ENVIRONMENT CONSULTANT METAMORPHOSIS SM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd.

Transcription

1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT For THAGADUR CHROMITE MINE TOTAL EXTENT: Ha & ML No EXPANSION OF CAPACITY FROM 0.26 LTPA TO LTPA Of M/s. MYSORE MINERALS LIMITED AT THAGADUR VILLAGE, CHANNARAYAPATANA TALUK, HASSAN DISTRICT, KARNATAKA STATE ENVIRONMENT CONSULTANT METAMORPHOSIS SM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (QCI/NABET Accredited EIA Consultant) BENGALURU, KARNATAKA December 2014

2 To The Executive Director M/s. Mysore Minerals Ltd. (A Govt. of Karnataka Under taking) No. 39, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Post Box No. 5046, Bangalore , Karnataka. No. J-11015/212/2009- IA-II (M) Government of India Ministry of Environment & Forests Ph: to , Fax: Tel no E mail: plahujarai@yahoo.com Paryavaran Bhavan, C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi Dated: December 17 th, Sub: Thagadur Chromite Mines of M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited, located at Post Thagadur, Taluka Channarayapatana, District Hassan, State Karnataka (ML area ha) reg TOR. Sir, This is to inform that the above proposal was considered by the Expert Appraisal Committee- 2(Mining) during its 3 rd meeting held during th November, 2009 for determination of the Terms of Reference(TORs) for undertaking detailed EIA study in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification dated 14 th September, The Committee has prescribed following Terms of Reference for preparation of the EIA/EMP report: i) Executive summary of the project indicating relevant details shall be provided and issues raised in public hearing along with action plan to address the same shall be provided in tabular form including requisite allocation of funds. ii) Detail contact address of the project proponent including telephone numbers, ID etc shall be provided. Request for consideration for environmental clearance or any other communication regarding the project shall be made by the project proponent/ authorized person and not by its legal representative / consultant. iii) Executive summary of the project indicating relevant details shall be provided and issues raised in public hearing along with action plan to address the same shall be provided in tabular form including requisite allocation of funds. iv) A copy of lease deed allocated (lease execution) in the name of the company shall be provided along with mining plan (including progressive mine closure plan). 1

3 v) Detailed hydro-geological study shall be carried out from an institute of repute. The study shall suggest detail mitigation measures for prevention of likely adverse impact on ground and surface water regime in the area. vi) Layout plan indicating break-up of lease area indicating area for excavation for mining, waste dump, mineral storage, top soil storage, green belt, infrastructure, roads shall be provided vii) Photograph of the mine lease area, where mining activity is proposed to be undertaken shall be provided. viii) Satellite imagery indicating drainage, cropping pattern, water bodies (rivers, nallahs, ponds etc.), location of nearest villages, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves, biosphere reserves, heritage sites etc in the core and buffer zone shall be provided. Exact coordinates of the plant location shall be given on imagery of the area covering at least 10km radius with latitude and longitude and mine site superimposed on imagery. ix) Detailed action plan for reclamation of mined pit before working subsequent mineral bearing area shall be prepared. x) Action Plan for preservation of buffer zone to be maintained between two consecutive mineral bearing deposits shall be prepared. xi) Approved mining plan including progressive mine closure plan shall be provided along with EIA report. Letter of approval from IBM shall also be enclosed. xii) Detailed drawings indicating geological formation of Ores with respect to ground water table shall be submitted. xiii) Detailed action plan for demarcation and vegetation of 50 m barrier all along the side of the lease (inside the lease) facing nallahs/rivers (if any) shall be provided. xiv) Primary survey of flora and fauna shall be carried out and report submitted along with EIA/EMP report. xv) Action Plan for ambient air quality monitoring shall be prepared, which shall constitute of adequate stations in core and buffer zones. Prediction of cumulative impact of mine and cement plant on the ambient air quality shall be submitted. AAQ monitoring for PM10 / 2.5, SO2, NOx and other relevant parameters as per G.S.R 826 (E) dated xvi) Action plan for control of fugitive dust generation shall be prepared. The plan shall consist of schedule and methodology of monitoring of fugitive dust emission at locations of nearest human habitation (including schools and other public amenities located nearest to sources of dust generation as applicable). xvii) xviii) xix) Mineralogical composition of the dust A scientific mining scheme for every 5 years for the life of the mine shall be prepared. Scheme for Rain water harvesting including road map for implementation shall be prepared. 2

4 xx) Action plan for maintenance of village roads through which transportation of ores are undertaken to be carried out by the company regularly at its own expenses shall be prepared. xxi) Measures for prevention and control of soil erosion and management of silt shall be prepared. Assessment of total silt load likely to be generated shall be carried out. Proposal for protection of dumps against erosion by geo textile matting or other suitable material and plantations of native trees and shrubs at the dump slopes shall be prepared. xxii) Trenches/ garland drains proposed to be constructed at foot of dumps and installation of materials like coco filters at regular intervals to arrest silt from being carried to water bodies shall be prepared. Proposal for adequate number of Check Dams and Gully Plugs proposed to be constructed across seasonal / perennial nallahs (if any) flowing through the ML area shall be prepared. De- silting schedule at regular intervals shall be also provided. xxiii) Land-use pattern of the nearby villages shall be studied, including identification of common property resources available for conversion into productive land and action plan for abatement and compensation for damage to agricultural land/ common property land (if any) in the nearby villages, due to mining activity shall be prepared. xxiv) Need based assessment for the near by villages shall be conducted to study economic measures which can help in upliftment of poor section of society. Income generating projects consistent with the traditional skills of the people besides development of fodder farm, fruit bearing orchards, vocational training etc. can form a part of such programme. This will be in addition to vocational training for individuals imparted to take up self employment and jobs. Separate budget for community development activities and income generating programmes shall be specified. xxv) Implementation of Occupational health and safety measures for the workers including identification of work related health hazards, training on malaria eradication, HIV, and health effects on exposure to mineral dust etc. shall be prepared, including record keeping procedures. Awareness programme for workers on impact of mining on their health and precautionary measures like use of personal equipments etc. to be carried periodically shall also be submitted. xxvi) Green belt development and selection of plant species shall be as per CPCB guidelines. Herbs and shrubs shall also form a part of afforestation programme besides tree plantation. Details of year wiseafforestation programme including rehabilitation of mined out area shall be prepared. xxvii) The questionnaire for environmental appraisal of mining projects as devised earlier by the Ministry shall be filled up and submitted in complete. xxviii) Details of litigation pending against the project and /or any direction /order passed by any Court of Law against the project, if any, shall be submitted. Besides the above, the below mentioned general points will also to be followed:- 3

5 a) All documents to be properly referenced with index, page numbers and continuous page numbering. b) Where data are presented in the report especially in tables, the period in which the data were collected and the sources should be indicated. c) Where the documents provided in a language other than English, an English translation should be provided. d) Approved mine plan along with copy of the approval letter for the proposed capacity should also be submitted. e) While preparing the EIA report, the instructions for the proponents and instructions for the consultants issued by MoEF vide O.M. No. J-11013/41/2006-IA.II (I) dated 4 th August, 2009, which are available on the website of this Ministry should also be followed. The EIA report should also include (i) surface plan of the area indicating contours of main topographic features, drainage and mining area, (ii) geological maps and sections and (iii) sections of the mine pit and external dumps, if any, clearly showing the land features of the adjoining area. The Committee informed that the above specific Terms of Reference (TOR), if not already mentioned in the model TOR, shall be addressed by the proponent. It was further informed that these specific TORs shall be incorporated in the Draft EIA/EMP report along with the issues raised during the public hearing and response of the project proponent in tabular form. The EIA/EMP report shall be thereafter submitted to the Ministry along with requisite documents for appraisal by the EAC-2 (Mining) for consideration of environmental clearance in accordance with the provisions of the EIA notification dated September 14, Yours faithfully, Copy to: (Dr. P.L. Ahujarai) Director 1. Chairman, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, 6,7,8 &9 th Floor, (Public Utility Building) NSB building, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Bangalore , Karnataka. 4

6 Sr. No. TOR Compliance status 1. Executive summary of the project indicating relevant details shall be provided and issues raised in public hearing along with action plan to address the same shall be provided in tabular form including requisite allocation of funds 2. Detail contact address of the project proponent including telephone numbers, ID etc shall be provided. Request for consideration for environmental clearance or any other communication regarding the project shall be made by the project proponent/ authorized person and not by its legal representative / consultant 3. Executive summary of the project indicating relevant details shall be provided and issues raised in public hearing along with action plan to address the same shall be provided in tabular form including requisite allocation of funds 4. A copy of lease deed allocated (lease execution) in the name of the company shall be provided along with mining plan (including progressive mine closure plan). 5. Detailed hydro-geological study shall be carried out from an institute of repute. The study shall suggest detail mitigation measures for prevention of likely adverse impact on ground and surface water regime in the area 6. Layout plan indicating break-up of lease area indicating area for excavation for mining, waste dump, mineral storage, top soil storage, green belt, infrastructure, roads shall be provided 7. Photograph of the mine lease area, where mining activity is proposed to be undertaken shall be provided. Executive Summary of the project is enclosed. General Manager - Environment M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited (Govt. of Karnataka Undertaking) A Block, 5 th Floor, TTMC Building, BMTC Shanthinagar, Bangaluru Phone: , , , Fax Executive summary of the project is enclosed. Copy of the Lease Deed is enclosed as Annexure 1 & Approved Mining Scheme is enclosed as Volume 1. Detailed Hydrological Study is closed as Annexure 20. Analysis Report Ground water is Enclosed as Annexure 19. Surface Plan is enclosed as Plate No. 5. Photographs of the Mine Lease Area where showing mining Activity is Enclosed as Annexure 30.

7 Sr. No. TOR Compliance status 8. Satellite imagery indicating drainage, cropping pattern, water bodies (rivers, nallahs, ponds etc.), location of nearest villages, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves, biosphere reserves, heritage sites etc in the core and buffer zone shall be provided. Exact coordinates of the plant location should be given on imagery of the area covering at least 10km radius with latitude and longitude and mine site superimposed on imagery. 9. Detailed action plan for reclamation of mined pit before working subsequent mineral bearing area shall be prepared 10. Action Plan for preservation of buffer zone to be maintained between two consecutive mineral bearing deposits shall be prepared. 11. Approved mining plan including progressive mine closure plan shall be provided along with EIA report. Letter of approval from IBM shall also be enclosed. 12. Detailed drawings indicating geological formation of Ores with respect to ground water table shall be submitted. 13. Detailed action plan for demarcation and vegetation of 50 m barrier all along the side of the lease (inside the lease) facing nallahs/rivers (if any) shall be provided. 14. Primary survey of flora and fauna shall be carried out and report submitted along with EIA/EMP report. 15. Action Plan for ambient air quality monitoring shall be prepared, which shall constitute of adequate stations in core and buffer zones. Prediction of cumulative impact of mine and cement plant on the ambient air quality shall be submitted. AAQ monitoring shall be as per G.S.R 826 (E) dated Action plan for control of fugitive dust generation shall be prepared. The plan shall consist of schedule and methodology of monitoring of fugitive dust emission at locations of nearest human habitation (including schools and other public amenities located nearest to sources of dust generation as IRS P6 Satellite Imagery is given in Chapter 4 of Figure no Details are given in Chapter 10 of EIA Report. Details are given in Chapter 5 of EIA Report. A copy of Approval Letter from IBM is enclosed as Annexure 2. Geological Plan and Geological Cross Section is enclosed as Plant No. 6 & 7. Details are given in Chapter 10 of EIA Report and also enclosed Environmental Management Plan as Plate No. 12. Detailed Flora and Fauna Reports are given Chapter 4 of EIA Report. Regular environmental monitoring will be carried out for corrective and preventive actins if required. Details are given in Chapter 10 of EIA Report.

8 applicable). 17. Mineralogical composition of the dust Mineralogical composition of the dust is given in Chapter 2 of EIA Report. 18. A scientific mining scheme for every 5 years for the life of the mine shall Approved Mining Scheme is enclosed as Volume 1. be prepared. 19. Scheme for Rain water harvesting including road map for implementation shall be prepared. 20. Action plan for maintenance of village roads through which transportation of ores are undertaken to be carried out by the company regularly at its own expenses shall be prepared. 21. Measures for prevention and control of soil erosion and management of silt shall be prepared. Assessment of total silt load likely to be generated shall be carried out. Proposal for protection of dumps against erosion by geo textile matting or other suitable material and plantations of native trees and shrubs at the dump slopes shall be prepared. 22. Trenches/ garland drains proposed to be constructed at foot of dumps and installation of materials like coco filters at regular intervals to arrest silt from being carried to water bodies shall be prepared. Proposal for adequate number of Check Dams and Gully Plugs proposed to be constructed across seasonal / perennial nallahs (if any) flowing through the ML area shall be prepared. De- silting schedule at regular intervals shall be also provided. 23. Land-use pattern of the nearby villages shall be studied, including identification of common property resources available for conversion into productive land and action plan for abatement and compensation for damage to agricultural land/ common property land (if any) in the nearby villages, due to mining activity shall be prepared. 24. Need based assessment for the nearby villages shall be conducted to study economic measures which can help in upliftment of poor section of The detailed Rain water Harvesting reports are enclosed as Annexure 23. Environmental Management Plan is enclosed as Plate No. 12. Detailed action plan is given Chapter 10 of EIA Report. Measures for prevention and control of soil erosion and management of silt, the details are given in Chapter 5 of EIA Report. Rain Water Harvesting Programme, the details are given in Chapter 5 of EIA Report IRS P6 Satellite Imagery and land use map of site and its surroundings. Details are given in Chapter 4 of Figure no. 4.1 and Figure The detailed CRS Activity details are given in Chapter 8 of EIA Report.

9 society. Income generating projects consistent with the traditional skills of the people besides development of fodder farm, fruit bearing orchards, vocational training etc. can form a part of such programme. This will be in addition to vocational training for individuals imparted to take up self employment and jobs. Separate budget for community development activities and income generating programmes shall be specified. 25. Implementation of Occupational health and safety measures for the workers including identification of work related health hazards, training on malaria eradication, HIV, and health effects on exposure to mineral dust etc. shall be prepared, including record keeping procedures. Awareness programme for workers on impact of mining on their health and precautionary measures like use of personal equipments etc. to be carried periodically shall also be submitted. 26. Green belt development and selection of plant species shall be as per CPCB guidelines. Herbs and shrubs shall also form a part of afforestation programme besides tree plantation. Details of year wise afforestation programme including rehabilitation of mined out area shall be prepared. 27. The questionnaire for environmental appraisal of mining projects as devised earlier by the Ministry shall be filled up and submitted in complete. 28. Details of litigation pending against the project and /or any direction /order passed by any Court of Law against the project, if any, shall be submitted. As the project is Expansion, the existing employees are medical records are submitted under Occupational & safety Hazards. Additional safety measures to be adopted in the mines are detailed EIA/EMP. Green Belt Details are given in Chapter 5 of EIA-EMP report and also enclosed as Annexure 22. Filled Questionnaire is enclosed along with EIA Report. No litigation is pending against the project as the land is Agricultural & Govt. land.

10 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1

11 TABLE OF CONTENTS Sr. No Description Page No. Executive Summary 1.1 Introduction Site Location and Accessibility Topography Drainage Production Details Waste Disposal Employment Potential Environmental Description Meteorology Baseline Ambient Air Quality Ambient Noise Levels Water Quality Surface Water Quality Ground Water Quality Analysis of Water Samples Surface Water Quality Ground Water Quality Soil Quality Socio Economics Biological Environment Environmental Impact and Management Plan Air Environment Mitigative Measures Noise Environment Mitigative Measures for Noise Pollution Vibration Mitigative Measures Water Environment Mitigative Measures for Water Pollution Land Environment Disposal of Waste Mitigative Measures Afforestation Resettlement Biological Environment Demography & Socio Economic Environment Social Corporate Responsibility Other Tangible Benefits Occupational Health and Safety Post Project Monitoring Financial Considerations Conclusion 17 2

12 LIST OF TABLES Table No. Description Page No. Executive Summary 1.1 Details of Mines Location Details Production Details Salient Features of the Project Ambient Air Quality Locations with Distance Summaries of Ambient Air Quality Data (Average. 6 Conc.) 1.7 Noise monitoring Locations with Distance The present Noise levels were measured at 7 7 locations. The results obtained are as follows. 1.9 Surface Water Sampling Locations with Distance Ground Water Sampling Locations with Distance Summary of Surface Water Quality Summary of Ground Water Quality Soil Sampling Locations with distance from the Core 10 Zone 1.14 Population Details Hazards Water Management Details of Solid Waste Recycling Proposed Costing Towards Environmental Protective Measures 16 3

13 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EIA REPORT 1

14 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Introduction M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited is a Government of Karnataka undertaking established in the year 1996 with main objective of systematic mining and planned development of mineral resources in the State. The main activities of the company are Exploration, Development of Mineral Resources, Extraction and Marketing of Minerals and Granites. The Thagadur Chromite Mine, its existing production is 0.26 Lakh tones Annum with open cast mining method & having more demand in the market. In view of the same, MML is proposes to increase its production from 0.26 Lakh tones per annum to Lakh tones Anuum at Thagadur Village, Channarayapatana Taluk, Hassan District, Karnataka. The mine details are given in Table 1.1. Table 1.1 Details of Mine Project Project Proponent Location Area Production Capacity : Thagadur Chromite Mine : M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited : Thagadur Village, Nanjungud Taluk, Mysore District, Karnataka State. : ha : Expansion Capacity from 0.26 Lakh tones annum to Lakh tones annum. 1.2`Site Location and Accessibility Thagadur Chromite Mines is situated 25 km North-west of Channarayapatana town in Channarayapatana Taluk of Hassan District in Karnataka State. Accessibility and transportation of heavy equipment to site by road or rail is easy. No problem is envisaged in accessibility and transportation of heavy equipment to site by road or rail as nearest road is Channarayapatana Nuggehalli road passes within 2-3 kms from lease boundary on southern side. The Railway line Bengaluru Mangalore passes through Arsikere which about 75 km from the lease. The nearest airport is Bengaluru which is about 175 km away from mining lease area, thus the transportation of finished products to various sites is easy and economical.. Details of the locations are given in Table

15 Fig 1.1: Route through Google 3

16 Mine Lease Nos Survey Nos. Longitude Latitude Village Tehsil District State Table 1.2: Location Details North Side: Part of Navile V.B and Rayasamudra Kaval South Side: Part of Sy. No. 1, 112, 168 & 107 East Side: Part of Rayasamudra Kaval Sy. No. 1, 4, 5, 11, 12, 2, 125 & 126. West Side: Navile, Rangapur, Lakkarasanahalli, Thagadur. E: E: N: N: Thagadur Channarapatana Hassan Karnataka 1.3 Topography The mining lease area is an undulating terrain having gentle slope both Eastrly and Westerly. The general counter of lease hold area ranges from 911 to 973 mtrs. Above MSL. Few seasonal Nallahs are observed in the area towards North West, North East and Central part of the area and flow only during monsoon and remains dry during other seasons. The surrounding area of the Mining lease block is using for cultivation of Coconut, Sugar cane and seasonal crops such as Ragi and Maize. The area receives a moderate rainfall ranging from mm annually and under sub-tropical climate. 1.4 Drainage The drainage pattern of the area is dendritic to sub-dendritic in nature. The nallahs are seasonal in nature and remain dry most of time excepting during the short period of actual rainfall. There are no any water course / bodies within the Mining Lease Area. 1.5 Production Details The details of Production of Chromite and Titaniferrous Magnetite Development Proposed for coming four years period is given in the Table 1.3 and Table

17 Table 1.3: Production & Development Details of Chromite Unit in tones Y e a r Production Qnty. of O/B Ore to O/B Ratio ,740 7,00,315 1: ,060 5,25,547 1:15: ,140 7,33,579 1: ,220 11,50,050 1:25.43 Total 1,45,160 31,09,491 1:21.42 Table 1.4: Production & Development Details of Titaniferrous Magnetite Y e a r Production Qnty. of O/B Ore to O/B Ratio Unit in tones ,775 25,190 1: ,100 33,660 1: ,975 34,650 1: ,975 41,910 1:0.80 Total 1,88,825 1,35,410 1: Waste Disposal The waste generated from the process will be Over Burden and the same will be utilized in the back filling in the working pit. The water and tailings will be separated by employing new technology. Domestic water will be treated in the treated in CPCB approved septic tank & soak pits. 1.7 Employment Potential Thagadur Chromite Mine is existing mine, 66 nos. peoples are working and also MML is proposed create employment potential up to 66 people and preference will be given to local community. 5

18 1.8 Environmental Description Meteorology Study Period Winter (December 2013, January - February 2014) Predominant wind direction is SE to NW. Table No: 1.5: Salient Features of the Project Site location Thagadur Village, Channarapatana Taluk, Hassan District. State Karnataka Land availability ha Relative humidity % (during study period) % Temperature (during 7.6 Deg. C. minimum study period) 20.2 Deg. C. maximum Rain fall (Annual) 1031 mm average Nearest town (Aerial) Channarayapatana 25.0 Km Nearest cities (Aerial) Channarapatana 25.0 Km Nearest airport (Aerial) Bengaluru Km Nearest rail heads Bengaluru Mangalore railway head at 75.0 Km from the mine site Source of water Bhuvanahalli Kere which is 2.5 km from the mine site Baseline Ambient Air Quality The design of monitoring network in the air quality surveillance program was based on topography/terrain of the study area, human settlements, Wind Pattern, representation of regional background levels, accessibility of monitoring sites and resource availability. The scenario of the existing Ambient Air Quality in the study region has been assessed through a network of 4 Ambient Air Quality locations in the buffer zone and 3 monitoring location in the core zone. The data thus obtained is considered for preparing the EIA report. Ambient Air Quality locations are given in Table 1.6 and summary of Ambient Air Quality is given in Table

19 Table 1.6: Ambient Air Quality Locations with Distance Code Name of Sampling Location Distance in Km Direction Geographical Location Core Zone FA-1 Working Pit Longitude: E: '51.54" Latitude: N: 13 02'16.58" MSL: 920 m FA-2 Dumping Area Longitude: E: '01.26" Latitude: N: 13 02'29.49" MSL: 932 m FA-3 Main Haulage Road Longitude: E: '48.14" Latitude: N: 1 02'19.36" MSL: 926 m Buffer Zone A-4 Thagadur Village A-5 Honnamaranahalli Village A-6 Verupakshapura Village A-7 Chekkonahalli Village 6.0 NW 3.5 S 4.0 SE 2.5 NE Longitude: E: '49.21" Latitude: N: 13 02'27.55" MSL: 906 m Longitude: E: '38.18" Latitude: N: 13 00'58.61" MSL: 906 m Longitude: E: '19.19" Latitude: N: 13 01'51.58" MSL: 919 m Longitude: E: '11.80" Latitude: N: 13 04'34.88" MSL: 880 m Table No: 1.7: Summaries of Ambient Air Quality Data (Average Conc.) Units: µg / m 3 Code Core Zone Name of Sampling Location PM 10 PM 2.5 SO 2 NO X µg / m 3 A-1 Working Pit A-2 Dumping Area A-3 Main Haulage Road

20 Code Buffer Zone Name of Sampling Location PM 10 PM 2.5 SO 2 NO X µg / m 3 A-4 Thagadur Village A-5 Honnamaranahalli Village A-6 Verupakshapura Village A-7 Chekkonahalli Village CPCB AAQ Standards Industrial Areas Residential, Rural & Other Areas The ambient air quality observed during the study period is well within the prescribed National Ambient Air Quality Standards prescribed by CPCB Ambient Noise Levels The data thus obtained is considered for preparing this report. Noise monitoring locations are given in Table 1.8 and present noise level at study area is given in Table 1.9. Table 1.8: Noise Monitoring Locations with Distance Code Name of Sampling Location Distance in Km Direction Geographical Location Core Zone N-1 Working Pit Longitude: E: '51.54" Latitude: N: 13 02'16.58" MSL: 920 m N-2 Dumping Area Longitude: E: '01.26" Latitude: N: 13 02'29.49" MSL: 932 m N-3 Main Haulage Road Longitude: E: '48.14" Latitude: N: 1 02'19.36" MSL: 926 m 8

21 Code Name of Sampling Location Distance in Km Direction Geographical Location Buffer Zone N-4 Thagadur Village N-5 Honnamaranahalli Village N-6 Verupakshapura Village N-7 Chekkonahalli Village 6.0 NW 3.5 S 4.0 SE 2.5 NE Longitude: E: '49.21" Latitude: N: 13 02'27.55" MSL: 906 m Longitude: E: '38.18" Latitude: N: 13 00'58.61" MSL: 906 m Longitude: E: '19.19" Latitude: N: 13 01'51.58" MSL: 919 m Longitude: E: '11.80" Latitude: N: 13 04'34.88" MSL: 880 m Table No: 1.9: The present Noise levels were measured at 7 locations Villages / Parameters Day Time Night Time Min Max Min Max Working Pit Dumping Area Main Haulage Road Thagadur Village Honnamaranahalli Village Verupakshapura Village Chekkonahalli Village It is observed that the noise values obtained were within the prescribed Ambient Air Quality Standards with respect to Noise : Water Quality The water samples were collected from the available ground water and surface water sources and have been analyzed to assess the quality of water and any impacts on the quality of water due to the proposed project. The surface and ground water quality sampling location details are given in Table 1.10 & Table

