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Social- Environmental Impact Study Report
300 MW Wind Power Project
Dangri, Jaisalmer District Rajasthan
Inox Renewable Limited (IRL)
April 2012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER NO
CONTENT PAGE NO.
I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
II INTRODUCTION
III ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS AND EQUATOR PRINCIPLE GOVERNING PROJECT
IV PROJECT DESCRIPTION
V BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION
VI ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
VII ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
VIII PUBLIC CONSULTATION, FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
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REVISION STATUS SHEET
REVISION NO.
MONTH AND YEAR OF ISSUE DETAILS OF REVISION
1 March 2012 Draft report for review and comments
2 April 2012 Final report after incorporating comments
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CHAPTER I
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
There has been an enormous increase in global demand for energy in recent years as a result
of industrial development, population growth and enhanced lifestyles. Supply of energy is,
therefore, far less than its actual demand. On the other hand, rise in the global average
temperature has become a major concern, which needs immediate attention.
One of the solutions for improving these situations with minimal impact lies in utilizing the
available potential of renewable source of energy. In this regard wind energy has emerged as
one of the promising renewable energy technologies in India.
It is found that State of Rajasthan witnesses high intensity winds and based on the assessment
made by the Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET), the estimated wind power potential
in the state is estimated to be 5050 MW (source: As per revised estimate by CWET as on
December 2011). Considering the enormous potential in Rajasthan, Inox Renewable Limited
(IRL) proposes to set up 300 MW wind energy project near Dangri village in Jaisalmer District of
Rajasthan.
The proposed wind farm consists of 150 numbers of wind turbine generators (WTGs) with rated
capacity of 2 MW each. The proposed wind turbine sites are located approximately between
26°29'1.63"N & 26°38'38.59"N latitude and 71°18'25.60"E & 71°31'4.87"E longitude. The project
will be developed in the vicinity of Dangri, Rajgarh, Mehreri, Chhodiya, Laxmansar, Ramsar,
Bhasana and Bahla Basti villages.
The power generated will be evacuated to Akal GSS (which is operated and maintained by
RVPNL) from pooling Substation of the proposed wind farm.
This project does not fall in any of the eight categories of the projects for which prior
environment clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) is required as per
Notification SO. 1533 dated 14th Sept‟06 and its subsequent revisions.
The present SEIA study is carried out considering International Finance Corporation‟s (IFC)
Performance Standards (PS‟s) and IFC guidelines. IFC applies PS‟s to manage social and
environmental risks and impacts and to enhance development opportunities in its private sector
financing in its member countries eligible for financing. An investment funded by IFC has to
meet the following PS‟s throughout the construction and operation phases of the project.
The Performance Standards consist of the following:
Performance Standard 1 (PS1): Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social
Risks and Impacts
Performance Standard 2 (PS 2): Labor and Working Conditions
Performance Standard 3 (PS 3): Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention
Performance Standard 4 (PS 4): Community Health, Safety, and Security
Performance Standard 5 (PS 5): Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement
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Performance Standard 6 (PS 6): Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of
Living Natural Resources
Performance Standard 7 (PS 7): Indigenous Peoples
Performance Standard 8 (PS 8): Cultural Heritage
The proposed Wind project is developed on Government revenue land. No acquisition of land
from Private land owners is involved. However, in order to assess impacts on the community
due to project related land acquisition and restrictions on land use, PS5 is included for the
project.
There are no indigenous groups or individuals present in the proposed project Site. There are
no significant cultural heritage assets in the proposed project area. Hence PS7 and PS8 are
excluded for this specific Project.
During the due course of construction and operation phase, Performance standards PS 1, PS2,
PS 3 and PS 4 are applicable for this specific project.
Therefore the Performance standards applicable for the proposed wind farm project are PS1,
PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5 and PS6.
There are no airports, air-force stations and other installations within zone of 10 km from the
nearest WTG.
The Land required for the proposed WTGs, Right of Way and Electrical substation will be
developed on the Government Revenue Land. The proposed project does not involve any
physical displacement (relocation or loss of shelter) or economic displacement (loss of assets or
access to assets that leads to loss of income sources or other means of livelihood).
The project area represents the characteristics that of degraded vegetation and dry and
semiarid landscape. The project area does not have any threatened, endangered or
conservation concerned faunal species. The area does not make part of any significant
breeding, roosting or feeding habitats of important and endangered species.
Moreover, the project area does not fall in vicinity of any important wildlife hotspot in the region.
The project site does not fall in the eco-sensitive/fragile zone identified by the State/Central
Government agencies. The area does not fall in any of the critical wildlife habitats identified by
any agencies till date. Hence impact on ecology is not anticipated.
Public consultation was undertaken to give opportunity to the affected people to express their
views. The outcome of the consultation was positive. The expectation level with regard to
community and individual benefits from the proposed project included consistent power supply
as there is frequent shutdown of power, employment opportunities, improvement of roads and
economic development.
During site reconnaissance survey, few of the settlements were observed near the proposed
WTGs. However, this settlers are at least 300 m away from the respective WTGs, It is
recommended to IRL to consider alternate feasible sites as out of 185 WTGs, 35 nos are buffer
locations for WTG locations which are located close to such settlement, in order to ensure that
there will be no hardships due to community health and safety issues during the due course of
implementation and long run of the project.
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As Corporate Social Activities it is recommended to IRL to support the activities such as
development and improvement of the educational and medical facilities in the area.
Insignificant impacts are expected on environmental quality of the surrounding area. The
proposed project will lead to employment generation, which will have a positive impact on the
socio economic environment. To the extent feasible, preference will be given to local population
for employment opportunities especially for unskilled activities. Proposed EMP will help in
mitigating the residual, social and environmental impacts.
Considering IFC principles, impacts have been assessed for relevant social and environmental
parameters. The negative impact were found to be insignificant in most of the cases, while
positive impacts are expected to be more pronounced on surrounding environment and villages.
Based on the above, it may be concluded that proposed project is eco-friendly and
environmentally sustainable in the long run. Proposed wind farm will not only help in reducing
the CO2 responsible for global warming but other gases and particulate emissions also, which
otherwise would be generated using conventional fossil fuel based power plants. Besides the
implementation of project will conserve, equivalent amount of fossil fuels and water as a natural
resource.
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CHAPTER II
INTRODUCTION
2.1 INTRODUCTION
India witnesses high intensity winds in various regions due to the topographical diversity
in India. Rajasthan is one the State which is blessed with high wind energy potential.
Efforts have been made to utilize this natural source of energy available free of cost for
wind power generation.
Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET) has recently declared estimated wind
power potential at height of 80 m (above ground level) in India as 1,02,788 MW. The
gross wind potential in the state of Rajasthan is estimated as 5050 MW (source: As per
revised estimate by CWET dated December 2011). As on 30 July, 2011 Wind installed
capacity in the State of Rajasthan is 1643 MW.
2.2 PROJECT PROPONENT
Inox Renewable Limited (IRL) is part of Gujarat Fluro chemicals limited (GFL) is the
promoter of the proposed wind power project.
Currently GFL has installed capacity of ~120 MW in wind energy sector. By the end of
March 2012 it is expected increase to 230 MW where the wind farms will be spread
across in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
Present Proposal: IRL proposes to set up a 300 MW wind farm near Dangri Village,
Jaisalmer District, Rajasthan State. The wind farm consists of 150 WTGs each of of IWL
wind turbine with rated capacity of 2000 kW each.
2.3 THE PROJECT SITE
The proposed project site is located near Dangri village approximately 50 km South East
of Jaisalmer City of Rajasthan State. The proposed project site is connected by road
through National Highway NH -15. The nearest railway station is Jaisalmer Railway
station and nearest operational airport to Jaisalmer is Jodhpur Airport. Figure II.1
indicates the location of the proposed project site with reference to India. The proposed
site is located between 26°29'1.63"N & 26°38'38.59"N latitude and 71°18'25.60"E &
71°31'4.87"E longitude.
The WTGs are proposed to be located in the villages of Dangri, Rajgarh, Mehreri,
chhodiya, Laxmansar, Ramsar, Bhasana and Bahla Basti.
2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT
Wind energy projects are generally considered as green projects with insignificant impact
on the environment, which are reversible in nature and can be minimized by proper
Environmental management plan. As per MoEF EIA notification S.O.1533 dated 14th
September 2006 and its subsequent amendments, setting up of wind power project does
not require prior environmental clearance from MoEF or State Department of
Environment.
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Wind energy is clean, zero emission and eco-friendly source of energy. This will reduce
the emission of CO2, the major greenhouse gas and other emissions like SO2, NOx,
PM10, PM2.5. The proposed project will not generate any solid or liquid effluents and
thereby the chances of land pollution or pollution of surface or ground water resources
are insignificant.
There are no forest land acquisition involved and thereby no disturbance to wildlife
habitat, flora and fauna. As there are no National parks, Sanctuaries, Wetlands or any
other ecologically sensitive areas in the vicinity of the project site or for that matter, bird
nesting /breeding places in the vicinity of the site and hence the project is not expected to
have any negative impact in so far as any of the foregoing aspects are considered.
The wind turbines pertaining to the project are predominantly being developed on
revenue land. There is no physical or economic displacement anticipated in the proposed
project. Hence, there is no rehabilitation & resettlement or loss of livelihood issues
involved.
Jaisalmer airport and Air force station are situated more than 50 Km towards North West
of the proposed wind farm site. No Air base installations, radar stations or airports are
located within 10 km of the project site and hence impact on air safety is not envisaged.
The International Financial Corporation (IFC) is institution that have developed the
“Performance Standards” in order to ensure that the project being financed by them are
developed in a manner that is socially responsible and reflect sound environmental
management practices. In India, wind power projects are categorized as green projects
and categorized as having low impact. Similarly, as per EPFIs categorization, the
proposed wind project falls under category B which has very limited to minimal social or
environmental impacts, specific to site, largely reversible and can readily controlled
through mitigation measures.
The above points, justify the setting-up of the project from environment impact
perspective.
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Figure II.1
Location Map Showing the Project site
Proposed Dangri Wind Farm Site
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2.5 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
a) Identify the social and environmental impacts due to the construction and operational phase of the wind project.
b) Review the regulatory framework that is relevant for the project including identifying the key environment and social legislations that get triggered by the project and their requirements.
c) Identify the significant social and environmental parameters & assess the baseline status of air, water, noise, soil, land, ecology, cultural heritage and socioeconomic aspects.
d) Socioeconomic assessment in compliance of Equator Principles
e) Social and environmental categorization of the project based on “Equator Principal” in accordance with IFC guidelines.
f) Developing Environmental Management Plan as applicable for the proposed Wind energy project
g) Preparation of Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment Report
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CHAPTER III
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS AND EQUATOR PRINCIPLE
GOVERNING PROJECT
3.1. ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
This section outlines the regulatory system for prevention and control of
environmental pollution and the pollution control standards applicable in India. In
1980, Government of India constituted Department of Environment for
coordinating programmes related to environment. Subsequently in 1985, full-
fledged Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) was constituted which is the
apex administrative body in the country for regulating and ensuring
environmental protection. The key responsibilities of the MoEF are as under:
a) Environmental, Policy planning
b) Ensure effective implementation of legislation
c) Pollution Monitoring and Control
d) Survey and Conservation of Natural Resources
e) Eco Development and Biosphere Reserve Programme
f) Management of Forests and Conservation and Wildlife
g) Environment Clearance for Industrial and Development Projects
h) Environmental Education, Awareness and Information
i) Co-ordination with concerned agencies at National and International
Levels
India‟s environmental regulatory framework is based on a system of shared
central government/state pollution control administration. Central Pollution control
board (CPCB) plays an advisory role to the Government and State Pollution
Control Boards (SPCB) in matters relating to the implementation and
enforcement of the Air, Water and Environmental Acts. In this sense, the CPCB
through various SPCBs is responsible for the enforcement and implementation of
pollution control legislation and discharge standards. In addition, the EIA review
committee formed by the EIA division consists of a representative from the
CPCB.
The SPCB is responsible for issuing consent to operate to all proposed industries
within the state. This is as per the requirements of the Water Act and Air Rules.
This consent identifies the pollutant discharge standards applicable to the
proposed industry.
The MoEF/State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority is responsible
for issuing environmental clearances for the certain categories of projects as
mentioned in MoEF notification SO1533 dated 14th Sept 06 and its subsequent
amendments till date. Wind energy projects are not listed in any category of the
MoEF notification SO 1533. So for this wind energy project, environmental
clearance is not required.
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3.1.1 THE ENVIRONMENT (PROTECTION) ACT, 1986
The Environment (Protection) Act is an umbrella act designed to provide a
framework for the coordination of central and state authorities established under
Water and Air Act. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is established by the
GOI to fulfill its commitment to protect and improve the human environment. It is
applicable to the entire country. From time to time the central government issues
notifications under the EPA Act 1986 for the protection of ecologically-sensitive
areas or issues guidelines for matters under the EPA.
It empowers the Central Government to take necessary measures for the
purpose of protecting and improving environmental quality and preventing,
controlling and abating environmental pollution. An important power of the
Central Government includes laying down standards for environmental quality
and emission/ discharge of environmental pollution from various sources. This
power defines procedures and establishes safeguards for handling of hazardous
substances, and establishes rules to regulate environmental pollution.
