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Coastal Tamil Nadu Power Ltd. Common EIA Report for Cheyyur UMPP

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................................................................... 3 1.2 SITE SELECTION ........................................................................................................................................................ 4 1.3 LAND REQUIREMENTS AND AVAILABILITY ...................................................................................................................... 6 1.4 EIA NOTIFICATION & STUDY ...................................................................................................................................... 7

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR EIA STUDIES .............................................................................................................. 9

2.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................ 9 2.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) FOR MAIN PLANT ............................................................................................................ 9 2.3 TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) FOR CAPTIVE PORT ......................................................................................................... 12

PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................................... 14

3.1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................... 14 3.2 LAND REQUIREMENT .............................................................................................................................................. 14 3.3 SITE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROJECT ..................................................................................................................... 14

Main Plant .......................................................................................................................................................... 14 Captive Port ....................................................................................................................................................... 15 Main Plant Layout ............................................................................................................................................. 15 Captive Port Layout ............................................................................................................................................ 17 3.4 Coal Transportation from Port to Power Plant ............................................................................................. 20

METHODOLOGY OF EIA STUDY .......................................................................................................................... 22

4.1 General ......................................................................................................................................................... 22 4.2 Study Area .................................................................................................................................................... 22 4.3 Scoping Matrix ............................................................................................................................................. 22 4.4 Data Collection ............................................................................................................................................. 22 4.5 Impact Prediction ......................................................................................................................................... 22 4.6 Environmental Management Plan (EMP) .................................................................................................... 23 4.7 Risk Analysis and Disaster Management Plan ............................................................................................. 23 4.8 Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) Plan ............................................................................................. 23 4.9 Environmental Monitoring Programme (EMP) ............................................................................................ 23

ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE STUDY DATA ......................................................................................................... 25

5.1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................... 25 5.2 MAIN PLANT AREA ................................................................................................................................................. 25

5.2.1 Project Area District .................................................................................................................................. 25 5.2.2 Topography ............................................................................................................................................... 26 5.2.3 Physiography ............................................................................................................................................. 26 5.2.4 Geology ..................................................................................................................................................... 26 5.2.5 Soils ........................................................................................................................................................... 26 5.2.6 Meteorology .............................................................................................................................................. 27 5.2.7 Ambient Air Quality ................................................................................................................................... 27 5.2.8 Ambient Noise Level .................................................................................................................................. 29 5.2.9 Water Resources ...................................................................................................................................... 30 5.2.10 Water Quality .......................................................................................................................................... 30 5.2.11 Land Use Pattern ..................................................................................................................................... 31 5.2.12 Vegetation ............................................................................................................................................... 31 5.2.13 Wildlife .................................................................................................................................................... 31


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5.2.14 Avifauna ................................................................................................................................................. 32 5.2.15 Fisheries ................................................................................................................................................... 32

5.3 CAPTIVE PORT AREA ............................................................................................................................................... 32 5.3.1 Water quality ............................................................................................................................................ 33

ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ................................................................................................................................. 40

6.1 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ........................................................................................................................................ 40 6.2 MAIN PLANT ......................................................................................................................................................... 40

6.2.1 Impact on Land Environment .................................................................................................................... 40 6.2.2 Impact on Water Environment .................................................................................................................. 41 6.2.3 Impact on Noise Level ............................................................................................................................... 42 6.2.4 Impact on Air Environment ....................................................................................................................... 42 6.2.5 Impact Due to Coal Handling .................................................................................................................... 43 6.2.6 Impact on Ecology ..................................................................................................................................... 43 6.2.7 Impact on Socio‐Economic Environment ................................................................................................... 43 Impact on Infrastructure Facilities ..................................................................................................................... 44 Impact Due to Immigrant Population And Labour Camps ................................................................................. 44 Impact on Cultural/ Religious/ Historical Monuments ....................................................................................... 44 Impacts on Salt Pans .......................................................................................................................................... 45 6.2.8 Summary of Impacts ................................................................................................................................. 45

6.3 CAPTIVE PORT ...................................................................................................................................................... 48 6.3.1 Scoping Outcome ...................................................................................................................................... 48 6.3.2 Estimation of Impacts – Design ................................................................................................................. 49 6.4 Prediction of Impacts ................................................................................................................................... 50

ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................................................................ 57

7.1 MAIN PLANT AREA ................................................................................................................................................. 57 7.1.1 EMP for Construction Phase ...................................................................................................................... 57 7.1.2 Environmental Management during Operation Phase ............................................................................. 59 Air Pollution Control ........................................................................................................................................... 60 Compensatory Afforestation .............................................................................................................................. 61 Rain Water Harvesting ....................................................................................................................................... 61 Greenbelt Development ..................................................................................................................................... 62 Socio‐economic Environment ............................................................................................................................. 62 Fire Protection System........................................................................................................................................ 62 Bird Conservation Plan ...................................................................................................................................... 63

7.2 CAPTIVE PORT ...................................................................................................................................................... 63 7.2.1 Mitigation Measures ................................................................................................................................. 63 7.2.2 Tsunami Early Warning System ................................................................................................................. 63 7.2.3 Operational Criteria For Port Craft (Tugboats And Mooring Boats) ......................................................... 64 7.2.4 Fire Fighting System for Coal Conveyor ..................................................................................................... 64

PUBLIC HEARINGS AND PROCEEDINGS .............................................................................................................. 65

8.1 MAIN PLANT AND ASH DYKE AREA ........................................................................................................................... 65 8.2 CAPTIVE JETTY AND COAL CONVEYOR OFF PANAIYUR CHINNAKUPPAM ............................................................................. 65

RISK ASSESSMENT AND DISSASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN .................................................................................. 66

9.1 RISK ASSESSMENT AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................................................. 66

RESETTLEMENT AND REHABILITATION PLAN & CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ......................................... 67

10.1 RESETTLEMENT & REHABILITATION PLAN ................................................................................................................. 67 10.2 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ACTIVITIES ......................................................................................................... 67


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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Electricity is one of the key infrastructure elements for the economic growth of a country. The infrastructure needs the availability of assured and quality power at affordable price. In order to augment the availability of Electricity, an initiative for Environment friendly Thermal capacity development of 100,000 MW was proposed with the aim to provide “Power to All” by 2012. However, this objective is not likely to be achieved due to huge deficits in achieving the capacity additions of 10th and 11th plans. The 12th plan (2012‐17) also envisages about 75,000 MW of fresh additions along with 11th plan spillovers. To achieve the objective of fast capacity addition, power planners in India had contemplated building of large Coal fired Power Plants either at Coal Pit‐heads for using indigenous Coal without stressing much on Rail Transport System or as Coastal Thermal Power Station near the Sea Ports for using imported Coal. With this aim in for overall development, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India has initiated a scheme for development of Ultra Mega Power Projects (UMPPs) in India. As on date, fifteen UMPPs have been envisaged, out of which four UMPPs have been awarded to selected developer. UMPPs Awarded:

Sasan Power Limited, Sasan UMPP, Madhya Pradesh Coastal Gujarat Power Limited, Mundra UMPP, Gujarat Coastal Andhra Power Ltd., Krishnapatnam UMPP, Andhra Pradesh Jharkhand Integrated Power Ltd., Tilaiya UMPP, Jharkhand

UMPPs in Pipeline:

Chhattisgarh Surguja Power Ltd., Chhattisgarh UMPP Orissa Integrated Power Ltd., Sundargarh UMPP, Orissa Coastal Tamil Nadu Power Ltd., Cheyyur UMPP, Tamil Nadu Tatiya Andhra Mega Power Ltd., Andhra Pradesh 2nd UMPP Sakhigopal Integrated Power Co. Ltd., Orissa Additional UMPP 1 Ghogarpalli Integrated Power Co. Ltd., Orissa Additional UMPP 2 Coastal Maharashtra Power Ltd. Maharashtra UMPP


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Coastal Karnataka Power Ltd., Karnataka UMPP Tamil Nadu 2nd UMPP Gujarat 2nd UMPP Jharkhand 2nd UMPP

Each project would be of 4000 MW capacity and would be based on super critical technology. Thus, they would have the advantage of economies of scale on account of large capacity at single location, reduction in emissions on account of super critical technology and competitive tariff. The power from such projects is allocated by Ministry of Power (MoP), Govt. of India to various States of the Country in view of their requirements. Central Electricity Authority (CEA), GoI is the Technical partner and Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFCL) has been identified as the nodal agency for the development of UMPPs. The objective is to develop large capacity projects in India and attract potential investors including private participants for developing such Projects from a stage where these Projects are already having major clearances and Power selling tie‐ups etc. The UMPPs are developed in accordance with ‘Case 2’ scenario of the “Guidelines for Determination of Tariff by Bidding Process for Procurement of Power by Distribution Licensees” issued by MoP. As per the Guidelines multi‐procurer projects have the option to conduct the bid process through an authorized representative. The authorized representative may be one of the procurers or a special purpose vehicle (SPV) incorporated for such purpose. PFC, as the nodal agency, incorporates a SPV for each UMPP. The SPVs tie up necessary inputs and clearances such as provision of site, fuel through captive mining blocks, water and in principle environment and forest clearances and also works as the authorized representative of the procurers of power for conducting the bid process to select the developer. On completion of the bidding process the SPVs along with the various clearances, tie ups etc. are transferred to the successful bidder for implementation of the projects at the agreed tariff and within the agreed timeframe. One of such UMPPs is envisaged in Cheyyur in Kancheepuram District of Tamil Nadu. The project would be based on imported coal. A captive jetty for the import of coal is also a part of the project. For development of Cheyyur UMPP, Coastal Tamil Nadu Power Limited (CTNPL) has been incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of PFCL. The capacity of Cheyyur UMPP shall be 4000 MW and the contracted output shall be


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3500 to 3800 MW at the above Power Plant Switchyard bus. The Units shall use Super‐critical Technology. 1.2 Site SelectionThe key elements for selection of site for a Thermal Power Station (TPS) include:

The availability of suitable and adequate land with least R & R issues Fuel availability and its transportation from the source of availability Water availability within a reasonable distance Road and Railway access Acceptability from the Environmental consideration Availability of infrastructural facilities Rehabilitation and Resettlement issues (R&R) Proximity to Grid for Evacuation of Power

For development of Ultra Mega Thermal Power Project, a Site Selection Committee of CEA, PFCL and Govt. of Tamil Nadu authorities in October, 2006 visited two potential area namely Cheyyur and Nagapattinam . The objective of the joint visit was to identify potential coal based sites for setting up of new UMPP in the State of Tamil Nadu. Four (4) alternative sites, viz Nagapattinam, Cheyyur, Kilakarai and Vembar site were considered. Based on these alternatives, Cheyyur was considered the most suitable site due to following reasons:

Minimum Agricultural land No habitation in the proposed Site Religious places including Mahabalipuram are well away from Site (30‐60 km) and no Ecological sensitive locations

Project Site is located at a distance more than the minimum specified from Railway lines, National Highways and High Tide Level.

Availability of Sea Water nearby No ground filling is required Encouraging response from local Public.

The site is located near Cheyyur village in Cheyyur Block of Kancheepuram district in Tamil Nadu Coastal area. The Main Plant is located in a cluster of four Villages namely Cheyyur B Block, Gangadevankuppam, Chitharkadu and Vedal. The ash pond is located in a cluster of two villages namely, Vilangadu and Kokkaranthangal. As it is proposed to import coal through a marine coal handling facility, a Joint inspection of Panaiyur area was undertaken by officials from CEA, GoTN’s various departments namely Revenue Department; Department of Environment; Tamil Nadu


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Pollution Control Board; Tamil Nadu Maritime Board; Archaeological Department, Tourism Department and PFCC for setting up of the Captive Port. The site for the Captive Port was selected in the village Panaiyur, District Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. Based on the joint site inspection report, GoTN in October 2009 advised to ʹgo‐aheadʹ with the Port site at Panaiyur. The Main Plant area is located at a distance of approximately 5 km to the west of the proposed Captive Port location. The total coal import is estimated at 12 to 14 Million Metric Tons per annum and the estimated consumption is 40,000 to 45,000 MT per day. 1.3 Land Requirements and Availability

The land initially for the project as per the Administrative Sanction accorded by the GoTN in December 2010 was about 1,627 acres. However, the land requirement was revised based on Guidelines issued by CEA and is reduced to about 1,111 acres. In addition, the land of about 258 acres has been identified for corridor for Ash Pipe line, Railway Siding, Service/ approach Road and conveyor alignment. The Corridor for cooling Water Pipelines and Discharge Pipelines shall be aligned below the corridor for conveyor belt from Captive Port to Main Plant. As such, no additional corridor for cooling water pipeline and discharge pipeline is required. The proposed conveyor corridor is free from any major encumbrances and it does not pass through any habitation & reserve forest areas. The location of the Main Plant, Ash Dyke and Captive Port area are indicated in the following map.


