or office service provider contracts, such as restaurant facilities) it is not appropriate to only review the contractor at the end of the work.

Ongoing reviews of performance must be made via regular meetings, which must be:

• led by the relevant Contractor Coordinator (with support from Procurement if necessary)

• held on at least an annual basis (frequency should be increased for larger/complex contracts)

Outcomes of the post-work contractor review

Where an approved contractor listing/database is in place, the outcome of post-work contractor reviews must be recorded.

The recommended classifications for post-work contractor review are:

• Would use again

• Would use again with caution

• Would not use again - significant concerns (safety, suitability and/or service) suspend approval

Regardless of the classification, feedback should be provided to the contractor to explain the reasons for the classification, either to:

• positively reinforce good practices; or

• suggest and coach contractors in the area(s) that are thought to need improvement.



Documentation updates

Post-work contractor review should address the provision and/or updating of POL documentation relating to the contract work, e.g. the contractor may need to provide information relating to:

• maintenance schedules/plans

• work procedures/work instructions

• training



Forms and Attachments

Templates

The following template forms are referred to in this standard:

• Approval of Potential New Contractors - Template (see attachment).

• Customer Reference for Potential New Contractors - Template (see attachment).

• Contractor Information Conference Checklist – Template (see attachment).

• Post-Work Contractor Review – Template (see attachment).

Note: Different parts of the business may develop these templates to reflect their specific business needs/issues.

Implementation pack

For information to assist with implementation of this standard and the development of training materials, see:

• Contractor Selection and Management Implementation Pack (see attachment).



Document Information

About this Document

Version Date Author Quality Reviewer Approver

2.0 July 2019 Joveria Chaudhry

SHEQ Head

Joveria Chaudhry

SHEQ Head

Matin Amjad

CEO

1.0 April 2010 David Surman IMS-32 Standards Development Team

Dave Baumann

Joachim Bundschuh

Jon Cleary

Kai Gransee

Flavio Halmenschlager

Christoph Herrmann

Joachim Koehler

Eric Leimer

Quentin Minns

Stuart Read

Klaus Tech

Phil Graham

Change History

Version Description of Change

2.0 Updated according to the ISO 45001:2018 Standard Requirements Implementation

1.0 Initial release.

ANNEXURE-VIII

Geo-technical Investigation Report

Report No. K21-1326-101

CLIENT: M/s. Pakistan Oxygen Limited

SOIL TESTING SERVICES Geotechnical Engineers and Testing Laboratory

EASTERN INDUSTRIAL ZONE, PORT QASIM, KARACHI

(REV. 0.0, DATED: MAY 03, 2021)

GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT

SOIL TESTING SERVICES

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERS &

MATERIAL TESTING LABORATORY

C-101/A KDA Scheme 1, Karachi

Pakistan. 75350

Tel: +92-21-34381117-8

Fax: +92-21-34525206

Email: [email protected]

www.sts.com.pk

House # 852, Main Service Road

Sector I-10/4 Islamabad. Pakistan

Tel: +92-51-4436379

Fax: +92-51-4431801

Geotechnical Investigation at Pakistan Oxygen Limited, Port Qasim K21-1326-101

Soil Testing Services, Karachi

PROJECT: Geotechnical Investigation Report for the Construction of Sheds for Installation

of New Electrode Plants at Eastern Industrial Zone, Port Qasim, Karachi

NAME SIGNATURE DATE

PREPARED BY:

(Project Engineer)

REVIEWED BY:

(Project Manager)

Syed Muhammad Hasan

Abdur Rehman

APPROVED BY:

(General Manager) Naveed Anwer

ISSUE/REVISION INDEX

Issue

Code

Revision Revision Details

No. By Rev’d. App. Date

RD 00 SMH AR NA 02/05/2021

Issue Codes: RC = Released for Construction, RD = Released for Design, RF = Released for Fabrication, RI = Released for Information, RP = Released for Purchase, RPA = Released for Permit Application, RQ = Released for Quotation, RR = Released for Review and Comments.



Geotechnical Investigation Report

Revision

# Date

Report No.:

Vol I 00 02/05/2021



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Geotechnical Investigation for the construction of sheds for installation of New Electrode

Plants at Eastern Industrial Zone, Port Qasim, Karachi was carried out in order to

determine the geotechnical parameters of subsurface deposits. Scope of field work

included drilling of four boreholes; three up to the depth of 10.0 meters and one up to the

depth of 15.0 meters below the existing ground level. Soil samples were collected during

the field investigation. Laboratory testing of these samples has been carried out in the

Soil Testing Services laboratory, Karachi.

The deposition of the area mainly consists of ‘dense to very dense, fine to coarse

grained, sand’, ‘very stiff to hard, fine to coarse grained sandy, silty, clay’ and ‘hard,

clayey, silt’. Groundwater table was not encountered in any of the boreholes drilled at

the site at the time of this geotechnical investigation.

Keeping these conditions under consideration:

Allowable net bearing pressure have been given for shallow foundations at the

depth of 1.5 to 2.0 meters below the existing ground level.

Modulus of subgrade reaction values for the raft foundation are provided.

Earth pressure parameters for excavation support system and earth retention

have been provided.

Seismic soil profile has been taken as ‘SC’ for the foundations in accordance with

UBC-97.

The exposure of underground concrete to aggressive chemicals is found to be

‘negligible’ for sulphates and chlorides for soil and water samples which have influenced

the selection of cement for underground concreting and it is recommended to use

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) for all underground concrete works.



CONTENTS

S.NO. SECTION PAGE NO.