3.1.2 FOREST (CONSERVATION) RULES, 2003
These rules came into existence on 10th January 2003. Rules framed to carry
out the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. As per these rules,
every user agency, who wants to use any forest land for non-forest purposes
shall make his proposal in the appropriate Form appended to these rules, i.e.
Form „A‟ for proposals seeking first time approval under the Act and Form „B‟ for
proposals seeking renewal of leases where approval of the Central Government
under the Act. FC Rules, 2003 prescribe specific time limits for processing the
cases related with forest clearance.
However proposed land for the wind energy project is not falling under any
reserved forest.
3.1.3 EIA NOTIFICATION S.O 1533, DATED 14.09.2006
MoEF has stipulated new Environment Impact Assessment Notification of 14th
September 2006 (EIA 2006) replacing the EIA Notification of 27th January 1994
and its various amendments. EIA notification 2006 has further undergone
revisions in the year 2009 and 2011 with certain amendments.
All new projects or activities listed in the Schedule I of EIA notification 2006,
Expansion and modernization of existing projects and any change in product -
mix in an existing manufacturing shall require prior environmental clearance from
the concerned regulatory authority.
As per this notification the wind farm projects are not included in any of the
categorization listed in Schedule I.
Hence, set up of wind power project does not require environmental clearance
from MoEF or State Department of Environment and Forest.
3.1.4 THE WATER (PREVENTION & CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1974 (WATER ACT)
This Act represented India‟s first attempts to comprehensively deal with
environmental issues. The purpose of this act is to prevent and control water
pollution and to maintain or restore the quality of water.
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In order to achieve its goals this act empowers the CPCB and SPCB and defines
their functions.
This Act requires industries, local bodies and agencies engaged in any trade to
obtain consent from the SPCB for discharge of effluent into water bodies. The
SPCBs have the authority to enforce this Act, if any projects discharge effluent in
water bodies, land or sea.
3.1.5 THE AIR (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1981
The purpose of this act is to prevent, and control air pollution including noise
pollution and preserve air quality.
In order to achieve its goals this act empowers the CPCB and SPCB and defines
their functions. An important function of the CPCB is to establish Environmental
standards.
This Act requires industries, local bodies and agencies engaged in any trade to
obtain consent from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) for discharge of
emissions into air. The SPCBs have the authority to enforce this Act.
Separate Noise regulations for DG set of various capacities were introduced in
2002 vide notification of MoEF of 17 May 2002 under the Environmental
(Protection) Second Amendment Rules 2002.
This required that all DG sets should be provided with exhaust muffler with
insertion loss of minimum 25 dB(A). All DG sets manufactured on or after 1 July
2003 have to comply with these regulations.
Wind energy projects involve construction activities like excavation, drilling,
concreting and access roads, which cause temporary fugitive dust emissions.
However, it may be noted that the operation of wind projects do not cause any
air, water and/or soil pollution.
3.1.6 WILD LIFE ACT 1972
The Government of India enacted Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 with the
objective of effectively protecting the wild life of this country and to control
poaching, smuggling and illegal trade in wildlife and its derivatives. The Act was
amended in January 2003 and punishment and penalty for offences under the
Act have been made more stringent. The Ministry has proposed further
amendments in the law by introducing more rigid measures to strengthen the Act.
The objective is to provide protection to the listed endangered flora and fauna
and ecologically important protected areas.
3.2. SOCIAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
While all the environmental clearances are governed by one or the other
Act/policy/rule of the central or state government, a majority of social „regulations‟
remain untied to any law and are governed more by social obligations coming
under the realm of constitutional provisions of fundamental rights.
However, it may also be noted that the laws pertaining to environmental
clearances also have many aspects, which primarily affect the human being and
their social environment, and hence the consideration for social factors gets
included there. Taking the social regulations further, the constitution marks some
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mandatory and some prohibitory regulations pertaining to the weaker and
vulnerable section of the society (women, children, Scheduled Caste/Scheduled
Tribes/Other Backward Class, tribal population etc.) that basically safeguards
their rights to a dignified living, by ensuring the minimums. For this the
constitution entrusts various responsibilities on the state government and also
delegates powers to the local bodies under the decentralized administration. The
decentralization empowers local bodies primarily in rural areas to put across their
concerns, raise their voice against injustice, plan and instrument their own
development.
The government also takes various steps to develop the backward and
vulnerable section of the society through various development schemes. To
ensure that the benefits of these schemes reach the right target and to make the
process transparent government has instituted Right to Information Act (RTI),
under which information on any aspect of institutional functioning (records,
contracts, plans, budgets, circulars, logbooks etc) can be sought by the general
citizen of the country.
3.2.1 LAND REQUIREMENT/ DIVERSION
Land acquisition in India is covered by a national law, Land Acquisition Act (LAA)
1894 and its subsequent amendments. The LAA allows for land acquisition in the
national interest to be carried out by the respective states, in accordance with its
provisions. The Act lays down procedures for acquisition of land, including
notification, payment for damages, hearing of objections, declaration of the
intended acquisition, enquiry into measurement, values and claims and award by
the competent authority and finally taking possession of the land. The key
features include:
Preliminary notification for land proposed for acquisition;
Clearing of objection within 30 days of the notification and the provision for
hearing of all objections;
Declaration of intended acquisition award;
Reference to court if award is not accepted and hearing in court;
Apportionment of compensation and dispute settlement regarding the
same;
Payment of compensation for land value, trees and structures including
30% solatium and 12% p.a. interest for delayed payment;
The wind farm would also require permission and consent from local panchayat,
relevant planning authority and private parties for expansion and strengthening of
existing village roads.
The land required for the proposed project fall under Government Revenue land.
3.2.2 RESETTLEMENT AND REHABILITATION
The proposed wind farm does not envisage any displacement of people or any
particular community. However, for any future reference it must be noted that:
No central law or Act governs resettlement & rehabilitation in India.
The National Policy (2003) is in the process of being amended again in
order to address the key issues that came out of the implementation of the
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2003 policy. It is more progressive in its approach. The key features of the
2006 policy are:
It includes displacement due to land acquisition;
The minimum number of people being displaced to trigger the
policy are 400 in plains, and 200 or more in the hills, tribal areas
and DDP blocks;
It is mandatory for the Requiring Body to prepare a Social Impact
Assessment (SIA);
SIAs shall go through a clearance process similar to the
Environmental Clearance process, and shall be linked to the EIA.
Public hearings shall include social impact issues and, where the
EC process does not require a Public Hearing, a separate hearing
for the SIA shall be held;
Draft resettlement and rehabilitation plans need to be discussed in
the gram sabha in rural areas and through public hearings in
urban and rural areas without gram sabhas; and
Provision of shares to the affected family as a part of the
rehabilitation grant, if the Requiring Body is a corporate
organization/company
The Indian Constitution dictates that resettlement and
rehabilitation is the responsibility of individual union states.
3.2.3 SCHEDULED TRIBE RELATED POLICIES AND LEGISLATIONS
3.2.3.1 CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS PROTECTING TRIBES AND EXTENDING SPECIAL STATUS
The Constitution of India identifies certain groups/communities as tribal groups
and lays out special provisions for such group with the objective of promoting and
safeguarding the social, educational and economic interests of the Schedules
Tribes. The President is empowered to specify, after consultations with the
Governor of a state “tribes or tribal communities” to be listed under the
Schedules tribe list. In conjunction with this certain areas have been declared as
“Scheduled Areas” in the constitution. Regulations are framed under the Fifth
schedule of the Constitution to prevent the exploitation of tribals by non-tribals
and alienation of agricultural land of tribals being passed on to non-tribals.
3.2.3.2 THE SCHEDULED TRIBES AND OTHER TRADITIONAL FOREST DWELLERS (RECOGNITION OF FOREST RIGHTS) ACT, 2006 AND FOREST RULES 2007
This recently promulgated act is to recognize and vest forest rights and
occupation in forest land in forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional
forest dwellers (TFD) who have been residing in such forests for generations but
whose rights could not be recorded. It also provides a framework for recording
forest rights and the nature of evidence required for such recognition and vesting
in respect to forest land. The rights included are:
rights to hold and live in forest land under individual or common occupation
for habitation or self cultivation for livelihood by STs /other TFD;
community rights such as those of non timber forest produce, grazing, fuel
wood etc
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rights of ownership, access to collect, use and dispose of minor forest
produce which has been traditionally collected within or outside village
boundaries;
other community rights of uses or entitlements such as fish and other
products of water bodies, grazing and traditional access to natural
resources of nomadic /pastoralist communities;
rights in or over disputed lands;
rights for conversion of Pattas or leases or grants issues by any local
authority or any State Government on forest land to titles;
rights of settlement and conversion of all forest villages, old habitation,
unsurveyed villages and other villages into revenue villages;
rights to protect, regenerate or conserve or manage any community forest
resource;
rights of access to biodiversity and community rights to intellectual property
and traditional knowledge;
any other traditional rights customarily enjoyed by STs /TFDs other than
hunting of wild animals and rights to in situ rehabilitation including
alternative land in cases where ST and TFDs have been illegally evicted or
displaced from forest.
The Gram sabhas and the panchayats have been accorded with powers to
decide upon matters of traditional and customary rights under the forest rules
and institutional mechanisms have been put in place at the district, state and
central level to decide upon community/ individual rights and ownerships.
There is no physical or economic displacement of any schedule tribe community
involved due to proposed project.
3.2.4 LABOUR LAWS
The construction and full-fledged operation of the proposed wind farm will involve
short term/long term contractual hiring of unskilled, semiskilled and skilled
labourers and some technical staff. This will trigger the legislations governing the
labour laws, wages and compensation, working condition and worker welfare etc.
Some of the key legislations and regulations that govern labour issues in India
are;
The Payment of Wages Act, 1936
The Minimum Wages Act, 1948
The Factories Act, 1948
Workmen's Compensation Act
The Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970
The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976
3.3 IFC PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 2011
IFC strives for positive development outcomes in the activities it supports in
developing countries. These activities includes
I. investment financed directly by IFC
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II. investments implemented through financial intermideiries (FIs) or managed by IFC‟s Asset Management Company or any other IFC subsidiary, as well as investments funded in part or in whole by donors; and
III. advisory services.
IFC believes that an important component of achieving positive development
outcomes is the environmental and social sustainability of these activities, which
IFC pursues and expects to achieve through the application of this Policy on
Environmental and Social Sustainability (the Sustainability Policy or the Policy),
and a comprehensive set of environmental and social Performance Standards.
The Performance Standards consist of the following:
i. Performance Standard 1: Assessment and Management of
Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts
ii. Performance Standard 2: Labor and Working Conditions
iii. Performance Standard 3: Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention
iv. Performance Standard 4: Community Health, Safety, and
v. Performance Standard 5: Land Acquisition and Involuntary
Resettlement
vi. Performance Standard 6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable
Management of Living Natural Resources
vii. Performance Standard 7: Indigenous Peoples
viii. Performance Standard 8: Cultural Heritage
By doing so, negative impacts of the project, if any, on affected ecosystems and
local communities is avoided wherever possible, and if these impacts are
unavoidable, they may reduced, mitigated and/or compensated as appropriate.
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CHAPTER IV
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
4.1 INTRODUCTION
IRL proposes to set up a 300 MW wind farm near Dangri Village of Jaisalmer
District, Rajasthan State. The wind farm is being developed by Inox Wind limited
(IWL). The proposed project consists of 185 nos. (Which included 35 number of
buffer locations) of IWL wind turbine with rated capacity of 2.0 MW each.
4.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
The proposed wind energy development comprised the construction and operation of 185 wind turbines, mounted at an operating (hub) height of 80m together with associated infrastructure, including foundations, access roads, connection cables, substations (including control room), transmission line and temporary storage yard. Arial view of approximate site boundary is shown in the Figure II..
A study area of approximately 20 km2 is being considered as a larger study area for the construction of the proposed wind energy facility, and would include:
Up to 185 wind turbine unit (which includes 35 unit of buffer)
Concrete foundations (approximately 15m x 15m x 2m) to support the turbine towers
Underground electrical distribution cabling between turbines
One substation on the site to receive generated power (approximate size 50m x 50m)
Power lines from WTGs to 220 KV pooling substation (Approximate length per turbine is 1 km)
An access road to the site from the main road/s within the area
Internal access road to each wind turbine to link the turbines on site (approximately 3-6 m in width); and
A Storage yard for storage and maintenance.
4.3 BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROJECT
4.3.1 LAND
The proposed wind farm project will be developed in the Dangri, Rajgarh,
Mehreri, chhodiya, Laxmansar, Ramsar, Bhasana and Bahla Basti. The project
will be developed over revenue land. IRL is in possession of 32 locations (64
MW) where project development activity is going on and other 118 locations to
complete 300 MW are identified and are currently under acquisition. The
identified wind turbine sites are not used for grazing, farming or planting, nor
there exist settlements. Further afield it is found that there are few settlements,
residents practicing farming and livestock rearing. But Except two or three WTGs
locations, rests all the WTGS are located beyond 300 m distance. In addition to
above, the identified settlements are not coming under land to be acquired for
this project. So resettlement and rehabilitation is not expected in this project.
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Figure II.1: Aerial View showing the approximate boundary of the project site
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The identified geographic co-ordinate location of 185 Wind Turbines which
includes 35 buffer locations is listed in Appendix -1.
4.3.2 EQUIPMENT/ PROJECT COST
The estimated project cost is approximately for the proposed wind farm project is
USD 360 million.