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1.4 EIA Notification & Study

As per EIA notification issued by Ministry of Environment and Forests in September 14, 2006, the proposed thermal power project comes under category `A’. For such projects, it is mandatory for the project proponent to get approval for Terms of Reference from Ministry of Environment and Forests, (MOEF), Government of India. For Captive Port, it is required to conduct EIA studies for the Port development proposals as per the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification (dated 14th September 2006) and the CRZ Notification dated 19th February 1991 and January 6, 2011 of the Ministry of Environmental and Forests (MoEF). For the Main Plant, MOEF has issued the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Studies on March 19, 2009 and for the Captive Port on February 1, 2010. The EIA study for the proposed thermal power project has been conducted by M/s WAPCOS Limited, a Government of India Undertaking in the Ministry of Water


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Resources (MOWR) and for the Captive Port, M/s National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) was appointed for conducting the EIA studies. As per the MOEF notification dated December 24, 2010, for an integrated and inter‐linked projects having multi sectoral components shall prepare a common EIA report covering impact of each of the component in a comprehensive manner after obtaining ToRs from each of the respective sectoral Expert Appraisal Committee (EACs). Further, it has also been prescribed that after the EIA report has been prepared and public hearing has been held, the proposals for environmental clearance in respect of all the sectoral components of the project shall be submitted simultaneously. The Public hearing for the Main Plant was held on June 10, 2010 and for the Captive Port & Coal conveyor was held on December 28, 2011. In accordance with the above MOEF guidelines, this Common EIA report has been prepared for consideration of the project by EAC (Thermal Power and Coal Mine Projects) as well as by EAC (Coastal Regulation Zone, Infrastructure Development and Miscellaneous projects).


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CHAPTER TWO

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR EIA STUDIES

2.1 Introduction

For the Main Plant, MOEF has issued the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Studies on March 19, 2009 and for the Captive Port on February 1, 2010. 2.2 Terms of Reference (ToR) for Main Plant

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of MoEF for environmental appraisal of Thermal Power and Coal mine projects considered the proposal for setting up of 4,000MW UMPP during its meeting held on February 10‐11, 2009. Based upon the considerations of the documents submitted and the presentation made by the proponent, the Committee prescribed the following Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Main Plant and Colony area:

1. Comparison of alternate sites considered and the reasons for selecting the proposed site. Conformity of the site with the prescribed guidelines in terms of distance of 500 m from HFL of the river, highways, railway line should also be shown.

2. All the coordinates of the plant site as well as ash pond with toposheet. 3. Examine the adoption of super critical technology. Reasons for selecting the

proposed technology should be given. 4. The study area should cover an area of 10 km radius around the proposed site. 5. Land use of the study area as well as the project area shall be given. 6. Location of any National Park, Sanctuary, Elephant/Tiger Reserve (existing as

well as proposed), migratory routes, if any, within 10 km of the project site shall be specified and marked on the map duly authenticated by the Chief Wildlife Warden.

7. Land requirement for the project to be optimized. Item wise break up of land requirement and its availability to be furnished. The norms prescribed by CEA should be kept in view. It should also include land to be acquired, if any, for coal transportation system as well as for laying of pipeline including ROW. It may clearly be confirmed that the land including ROW is free of all encumbrances. The issues relating to land acquisition and R&R should be clearly discussed in the EIA report.


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8. Identification of CRZ area: A CRZ map duly authenticated by one of the authorised agencies demarcating LTL, HTL, CRZ area, location of the project and associated facilities w.r.t. CRZ, coastal features such as mangroves, if any. The route of the pipeline, conveyor system etc. passing through CRZ, if any, should also be demarcated. The recommendations of the State Coastal Management Authority for the activities to be taken up in the CRZ should also be provided.

9. Impact of the activities to be taken up in the CRZ area including jetty etc. should be integrated into the EIA report, however, action should be taken to obtain separate clearance from the competent authority as may be applicable to such activities.

10. Location of intake and outfall points (with coordinates) should be given. These locations should be selected based on modeling studies. Details of modeling and the results obtained there from should be furnished. It may be kept in view that the intake and outfall points are away from the mangroves. Marine impact of such activities should be clearly brought out in the EIA report.

11. Details of desalination plant and disposal of sludge. 12. Marine ecology and terrestrial ecology and the impact thereon should also be

covered in the EIA report. 13. Topography of the area should be given clearly indicating whether the site

requires any filling. If so, details of filling, quantity of fill material required, its source, transportation etc. should be given.

14. Impact on drainage of the area and the surroundings. A detailed area drainage study should be carried out and report furnished.

15. Contour map of the area should also be provided. 16. Information regarding surface hydrology and water regime and impact of the

same, if any due to the project. 17. One season site‐specific meteorological data shall be provided. 18. One complete season Air Quality (AAQ) data (except monsoon) to be given

along with the dates of monitoring. The parameters to be covered shall include SPM, RSPM, S02, NOx, Hg and Ozone (ground level). The location of the monitoring stations should be so decided so as to take into consideration the pre‐dominant downwind direction, population zone and sensitive receptors including reserved forests. There should be at least one monitoring station in the upwind direction. There should be at least one monitoring station in the pre dominant downwind direction at a location where maximum ground level concentration is likely to occur.

19. Impact of the project on the AAQ of the area. Details of the model used and the input data used for modeling should also be provided. The air quality contours may be plotted on a location map showing the location of project site, habitation


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nearby, sensitive receptors, if any. The wind roses should also be shown on this map.

20. Fuel analysis to be provided (sulphur, ash content and heavy metals including Pb, Cr, As and Hg). Details of auxiliary fuel, if any including its quantity, quality, storage etc. should also be given.

21. Quantity of fuel required its source and transportation. A confirmed fuel linkage should be provided.

22. Source of water and its availability. Commitment regarding availability of requisite quantity of water from the competent authority.

23. Details of rainwater harvesting and how it will be used in the plant. 24. Examine the feasibility of zero discharge. In case of any proposed discharge, its

quantity, quality and point of discharge, users downstream etc. should be provided.

25. Optimization of COC for water conservation. Other water conservation measuresʹ proposed in the project should also be given. Quantity of water requirement for the project should be optimized.

26. Details of water balance taking into account reuse and re‐circulation of effluents. 27. Details of greenbelt i.e. land with not less than 1500 trees per ha giving details of

species, width of plantation, planning schedule etc. 28. Detailed plan of ash utilization/ management. 29. Details of evacuation of ash 30. Details regarding ash pond impermeability including soil analysis report and

whether it would be lined, if so details of the lining 31. Detailed R&R plan/compensation package in consonance with the National/State

R&R Policy for the project affected people including that due to fuel transportation system/pipeline and their ROW, if any, shall be prepared taking into account the socio economic status of the area, homestead oustees, land oustees, landless laboureres.

32. Details of flora and fauna duly authenticated should be provided. In case of any scheduled fauna, conservation plan should be provided.

33. Details regarding infrastructure facilities such as sanitation, fuel, restroom, medical facilities, safety during construction phase etc. to be provided to the labour force during construction as well as to the casual workers including truck drivers during operation phase.

34. Public hearing points raised and commitment of the project proponent on the same. An action plan to address the issues raised during public hearing and the necessary allocation of funds for the same should be provided.


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35. Measures of socio economic influence to the local community proposed to be provided by project proponent. As far as possible, quantitative dimension to be given.

36. Impact of the project on local infrastructure of the area such as road network and whether any additional infrastructure would need to be constructed and the agency responsible for the same with time frame.

37. Environment Management Plan (EMP) to mitigate the adverse impacts due to the project along with item wise cost of its implementation.

38. Risk assessment including fire and explosion issues due to storage and use of fuel should be carried out. It should take into account the maximum inventory of storage at site at any point in time. The risk contours should be plotted on the plant layout map clearly showing which of the proposed activities would be affected in case of an accident taking place. Based on the same, proposed safeguard measures should be provided. Measures to guard against fire hazards should also be provided.

39. Any litigation pending against the project and/or any direction/order passed by any Court of Law against the project, if so, details thereof.

2.3 Terms of Reference (ToR) for Captive Port

The proposal of site at Panaiyur village was considered in the 83rd EAC meeting of MoEF held on 21st‐23rd Dec, 2009. The details presented by the proponent were discussed and the following “Terms of Reference (ToR)” was finalised to be suitably added to those furnished earlier.

1. Examine and submit the details of the impact of coal conveyor belt which is passing through some habitations, crossing the Buckingham Canal, Tourism Corridor, and East Coast Road.

2. Examine and submit the details of impacts on nearby water bodies and other eco‐sensitive areas in the vicinity and impact due the project

3. Examine and submit the impact of the project on the mouth of water bodies at southern side and sea line.

4. Examine and submit the details on impact to the fishing activities. 5. Submit the status of the approval of power plant project. 6. Examine and submit the details of land use alongside the corridor and also of the

site. 7. Coconut trees are also falling in the alignment. 8. Examine the no. of trees to be cut, and also submit a re‐plantation plan. 9. Submit a copy of recommendations of TNSCZMA.


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10. The air quality monitoring should be carried out as per the new notification issued on 16th November, 2009.

11. Examine and submit details of Risk Analysis and Disaster Management Plan. 12. Examine the details of what will be CO2, NOx and SO2 emissions per year with

respect to the plant life. 13. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment based on a minimum of 3

seasons data and environment impact assessment report should be prepared based on actual field measurements, appropriate modeling studies etc.

14. Examine and submit Comprehensive EIA, Risk Analysis and Disaster Management.

15. Examine and submit the details of R&R. 2.4 Agencies involved in various studies

As per the requirement of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board the following consulting organisations were appointed by CTNPL for conducting various studies for the Cheyyur UMPP:

WAPCOS Limited: For Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment and other technical studies.

Institute of Remote Sensing (IRS): For topography study for the project site National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT): For Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment of proposed Captive Marine Terminal of Panaiyur Chinnakuppam f or Cheyyur UMPP.

RITES Limited: For Feasibility Study for Transportation of Coal & POL Institute for Ocean Management (IOM): For Coastal morphology study Indian Maritime University: For pre‐feasibility study for port site selection


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CHAPTER THREE

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.1 Introduction

The proposed 4000 MW Cheyyur Ultra Mega Power Project site is located near Cheyyur village in Cheyyur Block of Kancheepuram District in Tamil Nadu Coastal area. The power plant would be based on imported coal for which a Captive Port is proposed as a part of the Project. The location of the Main Plant is in a cluster of four Villages namely Cheyyur B Block, Gangadevankuppam, Chitharkadu and Vedal. The location of the Ash Pond is in a cluster of one village namely Vilangadu of Kancheepuram District. The Captive Port is at Panaiyur, District Kancheepuram. The nearest railway station is Melmaruvathur (21 km)/ Maduranthakam (22 km). The railway stations are well connected to Chennai through broad gauge railway system. The nearest airport is at Chennai, located about 96 km from the site. The site needs to be connected with State Highway (East Coast Road)/National Highway (NH‐45). 3.2 Land Requirement

The total land required for the Main Plant, Ash Dyke and Captive Port is about 1,111 acres. In addition, land of about 258 acres has been identified for corridor for Ash Pipe line, Railway Siding, Service/ approach Road and conveyor alignment. The Corridor for cooling Water Pipelines and Discharge Pipelines shall be aligned below the corridor for conveyor belt from Captive Port to Main Plant. As such, no additional corridor for cooling water pipeline and discharge pipeline is required. The proposed conveyor corridor is free from any major encumbrances and it does not pass through any habitation & reserve forest areas. 3.3 Site Characteristics of The Project

Main Plant The Main Plant site is about 4.0km on the Western side of the East Coast in Cheyyur Village topography of the plot of land is gently sloping downwards from North West to South‐East direction and there are no major structures present on the site. The Project site and adjoining area is essentially a gently sloping land. There is a level difference of


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about 2.0m to 15m in the Main Plant & Colony area and 21m to 32m in the Ash Pond Area. The proposed site of 1028.63 acres is bounded by East Coast Road (ECR) & Sea on the East, National Highway NH‐45 & Chennai ‐ Kanyakumari Railway line on the West and plain lands on both North and South. The land for Ash Pond is approx 3.5 km away towards North West of the Power Plant site. The Site grade level would be kept at 5 m elevation above MSL for the Main Plant. As the Elevation varies from 2.0 m to 15 m, lot of leveling work is required and no Earth shall be spare for dumping. As such no dumping sites are envisaged at this stage. Similarly, Site grade level would be kept below 25.0 m for the Ash Pond in which case lot of excavation is required. Earth so excavated shall be used in construction of Ash Dyke all around the Ash Pond. However, actual aspects shall be examined during Engineering Design and the Developer shall ensure the needful depending upon the actual Earth work both in Main Plant and Ash Pond. Captive Port The site for the Captive Port lies in Panaiyur village. The total land area is about 83 acres and lies in between Panaiyur Chinnakuppam and Panaiyur Periakuppam hamlets. There is a metal road connecting ECR and Panaiyur Periyakuppam. A kutcha road branches off from the metal road to connect Panaiyur Chinnakuppam. The water front is about 650m long. The water front is completely free from any activity. The land area identified is abutting the water front and is predominantly vacant land with some coconut plantations of recent origin and some fenced private houses also of recent construction. There is no inhabitation in the water front and back up area. The identified project land area has no sand dunes and is fairly flat. There are no religious or archaeological structures within this area. Two fishing hamlets are located to the north and south of the proposed site and are connected to the road on the landward side by a kutcha road. Main Plant Layout The Nominal Capacity of the Power Plant would be 4000 MW. Number of units could vary depending upon the plant configuration chosen by the selected developer. However, all calculations are based assuming Unit size of 660 MW. However, Unit sizes of 5x800 & 4x1000 are also possible. Supercritical Steam cycle would be adopted for the Ultra Mega Power Project.