1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1

2. THE SITE ................................................................................................................... 2

3. GROUND CONDITIONS ............................................................................................ 3

3.1 SAND .............................................................................................................. 3

3.2 CLAY ............................................................................................................... 3

3.3 SILT ................................................................................................................. 4

3.4 GROUNDWATER CONDITIONS .................................................................... 4

4. ENGINEERING DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS .......................................................... 5

4.1 DESIGN PARAMETERS ................................................................................. 5

4.2 DESIGN CRITERIA FOR SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS .................................. 5

4.3 ALLOWABLE BEARING PRESSURES FOR SHALLOW FOUNDATION .... 6

4.4 MODULUS OF SUBGRADE REACTION ....................................................... 7

4.5 EARTH RETAINING STRUCTURE ................................................................ 8

4.6 SOIL PROFILE TYPE (ACCORDING TO UBC-97) ........................................ 8

4.6.1 SEISMIC ZONE FACTOR .................................................................. 8

4.6.2 SOIL PROFILE TYPE ........................................................................ 8

4.6.3 SEISMIC COEFFICIENTS ................................................................. 8

4.7 TYPE OF CEMENT ......................................................................................... 9

5. CONCLUSIONS ....................................................................................................... 10

APPENDIX A BOREHOLE LOCATION PLAN APPENDIX B BOREHOLE LOGS APPENDIX C LABORATORY TEST RESULTS APPENDIX D GENERAL INFORMATION ON TESTING

PROCEDURES


1 Soil Testing Services, Karachi

1. INTRODUCTION

Planning for the construction of sheds for installation of New Electrode Plants at Eastern

Industrial Zone, Port Qasim, Karachi is underway. In order to determine the geotechnical

parameters of the subsurface deposits at the project site, M/s. Soil Testing Services

(STS) were entrusted by M/s. Pakistan Oxygen Limited to perform the geotechnical

investigation at the project site.

Scope of field work included drilling of four boreholes; three up to the depth of 10.0

meters and one up to the depth of 15.0 meters below the existing ground level Elevation

of the drilling platform at each borehole point was noted with respect to the adjacent road

level and is mentioned in the borehole logs attached in Appendix B. Standard

penetration tests were carried out at regular intervals in the boreholes along with the

collection of soil samples via split spoon sampler. The samples retrieved from the field

work were tested in the laboratory and this report is prepared from the information

obtained from the field and laboratory tests.

The report consists of five chapters with Chapter 2 describing the site’s existing

condition, Chapter 3 discusses the subsurface deposits in detail, Chapter 4 includes the

recommendations for foundation design, and Chapter 5 contains a summary of

conclusions regarding the ground conditions, with respect to geotechnical engineering

for this project.



2. THE SITE

The project site is located Eastern Industrial Zone on Port Qasim Road in Pakistan

Oxygen Limited. Nearby industries include Lotte Chemical Pakistan Limited, Ghani

Gases Limited and Macpac Films.

The topography of the plot is almost plain with no major changes in elevation observed

across the site. Site location was covered with grass. Figure 2.1 shows the google image

of the site.

Fig 2.1: Google image of the the Neighbourhood area (Courtesy: Google Earth)



3. GROUND CONDITIONS

The subsurface deposits up to the explored depth consist of the following unit:

Sand

Clay

Silt

Following sub-sections describe the strength characteristics of the geological unit and

the groundwater conditions.

3.1 SAND

Deposits of fine to coarse grained, sand were encountered in all the boreholes drilled at

site. State of compactness according to SPT ‘N’ counts has been determined to be

‘dense to very dense’. The grain size analysis has been carried out of samples collected

from these deposits. Unified Classification System (UCS) classifies these deposits as

‘SM’, ‘SP’ and ‘SP-SM’. Table 3.1 summarizes the details of these deposits.

Table 3.1 Deposits of Sand

Borehole No. Depth

(meters)

BH-01 0.0 – 10.0

BH-02 3.5 – 15.0

BH-03 5.0 – 10.0

BH-04 3.5 – 10.0

3.2 CLAY

Deposits of fine to coarse grained sandy, silty, clay were encountered in two of the

boreholes drilled at site. State of compactness according to SPT ‘N’ counts has been

determined to be ‘very stiff to hard’. The grain size analysis has been carried out of

samples collected from these deposits. Unified Classification System (UCS) classifies

these deposits as ‘CL’ and ‘CL-ML’. Table 3.2 summarizes the details of these deposits.



Table 3.2 Deposits of Clay

Borehole No. Depth

(meters)

BH-02 0.0 – 3.5

BH-03 0.0 – 5.0

3.3 SILT

Deposits of clayey silt were encountered in one of the boreholes drilled at site. State of

compactness according to SPT ‘N’ counts has been determined to be ‘hard’. The grain

size analysis has been carried out of samples collected from these deposits. Unified

Classification System (UCS) classifies these deposits as ‘ML’. Table 3.3 summarizes the

details of these deposits.

Table 3.3 Deposits of Silt

Borehole No. Depth

(meters)

BH-04 0.0 – 3.5

3.4 GROUNDWATER CONDITIONS

Groundwater table was not encountered up to the maximum explored depth of 15.0

meters in any of the boreholes drilled at the site at the time of this geotechnical

investigation.



4. ENGINEERING DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Foundation type for a structure depends on the expected loads taken by the foundation

and the type of soil underlying it. The characteristics of subsurface soil deposits have

been discussed in the previous section. Keeping in view the subsoil conditions prevailing

at the site and the loads expected to be transferred to the foundations, recommendations

for shallow foundations including isolated and raft foundations are provided. Following

sections discusses recommendations for shallow foundations, in detail.