4.3.3 PROJECT TECHNOLOGY
4.2.3.1 Wind Turbine Generator (WTG)
The technical specifications of the E-53 800 kW are as follows:
Rated power: 2000kW
Cut- in wind speed: 3 m/s
Rated wind speed: 11.5 m/s
Cut-out wind speed: 20 m/s
Survival Wind speed: 52.5 m/s
Hub Height: 80 m
Rotor Speed: 15.9 RPM
Blade material: Epoxy Glass fibre
4.2.3.2 Technology
Rotor Blades: IWL WT 2000 DF consists of a three bladed upwind rotor of 93 m diameter. Its rotational speed is controlled by blade pitch control. Pitch control helps in lowering the peak loads during high windy conditions.
Asynchronous Generator: The wind turbines are equipped with a double fed induction generator.
Drive System: The patented integral drive train incorporates the rotor shaft and gearbox as a single unit. The gear box has forced lubrication system.
Active pitch: WT 2000 DF active pitch is driven by three separate pitch drives for each of the rotor blades. Active pitch system is used to change the blade angle so that the angle of attack changes and the aerodynamic efficiency is altered depending on the speed of wind. In the event of a fault, the pitch motor is powered by and ultra capacitor system and can therefore still control the pitch and bring the WTG to safety.
Safety system:
Some of the Safety system designed for the WTGs includes
Aerodynamic braking using pitch system to protect the WTG from adverse wind forces
A mechanical disc brake is mounted on the high speed shaft of the gear box and hydraulically operated using intelligent braking system which controls the braking sequence.
18
The rotor lock drive at the input shaft enables the drive train to be mechanically locked during maintenance.
Control and Communication: The WTG status can be monitored and checked on the display in the nacelle cabinet. Advanced remote and optical communication is used for transmitting the data to central monitoring points.
Figure II.2
View of IWL WT 2000 DF Wind turbine Generator
4.3.4 POWER EVACUATION
The planned capacity of the proposed project is 300 MW from 150 number of
IWL WTG with rated capacity of 2000 kW each.
Power Generated from Dangri will be evacuated from Akal GSS operated &
maintained by RVPNL. Akal GSS is around 47 KM far from pooling Substation
built at site. Company has already received NOC from RVPNL for power
evacuation. Site pooling Substation is expected to be commissioned by March
2012. Detailed power evacuation is shown in Figure II.3.
19
Figure II.3
4.4 DETAILED PROJECT ACTIVITIES
4.4.1 CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Construction and commissioning of the proposed wind energy development
project will take 12-15 months depending on weather and ground conditions
encountered. An indicative construction programme is shown below:
i. Undertake site investigations to determine foundations conditions;
ii. Carry out road improvements along the agreed off-site access route to
the site as required;
iii. Make improvements to access route entrance;
iv. Prepare and establish temporary construction compound;
v. Construct access road, crane hard standings, field gates and temporary
fencing;
vi. Excavate and construct the turbine foundations;
vii. Excavate cable trenches and lay the power and control cabling;
viii. Construct the substation and grid connection;
ix. Erect the turbines;
x. Commissioning the turbines; and
20
xi. Carry out land reinstatement, remove temporary accommodation,
reinstate temporary construction compound and crane hard standings
and clear the site.
During the construction works there will be a varied man power (skilled and
unskilled) of between 50-60 people on site at any one time. In the category of
unskilled man power 40 to 50% will be outsourced from local contractors or
nearby villages where possible.
Vehicle movements will vary; involve the use of specialized heavy transport
trailer trucks, heavy lifting cranes and required detailed traffic management plan.
However, the following is an indication of the material that will be used and the
types/numbers of vehicles likely to be required:
Each turbine would be delivered on approximately nine vehicles
comprising the blades (3 vehicles), the hub (1 vehicle), the nacelle (1
vehicle), the tower (3 vehicles for 3 steel tower sections) and electrical &
other accessories (1 Vehicle).
Each turbine foundation would comprise approximately 400-450 m3 of
concrete, necessitating between 60 to 70 deliveries form batch plant to
individual WTGs. (based on 6 m3 batches of concrete). Up to 250-300 m3
of concrete will be required for the substation foundation, necessitating a
further 40 to 50 concrete deliveries.
The reinforcing for each foundation would comprise approximately 90-
100 tonnes of steel bar which would be delivered on 4-5 vehicles (based
on 20 tonne loads).
All stone for access roads is likely to be produced on-site from foundation
excavation and borrow pits avoiding significant numbers of vehicles
movement on public highway.
The erection of each turbine and tower will require maximum two mobile
cranes even if the activity will be carried out as a continuous operation.
The electrical equipment associated with each turbine comprise cabling,
controllers and transformer delivered separately particularly one vehicle
per turbine.
Construction plants such as excavators, bulldozers etc would be
transported to and from site on low loaders.
Additional traffic is required for the delivery of tools, temporary site huts,
substation equipment, fencing, geotextiles etc. In total additional site
traffic would require no more than 100 vehicles per month whose
movements would be spread throughout the construction period.
Up to 5-10 vans/cars would be on site at any one time being used by site
personnel.
4.4.2 OPERATION PHASE
As the proposed wind farm project will be developed over government revenue
land on lease, IWL would have rights for aceess etc, in order to carry out post
construction monitoring and maintenance works. Permanenet fencing of the
21
complete development, individual turbines, access roads etc would not be
required.
A wind energy development operates without the need for round the clock on-
site supervision. However, during the normal working week a team of 8-10 site
technicians, travelling by van, will nearly always be on-site to carry out
preventive and corrective maintenance works.
Most preventive and corrective mantenance work would not normally involve the
use of any large machinery or specialist vehicles. However, in some
circumstances, cranes and other specialist may need to visit the site when, for
example, large turbine comonents need to be repaired or replaced.
4.4.3 DECOMMISSIONING PHASE
Generally, The lifecycle of the wind power project is expected from 20-25 years
and may be longer. At the end of the lifecycle, further advances in technology
may justify the replacement of critical components to modernize or
decommissioned.
De-commissioning of the wind farm would require de-installation and removal of
all physical components and machinery from the site. The access roads would
remain, if the landowners so desired. The gathering-up lines, sub-station and
control building would be removed. Concrete turbine pads and building
foundations will be removed to a reasonalbe depth and re-claimed, unless the
landowner wished to use them as they are. The equipement used for the de-
construction would be essentially the same as for the construction e.g. heavy
lifting and transport equipment, earth moving equipment etc.
4.5 CDM ARRANGMENT
The Kyoto Protocol to mitigate climate change has resulted in creating an
International carbon market which has grown strongly over the years. India, as
an Annexure 2 signatory of the Kyoto Protocol, is entitled to benefit from the
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). This project may be eligible to achieve
accreditation and receive Carbon Emission Reduction Certifications (CERs). The
project is expected to satisfy the additionality requirement, which may qualify as
an eligible project for CDM purposes. However, this additionality is required to be
proven through an appropriate study and validated by designated validators.
Once additionally of the project is proven the same may receive approval from
CDM authority for registration with UNFCC and issuing CERs.
22
CHAPTER V
BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION
5.1. INTRODUCTION
In order to predict anticipated impacts due to proposed wind energy project
during construction and operational phase, it is necessary to obtain baseline
information of the environment as it exists, which would serve as a datum. The
interaction of baseline environment and the anticipated impacts are the basis for
developing the environmental management plan relating to the activities of the
proposed project.
5.2. BASELINE DATA
The baseline environmental and social quality status was assessed during March
2012 through field studies within the study area. A study area of approximately
20 km2 is being considered as a larger study area for the construction of the
proposed wind energy facility. Due to the larger study area, study area covers the
Dangri, Rajgarh, Mehreri, chhodiya, Laxmansar, Ramsar, Bhasana and Bahla
Basti villages.
A general reconnaissance survey of the study area was done before the
selection of sites for environmental monitoring. Monitoring sites were considered
based on the aspects such as accessibility to the sampling sites, topography and
terrain of the study area, major habitation, population, historically important
places and location of sensitive areas. Some of the recently generated data from
secondary sources were also collected and used as baseline information.
The baseline status of environmental quality represents the background
environmental conditions of various environmental components such as
meteorology, air, noise, soil, water, biological and socioeconomic status of the
study area during study period. The baseline status serves as a basis for
identification and prediction of the impact. Satellite view of the project site is
shown in Figure V.1.
5.3. REGIONAL CLIMATOLOGY
Jaisalmer is situated amid Thar Desert and experience less rainfall (though
western disturbance during the monsoon. Jaisalmer have extreme temperature
range. It has very low temperature at night and typical of arid desert climate. The
air contains little moisture & therefore holds little heat. As soon as the sun sets
the area cools quickly, cloudless skies increase the release of heat at night.
The month of May is the hottest with a mean daily maximum temperature of
41.5oC and a mean daily minimum temperature of 25.2 oC. January is the coldest
month of the year with a mean daily maximum temperature of 23.6 oC and a
mean daily minimum temperature of 7.1 oC.
The nearest meteorological station is in Jaisalmer, which is approximately 50 km
away from the nearest WTG location. Yearly wind-rose diagram based on long
term climatologically table by IMD is shown in Figure V.2
The summary of the micro-meteorology of the region is given below in Table V.1.
23
Table V.1. Summary of the Annual Micrometeorology of the Region
S. No.
Parameter Annual
1 Temperature Max. 33.9 ˚C
2 Temperature Min. 18.6 ˚C
3 Relative Humidity 60%
4 Annual Rainfall 200.1 mm
5 Annually wind speed 12.6 kmph
Source: IMD Climatalogical Table (1950 -1980), GOI
5.4. SITE CLIMATOLOGY
Meteorological station was established at the proposed project site near Dangri
village, Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan in March 2012 to record various
meteorological parameters. Meteorological data was recorded on a hourly basis
to understand wind pattern, temperature variation and relative humidity.
Percentage frequencies of wind in 8 directions have been computed from the
recorded data and windrose was plotted for a study period from19th March to 26th
March 2012. The windrose diagram is given in Figure V.3
5.4.1 WIND PATTERN DURING STUDY PERIOD
The predominant wind directions during the study period was from the South to
North accounting to about 18% of the total time with calm wind less than 2.0
m/sec. The Figure V.3 represents the wind pattern of the study area based on
the data collected from 19th March to 26th March 2012. Maximum and minimum
wind speeds, recorded during the study period were 7.78 m/sec and 1.61 m/sec
respectively.
The nearest metrological station is in Jaisalmer which is nearly 65 km away from the site. Yearly wind rose diagram based on long term climatologically table by IMD is shown in Figure V.2 and a site specific wind rose is illustrated in Figure V.3.
24
Figure V.1
Satellite view of the Project Site
25
Figure V.2
Yearly (20 years) Wind Rose Diagram for Jaisalmer IMD Station
26
Figure V.3
Wind Rose Diagram of Project Site for March 2012
5.4.2 HOURLY AVERAGE TEMPERATURE VARIATION DURING STUDY PERIOD
The recorded data during the study indicates that temperature at site varies between maximum of 40.2°C and a minimum of 24.5°C. Hourly temperature variation at project site is shown in Figure V.4.
Figure V.4
Hourly Temperature Variation at Project Site
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Average
Minimum
Maximum
27
5.4.3 HOURLY AVERAGE RELATIVE HUMIDITY DURING STUDY PERIOD
Recorded data during the study indicates that the relative humidity at site varies between a maximum of 54.5% and a minimum of 10.2%. Hourly RH variations during study period at the project site are shown in Figure V.5.
Figure V.5
Hourly Humidity Variation at Project Site
There was no rainfall recorded during the study period. Summary of meteorological data collected from project site is shown in Table V.2.
Table V.2
Summary of Meteorological Data at the Project Site
Sr. No.
Parameter Max. Value Average Min. Value
1 Wind speed, m/sec 7.78 1.61 0
2 Temperature, C 40.2 31.91 24.5
3 Relative Humidity, %
54.5 28.2 10.2
5.5. AMBIENT AIR ENVIRONMENT
Reconnaissance survey of the study area was carried out for selection of sampling locations for Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AAQMS). Sampling sites for ambient air, noise, soil and water quality monitoring stations was finalized based on reconnaissance survey of the study area.
The existing Ambient Air Quality (AAQ) status has been monitored at four locations for SPM, RPM, SO2, NOX and CO. Pre-calibrated high volume respirable dust samplers have been used for monitoring of the existing AAQ status.
The selection of monitoring location, analysis and methodology used for the monitoring was based on the procedures recommended by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) issued by CPCB / MoEF.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Average
Minimum
Maximum
Courtesy Google
28
Ambient air quality was monitored at four representative locations. Results of the Ambient air quality for the period of 19th March 2012 to 25th March 2012 are given in Appendix-1. Summary of the ambient air quality data is shown in Table V.3.
Table V.3. Summary of Ambient Air Quality Data
Location Date of
sampling
Ground Level Concentration (µg/m3)
PM10 PM2.5 SO2 NOx CO
Dangri Minimum 97 50 4.5 23.4 BDL
Maximum 115 63 5.8 28.1 BDL
Fategar Minimum 122 67 5.6 26.8 BDL
Maximum 134 71 6.1 30.2 BDL
Lakhmona Minimum 80 42 4.0 20.5 BDL
Maximum 96 54 4.2 23.6 BDL
Lakhmanser Minimum 64 37 4.0 21.4 BDL
Maximum 94 53 4.0 23.6 BDL
The analysis results shows that all the parameters are well within the NAAQ standards for residential and rural areas. Out of the four villages, the highest values for PM10 and PM2.5 are reported in Fategar village. The National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) prescribed by Central Pollution Control Borad (CPCB) is given in Appendix - 2.
