ASSIGNMENT NO - 02

SUBMITTED BY-
NAME – NITPREET RANDHAWA
REGD NO. – 1830551
TRADE – GME B(C,D)
SUBJECT – ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSEMENT
SUBJECT CODE- CHO-714
DEPARTMENT- MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

SUBMITTED TO –
DR. DEV KUMAR MANDAL
 Baseline environmental status
 Land Use Studies
Studies on land use aspects of eco-system play important roles for identifying sensitive issues, if any
and taking appropriate actions for maintaining the ecological balance in the development of the region.
 Objectives
The objectives of land use studies are:
To determine the present land use pattern;
To analyze the impacts on land use pattern due to the mining and industrial activities in the study area;
and
To give recommendations for optimizing the future land use pattern in light of increasing industrial
activities in the study area and its associated impacts.
 Methodology
 For the study of land use, literature review of various secondary sources such as District Census
Handbooks, regional maps regarding topography, zoning settlement, industry, forest etc., were taken.
The data was collected from various sources like District Census Handbook, Revenue records, state
and central government offices and Survey of India (SOI) Top sheets and also through primary field
surveys.
 Forest
The revenue forestland under the study area consists of 1115-ha (4.1 %) of the total
geographical area.
 Land under Cultivation
A total of about 15899-ha area is under cultivation during 2001 census, out ot which about
12199-ha area is cultivated without irrigational facilities and the remaining 3700-ha cultivated
land is irrigated by source.
 Cultivable Waste
About 6501-ha area is categorized as cultivable waste land. This amount to 24.0% of the total
study area.
 Land not available for Cultivation
The land not available for cultivation in 10-km radius is about 3593 ha, which is about 13.3% of
the total study area.
 Land use-Pattern based on Remote Sensing Data
Remote sensing satellite imageries were collected and interpreted for the 10-km radius study
area for analyzing the land use pattern of the study area. Based on the satellite data land use/
land cover maps have been prepared.
 Land use/Land Cover Classification System
The present land use / land cover maps were prepared based on the classification system of
National standards.
 Data Requirements
IRS-P6 Geo-Coded FCC on 1:1,55,000 scale of LISS-III was acquired for 10 lh January,
2008 and was used for the mapping and interpretation. Besides, other collateral data as
available in the form of maps, charts, census records, other reports and especially
topographical survey of India maps are used. In addition to this, ground truth survey
was also conducted to verify and confirm the ground features.
 Methodology
The methodology adopted for preparation of land use/ land cover thematic map is
monoscopic visual interpretation of geocoded scenes of IRS-P6 satellite LISS-III and
field observations are taken. The various steps involved in the study are preparatory
field work, field survey and post field work.
 A Pre-field Interpretation of Satellite Data
The False Color Composite (FCC) of IRS-P6 satellite data at 1:1,55,000 scale are used
for pre-field interpretation work. Taking the help of topo-sheets, geology,
geomorphology and by using the image elements the features are identified and
delineated the boundaries roughly. Each feature is identified on image by their image
elements like tone, texture, colour, shape, size, pattern and association. A tentative
legend in terms of land cover and land use, physiography and erosion was formulated.
The sample areas for field check are selected covering all the physiographic, land
use/land cover feature cum image characteristics.
 Ground Truth Collection
Both topo-sheets and imagery were taken for field verification and a transverse plan using existing road
network was made to cover as many representative sample areas as possible to observe the broad
land use features and to adjust the sample areas according to field conditions. Detailed field
observations and investigations were carried out and noted the land use features on the imagery.
 Post Field Work
The base maps of the study area were prepared, with the help of Survey of India Topo-sheets.
Preliminary interpreted land use and the land cover features boundaries from IRS-P6 False Colour
Composite were modified in light of field information and the final thematic details were transferred onto
the base maps. The final interpreted and classified thematic map was catrographed. The cartographic
map was colored with standard colour coding and detailed description of feature with standard
symbols. All the classes noted and marked by the standard legend on the map.
 .Final Output
The final output would be the land use/land cover map on 1:1,55,000 scale, numerals were given
different colour code for each category as shown in map. Area estimation of all features of Land
use/Land cover categories was noted.
 Hydrology
Physiography of Gopad river basin
Gopad river is flowing at a distance of more than 0.5-km from the site. This river is one of the main
tributaries of the Son river, emerges from the hills on the north of Sonhat plateau in Sarguja district of
Chhattisgarh. Gopad river is joined by Goinl and Neur rivers. The other main tributaries of Gopad river
are Sehra, Kandas, Dunna, Basahra (in buffer zone) and the Mohan during its course through Sidhi
district. Gopad river meets Son near Bardi which joins the Ganges after a long journey.