4.1 DESIGN PARAMETERS

Design soil parameters at the site are based on grain size, material type and SPT N-

values. The design soil parameters for the profiles used in our analysis are tabulated

below:

Table 4.1: Engineering Design Parameters

Layer Depth

Below EGL

(m)

Layer

Thickness

(m)

Design

SPT-N Material Type

Cohesion,

C, (KPa)

Angle of

Internal

friction (Φ),

(degree)

Unit Weight

co-related

with SPT N

(kN/m3)

Modulus

of

Elasticity,

E (kN/m2) Top Bottom

1.5 3.0 1.5 16 Clay 100 17.5 8,000

3.0 4.5 1.5 25 Clay 125 18.0 12,500

4.5 5.5 1.0 42 Clay 180 18.0 22,500

5.5 15.0 9.5 50 Sand - 35 19.0 40,000

4.2 DESIGN CRITERIA FOR SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

A suitable shallow foundation for any structure must satisfy two basic independent

criteria with respect to the underlying foundation soils. First, the foundation must have an

adequate factor of safety against exceeding the bearing capacity of the foundation soils.

Second the vertical movements of the foundation due to settlement or swelling of the

foundation soils must be within tolerable limits for the structure.

Dynamically loaded foundations, such as those supporting vibrating machinery, must

satisfy additional criteria as follows:

vibrations transmitted to the foundation soils must not cause

excessive settlement of the structures or its surroundings;



vibrations of the dynamically loaded structure, and its surroundings,

must not interfere with planned operations and adjacent structures.

The foundation bearing pressures should be limited so that settlements do not exceed

tolerable limits for the structures.

4.3 ALLOWABLE BEARING PRESSURES FOR SHALLOW FOUNDATION

The allowable bearing pressure for shallow footings i.e. isolated and raft foundations

supported on natural soils/rocks at the site will be limited either by the settlement

tolerance of individual structures, or by the bearing capacity of the soil, depending on the

foundation width and depth of influence. Typically, for shallow isolated footings, the

bearing pressure should be limited so that the total foundation settlement does not

exceed 25 mm, with differential settlements of about 50 percent of the total settlement,

or so that the bearing capacity is not exceeded, whichever is the lower of the two values.

The ratio of differential to total settlements for raft foundations on sand is typically half

that of an isolated footing (Terzaghi, Peck and Mesri, 1996). Consequently, the amount

of settlement that a raft foundation can tolerate is twice that of an isolated foundation,

usually 50 mm. However, the actual settlement tolerance of various structures should be

defined by the structural engineer.

We estimated the allowable bearing pressure of planned isolated and raft foundations as

the lower of the two values calculated based on settlement and shear criteria. Table 4.2

gives the allowable bearing pressures for shallow foundations at depth of 1.5 - 2.0

meters from existing ground level.

Table 4.2 Net Allowable Bearing Pressures for Shallow Foundation

Minimum Embedment

Below Existing Ground

Level

(meter)

Isolated Foundation

(KPa / tsf)

Raft Foundation

(KPa / tsf)

1.5 80.0 / 0.80 110.0 / 1.10

2.0 95.0 / 0.95 130.0 / 1.30

Proper drainage shall be provided to avoid infiltration of water into foundation soil. It

should be ensured that the foundation is not placed on the fill material. The settlement of



isolated and raft foundation due to net allowable pressure has been estimated to be

within the allowable limit of 25mm (1-inch) and 50mm (2-inches) respectively.

4.4 MODULUS OF SUBGRADE REACTION

The modulus of subgrade reaction, ks, may be required to design raft foundations. The

modulus principally depends on the soil stiffness, raft foundation stiffness and foundation

size.

We recommend computing the modulus of subgrade reaction values for raft foundations

at the site using the allowable bearing pressures that could be obtained from the bearing

pressures presented in this report and the following equation:

ks = (SF) qa

where:

ks = Modulus of subgrade reaction, kN/m2/m;

SF = Factor of safety;

qa = Allowable bearing pressure, kPa; and

A = Allowable settlement, m.

The above equation assumes that the rafts will tend towards flexible rather than rigid

behaviour. For perfectly rigid rafts the modulus values obtained from the above equation

should be doubled.

Mat foundations will behave as:

Perfectly rigid if h/B > 1/5

Perfectly flexible if h/B < 1/55

where:

h = thickness of raft foundation; and

B = width of raft foundation

Table 4.3 Modulus of subgrade reaction based on allowable bearing pressure

A

1

Minimum Embedment below EGL

(meter)

Modulus of subgrade reaction

(MN/m3 / tcf)

1.5 6.6 / 19.8

2.0 7.8 / 23.4



4.5 EARTH RETAINING STRUCTURE

All measures shall be taken to provide safety to adjacent structures. Properly designed

excavation support system should be constructed prior to deep excavation.

Earth pressure parameters required for the design of structure to retain the excavation

are given in Table 4.4.

Table 4.4 Earth Pressure Parameters

Strata Φ' (Undisturbed)

ka

(Coefficient of

active earth

pressure)

kp

(Coefficient of

passive earth

pressure)

Clay 0° 1.00 1.00

Sand 32° 0.307 3.255

Silt 20° 0.490 2.040

4.6 SOIL PROFILE TYPE (ACCORDING TO UBC-97)

Chapter 16, Division V, Section 1636 of UBC-97 deals with the determination of Soil

Profile Types. Design practice involves using seismic parameters of zone 2B for the area

under consideration.

4.6.1 SEISMIC ZONE FACTOR

Table 16-I of UBC-97 defines the seismic zone factor to be used in choosing seismic

coefficients for a location. The seismic zone factor “Z” will be taken as 0.20.