5.6. NOISE ENVIRONMENT
In order to assess the noise levels, monitoring was carried out at four different locations. Sound levels were recorded for 24 hours for the duration of fifteen minutes at hourly intervals using precision noise level meter (LUTRON, Model SL 4001). Noise levels recorded during the study period is given in Appendix-3.
Data recorded at each station were computed for equivalent noise levels for day-equivalent and night-equivalent as shown in Table V.4.
Table V.4. Equivalent Noise Levels (LEQ) of the Study Area
S.No
Code of Noise
Monitoring Station
dB(A)
Location Day-
Equivalent Night-
Equivalent Day- Night Equivalent
1 N 1 Dangri 46.2 37.8 46.2
2 N 2 Fategarh 46.8 39.0 46.8
3 N 3 Lakhmona 45.5 38.3 45.5
4 N 4 Lakhmanser 47.6 40.6 47.6
The monitored noise levels at all locations are found to be within the prescribed limit of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in respect of noise. The NAAQS and IFC guidelines in respect of noise is given in Appendix 4 & 5 respectively.
29
5.7. WATER ENVIRONMENT
Five ground water samples were collected for assessment of the physico-chemical and bacteriological characteristics. Methodologies adopted for sampling and analysis were according to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) /American Public Health Association (APHA) methods.
5.8. Table V.5. Ground Water Quality of the Study Area
pH 6.78- 7.86
Alkalinity (mg/l) 247.52-714
Chlorides (mg/l) 270-1359.58
Total dissolved solids (mg/l) 940-3020
Fluoride (mg/l) <0.1
Hardness (mg/l) 198-986.04
Total Coliform (MPN/100ml) 30-500
Iron (mg/l) 0.1-0.83
Other Heavy metal (mg/l) <0.5
Ground water quality has shown compliance to the parameters with the Drinking Water Standard of IS: 10500.
5.9. LAND USE PATTERN OF STUDY AREA
Landuse utilization pattern in study area i.e. surrounding villages as mentioned
erlier is shown in Table V.5.
Table V.5
Landuse Pattern of the study area
Sr.No. Land Class Area (ha)
1 Total Irrigated Area 16
2 Unirrigated Area 6821.07
3 Forest 67
4 Culturable waste (including gauchar and groves) 9158.72
5 Area not available for cultivation 2148
Total Land 18210.31 Source: Census data 2001
The statistical figures indicate 50 % of the area is culturable waste land, 12% of
land is not available for cultivation and nearly 38% of land is unirrigated area.
Forest land and Irrigated area is found to be very less in this region. The
percentage wise break up of landuse pattern is given in Figure V.6.
30
Figure V.6
Landuse Pattern of study area
Source: Census data 2001
5.10. SOIL QUALITY
To assess the existing soil quality of the surrounding area, four representative soil samples were collected from various locations within the surrounding areas of the project site.
Standard procedures were followed for sampling and analysis. Samples collected were also analysed for physico-chemical characteristics. Results of the soil quality are given in Appendix-7. Summary of the soil quality data is given in Table V.7.
Table V.7. Summary of the Soil Quality data of the study area
Parameter Minimum Maximum
Sand, % 69.5 94.4
Silt, % 1.4 28.5
Clay, % 2 4.2
Nitrogen, mg/gm 76.83 109.76
Phosphorus, mg/gm <4 7.12
Potassium, mg/gm 70 300
pH (1:2.5 suspension at 270C) 8.47 9.69
0%
38%
0%
50%
12%
Total Irrigated Area
Unirrigated Area
Forest
Culturable waste (including gauchar and groves)
Area not available for cultivation
31
5.11. HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL PLACES
As per Archeological survey of India, and reconnaisance survey conducted,
there are no historical places, protected, conserved monuments within 10 km
radius of the project site.
5.12. SOCIO ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
A brief survey of the study area was conducted site reconnaissance survey to
address socio-economic conditions. Primary Census Abstract data of 2001 have
been used to develop the baseline socio-economic condition of the study area.
As mentioned earlier, there is no settlement on the site identified for wind energy development except few settlements (around 2-3 in number). During site visit and after consultation with this people, it was found out that they staying from last 10-15 years there for farming and livestock rearing. However, they have also mentioned that normally they have home in nearby villages also and staying for temporary basis only. During site visit and consultation with people, it was also found out that they are counted in demography pattern of villages where they are permanently staying.
A social profile has been developed for the villages of Dangri, Rajgarh, Mehreri, chhodiya, Laxmansar, and Bahla Basti which are located in the vicinity of the proposed wind farm area and hence considered as the project influence area.
Total population of the surrounding area of the project site as per Census 2001 is
4982 with a sex ratio of 806 no. of females per 1000 males. Details of the
population in each Villages of study area is given in Appendix-9. Summary of the
population are given below in Table.V.6.
Table V.6
Summary of the Population for Study Area
Number of Households 810
Total population 4982
Male Population 2759
Female Population 2223
0-6 Age Group Persons 1204
Scheduled Caste Persons 417
Scheduled Tribe Persons 560
Source : Census 2001
5.11.1 LITERACY LEVEL AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
As per census data 2001, the overall literacy rate in the study area is found to be
37%. The male literacy rate is found to be higher than the female literacy rate in
the study area. Graphical representation of literacy pattern is shown in Figure V.8
below. Details of population and literacy level in the study area are given in
Appendix-10
32
Figure V.7
Literacy Level of the Surrounding Area
Source: Census 2001 data
As per census data 2001, all the villages have primary school facility. Most of the
villages of study area have middle school facility within 10 km distance except for
Chhodiya Village.
5.11.2 AMENITIES
All villages in the vicinity of the study area were observed to have drinking water
facilities, in the form of wells, tanks, tubewells and hand pumps.
All villages are well connected by local roads. Approach road in most of the
villages are either by mud roads or by foot paths. Few of the villages also have
paved roads facility.
Medical facilities are poor in these villages. To avail the medical facilities villagers
have to go beyond 10 km distance. One Primary health sub centre is available in
Dangri village.
5.11.3 OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE
Only 45.76 % of the total population come under the working category which
include both main workers and marginal workers. Among the Main workers, 57 %
of the population are cultivators, 1 % of the population are agricultural laborers, 8
% of population are involved in the household industry and 34 % of population
are involved in other activities. Details of occupational structure of the villages
within the surrounding of the project area are given in Appendix-11.
33
Figure V.9
Occupational structure
Majority of the population is involved in the agricultural activities which is major
source of income.
5.11.4 LIVESTOCK
The livestock population comprises mainly of cattle, sheep, goats, etc. Figure
V.10 shows a typical views of the livestock found in the study area. However, non
of the identified site locations are used for grazing as this is the barren land and
no vegetation has been observed during site visit.
Figure V.10
Livestock Population of the Study Area
34
5.13. BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
A reconnaissance survey of the study area was carried out during the study
period to establish the existing baseline ecological/ biological condition of the
study area. Secondary information about flora and fauna were also collected.
5.12.1 FLORA OF THE STUDY AREA
Data were collected on flora within project area boundaries. Identification
of plant species was carried out to generate checklist of flora. The
collected data was then systematically and scientifically analyzed to
produce information on following parameters of flora:
1) species inventory in the project area and
2) species present in different life forms (i.e. grass, herb, shrub, tree).
The checklist of the vegetation in the project area are mentioned in Table
V.7
Table V.7
Inventory of Flora in the Study area
No Species Life Form
1 Citrullus colocynthis Climber
2 Citrullus lanatus Climber
3 Coccinia grandis Climber
4 Cocculus pendulus Climber
5 Cucumis sp. Climber
6 Momordica dioica Climber
7 Mukia maderaspatana Climber
8 Pergularia daemia Climber
1 Aristida funiculata Grass
2 Blepharis sindica Grass
3 Cenchrus biflorus Grass
4 Cenchrus ciliaris Grass
5 Cenchrus prieurii Grass
6 Cenchrus setigerus Grass
7 Dactyloctenium aegyptium Grass
8 Dactyloctenium Scindicum Grass
9 Eleusine compressa Grass
10 Eragrostis ciliaris Grass
11 Lasiurus sindicus Grass
12 Maytenus emarginatus Grass
13 Melanocenchris jaquemontii Grass
14 Oropetium thomaeum Grass
15 Tragus roxburghii Grass
16 Aristida adescensionis Grass
35
No Species Life Form
17 Sorghum halepense Grass
18 Saccharum spontaneum Grass
1 Aerva javanica Herb
2 Aerva tomentosa Herb
3 Argemone mexicana Herb
4 Boerhavia diffusa Herb
5 Convolvulus microphyllous Herb
6 Crotolaria burhia Herb
7 Echinops echinatus Herb
8 Euphorbia granulata Herb
9 Euphorbia prostrata Herb
10 Farsetia hamiltonii Herb
11 Heliotropium rariflorum Herb
12 Indigofera cordifolia Herb
13 Indigofera linifolia Herb
14 Indigofera linnaei Herb
15 Lycium barbarum Herb
16 Tephrosia purpurea Herb
17 Tephrosia falciformis Herb
18 Tribulus rajasthanensis Herb
19 Tribulus terrestris Herb
1 Anogeissus pendula Shrub
2 Asparagus racemosus Shrub
3 Balanites aegyptiaca Shrub
4 Calligonum polygonoides Shrub
5 Calotropis procera Shrub
6 Capparis decidua Shrub
7 Carissa carandus Shrub
8 Clerodendrum multiflorum Shrub
9 Commiphora wightii Shrub
10 Euphorbia caudicifolia Shrub
11 Leptadenia pyrotechnica Shrub
12 Mimosa hamata Shrub
13 Simmondsia chinensis Shrub
1 Acacia Jacquemontii Tree
2 Acacia leucophloea Tree
3 Acacia senegal Tree
4 Acacia tortilis Tree
36
No Species Life Form
5 Albizia lebbeck Tree
6 Azadirachta indica Tree
7 Balanites roxburghii Tree
8 Prosopis cineraria Tree
9 Salvadora oleoides Tree
10 Salvadora persica Tree
11 Tecomella undulata Tree
Figure V.11a
Vegetation of the Study Area
5.12.2 FAUNA OF THE STUDY AREA
Data were collected on fauna within project area boundaries. Inventory of Fauna in the study area is given in the Table V.8
Reptiles: A walkthrough study was carried out to identify various reptiles and
their presence i.e. lizards, snakes etc. in the study areas. This was mainly
prepared through interview survey of the local people.
Birds: Birds, occupying higher trophic levels in the ecosystems, respond quickly
to the changes in the habitats and therefore serve as one of the best indicators
for evaluating the status of the eco-system. Baseline information was collected
on the occurrence and distribution of avian species and information on flight
directions and passage rates of birds through the project area. Data collected
during the field visit and information gathered from the secondary literature was
used for generating baseline status of birds for project area. Baseline status of
birds in the project area is detailed in the Appendix 12.
Mammals: Like birds, mammals are also occupying higher trophic levels in many
ecosystems and respond quickly to the changes in their habitats therefore, serve
37
as best indicators of the ecosystem health. Since the presence of mammalian
species is low affecting probability of their sightings, in the study area, it was
difficult to estimate their population using line transect method. More importantly,
it was difficult to accommodate the sightings of nocturnal and diurnal animals in
the study. Therefore, indices of presences and absence using indirect evidences
and signs such as footprints, dens, droppings, diggings, scrap marks, etc. is
considered in the project area.
The sites where likelihood or presence of animals such as shady trees,
waterholes, dense and undisturbed bushes etc. were surveyed intensively during
the survey in the study area. For faunal inventory, both direct sightings and
indirect evidences (like dung, scats, pellets, foot prints, nests, dens etc.) were
accounted for.
