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TAMIL NADU MINERALS LIMITED

EIA REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED BLACK GRANITE MINE OVER AN EXTENT OF

16.95.00 HECTARES LOCATED IN S.F. NO. 189 (P) OF MYLARWADA VILLAGE, PALLIPATTUTALUK, THIRUVALLUR DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU

PREPARED BY JUNE 2015 1 (a), MINING OF MINERALS, CATEGORY A

EIA REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED BLACK GRANITE MINE

INDEX

INDEX

SL.NO. DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

I. EIA REPORT CHAPTERS

1. INTRODUCTION 1 - 10

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 11 - 34

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 35 - 76

4. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND

MITIGATION MEASURES 77 - 106

5. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES (TECHNOLOGY AND SITE) 107 - 108

6. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME AND PLAN 109 - 116

7. ADDITIONAL STUDIES 117 - 152

8. PROJECT BENEFITS 153 - 154

9. ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS 155 - 156

10. SUMMARY & CONCLUSION 157 - 166

11. DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANTS 167 - 172

II. ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE I - MOEF TOR COPY 173 - 180

ANNEXURE II - COMPLIANCE TO TOR 181 - 194

ANNEXURE III - MINING G.O. AND LEASE DEED 195 - 206

ANNEXURE IV - APPROVED MINING PLAN 207 - 244

ANNEXURE V - BASELINE MONITORING REPORT 245 - 252

ANNEXURE VI - PROCEEDINGS OF PUBLIC HEARING 253 - 268

ANNEXURE VII - QP APPRAISAL OF MINING 269 - 284

ANNEXURE VIII - DISCLOSURE OF ENVIRONMENT

CONSULTANT 285 - 286

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EIA REPORT


CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Purpose of the Report

Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited popularly known as Tamin is a wholly owned blue chip

company of the Government of Tamil Nadu started in 1978. Tamin is engaged in the

exploitation, processing and marketing of Granite and other minerals such as Limestone,

Vermiculite, Quartz, Feldspar, and Indian Standard Graphite.

This report is in conformity with the objectives of TAMIN as well as in compliance of

Rule 12 of Granite Conservation and Development Rules, 1999 (hereinafter referred to

as GCDR, 1999). The mining plan has been prepared in respect of the Black granite

deposit available in located at S.F. No. 189 (part) of Mylarwada Village, Pallipattu Taluk,

Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu State for which TAMIN has applied for quarry lease and

the District Collector, Thiruvallur District has also recommended the same to the

Commissioner of Geology and Mining, Guindy, Chennai. The Government in their Lr. No.

1574/MM5/2008 Dated: 25-01-2012 has communicated the precise area for the

above villages.

As per the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification dated 14th September

2006 and its subsequent amendments and Supreme Court order of February 27, 2012,

the proposed granite quarry mining project falls under ‘Category A’, as project site is the

Inter State Boundary of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu which requires Environmental

Clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). TAMIN as a part of the

compliance to the regulatory requirement i.e, to obtain Environmental Clearance from

from Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Government of India, New Delhi for

the proposed project has appointed ABC Techno Labs India Private Limited, Chennai as

Environmental Consultants who are accreditated by National Accreditation Board for

Education and Training (NABET) - Quality Council of India (QCI), New Delhi.

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1.2 Identification of Project & Project Proponent

1.2.1 Project

The proposed Black Granite Mine is Over an Extent of 16.95.00 ha located in S.F. No. 189

(P) of Mylarwada village, Pallipattu Taluk, Thiruvallur District. The area lies in the

northern latitude of 13°04’02”N and eastern longitude of 79°21’38”E. The area is marked

in the survey of India Toposheet No.57-0/8. TAMIN has applied for quarry lease and the

District Collector, Thiruvallur District has also recommended the same to the

Commissioner of Geology and Mining, Guindy, Chennai. The Government in their Lr. No.

1574/MM5/2008 Dated: 25-01-2012 has communicated the precise area for the above

villages.

The major purpose of mine development is to provide auxiliary and support facilities for

physically opening a surface or underground, or mine and bringing it to full production is

to be planned. The facilities will not contribute directly to the production operation. It is

a period of intensive and diversified activity on the project site with environmental

impacts, which are usually different in nature from operational impacts, which are

crucial for successful environmental management.

1.2.2 Project Proponent

TAMIN entered the international granite market in the year 1979 and has secured a

steady market for dimensional blocks of black and other colour materials in countries

like Japan, Germany, Italy, Australia, UK, Switzerland, Holland, USA etc. Tamin has also

been marketing granite cubes with sides measuring 6 cm to 12 cm. TAMIN has

developed expertise in the mining of granite dimensional stones of different varieties

including black granite (Dolerite), Kashmir white (Leptynite), Paradiso (Migmatite

gneiss), Green onyx (Syenite - porphyry) Red wave (Pink Feldspathic gneiss) Colombo

Juparana (Pegmatitic granite gneiss of migmatitic origin), Raw silk (Yellow feldspathic

Lepthnite) and a number of other coloured granite varieties apart from other industrial

minerals viz. quartz and feldspar, graphite, lime stone, silica sand, vermiculite, etc.

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1.3 Brief Description of the Project

1.3.1 Nature of the Project

The proposed project is production of black granite in the mine lease area and is

classified as “Category-A” as the project site is the interstate boundary of Tamil Nadu

and Andhra Pradesh by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi

as per the EIA Notification dated on 14th September, 2006, amended.

1.3.2 Size of the Project

The proposed project site is an extent of 16.95 ha and production capacity is 20,172 m3

per Annum ROM of granite. The total cost of the proposed project is estimated as Rs. 1

Crore.

1.3.3 Location of the Project

The proposed Black Granite Mine is Over an Extent of 16.95.00 ha located in S.F. No. 189

(P) of Mylarwada village, Pallipattu Taluk, Thiruvallur District. The area lies in the

northern latitude of 13°04’02”N and eastern longitude of 79°21’38”E. The area is marked

in the survey of India Toposheet No.57-0/8. Location map of the proposed project is

shown in Figure 1.1 and the survey of India Toposheet map of the project is shown in

Figure 1.2.

1.3.4 Connectivity

The Mylarwada malai is spotted on the western side of the Sholingur - Walaja road. A

road branches on Sholingur - Walaja road at about 5 kms from Sholingur. The Mylarwada

malai is well connected by a tar road upto a km and there from by cart road upto the foot

hill. The area lies on southern side of Mylarwada village. The nearest town is Sholingur

which is situated at about 8 kms. The nearest railway station is also Sholingur and the

port is Chennai port which is about 120 kms.

The mode of Transport of the granite blocks produced and marketed is by road to

various consumer destinations and granite processing units located at different part, of

the country. The blocks approved for export market are shipped through Chennai /

Tuticorin Harbours to various countries.

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FIGURE - 1.1: GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF THE PROJECT

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FIGURE - 1.2: GOOGLE IMAGE OF THE PROJECT

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1.4 Scope of the Study

In line with the MoEF prescribed Terms of Reference (TOR), the area comprising 10 km

radius around the mine lease boundary is considered as the study area. The EIA/EMP

report has been prepared for the project following the generic structure specified in the

EIA Notification 2006. The detailed studies have been conducted as per prescribed TOR.

The study area map is shown in Figure-1.2.

The scope of study broadly covered:

• Literature review and collection of data relevant to the study area;

• Establish the baseline environmental aspects in and around the proposed Integrated

project;

• Identify various existing pollution loads due to various mining activities;

• Predict incremental levels of pollutants in the study area due to the proposed

operations;

• Evaluate the predicted impacts on various environmental attributes in the study area

by using scientifically developed and widely accepted environmental impact

assessment methodologies;

• Prepare a Environment Management Plan (EMP) outlining the measures for

improving the environmental quality; and

• Identify critical environmental attributes that are required to be monitored in the

post-project scenario.

The scope also includes all the conditions outlined in the TORs prescribed by MoEF for

the mining project vide letter No. J-11015/162/2013-IA.II (M) dated September 2013.

TOR conditions and their compliance is given in Annexure – I & II. Field studies were

conducted during December 2013 to February 2014 to determine the existing conditions

of various environmental attributes. Environmental attributes and frequency of

monitoring are outlined in Table-1.1

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Source: Survey of India, New Delhi

FIGURE - 1.3: STUDY AREA MAP (10 KM RADIUS)

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TABLE - 1.1: ENVIRONMENTAL ATTRIBUTES AND FREQUENCY OF MONITORING

S. No.

Environmental

Component

Sampling Locations

Sampling Parameters

Sampling Period

Sampling Frequency

1. Meteorology One central location

Temperature, Wind Speed, Wind Direction, Rain fall, Relative Humidity, Cloud Cover

3 months Hourly / Rainfall - Daily

2. Ambient Air Quality

6 Locations PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx

Two days per week for 13 weeks

24 hourly

3. Water Quality 6 Ground, water Locations

As per IS:10500-1991

Grab sampling Once during study period

4. Noise 6 locations Leq 24 hourly composite

Once during study period

5. Soil 6 locations Soil profile, Chemical constituents, Suitability for agricultural growth

Composite sample

Once during study period

6. Terrestrial Ecology

Total study area

Flora and fauna Field observations

Once in study period

7. Demography and Socio-economic aspects

Total study area

Demographic profile

- -

8. Land Use Total study area

Trend of land use change for different categories

- -

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S.

No. Environment

al Component

Sampling Locations

Sampling Parameters

Sampling Period

Sampling Frequency

9. Hydrology & Hydrogeology

Total study area

Drainage area and pattern, nature of streams, aquifer characteristics, recharge and discharge areas including pumping test.

As per Ground Water Estimation Committee recommendations of 1997

Once in Season

Source : ABC Techno Labs India Private Limited., Chennai

1.5 Methodology

The Environment Impact Assessment report has been prepared with the following steps:

1.5.1 Establishment of Baseline Environmental Status

A comprehensive database on the baseline environmental status/conditions of the study

area has been established through review, compilation & analysis of

i) Existing published secondary data/literature/information, and

ii) Primary data generated/collected through initial site surveys and field study

The field monitoring has been carried out as per the guidelines of CPCB and requirement

of the MoEF for one complete season. Field study/monitoring has been conducted on:

(i) Soil Quality

(ii) Water Quality

(iii) Ambient Air Quality

(iv) Noise

(v) Geology

(vi) Hydrology

(vii) Land Use Pattern

(viii) Ecological Aspects

(ix) Socio- Economic Aspects

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1.5.2 Environmental Impact Assessment

The project data/activities has been analyzed & linked with the existing baseline

environmental conditions in order to list out the affected environmental parameters and

assess the likely impacts on such parameters. Compliance of the project with national

standards has been duly checked.

1.5.3 Preparation of Environmental Management Plan

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is the key to ensure a safe and clean

environment. The desired results from the environmental mitigation measures proposed

in the project may not be obtained without a management plan in order to assure its

proper implementation & function. The EMP envisages the plans for the proper

implementation of mitigation measures to reduce the adverse impacts arising out of the

project activities. EMP has been prepared addressing issues such as:

Details of management plans

Pollution control/mitigation measures for abatement of the undesirable impacts

caused during construction and operational activities

Maintenance of water resources and water quality

Institutional set up identified/recommended for implementation of the EMP

Post project environmental monitoring programme

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CHAPTER-2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 Type of Project

The proposed project is open cast semi-mechanized black granite mining project with

the total production capacity of 20,172 m3 per Annum ROM of granite. Opencast mining

method has been adopted due to following reasons:

• Mining by opencast method will be economical against underground method.

• Opencast mining operations are comparatively safer and ensure higher recovery of

minerals.

• From conservation point of view, underground is not suitable as there are many

thicker sections.

2.2 Need of the Project

The black granite dimensional stone material by virtue of its pleasing colour and texture

such as and its best ability to take polishing and appealing look in polished product has

attracted the consumers in the building construction and interior decoration industries.

The domestic market capabilities have also been explored in recent periods. Bulk

quantity of the blocks produced are exported as raw blocks and some quantity is being

processed at TAMIN's Granite processing units and exported as value added finished

products.

2.3 Location of the Project Site

District

and State Taluk Village

Khasra No. Plot No.

Block No. Range,

Falling Series etc.

Area

(in ha)

Ownership /

Occupancy

Thiruvallur

Tamil Nadu Pallipattu Mylarwada S.F.No. 189 (part) 16.95.00

Govt.

Poromboke

land TOTAL 16.95.00

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TABLE - 2.1: DETAILS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

S. No. Description Details 1. Site Location Proposed Black Granite Mine is Over an Extent of

16.95.00 ha., located at S.F. No.189 (part) of Mylarwada Village, Pallipattu Taluk, Thiruvallur District.

2. Topography Undulating Terrain 3. SOI Toposheet 57- O/8 4. Above Mean Sea level in

m 167 m above mean sea level

5. Nearest City Vellore - 29.8 km - Southwest 6. Nearest Highway State Highway 61 - 5 km - East 7. Nearest Railway Junction Walaja Junction - 10.6 km - South

Sholinganallur - 8 km - North 8.

Nearest Airport Chennai International Airport - 87 km - East Tirupathi Airport - 65.5 km - Northeast

9. Nearest Water Bodies/ River/Sea

Ponnai river - 8 km - West Palar river -16.6 km - Southwest Lake near SH 61- 4.1 km - South east Sholinghur lake - 6.4 km - Northeast

10. Archaeologically important places

None within 15 km radius

11. National parks/ Wildlife Sanctuaries

None within 15 km radius

12. Reserved/ Protected Forests

Srikalikapuram R.F - 8.8 km - Northeast Ammur R. F - 3 km - Southwest

13. Seismicity Zone II (Least Active) 14. Nearest

Habitations/Settlements Krishnan Kuppam (population :550) - 2 km -East Kodakkal Pudur (Population :240 ) - 4 km - East Bhimareddiyur (population :320) - 3 km - North Senkattanur - (Population :220) - 5 km -

Northwest 15. Ecologically Sensitive

Areas Nil

16. Nearby Quarries Rendadi - 2.1 km - NorthEast Kadakkal - 5.8 km - NorthEast

17. Defense Installations None within 15 km radius Source: ABC Techno Labs India Private Limited, Chennai

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2.4 Size or Magnitude of Operation

The existing mine lease extends over an area of 16.95.00 ha. The silent features of the

proposed project are given in Table-2.3. The surface plan is shown in Figure-2.1.

TABLE - 2.2: LAND-USE SPLIT OF THE MINING LEASE AREA

S. No. Activity Area of Extent 1. Mining area 0.82.5 ha 2. Dumping Yard 2.28.5 ha 3. Infrastructure area 0.01.5 ha 4. Green-belt 0.02.5 ha 5. Barren land 13.76.5 ha

TOTAL 16.95.00 ha

TABLE - 2.3: SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROJECT

S. No. Description Details 1. Mine lease 16.95.00 ha 2. Type of mine Open Cast 3. Method of mining Semi - Mechanized 4. Expected life of mine 30 years 5. Geological reserves 4,61,600 m3 6. Recoverable Geological reserves 13,848 m3 7. Mineable reserves 3,64,400 m3 8. Recoverable Mineable reserves 10,932 m3 9. Average no. of working days 300 day/year

10. Number of shifts 3 shifts/day 11. Man power (Nos/day) 31 12. Quantity of Black granite to be generated

during initial 5 years 3013.92 m3

13. Side burden 5300 m3 14. Granite Rejects to be generated during

entire life of mine in Metric Tonne 2,34,855 MT

15. No. of waste dumps planned 2 Nos 16. Height of waste dumps 30 m 17. Power requirement and its source 120 KVA, DG set 18. Water requirement 2.3 KLD

Source: Mine Plan

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FIGURE - 2.1: SURFACE PLAN

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2.5 Technology and Process Description

2.5.1 Technology

Primary step of mining of minerals is the removal of the deposits from the ground. Once

the minerals / ore are removed, additional preparation process is required to isolate the

valuable minerals from their waste gangue minerals. There are two basic method of

mining of minerals opencast and underground mining. The choice of method depends on

the geologic, hydrological, geo-technical, geographic, economic, technological,

environmental, safety, Socio - political and financial considerations. Table 2.4 gives a

classification of the prevalent mining methods.

FIGURE - 2.2: PROCESS INVOLVED IN SURFACE MINING

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The major purpose of mine development is to provide auxiliary and support facilities for

physically opening a surface or underground, or mine and bringing it to full production is

to be planned. The facilities will not contribute directly to the production operation. It is

a period of intensive and diversified activity on the project site with environmental

impacts, which are usually different in nature from operational impacts, which are

crucial for successful environmental management.

TABLE 2-4: CLASSIFICATION OF MINING METHODS

Method Deposit Surface Mining Quarrying Open cast Mining Placer Mining Solution Mining

Non metallic Coal, metal, Non-metallic Coal Metal, Non-metallic Non-metallic, metal

Underground Mining Unsupported/minimum

supported Supported (with fill) Caving

Coal, Non-metallic, Metal Coal, metal Coal, metal

2.5.2 Method of Mining

Open Cast Working

In accordance with the Regulation 106 (2)(a) of the Metalliferous Mines Regulations

1961, in all open cast workings where the ore body forms hard rock, the working faces

and sides should be adequately benched and sloped. A bench height not exceeding 6m

and a bench width not less than the height has to be maintained. The slope angle of such

benches and sides should not exceed 60° from the horizontal. However, observance of

these statutory provisions into in granite dimensional stone mining is seldom possible

due to the field difficulties and technical reasons as below:

• The granite mineral is to be recovered as undamaged rectangular dimensional

blocks. In the attempt to form the benches and sides with the above statutory

parameters, haphazard blasting may be involved, in which case the commercial

granite body may get spoiled due to generation of blasting cracks.

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• In the exercise of forming the benches with 60° slope within the granite deposit, the

portion confined within the 60° as we as its complimentary part in the extricated

block will become as mineral waste while shaping into rectangular blocks.

• The granite industry needs blocks as huge as a few cubic meters volume with

measurements upto 3m x 2m x 2m. Production of such huge blocks with a moving

bench of 6m height is not possible. Production of such huge blocks in turn increases

the recovery and reduces the mineral waste during dressing. Blocks of smaller size

of certain varieties of granite are not marketable now-a-days.

• Formation of too many benches with more height and the width equal to the height

may lease to mineral lock up.

Hence in order to avoid granite waste and to facilitate economical and convenient mining

operations, it is proposed to obtain relaxation to the provisions of Regulation 106 (2) (a)

up to a bench parameter of 10m height and 3m width with vertical faces. Such a

provision for relaxation of the Regulation has been provided within the regulation 106

(2) (a). Further, it is to be noteworthy that opencast granite mining operations with the

above proposed bench parameters may not be detrimental to Mines Safety, since the

entire terrain is made up of hard rock, compact sheet and possess high stability on slope

even at higher vertical angles.

It is proposed not to backfill the pit in as much as good quantities of reserves are

underlying the pits. The stock yard for the granite blocks produced and the dressing yard

where the manual dressing and shaping of the blocks are carried out are located near the

working pit in order to minimize the lead from the pit to the dressing yard and stock

yard. A mine office, store room, first-aid room and workers rest shelter have been

provided.

2.5.3 Process Description

a) MINING

Open cast, semi-mechanized mining with 6 m vertical bench with a bench width of 6m

has been proposed. Under the regulation 106 (2) (a) of the Metalliferous Mines

Regulation 1961 in all open cast working in hard ore body, the benches and sides should

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be properly benched and sloped. The eight of any bench shall not exceed 6m and the

width thereof shall not be less than the height.

The benches shall be sloped at an angle of more than 60° from the horizontal. The

production of Black granite dimensional stone in this mine involves the following

methods typical for granite stone mining, in contrast to any other major mineral mining.

1. Splitting of rock mass of considerable volume from the parent sheet rock carefully

avoiding any kind of damage in the form of cracks in the deposit by adopting the

following methods.

a. Separation of two vertical ends along the width side by diamond wire

cutting.

b. Separation of the horizontal (bottom) and the vertical (length side) planes

by serial blasting simultaneously along the above two plans by using

32mm dia blast holes charged with mild explosives like gunpowder or

detonating cord.

All the above process continued together aiming at the liberation of huge volume of the

granite body from the parent sheet rock is called ‘primary cutting’.

2. The secondary splitting in to required size involves long hole drilling up to the

bottom of the separated block and mild blasting along the required plans.

3. Now - a - days the secondary splitting is carried out by way of splitting and

overturning cushion operational procedure. The procedure is by utilizing the

compressed air available at the quarry at 7 to 8 bar pressure, initially (widening)

splitting up to 15 to 18 cms. Next by using super imposed cushion widening up to

80 cms and overturning of the blocks.

4. Removing the defective portions and dressing into the dimensional blocks are

done manually using feather and wedges and chiseling respectively by the

labourers who are skilled in this work.

The defect free rectangular shaped dimensional stones as acceptable to consumers are

produced by the method described as above which is constantly supervised by

experienced mining geologist. The waste material generated during mining activity

include the rock fragments of different angularity formed during the works, during the

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removal of naturally defective and uneconomical portions of the deposits and the

working waster formed during dressing of the extricated blocks. Such waster material

are proposed to the dumped along northern side the lease boundary / barren area where

the commercial granite occurrences are not seen / the area covered with poor quality

granite deposit identified to be uneconomical due to sheared and contacted nature or the

presence of closely space natural joints, etc.

b) BLASTING

The blasting parameters in the mining of Granite dimensional stones are entirely

different from that of industrial minerals, since the basic purpose for the use of

explosives in both the cases are entirely different. In the industrial minerals, maximum

fragmentation and crushing of the ore is essential, whereas in the granite mining, the

granite stones are to be extricated intact, without any damage on both the extricated part

and the parent rock body. Wagon drilling and heavy blasting is seldom used in granite

mining.

The portion to be extricated from the parent rock body is freed in all planes by adopting

different methods as described in chapter 4.0. Only mild explosives such as gun powder,

detonating cord, ordinary detonators etc will be used for the production of granite

blocks. The blast holes of 32mm diameter are drilled upto the bottom of the horizontal

plane all along the required planes without deviations sub grade drilling is avoided, since

it may damage the underlying granite deposit.

Conventional 32 mm dia blast holes are drilled perfectly parallel to each other at 20 to

25cm intervals without any hole deviations, all along the required plane of splitting. The

holes are drilled upto a depth few cms above the required horizontal plane. Sub grade

drilling is not necessary since the splitting will be effected upto a further distance of few

cms from the drill hole on blasting. Sub grade drilling may affect the underlying granite

deposit.

Explosives such as gelatin, delay detonators etc may also be used occasionally at places

further away from the granite deposit for certain development works such as forming

approach roads to the working faces below ground level for forming flat surfaces to be

used as dumping yard etc.

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The explosives required for this mine is obtained from the authorised, licensed dealer for

which necessary permission will be obtained from the authority concerned. The blasting

will be under the direct supervision of the statutory persons of TAMIN.

Now-a-days the splitting within the sheet rock is effected by diamond wire sawing,

which largely reduces the use of explosives in granite mining. Many adverse effects of

blasting are avoided and hence Diamond wire cutting will substantially increase the

recovery. Hence it is proposed to deploy one wire saw machine in this mine shortly.

2.6 Project Description

2.6.1 Topography

The area generally manifests broadly undulating topography surrounded by the low-

lying agriculture lands with well irrigation, which is the main occupation in this area.

Social forestry has raised some plantation on the southern and northern limb of the

formation, which looks thick vegetation. The topographical features are shown in

“Surface plan”.

2.6.2 Drainage Pattern

The dyke is found to occur on the top of a small elevated and lengthy hillock. The top

and slope portions of the hillock are occupied with insitu boulders and floats of black

granite. The exposure of the granite rises for a height of about 3 to 4m from the country

rock contact. The maximum height is on the Eastern side where the slope is more and the

minimum is on the Western side where the slope is less. The working faces are operated

in the middle part of the hillock, which has moderate slope, and hence the rainwater

naturally drains to the foothills. There is no chance of water collected in the working

portions since the faces are operated on the top-level first layer. Further catch drains will

be developed on one side of the approach road. The question of engaging the oil engine

to drain the seepage water arises only when the faces are operated below the ground

level. The drainage map of the project site is given in Figure – 2.3.

2.6.3 Geology

The area is made up of Precambrian rocks comprised of Charnockites and gneisses with

basic intrusion. The lease applied area comprises of granite gneiss into which basic

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intrusion of dolerite dykes are noticed. The dolerite dyke is found to occur over an

elevated hillock of 60 m height above ground level. The dolerite dyke shows a trend of

North 80° West and South 80° East with almost vertical dip. The country rock is

Hornblende Granitic Gneiss. The background colour of the dyke formation is bluish green

in nature. The dolerite dyke occurs as a continuous band at the ridge of the hillock with

an average width of 23m and the length of the dyke within the area is around 1000m.

The colour of the formation is leucocratic, medium to coarse-grained texture. Most of the

boulders are exhibiting white dots because of spread over of plagioclase feldspar specks.

Strike and dip joints are more predominantly visible.

Open cast, semi-mechanized mining with 6 mts vertical bench with a bench width of 6m

has been proposed. Under the regulation 106 (2) (a) of the Metalliferous Mines

Regulation 1961in all open cast working in hard ore body, the benches and sides should

be properly benched and sloped. The height of any bench shall not exceed 6m and the

width thereof shall not be less than the height. The benches shall be sloped at an angle of

more than 60° from the horizontal.

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FIGURE - 2.3: DRAINAGE MAP OF THE PROJECT SITE

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FIGURE - 2.4: MINE GEOLOGICAL PLAN

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2.6.4 Geological Reserves and Grade

The geological reserves computed based on the geological cross sections up to the

economically workable depth of 20 m from the top surface of the granite body works out

to around 4,61,600 m3 and the recoverable reserves have been computed as around

3,64,400 m3 at the rate 3% recovery on the available mineable reserves as established

by previous mining practice of such granite commodity in other quarries of TAMIN.

The commercial granite body occurring in this area shows more or less uniform color

and texture and other physical properties, which determines the granite body as a

commercial granite deposit. Even if such variation occur locally in the course of mining,

that portions will be considered as defective area and will be removed during dressing of

the blocks and the blocks thus produced will be marketed as a single quality. Gradation

into difference quality is not necessary in this deposit due to the general uniformity

within the deposit.