4.6.2 SOIL PROFILE TYPE

Table 16-J of UBC-97 defines the soil profile types to be used for determining seismic

coefficients. Based on the field data obtained from sub-soil exploration, the soil profile

will be taken as “SC”.

4.6.3 SEISMIC COEFFICIENTS

Seismic coefficients are as under:

For SC: Ca = 0.24 & CV = 0.32



4.7 TYPE OF CEMENT

Tests on soil samples obtained from the boreholes indicate ‘negligible’ exposure to

sulphate and chloride. Under these conditions it is recommended to use Ordinary

Portland Cement (OPC) for all underground concrete works.



5. CONCLUSIONS

Geotechnical Investigation for construction of sheds for installation of New Electrode

Plants at Eastern Industrial Zone, Port Qasim, Karachi was carried out in order to

determine geotechnical parameters of subsurface deposits. Scope of field work included

drilling of four boreholes; three up to the depth of 10.0 meters and one up to the depth of

15.0 meters below the existing ground level. Soil samples were collected during the field

investigation. Laboratory testing on these samples has been carried out in the lab and

includes determination of index properties through grain size analysis, Atterberg Limits,

bulk & dry density, specific gravity etc. Chemical characteristics of soil samples have

also been assessed through determination of total dissolved solids, sulphate content,

chloride content and pH.

Keeping in view the subsoil conditions prevailing at the site and the loads expected to be

transferred to the foundations and as per the project specifications, recommendations for

shallow foundations are provided. Exposure to chloride and sulphate salts is ‘negligible’

for soil samples, therefore, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) should be used for

underground concreting.

Appendix A

Boreholes Location Plan

Soil Testing Services

Geotechnical Investigation at Pakistan Oxygen Limited,

Port Qasim

Borehole Location Plan K21-1326-101

Appendix B

Borehole Logs

SANDYellowish brown, dense to very dense, fine tocoarse grained, traces of silt & gravel

Mud Rotary Log BH-01P

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Info

. Project :GI for Pakistan Oxygen

Client :Paksitan Oxygen

Location :Port Qasim, Karachi

Job No.:K21-1326-101 Bo

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ole

In

fo. Depth:10 (m) Elevation:Equal to Road Level

GWL:- N.E Easting: 337667.74Drill Date:23.04.2021 Northing: 2743138.30

Logged By:SH Method:Mud Rotary Co

mp

an

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nfo

. Soil Testing Services

Geotechnical Engineering &Material Testing Laboratory

www.sts.com.pk

Sa

mp

leT

yp

es Disturbed SPT Sample

Ab

revia

tio

ns LL : Liquid Limit C : Cohesion Cc : Cc w : Moisture Content CD : Consolidated, Drained

Undisturbed Water Sample PL : Plastic Limit Phi : Friction Angle Cs : Cs qu : Unconfined Comp. Qu UU : Unconsolidated, Undrained

Shelby / U4 Groundwater Level PI : Plastic Index C' : Cohesion (CU) Pc : Pre-Consolidation Pressure F : Fast CU : Consolidated, Undrained

Core Cutter NPI : None PI Phi' : Friction Angle (CU) K : Permeability Coeff. S : Slow page 1 of 1

NovoLAB 4.0.2019.1206 Licensed to : Soil Testing Services ([email protected])Printed On 5/2/2021 By SAAD-PC\SAAD

Depth

(m

)0

12

34

56

78

91

0

GW

L (

m)

Sam

ple

Type

Lithology Description Field Tests

10 20 30 40 50* SPT

Sym

bol

Depth

(m

)0

12

34

56

78

91

0

US

CS

/ A

AS

HT

O

Cla

y (

%)

Silt

(%

)

Sand (

%)

Gra

vel (%

)

Sieve AnalysisTest

PI

(%)

PL (

%)

LL (

%)

AtterbergLimits

w (

%)

Bulk

Dry

Unit W

eig

ht

(gr/

cm

3)

Fi (o

)

C

(kg/c

m2)

Test

Type

DirectShearTest

qu (

kg/c

m2)

Pc

(kg/c

m2)

Cs

Cc

Consolidation

CL

SO

3

PH

ChemicalTests

Depth

(m

)0

12

34

56

78

91

0

Remarks & Comments

0.0

1

0.2

48

SPA-2-4(0)

3.3 95.2 1.5 NLL - NPI 7.9 1.88 2

SPA-2-4(0)

0.6 97.7 1.7 NLL - NPI 13 1.61 1.8

End of Log @ 10 (m)

CLAY / SILTYellowish brown, very stiff, silty clay / clayey silt,some sand

CLAYYellowish brown, hard, fine to coarse grained sandysilty

SANDGreyish brown, very dense, fine to coarse grained,traces of silt & gravel


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Info




Job No.:K21-1326-101 Bo

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In




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Sa

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yp


Ab

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tio






Depth

(m

)0

12

34

56

78

91

0

GW

L (

m)

Sam

ple

Type


10 20 30 40 50* SPT

Sym

bol

Depth

(m

)0

12

34

56

78

91

0

US

CS

/ A

AS

HT

O

Cla

y (

%)

Silt

(%

)

Sand (

%)

Gra

vel (%

)

Sieve AnalysisTest

PI

(%)

PL (

%)

LL (

%)

AtterbergLimits

w (

%)

Bulk

Dry

Unit W

eig

ht

(gr/

cm

3)

Fi (o

)

C

(kg/c

m2)

Test

Type

DirectShearTest

qu (

kg/c

m2)

Pc

(kg/c

m2)

Cs

Cc

Consolidation

CL

SO

3

PH

ChemicalTests

Depth

(m

)0

12

34

56

78

91

0

Remarks & Comments

CL-MLA-4(2)

