MODULE1
Basic Concepts of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
1. Definition: EIA is process that involves identifying, predicting, evaluating, and mitigating
biophysical, social, and other relevant effects of proposed projects and activities before major
decisions are made.
2. Impact Definition: Any change in physical, chemical, biological, cultural, or socio-economic
environmental system as result of project-related activities.
3. Planning Tool: EIA is planning tool to predict future impacts of various developments.
4. Applicability: Required for projects like highways, airports, dams, power plants, etc., that disturb
environment, as well as for developmental activities involving plans, programs, and policies.
Salient Features of EIA:
1. Identifies positive and negative impacts, both short-term and long-term.
2. Provides plan to reduce negative impacts through alternatives, modifications, or environmental
protection measures.
3. Measures level of plan implementation and effectiveness of environmental protection measures.
Purpose/Need of EIA:
1. Assess environmental disturbance caused by new projects.
2. Maintain environmental quality.
3. Suggest remedial measures for pollution caused by projects.
4. Incorporate public opinions for environmentally friendly decisions.
Goals of EIA:
1. Resource conservation.
2. Waste minimization.
3. Byproduct recovery.
4. Efficient equipment use.
5. Sustainable development.
Evolution of EIA:
1. Introduced in U.S. through National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) in 1969.
2. Adopted by Canada, Australia, Netherlands, Japan, and others.
3. European Community issued directive in 1985.
4. Asia-Pacific countries like Thailand, Philippines, and Sri Lanka established procedures.
5. OECD issued recommendations in 1974 and 1979.
6. UNEP provided guidance and goals in 1980 and 1987.
7. EIA integrated into World Bank policy in 1987.
8. Asian Development Bank published guidelines in 1990.
Evolution of EIA in India:
1. Started in 1976-77, focusing on river-valley projects.
2. Environment (Protection) Act enacted in 1986, making EIA statutory.
3. Several notifications issued under Act, with revisions in 2006.
4. India first country to provide environmental protection in its Constitution.
Environmental Legislations in India:
1. Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
2. Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
3. Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974:
1. Comprehensive legislation regulating water pollution.
2. Established pollution control boards at central and state levels.
3. Aims to maintain and restore quality of surface and groundwater.
4. Prohibits disposal of pollutants into water bodies.
5. Provides for severe punishments for violations.
Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981:
1. Enacted to prevent, control, and abate air pollution.
2. Establishes central and state boards for implementation.
3. Defines air pollutants and air pollution, including noise.
4. Empowers boards to monitor air quality and control pollution.
Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986:
1. Enacted for protection and improvement of environment.
2. Covers air, water, soil, and noise pollution.
3. Sets safe standards for pollutants.
4. Requires prior permission for hazardous material use.
5. Aims for sustainable development and protection of right to life.
Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2006 (Govt. of India):
1. Requires environmental clearance for new projects, expansions, or modernizations.
2. Categorizes projects into A and B based on spatial extent and impact.
3. Projects listed in schedule require EIA.
4. Differentiates projects requiring EIA, public hearing, and those exempt.
Steps in EIA Process:
1. Project screening.
2. Scoping.
3. Consideration of alternatives.
4. Description of project.
5. Description of environmental baseline.
6. Identification of key impacts.
7. Prediction of impacts.
8. Evaluation and assessment of significance.
9. Mitigation.
10. Public consultation and participation.
11. EIS presentation.
12. Review of EIA report.
13. Decision-making.
14. Post-decision monitoring.
15. Auditing.
MODULE 2
1. Environmental Clearance Process:
- The environmental clearance process is mandatory for 39 types of projects in India.
- It includes screening, scoping, and evaluation of upcoming projects to assess their impact on the
environment and people.
2. Application Submission:
- The project proponent submits an application for environmental clearance to the Ministry of
Environment and Forests (MoEF) for Category A projects or the state government for Category B
projects.
- The application includes an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, Environment
Management Plan (EMP), details of public hearings, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from state
regulators.
3.Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in India:
• Screening (Stage 1):
• Objective: Determine whether a project requires a full EIA.
• Categorization: Projects are classified as B1 (requiring EIA) and B2 (not requiring
EIA).
• Guidelines: The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) issues guidelines for
the categorization.