Table V.8
Inventory of fauna in the Study area
S. No.
Name of Species Evidence Type
Conservation Status as per
IWPA-1972 (Schedule I to
VI)
Conservation
Status as per IUCN
Scientific Name Common Name
Mammals
1 Herpestes edwardsi Common mongoose Seen Schedule-II Least Concern
2 Lepus nigricollis Indian Hare Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
3 Canis aureus Indian Jackal Foot Prints Schedule-II Least Concern
4 Felis chaus Jungle cat Foot Prints Schedule-II Least Concern
5 Boselaphus tragocamelus Nilgai Seen Schedule-III
Least Concern
6 Sus scrofa Wild Pig Seen Schedule-III Least Concern
7 Rhinopoma microphyllum
Greater Mouse-tailed Bat Literature Schedule-III
Least Concern
8 Rhinopoma hardwickii Lesser Mouse-tailed Bat Literature Schedule-III Least Concern
9 Hemiechinus auritus Long eared Hedgehog Seen Schedule-III Least Concern
10 Gazella bennettii Chinkara Seen Schedule-I Least Concern
Reptiles
1 Echis carinatus Saw scaled Viper Interview Schedule-III Least Concern
2 Naja naja Indian Cobra Interview Schedule-II Least Concern
3 Bungarus caeruleus Common Krait Interview Schedule-III Least Concern
4 Eryx johni John Sand Boa Interview Schedule-III Least Concern
5 Eryx conicus Common Sand Boa Interview Schedule-III Least Concern
6 Ptyas mucosus Rat Snake Interview Schedule-II Least Concern
38
S. No.
Name of Species Evidence Type
Conservation Status as per
IWPA-1972 (Schedule I to
VI)
Conservation
Status as per IUCN
Scientific Name Common Name
7 Natrix piscator Cheakered Keelback Interview Schedule-II Least Concern
8 Calotes versicolor Garden Lizard Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
9 Agama minor Short tailed Agama Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
10 Mubuya carinata Common Skink Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
11 Varanus bengalensis Monitor Lizard Interview Schedule-IV Least Concern
12 Vulpes vulpes Red Fox Interview Schedule-IV Least Concern
13 Uromastyx hardwickii. Spiny-tailed Lizard Interview Schedule-IV Least Concern
Birds
1 Accipiter badius Shikra Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
2 Acridotheres tristis Common myna Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
3 Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
4 Aegithina tiphia Common Iora Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
5 Ammomanes phoenicurus Rufus tailed lark Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
6 Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
7 Anthus similis Long-billed Pipit Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
8 Apus affinis House Swift Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
9 Aquila nipalensis Steppe Eagle Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
10 Aquila rapax Tawny Eagle Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
11 Athene brama Spotted Owlet Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
12 Bulbulcus ibis Cattle egret Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
13 Burhinus oedicnemus Eurasian Thick-knee Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
14 Butastur teesa White-eyed Buzzard Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
15 Buteo rufinus Long-Legged Buzzard Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
16 Calandrella brachydactyla Greater Short-toed lark Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
17 Caprimulgus europaeus Eurasian Nightjar Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
18 Centropus sinensis Greater Coucal Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
19 Circus macrourus Pallid Harrier Seen Schedule-IV Least
39
S. No.
Name of Species Evidence Type
Conservation Status as per
IWPA-1972 (Schedule I to
VI)
Conservation
Status as per IUCN
Scientific Name Common Name
Concern
20 Circus pygargus Montagu's Harrier Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
21 Columba livia Blue rock pigeon Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
22 Copsychus saularis Oriental magpie robin Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
23 Coracias benghalensis Indian Roller Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
24 Coracias garrulus European Roller Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
25 Corax corax subcorax Common Raven Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
26 Corvus splendens House crow Seen Schedule-V Least Concern
27 Dicrurus macrocercus Black drongo Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
28 Eremopterix griseus) Ashy Crowned Sparrow Lark Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
29 Erythropygia galactotes Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin, Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
30 Falco tinnunculus Common Kestrel Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
31 Francolinus pondicerianus Grey francolin Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
32 Galerida cristata Crested Lark Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
33 Gyps bengalensis White-rumped Vulture Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
34 Gyps fulvus Eurasian Griffon Vulture Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
35 Halcyon smyrnensis White-Breasted kingfisher Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
36 Hieraaetus fasciatus Bonelli's Eagle Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
37 Lanius meridionalis Southern Grey-Shrike Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
38 Lanius vittatus Bay-Backed Shrike Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
39 Lonchura malabarica Indian silverbill Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
40 Merops orientalis Green bee eater Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
41 Merops superciliosus Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
42 Mirafra cantillans Singing Bushlark Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
43 Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
44 Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
45 Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture Seen Schedule-IV Least
40
S. No.
Name of Species Evidence Type
Conservation Status as per
IWPA-1972 (Schedule I to
VI)
Conservation
Status as per IUCN
Scientific Name Common Name
Concern
46 Oenanthe deserti Desert Wheatear Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
47 Oenanthe isabellina Isabelline Wheatear Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
48 Oenanthe picata opistholeuca Variable Wheatear Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
49 Passer domesticus House sparrow Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
50 Pavo cristatus Indian Peafowl Seen Schedule-I Least Concern
51 Petronia xanthocollis
Chestnut-shouldered Petronia Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
52 Prinia hodgsonii Grey-breasted Prinia Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
53 Pterocles exustus Chestnut-Bellied Sandgrouse Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
54 Pycnonotus cafer Red vented bulbul Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
55 Pycnonotus leucotis White-eared Bulbul Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
56 Saxicoloides fulicata Indian robin Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
57 Streptopelia decaocto Eurasian collared dove Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
58 Streptopelia senegalensis Laughing dove Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
59 Streptopelia tranquebarica Red-collared Dove Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
60 Sturnia pagodarum Brahminy Myna Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
61 Sturnus roseus Rosy Starling Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
62 Sylvia curruca Lesser Whitethroat Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
63 Tephrodornis pondicerianus Common Woodshrike Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
64 Turdoides caudatus Common Babbler Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
65 Upupa epops Common Hoopoe Seen Schedule-IV Least Concern
66 Vanellus indicus Red wattled lapwing Seen Schedule-IV
Least Concern
41
CHAPTER VI
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
6.1. INTRODUCTION
The wind power infrastructure principally includes wind turbines, power
transmission lines & Substation and the access road needed for construction and
maintenance of turbine and transmission lines. As the proposed project is comes
under desert area where very minimal rainfall observed. So there is no significant
change in the impact seasonally. The wind power projects does not require
continuous supply of water. Minor air and water emissions are envisaged and will
be limited to construction and maintenance of the wind turbines and transmission
lines.
In the following sections the likely impacts due to proposed wind power
infrastructure are assessed and suggestive mitigations measures are reported.
6.2. IMPACT ON AIR QUALITY
6.2.1. CONSTRUCTION PHASE
The construction activities for wind energy projects typically includes land
clearing for site preparation and access routes; excavation, filling; transportation
of supply materials; construction of foundations involving excavations and
concrete works; operating cranes for unloading and installation of equipment;
and commissioning of new equipment. The nearest receptor are informal
settlements (300 m away from the site) at the site other than all the villages are
1 km away from the project site.
The major source of air pollution during the construction phase can be due to:
Air borne emissions from the construction heavy machineries and
vehicular movements at site.
Air borne emissions during land clearing for site preparation and access
routes, cutting and filling of soil and other construction activities
Exhaust emissions from the vehicular movement and other stationery
generator sets.
These impacts can be minimized by proper maintenance of machinery and
vehicles and by limiting the speed of vehicles. Dust emission can be suppressed
by taking appropriate measures like sprinkling of water in the haul roads and
construction sites. However, the project site is in desert area, sprinkling of water
should be avoided as much as possible. Other methods which can be used to
reduce dust emissions are:
Minimizing the disturbance of vegetation cover present
Stabilization of as much unpaved operations area as is feasible
Since, most of the cables used for power transmission are overhead, only
construction of base tower is involved in the transmission line related activities,
which may have insignificant impact on the environment.
42
The vehicular emissions will be depending on the condition of the pavement and
type of vehicles used in the construction activities. Moreover this impact due to
the movement of vehicles and usage of machineries during the construction
phase is of temporary nature and their impact on air quality is insignificant.
Suggested EMP during the construction phase will reduce the negative impact on
air quality, if any.
In the vicinity of the few of the WTG sites informal settlements were observed
during site survey. However, these settlements are found beyond 300m distance.
During the construction phase, the activities include land clearing, excavation,
concrete work, material supply etc due to which fugitive dust will be generated.
These activities will occur at each WTG site for period of 2-3 days. Considering
this short duration of activities and considering fact that the WTGs are sited
beyond 300m distance from the informal settlers, the impact due to fugitive
emissions temporal in nature and is not considered significant.
6.2.2. OPERATIONAL PHASE
Operational phase of the project will have limited activities, which mostly relates
to maintenance of wind turbines. These activities will include exhaust emission
from the vehicles used occasionally for maintenance and repair activities at Wind
Turbine locations. Frequency of these activities will be very less.
All operations will happen 1 km away from the habitation and will not have any
impact on immediate surroundings. Therefore, ambient air quality of the
surrounding area will not be affected from the proposed project.
The major positive impact from this project is the replacement of conventional
power resources like fossil fuels by clean and zero emission renewable energy.
Hence, emission of Green House Gasses (GHG) like CO2 generated from other
sources of energy is avoided.
6.3. NOISE IMPACT
Noise Receptors in the project area include residential houses and some informal settlers present near the WTG locations. Most of the WTGs are located at a distance of atleast 1 Km from the village houses. Some of the informal settlers are located at a distance of 300m.Typical Noise Sensitive Time period for the residential area is Evening/Night.
6.3.1. CONSTRUCTION PHASE
The major sources of the noise pollution due to construction activity is from road
works, earth moving, concrete batching, levelling, grading, excavating and
compacting, movement of trucks for transportation of wind turbine assemblies,
construction materials, concrete mixers, asphalt mixing and laying equipment.
Noise may be generated from DG sets used for emergency purpose and during
the erection of Wind Turbine towers. All these may add to noise levels and
impact the surrounding ambient noise quality.
However, the construction activities will be limited to day timings (7:00am to
7:00pm). The Daytime Construction Activity Threshold Criteria is as per the table
VI.1.
43
Table VI.1 Daytime Construction Activity Threshold Criteria
Construction Duration Affecting
Noise-sensitive Receptors
Noise Threshold Criteria shall be the greater of these noise levels at the nearest receptor area or 10 feet from the nearest noise-sensitive building
Fixed Leq(h), dBA Hourly Equivalent Noise
Level (Leq), dBA1, 2
0 to 3 days 75 Ambient Leq(h) + 3 dB
4 to 7 days 70 Ambient Leq(h) + 3 dB
1 to 2 weeks 65 Ambient Leq(h) + 3 dB
2 to 8 weeks 60 Ambient Leq(h) + 3 dB
Longer than 8 weeks 55 Ambient Leq(h) + 3 dB
The Noise produced by the various construction machineries working at the site is tabulated in Table VI.2.
Table VI.2
Noise Source Strength of Construction Machineries
S. N. Machine Operation dBA
1. Motor Scraper Cut 84
2. Face Shovel Cut 80
3. Dump Truck Haul 83
4. Compactor Fill 81
5. Dozer Fill 83
6. Excavation by Shovel Cut 87
7. Excavation by Caterpillar Cut 109
Considering the worst case scenario of utilisation of caterpillar for excavation, the
Noise calculation will be as follows.
NOISE CALCULATIONS Source = 109 dBA at 1.0 m
Noise at a distance of 300 m from WTG
Lp2 = Lp1 - 20 log (r2/r1) Lp2 = 109 - 20 log (300/1)
Lp2 = 59.4575 dB
44
Therefore, the predicted noise at the nearest residential building will be 59.45 dB
(noise). Also, the construction activities at a WTG site will be limited for short
duration (4-7 days).
The predicted noise levels to the nearest receptor is below the threshold limits
defined in Table VI.1
Owing to the distance from WTGs, daytime working hours and short duration of
construction at a site, the noise impacts during construction phase will be
minimal. The noise level will drop down once construction period is over.
6.3.2. OPERATIONAL PHASE
The noise generated during operational phase of the project will be due to turbine
blades moving across the air, vehicle movement and some periodical
maintenance and repair activities carried out at the site.
The noise generated due to operating WTGs are generally due to mechanical noise and aerodynamic noise. The Double-Fed Induction Generator Technology used in IRL wind turbine is such that generation of the noise from the nacelle is minimal. At a distance of 1m, a WTG produces approximately 90dB noise. Noise attenuation can be calculated using the following equation.
NOISE CALCULATIONS
Source = 90 dBA at 1.0 m
Noise at a distance of 300 m from WTG
Lp2 = Lp1 - 20 log (r2/r1) Lp2 = 107.2 - 20 log (300/1)
Lp2 = 40.45 dB
Therefore, the predicted noise at the nearest residential building will be 40.45 dB (noise). The predicted noise level is below the NAAQ standards. Blade design and controlled rotation in high wind conditions will further reduce aerodynamic noise emanating from the movement of air around the turbine blades and tower. Typical background sound levels for these areas would be generated by residential, agricultural, and small commercial activities, ambient sound from wind, and vehicle noise from regional roads. This background noise generally increases under such wind conditions and can mask the WTG noise.
Hence, the noise impact is expected insignificant on surrounding ambient noise
quality or ecology.
6.4. IMPACT ON WATER QUALITY
6.4.1. CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Potential impacts on water quality may occur during wet seasons due to the
erosion of excavated material stored in heaps which may reach to nearby surface
water bodies and cause temporary increase in turbidity.
45
Underground cables are used for the signal transmission line which is used for
transmitting data from individual WTG to central monitoring point. Other than this,
most of the cables used for the project are overhead type. During site visit no
surface water bodies were observed nearby to wind turbine site locations. Hence
impact from soil erosion or sedimentation of surface water is minimal. Proper
environmental management plan will minimize the residual impacts during the
construction phase. Hence, impact of soil contamination on water bodies is
expected to be insignificant.
Since, the foundation levels are well above the existing ground water levels more
than 40 m, the water used in construction does not mix with ground water table.
Further this activity does not involve blockage or diversion of ground water flow.
During the construction works there will be a varied man power (skilled and
unskilled) of between 50-60 people on site at any one time. In the category of
unskilled man power 40 to 50% will be outsourced from local contractors or
nearby villages where possible.
Most of the construction staff members will be from the surrounding villages.
Hence the generation of domestic wastewater will be minimal. Temporary
arrangement such as septic tanks will be provided for discharge of the
wastewater in the wind farm yard area. There will be no direct discharge of
wastewater to any receiving water body.
No wastewater generation is envisaged during the operation phase. Once the
construction phase in completed the excess of excavated soil will be applied on
embankment and upper surface of leveled and unpaved area in the adjacent
area and slopes will be stabilized. This helps in prevention of soil erosion and
thus preventing contamination of water bodies.