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The layout of the Power Plant has been planned considering the space requirements for the equipment, systems, building and structures, Coal handing, Coal storage area and Ash Sea water is proposed for Condenser Cooling in a Recirculation System. Necessary Plant drainage system would be provided at the proposed Power Plant site. Rain water harvesting is proposed to be included as a Project component to conserve naturally available water source. The layout of main plant is enclosed as Figure‐3.1. The Coal shall be normally transported to Main Plant stockyard and under emergency conditions; the same shall be stored at Captive Port stockyard for transit storage for further transportation to the Main Plant at the earliest available opportunity. The Coal received at the Plant Site would be stacked by three Stacker Reclaimers for further conveying either to the Plant Bunkers or to the Plant Stock‐yard through a series of Conveyors. Provision is made to keep 30 days stocks at the Main Plant Stockyard & a maximum of Two (2) Shiploads Capacity stockpile at the Port site. The source of water for the Plant is Sea‐water drawn from Bay of Bengal which is at a distance of about 4 to 5 km from the proposed Plant. Sea water shall be used for Condenser Cooling and also for other miscellaneous requirements such as Desalination Plant / RO System, DM Plant, Coal Handling Plant, Ash Handling system, Potable water for Plant / Colony, Air Conditioning system and Plant Service water etc. The area identified for Ash Disposal is about 220 Acres which can accommodate around Ash (Both Bottom & even Fly Ash if required) over a period of 25 years as per CEA norms for Coastal Thermal Power Stations. As regards Fly Ash, 100% utilization of the same has to be ensured. The Fly Ash Management plan shall be drawn by the Power Project Developer so that the Fly Ash in dry form is utilized fully for gainful purposes. The Power Developer would look for prospective buyers for 100% utilization of the Fly Ash and part utilization of Bottom Ash produced. Tree Plant Nursery and trial planting area would be set up near the Ash Disposal area for effective growth of vegetation in and around the Ash Disposal area in order to prevent wind carrying away the exposed Ash. The type of vegetation should be tolerant to the Bottom Ash characteristics to achieve growth on Ash.


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Captive Port Layout It is proposed to import coal through a marine coal handling facility. The Main Plant shall be located shoreward at a distance of approximately 5 km to the west of the proposed captive jetty location. The total coal import is estimated at 12 to 14 Million Metric Tons per annum and the estimated daily consumption is 40,000 to 45,000 MT. A coal handling jetty at a distance of 1000 to 1200 m offshore in 12‐13m water depths is proposed. There shall be two berths of approximately 600m length. An approach trestle shall be constructed to connect the jetty and port land. The Proposed breakwater and jetty layout is shown in Figure 3.2. The Cross section of proposed Breakwater, jetty and approach trestle are shown in Figures 3.3 to 3.5 respectively. The berths will be provided with grab unloaders of suitable capacity for unloading coal from the coal carriers. It is proposed to have four ship unloaders for handling two vessels at a time. There will be two streams of conveyors running parallel. The coal berth will be located within breakwaters so that tranquil conditions exist for year round operations.

Fig 3.2: Proposed breakwater and jetty layout


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Fig 3.3: Cross Section of Proposed Breakwater

Fig 3.4: Cross Section of Proposed Jetty

Fig 3.5: Cross Section of Proposed Approach Trestle


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It is proposed to have an emergency stockyard at the foreshore to stock the coal unloaded from the ship in case of breakdown of the downstream conveyor system. This stockyard will not be regularly used and will be empty most of the time. In case of emergency only this will be stocked with coal which will be removed as soon as the system is restored. This will be designed to store two parcels of capesize vessels. The Figure 3.6 shows the proposed Emergency Stackyard Arrangement.

Fig 3.6: Proposed Emergency Stackyard Arrangement

The stackyard will be surrounded on all the sides with a 50 m wide greenbelt to prevent coal dust from moving over to the adjoining areas. A suitable water sprinkler system will also be provided to arrest generation of coal dust. A proper drainage system with a settling pond will be provided to take care of rain and sprinkled water


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3.4 Coal Transportation from Port to Power Plant The coal unloaded at the terminal is proposed to be transported directly to the power plant stockpile. However, for meeting any exigency, an emergency stockpile in the Port area has been planned with a storage capacity of about 300,000 T equivalents to two ship loads of cape size vessel. From the transfer point in the backup area of port terminal, transfer point of the power plant stockpile it is proposed to install two streams of belt conveyors of matching capacity i. e. 4,000 TPH each. Based on reconnaissance survey of the proposed Port & Power Plant sites as well as the adjoining areas in the vicinity of the sites, a conveyor alignment connecting the port stockpile and the plant has been proposed. A pipe conveyor system is recommended for transportation of coal from the marine terminal to the proposed UMPP at Cheyyur. The advantages of pipe conveyor include elimination of multiple transfer points as well as of multiple drive units. No enroute spillage or dust generation. Significantly lower power requirements and lower space requirement for installation. Lesser degradation of material and lower structural and foundation cost.


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CHAPTER FOUR

METHODOLOGY OF EIA STUDY

4.1 General Standard methodologies of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) were followed for conducting the CEIA study for the proposed 4000 MW Ultra Mega Power Project. A brief account of the methodologies for the identification, collection and organization of environmental impact data is mentioned below and the information analysed is presented in detail in the respective CEIA Reports for Main Plant and Captive Port. 4.2 Study Area The area covered as a part of the CEIA study is:

Land to be acquired for various project appurtenances including Main Plant, Ash disposal area and Captive Port

Area within 10 km periphery of the boundary of the land to be acquired both Power Plant and Captive Port.

4.3 Scoping Matrix The scoping exercise was conducted selecting various types of impacts which can accrue due to the proposed thermal power project. Based on the project features, site conditions, various parameters to be covered as a part of the EIA study were selected. The scoping matrix included various aspects during Construction and Operational Phase like land environment, water quality, aquatic ecology, terrestrial ecology, socio‐economics, air pollution, noise pollution, public health etc. The details of scoping matrix for activities undertaken are presented in section 3.3 of CEIA of the Main Plant and section 3.8.1 of CEIA for the Captive Port. 4.4 Data Collection Primary surveys for the CEIA started in January 2009 to collect data on land use pattern, soil quality, water quality, ambient air quality ambient noise level, geology flora, fauna, fisheries forest types etc. During these surveys, data and information was collected on physio‐chemical, biological and socio‐economic aspects of the study area. In addition, detailed surveys and studies were also conducted for understanding the environmental setting of the area. The study was conducted for the period March 2009 to February 2010 and also from March 2012 to June 2012. (Details are in sections 4.9 to 4.14 of CEIA of Main Plant and Chapters 4 & 5 of Captive Port.)


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4.5 Impact Prediction Impact of project activities as per MoEF criteria during construction and operation phase has been predicted using mathematical models and overlay technique (super‐imposition of activity on environmental parameter). For intangible impacts, qualitative assessment has been done. The details are given in section 3.5 of CEIA of Main Plant and section 4.0 of CEIA report Captive Port. 4.6 Environmental Management Plan (EMP) Based on the environmental baseline conditions and project inputs, the adverse impacts were identified. A set of measures have been suggested as a part of Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for amelioration of adverse impacts during construction and operation phase. 4.7 Risk Analysis and Disaster Management Plan A detailed risk analysis study comprising of the following has been conducted:

Identification of potential accidents. Consequence analysis for identified failures. Assessment of what the calculated risk levels portray.

The above aspects have been studied using Standard Models and based on the findings of the modeling exercise. A Disaster Management Plan too has been formulated. 4.8 Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) Plan The demographic and socio‐economic characteristics of the project area as well as the study area were studied through primary as well secondary sources. As a part of the CEIA study, a socio‐economic survey of project affected families was conducted. As a part of the survey, information on family profile, occupational profile, income, land holding, crop grown, assets owned, etc. was collected. Based on the findings of the survey and the norms outlined in R&R Scheme for Project Affected Families (PAFs) of Cheyyur UMPP, a (R&R) Plan has been formulated based on the norms of National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy‐2007. A detailed CSR has also been prepared separately for the benefit of Study Area villages.


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4.9 Environmental Monitoring Programme (EMP) It is necessary to continue monitoring of certain parameters to verify the adequacy of various measures outlined in the EMP and to assess the implementation of mitigative measures. An environmental monitoring programme for critical parameters has been suggested for implementation during project operation phase.


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CHAPTER FIVE

ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE STUDY DATA

5.1 Introduction

Baseline data defines the present quality of the environment at the site without the project. The baseline study requirements are based on screening of possible impacts of the project and the existing activities in the proposed project vicinity. The brief description of the data collection and baseline status of the study area is as follows: (Details are in Chapter 4 of CEIA of Main Plant and Chapter 5.0 of Captive Port). 5.2 Main Plant Area

Relevant environmental impacts out of the entire gamut of issues outlined in the Scoping Matrix are identified. For these impacts or aspects, environmental baseline data has been collected from secondary as well as primary data sources. The area for the CEIA study has been taken as the area within 10 km radius of the proposed project plant and ash pond site. Baseline status has been ascertained for the following aspects:

Topography Physiography Geology Soils Meteorology Ambient air quality Ambient noise level Water Resources Water Quality Landuse pattern Vegetation Wildlife Fisheries

5.2.1 Project Area District The proposed project is located in Cheyyur taluk of Kancheepuram a coastal district, lying adjacent to the city of Chennai. The district has an area of about 4,447 sq.km. and has 1252 villages. The district lies within coordinates from 12º, 10’ and 13º 15’ north latitude and 79º 15’ and 80º. 2’ east longitude. It is bounded on the North by Thiruvallur district, on the east by Chennai city and Bay of Bengal, on the south by Villupuram district and on the west by Vellore district. Near the coast, the district is mostly flat but


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in the hinterland it is undulating and even hilly. The south eastern taluks of Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Maduranthakam have undulating plains interspersed with hillocks. 5.2.2 Topography The project area district comprises mainly of peneplain with residual hills extending parallel to the coast (N.20‐300E) ranging in elevation between 16 and 230 metres. This forms the zonal of pediments and buried pediments with maximum number of surface/storage tanks. The coastal track is marked by three beach terraces ranging in elevation between 4 and 12 metres with broad inter terrace depressions. 5.2.3 Physiography The project area lies in the south eastern part of the district comprising Maduranthakam and Cheyyur taluks. These talukas have undulating plains traversed by several ridges of low hills stretching parallel with the coast for about 32 km, at a distance of 12 or 14 km inland. They are ridged or conical or ellipsoidal hills rarely exceeding 200 m in height. 5.2.4 Geology The Archaeans represented by charudeite are exposed in the study area. The Archaean is represented by Chnockites, migmatites, granites, gneisses, dolerites. The Archaean is overlain unconformably by the Talchir formation, which are overlain by Continental upper Gondwana sediments. Along the coastal track, soil and alluvium, are observed. The Upper Gondwana sediments and marine sediments are observed in the project as well as the study area. 5.2.5 Soils The major soil types found in district Kancheepuram in order of predominance are as follows: Brown soil 53.70 % Red loam 14.31 % Mixed soils 13.27 % Black soil 13.09 % Sandy coastal alluvium 5.63 % In the project area and the study area sandy coastal alluvium type soil is mainly observed. The soil pH ranged from 6.78 to 7.72 in pre‐monsoon season, 6.70 to 7.65 in monsoon season and 6.95 to 7.7 in post‐monsoon season. The Electrical Conductivity


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(EC) ranged from 32.4 to 184.4 μs/cm. The CEC ranged from 12.30 to 23.36 meq/100 gm. The organic matter was observed in the range of 0.18 to 1.51% in pre‐monsoon season, 0.16 to 1.5% in monsoon season and 0.16 to 1.50% in post‐monsoon season. The soil texture was mainly sandy loam. At some stations, soil texture was sandy. The bulk density ranged from 1.17 to 1.29 gm/cc. 5.2.6 Meteorology

Climate The project area has a moderate climate with high humidity. Extreme climatic conditions are not prevalent in the project area. Both the monsoons, i.e. south‐west and north‐east monsoons influence the rainfall pattern in the project area. In summer months, heat is considerably mitigated in the by the sea breeze. The project area is characterized by an oppressive summer and good seasonal rainfall.

Temperature In project area district, large‐scale variations in temperature in various seasons are not observed. The months between April and June are generally hot with temperatures going up to a maximum of 40º C. Generally, May is the hottest month of the year with mean daily maximum temperature of 37.6 ºC. The month of December and January are the coolest months of the year with a mean daily minimum temperature of 20 ºC.

Winds In the project area, the predominant wind direction is mostly from W and SW direction during the rainy season from June to September at 8.30 hrs and 17.30 hrs. In the post‐monsoon months and up to the month of December, the pre‐dominant wind direction is from SW and NW at 8.30 hrs and from SE and NE at 17.30 hrs. During the months from January to March, winds from NW and NE direction predominate at 8.30hrs and from N and W at 17.30 hrs. During monsoon months, predominant direction is from S and SW.

Rainfall The average annual rainfall in the district is around 1,055 mm. Majority of the rainfall (about two‐third) is received under the influence of north‐east monsoons, months of October, November and December. On an average, the project area has about 53 rainy days per year.


