ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT

UNIT-VIII
SYLLABUS: Case studies and preparation of Environmental Impact assessment statement
for various Industries.
AN INDIA CASE STUDY ON
COMPREHENSIVE EIA OF THERMAL POWER PLANT
1. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL
1.1 THE PROJECT PROPOSAL
The rapid industrialization and urbanization process coupled with increased use of
electric power for irrigation in Karnataka state has created a situation, where demand for
power has surpassed the growth in power generation. So in order to build up a reliable, stable
and effective power generation system, the integrated operation of hydro and thermal power
stations is considered to be necessary, with thermal power supplying base load and hydro
power as an effective supplement. Based on this strategy, the government of Karnataka has
taken a step to build up adequate thermal power generation capacity. Karnataka Power
Corporation Limited (KPCL) has proposed to set up thermal power plant with capacity of 1 x
500 MW in the first stage at the proposed Vijayanagar Thermal Power Station located at 2.5
Kms from Kudatini village, Bellary district.
KPCL generates most of the power required in Karnataka. KPCL is a premier public sector
specialized in power, with a total generation capacity of 3868 MW.
(Note: A brief description on project features would be appropriate to include here)
1.2 LOCATION OF PROJECT
The proposed project covers an area of 1963.5 sq.km and includes Bellary and
Chitradurga districts of Karnataka and Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. Most parts of
the project area are located within Bellary; however the proposed project marginally touches
three other talukas and includes 269 villages.
1.3 ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND FOCUS OF THE STUDY
Environmental Impact Assessment essentially involves four steps
 Base Line Study (Existing Environmental status)
 Identification,
 Prediction, and mitigation measures
 Evaluation of impacts on environment due to project.
Based on these four steps, the Environment Management Plan (EMP) has been
formulated to implement the mitigation plan in order to minimize adverse impacts. The scope
of the EIA study includes a detailed characterization of the pre-project environment within

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area of the proposed project as per the guideline of Ministry of Environment and Forests,
Govt. of India.
Under the scope of the study, the following areas have been selected to be analyzed
from Environmental Assessment point of view:
 Assess the present status of air, noise, water, land, hydrogeology and socioeconomic
components of the environment.
 Identify and quantify significant impacts of the proposed project on the environmental
components.
 evaluate the proposed pollution control measures, to prepare an Environmental
 Management Plan, and suggest adequate control technologies for mitigation of
impacts.
 Delineate post constructional environmental quality monitoring program to be
pursued by the KPCL.
1.4 NATURE AND SCOPE OF ISSUES
Following issues were identified in the process of Scoping.
 Topography,
 Air Quality
 Water Environment,
 Noise Levels
 Land Environment
 Land-use
 Ecology
 Terrestrial Ecology
 Socio-economic Aspects
 Agriculture, employment and income
 Health
 Civic amenities
 transmission lines
2. SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The study area covers 25-km radius around the project site. The following sections
describe the existing social and environmental setting within the project area.
TOPOGRAPHY
The proposed project area is a flat terrain, located within Kudatini village of Bellary
District and surrounded hill ranges on South, North and West sides. The highest point of
Sandur hills is 3400 feet (1036 m) above the Sea level. The average elevation of the project

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site is 475 m above mean sea level. Tungabhadra is the major river of Bellary district, flows
from southwest to the north east of the proposed project. Daroji tank is another major water
source of the area, located at 7.5 Kms in of the proposed plant site.
FOREST AND WILD ANIMALS
Forests in the area can be divided into two main categories: dry deciduous and scrub
forests. The deciduous forests are mostly available in Sandur taluk at a distance of about 20-
km from the proposed site. The Bellary and Hospet taluks have only scrub type of forests. No
noticeable wild animals are available in the project area.
CLIMATE AND RAINFALL
The coldest months in the project area is November to the end of February. The
lowest mean temperature of 22.6 0c in the month of December. The maximum temperature
37.50C and the mean daily minimum is 18.50C maximum temperature is 42.50C. The
Southwest monsoon commences at the start of June and lasts up to the end of August while
the Northeast monsoon sets in by September and lasts until the end of December. The
average rainfall in the area ranges from 492 mm to 846 mm.
WIND SPEED AND DIRECTION
The predominant wind direction in the month of Jan and Feb is from E to W and SE
to NW, with wind speed 2 kmph to 18 kmph, March and April E to W, with highest speed of
19 kmph and wind direction in March to September is W to E, SW to NE and NW to SE.
The Maximum wind speed is below 25 kmph.
POPULATION DENSITY
The maximum population density has been recorded at Hospet Taluk of 163.20
persons per sq. km. At other places, the population density ranges from 119.71 to 154.04
persons per square kilometer.
SEX RATIO
The male dominates the female population and for 1000 males the number of females
varies from 952 to 975.
LITERACY
The maximum average literacy rate of 36.62% but it varies from 26 to 27%.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND OTHER SERVICES FACILITIES
There are 8 government hospitals, 18 private hospital, 42 nursing homes and 24 health
centers. Primary schools, secondary schools and colleges are many in the project area.
Transport facilities and communication services of provided by the States have served by
both road and rail transport. The road network consists of asphalted roads in urban area as
well as kutcha roads in rural area. Drinking water sources constitute wells; bore wells and