22 Surface Water Quality The nearest Water body is Bhuvanahalli Kere which is at a distance of about 2.5 km from the mining lease area. Table 1.10: Surface Water Sampling Locations with Distance Code Name of Sampling Location Distance in Km Direction Surface Water Sampling Locations SW1 Bhuvanahalli Kere 2.5 N Ground Water Quality Five Bore well has been selected to test the characteristics. Bore well at mine lease area, Bore well water at Thagadur Village which is at a distance of 6.0 km towards North-west Direction, Bore well at Honnamaranahalli Village which is at a distance of 3.5 km towards South-east direction, Bore well at Verupakshapura Village which is at a distance of 4.0 km towards South-east direction, Bore well at Chekkonahalli Village which is at a distance of 2.5 km towards North-east direction. Table 1.11: Ground Water Sampling Locations with Distance Code Name of Sampling Location Distance in Km Direction Ground Water Sampling Locations GW1 Bore well water at Mining Lease Area GW2 Borewell water at Thagadur Village GW3 Borewell water at Honnamaranahalli Village GW4 Borewell water at Verupakshapura Village GW5 Borewell water at Chekkonahalli Village NW 3.5 S 4.0 SE 2.5 NE 10

23 Analysis of Water Sample Surface Water No Surface Water samples were collected during the study period due to non-availability of the same (dried-up) Ground Water Sample: The Analysis of Ground water in the study area for Winter season is summarized in Table Standards Table No: 1.12: Summary of Ground Water Quality Unit: mg/l Parameter TDS Iron CaCO 3 Cl NO 3 Results Désirable Limits Permissible Limits No Relaxation Soil Quality Five locations were selected for analyzing the soil quality status both in core & buffer zone. Soil Sampling Locations with distance from the Core Zone is given in Table Table No: 1.13 Soil Sampling Locations with distance from the Core Zone Code Name of Sampling Location Direction Distance in Km S1 Mine site S2 Agricultural Soil near Thagadur Village 6.0 NW S3 S4 S5 Agricultural Soil near Honnamaranahalli Village Agricultural Soil near Verupakshapura Village Agricultural Soil near Chekkonahalli Village 3.5 S 4.0 SE 2.5 NE 11

24 The findings are: o ph varies from 6.92 to 7.34 o The Nitrogen content varies from to Kg/ha o The Phosphorous content is between to Kg/ha o The Potassium concentration was 50.5 mg to 93 mg /100 gm o The Sodium varies from 10.6 to 16.2 mg/100 gm o The texture of the soil in the study area observed to be of clay loam type Socio Economics There is no human habitation in the core zone. The socio economic condition is summarized as below. Population Details at study area is given in Table Table 1.14 Population Details Population 2011 Census Total No of House Holds Total Population Others S.C S.T M F T M F M F Biological Environment There are no endemic species or endangered species of flora and fauna. 1.9 Environmental Impacts and Management Plan Air Environment The proposed expansion of Mining activity is in proposes in the Revenue and Animal Husbandry land covering an area of ha. Main source of air pollution in the mine is main sources of fugitive emissions are raw material unloading, raw material handling, material transfer points, storage bin etc. in addition to this, dust generation due to operation of HEMMs in the mine and tipper movement on the road Mitigation Measures Management proposes the following effective control measures; Dust Extraction System to be used in Drill Machines Use of Sharp drill bits for drilling Holes and drills with Water Flushing System (Wet Drilling) to reduce dust generation. Ore carrying trucks will be effectively covered with tarpaulin. Water spraying on roads, waste dumps, sub-grade stacks and mine faces. 12

25 Drilling by using dust extractors. Well designed blast by effective stemming and use of optimum charge. Transport vehicles will be regularly checked for their environmental fitness like pollution under control and fitness etc. Green barriers with tall growing thick foliage plants species will be developed around the mine lease area towards noise transmission and dust dispersion. For safety of workers at site, engaged at strategic locations/dust generation points Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) would be provided and ensured for using the same. Environmental monitoring of air quality to take mid-course correction, if required to keep the pollution constituent with-in the permissible limits always. Construction of well designed haulage roads. Monitoring of air quality periodically to take necessary steps to keep the pollution with-in the permissible limits Noise Environment The main sources of noise in the plant are classified into following types: Operation of Mining Activity Operation of Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMMs) Mitigation Measures for Noise Control Innovative approaches of using improvised plant and machinery designs with in-built mechanism to reduce noise emission. Blasting operations to be carried out during only in day time to avoid high noise in the night time. A green belt will be made by selecting thick foliage and tall growing plants around the mine lease area which will act as acoustic barriers in arresting noise transmission. Providing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to the personnel who are exposed continuously to the high noise zone/ operation area i.e., to drillers and compressor operator etc. Display of sign boards at high noise generation zones. Use of sharp drilling bits, delivery of compressed air at optimal pressure. Corrective & preventive maintenance of Vehicle & machinery including transport vehicles. Providing rubber lining at screening decks to reduce noise generation. Blasting noise shall be minimized / reduced by using optimum spacing and burden with proper charge. 13

26 Vibration The vibration levels from the designed blasting pattern are expected to be well below the permissible limits, as the drilling and blasting will be carried- out with jack-hammer drills of 33 mm dia. The following mitigation measures shall be adopted Mitigation Measures for Vibration o o o o o o Peck particle velocity or ground vibrations for safety of nearby structures and residential building should be well within 12.5 mm/sec. To contain fly rocks, stemming column will not be less than the burden of the hole and the blasting area should be muffled. A danger-zone of 500 m from the blasting site shall be monitored. Charge weight used per hole will not exceed 300 gm Stemming column shall be more than the burden to avoid blow-out shots. Each blast shall be carefully planned, supervised, executed Water Environment The impact on water environment has been considered under the following heads: Impact on Ground Water Impact on Surface Water Bodies Storm Water Management The water requirement for the proposed expansion project is 124 m 3 /day and met from the Borewell within the MLA. Since the entire mine lease is on top of the plateau and the surface will be sloped inward from periphery towards inside, the storm water from outside the MLA will not enter the MLA. The rainfall on the MLA will be accumulated n the mine pit which will be pumped out through de-silting pits using pumps or will be allowed to seep into the ground to recharge ground water regime. Thus no adverse impact is envisaged on the surface or ground water regime of the area due to the proposed expansion in the mining activity Mitigation Measures of Water Pollution The chemical analysis of the iron ore does not show any toxic substance, which can dissolve and pollute water quality. Construction of parapet wall of appropriate dimension all along the toe of ore stock, Contour trench of appropriate width and depth all along the ore stock, Systematic drainage system for diverting the surface run-off during monsoon. Plantation of local varieties of species, so that there will be fast and healthy growth of vegetation. 14

27 Regular monitoring and analyzing the quality of water Land Environment Proposed expansion of mining activities will be restricted over an area of ha, is in proposes in Revenue and Animal Husbandry land. There will not be any impact due to operation of the mining to buffer zone land use Disposal of Waste 32,44,901 Tonnes (during 4 year Plan Period) of Over Burden / Waste will be generated as solid waste which is utilized for toe of the dump retention wall with garland drain to arrest wash off from the dump slope. The Hazardous waste such as used / spent oil will be disposed off to authorized recyclers. The details of hazardous waste are given Table Table 1.15: Hazardous Waste Management Source Waste Quantity Utilization plan Generator/ Lubricants Used oil Mitigative Measures MT per year Shall be sold to the approved/authorized recycler/reprocessors. There will be no negative impact due to solid waste disposal, it will be effectively used for toe of the dump retention wall with garland drain to arrest wash off from the dump slope. The details of solid waste management are given in Table Table 1.16: Details of Solid Waste Recycling Mine Source Waste Quantity Utilization Plan Over Burden / Waste 32,44,901 Tonnes (during 4 year Plan Period) Shall be utilized for toe of the dump retention wall with garland drain to arrest wash off from the dump slope Afforestation Plantation is proposed to be carried out around the Lease Area with tall growing having thick foliage plant species. All effort will be made to improve the survival rate of the saplings and their healthy growth will be taken care of by simple methods like proper watering, fencing and after care. 15

28 Resettlement There are no human settlements within the project site area. The entire project area of ha. The mining area is in Revenue and Animal Husbandry Lands. Hence, no resettlement and rehabilitation is proposed. 1.10Biological Environment There is no adverse impact on core-zone as well as buffer zone Flora and Fauna due to proposed expansion in the mining production Demography & Socio Economic Environment The objective is to demonstrate the range of potential impacts on communities and families by the project. The actual impacts experienced at a given project site will depend on a variety of factors. The impact of the expansion in the mining activity on the surrounding community will be positive in nature in improving the Quality of Life (QoL), economic status of the local people and infrastructure in buffer zone Social Corporate Responsibility The Management of MML is expansion project. It s already undertaking many CSR activities within the study area and also the management proposes to increase literacy levels within buffer zone, by way of support to school going children through free distribution of books and by way of supporting NGO s for adult education. Management will actively participate in the efforts by the local bodies and the Government to improve the health and social status of the population living in the buffer zone villages. Management proposes to extend the medical assistance to the local needy people by engaging a part time Medical Officer on a regular basis. However, management allocates necessary funds towards community developmental activities in the buffer zone villages to improve the facilities such as school, health, road, infrastructure, etc Other Tangible Benefits The proposed expansion project is likely to have other tangible benefits as given below. Indirect employment opportunities to local people in contractual works like housing construction, transportation, sanitation, for supply of goods and services to the project and other community services. Market and business establishment facilities will also increase. 16

29 Cultural, recreation and aesthetic facilities will also improve. Improvement in communication, transport, education, community development and medical facilities. Overall change in employment and income opportunity. The State Government will also benefit directly from the proposed project, through increased revenue from royalties, excise duty Occupational Health and Safety Preliminary screening of all the employees for their baseline health condition. Medical evaluation of workers condition before joining to the duty. Educating the workers w.r.t the safety conditions & occupational health diseases. Regular health checkups for all the employees will be conducted. Database will be created for individual worker and will be updated regularly to compare health status. Doctor specialized in Occupational health will be appointed for special needs Post Project Monitoring The company will undertake post project monitoring as per MoEF guidelines for all the environmental attributes Financial Considerations After an in-depth examination of the environment management plan, the management has made a time specific budgetary cost allocation towards carrying out environmental related works on a continuous basis and the same is given below in Table

30 Table 1.17: Proposed Costing Towards Environmental Protective Measures Sr. No. Activity Initial cost (Lakh Rs.) Recurring expenses proposed/ annum (Lakh Rs.) 1 Air Pollution Control (Dust suppression by water spraying) 2 Water Pollution Control Measures Occupational Health & Safety Environmental Monitoring Nil Socio-Economic Welfare Measures as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) 6 Maintenance of HEMM (15% of the equipment & machinery cost) TOTAL Project Cost: The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 200 Lakh Conclusion It can be concluded that there would be negligible impact in the buffer zone due to the proposed expansion in the production capacity in the mine. The project will contribute to the socio-economic development, strengthening of infrastructural facilities like medical, educational etc. The mine will be operated keeping Sustainable Development of the region in mind. Further, management is committed to contribute towards improving socio-economic status of the surrounding local community. Environmental monitoring is a successful tool for the management for implementation of adequate & effective environmental measures. It also helps the management to take mid course correction, if required based on the environmental monitoring results. Considering the above overwhelming positive impact on the community, there will be overall development of the area. Hence, it is requested that Environmental Clearance may be granted for this very ambitious project of M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited. 18

31 TABLE OF CONTENTS Sr. No Description Page No. Chapter - 1: Introductions 1.0 Preamble General Information on Mining of Minerals Selection of Mining Methods Open Cast Mining Environmental Clearance Stage 1: Screening Stage 2: Scoping Stage 3: Public Consultation Stage 4: Appraisal Terms of Reference Identification of Project Proponent Background, Aims and Achievements of the Organization Brief Description of Project Site Location and Accessibility Size of the Project Scope of the Study Methodology of EIA Applicable Legistration to Mining Projects 11 Chapter - 2: Project Description 2.0 General Uses and Specifications Description of the Project Approval Accorded Location & Accessibility Geology and General Configuration of the Area Physography Regional Geology Local Geology Dolerite Dyke Amphibolite Quartz vein Granitic Gneisses Titaniferrous Magnetite Ultra Basics (Serpentinite / Dunite) Tonalitic Gneiss Sepiolite Talc Tremolite Cshist Chromite Exploration and Reserves 21

32 Sr. No Description Page No Category Wise (Proved, Probable and Possible) 22 Reserves Estimated in the earlier Mining Plan with Grade Mineralogy and Mineralogical Composition of Dust Type of Mining Drilling & Blasting Extent of Mechanization Production and Development Details General Features Drainage Vehicular Traffic Density Impact due to Transportation Resource Requirement Water Requirement Power Requirement Employment Potential 28 Chapter 3: Analysis of Alternatives 3.1 Introduction 30 Chapter - 4: Baseline Data Environmental Description 4.0 Introduction Description of Study Area Study Period Methodology of EIA Study Study of Environmental Components Geology and General Configuration of the Are Physography Regional Geology Local Geology Dolerite Dyke Amphibolite Quartz Vein Granitic Gneisses Titaniferrous Magnetite Ultra Basics (Serpentinite / Dunite) Tonolitic Gneiss Sepiolite Talc Tremolite Cshist Chromite Micro Meteorology Climate Assessment Air Environment Analysis of Baseline Concentrations 44 Sr. No Description Page No.

33 Working Pit Dumping Area Main Haulage Road Thagadur Village Honnamaranahalli Village Verupakshapura Village Chikkonahalli Village Noise Environment Reconnaissance Survey and Identification of noise 54 Sampling Location Sources of Noise Assessment of Noise Levels Water & Hydrology Environment Surface Water Analysis of Surface Water Sample Ground Water Analysis of Ground Water Sample Hydrology Soil Environment Soil Analysis Results Biological Environment Background of the Study Area Ecology and Forest of the Region Past System of the Forest Management and their 69 results International efforts for Bio-diversity Conservation Approach and Methodology Approach Phyto-sociological Survey of the Study Area Faunal Diversity Green Belt Plan Land Use Studies Objectives Methodology Land Use based on Census Data Socio Economic/Demographic Data Population Population Literacy Level Occupational Structure Medical and Educational Facilities Interpretation of Primary and Secondary Data 87 Chapter - 5: Anticipated Environmental Impacts And Mitigative Measures 5.1 Introduction Need for Environmental Impact Assessment Air Environment Vehicular Traffic 93

34 Sr. No Description Page No Impact due to Transportation Meteorological Data Application of ISCST Emission Details Maximum Ground Level Concentrations Overall Scenario Air Pollution Control Measures Noise Pollution Control Measures Vibration Mitigation Measures for Vibration Water Environment Water Requirement Impact on Ground Water Bodies Impact on Surface Water Bodies Rain Water Harvesting Programme Proposed Treatment Method Occupation Health & Safety Land Environment Impacts and Mitigation Measures of Soil Resource Impact on soil nutrients and soil biota Mitigation Measures Muck Disposal Plan Slope Stabilization and Soil Embankments Balanced Cut and Fill (BCF) Construction Full Bench Construction Solid Waste Generation Mitigative Measures Biological Environment Recommended Plants for Green Belt Development Selection of plants for Green Belts Plantation along Road Sides Top Soil 113 Chapter - 6: Environmental Monitoring Programme 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Environmental Attributes and Frequency of 115 Monitoring Meteorological Observation Ambient Air Quality Instruments used for Sampling Method of Testing Water Quality Surface Water Ground Water Noise Level Soil Samples 118

35 Sr. No Description Page No. 6.6 Environmental Cell Financial Considerations 119 Chapter - 7: Additional Studies 7.1 Public Consultation Risk Assessment Health Hazards Risk Analysis and Disaster Management Plan Drilling Risks Face Stability and Loading Failure of Slope in the Pit Failure of Slope in the Pit Fly Rock and Vibrations Due to Blasting Disaster due to Surface Fire Advantages of risk analysis include Action Plan to prevent occurrence of Fire Mine Disaster Management Plan Emergency Plan Organization Plan Equipment Plan Purpose and Scope of Emergency Plan Functions of the emergency preparedness team Social Impact Assessment Demography & Socio Economic Environment Rehabilitation & Resettlement Action Plans 137 Chapter - 8: Project Benefits 8.1 Project Benefits Improvement in Physical Infrastructure Improvement in Social Infrastructure Employment Potential Infrastructure Facilities to the Workers Reaching out to the Community Other Tangible Benefits Social Corporate Responsibility 141 Chapter - 9: Environmental Cost Benefits Analysis 9.1 Introduction 143 Chapter - 10: Environmental Management Plan 10.1 Introduction Environmental Management during Operation Stage Air Environment 147

36 Sr. No Description Page No Wet Drilling Water Environment Noise Environment Vibration Mitigative Measures for Vibration Solid Waste & Hazardous waste generation Biological Environment Green belt Ecological Aspects Action Plan and Management System 152 Chapter - 11: Summary and Conclusion 11.1 Introduction Site Location and Accessibility Topography Drainage Production Details Waste Disposal Employment Potential Environmental Description Meteorology Baseline Ambient Air Quality Ambient Noise Levels Water Quality Surface Water Quality Ground Water Quality Analysis of Water Samples Surface Water Quality Ground Water Quality Soil Quality Socio Economics Biological Environment Environmental Impact and Management Plan Air Environment Mitigative Measures Noise Environment Mitigative Measures for Noise Pollution Vibration Mitigative Measures Water Environment Mitigative Measures for Water Pollution Land Environment Disposal of Waste Mitigative Measures Afforestation 169

37 Sr. No Description Page No Resettlement Biological Environment Demography & Socio Economic Environment Social Corporate Responsibility Other Tangible Benefits Occupational Health and Safety Post Project Monitoring Financial Considerations Conclusion 172 Chapter - 12: Details of Consultants 12.0 Details of Consultants 174

38 LIST OF TABLES Table No. Description Page No. Chapter - 1: Introductions 1.0 Number of reporting mines in the Country, Chromite Production in India, & Categories of Mining Projects Details of Project Location Details Production Details 11 Chapter - 2: Project Description 2.1 Location Details The Details of Exploration carried out in the area The Reserves estimated is furnished below table 22 which is as per UNFC Classification. 2.4 The average results of chemical analysis of Chromite The average chemical specification of Titaniferrous 23 Magnetite 2.6 The average chemical specification of Serpentinite and 23 Dunite 2.7 The average chemical specification of Quartz List of mining machinery Production & Development details of Chromite Production & Development details of Titaniferrous 26 Magnetite 2.11 Estimation of Trucks for Transport Hourly Existing Traffic Load on the Road The Details of Water Requirement 28 Chapter - 4: Baseline Data - Environnemental Description 4.1 Salient Features of Baseline Environmental Studies Meteorological data during Winter Ambient Air Quality Locations with Distance Noise monitoring Locations with Distance Ambient Noise Standards Exposure Limit for Different Noise Levels Measured Noise Values in the month of December Measured Noise Values in the month of January Measured Noise Values in the month of February

39 Table No. Description Page No Water Sampling Locations with Distance Ground Water Sampling Locations with Distance Summary of Ground Water Soil Sampling Locations Soil Analysis Report Details of Study Area Zones Land Use of the Mining Lease Area Land Use Pattern of the Study Area Socio Economic Condition Population Details Details of Literacy Level Occupational Structure 86 Chapter - 5: Anticipated Environmental Impacts And Mitigative Measures 5.1 Comparative Chart of Various Impacts Impact Checklist during Mining Operation Impact Statement Matrix Estimation of Tippers for Transportation of Materials Details of Production and Over Burden of the 94 Chromite 5.6 Details of Production and Over Burden of the 94 Titaniferrous Magnetite 5.7 Emission Details Predicted Ground Level Concentrations of Particulate 98 Matter Season: Winter Overall Scenario Requirement for occupational Health and Safety Hazardous Waste Management Details of solid Waste recycling Recommended Plant Species for Green Belt 112 Development Chapter 6: Environmental Monitoring Programme 6.1 Environmental Attributes Method of Testing PM 10 / PM Method of Testing SO Method of Testing NOx Responsibilities of Personnel of the Environmental 119 Safety Cell 6.6 Proposed Costing Towards Environmental Protective Measures 120

40 Table No. Description Page No. Chapter 9: Environmental Cost Benefits Analysis 9.1 Proposed Costing towards Environmental Protection Measures 144 Chapter 10: Environmental Management Plan 10.1 Solid Waste and Hazardous Waste Generation Hazardous Waste Management Recommended Plant Species for Greenbelt 151 Development 10.4 Action Plan for various Environmental, Social and Ecological Issues 152 Chapter 11: Summary and Conclusion 11.1 Details of Mines Location Details Production Details Salient Features of the Project Ambient Air Quality Locations with Distance Summaries of Ambient Air Quality Data (Average. 161 Conc.) 11.7 Noise monitoring Locations with Distance The present Noise levels were measured at 7 locations. 162 The results obtained are as follows Surface Water Sampling Locations with Distance Ground Water Sampling Locations with Distance Summary of Surface Water Quality Summary of Ground Water Quality Soil Sampling Locations with distance from the Core 165 Zone Population Details Hazards Water Management Details of Solid Waste Recycling Proposed Costing Towards Environmental Protective Measures 172 Chapter 12: Details of Consultants 12.1 Details of EIA-Co-ordinator and Functional Area Experts 174

41 LIST OF FIGURES Fig. No. Description Page No. Chapter - 1: Introductions 1.1 A Flow Diagram Showing the sequence of operation 5 of mining through surface 1.2 Lease Area Showing in Google Map 10 Chapter - 2: Project Description 2.1 Route through Google Location Map Existing Road near the Mining Lease Area 28 Chapter - 4: Baseline Data Environemental Description 4.1 IRS-P6 Map Wind Rose Diagram of Winter Air Monitoring Location showing around 10 Km 43 Radius 4.4 Graphical representation of baseline air quality data 45 at Working Pit 4.5 Graphical representation of baseline air quality data 46 at Dumping Area 4.6 Graphical representation of baseline air quality data 47 at Main Haulage Road 4.7 Graphical representation of baseline air quality data 48 at Thagadur Village 4.8 Graphical representation of baseline air quality data 49 at Honnamaranahalli Village 4.9 Graphical representation of baseline air quality data 50 at Verupakshapura Village 4.10 Graphical representation of baseline air quality data 51 at Chikkonahalli Village 4.11 Noise monitoring location showing around 10 Km 53 Radius 4.12 Graphical Representation of Noise Measurement 57 December Graphical Representation of Noise Measurement 58 January Graphical Representation of Noise Measurement 59 February Locations showing Surface and Ground Water 61 monitoring stations around 10 Km Radius 4.16 Graphical representation of Baseline Location wise Ground Water Quality 64

42 Fig. No. Description Page No Drainage Pattern of the Study Area Locations showing Soil sampling stations around Km Radius 4.19 Vegetation characteristics of trees and shrubs in four 72 quartile of 10 km radius km radius map showing zone considered for the 79 Study Area 4.21 Land Use Pattern of the Study Area around 10 km 82 radius 4.22 Population Break-up details in Buffer Zone Literacy of Villages in Buffer Zone Occupational Structure in Study Area 86 Chapter - 5: Anticipated Environmental Impacts And Mitigative Measures 5.1 Predicted Ground Level Concentrations of Particulate Matter 99

43 LIST OF PHOTO s Photo No. Description Page No. Chapter - 2: Project Description 2.1 Existing Road near the Mining Lease Area 26 Chapter - 4: Baseline Data Environment Description 3.1 Photo No. 4.1: Plantation in the mine lease area 77

44 Sr. No. LIST OF ANNEXURE s Description Annexure No. 1 Copy of Lease Deed Annexure 1 2 Approved Scheme of Mining letter from IBM Annexure 2 3 Meteorological Data December 2013 Annexure 3 4 Meteorological Data January 2014 Annexure 4 5 Meteorological Data February 2014 Annexure 5 6 Frequency Distribution - December 2013 Annexure 6 7 Frequency Distribution - January 2014 Annexure 7 8 Frequency Distribution - February 2014 Annexure 8 9 Air Analysis Report Working Pit Annexure 9 10 Air Analysis Report Dumping Area Annexure Air Analysis Report Main Haulage Road Annexure Air Analysis Report Thagadur Village Annexure Air Analysis Report Honnamaranahalli Village Annexure Air Analysis Report Verupakshapura Village Annexure Air Analysis Report Chikkonahalli Village Annexure Noise Measurement Report - December 2013 Annexure Noise Measurement Report - January 2014 Annexure Noise Measurement Report - February 2014 Annexure Analysis Report of Ground Water sample Annexure Hydrology Report Annexure Soil Analysis Report Annexure Green Belt Development Plan Annexure Sample Questionnaires Annexure Population Details Annexure Literacy Details Annexure Working Details Annexure Education Facility Annexure Medical Facility Annexure Expert Signature Copy Annexure Photographs of the Lease Area Annexure 30

45 Sr. No. LIST OF PLATES Description Plate No. 1 Location Plan Plate No Lease Sketch Plate No Google Map Plate No Topographical Plan of 10 km Radius Plate No Surface Plan Plate No Geological Plan Plate No Geological Cross Section Plate No Production Plan Plate No Dump Management Plan Plate No Dump Section Plate No Environment Plan Plate No Environmental Management Plan Plate No Post Mine Closure Plan Plate No. 13