The buffer zone falls under Gopad watershed (Code SO-12) of the Son sub basin as per Central
Ground Water Board classification. The drainage is mostly towards north and north east and has a
dendritic pattern. Due to high rainfall and loamy soil, the drainage intensity is high.
The general elevation of land ranges from 332 to 344-m above mean sea level. The land is highly
undulating with dense forest hills to flat land with occasional low raised but weathered outcrops of
sedimentary & metamorphics. Soils are mostly loamy in character.
 Soil Characteristics
It is essential to determine the potential of soil in the area and identify the impacts of urbanization and industrialization on soil quality.
Accordingly, a study of assessment of the soil quality has been carried out.
 Data Generation
For studying soil profile of the region, sampling locations were selected to assess the existing soil conditions in and around the mining
lease area representing various land use conditions. The physical, chemical and heavy metal concentrations were determined. The
samples were collected by ramming a corecutter into the soil upto a depth of 90 cm. A total of ten samples within the study area were
collected and analyzed.
 Air Quality
The ambient air quality with respect to the study zone of 10-km radius around the existing mining lease area forms the baseline
information. The area is not industrialized and the major source of air pollution in the region is domestic activities and rural conditions.
The prime objective of the baseline air quality study was to assess 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 mining operations. The study area represents mostly
rural/residential environment.
 Methodology adopted for Air Quality Survey :- 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 program has been based on the following considerations:
Meteorological conditions on synoptic scale;
Topography of the study area;
Representatives of regional background air quality for obtaining baseline status; and
Representatives of likely impact areas.
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (AAQM) stations were set up at eight locations with due consideration to the above mentioned points.
 Water Quality
Selected water quality parameters of ground water and surface water resources
within 10-km radius of the study area has been studied for assessing the water
environment and evaluate anticipated impact of the proposed plant operations.
Understanding the water quality is essential in preparation of Environmental Impact
Assessment and to identify critical issues with a view to suggest appropriate
mitigation measures for implementation.
 The purpose of this study is to:
1. Assess the water quality characteristics for critical parameters; and
2. Predict the impact of water quality by these mining and related activities.
The information required has been collected through primary surveys and secondary
sources.
Five groundwater sources and five surface water sources covering 10-km radial
distance were examined for physico-chemical, heavy metals and bacteriological
parameters.
The samples were collected and analysed once during the study period. The
samples were analyzed as per the procedures specified in 'Standard Methods for
 Surface Water Quality
The results for the surface water samples analysed are presented and are
compared with the standards of IS-2296.
• The pH of the water samples collected ranges from 6.9 to 7.6 the maximum pH of
7.6 was observed at SW3 and minimum 6.9 was observed at SW5.
• The conductivity was found to be in the range of 80 and 205 μS/cm. Maximum
conductivity of 80 μS/cm was observed at SW3 and minimum conductivity was
observed at SW1.
• Dissolved Oxygen was observed to be in the range of 6.0 to 6.4 mg/I.
• Total hardness was observed to be in the range of 28 and 76 mg/I. The maximum
value of total hardness 76 mg/I was observed at SW3 and minimum value of total
hardness 28 mg/I was observed at SW1.
• Total alkalinity value was observed to be 26 to 96 mg/I. The maximum value of
total alkalinity 96 mg/I was observed at SW3 and minimum value of 26 mg/I was
observed at SW1.
• Heavy metal concentrations were observed to be well within the prescribed
limits.
 Noise Level Survey
The physical description of sound concerns its loudness as a function of frequency.
Noise in general is sound which is composed of many frequency components of
various types of loudness distributed over the audible frequency range. Various
noise scales have been introduced to describe, in a single number, the response of
an average human to a complex sound made up of various frequencies at different
loudness levels. The most common and universally accepted scale is the A
weighted Scale which is measured as dB (A). This is more suitable for audible range
of 20 to 20,000 Hz. The scale has been designed to weigh various components of
noise according to the response of a human ear.
 The impact of noise sources on surrounding community depends on:
• Characteristics of noise sources (instantaneous, intermittent or continuous in
nature). It can be observed that steady noise is not as annoying as one which is
continuously varying in loudness;
• The time of day at which noise occurs, for example high noise levels at night in
residential areas are not acceptable because of sleep disturbance; and
• The location of the noise source, with respect to noise sensitive landuse, which
determines the loudness and period of exposure.
 Flora and Fauna Studies
 Introduction
An ecological survey of the study area was conducted particularly with reference to
the listing of species and assessment of the existing baseline ecological (Terrestrial
and Aquatic ecosystem) conditions In the study area.
 Objectives of Ecological Studies
The present study was undertaken with the following objectives:
 To assess the nature and distribution of vegetation in and around the project site;
 To assess the distribution of animal life spectra; and
 To ascertain migratory routes of fauna and possibility of breeding grounds.
