EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF DRAFT EIA / EMP FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEARING OF THE PROPOSED CLUSTER OF GDK 1&3, 2&2A AND GDK 5 INCLINES UNDERGROUND COAL MINING PROJECTS NEAR JANGAON, SUNDILLA, MUSTYALA AND JALLARAM VILLAGES
RAMAGUNDAM & KAMANPUR MANDALS, KARIMNAGAR DISTRICT, A.P.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT (ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED AND QCI / NABET ACCREDITATED ORGANIZATION)
THE SINGARENI COLLIERIES COMPANY LIMITED (A Government Company)
KOTHAGUDEM - 507 101 (A.P.)
JULY 2013
CONTENTS 1.
Introduction---
1
2.
Description of Project ---
1
3.
Description of the environment---
5
4.
Alternatives
10
5.
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
11
6.
Environment Management Plan mental
14
7.
Environmental Monitoring Programme
14
8.
Additional Studies
15
9.
Project Benefits
15
10. Fund Provision for Environment Protection & Management
15
11. Mine Closure Plan
15
12. Conclusion
15
Executive Summary of Draft EIA / EMP of the proposed GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF DRAFT EIA / EMP OF THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF GDK 1&3, 2&2A AND GDK 5 INCLINES 1
INTRODUCTION
Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is the only coal producing company in southern India and is jointly owned by Government of India and Government of Andhra Pradesh. More than 80% of company’s coal production is being supplied to thermal power plants and balance coal is supplied to cement and other coal-based industries. In order to meet the production targets fixed by Ministry of Coal (MoC) for XII five year plan basing on increasing demand for coal from coal based industries and to compensate the production lost due to the closed mines, SCCL has formulated certain initiatives for increasing / maintaining the coal production.
-
Reconstruction of existing mines for optimum production by intermediate and high technology.
-
Enhancing the production capacity of existing mines by improving the utilization of equipment.
-
Opening of new mines in the adjoining / superjacent areas or seams for higher production.
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Adopting opencast methodology wherever possible for high rate of production. Thin seams which are not extracted by underground methods can be extracted with opencast method and it also yields high percentage of extraction.
-
Conversion of shallow underground workings to opencast method for extraction of balance coal reserves.
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Extension of the existing opencast workings to further dip side up to optimum level.
The present proposal is to enhance the coal production in the existing three under ground mines namely GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines from 1.154 MTPA to 1.734 MTPA in a mine take area of 1356.85 Ha. up to the maximum depth of 600 m. The balance extractable coal reserves in the proposed three underground coal mines are 54.16 MT. 2
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
2.1. Location of the project The mine take area of these three mines (GDK 1&3, GDK 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines) forms the northern part of Ramagundam Coal Belt falling in South Godavari Mining Block located in Ramagundam and Kamanpur Revenue mandals of Karimnagar district in Andhra Pradesh. The area is covered in Survey of India Topo Sheet No. 56 N/9 & N/10. 1
The Singareni Collieries Company Limited
Executive Summary of Draft EIA / EMP of the proposed GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines The longitude and latitude details are as given below. Location plan of the projects is enclosed as Annexure. Longitude / Latitude
GDK 1&3 Incline 0
0
GDK 2&2A Incline 0
GDK 5 Incline
0
18 44’42“-18 45’42” 18043’38“-18045’19”
North Latitudes
18 45’24“-18 46’53”
East Longitudes
79030’25” - 79032’29” 79031’15”-79032’38” 79031’19”-79033’14”
2.2. Nature of the Project The proposed expansion of Cluster of mines are aimed at extracting coal from underground through inclined tunnels without causing disturbance to the surface features lying over the property by adopting hydraulic sand stowing method by introducing intermediate technology with Side Discharge Loaders (SDLs) / Load Haul Dumpers (SDLs) in place of manual loading system in a phased manner 2.3. Size of the Project The proposed Cluster of GDK 1&3, GDK 2&2A and GDK 5 Incline project is planned for enhancement of production capacity of 1.154 MTPA to 1.734 MTPA and increasing the lease hold area from 1272.44 Ha to 1356.85 Ha. and the project is categorized as “A” as per the provisions 1(a) of schedule of the EIA Notification, 2006 vide SO 1533 dated 14.9.2006 and subsequent amendments vide SO 3067, dated 1.12.2009. The ToR was obtained for these Cluster of mines vide MoEF. Lr. No. J-11015/216/2012-IA.II(M) dated 14th December 2012. The salient features of the Cluster of mines are as given below.