• Scoping (Stage 2):
• Responsibility: Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for Category 'A' projects. State
Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) for Category 'B1' projects.
• Purpose: Define comprehensive Terms Of Reference (TOR) for preparing the EIA
report. Address all relevant environmental concerns.
• Public Consultation (Stage 3):
• Objective: Gather input from local communities and stakeholders.
• Components: Public hearing at the project site or nearby district. Written responses
from concerned persons.
• Consideration: Both Category 'A' and 'B1' projects must undergo public consultation.
• Appraisal (Stage 4):
• Responsibility: EAC or SEAC conducts a detailed scrutiny.
• Components: Examination of Final EIA report. Assessment of public consultation
outcomes. Recommendations for environmental clearance or rejection.
• Process: Projects not requiring public consultation (Category 'B2') undergo appraisal
based on submitted documents.
5. Grant or Rejection of Environmental Clearance:
Decision Making:
- Regulatory authority considers recommendations from EAC or SEAC.
- Disagreements may lead to reconsideration.
- Final decision by the regulatory authority, and if not granted within the stipulated time, the
applicant may proceed as if clearance has been granted or denied.
6. Validity of Environmental Clearance:
- Duration:
- 10 years for River Valley projects.
- 30 years for mining projects.
- 5 years for all other projects.
- Exception:
- For Area Development projects and Townships, validity is limited to activities under the
responsibility of the applicant as a developer.
7. Form 1:
- Purpose: The initial step in the EIA process to gather critical information.
- Information Required: Description of the proposed activity, location, existing environment,
timing, materials, emissions, noise, employment generation, and anticipated environmental risks.
8. Generic Structure of EIA Report:
- Components:
- Project description.
- Baseline study of current environmental conditions.
- Assessment of environmental and social impacts.
- Mitigation measures.
- Environment Management Plan (EMP).
- Objective: Provide decision-makers with comprehensive information about the potential
environmental effects of the proposed project.
9. Terms of Reference (ToR):
- Purpose: Guide the EIA review committee in making informed decisions.
- Contents: Project description, environmental setting, stakeholders, impacts, alternatives, legal
requirements, mitigation strategies, expertise required, time limit, and budget.
10. Types of EIA:
- Categories:
- Strategic EIA: Analyzes environmental effects of development policies, plans, and programs.
- Regional EIA: Integrates environmental concerns into regional development planning.
- Sectoral EIA: Focuses on environmental aspects of sector investment programs.
- Project Level EIA: Assesses impacts of a specific development activity.
11. Rapid EIA vs. Comprehensive EIA:
- Rapid EIA:
- Limited adverse impact.
- Data collection for one season (preferably winter).
- Minimum duration of 3 months.
- Comprehensive EIA:
- Major adverse impact.
- Data collection for all seasons over a year.
- Essential for large projects or those with high pollution levels.
12. Initial Environmental Examination (IEE):
- Purpose: Preliminary review to determine the need for a full EIA.
- Process: Assesses potential impacts based on existing information. A cost-effective means of
determining whether a full EIA is necessary.
MODULE 3
MODULE III: EIA Methodologies
In the context of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), methodologies are crucial for determining
the impacts of projects and adhering to regulatory stipulations. In India, the Ministry of Environment
and Forests regulates these processes. The choice of methodology depends on various factors,
including the purpose of the document, availability of alternatives, public involvement, resources,
familiarity with ground conditions, issue significance, and administrative requirements.
1. Ad-HOC Method:
- Description:
- Broadly identifies possible impacts by listing environmental parameters likely affected by the
proposed activity.
- Involves a team of specialists who identify impacts in their area of expertise.
- Each parameter is considered separately, and the nature of impacts is evaluated.
- Provides a rough assessment of total impact, highlighting broad areas and the general nature of
possible impacts.
- Use Case:
- Preliminary assessment when time constraints and lack of information necessitate reliance on
expert opinion.
2. Checklist Method:
- Description:
- Involves a listing of potential environmental impacts.
- Used to assess the nature of impacts (adverse/beneficial, short/long term, reversible/irreversible).
- Checkmarks or crosses indicate the project's impact on each listed item.
- Types: Simple Lists, Descriptive Checklists, Scaling Checklists, Scaling Weighing Checklist.
- Advantages:
- Simple to understand and use.
- Raises awareness among responsible individuals.
- Allows quantification of impacts using the weighted-scale method.
- Disadvantages:
- Doesn't distinguish between direct and indirect impacts.
- May lack specificity and not illustrate interactions between effects.
3. Overlays Method:
- Description:
- Involves the preparation of transparent maps representing the spatial distribution of
environmental characteristics.
- Maps are overlaid to produce a composite characterization of the regional environment.
- Useful for visually assessing changes in the landscape.
- Effective for screening alternative project sites or routes.
- Advantages:
- Easy to understand and use.
- Useful for site selection.
- Can accommodate both qualitative and quantitative data.
- Disadvantages:
- Moderately comprehensive, may not consider all potential impacts.
- Limited in quantifying impacts and identifying secondary and tertiary interrelationships.
4. Network Method:
- Description:
- Utilizes the matrix approach and extends it to include primary and secondary impacts.
- Represented as an impact tree, showing cause-effect linkages.
- Useful for checking second-order impacts in a simplified form.
- Advantages:
- Links action to impact.
- Useful for checking second-order impacts.
- Disadvantages:
- May become overly complex if used beyond a simplified version.
- Qualitative in nature.
5. Matrix Method:
- Description:
- Identifies interactions between project actions and environmental parameters.
- A matrix of potential interactions is produced, comparing project actions and environmental
conditions.
- Types: Simple Interaction Matrix, Stepped Matrix.
- Advantages:
- Presents a summarized view of many primary impacts.
- Forces comprehensive consideration of environmental components and primary impacts.
- Low resource requirements.
- Disadvantages:
- Difficult to distinguish direct and indirect impacts.
- Potential for double-counting impacts.
- Qualitative in nature.
Socio-Economic Impacts:
- Definition: Influence of projects on human values, culture, and living standards.
- Examples: Demographic impacts, socio-economic impacts, institutional impacts, cultural impacts,
gender impacts.
- Assessment Methodology:
- Identification of potential socio-economic impact assessment.
- Description of the existing socio-economic environment.
- Procurement of relevant standards, criteria, and guidelines.
- Prediction of socio-economic impacts.
- Assessment of socio-economic impacts.
- Mitigation measures.
Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA):
- Definition: Identifying, quantifying, and evaluating potential effects of actions on habitats, species,
and ecosystems.
- Key Elements:
- Introduction, Scoping, Establishing the baseline, Important ecological features, Impact
assessment, Avoidance, mitigation, compensation, and enhancement, Consequences for decision-
making.
MODULE 4
Environmental Management Plan (EMP):
An EMP is a structured approach for formulating, implementing, and monitoring environmental
protection measures during and after the commissioning of projects. It involves considering
environmental aspects at various stages of a project, such as conceptualization, planning, execution,
and operation. The EMP aims to address concerns related to resource conservation and pollution
abatement and covers aspects like liquid effluents, air pollution, solid wastes, noise, vibration,
occupational safety, disaster planning, and more.
Objectives/Purpose of EMP:
- Mitigation Measures: Identify measures to minimize or eliminate potential environmental impacts.
- Stakeholder Concerns: Address and manage concerns and complaints of stakeholders.
- Monitoring and Auditing: Establish methods for monitoring and auditing environmental
management practices.
- Integrated Environmental Management: Ensure project phases align with the principles of
Integrated Environmental Management.
- Specific Actions: Detail specific actions to mitigate environmental impacts.
- Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with safety recommendations.
- Timeframes: Specify time periods for implementing measures outlined in the EMP.
Goals of EMP:
- Develop procedures for implementing mitigation measures and monitoring requirements.
- Provide commitments to practical and achievable strategies and design standards.
- Develop an integrated plan for comprehensive monitoring and control of project impacts.
Elements of EMP:
- Mitigation Measures Description: Detailed description of measures to address environmental
concerns.
- Implementation Plan: Outlining how mitigation measures will be implemented.
- Monitoring Program: Establishing a plan for monitoring environmental concerns.
- Funding Sources Identification: Identifying sources of funding for the environmental safeguards.
Importance of EMP:
An effective EMP is crucial for ensuring sustainable development, minimizing environmental
impacts, and complying with regulations. It integrates environmental considerations into project
planning, execution, and operation, fostering responsible and sustainable practices.
Environmental Monitoring Programme:
Monitoring environmental quality during construction and operation stages is vital for assessing the
success of implemented mitigation measures. It provides an opportunity to review and improve
suggested measures and ensures effective implementation of the EMP.
Importance of Environmental Monitoring Programme:
- Early Warning: Identifies issues before they become serious or irreversible.
- Adaptation: Prompts adjustments when current approaches are not working.
- Better Decision-Making: Enhances understanding of environmental pressures, leading to more
robust policies.
- Efficiency Improvement: Provides information for more effective processes and decision-making.
- Accountability: Contributes to accountability and enables targeted consent conditions.
Environmental Audit:
An environmental audit is a systematic, documented verification process to assess compliance with
environmental activities, events, conditions, management systems, or information about these
matters. It helps identify compliance gaps, potential hazards, and risks posed by a company, allowing
for corrective actions.
Objectives of Environmental Audit:
- Assess Compliance: Evaluate compliance with laws, regulations, and relevant requirements.
- Performance Basis: Establish a performance basis for developing an environmental management
system.
- Risk Management: Identify and address environmental risks.
- Credibility Maintenance: Maintain credibility with the public.
- Resource Utilization: Monitor the optimal use of resources.
ISO 14001:
ISO 14001 is an international standard specifying requirements for an effective environmental
management system (EMS). It provides a framework for organizations to follow, helping improve
environmental performance.
Key Features:
- Environmental Management System Compliance
- Business/System Improvement
- Credibility
- EMS Documentation
- Fraud Detection and Prevention
- Planning and Budgeting
Importance and Benefits of ISO 14001:
- Commitment Demonstration: Certifying operations with ISO 14001 demonstrates commitment to
environmental sustainability.
- Regulatory Compliance: Addresses regulatory demands for considering environmental impacts.
- Competitive Advantage: Certification can provide a competitive edge in the market.
- Resource Efficiency: Improves resource efficiency and reduces waste.
- Legal Obligations: Helps in meeting legal obligations.
- Stakeholder Trust: Builds trust among stakeholders and customers.
Stages in Implementation of ISO 14001:
1. Planning: Gain senior management commitment and define the scope of the EMS.
2. Environmental Aspects and Impacts: Identify and register environmental aspects and impacts.
3. Significance Evaluation: Evaluate the significance of environmental aspects using a risk matrix.
4. Environmental Policy: Draft an Environmental Policy Statement demonstrating ISO 14001
compliance.
5. Compliance Obligations: Maintain an inventory of legal requirements and obligations.
6. Objectives and Targets: Establish SMART objectives to mitigate significant environmental aspects.
7. Resources and Responsibilities: Secure resources and allocate responsibilities for successful EMS
implementation.
8. Communication: Communicate environmental commitments and roles to employees and
stakeholders.
9. Documentation and Control: Collect necessary documentation and maintain version control.
10. Operational Control: Ensure proper control of operations associated with significant aspects.
11. Emergency Planning: Establish health and safety procedures and conduct regular checks.
12. Performance Monitoring: Gather feedback for continual improvement through internal and
external audits.
13. Nonconformities: Correct nonconformities and document corrective actions.
14. Management Review: Conduct a review meeting involving environmental managers and
directors to review audit results, objectives, and targets.
MODULE 5
EIA CASE STUDY OF HIGHWAY PROJECT
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) case study for the highway project, involving the
rehabilitation and up-gradation from an existing 2-lane to a 4-lane highway from Solapur to Yedeshi
section of NH-211 and NH-9 in Maharashtra, provides detailed information about the project, its
features, and the anticipated environmental impacts. Here's a breakdown of key points:
Project Description:
1. Location:
- The project involves two National Highways, NH-211 and NH-9, converging at Solapur in
Maharashtra.
- The widening covers a total length of 106 km, including NH-211 (Km 0.000 to Km 100.00) and NH-
9 (Km 249.000 to Km 255.000).
- Two bypasses and seven major realignments are included.
Salient Features:
1. Infrastructure:
- The 4-lane facility is a partial access-controlled corridor.
- Includes service roads, pedestrian and cattle underpasses, vehicular underpasses, grade
separators, exit/entry ramps, etc.