2.6.4.1 Method of Estimation of Reserve

The correct geological plan demarcating the commercially viable granite body has been

prepared on 1:2000 scales. Four cross sections on suitably chosen lines across the

longitudinal axis of deposit have been drawn. The cross sectional area for proved depth

persistence of 20 m has been worked out for each cross section. The cross sectional area

multiplied by its length of influence on the longer axis gives the bulk volume (insitu

reserves) with in the cross sectional area. The sum total of the insitu reserves available

within the individual cross sectional area gives the geological reserves of the leasehold

area.

From the total geological reserves, the quantity of saleable granite stone and quantity of

granite reject and waste generations are computed by applying the recovery factor,

which have been already established through actual mining practice as 3% by volume.

As the sale of granite dimensional stone is in terms of volumes (cubic meter) only and

not in terms of tonnage as in the case of the mining of industrial minerals, the geological

reserves, mineable reserves and quantum of waste generation etc. are given in terms of

cubic meter (volume) only. The details of estimation of geological reserves with

reference to the geological plan and section in Plate No.3 have been furnished in Mining

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Plan. The mineable reserves with reference to the Conceptual plan and sections in Plate

No.6 have been furnished in Mining Plan is enclosed as Annexure IV.

2.6.4 Year-Wise Production for the First Five Years

Systematic development of black granite dimensional stone in this mine during the first

five years of mining plan period includes.

a) Medium to small size insitu boulders are noticed on the top of the deposit. Hence

production is possible from the top fresh boulders after the removal of

interstitial soils and crushed nature small boulders.

b) Simultaneous removal of crushed nature country rock on either sides of the dyke

rock so as to form trench, as well as to establish free face and to expose the sheet

rock for future production.

c) It is planned to open working faces on either sides of the dyke along the strike

direction so as to avoid formation of overhanging of country rock. Sufficient

barren land is available on either sides of the dyke and the waste debris will be

dumped in this area so as to avoid re-handling of the waster debris while

operating the dyke in the second level.

The year-wise quantum of work proposed and the details of estimation of production

quantity and generation of waste are furnished in Annexure IV with reference to the

year- wise development/ Production plan (plate No.5 of the Approved mining plan). The

year wise production for the first five years is tabulated in Table 2.5.

TABLE 2.5 YEAR WISE PRODUCTION FOR THE FIRST FIVE YEARS

S.No. Year ROM

(in m3)

Saleable Qty.

(in m3)

Generation of Granite

Rejects ( in m3)

1. First 20,172.000 605.160 19,566.840

2. Second 20,142.000 604.260 19,537.740

3. Third 20,064.000 601.920 19,462.208

4. Fourth 20,000.000 600.000 19,400.000

5. Fifth 20,086.000 602.580 19,483.420

Total 100,464.000 3013.92 97,450.21

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2.6.5 Proposed Rate of Production

The Production schedule for the five years mining plan period is mainly in

consideration of reserve position, market demand , men and machinery deploy and

the cost of production. The mineable reserve of black granite deposit in this mine

is sustainable over a period of a decade. The overseas market for this black

granite material has very good potential and the domestic market has also been

well developed for the finished tiles, slabs and monuments of the material. In as

much as the reserve is sustainable for years and if the market potential is sound ,

it is proposed to achieve an annual production of 600 m3 with an average

monthly production of 50 m3 per month. Table 2.6

TABLE 2.6 PROPOSED RATE OF PRODUCTION

S.No. Year ROM (in m3)

Generation of Granite Rejects ( in m3) Total waste

( in m3) Side burden Granite rejects 1. First 20,172.000 - 19,566.840 19,566.840

2. Second 20,142.000 320.000 19,537.740 19,857.740

3. Third 20,064.000 - 19,462.208 19,462.208

4. Fourth 20,000.000 2,340.000 19,400.000 21,740.000

5. Fifth 20,086.000 2,640.000 19,483.420 22,123.420

Total 1,00,464.000 5,300.000 97,450.21 1,02,750.208

Source: Mine Plan

2.6.7 Mining Machinery

The following machineries are utilized exclusively for the development and production

works at this mine is tabulated in Table 2.7.

TABLE 2.7 MECHANIZATION 1. Hydraulic excavator 200 LC 1 No. 2. Compressor (Portable) (400 Cfm) 2 Nos. 3. Diamond wire saw machine 1 No. 4. Crane (25 T Capacity) 1 No. 5. Tipper 2 Nos. 6. Gen Set 1 No.

Source: Mine Plan

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The above machineries are adequate to meet out the simultaneous development and

production schedule drawn out in this mining plan.

2.6.8 STACKING OF MINERAL REJECTS AND DISPOSAL OF WASTE

2.6.8.1 Year/Stage wise Waste Generation

The mine waste in the mine include the top soil / rock fragments and rubbles generated

as mineral rejects during production works and the country rock fragments generated

during development works as approach road formation, formation or dumping yard sites

etc.

Adequate space has been identified within the lease hold area for dumping such waste

material along the southern parts of the boundary where barren lands of poor quality,

covered by soil which affects the quality in terms of rust and not fit for economic

exploitation of commercial granite variety. The 7.5 m safety distance may also be used

for waste dumping purpose.

As the waste materials generated in this mine include rock fragments of different shape and

angularity with considerable volume, the waste dump will be stable even at higher slope of

the sides of the dump. However, due care will be taken to avoid collapse of the sides of the

waste dump by adding suitable variety of soil brought from outside and planting trees over

the waste dump.

2.6.9 Mine Drainage

The dyke is found to occur on the top of a small elevated and lengthy hillock. The top

and slope portions of the hillock are occupied with insitu boulders and floats of black

granite. The exposure of the granite rises for a height of about 3 to 4m from the country

rock contact. The maximum height is on the Eastern side where the slope is more and the

minimum is on the Western side where the slope is less. The working faces are operated

in the middle part of the hillock, which has moderate slope, and hence the rainwater

naturally drains to the foothills. There is no chance of water collected in the working

portions since the faces are operated on the top-level first layer. Further catch drains will

be developed on one side of the approach road. The question of engaging the oil engine

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to drain the seepage water arises only when the faces are operated below the ground

level.

2.6.10 Employment Potential

The following man power is proposed for the black granite mine to look after and

carryout the day-to-day mining activities aimed at the proposed production target and

also to comply with the statutory provisions of the Metalliferous Mines Regulations,

1961.The Employment Potential is tabulated in Table 2.8.

TABLE 2.8 EMPLOYMENT POTENTIAL

Sl.No. Item No. of Person

(A) Technical/ Mining personnel

1. Geologist/Agent (Master’s Degree in Geology) 1

2. Assistant Manager (Second class Mines Manager Competency

certificate Holder)

1

3. Mines Foreman 1

4. Mine Mate cum Blaster 1

5. Machinery operators 7

(B) Workers

1. Skilled 1

2. Semi-skilled 4

3. Un-skilled 15

(C) Chiseling workers- 2 gangs (Each gang having 3 Persons)

TOTAL 31

The above man power is adequate to meet out the production schedule and the machinery

strength envisaged in the mining plan and also to comply with the statutory provisions of the

Mines Safety Regulations.

2.6.11 Land Requirement

The total land available for the mine is about 16.95.00 ha. The land use break-up of the

project site is given in Table – 2.9.

TABLE 2.9 EMPLOYMENT POTENTIAL

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S. No. Activity Area of Extent

1. Mining area 0.82.5 ha

2. Dumping Yard 2.28.5 ha

3. Infrastructure area 0.01.5 ha

4. Green-belt 0.02.5 ha

5. Barren land 13.76.5 ha

TOTAL 16.95.00 ha

2.6.12 Water Requirement

In the proposed mining project water is required only for domestic usages and dust

suppression. The water requirement of the proposed project will be supplied from the

Mylarwada Village Panchayat. The break-up of the water requirement details are given

in Table 2.10.

TABLE 2.10 WATER REQUIREMENT

S. No Category Requirement (KLD)

1. Dust suppression & Drilling 0.9

2. Domestic purposes 1.4

3. Green Belt Development 0.5

Total 2.8

2.6.13 Power Requirement

The proposed mining project does not require high tension electric power and DG set

will be used for operating compressors and other machineries. Diesel usage will be 1000

lit/month.

2.7 Sources of Pollution

Virtually, all surface mining methods for any ore/mineral produce some irreversible

impacts. These produce dramatic changes in the landscape due to large-scale excavation.

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The environmental pollution due to the opencast mining, in general, could be broadly

classified into the following categories:

• Air Pollution;

• Water Resources and Quality;

• Top soil

• Noise Levels and Vibration.

2.7.1 Air Pollution

Mining operations contribute towards air pollution in two ways: addition of gaseous

pollutants to the atmosphere and the dust particles. The gaseous pollutants include NOx,

SO2 and Hydrocarbons. The sources of pollutants from the mining activity include:

• Operation of Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) which mostly run on

diesel;

• Loading /unloading operations;

• Transportation of mineral/overburden in dumpers; and

• Ripping/Dozing, Drilling and Blasting operations.

The above points can be classified as follows:

Point Source/Single Source

These are stationary sources, which emit air pollutants into the atmosphere from a

certain fixed point. In the proposed mine, the following sources or activities form the

point sources, which emit Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM).

• Drilling

Drilling is an important activity of mining process. The secondary splitting in to required

size involves long hole drilling up to the bottom of the separated block. Air pollution in

the form of SPM is envisaged from this activity.

• Loading

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In the proposed project, the loading of side burden and granite rejects is proposed by

Hydraulic excavators. This activity is likely to contribute air pollution in the form of SPM

(dust) during discharge of material from bucket and gaseous pollutant like SO2, NOx and

Hydrocarbons due to combustion of fuel (diesel) in the loading machinery.

• Unloading

The generated rejects and granite at mine face will be transported by dumpers and

unloaded at the designated locations. During unloading operation of both the material,

air pollution in the form of SPM (dust) is envisaged due to discharge of material from the

dumper and gaseous pollutants like SO2, NOx and Hydrocarbons due to consumption of

fuel (diesel) by dumper while unloading the material.

Line Sources

These are normally mobile sources, which emit atmospheric pollutants in the area

through which they pass. The following are the sources of air pollution falling under this

category.

• Transportation

The generated rejects and granite from site will be transported by haul road.

Transportation also includes movement of service vehicles also in the mine lease area.

The traffic on the haul roads is likely to contribute towards increase in dust and gaseous

pollutants concentration in the area. However, this is more of a localized phenomenon

within the mining areas that have limited human exposure.

Area Sources/Multiple Sources

These constitute pollution from various sources and activities situated in the mine lease

area.

The total mine area with all its mining activities constitute the area source. These include

all the mining activities, operations of equipment/machinery (HEMM), wind erosion

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from active mine pit, lignite stock yard and waste dump locations and haul road which

contribute to the atmospheric pollution from the various units/activities.

Instantaneous Sources

The instantaneous sources consist of air pollution due to sudden/instantaneous

activities like blasting in the mine area.

Blasting process involves dislodgement of big blocks of hard strata/mineral from the

mines. This operation generates maximum dust, which results in the increase of SPM

concentration. It also contributes to emissions of certain gases (Oxides of Nitrogen and

Ammonia) due to the use of explosives.

The size of the dust particles emitted into the atmosphere plays a major role in deciding

the distance to which they may be transported. Particles of larger size fall fairly rapidly

and closer to their source, because of gravitational settling. However, the aerosols

because of their small size may be held in suspension for years in the atmosphere and

may be transported on a global scale. Eventually, these smaller particles are collected in

raindrops and fall on earth. The composition of these particles largely depends on the

composition of the mineral being processed.

Measures

Adequate measures as detailed in Chapter-4 shall be adopted to reduce and control the

impacts.

2.7.2 Water Resources and Quality

The ground water table is not reached during the mining activities. This may not disturb

the natural hydro-geological condition of the area. The water quality may be affected as a

result of mining operation; run-off from waste dumps and granite storage carries

pollutants / silt along with it resulting in high TDS, SS and pH of the receiving body.

2.7.3 Top Soil

The mine waste in the mine include the top soil / rock fragments and rubbles generated

as mineral rejects during production works and the country rock fragments generated

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during development works as approach road formation, formation or dumping yard sites

etc.

The dumps may also be source of air pollution due to wind erosion in case they are not

properly rehabilitated. Top soil and over burden will be generated from the proposed

mining project which will be stacked separately at the designated areas.

2.7.4 Noise Levels and Vibration

Noise Levels

Heavy Earth Moving Machineries (HEMM) is deployed in mechanized mining operations.

The noise levels of the major equipment are in the range of 88 to 90 dB (A).

The noise levels are localized within the mining areas and have human exposure.

Occupational hazard is envisaged if proper personal protective equipment is not

provided to operator.

Vibration

Ground vibration, fly rock, air blast, noise, dust and fumes are the deleterious effects of

blasting on environment. The explosive energy sets up a seismic wave in the ground,

which can cause significant damage to structures and disturbance to human occupants.

The impact will be minimized by choosing proper detonating system and optimizing

total charge and charge/delay and by regular monitoring of magnitude of ground

vibrations and air blast.

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CHAPTER-3 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

This chapter illustrates the description of the existing environmental status of the study

area with reference to the prominent environmental attributes. The core area of the

study covers 10-km radius around the project site.

3.1 Introduction

Baseline Environmental Studies have been conducted to determine the existing status of

various Environmental attributes viz., Climatic and Atmospheric conditions, Air, Water,

Noise, Soil, Hydro geological, Land use pattern, Ecological and Socio-Economical

environment, prior to setting up of the proposed project. This study would help to

undertake corrective mitigation measures for protection of the environment on account

of any change deviation of attributes due to activities of the proposed project.

An area, covering a 10 km radial distance from the project site is considered as the study

area for the purpose of the baseline studies. As part of Environmental and Social Impact

Assessment, this study was undertaken for a period of three months from December

2013 to February 2014. Primary data on Water, Air, Land, Flora, Fauna & Socio-

Economic data were collected by a team of Engineers and Scientists. Secondary data was

collected from various Departments of State/Central Government Organizations, Semi-

Government and Public Sector Organizations

3.2 Meteorology

The meteorology data recorded during the study period is very useful for proper

interpretation of the baseline information as well as for input to prediction models for

air quality dispersion. It is characterized by a hot and dry summer from April - June a

monsoon or rainy season from October - December and winter season winter January -

March.

The study area occupies warm climatic belt with moderate humidity and is devoid of

hills. The coldest month is January, lowest mean temperature being 18.5°C. It is intensely

warm during the months of May and June with mean maximum temperature of 37.9°C.

The rainfall is mostly distributed between May to December, with an average

precipitation of 1152.8 mm.

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3.2.1 Meteorological data recorded at site

The meteorological parameters were recorded at site on hourly basis during the study

period and consist of parameters like rainfall, wind speed, wind direction and

temperature. The total rainfall was recorded daily once at 08:30 hrs. The seven year

rainfall data for the Thiruvallur district are presented in Table 3.1 shows the rainfall for

the last ten years (Source: IMD) and the graphical representation of the wind rose

pattern for the Month of December 2013, January & February 2014 is shown in Figure

3.1, 3.2 & 3.3.

TABLE - 3.1: SUMMARY OF THE METEOROLOGICAL DATA GENERATED AT SITE

December 2013

Date Maximum Temp (°C)

Minimum Temp (°C)

Relative Humidity

Wind Speed (km/h)

1/12/2013 28 24 0.89 4 2/12/2013 28 23 0.9 4 3/12/2013 29 22 0.8 8 4/12/2013 29 22 0.74 8 5/12/2013 29 23 0.73 10 6/12/2013 27 22 0.73 11 7/12/2013 27 22 0.81 11 8/12/2013 27 20 0.71 12 9/12/2013 30 20 0.63 6

10/12/2013 31 18 0.52 4 11/12/2013 31 21 06 8 12/12/2013 29 24 0.83 17 13/12/2013 30 23 0.83 8 14/12/2013 29 23 0.81 7 15/12/2013 29 21 0.68 7 16/12/2013 29 18 0.69 4 17/12/2013 29 21 0.71 6 18/12/2013 28 19 0.71 4 19/12/2013 29 20 0.67 5 20/12/2013 29 18 0.67 5 21/12/2013 28 18 0.71 3 22/12/2013 29 19 0.69 5

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23/12/2013 30 21 0.71 6 24/12/2013 29 22 0.7 12 25/12/2013 29 21 0.69 8 26/12/2013 28 20 0.7 4 27/12/2013 30 20 0.71 4 28/12/2013 28 20 0.67 9 29/12/2013 29 19 0.65 7 30/12/2013 28 19 0.68 6 31/12/2013 29 20 0.71 8

Monthly Average

29 21 1 7

January 2014


Minimum Temp (°C)

Relative Humidity

Wind Speed (km/h)

1/1/2014 29 21 0.74 10 2/1/2014 29 23 0.7 10 3/1/2014 29 22 0.75 8 4/1/2014 28 21 0.76 6 5/1/2014 29 22 0.76 7 6/1/2014 29 21 0.77 7 7/1/2014 29 20 0.74 7 8/1/2014 29 21 0.73 7 9/1/2014 29 21 0.75 6

10/1/2014 30 21 0.74 7 11/1/2014 29 19 0.73 6 12/1/2014 30 20 0.75 4 13/1/2014 29 20 0.73 5 14/1/2014 29 22 0.71 5 15/1/2014 30 20 0.73 4 16/1/2014 30 21 0.73 5 17/1/2014 29 20 0.74 5 18/1/2014 29 20 0.7 5 19/1/2014 30 22 0.74 8 20/1/2014 29 22 0.69 8 21/1/2014 29 20 0.68 7 22/1/2014 29 22 0.61 12 23/1/2014 29 20 0.69 7 24/1/2014 30 20 0.71 6 25/1/2014 30 21 0.68 5

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26/1/2014 30 21 0.67 8 27/1/2014 30 23 0.59 13 28/1/2014 30 21 0.63 10 29/1/2014 30 20 0.63 9 30/1/2014 29 19 0.64 7 31/1/2014 30 20 0.69 7

Monthly Average

29 21 1 7

February 2014


Minimum Temp (°C)

Relative Humidity

Wind Speed (km/h)

1/2/2014 30 24 0.7 11 2/22014 30 22 0.71 9

3/2/2014 30 20 0.68 5 4/2/2014 30 20 0.67 5 5/2/2014 32 18 0.69 5 6/2/2014 31 18 0.72 4 7/2/2014 32 18 0.66 4 8/2/2014 31 18 0.66 5 9/2/2014 32 17 0.63 6

10/2/2014 32 19 63 7 11/2/2014 32 19 0.63 7 12/2/2014 31 20 0.62 6 13/2/2014 30 20 0.66 8 14/2/2014 30 21 0.7 8 15/2/2014 30 21 0.73 7 16/2/2014 31 24 0.7 10 17/2/2014 27 24 0.81 6 18/2/2014 31 23 0.75 7 19/2/2014 30 23 0.71 12 20/2/2014 30 21 0.66 9 21/2/2014 30 21 0.67 7 22/2/2014 30 20 0.63 8 23/2/2014 30 19 0.65 8 24/2/2014 25 22 0.89 7

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25/2/2014 31 23 0.69 10 26/2/2014 31 22 0.68 7 27/2/2014 31 20 0.67 6 28/2/2014 32 21 0.64 8

Monthly Average 30 21 3 7

FIGURE - 3.1 : WINDROSE DIAGRAM FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2013

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FIGURE - 3.2 : WINDROSE DIAGRAM FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2014

FIGURE - 3.3 : WINDROSE DIAGRAM FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2014

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3.2.2 Secondary Data from Indian Meteorological Dept. (IMD).

TABLE - 3.2: CLIMATOLOGICAL DATA FOR LAST TEN YEARS

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

INDIA METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT

STATION: CHENNAI (NUNGAMBAKKAM)

PERIOD: JANUARY 2002 TO 2011

1. ELEMENT: MONTHLY MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (DEG C)

YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

2002 29.8 30.5 33.1 35.2 38.8 35.4 37.1 34.3 36.0 32.0 29.7 29.6

2003 29.9 31.5 33.2 35.3 39.0 39.1 34.8 34.5 35.3 33.1 30.8 29.9

2004 29.5 30.8 33.3 35.6 35.5 36.9 35.9 36.9 33.7 31.9 30.4 30.2

2005 30.6 32.1 33.6 34.0 37.3 38.3 36.2 35.8 34.9 32.0 29.4 28.6

2006 30.3 31.5 33.3 35.5 37.0 37.4 36.8 35.9 34.4 32.3 30.1 30.0

2007 30.4 31.2 32.9 34.6 39.2 35.8 35.3 34.0 34.2 32.7 30.9 29.5

2008 29.7 31.3 32.2 34.5 39.5 37.1 36.1 34.7 34.5 32.4 31.0 30.2

2009 30.3 32.3 33.4 35.2 37.3 39.1 37.8 36.0 35.6 34.7 30.6 29.3

2010 29.9 31.3 33.9 35.4 36.6 35.3 33.7 33.6 33.0 33.4 30.7 28.7

2011 29.9 30.9 32.9 33.7 37.6 37.2 35.5 34.3 34.7 33.1 30.0 29.7

2. ELEMENT: MONTHLY HIGHEST MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (DEG C)


2002 33.2 32.5 36.6 37.0 43.4 39.0 39.9 38.1 38.0 35.4 33.3 30.7

2003 31.2 32.4 35.6 38.2 45.0 42.5 37.8 36.8 38.1 36.8 32.1 32.5

2004 31.1 32.4 36.2 38.1 39.3 39.3 39.3 39.7 38.1 35.9 31.6 31.3

2005 32.0 34.9 35.9 37.0 41.3 41.6 39.7 38.6 37.0 36.0 33.5 30.3

2006 34.4 33.5 37.1 42.1 41.8 39.8 40.3 37.8 37.4 37.2 31.9 30.7

2007 31.4 33.3 35.2 36.9 43.0 40.5 38.1 36.5 36.6 36.5 33.3 31.6

2008 32.4 32.6 33.6 37.1 42.1 40.9 38.3 38.3 37.0 35.4 33.9 31.4

2009 33.1 34.9 36.2 37.9 41.1 40.8 39.8 39.1 38.7 38.0 32.4 30.4

2010 31.5 34.2 35.8 37.0 40.9 39.3 36.8 36.9 35.1 36.5 33.0 33.0

2011 31.1 32.6 37.7 35.7 41.7 38.6 38.0 36.9 36.4 35.4 32.6 31.6

3. ELEMENT: MONTHLY MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE (DEG C)


2002 21.8 22.0 24.1 26.8 28.4 26.5 27.0 26.0 25.7 24.5 22.3 20.7

2003 20.8 22.7 23.8 26.5 28.4 28.5 25.7 25.3 25.9 24.7 23.4 21.7

2004 20.8 20.9 23.7 27.2 26.7 27.1 26.5 27.4 25.2 24.4 22.9 21.1

2005 21.7 22.2 25.2 26.6 28.0 28.8 26.9 26.6 25.9 24.6 22.4 21.9

2006 21.2 21.3 24.8 27.0 27.9 27.4 27.4 26.2 25.9 24.9 23.4 22.3

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2007 21.5 22.4 24.2 26.7 29.1 27.2 26.1 25.4 25.8 24.9 22.6 22.4

2008 21.7 22.9 24.0 26.4 28.2 27.5 27.1 26.4 25.9 24.6 23.3 22.1

2009 20.8 21.7 24.2 26.9 28.1 28.5 28.1 26.3 26.0 25.1 23.3 21.8

2010 21.2 21.8 24.0 26.9 26.8 25.5 24.7 26.1 25.7 25.5 23.9 22.0

2011 21.1 21.3 23.5 26.2 27.7 27.6 26.3 25.3 24.7 24.3 22.0 21.5

4. ELEMENT: MONTHLY LOWEST MINIMUM TEMPERATURE (DEG C)


2002 18.6 19.8 21.4 24.6 25.9 24.4 24.0 23.1 22.7 22.4 19.5 18.4

2003 19.3 20.7 21.5 24.6 25.0 23.3 23.3 22.7 22.5 22.3 20.0 18.5

2004 17.9 19.4 20.1 22.6 24.2 24.8 23.6 24.2 22.4 21.9 20.3 18.9

2005 18.5 19.7 22.5 23.4 22.2 26.0 23.2 24.0 22.6 20.0 19.5 19.0

2006 19.0 18.6 23.3 24.8 23.9 23.9 24.2 23.6 22.3 22.6 21.4 19.7

2007 19.3 19.9 22.7 24.8 27.5 23.8 22.9 22.6 22.9 20.1 18.5 19.0

2008 19.0 20.5 20.2 24.3 26.3 22.9 24.4 22.6 23.2 20.5 20.1 18.3

2009 18.4 18.6 22.5 25.2 22.8 25.4 24.5 23.5 23.2 22.5 21.4 20.4

2010 17.5 19.0 20.4 25.3 21.4 22.0 21.6 23.7 23.2 23.0 20.8 18.6

2011 18.7 17.7 20.1 23.5 23.1 22.7 23.1 20.5 21.6 22.6 18.7 19.0

5. ELEMENT: MONTHLY MEAN R.H. AT 0830 HRS IST (%)


2002 84 81 80 75 65 65 63 69 71 83 82 82

2003 78 80 76 73 65 62 81 81 73 81 81 81

2004 81 76 77 74 73 61 67 60 79 83 83 77

2005 79 78 75 77 70 57 68 70 72 84 86 88

2006 81 79 76 72 67 64 63 68 74 82 86 76

2007 77 74 77 76 62 71 73 79 73 79 80 85

2008 80 80 81 73 57 63 66 73 72 85 81 82

2009 81 81 80 74 73 62 66 69 70 72 88 86

2010 84 82 79 72 71 75 79 79 81 80 87 86

2011 82 81 77 75 64 60 70 79 80 84 85 88

6. ELEMENT: MONTHLY HIGHEST R.H. AT 0830 HRS IST (%)


2002 96 93 91 81 83 85 89 94 95 98 98 98

2003 93 93 89 79 86 90 97 95 92 98 95 98

2004 96 93 84 81 92 74 89 95 95 98 98 87

2005 88 87 81 94 80 84 95 94 97 98 98 98

2006 95 88 89 80 84 96 92 85 95 98 97 90

2007 88 93 84 88 76 96 98 93 92 96 97 96

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2008 96 95 96 82 70 89 79 93 92 96 97 97