 Methodology Adopted for the Survey
To achieve the above objectives a detailed study of the area was undertaken in 15- km
radius area with the proposed project site. The different methods adopted were as
follows:
 Compilation of secondary data with respect to the study area from published
literature and Government agencies;
 Generation of primary data by undertaking systematic ecological studies in the area;
 Summary
Phytosociological studies were conducted during summer at various locations such
as forest areas and near village areas to assess phtosociological structure in the
study. Dominance of Tectona grandis, Terminalia tomentosa, Adina cordi folia,
Bambusa arundanacea, Ceiba pentandra, Cassia tora, Eupatonum odarattum,
Parthinium hystreophorus, Blumea for woody and herbal populations plant site and
forest areas in Tikari forest block areas. Tikari Reserved forest area occupies a
major portion of the study area and comprises of Tectona grandis, Bambusa
arundanacia, Terminalia tomentosa, Ceiba pentandra, Gmelina arbórea etc. Primary
survey studies were conducted and identified about 80 animal species during study
period. 42 birds, 7 reptiles, 10 butterflies, 2 amphibians and 19 mammals were
recorded/observed during study period and major animal species restricted only
Tikari reserved forest areas.
 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
 Introduction
The mitigation measures proposed for minimizing the impacts have also been discussed in this chapter.
Environment Management Plan (EMP) is developed to minimize adverse impacts and to ensure that the
environment in and around the project site is well protected. The EMP has been prepared for both
construction and operation phases of the proposed facilities.
The impacts have been assessed for the power plant assuming that the pollution due to the existing
activities has already been covered under baseline environmental monitoring and is expected to continue
to remain same till the operation of the project.
The construction and operational phase of the proposed project comprises various activities each of which
may have an impact on some or other environmental parameters. Various impacts during the construction
and operation phase on the environment have been studied to estimate the impacts on the environmental
attributes and are discussed in the subsequent sections.
 Impacts during Construction Phase
This includes the following activities related to land acquisition, leveling of site, construction of related
structures and installation of related equipment.
 Impact on Land Use
The land identified for the proposed 1320 MW power plant is about 433-ha. About 12.1-ha of the land will be
used for ash disposal.
The proposed plant land is mostly barren land and dry single crop agriculture land.
The land is mostly barren land and consists of shrubs & bushes and there is no forest or ecological
sensitive land within proposed site. No residential or habitation areas are proposed to be acquired, hence
no displacement of residential areas. The agricultural area in the proposed plant site does not have any
irrigation system and is only rain-dependent. Hence, no major loss of agricultural productivity is envisaged.
 Impact on Soil
All major construction activities tend to create certain changes in the soil of the area.
Excavation denudes the topsoil and makes it loose. Destruction of topsoil leads to reduction
of fertility and removal of vegetation cover with associated hazards of the soil erosion.
During storms, some of the excavated soil and construction material such as sand etc.
would be blown up in the air and dispersed around the project site, some would also tend to
be driven into the soil and clog inter-granular spaces. However, in order to minimise such
impacts, appropriate soil conservation measures would be undertaken. Vegetation cover
would also be replaced by planting and turfing wherever feasible. No major adverse impacts
on soil in the surrounding area are anticipated.
 Impact on Topography
The proposed project premise is a generally plain land with a general elevation of about 332
to 344-m above MSL. Most of the buffer zone of the project is undulating to flat land.
It is proposed to level the project area and to use the earthen material excavated from the
proposed reservoir sites inside the premises. There will be no tall structures except stacks.
Also, the contours of natural drainage will not be disturbed to the extent possible and will
be diverted as required to that adequate drainage capacity and path is available for
drainage from outside the plant.
In view of the above, there will be no major adverse impact on topography of the project
site.
 Impact on Air Quality
Particulate matter would be the predominant pollutant affecting the air quality during the
construction phase. The soil of the project area Is likely to generate considerable quantities of
dust, especially during dry condition. Dust will be generated mainly during excavation, back-
filling and hauling operations along with transportation activities. However, the wind velocity in
the area is not very high. Wind blown dust is not expected to have tangible effects.
Access roads will be given suitable surface treatment to minimize dust generation. Sprinkling of
water from water tankers or other suitable means would be undertaken at the construction site
for suppression of fugitive dust.
Undesirable gaseous pollutants will be generated mostly by the automobile traffic. However,
this would not lead to any tangible effect, as the expected traffic volume Is low.
It would be ensured that all vehicles plying during construction are properly turned and
maintained to keep emissions within the permissible limits.
 Impact on Water Quality
Impact on water quality during construction phase may be due to discharges of solids from soil
loss and sewage generated from the construction workforce stationed at the site. However, due
to the construction being carried out on generally plain terrain, the soil losses will be negligible.
Further, the construction will be more related to mechanical fabrication, assembly and erection;
hence the water requirements would be small. The construction water requirement will be met
by proposed bore wells in the plant site. Temporary sanitation facilities (septic tanks and soak
pits) will be set-up for disposal of sanitary sewage generated by the workforce.
 Impact on Noise Levels
Heavy construction traffic for loading and unloading, fabrication and handling of
equipment and materials are likely to cause an increase in the ambient noise levels.
The areas affected are those dose to the site. However, the noise will be temporary
and will be restricted mostly to daytime and during construction penod only.
The noise control measures during construction phase include provision of caps on
the equipment and regular maintenance of the equipment.
 Impact on Terrestrial Ecology
The initial construction works at the project site involves land dearance. During
construction vegetation may be disturbed. Greenbelt will be developed phase wise
during construction to improve the aesthetic value in the area and to screen out the
fugitive dust generated during construction.
The removal of vegetation from the soil and loosening of the topsoil generally
causes soil erosion. However, such impacts will be confined to the project site and
will be minimized through paving and water sprinkling.
 Impacts during Operational Phase
The proposed plant operation will involve 1320 MW of power generation and 2.0
MTPA Cement grinding unit. The following activities related to the operational
phase will have varying impacts on the environment and are considered for impact
assessment:
 Topography and climate;
 Air environment;
 Water resources and quality;
 Land use;
 Soil quality;
 Solid waste;
 Noise levels;
 Terrestrial and aquatic ecology;
 Demography and socio-economics; and
 Infrastructural facilities.
 Environment Management Plan during Construction Phase
During construction phase, the construction activities like site levelling, grading,
transportation of the construction material cause various impacts on the surroundings.
However, the constructional phase impacts are temporary and localised phenomena
except the permanent change in local landscape and land use pattern of the project site.
 Land Environment Management
Preparation of site will involve excavations and fillings. The earthen material generated
during excavations and site grading periods, shall be properly dumped and slope
stabilisation shall be taken. The topsoil generated during construction shall be preserved
and reused for plantations.
 Air Quality Management
The activities like site development, grading and vehicular traffic contribute to increase
in SPM and NOx concentration. The mitigation measures recommended to minimize the
impacts are:
• Water sprinkling in construction area;
• Asphalting the main approach road;
• Proper maintenance of vehicles and construction equipment; and
• Tree plantation in the area earmarked for greenbelt development.
 Water Quality Management
The soil erosion at site during heavy precipitation contributes to the increase in suspended solids. The
wastewater from vehicle and construction equipment maintenance centre will contribute to oil and grease
concentration. The wastewater from labour colony will contribute to higher BOD concentrations. The
mitigation measures recommended to minimize the impacts are:
o Sedimentation tank to retain the solids from run-off water;
o Oil and grease trap at equipment maintenance centre;
o Packaged STP/Septic tanks to treat sanitary waste at labour colony; and
o Utilizing the wastewater in greenbelt development.
 Noise Level Management
Operation of construction equipment and vehicular traffic contribute to the increased noise level.
Recommended mitigation measures are:
 Good maintenance of vehicles and construction equipment;
 Restriction of construction activities to day time only;
 Plantation of trees around the plant boundary to attenuate the noise; and
 Provision of earplugs and earmuffs to workers.
 Ecological Management
During construction, vegetation in the plant premises is required to be cleared. The measures required to
be undertaken to minimise the impact on the ecology are:
• The felling of trees will be kept at minimum; and
• The greenbelt having vegetation density of 1500 trees/ha will be developed.
 Greenbelt Development
With rapid industrialization and consequent deleterious impact of pollutants on
environment, values of environmental protection offered by trees are becoming
clear. Trees are very suitable for detecting, recognizing and reducing air pollution
effects. Monitoring of biological effects of air pollutant by the use of plants as
indicators has been applied on local, regional and national scale. Trees function as
sinks of air pollutants, besides their bio-esthetical values, owing to its large surface
area.
The greenbelt development not only functions as foreground and background
landscape features resulting in harmonizing and amalgamating the physical
structures of the plant with surrounding environment, but also acts as pollution sink.
Thus, implementation of afforestation program is of paramount importance. It will
also check soil erosion, make the ecosystem more complex and functionally more
stable and make the climate more conducive.
Greenbelt with a width of 50-m to 100-m will be developed around the plant site. The
total greenbelt around the power plant complex will be about 120.9-ha, which works
out to be more than 33% of total plant area.
 Species for Plantation
The species proposed will have broad leaves. Trees will be selected based on the
type of pollutants, their intensity, location, easy availability and suitability to the
local climate. They have different morphological, physiological and bio-chemical
mechanism/ characters like branching habits, leaf arrangement, size, shape,
surface (smooth/hairy), presence or absence of trichomes, stomatal conductivity
proline content, ascorbic acid content, cationic peroxides and sulphite oxidize
activities etc. to trap or reduce the pollutants. 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; and
 Providing shade.
THANK YOU