Policies and Framework:
1. Environmental Clearance:
- The project falls under the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006.
- Classified as a Category A project, requiring prior environmental clearance from the Ministry of
Environment and Forest (MoEF), Government of India.
2. Other Approvals:
- Approvals from Forest Department, National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), Pollution Control Board
under Air and Water Act, Central Ground Water Authority, and others are required.
Description of the Environment:
1. Physical Resources:
- Physiography includes flat to rolling terrain with seismic activity in Seismic Zone-III.
- Rivers, nallas, and streams intersect the project stretch.
2. Climate:
- Characterized by hot summers and general dryness except during the monsoon season.
3. Air Quality:
- Particulate matter concentration due to dry conditions and traffic congestion.
4. Water Resources:
- Major surface water bodies include Doddi river, Ekruk lake, and others with good water quality.
5. Noise Level:
- Noise levels exceed permissible levels in residential areas but are within limits for industrial and
mixed areas.
Natural Environment:
1. Forests and Wildlife:
- Open shrubs along with agriculture fields; few pockets of reserve forests.
- Roadside plantation with Neem, Goldmolar, and Shisam trees.
Socio-Economic Environment:
1. Land Use and Agriculture:
- Mainly agricultural land, followed by settlements, commercial, and industrial areas.
- Six industrial units along the project stretch.
2. Protected Monuments:
- No historical monuments or archaeological sites near the project.
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures:
1. Impacts:
- Negative impacts during construction are temporary; impacts during operation have long-term
effects.
- Tree felling, dust generation, gaseous emissions, soil contamination, etc.
2. Mitigation Measures:
- Design considerations, engineering solutions, and environmentally friendly construction practices.
Environmental Monitoring:
1. Monitoring Program:
- Reflects the success of mitigation measures.
- Covers air, water, noise quality, and survival rate of plantations.
Analysis of Alternatives:
1. Positive Impacts:
- Positive impacts outweigh negative impacts during and after the construction phase.
- Safety enhancements and economic development expected.
Environmental Management Plan (EMP):
1. Implementation:
- EMP is crucial for effective environmental safeguard implementation.
- EMP includes a framework, supervision, monitoring, reporting, and budgetary consideratio ns.
2. Budget:
- Estimated environmental management budget is Rs. 9.65 crores for various stages and activities.
EIA Case Study of Hydro Electric Power Projects: Tehri Dam Project
1. Project Description
- Background: Approved in 1986, the Tehri Dam Project aimed to construct a 260.5 M high earth and
rock-fill dam, including a 4x 250 MW hydroelectric power plant.
- Components:
- Tehri Dam & Hydro Power Plant (1000 MW)
- Koteshwar Hydro Electric Project (400 MW)
- Tehri Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) (1000 MW)
2. Environmental Impacts of Tehri Dam
- Positive and Negative Impacts Identified:
- Transition from running water to lake ecosystem
- Altered water chemistry and turbidity
- Biodiversity impact
- Obstruction of fish migration
- Sedimentation affecting reservoir capacity
- Land inundation
- Water-logging and salinity
- Mitigating Measures:
- Compensatory afforestation on diverted forest land
- Catchment area treatment to reduce soil erosion
- Command area development to address water-logging
- Faunal studies and specific measures for Mahseer fish
- Water quality maintenance through monitoring
- Creation of a green belt to check soil erosion
- Comprehensive health impact study
- Urban and rural resettlement schemes
3. Mitigating Measures Taken on Assessed Impacts
- Ecological Impacts:
- Compensatory afforestation on diverted forest land
- Catchment area treatment to reduce soil erosion
- Command area development to address water-logging
- Faunal studies and specific measures for Mahseer fish
- Water quality maintenance through monitoring
- Creation of a green belt to check soil erosion
- Social Impacts:
- Urban and rural resettlement schemes
- Improvement in living standards and infrastructure
- Educational, health, and electrification improvements
- Employment and income-generating schemes
- Positive Impacts:
- 2400 MW of peaking power and industrial growth
- Power allocation to home state and downstream schemes
- Irrigation benefits to 2.7 lakh ha.
- Water supply to Delhi and Uttar Pradesh
- Flood moderation, pisciculture, and catchment area development
- Development of tourism, commercial centers, and industries
4. Monitoring Mechanism for Rehabilitation
- Project Level Monitoring Committee (PLMC)
- High-Level Inter Ministerial Review Committee (IMRC)
- Periodic field visits and reviews to ensure environmental safeguards and rehabilitation
commitments are met.
5. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
- Grievance Redressal Cell under the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Tehri
- Coordination Committee under the Chairmanship of Commissioner (Garhwal) for specific
cases/demands.
EIA Case Study Summary: Airport Project
Introduction:
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a crucial study that identifies, predicts, evaluates, and
communicates potential environmental impacts of a proposed project. This case study focuses on a
new airport project in Kolkata, India, covering both construction and operational phases.
Description of the Project:
- Design, financing, construction, and operation of a new airport in Kolkata, India.
- Adherence to government guidelines and methodologies for environmental impact assessment.
Description of the Environment:
- Ambient air quality assessment.
- Daytime noise survey in the project vicinity.
- Temperature range identification.
- No forests near the project site to protect endangered species.
- Population relocation required.
- Adequate water supply, sewerage system, and power source vital.
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures:
Construction Stage:
- Increased Total Suspended Particles (TSP) levels due to earthwork and construction activities.
- Mitigation through netting, daily watering, and solid waste disposal.
- Creation of employment opportunities for residents.
Operational Stage:
- Minimal increase in TSP levels during operation.
- Fully air-conditioned and filtered terminal building.
- Scheduled flights during the day to minimize noise disruption.
- Economic benefits leading to potential migration of job seekers.
Alternatives:
- Non-construction implies no physical environmental effects but significant sociological and
economic losses.
- Adherence to established master plans and goals.
- Without the project, air pollution and noise levels would still increase due to other factors.
Cost-Benefit Analysis:
- Project costs include civil works, construction, equipment, consulting engineering, and
environmental mitigation (0.6% of total project base cost).
- Estimated total project cost: $504 million.
- Internal rate of return: 21%, Net Present Value: $506.7 million.
Institutional Requirements and Environmental Monitoring Program:
- Regular monitoring of noise, air and water quality parameters throughout the project cycle.
- Assessment of mitigating measures' effectiveness.
- Monitoring covers facility performance, effluent disposal, solid waste disposal, and traffic
management.
Public Involvement:
- Social perception survey to ascertain public awareness and acceptance of the airport project.
- Ongoing communication with local residents and agencies to gather views as the project
progresses.
Conclusions:
- Project deemed advantageous with major socioeconomic benefits.
- Temporary and minor permanent environmental impacts.
- Proposed airport development expected to have no significantly adverse impacts on the
surrounding environment.
- Monitoring program to be implemented during construction and initial operation.
EIA Case Study Summary: Solid Waste Management Project
Introduction:
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an integral part of the solid waste management
system, aimed at maintaining ecological balance and assessing and mitigating anticipated impacts.
The EIA is a site-specific plan developed for the modernization of the existing Jawaharnagar dump
site in Hyderabad City, Andhra Pradesh.
Project Description:
- Objective: Modernization of Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management Facility.
- Location: Jawaharnagar dump site, Shameerpet Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, Andhra Pradesh.
- Process: Sorting, recycling, composting, windrow platform for manure, and secured landfill for
rejects/ash.
Analysis of Alternatives (Technology and Site):
- Recycle/Reuse, Composting, Biomethanation, Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), Pyrolysis, Gasification,
Incineration, Landfills (Sanitary, Bioreactor, Secured).
Description of the Environment:
- Impact assessment study during the project planning stage.
- Estimation of impacts from the proposed project on the environment.
- Assessment of the existing environmental condition.
- Superimposition of estimated impacts over existing conditions for post-project scenario.
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures:
1. Air Quality:
- Impacts: Dust generation during construction.
- Mitigation: Levelling and grading, use of enclosures, and adherence to speed limits for vehicles.
2. Water Quality:
- Impacts: Runoff water from construction activities.
- Mitigation: Collection and reuse of runoff water, proper disposal of equipment-washed water.
3. Noise Quality:
- Impacts: Noise from construction activities.
- Mitigation: Enclosures, keeping noise-generating equipment away, informing vehicles to adhere
to speed limits.
4. Solid Quality:
- Impacts: Construction waste generation.
- Mitigation: Storage within the site, segregation, use of screens, provision of skip containers.
Environmental Monitoring Program:
- Objectives: Check on implementation, effectiveness of mitigation measures, and rectification in
case of non-compliance.
- Three interrelated objectives to monitor the Municipal Solid Waste operations, public health, and
impact mitigation.
Additional Studies:
- Risk Assessment: Identify and quantify major hazards associated with project operations.
- Disaster Management Plan: Emergency preparedness plan for hazards identification, assessment,
and evaluation.
Project Benefits:
- Improved environment through a scientific waste management facility.
- Direct and indirect employment opportunities for locals.
- Extended lifespan of landfill due to compost and waste-to-energy plants.
- Improved physical and social infrastructure facilities in nearby areas.
Environmental Management Plan:
- Headed by Project Manager and includes officers and technicians.
- Responsibilities: Implementation of the environmental management plan, interaction with
regulatory agencies, and community development planning.
Conclusion:
- Overall assessment indicates no adverse effects on the surrounding environment.
- Mitigation through a well-planned Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and a detailed post-
project monitoring system.
- The project is expected to have positive impacts on employment, infrastructure, and
environmental sustainability.
EIA Case Study Summary: Quarry Mining Project
Introduction:
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an essential part of mine planning, systematically
integrated to maintain ecological balance and assess and mitigate anticipated impacts. The EIA for
the proposed quarry mining project includes monitoring programs, mitigation measures,
management control strategies, and environmental performance audits.
Project Description:
- Proposed Projects: Site-specific, no additional area required.
- Mining Method: Opencast Mechanized Mining Method with 5.0 meter height benches.
- Location: Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.
- Mining Plan: Approved by Assistant Director based on Recognized Qualified Person's preparation.
Analysis of Alternatives (Technology and Site):
- Site selection based on geological investigation, transportation facility, overall environmental
impact, and socio-economic background.
Description of the Environment:
- Minimal impact on environmental factors:
- Water Environment: Microbiological parameters meet requirements.
- Air Environment: Monitoring specific air pollution parameters.
- Soil Environment: Physical properties examined for texture, bulk density, etc.
- Noise Environment: Noise levels meet CPCB requirements.
- Ecological Environment: Field survey conducted for primary data collection.
- Socio-Economic Environment: Surveyed villages data on population, literacy rate, etc.
Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures:
1. Land Environment:
- Anticipated Impact: Change in land use and land cover.
- Mitigation Measures: Thick plantation on unutilized areas, top benches, conceptual change to
Greenbelt area.
2. Water Environment:
- Anticipated Impact: Increased sediment load during monsoon.
- Mitigation Measures: De-silting before and after the monsoon, regular water quality monitoring.
3. Air Environment:
- Anticipated Impact: Emissions of noxious gases and air-borne dust.
- Mitigation Measures: Avoid overloading of tippers, valid PUC certificates for transportation
vehicles.
4. Noise Environment:
- Anticipated Impact: Noise pollution affecting mine workers.
- Mitigation Measures: Use of sharp drill bits, installation of silencers/mufflers.
5. Biological Environment:
- Anticipated Impact: No significant impacts due to the absence of national parks or wildlife
sanctuaries.
- Mitigation Measures: Well-planned plantation scheme.
6. Socio-Economic Environment:
- Anticipated Impact: Employment generation for approximately 30 persons.
- Mitigation Measures: Adoption of air pollution control measures.
Environmental Monitoring Program:
- Objectives: Assess efficiency of control measures and establish a database for future impact
assessment studies.
Additional Studies:
- Risk Assessment: Operations under a Qualified Competent Mine Manager.
- Disaster Management Plan: Ensures safety, protection of environment, and restoration of
operations.
Project Benefits:
- Employment generation, socio-economic welfare improvement, and enhancement of physical and
social infrastructure.
Environmental Management Plan:
- Monitoring of water, air, and solid waste quality, green belt development, health statistics
collection, and implementation progress monitoring.
Conclusion:
- Overall, mining activities are not anticipated to have adverse effects on the environment.
- Well-planned Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and detailed post-project monitoring for
regular assessment and immediate rectification.