0.7 25.1 38.8 35.4 26.2 21.4 4.8 17.4 1.71 2

0.0

1

0.2

78

CLA-4(3)

33.4 31.3 35.3 28.4 20.4 8 13.2 1.5 1.7

SPA-2-4(0)

2.8 95.8 1.4 NLL - NPI 12.2 1.67 1.9

SANDGreyish brown, very dense, fine to coarse grained,traces of silt & gravel


roje

ct

Info




Job No.:K21-1326-101 Bo

reh

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In




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Sa

mp

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Ab

revia

tio






Depth

(m

)1

01

11

21

31

41

5

GW

L (

m)

Sam

ple

Type


10 20 30 40 50* SPT

Sym

bol

Depth

(m

)1

01

11

21

31

41

5

US

CS

/ A

AS

HT

O

Cla

y (

%)

Silt

(%

)

Sand (

%)

Gra

vel (%

)

Sieve AnalysisTest

PI

(%)

PL (

%)

LL (

%)

AtterbergLimits

w (

%)

Bulk

Dry

Unit W

eig

ht

(gr/

cm

3)

Fi (o

)

C

(kg/c

m2)

Test

Type

DirectShearTest

qu (

kg/c

m2)

Pc

(kg/c

m2)

Cs

Cc

Consolidation

CL

SO

3

PH

ChemicalTests

Depth

(m

)1

01

11

21

31

41

5

Remarks & Comments

SPA-2-4(0)

1.5 98 0.5 NLL - NPI 12.2 1.47 1.6

End of Log @ 15 (m)

CLAYYellowish brown, very stiff, silty, some sand &traces of gravel

CLAY / SILTYellowish brown, very stiff to hard, silty clay / clayeysilt, some sand

SANDYellowish brown, very dense, fine to coarsegrained, little silt & traces of gravel


roje

ct

Info




Job No.:K21-1326-101 Bo

reh

ole

In




mp

an

y I

nfo



www.sts.com.pk

Sa

mp

leT

yp


Ab

revia

tio






Depth

(m

)0

12

34

56

78

91

0

GW

L (

m)

Sam

ple

Type


10 20 30 40 50* SPT

Sym

bol

Depth

(m

)0

12

34

56

78

91

0

US

CS

/ A

AS

HT

O

Cla

y (

%)

Silt

(%

)

Sand (

%)

Gra

vel (%

)

Sieve AnalysisTest

PI

(%)

PL (

%)

LL (

%)

AtterbergLimits

w (

%)

Bulk

Dry

Unit W

eig

ht

(gr/

cm

3)

Fi (o

)

C

(kg/c

m2)

Test

Type

DirectShearTest

qu (

kg/c

m2)

Pc

(kg/c

m2)

Cs

Cc

Consolidation

CL

SO

3

PH

ChemicalTests

Depth

(m

)0

12

34

56

78

91

0

Remarks & Comments

CLA-4(4)

1.6 21.8 36.1 40.5 27.9 20.6 7.3 21.2 1.48 1.8

0.0

1

0.2

68.1

CL-MLA-4(3)

21.2 45.5 33.3 25.6 19.8 5.8 14.1 1.51 1.7

SP-SMA-2-4(0)

3.3 85.7 11 NLL - NPI 27 1.49 1.9

End of Log @ 10 (m)

SILTYellowish brown, hard, clayey, some sand & tracesof gravel

SANDYellowish brown, very dense, silty fine to coarsegrained, traces of gravel

SANDYellowish brown, very dense, fine to coarsegrained, little gravel & traces of silt


roje

ct

Info




Job No.:K21-1326-101 Bo

reh

ole

In




mp

an

y I

nfo



www.sts.com.pk

Sa

mp

leT

yp


Ab

revia

tio






Depth

(m

)0

12

34

56

78

91

0

GW

L (

m)

Sam

ple

Type


10 20 30 40 50* SPT

Sym

bol

Depth

(m

)0

12

34

56

78

91

0

US

CS

/ A

AS

HT

O

Cla

y (

%)

Silt

(%

)

Sand (

%)

Gra

vel (%

)

Sieve AnalysisTest

PI

(%)

PL (

%)

LL (

%)

AtterbergLimits

w (

%)

Bulk

Dry

Unit W

eig

ht

(gr/

cm

3)

Fi (o

)

C

(kg/c

m2)

Test

Type

DirectShearTest

qu (

kg/c

m2)

Pc

(kg/c

m2)

Cs

Cc

Consolidation

CL

SO

3

PH

ChemicalTests

Depth

(m

)0

12

34

56

78

91

0

Remarks & Comments

MLA-4(3)

1.1 24.5 43 31.4 29.8 24.4 5.4 20.4 1.46 1.8

0.0

1

0.2

17.7

SMA-4(0)

3.7 49.6 46.7 NLL - NPI 13.6 1.44 1.6

SPA-1-b(0)

11.2 88 0.8 NLL - NPI 9.4 1.52 1.7

End of Log @ 10 (m)

Appendix C

Laboratory Test Results

Sieve Analysis Test

AS

TM

C

136

Project : Inst. of New Electrode Plant Soil Testing Services

Client : Paksitan Oxygen Ltd.

