The study area covers 10 km radius around the existing coal washery premises. The environmental setting of the expansion plant site is as follows:

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1 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Introduction M/s Mahavir Benefication Pvt. Ltd. (MBPL) proposes expansion of its coal washery from 1.0 MTPA to 5.0 MTPA capacity at Dhiroul Village, Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh within the existing plant boundary. The cost of the project is about Rs. 44 Crores including Rs 70 lakhs for environmental protection measures. Environmental Setting The study area covers 10 km radius around the existing coal washery premises. The environmental setting of the expansion plant site is as follows: The proposed coal washery site located at latitude N to N and E to E longitude. The proposed expansion project site is at a distance of 5.3 km from the Bakan nadi and 7.7 km from the Son river. The site elevation is about 500 m above MSL; The entire land is private land and under possession of the project proponent. Land use is industrial category; There are no protected areas, ecological sensitive locations, archaeological monuments, places of tourist interests and defence installations within 15 km radius; and There are 4 major reserved forest blocks within 15 km radius. Study area map of 10 km radius is shown in Figure-1. Justification for the Selected Site The selection of the proposed coal washery project site for expansion is based on the following: No forest land is invoved; No R&R issues involved; The SECL s operating Amlai Opencast Mine, Bangwar Underground Mine, Dhanpuri Opencast Mine and Sharad Underground Mine are located within 10 km to the proposed washery site; Site falls in Safe Category from ground water resource considerations; Adequate road network available to connect the washery site to the major destinations; ES-1

2 FIGURE-1 STUDY AREA MAP OF 10 KM RADIUS ES-2

3 Availability of enough power and water for the proposed expansion; Rail head at Amlai is not far from the washery site; There are no National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary or ecologically sensitive area and notified critically polluted area within 10 km radius around the project site; and The nearest human settlement at Dhiroul village is located at a distance of about 0.5 km, East from the project site. In view of the above, the proposal for coal washery project is considered justified. 1.2 Project Description The salient features of proposed expansion of coal washery are given below in the Table-1. TABLE-1 SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROPOSED COAL WASHERY PLANT (4 MTPA) Sr. No Parameter Description 1 Capacity/annual through put 800 TPH 2 Washing technology Dry Process 3 Processing rate 2 X 400 TPH 4 Process Dry process comprising Jaw crusher, Picking belt, Rotary breaker and Air jig 5 Source of coal SECL mines raw coal will be lifted on behalf of the clients 6 Coal Ash content a Input raw coal 37% (approx.) b Throughput (washed coal) 30% c Middling 55% d Rejects 80% 7 Land requirement Ha including the existing plant area of 3.24 ha 8 Water Requirement & Source m 3 /hr, bore wells 9 Water Treatment a) Wastewater Generation and Wastewater Treatment There will be no industrial waste water generate as the plant will be designed on Dry process principle 10 a Power Requirement 3.5 MVA and DG set of 125 KVA (standby) b Source State grid at Burhar, Madhya Pradesh Electricity State Board (MPESB) 11 Coal Transportation Coal will be brought to the project site by road from the nearby mines. Transportation of clean coal and middling will be by rail from Amlai railway siding. Washed coal from the existing plant is also being dispatched by rail. 12 Manpower Requirement Construction 150 nos; Operation 65 nos 13 Operating hours 3 shifts daily of 8 hours each (Effective 18 hrs a day) 330 days in a year 14 Plant utilization 85 % 15 Project Cost Rs Crores Source: Project Report, MBPL ES-3