2009 95 88 90 83 87 77 86 87 98 96 100 98

2010 93 92 87 79 100 98 98 95 98 98 98 97

2011 90 96 92 95 79 80 93 100 100 100 98 95

7. ELEMENT: MONTHLY LOWEST R.H. AT 0830 HRS IST (%)


2002 70 64 72 71 45 54 50 55 55 69 62 74

2003 61 70 63 64 44 46 63 69 64 66 47 69

2004 75 52 67 63 50 49 55 49 53 64 67 60

2005 62 64 69 65 54 46 52 58 53 66 69 68

2006 55 80 66 59 47 50 52 56 58 65 70 89

2007 58 54 62 64 48 57 55 63 57 59 56 69

2008 59 68 62 61 46 51 56 53 55 56 65 61

2009 64 69 64 65 58 52 52 53 56 56 74 68

2010 71 72 68 63 52 51 60 68 64 59 76 68

2011 67 73 61 65 47 49 56 63 62 72 63 57

8. ELEMENT: MONTHLY MEAN R.H. AT 1730 HRS IST (%)


2002 71 66 66 69 49 62 61 64 66 77 75 69

2003 66 69 65 68 66 67 70 67 65 73 73 70

2004 68 59 65 72 68 62 61 59 74 77 75 65

2005 65 62 68 73 69 55 67 67 68 79 75 80

2006 65 59 67 69 70 63 59 66 68 77 80 67

2007 64 64 67 74 66 68 68 72 71 74 73 75

2008 68 66 71 68 61 61 63 68 65 75 75 65

2009 63 60 64 68 72 62 60 66 65 65 83 76

2010 68 65 68 69 69 72 74 71 71 71 79 76

2011 60 61 59 67 65 58 57 69 74 80 76 67 9. ELEMENT: MONTHLY HIGHEST R.H. AT 1730 HRS IST (%)


2002 88 86 76 79 68 79 95 87 78 98 98 92

2003 75 79 77 83 87 92 84 83 81 96 96 93

2004 86 77 86 81 88 94 84 84 92 98 98 75

2005 77 79 76 96 84 81 89 97 95 98 98 98

2006 81 65 90 90 85 92 90 91 95 96 96 89

2007 74 78 76 87 80 95 93 93 92 98 97 96

2008 96 78 98 82 73 75 86 89 90 96 98 90

2009 95 74 77 80 88 75 95 86 90 82 98 95

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2010 88 76 83 79 93 100 97 100 93 93 97 96

2011 70 84 79 78 76 93 88 84 88 98 98 96

10. ELEMENT: MONTHLY LOWEST R.H. AT 1730 HRS IST (%)


2002 53 51 56 61 31 42 35 52 36 61 51 61

2003 56 62 54 61 33 40 53 51 51 54 54 50

2004 56 44 46 63 31 37 41 31 50 50 50 45

2005 52 36 51 59 38 31 41 43 42 62 57 60

2006 40 42 40 55 54 45 34 48 48 57 65 52

2007 46 52 55 67 51 51 40 50 49 50 48 52

2008 56 53 32 58 43 40 40 42 44 45 46 36

2009 51 44 46 52 38 32 42 52 40 42 58 61

2010 42 56 50 64 53 49 53 50 60 45 67 52

2011 45 42 25 62 50 30 34 45 48 58 59 30

11. ELEMENT: MONTHLY TOTAL RAINFALL (MM)


2002 39.1 5.6 0.0 0.0 17.5 36.7 80.0 99.9 137.9 375.1 580.3 29.9

2003 0.1 0.0 6.2 TR 0.5 22.9 101.1 140.5 155.3 149.1 85.0 77.4

2004 51.5 0.0 0.2 2.4 210.6 28.8 50.6 47.1 246.5 285.3 280.2 6.8

2005 2.0 5.2 0.0 83.2 30.9 30.6 151.2 53.7 101.3 1077.8 608.4 421.5

2006 3.5 0.0 9.5 7.1 17.2 36.4 72.1 140.8 143.9 633.9 238.0 20.8

2007 0.0 6.6 0.0 0.2 0.1 94.2 243.9 170.9 167.7 274.9 95.0 256.3

2008 50.2 10.0 137.9 26.9 0.3 126.4 28.6 147.2 120.9 372.9 555.9 17.7

2009 21.1 0.0 2.0 0.0 14.7 22.6 36.8 87.0 86.8 71.8 562.6 275.2

2010 5.2 0.4 0.0 0.0 204.0 136.7 155.5 235.8 120.1 195.7 274.0 287.1

2011 10.8 88.9 0.0 18.5 12.6 130.2 67.4 368.9 286.2 260.0 457.2 134.8

12. ELEMENT: MONTHLY HEAVIEST RAINFALL IN 24 HRS. (MM)


2002 19.8 5.1 0.0 0.0 11.0 23.4 32.0 47.6 57.0 68.8 160.1 22.8

2003 0.1 0.0 6.2 TR 0.5 21.1 21.1 47.5 105.1 51.2 17.4 40.6

2004 27.9 0.0 0.0 2.4 69.3 13.3 17.6 31.2 74.2 67.3 84.1 4.8

2005 2.0 4.8 0.0 60.1 30.6 14.8 58.8 21.2 39.0 272.5 142.4 234.0

2006 3.0 0.0 9.0 7.1 17.2 16.4 42.2 44.3 61.2 188.8 40.0 15.7

2007 0.0 3.6 0.0 0.1 0.1 25.5 75.2 35.9 67.9 139.9 47.2 79.5

2008 29.4 6.3 69.3 26.9 0.3 67.0 7.5 100.3 51.2 86.2 137.7 7.3

2009 19.3 0.0 1.6 0.0 13.6 11.8 13.6 17.5 35.0 42.1 150.0 77.6

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2010 2.4 0.4 0.0 0.0 109.7 53.4 24.5 76.9 43.0 63.3 52.4 99.4

2011 10.3 81.2 0.0 10.3 12.6 75.0 19.0 156.2 62.0 78.2 66.9 59.3

13. ELEMENT: NUMBER OF RAINY DAYS [ 2.5 MM & ABOVE ]


2002 2 1 0 0 2 3 6 5 5 13 9 2

2003 0 0 1 0 0 1 9 6 4 8 8 4

2004 2 0 0 0 9 4 5 3 10 14 7 1

2005 0 1 0 2 1 3 6 4 7 16 16 10

2006 1 0 1 1 1 4 4 13 8 13 18 2

2007 0 1 0 0 0 9 11 13 5 11 5 7

2008 2 1 7 1 0 6 4 6 4 11 12 3

2009 1 0 0 0 1 2 5 8 7 3 11 9

2010 0 0 0 0 4 9 12 10 9 8 15 9

2011 1 2 0 2 1 6 7 9 8 10 14 3

14. ELEMENT: MONTHLY MEAN WINDSPEED (KMPH)


2002 6 7 6 7 8 7 8 7 7 6 7 6

2003 7 6 5 6 7 7 6 7 6 5 7 8

2004 7 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 5 6 7 8

2005 6 6 6 6 7 9 8 7 7 6 7 8

2006 7 5 5 6 8 7 9 7 6 5 6 8

2007 7 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 7

2008 6 5 4 5 7 7 7 7 6 5 7 6

2009 6 4 5 6 7 7 9 6 5 5 5 7

2010 6 4 5 6 7 6 5 5 4 4 4 5

2011 7 12 5 10 12 14 7 6 5 3 6 7

On site monitoring was undertaken for various meteorological parameters in order to

generate the site - specific data. The central monitoring station (CMS), equipped with

continuous monitoring equipment to record wind speed, wind direction and

temperature was set up at the top of a residential building near mines at a height of ~

10.0 m above the ground level. The methodology adopted for monitoring surface

observations was as per the Standard norms laid down by the Bureau of Indian

Standards (IS: 8829) and IMD.

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TABLE - 3.2: RAINFALL DATA OF THIRUVALLUR DISTRICT


2009 11.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 15.0 39.0 61.4 125.4 105.9 54.3 372.5 163.1

2010 2.3 0.0 0.0 0.6 137.5 101.5 280.3 279.6 155.8 133.1 207.2 177.9

2011 1.3 44.6 0.0 46.3 26.3 91.7 114.4 248.7 158.9 169.1 387.3 112.7

2012 8.3 0.0 0.2 8.7 15.5 37.4 127.1 127.4 155.0 272.5 129.6 151.0

2013 0.1 55.1 21.1 22.5 15.8 92.2 128.8 151.7 240.0 189.1 121.1 29.7

2014 1.02 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.31 103.64 32.02 88.64 29.72 103.12 29.22 123.45

3.3 Air Quality

The prime objective of the baseline air monitoring is to evaluate the existing air quality

of the area. This will also be useful for assessing the conformity to standards of the

ambient air quality during the Construction and Operation of the proposed project. This

section describes the selection of sampling locations, methodology adopted for sampling,

analytical techniques and frequency of sampling.

3.3.1 Selection of Sampling Locations

The baseline status of the ambient air quality has been assessed through a scientifically

designed ambient air quality monitoring network. The design of monitoring network in

the air quality surveillance programme has been based on the following considerations:

Meteorological conditions on synoptic basis

Topography of the study area

Representativeness of the region for establishing baseline status

Representativeness with respect to likely impact areas.

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (AAQM) stations were set up at six locations with due

consideration to the above mentioned points. The Ambient Air Quality monitoring

locations are given in the Table 3.3 and Figure 3.3.

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TABLE - 3.3: DETAILS OF AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING LOCATIONS

Air Sampling Location

Code

Name of the Location Geographical

Location

Distance w.r.t.

Project Site (km)

Direction w.r.t.

Project Site

Elevation in feet

AAQ1 Project Site (Mylarwada)

N-13º04’02.31” E-79º21’29.63” - - 728

AAQ2 Katharikuppam N-13º01’33.92” E-79º18’56.46” 6.46 SW 745

AAQ3 Vasur N-13º05’39.75” E-79º17’00.72” 8.63 WNW 768

AAQ4 Pendadi N-13º03’31.19” E-79º22’16.49” 1.71 SE 555

AAQ5 Peddaramapuram N-13º06’21.59” E-79º22’13.75” 4.54 NNW 565

AAQ6 Meesarakandapuram N-13º05’09.80” E-79º23’18.19” 3.87 ENE 559

3.3.2 Frequency and Parameters for Sampling

Ambient air quality monitoring was carried out at a frequency of two days per week at

each location for three months. The baseline data of air environment was generated for

the following parameters:

• Particulate Matter size less than 10 µm (PM10);

• Particulate Matter size less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5);

• Sulphur dioxide (SO2);

• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2);

• Mercury (Hg);

• Lead (pb);

• Chromium (Cr); and

• Arsenic (As);

3.3.3 Instruments used for Sampling & Analysis

Respirable Dust Samplers APM 460 BL of Envirotech was used for monitoring Particulate

matter (PM10) and Fine Particulate Samplers APM 550 of Envirotech was used for

monitoring PM 2.5. For gaseous pollutants like SO2 and NO2 APM 411 has been used along

with APM-460.

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FIGURE - 3.4: AIR QUALITY SAMPLING LOCATIONS

3.3.4 Sampling and Analytical Techniques

The air inlet has a circular symmetry so that air entry is unaffected by wind direction and

is designed to keep out rain, insects and very large particles. The inlet section

immediately leads to an impactor stage designed to trap particles with an aerodynamic

diameter larger than 10 microns. Thus the air stream in the down tube consists of only

medium and fine particulates. The streamlined air flow of the down tube is accelerated

through the nozzle of the well shaped impactor designed to trap medium size

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particulates with an aerodynamic diameter between 2.5 and 10 microns. To avoid

sampling errors due to the

Tendency of small particles to bounce off the impaction surface a 37mm diameter GF/A

paper immersed in silicone oil is used as an impaction surface. The air stream leaving the

WINS impactor consists of microns. These fine particles are collected on a special Teflon

membrane filter of 47 mm diameter. Modified West and Gaeke method (IS – 5182 part –

II, 1969) has been adopted for estimation of SO2 and Arsenite Modified Jacob &

Hochheiser has been adopted for estimation of NOX.

The Particulate Matters (Size less than 10µm) are used to estimate the Mercury, lead,

Chromium and Arsenic levels. Filter paper is digested and analyzed for heavy metal as per

the method “As per IS 5182 (Part 22): 2004 followed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer

(AAS). The techniques used for the monitoring of Ambient Air quality is given in Table

3.4.

TABLE - 3.4: TECHNIQUES USED FOR AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING

S. No. Parameter Technique Minimum Detectable

Limit (µg / m3) 1. Particulate Matter

(PM10) Respirable Dust Sampler

(Gravimetric method) 1.0

2. Particulate Matter (PM2.5)

Fine Particulate Sampler (Gravimetric method)

1.0

3. Sulphur Dioxide West and Gaeke 5.0 4. Nitrogen Oxides Jacob & Hochheiser 5.0 5. Mercury IS 5182 (Part 22) : 2004 0.2 6. Lead IS 5182 (Part 22) : 2004 0.1 7. Chromium IS 5182 (Part 22) : 2004 0.2 8. Arsenic IS 5182 (Part 22) : 2004 0.001

3.3.5 Presentation of Results

The survey results for the three months study period are presented in detail in Annexure-

V. The summary of these results for each location is presented in Table-3.6. These are

compared with the standards prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

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TABLE - 3.5: AMBIENT AIR QUALITY RESULTS

Code Location PM 10 (µg/m3) PM 2.5 (µg/m3) SO2 (µg/m3) NOx (µg/m3)

Max Min Avg 98% Max Min Avg 98% Max Min Avg 98% Max Min Avg 98%

AAQ1 Project Site (Mylarwada)

45 56 50.8 55.7 19 27 23.1 26.8 5.1 5.4 5.2 5.3 8.1 9.6 8.8 9.4

AAQ2 Katharikuppam 43 60 51.6 59.5 21 28 24.5 27.7 5.0 5.6 5.3 5.5 9.3 10.8 10.1 10.7 AAQ3 Vasur 47 63 54.8 62.6 17 26 21.7 25.8 5.0 5.5 5.3 5.4 9.7 11.3 10.5 11.1 AAQ4 Pendadi 40 53 46.3 52.7 16 24 20.1 23.7 5.0 5.4 5.2 5.3 8.1 9.4 8.7 9.3 AAQ5 Peddaramapuram 44 58 51.3 57.6 18 27 22.2 26.4 5.1 5.6 5.3 5.5 9.4 11.6 10.5 11.4 AAQ6 Meesarakandapuram 48 65 56.9 64.8 20 29 24.6 28.4 5.3 6.1 5.7 6.0 10.3 13.4 11.8 13.2 CPCB STANDARDS

Industrial /Residential / Rural and Other Area

100

60 80 80

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3.3.6 Observations of results

PM10: The maximum and minimum concentrations for PM10 were recorded as

65 µg/m3 and 40 µg/m3 respectively. The maximum concentration was recorded at the

Meesarakandapuram and the minimum concentration was recorded at Pendadi. The

average concentrations were ranged between 46.3 and 56.9 µg/m3.

PM2.5: The maximum and minimum concentrations for PM2.5 were recorded as 29 µg/m3

and 29 µg/m3 respectively. The maximum concentration was recorded at the

Meesarakandapuram and the minimum concentration was recorded at Pendadi. The

average concentrations were ranged between 20.1 and 24.6 µg/m3.

SO2: The maximum and minimum SO2 concentrations were recorded as 6.5 µg/m3 and 5.0

µg/m3. The maximum concentration was recorded at Meesarakandapuram and the

minimum concentration was recorded at Vasur. The average values were observed to be in

the range of 5.2 and 5.7 µg/m3.

NO2: The maximum and minimum NO2 concentrations were recorded as 13.4 µg/m3 and

8.1 µg/m3. The maximum concentration was recorded at Meesarakandapuram and the

minimum concentration was recorded at mines site. The average values were observed to

be in the range of 8.7 and 11.8 µg/m3.

The concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, and pb are observed to be well within the

standards prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for Industrial, Rural,

Residential and Other area. Whereas, the concentration heavy metals like Hg, cd, Cr and As

was observed is below detection limits.

3.4 Noise Environment

Noise survey has been conducted in the study area to assess the background noise levels

in different zones viz., Residential, Industrial, Commercial and Silence zones. The main

objective of noise monitoring in the study area is to establish the baseline noise levels

and assess the impact of the total noise expected to be generated in the surrounding

areas by implementing the proposed project.

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3.4.1 Methodology

a) Identification of Sampling Locations

A preliminary reconnaissance survey was undertaken to identify the major noise

generating sources in the area. The noise monitoring has been conducted at 6 locations

in the study area. The physical location of noise monitoring stations is given in Table-

3.7. The map showing Noise Quality Monitoring Locations is enclosed as Figure – 3.3.

TABLE - 3.6: DETAILS OF NOISE MONITORING LOCATIONS

Air sampling location

code

Location Geographical

location

Distance w.r.t.

Project site

(Km)

Direction w.r.t

Project site

Leq day

dB(A)

Leq Night dB(A)

Leq dB(A)

N1 Project Site (Mylarwada)

N-13º04’02.31” E-79º21’29.63”

Core zone 48.7 41.6 47.3

N2 Pendadi N-13º03’31.19” E-79º22’16.49” 1.71 SE 50.3 41.8 48.8

N3 Sengalnatham N-13º03’18.56” E-79º20’02.15” 3.0 WSW 48.4 40.6 46.9

N4 Vediyan kadu N-13º05’41.15” E-79º20’26.20” 3.61 NNW 47.3 40.2 45.9

N5 Peddaramapuram N-13º06’21.59” E-79º22’13.75” 4.54 NNW 49.6 41.3 48.1

N6 Meesarakandapuram N-13º05’09.80” E-79º23’18.19” 3.87 ENE 51.4 42.1 49.8

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FIGURE – 3.5: NOISE SAMPLING LOCATIONS

b) Instrument Used for Monitoring

Noise levels were measured using a sound level meter. The sound level meter measures

the Sound Pressure Level (SPL), the Maximum Sound Pressure Level (max) and the

equivalent continuous noise level (Leq) by switching on the corresponding functional

modes.

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c) Method of Monitoring

Sound Pressure Level (SPL) measurements were taken at the specified locations, with an

interval of 1 minute over a period of one hour for 24 hours. The noise levels during day

time have been monitored between 6 am to 10 pm and night noise levels during 10 pm

to 6 am at all the locations covered in the study area. Noise levels were recorded every

one minute in the following manner. To obtain noise levels at 8 AM, noise readings, with

setting at ‘A’ response – slow mode, were recorded continuously for 60 minutes. All the

readings were obtained for 24 hours.

d) Parameters Measured During Monitoring

For noise levels measured over a given period of time interval, it is possible to derive

important features of noise using statistical methods.

• Lday Average noise levels between 6.00 hours to 22.00 hours.

• Lnight Average noise levels between 22.00 hours to 6.00 hours.

e) Presentation of Results

The summary of computed ambient noise level parameters like Lday and Lnight for all the

sampling locations are presented in Table – 3.7 and compared to the standards specified

by CPCB as given below in Table - 3.8.

TABLE - 3.7: AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS RECORDED IN THIS STUDY AREA [dB(A)]

Air sampling location code

Location Leq day dB(A)

Leq Night dB(A)

Leq dB(A)

N1 Project Site (Mylarwada) 48.7 41.6 47.3 N2 Pendadi 50.3 41.8 48.8 N3 Sengalnatham 48.4 40.6 46.9 N4 Vediyan kadu 47.3 40.2 45.9 N5 Peddaramapuram 49.6 41.3 48.1 N6 Meesarakandapuram 51.4 42.1 49.8

TABLE - 3.9: AMBIENT NOISE STANDARDS

LAND USE LDAY LNIGHT Industrial Area 75 70

Commercial Area 65 55 Residential Area 55 45

Silence Zone 50 40

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f) Observations

Day time Noise Levels

Noise levels during day time were found to be in the range 47.3 to 51.4 dB (A). The

maximum noise level was observed to be 51.4 dB (A) at Meesarakandapuram and a

minimum of 47.3 dB (A) was observed at Vediyan kadu.

Night time Noise Levels

Noise levels observed to fall in the range 40.2 to 42.1 dB (A) during the night time. The

maximum of 42.1 dB (A) was observed at Meesarakandapuram and a minimum of 40.2

dB (A) was observed at Vediyan kadu.

3.5 WATER QUALITY

Selected water quality parameters of surface and ground water resources within 10-km

radius of the study area have been studied for assessing the water environment. Water

samples were examined for physico-chemical, heavy metals and bacteriological

parameters in order to assess the effect of industrial and other activities on ground water.

The samples were analyzed as per the procedures specified in 'Standard Methods for the

Examination of Water and Wastewater' published by American Public Health Association

(APHA).

Samples for chemical analysis were collected in polyethylene carboys. Samples collected

for metal content were acidified with 1 ml HNO3. Samples for bacteriological analysis were

collected in sterilized glass bottles. Selected physico-chemical and bacteriological

parameters have been analyzed for projecting the existing water quality status in the study

area.

3.5.1 Water Sampling Locations

Six (6) ground water samples were collected during the study period. These samples were

taken as grab samples and were analyzed for various parameters to compare with the

standards for drinking water as per IS: 10500 for ground water sources. The water

sampling locations are identified in Table-3.10 and shown in Figure-3.6.

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TABLE - 3.10: WATER SAMPLING LOCATIONS

Code Location Distance from mining

site (km) Direction w.r.t.

mining site Ground Water

GW 1 Project Site (Mylarwada) Core zone (0.5) SSE GW 2 Pendadi 1.71 SE GW 3 Sengalnatham 3.0 WSW GW 4 Venugopalapuram 6.95 NNW GW 5 Peddaramapuram 4.54 NNW GW 6 Meesarakandapuram 3.87 ENE

3.5.2 Presentation of Results

The water sampling results for ground water samples are given in Table 3.11. The

ground water analysis results are compared with the standards.

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FIGURE - 3.6: WATER SAMPLING LOCATIONS

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TABLE - 3.11: GROUND WATER SAMPLE RESULTS

S. No. Parameters Unit Limit as per

IS 10500 : 1991 GW1 GW2 GW3 GW4 GW5 GW6

1. Colour Hazen 5 Nil 1 Nil Nil 2 Nil

2. Odour - Unobjectionable

No Odour Observed

No Odour Observed

No Odour Observed

No Odour Observed

No Odour Observed

No Odour Observed

3. pH at 25°C - 6.5-8.5 7.61 7.96 8.07 8.22 8.31 8.31

4. Electrical Conductivity μS/cm Not Specified 1045 779 1664 953 1084 1750

5. Turbidity NTU 1

BDL (<0.5)

1.2 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.5

6. Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 500 596 441 949 536 624 962 7. Total Hardness as CaCO3 mg/l 200 396 276 590 208 280 370 8. Total Alkalinity as CaCO3 mg/l 200 285 259 248 321 313 210 9. Chloride as Cl mg/l 250 97 60 258 79 109 226

10. Sulphate as SO4 mg/l 200 63 50 92 43 57 188 11. Fluoride as F mg/l 1.0 0.61 0.49 0.71 0.62 0.77 0.96 12. Nitrate as NO3 mg/l 45 39 18 94 14 33 52 13.

Ammonia as N mg/l 0.5 0.10 0.05 0.43 0.10 0.32 BDL

(<0.05) 14. Phosphate as PO4 mg/l Not Specified 0.52 0.08 0.23 0.57 0.20 0.21 15. Sodium as Na mg/l Not Specified 73 63 98 114 106 163 16. Potassium as K mg/l Not Specified 2.4 1.0 2.8 12 5.8 23 17. Calcium as Ca mg/l 75 107 64 156 55 74 100 18. Magnesium as Mg mg/l 30 31 28 48.6 17.5 23 29.2

19.

Iron as Fe mg/l 0.3 BDL

(<0.05) 0.14

BDL (<0.05)

0.06 0.16 0.06

20. Chemical Oxygen Demand

mg/l Not Specified 6.0 8.4 7.3 5.0 7.7 4.2

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Observations

The results indicate that the pH ranges between 7.6 and 8.31 and TDS ranges from 962

to 441 mg/l. The total hardness ranges from 208 - 590 mg/l.

3.6 SOIL ENVIRONMENT

It is essential to determine the type & quality of soil in the study area and identify the

current impacts of urbanization on soil quality and also predict probable impacts due to

the mines. Accordingly, a study of assessment of the baseline soil quality was carried out.

3.6.1 Data Generation

For studying soil quality of the region, sampling locations were selected to assess the

existing soil conditions in and around the project area based on various land use

conditions. The physical and chemical concentrations were determined. The samples

were collected from different specified depths viz., 30 cm, 60 cm and 100 cm.

The present study of the soil quality establishes the baseline characteristics and this will

help in future in identifying the incremental concentrations if any, due to the operation

of the proposed project. The sampling locations have been identified with the following

objectives.

• To determine the baseline soil characteristics of the study area.

• To determine the impact of proposed project on soil characteristics and

• To determine the impact on soils more importantly loss of fertility from agricultural

productivity point of view.

Various locations within 10-km radius of the mine site were selected for soil sampling. At

each location, soil samples were collected from three different depths viz., 30cm, 60cm,

and 100cm below the surface. The samples were analyzed for physical and chemical

characteristics. The samples have been analyzed as per the established scientific

methods for physio-chemical parameters.

3.6.2 Soil Sampling Locations

The details of the sampling locations selected for soil sampling are given in Table 3.12

and shown in Figure 3.7.