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Humidity Humidity is generally high throughout the year in the project area. During south‐west monsoon months i.e. June to September, humidity ranges from 66% to 78% and during the north‐east monsoon month i.e. October to December, humidity ranges from 80% to 84%. The average humidity observed over the year is about 70%. 5.2.7 Ambient Air Quality As a part of the study, six (6) locations were covered for Ambient Air Quality Monitoring viz. Cheyyur Model School, Vedal, Gangadevankuppan, Chitharkadu, Panaiyur and Kadukallur. The baseline data of ambient air environment was generated for the following parameters:

Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) Respirable Particulate Matter (RPM) Sulphur dioxide (SO2) Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) Ozone (O3) Mercury (Hg)

The average SPM level ranged from 115.6 to 121.2 μg/m3, 40.4 to 46.6 μg/m3 and 39.1 to 44.3 μg/m3 in pre‐monsoon, post‐monsoon and winter seasons respectively. The maximum SPM level of 139 μg/m3 was observed at station located at Cheyyur in pre‐monsoon season. The average RPM levels ranged from 41.56 to 51.54 μg/m3 in pre‐monsoon season. The average RPM level in post‐monsoon and north‐east monsoon seasons ranged from 38.9 to 41.8 μg/m3 and 38.7 to 37.4 μg/m3 respectively. The highest RPM value of 59 μg/m3 was recorded in pre‐monsoon season at sampling stations located at Panaiyur and Kadukallur. The values of RPM monitored during the field survey were well within the permissible limit of 100 µg/m3 specified for industrial, residential, rural and other areas. The highest SO2 value observed was 9.8 µg/m3 in post‐monsoon. The SO2 level observed at various sampling stations was much lower than the permissible limit of 80 µg/m3 specified for industrial, residential, rural and other areas. The highest NOx values of 13.6 µg/m3 were observed at stations located at Cheyyur. The NOx level observed at various sampling stations was much lower than the permissible limit of 80 µg/m3 specified for industrial, residential, rural and other areas.


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The ozone level was much lower than the permissible limit of 100 µg/m3 specified for industrial, residential, rural and other areas. The mercury level was below the detectable limits in ambient air at various sampling stations monitored. The ambient air quality was monitored for a period twelve weeks from March to June 2012 as well. The frequency of sampling at each station was twice a week for twelve consecutive weeks. The baseline data of ambient air environment was generated for the following parameters:

Particulate Matter less than 10 microns (PM10) Particulate Matter less than 2.5microns (PM2.5) Sulphur dioxide (SO2) Nitrogen oxide (NO2)

The average PM10 level at various monitoring stations ranged from 43.2 to 45.2 μg/m3. The highest PM10 value of 53 μg/m3 was recorded at sampling stations located at Gangadevankuppam and Panaiyur. The values of PM10 monitored during the field survey were well within the permissible limit of 100 µg/m3 specified for industrial, residential, rural and other areas. The average PM2.5 levels as observed at various stations in the study area ranged from 19.2 to 20.3 μg/m3. The highest PM2.5 value of 26 μg/m3 was recorded at sampling stations located at Panaiyur. The values of PM2.5 monitored during the field survey were well within the permissible limit of 80 µg/m3 specified for residential, rural and other areas. The average SO2 levels as observed at various stations in the study area ranged from 8.65 to 9.0 μg/m3. The highest SO2 value of 9.8 μg/m3 was recorded at sampling station located at Chittarikkadu. The SO2 level observed at various sampling stations was much lower than the permissible limit of 80 µg/m3 specified for industrial, residential, rural and other areas. The average NO2 levels as observed at various stations in the study area ranged from 12.1 to12.4 μg/m3. The highest NO2 value of 14.2 μg/m3 was recorded at sampling station located at Chittarikkadu. The NO2 level observed at various sampling stations was well below the permissible limit of 80 µg/m3 specified for industrial, residential, rural and other areas. Ambient air quality results and observations are detailed in Chapter 4 the CEIA report of M/s WAPCOS.


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5.2.8 Ambient Noise Level The noise levels were monitored continuously for a period of 24 hours at each location and hourly equivalent noise level was measured. Sound Pressure Level (SPL) measurement in the ambient environment was made using sound pressure level meter. The noise level at various sampling stations ranged from 32 to 48 dB(A). The day time equivalent noise levels in pre‐monsoon, monsoon and post‐monsoon seasons ranges from 39.9 to 43.6 dB(A), 40.4 to 40.5 dB(A) and 40.1 dB(A) to 43.2 dB(A) respectively. The day time equivalent noise levels were well below the permissible limits of 55 dB(A). The night time equivalent noise levels in pre‐monsoon, monsoon and post‐monsoon seasons ranges from 33.3 to 35.5 dB(A), 34.1 to 37.7 dB(A) and 33.3 dB(A) to 35.2 dB(A) respectively. The night time equivalent noise levels were well below the permissible limits of 45 dB(A). The hourly equivalent noise level at various sampling locations in the study area for three seasons is given in Table‐4.15 to 4.18 of the main CEIA report of M/s WAPCOS. 5.2.9 Water Resources In the project area district, the only river that flows is the river Palar, originating from Nandhi Durg in Karnataka. In Tamil Nadu it runs for about 295 km. The river enters the project area district about a few kilometers to the west of Kancheepuram. The annual average rainfall of Palar river basin is of the order of 1036 mm. The annual surface water and ground water potential is 1,758 Mm3 and 3013 Mm3 respectively. No major dams and reservoirs have been constructed on river Palar. Palar is essentially a seasonal river and flow is observed only for a few months during north‐east and south‐west monsoon period. The Kancheepuram district has many tanks that serve as storage areas for rain water. No system tanks fed by reservoirs or anicuts exist. 5.2.10 Water Quality As a part of the CEIA study, surface and ground water quality monitoring was conducted at various locations in the study area. The pH in groundwater samples ranged from 6.5 to 7.12 in pre‐monsoon season and monsoon and post‐monsoon season ranged from 6.6 to 7.0 and 6.3 to 7.0 respectively. The pH level indicates neutral nature of the water, and are within the permissible limit specified for meeting drinking water requirements. The Electrical Conductivity (EC) ranged from 90 to 750 μs/cm, 85 to 720 μs/cm and 88 to 728 μs/cm in pre‐monsoon, monsoon and post‐monsoon seasons respectively.


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The TDS level ranged from 64 to 548 mg/l in pre‐monsoon season. The TDS level in monsoon and post‐monsoon seasons ranged from 62 to 526 mg/l and 64 to 531 mg/l respectively. The TDS level in various ground water samples in some of the water samples was below the permissible limit of 500 mg/l specified for drinking water purposes. However, TDS level was much below the cause for rejection limit of 1500 mg/l. The BOD values are well within the permissible limits, which indicates the absence of organic pollution loading. This is mainly due to absence of industries in the area. The low COD values also indicate the absence of chemical pollution loading in the area. The concentration of various heavy metals e.g. Copper, Cadmium, Zinc, Chromium and Lead was observed to be below the detectable limits. The concentration level of various heavy metals and toxic compounds indicates the absence of chemical pollution sources in the area. Fluorosis is not reported in the study area villages. This was also confirmed by the Government Hospital at Cheyyur. The details of analysis results for three seasons covered as a part of the CEIA study are given in Tables‐4.20 to 4.22 respectively of the main CEIA report of M/s WAPCOS. 5.2.11 Land Use Pattern The land use pattern of the study area, i.e. area within 10 km radius was studied using satellite data. The raw digital satellite data has been procured from National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Hyderabad. The data was processed with the use of GIS and ERDAS IMAGINE. Ground truth studies were conducted at site for the physical verification of signals of satellite imagery. It is observed that as per satellite data, the major portion in the study area is under agriculture land as it accounts for about 48.58% of the total study area. The next dominant landuse category is water body of 19.30%, area under vegetation of 13.48%. Salt pans account for about 8.19% of the study area. Area under barren land accounts for about 10.27%. 5.2.12 Vegetation As per Champion and Seth Classification, the following forest types are observed in the Study Area are listed as below:

• Tropical dry evergreen (Group 7G) : Climatic Climax forests • Tropical dry evergreen scrub (Group7‐ds1) : Degraded forests • Southern Tropical Thorn forests : (Group 6 AC1)


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The land to be acquired for the proposed project have a few area under reserve forest land. This reserve forest land comprises mainly of Eucalyptus plantation for which Hon’ble Supreme Court order had been obtained to remove naturally grown trees. The details of above referred forest categories are given in section 4.16 of the WAPCOS CEIA Report. 5.2.13 Wildlife In the project area, dense forests are generally absent. The major landuse in study area is agriculture land interspersed with settlements villages. The faunal species reported in the study area include. Jackal, hare, common mongoose amongst mammals. Amongst birds, species reported are Shrew, Pangolin, Kite, Partridge, Koel, etc. are commonly observed. Amongst reptiles, commonly reported species are Rat snake, Cobra, Green Whip snake, etc. The list of faunal species as Authenticated by DFO, Kancheepuram is enclosed at Annexure‐IX in CEIA report. 5.2.14 Avifauna The avi‐fauna study was conducted as a four month period from June to September 2009. During the survey period, 112 species of birds were observed. In all these observed birds, includes 33 species of water dependent birds and 79 Species of land birds. Most of the Aquatic birds were observed in the Reservoir in Cheyyur called Periya yari, Yekyari and Odapari. In the Cheyyur area and its immediate surroundings 24 migratory Species that include 8 aquatic and 16 semi aquatic / terrestrial birds were observed. As per the investigations, aquatic birds used the lakes and saltpans for only feeding. The fever number of aquatic migrants in the study area is due to the non availability of habitats. Communal roosting and colonial nesting places were not found within the study area. The list of bird species reported in the study area is given in Table‐4.16 of CEIA report of main plant. The list of bird species as Authenticated by DFO, Kancheepuram is enclosed as Annexure‐IX of the main CEIA report of M/s WAPCOS. 5.2.15 Fisheries The project area district has a coastline of 87.2 km. The inland fresh water area spreads over about 75,006 ha and estuaries and brackish water area are 14,841 ha. In Kancheepuram district, there are 44 fishing villages and 39 Fish landing centres of which only 2 are major fish landing centers. In project area, there are no fishing villages. In study area following fishing villages are observed: Kuppam : No. of boats ‐ 52 and 500 fishermen


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Chinakuppam : No. of boats ‐ 30 and 150 fishermen The major edible marine fishes reported in the area are given in the Table ‐ 4.27 of the main CEIA report of M/s WAPCOS. 5.3 Captive Port Area

NIOT collected primary data, by undertaking field visits and surveys to collect samples for three seasons and conduct physio‐chemical and biological analyses. Current metres were deployed at three locations. Water quality was analysed at 10 locations along with sediment quality and biological characteristics. Standard procedures were used for analysis and quality control. Sampling was conducted in season representing premonsoon during the month of June (2010), October 2010 (Monsoon season) and February 2011 (Post monsoon). The monsoon season is critical because of the possible discharges into the coastal waters comprising runoff from the upland through various creeks / water bodies 5.3.1 Water quality The southern boundary of the study area was fixed at a distance of 13.0 km north of Marakkanam coast for near shore station and 14 Kms for offshore station and the Northern boundary was fixed at 33 km south of Mamallapuram coast. The marine water quality parameters measured were pH, temperature, salinity, DO, BOD, TSS, Nutrients, Chlorophyll a, faecal coliforms etc. Ten stations were selected for water quality sampling based on possible discharge locations, dredge dump location, hydrodynamic characteristics in the study area etc. Locations of the water quality sampling sites and summary of water quality parameters are provided in Table 5.22 and Table 5.23 of CEIA Report.

Temperature Samples did not show any variation in temperature with tide and distance from shore. It varied between 27.6 and 29.9oC with the average of 29.5oC during the three seasons of measurement. The low value of 27.6oC was recorded during post monsoon season. In general surface temperatures showed minor variations with time of the day and seasonal changes.

Salinity Salinity value ranges between 29.2 and 36.0 ppt. during the 3‐seasons and showed negligible variations with tide off the Panaiyur coast. The ambient salinity values are in conformance with normal marine waters without any anthropogenic inputs.


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pH The variation of observed pH in the samples ranged between 8.15 and 8.22 along the study area during the three seasons. The pH is within the ranges specified.

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) The variation of observed suspended solids is 4.73 to 36.94 mg/l during pre‐monsoon; 8.32 to 18.3 mg/l during monsoon season and 8.00 to 20.5 mg/l during post‐monsoon. Maximum value of 36.94 mg/l was recorded at a location near shore station during pre‐monsoon. The range of values indicates negligible anthropogenic/ organic inputs. It also indicates that the ambient water quality has negligible turbidity during the period of measurement during monsoon

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) The observed dissolved oxygen ranged between 5.01 to 6.97 mg/l. DO concentrations did not show any significant fluctuation and an average value of 5.94 mg/l was recorded during the pre‐monsoon season. The monsoon season DO ranged from 5.98 to 6.93 mg/l with maximum concentration recorded near shore station PFCWQ3. During post‐monsoon, it varied between 5.86 and 6.63mg/l. The DO is also within the ranges specified.

Biological Oxygen Demand Observation during the premonsoon survey indicated BOD ranges between 1.10 and 2.10 mg/L. During monsoon season, BOD ranged between 1.20 and 2.10 mg/l. Among the post‐monsoon samples, BOD varied between 1.50 and 2.40 mg/l. BOD values in the study area complies with the prescribed limits.

Nutrients In general, nutrient concentrations in the seawater are very low, minor increases or decreases can alter primary productivity. The concentration ranges of nutrients are as follows:

Ammonia Nitrogen The variations in Ammonia values were negligible with a range of 0.43 to 0.58 μg/L recorded during pre‐monsoon survey. During monsoon season, it varied between 0.40 and 0.55μg/L with maximum value recorded at near shore station PFCWQ5. The post‐monsoon values ranged between 0.38 and 0.53μg/L. Values indicate negligible anthropogenic inputs/ pollution from other sources. The values measured are not significant from an environmental impact perspective.