4 Technology and Process Description The proposed expansion of coal washery is based on dry beneficiation process comprising Jaw Crusher, Picking belt, Rotary Breaker and Air Jig. The selected method will be environment friendly with efficient dust extraction and suppression facilities, no industrial wastewater generation and low noise level. Dry process is easy to operate and has low maintenance cost. The design of the washery will have inbuilt flexibility to produce clean coal containing 30% ash suitable for power plants. ROM coal of size minus 1000 mm will be transported by road from nearby SECL mines. ROM will be fed to a Jaw Crusher through an Apron Feeder / Unbalance motor feeder / Grizzly feeder. The crushed coal from crusher as well as the underpass from Grizzly feeder will be transported to the Rotary Breaker House via two numbers slow moving flat picking belt conveyors. Manual hand picking will be done on these conveyors to segregate stone and shale. The Rotary Breakers will size the coal to 50 mm. The un-crushable shale and stone will be discharged at the other end of the rotary breaker and the same will be dumped in nearby discard dump. The sized coal will then be transported to the screening house through belt conveyors. The raw coal received at the screen will be separated in two fractions as follows: i. 15 mm to 50 mm ii. Minus 15 mm Minus 50 mm to plus 15 mm fraction from screen will be stored in two surge bunkers from where the sized coal will be fed to the Air Jig. The products of Air Jig, cleans and middling will be taken to two sets of bunkers from where these products will be dispatched to various customers. The clean coal and middling will be transported from the washery by road to the Amlai railway siding for dispatch to the clients linked to receive these products by rail. The nearby clients will receive them by road. Power Evacuation Total power requirement for the addition facilities has been assessed as 3.5 MVA to be obtained from MPESB through the State grid. 1.3 Baseline Environmental Status The baseline data monitoring studies were carried out for three months covering pre-monsoon season (1 st March, 2014 to 31 st May, 2014). ES-4

5 Landuse Land use pattern of the study area as per 2001 census interpreted for analyzing the land use pattern of the study area. The total study area is about ha, in which nearly 28.3 % of land covers by forest, % of land by Agricultural land and the rest of the area covered by build-up area, waste land and water bodies. Meteorology Meteorological data at the site was monitored during 1 st March 2014 to 31 st May 2014 representing pre-monsoon season. It was observed that the during study period, temperature ranged from 18.6 o C to 40.2 o C and the relative humidity recorded in the range of 20% to 65%. ` Ambient Air Quality Monitoring was carried out at ten locations. PM2.5 PM10 SO2 NOx CO Ozone Concentrations are expressed in µg/m 3 The results thus obtained indicate that the concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx and CO in the ambient air are well within the National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ) standards for Residential and Rural areas. Water Quality To assess the physical and chemical properties of water in the region, water samples from six ground water and three surface water locations were collected and analyzed from various water sources within and around the project site. Ground Water The ph and conductivity vary from 7.4 to 7.9 and 264 to 2150 µs/cm respectively. Total Dissolved Solids ranged between 172 to 1398 mg/l. Sodium and Potassium contents were found to be in the range of 25.6 to mg/l and 8.0 to 50.0 mg/l respectively. Calcium and Magnesium content vary between 18.6 to mg/l and 6.5 to 38.6 mg/l respectively. Total hardness expressed as CaCO3 and alkalinity ranges between 73.2 to mg/l and 122 to 405 mg/l respectively. Chlorides and Sulphates were found to be in the range of 7.3 to mg/l and 3.5 to 30.0 mg/l respectively. Nitrates and Fluorides were found to be in the range of 2.8 to 29.6 mg/l and less than 0.2 to 0.8 mg/l respectively. The heavy metal contents were found to be well within the limit. Pesticides and E.coli were found to be absent. The physico-chemical and biological analysis revealed that most of the parameters are well within the prescribed limits of IS: ES-5