46 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION EIA Report 1

47 Environmental Impact Assessment Report of M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited 2 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.0 Preamble M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited (MML) a Government of Karnataka Undertaking having the lease for mining of Chromite Mine over an area of Ha located at Rayasamudra Kaval, Village Kamanayakanahalli, Channarayapatna Taluk of Hassan District. Mining lease was granted for 20 years with effect from 25 th January 2005 which is valid up to 24 th January Lease deed is enclosed as Annexure I. Lessee has applied for obtaining Environmental Clearance for the expansion of capacity from 0.26 TPA to TPA from Ministry of Environment & Forests (No. J-11015/212/2009-IA-II (M)). Ministry of Environment & Forests has granted Terms of Reference (TOR) on 17 th Dec 2009 on presentation made before Expert Appraisal Committee meeting held on th Nov Further, Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan prepared considering Winter baseline data. Public Hearing was conducted on 30 th October 2010 at Thagadur Chromite Mine, Thagadur Village. The project was taken up before 24 th EAC meeting held on Feb 2012 for grant of Environmental Clearance. Based on the presentation made, the Expert Committee observed that the baseline data collected prior to prescribing of TOR and asked project proponent to redo the EIA by collecting baseline afresh, redo the public hearing. Therefore, M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited engaged the services of METAMORPHOSIS SM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., for preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment to obtain Environmental Clearance from Ministry of Environment & Forests. Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process, used to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior to decisionmaking. It is a decision-making tool, which guides the decision makers in taking appropriate decisions for proposed projects. It aims predicting environmental impacts at an early stage of project planning and design, find ways and means to reduce adverse impacts, shape projects to suit the local environment and present the predictions and options to decision makers. By using EIA, both environmental and economic benefits can be achieved. EIA systematically examines both beneficial and adverse consequences of the 2

48 Environmental Impact Assessment Report of M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited 3 proposed project and ensures that these impacts are taken into account during the project design. By considering environmental effects and mitigation early in the project planning cycle, there are many benefits, such as protection of the environment, optimum utilization of resources and saving overall time and cost of the project. Properly conducted EIA also lessens conflicts by promoting community participation, informs decision-makers and helps lay the base for environmentally sound projects. The Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India, made environmental clearance (EC) for certain development projects mandatory through its notification of 27/01/1994 under the Environment Protection Act, Keeping in view of the experience gained in environmental clearance process ov er a period of one decade, the MoEF came out with Environment Impact Notification, SO 1533 (E) and dt. 14/09/2006. It has been made mandatory to obtain environmental clearance for different kinds of developmental projects. As the lease area is more than 50 Ha, it falls under category A of Schedule of EIA Notification 2006 and accordingly EIA report is prepared and being submitted. 1.1 General Information on Mining of Minerals Indian mining industry is characterized by a large number of small operational mines. The number of mines which reported mineral production {excluding minor minerals, petroleum (crude), natural gas and atomic minerals} in India was 3108 in as against 3236 in the previous year. The details of reporting mines in the Country are given Table 1.0. Table 1.0: Number of reporting Mines in the Country, Sector All Minerals* Coal (including lignite) Metallic minerals Non-metallic minerals *excluding atomic minerals, petroleum (crude), natural gas (utilized) and minor minerals The Chromite Production in India, the details are given in Table Source: Ministry of Mines, GOI, 3

49 Environmental Impact Assessment Report of M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited 4 Table 1.1: Chromite Production in India, & State Production (Qty in tones) (P) Karnataka Maharashtra Odisha India (Total) Selection of Mining Method Factors in the choice of an actual mining method for a given deposit are deposit characteristics, percentage recovery, requirement of health and safety and environmental concerns, production, scheduling scope of mechanization and automation, workforce requirements wage rates, land reclamation, operating and capital cost estimates. The selection of the mining method (development and extraction) is a key decision to be made in the opening up of a mine. Opencast or underground method of working will be adopted depending upon the geological attitudes and country rock. Country rock is drilled, blasted, loaded into trucks, and hauled to a facility where it is crushed and ground to a uniform size for further processing. Mining requires the removal and disposal of layers of top soil and underlying rock commonly called the overburden. The ore is broken into pieces that can be easily transported and moved to a crushing & screening units for further processing. Mining must be planned so that the combine of mining processing and reclaiming the land is taken up concurrently Open Cast Mining General geology and hydrogeology of the study area and geologic sections of the deposit (transverse and longitudinal) in the project area are to be prepared. Natural and geologic factors, terrain topography, depth, geological disturbances climate, mineral / ore grade, mineable reserves within the property boundary, production rate, estimated life of mine are to studied before selection of the mine area. Depth of the deposit at the final it limit thickness and dip be given. Overburden thickness (maximum and minimum) is to be estimated. 2 Indian Minerals Yearbook 2012 (Part III): Mineral Reviews, 51 st Edition Chromite, GOI, Ministry of Mines, IBM 4

50 Environmental Impact Assessment Report of M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited 5 Maximum allowable stripping ratio, overall stripping ratio, mining plan (development and exploitation) are to be critically examined. Year wise development plan and year wise production plan for the next five years are to be worked out. Methods for handling of overburden waste for the next five years are to be outlined. Similar plans of five year duration subsequently should be prepared and the approval of the concerned regulatory authority is to been taken. A flow diagram showing the sequence of operation of mining through surface mining is shown in Figure 1.1. Opencast Mining Site Preparation Mine Development Drilling & Blasting Ore Over Burden Excavation / Loading Haulage Stocking Fig. 1.1: A flow diagram showing the sequence of operation of mining through surface 5

51 Environmental Impact Assessment Report of M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited Environmental Clearance As per the EIA notification of 14 th September 2006 and its amendment dated 1 st December 2009, mining projects are divided into two categories as given in the Table 1.2 and various steps is involved to obtain Environmental Clearance is explained. Table 1.2: Categories of Mining Projects Project Activity Mining of Minerals A Category = 50 ha of mining lease area in respect of non-coal mine lease General Condition Any project or activity specified in category B will be treated as category A, if located in whole or in part within 10 km from the boundary of: I. Protected areas notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; (ii) Critically polluted areas as identified by the Central Pollution Control Board from time to time; II. Eco-sensitive areas as notified under section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, such as, Mahabaleswar Panchangi, Matheran, Pachmarhi, Dahanu, Doon Valley and III. Inter-state boundaries and international boundaries. Provided that the requirement regarding distance of 10km of the inter-state boundaries can be reduced or completely done away with by an agreement between the respective states or U.Ts sharing the common boundary in the case the activity does not fall within 10 kilometers of the areas mentioned at item (i), (ii) and (iii) above the environmental clearance process for all projects will comprise a maximum of four stages. These four stages in sequential order are: Stage 1: Screening Not Applicable for the Project Stage 2: Scoping Scoping refers to the process by which the EAC in the case of Category A projects or activities determine detailed and comprehensive TOR addressing all relevant environmental concerns for the preparation of an EIA report in respect of the project or activity for which prior environmental clearance is sought. The EAC shall determine the TOR on the basis of information furnished in the prescribed application Form 1 including TOR proposed by the applicant. 6

52 Environmental Impact Assessment Report of M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited Stage 3: Public Consultation Public consultation refers to the process by which the concerns of local affected persons and others who have plausible stake in the environmental impact of the project or activity are ascertained with a view to taking into account all the material concerns in the project or activity design as appropriate. As the project falls under Category A public consultation is mandatory. After completion of the public consultation, the applicant shall address all the material environmental concerns expressed during this process and make appropriate changes in the draft EIA and EMP. The final EIA report, so prepared, shall be submitted by the applicant to the concerned regulatory authority for appraisal. The applicant may alternatively submit a supplementary report to draft EIA and EMP addressing all the concerns expressed during the public consultation Stage 4: Appraisal Detailed scrutiny by the EAC of the application and other document like the Final EIA report, outcome of the public consultations including public hearing proceedings, submitted by the applicant to the regulatory authority concerned for grant of EC. 1.4 Terms of Reference (ToR) The Proposal was considered by the EAC for obtaining Terms of Reference (ToR) held on th November ToR is issued on 17 th December 2009 and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Studies were carried out based on the EIA Notification Identification of Project Proponent Mysore Minerals Limited (MML) has been a dynamic player in the Mining field and has been responsible for the efficient harnessing of these resources. MML has been involved in the Mining Business since 1966 and today is a recognized name in the industry with high competent and scientific methods to its credit. Capitalizing on this natural resource of Karnataka and acting as an agent of the Government has made MML a vital link in the Local as well as Global trade relations. MML work with sufficient infrastructure that is designed to optimize time and effort. Retaining quality standards is a priority to ensure that we satisfy our clients from all over the world. MML is having 17 quarries, 45 mines, 38 years of experience, Eco- Friendly exploration and Mining Technologies. 7

53 Environmental Impact Assessment Report of M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited Background, Aims and Achievements of the Organization o Mysore Minerals Limited, a fully owned Company of Government of Karnataka was established in the year 1966 by taking over the assets of the erstwhile Board of Mineral Development. The Company is registered under the Companies Act o Initially, the Company had confined its activities to exploration, production and marketing of the various minerals available in the State. The prominent minerals which were the main resource of the Company were Chromite, Manganese and Iron Ore. The Company is one of the major producers of Iron Ore, Chromite, Magnesite, Clay Limestone, and Dolomite in the State. o Keeping in view the demand in the international market for the different colours of granite blocks available in the State, the Company had entered into the area of production and marketing of granite blocks of different colours available in Kanakapura, Hassan, Chamarajnagar and Ilkal Sectors. o During the year , the Company had taken up diversification programmes to expand its activities. Under this programme, the Company had established a Stoneware Pipe producing unit in Bageshpura, Hassan District and also started a 100 % export oriented unit for cutting and polishing of granite blocks in Hassan Industrial Area during the year o Mysore Minerals Limited is headed by the Managing Director. The other Officers are Executive Director, Chief Administrative and Vigilance Officer, Controller of Finance & Accounts, General Manager (Mkt), Company Secretary and staff assisting the Managing Director. o Mysore Minerals Limited has 45 mining leases and 27 quarry leases in different parts of Karnataka and has provided gainful employment to 1252 employees. 1.6 Brief Description of Project The Thagadur Chromite Mine, its existing production is 0.26 Lakh tones Annum with open cast mining method & having more demand in the market. In view of the same, MML proposes to increase production from 0.26 Lakh tones per annum to Lakh tones anuum at Thagadur Village, Channarapatana Taluk, Hassan District, Karnataka. The project details are given in Table

54 Environmental Impact Assessment Report of M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited 9 Table 1.3: Details of Project Project Project Proponent Location Area Production Capacity : Thagadur Chromite Mine : M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited : Thagadur Village, Channarapatana Taluk, Hassan District, Karnataka State. : ha : Expansion Capacity from 0.26 Lakh tones annum to Lakh tones annum Site Location and Accessibility Thagadur Chromite Mines is situated 25 km North-west of Channarayapatna town in Channarayapatna Taluk of Hassan District in Karnataka State. Accessibility and transportation of heavy equipment to site by road or rail is easy. No problem is envisaged in accessibility and transportation of heavy equipment to site by road or rail as nearest road is Channarayapatna Nuggehalli road passes within 2-3 kms from lease boundary on southern side. The Railway line Bengaluru Mangalore passes through Arsikere which about 75 km from the lease. The nearest airport is Bengaluru which is about 175 km away from mining lease area. The average ground level of lease area is meter above MSL. Mine location is very close to the main road and broad gauge railway line thus, transportation of finished products to various sites is easy and economical. Details of the locations are given in Table

55 Environmental Impact Assessment Report of M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited 10 Mine Lease Nos Survey Nos. Longitude Latitude Village Tehsil District State Fig. 1.2: Lease Area showing in the Google Map Table 1.4: Location Details North Side: Part of Navile V.B and Rayasamudra Kaval South Side: Part of Sy. No. 1, 112, 168 & 107 East Side: Part of Rayasamudra Kaval Sy. No. 1, 4, 5, 11, 12, 2, 125 & 126. West Side: Navile, Rangapur, Lakkarasanahalli, Thagadur. E: E: N: N: Thagadur Channarapatana Hassan Karnataka Size of the Project Details of the proposed expansion production capacity in the Mine are given at Table

56 Environmental Impact Assessment Report of M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited 11 Table 1.5: Production Details Sr. No. Particulars Existing Capacity Proposed Capacity 1 Chromite 0.26 LTPA LTPA 1.7 Scope of the Study The scope of the present study involves identification of all environmental attributes that have a potential impact on the environment and delineating suitable environmental measures to minimize the negative impacts and to ensure the compliance of operations as per the statutory requirement. Scope of the study also includes a detailed characterization of various environmental components like air, noise, water, soil and socio-economic conditions within an area of 10 km radius around the Mine site. 1.8 Methodology of EIA The Environmental Impact assessment studies are conducted within an area of 10 km radius around the proposed site. Various steps involved in the study area are divided into three following phases. Identification of significant environmental parameters and assessing the status within the study area. Predictions of impacts envisaged due to proposed scheme on various environmental attributes. Evaluation of impacts after superimposing the predicated scenario over the baseline scenario to prepare Environmental Management Plan. 1.9 Applicable Legislation to Mining Project The mining sector has separate set of legislations covering management, conservation, grant and operation of mining leases etc. There are also separate legislations for coal mines, non-ferrous mines etc. In addition, there are environmental/forest regulations, applicable to all types of mining activities have been prescribed by ministry of environment and forests and CPCB. 11

57 Environmental Impact Assessment Report of M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited 12 I mportant Legislations are given below: o The Mines Act, 1952 o The Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 o Mines Rules, 1955 o Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 o Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1988 o State Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 o The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 o The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 o The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 o The Wildlife (Protection) Act, o Environmental Impact Assessment Notification 2006 /

58 CHAPTER 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION EIA Report 13

59 CHAPTER 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.0 General In India Chromite is extracted in following states 1. Odisha 2. Karnataka (Hassan) and 3. Maharashtra. Uttarakhand is the maximum producer of Chromite in India while Karnataka is in second rank. In all the three state Chromite is being worked by opencast method by developing benches. In recent past, Technology has been improved in steel manufacturing industries and etc. Chromium is used for stainless steel, as plating and tanning agent. 2.1 Uses and Specifications Chromite, a mineral ore that is mined from crystallized magma, is used in the production of steel as a pigment and as a catalyst in many chemical reactions. It is also an important component of the leather tanning process. Chromite is also used to anodize aluminum for use in jet engines. Chromite is the mineral ore of the metal Chromium and the chromium must often be extracted from the ore and purified before it is used. Chromium is an important ingredient in steel; it gives this metal increased hardness and toughness, and it helps it reduce chemical erosion over time. Chromium is also vital in the aerospace industry because it is used to anodize the aluminum that is used to build aircraft and related equipment. These aluminum alloys made with chromium are incredibly heat resistant, making them ideal for use in jet engines. Compounds made with chromium and nickel is also highly heat resistant and used on toasters, ovens and other home appliances. Several chromium compounds are used as dyes and colorants. Lead chromate is used to make the pigment chrome yellow. Tiny amounts of chromium from chromite ore combine with various other compounds to give rubies their red color and emeralds their green color. Various chromium pigments are used to give cosmetics their colors as well. 2.2 Description of the Project Thagadur Chromite Mine belongs to Mysore Minerals Limited (MML) which a Karnataka State Government concern. Presently, this mine is producing 0.26 LTPA of Chromite, now MML want to enhance the production from 0.26 LTPA to LTPA. 14

60 2.2.1 Approval Accorded o o o Forest Clearance: Not Applicable. Grant of Lease: Grant of Mining Lease vide letter no. DMG/MLS-365/95/ /845 dt Approval of Mining Scheme: Approval of Mining Scheme from Indian Bureau of Mines, Bengaluru vide letter no. 279/263/91/BNG dt Location & Accessibility Thagadur Chromite Mines is situated 25 km North-west of Channarayapatna town in Channarayapatna Taluk of Hassan District in Karnataka State. Accessibility and transportation of heavy equipment to site by road or rail is easy. No problem is envisaged in accessibility and transportation of heavy equipment to site by road or rail as nearest road is Channarayapatna Nuggehalli road passes within 2-3 kms from lease boundary on southern side. The Railway line Bengaluru Mangalore passes through Arsikere which about 75 km from the lease. The nearest airport is Bengaluru which is about 175 km away from mining lease area, thus the transportation of finished products to various sites is easy and economical. Details of the locations are given in Table 2.1. Fig 2.1: Route through Google 15

61 Fig 2.2: Location Map 16

62 Mine Lease Nos Survey Nos. Longitude Latitude Village Tehsil District State Table 2.1: Location Details North Side: Part of Navile V.B and Rayasamudra Kaval South Side: Part of Sy. No. 1, 112, 168 & 107 East Side: Part of Rayasamudra Kaval Sy. No. 1, 4, 5, 11, 12, 2, 125 & 126. West Side: Navile, Rangapur, Lakkarasanahalli, Thagadur. E: E: N: N: Thagadur Channarapatana Hassan Karnataka 2.4 Geology and General Configuration of the Area Physography The mining lease area is an undulating terrain having gentle slope both Easterly and Westerly. The general counter of lease hold area ranges from 911 to 973 mtrs. Above MSL. Few seasonal Nallahs are observed in the area towards North West, North East and Central part of the area and flow only during monsoon and remains dry during other seasons. The surrounding area of the Mining lease block is using for cultivation of Coconut, Sugar cane and seasonal crops such as Ragi and Maize. The area receives a moderate rainfall ranging from mm annually and under sub-tropical climate Regional Geology 1 The central curvilinear greenstone belt of Karnataka running from south of Tiptur to north of Gundlupet. This belt can be called as Nuggehalli Schist Belt, this synthesizes the stratigraphy and structure can be subdivided as follows: Group Formations Major lithology Dharwar Super Nuggehally Holenarasipura Slate, Phyllites, Schists, Charnockite, Gneisses and unclassified Crystalline. Gabbro, Anorthosite, Amphobolite, Chromite. Phyllites, Schists, Charnockite, Gneisses and unclassified Crystalline. Gabro, Anorthosite, Chromite, Kyanite, Staurolite, 1 Geology of Karnataka by Mr. B P Radhakrishna and Mr. R. Vaidyanandhan The Dharwar craton, Southern India, and its late Archaean plate tectonics settings current interpretations and controversies by Mr. Brain Chadwick, Mr. V. N. Vasudev and G. V. Hegde. 17

63 Group amygdular basalts, quartzite. Sargur Granite, Pegmatite, Anorthosite, Dunite, Magnesite, Charnockite, Quartz, Basically the Sargur schist belt belongs to Dharwar super group of Precambrian age. The Sargur schist complex contains Archaean quartzo-feldspathic tonalitic gneisses of mixed origin and tight folded remnants of quartzite K pelite-carbonate shelf facies sediments. Relics of layered ultramatic-gabbroanorthosite (minor) complexes with cumulate textures occur as discontinuous linear belts, cods and patches in the gneisses and are later than the metasediments. The presence of tincluded' gneiss in an ultramafic body suggests the Sargur supracrustals rested on a gneissic basement. Carbonate-bearing ultramafic (similar to 'sagvandites') suggest a significant co 2 pressure during metamorphism. This possibly explains the local attainment of granulite facies conditions in a predominantly upper amphibolite facies terrain. There were at least two periods of migmeatisation with late (anatectic) granite sheets. Three major defermational episodes are well preserved in the quartzites. There is much similarity between the Sargur complex and the Isua-Malene-Upernavik succession of West Greenland and Labrador. The presence of younger Dharwar greenstone belts to the north and a 'mobile belt' towards the south of the Sargur terrain. However, more coordinated absolute age/isotcpio/rare earth element data are needed before a convincing model can be erected to explain the evolution of the high-grade terrain of southern India. The name Sargur series was proposed by Mr. B. Ramarao for these metamorphosed remnants of granulitic rocks with Kyanite, sillimanite, Graphite, Rutile and other minerals. The high grade assemblages occurred as narrow bands, fold remnants, scattered enclaves and tectonic within the gneissic complex and lacked a proper stratigraphy. However it was cleared that the gneiss together with the enclosed schistose remnants formed the basement for a well developed group of schistose rocks which the Dharwar already given. The name Sargur group was suggested by Mr. Swaminath and Ramakrishna (1981). The name ancient s upracrustals considered was more appropriate, as a collective name to designate the oldest recognize cover rocks occurring as dismembered remnants lacking the distinct stratigraphy and set in a sea of gneisses. Geologically, the Thagadur Chromite Mine forms a part of Nuggehalli Schist Belt of Green Stone Belt of Dharwar Supracrustal Rock Formations (Dharwar Super Group) with well - defined schist belt but forms a zone of Metamorphosed, high grade Assemblages within Meta Genissic Complex and very recently in receipt of considerable attention in view of Vanadiferrous Titano-Magnatite Mineralization apart from known deposition of Chromite and Titanoferrous-Magnatite. 18

64 Among the Ancient Supracrustal sequences within Karnataka, the abtuse Boomerang Shaped Nuggehalli Schist Belt occupies an important but there is no clearly recognizable basement for these rocks Local Geology The Thagadur Chromite Mine is a part of Nuggehally Schist belt received considerable attention in view of the Chromite, Gold and Vanadiferrous Titano-Magnetite mineralization. Recently an interasting discovery Copper mineralization has been made. Surface Plan is showing in Plate No. 5, Geological Plan is showing in Plate No. 6 and Geological Cross Section is given as Plate No.7. The foliation of the Schist is predominantly NNW-SSW with steep dip towards East. The belt has an average width over 3 kms as central bulge near Nuggehalli The Tentative sequence as identified in the region / ML area is indicated below. o o o o o o o o o o Dolerite dyke Amphibolite Quartz vein Granitic Gneisses Titano Magnetite Serpentinite Tonalitic Gneiss Sepiolite Talc Tremolite Schist Chromite Ore Dolerite Dyke It is exposed in the form of discontinuous bodies and runs both along as well as across the achiest belt in the South and Northern Part of North block. The out crop occurs at surface in the form of small boulders which are highly weathered. The color of the Dolerite Dyke is light black with grain size varying form fine to medium Amphibolite Amphibolite are predominantly exposed and are closely associated with ultra basics, trending North 30 W with a dip of 3-80 towards East and North Eastern direction. Amphibolite is highly schiested and exhibits foliation with greenish grey colour and semi-hard in nature. 19

65 Quartz vein Quartz out crops is found exposed in the Central part of the lease area in the form of thin bands and also acattered boulders trending North South direction. It exhibits white to dull white in colour Granitic Gneisses Granitic Gneisses exposed predominantly and has in contact with Schist Belt in the Western part of the lease area, trending North 20 E direction. The Gneisses are banded in nature with gray to white gray in colour Titaniferrous Magnetite Titaniferrous Magnetite occurs in the form of continuous band and dislocates at place due to faulting. The out crops are will expose towards Northern extension and North Western part of Ranganatha Betta. It occurs in the form of discontinuous band in South and South Eastern part of the lease area. The formation is highly folded in the Ranganatha Betta area trending N 30 W and dipping Easterly at different angles. It exhibits metallic Lustre and steak is Cherry red Ultra basics (Serpentinite / Dunite) Among the Ultra basics, Serpentinites are will exposed in the lease area as well as in the working pits, having general trend of NNW-SSE direction generally dipping towards North and North East direction. Dark green in colour and at places highly weathered, bleached and soft in nature Tonolitic gneiss Tonalitic Gneiss exposed towards eastern margin in South Block and Central block and has in contact with Schist belt trending NW-SE direction and dipping at an angle easterly. Tonalitic Gneiss exposed in the pit is weathered and shows dull white colour Sepiolite Sepiolite is well exposed in the South & Central pit demarcating the low grade Chromite ore zone. The general trend of the ore body is NW-SE direction and dipping at an angle of easterly. Sepiolite is Yellowish brown is colour and Schistose in nature. 20

66 Talc Tremolite Cshist The Serpentinite schist is well exposed in the lease area having a general trend NW-SE direction and dipping at an angle of 70 towards East. Talc Serpentinite is light green in colour, soft in soapy to touch Chromite Chromite ore body in the M.L. area is mainly associated with Serpentinite in the form of lenses, veins, bands, Pods and also occurs in the form of float ore at top with in the soil. The foliation direction of the ultra basic as a whole is NNW-SSE. The ore body also follows the foliation direction and dipping at an angle of easterly. 2.5 Exploration and Reserves The company possess mining lease in Thagadur Chromite area over an extent of ha. The mineralized zone in the entire stretch of ML is about 130 ha. The mineral reserves were estimated during the year 2001 based on data generated by earlier exploration (Diamond Drill (Chromite Ore Persistence has been Proved up to 70 mts., in a inclined drill hole (DDH No 30) and Wagon Drill Hole as well as from the mining operation in the area. After depleting the excavated mineral reserves during the mining plan period ( ) and subsequent scheme of mining periods ( ) where in much exploitation has not been effected. However, the reserves are re-estimated as per UNFC classification based on the detailed exploration carried out by drilling of DDH & WDH by both DGM and MML during the period from 1975 to 1988 and updated the reserves. Based on the parameters the proved reserves are arrived and is in the order of million tones of chromite ore, million tones of Titaniferrous magnetite, million tones of serpentinite, million tones of Dunite and million tones of talc. However, 35 nos. of Wagon Drill holes and 12 nos. of Diamond Drill holes of Back Log of Exploration, proposed in mining plan period ( ) and in subsequent ensuring Scheme of Mining inclusive of PMCP ( ) Period. Out of which, only 6 nos. of Wagon Drill exploration has been carried out in the year and remaining were unexecuted due to various constrains. Table 2.2: The Details of Exploration carried out in the area Location of proposed Total Depth of DDH Period No of holes Depth of holes DTH holes in mtrs Central Block North Block Total