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water supply schemes. Backwardness, low agricultural output, lack of industrialization and
irrigation facilities has worsened the economy of the project area.
GEOLOGY
The Granite and gneisses of Archean age occupy the low-lying area. Most parts of the
areas have been covered by red soil, thickness of which varies from 1 to 5m. Thick bed of
alluvium varying in the thickness from 2 to 25’ with pebbly bed ranging in thickness from
3 to 15’ are seen along the entire course.
3. POLICY & REGULATORY REVIEW
Currently, the MoEF is the nodal agency at the central level responsible for planning,
promoting, and coordinating environmental programs and formulating environmental policy.
At the center, responsibilities for industrial pollution prevention and control are primarily
executed by the CPCB, a statutory authority attached to the MoEF. The CPCB was
constituted in September 1974 for implementing provisions of the Water Act and, in\ 1981,
the Air Act. The State Department of Environment and Forests (SDEF) the state pollution
control board (SPCB) are the designated agencies to perform these functions at the state
level.
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT, 1986
This is an umbrella legislation to provide for the protection and improvement of
environment and for matters connected there with. This act gives specific definitions, which
are to be used in all rules enacted under this act. This Act provides power to the Central
Government to take all such measures, as it deems necessary for the purpose of protecting
and improving the quality of the environment and preventing and abating environmental
pollution. The central government also has to lay down standards for emission or discharge of
environmental pollutants from various sources having regard to the quality or composition of
the emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from such sources. The penalties set
under this act are imprisonment, which may extend to 5 months and/ or fines of up to rupees
hundred thousand of Rupees. In case of continuing offences fines of Rs. 5000/day may be
charged.
MINIMUM NATIONAL STANDARDS (MINAS)
The rules under the Environment Protection Act provide for industry specific
standards (total of 79 industry sectors) and general standards of discharge of environmental
pollutants in Inland Surface water i.e. like lakes and rivers, Public Sewers, Land for Irrigation
and Coastal Areas. Minimum National Standards for thermal power plants have been
formulated for pollution control in India.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOTIFICATION, 1994

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The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India notified the Impact
(EIA) Notification, 1994 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. As per the
notification, 30 types of industries scheduled therein have to obtain the environmental
clearance from the Government of India. Any organization, which desires to undertake any
new project or the expansion or modernization of any existing industry or project, with
investment of more than Rs.5 crores, requires conducting an environmental impact
assessment. These projects require an environmental clearance from the central government.
The clearance granted shall be valid for a period of five years from commencement of the
construction or operation of the project. No construction work, preliminary or otherwise,
relating to the setting up of the project may be undertaken till the environmental and/or site
clearance is obtained.
THE WATER (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1974,
The Water Act established the general standards for effluent discharge into receiving
water in order to prevent water pollution. The major responsibilities of SPCBs under the Act
include granting consent to establish and operate facilities, restricting areas of operation,
conducting surveys and determining the use and misuse of streams and wells within its
jurisdiction.
THE AIR (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1981, AS
AMENDED IN 1987TO 99
The general legislative conditions of this act are similar to the Water Act in terms of
obligations, responsibilities and penalties. The primary responsibility for controlling air
pollution resides with the SPCB. Under the Air Act the state governments are authorized to
designate any area or areas within the state as an air pollution control area, after consulting
with the SPCB and notifying the official gazette. Depending upon the quality of air in the
designated area(s), the SPCB may set air emission standards in the notified area. The
standards set by the SPCBs shall not be more lenient than the ambient air standards set by the
CPCB. For any industry to be established in the air pollution control area, the ‘consent to
establish’ and ‘consent to operate’ must be given by the state.
NOISE POLLUTION (CONTROL AND REGULATIONS) RULES, 1999
This rule is to reduce the noise pollution from various sources, inter-alia, industrial
activities, public address systems, generator sets, construction activity, that may affects the
physical and psychological well being of the people. Ambient noise standards for different
areas have been specified in Annexure of these rules. The Central Government or its
designated authorities may categorize areas into industrial, commercial, residential or silence
zones for the purpose of implementation of noise standards for different areas. An area up to

