STANDAD TEMPLATE FOR EVALUATION OF ALL PROJECTS / ACTIVITIES:

Transcription

1 STANDAD TEMPLATE FOR EVALUATION OF ALL PROJECTS / ACTIVITIES: S. No Information Required Information to be furnished by the Proponents 1 Name of the project or activity Ha. of Marble Mine NEW MINE 2 Name of the organization / owner L.AMARA CHANDRASEKHAR REDDY 3 Address for communication L.AMARA CHANDRASEKHAR REDDY Lessee C/o R.Gangi Reddy, 4/28-1-4,Vijaya Nagar Colony, Chemumiyapet, Ravindra Nagar post, Kadapa Cell: Telephone numbers Cell: ID of the organization or contact person maruthi.banka@gmail.com 6 Location of the proposed project or activity Sy. No: 34/P, S.R.Puram, Rajampeta Mandal, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh 7 Appraisal category (B2 or B1) B2 8 Nearest habitation and distance from the project or activity Achchanapalle is the nearest habitation to this mine site located at a distance of 1.3 km from the mine area. 9 Installed capacity / production capacities 12,000 Cum/Year of Marble 10 Specify the fuel (Coal/CNG/Biomass/Others) and quantity required No fuels are required for this mining operations 11 Details of land use / land cover The mine lease area is a Government Land. Total area of Ha. Will be used for the mining purpose. 12 Occupancy, ownership of the land in which the Government Land activity is proposed: (Government land / Private land / Forest land /Revenue land /Temple land /leased land/ land belongs to other Department) 13 If it is a Forest land, the following details shall be furnished: (Whether it is a Reserved forest / Protected NOT APPLICABLE forest/demarcated forest/ National Parks/Sanctuaries/any land in possession of Forest Department.) (The village map with Sy. No. indicating nearest forest boundary line from the site shall be enclosed)

2 14 Total investment of the project / activity 55 LAKHS a. Funds allocated for EMP 8.72 LAKHS 15 Brief description of the project with special reference EMP report enclosed to specific pollution and its control measures 16 Compliance report on the following : i. Status of compliance of the conditions and Not Applicable environmental safeguards stipulated in the earlier clearance letters. ii. Details of the court cases, if any, pending in any No such cases against the project Court of Law against the project as well as any directions passed by the Court relating to the project directly or indirectly. iii. Details of the notices, if any, given to the project NIL under Section 5 of the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986 and Section 18 of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, Name of the consultant T. MURALI KRISHNA M/s. GLOBAL ENVIRO LABS /14/A, Tilaknagar X Roads, Baghamberpet, Hyderabad 13 ph: , ,

3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN For OVER AN EXTENT OF HECTARES OF MARBLE MINE In Sy. No: 34/P, S.R. Puram, Rajampeta Mandal, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh Proposed By C/o R.Gangi Reddy, H.No:4/28-1-4, Vijay Nagar Colony, Chemumiyapet, Ravindranagar Post, Kadapa Prepared By M/s. GLOBAL ENVIRO LABS (Accredited by Quality Council of India NABET, New Delhi) /14/A/1, Tilaknagar X Roads, Bagh Amberpet, Hyderabad Ph.: ; Telefax: E.Mail: globalelabs@rediffmail.com

4 CONTENTS

5 CHAPTER - 1 INTRODUCTION

6 CHAPTER - 2 PROJECT DETAILS

7 CHAPTER - 3 EVALUATION OF IMPACTS

8 CHAPTER - 4 ENVIRONMENTAL MAGEMENT PLAN

9 MINING PLAN

10 CONTENTS PARTICULARS Page No: 1.0 INTRODUCTION PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.1 The Project Need for the Project Topography Geology Geological Reserves Mining Mineral Processing Site Services Employment Potential EVALUATION OF IMPACTS 3.1 Introduction Air Environment Noise Environment Water Environment Land Environment Biological Environment Socio Economic Environment 18

11 4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 4.1 Introduction Air Pollution Control Measures Occupational Health and Safety Measures Noise Pollution Control Measures Water Pollution Control Measures Land Environment Socio Economic Benefits Post Project Monitoring Implementation of Environmental Management Plan 27 List of Tables Table 1 Salient Features of the Study Area 2 Table 2 Cost of Environmental Protection Measures 27 List of Figures Figure 1 Topographical Map 3

12 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 INTRODUCTION L.AMARA CHANDRASEKHAR REDDY was granted a quarry lease over an extent of Ha in S.No. 34/P of Kadapa District in the State of Andhra Pradesh, vide DMG Notice No: 21712/R4-2/2012, dated , for the unexpired lease period for 20 years. For this purpose a mining plan was approved vide Letter No: 3959/MP-KDP/2015 Dt: The Lessee is proposes to produce about 12,000 cum/year of Marble. The total cost of the project is Rs. 55 lakhs only. L.AMARA CHANDRASEKHAR REDDY is conscious of its responsibility towards the society in minimizing the pollution load due to this proposed activity and according to Office Memorandam No /47/2011-IA.II(M), dated from MoEF, GoI, New Delhi for obtaining Environmental Clearance from SEIAA, Andhra Pradesh; the project proponents intends to prepare an Environmental Management Plan for submission for grant of Environmental Clearance for their proposed Ha. Of Marble Mine Lease area. 1

13 Table 1: SALIENT FEATURES OF THE STUDY AREA District & State Mandal Village Nature of the Area Latitude/ Longitude Maximum Temperature Minimum Temperature Annual Rainfall Wind Pattern Road Connectivity Details of the Study Area Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh Rajampeta Achchanapalle Government Land Boundary Latitude Longitude Point A 14º N 79º E General Climatic Conditions 45 o C 25 o C 800 mm SW to NE Accessibility B 14º N 79º E C 14º N 79º E D 14º N 79º E T 14º N 79º E S 14º N 79º E A B.T. road of 1.5 km length is connecting to the area from Achchanapalle village. Rail Connectivity The nearest Railway station is located at - Rajampeta, at a distance of 10.0 km from the applied area Air Port Nearest Village Renigunta Achchanapalle village 1.3 km NW from ML area. Historical / Important Places Archaeologically Important Site Nil within the study area Historically Important Site Nil within the study area Sensitive Places Nil within the study area Sanctuaries / National Parks Nil within the study area Nearest water body Annamayya Reservoir main canal is 0.5 km NE, Cheyyeru River is 6.8 Km N, Annamayya Reservoir is 7.0 km W Nearest Forest Seshachalam Extension. R.F is 4.4 km Buduguntapalle R.F is 5.0 Km Figure 1 shows the 10 km radius of the study area around the proposed Mine Lease area. 2

14 EMP Report For Marble Mine of Ha, located in Global 3Enviro Labs, Hyderabad

15 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.1 THE PROJECT The project of L.AMARA CHANDRASEKHAR REDDY deals with the production of 12,000 m 3 /Year of Marble in Sy.No. 34/P of S.R.Puram Village, Rajampeta Mandal, Kadapa District in the State of Andhra Pradesh. The method of working shall be by Open cast Semi-Mechanised opencast working of quarrying by using jack hammer drilling & cutting by Wire Saw with No blasting. The lease area in on Indian topo sheet No. 57N/4 (1:50,000 scale) in survey of India and falls on of Latitude N to N and E to & E the area is located at a distance of 1.3 km from Achchanapalle Village. 2.2 NEED FOR THE PROJECT In order to meet the statutory requirements the lessee intends to obtain Environmental Clearance from Statutory Authorities. 2.3 TOPOGRAPHY Topographically the area is a steep sloping hill with highest elevation at the top of the Quarry lease area with steep slopes towards east, west and north of the area. The ground levels have been picked up with GPS. The highest R.L is 228m and the lowest is 174 m. Thus, the area is having an altitudinal range of 54 m from the general ground level. The precipitation follows the natural slopes and joins the water ponds situated to the northwest of the area at a distance of 1.05 km from the Q.L boundary. 2.4 GEOLOGY Regional Geology The area under consideration forms a part of the well-known Cuddapah Basin of Proterozoic age. The lower and older Cuddapah Supergroup occupying the entire basin, is overlain in the western part by the younger Kurnool Group. The former is composed mainly of arenaceous and argillaceous sediments with minor carbonates. The upper part 4

16 of the Cuddapah supergroup forming Nallamalai sub basin constitutes the southern part of the basin Local Geology The subject area is a part of the Nallamalai formation of the Cuddapah Supergroup and comprising of Shales, Phyllites, Dolomites and Quartzites. The Quartzites are overlain by the argillaceous sediments with minor carbonates and then by Shales/Phyllites. The rocks in the Nallamali sub-basin are intensely folded, with intensity of folding increasing from west to east. In the later part, the folds are isoclinal. In the Nallamalai fold-belt, a gradual increase of metamorphism is perceptible from west to east. In the vicinity of the eastern margin, the calcareous argillaceous sediments have been epidotized and transformed into marbles. These marbles underlain by the thin bedded purple shales, which can be seen in the Q.L applied area at the northern part. d. Brief Description of the Litho Units: The rock is purple to blood red in colour, fine grained with banding and stratification markings parallel to the bedding planes. The rock appears as purple colored hard shale but, giving effervescence on acid test. The rock is chemically an impure calcareous argillaceous sedimentary rock. It is hard, massive in nature and enough tough to bear the load. No water absorption and suitable for all construction purposes such as flooring, cladding etc. The rock is metamorphosed giving rise to beautiful pattern and colour after cutting and polishing. Therefore, can be commercially marketed as dimensional stone marble. It took good mirror polish also with 90% glassy reflection. The argillaceous sediments are thick bedded with bed thickness ranging from 3m to 7m and are tough enough to bear the load and retain the polish and colour. Therefore, can be commercially marketed as dimensional stone MARBLE. 2.5 GEOLOGICAL RESERVES: The Calculation of reserves of prospects, deposit and mine is done at every stage, right from preliminary to last stage of exploration and mining. 5

17 The reserves are computed basing on the available sub-surface lithology and also from the existing pit in the subject area which have opened at the western side of the hill by the previous lease holder. It reveals that the sheet rock is encountered right on the surface after removal of minimal thickness of weathered rock and extending on to the hill and further depths. However, the marble available and seen from the general level to the top of the hill is considered as Reserves RESERVE ESTIMATION: Further, the percentage of recovery is a major parameter in arriving mineable deposit. In this area 30% of recovery is considered leaving remaining percentage as waste which includes bands of weathered rock, fault rock, joint cracks etc, the calculations of Marble are given in the table. The recovery percentage considered here is based on the presence of cracks/joints which are similar to the Italian Marbles, which can be treated by using matting/netting and application of synthetic resins. Details of calculation and their Categorization Category Section Influence Section Distance in Area in M 2 mts Volume in Reserves Rock M 30% Rec. in m 3 70% in m 3 (A) (B) (A*B) (A*B)0.30 (A*B)0.70 Reserves A-A B-B C-C D-D Total 6,66,430 1,99,929 4,66, MINEABLE RESERVES AND THE LIFE OF THE MINE: From the above table the total recoverable reserves of Marble are 1,99,929 M 3. The reserves are blocked in the buffer zone of 7.5m from Q.L boundary at southern, eastern and western side and also in the pit slopes. The reserves are blocked by the 7.5 barrier zone as follows: Sq.m x 18m (average thickness) x 30% recovery factor = 17,431 Cu.m, 6

18 and from pit slopes, the reserves blocked are calculated as 349 2% of the reserves blocked in buffer zone. Total Non-mineable reserves are 17, = 17,780 Cu.m Therefore, the mineable reserves of Marble are Mineable Reserves = Total Recoverable Reserves Reserves blocked in buffer Zone and pit slopes = 1,99,929-17,780 = 1,82,149 M 3 As the Lessee intends to produce recoverable reserves of 12,000 m³ in one year of operations the life of the mine is calculated as detailed below: Total mineable Reserves/Actual anticipated annual production = 1,82,149 M 3 / 12,000 M 3 = years or say 16 Years. 2.6 MINING a) Type of Mining : Open Cast Semi-Mechanized opencast method of mining by forming benches with 16 meters height. except drilling and wire saw cutting No usage of explosives and blasting will be taken up. b) Method of Working: To minimize the cost of production and to achieve annual target production. The quarrying operation are planned to carry out partly manually and partly deploying machinery. The lessee will deploy the equipments as follows for quarry operations: The details of machinery proposed to utilize at quarry are as follows:- Sl.No. Type of Machinery Capacity Unit 01 Excavator 1.1 m Tippers 12 m Jack Hammer Drills Air Compressors 190 Cfm 2 05 Water Pump 5 hp 1 06 Wiresaw machine 60 hp/ 20 hp 2 07 Derek crane (proposed) Slaughter - 1 7

19 Minor Tools: Crowbars, heavy duty sledge hammers, pick axes, Spades etc., will be used. The removal of side burden consisting of soil, weathered rocks and fractured rocks is the general practice of the opening of the quarry. In the present case there is no top soil. Only the top weathered marble has to be removed with the help of excavators. The weathered material and the raw marble will be removed by using wiresaw bottom cutting and followed by breaking. No usage of explosives and blasting will be taken up. The loosed soil and weathered marble will be loaded in tippers and lifted to dumping yard. The dumping yard is proposed west of the Quarry Lease applied area, which is used as dump yard. Separation of Primary rocks from Mother Rocks :- The primary cuts i.e. the vertical and horizontal bottom cuts by diamond wire saw cuts through slaughter holes (A 50m wire saw run gets around 600 sqm. Cut). Generally a cutting of 10 Mts in length and 8 Mts in width and 5 Mts height are produced. The wire for Marble is made of the steel wire, sintered beds with plastics injected on the steel wire and between diamond beeds in order to safeguard the steel wire from the abrasive components of Marble (i.e Quartz, and Ferrugenous material,etc). The stationary diamond wire machines were born for three main purposes:- Squaring and dressing of irregularly shaped blocks, preparing them for final processing in slabs and tiles. Making thickness of stone of certain width in order to utilize the best gangsaws and blocks cutter having maximum productions and profit from the processing machines. Perform automatic cuts of block into slabs of different thickness. The block can so be programmed to have a certain number of slabs each of prescribed thickness. SUB DIVISION OF LARGE (PRIMARY) BLOCK INTO SECONDARY BLOCK (SECONDARY CUTS) 8

20 i. Once the primary blocks are dislodged from sheet rock, depending upon the dislodged material secondary blocks are cut, fractures, black lines and penetrative cracks are all carefully trimmed by using diamond rope wiresaw. ii. The commercial blocks will be trimmed so as that the sides form right angles to each other. iii. The size of blocks could be formed from the ROM of this property will be in the following dimension ranges. Gangsaw sizes Cutter sizes Length : 300 to 380 cm 150 to 200 cm Width : 150 to 200 cm 60 to 150 cm Height : 100 to 200 cm ± 100 cm Production of Commercial Blocks:- To give a regular shape, the removed blocks are dressed with cutting and polishing face, and the other direction perpendicular to it. For this purpose also a diamond rope wiresaw will be used. Below sizes were produced depending upon the recovery. The marble is having high siliceous and ferruginous material in the form of bands which has given a peculiar aesthetic nature to the marble. This is equivalent to the Italian Marble. The matting will be utilized while cutting the block, as the marble is having joints and cleavages. The matting and applying of resin before and after polishing will be applicable for this marble. Blasting: No blasting is proposed as it will affect the quality of dimension stone by developing minor cracks and fractures. Only drilling by jack hammer is deployed. Drilling Pattern is important in developing a working face and also is preparing the rough blocks suitable for their use in appropriate processing units. 9

21 Haulage & Transportation: Dressing of the blocks will be done at the pit mouth and are transported to stock yard by the existing 3 tippers which are sufficient for handling the dressed blocks and for carrying the waste to the dump yard. The dressed blocks will be transported to the various destinations by hired trucks. Dressing: Dressing is the final phase of mining operation; where in secondary blocks are squared in to regular perfect size, thereby avoiding uneven bulges or cavities and other defects, Jack hammers with compressor, feather and wedges sledge hammers are the equipment generally used for dressing the block. 2.7 MINERAL PROCESSING The Lessee intends to export and as well as sell the raw blocks for the processing units in the country. The lessee does not possess a processing plant at the moment. 2.8 SITE SERVICES The rest shelter cum office, First aid room, and toilets will be constructed in the area. The roof will be of asbestos sheets covered by hay to keep it cool in summer. A first aid certificate holder will be the in charge of the first aid room. Protected drinking water will be provided and stored in earthen pots. 2.9 EMPLOYMENT POTENTIAL The mining activity will provide the job facilities to the local people. It will have 1 Mines Manager, skilled & unskilled labour about 22 persons. 10

22 3.1 INTRODUCTION 3. EVALUATION OF IMPACTS Opencast mining activity causes some adverse impacts on the surround environment unless proper environmental management plan is adopted. Selecting suitable sites for mining and adopting the guidelines prescribed by the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) and Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), one can minimize the major possible impacts. In this chapter, an attempt has been made to quantify the possible environmental impacts on various features such as air, water, noise, land, ecology and socio-economies. The following aspects have been studied to identify the possible impacts while achieving the total production of 12,000 cum/year of Marble. The magnitude and significance of the environmental pollution caused by mining depends on method of mining, scale and concentration of mining activity. 3.2 AIR ENVIRONMENT The impacts on air environment from a mining activity depend on various factors like production capacity, machinery involved, operations and maintenance of various equipments and vehicle. Apart from these, there will be other activities associated viz transportation of mineral and waste, stocking facilities and dump management within the mine lease area that may contribute to pollution SOURCES OF DUST EMISSION Mining is carried out by open cast semi mechanized method by using jack hammer drilling & wire saw cutting.based on the various operations involved in the production of minerals, the various emission sources has been identified as given below. a. Point sources b. Area sources. c. Line sources. 11

23 Drilling operations of the mine are considered as point sources. Extraction of mineral from mine, are considered as area sources. Transportation of material from mining benches to various end points are considered as line sources. The impact of above sources on air environment is discussed below: a) Drilling & Blasting One the boulder is freed by removing the soil and waste rock surrounding it, a series of holes are drilled by compressed air using Jack Hammer at a regular interval of cms depending on the size of the boulder, the depth of the hole depends on the height of the boulder and the holes are drilled up to the bottom leaving about a foot at the base. The holes have to be perfectly straight and vertical so that the vertical split is obtained. Line drilling machine can be used to drill straight holes. Feather and wedges are inserted into the holes and hammered continuously applying uniform pressure and the boulder splits vertically. Similarly dressing is done and the boulder is given a rectangular shape. All the defects are avoided during the dressing stage. Diamond wire saw may also be employed to dislodge the block from the parent rock. Drill hole pattern will be uniform single lined pattern, equidistances holes from 0.33 m to 0.75 m, 4.5 m in depth. Spacing depends upon the size of the boulder, in general it 15 cms from hole to hole for better splitting. No Blasting is required as the marble may get damaged due to blasting b) Extraction & Loading Extraction & Loading will be done by a crane and excavator and these activities of mine operation is contributing to the area source emission and the extent of influence of this operation is about 100 m2. c) Haulage &Transportation In the operating mine, the dressed blocks from mine face to the consumers is transported by hired trucks. The trucks will be well maintained so that exhaust smoke does not contribute abnormal values of noxious gases and unburnt hydrocarbons. The other 12

24 sources of air pollution is due to the dust generated during the movement of tippers on the haul road. The above sources, which include drilling, haulage for transport of blocks will contribute to dust pollution in the air ANTICIPATED IMPACTS The impacts envisaged due to mining activity are evaluated based on various factors. The emission inventory of the pollutants is as follows, the main air pollutant would be dust or particulate matter generated by handling and transportation of Marble. But the impact of mining operations on air quality is minimum as mining involved method by using jackhammer drilling & wire saw cutting as the production quantity is very less i.e. 48 Cum/Day only Dust Generation and Control The air pollutant would be dust or particulate matter generated by handling and transportation of Marble blocks. The existing ambient air quality at quarry lease area is within the limits prescribed by A.P.P.C.B. The envisaged production of minerals is only 48 Cum/Day. The dust generated due to mining operations will be controlled by water sprinkling through water tankers 3.3 NOISE ENVIRONMENT Noise will be produced at the mine is due to operations of machinery, drilling and movement of vehicles. The noise generated by the mining activity is dissipated within a small zone around the mine. The present noise levels at quarry lease area are within the limits prescribed by A.P.P.C.B. There is no major impact of the mining activity on the vicinity however; pronounced effect of above noise levels will felt only near the active working area and on the personnel working in the vicinity. The impact of noise on the villages is negligible as the villages are located far from the mine site. 13

25 3.4 WATER ENVIRONMENT The Mining activity will be carried out on mound slope will not have any effect on the ground water and the static water table in this area is below 60 m Impact on Surface Water There are no major streams and rivers, which can get effected by the mining. Hence, there will be no effect on the surface water. During the present plan period quarrying will go to depth of 10 meters from the present level of mining. During the monsoon period, the rainwater, if gets stagnated, will be drained out. The benches will made with an inward slope to facilitate run off more faster on to the mine floor. Small bunds, garlands and silting tanks also will be constructed to minimize inflow muddy water which carry fine material Impact on Ground Water Mining activity will be above the BWL (25-30 m). Hence, there will be no effect on the ground water regime Impact on Water Quality Water quality in the buffer zone have indicted that the ground water is free from heavy metal concentration and this mining activity will not interference on the water quality Water Consumption & Wastewater Generation The water requirement for this proposed mining activity will be 12.0 KLD. Breakup details are: Sl. No: Purpose Quantity (KLD) 1 Dust suppression purpose Domestic purpose Greenbelt purpose 1.5 Total 12.0 There is no generation & discharge of wastewater from this mine. 14

26 3.5 LAND ENVIRONMENT Various components of land environment have been identified for study of impact of the mine operations. Details of the same are given below: Solid Waste Generation Removal of weathered rock and the rock waste is the only solid waste that will be generated from this mine. Some of the material from the waste may be sorted out and used for making small blocks to be used by the local unit for making tiles. The market for tiles is good at the moment and they will offer a better substitute for marble in terms of price and quality. Some rejected and unsorted material may be used in the civil engineering projects in the vicinity of the area. The waste material can also be crushed into smaller sizes and can be used as road metal The waste generated during the five years may be dumped in the zone separately reserved for dumping along West side of the quarry lease area (Within the quarry lease area). The dump will be designed in such that it will have slopes equal to the angle of repose of such material. Garland drains have to be sunk along around the leading edge of the dump. A retaining wall will be constructed around the dump to preventing the slanting of boulders Care will be taken to minimize the waste generation at the source. About 28,000 m3/year of waste will be generated from this mine. The lessee planned to produce around 12000M 3 marketable Marble in one year. Considering a recovery 30%, to win possible M 3 of Marble blocks, it will be necessary to handle approximately M 3 Marble. 70% of waste amounting to M 3 will be generated over a period of one year. Such kind of waste will be dumped in dumping yard. So in the five years proposed, the quantity of such kinds of waste will be about 1,32,300 M 3 in the form over burden boulders. Most of the solid waste will be disposed for road construction, back filling of mine excavation and some other general purpose as enunciated above west side end of the quarry lease area. The dumps will be maintained to a height of 12m in an area of 10,000 Sq.m near the Quarry site. The dumps will be maintained with a height of 12 m and properly stabilized from the safety aspects 15

27 3.5.2 Impact on Land use The mine is located in an area of Ha. No forestland is involved. After the operations cease, the mine spoiled area will be back field. It may not be possible to complete regain the original topography of the area. During quarrying whatever solid waste is generated shall be dumped at dumping site inside the Q.L. area. The mining lease area is not a part of any type of forest. Entire mine lease area is govt. land hence all the impact on land use is positive because aesthetic environment will not be effected, as the mine is located on a plain with some bushes. Due to opencast mining activities, the landscape will be slightly changed. There will be no land subsidence as the country is made up of hard rock. The Soil cover in this mine is almost nil and Agriculture is seen mainly in the plains in the vicinity of the lease area and the mining will not have any impact on the agricultural pattern. Only few bushes will be cleared to facilitate mining and other related activities and there are no big trees, which may have to be cut Impact of Ground vibrations Fragmentation of rock by blasting is an important operation in mining project, where hard rock occurs. Blasting will be done only when it is absolutely necessary, using low intensity explosives. Blasting of the mineral at the proposed mine will be done by using Low-density chemical explosives like ECM/ CaOH will be used. Sometimes smooth blasting may be done using silent non-explosive demolishing agents like Acconex. The ground vibrations caused by blasting will not have any affect as the mining is on a mound and the vibrations will be minimum and will not be carried too far due to the hard nature of the rock. 3.6 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT There is no adverse impacts are anticipated due to the proposed mining activity on biological environment. However, with the implementation of the environmental 16

28 management measures, there will be improvement in the parameters of biological environment. The tree species found with the core zone represent the common type of flora species along with small shrubs and bushes. Due to mining activities community structure of the vegetation will not change. Whereas diversity of plant species and food web index of the area reduced to certain extent. However, if the proposed reclamation of the mining area and dumped out area using proper re-vegetation techniques and development of green belt around the ultimate limit and roadside there shall be an improvement in the species diversity and food web index compared to the existing level. 3.7 SOCIO- ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT No Rehabilitation The mine area does not cover any habitation. Hence the mining activity does not involve any displacement of human settlement. No public buildings, places, monuments etc. exist within the lease area or in the vicinity. The mining operations will not disturb/ relocate any village or need resettlement. Thus no adverse impact is anticipated Improvement in Socio Economic Status It will be obvious to assume that the activities of the mining operations have to be produced some improvements in the socio-economic levels in the study area. The Lessee will provide employment to local population and it will give preference to the local people whenever there is requirement of manpower. The proposed mining activities will provide employment to persons of different skills and trades. The local population is the largest plausibility among these employees. The employment potential ameliorated economic conditions of these families directly and provided employment to many other families indirectly who are involved in business and service oriented activities. This in-turn will improve the socio-economic conditions of the area. 17

29 3.7.3 Occupational Health and Safety The mine is going to be developed mainly semi mechanized opencast method by using jackhammer drilling & wire saw cutting & low explosive blasting. No major crushing or pulverization will be done here. The small-scale mining will not have any ill effects on the health of labour. Excessive dust and noise are the chief health hazards for the miners. As already mentioned these causative factors are well within the safety limits and the proponents will strictly implement the prescribed safety measures. The health of the workers will be regularly checked and suitable medical facilities should be created on or close to the site. Highest safety will be ensured in the working conditions of the miners. 18

30 4. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 4.1 INTRODUCTION The mining development in the study area needs to intertwined with judicious utilization natural resources within 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 and is governed by dilution, dispersion and removal due to natural physio-chemical and biological processes. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is required to ensure sustainable development in the study area. This chapter covers the genesis of pollution, the principal sources of pollution, the nature of pollution, the proposed measures required for meeting the prevailing statutory requirements of gaseous emissions, wastewater discharge characteristics, noise levels etc. for environmental management purpose in connection with the mining and mining related activities in the study area. This section discusses the management plan for mitigation/abatement impacts and enhancement of beneficial impacts due to mining. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been designed within the framework of various Indian legislative and regulatory requirements on environmental and socio-economic aspects. Environmental Management Plan giving the environmental protection measures at mine to meet the stipulated norms of IBM/MoEF are as detailed. 4.2 AIR POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES The present ambient air quality measurements in the mine area are well within the limits. Due to the proposed production of 12,000 Cum /Year of Marble, there will be marginal increase in dust concentrations. 19

31 Mitigative measures suggested for air pollution control are based on the baseline ambient air quality monitoring data. From the point of view of maintenance of an acceptable ambient air quality in the region, it is desirable that air quality should be monitored on a regular basis to check it vis-à-vis the standards prescribed by CPCB and in cases of noncompliance appropriate mitigative measures shall be adopted. The following dust prone areas are identified for adopting proper control measures in the mine area. i) Drilling & Wire Saw Cutting ii) Excavation iii) Transportation The environmental control measures which will be implemented to control the fugitive dust released from the proposed production are given below: Wet drilling system & Dust proof Optima Wire Saw Cutting (using water reduces dust) Use of sharp drill bits for drilling holes. The charge concentration of the explosives will be between grams per linear meter. Water sprinkling arrangements such as specially fabricated tankers mounted on tipper are deployed at mine site to control the fugitive dust generation from the haulage roads. Regular grading of haul roads and service roads to clear accumulation of loose material Excavation operations are suspended during periods of very strong winds. Massive afforestation for control of dust Spraying of water on sub grade stacks The vehicles and machinery are kept in well-maintained condition so that emission of fugitive constituents is minimized. Plantation of wide leaf trees, creepers, tall grass around working pit, along roads will help suppress dust. 20

32 Tall trees with an average height of 5 m will be developed all along the boundary of the lease area to minimize the dispersion of the dust from the mining. Periodical monitoring of air quality to take steps to control the pollutants OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY MEASURES All the precautions would be adopted to prevent dust generation at site and to be dispersed into the outer environment. However, for the safety of workers at site, engaged at strategic locations/dust generation points like drilling, loading and unloading points, etc., dust masks would be provided. Dust masks would prevent inhalation of RSPM thereby reducing the risk of lung diseases and other respiratory disorders. Regular health monitoring of workers will be carried out. 4.3 NOISE POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES The ambient noise level monitoring is carried out in and around the proposed mine shows that ambient noise levels are well within the stipulated limits of CPCB. Noise generation may be for an instant, intermittent or for continuous periods, with low to high decibels. Periodic inspection and checks of the risk prone areas and equipments have to be conducted. To control noise pollution during the proposed mining operations following steps will be practiced. The noise generated by the machinery will be reduced by proper lubrication of the machinery and equipment. The workers employed should be provided with personal hearing protection equipment, with earmuffs and earplugs combined, as a protection from the high noise level generated at the plant site. The provision of green barrier along the boundary will further reduce the propagation of noise level generated. Limiting time exposure of workers to excessive noise. 21

33 Speed of trucks entering or leaving the mine is limited to moderate speed of 25 kmph to prevent undue noise from empty tippers. Safety in Blasting No usage of explosives and blasting will be taken up. If Care should be taken to evacuate the mining area completely at the time of low explosive blasting operations. The blasting team should be equipped with all personal safety and precautionary measure. The following safety measures will be given attention while conducting the blasting operations. A blasting SIREN should be used at the time of blasting for audio signal. Before blasting and after blasting, red & green flags should be displayed as visual signals. Warning notice boards indicating the time of blasting and NOT TO TRESPASS are displayed prominently. 4.4 WATER POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES The action program for minimizing adverse affects on water regime is to prevent washoff of mine water and uncontrolled run-off water during monsoon. Proposed measures for this are as follows: a) Building/extending of retention/toe walls at the foot of the dumps b) Construction of Garland drains along the slopes to divert the rainwater course away from the dumping areas. c) Covering of dump slopes with grass plantation to stabilize and prevent erosion. d) Plantation of trees along the ridges and slopes. 4.5 LAND ENVIRONMENT The Dhanbad declaration on Environmental Management in Mining Industry states It is imperative that in order to ensure the continued and sustained progress of the mining industry in India, the environmental dimensions should be integrated into the planning, design, development, operation and working practices of quarry on scientific and rational 22

34 lines, by the Governments and the industry in a mutually reinforcing manner. The land related Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been presented here under two sections viz., Soil & Water conservation and Afforestation. Storage and Reuse of Top Soil: Topsoil removed during clearing of the area for Marble extraction shall be stacked separately to check the erosion of the stacked soil. A retaining wall shall be constructed all around the topsoil stockyard. Planting of grass and local species etc., are proposed on the surface of this stack to prevent erosion and to increase the soil nitrogen. As per the analysis of the soil samples they are found to be basic in nature. During afforestation, it is recommended to plant fast growing species with good canopy cover and dense leaf density and some ornamental species to give a good aesthetic look. It is recommended to sow neem, mahogany plants as soil and climatic conditions are suitable for the growth of these plants. Solid Waste Management The waste generated during the five years may be dumped in the zone separately reserved for dumping along West side of the quarry lease area (Within the quarry lease area). The dump will be designed in such that it will have slopes equal to the angle of repose of such material. Garland drains have to be sunk along around the leading edge of the dump. A retaining wall will be constructed around the dump to preventing the slanting of boulders Care will be taken to minimize the waste generation at the source. About 28,000 m3/year of waste will be generated from this mine. The lessee planned to produce around 12000M 3 marketable Marble in one year. Considering a recovery 30%, to win possible M 3 of Marble blocks, it will be necessary to handle approximately M 3 Marble. 70% of waste amounting to M 3 will be generated over a period of one year. Such kind of waste will be dumped in dumping yard. So in the five years proposed, the quantity of such kinds of waste will be about 1,32,300 M 3 in the form over burden boulders. Most of the solid waste will be disposed for road construction, back filling of mine excavation and some other general purpose as enunciated above west side end of the quarry lease area. The dumps will be maintained to 23

35 a height of 12m in an area of 10,000 Sq.m near the Quarry site. The dumps will be maintained with a height of 12 m and properly stabilized from the safety aspects Stabilization and vegetation of dumps: The dumps will be stabilized and shaped trapezoidally. The angle of repose will be in such a manner that the run off of material will be avoided. The trench will be dug around the dump to avoid run off. The dumps will be safe-guarded by plantation of trees along the slope and of the soil cover area. In first five years, it is planned to undertake plantation of 100 trees per year on the slope of the dump, depending on facilities available. Land Restoration/Reclamation: Land restoration or reclamation of the area is very essential in any mining industry. Proper measures adopted during restoration will control most of the adverse environmental impacts of Quarry and also improve the aesthetic beauty of the area. Due to the Quarry activities in this area the profile of the ground will change due to formation of pits. At the end of the Quarry operations, the top soil/mineral rejects will be utilized for back filling wherever suitable and rehabilitated. Following steps shall be taken for improving and protecting the environment. a) Quarry lease area b) Surrounding the Quarry lease area. c) Surrounding the statutory buildings d) On the undisturbed virgin lease area. Surrounding the Mining area The dust generated during the quarrying operations will be carried by wind and will be deposited over the trees and on the adjacent area around the quarry in the buffer zone. To filter this dust, a green belt of 10m width shall be developed along the quarry lease area i.e., around ultimate pit limit, this green belt will also act as sound barrier. In between the tree saplings, grass and bushes shall be grown. Creation of the green belt around the lease areas shall be undertaken on priority basis and shall be completed concurrent to Quarry over a 10-year period. 24

36 Surrounding the statutory buildings All around the proposed statutory buildings and along the road sides trees shall be planted in addition to the existing ones which will protect the workers from the noise and dust. To plant trees around the statutory buildings, the topsoil that is going to be mined from the area shall be laid to form a strip of 10-15m width and 0.5m thickness. On the undisturbed virgin lease area: The undisturbed virgin lease area shall be utilized for afforestation purposes by developing the area with local varieties. This work shall be done after the cessation of Quarry operations. Afforestation Plan: a) It is possible for plantation in buffer zone of the area at the north and northeast of the quarry lease applied area and the rest of the area is having rocky, which is chosen as waste rock dumping site, apart from the mineral bearing area Therefore, it is proposed to plant about 100 saplings during the plan period at the rate of 20 saplings per annum. The proposals is as per follows: Year Name of the species No. of Spacing Areas in plants sq.m First Mango, Neem m x 1.5 m 75 Second Mango, Subabool m x 1.5 m 75 Third Mango, Subabool m x 1.5 m 75 Fourth Mango, Guava m x 1.5 m 75 Fifth Mango, Neem m x 1.5 m 75 Total Apart from the green belts and aesthetic plantation for eliminating fugitive emissions and noise control, all other massive plantation efforts shall be decided and executed with the assistance and co-operation of the local community. Based on the community needs the afforestation would mainly aim at: a) Protection & Development of Natural Vegetation b) Protection of soil erosion 25

37 c) Plantations of fuel wood blocks to meet the energy requirements. 4.6 SOCIO ECONOMIC BENEFITS There is positive impact on socio-economics of people living in the villages. The villages in buffer zone depend upon agriculture. Mining operations in the subject area has positive impact by providing direct and indirect job opportunities. There will be indirect employment opportunities in transportation of ore to destination. 4.7 POST PROJECT MONITORING The Lessee will monitor the environmental parameters as per APPCB/IBM/CPCB guidelines 4.8 IMPLEMENTATION OF EMP & MONITORING PROGRAMME The environment management plan is detailed on the basis of impact assessment. Control and mitigation measures for the adverse impacts envisaged. As the major environmental attributes have been confined to the project area alone, implementations of the proposed control measures and monitoring thereof will be undertaken on the regional basis. The Lessee will ensure the implementation of the measures within the mine area and carryout efficient monitoring. In order to implement the measures suggested for mitigating the adverse impacts on the environment, it is suggested to monitor the environmental parameters regularly. The details of investments to carryout the regular monitoring and pollution control measures are given below in table 2. Table 2: Cost of Environmental Protection Measures (in Rs.) Sl.No Description Item 1 Air Pollution Capital Cost Recuring Cost Nose Marks 90 No's Cloth for drillers 50 no 1.0m each. Gunny bags for covering the surface of jackhammer holes Remarks Replaceable, and cost can increase with time Issued thrice in a year - 4, As and when needed 26

38 Water Pollution Noise Pollution Occupational Health & Safety Environmental monitoring Road wetting and plant water feeding Plantation on road side plus maintenance Construction of garland drains 60, , , , , , De-silting operations - 25, Construction of check dams Construction of retaining wall for waste dump Maintenance of machinery suitably Rs per 3 months PPE s like Ear muffs Rs. 15 each Providing First aid kits 4 No s and fire extinguishers 6 No s Providing Personal protective equipments to all employees (hand gloves, safety shoe and helmets) Training and awareness programs on risk factors during emergencies by the experts Periodical medical checkup and supply of medicines Rs. 200 per head Ambient air quality studies Once in six months 3 locations Water quality studies Once a year 3 Locations Noise studies once in six months 3 70, , , , Water tanker Five tankers per day for 8 months Re-plant the nonsurviving plants Once only (For manual de-silting) Yearly and manual operations Once in year, cost incurred is to buy sand bags and filling sand Cost of construction of wall around the dip side of the dump. 40, , Included in main cost 8, , Once in six months 8, , , , , , , , , , , Once in year, replace by conducting periodical checkup Included in air pollution and noise pollution Once in six months and create sign boards about the risk and safety precautions regularly Once in a year and supply of medicines for every three months MoEF /NABL recognized laboratories 27

39 6 CSR Activities Locations Vibration studies Once in year 1 location For providing School uniform, Books and health camp etc. - 10, , , TOTAL 872, , The applicant will adhere to all the terms & conditions laid in respect of safe working keeping in view of the sustainable Environmental Management and will comply with the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act-1986, The Mines Act-1952 & Mineral Conservation & Development Rules-1988 and any other Rules notified from time to time. 28

40 CONCLUSIONS, SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS The Mining method proposed as per the approved Mining Plan from Dept. of Mines & Geology is small-scale semi mechanical mining activities without deployment of deep hole drilling and use of Heavy machinery. The actual method of mining Marble is by slicing. Based on the appraisal of the existing environmental scenario coupled with the assessment studies carried out, it is concluded that there is no long term environmental impact due to the Marble quarry at the lease area. The particulate matter getting airborne from the mining activity gets dispersed in close proximity itself and settles down early. The noise levels due to the proposed quarry activity are also not of a higher order that calls for immediate corrective measures. The ground water analysis indicates that the sources do not get influx of pollutants from the quarry activity. There is positive socio-economic front in the surrounding region due to the proposed mining industry. The practice of afforestation scheme is a step in the right direction towards achieving ecological balance. Suggestions/Recommendations Even though there is no perceptible impact from the quarry activity on the environment of the region, it is imperative that mitigative measures have got to be implemented on full scale for creating environmental balance and intern maintain the ecology of the region. The following suggestions/recommendations merit due consideration in this regard. As no control over wind can be exercised, the frequency of the dust suppression measures like constant watering of the haul roads shall be practiced. Afforestation as envisaged in the mining plan is to be carried out so that it not only enhances the green canopy but also stop the spread of dust particles and air borne pollutants. Surface water conservation measures and groundwater recharge be given high priority. 29