67 2.5.1 Category Wise (Proved, Probable and Possible) Reserves Estimated in the earlier Mining Plan with Grade. The reserves are re-estimated based on the earlier exploration carried out in the area by drill holes drilled and trial pits & the chemical analysis results, the bands of chromite are marked on the geological plan and sections and estimated the reserves by calculating the sectional areas of individual sections with strike influence of this sections gives the volume of ore in M 3. The volume of ore is multiplied with the recovery percentage (based on the mining data) with average bulk density of 4 for chromite, 3.5 for Titaniferrous magnetite and 2.2 to 2.6 for other associated minerals is considered and estimated the grade wise reserve is given in the Table 2.3. Table 2.3: The Reserves estimated is furnished below table which is as per UNFC Classification. Type Mineral Name Production achieved in plan period Balance reserves as on Proved in tons (111) Probable in tons (121) Total in tons Grade govt. Feasibility mineral resources (211) Total resources in ts. Main Main Associated Chromite Titaniferrous Magnetite 16,771 tons (14,343 ts in ) & 2,423 tons in 1,62,679 3,22,825 4,85,504 Medium - 4,85, of this scheme 6,760 3,19,440 1,26,525 4,45,965 Medium 1,08,850 3,37,115 Serpentinite -- 22,125 11,063 33,188 Medium -- 33,188 Dunite -- 36,880 18,440 55,320 Low -- 55,320 Talc -- 10,620 5,310 15,930 Low -- 15,930 Quartz -- 16,640 8,320 24,960 Low -- 24, Mineralogy and Mineralogical Composition of Dust The Chromite minerals are sold to various industries in the Country. The Minerals are mainly used in Manufacture of refractory bricks. 22

68 Table 2.4: The average results of chemical analysis of Chromite Unit: in % Sr. No Radicals Percentage 1 Cr2O SiO FeO CaO MgO Al2O P2O The average chemical specification of Titaniferrous Magnetite produced in this mining area is given in Table 2.5. Table 2.5: Average chemical specification of Titaniferrous Magnetite Sr. No. Radicals Percentage 1 TiO % 2 Fe2O % 3 Al2O % 4 SiO % 5 LO % The average chemical specifications of Serpentinite and Dunite produced in this mining area are given in Table 2.6. Table 2.6: Average chemical specification of Serpentinite and Dunite Sr. No. Radicals Serpentinite % Dunite % 1 Cr2O % 00.76% 2 SiO % 28.97% 3 Fe2O % 13.78% 4 CaO 07.04% 05.79% 5 MgO 28.47% 29.18% 6 Al2O % 06.43% 7 LO % 13.93% The average chemical specification of Quartz produced in this mining area is given in Table

69 2.5.3 Type of Mining Table 2.7: Average chemical specification of Quartz Sr. No. Radical Percentage 1 Al2O % 2 Fe % 3 SiO % The Method of Mining Proposed is Open Cast method with Mechanization. o Open cast method with a bench height of 6 Mtrs. and width of 8 Mtrs., with a Bench Slope of 60 0 to the horizontal. The ore Mined and Over Burden removed will be transported by using Tippers to the respective yards Drilling & Blasting The broad blasting parameters are determined for the blasting pattern and blast design, on the basis of extensive field studies and years of experience they are as follows. f Drilling will be carried out by the combination of Atlos Copco Compressor / Tractor Mounted Compressor with Jack Hammers with the help of drill rods off 2.5 feet and subsequently by using 5 feet, 8 feet, 12 feet rods. Blasting is one of the main operation and has two important functions to perform o o To dislodge the mineral to facilitating its removal. To Fragment, so that it can be easily loaded. Considering the above parameter and the Powder Factor, the quantity of Explosive proposed as change for each hole of 3.00 mtrs. Depth will be about 0. Kgs and the powder factor will be about 6.3 kgs per hole that is 8 to 10 tons per kg of explosives. Recommended slurry explosives (25mm) used for secondary blasting / short hole blasting, ANFO, Ordinary Detonators. MS Delay Detonators, self detonating fuse and safety fuse Extent of Mechanization Since there is no change in method and or mode of mining, it is continued to keep the Open Cast Method of mode of Mining with Mechanization. So the below table shows the list of mining machineries to achieve the targeted production. 24

70 Table 2.8: List of Mining Machinery Sr. No. Equipment Capacity H.P. Numbers of Equipments Existing Proposed Total 1 J.C.B. 30x Loader HM Excavator 300 LC 1.63M Tata Tipper 10 tonnes Air Compressor XA Tractor Mounted Compressor Jack Hammers Water Pump Water Pump Truck / Water Jeep Total Production and Development Details The details of Production of Chromite, Titaniferrous Magnetite and other associate minerals Development Proposed for coming four years period is given in the Table 2.9 and Table Table 2.9: Production & Development Details of Chromite Unit in tones Y e a r Production Qnty. of O/B Ore to O/B Ratio ,740 7,00,315 1: ,060 5,25,547 1:15: ,140 7,33,579 1: ,220 11,50,050 1:25.43 Total 1,45,160 31,09,491 1:

71 Table 2.10: Production & Development Details of Titaniferrous Magnetite Y e a r Production Qnty. of O/B Ore to O/B Ratio Unit in tones ,775 25,190 1: ,100 33,660 1: ,975 34,650 1: ,975 41,910 1:0.80 Total 1,88,825 1,35,410 1:0.71 Plan showing the proposed year wise production and development is shown in Plate No General Features Drainage The drainage pattern of the area is dendritic to sub-dendritic in nature. The nallahs are seasonal in nature and remain dry most of time excepting during the short period of actual rainfall. There are no any water course / bodies within the Mining Lease Area Vehicular Traffic Density For Vehicle movement, metallic roads will be constructed to control emissions. Water sprinkling on solid waste dump and also on the sides of the haulage road will reduce the dust emissions to a significant level. Photo 2.1: Existing Road near the Mining Lease Area 26

72 2.6.3 Impact due to Transportation The existing road network in terms of railway line, state highway, etc. is shown in Fig

73 Fig 2.3: Road Network of the Study Area 28

74 The ROM is Lakh tones/annum. The estimation of trucks for transport of the materials is given in Table Table 2.11: Estimation of Trucks for Transport Particulars Production Development Total Total Quantity, tpa 1,06,200 11,89,000 12,95,200 Capacity of each truck, tones Number of trucks for total quantity 10,620 1,18,900 1,29,520 Operational days Number of trucks per day Operational hours for trucks in a day Number of trucks per hour From the above table, it can be seen that the total number of tippers for transport of the above material will be 2 tippers/hr and traffic density details are given in Table Table: 2.12: Hourly Existing Traffic Load on the Road Bhuvanahalli to Nuggehalli Thagadur to Bhuvanahalli Cycle wheeler wheeler Car/Jeep LCV HCV Bus Traffic Census data clearly indicates that the existing road from road is catering to average density of traffic and that expected incremental increase in road traffic due to the proposed expansion in the mining activity and its activities would not exceed 2 trucks per hour and would make no significant changes on the traffic load situation at Lease Area. 2.7 Resource Requirement Water Requirement The water required is 124 KLD. Water will be drawn from bore well within the lease area. The details of water requirement are given in Table

75 Purpose Table 2.10: The Details of Water Requirement Quantity, m 3 /d Existing Proposed Total Source Dust Suppression, Sprinkling Bore well / Tanker Domestic Purpose Afforestation Bore well Total Power Requirement The required quantity of power will be met through Karnataka State Electricity Board. However, mining operation does not require power as the mining operation will be conducted during day light hours Employment Potential About 66 peoples are benefited by direct employment including Engineers, Administrator, Skilled and Semi Skilled. Additional 66 peoples are required for proposed expansion. 28

76 CHAPTER- 3 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES (Technology & Site) EIA REPORT 29

77 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 3.1 Introduction M/s. Mysore Minerals Limited has been granted a mining lease (M. L. No. 2477) for extraction of Chromite at Village Thagadur, Channarayapatna Taluk of Hassan District, Karnataka. Since the mining activity is site specific and it depends it depends on occurrence of minerals and ores, therefore, alternate sites are not analyzed with respect to this project. Lease deed is enclosed as Annexure I. Copy of Approved mining plan is enclosed as Annexure II. 30

78 CHAPTER 4 BASELINE DATA ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION EIA REPORT Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 31

79 CHAPTER 4 BASELINE DATA - ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION 4.0 Introduction Collection of baseline data of different Environmental Attributes like Air, Water, Noise, Soil, Socio-economic etc., proposed expansion in the production capacity is an important stage in the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which helps to predict the changes which may occur after the implementation of the project. Hence, the teams of the functional area experts have visited the site to have reconnaissance survey of the location and the details with regard to the location features are collected and monitoring locations were also fixed to carry-out baseline monitoring of Air, Water, Noise, Soil, etc., The salient features of the location are given below; The location is sloping in all the sides of the mine lease area. At present there are no agricultural activities under taken and is covered by small bushy type Lease Areas. There is an irrigation canal which is flowing outside the lease area flowing from east to west then taking a diversion towards South. There are no agricultural activities under taken in the surrounding area. The nearest village is Thagadur which is at a distance of 0.5 km towards East. The criteria for selecting monitoring location for different Environmental Attributes are as below; 4.1 Description of Study Area The study area covers 10 km radius of the Mining Lease Area of Thagadur Chromite Mine at Thagadur Village, Channarayapatana Taluk, Hassan District of Karnataka State. Baseline environment quality represents the background environmental scenario of various environmental attributes. 4.2 Study Period The baseline environment quality represents the background scenario of various environmental components in the study area. MML has initiated studies to carry out Environmental Impact Assessment over a radial distance of 10 km around the Mining Lease Area during Winter season of covering the months of December , January February Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 32

80 4.3 Methodology of EIA Study Different steps are involved in carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment study of this project site and are divided into the following phases: Identification of significant environmental parameters and assessing the existing status within the impact zone with respect to air, water, noise, soil and socioeconomic components of environment. Study of various activities of the proposed expansion in the mining production to identify the area leading to impact/changes in the environmental quality. Quantification/prediction of impact for the set of identified activities and to study level of impact on various environmental attributes. Evaluation of impacts after superimposing the predicted /quantified scenario over the baseline scenario. Preparation of Environmental Management Plan for implementation of the mitigative measures in the proposed expansion in the production capacity. The methodology adopted for studying the various individual components of environment are described below. 4.4 Study of Environmental Components The baseline studies include detailed characterization of various components like: o Observations of Meteorological Parameters o Measuring the Ambient Air Quality Status and its Analysis o Measuring the Noise Quality and Analysis o Study of Water Quality and its Analysis o Soil Quality Survey and its Analysis o Study of Flora and Fauna o Evaluation of Socio-Economic Status The salient features of baseline environmental studies are given below in Table Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 33

81 Table 4.1: Salient Features of Baseline Environmental Studies Attribute Micro - Meteorological Wind Studies Parameter Details like direction, Ambient Air Quality Frequency of Monitoring speed, 3 months data has been collected Temperature, to assess air pollution impacts on Relative Humidity and Rainfall. the surrounding environment. PM 10 3 months data has been collected PM 2.5 to assess baseline Air Quality Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) status of the area. Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) Noise Quality Data Noise levels 1 middle month data has been collected to identify noise baseline Water producing areas. Water Quality, Soil Physical & Chemical To along establish Quality Data and parameters with Quality, Soil Quality for future Land Use pattern. measurement of heavy metals reference and Land Use Pattern in and land use parameters. Socio-Economic & Socio-Economic parameters Demographic Studies the area. To know the present SocioEconomic status of the study area Geology and General Configuration of the Area Physography The mining lease area is an undulating terrain having gentle slope both Easterly and Westerly. The general counter of lease hold area ranges from 911 to 973 mtrs. Above MSL. Few seasonal Nallahs are observed in the area towards North West, North East and Central part of the area and flow only during monsoon and remains dry during other seasons. The surrounding area of the Mining lease block is using for cultivation of Coconut, Sugar cane and seasonal crops such as Ragi and Maize. The area receives a moderate rainfall ranging from mm annually and under sub-tropical climate Regional Geology1 The central curvilinear greenstone belt of Karnataka running from south of Tiptur to north of Gundlupet. This belt can be called as Sargur Schist Belt, this synthesizes the stratigraphy 1 1. Geology of Karnataka by Mr. B P Radhakrishna and Mr. R. Vaidyanandhan 2. The Dharwar craton, Southern India, and its late Archaean plate tectonics settings current interpretations and Controversies by Mr. Brain Chadwick, Mr. V. N. Vasudev and G. V. Hegde. Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 34

82 and structure can be subdivided as follows: Group Dharwar Super Group Formations Nuggehally Major lithology Slate, Phyllites, Schists, Charnockite, Gneisses and unclassified Crystalline. Gabbro, Anorthosite, Amphobolite, Chromite. Holenarasipura Phyllites, Schists, Charnockite, Gneisses and unclassified Crystalline. Gabro, Anorthosite, Chromite, Kyanite, Staurolite, amygdular basalts, quartzite. Sargur Granite, Pegmatite, Charnockite, Quartz, Anorthosite, Dunite, Magnesite, Basically the Sargur schist belt belongs to Dharwar super group of Precambrian age. The Sargur schist complex contains Archaean quartzo-feldspathic tonalitic gneisses of mixed origin and tight folded remnants of quartzite K pelite-carbonate shelf facies sediments. Relics of layered ultramatic-gabbroanorthosite (minor) complexes with cumulate textures occur as discontinuous linear belts, cods and patches in the gneisses and are later than the metasediments. The presence of tincluded' gneiss in an ultramafic body suggests the Sargur supracrustals rested on a gneissic basement. Carbonate-bearing ultramafic (similar to 'sagvandites') suggest a significant co2 pressure during metamorphism. This possibly explains the local attainment of granulite facies conditions in a predominantly upper amphibolite facies terrain. There were at least two periods of migmeatisation with late (anatectic) granite sheets. Three major defermational episodes are well preserved in the quartzites. There is much similarity between the Sargur complex and the Isua-Malene-Upernavik succession of West Greenland and Labrador. The presence of younger Dharwar greenstone belts to the north and a 'mobile belt' towards the south of the Sargur terrain. However, more coordinated absolute age/isotcpio/rare earth element data are needed before a convincing model can be erected to explain the evolution of the high-grade terrain of southern India. The name Sargur series was proposed by Mr. B. Ramarao for these metamorphosed remnants of granulitic rocks with Kyanite, sillimanite, Graphite, Rutile and other minerals. The high grade assemblages occurred as narrow bands, fold remnants, scattered enclaves and tectonic within the gneissic complex and lacked a proper stratigraphy. However it was cleared that the gneiss together with the enclosed schistose remnants formed the basement for a well developed group of schistose rocks which the Dharwar already given. The name Sargur group was suggested by Mr. Swaminath and Ramakrishna (1981). The name ancient supracrustals considered was more appropriate, as a collective name to designate the oldest recognize cover rocks occurring as dismembered remnants lacking the distinct stratigraphy and set in a sea of gneisses. Geologically, the Thagadur Chromite Mine forms a part of Nuggehalli Schist Belt of Green Stone Belt of Dharwar Supracrustal Rock Formations (Dharwar Super Group) with wellprepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 35

83 defined schist belt but forms a zone of Metamorphosed, high grade Assemblages within Meta Genissic Complex and very recently in receipt of considerable attention in view of Vanadiferrous Titano-Magnatite Mineralization apart from known deposition of Chromite and Titanoferrous-Magnatite. Among the Ancient Supracrustal sequences within Karnataka, the abtuse Boomerang Shaped Nuggehalli Schist Belt occupies an important but there is no clearly recognizable basement for these rocks Local Geology The Thagadur Chromite Mine is a part of Nuggehally Schist belt received considerable attention in view of the Chromite, Gold and Vanadiferrous Titano-Magnetite mineralization. Recently an interasting discovery Copper mineralization has been made. Surface Plan is showing in Plate No. 5, Geological Plan is showing in Plate No. 6 and Geological Cross Section is given as Plate No.7. The foliation of the Schist is predominantly NNW-SSW with steep dip towards East. The belt has an average width over 3 kms as central bulge near Nuggehalli The Tentative sequence as identified in the region / ML area is indicated below. o o o o o o o o o o Dolerite dyke Amphibolite Quartz vein Granitic Gneisses Titano Magnetite Serpentinite Tonalitic Gneiss Sepiolite Talc Tremolite Schist Chromite Ore Dolerite Dyke It is exposed in the form of discontinuous bodies and runs both along as well as across the achiest belt in the South and Northern Part of North block. The out crop occurs at surface in the form of small boulders which are highly weathered. The color of the Dolerite Dyke is light black with grain size varying form fine to medium Amphibolite Amphibolite are predominantly exposed and are closely associated with ultra basics, trending North 30 W with a dip of 3-80 towards East and North Eastern direction. Amphibolite is highly schiested and exhibits foliation with greenish grey colour and semi-hard in nature. Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 36

84 Quartz vein Quartz out crops is found exposed in the Central part of the lease area in the form of thin bands and also acattered boulders trending North South direction. It exhibits white to dull white in colour Granitic Gneisses Granitic Gneisses exposed predominantly and has in contact with Schist Belt in the Western part of the lease area, trending North 20 E direction. The Gneisses are banded in nature with gray to white gray in colour Titaniferrous Magnetite Titaniferrous Magnetite occurs in the form of continuous band and dislocates at place due to faulting. The out crops are will expose towards Northern extension and North Western part of Ranganatha Betta. It occurs in the form of discontinuous band in South and South Eastern part of the lease area. The formation is highly folded in the Ranganatha Betta area trending N 30 W and dipping Easterly at different angles. It exhibits metallic Lustre and steak is Cherry red Ultra basics (Serpentinite / Dunite) Among the Ultra basics, Serpentinites are will exposed in the lease area as well as in the working pits, having general trend of NNW-SSE direction generally dipping towards North and North East direction. Dark green in colour and at places highly weathered, bleached and soft in nature Tonolitic gneiss Tonalitic Gneiss exposed towards eastern margin in South Block and Central block and has in contact with Schist belt trending NW-SE direction and dipping at an angle easterly. Tonalitic Gneiss exposed in the pit is weathered and shows dull white colour Sepiolite Sepiolite is well exposed in the South & Central pit demarcating the low grade Chromite ore zone. The general trend of the ore body is NW-SE direction and dipping at an angle of easterly. Sepiolite is Yellowish brown is colour and Schistose in nature Talc Tremolite Cshist The Serpentinite schist is well exposed in the lease area having a general trend NW-SE direction and dipping at an angle of 70 towards East. Talc Serpentinite is light green in colour, soft in soapy to touch. Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 37

85 Chromite Chromite ore body in the M.L. area is mainly associated with Serpentinite in the form of lenses, veins, bands, Pods and also occurs in the form of float ore at top with in the soil. The foliation direction of the ultra basic as a whole is NNW-SSE. The ore body also follows the foliation direction and dipping at an angle of easterly. IRS-P6 Geo-coded FCC on 1:1,30,000 scale of LISS-III was acquired and was used for mapping and interpretation. Besides, other collarteral data as available in the form of maps, charts, census records, other reports and especially topographical survey of India maps on 1: 50,000 scale are used. In addition to this, ground level survey was also conducted to verify and confirm the ground features, IRS-P6 map is given in Fig Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 38

86 Fig. 4.1: IRS-P6 Map Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 39

87 4.4.2 Micro Meteorology The study area form a part of the region dominated by tropical climate with hot summer days, moderate monsoon and moderately cool winter. Nearest Indian Meteorological Station is located at Hassan, which is about 35.0 km from the mine site by road Climate The climate of the study area is Tropical savanna climates in the every month of the year. Summer months of March and May. Its reaches almost beyond 33 degree Celsius and in winter 30 degree Celsius. The details pertaining to Maximum & Minimum Temperature, Relative Humidity, Rainfall, Wind Speed and Wind Direction for the month of December 2013, January February 2014 are given in Annexure 3, 4 & 5 respectively. The Frequency Distribution for the month of December 2013, January February 2014 are given in Annexure 6, 7 & 8 respectively. Meteorological data during winter is given below in Table 4.2. Table 4.2: Meteorological data during winter Parameter Winter Max. Min. Temp 0C Relative Humidity (%) Total Annual Rainfall (mm) 1031 mm Assessment Predominant wind direction during Winter is from with average wind speed between 1.4 to 4.2 m/s. Average relative humidity value during Winter is around per cent. Minimum temperature recorded is 7.6 C and Maximum temperature is 20.2 C. The Wind Rose diagram for the study period i.e., Winter is given in Fig Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 40

88 Fig 4.2: Wind Rose Diagram of winter Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 41

89 4.4.3 Air Environment Important factors governing the locations of the sampling stations are the particular method of instrument used for sampling, resources available, physical access and security against loss and tampering. Air quality monitoring should be done in areas where pollution problem is expected. The objective of monitoring is to determine status and trends of air quality in the region so as to compare their levels and determine trends after the implementation of the proposed project. In general the following requirements are met for conducting environmental monitoring; Height of the inlet maintained at 3 10 m above the ground level. The sampler kept at a distance of more than 20 m from trees. Distance of the sampler to any air flow obstacle i.e. buildings, maintained at more than two times the height of the obstacle above the sampler. Unrestricted airflow was maintained. Ensured for no furnace or incinerator fumes near the monitoring station. The lease area is located in an area where agricultural based activities constitute the major portion of the economic activities of region. Thus, the identified location is significantly far away from the industrialized belt and thus perils of industrialization. Comparative distance of the selected location from other areas that were identified as severely/critically polluted is given graphically in the Fig below. The existing Ambient Air Quality scenario in the study region has been assessed by establishing a network of 4 Ambient Air Quality monitoring locations in the Buffer Zone and 1 monitoring location within the main haulage road in the lease area. Design of monitoring network of the air quality surveillance program was based on the following considerations. Topography / Terrain of the study area Human Settlements Wind Pattern Health Status Representation of Regional Background Levels Accessibility of Monitoring Site Resource Availability Pre-calibrated Respirable Dust Samplers (RSD) has been used for monitoring the existing AAQ status. Maximum, Minimum, Average and Percentile values have been computed from the raw data collected at all the individual sampling stations to represent the Ambient Air Quality Status of the study area. Significant parameters viz., Particulate Matter (size less than 10 µm PM10 and less than 2.5 µm - PM2.5), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Dioxide Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 42

90 (NO2) were monitored in the Core and Buffer Zones. The data thus obtained is considered for preparing this report. Ambient Air Quality locations are given in Table 4.3 and Fig 4.4. Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 43

91 Fig 4.3: Air Monitoring Location showing around 10 Km Radius Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 43

92 Table 4.3: Ambient Air Quality Locations with Distance Code Name of Sampling Location Core Zone A-1 Working Pit Distance in Km Direction Longitude: E: '51.54" Latitude: N: 13 02'16.58" MSL: 920 m Geographical Location A-2 Dumping Area Longitude: E: '01.26" Latitude: N: 13 02'29.49" MSL: 932 m A-3 Main Haulage Road Longitude: E: '48.14" Latitude: N: 1 02'19.36" MSL: 926 m Buffer Zone A-4 Thagadur Village 6.0 A-5 SE Longitude: E: '19.19" Latitude: N: 13 01'51.58" MSL: 919 m NE Longitude: E: '11.80" Latitude: N: 13 04'34.88" MSL: 880 m Verupakshapura Village 4.0 A-7 S Longitude: E: '38.18" Latitude: N: 13 00'58.61" MSL: 906 m Honnamaranahalli Village 3.5 A-6 NW Longitude: E: '49.21" Latitude: N: 13 02'27.55" MSL: 906 m Chekkonahalli Village 2.5 The sampling stations were located both in core zone and buffer zone. The Respirable Dust sampler was placed at a height of minimum 3.0 m above the ground level as per the norms Analysis of Baseline Concentrations The ambient air quality observed during the study period is well within the National Ambient Air Quality Standards prescribed by CPCB. There are no predominant activities envisaged which can significantly contribute for the change in the ambient air quality of the surrounding environment after the implementation of the project. Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 44

93 Working Pit This location was selected to assess present pollution level due to mining and other activities. The Observed levels of PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOX collected during the study period of Winter season are given in Annexure No. 9. Concentration is depicted in Fig Air Quality Standards (NAAQ) National Area Parameter PM10 PM2.5 SO2 NOX 3 Industrial Area (mg/m ) Fig 4.4: Graphical representation of baseline air quality data at Working Pit Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 45

94 Dumping Area Dumping of rejection incidental to mining is the most critical activity in mining. Site selection for dumping of rejection play a major role to ensure there is very little impact on surrounding environment due to rejection dump related environmental issues. Monitoring station was established to study the concentration of various environmental parameters due to dumping activity. The observed levels of PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOX collected during the study period of Winter season are given in Annexure No. 10. Concentration is depicted in Fig Air Quality Standards (NAAQ) National Area Parameter PM10 PM2.5 SO2 NOX 3 Industrial Area (mg/m ) Fig 4.5: Graphical representation of baseline air quality data at Dumping Area Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 46

95 Main Haulage Road Hauling of ore and rejection from the working pit is one of the important activities in the mining. Hauling of ore and rejection do generate dust to the atmosphere. Monitoring and measurement of particulate matter is very essential to implement mitigative measures. Therefore monitoring is carried-out to study the impact due to movement of various mining equipment/tippers and other HEMM s (Heavy Earth-Moving Machineries). Trucks are used for ore transportation. Proper covering of trucks with tarpaulin is done to avoid any air pollution while transporting. Haulage road in the mine are maintained at the gradient not exceeding 1 in 16. Dust suppression is carried using water tankers, static sprinklers on roads and using truck mounted dry fog dust suppression system. Dry fog dust suppression system is commissioned to suppress air borne pollutants. The observed levels of PM 10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOX collected during Winter season are given in Annexure No. 11. Graphically pollutants concentration is shown in Fig Air Quality Standards (NAAQ) National Area PM10 Industrial Area 100 Parameter PM2.5 SO2 3 ( g/m ) NOX 80 Fig 4.6: Graphical representation of baseline air quality data at Main Haulage Road Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 47