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100 meters around hospitals, educational institutions and courts and sensitive areas (i.e.
forests) shall be declared as a silence zone for the purpose of these rules. Other rules, which
may be applicable from case to case, are as follows:
 The Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1989.
 The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules (MSIHC), 1989
(as amended in October 1994 and January 2000).
 Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
 The National Environmental Tribunal Act, 1995.
 Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness & Response) Rules, 1996.
 The Factories Act, 1948, as amendment in 1976 and 1987.
 The Petroleum Act, 1934 and rules framed there under
 The Motor Vehicles Act as amended in 1988
 Gas Cylinder Rules, 1981
4. IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION MEASURES.
ECOLOGY
The study area covers major Sandur State Forest. The proposed site is having an
extensive agricultural land with small patches of vegetative cover. However, the project
activity will not have much impact on the vegetative cover. There are no wild animals in the
project area and the clearing of the area will not create any loss of habitat to the animals and
birds. Development of green belt and forestation program in the affected area as suggested in
EIA report will improve the situation of forest and habitat.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Water: There is only a marginal increase in the water pollution due to sanitary and
wastewater generated from plant operation. However treatment facilities will be developed
and the used water will be discharged only after proper treatment.
Air: There will be marked increase in dust and NOX level during construction phase
of project. Different measures have been prescribed to control such pollution. During the
operational phase, there will be some concentrations of SPM and SO2 due to the usage of
fossil fuel, which will be controlled by the use of Electrostatic Precipitator.
Land: The project implementation will not affect the land because the land procured
will be dry and un-irrigated and non-productive. However the private land will be
compensated and effect on clearing of the vegetation cover will be offset by the green belt
development.
Noise: During the construction phase the increase in Noise level is 80- 85 dB (A) due
to the erection, construction and commissioning of equipments. During the operational phase

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the increase in the sound levels is mainly due to boilers, compressors, and turbines etc.
However, with proper implementation of EMP, this effect can be mitigated.
Aesthetics: There will not be any change in the topographical characteristics of the
area due to the project.
Human Interest: The area is having little industrial growth due to non-availability of
power. Hence, with the setting up of Thermal Power Plant as a major industry, will enhance
the socio-economic condition of the project area.
Overall Impact Evaluation: The overall changes are mostly due to the improved
economic output, better land use due to the green belt and minor changes in the NO x levels.
By proper implementation of EMP most of the effects can be mitigated.
5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)
The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is the document that ensures the
implementation of mitigation prescriptions for environmental protection and sustainable
development. EMP requires the involvement of project related stakeholders e.g. industry,
Government, regulating agencies and the affected population of the project area. The salient
features of EMP are as follows:
1. Management during construction phase.
2. Management during the post construction phase
3. Post Project Monitoring
1. MANAGEMENT DURING CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Following are the briefs measures suggested by EMP for the proposed project:
 Frequent water sprinkling in the vicinity of the construction activity to control the
dust emission,
 Paving the exposed surface to control dust and erosion
 Plantation of bare and exposed area and development of green belts
 Adopt noise control devices, storing of fuels in safe place and dumping of debris and
waste in proper sanitary landfill site

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2. MANAGEMENT DURING THE OPERATIONAL PHASE:

The measures to be taken during the operational phase of the plant are as follows:
Air pollution and proposed control measures

The Green Belt will act as a cushion between the stack emissions and the outside
environment. On-line monitoring of stack emissions for SPM, SO2 and NOx should be
carried out regularly to meet the statuary requirements. Green belt will be provided around
the project area and along the internal roads in the premises.
WATER POLLUTION AND PROPOSED CONTROL MEASURES
The sources of water pollution are, ash pond, leaching from coal yard, and boiler blow
down, and oil/water mixture from fuel oil system, sewage disposal and effluent treatment
plant.
The pollution control measures are given below:
 Minimize quantity of effluents through reuse to maximum extent feasible.
 The cooling water chlorination will be carried out to the bare minimum requirement
in order to have minimum impact on the receiving bodies.
 The treatment schemes proposed are constructed before the commissioning the plant.
 The effluent samples will be collected and analyzed at the inlet and the outlet daily to
ascertain the efficiency of the treatment plants and to meet the statuary requirements.
NOISE POLLUTION AND PROPOSED CONTROL MEASURES:
 All the equipment in the power plant will be designed to have a total noise level not
exceeding 85-90 dB (A) as per the requirement of OSHA (Occupational Safety and
Health Administration) standard.
 Turbines will be housed in closed buildings, which will reduce the noise levels from
the turbine generators.
 Steam turbine generators will be provided with acoustic enclosures and the intake
exhaust system will be provided with silencers for abating the noise.
 Vibration damping will be provided to reduce vibrations.

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 Use of damping materials such as thin rubber / lead sheet for wrapping the work
places like the turbine halls, compressor rooms, DG sets etc.
 Efficient flow techniques for noise associated with high fluid velocities and
turbulence will be used.
 All the openings like covers; partitions will be acoustically sealed.
 Reflected noise should be diffused by the use of absorbing material on root walls and
floors.
 Earplugs will be provided to the workers, and it should be enforced to be used by the
workers.
 Vegetated thickly with species of rich canopy in addition to green belt development.
SOLID WASTE POLLUTION AND PROPOSED CONTROL MEASURES:
 Ash Disposal Plan will be prepared
 An attempt will be made to use fly ash for following products:
1. Building blocks 6. Ready mixed fly ash concrete
2. Cement industry 7. Fly ash masonry / plasters
3. Light weight aggregates 8. Cement asbestos products
4. Area filling 9. Soil stabilization in road construction
5. Cellular concrete 10. Agricultural manure
 To sell fly ash to other consumers at a nominal price or free of cost.
THERMAL POLLUTION AND PROPOSED CONTROL MEASURES:
 Regenerative feed heating cycle will be used in the process.
 Land management
1. Clearing of the existing vegetation will be kept to a minimum and only to the
required extent.
2. Railway siding, water intake facility and water disposal facility will be so routed
that, apart from techno-economic feasibility and other aspects, it will require
minimum destruction of vegetation. The roadside plantation will save the existing
ecological scenario.
3. Active help from the locals will be solicited in preserving the greenbelt. They will
be educated and discouraged destroying the vegetation for fuel purposes etc.
 Green-belt development program will be implemented.

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SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
Before taking up of the project, the local population will be apprised of the impending
changes. They will be educated and made to appreciate the implications of the setting of the
project. The management will adopt nearby villages and undertake development activities to
improve the standards of their Living. Dispensaries, schools, transport facilities, roads,
streetlight, water supply etc., will be made available in these villages. Setting up of ancillary
units and self-employment schemes should be encouraged.
3. POST PROJECT MONITORING
AIR ENVIRONMENT
Online stack monitoring for estimating the concentrations of SPM, SO2, NOx and CO
will be carried out. Stack Kit with ORSAT apparatus will also be kept as an alternative.
Ambient air quality monitoring for variations in the ground level concentrations of SO2,
NOx, CO and SPM will be carried out.
WATER ENVIRONMENT
Effluents as well as the samples from the downstream Nallah and the connecting will
be collected monitored regularly. The sampling and analysis should be done as per IS: 2488.
6.0 LESSONS LEARNED
1. Number of issues require higher degree of competence at functional and organization level.
2. Need for institutionalization of environment issues into organization structure for effective
implementation.
3. Need for better infrastructure to address environmental monitoring.
4. Need for environment post project, monitoring and reporting.

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