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FIGURE - 3.7: SOIL SAMPLING LOCATIONS

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TABLE – 3.12: DETAILS OF SOIL SAMPLING LOCATIONS

Location Code

Location Geographical location

Direction with the respect to

project site

Distance with respect to project

site in km

S1 Project Site (Mylarwada)

N-13º04’02.31” E-79º21’29.63” - -

S2 Pendadi N-13º03’31.19” E-79º22’16.49” SE 1.71

S3 Sengalnatham N-13º03’18.56” E-79º20’02.15” WSW 3.0

S4 Vediyan kadu N-13º05’41.15” E-79º20’26.20” NNW 3.61

S5 Peddaramapuram N-13º06’21.59” E-79º22’13.75” NNW 4.54

S6 Meesarakandapuram N-13º05’09.80” E-79º23’18.19” ENE 3.87

3.6.3 Baseline Soil Status

The soil quality at all the locations during the study period is tabulated in Table-3.13.

The results are compared with standard classification given in Table-3.14.

TABLE – 3.13a: SOIL SAMPLE RESULT

S.No Parameters S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6

1. pH 7.58 7.11 7.85 8.11 7.08 7.22

2. Electrical conductivity, mS/cm 0.094 0.141 0.085 0.151 0.068 0.102

3. Available Nitrogen, mg/kg 36.4 41.5 20.5 16.8 20.3 36.4

4. Available Phosphorous, mg/kg 52.6 77.8 62.4 92.5 32.9 56.8

5. Available Potassium, mg/kg 184 214 167 292 178 266

6. Exchangeable Calcium as Ca,

m.eq / 100g 4.45 3.86 2.85 3.24 4.48 3.62

7. Exchangeable Magnesium as

Mg, m.eq/100g 2.84 2.64 2.34 2.18 3.27 2.88

8. Exchangeable Sodium as Na,

m.eq / 100g 0.88 1.16 1.02 0.81 0.95 0.72

9. Organic matter (%) 0.36 0.24 0.35 0.48 0.33 0.42

10. Texture Classification Loam Loam Loam Sandy Loam

Sandy

Loam Loam

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BDL-Below Detection Limit

TABLE - 3.13.b: STANDARD SOIL CLASSIFICATION

Chemical

Parameters

Ranking

Very Low Low Moderate High Very High

pH <4, very

Strongly

Acidic

4-5,

Strongly

Acidic

5-8, Ideal for

Plant

Growth

8-9 Strongly

Basic

>9 Very

Strongly

Basic

Electrical

conductivity

(μS/cm)

<2000,

Non saline

2000-4000

Saline

4000-8000

Moderately

Saline

8000-16000

Highly

Saline

>16000

Extremely

Saline

Total

Nitrogen (%)

<0.05

Very Low

0.05-0.15

Low

0.15-0.25

Moderate

0.25-0.5

High

>0.5

Very High

Total

Phosphorous

(mg/kg)

<5

Very Low

5-10

Low

10-30

Moderate

30-60 High >60 Very

High

Sodium

(mg/kg)

- <200 Non

Sodic

200-500

Moderate

>500 Sodic

Potassium

(mg/kg)

- <150 Low 150-250

Moderate

250-800

High

>800 Very

High

Calcium

(mg/kg)

- <1000

Low

1000-2000

Moderate

>2000 High -

Magnesium

(mg/kg)

<40 Very

Low

40-100

Low

100-300

Moderate

>300 High -

% Organic

Matter

0.5-1.0

Very Low

1.0-2.0

Low

2.0-3.0

Moderate

3.0-5.0 High >5

Very High

11. Sand (%) 46.4 48.4 51.3 56.2 49.2 37.6

12. Clay (%) 13.4 14.4 11.8 8.8 4.8 17.3

13. Silt (%) 40.2 37.2 36.9 35 46 45.1

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3.6.4 Observations:

It has been observed that the pH of the Soil ranging from 7.08 to 8.11 indicating that the

soils is slightly alkaline in nature. The soil is pre-dominantly of loam type. The

concentration of nitrogen is in the range of 16.8 to 41.5 mg/kg and the Potassium ranges

between 167 to 292 mg/kg, which indicate that the soil is rich in nutrients and showing

high fertility.

3.7 Biological Environment

Study of biological environment is one of the important aspects in Environmental Impact

Assessments. Biotic component comprises of both plant and animal communities which

interact within the community and between themselves but also with abiotic i.e. physical

and chemical components of the environment. Generally a biological community is being

dependent on the environmental conditions and resources of its location it may change if

there are many major changes in the environment.

The number of variables like temperature, humidity, atmospheric conditions, soil, and

topography, etc. is responsible for maintaining the homeostasis of the environment and a

change in any one or more of these variables may tend to destabilize the ecosystem. In

such cases the change may be mostly irreversible. Therefore the need to assess the

changes of the plant and animal resources is primary requisite as these living things

determine the environmental healthiness of any given ecosystem or environment.

3.7.1 Assessment of Ecological Environment

Assessment of the existing vegetation types in the core as well as buffer zone has been

done using standard procedures. The terrain of the impact zone is chiefly plain and in

some places gentle undulations are observed.

The Biodiversity studies were already carried out in the entire study area of 10 km

radius. The study of flora is conducted as per the guidelines of the Ministry of

Environment and Forests, Government of India (Anonymous 1994), with respect to the

scope and objectives. The study involved in collection of primary data by conducting

survey in the field, examination of floral and faunal records in previously published

reports and records, and analysis of the information in view of the possible alteration in

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environment of the proposed project site. For the survey of fauna both direct and

indirect observation methods were used.

The flora of proposed region has an appreciable diversity, which may be attributed to the

diversity in soil type and the physiography of the region. Some flora and fauna observed

in the study area are furnished in Table – 3.14 respectively.

3.7.2 Flora

There is no verdant vegetation within the Thiruvallur area. The predominant species are

small trees and bushes. The growth of natural flora is very limited. It is observed that

prosopis Juliflora is a predominant species present on uncultivable waste land. Due to

absence of any perennial surface water bodies, there is abundance of lotus and water lily

in seasonal surface water bodies. Azadirachta indica and Borassus flabelliform have

better adaptability among naturally growing species. The villages in study area are

covered with cashew tree & coconut plantation. Plantation of fruit trees & decorative

plants like Guava, Papaya, Banana, China rose, Coconut etc. are seen. Paddy is the main

crop but pulses, Sugarcane & Groundnut are also grown is this area.

The buffer zone of the proposed site consists of mines lands, waste lands, etc. The semi

arid conditions with high temperature and poor rainfall influence the nature of flora. The

buffer zone is within a radius of 5 km consisting of naturally occurring species as well as

agricultural crops. The naturally occurring wild species grow in groups.

TABLE 3.1 LIST OF FLORAL SPECIES PRESENT IN THE STUDY AREA

S.No. Scientific Name Common Name Tamil Name

I. Herbs

1. Arachis hypogaea Groundnut Verkadalai

2. Coriandrum sativum Coriander Kothamalli

3. Crotalaria sp. Rattle Box Sangupuspam

4. Helianthus sp. Sunflower Suriyakandhi

5. Moringa oleifera Drumstick Tree Murungai

6. Perotis indica Comet Grass Narivalapullu

7. Tephrosia villosa Runchhali Kolingi

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II. Shrubs

8. Cactus grandiflorus Cactus Kalli

9. Calotropis gigantean Crown Flower Erukku

10. Citrus aurantifolia Lemon Elumichai

11. Ricinus communis Castor Aamanakku

12. Datura sp. Moon Flower / Devil’s

Apple

Umathai

III. Trees

13. Aegle marmelos Holy fruit tree Vilvam

14. Albizia lebbeck Siris tree Vagai

15. Azadirachta indica Neem Vembu

16. Casuarina equisetifolia Shingle oak Savukku

17. Cocos nucifera Coconut Thennai

Maram

18. Ficus benghalensis Banyan Alamaram

19. Mangifera indica Mango Maamaram

20. Polyanthia glabra Asoka Ashokamaram

21. Pongamia glabra Indian Beech Pungam

22. Prosopis spicigera Dasara Tree Karuvelam

23. Psidium guajava Guva Goiyamaram

24. Tamarindus indica Tamarind Puliyamaram

25. Thespesia populnea Indian Tulip Tree Poovarasu

26. Borassus flabellifer Palm Tree Panamaram

IV. List of Cultivated Crops

26. Arachis hypogaea Groundnut Verkadalai

27. Cocos nucifera Coconut Thennai

Maram

28. Gossypium hirsutum Cotton Paruthi

29. Canna indica Banana Vazhaimaram

30. Piper betle Betel Leaf Pepper Vetrillai

31. Anacardium occedentale Cashew Munthiri

32. Ttectona grandis Teak Thaeikku

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Palm Tree, Sugarcane and Rice crop Banyan Tree

Coconut Tree Teak

3.7.2.1 Forest vegetation of the Buffer Zone

The forest vegetation ranges from highly degraded open scrub to relatively thick semi

evergreen forests. The open dry scrub forests of the area have a maximum canopy cover

of about 11 to 12%. Anogeissus latifolia, Hardwickia binata, Chloroxylon

swietenia,Bauhinia racemosa, Carissa spinarum, Ziziphus numularia, Catunaregum

spinosa, Dichrostachys cinerea, Celastrus paniculata, Randia dumetorum, Diospyros

melanoxylon, Cassia auriculata, Dodonaea 43 iscose, Anisomeles ovata, Anisomeles

malabarica, Euphorbia caducifolia, Euphorbia tirucaalli, Jatropha gossyphifolia, Gardenia

gummifera, were the common perennials found in these forests. Among the perennial

grasses, Cymbopobon coloratus, Cymbopobon caesius, Heteropogon contortus, Aristida

setacea, Aristida funiculta, Chrysopogon fulvus were rarely represented by a few

specimens. There were also a few individuals of Azadirachta indica, Albizia lebbeck,

Samania saman, Dalbergia sissoo, Leucaena leucocephala, Ficus religiosa, Ficus

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benghalensis, Ficus racemosa within the reserve forests. Prosopis juliflora has invaded

deep in to the open forests and it has become the most dominant species in nearly about

30% of the forest areas.

3.10. 1 Fauna

No, wild life of Schedule I is found in the core zone. Wild rabbit and bat etc. are found

amongst mammals. Indian cobra and other common snakes are found amongst reptiles.

Amongst aves, common peafowl is found besides other common birds.

Field studies are conducted to assess fauna in the study area. On the basis of field studies

and secondary sources, there are no endangered animal species present in the study

area.

TABLE 3.2 LIST OF FAUNA PRESENT IN THE STUDY AREA

S.No. Scientific Name Common Name

I. Invertebrates

1. Megascolex mauriti Earthworm

2. Nereis dumerili Centipede

3. Scolopendra morsidens Cherian

4. Araneus (epeira) diadematus The Garden Spider

5. Caloptery xsplendens Dasmel flies

6. Anax junius Dragon flies

7. Bacillus rossi Grass Hopper

8. Periplaneta Americana Cockroach

9. Scorpio swammerdami Indian Scorpion

10. Apis mellificia Honey Bee

11. Bombyx eupterote Silkworm

12. Anopheles maculipennis Mosquito

13. Culux pipiens Mosquito

II. Vertebrates

a. Amphibians

14. Ichthyophis sps. Blind Worm

15. Bufo melanostictus True Toad

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16. Rana hexadactyla Common Frog

17. Rtigrina Bull Frog

18. Cacopus sps. Frog (small)

b. Reptiles

19. Calotes verticolor Garden Lizard

20. Sitana ponticeriana Small Lizard

21. Chamaeleon zeylanicus Green Lizard 22. Hemidactylus sps. Wall Lizard

23. Drago sps. Small Lizard 24. Testudo elegans Land Tortoise

c. Snakes

25. Bungarus sps. Krait

26. Naja naja Indian Cobra

27. Vipera russelli Viper

d. Birds

28. Columba livia Pigeon

29. Milvus migrans Eagle

30. Corvus varius Crows

31. Passer domesticus Indian House Sparrow

32. Psittaciformes sps. Parrot

e. Mammals

33. Pteropus medius Bat

34. Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit

35. Funambulus palamarum Squirrel

36. Rattus rattus House Rat

37. Suncus cacruleus Rat

38. Canis familiarizes Dog

39. Equus assinus Donkey

40. Equus cabalus Domestic Horse

41. Bus indicus Cows

42. Bus bubalus Buffalo

43. Sus scropa Pig

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3.8 Land Use Studies

The leasehold area is an undulating terrain. To demarcate different land use classes

using the remote sensing data such as satellite imagery and application of GIS techniques

for assessing the areal extent of the different classes that is interpreted.

3.8.1 Study Area

The Administrative unit within 5 km radius zone comprises of parts of following

Pallipattu taluk in Thiruvallur district. The study area (5 km Radius from the project site

boundary) lies in the northern Latitudes 13°04’02” N and eastern Longitude 79°21’38” N

and forms part of the Survey of India Toposheet Nos. 57- O/8. As per the EIA guidelines

the study area has been divided into Core zone and Buffer zone which is about 5 km

radius from the boundary of the proposed project site area. The current land use has to

be assessed as it forms the basis for any developmental planning.

44. Herpestes edwardii Common mongoose

45. Bandicota indica Bandicoot

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FIGURE - 3.8: LAND USE MAP SHPWING 5 KM RADIUS OF THE PROJECT SITE

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Built-up land

It is defined as an area of human settlements composed of houses, commercial complex,

transport, communication lines, utilities, services, places of worships, recreational areas,

industries etc. Depending upon the nature and type of utilities and size of habitations,

residential areas can be aggregated into villages, towns and cities. All the man made

construction covering land belongs to this category.

Agricultural land

This category includes the land utilized for crops, vegetables, fodder and fruits. Existing

cropland and current fallows are included in this category. It is described as an area

under agricultural tree crops, planted adopting certain agricultural management

techniques.

Wasteland

Wastelands are the degraded or underutilized lands most of which could be brought

under productive use with proper soil and water management practices. Wasteland

results from various environmental and human factors.

Land with or without Scrub

Land with or without scrub usually associated with shallow, stony, rocky otherwise non-

arable lands. Of all the wastelands, land with scrub occupies maximum of 3.08 % of the

total area.

Forest Land

These are the areas bearing an association predominantly of trees and other vegetation

type (within the notified forest boundaries) capable of producing timber and other forest

produce.

Water bodies and coastal wet lands

The category comprises area of surface water, either impounded in the form of ponds,

reservoirs or flowing as streams, rivers and canals. River cater channel is inland

waterways used for irrigation and for flood control.

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Conclusion

The land use analyses show that the area is of predominantly Crop land followed by

inland water area in the core and buffer zones of the study area. It is also noticed that the

fallow land occupies 0.53 % of the total area, which clearly indicates that the

development of built-up land increases over a period of time. It is generally agreed that

as the total volume of transport activity may increase due to the development of mining

activity leading to negative externalities like pollution and congestion. Some

environmental damage may be acceptable if transport activity generates positive net

benefits to society.

3.8.2 Land use Pattern Based on Census Data

The land use of the study area has been studied by analyzing the available secondary

data such as the Office of joint Directorate of Agriculture/ Illuminati. The lease-applied

area is a hilly terrain covered with a number of hillocks. The area receives moderate

rainfall and the ground water occurs at a depth of 20m below. Agricultural activities are

fair due to moderate ground water and irrigation facilities. The area experiences arid

climate and there is fair growth of vegetation in and around the area.

For computation of the land use pattern in the study area based on the village-wise land-

use data given in the census records, the geographical area of all settlements covered

within the study area, though many villages in the peripheries of the circular study area

are partially covered. Perfect delineation and quantification of land uses for the partially

covered parts of villages in the study area is not possible, hence the entire village area is

considered for the study, irrespective of its coverage within the study area circle.

The land use is classified into four types - viz. forests, area under cultivation, culturable

waste and the area not available for cultivation. The land under cultivation is further

sub-divided into two types viz. irrigated and un-irrigated. As per the Census records, the

study area admeasure to about 19736.01.0 ha (Department of Agriculture). The land use

details based on census data are presented in Table 3.5. This includes forests, cultivated

area, culturable waste and the area not available for cultivation.

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TABLE 3.16 LAND USE PATTERN OF STUDY AREA

S. No Classification

Year (2008-09)

(ha) Percentage

Year (2009-10)

(ha) Percentage

1. Total Geographical area 13026645 100 342243 100

2. Forest 2110703 16.2 19736.01 5.8

3. Barren and uncultivable area 503255 3.9 13636.125 4

4. Land put to Non-agricultural uses 2138679 16.4 108401.299 31.7

5. Cultivable waste 368661 2.8 7734.883 2.3 6. Permanent pastures and other

grazing lands 110309 0.8 8120.905 2.4

7. Miscellaneous tree crops and

groove; not included in the net area sown

274351 2.1 7568.96 2.2

8. Current fallows 758840 5.8 32017.035 9.4

9. Other fallows 1518008 11.7 38885.795 11.4

10. Net area sown 5243839 40.3 106137.818 30.8

11. Area sown more than once 788879 21326.555

12. Gross area sown 6032718 127464.373

13. Cropping Intensity (%) 1.2 Source: Office of joint Directorate of Agriculture \Illuminati

3.9 Demography and Socio-economics

For assessing the prevailing socio-economic aspects of people in the study area around

the proposed plant, the required data has been collected from various secondary sources

and analyzed.

3.9.1 Methodology Adopted for the Study

The methodology adopted for the study is primarily based on the review of secondary

data, such as District Primary Census Statistical Handbook of Thiruvallur District, 2011

for the parameters of demography, occupational structure of people within the study

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area of 5 Km radius around the proposed plant. The salient features of the demographic

and socio-economic aspects of the study area are described in the following sections.

3.9.2 Demographic Aspects

Distribution of Population

The mine area is located far away from human settlements. Only a few villages are

located within a vicinity of 5 km from the mine site. The details are as following in Table

3.17.

TABLE 3.3 HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

Name of the Village Approximate distance from mine site (in km)

Approximate population**

Mylarwada -- 3353

Vediyankadu 3.61 4668 Paivalasa 6.7 2366 Peddaramapuram 4.54 2565 Meesarakandapuram 3.87 4247

** District Primary Census Hand Book, 2011

As per 2011 census the study area consisted of 3353 persons inhabited in the 5 km

radius study area. The distribution of population in the study area is shown in Table

3.18. The males and females constitute about 50.43 % and 49.57 % of the study area.

TABLE 3.4 DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION IN STUDY AREA - 2011

Particulars General Study Area No. of Households 771 Male Population 1691 Female Population 1662 Total Population 3353 Average Household Size (Persons) 4.34

Source: District Primary Census Hand Book - 2011

Average Household Size

The study area had an average family size of 4.34 persons per household in 2011. This is

moderate family size and is in comparison with the other parts of the district.

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EIA REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED BLACK GRANITE MINE CHAPTER-3 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Sex Ratio

The configuration of male and female indicates that the males and females constituted

about 50.43 % and 49.57 % of the total population respectively, as per 2011 census

records. The study area on an average had 1035 females per 1000 males as per 2011

census.

3.9.3 Social Structure

In the study area, as per 2011 census, 3.55% of the population belonged to Scheduled

Castes (SC) and 0.36% to the Scheduled Tribes (ST). This indicates that a considerable

share of population in the study area belong to weaker sections which works out to

about 3.91% of the total population in 2011. The distribution of population in the study

area by social structure is tabulated in Table 3.19.

TABLE 3.19 DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION BY SOCIAL STRUCTURE - 2011

Sl. No. Particulars Number Percentage 1. Scheduled Castes 734 21.89 2. Scheduled Tribes 14 0.42 3. Total SC and ST 748 22.30 4. Other castes 2605 77.7

Source: District Primary Census Hand Book, 2011

3.9.4 Literacy Levels

The analysis of the literacy levels in the study area reveals a lower literacy rate in the

study area. The study area experienced a lower literacy rate of 50.02% in 2011. If this is

computed only for the people of above the age group of 5 years, i.e. the school going age

people, this would considerably increase the literacy rates. The distribution of literates

and literacy rates in the study area is given in Table 3.20.

TABLE 3.5 DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATES AND LITERACY RATES - 2011 S. No. Particulars Study Area

1. Total Literates 2251 2. Average Literacy Rate (%) 41.98 3. Male Literacy (%) 58.01 4. Female Literacy (%) 41.99 5. Male Literates 1306 6. Female Literates 945

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3.9.5 Occupational Structure

The occupational structure of the study area is presented in Table 4.18.

TABLE 3.61 OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE - 2011

S. No. Occupation Study Area

No. Population (%)

1. Total main workers 1378 47.04

Male 847 61.46 Female 531 38.54

2. Marginal workers 22 0.75

Male 2 9.09 Female 20 90.91

3. Non-workers 1529 52.21

Male 709 46.38 Female 820 53.63

Total Population 2929 100.00 Source: District Primary Census Hand Book, 2011

3.9.6 Infrastructure Facilities

The infrastructure and amenities available in the study area denotes the economic well

being of the region. A multitude of infrastructure facilities are available in the study area,

which consists of advanced and super specialty facilities in fields of education, health

care, communications, transportation, etc. and also onsite shelter and facilities like

temporary shed will be provided to the mine workers.

A review of infrastructure facilities available in the area has been done based on the

information given in the District Census Handbook and the data of National Informatics

Center, for the year 2011. The Infrastructure facilities available in the rural areas of the

study area are described in the subsequent sections.

Transport Facilities

The study area is connected by road transport facilities. As a whole, the study area has

moderate level of communication network. The study area has situated near to Walajah -

Sholingur - Arakonam Road (SH 108) located at a distance of 5 Km on east direction. The

above said road is connected to old NH 4 at a distance of 15.8 Km on Southeast direction.

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CHAPTER-4 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

4. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION

MEASURES

4.1 Details of the Environmental Impacts

This chapter provides a brief overview of the potential impacts on various

environmental components due to the new mining operation and its allied activities.

The opencast mining operations involve development of benches, approach roads, haul

roads, blasting, excavation and handling & transportation of materials. If adequate

control measures are not taken to prevent/mitigate the adverse environmental impacts,

these operations may cause environmental degradation and lead to irreversible damage

to the ecosystem. Various environmental impacts, which have been identified due to the

proposed project, are discussed in the following sections:

4.1.1 Impact on Land Use

The proposed black granite mine will result in disturbance of the land use pattern of the

mine lease area. The land degradation is expected during mining activities like

excavation, overburden dumping, soil extraction etc. Land requirement for the project

has been assessed considering functional needs. No forest land is involved in the current

mining project.

The potential adverse impact of black granite mining is the change in land use pattern. So

reclamation of mined out land will be given due importance as a step for sound land

resource management. Total overburden is being removed from the excavated area.

About 90% of the OB will be backfilled. External OB dump & internal dump will be

technically and biologically reclaimed. No adverse impact is anticipated on land use of

buffer zone associated due to the proposed mining activity, as all the activities will be

confined within the project site. The proposed mining operations will impact the land

usage and land aesthetics of mine lease area. Rehabilitation is an integral part of the

Environmental Management Plan.

4.1.2 Impact on Air Quality

Mitigative measures suggested for air pollution controls are based on the baseline

ambient air quality of the area. From the point of view of maintenance of an acceptable

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ambient air quality in the region, it is desirable that air quality is monitored on a regular

basis to check compliance of standards as prescribed by regulatory authorities. In case of

non-compliance, appropriate mitigative measures need to be checked.

Measures to Prevent Generation and Dispersal of Dust

Dust particles, which are normally generated during mining operations, become air

borne, thus leading to increase in particulate matter level in the ambient air. In the

proposed mining activity adequate control measures will be adopted during both, mining

operations as well as transportation of black granite within the area.

Water sprinkling system already provided throughout the mine area especially on the

mine roads carrying overburden dumpers. Presently tankers used for the dust

suppression. The no of tankers are proposed to be increased as the capacity of the mine

increases. The control measures already adopted are given below:

Regular cleaning and removal of spillage granite from the roads are done

regularly

Water spraying on haul roads, service roads and overburden dumps will help in

reducing considerable dust pollution

Proper and regular maintenance of mining equipments have to be considered

The treated acid mine water can be utilized for dust suppression in and around

mine areas

Comprehensive green belt around overburden dumps has to be carried out to

reduce to fugitive dust emissions in order to create clean and healthy

environment

Land reclamation has to be carried out for dumps where mining activities have

been completed.

The following additional measures will also be adopted such as,

Dust generation will be reduced by using sharp teeth of shovels

Wet drilling will be carried out to contain the dust

Controlled blasting techniques will be adopted

Charge per hole and charge per round will be optimized

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Cabins for shovel and dumpers and dust masks to workmen will be provided

Information on wind direction and meteorology will be considered while

planning, so that pollutants, which cannot be fully suppressed by engineering

technique, will be prevented from reaching the residential areas

A good housekeeping and proper maintenance will be practiced which will help in

controlling pollution.

The objective of the system is to eliminate the air borne dust or suppress the dust at its

source. The system involves confinement of the dust within the dust producing area by a

curtain of moisture and wetting the dust by direct contact between the particles and

droplets of water. Adequate number of precision anti-clog nozzles will be installed at

suitable locations for suppressing dust by spraying water mixed with suppressant.

Suitable control for dust suppression will be provided and the system will be so inter-

locked that it functions only when the conveyor system is operating or the loading

operation is on. Both preventive and suppressive measures to be taken are elaborated

below:

Drilling Operation

• All drills are to be equipped with dust extractors/arrestors or well drilling.

• Proper maintenance and handlings of drilling units are to be done.

Blasting Operation

Blasting is to be carried out during favourable atmospheric conditions as per guidelines

for controlled blasting to minimize generation of dust.

Loading and Transport

• The haul roads are to be sprayed regularly with water.

• All service roads are to be blacktopped.

• Provision of greenbelts around the mine boundary, service buildings, CHP,

washery area and colony site are to be made.

Controlling CO Levels

The concentration of CO in the ambient air is found to be much below permissible levels

at all the air quality monitoring locations. Expected increase in the CO concentration is

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very low as CO emissions from mining operations are less as compared to other

pollutants. Heavy and light vehicles are the major sources of CO in the mine. All vehicles

and their exhausts will be well maintained and regularly tested for pollutants

concentration.

Controlling NOx Levels

NOx emissions in the mine mainly occur during blasting operations. The main reasons

for NOx emissions are:

• Poor quality of explosives having large oxygen imbalance

• Manufacturing defect;

• Use of expired explosives in which ingredients have disintegrated

• Incomplete detonation, which may be due to low Primer to Column ratio.