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Nitrate Nitrogen In general, Nitrate values varied between 0.43 and 2.63 μg/L during pre‐monsoon season. During monsoon, it varied between 0.90 and 2.17μg/L. The post‐monsoon survey recorded the maximum of 2.18μg/L and minimum of 0.90 μg/L. However these values are not significant from an environmental perspective.

Nitrite Nitrogen The transitional Nitrogen product Nitrite varied between 0.02 (PFCWQ‐3) and 0.13μg/L during the pre‐monsoon season. During monsoon season, it varied between 0.03 and 0.05μg/L. The post‐monsoon season recorded variation of 0.02 to 0.05μg/L.

Inorganic Reactive Phosphorous (IRP) In general, the IRP concentrations variations are minimal and amongst the ten stations, it varied between 0.09 and 0.55 μg/L during pre‐monsoon and 0.13 and 0.43 μg/L during monsoon. In post‐monsoon samples, it varied between 0.13 and 0.43 μg/L.

Petroleum hydro carbon (PHC) Petroleum hydrocarbon residue in water varied between 0.56 and 1.29 μg/L during premonsoon season survey. It varied between 0.52 and 0.92 μg/L during monsoon survey. During postmonsoon season, it varied between 0.47 and 0.72 μg/L. In general, near shore stations recorded maximum values indicating negligible discharges from boats operating in the area.

Oil & Grease Oil & grease residue in the coastal waters sampled off Panaiyur showed negligible values (<0.5mg/l) which are below detectable limits.

Chlorophyll‐a In the marine environment, Phytoplankton are the primary producers. In the study area coastal waters the chlorophyll concentration variations during the pre‐monsoon survey ranged from 0.57 to 2.06 mg/m3. Coastal waters off Kalpakkam recorded Chlorophyll‐a values of 20.0 mg/m3 during blooming of phytoplankton Trichodesmium sp. about 27kms north of Cheyyur coast as cited in other studies. However, the present water quality locations did not record such values indicating negligible anthropogenic inputs. During monsoon season chlorophyll‐a varied between 0.34 and 1.09 mg/m3. The post‐monsoon season recorded minimum of 0.56 mg/m3 and maximum of 1.76 mg/m3. The increase in maximum concentration of chlorophyll a of monsoon during post‐monsoon may be attributed to the increase in sunlight penetration.


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Microbiology in water In general, levels of fecal coliforms provide a warning of possible contamination from pathogens. When levels are high, there may be an elevated risk of waterborne gastroenteritis. The water analysis for microbiology showed variations between 130 and 180 CFU/100ml for fecal coliforms and 20 to 70 CFU/100ml for Streptococcus fecalis during premonsoon season. During monsoon it varied between 135 to 170 CFU/100ml for Fecal coliform and 20 to 60 CFU/100ml for Streptococcus fecalis. The post‐monsoon season recorded the maximum of 180 CFU/100ml and minimum of 130 CFU/100ml fecal coliform. The Streptococcus fecalis varied between 30 to 75 CFU/100ml during this season. All the Fecal coliform counts were within the ranges specified.

Heavy metals in water During the sampling off Panaiyur coast it was observed that in general, heavy metal concentrations in the water were found to be low. The monsoon season recorded higher zinc concentrations than other metals concentrations. Post‐monsoon samples recorded maximum value (2.65μg/L) of zinc when compared to all the other metals. It also reflects the background concentration of metal rather than human impact. In general, the sediment content also recorded maximum concentration of zinc, compared to all the metals estimated. In general, heavy metal concentrations in the sediments recorded low values. Maximum concentration of Cu (2.98μg/g) was observed which may be inherent to the system in the absence of any discharges. In general, the maximum concentration of Zn (17mg/g) was observed station during pre‐monsoon and during monsoon peak value of Zn (0.22 mg/g) was recorded. The post‐monsoon survey recorded maximum value (0.21 mg/g) of zinc.

Biological sampling Phytoplankton, zooplankton and macro benthos were measured for analysing the biological characteristics. A total number of 10 stations were selected for sampling for biological parameters based on location of proposed dredge dump, breakwater location and coolant water discharge location etc.

Phytoplanktons Analysis of phytoplankton samples are summarized as follows:

Pre‐monsoon season samples indicated presence of 35 species phytoplankton and the cell counts ranging from 16,563 Nos./L to 24,471 Nos./L. The diatom species Biddulphia sinensis showed significant presence in the total population of phytoplankton.


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During Monsoon season phytoplankton was represented by 25 species and the density varied between 10,053 and 15,977 Nos/L. The diatom species Biddulphia sinensis and Asterionella japonica were found to be major contributer to the total population of phytoplankton during monsoon.

During post‐monsoon season, population density of phytoplankton varied between 16,179 Nos./L and 20,672 Nos./L and dominated by Biddulphia sinensi as well as Leptocylindrus danicus. These species belong to rapid proliferating type in general oceanic conditions.

Zooplanktons Analysis of samples for zooplankton indicates the following:

Density of the population varied from 302 to 1693 Nos./m3 during pre‐monsoon period A total number of 18 species were recorded in the coastal waters. Calanoid, Appendicularians, Zoea larvae and fish eggs were the dominant forms of zooplankton recorded during pre‐monsoon

Calanoids, Cyclopoids, fish eggs were the dominant forms recorded during survey.

The post‐monsoon recorded a total of 17 species and dominated by Calanoid, Cyclopoids, Evadne sp. were the dominant form. The population density varied from 590 to 1464 Nos./ m3 during post‐monsoon season.

Benthos The sub tidal benthic organisms recorded moderate fluctuation of standing stock and diversity.

During pre‐monsoon survey benthic population varied between 325‐6125 Nos./m2 .

During monsoon season the variation was from 328 to 717 Nos./m2. Post‐monsoon season recorded population density between 455‐ 6350 Nos./m2

5.3.2 Flora and fauna The coastal stretch along the project site is characterized by sandy beaches with sporadic distribution of spiny vegetations like Spinifex littoreus, and Ipomoea sp. Some Casuarina plantations (Casuarina equisetifolia) were also sighted. Mammals like jackals (Canis aureus) and domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are found in this area. While the port area is not a notified turtle nesting area by the wildlife conservator of Tamil Nadu, it is reported that sandy stretches between Pondicherry to Mamallapuram coast have recorded sporadic turtle movement during the nestling season (January to March) every year. NIOT survey team visited the port area during the months of


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February‐March to assess the port area. No eggs or turtles were located during the survey period.

5.3.3 Fisheries Potential Fisheries data of the Kancheepuram district was collected from the Directorate of Fisheries, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Deptt. The catch composition indicated dwindling percentage of crabs, cephalopods and prawns between 2007‐2008 along the Kancheepuram district coast and not particularly in this area (Detail in Appendix A Table 5 & 6 & Appendix B Figs. 1 to 5 of NIOT CEIA report).

5.3.4 Ambient Air Quality The ambient air quality was monitored for three seasons.

The average PM2.5 levels as observed at various stations in the study area ranged from 15.4 to 27μg/m3. The values of PM2.5 monitored during the field survey were well below the permissible limit of 80 µg/m3 specified for industrial, residential, rural and other areas.

The average PM10 levels as observed at various stations in the study area ranged from 32.0 to 55μg/m3 during the survey conducted for various seasons. The values of PM10 monitored during the field survey were well below the permissible limit of 80 µg/m3 specified for industrial, residential, rural and other areas.

The average SO2 levels as observed at various stations in the study area ranged from 5.1 to 11μg/m3. The SO2 levels monitored during the field survey were well below the permissible limit of 80 µg/m3 specified for industrial, residential, rural and other areas. The NO2 level monitored at various stations was below the detectable limit.

5.3.5 Noise Quality The day time and night time equivalent noise level at various sampling stations ranged from 34.9 to 37.9 dB(A), and 29.5 to 32.5 dB(A) respectively. The equivalent noise level of all the stations were well below the permissible limits specified for residential area of 55 dB(A) for day time and 45 dB(A) for night time.

5.3.6 Vegetation in the Port Area The port area is about 83 acres in area, out of which about 78 acres is patta dry land and 5 acres is poramboke land. Some coconut plantations of recent origin are observed in the proposed port area.


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5.3.7 Coal Conveyor Corridor Alignment The proposed coal conveyor corridor shall be 30m wide and approximately 6.2km long. There lie 115 palm trees, 294 Coconut trees, 108 Cashew nut trees, 35 Mango trees, 78 Safeda trees & 400 other small trees & bushes in the proposed conveyor corridor

5.3.8 Wildlife Wildlife recorded in the study area comprises common species like jackals, hares, mongoose and common birds and do not comprise fauna that are endangered or endemic.

5.3.9 Sediment Quality Grab samples were collected in the proposed project location and over an area of 11 km x 20 km. Soil samples indicate predominant presence of fine sand with some silt and negligible clays. Sub‐seabed profile shows that the area is devoid of hard / rocky strata.

5.4 Summary of Baseline Environmental Status Data on water and sediment quality and biology was measured by collecting data for three seasons viz., pre‐monsoon, monsoon and post‐monsoon to detect any possible seasonal variations. Analysis of the comprehensive field data reveals the following:

The near shore coastal belt shows negligible variation in water quality. Beyond foreshore areas data reflects background concentrations. The area represents an environment free from anthropogenic inputs.

Analysis of heavy metals in the water column and sediments indicate background concentrations free from anthropogenic inputs

Biological characteristics of the site indicate significant plankton and benthic population with good diversity representing a healthy environment.

During the site visits it was observed that the fishing villages abutting the proposed port area had about 60 small boats each for fishing operations. No trawlers were observed. These boats were landed on the beach across each of these villages.

Site visit to the proposed project location during March 2011 indicated presence of some empty pits. No eggs or turtles were located during the survey.

The ambient air quality for SPM (2.5 and 10 �g/m3) and SO2 and NOx are within the permissible levels for rural/residential area and represent the ambient conditions in the absence of any air pollution source

There are negligible sources of noise generation and therefore the noise quality data represent ambient conditions. These are well within the limits for a residential area as per NAAQS.


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Landuse in the study area indicates major portion under water body (51.6%), followed by area under vegetation (22%) and area under agriculture (21.8%).

Vegetation in the study area indicates some portions of land falling under ‘reserve forest’ comprising mainly of eucalyptus plantation and land area within 10 km radius comprises tropical dry evergreen forests, Tropical dry evergreen scrub and Southern Tropical Thorn forests

Wildlife recorded in the study area comprises common species like jackals, hares, mongoose and common birds and do not comprise fauna that are endangered or endemic.

Soil samples indicate predominant presence of fine sand with some silt and negligible clays. Sub‐seabed profile shows that the area is devoid of hard / rocky strata.


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CHAPTER SIX

ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS

6.1 Assessment of Impacts

Based on the project details and the baseline environmental status, the aim is to predict/ forecast impacts of the activities and provide an estimate of the difference in environmental quality after the project is initiated. The Environmental Impact Assessment for quite a few disciplines is subjective in nature and cannot be quantified. Wherever possible, the impacts have been quantified. However, for intangible impacts, a qualitative assessment has been done. The basis for determining the change in future environmental quality is the current baseline data obtained from site survey. Impacts have been assessed for the Construction and Operation phases of the project and the effects on the environmental quality evaluated by comparing the results with the national standards where possible and background levels in other cases. 6.2 Main Plant

6.2.1 Impact on Land Environment

Construction Phase

Impact due to land acquisition The preparatory activities like the use of existing of access roads, construction of storage sheds, staff quarters, etc. being spread over a large area would have no significant impact, except that as soon as the land is acquired, its use changes and the land ceases to be a productive unit. The land to be diverted for the proposed thermal power project is about 1,029 acres. To this an area of 10% is added as the edge effect, which brings the total area to about 460 ha, out of a total study area of about 31,416 ha. The area likely to be affected is around 1.5% of the study area. The power station would require lot of ancillary developments like shops, restaurant, workshops, etc. The site preparation activities like clearing, stripping, levelling, construction of bunds, for protection from flooding and impounding of ash dump, altering slopes for transmission towers each filling and excavation for foundation, will result in loss of local plants and other biota and change of existing land use pattern. Since, only a small portion of the area is affected and no rare, endangered or threatened species is observed. Hence, no major impact is envisaged as a result of acquisition of land for the proposed thermal power plant.


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Impact due to extraction of construction material The proposed Cheyyur Ultra Mega Thermal power station would require construction material. Construction material, e.g. sand, coarse aggregates, bricks, stone metal, would be required from various sources. Construction materials such as sand, coarse aggregates, bricks, stone, etc. required for construction of the proposed power plant would be procured from nearby sources. Use of environmental friendly fly ash bricks would be explored for use in the proposed power plant.

b) Operation phase

Impact due to Coal Handling The annual coal requirement would be of the order 12‐14 million tonnes. As a part of the project, a coal stockyard for stacking of coal for a minimum period of 30 days at the Power Project shall be provided. Coal would be received at plant site through pipe conveyor system. The coal received by conveyor belts from the port, would be stored in the stock‐yard near the power plant. The in‐plant crushing, stacking, reclaiming, conveying and bunker feeding system of required capacity shall be installed by the power developer depending upon the quality, quantity and size of coal proposed to be imported. In the proposed project the coal bunker would be covered with bunker sealing belt to avoid dust nuisance. The bunker would be adequately ventilated so as to keep the bunkers free from accumulation of volatile gases, thereby eliminating fire hazard and also avoiding dust nuisance on the tipper floor. Adequate measures will be implemented to prevent air pollution due to entrainment of coal dust during coal handling operations. 6.2.2 Impact on Water Environment

Construction Phase

Impact due to Effluents During construction phase, about 10,000 persons are likely to be employed. The total increase in population shall be 18,000. A labour colony shall be constructed for providing accommodation to the labour and technical staff involved in construction activities. The facilities for meeting water requirement and sewage disposal and treatment shall be provided. The details are outlined in Environmental Management Plan (EMP) of the CEIA Report.