6.5. LAND ENVIRONMENT
Land disturbance from construction activities such as excavation, leveling, filling,
topsoil stockpiling, Installation of tower foundation, etc. are expected during the
construction stage of the project which are insignificant, temporary in nature and
limited to construction phase only. Around 450-500 m3 of earth material will be
excavated per WTGs and the same top soil will be used for the filling in around
the WTGs, preparing of access roads etc. A Proper Environmental Management
Plan will be followed during construction phase to mitigate the impacts if any.
Top soil removed during construction phase will be stored separately will be
applied on embankment and upper surface of leveled and unpaved area. The top
soil may be utilized for landscape development in adjacent areas. This will help in
retaining the spores of grass and shrub species that will germinate at the same
place during the monsoon period. This practice will help in reducing the soil
erosion while conserving the original plant species along with preservation of
precious top soil.
6.6. SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE
The minimal quantity of solid waste generated during construction phase may
include small concrete materials, bins, unused metals, package materials,
scraps, plastic, paper and food materials etc. These kinds of wastes are limited
in quantity and generation of the same is temporary in nature. These wastes will
46
be collected, segregated and disposed of as per the existing municipal solid
waste rules. Therefore, soil contamination is not expected due to solid waste
generated from construction activities.
Solid waste generation during operation phase will be from replacement of
mechanical and electrical parts of the WTGs, used oil, electrical cables etc.
However, the frequency of maintenance is very less and as & when the
requirement arises. All the discarded electrical and mechanical parts have a
recycling value so same can be given to local scrap dealer.
There may be negligible amount of hazardous materials like lubricants, hydraulic
fluids from maintenance of machinery or operating vehicles, empty paint or oil
cans, waste batteries, transformers etc. generated during construction.
Highly refined, mineral insulating oils are used to cool transformers and provide
electrical insulation between live components. They are typically found at
electrical substation and maintenance shops.
In order to minimize the contamination of soil due to accidental spill or leaks of
fuels, the Substation area shall be designed sufficiently with impervious layer at
the storage areas and transformer areas. Proper sloping and drainage shall be
provided with proper collection or containment structure.
The used oils, other hazardous material will be properly collected and disposed
of as per the Hazardous waste Management and Handling Rules, 2008.
6.7. SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT
An overview of the socio-economic baseline status in the study area is given in
chapter 5.
The Land required for the proposed WTGs, Right of Way and Electrical
substation will be developed on the Government Revenue Land. The proposed
project does not involve any physical displacement (relocation or loss of shelter)
or economic displacement (loss of assets or access to assets that leads to loss
of income sources or other means of livelihood).
During site reconnaissance servey, some of the settlements were observed
300m away from proposed wind farm site at 2-3 locations. During interaction with
these residents it was understood that they have moved into this land and have
set the settlement over there for managing their livestocks and for farming
purpose.
However, these informal settlers do not use the land identified by IWL for their
livelihood or for other uses. Identified locations neither restrict their access
routes. Same thing was reflected during the interaction with these residents
during site survey.
6.7.1 SECURITY AND SAFETY
Vehicular movements in the construction stage would include heavy vehicles like
trucks carrying large equipment. In total additional site traffic would require
around 100 vehicles per month whose movements would be spread throughout
the construction period.
These may lead to increased traffic load thus may cause threat to the lives of
animals and people using the access roads.
47
The traffic movement along the village roads should be effectively managed by
Limiting the speed limits of the vehicles;
Trucks carrying heavy machineries shall be mobilized during night time;
and
Driver should be well trained and should have valid driving license,
in order to ensure safety and security of humans and livestock. Also social and
cultural issues (issues of privacy, safety of women) arising from influx of labor
(around 50-60 people at a time) during the construction phase should be
managed, especially during the construction phase of the project.
6.7.2 POSITIVE IMPACTS
This project will create employment and other opportunities (e.g. service sector such as catering, cleaning, transport, security etc) for skill development. The proposed wind farm would require manpower during the time of construction phase. Members of the local community are likely to be in the position to qualify for the majority of the low skilled and some of the semi skilled employment opportunities. The other employment opportunities would be linked to service sector such as catering, cleaning, transport and security.
The project will have a positive impact by developing access roads. This will benefit to local villages for easy transportation. The internal village roads although motorable are not likely to withstand constant heavy vehicle movement and will need repair/ construction. The construction of new roads and strengthening of existing roads will lead to improved access and connectivity to the villages and agricultural fields.
The major positive impact of the proposed project is development of clean, renewable energy infrastructure for power generation. However, generated power will be given to state government and further distribution will be done by them.
6.8. ECOLOGICAL IMPACT
The results of the baseline vegetation study suggest that the project area falls in
the semi arid region and the vegetation of the area represents the same. The
vegetation species and life forms suggests that the project area represents the
characteristics that of degraded vegetation and dry and semiarid landscape.
The project area does not have any threatened, endangered or conservation
concerned faunal species. Majority of the species found in and around project
site are common throughout the state. The area does not make part of any
significant breeding, roosting or feeding habitats of important and endangered
species.
Moreover, the project area does not fall in vicinity of any important wildlife
hotspot in the region. The project site does not fall in the eco-sensitive/fragile
zone identified by the State/Central Government agencies. The area does not fall
in any of the critical wildlife habitats identified by any agencies till date.
In view of the results of the flora and fauna study it is inferred that the project
shall have least impacts on ecology of the region.
48
6.9. IMPACT ON BIRD MIGRATION AND MORTALITY
In order to predict the impact on the birds due to the proposed wind farm, a study
was carried out by Dr. Bharat Jethva, a Wild life biologist. The study report is
enclosed in the Appendix 12. Based on his study, the conclusions drawn are as
follows
The baseline status of the birds and bats clearly suggests that no
endemic or threatened species is present in and around the proposed
project area.
The sensitive receptors such as habitats of Bird‟s & Bat‟s i.e. Desert
National Park/Grassland, Wetland and roosting sites of bats do not fall in
and around the project area and they are located more than 10 km away.
Great Indian Bustard and other endangered species are less likely to be
affected because of their very small surviving population in Jaisalmer
district and it is currently restricted in Desert National Park.
Observations on movement of bats from Jaisalmer roosts suggests that
majority of the bats were moving towards the agriculture fields aligned
along the Indira Gandhi Canal 40 km north of Jaisalmer town.
Interview survey of local villagers and herders suggested the absence of
Bustards from the project area due to disturbance, developmental
activities and general increase in the human population and their
movements in the region.
Literature survey suggested that Rajasthan/India falls on Central Asian
Flyway which is broadly defined flyway for several migratory birds and
there is no specific bird route that passes only through the Jaisalmer or
Rajasthan as such.
Literature survey also suggested that wind turbines do not significantly
harm the migratory waterbirds, especially when the wetlands are located
far away from the proposed project site.
Though, there are not many cases of bird hits by windmills have been observed
in India till date, it is important that project site should be monitored properly and
specifically for bird mortality. Proposed management plan would mitigate any
likely impacts on the birds.
6.10. ARCHEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
It should be noted that the proposed project will not pose any problem with
respect to cultural and historical assets. As per archaeological survey of India
and state archaeology department there are no specific archaeological sites,
structures, remains or artifacts notified or demarcated within 10 Km radius of the
proposed site.
6.11. STORM AND SEISMIC HAZARD
The continuous variable pith regulation system of the blades helps to operate at
a continuous variable speed in synchronism with the varying wind speeds.
Turbine blades are designed to work at a cut out wind speed of 20 m/s and
49
having storm control. These mills will stop automatically for the wind speeds
reaching more than 20 m/s.
The proposed project site is located in Zone II (Low Damage Risk Zone) as per the seismic zones of India Map IS:1893-2002, BIS GOI. However seismic hazard has been taken into account in the design of the turbine foundations to prevent tower failure in the event of shocks. Therefore, storm and seismic hazards are not of any significance for the proposed project.
6.12. IMPACT ON AIR TRAFFIC AND SAFETY
Jaisalmer airport and Air force station are situated more than 50 Km towards
North West of the proposed wind farm site. Therefore, impact on air traffic and
safety are not expected due to set of proposed wind power.
As per air navigational marking regulations, the blades of the WTGs are marked
with red bands with specific width for more visibility.
6.13. VISUAL IMPACTS
Primarily visual impacts depend on the location and public awareness. Visual
impacts associated with wind power projects typically relate to the turbine itself
such as color, type, height, etc. and impacts relating to their interaction with
character of the surrounding landscape. All the proposed WTGs of this project
are of uniform diameter & color and have non-reflective paints. Use of overhead
cables for power transmission, could potentially create minimal visual impact.
However transmission line and WTGs are located away from the populated areas
as indentified project will develop on government revenue land. Hence visual
impact due to transmission line and WTGs will be insignificant. The features
blend with the natural landscape & prevent interference with the overall scenic
beauty of the surrounding area.
6.14. LIGHT AND ILLUMINATION ISSUES
Shadow Flicker
Shadow flicker occurs generally during the operation phase of the project, when
the sun passes behind the wind turbine and casts a shadow. As the rotor blades
rotate, shadows pass over the same point causing an effect termed shadow
flicker. Shadow flicker may become a problem when residences are located near,
or have a specific orientation to, the wind farm.
Majority of the WTGs are located away from nearby villages and 300 m away
from the informal settlers. Hence impact due to of shadow flickers is expected to
be minimal from the proposed project.
Blade Glint:
Similar to shadow flicker, blade or tower glint occurs when the sun strikes a rotor
blade or the tower at a particular orientation. This can impact the community, as
the reflection of sunlight off the rotor blade may be angled toward nearby
residences. Blade glint is a temporary phenomenon for new turbines only, and
typically disappears when blades get soiled after a few months of operation. Also
the wind turbine towers are painted with non-reflective coatings; hence the
reflection from tower is not anticipated.
50
6.15. ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE AND IMPACT ON OPERATION OF AVIATION RADAR
Wind turbines could potentially cause electromagnetic interference with aviation
radar and telecommunication systems (e.g. microwave, television and radio).
This interference could be caused by three main mechanisms, namely near –field
effects, diffraction, and reflection or scattering. The nature of the potential
impacts depends primarily on the location of the wind turbine relative to the
transmitter and receiver and characteristics of the rotor blades, signal frequency
receiver, and radio wave propagation in the local atmosphere.
Wind farms located near an airport may impact the operation of aviation radar by
causing signal distortion, which may cause loss of signal and/or erroneous
signals on the radar screen. These effects are caused by tower and rotor
component reflection due to radar chopping.
However the nearest airport is located 50 Km away from the nearest wind turbine
location. In this project, the design of the turbine components such as nacelle,
tower and blades are designed in such a fashion that there will be no
electromagnetic interferences. Turbine blades are made of fiberglass material of
reinforced epoxy resins with non reflecting coating which will minimize the
electromagnetic interferences.
6.16. IMPACTS DUE TO UNCHECKED VEGETATION ALONG RIGHT OF WAY (ROW)
Unchecked growth of the tall trees and accumulation of vegetation within right of
way may result in impacts such as power outrages through contact of branches
and trees with transmission lines, blocking of equipment access and interference
with critical grounding equipment.
Regular maintenance of vegetation should be carried in order mitigate such
impacts along ROW.
6.17. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS:
In addition to the proposed project, IRL is planning to develop additional 700 MW
in Devikot village which 15km towards North West from the proposed wind farm
site. The location map of the proposed site is shown in Figure VI.1.
Cumulative construction effects are usually of most concern with the main traffic
impacts likely to be associated with the movements of commercial Heavy Goods
Vehicles (HGVs) transporting construction materials and wind turbine
components, to the site.
The construction activities of the proposed 300 MW wind farm and planned 700
Mw wind farm are unlikely to occur simultaneously. Hence, cumulative
construction effects are not considered to pose a significant effect.
Traffic generation once the wind farm becomes operational is usually minimal
and comprises occasional visits for maintenance activities and an occasional
need for an HGV / crane for more substantial maintenance or equipment
replacement. The effects of operational traffic would generally be considered
negligible.
51
Figure VI.1 Location Map of Proposed Wind Farm
in the vicinity of the Proposed Project
The expected cumulative operational impact that might be considered due to
proposed 300 MW and planned 700 MW wind farm project is Noise impact.
Since the WTG locations of the additional wind farm site are not determined at
the moment, it is not possible to make cumulative noise impact at this stage.
However, considering 15 km distance between the two wind farm sites,
overlapping of the noise levels reaching nearby settlement is expected to be
insignificant.
As both the sites are more than 10 km away from the desert national park/
grassland, wetland and roosting sites of bats, no cumulative impact predicted
due to this project. In addition to above, baseline status of the birds and bats
clearly suggests that no endemic or threatened species is present in and around
the both proposed project area.
The employment opportunity will increase due to both projects as there is no
other business opportunity in the project area other than tourism. So there will be
a positive impact due to both the project.
6.18. OVERALL IMPACTS
Temporary adverse impacts expected during the construction phase will be
mitigated through proper implementation of mitigation measures suggested in
Chapter VII – Environmental Management Plan. However, overall impacts of
both operational and construction phase on the surrounding environment are
expected to be positive.
52
CHAPTER VII
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
7.1. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)
This section of the chapter proposes an environment management plans during
the construction and operational phase of the proposed wind energy project.
The objectives of the environmental management plan is to achieve the following
objectives:
To ensure that good engineering practices are followed during
construction and operational phases to minimize environmental
impacts.