96 Thagadur Village This ambient air quality monitoring location is located towards South side of the lease area at an distance of about 6.0 km. This is the nearest village situated from the mine and therefore this location was chosen to study the impact due to mining activities on this village. Detailed monitoring results are tabulated in the Annexure No. 12. Concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOX collected during Winter season are represented graphically in Fig 4.7. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (8/24 hourly concentration in µg/cum) National Area PM10 Residential, rural & other area 100 Parameter PM2.5 SO2 µg/cum NOX 80 Fig 4.7: Graphical representation of baseline air quality data at Thagadur Village Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 48

97 Honnamaranahalli Village This ambient air quality monitoring location is located towards South-east side of the lease area at an distance of about 3.5 km. This location was chosen to study the impact due to mining activities on this village. Detailed monitoring results are tabulated in the Annexure No. 13. Concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOX collected during Winter season are represented graphically in Fig 4.8. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (8/24 hourly concentration in µg/cum) National Area PM10 Residential, rural & other area 100 Parameter PM2.5 SO2 µg/cum NOX 80 Fig 4.8: Graphical representation of baseline air quality data at Honnamaranahalli Village Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 49

98 Verupakshapura Village This ambient air quality monitoring location is located towards South-east side of the lease area at an distance of about 4.0 km. This location was chosen to study the impact due to mining activities on this village. Detailed monitoring results are tabulated in the Annexure No. 14. Concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOX collected during Winter season are represented graphically in Fig 4.9. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (8/24 hourly concentration in µg/cum) National Area PM10 Residential, rural & other area 100 Parameter PM2.5 SO2 µg/cum NOX 80 Fig 4.9: Graphical representation of baseline air quality data at Verupakshapura Village Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 50

99 Chekkonahalli Village This ambient air quality monitoring location is located towards North-east side of the lease area at an distance of about 2.5 km. This location was chosen to study the impact due to mining activities on this village. Detailed monitoring results are tabulated in the Annexure No. 15. Concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOX collected during Winter season are represented graphically in Fig National Ambient Air Quality Standards (8/24 hourly concentration in µg/cum) National Area PM10 Residential, rural & other area 100 Parameter PM2.5 SO2 µg/cum NOX 80 Fig 4.10: Graphical representation of baseline air quality data at Chekkonahalli Village Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 51

100 4.4.4 Noise Environment The noise is defined as an unwanted sound. Noise interferes with the communication, causes annoyance, distracts from work and disturbs sleep. Thus noise pollution deteriorates quality of human environment. The workers exposed to occupational noise of a potentially high damaging quality and intensity suffer from impairment of hearing capacity of several degrees and other physiological and psychological stresses, apart from adversely affecting their job performance. The Physical description of sound concerns to its loudness as a function of frequency. Sound Pressure Levels (SPL s) are measured in decibels on the A-weighted scale, db (A), where the A-weighting scheme accounts for the sensitivities of the human ear over the audio spectrum. The Locations showing Noise monitoring stations with distance within 10 km radius of the study area is given in Fig Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 52

101 Fig 4.11: Noise monitoring location showing around 10 Km Radius Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 53

102 Table 4.4: Noise monitoring Locations with Distance Code Name of Sampling Location Core Zone N-1 Working Pit Distance in Km Direction Longitude: E: '51.54" Latitude: N: 13 02'16.58" MSL: 920 m Geographical Location N-2 Dumping Area Longitude: E: '01.26" Latitude: N: 13 02'29.49" MSL: 932 m N-3 Main Haulage Road Longitude: E: '48.14" Latitude: N: 1 02'19.36" MSL: 926 m Buffer Zone A-4 Thagadur Village 6.0 A-5 SE Longitude: E: '19.19" Latitude: N: 13 01'51.58" MSL: 919 m NE Longitude: E: '11.80" Latitude: N: 13 04'34.88" MSL: 880 m Verupakshapura Village 4.0 A-7 S Longitude: E: '38.18" Latitude: N: 13 00'58.61" MSL: 906 m Honnamaranahalli Village 3.5 A-6 NW Longitude: E: '49.21" Latitude: N: 13 02'27.55" MSL: 906 m Chekkonahalli Village Reconnaissance Survey and Identification of noise Sampling Locations A preliminary reconnaissance survey was undertaken to identify the major noise generating sources in the area. Noise at different noise generating sources based on the proposed expansion of mining activities, traffic, etc have been identified. Noise monitoring has been conducted at all the identified locations in the study area during the study period. The Central Pollution Control Board has stipulated specific standard for ambient noise level in industrial, commercial, residential and silence zones for both day and night time. These are given below in Table 4.5. Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 54

103 Table 4.5: Ambient Noise Standards Sr. No Location Industrial Area Commercial Area Residential Area Silence Zone Noise Level [Leq in db (A)] Day Night In addition to this, there are another set of exposure limits laid down by Occupational Safety and Health Administration in USA and IS: These are given in below in Table 4.6. Table 4.6: Exposure Limit for Different Noise Levels Maximum Duration Sound Level db(a) (hrs./day) OSHA IS : (OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration, USA) Sources of Noise The typical considerations in environmental noise assessment can be divided into two separate categories, one related to noise sources and other related to potential receivers. Two quantities are needed to describe completely the strength of the source i.e. Sound Power Levels. Directivity. The sound power levels measures the total sound power radiated by the source in all directions and directivity is a measure of the difference in radiation with direction. The concept of sound power level and directivity index makes it possible to calculate the sound pressure level (SPL) created by the given source. The impact of noise sources on surrounding community depends on: Characteristics of noise sources (instantaneous, intermittent or continuous in nature). It is well known that a steady noise is not as annoying as one that is continuously varying in loudness. Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 55

104 The time of day at which noise occurs, for example, loud noise levels at night in residential areas are not acceptable because of sleep disturbance. The location of the noise source, with respect to noise sensitive land use, determines the loudness and period of noise exposure. The environmental impact of noise can have several effects varying from Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) to annoyance depending on loudness of noise level. Taking into consideration the various factors carried out, the Environmental Impacts of noise from the mining activities can be classified as: Potential damage to hearing Potential physiological responses Annoyance General community responses In the proposed expansion of mining operation, drilling, blasting, Milling compressors operation of HEMMs and DG Sets, etc., these operations are likely to create higher noise levels. Noise is also produced on the roads in the buffer-zone Assessment of Noise Levels The main objective of noise level assessment is to identify all the sources, acceptable and unacceptable in the study region. Acoustical environment varies dynamically in magnitude and character throughout most communities. The variation is also significant depending on the type of source and the capacity of the source to produce noise. The noise level variation can be temporal, spectral and spatial. The assessment of noise pollution in the study area has been carried out keeping the above stated considerations. The existing status of noise levels within the study zone has been undertaken through reconnaissance survey, identification of existing noise sources, land use pattern for monitoring of baseline noise levels. The noise levels were monitored using an electronic sound level meter for winter season at different sites. The noise levels measured at 7 locations in the month of December 2013, January & February 2014 and the results obtained are given below in Table 4.7, 4.8 & 4.9 and the graphical representation of the same are given in Fig. 4.12, 4.13 & Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 56

105 Table 4.7: Measured Noise Values in the month of December 2013 Unit: db (A) Villages / Parameters Day Time Night Time Working Pit Dumping Area Main Haulage Road Thagadur Village Honnamaranahalli Village Verupakshapura Village Min Max Min Max Chekkonahalli Village Fig. 4.12: Graphical Representation of Noise Measurement December 2013 Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 57

106 Table 4.8: Measured Noise Values in the month of January 2014 Unit: db (A) Day Time Min Max Night Time Max Min Working Pit Dumping Area Main Haulage Road Thagadur Village Honnamaranahalli Village Verupakshapura Village Chekkonahalli Village Villages / Parameters Fig. 4.13: Graphical Representation of Noise Measurement January 2014 Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 58

107 Table 4.9: Measured Noise Values in the month of February 2014 Unit: db (A) Day Time Min Max Night Time Min Max Working Pit Dumping Area Main Haulage Road Thagadur Village Honnamaranahalli Village Verupakshapura Village Chekkonahalli Village Villages / Parameters Fig. 4.14: Graphical Representation of Noise Measurement February 2014 Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 59

108 It was observed that the values obtained were within the prescribed Ambient Noise Quality Standards with respect to Noise indicated no industrial activity in the study area. Noise survey measurement is given Annexure 16, 17 & Water & Hydrology Environment Water quality monitoring is carried-out to characterize water and identify the changes or trends in water quality over time. The monitoring also helps to identify specific existing or emerging water quality problems and gather information to design specific pollution prevention or remediation programs. Since there are no surface water streams, ground water samples were collected in the villages of study area around 10 km radius. The water is an important natural resource which is required for wellbeing of the mankind and also for survival of Lease Area & animal life on the earth. It is also necessary to use the available water judiciously to conserve the natural potable water. Hence it is necessary to assess the baseline data of different water sources available in the study area. It not only helps to use the water in an economic way, but also gives the changes in the water quality, if any, after the implementation of the project. The assessment of baseline data on water quality includes; Identification of surface water sources. Identification of ground water sources. Collection of water samples. Analyzing water samples collected for Physio-Chemical and Biological parameters. The water samples were collected from the available ground water and surface water sources and have been analyzed to assess the quality of water and any impacts on the quality of water due to the proposed project. The surface and ground water quality sampling location details are given in Table 4.10 & Table 4.11 and the Locations showing Surface and Ground Water monitoring stations is given in Fig Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 60

109 Fig. 4.15: Locations showing Surface and Ground Water monitoring stations around 10 Km Radius Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 61

110 Surface Water The nearest Surface Water body is Bhuvanahalli Kere which is at a distance of about 2.5 km from the mining lease area. Table 4.10: Water Sampling Locations with Distance Code Name of Sampling Location Distance in Km Direction Surface Water Sampling Locations SW1 Bhuvanahalli Kere 2.5 N Analysis of Surface Water Sample No Surface Water samples were collected during the study period due to non-availability of the same (dried-up) Ground Water Five Bore well has been selected to test the characteristics. Bore well at mine lease area, Bore well water at Thagadur Village which is at a distance of 6.0 km towards South Direction, Bore well at Honnamaranahalli Village which is at a distance of 3.5 km towards South-east direction, Bore well at Verupakshapura Village which is at a distance of 4.0 km towards South-east direction, Bore well at Chekkonahalli Village which is at a distance of 2.5 km towards North-east direction. The Ground Water Sampling Locations with Distance is given in the Table Table 4.11: Ground Water Sampling Locations with Distance Code Name of Sampling Location Distance in Km Direction NW 3.5 S Ground Water Sampling Locations GW1 GW2 GW3 Borewell water at Mine Lease Area Borewell water at Thagadur Village Borewell water at Honnamaranahalli Village Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 62

111 Code Name of Sampling Location GW4 Borewell water at Verupakshapura Village Borewell water at Chekkonahalli Village GW5 Distance in Km Direction 4.0 SE 2.5 NE Analysis of Ground Water Sample The Analysis of Ground water in the study area for Winter season is summarized in Table The Ground water quality observed during the study period is well within the limits and the same is shown graphically in Fig The Ground water analysis is given as Annexure 19. Table 4.12: Summary of Ground Water Unit: Mg/L Name of the Locations TDS Iron CaCO3 Cl NO3 Mining Lease Area Borewell water at Thagadur Village Borewell water at Honnamaranahalli Village Borewell water at Verupakshapura Village Borewell water at Chekkonahalli Village Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 63

112 Standards Désirable Limits Permissible Limits TDS Iron Parameter CaCO3 Cl NO3 45 No Relaxation Fig 4.16: Graphical representation of Baseline Location wise Ground Water Quality Hydrology The quality and quantity of groundwater over the area differs much, as these depend on the physical and chemical parameters and also on the topography of the area. Different ground water parameters like porosity, permeability, specific yield, specific retention etc., vary from rock to rock, as their mode of occurrence and the structures they possess differ based on the geology of the area. Similarly, the chemistry of the rocks also varies and depends on the kind of the mineral i.e. acidic or basic, that they are composed off. The groundwater occurring in particular rock formation imbibes the chemical properties of that rock type. Drainage pattern of the study area is given in Fig. no and the detailed hydrology report is enclosed as Annexure 20. Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 64

113 Fig. 4.17: Drainage Map of the Study Area Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 65

114 4.4.7 Soil Environment The objective of Soil monitoring is to determine the status and trends of soil quality in the region so as to compare their levels and determine trends after the implementation of the proposed expansion of mining activity. The following guidelines and steps are under taken to monitor soil quality. Divide the region into different ecological zones. Select the ecological zone, farms with similar soil types. Select a set of soil indicators like organic matter, topsoil-depth, infiltration, aggregation, ph, electric-cal conductivity, suspected soil pollutants and soil. Transform the indicators into a soil quality. The soil is generally formed due to slow process of weathering of rocks. The normal mineral compositions of Lease Area are altered by alteration in soil condition. Existence of flora & fauna depends upon the quality of soil in the area. The soil characteristics like physical, chemical, erosion index, soil fertility has bearing on the surrounding environment. Therefore the quality of soil play a major role in planning proper mitigative measures like Lease Areaation program and green belt development by the project proponent and also for the construction of building for different purposes. The normal mineral composition of Lease Areas is altered by alteration in soil condition. Soil could well represent the topsoil cover, which is rich in nutrient content. Five locations were selected for analyzing the soil quality status both in core & buffer zone. The soil samples were collected from the buffer areas. The samples have been analyzed for physio-chemical parameters. The details of the Soil Sampling, locations with distance from the Core Zone are given in Table 4.13 and the Locations showing Soil monitoring stations is given in Fig Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 65

115 Fig- 4.18: Locations showing Soil sampling stations around 10 Km Radius Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 66

116 Table 4.13: Soil Sampling Locations Code S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 Name of Sampling Location Mine site Agricultural Soil Thagadur Village Direction Distance in Km NW 3.5 S 4.0 SE 2.5 NE near Agricultural Soil near Honnamaranahalli Village Agricultural Soil near Verupakshapura Village Agricultural Soil near Chekkonahalli Village At the above mentioned sites two kg of soil samples were collected by means of augur and core cutter in polythene bags and sent to the MOEF accredited laboratory for analysis. The soil samples were collected over a depth of 1.0 cm that represents the top soil layer. Soil physical and chemical properties were analyzed using Jackson (1968), Black (1982) and USDA (1972) methods. Organic carbon is estimated by treating a known weight of soil with an excess of acid dichromates and monitoring the proportionate blue green colour of the cromate ions developed. Nitrogen which is readily available to the Lease Areas in the form of ammonium ions, referred to as minerisable nitrogen, is estimated by a direct Kjeldahldistillation of the ammonium sulphate formed. Cation exchange capacity is estimated using ammonium acetate solution as extract. Available phosphorous is estimated by Bray s extraction procedure. For particle size analysis, the soil organic matter is oxidized by treatment with hydrogen peroxide, particles dispersed with alkaline hexametaphosphate, the medium, fine and very fine sands wet-sieved out on standard sieves, and silt and clay estimated following their settling rates as per the procedures recommended by the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning Soil Analysis Results The physico-chemical properties of soils of both core and buffer areas were given in Table. Overall the soils of the region are neutral ph and deficient in organic carbon and nitrogen. Among the four samples selected in the buffer zone soils are relatively rich in nutrients compared to agriculture soil. Soils of the core zone are also deficient in essential nutrients Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 67

117 and which are comparable with that of wasteland found in the buffer zone. The analysis report of the soil in study area is given in Table No Table No. 4.14: Soil Analysis Report S. No. Parameters S1 S2 Results S S4 S5 1 ph Conductivit y20%suspension (µ mhos/cm) Potassium as K (mg/100gm) Sodium as Na (mg/100gm) Chlorides as Cl (ppm) Nitrogen as N (Kg/Hec) Phosphorous as P (Kg/Hec) Organic Matter (%) Calcium as Ca (ppm) Magnesium as Mg (ppm) Texture clay loam clay loam clay loam 12 Sand Content (%) Silt clay loam Silt clay loam Silt Content (%) Clay Content (%) Sodium (SAR) Absorption Ratio The conclusion on the soil quality of different locations is as follows; o o o o o o ph varies from 6.92 to 7.34 The Nitrogen content varies from to Kg/ha The Phosphorous content is between to Kg/ha The Potassium concentration was 50.5 mg to 93 mg /100 gm The Sodium varies from 10.6 to 16.2 mg/100 gm The texture of the soil in the study area observed to be of clay loam type. The soil quality analysis is given in Annexure 21. Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 68

118 4.4.8 Biological Environment Background of the Study Area Globally biodiversity is changing at an unprecedented rate, as a complex response at several human induced and anthropogenic activities towards the environment. The magnitude of this change is so large and so strongly linked to ecosystem process, that biodiversity change is now considered an important global change in its own right. By definition of biodiversity, include all terrestrial and freshwater organisms including plants, animals, and microbes at scales ranging from genetic diversity within populations, to species diversity to community diversity across landscapes (CBD, 1992). It is important to assess the biodiversity before get disappeared. There is necessary to take up proactive initiatives from local and regional level. It is also important that conservationist, academicians and industrialist should also supports for conservation of threatened species for the future sustainable uses and wellbeing Ecology and Forest of the Region Thagadur Chromite Mines is situated 25 km North-west of Channarayapatna town in Channarayapatna Taluk of Hassan District in Karnataka State. It lies in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats, and is generally much drier than coastal Karnataka and the Western Ghats. The region was originally covered by extensive, open-canopied Tropical dry deciduous forests as per Champion & Seth forest classification, characterized by the trees Acacia, Albizia and Hardwickia. But much of the original forest has been cleared for agriculture, timber, grazing and firewood. Overexploitation of the forests for fuel wood and fodder has resulted in much of the original forest being degraded into thickets and scrublands. Canthium parriflorum, Cassiaauriculata, Dodoneaviscosa, Erythroxylum monogynum, Pterolobium hexapetalum and Euphorbia antiquorum are species typical of the thicket and scrubland vegetation. The species found on banks of river and streams are Honge/Hulgal (Pongamia pinnata), Nai-Neeral (Euginia corymbosa), Ankole ( Alangium lamarkii) Salix, Holematti, (Terminali, arjuna) Lekki (Vitex negundo),gajag (Ceasalphine bonduc), etc. Grazing and agriculture are the mainstays of the region, and the main crops include cotton, sorghum, millet, and peanuts Past System of Forest Management and their Results Majority of the population in the district is dependent on agriculture who depend on dry crops and garden cultivation. They also large herds of cattle from which they derive some income. Hence grazing has to be provided for and regulated. Timber of agricultural implements, small poles and props for cattle sheds and small quantity of firewood for occasional use are required and met from the forests. Firewood s for daily consumption is primarily met from agricultural wastes like coconut shells and leaves, cotton stems etc. Presently Eucalyptus has been widely used for doors and window shutters. Eucalyptus poles are also used as reaper Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 69

119 and rafters. The usage of Mashwal (Chloroxylan swietiona) has come down drastically which was otherwise used for rafting in mud roof houses. Looking at the cattle population of the district it is difficult for the existing forest staff to keep watch and exercise control on cattle grazing in the forests. It has become customary to allow cattle to graze freely. The cattle graziers set fire to the forests during summer to get new flush of grass. A sizeable percentage of the shepherd population of the district rearing herds of sheep and goats use the forests extensively. Social forestry scheme, which was started in 1980 under the World Bank assistance, has changed the dynamics of forestry activity in the division. The afforestation activities undertaken in non-forest areas like, canal banks, roadside, schools, C and D lands, Gomals and tank foreshores have added more greenery. A selected few species planted, namely, Bevu, Ficus, Albizia, Sissoo have done extremely well. A new approach towards raising of tall seedlings for roadsides and urban forestry has changed the total scenario. A separate division was created for these activities under Zilla Panchayat at district level. Most of the rural employment schemes are operating in this division. A new concept of afforestation on watershed basis was designed during International efforts for Biodiversity Conservation Conserving biodiversity is not an issue confined to any one country or community. It is a crucial global concern. Several international treaties and agreements are in place in the attempt to strengthen international participation and commitment towards conserving biodiversity. Some of these are given below: The Convention on Biological Diversity: This was signed during the Earth Summit in It focuses not only on conserving biodiversity but also on sustainable use of biological resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising from its use. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES): This is an international treaty which is designed to protect wild plants and animals affected by international trade. The treaty, in force since 1975, controls the export, import and re-export of endangered and threatened wildlife. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance: This Convention, also known as the Ramsar Convention, was signed in Ramsar (Iran) in 1971 and came into force in December It provides a framework for international cooperation for the conservation of wetland habitats which have been designated to the 'List of Wetlands of International Importance. Programmes have also been launched for scientific management and wise use of wetlands, mangroves and coral reef ecosystems. Twenty one wetlands, and mangrove areas and four coral reef areas have been identified for intensive conservation and management purposes. Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 70

120 Approach and Methodology Approach A participatory and consultative approach was followed in executing the assignment on ecology & biodiversity assessment of the mining core and 10-km buffer region (Fig). Further enquiries were made with forest officials, revenue department and local villagers. Literature survey included a review of the forest working plan, Census hand book, Gazetteer and other records related to the ecology of the region. A team comprising flora and fauna specialist from METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., along with Dr. Shanth A. Thimmaiah (EIA coordinator) have visited Thagadur Chromite Mine and 10-km buffer area and held discussion with MML authorities on 22nd and 23rd January They have highlighted the mining history, shown us the mine lease boundary, and shown us the restoration works carried out from the inception of mining in the region. They have further explained to us about the future afforestation works to be undertaken in the region. We have also discussed with Forest Department (local forest guards) about their knowledge of local species flora and fauna belonging to the reserve forest lying in 10-km radius area of the project. For the proposed study, we have followed the EIA Guidance manual for mining of minerals prepared by the administrative staff college of Hyderabad. As per the guidelines baseline data on biodiversity collected and represented Phyto-sociological Survey of the Study Area In order to have a representative ecological status for the study area, the whole study area was divided into four quartiles for sampling i.e. NE (Q-1), NW (Q-2) SW (Q-3) and SE (Q-4) (Fig 3.1 & Fig. 2.1). Each quartile was examined for representative flora on randomly sampled quadrates for trees and shrubs depending upon prevailing geographical conditions and bio-diversity aspects. We have also documented the herbs and climbers of the region, similar approach was carried out within the core area of mine lease (ML). Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 71

121 Quartile IV Quartile III Quartile I Quartile II Fig. 4.21: Vegetation characteristics of trees and shrubs in four quartile of 10 km radius Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 72

122 Quadrates of 40, m were laid down randomly within core and 10-km buffer area; each quadrate was laid to assess the trees (>5 cm GBH) and m sub-quadrate (40) nested within the quadrate for shrubs and two, 1 1-m for herbs (80 plots) (Fig.3.2). The quadrates were laid at a minimum distance of a kilometer apart to maximize the sampling efforts and minimize the species homogeneity, such as small stream area, trees in agricultural bunds, tank bunds, farm forestry plantations, natural forest area, avenue plantations, house backyards, etc. In each sample quadrate, individuals belonging to tree, shrub and herb species were recorded separately, and have been identified on the field. The prevailing land use and habitat quality has been noted down for each location on the field. Phyto-sociological parameters, viz., Abundance (i.e., density), average, and minimum stems were measured to determine the distribution and ecological aspects of the species. Abundance is a measure of density of the distribution of an individual species within a given area. It is calculated by summation of individuals of a species. Average species numbers were calculated with all quadrates; similarly minimum numbers of individuals represented were recorded at quadrate level. Species diversity means variety or variability. Therefore, it refers to the variation that exists among the different living forms. It is estimated that there are more than 50 million different species of living organisms on the earth. With growing concern of species becoming extinct at a very rapid pace, identification of different species of plants and animals and then conserving them is of primary importance. Species diversity analysis indicates the extent of biodiversity in the given ecosystem and helps to develop a conservation plan for the given region. Species diversity was calculated by using the formula of Shannon and Wiener (1963) as: Where Hˊ is Shannon index of general diversity, belonging to the ith species in the dataset of interest. is often the proportion of individuals Evenness index was calculated as E = Hˊ/Hmax, where Hmax = log2 (number of species in the plot). Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 73

123 The Shannon Wiener index is thought to represent the uncertainty of a community and gives more weight to the rarer species. Evenness index given an idea of the real dispersion as compared with the maximum dispersion taking into account the number of species present in the quadrate. Shannon Wiener indices of diversity vary depending upon the species richness or the number of species present in the given unit area and their dominance or evenness. As the species richness and evenness increase, Shannon Wiener indices of diversity also increase correspondingly. On the other hand, when the species richness decreases and dominance increases, diversity also decreases. Thus, communities with the least number of species with high level of dominance or low level of uniformity will have lower diversity. Thus, it is a statistical function based on the richness and evenness components. Evenness and dominance are inversely related. Besides measuring these parameters, other biodiversity aspects in the form of endemic status, keystone species, threatened status, and IUCN, Red-data books of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), have been verified for their conservation status. A keystone species: Is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance. Such species are described as playing a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community, affecting many other organisms in an ecosystem and helping to determine the types and numbers of various other species in the community. The IUCN Species Programme of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), has for more than four decades been assessing the conservation status of species, subspecies, varieties, and even selected subpopulations on a global scale in order to highlight taxa threatened with extinction, and therefore promote their conservation. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species provides taxonomic, conservation status and distribution information on plants and animals that have been globally evaluated using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (Fig. 3.2). This system is designed to determine the relative risk of extinction, and the main purpose of the IUCN Red List is to catalogue and highlight those plants and animals that are facing a higher risk of global extinction (i.e., those listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable). The IUCN Red List also includes information on plants and animals that are categorised as Extinct or Extinct in the Wild; on taxa that cannot be evaluated because of insufficient information (i.e., are Data Deficient); and on plants and animals that are either close to meeting the threatened thresholds or that would be threatened if not considered for an ongoing taxon-specific conservation programme (i.e., are Near Threatened). Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 74