Job No.: K21-1326-101

Location : Port Qasim, Karachi

NovoLAB 4.0.2019.1206 Licensed to: Soil Testing Services ([email protected])Printed On 5/2/2021 By SAAD-PC\SAAD

Page 1 / 4

Classification

BoreholeSampleDepth

(m)

D10(mm)

D30(mm)

D50(mm)

D60(mm) Cc Cu LL (%) PI (%) Disp. (%) USCS AASHTO

BH-01 3 0.513 1.144 1.816 2.276 1.121 4.437 - - N/A SP A-2-4(0)

BH-01 7.5 0.49 1.128 1.739 2.141 1.213 4.369 - - N/A SP A-2-4(0)

BH-02 1.5 0.001 0.001 0.011 0.022 0.045 22 26.2 4.8 N/A CL-ML A-4(2)

Particle Distribution (%)

Clay Silt Sand GravelC

obble

- 1.5 95.2 3.3 -

- 1.7 97.7 0.6 -

35.4 38.8 25.1 0.7 -

Sieve Analysis Test

AS

TM

C

136



Job No.: K21-1326-101



Page 2 / 4

Classification

BoreholeSampleDepth

(m)

D10(mm)

D30(mm)

D50(mm)


BH-02 3 0.001 0.001 0.018 0.028 0.036 28 28.4 8 N/A CL A-4(3)

BH-02 9 0.514 1.188 1.839 2.289 1.2 4.453 - - N/A SP A-2-4(0)

BH-02 13.5 0.681 1.394 2.139 2.572 1.109 3.777 - - N/A SP A-2-4(0)



obble

35.3 31.3 33.4 - -

- 1.4 95.8 2.8 -

- 0.5 98 1.5 -

Sieve Analysis Test

AS

TM

C

136



Job No.: K21-1326-101



Page 3 / 4

Classification

BoreholeSampleDepth

(m)

D10(mm)

D30(mm)

D50(mm)


BH-03 1.5 0.001 0.001 0.008 0.014 0.071 14 27.9 7.3 N/A CL A-4(4)

BH-03 3 0.001 0.001 0.009 0.023 0.043 23 25.6 5.8 N/A CL-ML A-4(3)

BH-03 7.5 - 0.811 1.49 1.865 4.64 - - - N/A SP-SM A-2-4(0)



obble

40.5 36.1 21.8 1.6 -

33.3 45.5 21.2 - -

- 11 85.7 3.3 -

Sieve Analysis Test

AS

TM

C

136



Job No.: K21-1326-101



Page 4 / 4

Classification

BoreholeSampleDepth

(m)

D10(mm)

D30(mm)

D50(mm)


BH-04 1.5 0.001 0.002 0.021 0.028 0.143 28 29.8 5.4 N/A ML A-4(3)

BH-04 4.5 - - 0.106 0.182 - - - - N/A SM A-4(0)

BH-04 9 1.084 1.94 2.799 3.207 1.083 2.958 - - N/A SP A-1-b(0)



obble

31.4 43 24.5 1.1 -

- 46.7 49.6 3.7 -

- 0.8 88 11.2 -

ATTERBERG LIMITS TEST

AS

TM

D

4318



Job No.: K21-1326-101



Page 1 / 5

USCS Soil Description : Silty Clay With SandAASHTO Soil Description : A-4, Silty soils (2)

Tested By :

Liquid Limit

Cont. W (gr) Cont. + Wet Soil W (gr) Cont. + Dry Soil W (gr) # of Blows Moisture Content (%)

13.86 31.65 27.8 17 27.6

19.89 36.74 33.29 29 25.7

-

Plastic Limit

Cont. W (gr) Cont. + Wet Soil W (gr) Cont. + Dry Soil W (gr) Moisture Content (%)

13.49 20.57 19.32 21.4

LL = 26.2 % PL = 21.4 % PI=4.8

Borehole : BH-02

Sample Depth : 1.5 (m)

Classification : CL-ML | A-4(2)

Sample Type : SPT Split Spoon


AS

TM

D

4318



Job No.: K21-1326-101



Page 2 / 5

USCS Soil Description : Low Plasticity Clay With SandAASHTO Soil Description : A-4, Silty soils (3)

Tested By :

Liquid Limit


15.1 31.8 28 15 29.5

14.5 30.5 27 30 28

-

Plastic Limit


13.9 20.4 19.3 20.4

LL = 28.4 % PL = 20.4 % PI=8

Borehole : BH-02

Sample Depth : 3 (m)

Classification : CL | A-4(3)



AS

TM

D

4318



Job No.: K21-1326-101



Page 3 / 5

USCS Soil Description : Low Plasticity Clay With SandAASHTO Soil Description : A-4, Silty soils (4)

Tested By :

Liquid Limit


10.5 24 20.9 12 29.8

13.9 27.2 24.25 19 28.5

8.3 24 20.6 28 27.6

-

Plastic Limit


14.1 21.7 20.4 20.6

LL = 27.9 % PL = 20.6 % PI=7.3

Borehole : BH-03


Classification : CL | A-4(4)



AS

TM

D

4318



Job No.: K21-1326-101



Page 4 / 5

USCS Soil Description : Silty Clay With SandAASHTO Soil Description : A-4, Silty soils (3)

Tested By :

Liquid Limit


13.54 40.9 35.16 20 26.5

14.05 42.96 37.06 25 25.6

11.89 34.21 29.77 31 24.8

-

Plastic Limit


9.89 14.18 13.47 19.8

LL = 25.6 % PL = 19.8 % PI=5.8

Borehole : BH-03

Sample Depth : 3 (m)

Classification : CL-ML | A-4(3)



AS

TM

D

4318



Job No.: K21-1326-101



Page 5 / 5

USCS Soil Description : Low Plasticity Silt With SandAASHTO Soil Description : A-4, Silty soils (3)

Tested By :

Liquid Limit


10.09 39.6 32.55 18 31.4

12.21 37.46 31.98 31 27.7

11.05 28.44 24.47 34 29.6

-

Plastic Limit


10.31 16.88 15.59 24.4

LL = 29.8 % PL = 24.4 % PI=5.4

Borehole : BH-04


Classification : ML | A-4(3)