To avoid, or where avoidance is not possible, minimize, mitigate,
or compensate for adverse impacts on workers, affected
communities and the surrounding.
To ensure that rehabilitation, resettlement of the affected
communities if any due to project shall be done properly.
To ensure good occupational health and safety practices during
construction and operation phase at the project.
To ensure that the pollutant concentration in the workplace does
not exceed the NAAQS
To monitor impacts on the environment and the effectiveness of
mitigation measures during operation
EMP, which covers IFC guideline, April 2007 on relevant features of Environment, Health and Safety required for wind energy project is recommended to be followed during the construction and operation phase of the project. EMP for construction phase and operation phase of the project is given in Table VII.1 and Table VII.2.
53
54
Table VII.1
Environmental Management Plan: Construction phase
Sr.
No. Issues Impact Actions/ Mitigation measures
Time
schedule
Implementati
on
IFC
Performanc
e standard
1 Air Quality Dust emission
during construction
activities and
movement of the
vehicles on
unpaved roads
Sprinkling of water to control fugitive dust
emission.
Stock piles of excavated material like soil
shall be carefully managed by water spray
dampening to minimize the windblown dust
Limiting the speed limits of the vehicles on
the unpaved surface
Monitoring of the dust emissions during high
wind periods
During
constructi
on
Developer/
Contractor PS3
Gaseous
emissions from the
construction
machineries and
Vehicles
Vehicle used for transportation should have
the Pollution under Control (PUC) Certificate
Vehicle used for the transportation shall be
in well condition
Regular maintenance of the vehicles and
heavy machinery to ensure the minimal
exhaust emission
55
Sr.
No. Issues Impact Actions/ Mitigation measures
Time
schedule
Implementati
on
IFC
Performanc
e standard
2 Noise
Quality
Noise emission
from the
Construction
related equipments
and due
movement of
Vehicles
Engine powered construction machineries
and vehicles shall be provided with exhaust
silencers.
Proper maintenance and service of the
machineries and vehicles to adhere the
applicable noise standards.
Limiting the speed limits of the vehicles
Workers should be provide with earplugs/
earmuffs to avoid the noise impacts near
high noisy areas.
Noise levels shall be monitored and
reported
Planning activities in consultation with the
local residents so that activities with greater
potential to generate noise are during
periods of the day that will result in minimal
disturbance
During
constructi
on phase
Developer/
contractor PS 3
3 Land
environment
and water
environment
Impact on
receiving water
body due to soil
erosion
Store construction materials containing fine
particles in an enclosure such that sediment
laden water does not drain into nearby water
drains.
Stabilize slopes on road or elsewhere any
embankments to control sedimentation,
erosion and water pollution.
Also consider the use of geo-textiles to
prevent soil erosion during construction.
During
constructi
on phase
Developer/
contractor PS3
56
Sr.
No. Issues Impact Actions/ Mitigation measures
Time
schedule
Implementati
on
IFC
Performanc
e standard
Top soil shall be used for landscape
development in the adjacent areas
4 Waste
managemen
t
Wastewater Minimal wastewater will be generated which
will be discharged into septic tank
No wastewater generated will be discharged
into the water bodies.
During
constructi
on phase
During
construction
phase
PS3
Solid waste Minimal solid waste will be generated which
includes concrete materials, bins, unused
metals, package materials, scraps, plastic,
paper and food materials etc. which will be
disposed of as per municipal solid waste
rules
Excavation
material
Excavation generated material will be used
for embankment of road and minor leveling
of site during the conclusion of construction
activities and filling low lying area of the site
Top soil will be stored separately and will be
applied on the embankment and upper
surface of the leveled and unpaved area.
Hazardous waste Minimum waste will be generated such as
empty oil/paint containers and the
lubricating/ hydraulic fluids used for the
maintenance. These wastes will be
disposed of as per Hazardous waste
Management and Handling Rules, 2008.
5 Socio- Security and safety Limiting the speed limits of the vehicles During Developer PS1
57
Sr.
No. Issues Impact Actions/ Mitigation measures
Time
schedule
Implementati
on
IFC
Performanc
e standard
economic of community Trucks carrying Heavy machineries shall be
mobilized during night time.
Driver should be well trained and should
have valid driving license
Inform all workers of the conditions in the
Code of conduct in order to mitigate the
impact on the community due to presence of
construction workers in the area.
constructi
on phase
Grievances Assess the grievances/ suggestions and if
they are found to be genuine and
acceptable, will be resolved at the site office
level itself within 30 days from the date of
receipt
During
constructi
on phase
Developer PS1
6 Ecology Minimizing the footprint of the construction
related activities. Once the Construction is
completed it should be ensured that the
disturbed areas are re-vegetated with native
plant species
Training the Project personnel‟s to avoid any
accidents, poaching or harassments to any
animal or bird species by the project staff
such as laborers, drivers or any other
employees
During
Constructi
on phase
Developer/
contractor PS6
7 Occupationa
l Health and
safety
Workers shall be trained for health and
safety requirements.
Only trained and certified workers to install,
During
constructi
on phase
Developer/
contractor PS2
58
Sr.
No. Issues Impact Actions/ Mitigation measures
Time
schedule
Implementati
on
IFC
Performanc
e standard
maintain or repair electrical equipment.
Deactivating and properly grounding live
power distribution lines before work is
performed on, or in close proximity to the
lines
Take proper care during loading and
unloading to avoid any mechanical injury
Provide and effective use of necessary
safety appliance like, Safety net, Safety
belt, safety harness etc.
All the precautions shall be taken which
includes physical hazards due to working at
heights, working with rotating machinery
and falling objects.
Implementation of a fall protection program
includes training in climbing techniques and
use of fall protection measures, inspection,
maintenance and replacement etc.
Install fixtures on tower components to
facilitate the use of fall protection systems.
Provide workers with adequate work
positioning device system
Ensure that hoisting equipment is properly
rated and maintained and that hoist
operators are properly trained.
Safety belts should be of not less than 15.8
59
Sr.
No. Issues Impact Actions/ Mitigation measures
Time
schedule
Implementati
on
IFC
Performanc
e standard
mm two in one nylon or material of
equivalent strength.
Check road embankment for erosion and
rutting, any sign of instability to be taken
care before every monsoon. Identify the
personnel for monitoring and mitigating the
effect of project on environmental and
socio-cultural resources
Lifting Tool & Tackle should be tested as
per relevant act and mark the safe
operating limit, testing and due test date.
Visual inspection is to be done, before
starting to use lifting tool & tackle
Provide Personnel protective equipments
Provide the temporary shade in the nearby
area, so concern worker can take rest in
the different interval and it can be prevent
from Sunstroke.
Sufficient and hygienic drinking water
should be available at site.
Develop the nearby available medical
services contact number and address, in
case of emergency use.
8 Community
health and
safety
Prevent unauthorized personnel from
assessing the site.
Wind turbine site shall be designed with
During
constructi
on phase
Developer/
contractor PS4
60
Sr.
No. Issues Impact Actions/ Mitigation measures
Time
schedule
Implementati
on
IFC
Performanc
e standard
appropriate safety setback.
Adhering to speed limits for the traffic
movement within the project site.
Clear signs, flag-marks shall be used where
ever necessary in the vicinity of the
construction activity.
9 Visual
impacts
All the debris and waste will be collected,
stored and transported in an orderly manner
to prevent any adverse visual impact on the
surrounding.
Project equipment storage area will be
maintained properly to prevent adverse
visual impact
During
constructi
on phase
Developer/
contractor PS3
10 Storm and
Seismic
hazard
Developer/ contractor will take necessary
precaution during the foundation design
During
Design
Phase
Developer/
Contractor PS3
61
TABLE VII.2
Environmental Management Plan: Operation phase
Sr. No.
Issues Impact Actions/ Mitigation measures Time schedule
Implementation
IFC Performance standard
1 Noise Quality
Noise resulting from the wind turbines
Noise mitigation measures will be incorporated into design of the turbines with low rotational speeds.
Proper maintenance of instruments. Monitor the noise levels at sensitive receptors as per monitoring plan.
When the turbine is out of operation for maintenance the sound level in the nacelle is below 80 dB. In operation mode ear protection is required.
During Operation Phase
Promoter/ Developer
PS3
2 Waste management
Hazardous waste (Waste oil)
Waste oils resulting from the maintenance works will be collected and will be disposed of as per Hazardous waste Management and Handling Rules, 2008.
Ensure proper and contained disposal of enamel and paint drums and other waste at sites
During Operation Phase
Promoter/ Developer
PS3
3 Socio-economic
Grievances Assess the grievances/ suggestions and if they are found to be genuine and acceptable, will be resolved at the site office level itself within 30 days from the date of receipt.
During operation phase
Promoter/ developer
PS1
4 Ecology Bird Hits and Mortality
annual monitoring of windmills shall be carried out at least for two years for two
During operation
Promoter/ Developer
PS6
62
Sr. No.
Issues Impact Actions/ Mitigation measures Time schedule
Implementation
IFC Performance standard
seasons in order to understand if there are any significant mortality of birds or disturbance to them due installation of windmills in the project area.
phase
5 Occupational health and safety
Workers will be trained for the health and safety requirements.
All the precautions will be taken while working at heights
Only trained and certified workers to install,
maintain or repair electrical equipment.
Deactivating and properly grounding live
power distribution lines before work is
performed on, or in close proximity to the
lines
Provide Personnel protective equipments
Implementation of a fall protection program includes training in climbing techniques and use of fall protection measures, inspection, maintenance and replacement etc.
Lifting Tool & Tackle should be tested as per relevant act and mark the safe operating limit, testing and due test date.
Provide workers with adequate work positioning device system.
During Operation phase
Promoter/ Developer
PS2
6
Community health and safety
Design site plan of project facilities to comply with the requirement of aviation authorities to avoid electromagnetic interference.
During Operation phase
Promoter/ Developer
PS4
63
Sr. No.
Issues Impact Actions/ Mitigation measures Time schedule
Implementation
IFC Performance standard
Prevent unauthorized personnel from assessing the towers by locking the doors of the tower
Grounding conducting objects which are installed near power lines, to prevent shock.
Wind turbine site shall be designed with appropriate safety setback.
Enforce traffic control including speed limits.
Provide rational speed control to ensure the safe operation of wind turbine rotors.
Develop an operational and emergency response program for fire and major accidents including emergency equipment.
Warning labels and public hazard information boards will be available at site to ensure public safety.
8 Visual impacts
Turbine will be painted a uniform color generally that will blend with sky i.e. light grey , white
Use anti-collision lighting and marking systems on towers and blades to provide aviation safety.
During Operation phase
Promoter/ Developer
PS3
64
7.2. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME
Environmental monitoring and supervision programme is a vital process of any management plan of the development project. This helps in alarming the potential problems that may result from the proposed project. This will help in taking prompt action for implementation of effective corrective measures. The main objectives of the monitoring program are:
To assess the changes in environmental conditions.
To monitor the effective implementation of mitigation measures.
Changes in environmental quality for further preventive action.
An environmental monitoring programe with parameters and frequency location are given in Table: VII.3 & 4.
Table VII.3
Environmental Monitoring Programme – Construction Phase
Item Parameters Frequency Standard methods
Air quality at nearest
village from wind turbine.
SO2 (24 hrly)
Twice in year during
construction period.
Improved West and Gaeke method.
Ultraviolet Fluorescence
NOx (24 hrly)
Jacob & Hochheiser modified method.
Gas Phase Chemiluminescence
SPM(24 hrly) High Volume Sampling
(HVS)
PM 10µ and 2.5µ (24 hrly)
Respirable Particulate
Matter Sampler
Noise measurement at nearest village from
wind turbine.
Equivalent noise level (Leq) for day
time and night time (Ld and Ln).
Once in a three month
during construction
period.
Hourly
Water quality
Ground water samples
Twice in year during
construction period.
IS: 10500
Surface water samples
IS:2296
Soil
Texture, physico chemical analysis
and relevant heavy metals
Twice in year during
construction period.
As per applicable standard
65
Table VII.4
Environmental Monitoring Programme - Operation Phase
Item
Parameters Frequency Standard methods
Noise Equivalent noise level (Leq) for day time and night time (Ld and Ln).
Once in year at nearest village from wind turbine.
Hourly
Surface Water quality
Measurement of surface, ground water
and soil quality for lubricating oil if any
contamination occurs as a result of considerable
oil spill to a nearby surface or unpaved ground due to the maintenance and operation of wind turbine activities.
Once in year at the nearest Surface water from the wind
turbine
IS: 10500
Ground Water quality
IS:2296
Soil As per
applicable standard
Bird mortality
annual monitoring of windmills be carried out at least for two years for two seasons in order to understand if there
are any significant mortality of birds or disturbance to them due installation of windmills in the project area.
-
7.3 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM
A joint social and environmental redress mechanism should be implemented under the project. Grievances and suggestions from local and affected people may come-up related to inappropriate implementation of the project and components of EMP. The expected range of grievances to be handled through this mechanism will encompass but not limited to the following:
a) Nuisance from noise, dust, and temporary blocking of access;
b) Emissions from increase vehicular traffic and stationary sources;
c) Conflict between local residents and migrant workers;
d) Underpayment or delayed payment of local workers,
e) Ownership of vegetation for clearing; and
f) Damage compensation.