124 IUCN categories showing threatened species categories Faunal diversity Mammals were observed using indirect methods such as faecal matter (i.e., scat) and pug mark by establishing m linear transects depending on the habitat (i.e,. existing wildlife game routes/forest trails used). We have also documented few mammals by direct sighting. We have used point count method for bird documentation as per standard method by Sutherland (1996), which involved 10-minute observation in each point during early morning hours (6.00 to AM). We have enumerated 20 point-counts in each quartile, which constitute a total of 80 points-counts (20 4) within 10-km radius area. The butterfly was enumerated by 2 linear transects of m were laid within each quartile at minimum interval of 1 km. Further, reptiles and fishes documented in existing literature and secondary information in consultation with local people and wildlife experts. Apart from field observation, consultations were held with knowledgeable persons of the villages, and frontline forest department officials to validate the field observation and information cited in the literature. To know the endemic or conservation status of the fauna, Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Preservation Act (1972) has been screened. Amphibians were given in Appendix 1b under faunal section. We have screened schedules of Wildlife Act of Ministry of Environment & Forests, accordingly we have not come across endangered or threatened species in core area of the project site. The faunal species listed were also observed outside the buffer region. Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 75

125 4.4.9 Green Belt Plan As per the EIA guidelines of Ministry of Environment and Forests, 16.0 ha of the area should be brought under green cover. The details such as species, width, planning schedule and the cost analysis, etc., is given in the Annexure 22. Recommended Lease Area Species for Green Belt Development2 Acacia auriculiformis Azadirachta indica Bougainvillea spectabilis Delonix regia ( Gulmohur) Tree Tree Shrub Tree Tolerance limit Tolerant T T Sensitive Euphorbia tirucalli Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Ixora arborea Ixora rosea Lawsonia inermis (Mendi) Shrib Small tree Small tree Small tree Shrub T T T T T NA Mangifera indica ( Am) Tree T Seeds/ grafting/ budding/ Melia azadirachta Tree T - Seeds cutting Nerium indicum Peltophorum pterocarpum Polylathia longifolia Sesbania sesban Shrub Tree Tree Shrub T T T T Cutting Seeds Seeds Seeds Tamarindus indica Tectona grandis Tree Tree T T Seeds Seeds Lease Area species Habit Stomatal index Mode of Regeneration Seeds Seeds Cutting Seeds /stem cutting Cuttings stem cutting stem cutting Stem cutting Seeds /stem cutting /stem T: Tolerant, NA =Not available 2 Sources: CPCB (March, 2000) PROBES/75/ & Red-data books of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 76

126 Photo No. 4.1: Plantation in the mine lease area Land Use Studies Studies on land use aspects of eco-system play an important role in identifying sensitive issues and to take appropriate action to maintain Ecological Homeostasis in the region. The main objective of this section is to provide a baseline status of the study area covering 10 km radius around the Lease Area so that temporal changes due to the industries activities on the surroundings can be assessed in future Objectives The objectives of the land use studies are; o To determine the present land use pattern, o To determine the temporal changes in land use pattern due to construction and operation phase, o To analyze the impacts on land use due to proposed capacity expansion activities in the study area, o To give recommendations for optimizing the future land use pattern viz-a-viz growth of industrial activities in the study area and their associated impacts Methodology The land use of the study area is studied by analyzing the available secondary data as the latest village wise census of Besides these records, the agricultural census and district statistical handbooks of respective Villages and also studied during site visit on 22nd January Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 77

127 Land Use based on Census Data 2011 The study area has been divided in to two zones viz. Core Zone within the mining lease area ha and Buffer Zone falling within the 10 km radius from the project area. The details are given in Table No and 10 km radius map showing zone considered for the Study Area Fig. No Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 78

128 Zone I Lease Area ( ha) Zone II Buffer Zone (0-10 km) Fig. No. 4.22: 10 km radius map showing zone considered for the Study Area Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 79

129 Table No. 4.15: Details of Study Area Zones Sr. No. Study Area 1 Project Site ha km Zones considered for the study Zone I (Core Zone) Zone II (Buffer Zone) The core study area theoretically covers an area of ha within the circle encompassed by 10 km radius around the Lease Area. The 10 km radius buffer zone study area covers ha around the mine lease area. For computation of the land use pattern of the study area based on the village-wise landuse data given in the census records, the geographical area o the settlements covered within the study area, though some 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 of 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 core as well as the general study area consists of forest and non-forest lands. The land use is classified into four types viz. Forests, Agricultural land, Barren rocky / Stony waste, Land with / without scrub and Water body, etc., the land use pattern of the study area details is given in Table No & Table No and land use of 10 km radius is showing in Fig. No Table No. 4.16: Land Use of the Mining Lease Area Sr. No Particulars Mining Roads Dump Yard Stock Yards Afforestation Structure/colony Area undisturbed Total Exiting Occupation Proposed for End of the 1-5th Year Mine Life Total Area in Ha Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 80

130 Table No.4.17: Land Use Pattern of the Study Area Sl. No. Land Use Area (Ha) 1 Forest Land 2 Irrigation Land 3 Un-irrigation Land 4 Cultivable waste land Not available for cultivation Total Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 81

131 Fig. 4.23: Land-use Pattern of the Study Area Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 82

132 Socio Economic/Demographic Data The socio economic study of the region is an important integral part of environmental study, as the human being are directly connected with the wellbeing and systematic functioning of the environment. The existing as well as upcoming projects will have some impact (adverse or beneficial) on the environment. The proposed project may alter the socio economic status of the society in dual ways positive and negative as well. Hence, it is important to conduct socio-economic studies and assess the existing status and also the impacts envisaged by upcoming project on the socioeconomic conditions of the study area. A primary data collection by during sample survey of the villages was conducted after developing the questionnaires. The first hand information regarding number of population, occupation, literacy level etc., were obtained from the latest census data There are no inhabited villages within the project area. Hence, this Socio-economic study was conducted in the buffer-zone only. The sample questionnaires are enclosed as Annexure 23. The socio economic condition is summarized below in Table Table 4.18: Socio Economic Condition Total Population Total Literate Population Total Non-Literate Population Working Population Non working population Population The population break-up of all the villages coming within the buffer-zone, as per 2011 census data is given in Table 4.19 and graphically shown in Fig Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 83

133 Table 4.19: Population Details Population Total No Total of House Population Holds 2011 Census Others S.C S.T M F T M F M F Fig 4.24: Population Break-up details in Buffer Zone Literacy Level The distribution of male and female literates and illiterates with-in the buffer zone is given in Table 4.20 and the same is graphically shown in Fig Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 84

134 Table 4.20: Details of Literacy Level Population Male Female Population Male Female Lit. Lit. Lit. Illiterate Illiterate Illiterate Fig. 4.25: Literacy of Villages in Buffer Zone The literacy level in the villages of buffer-zone is 33%. The literacy level among males is higher than females as per 2011 Census data. The population and literacy details of all villages in the study area are given in Annexure 24 & Occupational Structure The strength in each of the category is given in Table 4.21 and graphically shown in Fig4.26. Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 85

135 Table 4.21: Occupational Structure Total worker Population Total Worker Male Total worker Female Main worker Population Main worker Male Main worker Female Marginal workers Population. Marginal workers Male Marginal workers Female Non workers Population Non workers Male Non workers Female Fig. 4.26: Occupational Structure in Study Area The occupational details for all the twenty villages in the study area are given in Annexure Medical and Educational Facilities In the study area there are 27 Primary Schools, 36 Middle Schools and 5 Secondary Schools. The details educational and medical facilities are given in Annexure 27 & 28. Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 86

136 Interpretation of Primary and Secondary Data An interpretation has been carried-out to understand the primary and secondary data. In the interpretation, it was showing that the maximum dependency of the local community in the study area is agricultural activities. It was felt during the interaction that as there is no much industrial activity around them overwhelmingly supported for industries for come so that the standard of living and employment for the new generation will be created. Prepared by: METAMORPHOSISSM Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. 87

137 CHAPTER-5 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATIVE MEASURES EIA REPORT 88

138 CHAPTER-5 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATIVE MEASURES 5.1 Introduction The economic growth and environment are not necessarily opposites and can be complimentary. The environmental impact may be defined as any alteration of existing environmental conditions or creation of a new set of environmental conditions, (adverse or beneficial), caused or induced by the action/s under consideration. The proposed expansion of Mining Activity will have both positive and negative effects on its surroundings due to resultant impacts. This impact could be either beneficial or detrimental to the environment. The net impact could be determined by evaluating the impact on various parameters. The rapid industrialization and associated human activities leads to the generation of unwanted byproducts, which have an impact on the surrounding, both, biotic and abiotic environmental components. However, environment has a limited inherent capacity to support such activities by assimilating pollutants, beyond which, the environment becomes polluted. To avoid such situation, activities with adverse impact have to be nullified or kept at minimum level by taking suitable corrective measures. With a proper understanding of cause and effect and designing suitable measures, it is possible to mitigate negative impacts and maximize positive impacts on the environment. 5.2 Need for Environmental Impact Assessment For proper assessment of environmental changes in the coming years, impacts predicted due to proposed expansion of mining activity are presented for each environmental parameter is shown in Table 5.1. Generally, environmental impacts can be categorized as primary or secondary. Primary impacts are those, which are attributed directly by the project and secondary impacts are those that are indirectly induced and typically include associated investments and changed patterns of social and economic activities by Proposed Expansion in the Mining Activity. The impacts depend upon type of topography, magnitude of operation, degree of mechanization, density of traffic on roads, extent of infrastructural facilities, existing land use pattern and post project land use pattern, consumption of non-renewable resources like fossil fuels, water, power etc. The Proposed Expansion of Mining Activity would cause some adverse impacts on its surrounding environment, unless proper environmental management plan is adopted. 89

139 Adopting mitigative measures as per the guidelines prescribed by various statutory authorities enables to minimize the envisaged negative impacts. The impact prediction due to the Proposed Expansion of Mining Activity has been made in respect of the parameters considered in present scenario. The quality attributes of ambient air, water, noise, socio-economic aspects, inventory of flora and fauna in core and buffer-zone are monitored /measured. These would help in prediction of impacts precisely. For this purpose, existing base line data generated, needs to be superimposed by impacts from different activities, which becomes part of the Proposed Expansion of Mining Activity. With such a superimposition of anticipated impacts on each of environmental parameter indicative of base-line status, will enable to assess the impact on each of the parameters to be objectively assessed. With such an idea, baseline scenario of environmental parameters is studied for one season Winter While assessing the impacts due to the Proposed Expansion of Mining Activity, practical approach has been made to all the parameters on higher side. The impact assessment is made on the air quality. Further, environmental management plan will nullify the negative effect due to Proposed Expansion of Mining Activity. This impact assessment focuses on the study area i.e. 10 Km. radius from the Mine Site. Table 5.1: Comparative Chart of Various Impacts Component Air Quality Meteorology Water Impact Due to Mines & its Management I. Air Environment Impact scenarios of air component due to the Proposed Expansion of Mining Activity emissions are significant. However the predicted concentrations are well within the standards as prescribed by CPCB. II. The meteorological data collected confirmed that the climatic status of the study area is consistent with regional meteorology. The Mining Activity that is coming up has very negligible influence on the meteorology of the region. As such, the same pattern may continue. Water Environment Surface water quality will not get affected as entire quantity of effluent generated from sanitary uses will be treated within the mine lease area. Thereby decrease in the make up water. The storm water during rainy season is harvested from roof tops, vacant plots, landscaping and paved roads. The harvested water is infiltrated and percolated into the ground water table. 90

140 Component Water Supply Impact Due to Mines & its Management The water used for the Drilling & Domestic purpose is very Noise Forests IV. III. Significant. Water will be met from the Borewell to an extent 86 KLD. The impact on the water resources in and around the industry is significant. Water conservation practices, especially Rainwater harvesting and subsequent recharge into ground water table would likely improves the groundwater potential on a local basis. Noise Environment There may be increase in noise levels due to the Mining operations such as drilling, Blasting, HEMMs etc., There is no direct or indirect impact on nearby residence due to the noise produced in the Mine. The noise level beyond one kilometer from the industry is insignificant. Land and Biological Environment No impact on forests and endangered plant species. Flora and Fauna There is no negative impact on flora and fauna due to proposed activity. Land Use Mine site, which is about ha, is utilized for various establishments. As human activities increases around the Mine site, land prices may likely to increase. Landscape Plant erection and rich plantation improve the visual effect. Solid waste Municipal Solid waste that gets generated, which is not usable for any purpose will be disposed in controlled land filling in mine lease area. Biological soild waste will be treated and will be used as manure for greenvelt development. Soild waste generated from the mine will be used for back filling in the mined out area. V. Socio Economic Environment Educational Facilities No significant impact is anticipated immediately. However Project authority committed for the overall development of the area adopting Corporate Social Responsibility. Medical Evey six month medical facility will be provided to all the employees who are working in the mines. Occupational Facilities Some of the employees will find direct employment and many others indirect employment Transportation Slight impact due to increase in vehicular traffic. Power Supply Power will be drawn from the State Electricity Grid Impact check list for mine operation phases are presented in shown in Table

141 Table 5.2: Impact Checklist during Mining Operation Environmental Land Water Water Air Noise Solid Hou Infra Servi Activities Use Qualit Qualit Wast - Stru- ces y y e sing cture Mine P P P P P Water P Gaseous Emissions N Product Handling P P P Spill/Leakages N P N Startup/ Shutdown P P P P P Equipment Failure P P P N P Transportation N P Housing P P P P Education P P Health and P P Note: P Possible Impact & N- Negative Impact The environmental impact matrix is presented in the below table, which classifies the environmental parameters listed under impact statement and check lists into different heads. Likely beneficial impact is indicated by positive sign, likely harmful impact is indicated by negative sign is given in Table 5.3. Table 5.3: Impact Statement Matrix Environmental Parameters Activities Land Wa Water Air Nois Solid Infra Servi Socio Ecol Use ter Qualit Quali e Waste Structu ces Econo ogy y ty re my Construction N N N N N P P P N Mines Operation N N N N N P P N Water N N N Gaseous N N Requirement Spills/Leaks/ N N N Emissions Equipment Material N N P P N Failure Transportation N N P P N Handling Social Activities P P Note: N Indicates Negative Impact; P Positive Impact 92

142 5.3 Air Environment Following are the sources of air pollution identified and for which control measures are to be implemented. Mine Haul Roads Drilling Operations Loading Operations Vehicular Traffic For Vehicle movement, metallic roads will be constructed to control emissions. Sprinklers on road will be put up to minimize emissions Impact due to Transportation The total production and development from the mine is 1,06,200 and 11,89,000 tones per annum. The estimation of tippers for transport of the material is given in the Table 5.4. Table 5.4: Estimation of Tippers for Transporatation of Materials Particulars Production Development Total Total Quantity, tpa 1,06,200 11,89,000 12,95,200 Capacity of each truck, tones Number of trucks for total quantity 10,620 1,18,900 1,29,520 Operational days Number of trucks per day Operational hours for trucks in a day Number of trucks per hour From the above table, it can be seen that the total number of trucks required for transport of finished product will be 2 tippers / hr Meteorological Data The meteorological data was recorded continuously during the months of December 2013, January February 2014 hourly basis on different parameters like wind speed, wind direction and temperature. The same has been processed to extract the 24 hourly mean meteorological data as per the guidelines of MoEF for application of AERMOD model. Stability classes computed for mean hours are based on guidelines issued by CPCB on modeling. For mixing heights, representative of the region have also been taken from available published literature to improve the efficiency of the result. 93

143 5.3.4 Application of AERMOD The ISCST3 model with following options has been employed to predict ground level concentrations due to emissions from various sources. 1. The area being rural, rural dispersion parameters are considered. 2. Predictions have been carried out to estimate concentration values over radial distance of 10 km around the sources. 3. Cartesian receptor network with elevated terrain has been considered. 4. Emission rates from point sources and area sources were considered as constant. 5. Settling velocity of particles is considered. 6. Calm winds recorded during study period were also taken into consideration hourly mean ground level concentrations were estimated for Winter season , using the meteorological data of December 2013, January & February The details of Production of Chromite and Titaniferrous Magnetite Development Proposed for coming four years period is given in the Table 5.5 and Table 5.6. Table 5.5: Details of Production and Over Burden of the Mine Y e a r Production Qnty. of O/B Ore to O/B Ratio Unit in tones ,740 7,00,315 1: ,060 5,25,547 1:15: ,140 7,33,579 1: ,220 11,50,050 1:25.43 Total 1,45,160 31,09,491 1:21.42 Table 5.6: Production & Development Details of Titaniferrous Magnetite Y e a r Production Qnty. of O/B Ore to O/B Ratio Unit in tones ,775 25,190 1: ,100 33,660 1: ,975 34,650 1: ,975 41,910 1:0.80 Total 1,88,825 1,35,410 1:

144 5.3.5 Emission Details It is an open cast method of mining. So there is air pollution except from the blasting, loading, unloading, drilling, Vehicle & Machinery movement. Mist spraying will be adopted for controlling air pollution due to blasting, loading, unloading, drilling units. The details of emission are given in Table 5.7. Table 5.7: Emission Details Description Quantity (MTPA) Chromite Production Titani ferrous Magnetite Over Burden Total A. Point source emission Drill 1 = 0.59 kg/hole = 0.37 gm/sec B. Area Source emission Excavation of Chromite Quantity, MTPA Emission of dust, g/t PM 10 *0.136 Emission of dust, g/year PM Area of influence, m Uncontrolled Emission rate, g/s/m 2 PM Controlled Emission rate, g/s/m 2 PM C. Area Source emission Excavation of Titani ferrous Magnetite Quantity, MTPA Emission of dust, g/t PM 10 *0.136 Emission of dust, g/year PM Area of influence, m Uncontrolled Emission rate, g/s/m 2 PM Controlled Emission rate, g/s/m 2 PM

145 D. Area Source emission Excavation of Overburden Quantity, MTPA Emission of dust, g/t PM 10 *0.136 Emission of dust, g/year PM Area of influence, m Uncontrolled Emission rate, g/s/m 2 PM Controlled Emission rate, g/s/m 2 PM E. LINE SOURCE - Transport of Chromite - Working Pit to lease boundary Quantity, MTPA Capacity of each dumper 10 Total number of dumper per year 4500 Lead length per trip, km 2.00(two way) Total VKT per year 9000 Emission kg/vkt PM Total emission kg per year PM Uncontrolled Emission rate, g/sec PM Controlled emission rate, g/sec PM Parameters considered : Vehicle Height : 2.5 m Vehicle width : 2.5 m F. LINE SOURCE - Transport of Titani ferrous Magnetite - Working Pit to Lease Boundary Quantity, MTPA Capacity of each dumper 10 Total number of dumper per year 5100 Lead length per trip, km 2.00 (two way) Total VKT per year Emission kg/vkt PM Total emission kg per year PM Uncontrolled Emission rate, g/sec PM Controlled emission rate, g/sec PM Parameters considered : Vehicle Height : 2.5 m Vehicle width : 2.5 m 96

146 G. LINE SOURCE - Transport of Overburden- Working Pit to OB dump Quantity, MTPA 1.19 Capacity of each dumper 10 Total number of dumper per year Lead length per trip, km 3.00 (two way) Total VKT per year Emission kg/vkt PM Total emission kg per year PM Uncontrolled Emission rate, g/sec PM Controlled emission rate, g/sec PM Parameters considered : Vehicle Height : 2.5 m Vehicle width : 2.5 m Note * Emission factor computed based on wind speed of 2 m/sec and moisture of 10 %. + Emission factor computed based on silt content of 10 % and moisture content of 10%. 97

147 Table 5.8: Predicted High Hourly Average Groundlevel Concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) Season: Winter RANK CONC RECEPTOR ON AT (XR,YR) OF TYPE RANK CONC RECEPTOR ON AT (XR,YR) OF g/m3 (m,m) g/m3 (m,m) c AT (513.03, ) GP AT (500.00, ) GP AT ( , ) GP AT (750.00, ) GP c AT (513.03, ) GP c AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (642.79, ) GP AT (513.03, ) GP c AT (500.00, ) GP AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (642.79, ) GP c AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (766.04, ) GP c AT (342.02, ) GP AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (260.47, ) GP c AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (866.03, ) GP c AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (342.02, ) GP c AT (750.00, ) GP AT (500.00, ) GP AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (342.02, ) GP AT (500.00, ) GP AT (500.00, ) GP AT (642.79, ) GP AT (500.00, ) GP AT (500.00, ) GP AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (342.02, ) GP AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (642.79, ) GP c AT (766.04, ) GP c AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (500.00, ) GP AT (642.79, ) GP c AT (766.04, ) GP c AT (642.79, ) GP AT (500.00, ) GP AT (750.00, ) GP c AT (500.00, ) GP c AT (500.00, ) GP AT (642.79, ) GP TYPE 98

148 WINDROSE : WINTER ISOPLETH INTERVAL (ug/m3) SCALE (M) FIG - GROUNDLEVEL INCREMENTAL CONCENTRATIONS OF PM Project: Thagadur Chromite Mine Project Proponent: M/s. Mysore Mineral Limited Location: Thagadur Village, Channarayapatna Taluk, Hassan District, Karnataka State. Fig 5.1: Predicted Ground Level Concentrations of Particulate Matter 99

149 Maximum Ground Level Concentrations Predictions have been carried out using ISC AERMOD VIEW for study period. The ground level concentrations of PM, SO X and NO X were estimated using mean meteorological data to project incremental increase of concentrations due to emissions from the mine. It was found that, PM 10, SO X and NO X were 60.9, 17.7 and 21.4 µg/m 3 respectively. The distribution of pollutants in study area as a result of the mean meteorological conditions during winter season Overall Scenario For estimating the overall scenario, the maximum ground level concentration due to emissions from the mine and boiler are superimposed on the maximum baseline concentrations obtained during the study period. The overall scenario with predicted concentrations over the baseline is given below in Table 5.9. Table 5.9: Overall Scenario Parameters PM (µg/m 3 ) SO X (µg/m 3 ) NO X (µg/m 3 ) Baseline value (max) Maximum predicted ground level concentration (max) Overall Scenario Air Pollution Control Measures With the increase in production of the proposed project to produce LTPA of Chromite and other minerals there will not be any impact on surrounding Ecology & Environment. Management proposes the following effective control measures. Generation of dust in the working area can be controlled by suitable methods to keep the pollutant within the permissible limits, as prescribed by CPCB. Dust Extraction System to be used in Drill Machines Use of Sharp drill bits for drilling Holes and drills with Water Flushing System (Wet Drilling) to reduce dust generation. Ore carrying trucks will be effectively covered with tarpaulin. Water spraying on roads, waste dumps, sub-grade stacks and mine faces. Drilling by using dust extractors. Well designed blast by effective stemming and use of optimum charge. Transport vehicles will be regularly checked for their environmental fitness like pollution under control and fitness etc. 100

150 Green barriers with tall growing thick foliage plants species will be developed around the mine lease area towards noise transmission and dust dispersion. For safety of workers at site, engaged at strategic locations/dust generation points Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) would be provided and ensured for using the same. Environmental monitoring of air quality to take mid-course correction, if required to keep the pollution constituent with-in the permissible limits always. Construction of well designed haulage roads. Monitoring of air quality periodically to take necessary steps to keep the pollution with-in the permissible limits. 5.4 Noise Pollution Control Measures Monitoring data doesn t show any abnormal values in the buffer zone villages. Due to increase in production of the proposed project, the traffic on the road due to movement of trucks may contribute to some extent to the ambient noise. In order to protect the workers and near by population from excessive noise levels, if any, the following control measures are proposed to deal with control of noise pollution both at source, during transmission and at receiver s end. Innovative approaches of using improvised plant and machinery designs with in-built mechanism to reduce noise emission. Blasting operations to be carried out during only in day time to avoid high noise in the night time. A green belt will be made by selecting thick foliage and tall growing plants around the mine lease area which will act as acoustic barriers in arresting noise transmission. Providing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to the personnel who are exposed continuously to the high noise zone/ operation area i.e., to drillers and compressor operator etc. Display of sign boards at high noise generation zones. Use of sharp drilling bits, delivery of compressed air at optimal pressure. Corrective & preventive maintenance of Vehicle & machinery including transport vehicles. Providing rubber lining at screening decks to reduce noise generation. Blasting noise shall be minimized / reduced by using optimum spacing and burden with proper charge Vibration The vibration levels from the designed blasting pattern are expected to be well below the permissible limits, as the drilling and blasting will be carried- out with jack-hammer drills of 33 mm dia. The following mitigation measures shall be adopted. 101