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b) Operation Phase The following types of liquid wastes are expected in the project operation phase:

cooling water and boiler blow down effluent from water treatment plant sewage generation. runoff from coal stack sites

Sea water shall be used for meeting condenser cooling water requirements. The temperature of cooling water discharged into sea water shall not be 5oC more than above the receiving water temperature. Boiler blow down water would be led to the guard pond for storage prior to further utilization. Rejected Water from Desalination Plants and Desalination Plant’s Rejected Water, DM Plant combined with filter backwash would be led to a separate Neutralizing Pit and would be discharged to Sea through an independent Plant Effluent Drainage system which shall not be mixed with Storm water Drainage system. The water requirement for domestic use includes requirement for drinking, cleaning, etc. in the project area. The sewage generated from domestic sources in the proposed thermal power station shall be treated before disposal. The effluent generated from coal stack pile area containing high suspended solids and mildly acidic shall be treated before disposal. 6.2.3 Impact on Noise Level

(a) Construction phase The major sources of noise during construction phase are due to operation of various construction equipment. The increase in noise level at a distance of 1 km from the construction site will be only 1 dB(A). No adverse impacts are anticipated on noise levels in the construction phase of the proposed project.

b) Operation phase The noise generated by various machineries is of a broad based variety with strong component in low frequency range. The increase in noise level a distance of 500 m from the site due to various rotating and moving equipment at power plant will be only 1 dB(A). There are no residential areas within 500 m of proposed project site. Hence, no adverse impacts are anticipated on noise levels in the due to operation of the proposed project.


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6.2.4 Impact on Air Environment

(a) Construction phase The major pollutant in the construction phase is SPM being air‐borne due to various construction activities. The vehicular movement generates pollutants such as NOx, CO and HC. But, the vehicular pollution is not expected to lead to any major impacts. The fugitive emissions due to vehicular movement will be 8 to 12 kg/km travelled by the vehicle. The short‐term increase in concentration has been predicted using Gaussian plume dispersion model. The maximum short‐term increase in SO2 is observed as 0.00119 µg/m3, which is at a distance of 200 m from the emission source. The maximum SPM concentration was 1.15 µg/m3 which is at a distance of 400 m from the emission source. The incremental concentration is so low that it does not need any specific control measure. Thus, the operation of construction equipment is not expected to have any major impact on the ambient air quality as a result of the project.

b) Operation phase On the basis of process emission characteristics coal analysis and theoretical estimates from fuel being used in boilers or furnaces, the emission characteristics were calculated. The predicted incremental ground level concentration for PM10 was predicted in the range of 0.47 to 1.18 µg/m3; SO2 in the range of 17.64 to 44.19 µg/m3 and NOx levels in the range of 11.07 to 27.73 µg/m3. 6.2.5 Impact Due to Coal Handling The coal stock pile would be regularly sprayed with water to prevent the entrainment of fugitive dust from the stock pile. 6.2.6 Impact on Ecology The direct impact of construction activity for any project is generally limited in the vicinity of the construction sites only. The construction sites include berthing, storage and infrastructure facilities. The total land requirement for this project is about 416.45 ha. About 24.29 acre (9.83ha) of forest land is proposed to be acquired for the project. The forest land to be acquired has mainly plantations of consuarina, and dense forest is not observed. No endemic, rare or threatened species are observed on the forest land to be acquired for the project. As a part of the project, greenbelt will be developed, which will improve the vegetal cover in the area. The critical concentration levels of SO2 and SPM are not likely to be attained in the vicinity of Cheyyur Ultra Mega Power Plant as adequate control measures are proposed to mitigate pollution due to flue gas emissions.


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6.2.7 Impact on Socio‐Economic Environment

a) Construction phase

Economic Impacts The construction of the proposed project would create a number of direct employment opportunities. However, indirect employment opportunities would also be generated which would provide great impetus to the economy of the local area. The construction and operation of the project will provide an impetus to the industrialization and urbanization in the area. Many of the agricultural lands or barren lands are likely to be put to non‐agricultural use. The power station would require lot of ancillary developments like shops, restaurant, workshops, etc. which will have a significant impact on the existing land use of the area. Besides, a variety of suppliers, traders, transporters, service providers, etc., are also likely to concentrate and likely to benefit immensely, as demand for almost all types of goods and services will increase significantly. The business community as a whole would be benefited. The locals would also avail these opportunities arising from the project and increase their income levels. Job opportunities will drastically improve in this area. At present most of the population sustains on agriculture and allied activities. There are no major industries or other avenues of occupation in the area. The project will open a large number of jobs to the local population during project construction phase. Impact on Infrastructure Facilities The facilities such as adequate water supply, sewage treatment, housing, health and education etc. shall be ensured before hand and adequate measures shall be taken so that these infrastructure facilities do not pose problems during the construction phase. Impact Due to Immigrant Population And Labour Camps During construction phase about 10,000 labour and technical staff is likely to migrate in the area. The total increase in population shall be about 18,000. A labour camp or colony shall be developed for providing accommodation to the technical staff and labour population involved in construction activities. Facilities for potable water, sewage treatment facilities etc. shall be provided at the labour camp and at the construction site. The garbage comprising of waste materials, e.g. packaging, polythene or plastic


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materials are likely to be generated during project construction and operation phase at the power station shall be properly collected and disposed at designated sites. Impact on Cultural/ Religious/ Historical Monuments Monuments of cultural/ religious/ historical/ archaeological importance are not reported in the project area. Thus, no impact on such structures is envisaged. Impacts on Salt Pans There is one salt pan in the study area located Cheyyur Village, Kancheepuram District (Rev. Survey no.‐506). The salt pan is located about 3.5 km from the project area. As per the local enquires, most of the salt produced is consumed by tanneries located at Ranipet and Vellore in the state of Tamil Nadu. The salt is used without any treatment or processing in tanneries for peeling off the skin of animals. Thus, no impact on salt pans due to the proposed thermal power project is anticipated. 6.2.8 Summary of Impacts The summary of impacts likely to accrue during project construction and operation phases is outlined in Tables 6.1 and 6.2 respectively.

Table‐6.1: Summary of Impacts likely to accrue during construction phase of main plant S. No.

Aspect Impact Duration Reversibility Significance

1. Land Environment

Disturbance at site due to various site preparatory activities

Short‐term Reversible Moderately significant, as the area to be acquired is quite small.

Increased soil erosion from quarry sites

Short‐term Reversible Not significant as this impact can be managed by appropriate management measures

2. Water Environment

Degradation of water quality due to disposal of untreated effluents from labour camps

Short‐term Reversible Not significant, as quantity of effluent is quite small

Impacts on water quality due to runoff carrying high suspended solids from construction sites

Short‐term Reversible Not significant, as quantity of effluent is quite small


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S. No.

Aspect Impact Duration Reversibility Significance

3. Noise Environment

Noise generation by operation of various construction equipments

Short‐term Reversible No major impact is envisaged, as habitations are at a distance for the project site.

Increase in noise level due to increased vehicular movement

Short‐term Reversible Significant increase in noise level is not expected

4. Air Environment

Impacts on ambient air quality due to emissions generated as a result of fuel combustion operation of various construction equipment

Short‐term Reversible Insignificant increase in SPM & SO2 levels.

Fugitive emissions from storage sites of construction material

Short‐term Reversible Insignificant impacts as no human population resides in the area likely to be affected.

5. Ecology Impacts on ecology due to increased human interferences

Short‐term Reversible No impact is anticipated as all workers will be provided with alternate fuel

6. Socio‐economic Environment

Increased stress on existing infrastructure due to immigration of labour population

Short‐term Reversible Impacts to be mitigated to a large extent by providing sanitation, sewage and solid waste management facilities

Improvement in employment potential as a result of project construction activities and mushrooming of allied activities

Short‐term Reversible Positive impacts as marginal improvement in employment scenario are expected.


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Table‐6.2: Summary of Impacts likely to accrue during project operation phase of main plant S.No. Aspect Impact Duration Reversibility Significance1. Land

Environment Acquisition of private land

Long‐term

Irreversible Significant impact, but compensation to be given as per the norms/ guidelines outlined in National Resettlement & Rehabilitation Policy (2007)

Change in land use pattern

Long‐term

Irreversible Marginal impact, as the area likely to be affected is quite small

Generation of solid waste/ coal dust ash during coal and ash handling and other project related activities

Long‐term

Irreversible Significant impact which is to mitigated by implementing appropriate management measures.

2. Water Environment

Impacts in water quality due to disposal of various types of liquid wastes

Long‐term

Irreversible Significant impacts, which are to be managed by appropriate treatment of various types of effluents. The related effluents to be reused to the extent possible.

3. Noise Environment

Noise generation due to operation of various equipments / machineries in the thermal power station

Long‐term

Irreversible Impacts on workers operating in high noise, which is to be mitigated by adopting appropriate management measures

Impacts on workers operating in high noise areas

Long‐term

Irreversible Impacts on workers operating in high noise, which is to be mitigated by adopting appropriate management measures

4. Air Environment

Impacts on ambient air quality due to stack gas emissions

Long‐term

Irreversible Emissions to be controlled by commissioning ESP and providing stack of adequate height.


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S.No. Aspect Impact Duration Reversibility Significance5. Ecology Impacts on vegetation

due to SPM and SO2 emissions

Long‐term

Irreversible Emissions to be controlled by commissioning ESP and providing stack of adequate height.

Impacts due to acquisition of 9.83 ha of forest land

Long‐term

Irreversible Compensation to be paid as per the norms outlined in Forest Conservation Act (1980).

6. Socio‐economic Environment

Impacts due to private land acquisition

Long‐term

Irreversible Significant impact, but compensation to be given as per the norms/ guidelines outlined in National Policy for Resettlement & Rehabilitation (2007)

Mushrooming of allied activities in and around the project area

Long‐term

Irreversible Significant positive impact

6.3 Captive Port

The evaluation of the project location was done as per MoEF siting criteria and it was concluded that the project is NOT sited in an ecologically sensitive area. The project operations are carried out within the Port area. The coal containers proposed to be handled is not hazardous or toxic and therefore there is NO RISK involved in the Construction or Operation stages of the project. 6.3.1 Scoping Outcome The proposed marine facilities are exclusively for handling coal the UMPP at Cheyyur.

There are no mangroves, coral reefs or critical habitats in the area or its vicinity. Capital dredging and dumping activities are likely to cause impacts on water/sediment quality, benthic ecology, bathymetry and shoreline;

Impacts on hydrodynamics and littoral transport from breakwater construction are expected

The proposed outfall is located in the offshore areas at about 14m water depths and shall be taken along the corridor prepared for the coal conveyor. Impacts of higher temperature and salinity at discharge are expected to be negligible. The land acquisition / resettlement issue associated with the coal conveyor is addressed in the terrestrial EIA report.


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As cooling towers are provided, the discharge waters are expected to have temperature increase of up to 5oC above ambient. Location of the marine outfall for disposal of reject water needs to focus on impact from increased temperature and salinity concentrations than ambient.

Handling of coal are likely to cause air quality impacts from dispersion of particulate matter

Construction activities causing air quality impacts are temporary, intermittent and reversible;

Impacts on noise quality from piling and dredging operations shall be temporary and limited to the project site

6.3.2 Estimation of Impacts – Design Given the knowledge of the project setting, present environmental conditions, baseline status of the study area through previous investigations, the following assessments have been considered significant and are required to be assessed

Prediction of impacts on water quality from dredge dump disposal and impacts on benthic ecology at disposal site

Accretion / erosion impacts on the coastline due to change in hydrodynamics from breakwater construction.

Design of an appropriate location for locating the marine outfall for discharge of reject waters and withdrawal of makeup water using MIKE21

Design of diffuser configuration to ensure well mixed conditions and dilution in the vicinity (mixing zone) of the outfall using CORMIX.

Ecological impacts due to disposal of brine and high temperature water through the outfall

Assessment of air quality impacts from dispersion of particulate matter from stockpiles and conveyors during loading operations

Impacts on air & noise quality due to construction activities shall be short‐term and cease to exist after construction is completed. While these can be considered insignificant, following assessments are required to be done to obtain a quantitative estimate.

Air quality impacts due to transportation of construction materials during construction phase and vehicular emissions and ship emissions during the operations phase.

Noise levels at receptor during piling and dredging operations (during construction phase).


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6.4 Prediction of Impacts

6.4.1 Air Quality Impacts Impacts on ambient air quality are possible due to the following activities

Construction material handling/ transportation of materials/ quarrying Construction activities including fabrication, welding, pre‐casting Dispersion of particulate matter during coal handling operations and emergency storage

Ship operations The impacts on air quality during the construction phase are expected to be minimal and the ambient air quality shall remain within the permissible limits. In addition, the impacts are temporary, existing only for the period of the activity. Also, the impacts can be mitigated with simple, low cost EMPs, such as, covering trucks, checking vehicular emission compliance and masks for workers.

