1. INTRODUCTION. EMP Report For Colour Granite Mine of Ha, located in Nellipudi Village, Gangavaram Mandal, East Godavari District, A.P.

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1 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 INTRODUCTION M/S MARS GRANITES was granted a quarry lease over an extent of Ha in Sy No: 486/1 & 488/1, Nellipudi Village, Gangavaram Mandal, East Godavari District in the State of Andhra Pradesh, vide DMG Notice No: 30712/R1-1/2004, Dt for the unexpired lease period for 20 years. For this purpose A mining Scheme was approved vide Letter No: 802/MS-RJY/2015 Dated: 20/05/2015. M/S MARS GRANITES has obtained Environmental Clearance form State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Andhra Pradesh for a production of 1200 Cum/year of Colour Granite vide order no: SEIAA/AP/EG- 87/2013 Dated Over the months, keeping in view of the excellent quality and service, the product enjoy very high reputation in domestic and international markets, the management of MARS GRANITES is proposed to enhance their production capacity from 1200 Cum/Year to 6000 Cum/Year in their existing mine lease area. For this all the statutory clearances have to be obtained The present proposal is submitted for obtaining Environmental Clearance from SEIAA, A.P. for a production of 6000 cum/year of Colour Granite from the existing Hectares of Mine lease area. The total cost of the project is Rs. 60 lakhs only M/S MARS GRANITES is conscious of its responsibility towards the society in minimizing the pollution load due to this proposed activity and according to Office Memorandam No /47/2011-IA.II(M), dated from MoEF, GoI, New Delhi for obtaining Environmental Clearance from SEIAA, Andhra Pradesh; the project proponents intends to prepare an Environmental Management Plan for submission for grant of Environmental Clearance for their proposed Ha. Of Granite Mine Lease area. 1

2 Table 1: SALIENT FEATURES OF THE STUDY AREA Details of the Study Area District & State East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh Mandal Gangavaram Village Nellipudi Nature of the Area Government Waste Land Latitude 17 o N Longitude E General Climatic Conditions Maximum Temperature 45 o C Minimum Temperature 21 o C Annual Rainfall 1000 mm Wind Pattern SE to NW Accessibility Road Connectivity A B.T. road of 1.1 km length is connecting to the area from Chinnapalem village Rail Connectivity The nearest Railway station is located at Rajhmundry, at a distance of 41 km from the applied area Air Port Vishakapatnam Nearest Village Chinnapalem 1.0 km from ML area Historical / Important Places Archaeologically Important Site Nil within the study area Historically Important Site Nil within the study area Sensitive Places Nil within the study area Sanctuaries / National Parks Nil within the study area Nearest water body Surampalayam canal 300 mts Nearest Forest Sudikonda R.F is 0.6 km Lakkonda R.F is 1.8 km Figure 1 shows the 10 km radius of the study area around the proposed Mine Lease area. 2

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4 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.1 THE PROJECT The project of M/S MARS GRANITES is presently producing 1200 Cum/Year of Colour Granite. Now the Lessee is proposed to enhance their production capacity from 1200 Cum/Year to 6000 Cum/Year in their existing mine lease area of Ha located in Sy No: 486/1 & 488/1, Nellipudi Village, Gangavaram Mandal, East Godavari District in the State of Andhra Pradesh. The method of working shall be by Open cast Semi- Mechanised opencast working of quarrying by using jack hammer drilling & cutting by Wire Saw & blasting by low explosives if required. The lease area in on Indian toposheet No. 65 G / 15, and the area is at the intersection of 17 o North latitudes and East longitudes. The area is located at a distance of 1.0 km from Chinnapalem village. 2.2 NEED FOR THE PROJECT In order to meet the statutory requirements the lessee intends to obtain Environmental Clearance from Statutory Authorities. 2.3 TOPOGRAPHY The area is gently sloping from NW to E and there is about 7m relief from NW to SE in this area.the rock formation is medium to coarse grained and characterized by alternating parallel bands of mafic and felsic composition. These bands are either straight way or folded. The mafic layers are greenish in color while the felsic layers are of grey with greenish tinge. 2.4 GEOLOGY Regional Geology The Eastern Ghat Mobile Belt (EGMB) is more than 600 Km in Length from Srikakuiam in the North to Ongole in the South. This belt is more than 100 Km in Width in Northern Part and Tapers down to less than 20 Km in the South, it has broad actuate trend with Westward convexity. The NNE -SSW trend in the southern 4