2
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Executive Summary of Draft EIA / EMP of the proposed GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines
Sl. No 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
12.
13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27.
Item Name of the mine Proposed Place Name of the Organization Present Mining Method New / Expansion project Present Production Capacity Proposed Production Capacity Present Mine take area Proposed Mine take Area Category as per EIA Notification Land Requirement Forest Land Non Forest Land Land Acquisition Details Non Forest Land Acquired by SCCL Land to be acquired Geological Reserves of the block Geological reserves considered for UG mining Extractable Reserves by UG mining Reserves already extracted Balance Extractable Reserves Borehole density Workable Seams Gradient of seams Quality of Coal Main Consumers Mode of Transport outside ML Manpower Life of the life Capital Cost Involvement of R&R
GDK 1&3 Incline : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
GDK 2&2A Incline
GDK 5 Incline
GDK 1&3 Incline Jangaon S.C.Co. Limited Underground Mining Expansion Project 0.344 MTPA 0.486 MTPA 457.25 Ha 541.66 Ha “A”
GDK 2&2A Incline Sundilla, Jangaon S.C.Co. Limited Underground Mining Expansion Project 0.450 MTPA 0.648 MTPA 282.76 Ha 282.76 Ha “A”
GDK 5 Incline Jangaon, Musthyala Jallaram, Sundilla, S.C.Co. Limited Underground Mining Expansion Project 0.360 MTPA 0.600 MTPA 532.43 Ha 532.43 Ha “A”
Nil 541.66 Ha
Nil 282.76 Ha
Nil 532.43 Ha
541.66 Ha Nil 386.42 MT 317.87 MT 108.08 MT 53.90 MT 23.61 MT 12.4 BH/Sq. Km I, II, III & IV 1 in 4 G2 & G9 Basket Linkage Road and Rail 1554 65 Years Rs. 175.00 Lakhs Nil
282.76 Ha Nil
532.43 Ha Nil
11.34 MT 12.4 BH/Sq. Km I, II, III & IV 1 in 3 to 1 in 4 G7 & G9 Basket Linkage Road and Rail 1930 21 Years Rs. 41.00 Lakhs Nil
19.21 MT 12.4 BH/Sq. Km III & IV 1 in 5 to 1 in 5.5 G7 Basket Linkage Road and Rail 1371 38 Years Rs. 34.00 Lakhs Nil
3
The Singareni Collieries Company Limited
Executive Summary of Draft EIA / EMP of the proposed GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines 2.4. Land use of the acquired land: The total mine take area of the proposed mines is 1356.85 Ha. No Forest land is involved in these Cluster mines. The total land acquired in these Cluster mines is 843.39 Ha., for establishing the required surface infrastructure. Land use of acquired land for various activities of the projects Sl. No.
Land Use details of Acquired Land
(Figures in Ha.)
GDK
GDK
GDK
1 & 3 Incs.
2 & 2A Incs.
5 Inc.
Total
1.
Pit head infrastructure
4.32
4.87
6.05
15.24
2.
Workshop, MVTC, Stores, CHP, etc.
5.60
6.27
0.67
12.54
3.
Approach Roads
12.24
5.88
18.34
36.46
4.
Township/ colony
6.00
0.00
0.00
6
5.
Sand Stock Yard and stowing bunker
22.60
20.50
47.43
90.53
6.
Existing Plantation
62.71
107.45
128.60
298.76
7.
Plantation proposed
27.20
14.75
205.12
247.07
8.
Any other (pl.specify)
0
Area vacant in patches
44.23
42.24
34.68
121.15
Grave yard (s)
2.00
--
3.00
5
Sammakka jathara yard /idga yard
8.64
--
2.00
10.64
195.54
201.96
445.89
843.39
Land use SCCL Acquired Land
2.5. Description of underground mining The following activities are involved in the extraction of coal in the proposed underground mine.
- Bord and Pillar method with semi-mechanization is proposed to be adopted in place existing hand section mining.
- Inclines have already been driven from surface up to the coal seams, galleries are driven at regular intervals from level galleries and inter connection will be made to form pillars
- Drilling and blasting is being done as per DGMS guidelines and panels are being extracted using Side Discharge Loaders (SDLs) / LHDs
- Coal produced is being loaded in to the tubs and hauled to mine surface by using set of haulers including direct hauler installed at surface
- The coal reaching the surface is being transported to centralized CHP for discharge to consumers through road / rail transport. After the completion of development, depillaring operations will be done in seams one after the other in descending order. All the mining operations is being carried out as per the statutory provisions of Mines Act for the safety, health and welfare of the employees working in the mine. Conditions as stipulated by Ministry of Environment and Forests
4
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Executive Summary of Draft EIA / EMP of the proposed GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines (MoEF) and Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) in the process of according Environmental Clearance will be implemented in the proposed mines. 3
DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT
Detailed baseline environmental studies have been conducted through EPTRI, Hyderabad during summer 2012 (March - May 2012) to assess the environmental status in respect of air, water, noise, land and soil quality in core zone and buffer zone (i.e. 10 Km radius study area) of the Cluster of mines. The environmental baseline data conforms to the requirement of EIA Notification, 2006 vide S.O. 1533, on 14.09.2006 and subsequent amendments vide S.O. 3067, dated 1.12.2009 and MoEF issued ToR for EIA / EMP preparation on 14th December 2012. 3.1
Physical Resources
The block area of Cluster of mines i.e, GDK 1&3 Incline, GDK 2&2A Incline and GDK 5 Incline mines are gently sloping towards north and north east with minor undulations. The slope is about 8 m/km. The area is underlain by sandy soil cover ranging in thickness from 1.5 to 4.6 m. and at places it is up to 7.0 m. The topographic elevation varies from 156 m to 131 m above mean sea level dipping towards north and north east i.e. towards Godavari River. The drainage is affected by Godavari River supplemented by seasonal nallahs. Ramagundam area is of gently undulating terrain, dotted with hillocks and intervening sand patches. The average elevation of this area varies from 123 m. above MSL on the northeastern side to 170 m. above MSL on the southwestern side, with a gentle slope towards Godavari River in the northeast. The hilly region on the southwestern side is of beveled cuesta type with intervening depressions. Along the Godavari River, the area is periodically flooded. It is a well drained flood plain of thick un-consolidated alluvium. The mines are mostly of plain terrain. Drainage of Core Zone: GDK 1&3 Incline: River Godavari flows along East – West direction and is situated towards North side of the property. Highest Flood Level (HFL) of the same, recorded in the year 1995, was 835.95m. The RL of the pit mouth of GDK 1 Incline is 852.885 m and GDK 3 Incline is 850.008. Over the property of the GDK 1 Incline, one Jangaon Tank exists at the dip side of the property, below which workings are situated at a depth of 350 m. A seasonal nallah flows along south side of the property where the depth of the working would be more. A surface drain exists beside GDK 1 Incline office, through which excess water of mine discharge flows.
5
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Executive Summary of Draft EIA / EMP of the proposed GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines GDK 2&2A Incline: The area is mostly plain with gentle slope towards East. The ground elevation with reference to MSL varies from 138.28m to 154 m with an average slope of 6m/km. The surface drainage of the mine take area is affected by a nallah running along the raise side boundary and southern boundary of the property joining into Sundilla tank situated on the dip side property. The size of the nallah was 3 m to 12 m wide x 3 m to 6 m depth. The HFL of the nallah was 145.9m. Against this nallah, an embankment was provided about 1.2 KM length having 3 m width at the top and 14 m width at the bottom. The top RL of the bund is 148.0 m. The nallah flows at a minimum distance of 150 m from mine entries. The entries of the mine are 5 m higher than HFL. This Sundilla tank at south eastern side of the of the property is of the size 600 m in length x 300 m in width x 1 m in depth. Against this tank, an embankment has been provided having 3 m wide x 2 m height with top of the RL of 843.92 m. The water overflows towards out side of the mine area along dip side mine boundary and joins at Jangaon tank which is 1KM away from the mine boundary. GDK 5 Incline: The surface drainage of the mine take area is affected by three small nallahs. All the mine entries are 5 m higher than HFL of these nallahs. -
Nallah No.1 is flowing over the rise side boundary barrier of GDK No. 5 Incline & GDK No. 6 Incline on south east direction.
-
Nallah No. 2 is flowing between 26 Dip - 28 Dip and 10L - 37L of 4 Seam in North East direction and merged in Nallah No.4.
-
Nallah No.4 is flowing over the dip side boundary barrier of GDK 5 Incline and GDK 2 Incline on south east direction.
Drainage of Buffer Zone: The study area is well drained by Godavari River and its perennial tributaries like Bokkala vagu and Jallaram vagu. The drainage of this area is of dendritic type, flowing south easterly and easterly. The highest flood level of Godavari River is 136.7 m above MSL. Meteorology (Climate) The climate of the region is characterized as tropical. A distinct hot summer from March to May with occasional dust storms, a good monsoon between June and September and a fair weather with variable winds from October to November and a pleasant winter from December to February, characterize the climate of the region. Rainfall Rainfall data being monitored at Ramagundam gauging station for last 39 years (19742012) was analysed. During this period, the annual rainfall varies from 621.1 mm (2004) The Singareni Collieries Company Limited 6
Executive Summary of Draft EIA / EMP of the proposed GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines to 1697.3 mm (1983), with a mean of 1096.97 mm. The maximum monthly rainfall is 707.2 mm (July 1988). 3.2
Air Environment
Different air pollution parameters like Particulate Matters less than 10µ (PM10), Particulate Matter less than 2.5µ (PM2.5), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Oxides have been identified as critical parameters relating to project activities for representing baseline status of ambient air quality within the study area in accordance with the Terms of Reference (ToR) issued by MoEF. To assess the base line ambient air quality, twelve air quality monitoring locations were selected covering core and buffer zone of the Cluster of GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines within 10 Km. radius of study area. Air Quality Status in Core Zone: Ambient air quality for the core zones shows that PM10 concentration varied from 96 µg/m3 to 127 µg/m3 with a mean of 117 µg/m3.
PM2.5 concentration varied from 50.30
µg/m3 to 73.20 µg/m3 with a mean of 63.60 µg/m3. The NOx and SO2 concentration varies from 15.00 µg/m3 to 22.30 µg/m3 and 11.20 µg/m3 to 16.60 µg/m3 respectively. All the values are found within prescribed limit as per Ambient Air Quality Standards prescribed by MoEF for Coal Mines. Air Quality Status in Buffer Zone: The concentration of PM10 varied from 61 µg/m3 to 88 µg/m3 and the maximum concentration of 88 µg/m3 recorded at Jangaon village. The PM2.5 concentration varied from 28.4 µg/m3 to 47.4 µg/m3 and the maximum concentration of 47.4 µg/m3 recorded at Jangaon village. The SO2 and NOx concentration varies from 10.50 µg/m3 to 16.70 µg/m3 and 13.20 µg/m3 to 20.30 µg/m3 respectively. All the values are found within prescribed limit as per Ambient Air Quality Standards prescribed by MoEF for Coal Mines and National Ambient Air Quality Standards. 3.3
Mineralogical Composition
The mineralogical composition for the Particulate Matter size less than 10 µ collected at all air quality monitoring locations (one sample per location, which was based on maximum PM concentration) within the 10 Km radius of the study area and analyzed as per standards. The samples were analyzed for Chromium, Iron, Nickel, Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, Lead, Cupper, Zinc and it is found that there are no harmful heavy metals present in the particulate matter.
7
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Executive Summary of Draft EIA / EMP of the proposed GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines 3.4
Water Environment
The major water source in the area is Tanks and Ground water. The impact of the proposed project on the water environment is assessed by studying the water quality of ground water and surface water bodies sources with in the study area. The sampling stations were identified considering the proximity to project site and its effect on the water quality. A total of eleven water samples i.e. five samples from surface water sources, three samples from ground water sources and three samples from mines discharge were collected and analyzed for various physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters. The water quality results were compared with the standards of ground water quality with IS: 10500 and Surface water quality with ISO: 2296, 1982 & CPCB water quality criteria Surface Water Quality From the results it can be seen that, pH values were found to be in the range between 6.9 to 8.6. The least pH value of 6.9 was found to be at Nalla Cheruvu and highest pH value of 8.6 was observed at Godavari River Downstream. Colour, Nitrates, Fluoride concentrations were well within the tolerance limits. The TDS concentrations were within the tolerance limit of 1500 mg/L, except for the sample collected at Nalla Cheruvu where it was observed above the permissible limits. The chloride & sulphates concentrations were within the tolerance limit of 600 mg/L and 400 mg/L respectively, except for the sample collected at SW3, where it was observed above the permissible limits. The concentrations of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni) and Lead (Pb) were found to be below their detection limits. The concentrations of Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) were below the stipulated standards at all the surface water locations. Total coli forms and fecal coli forms were present in all the surface water samples collected in the study area. E.coli was present in surface water samples collected at all the locations except at SW-4, where it was found to be <1.8. The presence of coli forms indicates that the contamination might be due to the runoff water with bacteria in soil or sewage. Fecal coli forms and E.Coli might be due to animal droppings or human fecal contamination. Ground Water Quality From the results it can be seen that, pH values were in the range between 6.7 to 7.5 in the groundwater samples collected within the study area and found to be well within the range of 6.5 to 8.5. The turbidity concentrations were well within the desirable limits. Total alkalinity, Chlorides and Nitrates concentrations were well within permissible limits 600mg/L, 1000 mg/L and 100 mg/L respectively. 8
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Executive Summary of Draft EIA / EMP of the proposed GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines From the analytical results, it is seen that the water samples collected from the locations requires suitable treatment to make them potable. For all the groundwater samples both TDS and Total hardness were found to be above the desirable limits. Under natural condition, the composition of ground water depends on the composition of rainwater, soil strata and aquifer materials and changes with time and space. Rainwater harvesting could ease the situation considerably as enabling more percolation or infiltration of rainwater, TDS levels could be reduced. 3.5
Noise Levels
A detailed survey on noise environment was carried in and around the Cluster mines to study the hourly equivalent noise levels. Noise levels were measured for 24 hours on hourly basis by using a High precision Sound Level Meter at five locations within the study area. Average Leq values have been recorded at each location for every hour both during day and night time. It is observed that the noise levels during day time and night time in the core as well as in buffer zone of the proposed Cluster project are within the stipulated standards. 3.6
Land Environment
Core Zone For the analysis of land use & land cover in the study area of the proposed Cluster of UG mines, satellite data of IRS P VI Satellite Liss III (buffer zone for both Kharif & Rabi seasons) & IRS R2 Satellite Liss -IV (Core Zone) has been utilized. The extent of various land use land cover classes under respective classes are, Built up land of 69.23 Ha (5.1%), Agriculture land of 531.87 Ha (39.19%), Water bodies of 42.14 Ha (3.11%), Waste land of 670.04 Ha (49.39%) and Others 43.57 Ha (3.21%). Buffer Zone (10 KM) For the analysis of land use & land cover in the study area of the study area, the IRS PVI Liss III Multidated (Kharif and Rabi) satellite data has been used. The extent of various land use land cover classes under respective classes are, Built up land of 3801.16 Ha (8.0%), Agriculture land of 26828.85 Ha (56.5%), Forest land of 2828.5 Ha. (5.95%), Water bodies of 4130.07 Ha (8.7%), Waste land of 6814.66 Ha (14.35%) and Others 3087.69 Ha (6.5%). Within 3 km of the Buffer Zone The extent of various land use land cover classes under respective classes are, Built up land of 1215.74 Ha (13.47%), Agriculture land of 5066.17 Ha (56.13%), Water bodies of 841.56 Ha (9.32%), Waste land of 1347.28 Ha (14.92%) and Others 554.76 Ha (6.16%). The Singareni Collieries Company Limited 9
Executive Summary of Draft EIA / EMP of the proposed GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines With 5 km of the Buffer Zone The extent of various land use land cover classes under respective classes are, Built up land of 1984.13 Ha (11.65%), Agriculture land of 9425.72 Ha (55.34%), Water bodies of 1591.66 Ha (9.34%), Waste land of 2770.11 Ha (16.26%) and Others 1260.78 Ha (7.41%). 3.7
Soil Quality
To assess impact of the mining on soil in and around cluster mines site and the effect on agricultural field, baseline soil quality of the area has been evaluated with respect to physical and chemical parameters for seven soil samples in the study area. pH is an important parameter which indicates the alkaline or acidic nature of soil. Soil of all the villages of the study area are slightly acidic to strongly alkaline in nature having pH in the range of 6.4 to 8.5. This pH range is low to moderately suitable for growth of plants. 3.8
Biological Environment
The primary scope of the present study is to conduct a rapid floral and faunal appraisal and examine the impacts of expansion of Cluster of three underground mines on biological (terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna) and surrounding ecology. Detailed biological studies have been carried out for the core zone / area (mine lease area) and buffer zone / area (10 Km radius from the periphery of proposed mines). It has been noticed there are no endangered or endemic species present in the study area of the project. 3.9
Socio-Economic Environment
The proposed Cluster of GDK 1&3, 2&2A & 5 Incline mines is surrounded by 49 villages within 10 km radius. The socio economic aspects, demographic structure, economic and livelihood pattern of the 49 villages was analysed based on the secondary data. Primary data has been generated by adapting a simple random sampling method. Out of 49 villages, 10 villages are identified which have maximum number of households. Within these villages, 6% of households was taken randomly and attained the sample size of 200 households. As the area is well developed and mining is being carried in this area from quite long time, infrastructure, quality of life, other social factors are found good. 4
ALTERNATIVES
Coal mining is site specific in nature and the present proposal is for enhancement of coal production from the existing cluster of underground mines namely GDK 1&3 Incline, GDK 10
The Singareni Collieries Company Limited
Executive Summary of Draft EIA / EMP of the proposed GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines 2&2A Incline and GDK 5 Incline mines from 1.154 MTPA to 1.734 MTPA in the existing South Godavari Mining Lease. The total mine take area of the proposed Cluster of GDK 1&3 Incline, GDK 2&2A Incline and GDK 5 Incline mines is 1356.85 Ha. 5
ANTICPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
The section summarizes the pollution potential of the proposed project, its possible impacts on the surrounding environment during pre-operational and operational phases and the necessary management actions proposed for control and abatement of pollution. 5.1 Impact due to Air Pollution and its Management The dust pollution control measures that being taken are more as preventive measures because the generation or emission is not through stacks but from various mining activities. The following measures are being taken in this regard. −
Effective water spraying arrangements in underground working places as well as at coal loading bunkers at pithead on surface.
−
Water spraying arrangements are being made by suitable means at underground haulage roadways, junctions and other transfer points
−
Enclosures at coal transfer points.
−
Water spraying arrangement along coal transport route within the mine premises.
−
Clearing off coal dust heaps on surface.
−
Black topping of permanent coal transport route.
−
Watering of roads at regular intervals
−
Plantation within the mine premises and also along coal transport route
−
Proper periodic maintenance of vehicles, etc.
−
Covering the trucks with tarpaulin while transporting coal.
−
The underground workings of the mine are being well ventilated by adequate ventilation arrangements. The requirements and standards specified in this regard by Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS) would be adhered to.
5.2
Impact on Water Environment
Seepage of ground water is incidental to mining. The seepage water is being utilised for industrial purposes such as dust suppression, plantation, fire fighting etc. Excess water is being discharged onto land that ultimately gets into nearby streams and not having any impact except for TSS & TDS. Other properties of water by and large remain unchanged.
11
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Executive Summary of Draft EIA / EMP of the proposed GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines Presently, treatment of mine discharge water is being done in settling tanks to remove suspended solids and the same is being let out in to the natural drainage. Some of the control measures that are being taken for controlling water pollution are as follows: − The mine discharge water, which may contain coal fines, needs sedimentation, before discharge into the natural water course / open land. The treatment facilities such as sedimentation, filtration and chlorination are being provided for mine discharge, so as to conform to the effluent standards as prescribed by MoEF. − The effluents from service building are being collected by a sewerage system and treatment by means of septic tanks and soak pits is proposed. There will not be any impact as the treated sewage is discharged after treatment. − Sewage is being treated in septic tank followed by soak pit for existing townships in RG - I Area. Based on the hydro geological studies using Groundwater Estimation Committee (GEC) 1997, it is revealed that, the present stage of ground water development within 10 km distance from the edge area around GDK1&3, GDK 2 & 2A and GDK 5 inclines cluster mines is 84.79%. The trend of the phreatic surface in this area is showing marginal decline. Based on this data, this area is categorised as “Semi Critical”. Hence, it is proposed to take up ground water recharge measures in the area for bringing back the stage of ground water development to the safe category. For this, suitable water conservation measures and artificial ground water recharge methods will be taken up in consultation with A.P. State Ground Water Department. 5.3
Impact due to Noise Pollution and its Management
The existing equivalent noise level in the existing mines core zone are in the range of 62.32 dB(A) - 65.82 dB(A) during day time and 50.21 dB(A) - 54.56 at night which are well within the stipulated standards. The anticipated noise levels are based on the prevailing noise levels measured at the mine site. As the mining operations are carried out in underground, there is no significant impact on the existing noise levels. The only increase in noise levels could be due to coal dispatch arrangements and surface mine ventilation fan and the same is being abated by developing a green belt around the fan house and the mine site. Hence, there will not be any persistent impact on the surrounding environment due to noise. As the mining operations are being carried out in underground, there is no impact due to blasting and vibrations. 12
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Executive Summary of Draft EIA / EMP of the proposed GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines The following noise control measures are being taken in the cluster of GDK mines for mitigating noise pollution. − The main mechanical ventilators (MV Fans) have been provided with evasee for dampening noise. − Height of fall is minimized at all coal transfer points and internal lining of bins and chutes. − In the high noise intensity working areas / zones earmuffs or earplugs or any other suitable personal protective equipment is being provided to the workmen. − Regular noise level monitoring is being done periodically for taking corrective action, wherever required. − Management of manpower working in high noise level areas such that the assignment is distributed amongst more persons thereby reducing individual exposure to high noise level to fewer hours in a shift and maintaining equivalent noise level exposure a shift to acceptable limit. − Extensive green belt development along the roads and around the offices to create a barrier or screen between the source and the receiver so that the noise is absorbed and the exposure level is minimized. It is therefore expected that the exposure level will be within the permissible limits with these measures even after expansion of Cluster of UG mines. 5.4
Impact on land and its management
The mine take area of the proposed mine is 1356.85 Ha. which is completely non forest land. As the mining operations are being carried out below ground, the initial land required for establishing the pit-head infrastructure and others has already been acquired and established. Hydraulic sand stowing is proposed for extraction of seams because of complexity of the seams structure and to protect the surface features like Jangaon village, Sundilla and Jangaon tanks etc. The size of the panels is designed keeping in view of the stowing operations. Subsidence prediction studies using 3D numerical modelling for the three mines were carried out by Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. IT - BHU, Varanasi has not suggested any subsidence management as the maximum tensile strain caused due to subsidence is below 10 mm/m through out the life of the cluster of mines.
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The Singareni Collieries Company Limited
Executive Summary of Draft EIA / EMP of the proposed GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines 5.5
Solid Waste and its Management
As these three underground mines are operating mines, no further solid waste will be generated during drivage of tunnels and air shaft sinking which were already completed. However, solid waste generated during inter seam tunnelling and bottom blasting for during track laying will be used for underground track ballasting, levelling of the uneven floors and strengthening of surface bank head. Further, the rejects from mines and GDK 1 CHP is being used for laying road, filling of cracks developed due to subsidence and pitching of embankments etc. 5.6
Impact on Socio Economic Environment
No Rehabilitation and resettlement is involved in this mine. The proposed enhancement of production from the Cluster of underground mines can have beneficial impact on socioeconomic front. The proposed expansion of mining activities in the cluster mines also can bring to them further facilities like secondary employment, increase in existing medical and communication facilities etc. A common central township is provided on non-coal bearing area with facilities like dispensary, schools, recreation clubs, well-lighted internal roads, drinking water supply, sewerage system and dustbins etc. 6 ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN Environment Management Plan (EMP) aims at the preservation of ecological system by considering in-built pollution abatement facilities at the proposed site. Mitigation measures at the source level and an overall environment management plan at the study area are elicited so as to improve the supportive capacity of the receiving bodies. The EMP aims at controlling pollution at the source level to the possible extent with the available and affordable technology followed by treatment before they are discharged. Environmental monitoring programme has been prepared for the proposed expansion of Cluster mines for assessing the efficacy of implementation of Environment Management Plan and to take corrective measures in case of any degradation in the surrounding environment. 7
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME:
Post-project environmental monitoring programme has been envisaged for the project to monitor the impact of coal mining operations on various environmental attributes. Air quality, water quality, noise levels, ground water levels will be periodically monitored in compliance to the conditions stipulated by APPCB and MoEF and necessary mitigation measures will be taken as and when necessary.
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The Singareni Collieries Company Limited
Executive Summary of Draft EIA / EMP of the proposed GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines 8 ADDITIONAL STUDIES The effect of subsidence on the various surface features due to the proposed mining operations has been studied by IT - BHU, Varanasi. After considering the geo mining parameters, it has been proposed to extract the panels by Bord & Pillar method with semi mechanization with hydraulic sand stowing. Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan No rehabilitation and resettlement is involved in these Cluster of mines. 9 PROJECT BENEFITS - Indirect
employment
opportunities
to
local
people
and
improvement
in
communication, education, community development and medical facilities. - The project will help in socio-economic development of the area and also the state - The project helps in further development of infrastructure facilities 10
FUND PROVISION FOR ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT
In order to implement the environmental protection measures, an amount of Rs. 125.00 lakhs is provided in capital cost. 11
MINE CLOSURE PLAN
Mining being a temporary venture must be closed after exhaustion of the minerals being exploited. Closing a mine without adequate planning of post mining activities may induce severe negative impacts on environment in the post closure stage. Closing of mining operations involves numerous issues like reclamation and environmental protection, community issues, socio-economic consideration, planning for alternate use of available facilities, cost estimation and asset disposal. The total mine closure cost for the cluster mines mine is estimated at Rs. 6421.77 Lakhs. 12
CONCLUSION
The industrial and economic growth of India depends to a large extent on coal, which is the prime source of energy. Our requirement of coal has greatly increased as we progress from one five-year plan to another. The demand of coal on SCCL by the end of XII Plan is around 79.69 MTPA. The major requirement will come from the power sector. The balance coal is required for other industries like Cement, Sponge iron etc. As a strategy of SCCL for maintaining / increasing the coal production, the present proposal is made for enhancing the production from the existing underground mines. The industrial development and consequent economic development should lead to improvement of environment through better living and greater social awareness. As 15
The Singareni Collieries Company Limited
Executive Summary of Draft EIA / EMP of the proposed GDK 1&3, 2&2A and GDK 5 Inclines mining cannot be stopped unless we want to revert back to medieval ages, solution lies in advanced planning and environmental management and protection as a part and parcel of the mining system. From the detailed analysis of the environmental impacts and the remedial measures proposed, it can be concluded that no significant deterioration in the eco-system is likely to occur due to the proposed underground mine. On the other hand, this project is likely to have several benefits like improvement in indirect employment generation and economic growth of the area, by way of improved infrastructure facilities and better socioeconomic conditions. *****
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The Singareni Collieries Company Limited