6.4.2 Impacts of Dredging The primary water quality issue to be addressed is related to dredging. The quantity of capital dredging involved is 7.8 million m3. A preliminary assessment of a dredge spoil impact was assessed by simulating the discharge of a single dredge load using MIKE21, a two dimensional hydrodynamic, sediment transport. From the model results an area of 4km x 4km area is identified near 30m depths for dumping the dredged material. Dredging shall be carried out for over sixteen months in the channel and basin. This will result in removal of native benthic species within the dredge area. This would result in a medium‐short‐term‐reversible impact but its environmental significance would be low because:

Common benthic groups like copepods, nematods, polychaetes, gastropods etc are present in this location. These communities have widespread distribution not only in the proposed channel but also in all locations sampled. While during capital dredging these will be smothered, it is highly likely that these communities shall move into the rejuvenated channel and flourish; Typical example is the Ennore navigational channel and harbour area where significant increase in numbers were recorded after capital dredging was carried out.

The channel and basin is devoid of threatened / endangered / endemic species; The location is not a spawning or breeding ground for fisheries was not observed in and around the project area;

Sensitive phytoplankton like sea grasses or aquatic fauna are not present in this location;


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The area is not a significant fishing ground or feeding ground for fisheries. The fisheries in this area is confined to artesenal fishing with trawlers already having moved to offshore areas from the coast off Panaiyur

At the dredging site, the initial disturbances to benthic organisms result in smothering/death. Communities are expected to regenerate in a period of two years. The sediment analysis indicates low to average values for toxic heavy metals and shall not result in high water column concentrations due to the disturbance. The toxic metal concentrations are well within background concentrations and can be safely disposed as dredged material or as a landfill.

6.4.3 Impacts on fishing activities It is expected that there will be improvement in breeding and spawning areas due to tranquil conditions provided by the breakwater. This has been observed in all harbours with breakwaters, e.g. Ennore. Eventually these fish will move out and would be available in the local areas for catch. Restriction to fish boat movement during harbour construction is expected. Also during port operations there shall be interruption/ restrictions to movement of boats due to vessel navigation. However this may be restricted to the time period of approximately half to one hour when the vessels are in movement in the navigation channel. Since only small boats and not trawlers/ fishing vessels operate in the area, manoeuvring is not an issue. It is possible to manage and implement these restrictions locally. In order to improve the effort/ catch, fishermen can be provided with additional infrastructure like better fish drying areas, ice plants and ice boxes for preservation. Fish processing units can be setup. The port operator can link the fishing villages with the consumer market and provide better market facilities for the fish catch.

6.4.4 Morphological changes to coastline due to breakwater The results of the shoreline evolution were carried out using LITPACK module of MIKE21. Results of modeling with detached breakwaters indicates about 20 to 30m erosion at a distance of 350 m to the north of the breakwater and less than 20 m erosion at a distance of 600 m to the south of the breakwaters with some deposition in between the breakwaters. Though, the annual net sediment transport is northerly in the order 0.19 x 106 m3/year, without placing any structure also, the coast is observed to be eroding (50‐60 m after 1 year) in the north. This also corroborates with the IOM studies for shoreline to the north and south of Panaiyur.


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6.4.5 Dispersion studies for cooling water discharge The modeling illustrates that the offshore location has the capacity for handling the withdrawal and discharge of water for cooling waters. The temperature and salinity increase within 500m from the outfall is estimated to rise by approximately 0.1oC and 0.5 ppt respectively during non monsoon period and by 0.15oC and 0.9 ppt respectively during monsoon period.

6.4.6 Summary of estimate of impacts The summary of impacts for captive port is given in Table‐6.3.

Table‐6.3: Summary of impacts due to Captive port Issues considered Results of prediction Level of significance with

EMP Air Quality Impacts Generation of SPM due to construction material handling

Estimated 24‐hour average SPM concentrations are within NAAQS standards of 60�g/m3

Low and will cease to contribute pollution and construction is complete

Vehicular emissions during transportation of construction materials for 800 numbers/day of vehicles

The increase in the concentration of NOx, CO and HC at a distance of 500m is negligible and the overall concentrations conform to NAAQS

Regular emission checks on vehicles must be mandatory as the location is new and pristine.

Construction activities like precasting, fabrication, welding

‐ Low; It shall be ensured that construction debris shall be cleared by contractor after completion of construction

Emissions from vehicular traffic during cargo handling for additional number of 2200 vehicles/day

The increase in the concentration of NOx, CO and HC at a distance of 500m is negligible and the overall concentrations conform to NAAQS

Low

Generation of SPM from coal stackyard

24‐hour average SPM concentrations are estimated as

Low impact as the coal unloading will be within


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Issues considered Results of prediction Level of significance with EMP

Generation of SPM during Loading/unloading of coal

0.72 μg/m3 for D‐stability class hoppers thereby minimizing fugitive dust. Also the coal will be in wet condition during handling. The emergency stackyard will also have wet coal only. There will be sprinklers for keeping the coal in a wet condition. An all‐round green belt of 50m is proposed as a buffer zone.

Generation of SPM during coal transport using conveyors

Closed conveyors with negligible SPM generation as in the case of Ennore shall be used.

Low impact as the conveyors are closed / pipe without any contact with the atmosphere

Emissions and SPM from ships berthed at the jetty

The increase in the concentration of SPM, SO2, NOx, CO and HC within the jetty area is negligible and the overall concentrations conform to NAAQS

Low

Noise Quality Impacts Capital dredging Noise levels are reduced to

background levels within 100m from the source and conforms to NAAQS. No noise sensitive receptors within 500m

Low

Piling operations Noise levels are reduced to background levels within 50m from the source and conforms to NAAQS. No noise sensitive receptors within 500m

Low

Construction vehicle transport

Noise levels are 70 dB(A) at 200m distance from the road and the increase is found to negligible at 500m

Low

Water Quality Impacts Water for construction and turbid runoff from construction site

Negligible, groundwater shall not be tapped. No turbid runoff due to scanty rainfall

No impact

Water usage by labour force and generation of wastewater

Negligible No impact


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Sediment resuspension, release of toxic substances and nutrients from sediments during capital dredging

Sediment suspension is negligible, since concentrations return to background levels within 12 hours of dredging. Sediments are not toxic

Low, Dredging shall be stopped during spawning periods

Hydrodynamics / shoreline changes Impact of detached breakwater construction

Accretion / erosion is negligible. Some deposition within the breakwater along shoreline observed. Generally stable coast as interpreted from satellite imageries over 40 years

Low as breakwater is located beyond 6m contours up to which littoral transport is predominant. EMP requires dredging and bypassing of sediments deposited within the harbour area to avoid any shore connection in the long term

Biology/Benthic Ecology Loss of benthos/biomass due to capital dredging

The site appears to be productive. Recolonization is expected within 2‐3 months of dredging.

No impact

Impacts of breakwater It is expected that the breakwaters will provide tranquil conditions for breeding and spawning of fishes as observed in other existing breakwaters.

Positive impact in the long term

Landuse / Aesthetics Quarrying for breakwater construction material

Removal of boulders thereby changing landforms and topography

Low when material is procured from approved quarries.

Socio‐economics Capital dredging Temporary removal of benthos,

however rejuvenation expected in 3‐4 months

Temporary / Low negative impact. Low when dredging is not carried during fishery ban period.

Vehicular traffic Large numbers of vehicles phying in the area for transporting materials over a period of 3‐4 years

High impact limited to construction period. Impacts include accidents, air and noise pollution. Check posts and speed limits required


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Employment Temporary employment during construction and several employment opportunities and allied industries during operations

Positive impact

Fisheries Improvement in breeding and spawning areas due to tranquil conditions provided by the breakwater. Eventually these fish will move out and would be available to the local for catch

Positive impact

Fishermen population Restriction to fish boat movement during harbour construction. Interruptions to movement of boats during operations due to vessel navigation.

Medium impact since the fishermen operate small boats and have beach landing only, the restrictions it is possible to manage locally. These restrictions would be applicable only during vessel movement in the navigational channel. Additional infrastructure like better fish drying areas, ice plants and ice boxes can be provided for preservation. Fish processing units can be setup.

Cooling water discharge – water quality & Ecological impacts Pipeline Laying Removal of negligible quantities

of benthic flora/fauna The impacts are short‐term and cease after construction is complete. Pipelines shall not be routed through coral formations

Low (limited to construction phase only)


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Discharge of reject water from the outfall

Low when discharged at 10 to 14m water depths with multiport diffusers at locations specified by NIOT

Low at a distance of 500m from the source where temperature and salinity excesses fall within the range of ambient natural variations. Since the temperature and salinity variations return to ambient conditions within 500m, impacts on aquatic ecology is LOW.

Environmental Costs of Project

Low because breakwaters are detached and is likely to result in negligible accretion / erosion; Cooling water discharges have localized impacts. Impacts of project limited to construction phase

Benefits Benefits to country and state are large scale power generation and employment

NET IMPACT Net benefits to the region


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CHAPTER SEVEN

ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

7.1 Main Plant Area

The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) integrates the baseline conditions, impacts likely to occur, and the measures for amelioration of adverse impacts. during implementation of the project in Construction and Operation phases. 7.1.1 EMP for Construction Phase

Water Quality The major source of water pollution during construction phase is the sewage generated by the workers and employees congregating at the construction site. During construction phase about 10,000 workers and technical staff are likely to congregate at the project site. The total increase in population is expected to be about 18,000. A labour camp or colony is proposed to be constructed for providing accommodation to technical staff and labour involved in construction activities. It is proposed to construct 900 community toilets within the labour camps and close to construction sites itself. The sewage can be treated in sewage treatment plant prior to disposal.

Solid Waste Management Adequate facilities for collection, conveyance and disposal of solid waste shall be developed. The solid waste will be disposed at the designated landfill sites. The landfill site shall be finalized in consultation with the district administration. The landfill shall have is impervious clay as the bottom most layer. The second layer shall be impervious liner (Geo‐membrane), third layer is sand, after that well compacted solid waste is to be put over the sand, then again a layer of clay, finally a layer of soil. Some vegetation can be done at the top most layer for aesthetic view of landfill.

Provision of Free Fuel The project proponent in association with the State Government shall make necessary arrangements for distribution of LPG to families of labour and technical staff involved in construction activities.

Restoration and landscaping of project site The construction of the proposed project would lead to minor disturbance the existing topography and physiography. No major alteration of the area is expected, as the layout has been so conceived that no major impacts on this account are anticipated. It is


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proposed to landscape the area so that it integrates with the natural surroundings. It is proposed to clear construction waste material from entire area. It should be made mandatory for the contractor involved in construction activities to remove all the construction waste and restore the original topography of the area.

Health Facilities During Construction Phase To cater to diseases such as insect bites, fever, diarrhoea, work exhaustion etc during construction phase or from injuries caused by accidents at the work site, a first‐aid post is proposed at the construction site for providing immediate health care with facilities like First ‐aid box with essential medicines using ORS packets, First‐aid appliances, splints and dressing materials, Stretcher, wheel chair, etc. For serious injuries, the patient will be immediately reached to the nearby hospital for which a van will be kept at the construction site.

Air pollution Control Measures

a) Control of Emissions To minimize air quality impacts by emissions from construction vehicles, equipment and DG sets and emissions from transportation traffic, the measures recommended include proper maintenance of construction equipment to minimize exhaust; to avoid unnecessary idling of construction vehicles; effective traffic management to avoid delays in and around the project area; to promptly attend road damage caused by sub‐project activities.

b) Dust Control The project authorities will work closely with representatives from the community living in the vicinity of project area to identify areas of concern and to mitigate dust‐related impacts.

Noise Control Measures The ambient noise levels would have marginal increase up to about 1 km from the major construction site and will not have any significant adverse impact. Efforts will be made to bring down the noise levels due to the DG sets within the ambient noise requirements by proper sitting and control measures.

Disposal of Runoff From Construction Sites Fencing will be provided around stockpiles. Construction materials containing fine particles will be stored in an enclosure such that sediment‐laden water does not drain into nearby watercourses. All discharge standards promulgated under Environmental Protection Act, 1986, will be adhered to.


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Prevention of Soil Contamination Vehicle/ machinery and equipment operation, maintenance and refuelling will be carried out in such a fashion that spillage of fuels and lubricants does not contaminate the ground. Oil interceptors will be provided for vehicle parking, wash down and refuelling areas within the construction camps. Fuel storage will be in proper bunded areas. All spills and collected petroleum products will be disposed off in accordance with MoEF and SPCB guidelines. Fuel storage and refilling areas will be located at least 1000 m from rivers and other water bodies or as directed by the Site Engineer. In all fuel storage and refuelling areas, if located on agricultural land or areas supporting vegetation, the top soil will be stripped, stockpiled and returned after cessation of such storage and refuelling activities.

Safety Practices During Construction The Contractor is required to comply with all the precautions as required for the safety of the workers as per the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 62 as far as those are applicable to this contract. The contractor will supply all necessary safety appliances such as safety goggles, helmets, masks, etc., to the workers and staff. The contractor shall to comply with all regulation regarding, working platforms, excavations, trenches and safe means of entry and egress. In order to guarantee construction safety, efficient lighting and safety signs shall be installed on temporary roads during construction and adequate traffic regulations shall be adopted and implemented for temporary roads. 7.1.2 Environmental Management during Operation Phase

Water Environment

All Plant process drains &, Plant surface drains (except Rain water) shall be first treated for Oil removal and thereafter routed to Effluent Treatment (Neutralizing Pond) from where the treated water shall be utilized for Horticulture & Dust Suppression in Coal/Ash Handling areas. Only CT Blowdown and Desalination Process rejects shall be sent back to Sea. The mitigatory measures for source of water pollution are as follows: Cooling water The total cooling water discharge shall be stored in a guard pond for storage prior to disposal. As per the norms specified for disposal of effluents, the temperature shall not exceed 5oC above the temperature of the receiving water temperature.


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Plant wash down water and Miscellaneous drains Plant Process Drains after oil water separator shall also be sent to the above Guard Pond. The water so stored in the Guard Pond shall be used for Horticulture/Gardening Rain (Storm) Water Drainage The rain (storm) water removed from the building roofs and yard area grade level surfaces would be directed through the open ditches and culverts to the storm drainage piping. Grade level would be contoured such that storm water run off is directed on the ground, to well defined drainage paths leading to the storage pditches. Effluent from Water Treatment Plant Rejected Water from Desalination Plants may contain high Salt concentrations & Chemicals used for Pre‐treatment. Desalination Plant’s Rejected Water would be led to a Common Monitoring Basin and Guard Pond and would be discharged to Sea through the outfall system pumps & pipes, which shall not be mixed with Storm water Drainage system. Effluent from coal stock yard The coal and clinker stock yard shall be cleaned immediately once a phase of coal handling operations is completed. The water can be channeled from various area, and can then be settled in a settling tank. It is likely that considerable quantity of coal slurry settles within the drain, before reaching the settling pond. Thus, at regular intervals of drain length sumps can be installed adjacent to the drain to allow the bulk of the solids to settle in these sumps with overflow water being channeled to the settling pond. The solids which settle out in the sumps can be cleaned out by a front end loader or back hoe and the material can be returned to the respective stock pile area. Effluent from ash disposal area The ash settles in the ash pond and the slurry water accumulates in the low lying area and reaches the ash recovery system. This effluent is likely to contain suspended solids which can be removed in a clarifier. Sewage from Various Buildings in the Plant Sewage from various buildings in the power plant area would be conveyed through separate drains and treated in a sewage treatment plant (STP). The treated effluent shall be reused or recycled depending on the quality..


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Air Pollution Control

Dust control during coal handling The conveyors would be provided with completely enclosed galleries with GI sheeting on sides. Seal plates will be provided on the bottom run off these galleries at road crossing, plant area to prevent coal for from falling down the conveyor gallery. The crusher house and junction towers would be provided with dry type dust extraction system with bag filters. Water will be sprayed around the stockpile and the transfer point hoppers to suppress the dust generated and to reduce the dust nuisance. Wind shields / screens are presently available for prevention of entrainment of fugitive dust.

Dust control during fly ash handling To reduce the dust nuisance while loading the ash into the trucks from fly ash silos, the fly ash is conditioned with water spray. It is proposed to cover the ash in the open trucks with tarpaulin to prevent flying of fine ash during transportation. The ash disposal area would be lined with impervious lining to prevent seepage of rain water from the disposal area in to the ground and pollute ground water.

Dust Particulate From Fly Ash in Flue Gas As per the Pollution Control Board norms, the standard for particulate emission applicable to this project is 50 mg / Nm3. The electrostatic precipitators (ESP) proposed for this project would be designed to limit the emission level of the particulate matter to 50 mg / Nm3. Dust extraction system of coal crusher and other equipment will be provided with a Bag Filter. The outlet will be designed to meet particulate emission of less than 50 mg/Nm3.

Sulphur Di‐Oxide (SO2) in Flue Gas As per the norms of minimum stack height for 500 MW unit would be 275 metres. A single multi flue stack of 275 m would meet the norms for the power plant has been proposed for effective dispersal of sulphur dioxide.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) in Flue Gas To reduce NOx emissions, over‐fire air system equipment with airports would be installed for the furnace. Further, the steam generators would be fitted with advanced low NOx burners. Compensatory Afforestation The total forest loss in the land acquired for the project is 24.29 ha. It is proposed to afforest double the amount of forest land being acquired for the project. Thus, a total of


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49 ha of land needs to be afforested. The afforestation work is to be done by Forest Department. Rain Water Harvesting In the proposed project, storage of rainwater on surface for future use is envisaged. The total paved surface area is 254082 m2. The annual average rainfall in the area is 1055 mm (1.055 m). Thus, volume of water available at roof top is 268057 m3. The Runoff Coefficient has been taken as 0.80. Thus, volume of water that can be used for storage/recharge is estimated as 214445 m3 or about 214 million litres per annum. This water is proposed to be used for meeting irrigation or dust suppression requirements. For harvesting the rain water the paved surface would be maintained clean and should be free from dumps and unwanted or unused material. The dust and other material would be removed periodically, so that the water harvested as far as possible free from suspended particles. Greenbelt Development It is proposed to develop greenbelt around various project appurtenances to mitigate pollution levels in the area. Depending upon the topo‐climatological conditions and regional ecological status, selection of the appropriate plant species shall be made. The greenbelt development plan proposed would have the plantation at appropriate spacing. The width of the greenbelt will be 50m. About 1,600 trees per hectare are proposed to be planted. The maintenance of the plantation area will also be done by the project proponents. Socio‐economic Environment The construction and commissioning of the power plant would lead to mushrooming of various allied activities, where largely local population would be involved. The development of various activities would provide an impetus to improvement in infrastructure at the local level. During project operation phase, local population would be given priority for employment for unskilled posts. Fire Protection System An elaborate fire protection system covering all the buildings of the proposed power plant including coal stockyard would be provided. The water would be drawn from the desalinated water storage tank in which reserve capacity of 2000 cu.m would be provided.


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The following fire protection systems are proposed: Hydrant system for plant area and foam system for HFO & LDO tanks. Automatic High velocity water spray (HVWS) system for the protection of transformer and manual HVWS system for the protection of turbine oil tanks.

Automatic deluge (Medium velocity water spray) system for the protection of cable vaults and coal conveyors.

Clean gas agents for the protection of control rooms. Portable fire extinguishers for different areas. The system would be designed to conform to the Rules and Regulations of Fire Safety standards as per TAC.

Bird Conservation Plan The following measures are recommended for conservation of birds:

Level and the quality of water needs to be properly maintained for meeting the requirements of birds.

No further encroachment of the water area needs to be made. Vegetal cover of the area needs to be improved by plantation of local species preferably plants with prolific branching to provide sufficient roosting and nesting sites for the birds.

As the area is covered by the tidal wetland and with thick vegetation, it should be considered as the core of the protected area hence the silt removal and desalting in select areas during the appropriate seasons may be helpful in improving the system.

Dumping of solid wastes should be avoided within a distance of 500 m in the catchment area of wetland.

7.2 Captive Port

The nodal agency of Project Developer will co‐ordinate with the contractors for implementation of EMPs during the construction phase. Environmental monitoring in the Port area shall be undertaken by Project Developer. Annual monitoring of air, water and sediment quality shall be carried out routinely for the Port area. 7.2.1 Mitigation Measures The impacts of the various activities of the proposed development and the specific measures that are needed during the design, construction and operation phases of the project shall form part of the implementation. Best housekeeping practices shall be incorporated in the design, construction and operation phases of the project. Green Belt


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area 50m wide in four tiers is suggested for attentutation of fugitive dust. The list of trees native to the port area includes Casurina, Euclaptus, Coconut, Casurina etc. Also wind barriers using HDPE screens are presently used for prevention of particulate matter dispersion. It can be seen that they are significantly tall to prevent particulate matter from being blow off by wind. These screens are used in some of the ports handling and storing coal. The same types of screens with bubble top covering are suggested at the emergency stackyard at the port site of Panaiyur for minimization of particulate emissions. 7.2.2 Tsunami Early Warning System This site was not affected by the devastating tsunami of 2004. However, the port shall have a link with the National Disaster Management Agency for early tsunami warning to plan for evacuation and thereby minimize the damage especially to life. This would be useful in evacuating the vessels inside the breakwater to offshore locations. Occasional drills for tsunami warning and mitigation shall be practised. 7.2.3 Operational Criteria For Port Craft (Tugboats And Mooring Boats) The tug boats will have operational constraints due to wind generated or short period waves. The limiting criteria for ordinary tugboats would be Hs<1.0‐1.5 m and approximately 1.5 m for tractor tug boats. Modern mooring launches can operate at a wind speed of up to 30 knots and with a Hs< 1.0‐1.3 m. Beyond the above mentioned limits the boats will face difficulty in delivering the lines from the ship to the mooring points. It is recommended that the Pilots, Tugboat Masters and crew are provided with adequate training and familiarisation prior to the commencement of operations at the proposed port facility. It is recommended that the key personnel are familiarised with the emergency procedures to deal with emergencies like engine and steering failure. 7.2.4 Fire Fighting System for Coal Conveyor The system shall be designed to give suitable fire protection for the facility based on Indian Standards or equivalent and shall conform to the provisions of the Tariff Advisory Committee’s Fire Protection Manual. The Fire hydrant system shall be designed to ensure that adequate quantity of water is available at all times, at all areas of the facility where a potential fire hazard exists. Each hydrant connection shall be provided with suitable length of hoses and nozzles to permit effective operation.


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The hydrant service shall cover the entire facility, and shall have pumps, located in a common pump house. Adequate arrangement with jockey pumps, pressure switches etc. shall be provided to maintain the required pressure in the hydrant system. The operations of the Pumps provided for the system shall be automatic.


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CHAPTER EIGHT

PUBLIC HEARINGS AND PROCEEDINGS

8.1 Main Plant and Ash Dyke Area

The public hearing for the Main Plant and Ash Dyke area was held on 10.06.2010 at 11.00AM in the presence of District collector, Kancheepuram District and District Environmental Engineer, TNPCB, Maraimalai Nagar and various concerns of the public have been addressed. The proceedings of the public hearing have been duly authenticated by the District collector District and District Environmental Engineer. 8.2 Captive Jetty and Coal Conveyor Off Panaiyur Chinnakuppam

The public hearing for the captive jetty and coal conveyor off Panaiyur Chinnakuppam was held on 28.12.2011 at 11.00AM in the presence of District collector, Kancheepuram District and District Environmental Engineer, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and various concerns of the public have been addressed suitably. The proceedings of the public hearing have been duly authenticated by the District collector District and District Environmental Engineer.


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CHAPTER NINE

RISK ASSESSMENT AND DISSASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN

9.1 Risk Assessment and Disaster Management Plan

A thermal power plant contains various equipment and storages operating under high temperature and high pressure. The scale of possible fire and release from chlorine tonners has grown and so as the area, which might be affected by such events, especially outside the plant boundary. As per Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Government of India risk assessment is a mandatory requirement for thermal power stations. In order to minimize damages in case of accident or likely failure cases, a risk analysis study has been carried out to quantify zone of influence of various failure cases and a disaster management plan has been prepared to control the spread of incident effectively. The details of Disaster Management Plan to be implemented are described in Chapter 7 and Chapter 8 of CEIA Report of WAPCOS and NIOT respectively.


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CHAPTER TEN

RESETTLEMENT AND REHABILITATION PLAN & CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

10.1 Resettlement & Rehabilitation Plan

The R&R Plan for the project affected families of the proposed thermal power project has been formulated as per the provisions and/or guidelines as given in the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007 (NRRP–2007), formulated by Ministry of Rural Development, Department of Land Resources, Government of India and the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy Framework submitted to Government of Tamil Nadu. The details of Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) Plan for the Project Affected Families (PAFs) has been separately covered in Chapter 7 of each of the Socio‐economic Study for Main Plant and Captive Port. 10.2 Corporate Social Responsibility Activities

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Cheyyur UMPP is broadly framed to empower the project affected families in particular and the population in the study area in general, in every possible way and to improve their overall quality of life and standard of living. The assessment was conducted in 50 villages in the Cheyyur Taluka and Maduranthakam Taluka in district Kancheepuram. The villages are located within a radius of 10 km of the proposed Cheyyur Ultra Mega Power Project. Most of the information that was required for preparation of CSR Activities was gathered from secondary as well as primary sources. Both qualitative as well as quantitative information was collected and used. The following aspects have been covered under the CSR activities:

Protection of Environment o Afforestation and green belt development

Upgradation of Educational Facilities o Establishment of new schools and colleges and upgradation of

infrastructure facilities such as furniture, equipments, computers, playgrounds etc. in the existing ones.

o Scholarships for Students Improvement in Public Health Facilities

o Appointment of additional doctors (surgeons, gyanecologist, etc.) o Establishment of additional primary health centres


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o Provision of new equipments such as ventilator, ambulance etc., o Poison Treatment Centre o Increase in no. of beds in hospitals, etc.

Development of an Industrial Training Institute Infrastructure Facilities in Fishing Villages

o Boat making and repair yard o Ice plant for preservation of fish o Auction Hall for auctioning of fish catch o Net mending sheds and net drying yards o Endowment Fund for welfare of fishermen and other groups o Construction/ upgradation of Bus Stands o Widening and metaling of existing internal roads

Improvement in Quality of Life o Construction of low cost sanitation facilities (lavatories) for those

households which do not have the same. o Construction of Old Age homes and Orphanage.

Funds for CSR Activities o Around Rs. 80 Crore (One Time)

Scholarships to student Rs. 20 Crore Public Health Rs. 17.5 Crore Schools Rs. 16.5 Crore Improvement in Quality of Life Rs. 11 Crore Endowment Fund Rs. 10 Crore Facilities for Fishing Village Rs. 2 Crore Industrial Training Institute Rs. 1.5 Crore

o Around Rs. 3 Crore (Recurring) Rs. 2 Crore for Environment Protection Rs. 1 Crore for other expenses like salaries etc.

The Area Development and Corporate Social Responsibility Activities have been elucidated separately in the CSR Report.

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