5 part of the belt changes NE - SW in the North. EGMB is divided into 3 longitudinal zones viz. 1. Western - Charnockitic Zone 2. CentraL - Kondalite Zone 3. Eastern - Migmatite Zone While in the Northern parts in East Godavari, Srikakuiam, Vizianagaram & Vishakapatnam Districts the central Khondalite Zone occupies major part of the are. Whereas Western Charnockite Zone occurs in the Southern part. The rocks in this belt are represented High Grade Granulite facies of Metamorphism and suffered by complex deformation. The stratigraphic succession of EGMB is as follows : Recent Quarternary Upper Gondwana Easter Ghats Migmatitic Group Super Group Pre Cambrian Charnokite Group Intrusives Alluvium, Beach Sands, River Sand Laterite, Lateritic Soils Sandstone with Interbedded Clays and Conglomerate Chanokitic Derived Migmatites Khondalite Derived Migmatites Hypersthene Gneiss Pyroxene Gneiss Layered Anorthosites and associated Mafics and Chromiferrous Ultra Mafics Charnockite Group Charnockites with Mega Crystic K- Feldspar Charnockite Two Pyroxene Kondalite Group Calc Silicate Granulites Garnet Silliminiie Quartz Biotite - K- Feldspar Graphite Gneiss (Kondalite) Quartzite Garnet - Silliminiie Granitoid Suite Granitoid with Mega Crystic K-Feldspar Undifferentiated (with Migmatitic Dia Tectite, Augen) Perferoblastic Granite and Gniesses. Garnet Biotite Homophanus Granite / Gniess Leptinite, Local Charnockite Neosornes and Relics In East Godavari District the EGMB is represented by vide range of lithe units Viz. Charnockites, Khondalites, Pyroxene Granulites, Migmatites, Leptinites and 5

6 Intrusive Porphyroblastic Charnockites Large enclaves of Acid Charnockites, Khondalites, and Meta-Basic rocks Occur within Migmatites, which are largely seen in the area lying between R.Vamsadhara and cost Line Local Geology Leptinite occurs as large enclaves in phyroblastc charnockites, which are commercially named as white granites Leptinite essentially consists of Milky White Quartz and Feldspars with accessory minerals like pink brown garnets and black biotite, which occur as stringers. These leptinites are very fie grained with sachroidal texture. The garnets occur with sizes ranging from 1 mm 1 cm, showing spheroidal / oval shape in the quarry leased area the leptinite occurs as ridge / peak of the hill, exposure raising 55 M high within the leased area. The leptinites are inter-tongued with porphyroblastic migmatites. The rock showing well developed foliation with brownish red garnets forming the banding. The foliation trending in N 70 o E - S 70 o W, caught up patches of dark coloured porphyroblastic migmatites are also trending in N 70 o E - S 70 o W with steep dip of 60 o due SE. EXPLORATION: Already carried out: The mining operations were carried out as per the mining plan approved by the Joint director of mines and geology. The lease holder has extracted the Granite blocks of saleble sizes over a quantity of 14, M3 from the beginning of the Quarry operations. The Granite formation (Leptinites) is very smooth material which is suitable for extraction of the Gangsaw and cutter size blocks in different sizes which are suitable for market. The quarry owner is adopting Wiresaw method to separate the blocks from the rock mass without disturbing the formation. In this quarry first layer of Granite formation with the thickness of 6 meters has been excavated in the middle portion of the quarry area apart from the removal of above the top boulders and waste material. In the second layer one pit is developed with the length of 50 meters having the width of 30 meters with the depth of 8 meters. The quarry owner is operating the quarry with Wiresaw cutting both towards Northern side and 6

7 Southern side of the existing quarry. There is plenty of scope to get massive production of Granite blocks as the formation is suitable for extraction of saleble blocks. 2.5 GEOLOGICAL RESERVES : The deposit up to RL 114 to 100 is proved, RL 100 to 90 is considered as Probable & RL 90 to 80 for Possible Reserves of granite deposits under sections of total quarry, from section west to east A-A', to E-E', to southern side Category Total Geological Reserves (m 3 ) Recoverable Market Grade 80% Proved Reserves % Recovery = m3 Mineable deposits after leaving the benches & slopes at the time of working in the quarry 10% i.e.,16140 will be reduced from the total reserves estimates. Minable reserves = Proved recoverable reserves Non minable reserves M M3 = M3. The minable deposits will come up to M3. Mineable reserves and life of the mine: In this area, M 3 of dimensional granite is considered as mineable reserves. In this area it is proposed to produce 9552 m 3 of dimensional granite per year. Life of the mine: Life of the Mine = Total Minable reserves Actual anticipated annual production 2.6 MINING = M 3 / 9552 m 3 = or 16 Years There are no public buildings, places of importance and historical monuments. However, the lessee will conduct the quarry operations duly adopting the restrictions regarding the safety measures as per the regulations 109 & 127 of Metalliferrous Mines Regulations 7

8 1961. The lessee will adopt the latest mining techniques and machinery such as Wire- Saw cutting machinery for extracting the dimensional stones. Method of Mining (Open Cast Semi Mechanized with heavy earth moving machinery) The method of mining adopted so far will be continued. The mining will be mechanized open cast method with deep drilling and Wiresaw cutting and breaking the overburden and Color Granite, using heavy earth moving machinery viz., Hydraulic excavators (Poclains), Dumpers, Tippers. The overburden / Color Granite will be hauled to the overburden dumps and stocking yards respectively. Extraction of Blocks: The advantage of natural joints present in the sheet rock is taken for splitting them or a line of drill holes are drilled and split it with the help of feathers and wedges. The separated places are examined for defects and lines, then the block or blocks are marked in clear area and holes are drilled along the line of marking with the help of feathers and wedges and the waste portions are separated forming a rectangular blocks. Any bulges are removed by drilling and wedging making it perfect blocks. A perfect block is that all the sides shall make with each other 90º. Once the block of different sizes are removed from sheet either by poclain or by crane, they are brought to dressing yard for further processing. a. Development of Benches and Working Faces Separation of primary blocks from the mother rock. Diamond wire Saw is in use for separation of primary block from the mother rock. Working faces are developed parallel to the direction of lineation. For effective use of wire saw, two sides free face is required. The bench height depends on the reach of the excavator. Usually 6M. Height is comfortable. The main cut can be planned at 6 m height X 9 M X 8 to 9 M length. The Diamond Wire is passed through one horizontal and one vertical holes drilled at 90º and the bottom is cut first; then the wire is passed through the vertical hole and one of the horizontal holes and vertical face is cut. Thus the entire block of 6 m height X 9 M X 9 8

9 M length size is separated from the mother r rock. The block is divided into number of slices, with each slice 1.8 m to 2 m thickness. Slicing can be done by either with a Wire Saw or with a line of holes by using Jack Hammers / Line Drill or Tam Rock and Wedging. The slice is brought down with the help of excavator and washed with water to check for defects and cracks. The blocks are marked and separated by drilling and wedging. Secondary Splitting After separation from the mother rock, it is properly checked by washing with water to identify defects and cracks. Based on this observation, the size is decided and the blocks are marked and separated by drilling and wedging. The separated pieces are examined for defects and lines, then the block or blocks are marked in clear area and holes are drilled along the line of marking with the help of feathers and wedges and the waste portions are separated forming a rectangular blocks. Any bulges are removed by drilling and wedging making it perfect blocks. A perfect block is that all the sides shall make with each other 90º. Dressing After secondary separation the rock mass will be carefully examined to avoid hair line cracks, mineral segregations and veins etc., the dressing of the rough blocks will be made by chipping the edges and geometrically equating the edges of the block at the dressing yard. The rough blocks obtained after secondary cut, will be dressed for obtaining good geometric shape of granite. Adequate care is required to dress the block depending on the surface to be polished (lineation planes), as golden spots are visible only in one direction in lineation plane. However, bronzite is softer than other minerals, it is fallacious and tabular and often flaky, oriented in the direction of general lineation. The dressing and sawing of the blocks should be oriented parallel to the direction of foliae / lineation to expose the plane parallel to 001 Crystallographic plane direction of the metallic luster, so as to expose more bronzite flakes on polished surface. Dressing of dimensional rough blocks for export Dressing is the final phase of mining operation, wherein the secondary rough blocks are squared into regular perfect rectangular sizes, thereby avoiding uneven bulges or cavities 9

10 and other defects. Jackhammers with compressor, feather end wedges and sledgehammers are the equipment generally used for dressing the block. Dressing of rough blocks for domestic processing plant Dressing by means of squaring and splitting is done for rough blocks of the size varying between 2-9 m 3 for domestic processing plants and also for export purpose. Dressing of rejected rough blocks for valued addition Dressing of rejected rough blocks also done for value addition anticipating future market. Loading The Color Granite Blocks will be loaded by Hydraulic Excavator directly into Lorries and Heavy transport vehicles. Hauling Color Granite is transported through Heavy transport vehicles. The material is sprayed by water to reduce the dust nuisance while loading. Water sprinkling on haul road will be done with water tanker provided with sprinkler arrangement to suppress the air borne dust during transportation. Extent of Machinery: S.No Name of the Machinery No s 1 Poclain L&T 300 one 2 Dumpers two 3 Air Compressor s three 4 Wire Saw Machine two 5 Water Tanker (sprinkler) one 2.7 MINERAL PROCESSING The Lessee intends to export and as well as sell the raw blocks for the processing units in the country. The lessee does not possess a processing plant at the moment. 2.8 SITE SERVICES The rest shelter cum office, First aid room, and toilets will be constructed in the area. The roof will be of asbestos sheets covered by hay to keep it cool in summer. A first aid certificate holder will be the in charge of the first aid room. Protected drinking water will be provided and stored in earthen pots. 10

11 2.9 EMPLOYMENT POTENTIAL The mining activity will provide the job facilities to the local people. It will have 1 Mines Manager, skilled & unskilled labour about 29 persons. 11

12 3. EVALUATION OF IMPACTS 3.1 INTRODUCTION Opencast mining activity causes some adverse impacts on the surround environment unless proper environmental management plan is adopted. Selecting suitable sites for mining and adopting the guidelines prescribed by the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) and Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), one can minimize the major possible impacts. In this chapter, an attempt has been made to quantify the possible environmental impacts on various features such as air, water, noise, land, ecology and socio-economies. The following aspects have been studied to identify the possible impacts while achieving the total production of 6000 Cum/Year of Colour Granite. The magnitude and significance of the environmental pollution caused by mining depends on method of mining, scale and concentration of mining activity. 3.2 AIR ENVIRONMENT The impacts on air environment from a mining activity depend on various factors like production capacity, machinery involved, operations and maintenance of various equipments and vehicle. Apart from these, there will be other activities associated viz transportation of mineral and waste, stocking facilities and dump management within the mine lease area that may contribute to pollution SOURCES OF DUST EMISSION Mining is carried out by open cast semi mechanized method by using jack hammer drilling & wire saw cutting and using low explosive blasting. Based on the various operations involved in the production of minerals, the various emission sources has been identified as given below. a. Point sources b. Area sources. 12

13 c. Line sources. Drilling operations of the mine are considered as point sources. Extraction of mineral from mine, are considered as area sources. Transportation of material from mining benches to various end points are considered as line sources. The impact of above sources on air environment is discussed below: a) Drilling & Blasting One the boulder is freed by removing the soil and waste rock surrounding it, a series of holes are drilled by compressed air using Jack Hammer at a regular interval of cms depending on the size of the boulder, the depth of the hole depends on the height of the boulder and the holes are drilled up to the bottom leaving about a foot at the base. The holes have to be perfectly straight and vertical so that the vertical split is obtained. Line drilling machine can be used to drill straight holes. Feather and wedges are inserted into the holes and hammered continuously applying uniform pressure and the boulder splits vertically. Similarly dressing is done and the boulder is given a rectangular shape. All the defects are avoided during the dressing stage. Diamond wire saw may also be employed to dislodge the block from the parent rock. Drill hole pattern will be uniform single lined pattern, equidistances holes from 0.33 m to 0.75 m, 4.5 m in depth. Spacing depends upon the size of the boulder, in general it 15 cms from hole to hole for better splitting. The concentrations due to low explosives blasting will be confined to a maximum distance of 10 m from the area of blasting. These concentrations will not be emitted continuously. However presence of personnel near the blasting site during blasting will be totally avoided. So, the impact of blasting on the air environment will be minimal. b) Extraction & Loading Extraction & Loading will be done by a crane and excavator and these activities of mine operation is contributing to the area source emission and the extent of influence of this operation is about 100 m2. 13

14 c) Haulage &Transportation In the operating mine, the dressed blocks from mine face to the consumers is transported by hired trucks. The trucks will be well maintained so that exhaust smoke does not contribute abnormal values of noxious gases and unburnt hydrocarbons. The other sources of air pollution is due to the dust generated during the movement of tippers on the haul road. The above sources, which include drilling, low explosives blasting, excavation, haulage for transport of blocks will contribute to dust pollution in the air ANTICIPATED IMPACTS The impacts envisaged due to mining activity are evaluated based on various factors. The emission inventory of the pollutants is as follows, the main air pollutant would be dust or particulate matter generated by handling and transportation of colour granite. But the impact of mining operations on air quality is minimum as mining involved method by using jackhammer drilling & wire saw cutting & low explosive blasting and as the production quantity is very less i.e. 24 Cum/Day only Dust Generation and Control The air pollutant would be dust or particulate matter generated by handling and transportation of granite blocks. The existing ambient air quality at quarry lease area is within the limits prescribed by A.P.P.C.B. The envisaged production of minerals is only 24 Cum/Day. The dust generated due to mining operations will be controlled by water sprinkling through water tankers 3.3 NOISE ENVIRONMENT Noise will be produced at the mine is due to operations of machinery, drilling, blasting, and movement of vehicles. The noise generated by the mining activity is dissipated within a small zone around the mine. The present noise levels at quarry lease area are within the limits prescribed by A.P.P.C.B. There is no major impact of the mining 14

15 activity on the vicinity however; pronounced effect of above noise levels will felt only near the active working area and on the personnel working in the vicinity. The impact of noise on the villages is negligible as the villages are located far from the mine site. 3.4 WATER ENVIRONMENT The Mining activity will be carried out on mound slope will not have any effect on the ground water and the static water table in this area is below 60 m Impact on Surface Water There are no major streams and rivers, which can get effected by the mining. Hence, there will be no effect on the surface water. During the present plan period quarrying will go to depth of 10 meters from the present level of mining. During the monsoon period, the rainwater, if gets stagnated, will be drained out. The benches will made with an inward slope to facilitate run off more faster on to the mine floor. Small bunds, garlands and silting tanks also will be constructed to minimize inflow muddy water which carry fine material Impact on Ground Water Mining activity will be above the BWL (50-60 m). Hence, there will be no effect on the ground water regime Impact on Water Quality Water quality in the buffer zone have indicted that the ground water is free from heavy metal concentration and this mining activity will not interference on the water quality Water Consumption & Wastewater Generation The water used for Dust suppression & wire saw cutting, Greenbelt & Domestic Purpose only. The total water requirement is in the order of 3.0 m 3 /day for the existing mining operations is met by purchasing the water through tankers from the villages. During the 15

16 proposed expansion of Colour granite production the water requirement will be increased to 9.0 m 3 /day and the breakup details are indicated below. WATER REQUIREMENT (m 3 /day) SOURCE QUANTITY Existing After proposed Production (KLD) Expansion (KLD) Dust suppression & wire saw Domestic Greenbelt Total The total water requirement of 9.0 m 3 /day after the proposed expansion programme will be met by purchasing the water through tankers from the villages. During the existing process and after implementation of proposed expansion only 0.5KLD of domestic effluent will be generated and this will also sent to septic tank fallowed by soak pit. 3.5 LAND ENVIRONMENT Various components of land environment have been identified for study of impact of the mine operations. Details of the same are given below: Solid Waste Generation Removal of weathered rock and the rock waste is the only solid waste that will be generated from this mine. Some of the material from the waste may be sorted out and used for making small blocks to be used by the local unit for making tiles. The market for tiles is good at the moment and they will offer a better substitute for marble in terms of price and quality. Some rejected and unsorted material may be used in the civil engineering projects in the vicinity of the area. The waste material can also be crushed into smaller sizes and can be used as road metal The waste generated during the five years may be dumped in the zone separately reserved for dumping along Wesatern Part of the quarry lease area (Within the quarry lease area). The dump will be designed in such that it will have slopes equal to the angle of repose of such material. Garland drains have to be sunk along around the leading edge of the dump. 16

17 A retaining wall will be constructed around the dump to preventing the slanting of boulders Care will be taken to minimize the waste generation at the source. About 2388 m3/year of waste will be generated from this mine. Waste dump yards are proposed in the West part within the Quarry Lease area. The generated waste will be dumped on the existing dump area due West side of the quarry lease area covering an area of Hectares with an average height of 6M with 45º slope angle. A retaining wall will be constructed around the dump for preventing the slanting of boulders. Quantity (Cum/Year) Particulars Present After Proposed Expansion Waste Rock Impact on Land use The mine is located in an area of Ha. No forestland is involved. After the operations cease, the mine spoiled area will be back field. It may not be possible to complete regain the original topography of the area. During quarrying whatever solid waste is generated shall be dumped at dumping site inside the Q.L. area. The mining lease area is not a part of any type of forest. Entire mine lease area is govt. land hence all the impact on land use is positive because aesthetic environment will not be effected, as the mine is located on a plain with some bushes. Due to opencast mining activities, the landscape will be slightly changed. There will be no land subsidence as the country is made up of hard rock. The Soil cover in this mine is almost nil and Agriculture is seen mainly in the plains in the vicinity of the lease area and the mining will not have any impact on the agricultural pattern. Only few bushes will be cleared to facilitate mining and other related activities and there are no big trees, which may have to be cut Impact of Ground vibrations Fragmentation of rock by blasting is an important operation in mining project, where hard rock occurs. Blasting will be done only when it is absolutely necessary, using low intensity explosives. 17

18 Blasting of the mineral at the proposed mine will be done by using Low-density chemical explosives like ECM/ CaOH will be used. Sometimes smooth blasting may be done using silent non-explosive demolishing agents like Acconex. The ground vibrations caused by blasting will not have any affect as the mining is on a mound and the vibrations will be minimum and will not be carried too far due to the hard nature of the rock. 3.6 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT There is no adverse impacts are anticipated due to the proposed mining activity on biological environment. However, with the implementation of the environmental management measures, there will be improvement in the parameters of biological environment. The tree species found with the core zone represent the common type of flora species along with small shrubs and bushes. Due to mining activities community structure of the vegetation will not change. Whereas diversity of plant species and food web index of the area reduced to certain extent. However, if the proposed reclamation of the mining area and dumped out area using proper re-vegetation techniques and development of green belt around the ultimate limit and roadside there shall be an improvement in the species diversity and food web index compared to the existing level. 3.7 SOCIO- ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT No Rehabilitation The mine area does not cover any habitation. Hence the mining activity does not involve any displacement of human settlement. No public buildings, places, monuments etc. exist within the lease area or in the vicinity. The mining operations will not disturb/ relocate any village or need resettlement. Thus no adverse impact is anticipated. 18

19 3.7.2 Improvement in Socio Economic Status It will be obvious to assume that the activities of the mining operations have to be produced some improvements in the socio-economic levels in the study area. The Lessee will provide employment to local population and it will give preference to the local people whenever there is requirement of manpower. The proposed mining activities will provide employment to persons of different skills and trades. The local population is the largest plausibility among these employees. The employment potential ameliorated economic conditions of these families directly and provided employment to many other families indirectly who are involved in business and service oriented activities. This in-turn will improve the socio-economic conditions of the area Occupational Health and Safety The mine is going to be developed mainly semi mechanized opencast method by using jackhammer drilling & wire saw cutting & low explosive blasting. No major crushing or pulverization will be done here. The small-scale mining will not have any ill effects on the health of labour. Excessive dust and noise are the chief health hazards for the miners. As already mentioned these causative factors are well within the safety limits and the proponents will strictly implement the prescribed safety measures. The health of the workers will be regularly checked and suitable medical facilities should be created on or close to the site. Highest safety will be ensured in the working conditions of the miners. 19

20 4. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 4.1 INTRODUCTION The mining development in the study area needs to intertwined with judicious utilization natural resources within the limits of permissible assimilative capacity. The assimilative capacity of the study area is the maximum amount of pollution load that can be discharged in the environment without affecting the designated use and is governed by dilution, dispersion and removal due to natural physio-chemical and biological processes. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is required to ensure sustainable development in the study area. This chapter covers the genesis of pollution, the principal sources of pollution, the nature of pollution, the proposed measures required for meeting the prevailing statutory requirements of gaseous emissions, wastewater discharge characteristics, noise levels etc. for environmental management purpose in connection with the mining and mining related activities in the study area. This section discusses the management plan for mitigation/abatement impacts and enhancement of beneficial impacts due to mining. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been designed within the framework of various Indian legislative and regulatory requirements on environmental and socio-economic aspects. Environmental Management Plan giving the environmental protection measures at mine to meet the stipulated norms of IBM/MoEF are as detailed. 4.2 AIR POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES The present ambient air quality measurements in the mine area are well within the limits. Due to the proposed production of 6000 Cum /Year of colour granite, there will be marginal increase in dust concentrations. 20

21 Mitigative measures suggested for air pollution control are based on the baseline ambient air quality monitoring data. From the point of view of maintenance of an acceptable ambient air quality in the region, it is desirable that air quality should be monitored on a regular basis to check it vis-à-vis the standards prescribed by CPCB and in cases of noncompliance appropriate mitigative measures shall be adopted. The following dust prone areas are identified for adopting proper control measures in the mine area. i) Drilling & Wire Saw Cutting & Blasting ii) Excavation iii) Transportation The environmental control measures which will be implemented to control the fugitive dust released from the proposed production are given below: Wet drilling system & Dust proof Optima Wire Saw Cutting (using water reduces dust) Use of sharp drill bits for drilling holes. The charge concentration of the explosives will be between grams per linear meter. Water sprinkling arrangements such as specially fabricated tankers mounted on tipper are deployed at mine site to control the fugitive dust generation from the haulage roads. Regular grading of haul roads and service roads to clear accumulation of loose material The blasted blocks (temporary) are wetted by spraying water Avoiding blasting during high windy periods, night times and temperature inversion periods. Excavation operations are suspended during periods of very strong winds. Massive afforestation for control of dust Spraying of water on sub grade stacks 21

22 The vehicles and machinery are kept in well-maintained condition so that emission of fugitive constituents is minimized. Plantation of wide leaf trees, creepers, tall grass around working pit, along roads will help suppress dust. Tall trees with an average height of 5 m will be developed all along the boundary of the lease area to minimize the dispersion of the dust from the mining. Periodical monitoring of air quality to take steps to control the pollutants OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY MEASURES All the precautions would be adopted to prevent dust generation at site and to be dispersed into the outer environment. However, for the safety of workers at site, engaged at strategic locations/dust generation points like drilling, loading and unloading points, etc., dust masks would be provided. Dust masks would prevent inhalation of RSPM thereby reducing the risk of lung diseases and other respiratory disorders. Regular health monitoring of workers will be carried out. 4.3 NOISE POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES The ambient noise level monitoring is carried out in and around the proposed mine shows that ambient noise levels are well within the stipulated limits of CPCB. Noise generation may be for an instant, intermittent or for continuous periods, with low to high decibels. Periodic inspection and checks of the risk prone areas and equipments have to be conducted. To control noise pollution during the proposed mining operations following steps will be practiced. The noise generated by the machinery will be reduced by proper lubrication of the machinery and equipment. The workers employed should be provided with personal hearing protection equipment, with earmuffs and earplugs combined, as a protection from the high noise level generated at the plant site. 22

23 The provision of green barrier along the boundary will further reduce the propagation of noise level generated. Limiting time exposure of workers to excessive noise. Speed of trucks entering or leaving the mine is limited to moderate speed of 25 kmph to prevent undue noise from empty tippers. Safety in Blasting Care should be taken to evacuate the mining area completely at the time of low explosive blasting operations. The blasting team should be equipped with all personal safety and precautionary measure. The following safety measures will be given attention while conducting the blasting operations. A blasting SIREN should be used at the time of blasting for audio signal. Before blasting and after blasting, red & green flags should be displayed as visual signals. Warning notice boards indicating the time of blasting and NOT TO TRESPASS are displayed prominently. 4.4 WATER POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES The action program for minimizing adverse affects on water regime is to prevent washoff of mine water and uncontrolled run-off water during monsoon. Proposed measures for this are as follows: a) Building/extending of retention/toe walls at the foot of the dumps b) Construction of Garland drains along the slopes to divert the rainwater course away from the dumping areas. c) Covering of dump slopes with grass plantation to stabilize and prevent erosion. d) Plantation of trees along the ridges and slopes. 23

24 4.5 LAND ENVIRONMENT The Dhanbad declaration on Environmental Management in Mining Industry states It is imperative that in order to ensure the continued and sustained progress of the mining industry in India, the environmental dimensions should be integrated into the planning, design, development, operation and working practices of quarry on scientific and rational lines, by the Governments and the industry in a mutually reinforcing manner. The land related Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been presented here under two sections viz., Soil & Water conservation and Afforestation. Storage and Reuse of Top Soil: Topsoil removed during clearing of the area for granite extraction shall be stacked separately to check the erosion of the stacked soil. A retaining wall shall be constructed all around the topsoil stockyard. Planting of grass and local species etc., are proposed on the surface of this stack to prevent erosion and to increase the soil nitrogen. As per the analysis of the soil samples they are found to be basic in nature. During afforestation, it is recommended to plant fast growing species with good canopy cover and dense leaf density and some ornamental species to give a good aesthetic look. It is recommended to sow neem, mahogany plants as soil and climatic conditions are suitable for the growth of these plants. Solid Waste Management Removal of weathered rock and the rock waste is the only solid waste that will be generated from this mine. Some of the material from the waste may be sorted out and used for making small blocks to be used by the local unit for making tiles. The market for tiles is good at the moment and they will offer a better substitute for marble in terms of price and quality. Some rejected and unsorted material may be used in the civil engineering projects in the vicinity of the area. The waste material can also be crushed into smaller sizes and can be used as road metal The waste generated during the five years may be dumped in the zone separately reserved for dumping along Wesatern Part of the quarry lease area (Within the quarry lease area). The dump will be designed in such that it will have slopes equal to the angle of repose of 24

25 such material. Garland drains have to be sunk along around the leading edge of the dump. A retaining wall will be constructed around the dump to preventing the slanting of boulders Care will be taken to minimize the waste generation at the source. About 2388 m3/year of waste will be generated from this mine. Waste dump yards are proposed in the West part within the Quarry Lease area. The generated waste will be dumped on the existing dump area due West side of the quarry lease area covering an area of Hectares with an average height of 6M with 45º slope angle. A retaining wall will be constructed around the dump for preventing the slanting of boulders. Quantity (Cum/Year) Particulars Present After Proposed Expansion Waste Rock Stabilization and vegetation of dumps: The dumps will be stabilized and shaped trapezoidally. The angle of repose will be in such a manner that the run off of material will be avoided. The trench will be dug around the dump to avoid run off. The dumps will be safe-guarded by plantation of trees along the slope and of the soil cover area. In first five years, it is planned to undertake plantation of 50 trees per year on the slope of the dump, depending on facilities available. Land Restoration/Reclamation: Land restoration or reclamation of the area is very essential in any mining industry. Proper measures adopted during restoration will control most of the adverse environmental impacts of Quarry and also improve the aesthetic beauty of the area. Due to the Quarry activities in this area the profile of the ground will change due to formation of pits. At the end of the Quarry operations, the top soil/mineral rejects will be utilized for back filling wherever suitable and rehabilitated. Following steps shall be taken for improving and protecting the environment. a) Quarry lease area b) Surrounding the Quarry lease area. c) Surrounding the statutory buildings d) On the undisturbed virgin lease area. 25

26 Surrounding the Mining area The dust generated during the quarrying operations will be carried by wind and will be deposited over the trees and on the adjacent area around the quarry in the buffer zone. To filter this dust, a green belt of 10m width shall be developed along the quarry lease area i.e., around ultimate pit limit, this green belt will also act as sound barrier. In between the tree saplings, grass and bushes shall be grown. Creation of the green belt around the lease areas shall be undertaken on priority basis and shall be completed concurrent to Quarry over a 10-year period. Surrounding the statutory buildings All around the proposed statutory buildings and along the road sides trees shall be planted in addition to the existing ones which will protect the workers from the noise and dust. To plant trees around the statutory buildings, the topsoil that is going to be mined from the area shall be laid to form a strip of 10-15m width and 0.5m thickness. On the undisturbed virgin lease area: The undisturbed virgin lease area shall be utilized for afforestation purposes by developing the area with local varieties. This work shall be done after the cessation of Quarry operations. Afforestation Plan: Proposed to plant 200 plants over a length of 150m width of 10m on western side of the lease area in each year. Apart from the green belts and aesthetic plantation for eliminating fugitive emissions and noise control, all other massive plantation efforts shall be decided and executed with the assistance and co-operation of the local community. Based on the community needs the afforestation would mainly aim at: a) Protection & Development of Natural Vegetation b) Protection of soil erosion c) Plantations of fuel wood blocks to meet the energy requirements. 26

27 4.6 SOCIO ECONOMIC BENEFITS There is positive impact on socio-economics of people living in the villages. The villages in buffer zone depend upon agriculture. Mining operations in the subject area has positive impact by providing direct and indirect job opportunities. There will be indirect employment opportunities in transportation of ore to destination. 4.7 POST PROJECT MONITORING The Lessee will monitor the environmental parameters as per APPCB/IBM/CPCB guidelines 4.8 IMPLEMENTATION OF EMP & MONITORING PROGRAMME The environment management plan is detailed on the basis of impact assessment. Control and mitigation measures for the adverse impacts envisaged. As the major environmental attributes have been confined to the project area alone, implementations of the proposed control measures and monitoring thereof will be undertaken on the regional basis. The Lessee will ensure the implementation of the measures within the mine area and carryout efficient monitoring. In order to implement the measures suggested for mitigating the adverse impacts on the environment, it is suggested to monitor the environmental parameters regularly. The details of investments to carryout the regular monitoring and pollution control measures are given below in table 2. Table 2: Cost of Environmental Protection Measures for the existing production of 1200 cum/year of production (in Rs.) S.No Activity Capital Cost 1. Dust Supression 1,00, GreenBelt Development 50, Reclamation 50,000 ToTal 2,00,000 Recurring Cost per Annum 1,00,000 27

28 Table 3: Cost of Environmental Protection Measures for proposed expansion of production of 6000 Cum/year of Production(in Rs.) Sl no Description Item Capital cost Recurring cost Remarks 1 Nose masks, 240 nos Replaceable, and cost can increase with time Air pollution Cloth for drillers 60 no 1.0m each. Gunny bags for covering the surface of jackhammer holes Road wetting and plant water feeding Plantation on road side plus maintenance Issued thrice in a year As and when needed 60,000 1,50, Water tanker four tankers per day for 8 months 40, , Re-plant the nonsurviving plants 2 Construction of garland drains 1,60, ,0000(For manual desilting) Once only Water pollution De-silting operations 0 20, Yearly and manual operations Construction of check dams 60, , Once in year, cost incurred is to buy sand bags and filling sand 3. Noise Pollution Construction of retaining wall for waste dump Maintenance of machinery suitably Rs per 3 months PPE s like Ear muffs Rs. 15 each 1,80, , Cost of construction of wall around the dip side of the dump. 40,000 20,000 Included in main cost 8, Once in six months 28

29 4. Occupation al Health & Safety Providing First aid kits 3 No s and fire extinguishers 2 No s Providing Personal protective equipments to all employees (hand gloves, safety shoe and helmets) Training and awareness programs on risk factors during emergencies by the experts Periodical medical checkup and supply of medicines Rs. 200 per head Once in year, replace by conducting periodical checkup 40,000 22,000 Included in air pollution and noise pollution 15, Once in six months and create sign boards about the risk and safety precautions regularly 6, Once in a year and supply of medicines for every three months 5. Environmen tal monitoring Ambient air quality studies Once in six months 3 locations MoEF /NABL recognized laboratories Water quality studies Once a year e Locations Noise studies once in six months 3 Locations CSR Activities TOTAL Vibration studies Once in year 1 location For providing School uniform, Books and health camp etc ,00, ,50,000 8,17, ,89, The applicant will adhere to all the terms & conditions laid in respect of safe working keeping in view of the sustainable Environmental Management and will comply with the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act-1986, The Mines Act-1952 & Mineral Conservation & Development Rules-1988 and any other Rules notified from time to time. 29

30 CONCLUSIONS, SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS The Mining method proposed as per the approved Mining Plan from Dept. of Mines & Geology is small-scale semi mechanical mining activities without deployment of deep hole drilling and use of Heavy machinery. The actual method of mining Colour Granite is by slicing. Based on the appraisal of the existing environmental scenario coupled with the assessment studies carried out, it is concluded that there is no long term environmental impact due to the Colour Granite quarry at the lease area. The particulate matter getting airborne from the mining activity gets dispersed in close proximity itself and settles down early. The noise levels due to the proposed quarry activity are also not of a higher order that calls for immediate corrective measures. The ground water analysis indicates that the sources do not get influx of pollutants from the quarry activity. There is positive socio-economic front in the surrounding region due to the proposed mining industry. The practice of afforestation scheme is a step in the right direction towards achieving ecological balance. Suggestions/Recommendations Even though there is no perceptible impact from the quarry activity on the environment of the region, it is imperative that mitigative measures have got to be implemented on full scale for creating environmental balance and intern maintain the ecology of the region. The following suggestions/recommendations merit due consideration in this regard. As no control over wind can be exercised, the frequency of the dust suppression measures like constant watering of the haul roads shall be practiced. Afforestation as envisaged in the mining plan is to be carried out so that it not only enhances the green canopy but also stop the spread of dust particles and air borne pollutants. Surface water conservation measures and groundwater recharge be given high priority. 30