6 Surface Water The ph and conductivity varies from 7.5 to 7.6 and 310 to 974 µs/cm respectively. The total dissolved solids ranged from 205 to mg/l. Sodium and Potassium content were found to be in the range of 27.5 to 103 mg/l and 9.0 to 25.0 mg/l respectively. Calcium and Magnesium content varies in between 22.5 to 64.8 mg/l and 8.0 to 18.6 mg/l respectively. Total hardness expressed as CaCO3 and alkalinity ranges between 89.2 to mg/l and to mg/l respectively. Chlorides and Sulphates were found to be in the range of 16.2 to mg/l and 6.2 to 18.5 mg/l respectively. Nitrates and Fluorides were found to be in the range of 4.0 to 15.0 mg/l and 0.4 to 0.6 mg/l respectively. Pesticides and E.coli were found to be absent. The analysis results indicate that most the parameters are well within the prescribed limits of IS: Soil Quality Eight soil samples were collected and analyzed in and around the proposed expansion of coal washery area to assess the present soil quality of the region. The ph value indicates of the soil indicating that it is neutral to slightly alkaline in nature. The organic carbon content in the study area observed as 0.35 % to 0.54 %, i.e. the soil falls under average to more than sufficient category. Available potassium was observed as kg/ha to kg/ha in the study region indicating that the soil falls under average to more than sufficient category. Available nitrogen was observed as kg/ha to kg/ha. The soil in the study area falls under more than sufficient category of nitrogen. Available phosphorous was observed as kg/ha to 43.3 kg/ha in the study region shows that the soil falls under less to medium category. Noise Levels Ambient noise levels were measured at ten locations in and around the project site. The daytime and night time noise levels in all the residential locations were observed to be within the permissible limits. Noise levels at the project site also meet the prescribed limits for the industrial area. Ecological Environment Based on the field studies and review of published literature, it is observed that there are no endangered and protected flora and fauna in the core zone. As per forest records and review of literature, there are no sanctuaries, biosphere reserves or national parks including tiger or elephant reserves within 15 km radius from the plant boundary. Also, there is no notified elephant corridor in the study area. On comparison of the check list given in the Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and the list of wildlife recorded in the study area, it can be concluded that 7 species of schedule-i animals exist in the buffer zone (5 mammals, 1 bird ES-6

7 and 1 Reptile). MBPL has proposed investment of Rs.5.0 lakhs towards wildlife conservation measures. Social Environment The study area (10 km radius) area has a total population of according to 2011 Census. The non-workers are the predominant population with %. Total male population is about 51.41% and total female population is around 48.59%. The average literacy rate 64.89% is moderate in the region. 1.4 Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Topography The project site is fairly flat with minimum filling requirement. There will be minimum leveling during the construction of the plant. This will not cause any significant topographical changes in the area. Similarly, there will not be any micro or macro climatic changes as there will not be any thermal imbalance. It can be concluded that the coal washery unit will have no adverse impacts on the topography and climate due to its operation. Air Environment The proposed expansion of coal washery unit will generate dust from the coal processing operations. The emissions are not likely to affect the area outside the plant. The emissions of particulate matter from the coal washery will be controlled by effective dust extraction/dust suppression system. Dusty air from various material transfer points will be controlled with dry fog system, which will allow through vent only clean air to the surrounding environment. Hence, the impact on human habitation will be insignificant. Therefore, the proposed activity will not have any significant adverse impact on the air environment. Air pollution modeling carried out for the proposed expansion shows that the resultant concentrations of PM, SO2 and NOx after implementation of the proposed expansion will remain within the NAAQ Standards for industrial/ rural/residential and other areas; Water Environment Existing water requirement is 212 m 3 /day. Additional 110 m 3 /day water requirement for the proposed expansion of coal washery is for domestic use, for dust suppression and gardening etc. The entire water requirement of the project, both potable as well as industrial will be met from the existing bore wells. The existing 3000 m 3 water reservoir is adequate to meet the requirement of the project. ES-7