151 Mitigation Measures for Vibration o o o o o o Peck particle velocity or ground vibrations for safety of nearby structures and residential building should be well within 12.5 mm/sec. To contain fly rocks, stemming column will not be less than the burden of the hole and the blasting area should be muffled. A danger-zone of 500 m from the blasting site shall be monitored. Charge weight used per hole will not exceed 300 gm Stemming column shall be more than the burden to avoid blow-out shots. Each blast shall be carefully planned, supervised, executed. 5.5 Water Environment The impact on the water environment has been considered based on the impact that is going to cause by the proposed expansion of mining activity on the following; Impact on ground water source. Impact on surface water bodies. Storm water management Water Requirement The total anticipated water requirement for the proposed expansion of mining activity is about 124 KLD. This will be met from the borewell within in mine lease area Impact on Ground Water Bodies The material from the mine i.e the Chromite, Titaniferrous Magnatite and other sub minerals, is non-toxic in nature, hence there will not be any pollution to ground water even if there is seepage. Required quantity of 124 KLD of water will be met through borewell within in the mine lease area. The domestic waste water will be treated in the CPCB Approved Septic Tank and Soak Pit. Hence there no impact on the ground water and also it is proposed to adopt efficient water conservation method in the proposed expansion of mining activity Impact on Surface Water Bodies There are no surface water bodies within in the lease area. Hence there is no trade effluent generation from the proposed expansion activity. As such there is no chance of overflow of any type of waste water from the mine lease area and hence there is no impact anticipated on the surface water bodies from the implementation of the proposed expansion of mining activity. 102

152 Rain Water Harvesting Programme Efficient rain water harvesting program will be implemented both on the roof top and also from the vacant land, to store monsoon run-off from the mine site. The mining area sloping on all the sides, the surface run off will be carried to the Agricultural Field in the lower contour beyond the Lease Area. Bhuvanahalli Kere which carry from the respective irrigation system and also effective bunds will be provided to prevent runoff and to arrest wash off from the dump slope. Further, there will not be any water pollution to the surface water bodies Proposed Treatment Method Domestic waste water is generated from mainly office building, toilets and bathrooms and same will be treated in the CPCB Approved Septic Tank and Soak Pit. 5.6 Occupation Health & Safety The detailed measures taken as per the requirement for occupational Health and Safety along with the explanation is given below in Table Table 5.10: Requirement for occupational Health and Safety Sr.No Requirement Explanation 1. What principal environmental and occupational risks are likely to be created. 2. Rank the risks to public health in order of severity. Short trem Accident mine operation Accident transportation during during of material & finished goods. Negligible. Long term Hearing loss due to continuous noise exposure to generating equipment, and or location. 3. How will risks be assessed. Design of hazard risk assessment matrices for ranking occupational health risks in mineral processing industries. 103

153 Sr.No Requirement Explanation 4. Measures to communicate these risks to people and All the risks and steps for prevention & control will be communicated during induction training. steps for prevention & Periodical refresher training will be conducted to control of the anticipated risk. all the workers to educate the workers at the time of accidents and also to overcome risk hazardous. Providing display boards at the approach road and other critical locations in local language and in engilish. 5. How would the health impact The health status will be obtained by carrying out assessment undertaken, if reconnaissance survey of both the employees and needed. the nearby villagers on regular basis and if necessary free annual health camp will be organized to help the villagers and the workers as social obligation. 6. Does project provide a hiring a person with established credentials to be able to undertake such activities. In house facilities with specialized person in occupation health with established credentials will be hired. 7. Name specialized agency to In house facility will be provided. undertake an environmental health study, if needed. 8. Budget for environmental Designated amount has been earmarked for and occupational health taking up environmental & occupational health activities. activities. 9. Break up of the budget for Provided in EMP every activity proposed to be undertaken. 10. List of hazardous operations / activities that are likely. In the Chemical Analysis, Laboratory, DG Operation Etc. 11. How long are they expected to be employed. During the mines operation period. 104

154 Sr.No Requirement Explanation 12. Would a safety committee be constituted. Yes 13. Who will be the members of safety committee. What will be the function of safety committee and who will head it Mines Manager. 2. Safety Officer 3. Worker s representative Function To implement the proposed OHAS management plan & Environmental Program and to take proper mitigative measure proposed in the EIA & EMP Head Mines Manager 15. Will there be a budget to Budget has been allocated under Recurring allow it to hold meetings. Annual Cost For Environmental Protection Is there a provision of Yes (Half Yearly), Under occupational Category 16. induction training for workers health and safety. 17. How workplace exposures By internal audit (Medical Officer of the Mine) will be assessed. and periodical medical check up. How these will be Non conformance will be made as circular and 18. communicated and explained will be displayed at the relevant places. to the workers. 19. Who will conduct training Health & Safety Officer and Occupational Health and education in Practitioner. occupational health and safety. 20. Where will health All the mines workers will be sent to local surveillance be undertaken. hospital once in a year. 21. What occupational illness are anticipated in view of the hazardous exposure Not enisaged. 105

155 Sr.No Requirement Explanation 22. Who will pay for the tests and the treatment of non occupational illness. All expenditure related to health check up and treatment of the workers will be borne the by organization. 23. Who will compensate the All the workers will be covered under ESI workers for health /Medical Reimbursement. The management will impairment due to injury or make their contribution towards subscriptions. illness. The amount of As per ESI Act/ Worksmen Compensation Act. 24. compensation: List the minimum and maximum amount stipulated How will and how long the records of health checkups be Individual health record of every worker will be maintained till the end of service. 25. maintained and what will happen to records when the Annual health check report will be submitted to project ends the local health center. Who will identify Internal Occupational Health Practitioner. 26. occupational disease early to prevent serious damage 27. What measure are to be undertaken for following 28. Preventing heat stress Not Applicable Preventing noise exposure Individual Providing ear muff / ear plug to all the employees working in the high 29. noise area and reducing the exposure time. Common Regular maintenance of transportation vehicles and. 106

156 [ Sr.No Requirement Explanation 30. Preventing injuries Environmental Safety Policy and Preventive actions shall be displayed at relevant places, awareness program will be conducted periodically to educate the workers on different components of health, safety and the environment. 31. Providing ergonomic support Ergonomic support will be provide by Ergonomic Program Manager (EPM) who is trained under OH&S. Who will undertake Mines Manager and Administration Officer. 32. administration of Personal Protective Equipment What if any action is At the end of service of the workers, the health proposed when the project certificate will be provided from district medical 33. ends, workers become officer after thorough checkup from the exposed and have latent environmental budget of organization. disease which may appear in future. 5.7 Land Environment The site preparation proposed expansion of mining activity will slightly alter the environmental conditions resulting in air and noise pollution. However this scenario is of short duration. There are no settlements in the site and hence no displacement of the people is required Impacts and Mitigation Measures of Soil Resource Impact on soil nutrients and soil biota The proposed expansion of mining activity is gently grades from approximately m elevation difference from highest peak to lowest in a southeast direction. Since the area is having gentle slope and undulating terrain needs to be leveled for approach roads. This process may not much damage on soil nutrients and biota, but may cause some other secondary impacts such as decrease the water infiltration and also reduce the ground water level in the region. 107

157 Mitigation Measures Muck Disposal Plan The top soil coming in the proposed expansion in the mining area should be removed and reused for green belt development. During the process of excavation if stones and gravels are encountered, the same should be used in construction work or can be used construction of check dams, gully plugs, retaining walls etc. Apart from these if there is any generation of large quantity of muck then it should be stacked to height not exceeding 2m in designated area within the mining area Slope Stabilization and Soil Embankments Soil conservation and slip protection works have been carried out by constructing check walls, retaining walls, terracing, rock anchors, rock bolts, shot create with wire mesh and wire crates etc. In order to protect the structures of the project a number of soil erosion/slope stabilization measures have to be taken up project authority. Depending upon the structures/geological conditions of the area the soil erosion/ slope stabilization measures should be executed at different locations of the project Grading (the excavation and creation of the road bench) creates lar ge expanses of bare soil, and should therefore be performed only during dry spring, summer or early fall conditions. All road construction activities, including the installation of stream crossings and erosion control work, will be scheduled for completion before the onset of the rainy period, which is usually around the middle of October Balanced Cut and Fill (BCF) Construction In BCF construction, the dozer starts at the top of the proposed cut slope, excavating and side casting material until the desired road grade and width. Material is pushed or "drifted" in front of the blade to areas where fill is needed. Road fill is used to cover culverts and build up flat or low areas along the alignment. In BCF construction, some of the waste material moves down the slope below the final roadbed and cannot be compacted or contained. For this reason, BCF construction methods are not suitable on steep slopes (over 55%) or moderate slopes (40% - 55%) that are near streams where uncompacted material could become saturated during wet weather and move down slope Full Bench Construction Full bench construction typically involves excavation of the roadbed using a hydraulic excavator. A bench is cut into the rock or soil equal to the width of the road plus the width of any ditch that may be required. Normally, no material is side cast, and excavated waste is used to fill low areas or stream crossings along the road alignment. Usually, only a very 108

158 minor amount can be safely drifted down the road and compacted on the road bench or feathered over the edge. The most efficient use of the excavated waste is to construct road fills such as in saddles, fills over culverts, or other BCF sections of the road. Excess material can be hauled off-site to a stable storage location. Full bench road construction is typically reserved for slopes over 55%, or where a road approaches or parallels a stream channel that could be impacted by side casting excess material. End hauling of waste material can be expensive, and full bench construction can cost four to seven times more than balanced cut and fill methods. However, full bench road construction on steep slopes without end hauling is very likely to result in side cast material failing on many sites, with the resultant impacts to down slope stream channels. Waste material should be end hauled and placed at a stable location. Rock pits, wide stable sections of roads, ridges, benches, and the inside edges of landings are typical locations where waste material can be stored. Sites judged to be of uncertain stability will be reviewed by a geotechnical specialist before they are used. Those sites where emerging ground water, thick organic layers, unstable geology, or other instability factors are present could experience slope failure after loading and will not be used. In most situations, end haul material is loaded directly into dump trucks by the excavator and hauled to the storage site, where it is spread in layers that can be reworked by a dozer. In some cases, dozers can economically carry (push) waste material to stable storage sites. The resulting waste pile at the storage site will generally conform to the local topography to provide for natural drainage, and will be mulched and planted with vegetation to control erosion. All road drainage structures (ditches, out sloping, culverts, waterbars, dips, etc.) should be in place as soon as possible during the construction of the road. In any event they must be in place before the start of the rainy season. Surface water drainage must also be provided for sites associated with road construction such as waste areas, borrow areas and rock pits. All drainage water will be filtered through natural vegetation before it enters streams. Construction of roads near running water may require silt fences, hay dams or other filtration methods in ditches and streams to prevent eroded material from getting into the water. These structures will be put in place as soon as possible during road construction. Areas of bare soil, which could deliver sediment to waters of the state, will be mulched and/or seeded before the start of the rainy season. Assessment of existing land use pattern and land quality 109

159 The mine site is a bare land with gentle undulations towards North-East to South- West direction. There are no surface bodies within the mining area. Estimation of anticipated impacts on soil quality and land use pattern and related activities due to expansion of mining activity. Delineation of land Environmental Management Plan. 5.8 Solid Waste Generation 32,44,901 Tonnes (during 4 year Plan Period) of Over Burden / Waste will be generated as solid waste which is utilized for toe of the dump retension wall with garland drain to arrest wash off from the dump slope. The Hazardous waste such as used / spent oil will be disposed off to authorized recyclers. The details of hazardous waste are given Table Table 5.11: Hazardous Waste Management Source Waste Quantity Utililization plan Generator/ Lubricants Used oil MT per year Shall be sold to the approved/authorized recycler/reprocessors Mitigative Measures There will be no negative impact due to solid waste disposal, it will be effectively used for toe of the dump retension wall with garland drain to arrest wash off from the dump slope. The details of solid waste management are given in Table Table 5.12: Details of solid Waste recycling Mine Source Waste Quantity Utilization Plan Over Burden / Waste 32,44,901 Tonnes (during 4 year Plan Period) Shall be utilized for toe of the dump retension wall with garland drain to arrest wash off from the dump slope. 5.9 Biological Environment Recommended Plants for Green Belt Development Greenbelts are an effective mode of control of air and noise pollution, where green plants form a surface capable of absorbing air pollutants and forming a sink of pollutants. Leaves with their vast area in a tree crown, absorbs pollutants on their surface, thus effectively 110

160 reduces pollutant concentration in the ambient air. Often the adsorbed pollutants are incorporated in the metabolic pathway and the air is purified. Plants grown to function as pollution sink are collectively referred as greenbelts. An important aspect of a greenbelt is that the plants are living organism with their varied tolerance limit towards the air pollutants. A green belt is effective as a pollutant sinks only within the tolerance limit of constituent plants. Planting few, known pollutant sensitive species along with the tolerant species within a green belt however, do carry out an important function of indicator species apart from function as pollution sink, greenbelt would provide other benefit like aesthetic improvement of the area and providing suitable habitats for birds and animals Selection of plants for Green Belts The main limitation for plants to function as scavenger of pollutants are, plant s interaction to air pollutants, sensitivity to pollutants, climatic conditions and soil characteristics. While making choice of plants species for cultivation in green belts, due consideration has to be given to the natural factor of bio- climate. Xerophytes plants are not necessarily good for greenbelts; they with their sunken stomata can withstand pollution by avoidance, but are poor absorber of pollutants. Character of plants mainly considered for affecting absorption of pollutant gases and removal of dust particle are as follows; For absorption of Gases: o o o o o o o Tolerance towards pollutants in question, at concentration, that is not too high to be instantaneously lethal. Longer duration of foliage. Freely exposed foliage. Adequate height of crown. Openness of foliage in canopy. Big leaves (long and broad laminar surface). Large number of stomatal apertures. For Removal of Suspended Particular matter o o o o o Height and spread of crown. Leaves supported on firm petiole. Abundance of surface on bark and foliage. Roughness of bark. Abundance of axillaries hairs. 111

161 o o Hairs or scales on laminar surface. Protected Stomata Plantation along Road Sides Automobiles are the source of pollution of gaseous and particulate pollutants. Component of green belt on road side hence should be with both absorbers of gases as well as of dust particles. The choice of plants for road side should include shrubs of height 1 to 1.5 meter and trees of 3-5 meter height. Medium sized trees, alternating with shrubs are ideal for sorption of particulates and gases. Table 5.13: Recommended Plant Species for Green Belt Development 1 Plant species Habit Tolerance Stomatal Mode of limit index Regeneration Acacia auriculiformis Tree Tolerant 10.9 Seeds Azadirachta indica Tree T 29.2 Seeds Bougainvillea spectabilis Shrub T Cutting Delonix regia ( Gulmohur) Tree Sensitive Seeds /stem cutting Euphorbia tirucalli Shrib T NA Cuttings Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Small tree T stem cutting Ixora arborea Small tree T 17.3 stem cutting Ixora rosea Small tree T Stem cutting Lawsonia inermis (Mendi) Shrub T 17.0 Seeds /stem cutting Mangifera indica ( Am) Tree T Seeds/ grafting/ budding/ Melia azadirachta Tree T Seeds /stem cutting Nerium indicum Shrub T 15.7 Cutting Peltophorum pterocarpum Tree T Seeds Polylathia longifolia Tree T Seeds Sesbania sesban Shrub T 19.2 Seeds Tamarindus indica Tree T 18.4 Seeds Tectona grandis Tree T Seeds Terminalia alata Tree T NA Seeds /stem cutting Thespesia populnea Tree T Seeds /stem cutting Thevetia peruviana Shrub T 27.8 Seeds /stem cutting T: Tolerant, NA =Not available Highlighted species are most suitable for this locality, considering its terrain and other existing vegetative cover in the study area. 1 Sourecs: CPCB (March, 2000) PROBES/75/

162 5.10 Top Soil In the Scheme Period, 17,160 M 3 quantity of Top Soil will be generated. Hence there is no proposal to stack the Top Soil. During the course of Mining in the Plan Period, whatever quantity of Top Soil encountered, the same will be utilized for plantation purpose. 113

163 CHAPTER- 6 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME EIA REPORT 114

164 CHAPTER 6 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME 6.1 Introduction The Environmental monitoring is the primary tool for assessing the prevailing quality of air, water, noise, land etc. It helps in suggesting and taking mid course corrections, if found negatively impacted. Monitoring of various environmental parameters for Ambient Air Quality, Water Quality, Noise Levels will be carried out on a regular basis in and around the mining lease area and buffer villages to ascertain the following: Pollution caused due to operations within the mine lease. Change in environmental quality within and outside the MLA Evaluate the efficiency of pollution control systems installed. To assess environmental impacts This monitoring shall be periodic and comply with the guidelines of statutory authorities. Necessary funds will be allocated by the project proponent for the same, as environmental protection has been identified, as an integral part of mining operation. Frequent advice sought from appropriate authorities, will go long way in improving the environment. The frequency of monitoring of various environmental components and frequency to be monitored for the Mine is given in Table Environmental Attributes and Frequency of Monitoring The environmental attributes and its frequency of monitoring once the Lease Area becomes operation are given in the Table 6.1. Table 6.1: Environmental Attributes Attribute Parameters Frequency of monitoring Ambient Air Quality (Buffer Zone) Air Quality (Core Zone) PM 10, PM 2.5, SO 2, NO X PM 10, PM 2.5, SO 2, NO X Water Quality Physical, Chemicals and Biological parameters. 24 hourly samples twice a week 8 hourly for SO 2 & NO X. 8 hourly samples twice a week for entire season (PM 10, PM 2.5 ) 4 hourly samples for SO 2 & NO X. As per the Guidelines/ Norms. 115

165 6.2.1 Meteorological observation The meteorological observations will be carried-out through-out the study period, by recording the following parameters. Maximum and minimum temperature Relative humidity Wind velocity and direction Rainfall Ambient Air Quality The ambient air quality shall be monitored for PM 10, PM 2.5, SO 2 and NOx at Seven locations and frequency of monitoring shall be as per Terms of Reference (TOR) Guidelines and the results shall be compared with the CPCB norms. The stations for monitoring shall be, Additionally, once the mine starts its operation monitoring shall be carried out at various dust generating locations including the boundary of the mine. FA - 1 FA 2 FA 3 A - 4 A - 5 A - 6 A Instruments used for Sampling Working Pit Dumping Area Main Haulage Road Thagadur Village Honnamaranahalli Village Verupakshapura Village Chekkonahalli Village The Respirable dust samplers APM-451 will be used for monitoring the ambient air pollutants like PM 10, PM 2.5, gaseous pollutants etc Method of Testing Table 6.2: Method of Testing PM 10 /PM 2.5 Name of Pollutant PM 10 /PM 2.5 Medium Instrument Duration Mode Air Respirable Dust Sampler (RDS) Every 8/24 hours Continuous Unit μg/m 3 Method Gravimetric 116

166 Table 6.3: Method of Testing SO 2 Name of Pollutants Method Sulphur Dioxide Modified West & Geake Method Frequency 8/4 hours Mode Continuous Unit μg/m 3 Procedure As per IS 5182 (Part II) Table 6.4: Method of Testing NO X Name of Pollutants Oxides of Nitrogen Method Modified Jocob & Hochheiser Modified (N μg/m 3 a-arsenite) Method Frequency 8/4 hours Mode Continuous Unit Μg/m 3 Procedure As per IS 5182 (Part IV), Water Quality The Water monitoring has been carried out at following locations as per Terms of Reference (TOR) Guidelines Surface Water SW1 Bhuvanahalli Kere Ground Water GW1 GW2 GW3 GW4 GW5 Borewell water at Mine Lease Area Borewell water at Thagadur Village Borewell water at Honnamaranahalli Village Borewell water at Verupakshapura Village Borewell water at Chekkonahalli Village 117

167 The water quality will be monitored for all the physical, chemical and biological parameters as per the standards / norms. The sampling and analysis methods will be followed as per BIS standards. The water quality will be monitored for all the samples collected from the above mentioned sources. 6.4 Noise Level The ambient noise levels will be monitored at the following locations and results will be compared with CPCB standards. Additionally, once the mining becomes operation monitoring shall be carried out at various noise generating locations. N - 1 N 2 N 3 N 4 N 5 N 6 N 7 Working Pit Dumping Area Main Haulage Road Thagadur Village Honnamaranahalli Village Verupakshapura Village Chekkonahalli Village Fugitive / source noise levels shall be monitored at various locations once the Lease Area will be put into operations and the results will be compared with ILO standards, as applicable for work environment. 6.5 Soil Samples The quality of the soil shall be monitored once in study period. The locations of the stations are, as follows. S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 Mine site Agricultural Soil near Thagadur Village Agricultural Soil near Honnamaranahalli Village Agricultural Soil near Verupakshapura Village Agricultural Soil near Chekkonahalli Village 118

168 6.6 Environmental Cell In order to implement the proposed environmental management program efficiently within the organization, periodical monitoring as per statutory guidelines and mid course corrections / actions, if required based on the environmental monitoring results, management intends to established environmental cell for successful implementation. The roles & responsibilities are clearly defined among the personnel within the environmental cell. The responsibilities of personnel are given in Table 6.5. Table 6.5: Responsibilities of Personnel of the Environmental Safety Cell Designation Responsibility Mines Manager Over all planning, execution and management of environmental protective measures and monitoring of parameters and various Socio-economic measures, disaster management measures and training programs regularly. Safety Officer To ensure the activities are carried out as per the OSHAS standard and all the employed given safety a primary importance while working at the Lease Area. Manager- Environment Overall in-charge of Monitoring of Environmental parameters and effectiveness of environmental protective measures taken and decide about the additional protective measures in safeguarding the overall ecology and environment. Medical time) officer (Full Occupational Health Practitioner (Part Time) Skilled/ workers unskilled Periodical checkup of working persons, for identifying occupational Health hazards, if any. Employed in the Mine Maintenance of Lease Area with retention walls, roads, drainages, fences, equipment based on the superiors instructions. 6.7 Financial Considerations After an in-depth examination of the environment management plan, the management has made a time specific budgetary cost allocation towards carrying out environmental related works on a continuous basis and the same is given below in Table 6.6. Necessary funds will be allocated towards Corporate Social Responsibility for social upliftment of the surrounding villagers. Developmental work like water supply/sanitation, health care facility, bus shelter, school, helping the children through free distribution of books, bags, uniform etc will also be undertaken as a part of social responsibility by the management. 119

169 Table 6.6: Proposed Costing Towards Environmental Protective Measures Sr. No. Activity Initial cost (Lakh Rs.) Recurring expenses proposed/ annum (Lakh Rs.) 1 Air Pollution Control (Dust suppression by water spraying) 2 Water Pollution Control Measures Occupational Health & Safety Environmental Monitoring Nil Socio-Economic Welfare Measures as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) 6 Maintenance of HEMM (15% of the equipment & machinery cost) TOTAL

170 CHAPTER- 7 ADDITIONAL STUDIES EIA REPORT 121

171 7.1 Public Consultation ADDITIONAL STUDIES CHAPTER - 7 Public Consultation was conducted on 30/09/2014 by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board in consultation with Additional Deputy Commissioner, Hassan, and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board issued the public notice 30 days in advance in the News paper i.e. Vijaya Karnataka & the Deccan Herald dated 29/08/2014 and also in district leading Local News Paper Janatha Madhyama on Photos of the public consultation are given below; Photo 7.1: During Public Consultation Proceedings of public consultation are enclosed as Annexure No. XXX. 122

172 Sr. No Issues Raised Response/Commitment of Project Proponents Time Schedule PART A: Point raised in Public Hearing and its Compliance 1. L.K. Devraj, Geologist He expressed that, Due to mining activity in the area for last years the ground water level has gone down and due to further expansion and continuation of existing mining activity will leads to further depletion of the ground water in the surrounding villages. The project proponent informed that, the present and proposed mining activities are about 25 mtrs above the ground water level. Even in the UPL level there is no chance of encountering ground water from this mining activity. Therefore, a chance of depletion / effect on ground water does not arise. Yield of the agriculture crops will come down due to discharge of effluent from mining area. The present and proposed mining activity does not involve discharge of effluent. However, Company will ensure the zero discharge from the mining activity. Requested for the CSR activities from the company. The Company will earmark funds for CSR works and release to the District Authorities for implementation as per the Government norms. Before

173 Sr. No Issues Raised Response/Commitment of Project Proponents Target Time 2. Kempananje Gowda, Honnamaranahalli Village He demanded good roads for surrounding villages by M/s. MML under their corporate social responsibilities. Strengthening of Honnamaranahalli Village bridge which was damaged due to movement of over loaded mines vehicles. Increase of noise nuisance due to mining and vehicular movement. Depletion of ground water due to deep mining and also deforestation due to expansion of mining. Project proponent to take up over-all development of surrounding villages. Compensation for 9 acres of agricultural land used by M/s. MML As per the norms, funds are earmarked for roads under CSR will be released to the District Authority. Agreed the proposal. The required amount will be released after getting estimate from District Authorities / PWD. The vehicular movement will be minimized, loaded vehicle will be covered with Tarpaulin, avenue plantation will be undertaken on the haul roads of the mine. Explained at part A of point no 1. The deforestation does not arise since the mining activities proposed in the already broken up area, waste dump will be put on the already dump area, the afforestation area not involved in the proposed mining activity. The developmental activities will be undertaken in consultation with the District Authorities under CSR. The land owners requested District Before 2016 March Regular