To ensure low NOx levels the following measures will be adopted:

• Use of good quality explosives having proper oxygen balance with regular

monitoring

• A normal procedure should be formulated to check / visually inspect all

explosives, and if disintegrated ingredients are spotted, the explosives won't

be used, even if the date has not expired

• The Primer to Column ratio will be rationalized so as to produce minimum

NOx.

Greenbelt

Even with the various dust suppression measures in place, dust generated from mine

faces, fine dust produced during blasting operations are difficult to control. Therefore, in

addition to the above mitigative measures, it is proposed to have dense green belt in and

around the mine site.

Occupational Health & Safety Measures to Control Dust Inhalation

All the above precautions will be adopted to minimize dust generation at site and

prevent dispersion in the outside environment. However, for the safety of workers at

site, engaged at the strategic locations/dust generation points like drills, loading &

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EIA REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED BLACK GRANITE MINE CHAPTER-4 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

AND MITIGATION MEASURES

unloading points, crushing etc., dust masks will be provided. Dust masks will prevent

inhalation of RPM thereby reducing the risk of respiratory disorders. Regular health

check-up of workers and nearby villagers in the impacted area (1 Km from the core

zone) should be carried out by TAMIN and also regular occupational health assessment

of employees should be carried out as per the Factories Act.

4.1.2.1 Air Pollution Impact Prediction through Dispersion Modeling

Potential impacts on the air quality due to the proposed project will be due to the

fugitive dust and the exhaust gases generated in and around the site due to vehicular

movement. Dust is major component of air pollution, generated mainly from the

following activities:

Manual mining

Storage & Hauling of materials

Operating of vehicles

The impacts will be short term and limited in nature. Proper site selection, appropriate

location of plant and machinery and their regular maintenance shall minimize such

impacts.

Area Source Model

When mining activity is carried out in a small area, the emission from such sources is

considered as Area Source. The total mine area with all its mining activities constitute

the area source. These include all the mining activities, operations of

equipment/machinery, wind erosion from active mine pit, which contribute to the

atmospheric pollution from the various units/activities.

The ISC Short Term area source model is based on a numerical integration over the area

in the upwind and crosswind directions of the Gaussian point source plume. Individual

area sources may be represented as rectangles with aspect ratios (length/width). In

addition, the rectangles may be rotated relative to a north-south and east-west

orientation. As a result, an irregular area source can be represented by a smaller number

of area sources than if each area had to be a square shape. Because of the flexibility in

specifying elongated area sources with the Short Term model, up to an aspect ratio, the

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ISCST area source algorithm may also be useful for modeling certain types of line

sources.

The ground-level concentration at a receptor located downwind of all or a portion of the

source area is given by a double integral in the upwind (x) and crosswind (y) directions.

The ISCST model based on the following assumptions:

Point, area, line sources

Stability classes - 6 preamble limits

No variation in most meteorological variation with height

No information about surface characteristics.

It is a Gaussian plume model appropriate for a complex mixture of sources

Non reactive pollutants

Receptor Location from the Project Site

S.No Name of the Location Distance w.r.t.

Project Site (km) Direction w.r.t.

Project Site 1. Project Site (Mylarwada) - - 2. Katharikuppam 6.46 SW 3. Vasur 8.63 WNW 4. Pendadi 1.71 SE 5. Peddaramapuram 4.54 NNW 6. Meesarakandapuram 3.87 ENE

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Results of Analysis

Incremental values at different location based on wind rose have been computed.

Concentration of PM10 is given in the table below.

3E-005

8E-005

8E-005

0.00013

-10000 -8000 -6000 -4000 -2000 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000-10000

-8000

-6000

-4000

-2000

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

83



S.No Receptor Location

(Village) Base Value

(µg/m³) Incremental

Value (µg/m³)

Total (µg/m³)

Standard* (µg/m³)

1. Vasur 54.8 - 54.8

100 2. Peddaramapuram 51.3 5 56.3

3. Meesarakandapuram 56.9 10 76.9

*National Ambient Air Quality Standards

The ground level concentration will not increase significantly the concentration of PM10

values are well below the standards prescribed by CPCB for ambient air quality.

• Occupational Health Impact

Progressive deposition of inhaled particles or dust results in major health problems.

Smaller the particle size (less than PM2.5)) higher is the chemical and biological

reactivity. These smaller particles reach the deepest portion of the lungs. These micron

sized particles, once air-borne, are extremely difficult to be collected or trapped. Lung

functions are impaired due to both respirable and non-respirable dust particles. Chronic

exposure leads to respiratory illnesses like asthma, emphysema, severe dyspnea

(shortness of breath), and bronchitis and in extreme cases pneumoconiosis or the black-

lung disease of miners. The effect of dust may be harmful to the human health.

4.1.2.2 Measures of Minimizing Impacts

A. Delay blasting under unfavorable wind and atmospheric conditions;

B. The production of blast fumes containing noxious gases should be reduced by the

following methods;

• Proper and proportionate mixing of fuel oil with ammonium nitrate to ensure

complete detonation;

• Use of adequate booster/primer; and

• Proper stemming of the blast hole.

C. Drills fitted with dust collection system to be deployed or wet drilling;

D. Regular sprinkling of water on haul roads at regular intervals;

E. Installing permanent water sprinklers at strategic areas/locations/stretches;

F. Regular maintenance of vehicles and machinery should be carried out;

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G. Cabins for shovel and dumpers and dust respirators to workmen should be provided;

H. Dust suppression will be done on exposed area using water trucks and sprinkler;

I. Greenbelt development should be taken up all along the haul roads;

J. Re-vegetation of mined out area and inactive dumps;

K. The dust respirators should be provided to all workers working in dusty

environment; and

L. A good housekeeping and proper maintenance should be practiced which will help in

controlling pollution.

4.1.2.3 Overall Air Impact due to the Mining Operations

As discussed above under each activity, there will be increase in terms of dust load and

gaseous emissions. However, it can be stated that these incremental contributions will

remain within the prescribed limits/norms. Further, the mitigation measures will further

bring down these concentrations making the proposed mining activities more environment

friendly.

4.1.3 Impact on Water Regime

4.1.3.1 Water Demand

As the mining of Black Granite will be restricted to above the water table and will be

confined to depths, there will not be any water percolation within the mine cut as the mine

floor level will be above the water table. As the workings are very shallow and above the

water table, there will be no adverse impact on ground water, because water table is

observed as seen in the surrounding villages. There will also be no sea water intrusion into

the area due to shallow extent of mining operations. As such, there will be only minimal

impact on water regime of the area.

Total number of employees - 37 Numbers

TABLE 4-1 WATER REQUIREMENT CALCULATION

S.No. Category Requirement (KLD) 1. Dust suppression & Drilling purpose 0.9 2. Green Belt development 0.5 3. Domestic purposes 1.4

Total 2.8

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• Water will be sourced from Mylarwada Village Panchayat.

• Generation of Sewage - 1.12 KLD which will be treated through septic tank

followed by soak pit.

FIGURE - 4.3: WATER BALANCE

• Conservation Measures

The following conservation measures will be adopted for this project:-

Domestic sewage will be treated in septic tanks followed by soak Pit.

The acid mine water, if any, can be collected and stored inside mining area then it

has to be pumped out to a storage pond for treatment. Neutralization of acid mine

water shall be carried out using limestone before reusing the treated water for

dust suppression and plantation.

Maximum efforts are made to adopt zero discharge concepts

Construction of settling sedimentation ponds will be made in the project premises

as well as in the colony area for collection and effective utilization of surface

runoff.

4.1.4 Wastewater Generation, Treatment & Disposal

Very insignificant volume of waste water will be generated which will dry up in natural

condition.

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The waste generation will be due to following operation:

• Seepage from mine; and

• Sewage from toilets and wash rooms.

Storm water Management

Care has taken to control the seepage below ground to contaminate ground water in the

saturated zone. The runoff water in rainy season is collected in sump & will be utilized

within the mine area. The surplus treated water, which can’t be used in greenbelt

development during rainy season, will be discharged along with storm water into nearby

water body.

Waste water Management

The waste water management scheme has been formulated to achieve zero discharge of

industrial effluent. This will help in eliminating pollution of surface and ground water

bodies and also conserve the water resources.

To reduce the acid mine water volume in the mine area recycle, reuse options are

adopted.

Water Treatment scheme has adopted to remove suspended matter and acid

mine drainage by the addition of lime to neutralize the acidity.

Sewage from toilets and wash rooms shall be treated in septic tanks and soak pits.

4.1.5 Impact on Noise Levels and Ground Vibrations

4.1.5.1 Noise Impact on Working Environment

During the operation of mines, there would be various sources of noise in the mining

area. These sources are:

• Drilling,

• Blasting,

• Operation of heavy machineries, and

• Vehicular Movement, etc.

Mining operations are main sources of noise levels. Noise due to vehicular movement

will be intermittent, but will also add to the background noise levels.

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Operation of drills, shovels, dumpers, front end loaders and dozers involve noise

generation above 90 dB (A), which is the prescribed Threshold Limit Value. The existing

noise level in the area ranges from 44.3 dB (A) to 48.7 dB (A) and 37.1dB (A) to 47.3 dB

(A) at night. In view of the above factors, the impact on noise levels due to project

operation will be well within environmentally sustainable limits. However, the expected

noise levels are not likely to have any effect from the occupational health point of view.

4.1.5.2 Mitigation Measures for Noise Control

The noise level monitoring carried out in the area has indicated that the present noise

levels are in the range of 44.3 dB (A) to 48.7 dB during the operation of existing mine.

The noise will be generally generated by drilling, blasting, movement of heavy

machinery, crusher and air blast. Air blast is caused due to unconfined or partially

confined explosion and detonating cords exposed in atmosphere.

The following control measures will be adopted to keep the ambient noise levels well

below the limits:

Secondary blasting will be totally avoided

Rock breakers will be used for sizing

Controlled blasting with proper spacing, burden and stemming will be maintained

Minimum quantity of detonating fuse will be consumed by using alternatively

excel non-electrical initiation system

The blasting will be carried out during favorable atmospheric condition and less

human activity timings

The prime movers/diesel engines will be of proper design and will be properly

maintained

The operator’s chamber will be safe guarded with proper enclosures to reduce

the noise levels

A thick green belt will be provided in phased manner around the periphery of the

mine to attenuate noise

Trees will be planted on both sides of haul roads.

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4.1.5.3 Measures to Protect Workers from High Noise Levels

The following measures will be taken to protect the workers from exposure to

higher noise levels:

Provision of protective devices like ear muffs/ear plugs

Provision of sound insulated chambers for the workers deployed on machines

producing higher levels of noise like bulldozers, drills etc

Reducing the exposure time of workers to the higher noise levels

Providing adequate silencers to the dumpers and other vehicles.

4.1.5.4 Vibration Abatement and Fly Rocks

Blasting is the major source of vibration and fly rocks. The measures that are

generally followed and currently proposed for abatement of ground vibration, air

blasting and fly rock are detailed below:

Blasting will be very minor and performed strictly as per the guidelines specified

under blasting technology

Overcharging will be avoided

Supervision of drilling and blasting operations to ensure design blast geometry;

Sub-drilling will be kept just adequate to tear-off the bench bottom

The charge per delay will be minimized and preferably more number of delays

will be used per blasts

Elimination of hole to hole propagation between charges

Blasting operations will be carried out only during day time as per mine safety

guidelines;

Proper warning signals will be used

Adequate safe distance from center of blasting will be maintained

During blasting, other activities in the immediate vicinity will be temporarily

stopped

Drilling parameters like overburden, depth, diameter and spacing will be properly

designed to give proper blast

The mesh ratio E/V will always be more than unity

E/V >1, E = hole spacing, V = distance between rows

Effective stemming of the explosives will be done in the drill holes

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Non electric detonators will be used.

4.1.6 Land Reclamation

As discussed earlier land is to be degraded on account of following activities:

• Quarrying operation that will create pit.

• Dumping of overburden

Land reclamation scheme has been developed that covers the following:

• Backfilling of degraded pit with OB removal in course of mining. Once the backfill

is over, it will be graded and leveled. Saplings would be planted on the prepared

surface.

• For plantation, pits would be dig which will be filled with mixture of top soil &

fertilizers. Such plantations would be done with onset of monsoon.

Similarly, when the formation of external dump is over, it will be physically reclaimed.

This will include:

• Grading & leveling of flat top surface.

• Plantation of sapling on the prepared surface.

• Installation of drainage structure around the dump.

• Construction of toe wall at the foot of the dump.

4.1.6.1 Reclamation of Mined out Land

The Land Reclamation shall be taken up in different steps:

i) The top soil available in the excavation area shall be stacked separately in identify

dump.

ii) The land where excavation / mining were carried out shall be back filled by freshly

mined Overburden from the mine.

iii) The backfilled area shall then be blanketed with cover using top soil from the stacks.

iv) The area backfilled and covered with the top soil shall then be reclaimed biologically

by developing agriculture field, orchard pond/check dams and general afforestation.

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4.1.6.2 Afforestation Programme and Conservation Strategies for Flora

o Restoration of Mined out Areas

One of the major tasks after extraction of granite is restoration of the mined out area

which is an important task in the mining project. Compensation afforestation is not

mandatory for this project as no forest land involved in the project. But it is important to

establish a programme of progressive rehabilitation commensurate with the nature of

operation, rate of disturbance and also considering pre-project land-use so that the pre-

mining land-use and ecological values can be re-established to the extent possible.

o Surface Preparation

Proper landscaping of the area before start of the restoration process is very important.

Topsoil has a large number of seeds of native plant species in the mining area. Topsoil

should be used for restoration of plant species and also for providing a suitable surface

for planted seedlings.

o Site Preparation

Site preparation will begin before initiating the habitat restoration work in the mined

out areas. These will include (a) Collection and conservation of the topsoil (b) Backfilling

with the overburden (c) Collection, spreading and mixing of organic matter and (d)

Spreading topsoil. It is very important that the slopes are maintained at a gentle

gradient, otherwise the topsoil and organic conditioners will be washed away in the first

monsoon year of restoration.

o Seeding of Leguminous Herbs and Grasses

The habitat restoration program should begin with leguminous species and grasses in

the early stage. The leguminous herbs and grasses will act as a soil binder and soil

conditioner. Seeds of both leguminous species and grasses should be collected the

previous year in sufficient quantity.

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o Species Selection

The list of tree species found in the area is given in the report. Many of the species can be

used for plantation. Some shrub species may also be planted. All the species will be

native to the area and will help in regeneration of forest on the mined out area.

o Plantation of Seedlings

Plantation of tree and shrubs species should be started by first week of the month of May

so that the saplings will get established and will not suffer shock due to heavy rain.

Therefore, the seedlings to be planted should be ready by this time. The operations to be

carried out are given below:

a. Staking operations

b. Digging pits

c. Transporting soil and Farm Yard Manure from outside

d. Filling in pits

4.1.6.3 Monitoring of Mine Restoration

A period of five years is proposed as a trial phase during which restoration trials are

carried out on small plots of mined out land in the mine. After the technique is perfected,

it can be applied to the remaining area to be restored. A detailed baseline survey of flora

and fauna has been already carried out in an area 10 km around the project site. This

adds to the scientific knowledge of the biodiversity of the area. More importantly this

gives a sound basis for carrying out mine restoration by replicating the existing

vegetation.

A rigorous monitoring exercise will feed into the existing restoration practices and help

in making necessary changes. A minimum-level monitoring program should be

developed addressing the following components:

Species-wise survival percentage of planted trees and shrubs

Species-wise measurements of tree growth including height and girth

Species-wise measurements of planted shrubs including height (and clump size in

case of bushy shrubs).

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o Restoration of Rare Plants

All threatened plant species should be restored during reclamation. The specific habitats

of such plant species in the buffer zone areas need to be protected. The plant species as

mentioned, which fall under various threat categories must be restored in the buffer

zone areas through ex-situ conservation approach. This may be done through developing

nurseries of these plant species.

o Species Recovery and Rehabilitation Programme

The species which are in low density and abundance should be rehabilitated through ex-

situ multiplication and subsequent reintroduction in their habitats where their

population can be established. To mitigate the pressure on valuable and rare medicinal

herbs local inhabitants of the buffer zone villages should be encouraged to cultivate them

instead of simply collecting from the wild.

o Establishment of Seed, Rhizome and Tuber Bank

The rare and endangered plant species may be conserved more efficiently by

establishing arboretum or botanical garden. This garden can be used for ex-situ

conservation of various species including rare, medicinal, and other ethno-botanically

useful species.

o Research

Research and monitoring on the following aspects will help in the effective management

of botanicals: (a) propagation of rare plants through tissue culture, (b) ecological

investigations of sensitive taxa inducing their regeneration potential, and (c) impact of

unsustainable harvesting of NTFPs.

o Training

Short training programs for villagers, staffs and other stakeholders on the conservation

and management of useful plant species should be organized. A mobile interpretation

centre should be developed in order to educate the local people regarding the floral

diversity and its conservation. The centre should house the brochures, books and posters

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on vegetation wealth, photographs of important plants, audio visual programs on

biodiversity issues, etc for various stakeholders.

o Species for Plantation

Species to be selected will fulfil the following specific requirements of the area:

Tolerance to specific conditions or alternatively wide adaptability to eco-

physiological conditions

Rapid growth

Capacity to endure water stress and climate extremes after initial

establishment

Differences in height and growth habits

Pleasing appearances

Providing shade.

Additional factors which will be considered while selecting species looking into

industrial environment include:

Fast growing

Thick canopy cover;

Perennial and evergreen

Large leaf area index

High sink potential

Efficient in absorbing pollutants without significantly affecting their growth

Local Indigenous species.

Based on the above, the recommended species for greenbelt and plantation are given in

Table 4.3. Further the already existing / native species will be given preference.

TABLE 4-2 RECOMMENDED PLANTS FOR GREENBELT

S.No. Scientific Name Common Name Tamil Name I. Herbs 1. Arachis hypogaea Groundnut Verkadalai 2. Crotalaria sp. Rattle Box Sangupuspam 3. Helianthus sp. Sunflower Suriyakandhi 4. Moringa oleifera Drumstick Tree Murungai 5. Perotis indica Comet Grass Narivalapullu

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6. Tephrosia villosa Runchhali Kolingi II. Shrubs 7. Cactus grandiflorus Cactus Kalli 8. Calotropis gigantean Crown Flower Erukku 9. Citrus aurantifolia Lemon Elumichai

10. Ricinus communis Castor Aamanakku 11. Datura sp. Moon Flower /

Devil’s Apple Umathai

III. Trees 12. Aegle marmelos Holy fruit tree Vilvam 13. Albizia lebbeck Siris tree Vagai 14. Azadirachta indica Neem Vembu 15. Casuarina equisetifolia Shingle oak Savukku 16. Cocos nucifera Coconut Thennai

Maram 17. Ficus benghalensis Banyan Alamaram 18. Mangifera indica Mango Maamaram 19. Polyanthia glabra Asoka Ashokamaram 20. Pongamia glabra Indian Beech Pungam 21. Prosopis spicigera Dasara Tree Karuvelam 22. Psidium guajava Guva Goiyamaram 23. Tamarindus indica Tamarind Puliyamaram 24. Thespesia populnea Indian Tulip Tree Poovarasu 25. Borassus flabellifer Palm Tree Panamaram IV. List of Cultivated Crops 26. Arachis hypogaea Groundnut Verkadalai 27. Gossypium hirsutum Cotton Paruthi 28. Canna indica Banana Vazhaimaram 29. Piper betle Betel Leaf Pepper Vetrillai 30. Anacardium occedentale Cashew Munthiri 31. Ttectona grandis Teak Thaeikku

4.1.7 Biological Environment

4.1.7.1 Impact on Wildlife

There is no National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve, Tiger/Elephant

Reserve, Wildlife corridor etc. within 10 km radius of the project site. Srikalikapuram

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and Ammur Reserved Forest falls at a distance of ~ 8.8 km in NE direction and ~ 3.0 km

in SW direction respectively, which is far away from the proposed mine site, therefore,

mining will not cause problem to the existing wildlife.

It is also observed that the faunal species found in the study area are commonly found

species. No rare, endemic & endangered species are reported in the buffer zone.

However, during mining activities the mine management will practice scientific method

of mining with proper Environmental Management Plan including pollution control

measures especially for air and noise, which will not cause any adverse impact on the

surrounding wildlife.

Besides, Plantation & Green belt development will be undertaken to improve the floral

cover of the area which will eventually attract micro fauna, birds etc. in the area thereby

help in development of wildlife. For that, assistance will be taken from local forest

department in selection of species of plant species so that green coverage could improve

very fast. The varieties would include those plants, which are suitable to the area will be

planted.

4.1.7.2 Impact on Flora

No adverse impact is envisaged on the existing flora, as there will be no deforestation by

mining operation. Plantation will be developed in the mining lease area as per plantation

programme. These activities help to improve the floral cover of the area. The greenery

and plantation development will eventually attract micro fauna, birds etc in the area.

Assistance will be taken from local forest department in selection of species of plants so

that green coverage could improve very fast. The varieties would include those plants,

which are suitable in the area.

4.1.7.3 Impact on Fauna

The mining lease area is in non-forest land where presence of fauna is very rare. No

endangered species of fauna is found in and around lease area. As such, there will be no

adverse impact of the mining activity on fauna around the mining lease area.

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4.1.8 Socio-Economic Development

4.1.8.1 Impacts

Opening of a mine or any other industry will have positive impacts on the socio-

economic factors due to new job opportunities, organized employment, improving the

skills, consequent migration of population etc., and raise the economic living level. The

proposed Black Granite mining project will provide direct employment for about 31

persons and indirectly to about 50 persons through allied trading, transportation from

mining area. The family members and others also will be benefited indirectly.

All developmental works needs to be carried out keeping in mind the potential needs of

the local people of the area. Under all circumstances, the needs (economic, social and

cultural) of the local people have to be properly and adequately addressed.

All major aspects of the lives of the people in villages have been covered under the study

to make a comprehensive assessment of their need in order to help them lead a more

complete, fulfilling and happy life. Discussions with the villagers revealed that they need

support and guidance to uplift their social and economic conditions to achieve their

aspiration of much better life than that they were leading at present. It came to the fore

that the villages lacked basic necessities of life. The major areas which required

immediate attention relates to infrastructure support, health & sanitation, school

education, youth development, income generation activities & veterinary services.

TAMIN initiated the above amenities either by providing or by improving the facilities,

which is certainly help in improving the quality of life of local communities.

The preference will be given to the local population for direct and in-direct employment.

The proposed project may create opportunities for indirect employment in the field of

vehicle hiring, labours, trading of construction material, carpenters etc. This will help in

improving the socio economic status of the region.

4.1.8.2 Impact on Population Growth

This project will have an impact on the population growth, as it will provide some direct

and indirect employment to the people from the nearby villages. Preference will be given

to local unemployed youth for employment and in operation of mines depending upon

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their suitability which will enhance substantially the income status of population of the

area and due to migration of people from outside area will be having impact on the area.

4.1.8.3 Impact on Literacy and Educational Facilities

The literacy level of the project area is likely to increase as there will be influx of many

educated people taking up jobs in the mine, which is likely to result in establishment of

better educational facilities. Better literacy rates are possible due to assumed better

economic conditions of the people. Better literacy means better social status and will

improve the life style in the region. This will be a positive impact in the region due to the

proposed project.

4.1.8.4 Impact on Civic Amenities

The impact of mining on the civic amenities will be substantial after the commencement

of mining activities. As per the census 2011, the area has a good network of roads,

educational facilities, post & telegraph facilities and health care facilities. The

construction of new roads inside and outside of the project area will enhance the

transportation facilities. With improved transportation facilities there is always a scope

for development.

4.1.8.5 Impact on Health Care Facilities

Proper health care facilities near the mining area are being developed in the form of a

dedicated Health Care Centre at Colony, which will also be extended in the surrounding

villages through its rural welfare schemes. An ambulance is provided round the clock at

the Mines site for emergency transport of injured or patient.

4.1.8.6 Impact on Economic Aspects

The impact of mining on the economic aspects can be clearly observed. The mining

activities will provide employment to persons of different skills and trades. The local

population will have preference to get an employment. The employment potential will

improve economic conditions of these families directly and provide employment to

many other families indirectly who are involved in business and service oriented

activities. These will in-turn improves the quality of life in the region. The proposed

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mining will also help development of ancillary industries. These will further boost the

economic avenues for the local population.

4.1.8.7 Impact on Sensitive Locations

There are no buildings of public interest and monuments notified by the Archaeological

Department in and around the mine lease area. Thus, there will not be any impact on the

tourist/religious or historical important places due to the project.

4.1.8.8 Irreversible & Irretrievable Commitments of Environmental Components

An irreversible commitment of a resource is one that cannot be changed once it occurs;

an irretrievable commitment means that the resource cannot be recovered or reused.

The project could result in irreversible or irretrievable commitments of certain

resources as follows:

Capital and labour required to construct the proposed project will be an

irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources.

Construction materials such as gravel, concrete, cement and steel required to

construct the facilities will be irretrievably committed for at least the life of the

project.

Fossil fuels and energy used for equipment and vehicles will be irretrievably

consumed during construction and operations.

Commitments of other resources will include vegetation and habitat lost, and

resources destroyed.

The primary irretrievable commitment is the decision to commit the land to

mining permanently.

4.1.8.9 Mitigation measures

In order to mitigate the anticipated adverse impacts due to the proposed project, an

action plan covering mitigative measures on environmental and social issues has been

developed. The proposed plan clearly focuses on the key issues, and recommends

effective implementation of the suggested action plan for negating the environmental

and social impacts in a systematic manner, and promoting sustainable development of

the community in the post-project period. While formulating the action plan for the

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development of the affected villages as well as the peripheral area, utmost care has been

taken and some special considerations have been selected while keeping the peculiar

socio-cultural and economic aspects of the communities.












TAMIN initiated the above amenities either by providing or by improving the existing

facilities, which is certainly help in improving the quality of life of local communities.





4.2 Community Development Action Plan

The proposed black granite mining project is being benefit the communities residing in

various affected villages around mine lease boundary as well as the peripheral villages

either directly or indirectly while generating many positive impacts in villages around

the project site. All efforts are being kept by the TAMIN for the development of the

region under its peripheral area development programmes, particularly the affected

villages due to establishment of the mining project. As a part of Corporate Responsibility,



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TAMIN initiated the above amenities either by providing or by improving the existing

facilities, which is certainly help in improving the quality of life of local communities.





4.3 Occupational Health

TAMIN has concern and takes full responsibility for the protection of the workers against

sickness, disease and injury arising out of their employment and have adopted certain

principles with regard to occupational health services, like establishing and maintaining

a safe and healthy working environment which will facilitate optimal physical and

mental health in relation to work.

TAMIN also adopts following occupational health measures,

(a) Identification and assessment of the risks from health hazards in the workplace;

(b) Surveillance of the factors in the working environment and working practices which

may affect workers' health, including sanitary installations, canteens and housing;

(c) Advice on planning and organization of work, including the design of workplaces, on

the choice, maintenance and condition of machinery and other equipment and on

substances used in work.

4.3.1 Identification of Work Related Health Hazards

Details of the principle environmental and occupational risks that are likely to be created

are given in Table 4.4.

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TABLE 4-3 WORK RELATED HEALTH HAZARDS

Sl. No. Hazardous Activities

Type of Hazards Severity of Injury

1. Drilling Exposed to high level of Noise Hearing impairment Exposed to dusty environment Dust related diseases

2. Blasting Struck by fly rock Serious Physical injury Exposed to dusty environment Dust related diseases Exposed to high level noise Hearing impairment Exposed to excessive vibration

3. Loading Struck by rolling big boulders Serious injury, and equipment damage

Struck by fall of objects Serious Physical injury 4. Transportation Accidental runaway of vehicle Serious injury, and

equipment damage Fall of vehicle from height while reversing Exposed to high level noise Hearing impairment Fire in engine due to over heating

Serious Physical injury

5. Unloading of stone into hopper

Fall of dumper in hopper, or into lower surface

Serious injury, and equipment damage

6. Welding, gas cutting

Emission of gases & fumes Asphyxiation Release of radiation & light Eye injury Fire Burns, Release of heat Skin problem

7. Storage of oil, lubricant

Leaks and spills Fire & vigorous chemical reaction

8. Battery maintenance handling

Acid spillage Acid burns

9. Use/repair of hydraulic jacks & pumps

High pressure operation Physical injury Oil spillage Rupture of hydraulic hoses

TABLE 4-4 RANKING OF RISKS TO PUBLIC HEALTH

Dust Drilling, Blasting, Material Handling

Noise Blasting, Drilling

Vibrations Drilling, Blasting, Crushing

CO2 , N0x , SO2, HC HEMM operation at mines

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4.3.2 Impact on safety

Normally in a mine the possible causes which can hinder safe working / operations are:

a. Flooding of Mines

b. Slope failure due to instability of soil

Slope failure due to blasting

Accidents due to deployment of machineries, installation of electrical circuits, etc

The mining operations do not envisage any blasting or deployment of any heavy

machinery, since operations are entirely manual and excavation of deposits is limited to

depth. There are no operations in night. Hence the impact on safety is negligible with

respect to the proposed project. These changes or impacts, which could be beneficial or

adverse, need adequate Environmental Management Plan, So that the adverse impacts

are mitigated and the post-project environmental status is restored to as near original

conditions as possible. By understanding the cause and effect and designing proper

control measures, it is possible to bring the impacts within sustainable limits or

sometimes to create even better environment than earlier.

4.3.3 Assessment of Risks

Risks will be assessed through impact severity and probability studies. In addition to the

air & water quality monitoring, soil analysis and vibration studies will be carried out.

Measures to Communicate Risks for Prevention and Control

Measures will be taken to communicate risks before starting of mining to general people.

This will be done through proper training and conducting safety talks for awareness of

risks involved and correct practices communication by ways of display boards and safety

meets. Procedures and work instructions will be displayed and communicated to all on

regular basis.

4.3.4 Safety Measures Adopted Prior To Conduct Blasting Operation

Entry roads and approach roads to the mining lease area should be guarded by

placing red flags at appropriate entry points during the time of blasting operation.

Blaster should be a qualified and approved person by Directorate General of

Mines Safety, DGMS - Government of India

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A shelter for the blaster will be provided to safeguard from any flying debris

The distance between the blaster and the blasting site will be decided depending

upon the type of explosives and detonators to be used. Normally safe distance

may be in the range of 500 m from the blasting site.

Blowing of whistles for longer duration will be done at appropriate locations

selected at a safe distance from the blasting site.

4.4 Solid Waste

In the proposed granite mining project, the side burden is used to backfill the mine pit

area. Hence there shall be very minimum impact on solid waste.

4.4.1 Proposal for Waste Management:

The waste material generated in the mine mostly includes rock fragments and rubbles of

varying size shape and angularity. There is only very limited quantity of topsoil and

interstitial soil which can be used for stabilizing the sides of the waste dump and for

planting trees over the dumps. Suitable variety of soil will be brought from outside for

the above purpose if necessary.

Adequate area have been identified on the southern side for forming a platform for

mining activities which comprises of the country rock exposures and devoid of

commercial granite occurrence and southwest portion of the lease area and along the

safety distance along the base boundary. Suitable species of trees to be grown over such

rocky waste dump will be identified with the assistance of forest department officials or

agricultural experts to evolve proper afforestation plan.

4.4.2 Proposal for reclamation of land affected by mining activities during and at the end

of mining:

As a Petro genetic character, the depth persistence of the black granite body in the mine

area is beyond the workable limits. However it is very difficult to operate granite

dimensional stone mine economically below a depth of 30m by observing the statutory

provisions of mine safety Rules and Regulations. Hence in the proposed mining plan,

only 30m depth has been envisaged as workable depth for safe and economic mining.

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However, it is proposed not to backfill the ultimate pit, in ad much as good quantity of

reserves is available below the workable depth of 30m and there is possibility of

technology up gradation in granite mining for greater depths. The pit boundaries shall be

safety fenced and used for fissiculture purpose when the pit is filled with underground

sea page of water or rain waters.

4.4.3 Phased Programme of Planting Trees:

The dump yard and the inertial soil are to be dumped on the North Eastern boundary of

the area near the plain land. And in this area will be taken up for afforestation

programme. Appropriate species of trees will be planted in a phased manner at 3m

intervals as described below:

TABLE 4-5 PHASED PROGRAMME OF PLANTING TREES

Year

No. of trees proposed to be

planted

Survival rate expected

No. of trees expected to be

grown First 50 60% 30

Second 50 60% 30 Third 50 60% 30

Fourth 50 60% 30 Fifth 50 60% 30

Such fauna or flora which can be successfully grown over such granite rubbles and the

methodology to be followed for afforestation will be identified with the technical

assistance of forest department. Suitable variety of soil will be brought from outside if

necessary, for utilizing for stabilizing the dumps as well as for growing vegetation over

the dumps.

4.4.4 Measure for Dust suppression

Water will be sprinkled for suppression of air borne dust on mine haulage roads and

waste dumps on regular intervals by water tankers. Drilling of blast holes will be always

under wet condition to prevent flying of dust. In the unloading point of Tippers, water

will be sprinkled and further the drillers are provided with respirators in accordance

with mines regulations.

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4.4.5 Measure to minimize vibrations due to blasting and check noise pollution

Wire saw machine is going to be utilized for the extrication of blocks from the parent

rock. If necessary conventional drill hole of 32 mm will be made and will be blasted with

low explosive of gunpowder to eliminate the toes and other hurdles.

4.4.6 Stabilization and vegetation of dumps

The topsoil will be gainfully used for stabilizing the dumps of incoherent materials and

growing plants.

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CHAPTER-5 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES (TECHNOLOGY AND SITE)

5. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES (TECHNOLOGY AND SITE)

5.1 Site Alternatives under Consideration

The mining projects are site specific as such alternate sites were not considered.

5.2 Analysis of Alternative Technology

5.2.1 Method of Mining

As per the original approved Mining Plan, the mine is operating with semi-mechanized

opencast method using conventional mining equipments i.e. hydraulic excavators /

shovels and dumpers combination with ancillary mining equipment like motor graders,

dozers, water sprinklers etc. A bench height not exceeding 6 metres and a bench width

not less than the height has to be maintained. The slope angle of such benches and sides

should not exceed 60` from horizontal. In the exercise of forming the benches with 60`

slope within the granite deposit, the portion confined within the 60` as well as its

complimentary part in the extricated block will become as mineral waste while shaping

into rectangular blocks. The Granite industry needs blocks as huge as a few cubic metre

volumes with measurements up to 3m x 2m x 2m.

In general, the overburden strata are quite soft in nature and can comfortably be

excavated by hydraulic excavators, without the aid of drilling-blasting. However, during

the course of mining, we found some hard compact strata, which could not be excavated

by bigger capacity Hydraulic excavators even after ripping by dozers. These strata

require blasting. Mechanisation of the mine is limited to the deployment of hydraulic

excavators, rear-dump dumpers and ancillary machinery like Bull dozers & motor

graders. The same is planned to be continued. Only the diesel operated machinery are in

use. Use of mechanized drilling is now being planned for breaking the hard strata.

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CHAPTER-5 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES (TECHNOLOGY AND SITE)

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CHAPTER-6 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME AND PLAN

6. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME AND PLAN

6.1 Implementation Schedule of Mitigation Measures

The mitigation measures suggested in Chapter-4 will be implemented so as to reduce the

impact on the environment due to the operations of the proposed project.

Implementation schedule of mitigation measures are given in Table - 6.1.

TABLE - 6.1: IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

Sr. No. Recommendations Time Requirement Schedule

1. Air pollution control

measures

Before increase the

commissioning of the plant

Immediate

2. Water pollution control

measures

Before increase the

commissioning of the plant

Immediate

3. Noise control measures Along with the commissioning

of the plant

Immediate

4. Ecological preservation

and upgradation

Stage-wise implementation Progressive

6.2 Environmental Monitoring

The Environmental monitoring for the mining operations will be conducted as follows:

• Air quality;

• Water and wastewater quality;

• Noise levels; and

• Greenbelt development.

To evaluate the effectiveness of environmental management programme, regular

monitoring of important environmental parameters will be taken up. The schedule,

duration & parameter to be monitored are given in Table - 6.2. The monitoring program

for implementation is given below.

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TABLE - 6.2: MONITORING SCHEDULE FOR ENVIRONMENT PARAMETERS

S. No

Particulars Duration of

Sampling Important Monitoring Parameters

1. Air Pollution and Meteorology Air Quality A Ambient Air Quality Monitoring 6 locations 24 hours PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx and CO Meteorology A Meteorological

data Continuous Monitoring

Wind speed, direction, temperature, relative humidity and rainfall

2. Water and Wastewater Quality A Industrial/Domestic

1) Mine effluents (if any) during Monsoon

Once in a month 12 samples per year

As per EPA Rules, 1989.

B Water quality in the study area 1) Ground Water

quality Once in a year

As per the parameters specified under IS:10500

2)

Surface Water Once in a year As per the parameters specified under IS:10500 along with TSS, BOD & COD

3) Water table in bore wells

Once in a year 12 samples per year

Water table and chemistry of water

3. Industrial Noise Levels 1) Major noise

generating sources

24 hr Noise level in dB(A)

2) Near the blasting / drilling site

Instantaneous Noise level in dB(A)

Ambient Noise Levels Six Locations

around mine lease area

Once in a year 12 samples per year

Noise levels in dB(A)

4. Soil Characteristics

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1)

Four samples in nearby villages

One in a year on all reclaimed area

Colour, textural class, grain size, distribution, pH, Electrical Conductivity, Bulk Density, Porosity, Infiltration rate, Moisture retention capacity, Wilting Co-efficient, Organic matter Na, N, K, PO4, SO4, SAR, Base Exchange Capacity, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Fe.

Source: ABC Techno Labs, Chennai

• Air Pollution Aspects

Ambient air quality is being monitored regularly monitored by CPCB authorized

Schedule I & Schedule II Auditors. The ambient air is being monitored following the

guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board at 6 locations in and around the mine

lease area. Arrangements will be made to record the meteorological parameters like

wind speed, wind direction, temperature, relative humidity and rainfall at mine site.

• Water and Wastewater Quality

The ground and mine pit water quality is being monitored in every month at selected

locations. The water table will be monitored in the wells of surrounding villages once in

a year.

• Noise Levels

Noise levels in the work zone are being monitored regularly once in a month. The ground

vibration will be recorded at the time of blasting. The frequency of noise monitoring will

be once in a month in the work zone. The ambient noise levels in the surrounding

villages will be monitored once in six months.

• Soil Sampling

Soil samples will be tested before plantation/vegetation of the area. The environmental

monitoring cell will co-ordinate all monitoring programs at site and data thus generated

will be regularly furnished to the State as well as other regulatory agencies.

6.3 Monitoring Methods and Data Analysis of Environment Monitoring

All environmental monitoring and relevant operational data will be transferred and

processed in a centralised computer facility equipped with needed software. Regular

data extracts and interpretive reports will be sent to the concerned regulator(s).

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6.3.1 Air Quality Monitoring and Data Analysis

The concentration of air borne pollutants in the workspace / work zone environment

will be monitored periodically. If concentrations higher than threshold values are

observed, the source of fugitive emissions will be identified and necessary measures will

be initiated. Additional greenbelt will be developed for minimising dust propagation.

6.3.2 Water and Wastewater Quality Monitoring and Data Analysis

Methods prescribed in "Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater"

prepared and published jointly by the American Public Health Association (APHA), the

American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Pollution Control

Federation (WPCF); Manual on Water and Wastewater Analysis published by NEERI,

Nagpur are recommended.

6.4 Monitoring Equipment and Consumables

Environmental monitoring is being outsourced to a GPCB approved auditors.

a) Air Quality and Meteorology

The following equipment and consumable items will be provided:

• Respirable Dust Samplers;

• Personal sampler;

• CO Monitor;

• Weather station (automatic recording);

• Spectrophotometer (visible range);

• Single pan balance;

• Relevant chemicals;

• Glass wares.

b) Water and Wastewater Quality

The following equipment is recommended to be available with the environment

department.

• BOD incubator;

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• Refrigerator;

• Oven;

• Stop watch;

• Thermometer;

• pH meter;

• COD reactor;

• Portable gas analyzer

• Distilled water plant; and

• Relevant chemicals and glass wares.

c) Noise Levels

Sound level meter to record noise levels in different scales like A, B and C with slow and

fast response options and vibration meter.

6.5 Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational health and safety is very closely related to productivity and good employer-

employee relationship. The main factors of occupational health in mines are fugitive dust

and noise. Safety of employees during blasting operation and maintenance of mining

equipment and handling of explosive materials is to be taken care of as per the Mine

Regulations, 1961 and Circulars of DGMS. To avoid any adverse effects on the health of

workers due to dust, heat, noise and vibration, sufficient measures have been proposed

in the EMP. These include:

• Provision of wet drilling /or dust collectors;

• Provision of rest shelters for mine workers with amenities like drinking water,

fans, toilets etc.;

• Provision of personnel protection devices for the workers;

• Rotation of workers exposed to high noise areas;

• Closed control room in crusher house with proper ventilation; and

• First-aid facilities.

Occupational Health Survey of the employees will be carried out at regular intervals.

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6.6 Budgetary Allocation for Environment Protection

The details of investment for procuring the equipment for efficient control and

monitoring of pollution along with annual recurring cost are given in Table-6.3.

TABLE - 6.3: COST OF ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION MEASURES

S. No. Description of Item Capital Cost

(in lakhs) Operational Cost in

lakhs per annum

1. Dust suppression by Water spraying

- Rs. 2,98,000

2. Personal Protective gears - Rs.10,000

3. Green belt - Rs. 62,000

4. Miscellaneous like spares etc. - Rs. 50,000

Total Rs. 4,20,000 *Above cost exclude mine closure cost. 6.7 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

The mining plan proposed is for a very small production of granite dimensional stone

without involving deep hole drilling and heavy blasting. Such limited mining activity is

not likely to cause any impact adversely on environment as far as pollution of air, water

and noise is concerned.

TABLE - 6.4 Environmental Management Plan

Salient Items Proposals as per Approved Mining

Plan

Position at the end of five years of

Mining Plan Period

Proposals for the next five years

plan period

Top Soil storage preservation and utilization

The question of top soil storage, preservation and utilization does not arise.



Land Reclamation

Proposed not to backfill the mine-pit.

The mine-pit[s] were left as it is, as already proposed in mining plan period

The mine-pit will be left as it is in the ensuing five years period.

Waste Dump Management

The waste material generated in the mine

The waste has been dumped as proposed

The same procedure will be followed in

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mostly includes the side burden, rock fragments and rubbles of varying size shape and angularity as granite rejects during production / development works that are being dumped on the Southern part of the terrain made up of country rock which is not a commercial granite as well as along 7.5m inner safety distance.

in the mining plan period.

the ensuring five years period and due to inadequacy for dumping it is proposed to acquire additional land preferably adjacent to the lease area.

Afforestation program with precautions for survival and protection of plantation.

It is proposed to plant trees on the 7.5m inner safety distance on the southern and south North part of the lease boundary @ 50 plants per annum with expected survival rate of 50%.

As against the proposals, only 10 plants have been planted on eastern part of inner boundary. During the first year of mining plan period and achieved 50% of survival rate.

In the Mining scheme period, it is proposed to plant 30 trees on the 7.5m inner safety distance on the western and south eastern part of the lease boundary with expected survival rate of 50% with spacing of plants at 3m interval. Land Use & Afforestation Plan (Plate No.4) is given in mining plan.

Quality of mine water and any interference with surface water spruces

The proposal for the confinement of waste dump so arranged to prevent the interference of surface water sources and thus the quality of mine water is good.

Followed the procedure as proposed in the mining plan

Proposed the same procedure to be followed in the ensuing five years period.

Fly rock fragments and precautions

Proposed to follow up muffle blasting so as to prevent fly rock fragments.

Followed the muffle blasting procedure and thus prevented the fly rock fragments.

In the ensuing mining Period, the same safety precautions will be followed.

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CHAPTER - 7 ADDITIONAL STUDIES

7. ADDITIONAL STUDIES

The following additional studies/activities have been carried out for the proposed

opencast mine on different aspects:

The public hearing was conducted in compliance to EIA Notification and the public

hearing points raised and commitment of the project proponent is incorporated;

Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited (TAMIN) has carried out a detailed Mine Closure

studies;

Risk assessment studies have been carried out including preparation of Disaster

Management Plan; and

Occupational Health and safety studies have been conducted and a safety plan was

prepared.

7.1 Public Consultation

The public hearing for the proposed black granite mine by M/s. Tamil Nadu Minerals

Limited was conducted on 11.12.2014 (11.00 A.M) at Project site located at Mylarwada

village, Pallipattu Taluk, Thiruvallur District as per Environmental Impact Assessment

Notification dated 14th September 2006.

The press notification indicating date and venue of the public hearing was issued by

Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board in prominent news papers in the region “INDIAN

EXPRESS” in English on 04.11.2013 and “DINATHANTHI” in Chennai on 04.11.2013 with

project details inviting suggestions, views, comments and objections from the public. The

copy of the advertisements is enclosed as Annexure - VI. The Draft Rapid Environmental

Impact Assessment Report and summary of Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment

Report in English and Tamil are made available for public reference at the following

places.

1. O/o. District Collector, Tiruvallur District

2. District Industries Centre, Tiruvallur District.

3. The Commissioner, R.K. Pet Panchayat Union, R.K. Pet

4. Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, 76 Mount Road, Guindy, Chennai – 32

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5. Regional Office, Ministry of Environment & Forest, Government of India,

Bangalore.

6. O/o. District Environmental Engineer, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, 41, 1st

Street, Judges Colony, Periyakuppam, Tiruvallur - 602 001

The District Collector, Tiruvallur District presided over the entire Public Hearing

proceedings and welcomed the Government Officials, Elected Representatives of the

proposed project and public to the public Hearing for the proposed Black Granite Mining

in an extent of 16.95.00 ha at S.F.No. 189(part) of Mylarwada Village, Pallipattu Taluk,

Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu.

Further, the District Collector has requested the project proponents to describe in detail

about the activities of the proposed Black Granite Mining in an extent of 16.95.00 ha,

environmental issues, the District Collected has requested the public to raise the doubts

and record their views about this proposed activity, environmental impacts of the

proposed activity and the mitigation measures to be adopted to protect the environment.

The copy of the “Proceedings of Public Hearing” and the copy of the compliance status

against the issues raised by the participants and responded by the representative of the

applicant during the public hearing are enclosed as Annexure - VI. Photographs of the

public hearing are presented in Figure-7.1.

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FIGURE - 7.1 : PUBLIC HEARING PHOTOS

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7.2 Mine Closure Plan

The mine closure plan has been prepared with clearly defined future land use for the

area. The plan for final year is shown in Figure-7.2. The objectives of mine closure

planning are as follows:

• To alleviate or eliminate environmental damage and thereby encourage

environmental sustainability;

• To protect public health and safety

• To minimize adverse socio-economic impacts.

7.2.1 Various Aspects of Mine Closure Planning

The mine closure planning broadly involves the following aspects:

(a) Technical aspects;

(b) Environmental aspects;

(c) Social aspects;

(d) Financial aspects.

7.2.2 Reason for Closure

The closure of the mine is planned only after exhaustion of economically recoverable /

extractable black granite reserve in lease holds area, after 30 years of mine operations

from now. However, the activities related to the Progressive Mine Closure, including

various land use activities, are being planned to be undertaken continuously and

sequentially during the entire period of the mining operation.

However, if in future any such directive or orders are received for temporary or

permanent closure of mine; appropriate action shall be taken to undertake closure of the

mine.

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FIGURE - 7.2: MINE CLOSURE PLAN FINAL YEAR

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7.2.3 Water Quality Management

Surface Water

Garland drains will be provided all along the periphery of the mining pit and along the

toes of the OB dumps. These drains will be aligned in such a way that all the surface

drainage water will be carried away from the mining zone to settling tanks.

The mining pit’s catchment water is & will be coursed to the main sump and used for

dust suppression and green belt development & plantation activities.

Ground Water

Dug wells constructed in the region indicated availability of water at depths between 15

to 20 m from ground level. The average water level fluctuations between pre-monsoon

and monsoon season is around 1.5 m and the gradient of water table normally follows

the surface slope and is from west to east directions.

The ground water quality in the region indicates neutral range with pH values ranging

from 7.6 to 8.31. Most of the analytical results for ground and surface water showed

parameter concentrations well within the permissible limits.

Mines Seepage Water

The experience of mining during past three years suggests a very little, almost negligible

seepage of water in the mining pit. It will be collected in a well guarded pond / sump for

settling of solids. The treated water is and will be used for dust suppression on working

faces, haul roads and dump surfaces.

7.2.4 Air Quality Management

Five ambient air quality monitoring stations are established within the ML area where

from air samples are collected every month and analyzed for PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOX.

The monitoring system will be continued to ensure the air quality. Table 7.2 shows the

ambient air quality of three month as observed at different locations.

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TABLE – 7.4: AMBIENT AIR QUALITY RESULTS

Code Location

PM10 PM 2.5 SO2 NOX

Min Max Avg 98

Per Min Max Avg

98

Per Min Max Avg

98

Per Min Max Avg

98

Per

AAQ1 Project Site (Mylarwada) 45 56 50.8 55.7 19 27 23.1 26.8 5.1 5.4 5.2 5.3 8.1 9.6 8.8 9.4

AAQ2 Katharikuppam 43 60 51.6 59.5 21 28 24.5 27.7 5.0 5.6 5.3 5.5 9.3 10.8 10.1 10.7

AAQ3 Vasur 47 63 54.8 62.6 17 26 21.7 25.8 5.0 5.5 5.3 5.4 9.7 11.3 10.5 11.1

AAQ4 Pendadi 40 53 46.3 52.7 16 24 20.1 23.7 5.0 5.4 5.2 5.3 8.1 9.4 8.7 9.3

AAQ5 Peddaramapuram 44 58 51.3 57.6 18 27 22.2 26.4 5.1 5.6 5.3 5.5 9.4 11.6 10.5 11.4

AAQ6 Meesarakandapuram 48 65 56.9 64.8 20 29 24.6 28.4 5.3 6.1 5.7 6.0 10.3 13.4 11.8 13.2

** All values are expressed in µg/m3

The following precautions have been considered for abatement of air pollution in the

black granite mine area:

Water sprinkling shall be carried out at the active working faces, on all haul-roads

and the dump surfaces, deploying six to seven tankers of 10 to 15 m3 capacities

each in all working shifts.

Regular cleaning and removal of spillage black granite from haul roads and

weighbridge areas.

Proper and regular maintenance of mining equipments.

Development of comprehensive green belt around overburden dumps to reduce

fugitive dust emissions in order to create clean and healthy environment.

7.2.5 Solid Waste management

As is stated earlier, mining is being carried out by semi-mechanized opencast method

using conventional mining equipments i.e. hydraulic excavators / shovels and dumpers

combination with ancillary mining equipment like motor grader, dozer, water sprinkler

etc.

The mine waste in the mine includes the over lain unrecoverable boulders / rock

fragments and rubbles generated as granite rejects during the production works and the

waste fragments generated during development works will be utilized for forming

approach road and dumping yard purposes.

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Adequate space has been identified within the lease applied area for dumping such waste

material on barren land covered with soil. The 7.5 m safety distance as well as the

defective portion of the deposit may also be used for waste dumping purpose.

Stabilization of Dumps

As the waste generation in the mine includes hard rock fragments of considerable size

and irregular shape with varying angularity, the waste dump will be stable on its own

even at higher slopes of the sides. However, suitable variety of soil will be identified and

brought from outside and used for increasing the stability of the sides of the waste

dumps and also for planting trees over the dumps in a phased manner.

7.2.6 Top soil management

Topsoil will be properly stacked at earmarked dump site with adequate measures. It will

be used for growing plants along the fringes of the site roads and reclamation of external

dump and backfilled area. The topsoil stockpiles will be low height and will be grassed to

retain fertility. Besides these topsoil stacks there will be temporary stacks near the

excavation area and area to be reclaimed which will be made use of for concurrent laying

without bringing the topsoil to the soil stack near the OB dump.

Disposal of Mining Machinery

Mining operations are planned to be outsourced with the agency bringing its own

machinery. On completion of mining operations the contractors will remove their

machinery and take them away.

There is some departmental mining machinery owned by the Company. These

machineries are written off and disposed on completion of their normal life as per the set

guidelines. The surplus machinery in working order, will be transferred to Company’s

other projects.

Workshops are owned and maintained by the Company as well as by the Contractors for

carrying out repairs & maintenance of machinery. These will be dismantled. The

contractors will take away their material & equipment whereas the departmental

material & equipment will be shifted to other mines.

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7.2.7 Other Infrastructure

Mine office, store room, first-aid room etc, will be provided on semi-permanent

structures within the lease applied area.

7.2.8 Safety & Security

The water ponds developed in the reclaimed areas shall be properly fenced for safety.

The water from these ponds is likely to be potable and shall used for human & cattle

consumption and for agriculture purposes.

7.2.9 Economic Repercussions of closure of Mine and Manpower Retrenchments

7.2.9.1 Manpower

Since the mining and the Pyrite Separation activities are proposed to be outsourced,

most of the manpower will be deployed through these contract agencies. The

management & statutory supervisory manpower are proposed to be deployed by the

Company. In addition, some departmental machinery area also maintained at the site to

supplement the operations. Effectively the overall employment of manpower at the mine

site is discussed in detail in earlier chapters and is summarized below:

On completion of mining operations, the departmental manpower, irrespective of local

or otherwise, will be transferred to other mines of the company as per the terms and

conditions of their services. The contractors will also remove their manpower and would

utilize their services at their other assignments.

Most of the local persons have agriculture occupation in their background. There is every

possibility of their joining the family occupation back. There is no possibility of

retrenchment of any departmental worker.

In addition, as a part of the final mine closure, the company is proposing afforestation,

development of agriculture and fruit farming, fisheries etc in the reclaimed area on

cooperative basis providing self-employment opportunities for the local population. This

shall ensure sustenance of local workers, who might opt for VRS, their families and other

local population.

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7.2.10 Time Schedule of Abandonment

The time scheduling for the rehabilitation of the land will mostly depend upon the

availability of the reclaimed land. Keeping the scheduling of the conceptual mining plan

these activities will be planned.

7.2.11 Responsibility of Mine Owner

An undertaking from the Managing Director of the Company, as the nominated Owner of

the Mine, assuring that the protective measures contained in the mine closure plan

including reclamation works will be carried out in accordance with the approved Mine

Closure Plan.

7.2.12 Provision for Mine Closure

The Company shall obtain, on completion of the mining operations, a mine closure

certificate from the Coal Controller to the effect that the protective, reclamation works in

accordance with the approved mine closure plan / final mine closure plan have been

carried out by the mine owner for surrendering the reclaimed land to the State

Government.

7.3 Occupational Health and Safety

For large industries, where multifarious activities are involved during construction,

erection, testing, commissioning, operation and maintenance; the men, materials and

machines are the basic inputs. Along with the boons, industrialization generally brings

several problems like occupational health and safety.

The industrial planner, therefore, has to properly plan and take steps to minimize the

impacts of industrialization and to ensure appropriate occupational health and safety

including fire plans. All these activities again may be classified under construction and

erection, and operation and maintenance.

7.3.1 Occupational Health

Occupational health needs attention during construction, erection, operation, maintenance,

and mine decommissioning phases. However, the problem varies both in magnitude and

type in these phases.

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Construction and Erection

The occupational health problems envisaged at this stage can mainly be due to

constructional accident and noise. To overcome these hazards, in addition to arrangements

to reduce it within Threshold Limit Values (TLV’s), necessary protective equipment will be

supplied to workers.

Operation and Maintenance

The problem of occupational health, in the operation and maintenance phases is

primarily due to dust and noise which could affect breath and hearing. The necessary

personal protective equipment will be given to all the workers. The working personnel

will be given the following appropriate equipment.

Industrial safety helmet

Crash helmets

Face shield with replacement acrylic vision

Zero power goggles with cut type filters on both sides and blue color glasses

Cylindrical type earplug

Ear muffs

Self contained breathing apparatus

Safety belt/line man's safety belt

Leather hand gloves

Canvas cum leather hand gloves with leather palm

Electrically tested electrical resistance hand gloves

Industrial safety shoes with steel toe

All working personnel will be medically examined as per provisions of the Mines Act.

This will be in addition to the pre-employment medical examination.

7.3.1 Safety Plan

It is envisaged that all safety precautions during the mining operations, posting of

sufficient number of statutory officials and persons, disaster management, etc will be

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undertaken, for which sufficient funds will be provided to deal with all safety provisions.

An effective organization of the mine will be prepared.

Mining is a hazardous industry and hence, necessary measures will be taken to prevent

accident due to following anticipated hazardous/risk prone activities:

Slope failure

Handling of explosives

Fly-rocks during blasting

Inundation due to surface water

Dust hazards

Fire hazards due to spontaneous heating of black granite

Hazards associated with use of electricity

Flooding of lower benches

7.3.1.1 Statutory Rules

All applicable statutory rules, regulations, bye-laws etc and statutory requirement

related to Govt. licenses, workers compensation, insurance, etc, including the Minimum

Wage Act for workers employed by the outside agency will have to be adhered to. Any

other rule imposed by local/state/central authorities will also be complied by user of

equipment and then will have to supply various protective equipment viz. helmets,

shoes, safety gear for welding, working at height, electrical apparatus handling, etc. to

the workmen at their cost. It is recommended that code of practice to be prepared based

on the following:

Coal Mines Regulation 1957

Mines Act 1952

Mines Rules 1966

EPA, 1986

FCA, 1980

The Water Act, 1974

The Air Act, 1981

Vocational Training Rules 1966

Indian Electricity Rules 1956

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DGMS circulars from 1948 upto date

Factories Act 1948 (as applicable to mines)

Conditions attached to statutory permissions and exemptions granted by DGMS to Mines

of CIL recommendations of National Safety Conferences, Tripartite Safety Review

Committees. Special guidelines issued by CIL/ DGMS following accident enquiries etc.

ILO code of Safety and Health and in opencast Mines (1991) Special conditions as may be

imposed while execution of lease deed, approval of mining plan, directives issued by the

Ministry of coal, environmental & forestry clearance conditions imposed by the MOEF,

State Pollution Control Board or by any other regulatory authority organization will be

followed.

7.3.1.2 Safety Aspects for Outsourcing of the HEMM/Equipment and Workers

During quarry operations, it is necessary to adopt suggested mining parameters for the

stability of benches, high-walls and spoil dumps. It is also mandatory to examine

systematically the fencing of mine working, landslides and cracks between benches. It is

required to maintain well graded and wide roads on benches keeping the width of

working areas sufficient for spreading of blasted rock and movement of the mining and

transport equipment.

During actual mining operation, systematic observations and regular monitoring of the

condition of benches, high-wall slopes and spoil dumps will be carried out and the

dimensions will be modified if necessary, to suit the local conditions.

7.3.2.4 Precautions against Danger of Inundation from Surface Water

A careful assessment is to be made against the danger from surface water before the

onset of rainy season. The necessary precautions will be clearly laid down and

implemented. A garland drain will be provided to drain away the surface rain water from

coming into the mine. Garland drain will be provided around OB dumps and working

mines to course the rain water to main streams;

• Inspections for any accumulation of rain water, obstruction in normal drainage;

• Standing order for withdrawal of working persons in case of apprehended danger;

• During heavy rain, inspection of vulnerable points is essential. In case of any danger,

persons are to be withdrawn to safer places;

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7.3.2.5 Prevention of Flooding of Equipment Deployed at Bottom Horizons

During the heavy monsoon period, the mining operation in the lower-most benches may

have to be stopped. The water will be pumped out and discharged to the surface sumps.

7.3.2.6 Prevention of Electric Shocks

During mining operations, all the statutory provisions of the Indian Electricity Rules

1956, and Indian Standards for installation and maintenance of electrical equipment etc.

will be observed.

• For protection from electric shocks to persons, from electrical equipment with

voltage up to 1000 v earth leakage relay will be provided which will automatically

disconnect electrical circuits;

• Closed mobile substations and switchgears will be mechanically interlocked which

exclude the possibility of opening the door when oil switch and air circuit breakers

are in operation;

• All metal parts of electrical equipment will be properly earthed to avoid failure of

insulation; and

• All HT lines and cables located within the blasting zones will be disconnected during

blasting operations.

7.3.2.7 Dust Suppression & Dilution of Exhaust Fumes

The following measures will be adopted for dust suppression at all quarry working

places, dump, haul roads and near other auxiliary mining operations:

• Spraying with water on all working faces & haul roads, by special spraying machines

or water-sprinkler;

• While drilling holes, dust extraction devices will be installed;

• Installation of local dust suppression and air conditioning devices in cabins of

excavators and drilling rigs will be required;

• Leveling of spoil dump surface;

• Separate dust suppression arrangement will be provided for PRP;

• To prevent collection of harmful mixtures in the atmosphere, from the different

sections of quarry working, it is recommended;

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• To spread out the sources of dust formation and emission of harmful gases

throughout the working area of the quarry and Blasting operations will be during the

day; and

• Blasting will be delayed during unfavorable wind and atmospheric conditions, if any.

7.3.2.8 Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention

In addition to statutory provisions, the measures for fire fighting and prevention of fires

are as follows:

• Organization of special cell for systematic observation to examine and prevent fire;

• Removal of spillage on benches and cleaning to prevent cases of heating;

• Storage of lubricants and cotton waste in enclosed fire proof containers in working

places; and

• Provision of fire extinguishers and fire tenders.

Emergency organization will be formed to deal with emergency during fire. The

organization will have names of responsible persons along with their telephone

numbers. Their duties will be clearly specified and the persons will be properly trained.

Mock - Rehearsals will be held regularly at an interval of not exceeding six months to

deal with emergencies of fire. A disaster management plan has been prepared and a

Crisis Management Group (CMG) consisting of highly skilled & decision making persons

will be identified within the organization to tackle with such extreme situations.

7.3.2.9 Measures during Drilling and Blasting

Following measures will be taken while drilling and blasting operations in the quarry:

• Drilling and blasting in quarry will be done in accordance with the provisions of the

Mines Act, rules and regulations;

• Adequate safety measures will be taken during blasting operations in the quarry so

that men/machines are not affected;

• Ground vibration due to blasting will be controlled by the following measures:

1. Reducing the explosive charge per delay;

2. Reducing the spacing and burden per blast;

3. Reducing the amount of explosive charged per blast; and

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4. Proper controlled rock movement during blast by using suitable initiating

sequence and delay.

7.4 Risk Assessment and Disaster Management Plan

Hazard analysis involves the identification and quantification of various hazards (unsafe

conditions) that exist in the mines. On the other hand, risk analysis deals with the

identification and quantification of risks, the plant and mining equipment and personnel

are exposed to, due to accidents resulting from the hazards present in the mine.

Risk analysis follows an extensive hazard analysis. It involves the identification and

assessment of risks the neighboring populations are exposed to as a result of hazards

present. This requires a thorough knowledge of failure probability, credible accident

scenario, vulnerability of populations etc. Much of this information is difficult to get or

generate. Consequently, the risk analysis is often confined to maximum credible accident

studies.

In the sections below, the identification of various hazards, probable risks in the mines,

maximum credible accident analysis, and consequence analysis are addressed which gives

a broad identification of risks involved in the mining project. Based on the risk estimation

disaster management plan has been also been presented.

7.4.1 Approach to the Study

Risk involves the occurrence or potential occurrence of some accidents consisting of an

event or sequence of events. The risk assessment study covers the following:

• Identification of potential hazard areas;

• Identification of representative failure cases;

• Visualization of the resulting scenarios in terms of fire (thermal radiation) and

explosion;

• Assess the overall damage potential of the identified hazardous events and the impact

zones from the accidental scenarios;

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• Assess the overall suitability of the site from hazard minimization and disaster

mitigation point of view;

• Furnish specific recommendations on the minimization of the worst accident

possibilities; and

• Preparation of broad DMP, On-site and Off-site Emergency Plan, which includes

Occupational Health and Safety Plan.

The complete mining will be carried out under the management control and direction of

a qualified mine manager holding a first class manager’s certificate of competency.

Moreover, mining staff will be sent to refresher courses from time to time to keep them

alert. However, following natural/industrial hazards may occur during normal

operation:

• Accident due to explosives;

• Accident due to heavy mining equipment; and

In order to take care of above hazard/disasters, the following control measures will be

adopted.

• All safety precautions and provisions of the Mine Act, 1955, the Coal Mines

Regulation, 1957 and the Mines Rules, 1955 will be strictly followed during all

mining operations;

• Entry of unauthorized persons will be prohibited;

• Fire fighting and first-aid provisions in the mines office complex and mining area;

• Provisions of all the safety appliances such as safety boot, helmets, goggles etc. will be

made available to the employees and regular check for their use;

• Training and refresher courses for all the employees working in hazardous premises;

Under mines rules all employees of mines will have to undergo the training at a

regular interval;

• Working of mine, as per approved plans and regularly updating the mine plans;

• Cleaning of mine faces will be regularly done;

• Handling of explosives, charging and blasting will be carried out by competent

persons only;

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• Provision of magazine at a safe place with fencing and necessary security

arrangement;

• Regular maintenance and testing of all mining equipment as per manufacturer’s

guidelines;

• Suppression of dust on the haulage roads;

• Adequate safety equipment will be provided at explosive magazine; and

• Increasing the awareness of safety and disaster through competitions, posters and

other similar drives.

For any type of above disaster, a rescue team will be formed by training the mining staff

with specialized training.

7.4.2 Possible Hazards in Opencast Coal Mines

There are various factors, which can cause disaster in the mine. The mining activity has

several disaster prone areas. The identification of various hazards is shown in Figure-

7.3 and the hazards are discussed below.

7.4.2.1 Blasting

Most of the accidents from blasting occur due to the projectiles, as they may sometimes

go even beyond the danger zone, mainly due to overcharging of the shot-holes as a result

of certain special features of the local ground. Flying rocks are encountered during initial

and final blasting operations. Vibrations also lead to displacement of adjoining areas.

Dust and noise are also problems commonly encountered during blasting operations.

7.4.2.2 Overburden

The overburden dump may cause landslides. High overburden dump created at the

quarry edge may cause sliding of the overburden dump or may cause failure of the pit

slope due to excessive loading, thereby causing loss of life and property.

7.4.2.3 Heavy Machinery

Most of the accidents during transport of dumpers, trucks and ripper dozers and other

heavy vehicles are often attributable to mechanical failures and human errors.

7.4.2.4 Storage of Explosives

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The main hazard associated with the storage, transport and handling of explosives is fire

and explosion. The rules as per the Indian Explosives Act and Rules 1883 should be

followed for handling of explosives, which includes transportation, storage and use of

explosives.

7.4.2.6 Water Logging

Water logging in the mine site can be avoided by adopting following measures:

• Position of water body should be correctly known; and

• Draining of mine water by suitable capacity pumps.

FIGURE-7.3: IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARDS IN OPENCAST MINE

Safety Measures at the Mine site

• Adequate care has been taken in deciding the size of the bench for the working as

well as ultimate pit.

• The benches are properly sloped at an angle of 70 degree to avoid any spillage of

benches.

• Adequate drainage system at the top of the pit and also on the benches shall be made

to prevent erosion of the benches.

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• The quarries will be protected by garland drains around the periphery for storm

water drainage.

Precautionary Measures to Avoid Accidents Due to Blasting:

• The provisions laid down in the Coal Mine Regulation, 1957 related to Blasting shall

strictly be followed. However some of the main provisions are written here-

• Shots shall not be fired except during the hours of daylight. The holes charged on any

particular day shall be fired on the same day.

• Adequate blasting shelters or other protection shall be provided at mines.

• The shot-firer shall give sufficient warning by effective signals over the entire area

falling within a radius of danger zone.

• Multi-shot exploder shall be used. A shot-firer will fire maximum 120 Shots.

• During the approach and progress of electrical storm, adequate precautions shall be

taken.

Precautionary Measures to Prevent Accidents due to Trucks and Dumpers:

• All transportation within the main working shall be carried out directly under the

supervision and control of the management.

• The vehicles must be maintained in good repairs and checked thoroughly at least

once a week by the competent person authorized for the purpose by the

Management.

• Road signs shall be provided at each and every turning point especially for the

guidance of the drivers at the night.

• To avoid danger while reversing the trackless vehicles especially at the embankment

and tipping points, all areas for reversing of lorries should as far as possible be made

man free.

• A statutory provision of the fences, constant education, training etc. will go a long

way in reducing the incidents of such accidents.

• Generally, oversize rocks shall be dealt with in the pit by secondary blasting.

However, for haul trucks at the dump with such oversize materials, the following

recommendations are given.

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a. Load consisting of large rocks must not be over the edge. This is unsafe and may

damage equipment.

b. Such load must be inside.

• Dumping of overburden or waste material by dumpers and dozers will be governed

by Code of Dumping, which is already formulated & implemented.

• The movement of the dumpers will be governed under the Code of Traffic rule which

is already formulated & implemented.

7.4.3 Disaster Management Plan

The disaster management plan is aimed to ensure safety of life, protection of

environment, protection of installation, restoration of production and salvage operations

in this same order of priorities. For effective implementation of the disaster management

plan, it should be widely circulated and personnel training through rehearsals/drills. The

objective of the disaster management plan is to make use of the combined resources of

the mining operation and the outside services to achieve the following:

Effect the rescue and medical treatment of casualties

Safeguard other people

Minimize damage to property and the environment

Initially contain and ultimately bring the incident under control

Identify any dead

Provide for the needs of relatives

Provide authoritative information to the news media

Secure the safe rehabilitation of affected area

Preserve relevant records and equipment for the subsequent inquiry into the

cause and circumstances of the emergency

In effect, it is to optimize operational efficiency to rescue rehabilitation and

render medical help and to restore normalcy.

Emergency Organization (EO)

It is recommended to setup an emergency organization. A senior executive (Mine

Manager) who has control over the affairs of the mine would be heading the emergency

organization. He would be designated as site controller. As per the general organization

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chart, in the mines, the mines manager would be designated as the Incident Controller

(IC). The incident controller would be reporting to the site controller.

Each incident controller, for himself, organizes a team responsible for controlling the

incidence with the personnel under his control. Shift In-charge would be the reporting

officer, who would bring the incidence to the notice of the incidence controller and site

controller.

Emergency coordinators would be appointed who would undertake the responsibilities

like fire fighting, rescue, rehabilitation, transport and provide essential and support

services. For this purposes, Security in-charge, personnel department, essential services

personnel would be engaged. All these personnel would be designated as key personnel.

In each shift, electrical supervisor, electrical fitters, pump house in-charge and other

maintenance staff would be drafted for emergency operations. In the event of power or

communication system failure, some of staff members in the mine offices would be

drafted and their services would be utilized as messengers for quick passing of

communications. All these personnel would be declared as essential personnel.

Emergency Communication (EC)

Whoever notices an emergency situation such as fire, growth of fire etc. would inform his

immediate superior and Emergency Control Centre (ECC). The person on duty in the

emergency control centre would appraise the site controller. Site Controller verifies the

situation from the incident controller of that area or the Shift In-charge and takes a

decision about an impending on site emergency. This would be communicated to the

entire incident controllers, emergency coordinators. Simultaneously, the emergency

warning system would be activated on the instructions of the site controller.

Emergency Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the key personnel are appended below:

Site Controller

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On receiving information about emergency he would rush to emergency control centre

and take charge of ECC (Emergency Control Centre) and the situations which all are

given below:

Assesses the magnitude of the situation on the advice of incident controller and

decides

Whether the affected area needs to be evacuated

Whether personnel who are at assembly points need to be evacuated

Declares Emergency and orders for operation of emergency siren

Organizes announcement by public address system about location of emergency

Assesses which areas are likely to be affected, or need to be evacuated or are to be

alerted

Maintains a continuous review of possible development and assesses the

situation in consultation with Incident Controller and other Key Personnel as to

whether shutting the mine operation required and if evacuation of persons is

required

Directs personnel for Rescue, rehabilitation, transport, fire, brigade, medical and

other designated mutual support systems locally available, for meeting

emergencies

Controls evacuation of affected areas, if the situation is likely to go out of control

or effects are likely to go beyond the mine boundary, informs to District

Emergency Authority, Police, Hospital and seeks their intervention and help

Informs the statutory authorities

Gives a public statement if necessary

Keeps record of chronological events and prepares an investigation report and

preserves evidence

On completion of On Site Emergency and restoration of normalcy, declares all

clear and orders for all clear warning.

Incident Controller

Assembles the incident control team

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Directs operations within the affected areas with the priorities for safety to

personnel, minimize damage to property and environment and minimize the loss

of materials

Directs the shutting down the operations and areas likely to be adversely affected

by the emergency

Ensures that all key personnel help is sought

Provides advice and information to the Fire and Security Officer and the Local

Fire Services as and when they arrive

Ensures that all non-essential workers/staff of the affected areas evacuated to the

appropriate assembly points, and the areas are searched for causalities

Has regard to the need for preservation of evidence so as to facilitate any inquiry

into the cause and circumstances which caused or escalated the emergency

Co-ordinates with emergency services at the site

Provides tools and safety equipment to the team members

Keeps in touch with the team and advise them regarding the method of control to

be used

Keeps the Site Controller of Emergency informed of the progress being made

Emergency Coordinator - Rescue, Fire Fighting

On knowing about emergency, rushes to ECC

Helps the incident Controller in containment of the emergency

Ensure fire pumps in operating conditions and instructs pump house operator to

ready for any emergency with standby arrangement

Guides the fire fighting crew i.e. firemen, trained mine personnel and security

staff

Organizes shifting the fire fighting facilities to the emergency site, if required

Takes guidance of the Incident Controller for firefighting as well as assesses the

requirements of outside help

Arranges to control the traffic at the incident area

Directs the security staff to the incident site to take part in the emergency

operations under his guidance and supervision

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Evacuates the people in the mine or in the nearby areas as advised by Site

Controller

Searches for casualties and arranges proper aid for them

Assembles search and evacuation team

Arranges for safety equipment for the members of this team

Decides which paths the evacuated workers should follow

Maintains law and order in the area, and if necessary seeks the help of police.

Emergency Coordinator - Medical, Mutual Aid, Rehabilitation, Transport and

Communication

In the event of failure of electric supply and thereby internal telephone, sets up

communication point and establishes contact with the Emergency Control Centre (ECC).

Organizes medical treatment to the injured and if necessary will shift the injured

to nearby hospitals

Mobilizes extra medical help from outside, if necessary

Keeps a list of qualified first aiders of the factory and seek their assistance

Maintains first aid and medical emergency requirements

Makes sure that all safety equipment are made available to the emergency team

Assists Site Controller with necessary data and to coordinate the emergency

activities

Assists Site Controller in updating emergency plan, organizing mock drills

verification of inventory of emergency facilities and furnishing report to Site

Controller

Maintains liaison with Civil Administration

Ensure availability of canteen facilities and maintenance of rehabilitation centre

Liaison with Site Controller/Incident Controller

Ensure transportation facility

Ensures availability of necessary cash for rescue/rehabilitation and emergency

expenditure

Controls rehabilitation of affected areas on discontinuation of emergency

Makes available diesel/petrol for transport vehicles engaged in emergency

operation.

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Emergency Coordinator - Essential Services

He would assist Site Controller and Incident Controller

Maintains essential services like Diesel Generator, Water, Fire Water, power

supply for lighting

Gives necessary instructions regarding emergency electrical supply, isolation of

certain sections etc. to shift in-charge and electricians

Ensures availability of adequate quantities of protective equipment and other

emergency materials, spares etc.

General Responsibilities of Employees during an Emergency

During an emergency, it becomes more enhanced and pronounced when an emergency

warning is raised, the workers in-charge, should adopt safe and emergency shut down

and attend any prescribed duty as essential employee. If no such responsibility is

assigned, he should adopt a safe course to assembly point and await instructions. He

should not resort to spread panic.

7.4.4 Emergency Facilities

Emergency Control Centre (ECC)

For the time being, Mine Office Block is identified as Emergency Control Centre. It would

have external Telephone, Fax, and Telex facility. All the Site Controller/ Incident

Controller Officers, Senior Personnel would be located here. Also, it would be an elevated

place.

The following information and equipment are to be provided at the Emergency Control

Centre (ECC):

Intercom, telephone

P & T telephone

Safe contained breathing apparatus

Fire suit / gas tight goggles / gloves / helmets

Hand tools, wind direction/velocities indications

Public address megaphone, hand bell, telephone directories

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Internal P & T, factory layout, site plan

Emergency lamp/torch light/batteries

Plan indicating locations of hazard inventories, sources of safety equipment, work

road plan, assembly points, rescue location vulnerable zones, escape routes;

Hazard chart

Emergency shut-down procedures

Nominal roll of employees

List of key personnel, list of essential employees, list of Emergency Co-ordinators

Duties of key personnel

Address with telephone numbers and key personnel, emergency coordinator,

essential employees

Important address and telephone numbers including Government agencies,

neighboring industries and sources of help, outside experts, population details

around the Mine.

Assembly Point

Numbers of assembly points are already provided wherein employees who are not

directly connected with the disaster management would be assembled for safety and

rescue. Emergency breathing apparatus, minimum facilities like water etc. would be

organized.

In view of the size of mine pit area, different locations should be ear marked as assembly

points. Depending upon the location of hazard, the assembly points are to be used.

Fire Fighting Facilities

First aid firefighting equipment suitable for emergency is being maintained in each

operation areas of the mine as per statutory requirements.

Location of Wind Sock

On the top of the administration block, windsock is installed to indicate direction of wind

for emergency escape.

Emergency Medical Facilities

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Stretchers, gas masks and general first aid materials for dealing with chemical burns, fire

burns etc. are being maintained in the medical centre as well as in the emergency control

room. Private medical practitioners help is being sought during emergencies.

Government hospital would be approached for emergency help.

Names of medical personnel, medical facilities in the area are prepared and displayed.

Necessary specific medicines for emergency treatment of burns patients and for those

affected by toxicity would be maintained.

Breathing apparatus and other emergency medical equipment are provided and

maintained. The help of nearby industrial management’s in this regard would take on

mutual support basis.

Ambulance

An ambulance with driver availability in all the shifts, emergency shift vehicle is ensured

and maintained to transport injured or affected persons. Number of persons is trained in

first aid so that, in every shift first aid personnel would be available.

7.4.5 Emergency Actions

Emergency Warning

Communication of emergency is made familiar to the personnel inside the mine and

people outside. An emergency warning system is also established.

Evacuation of Personnel

In the event of an emergency, unconnected personnel have to escape to assembly point.

Operators have to take emergency shutdown procedure and escape. Time Office

maintains a copy of deployment of employees in each shift. If necessary, persons can be

evacuated by rescue teams.

All Clear Signal

Also, at the end of an emergency, after discussing with Incident Controllers and

Emergency Co-ordinators, the Site Controller orders an all clear signal. When it becomes

essential, the site controller communicates to the district emergency authority, police

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and fire service personnel regarding help required or development of the situation into

an Off-Site Emergency.

Employee Information

During an emergency, employees are warned by raising siren in specific pattern.

Employees are provided with information related to fire hazards, antidotes and first aid

measures. Those who would designate as key personnel and essential employees should

be given training to emergency response.

Co-ordination with Local Authorities

Keeping in view of the nature of emergency, two levels of coordination are practiced. In

the case of an On Site Emergency, resources within the organization would be mobilized

and in the event extreme emergency local authorities help should be sought.

In the event of an emergency developing into an off site emergency, local authority and

District emergency Authority (normally the Collector) would be appraised and under his

supervision, the Off Site Disaster Management Plan would be exercised. For this purpose,

the facilities that are available locally, i.e. medical, transport, personnel, rescue

accommodation, voluntary organizations etc. would be mustered. Necessary rehearsals

and training in the form of mock drills should be organized.

Mutual Aid

Mutual aid in the form of technical personnel, runners, helpers, special protective

equipment, transport vehicles, communication facility etc. should be sought from the

neighboring industrial management’s.

Mock Drills

Emergency preparedness is an important aspect of planning in Industrial Disaster

Management. Personnel’s trained suitably and prepared mentally and physically in

emergency response through carefully planned, simulated procedures. Similarly, the key

personnel and essential personnel should be trained in the operations.

Important Information

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Important information such names and addresses of key personnel, essential employees,

medical personnel, transporters address, address of those connected with Off Site

Emergency such as Police, Local Authorities, Fire Services, District Emergency Authority

are prepared and maintained

7.4.6 Off-Site Emergency Preparedness Plan

The task of preparing the off-site emergency plan lies with the district collector.

However, the off-site plan will be prepared with the help of the local district authorities.

The proposed plan will be based on the following guidelines.

Aspects Proposed to be considered in the Off-Site Emergency Plan

The main aspects which should be included in the emergency plan are:

Organization

Details of command structure, warning systems, implementation procedures, emergency

control centers, names and appointments of incident controller, site main controller,

their deputies and other key personnel.

Communications

Identification of personnel involved, communication centre, call signs, network, lists of

telephone numbers.

Specialized Knowledge

Details of specialist bodies, firms and people upon whom it may be necessary to call e.g.

those with specialized knowledge of fire control.

Voluntary Organizations

Details of organizers, telephone numbers, resources etc.

Chemical Information

Details of the hazardous substances stored or procedure on each site and a summary of

the risk associated with them.

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Meteorological Information

Arrangements for obtaining details of whether conditions prevailing at the time and

whether forecasts.

Humanitarian Arrangements

Transport, evacuation centres, emergency feeding treatment of injured, first aid,

ambulances, temporary mortuaries.

Public Information

Arrangements for dealing with the media press office; b] informing relatives, etc.

Assessment

Arrangements for: (a) collecting information on the causes of the emergency; (b)

reviewing the efficiency and effectiveness of all aspects of the emergency plan.

Role of the Emergency Coordinating Officer

The various emergency services should be coordinated by an emergency coordinating

officer (ECO), who will be designated by the district collector. The ECO should liaise

closely with the site main controller. The ECO should inform the DGMS authorities in

case of accidents as per the statutory requirement. Again depending on local

arrangements, for very severe incidents/accidents with major or prolonged off-site

consequences, the external control should be passed to a senior local authority

administrator or even an administrator appointed by the central or state government.

Role of the Local Authority

The duty to prepare the off-site plan lies with the local authorities. The emergency

planning officer (EPO) appointed should carry out his duty in preparing for a whole

range of different emergencies within the local authority area. The EPO should liaise

with the works, to obtain the information to provide the basis for the plan. This liaison

should ensure that the plan is continually kept upto date.

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It will be the responsibility of the EPO to ensure that all those organizations which will

be involved off site in handling the emergency, know of their role and are able to accept

it by having for example, sufficient staff and appropriate equipment to cover their

particular responsibilities. Rehearsals for off-site plans should be organized by the EPO.

Role of Police

Formal duties of the police during an emergency include protecting life and property and

controlling traffic movements. Their functions should include controlling bystanders

evacuating the public, identifying the dead and dealing with casualties, and informing

relatives of death or injury.

Role of Fire Authorities

The control of a fire should be normally the responsibility of the senior fire brigade

officer who would take over the handling of the fire from the site incident controller on

arrival at the site. The senior fire brigade officer should also have a similar responsibility

for other events, such as explosions. Fire authorities in the region should be apprised

about the location of all stores of flammable materials, water supply points and fire-

fighting equipment. They should be involved in on-site emergency rehearsals both as

participants and, on occasion, as observers of exercises involving only site personnel.

Role of Health Authorities

Health authorities, including doctors, surgeons, hospitals, ambulances, and so on, should

have a vital part to play following a major accident, and they should form an integral part

of the emergency plan.

For major fires, injuries should be the result of the effects of thermal radiation to a

varying degree, and the knowledge and experience to handle this in all but extreme cases

may be generally available in most hospitals.

Major off-site incidents are likely to require medical equipment and facilities additional

to those available locally, and a medical “mutual aid “scheme should exist to enable the

assistance of neighboring authorities to be obtained in the event of an emergency.

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Role of Government Safety Authority

This will be the factory inspectorate available in the region. Inspectors are likely to want

to satisfy themselves that the organization responsible for producing the off-site plan has

made adequate arrangements for handling emergencies of all types including major

emergencies. They may wish to see well documented procedures and evidence of

exercise undertaken to test the plan.

In the event of an accident, local arrangements regarding the role of the factory inspector

will apply. These may vary from keeping a watching brief to a close involvement in

advising on operations in case involvement in advising on operations.

7.5 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)




Socio-economic profile of the study area revealed that mining and associated sector

would be major source of employment. Local people would be benefited by increase in

business in various sectors like transportation, trade and commerce, automobile,

afforestation, excavation of pond etc. It is expected that there will be significant

improvement of standard of living due to proposed facilities provided by TAMIN in the

fields of infrastructure, communication, education, health and medicine and economy

through employment during mining activities. The response of surrounding local people

towards mining project is positive.

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CHAPTER-8 PROJECT BENEFITS

8. PROJECT BENEFITS

Any industrial activity will help in improving the socio-economic benefits in areas like

employment, communication and infrastructure development etc.

8.1 Improvement in the Physical Infrastructure

The impact on the civic amenities will be substantial after increasing the mining capacity.

The basic requirement of the community needs will be strengthened by extending

agricultural oriented infrastructure, health care and educational facilities to the

community, besides providing drinking water to the villages and building /

strengthening of existing roads in the area. Medical facilities will also be available in the

form of dispensary at the mine. This will help in uplifting the living standards of local

communities.

The roads connectivity to the project area will enhance overall transportation facilities.

With improved transportation facilities, there is always a scope for development. The

communication facilities will improve after the commencement of the project.

8.2 Improvement in the Social Infrastructure

• Generation of employment and improved standard of living;

• Establishment of small and medium scale engineering ancillaries;

• Increased revenue to the State by way of royalty, taxes and duties; and

• Superior communication and transport facilities etc.

In addition to above, due to increase in purchasing power of local habitants:

• There will be significant change in the socio-economic scenario of the area.

• The proposed project will enhance the prospects of employment. Recruitment for the

unskilled and semiskilled workers for the proposed project will be from the nearby

villages depending upon their qualification and suitability for job.

• The development of the basic amenities viz. roads, transportation, electricity,

drinking water, proper sanitation, educational institutions, medical facilities,

entertainment, etc. will be developed as far as possible.

• Overall the proposed project will change living standards of the people and improve

the socio-economic conditions of the area.

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CHAPTER-8 PROJECT BENEFITS

8.3 Employment Potential

The impact of proposed mine on the economic aspects can be clearly observed. The

proposed activities will provide employment to persons of different skills. The local

population will have preference to get an employment. The employment potential will

improve economic conditions of these families directly and provide employment to

many other families indirectly who are involved in business and service oriented

activities.

The employment of local people in primary and secondary sectors of project will

upgrade the prosperity of the region. These will in-turn improves the socio-economic

conditions of the area. The total manpower required for the proposed mining project

under various categories will be mainly sourced from local community in and around

mining project and technical persons will be employed during operational phase from

local and also from outside area. In addition to the above, contractual labour and indirect

employment opportunities will also be getting benefited after commissioning of mining

and washery project.

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CHAPTER – 9 ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS

9. ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS

9.1 Environment Protection and Conservation

The mine is being supervised and controlled by an independent Mines Manager

supported by a dedicated team of technically and statutorily qualified personnel apart

from the operating staff of skilled, semi skilled, unskilled and other categories.

9.1.1 Environmental Department

A separate Environment Department with qualified staff along with supervisors, helpers,

water sprinklers and gardeners, etc will be worked for the proposed project. The general

manager will be responsible for the environment management activities at the mine.

The department consisting of officers from various disciplines to co-ordinate the

activities concerned with the management and implementation of the environmental

control measures. The Hierarchical System of the Company to deal with Environmental

issues is shown in Figure - 9.1.

i) Collecting & analyzing water and air samples;

ii) Ambient noise level monitoring;

iii) Implementing the control and protective measures;

iv) Green belt development and inventory of flora and fauna;

v) Collecting statistics of health of workers;

vi) Monitoring the progress of implementation of environmental management

programme; and

vii) Coordinating the environment related activities within the project as well as

with regulatory agencies.

In case the monitored results of environmental pollution are found to exceed the

allowable limits, the Environmental Management Cell will suggest remedial actions and

get them implemented to ensure compliance with the prescribed standards.

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CHAPTER – 9 ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS

FIGURE – 9.1: HIERARCHICAL SYSTEM OF THE COMPANY TO DEAL WITH

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTORS

GENERAL MANAGER

GENERAL MANAGER (FINANCE)

DEPUTY MANAGER

MANAGER

ASSISTANT MANAGER

MINES MANAGER

MINES GEOLOGY

MINING MATE

MINES FOREMAN

PROJECT SITE OFFICE

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CHAPTER - 10 SUMMARY & CONCLUSION

10. SUMMARY & CONCLUSION

10.1 Summary

The summary of anticipated adverse environmental impacts and mitigation measures are

given in Table 10.1.

10.2 Conclusion

The opencast black granite mine project will have impacts on the local environment.

With the effective implementation of the environment management measures as

suggested in the EIA/EMP report and as may recommended by SEIAA, State Pollution

Control Board, the negative impacts will be minimized to a great extent. However,

development of this project has beneficial impact/effects in terms growth in regional

economy, transform the region's economy from predominantly agricultural to

significantly industrial, increase Government earnings and revenues and accelerate the

pace of industrial development in the region including significant improvement in the

quantity of life of people in the region.

The proposed project will provide direct employment to local people meeting the project

requirement. This project will also generate indirect employment to a considerable

number of families, who will render their services for the employees of the project.

The project will also encourage ancillary industries in the region, which will not only

increase the employment potential but also the economic base of the region will be

further strengthened.

Thus, in view of considerable benefits from the project, the proposed project is most

advantageous to the region as well as to the nation.

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CHAPTER – 9 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

TABLE-10.1 : ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION

Environmental Component

Project Activities Impacts Adverse / Beneficial

Mitigative Measures

Air Quality Drilling and Blasting Particulate matter and NOx

Adverse Use of dust aprons on drilling equipment and adopting wet drilling methods.

Delay blasting under unfavourable wind and atmospheric conditions

The production of blast fumes containing noxious gases will be reduced by the following methods:

Proper and proportionate mixing of fuel oil with ammonium nitrate to ensure complete detonation

Use of adequate booster/primer

Proper stemming of the blast hole.

Drills fitted with dust collection system to be deployed or using wet drilling method.

Development of greenbelt.

Overburden removal, extraction of lignite, Loading / unloading of overburden and lignite, stock piling of

Increase in SPM levels in ambient air due to dust generation and NOx, HC & SO2 CO

Adverse Sprinkling of water on haul roads at regular intervals.

Installing permanent water sprinklers at strategic areas / locations / stretches

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lignite, dumping of overburden at dump sites within ML area

concentration levels in ambient air due to vehicular emissions.

Regular maintenance of vehicles and machinery will be carried out

Cabins for shovel and dumpers and dust respirators to workmen will be provided

Dust suppression will be done on exposed area using water trucks and sprinkler

Greenbelt development will be taken up all along the haul roads

Re-vegetation of mined out area and inactive dumps and

A good housekeeping and proper maintenance will be practiced which will help in controlling pollution.

Transportation of overburden and lignite

-do- Adverse Regular water sprinkling on haul and access roads.

Haul roads to be maintained by surface grading to minimize excessive road surface wearing.

Roads no longer required will be re-vegetated as soon as possible.

General equipment operations

Increase in SPM, NOx and CO concentrations in ambient air.

Adverse Regular maintenance of all equipment to minimize particulate matter and gaseous emissions from diesel driven vehicles & equipment.

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All activities Excessive exposures

to airborne particulate matter.

Adverse Personal protective will be provided to all workers working in dusty environment

Noise Levels and Ground Vibrations

Drilling and Blasting High impulsive noise levels, overpressure and ground vibrations impacts and noise related community annoyance

Adverse Noise Control Measures

Controlled blasting with proper spacing, burden and stemming will be maintained;

No secondary blasting;

Minimum quantity of detonating fuse will be consumed by using alternatively Excel non-electrical initiation system;

The blasting will be carried out during favorable atmospheric condition and less human activity timings;

The prime movers/diesel engines will be properly maintained;

Provision of sound insulated chambers for the workers deployed on machines (HEMM);

Proper designing of plant & machinery by providing inbuilt mechanism like silencers, mufflers and enclosures for noise generating parts and shock absorbing pads at the foundation of vibrating equipment;

Greenbelts around infrastructure site, service building area

General activities including machines and transportation of overburden and lignite within the ML area.

Increase in noise levels occupational hazard due to noise exposures and increase in ambient noise levels.

Adverse

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and township;

A thick tree belt will be provided in phased manner around the periphery of the mine to attenuate noise;

Trees will be planted on both sides of haul roads;

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like ear muffs/ear plugs will be provided to the operators of HEMM and persons working near HEMM; and

Reducing the exposure time of workers to the higher noise levels.

Measures to Control Ground Vibration

Proper quantity of explosive, suitable stemming materials and appropriate delay system are to be adopted for safe blasting.

Safe blasting zones are kept around the periphery of the quarry

Overcharging will be avoided

The charge per delay will be minimized and preferably more number of delays will be used per blasts

Water Resources and Quality

Working below water table

Reduction in groundwater

Adverse Artificial recharge by rain water harvesting / mine water harvesting will be done in and around the mine area to

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availability

Due to poor aquifer condition the impact on water level will be confined to few hundred.

Deterioration in surface / ground water quality of receiving body.

increase ground water levels.

Mine Drainage

The garland drains will be developed in advance for each mine stage such that water is collected in these garland drains and discharged properly outside the pit.

Working faces will be laid such that the water from the working areas will flow into the sump by gravity from where it will be pumped out to sumps.

Face pumps of adequate capacity will be provided at working faces to keep these dry.

Slurry pumps will be provided to deal with slurry formed during rainy season.

Surface Water Pollution Control Measures

Retaining walls of adequate dimensions will be provided at the toe of dumps and the unstable OB benches within the mine to prevent wash off from dumps and sliding of material from benches. This will help in preventing silting of water drains/channels

The water channels/drains carrying the rain water from the

Water required for mine (dust suppression systems, workshop, domestic facilities and greenbelt development) and domestic consumption at colony

Depletion of natural resource.

Reduction in surface and groundwater availability for domestic and for irrigation purposes.

Changes to

Adverse

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hydraulic regime.

mine will be provided with baffles and settling pits to arrest the suspended solids, if any, present in this water

The worked out slopes will be stabilized by planting appropriate shrub/grass species on the slopes. This will help in preventing wash-off of lignite from these slopes.

The mine water will be regularly tested for presence of any undesirable elements and appropriate measures will be taken in case any element is found exceeding the limits prescribed by GPCB

Ground Water Pollution Control Measures

The domestic sewage from the canteen and toilets will be routed to septic tanks followed by soak pits.

The workshop effluent will be routed through oil & grease trap and treated to the discharge standards and reused in the workshop.

Regular monitoring of water levels and quality in the existing open wells and bore well in the vicinity will be carried out.

Waste water generated from workshop, domestic usage at mine.

Deterioration in ground water and soil quality when used untreated for greenbelt development

Adverse

Drainage pattern and Hydrogeology

Diversion of two four nalas in phases

Catchment area inside the mine will be affected.

Adverse The study has recommended new alignment in line with upstream drainage slope of the area to facilitate smooth entry of water into the diversion channel and ultimate discharge of water into the original stream. No reduction in

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surface run-off is envisaged.

Soil Characteristics

Expansion of Mining operations.

Phased clearing of existing plantations (forest) in the mining area.

Land degradation due to disposal of large volume of waste materials.

Exposure of topsoils to wind and water erosion.

Adverse Vegetation clearance in phases.

Dust suppression on exposed areas using water tankers and automatic sprinkling systems

Contour overburden dump to minimize erosion

Plantation around service building, along road, in & around safety zone using native plant sapling.

Decoaled area backfilling & rehandling of external OB dump as per approved Progressive Mine Closure Plan.

Compliance with mine decommissioning plan.

The following precautions will be taken to reduce the risk of dump failure:

OB benches will be made of <10m height in each tier.

Angle of repose of OB dump to be around 26o.

Construction of toe wall around the OB dump.

Drainage control structures like garland drain to be made around OB dump area to avoid water flow during monsoon below the OB dump.

Leveling, grading and drainage arrangement for top of OB

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dumps.

Technical & biological reclamation.

Topsoil to be stored in small heaps (5m high) at appropriate moisture content with proper vegetation.

Flora and Fauna Mine development and operations

Lignite transportation to end users.

Displacement of existing fauna.

Loss of vegetation

Adverse Besides plantation in the ML area, colony and reclamation of de-coaled area, there will be compensatory afforestation in much bigger area as per norms.

Renovation of ponds;

Construction of check dams and water holes;

Engagement of fire watchers;

Education and training etc.

Logistic support in form of equipment, Vehicles etc as required by the implementing DFO will be extended.

Occupational Health & Safety

Overall Mining operations

Occupational health problems due to dust & noise.

Accident probability due to slope failure, movement of

Adverse Adoption of dust suppression measures like spraying water, use of drill with dust collection system or wet drills etc.

Plantation

Avoid blasting during unfavorable wind & atmospheric conditions

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HEMM, handling of explosives

Use of personal protective equipment.

Compliance with DGMS circulars

Emergency response plan that includes installation of emergency response equipment to combat events such as fire. All personnel required to handle hazardous materials will be provided with personal protective equipment suitable for the hazardous material being handled.

On-site first aid facilities will be provided and employees will be extended to the local community in emergencies.

Socio-economic Aspects

Mining operations Increase in economic status of local people & in the region due to Increase in employment opportunities both direct and indirect.

Beneficial The project will provide ample opportunity to the local people for direct and in-direct employment. The proposed project may create opportunities for indirect employment in the field of vehicle hiring, labours, trading of construction materials, carpenters etc. The major areas which required immediate attention relates to infrastructure support, health & sanitation, Anganwadi services, school education, youth development, income generation activities & veterinary services.

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CHAPTER-11 DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANTS

11. DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANTS

This chapter presents the details the environmental consultants engaged, their

background and the brief description of the key personnel involved in the project.

11.1 INTRODUCTION

ABC Techno Labs India Private Limited is an ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & OHSAS 18001

Certified Company & leading Environmental Engineering & Consultancy Company. ABC

is the first firm to be accredited by NABET (National Accreditation Board for Education

and Training), Quality Council of India, as an EIA Consultant. ABC is equipped with in-

house, spacious laboratory, accredited by NABL (National Accreditation Board for

Testing & Calibration Laboratories), Department of Science & Technology, Government

of India and MoEFCC under Environmental Protection Act, 1986.

Since establishment our focus is on sustainable development of Industry and

Environment based on sound engineering practices, innovation, quality, R&D and most

important is satisfying customers need. The company has successfully completed more

than 100’s projects of variety of industries, in the field of pollution control. We are also

dealing in the projects of waste minimization and cleaner production technology. Our

team of technocrats and scientists are well experienced to deal with the Designing,

Manufacturing, Fabrication, Installation and Commissioning of Effluent/Wastewater

Treatment Plants, Sewage Treatment Plants, Combined Treatment Plants.

We are having a well experienced team of Scientists & Engineers who are looking after

our well equipped analytical laboratory with a facility including analysis of physical,

chemical and biological parameters as per the requirements of the State Pollution

Control Board and our clients.

Company Address:

ABC TECHNO LABS INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

No. 2, 2nd Street, Thangam Colony,

Anna Nagar West, Chennai 600 040

Tamil Nadu, India

Ph: + 91 44 2316 1123/24/25 Fax: +91 44 2626 3456

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11.2 QUALITY POLICY

Providing high quality consultancy services

Time bound completion of projects and submission of reports.

Employing competent engineers and scientists

Implementing the best available technology

Maintaining a good quality products and public relation practice

Continually improving the effectiveness of Quality Management System

11.3 SERVICES OFFERED

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

Social Impact Assessment (SIA)

Environmental Baseline data collection for Air, Meteorology, Noise, Water, Soil,

Ecology, Socio-Economic and Demography etc;

Environmental Monitoring

Socio Economic Studies

Resettlement & Rehabilitation Plan

Ecological & Human Health Risk Assessment Studies

Ecological Impact Assessment

Environmental Management Framework

Solid Waste Management

Hazardous Waste Management

Internship & Training

TURNKEY PROJECTS

Water Treatment Plants

Sewage Treatment Plant

Recycling & Water Conservation Systems

Zero Discharge System

Operation & Maintenance of Water & Waste Water Plants

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Water & Waste Water Treatment Chemicals

Pilot Plant studies

Feasibility studies & preparation of budgetary estimates

MULTILAB DIVISION

Chemical Testing

Environmental Testing

Microbiological Testing

Food Testing

Metallurgical testing

Mechanical Test

Chemical Testing

Corrosion Testing

11.4 SECTORS WE SERVE

Mining of Minerals including Opencast/Underground mining

Thermal Power Plants

Irrigation projects

Metallurgical Industries (Ferrous)

Cement Plants

Petroleum Refining Industries

Leather/Skin/hide processing Industries

Chemical fertilizers

Synthetic Organic Chemical Industries (dyes & dye intermediates; bulk drugs &

intermediates excluding drug formulation; Synthetic rubbers; basic organic

chemicals other synthetic organic chemicals and chemical intermediates)

Distilleries

Pulp and paper industry excluding manufacturing of paper from waste paper and

manufacture of paper from ready pulp without bleaching.

Isolated storage and handling of hazardous chemicals (As per threshold planning

quantity indicated in column 3of schedule 2 & 3 of MSIHU Rules 1989 amended

2000)

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Airports

Industrial Estates, Parks, Complexes, Export Processing Zones (EPZs), Special

Economic Zones (SEZs), Biotech Parks, Leather Complexes

Ports, harbours, Jetties, Marine terminals, break waters and dredging.

Highways, railways, transport terminals, mass rapid transport systems

Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs)

Common Municipal Solid Waste Management facility (CMSWMF)

Building & Large Construction Projects including Shopping malls, Multiplexes,

Commercial Complexes, Housing Estates, Hospitals and Institutions.

Townships & Area Development Projects

11.5 STUDY TEAM

The multidisciplinary team included expertise in Environmental Impact Assessment, Air

pollution & Control measures, Noise Control measures, Ecology and bio-diversity, Land

use, Geology, Environmental Chemistry and Socio-Economic planner.

The team members were:

SL.NO. NAME ROLE

1. Dr. Sanjay Raj EIA Coordinator - Overall coordination of EIA

study, report preparation, review and validation

2. Dr. R. K. Jayaseelan FAE - Land Use and Hydrology, ground water &

water conservation

3. Dr. Muthiah Mariappan FAE - Air pollution control, Solid waste &

Hazardous Management

4. Dr. N. Sukumaran FAE - Ecology & Bio-diversity

5. Mr. V. K. Gautam FAE - Meteorology, Air Quality Modeling &

Prediction

6. Mrs. Geetha

Shreeneevasakan

FAE - Socio-Economic Expert

7. Mr. R. Rajendran FAE - Noise, Air pollution control / Project in-

charge

8. Mr. M. Mohamed Assain Project Engineer - Preparation and

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Documentation/FAA Air pollution Control

9. Ms. P. Indu Junior Project Engineer - Preparation and

Documentation

10. Mr. M. Jaganath Junior Project Engineer - Preparation and

Documentation

11. Ms. M. Naveena Junior Project Engineer - Preparation and

Documentation

12. Mr. Robson Chinnadurai Senior Chemist - Environmental Monitoring

13. Mr. M. Muruganantham Junior Chemist - Environmental Monitoring

14. Ms. K. Narmatha Analyst & Environmental Chemist

15. Mr. Y. Venkateshwaralu Field Technician

16. Mr. Sathish Field Technician

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