Density & Moisture Test

AS

TM

D

4643,

D2216Project : Inst. of New Electrode Plant Soil Testing Services


Job No.: K21-1326-101



Page 1 / 1

Borehole Sample Depth (m) Moisture Content (%) Dry Density (gr/cm3) Wet Density (gr/cm3)

BH-01 3 7.9 1.88 2.03

BH-01 7.5 13.02 1.61 1.82

BH-02 1.5 17.41 1.71 2.01

BH-02 3 13.21 1.5 1.69

BH-02 9 12.21 1.67 1.87

BH-02 13.5 12.21 1.47 1.65

BH-03 1.5 21.24 1.48 1.8

BH-03 3 14.06 1.51 1.72

BH-03 7.5 27.04 1.49 1.89

BH-04 1.5 20.42 1.46 1.75

BH-04 4.5 13.58 1.44 1.64

BH-04 9 9.43 1.52 1.66

Soil Classification & Specific Gravity


Client : Pakistan Oxygen Ltd.

Job No.: K21-1326-101


Borehole

Sample Depth (m)

Soil Classification

Specific Gravity

BH-01 3 SP A-2-4(0) 2.596

BH-01 7.5 SP A-2-4(0) 2.602

BH-02 1.5 CL-ML A-4(2) 2.645

BH-02 3 CL A-4(3) 2.684

BH-02 9 SP A-2-4(0) 2.602

BH-02 13.5 SP A-2-4(0) 2.617

BH-03 1.5 CL A-4(4) 2.675

BH-03 3 CL-ML A-4(3) 2.633

BH-03 7.5 SP-SM A-2-4(0) 2.611

BH-04 1.5 ML A-4(3) 2.641

BH-04 4.5 SM A-4(0) 2.632

BH-04 9 SP A-1-b(0) 2.622

Chemical Test Results

AS

TM

D

516,

D512,

D1293



Job No.: K21-1326-101



Page 1 / 1

Borehole SampleDepth (m) Description Value

BH-01 1.5

pH value

8.02

BH-02 1.5 7.96

BH-03 1.5 8.13

BH-04 1.5 7.69

BH-01 1.5

Sulphate Content (%)

0.01

BH-02 1.5 0.01

BH-03 1.5 0.01

BH-04 1.5 0.01

BH-01 1.5

Chloride Content (%)

0.24

BH-02 1.5 0.27

BH-03 1.5 0.26

BH-04 1.5 0.21

Appendix D

General Information on Testing Procedures


i Soil Testing Services, Karachi

DRILLING, FIELD TESTING & SAMPLING

The field testing program consisted of drilling works and in-situ testing including

Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and collection of soil samples using soil sampler. The

following sections describe these activities in further detail.

A.1. DRILLING METHOD

All the boreholes were drilled by using rotary/wash boring method; in this method soil or

rock is cut by the constant rotation of various types of bits. Drilling fluid, which is either

water or bentonite slurry, is circulated through drilling rods. The returning fluid lifts

loosened material.

Details of the boreholes are given in Table A.1.

Table A.1 Detail of Boreholes

Borehole No. Borehole Depth

(meters)

Water table Depth

(meters) Coordinates

BH-01 10.0 Not Encountered E: 337667.74

N: 2743138.30


N: 2743123.47


N: 2743110.36


N: 2743085.97


ii Soil Testing Services, Karachi

Figure A-1: Drilling in progress


iii Soil Testing Services, Karachi

A.2. FIELD TESTING

Field testing carried out at the site includes Standard Penetration Test (SPT). Soil

samples were extracted from the boreholes with the help of “SPT sampler for all types of

soils”.

Following sections indicate the processes carried out in each of the field tests.

A.2.1. STANDARD PENETRATION TESTS

The standard penetration tests (SPT) were carried out at interval of 1.0 - 1.5 meter in the

overburden above the bedrock. The standard penetration test was carried out by “Safety”

type sliding hammer. Split-spoon sampler was used in cohesive and fine granular soils to

conduct SPT.

The standard penetration test was carried out by an assembly of the following parts:

Drive-weight assembly, consisting of a drive head and a 63.5kg impact hammer, a

hammer fall guide and the drop system. The drop mechanism will ensure a constant

free fall of 760mm.

Drive rods connect the drive-weight assembly to the sampler.

The split spoon sampler was used to carry out the test, along with retrieving disturbed

samples.

The base of the borehole was made clean and reasonably undisturbed at the test

elevation. Following precautions were taken during the testing sequence:

The level of water or bentonite slurry was maintained at a sufficient level above the

groundwater level, to ensure any entry of water through the bottom of the borehole.

The casing was not driven below the level at which the test will start.

The test was executed in the following steps:

The sampler and the drive rods were lowered in the borehole and the hammer

assembly added to it.

The sampler is penetrated over seating drive of 150mm and the numbers of blows

are recorded.

In the same way the sampler is driven over a test drive of 300mm in two increments

of 150mm.

The numbers of blows are recorded during each of the last two increments.


iv Soil Testing Services, Karachi

The test was deemed finished when total number of blows equal to 50 was reached.

The standard penetration test was carried out in accordance with the procedure given in

BS 1377-9:1990.

Figure A-2: Standard Penetration Test in progress


v Soil Testing Services, Karachi

A.3. SAMPLING

Sampling forms an essential part of the geotechnical investigation process and good

sampling is essential for proper laboratory testing of samples for determining strength

and compressibility characteristics of soil.

A.3.1. SPT SAMPLES

Samples were recovered from standard penetration testing. The samples were recovered

in split-spoon sampler and then stored in plastic bags. The storage of split-spoon

samples in bags ensured retention of natural moisture of the samples which were later

tested for gradation, consistency and chemical characteristics.


vi Soil Testing Services, Karachi

B. LABORATORY TESTING

Laboratory testing was carried out on retrieved samples. The following section enlists

and gives details of relevant tests carried out on selected samples as required for

determining the subsurface conditions and correlating with the information obtained from

field testing and sampling.

B.1. GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS

The purpose of grain size analysis is to determine the sizes of the assemblage of

particles that make up the soil. The grain size analysis is conducted in two parts: for

particles above the “# 200 US sieve”, sieve analysis is carried out by passing the

selected soil sample from various sieves. For particles finer than the “# 200 US sieve”,

hydrometer analysis is carried out. The combined process of determination of the size of

particles is termed as the grain size analysis.

The results are appended with the report in Appendix C. Grain size analysis of twelve

(12) soil samples were carried out as per ASTM C-136 & D-6913.

B.2. LIQUID AND PLASTIC LIMITS

The liquid and plastic limits of soil are parameters that define the state of the soil at

different water content levels. The liquid limit is the water content above which the soil

goes from solid phase to liquid phase and the plastic limit indicates the water content

below which the soil mass makes the transition from a plastic, remould able solid to a

brittle mass which cannot be remoulded any more. The difference in the water contents

at Liquid and Plastic limits is termed as the plasticity index and it is a measure of the

plasticity of the soil under consideration. The samples used for determining the limits are

finer than the “#40 US sieve”. The limits were determined in accordance with the ASTM

D-4318.

Liquid and plastic limits of five (05) samples extracted from boreholes were carried out in

accordance with the given procedure.


vii Soil Testing Services, Karachi

B.3. NATURAL MOISTURE CONTENT

Natural moisture content is the quantity of water contained in a soil or rock sample. It is

the ratio of the weight of water to the weight of solids in a given volume of soil or rock

sample. Natural moisture content of twelve (12) samples was determined in accordance

with ASTM 2216-05.

B.4. DENSITY

The weight per unit volume of the solid portion of soil is called particle (dry) density.

Whereas, the oven dry weight of a unit volume of soil inclusive of pore spaces is called

bulk (wet) density. The bulk density of a soil is always smaller than its particle

density. Density of twelve (12) samples was determined in accordance with the

procedure described in ASTM D 7263-09.

B.5. SPECIFIC GRAVITY

Specific gravity (Gs) is defined as mass of material in air divided by mass of water

displaced by material. This quantity is used for calculation of void ratio, in hydrometer

test, etc. Specific gravity of twelve (12) samples was determined in accordance with the

procedure described in ASTM designation C 127-81.

B.6. CHEMICAL TESTS

Sulphate in groundwater or soil can attack concrete placed in the ground or on surface. A

reaction takes place between the sulphate and the aluminate compounds present in the

cement, causing crystallisation of complex compounds. The expansion, which

accompanies crystallisation, induces stresses in the concrete, which results in

mechanical disintegration. In moist conditions, such as exposure to seawater, the

presence of chloride ion, Cl-, presents a serious possibility of the corrosion of the

reinforcement. The presence of Ca(OH)2 provides a strong alkaline environment in which

a thin film of iron oxide is formed on the metal surface which protects it against corrosion.

However, if the concrete is permeable to the extent that the soluble chlorides can reach

up to the reinforcing steel, then in the presence of water and oxygen, the corrosion of the

reinforcement will take place. Rust occupies more volume than the original steel, and

hence the ensuing expansion of concrete, results in cracking and spalling.


viii Soil Testing Services, Karachi

Due to adverse effect of sulphates and chlorides on the quality of concrete it is essential

to conduct chemical tests on soil and groundwater. This helps in quantifying the expected

exposure of concrete to these chemicals and in devising precautionary measures to

ensure integrity of concrete. The following chemical tests were carried out on

groundwater samples:

Total dissolved solids

Chloride content

Sulphate content

pH

Chemical tests were carried out in accordance with ASTM C 1580-09, and D 4972-01.

The selection of cement for underground concreting and is discussed in Chapter 4.

Table B.1 ACI standards for concrete for sulphate exposure

Sulphate

Exposure

Water Soluble

Sulphates in Soil

(%)

Sulphate in Water

(mg/L) Cement Type

Negligible 0.00-0.10 0- 150 OPC

Moderate 0.10-0.20 150- 1500 Type II

Severe 0.20-2.00 1500-10000 Type V

Very Severe Over 2.00 Over 10000 Type V

plus pozzolan


C-101/A KDA Scheme 1, Karachi

Pakistan. 75350

Tel: +92-21-34381117-8

Fax: +92-21-34525206

Email: [email protected]

www.sts.com.pk

House # 852, Main Service Road

Sector I-10/4 Islamabad. Pakistan

Tel: +92-51-4436379

Fax: +92-51-4431801

ANNEXURE-IX

SEQS 2016

ANNEXURE-X

Grievance Form

FORMAL GRIEVANCE (Proposed)

THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETELY FILLED OUT

Name of Grievant:

Date:

Contact Details

Date, time and place of event leading to Date you became aware of the event, (if

grievance: different):

Detailed description of grievance including names of other persons involved, if any:

Grievant must identify all statutes/regulations pertinent to this grievance if applicable:

Proposed solution to grievance:

S.No.

Grievance Filed With

Date

Grievant 's

Signature

Status

1

2

3 4

ANNEXURE ANNEXURE-XI Socio-Economic Questionnaire

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