174 for waste dump for last years. Authority to fix the rate of land for sale to MML. The Company has agreed to purchase the 9 acre agricultural land as fixed by the Revenue Authorities. This issue will be sorted out mutually. 3. L. P. Prakash, Advocate - Lakkarasanahalli Village Opposed expansion of existing mine. Demanded for infrastructure development of surrounding villages by project proponent under corporate social responsibility. Demanded explanation from M/s. MML authority about percentage of the profit allotted by M/s. MML for development of surrounding villages and also percentage of amount actually spent for development of surrounding villages under CSR activity. Requested for fixing of boundary for 614 hectares of lease to M/s. MML, by Revenue authorities. Without technical grounds, opposing expansion of mine is not technically acceptable. The developmental activities will be undertaken in consultation with the District Authorities under CSR. At present, about 4-5% of the profit has been spent for development of surrounding villages. As per the GOK Order, all the boundary pillars have been fixed on the field and its GPS readings are marked on the boundary pillars. April

175 Sr. No Issues Raised Response/Commitment of Project Proponents Target Time 4. Vijay Kumar, President Santheswara Grama Panchayath and Ranganatha Swami Temple Trustee He raised that, The Ranganatha Swami Temple which is nearby to the mining area is getting damaged due to mining activity. The Ranganatha Swami temple is located at a distance of 3 kms from the workings. The mining activities will not affect on the temple Construction of Samudhaya Bhavan at temple premises by M/s. MML. Agreed and the required amount will be released to the District Authority under CSR. Requested the M/s. MML authorities to maintain the buffer zone of around 300 mtrs around the hill. At present, MML undertaken plantation & deploying watch and ward to maintain the buffer zone around the hill. 5. T.C. Manjunath - Thagadur Villager He raised that, the ambient Air quality sampler was kept in temple, which may not be the representative sample. Further, questioned why temple was selected as a station for collection of Ambient Air Quality Monitoring. As the temple is considered under sensitive area as per CPCB, hence monitoring was carried-out to study the ambient air quality and to evaluate the impact due to proposed expansion. 6. L.K. Indresh Farmer Grama Panchayath President, Thagadur Village Demanded for fixing up of boundary of mines lease area of Thagadur mines. As per the GOK Order, all the boundary pillars has been fixed on the field and its GPS readings are marked on the boundary April

176 Demanded for infrastructure development of surrounding villages especially Lakkarasanahalli which is neglected by M/s. MML. Requested for giving water stored in existing mines pit for agriculture activity of surrounding villages. pillars. The developmental activities will be undertaken in consultation with the District Authorities under CSR. The stored water in the pit was inspected by the Chairman, Public Hearing. He opined that this is only rainwater and not advisable to de-water for agriculture in surrounding areas. Since quantity is average and it will act as a ground water recharge. 7. T.N. Basavaraj Thagadur Villager Objected expansion of existing mine as it is going to create Environmental damage and also nuisance to surrounding villages. Demanded for Asphalt road to Thagadur village. As per the EIA proposal there will not be environmental damage and nuisance to the surrounding villages due to expansion of existing mine. Hence, the objection may be considered as non technical. Agreed

177 Sr. No Issues Raised Response/Commitment of Project Proponents Target Time 8. S.R. Manjunath, Siddarahatti Village Informed that, the project proponent have dumped waste dumps from mining activity in 9 Acres of private land belonging to farmers of nearby village due to which farmers could not able to cultivate their land for last 30 years and informed that the land is no more a cultivable land because of waste dump. He also informed that M/s. MML has not given compensation to the farmer in spite of repeated representations. Details furnished in Part A of point no 2. The Chairman of the meeting informed that, the case will be examined through Revenue department and requested farmers to submit their land details and previous letter correspondence to the district administration to take appropriate action. Expressed that, permission for expansion of mining may be given or allowed only after the development of infrastructure of surrounding villages by the company under CSR. The proponent is agreed for the chairman decision. Expansion of mining activities and development of infrastructure for surrounding villages will be undertaken concurrently starting from April April M.P. Basavaraj Farmer, Lakkarasanahalli Village demanded for surveying of surrounding villages by district administration to verify infrastructure development taken up by M/s. MML also informed that, even though M/s. MML is engaged in mining activity in the area since last 30 years they have not contributed for development of the surrounding villages. After getting the proposal from the District Administration, it will be reviewed before the MML Board and implementation will take place accordingly. 128

178 Demanded for rejuvenation of Rayara Kaval village tank as it is important water body in the region. The proposal will be implemented through the District Authority on completion of proposal from District Authority Basavaraj Taluk Panchayat President, Obalapur Village Expressed his views about the basic requirement to all the nearby villages and he suggested that, 2% of the total production amount should be earmarked for development of surrounding villages under corporate social responsibility of the company. Since MML is a Govt. organization, all the reservations, budgets will be as per the government norms. The suggestion of 2% total production amount earmarked for CSR is quite difficult. However, the matter will be communicated to the Government accordingly implementation will be undertaken. The production value is not the criteria for spending money for developmental works. The net profit is the criteria for earmarking the money for CSR works. Demanded details on total production value during previous mining period and amount spent for development of surrounding villages in those previous years. 129

179 Sr. No Issues Raised Response/Commitment of Project Proponents Time Schedule Part B: Request Letter received from Villagers dt and its Compliance 1. Secretary, Amaragiri Guddada Sri. Rangaswamy Temple, Chikkonahalli Requested to construct a community hall in the vicinity of the temple which is estimated cost is about Rs. 50 Lakhs. The proposal is agreed under CSR Activity. 2. T.M. Shive Gowda, The Teachers, Villagers, SDMC Members & President, T. Rangapur Construction of compound to the Government higher Primary School at T. Rangapur Village. The Company will earmark funds for CSR works and release to the District Authorities for implementation as per the Government norms. 3. President, Amaragiri Guddada Sri. Rangaswamy Temple, Chikkonahalli Requested to construct a community hall in the vicinity of the temple. Demanded for Asphalt road to the Temple. 4. The Villagers of Lakkarasanahalli Village Objected expansion of existing mine as it is going to create Environmental damage and also nuisance to surrounding villages MML is agreed in Part B of point no. 1 to construct community hall in the vicinity of the temple. Agreed. As per the EIA proposal there will not be environmental damage and nuisance to the surrounding villages due to expansion of existing mine. Hence, the objection may be considered as non technical. 5. H.M. Basavaraj S/o. Masti Gowda, Honnamaranahalli Nuggehalli Village. Strengthening of Honnamaranahalli Village bridge which was damaged due to movement of over loaded mines vehicles. Agreed the proposal. The required amount will be considered under CRS activity after getting estimate from District Authorities / PWD March

180 7.2 Risk Assessment Risk assessment is a common factor applicable to all stages of a Mining operation. Such risks are (a) Environmental Ris k, (b) Safety and health risk (c) Community and social risk (d) Legal and financial risk and (e) Technical risk. In order to minimize the above-mentioned risk following mitigation/measures will be considered: All operations will be planned and designed in such an away so as to eliminate or materially reduce any hazards. Efforts will be made to achieve the standard of safety by implementing rules and regulation. Improvement will be done in working condition. All material and monetary resources will be provided for the smooth and efficient execution of the safety plans. Continuous efforts will be made to improve the living conditions and health of all the employees. Furnishing work places free from recognized hazards likely to cause injury or illness. Ensuring the prevention, suppression, treatment, collection and removal of the harmful dust at all times and to provide and consistently use the dust suppression equipment. Ensuring good illumination, with proper washing and sanitary facilitates Health Hazard A first-aid centre will be maintained within the lease area to meet the basic medical needs of employees. A qualified medical officer assisted by a nurse will attend the medical needs of the employees and their family members. The first-aid centre will be provided with all essential life saving drugs and day-to-day first aid medicines. As the mining will be operation is manual method, protection of workers health is the main concern to the project proponent. The gaseous pollutant levels are much below the permissible limits. Precautions such as proper maintenance of equipments and transport vehicles shall reduce gaseous emissions such as SO 2, NOx & CO so that their emissions are always below the permissible limit in the environment. However, the management will be providing Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) to all the people working within mining lease area. Further, periodic health check-up will be carried out for all employees. 131

181 7.3 Risk Analysis and Disaster Management Plan Risk Assessment is prevention of accidents and to take necessary steps to prevent it happening. The main objective of preparing a disaster management plan includes; o To protect workers in mines from accident o To prevent or reduce the incidence and severity of injury during mining operations o To respond immediately and adequately in case of a serious accident Drilling Risks Drilling is common to the mining of hard rock s/ores. The main hazards are: o Drill Falling from the edge of a bench o Dust created during the drilling operations o Noise produced during drilling The risk will occur during the drilling of the first line of holes parallel with the working edge of the bench. Measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of falling off the edge of the bench is to provide suitable portable rail fencing which can be erected between the drill and the edge of the bench and direction by the supervisor from guidance of the driller Face Stability and Loading Face instability gives rise to rock falls or slides and this can arise because of adverse geological conditioning or poor work practices. The main hazard is excavation/loading is rock falling on to the driver and falls while gaining access to operating cabins Failure of Slope in the Pit In order to allay dangers due to open cast slope failure, final pit, slope stability estimations have to be made for the existing mines after determining various physical parameters of the ground mass like uniaxial compressive strength, triaxial compressive strength, cohesion, angle of friction, specific gravity of the rock, water pressure etc. Besides, all the structural discontinuities have been plotted in wedge failure. Even then, factor of safety should be determined against overall slope failure as well as against individual bench slope by circular failure, planer failure and wedge failure. Besides determining factor of safety, the slopes shall be monitored at regular intervals by using real time slope stability radar system to monitor for any possible failure. The welldeveloped drainage system over the lease area should ensure that storm water does not accumulate in the lease area and therefore hydrostatic pressure remains at a low level. 132

182 7.3.4 Fly Rock and Vibrations Due to Blasting Trial blasting results of a nearby mine (with similar geo-mining characteristics) may be used to arrive at the field empirical equations based on which the charge per delay can be regulated to protect the nearby structures. All precautions related to control of fly rock should be taken during the blasting operations. Safety zone of 300 m as per statutes is maintained. Spillage of High Speed Diesel (HSD) and resultant fire constitutes a potential risk. The quantity of the maximum oil, which can spill, is not much and can be easily controlled. Sufficient number of portable fire extinguishers should be provided at strategic locations to take care of any eventuality. Dry and foam type portable fire extinguishers are provided at the electrical substation and control room Disaster due to Surface Fire There could be fire accidents due to electrical short circuiting, diesel fuel getting into contact of naked flames, machinery developing excessive heat due to imperfect lubrication of bearings etc. Proper maintenance of equipment including, electrical fittings to avoid catching of fire. Project proponent will be having wireless communication system for quick passing of information for any assistance in case of any emergency. Training will be imparted to the employees about emergency preparedness. Mock drills will also be conducted at regular interval to handle the emergency situation. Refresher awareness programs will also be planned among the employees. Risk analysis involves systematic identification and assessment of major damage potential credible risk scenarios to help management to make objective decisions on hazard reduction or avoidance measures meeting regulatory requirements and develop a structured management framework for an effective Disaster Management Plan (DMP) including emergency preparedness and contingency plans Advantages of risk analysis include o Systematic identification of credible risk scenerios, frequency of their failure modes and fatality consequences. o Estimation of each event frequency by using, relevant historical data, accident statistics fault tree or event tree analysis techniques. These techniques can be used individually or jointly. o Quantification of major individual risks per annum for each operation. o It provides a basis for a rational planned preventive maintenance Action Plan to prevent occurrence of Fire 133

183 1. In the surface premises, cutting burners, welding appliances and other fires of any kind, which are fire risk, shall be used only with prior permission of concerned authorities. 2. Fire extinguishers should be kept at engine room generator, workshops, HEMM etc. 3. Fire hydrant will be provided in the mining lease area. 4. A competent person shall examine all equipments, material and arrangement provided for firefighting at least once in a month and record of the examination shall be maintained in a register. A competent person shall at least once in 3 months examine every fire extinguisher and fire hydrant. 7.4 Mine Disaster Management Plan A disaster is a catastrophic event in which personnel working in the affected area are immediately planed into a chaotic situation, which demands their immediate rescue, medical and social case to restore normalcy. It creates a major emergency in mining area requiring an Emergency response in accordance with a Mine Disaster Management Plan formulated by the management. A detailed DMP for handling emergencies includes; o Identification and assessment of major credible risk scenarios anticipated at a particular workplace/activity (Slope failure, subsidence, fly rock fragments, fires, toxic/hazardous/flammable Gas Release/Explosion, inundation etc.) o Setting up an Emergency response organization identified key personnel at the mine with assigned duties and responsibilities for incident response and emergency response. o Emergency actions plan with implementation procedures by emergency response personnel for each scenario after emergency warning. o Details of safety measures to prevent accident and disaster. o Emergency notification by sending warning messages to identified agencies for liaison and stake holders. o Setting up a permanent organization for completion of emergency and restoration of normalcy by complying with health, safety, and environmental laws and regulations o Disaster management plan for safe mining particularly for underground mines where toxic fumes and other risks are involved. o Supplementary response plans under mutual aid o Any other stipulations made by regulatory agencies for handling emergency situations that may arise either from natural or manmade 134

184 7.5 Emergency Plan Organization Plan Organization plan includes clearly stating the line of command and the responsibilities of each person involved in case of emergency situation Equipment Plan Corrective & preventive maintenance of vehicle and Machinery and other transport vehicles will be carried out regularly for their upkeep and safety operations. Maintenance of various machinery and equipment will be logged in Maintenance Register and Machine History Card which will be maintained in the workshop Purpose and Scope of Emergency Plan Purpose of the emergency plan is to describe procedure for emergency preparedness and response. The scope of the emergency plan covers all the emergency conditions. The sensitive area identified for this purpose is Fire, Flood, or any major Accident Functions of the emergency preparedness team The team will meet once in six months to discuss the possible or probable causes / instances leading to any disaster that may occur in and around the mining lease area. The team will assess the required resources to deal with the situation that may be identified as above. The team leader will lay down a detailed procedure or oral information to each member to follow in case of any impending or possible or actual disaster. The team will conduct mock drill once in a year to understand the practical problems that may arise while implementing the Emergency Preparedness Action Plan including the response time and take necessary steps to make the system effective. The team will make necessary recommendations/suggestions to the Management for identifying/monitoring/dealing with any possible or probable disaster. The minutes of the meeting of the Team shall be prepared including the probable cause of incident, response time and corrective & preventive actions required to be taken to avoid the reoccurrences of the same and kept as record. The team may draw an Action Plan and modify the same from time to time. The Emergency Preparedness Team will come into force in case of any disaster by establishing the control room at an appropriate place nearer to the affected area. The team shall record the actual performance/procedure followed/short comings while dealing with any actual disaster, which will be discussed at various levels to strengthen the plan and approach. 135

185 The Manager shall inspect all the places where disaster occurred, along with Emergency Preparedness Team. He shall ensure that all affected places are safe to resume the normal works, and then give permission to start the mining operations. 7.6 Social Impact Assessment Demography & Socio Economic Environment The objective is to demonstrate the range of potential impacts on communities and families by the proposed expansion of mining activity. The actual impacts experienced at a given project site will depend on a variety of factors. Some of the most important are: o Collection of secondary data on village wise population, sex ratio, literacy, number of households and percentage of main workers. o Collection of primary information on infrastructure facilities in the study area. o Assessment of impact on socio-economic environment in qualitative terms. o Delineation of Community Development Plan and estimation of Budget for Community Development. o The pre-existing situation (baseline condition). o The process of community engagement and capacity building. o The design of the development process. o The other process of social change either already undergoing or which may develop during operation of project. The impact of the expansion of mining activity on the surrounding community will be positive in nature through improvement in the Quality of Life (QoL), economic status of the local people and infrastructure in buffer zone. It is necessary to propagate among the local population regarding the beneficial aspects of the following: o o o o o o Family planning. Planting of ecologically important trees. Use of clean and boiled water. Personal hygiene. Regular healths check up. Awareness about malaria eradication and HIV prevention. The management proposes to increase literacy levels within buffer zone, by way of support to school going children through free distribution of books and by way of supporting NGO s for adult education. The proposed project will generate direct & indirect employment to the local community which in- turn benefit the dependents also. 136

186 The management will actively participate in the efforts by the local bodies and the Government to improve the health and social status of the population living in the buffer zone villages. Management proposes to extend the medical assistance to the local needy people by engaging a part time Medical Officer on a regular basis. However, management allocate 5% of the revenue generated towards community developmental activities in the buffer zone villages to improve the facilities such as school, health, road, infrastructure etc. 7.7 Rehabilitation & Resettlement Action Plans There are no human settlements within the project site area. The mining activity will be carried-out in the Revenue and Animal Husbandry Department land and hence no resettlement and rehabilitation is involved. 137

187 CHAPTER- 8 PROJECT BENEFITS EIA REPORT 138

188 CHAPTER 8 PROJECT BENEFITS 8.1 Project Benefits Proposed expansion in the mining activity will help in improving the socio-economic status in the area like employment, communication, education etc. it improves the living standard of the people, supports for education and increase the ability of people to understand the changes. The activity will also help to improve the basic infrastructure of the society, thereby there is an overall improvement in the economic status of the people. The following paras will discuss the benefits that are obtained from this expansion mining activity. 8.2 Improvement in Physical Infrastructure The proposed expansion project is expected to yield a positive impact on the socio-economic environment. It helps to sustain the development of this area including further development of physical infrastructural facilities. The following physical infrastructure facilities will improve due to proposed expansion project. Road Transport facilities Housing facilities Water supply and Power 8.3 Improvement in Social Infrastructure The proposed expansion project will provide direct and indirect employment opportunity to the youths of the surrounding villages. The employment is expected to increase during civil construction period, in trade, afforestation works and other ancillary services. Employment in these sectors will be primarily temporary or contractual and involvement of unskilled labour will be more. A major part of this unskilled labour force will be mainly from local villagers, who are expected to engage themselves both in agriculture and mining activities. This will enhance their income and lead to overall economic growth of the area. The proponent will also make interventions through its CSR plan implementation that will make a positive impact on the social infrastructure of the region. The following areas of social infrastructure are expected to take place with this project. o o o Strengthen the Co-operative Society and Banking in the villages for mutual benefits Provide administrative support to bring the government schemes to the villages Provide financial and administrative support to improve the secondary education and vocational skill education. 139

189 o o Facilitate increase in awareness towards health, family, insurance, sanitation, immunization, water harvesting, agricultural productivity, multiple cropping and other programs to increase the living standards of the rural communities. Support construction and management of social infrastructure like the Primary and secondary schools, Primary Health Centres, Community halls, Village ponds, Public toilets, Bus stops, Public hand pumps, drinking water supply, etc,. as per need identified from the Socio-economic survey. 8.4 Employment Potential The socio economic status in the study area is found to be moderate with respect to livelihood, amenities etc. The management of MML is already provided employment for 66 Nos. and also expected to provide employment around 66 nos. from the proposed expansion activity Infrastructure facilities to the workers The management will actively participate in the efforts by the local bodies and the Government to improve the health and social status of the population living in the buffer zone villages. The management also proposes to extend the medical assistance to the local needy people by engaging a part time Medical Officer on a regular basis. However, management allocate 5 percent of the revenue generated towards community developmental activities in the buffer zone villages to improve the facilities such as school, health, road, infrastructure etc Reaching out to the community Presently MML is actively working for the overall development of urban population though its CSR policy implementation across 5 villages, the CSR program of MML is benefiting the lives of many people annually. The CSR plan for the proposed expansion project at Thagadur Chromite mine is planned as per the needs identified through the Socio-Economic survey conducted. Many activities that are proposed to be identified for reaching out to the community are listed in the section 8.3 above. Each of these programs will help the project proponent to reach out to the community. 140

190 8.5 Other Tangible Benefits The proposed expansion project is likely to have other tangible benefits as given below. Indirect employment opportunities to local people in contractual works like housing construction, transportation, sanitation, for supply of goods and services to the project and other community services. Market and business establishment facilities will also increase. Cultural, recreation and aesthetic facilities will also improve. Improvement in communication, transport, education, community development and medical facilities. Overall change in employment and income opportunity. The State Government will also benefit directly from the proposed project, through increased revenue from royalties, excise duty. 8.6 Social Corporate Responsibility The management proposes to increase literacy levels within buffer zone, by way of support to school going children through free distribution of books and by way of supporting NGO s for adult education. Management will actively participate in the efforts by the local bodies and the Government to improve the health and social status of the population living in the buffer zone villages. Management proposes to extend the medical assistance to the local needy people by engaging a part time Medical Officer on a regular basis. However, management allocates necessary funds towards community developmental activities in the buffer zone villages to improve the facilities such as school, health, road, infrastructure, etc., once the mine starts its operation. 141

191 CHAPTER- 9 ENVIRONMENTAL COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS EIA REPORT 142

192 9.1 Introduction ENVIRONMENTAL COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS CHAPTER 9 The Environmental cost-benefit analysis or CBA, refers to economic appraisal of policies and projects that have the deliberate aim of improving the provision of environmental services or actions that might affect (sometimes adversely) the environment as an indirect consequence due to any industrial activity. Vital advances have arisen in response to the challenges that poses an environmental problem and environmental policy extended for CBA. In this chapter, we review a number of these developments. Due to proposed expansion in the mining activity, there will be a change in the land use pattern of the mine lease area. After extraction of mineral ore there will be voids created in the area. There could be an increase in dust concentrations and noise intensities expected due to mining. However, the Project proponent is already taken measures and also commits to conduct the mining operations with least impact on the surrounding environment. The project proponent is committed to deliver larger environmental benefits from the project compared to the environmental degradation/costs. After an in-depth examination of the Environment Management Plan, the management has made a time specific budgetary cost allocation towards carrying out environmental related works on a continuous basis and the same is given below in Table 9.1. Necessary funds will be allocated towards Corporate Social Responsibility for Environmental Protection in order to safe guards the interest of the local people and the Environment. 143

193 Table 9.1 Proposed Costing Towards Environmental Protective Measures Sr. No. Activity Initial cost (Lakh Rs.) Recurring expenses proposed/ annum (Lakh Rs.) 1 Air Pollution Control (Dust suppression by water spraying) 2 Water Pollution Control Measures Occupational Health & Safety Environmental Monitoring Nil Socio-Economic Welfare Measures as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) 6 Maintenance of HEMM (15% of the equipment & machinery cost) TOTAL

194 CHAPTER- 10 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN EIA REPORT 145

195 CHAPTER-10 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 10.1 Introduction The major objective and benefit of utilizing Environmental Impact Assessment in project planning stage itself, is to prevent avoidable losses of environmental resources and conservation of the same to the maximum extent and values as a result of Environmental Management. The Environmental Management includes protection/mitigation/enhancement measures to be adopted by the project proponents, as well as suggests revision of project site or operation to avoid adverse impacts or often additional project operations may have to be incorporated in the conventional operation. The industrial development in the study area needs to be intervened with judicious utilization of non-renewable resources of the study area and with in the limits of permissible assimilative capacity. The assimilative capacity of the study area is the maximum amount of pollution load that can be discharged in the environment without affecting the designated use of that area and is governed by dilution, dispersion and removal of pollutants due to Physico-chemical and biological processes. The Environment Management plan (EMP) is required to ensure sustainable development in the study area of the mine lease area, hence it needs to be an all encompassive plan for which the proposed industry, Government, Regulating agencies like Pollution Control Board working in the region and more importantly the affected population of the study area needs to extend their cooperation and contribution. It has been evaluated that the study area has not been affected adversely and is likely to get new economical upliftment. The affected environmental attributes in the region are air quality, soil, land use, ecology, public and public health. The Management Action plan aims at controlling pollution at the source level to the possible extent with the available and affordable technology followed by treatment measures before they are discharged. The Environmental Management aims at the preservation of ecosystem by considering expansion in the mining activity, pollution abatement has become an integral part of planning and design along with Techno economic factors. 146

196 10.2 Environmental Management During Operation Stage Air Environment The negative impact is reversible and is less significant when proper standards are followed. The mitigation measures needs to be adopted to control the negative impacts on air environment of the surrounding of the lease area given below: Dust Extraction System to be used in Drill Machines Use of Sharp drill bits for drilling Holes and drills with Water Flushing System (Wet Drilling) to reduce dust generation. Ore carrying trucks will be effectively covered with tarpaulin. Water spraying on roads, waste dumps, sub-gradestacks and mine faces. Drilling by using dust extractors. Well designed blast by effective stemming and use of optimum charge. Transport vehicles will be regularly checked for their environmental fitness like pollution under control and fitness etc. Green barriers with tall growing thick foliage plants species will be developed around the mine lease area towards noise transmission and dust dispersion. For safety of workers at site, engaged at strategic locations/dust generation points Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) would be provided and ensured for using the same. Environmental monitoring of air quality to take mid-course correction, if required to keep the pollution constituent with-in the permissible limits always. Construction of well designed haulage roads. Monitoring of air quality periodically to take necessary steps to keep the pollution with-in the permissible limits. Apart from the above following measures will be adopted: Wet Drilling will be adopted to control fugitive dust. Regular water spraying shall be adopted at loading and unloading points, storage yards and near solid waste dumping yards which will reduce fugitive emissions due to movement of truck. All the internal roads shall be asphalted to reduce the fugitive dust due to truck movement. Plantation will be carried out all along the lease periphery. 147

197 Wet Drilling Fig 10.1: Wet Drilling Mechanism Wet drilling operation will be adopted to control dust. Water-base drilling fluids are costeffective performance characteristics with minimal environmental impact. o o o o Periodically, water will be sprinkled on these roads to wet the surface Over loading of transport equipments should be avoided to prevent spillage. Transportation of fines and dust will be in covered vehicles to prevent fugitive dust emission. The road should be properly maintained Water Environment The water requirement for proposed expansion activity will be met through Bore well within the lease area of about 124 cum/day. The water will be used mainly for drilling purposes. There will be labour colony for 66 labours in the lease area site. The wastewater generated 148