8 The proposed additional 4 MTPA coal beneficiation is based on dry process. There will be no process wastewater generation from the expanded capacity. Existing 1 MTPA plant is based on zero effluent discharge concepts as such there will be no industrial wastewater discharge. The storm water in the project area will be collected through storm water drains and will be suitably diverted to rainwater harvesting pits. Hence, impact on the water quality is not envisaged. Solid Waste Management and Land Use No hazardous waste will be generated either in the process or pollution control facilities. Rejects and fines of coal will be generated at a minimum level. Effort will be made to utilize this waste material in backfilling of de-coal pits in opencast mines and also for manufacturing of brick kilns. Stone and shale will be also used for road construction/ repair / filling low lying areas. The use of rejects and fines as fuel in FBC boiler operators will also be explored. The total coal reject expected to be generated from the proposed expansion is about 27 TPH. The existing washery generates approx. 18 TPH rejects. Solid waste in the form of sludge is generated from septic tank/soak pit. This waste will be used as manure for greenbelt development. The development in the study area will definitely bring changes in the land use pattern due to the proposed expansion plant. Shift in occupation or sectoral changes will require more land for non-primary activities. However, the land identified for the proposed expansion of washery plant is within the existing plant premises. No forest land exists in this land. Hence, the impact on forest land usages is not there. No discernible impacts on terrestrial life are anticipated. The development of greenbelt will help to attract avifauna. Noise Environment The most common noise generating sources are screens, crushers, blowers and dryers. These noise sources are generating noise continuously as well as intermittently. Workers exposed to high noise levels will be provided with earplugs/ear muffs. The increment noise levels are about 45.5 db (A) at all the surrounding habitations. It is seen from the simulation results that the incremental noise levels are confined to factory premises only and do not contribute to violation of CPCB standards. Hence, the impact of noise on the human habitation and surrounding environment is likely to be insignificant. ES-8

9 Flora and Fauna and Greenbelt Development As per field survey, the state forest department, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh and MoEF & CC records, there is notified wildlife sanctuary, national park, Biosphere reserve within 10 km radius from the project boundary. Also there are no wildlife corridors in the study area. As the project is restricted to the core zone, no significant impact on fauna of the buffer zone due to the proposed coal washery is anticipated. 30% of the project area will be developed on greenbelt using nature plant species at the rate of 2500 trees per ha. Socio-Economics The impact of the proposed facility will begin to be felt with the start-up of the construction activities. As the labours / workmen are generally un-skilled, about 150 local and/or from nearby places people will get opportunities for employment during construction activities. In addition to the opportunity of getting employment as construction labourers, the local population will also have employment opportunities in related service activities like petty commercial establishments, small contracts/sub-contracts and supply of construction materials for buildings and ancillary infrastructures etc. Consequently, this may lead to economic upliftment of the area. It is proposed to invest a sum equivalent to 2% of the net profit or an amount of 15 lakhs, whichever is higher annually for various social welfare and community development activities like health and sanitation, education, employment and community infrastructure development in the region. Health and Safety Monitoring Plan All the potential occupational hazardous work places, coal handling area will be monitored regularly. No fuel storage tank is envisaged for the proposed unit. Occupational safety and health is very closely related to productivity and good employer-employee relationship. The main factors of occupational health are fugitive dust and noise. Safety of employee during operation, maintenance and handling of coal will be taken care of as per the company regulations. PPEs such as Dust masks, ear plugs/earmuffs will be provided to workmen. Hence, no significant impact on health of workers is envisaged. 1.5 Conclusion The then ministry of Environment and forests issued a Notification in January, 2014 making it mandatory for coal based thermal power plants located beyond 500 km from the pit head to the raw or blended or beneficiated coal with ash content not exceeding 34%. As a result demand for beneficiated coal ash content not exceeding 34% would increase significantly. Beneficiation of low grade cocking coal is an important area both from the economic and environment point of view. ES-9

10 The proposed project will have marginal impacts on the local environment with effective implementation of the environment management measures as suggested in the EIA/EMP report and as may be recommended by MoEF & CC and the State Pollution Control Board. The adverse impacts will be minimized to a great extent. However, development of this project has beneficial impact/effects in terms of 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. The proposed project will provide direct employment to a large number of persons. 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. In view of considerable benefits from the project, the proposed project is most advantageous to the region as well as to the nation. ES-10