These issues will be addressed through acknowledgement, evaluation and corrective action and response approach. Grievances from public or stakeholders concerning the project and EMP implementation will be received by the concerned „Project In-charge‟ at site. A site register will be maintained where all complaints are registered with the signature of the complainant and the „Site In-charge‟. The „Site In-charge‟ shall send one copy of the complaints to the following departments in the project promoter‟s organizational set up.
Human Resource Department,
Procurement Department,
Corporate Social Responsibility Department (Liaison Officer)
66
Environmental and Safety Department and
Project Management Department
If present, the Project Supervisor will then assess the grievances/suggestions and if they are found to be genuine and acceptable, will be resolved at the site office level itself within 30 days from the date of receipt. In case, the issue is unable to be resolved, the matter will be forwarded to the Social and Environmental department to the clients head quarter. The final responsibility of Grievance Redressal shall lie with the Project Management Department or the „Project In-charge‟. For management of complex grievance issues the client shall include local administration and local community representatives to resolve the issues when required. Grievance mechanism shall applicable during due course of construction phase and implementation phase of the project.
Table VII.5
Social and Environmental Action Plan
Actions Department Responsible Proposed Timeframe
for
Key performance indicator
In order ensure the implementation of the proposed EMP client shall regularly carry out Inspection and audits
Environment and safety department
Once in six months
Audit report.
Environmental Monitoring during construction phase and operation phase
Environment and safety department
Refer Table VII.3 and
Table VII.4
Monitoring records
Grievances Redressal HR + Liaison Officer +Project management +
Environmental and safety department
Within 30 days
Register the grievances as and when they arise.
If found genuine and acceptable resolve at site office within 30 days.
Avian fauna monitoring Monitoring shall be carried by outsourced expert - Wild life Biologist or Ornithologist
Annual monitoring for 2 years atleast for 2
seasons
Annual Monitoring report
67
CHAPTER VIII
PUBLIC CONSULTATION, FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Public Consultation is an important component of this study. As the proposed
project site involves only government revenue land, residents of the nearby
villages, local gram panchayats and representative of the local community were
considered as stakeholders and were consulted during the study. All the
stakeholders were informed well in advance about public consultation.
Stakeholder‟s consultation meeting was organized on 25th Feb, 2012 at
Fatehgarh Primary School, at Fatehgarh. All the stakeholders were informed
well in advance about venue, date and meeting date. The stakeholders included
the residents of the nearby villages, representatives of Inox team,
representatives of Tata Consulting Engineers Limited (TCE), IFC personnel and
farmers from different villages etc.
The meeting was opened with the introduction of the project by TCE. An
interactive session was held in Hindi Language (local language) with the villagers
to help them have better understanding of the project and its related impacts.
The stakeholders were informed regarding project benefits. Importance of the
project in terms of utilization of renewable energy resources and mitigation of
climate change was highlighted in during the interactive session. The photograph
of the interactive session held between during public consultation is shown in the
Figure VIII.1.
The meeting had a positive ambience and the participants supported the Project.
The discussion was intended to understand public opinion of the proposed
project.
Outcome of the public consutlation are as follows:
(a) The local public was aware about the wind energy project
IRL has conducted knowledge sharing camps for proposed project with
the intention to create awareness about the wind energy project among
the people. Local public was versed with the knowledge about wind
turbines and same was also reflected during the public consultation.
(b) Gist of Views of the public about the proposed project
Villagers were happy, as huge investment was planned in the
area. They were excited about new employment opportunities and
infrastructure developments in the area. The project will generate
employment to villagers.
The separate access roads are also welcomed by the villagers as
it will improve their accessibility to the fields.
Villagers expect more cashflow, income generation & thereby
economy development of the area.
Few villagers raised the concern that noise generation due WTG
might scare their cattle away. This concern of villagers was
68
addressed by giving example of already operating wind turbine in
the surrounding area where the cattle routinely graze underneath
the operating turbine. Also it was addressed that generation of
noise will be minimal due to the technology and design used for
the proposed project WTGs.
The expectation level with regard to community and individual
benefits from the proposed project included consistent power
supply as there is frequent power shut down in the area.
The public mentioned that they have not come across any case of bird collision or bird injury due to existing wind turbines in the surrounding area.
Figure VIII.1
Stakeholders during Public Consultation
69
List of stakeholder Attendees during public consultation
70
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The proposed project is not generating any solid or liquid effluents and thereby pollution of land, surface water or ground water resources is not anticipated.
Wind energy project are considered as green projects with insignificant/ minimal impact on the surrounding environment, which are reversible in nature and can be mitigated by proper Environmental Management plan.
It is recommended to follow the suggested EMP during the construction and operation phase of the project to mitigate the adverse impacts, if any.
During site recoinaissance survey, some of the settlement were observed close to proposed wind farm site at few locations. During the interaction with these residents it was understood that they have moved into revenue land and have set the settlements over there for managing their livestocks and for farming purpose. They do not have rights over the land they occupy and belong to local village.
Though IRL has not acquired the above mentioned land which otherwise would have result in phyical diplacement or economic displacment, however it is recommended to IRL to consider alternate feasible site for WTG locations which are located close to such settlement, in order to ensure that there will be no hardships due to community health and safety issues during the due course of implementation and long run of the project.
It is recommended to IRL to support the activities such as development and improvement of the educational and Medical facilities in the area as a part of CSR activity since the area is deprived of these facilities.
Project will have positive socioeconomic benefits to the surrounding villages.
The major source of income in the area is from tourism and farming. The proposed project will additionally generate of temporary and long term employment oppurtunities.
This project attracts CDM benefits for which relevant study is required to be undertaken at an appropriate time.
Considering equator principles, impacts of the project on relevant social and environmental parameters were assessed. The negative impacts were found to be temporary and insignificant. Besides, positive impacts are expected to be more pronounced on surrounding environment.
As per Equator Principles Financial Institutions (EPFIs) categorization, the proposed wind project falls under category “B” implying very limited to minimal social or environmental impacts - specific to site, largely reversible and which can readily be managed through envisaged mitigation measures.
It can be concluded that proposed project is environment-friendly and environmentally sustainable in the long run.
71
APPENDIX 1
COORDINATE LOCATION OF WTGs
72
73
74
75
76
APPENDIX 2
NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS
S.No. Pollutant Time
Weighted Average
Concentration in Ambient Air
Industrial, Residential, Rural and Other area
Ecologically Sensitive
Area (notified by Central
Government
Methods of Measurement
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
1 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), µg/m3
Annual* 50 20 -Improved West and Gaeke
24 hours** 80 80 -Ultraviolet
Fluorescence
2 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), µg/m3
Annual* 40 30 -Modified Jacob & Hochheiser
(Na-Arsenic)
24 hours** 80 80 - Chemiluminescence
3
Particulate Matter (size less than 10 µm) or PM10 µg/m3
Annual* 24 hours**
60
100
60
100
- Gravimetric
- TOEM
- Beta attenuation
4
Particulate Matter (size less than 2.5 µm) or PM2.5 µg/m3
Annual* 40 40 - Gravimetric
- TOEM
24 hours** 60 60 - Beta attenuation
5 Ozone (O3) µg/m3
8 hours **
100 100 - UV photometric
- Chemiluminescence
1 hour** 180 180 - Chemical method
6 Lead (Pb) µg/m3
Annual* 0.5 0.5
- AAS/ICP method after sampling on EPM 2000 or equivalent filter paper
24 hours** 1 1 - ED-XRF using Teflon filter
7 Carbon Monoxide (CO) mg/m3
8 hours ** 2 2 - Non Dispersive Infrared (NDIR)Spectroscopy 1 hour** 4 4
8 Ammonia (NH3) µg/m3
Annual* 100 100 - Chemiluminescence
24 hours** 400 400 - Indophenol blue method
9 Benzene (C6H6) µg/m3
Annual* 5 5
- Gas chromatography based continuous analyser
- Adsorption and Desorption followed
77
Note- Whenever and wherever monitoring results on two consecutive days of monitoring exceed the limits specified above for the respective category, it shall be considered adequate reason to institute regular or continuous monitoring and further investigation
-The Principal rules were published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary vide number S.O. 844(E), dated the 19th November , 1986; and subsequently amended vide numbers S.O.433(E), dated the 18th April, 1987; G.S.R. 176(E), dated 2nd April 1996; and were recently amended vide numbers G.S.R 97 (E), dated the 18th February, 2009; G.S.R. 149(E), dated the 4th March, 2009;G.S.R. 512(E0, dated the 9th July, 2009; G.S.R. 543(E), dated the 22nd July 2009;G.S.R.595 (E), dated the 21st August 2009; and G.S.R 794(E), dated the 4th November ,2009.
by GC analysis
10
Benzo (α) Pyrene (BaP) -Particulate Phase only ng/m3
Annual* 1 1 - Solvent extraction
followed by HPLC/GC analysis
11 Arsenic (As), ng/m3
Annual* 6 6
- AAS/ICP method after sampling on EPM 2000 or equivalent filter paper
12 Nickel (Ni),ng/m3
Annual* 20 20
- AAS/ICP method after sampling on EPM 2000 or equivalent filter paper
* Annual Arithmetic mean of minimum 104 measurements in a year at a particular site taken twice a week 24 hourly at uniform intervals.
** 24 hourly or 8 hourly or 01 hourly monitored values, as applicable, shall be complied with 98% of the time in a year. 2% of the time, they may exceed the limits but not on two consecutive days of monitoring.
78
APPENDIX-3
NOISE MONITORING DATA
79
APPENDIX-4
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS IN RESPECT OF NOISE
Area Code Category of Area/ Zone
Limit in dBA (Leq)*
Day Time Night Time
(A) Industrial area 75 70
(B) Commercial area 65 55
(C) Residential area 55 45
(D) Silence Zone 50 40
Note:
1. Day time shall mean from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.
2. Night time shall mean from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.
3. Silence zone is defined as an area comprising not less than 100 metres around hospitals, educational institutes and courts. The silence zones are zones which are declared as such by the competent authority.
4. Mixed categories of areas may be declared as one of the four above mentioned categories by the competent authority.
* dB(A) Leq denotes the time weighted average of the level of sound in decibels
on scale A which is relatable to human hearing.
A "decibel" is a unit in which noise is measured.
"A", in dB(A) Leq, denotes the frequency weighting in the measurement of noise and corresponds to frequency response characteristics of the human ear.
Leq: It is an energy mean of the noise level over a specified period.
80
APPENDIX-5
NOISE LEVEL AS PER IFC GUIDELINES
Receptor Daytime
One Hour LAeq (dBA)
Day time (07:00 - 22:00)
Night time (22:00 - 07:00)
Residential; institutional; Educational
55 45
Industrial, commercial
70 70
81
APPENDIX-6
SURFACE WATER QUALITY
82
APPENDIX 7
GROUND WATER QUALITY
83
APPENDIX 8
SOIL CHARACTERISTICS
84
APPENDIX 9
DEMOGRAPHIC STRUCTURE OF THE STUDY AREA
NAME of the village
No of Households
Population Population 0-6 Years SC Population ST Population
Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female
Rajgarh 161 952 563 389 207 139 68 48 27 21 57 34 23
Bahla Basti 55 347 194 153 93 50 43 5 2 3 0 0 0
Chhodiya 55 335 189 146 78 44 34 180 96 84 5 4 1
Laxmansar 75 487 289 198 121 74 47 55 33 22 0 0 0
Dangri 394 2400 1284 1116 592 313 279 70 39 31 498 255 243
Mehreri 70 461 240 221 113 55 58 59 27 32 0 0 0
85
APPENDIX 10
LITERACY LEVEL IN THE STUDY AREA
NAME of the village
Literate Illiterate
Total Male Female Total Male Female
Rajgarh 390 271 119 562 292 270
Bahla Basti 148 93 55 199 101 98
Chhodiya 147 107 40 188 82 106
Laxmansar 161 123 38 326 166 160
Dangri 827 613 214 1573 671 902
Mehreri 172 129 43 289 111 178
86
APPENDIX 11
OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE
Village name
Total Workers
(Main+Marginal)
Persons
Total Workers (Main+Margina
l) Males
Total Workers (Main+Margina
l) Females
Main Worker
s - Person
s
Main Workers - Males
Main Workers
- Females
Main Workers
Cultivators - Persons
Main Workers
Cultivators - Males
Main Workers
Cultivators -
Females
Rajgarh 535 311 224 424 253 171 305 181 124
Bahla Basti 97 88 9 92 86 6 53 49 4
Chhodiya 119 85 34 93 85 8 70 63 7
Laxmansar 254 146 108 202 138 64 123 62 61
Dangri 1066 667 399 358 291 67 101 90 11
Mehreri 209 120 89 121 98 23 78 66 12
87
APPENDIX 11 (continued)
OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE
Village name
Main Workers
Agricultural Labourers -
Persons
Main Workers
Agricultural Labourers -
Males
Main Workers
Agricultural Labourers -
Females
Main Workers
Household Industry - Persons
Main Workers
Household Industry -
Males
Main Workers
Household Industry - Females
Main Workers Other -
Persons
Main Workers Other - Males
Main Workers Other -
Females
Rajgarh 7 6 1 3 3 0 109 63 46
Bahla Basti 4 3 1 0 0 0 35 34 1
Chhodiya 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 22 1
Laxmansar 3 0 3 1 1 0 75 75 0
Dangri 0 0 0 99 98 1 158 103 55
Mehreri 0 0 0 0 0 0 43 32 11
APPENDIX 12 Bird and Bat Study for Dangri Wind farm project at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan