DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT / … Khani by SCCL, Gouthampur (V...southern India and is jointly owned by Government of India and Government of Telangana. SCCL is the largest

E P T R I

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF DRAFT EIA /EMP FOR

ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEARING

OF THE

GAUTHAMKHANI OPENCAST EXPANSION

COAL MINING PROJECT

GOUTHAMPUR VILLAGE, KOTHAGUDEM MANDAL,

BHADRADRI KOTHAGUDEM DISTRICT, TELANGANA STATE.

Project Proposal

Proposed Mine lease area is 902.00 ha

Production Capacity from 2.00 MTPA to 4.00 MTPA

Project Proponent

THE SINGARENI COLLIERIES COMPANY LIMITED

(A Government Company) KOTHAGUDEM COLLIERIES – 507 101 (T.S.)

Prepared by

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION TRAINING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Sy. No. 91/4, Gachibowli, Hyderabad

October - 2020

E P T R I

Executive summary of Draft EIA l EMP for GK OC Expansion Project

Prepared by EPTRI, Hyderabad i

Contents

Section no. TITLE PAGE NO.

1 Introduction 1

2 Description of the Project 1

2.1 Present Proposal 1

2.2 Location 1

2.3 Land requirement of the Project 2

2.4 Size of project 2

2.5 Description of Opencast mining 4

3 Baseline Environmental Status 4

3.1 Physical Resource 5

3.2 Drainage 5

3.3 Meteorology (Climate) 5

3.4 Air Environment 5

3.5 Chemical Composition 6

3.6 Noise Levels 6

3.7 Water Quality 6

3.8 Land use & Land cover 7

3.9 Soil Quality 7

3.10 Biological Environment 8

3.11 Socio-Economic Environment 8

4 Anticipated Environmental Impacts & Mitigation Measures 9

4.1 Air Quality 9

4.2 Noise levels and ground vibrations 10

4.3 Impact due to Ground Vibrations 10

4.4 Impact on Water Environment 11

4.5 Impact on Land and its Management 12

4.6 Soil Environment 12

4.7 Solid Waste and its Management 12

4.8 Location of Dump Yards 12

4.9 Impact on Flora & Fauna 14

4.10 Impact on Socio Economic Environment 14

5 ALTERNATIVES 14

6 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME 14

7 ADDITIONAL STUDIES 15

7.1 Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan 15

7.2 Risk assessment and Disaster Management Plan 15

8 Project Benefits 15

9 Environment Management Plan 15

9.1 Fund Provision for Environment Protection and Management

16

9.2 Budget for remediation plan, natural resource augmentation plan and community resource augmentation plan

16

9.3 Mine Closure Plan 16

10 Conclusion 16

E P T R I

Executive summary of Draft EIA l EMP for GKOCP Expansion Project

Prepared by EPTRI, Hyderabad

1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is the only coal producing company in southern India and is jointly owned by Government of India and Government of Telangana. SCCL is the largest public sector undertaking in the state with manpower of 45,079 as on 31.09.2020. It is the only coal mining company in South India catering the needs of coal based industries. SCCL is currently operating 27 Underground Mines and 19 Opencast Mines and produced 64.04 MT during 2019-20. The coal production target for the year 2020-21 is 67.50 MT.

The main coal consumers of SCCL are power sector companies like NTPC, TSGENCO, APGENCO, KPCL, Maha GENCO and Cement Industry. Due to the increasing demand for coal from various industries, in order to meet the production targets fixed by Government of India and to compensate for the loss of production from the existing mines because of exhaustion of reserves, SCCL is taking up following measures:

i. Reconstruction of existing mines for optimum production by adoption high technology methods.

ii. Improving the productivity in the existing mines by improving the utilization of the equipment.

iii. Opening of new mines in the adjoining / superjacent areas / seams for higher production

iv. Adopting opencast method of mining wherever possible for high rate of production.

v. Conversion of shallow underground mines to opencast mines for extraction of balance coal reserves.

vi. Expansion of the existing opencast workings further in to the dip side up to optimize the production.

The present proposal is planned for expansion of existing Gouthamkhani Opencast Project from 2.0 MTPA to 4.0 MTPA under the violation category with same name.

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

Gouthamkhani OC Expansion Project is existing opencast coal mine project with the production capacity of 2.0 MTPA in 902.00 ha area, located in the south central part of Kothagudem coal belt.

2.1 Present Proposal

The present proposal is planned for expansion of the Project from 2.0 MTPA to 4.0 MTPA in 902.00 ha area, with a life of the project is 3 years (from 2018-19) under the violation category with same name.

2.2 Location

The project falls in Kothagudem coal belt of Godavari Valley coal field. There are no ecological sensitive locations, archaeological monuments, places of tourist interest and defence installations within 15 km radius. The location map is enclosed. Details of proposed project location are as follows.

E P T R I



2

Location Details of the Project

2.3 Land Requirement of the Project

The land requirement for various activities of the project is furnished hereunder.

Land requirement for various activities of the Project (Figures in ha)

S.No Description Non Forest Land Forest land Total

1 Excavation Area

(a) Backfilled area 28.43 113.83 142.26

(b) Void area left 52.74 168.90 221.64

2 External waste dump 206.96 154.38 361.34

3 Safety Zone 42.02 63.60 105.62

4 Built up area / Infrastructure

16.72 39.56 56.28

5 Undisturbed 14.86 0 14.86

Total 361.73 540.27 902.00

2.4 Size of the Project

The project is categorized as “A” as per the provisions 1(a) of schedule of the EIA Notification, 2006 vide SO 1533 dated 14.9.2006 and subsequent amendments. GKOC Expansion project comes under the violation due to the excess production from last 19 years based on the recent MoEF&CC circular, S.O. No 804(E), dt.14th March 2017 on violation of EC. However the ToR was obtained for expansion mines vide MoEF&CC. F.No. 23-254/2018-IA-III (V) dated 21st October 2019 under violation. The salient features of the coal mine are as given below.

Name of the Project Gouthamkhani Opencast Expansion Project

Village Gouthampur

Mandal Kothagudem

District Bhadradri Kothagudem

State Telangana

Latitudes 17o26’18.09” to 17o28’11.27”

Longitudes 80o37’32.7” to 80o40’2.12”

Survey of India Toposheet No. 65-C/11

Nearest town Bhadradri Kothagudem (10 Km)

Nearest City Bhadradri Kothagudem (10 Km)

District Head Quarters Bhadradri Kothagudem (10 Km)

State Capital Hyderabad (280 km)

Nearest Airport Vijayawada (140 km)

Nearest Railway Station Bhadrachalam Road Railway Station (12 km)

Nearest Highway NH-30 (Vijayawada to Jagdalpur)

1 Total geological reserves 81.78 Mt

2 Total extractable reserves 67.37 Mt

3 Coal extracted up to March, 2018 57.33 Mt

4 Balance coal to be extracted from April, 2018 onwards

10.04 Mt

5 Total OB 341.04 MCum

6 OB excavated up to March, 2018 299.20 M.Cum

7 Balance OB, including top soil, to be excavated from April, 2018 onwards

41.84 M.Cum

8 Top Soil (M.Cum) 5.00

E P T R I



3

9 Average Stripping Ratio 5.06(Cum/ tonne)

10 Average Stripping Ratio for balance OB and coal

4.17 (Cum/ tonne)

11 Area of excavation on surface 363.90 ha

12 Names of seams present in project area

Top seam, Middle seam and Bottom seam

13 Names of seams considered for Opencast

Top seam, Middle seam and Bottom seam

14 No. of coal seams present 3

15 No. of Seams considered for Opencast

3

16 Weighted average grade of coal G9 ( 4621 kcal/kg )

17 Average gradient of the seams 1 in 6

18 Borehole density (No/Sq.km) 12.53

19 Land requirement (ha) Not applicable (With same mine lease area)

20 Rated production capacity 4.00 MTPA

21 Balance life of the mine 3 years from 2018-19

22 Mine take area within ML area 902.00 ha

23 Mine take area outside ML area Nil

Existing Expansion

24 Technology Shovel-Dumper Combination

Shovel-Dumper Combination

25 Water Utilization 4100 m3/day NIL

26 Manpower Requirement Direct: 860 Persons Contractual: 710 Persons

NIL

27 Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) Involved

Since this project is an operating project no new land is required. Hence no R & R is involved.

NIL

28 Maximum depth of the quarry 240 m depth of Bottom seam

29 Coal linkage Basket Linkage

30 Capital Cost Requirement ₹ 159.74 Crores

31 Fund provision for EMP (Capital)

₹ 17.58 Crores

32 Fund provision for EMP (Revenue)

₹ 3.40 Cores/Year

33 Land requirement

Existing (ha) Proposed

Expansion (ha)

Forest land requirement 540.27 NIL

Private Land 27.37 NIL

Govt/Assigned Land 38.03 NIL

SCCL Land 296.33 NIL

Total land requirement 902.00 NIL

Land Acquisition Status

Land under possession of SCCL

902.00 ha NIL

Land to be acquired Nil NIL

E P T R I



4

Land acquired/to be acquired details are given below: Sl. No.

Village Name

Type of Land

Land Acquired/ Diverted (in Ha.)

Sy. No. / Compartment No.

Additional land to be Acquired/ Diverted (in Ha.)

Sy. No. / Compartment No.

Total (in Ha.)

1 Forest Land (Ramavaram RF)

540.27 11 - 13 Nil NA 540.27

2

Pengadapa

Private Land 27.37 112 -113, 115 - 116, 118 - 122, 128 - 132

Nil NA 27.37

3

Govt/Assigned

Land 38.03 114, 117, 127,

365 38.03

4 SCCL’s land

296.33 117 Nil NA 296.33

Total Mine take Area 902.00 Nil 902.00

Note: Additional land to be acquired/to be diverted for expansion of mine is Nil.

2.5 Description of Opencast mining

Coal extraction in the GKOC expansion Project is done by deploying shovels & dumpers combination in opencast method.

Opencast mining involves following operations

Removal of top soil from quarry area and external dump area, storing it separately in earmarked dumpsite and utilizing it for spreading on dumps after attaining the final profile in order to take up plantation.

Removal of overlying earthen strata (overburden) is done by drilling & blasting operations and dumping at the earmarked site i.e. external and internal dumps is done by dumpers/dump trucks.

In order to avoid the danger of fly rock and damage on the structures of the nearby villages by blast induced ground vibrations, controlled blasting operations are carried out.

Excavation of coal is done by Shovel-dumper combination after drilling and blasting

In the expansion project, blasted coal is being transported to the surface by dumpers and trucks. Rudrampur (Kothagudem) Coal Handling Plant is presently catering the needs of Gouthamkhani OCP and other mines of Kothagudem Area. The sized coal from this mine is being transported by tippers to Kothagudem Coal Handling Plant which is situated about 3.5 Km away from the mine site. From there the coal will be dispatched to the customers as per the FSAs. The same system will be continued for the balance life of the mine.

Back filling/internal dumping of overburden within the quarry area after sufficient de-coaled area is available.

Take up phase-wise plantation over the external dump area, back filled area of the quarry after stabilization and spreading of top soil and in other areas.

3.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS

Detailed baseline environmental studies have been conducted during summer 2019 (March - May 2019) to assess the environmental status in respect of air, water, noise, land and soil quality in core zone and buffer zone (i.e. 10 km radius study area) of the GK OC Expansion Project. The environmental baseline data conforms to the requirement of EIA Notification, 2006 vide S.O. 1533, on 14.09.2006 and subsequent amendments. The Project specific ToR issued by Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) vide F.No. 23-254/2018-IA-III (V) dated 21st October 2019 under violation.

E P T R I



5

3.1 Physical Resources

3.1.1 Physiographic Features

The Gouthamkhani area represents a flat terrain with minor low lying ground located in the centre of the block. Bolligutta hill representing the Gondwana- Proterzoic contact stands up as a ridge all along the Northern boundary. The topography varies from 154.1 m above M.S.L. to 186.83 m above M.S.L. To avoid the negative values to the floor of the coal seams, an arbitrary value of 518.26 m was added to the M.S.L.

The RL shown on Topographical plan is with reference to the MSL. Datum as 518.26 m shown on Stage plans, cross sections etc. are with respect to Survey of Indian National Grid, which is required as per the DGMS Circular No.20/1966&No.42/1967.

3.2 Drainage

There is no effective drainage developed in this area, due to sandy soil cover and a number of faults and fractures.

3.3 Meteorology

Meteorology data at the site was monitored during March to May, 2019 representing the pre-monsoon season. The predominant wind direction is blowing from South-South East (SSE) direction, followed by South (S) winds, and calm conditions prevailed for 13.09% during the season. The maximum wind speed recorded was 7.5 m/s. The maximum temperature recorded was found to be 44.40C, while the minimum temperature was 20.60C and the average temperature is 31.20C. The average relative humidity was found to be 70.1%. The solar radiation is found to be in the range 0.0 to 985.0 W/m2. The total rainfall observed during this study period is 32.8 mm.

3.4 Air Environment

Different air pollution parameters like particulate matter of less than 10μm size (PM10), particulate matter of less than 2.5μm (PM2.5), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) have been identified as critical parameters relating to project activities for representing baseline status of ambient air quality within the study area in accordance with the Terms of Reference (ToR) issued by MoEF&CC. To assess the base line Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (AAQM) was carried out at 10 locations with a frequency of two days per week for three months during pre-monsoon season of 2019.

Core Zone:

Ambient air quality data monitored in the core zone shows that PM10 concentrations varied

from 108 to 245 g/m3. PM2.5 concentrations were in the range of 38.1 to 93.6 g/m3. The

SO2 and NOx concentration varies from 13.1g/m3 to 16.4 g/m3 and 19.3g/m3 to 23.8

g/m3 respectively.

All the parameters are found to be within prescribed limits as per Coal mine Standards.

Buffer Zone:

The concentration of PM10 varied from 48 g/m3 (Sitaigudem BA7) and 70 (Penagadapa

BA4) µg/m3. The PM2.5 concentration varied from 18.6 g/m3 (Chandru kunta BA5) to 33.1

g/m3 (3 Incline Colony BA6). The SO2 and NOx concentration varies from 10.1 g/m3 to

13.9 g/m3 and 14 g/m3 to 21.4 g/m3 respectively.

All the parameters are found to be within prescribed limits as per National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

E P T R I



6

3.5 Chemical Composition

The Chemical composition for the Particulate Matter of size less than 10μ was analyzed at all air quality monitoring locations within the 10 Km radius of the study area. The samples were analyzed for Chromium, Nickel, Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, Lead, etc and their concentrations are found to be below the detectable limits.

3.6 Noise Levels

A detailed noise survey was carried in and around the mine site to study the hourly equivalent noise levels. Equivalent noise levels were measured on hourly basis during 24 hours by using a High Precision Sound Level Meter at ten locations within the study area of the project. It is observed that the noise levels measured during day time and night time in the core as well as in the buffer zone of the proposed project are within the stipulated standards.

3.7 Water Quality

To assess the physical and chemical properties of water in the region, 6 groundwater, 3 Effluent water and 5 surface water samples were collected and analysed for various water sources around the project site.

3.7.1 Ground water

pH values were in the range between 6.8 to 7.3

The turbidity values were well within the permissible limits. The TDS concentration was observed to be below the permissible limit of 2000 mg/L for all the locations.

The total alkalinity concentration for the samples collected at all the locations were below the permissible limit of 600 mg/L.

The total hardness concentration was observed to be within the permissible limit of 600 mg/L, for all the locations, and above the acceptable limit of 200mg/L.

The calcium concentrations at all the locations were above the acceptable limits of 75 mg/L however within permissible limits i.e. 200 mg/l.

The nitrates concentration in all the groundwater samples observed to be below the permissible limit of 45 mg/L.

The sulphates concentration in all the groundwater samples observed to be below the acceptable limit of 200 mg/L.

The fluoride concentration in all the groundwater samples observed to be well within the acceptable limit of 1.0 mg/L.

The concentration of iron (as Fe) in all the ground water samples observed to be above the permissible limit of 0.3 mg/L except sample collected at GKOCP (GW1) 0.05 mg/L and Thippanapalli (GW3) 0.21 mg/L.

It may be inferred from the above results, the groundwater can be used for drinking purpose in the absence of any alternate source.

3.7.2 Surface water

The major findings are as follows: pH values were found to be in the range of 6.2 to 8.0. Total coliforms and fecal coliforms were present in all the surface water samples collected in the study area. E. Coli was present in all the surface water samples collected within the study area, except samples collected at SW-4, SW-5, E. Coli was absent. Presence of Total coliforms, fecal coliforms and E.coli shows contamination from fecal matter or sewage entry and not suitable for direct drinking purpose and needs chlorination before treatment.

E P T R I



7

In accordance with CPCB water quality criteria, parameters studied were pH, DO, BOD and total coliforms. It may be observed that all the surface water samples have DO values ranging from 5.8 mg/L to 6.4 mg/L, values are satisfactory and meeting CPCB water quality criteria. All surface water samples falls under the category of C category of CPCB criteria i.e., drinking water source after conventional treatment and disinfection.

3.7.3 Effluent Quality

The results are compared with Inland Surface Waters Category. From the results it can be seen that pH values ranged between 6.1 to 7. 0. The fluoride values ranged between 0.65 to 0.74 mg/L, well within the standard limits. The Total Suspended solids, Oil and Grease, Ammonical Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen, Free ammonia, COD, BOD and Sulphide concentrations for all the collected samples were well within the standard limits.

The concentration of metals like Cadmium (as Cd), Arsenic (as As), Copper (as Cu), Selenium (as Se), Zinc (as Zn), Nickel (as Ni), Iron (asFe), Mercury (as Hg), Lead (as Pb) and Vanadium (as V) were either below the stipulated limits or below their detection limits at all the locations.

In order to assess the potential effects of pollutants in aquatic biota, bioassay test is considered to be the best. Fish bioassay test enables us to detect the tolerance and toxicity levels of the effluents or toxic chemical substances. The samples analysed for the fish bioassay test has shown no toxic effect on the test organism (Gambusia affinis, procured

from Department of Fisheries, Government of TS) for 96 hrs and found to be within the prescribed limits (GSR 801 (E) 1986) at all the location.

From the results it can be seen that the effluents collected were meeting the requirements in accordance with the tolerance limits for general standards for discharge of environmental pollutants, Part –A: effluents (GSR 801 (E), Inland Surface Waters Category. .

3.8 Land use & Land cover

Land use and Land cover pattern of the study area was carried out by visual interpretation of Resource Sat (RS2) LISS MX Data acquired during Nov 2018 and Feb 2019. Based on the interpretation of land use and land cover categories of the core area it is observed that 28.38% of the area is existing mine. About 35% of the area is occupied by OB dump which is biologically reclaimed area covered with thick vegetation. About 20.18% of the core area is OB dump which is biologically reclaimed area covered with sparse vegetation. About 11.11% area is OB dump area not covered with vegetation, followed by coal handling plant, access roads, service buildings etc

3.9 Soil Quality

The physico-chemical properties of soil, which are important for plant growth and agricultural productivity, pH, Electrical Conductivity, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Organic carbon, Ex.Ca, Ex. Mg, Ex.Na, and Ex.K and other trace metals are analyzed for 5 soil samples in the study area.

pH is an important parameter which indicates the alkaline or acidic nature of soil. Soils collected from the villages in the study area are neutral to slightly alkaline in nature having pH in the range of 7.1 to 7.8.

The EC for the soil samples are in the range of 0.324 - 0.378 mmhos/cm. Cation Exchange Capacity which was found to be in the range of 8.2 to 11.6 meq%.

The texture of the soil vary from Sandy loam, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Clay, Silty loam

The Nitrogen value range from 188 to 213 kgha- reflecting that the values are observed to be in better category. The minimum value was observed at S2 & S5, and the maximum value was observed at GKOCP (S3). The Phosphorus value ranged from 20 to 22 kg ha-1

indicating that the values are in medium category. The maximum value of 22 kg ha-1 was found at GKOCP (S3) and Penuballi (S5). The Potassium value ranged from 260 to 393 kg

E P T R I



8

ha-1 indicating that values are observed to medium to high category, the maximum value was found at Thippanpalli (S1) and the minimum value was observed at Sitampeta (S5).

From the above results, the soils of the selected villages are slightly alkaline. The agriculture lands in the villages of project area can be made more productive and the crop yields can be increased by adding additional quantities of phosphotic fertilisers.

3.10 Biological Environment

A flora & fauna study was carried out for the GK OC Project and its surroundings in 10 km radius during May 2019. This was followed by detailed analysis conducted on distribution of flora & fauna and forest types of the area, and then studies on vegetation cover of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. All the species encountered were identified and recorded.

3.10.1 Flora

As per the primary survey and as per the forest department records and review literature, there are no sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves within the study area.

There are no endemic, endangered species, having habitat in the core zone of the study area. Among 236 species collected from the study area, there are 90 species of trees, 39 shrubs, 13 lianas, 15 climbers, 74 herbs and 5 are aquatic species. Vegetation analysis suggests that there are more of tree species (90) in comparison to other life forms.

3.10.2 Fauna

A total 101 fauna species (mammals-9, aves-77, reptiles and amphibians 15) falls under schedule-IV and house crow falls under schedule-V category according to Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Indian Pea Fowl & Indian Monitor lizard both are sometimes seen by the local people/villagers in and around the buffer zone, they have not been recorded during our field survey. The Indian Monitor lizard and Indian peafowl belongs to Schedule I. A conservation plan shall be prepared towards environment conservation.

With afforestation on overburden dumps and proper management of forest and development of greenbelt around the mine, the aesthetics is adopted.

A conservation plan has been prepared by ICFRE for GK OC Project and the recommendations prescribed in the report are followed in order to protect the species.

3.11 Socio-Economic Environment

The population of study area (covering 23 census villages) is 94,430 falls in three mandals of Bhadradri kothagudem district. The population density of the study area is 225/sq.km as compared to 312/sq.km in the State, 143/sq.km in Bhadradri kothagudem district. This shows that the study area is thickly populated with a very high population density as compared to the district. The major reason behind the increase in population density in the study area is due to the urbanization and industrial developmental activities in the Kothagudem Municipality.

The Schedule caste (SC) population in the study area is 15.33%, which is almost equal to the State SC population of 15.45%. The Schedule Tribe (ST) population of the study area is 29.76% is very high as compared to State (9.08%). Sex ratio in the study area is 981 as compared to 988 in the State. The literacy rate in the study area is 65.46%, which is almost equal to State literacy rate of 66.54%.

The working population is 47.76% and the non-working population is 52.24%. This is because the study area is a municipality outgrowth area, minimal agriculture activities shows very less number of cultivators, agricultural labourers, and very less household industry workers were to major percentage of non-working population about 52.24% (men 22.65% and women 29.59%). it is evident that there is a huge un-employment in this area. The

E P T R I



9

project in future may provide employment to the local population in this area, so that they can earn a decent livelihood for their family.

An amount of Rs. 1218.40 Lakhs has invested as a CSR cost since 2004-05 to 2018-19

4.0 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

The opencast mining operations involve development of approach roads, haul roads, excavation and development of benches. The environmental impacts due to the expansion mining, associated activities like drilling, blasting, overburden, loading, overburden & coal transportation have been assessed and adequate management plan has been developed to mitigate the impacts

4.1 Air Quality

The opencast mining includes drilling, blasting, vehicular movement, and waste dumping etc.

These activities are likely to contribute predominately Particulate matter and oxides of

nitrogen. The existing baseline concentrations of the pollutants are within the limits of

prescribed by CPCB. Further, the predicted value concentrations are also will be within the

permissible limits. The air quality management measures, which are being implemented

during the operation of the mine, are as follows:

To avoid dust generation from the drilling operations, wet-drilling methods are being adopted.

Appropriate explosives (NONELS) are being used for blasting. Overcharging of blast holes will be avoided.

The volume of dust rising from dumps by the action of wind is being controlled significantly by planting grass on slopes and plants on dumps soon after their formation. So far 538 ha of plantation has been taken up in the project up to 2019-20 over external dumps, Internal Dump and Safety zone. It is further proposed to take up 122.5 ha of plantation at the mine closure stage.

Coal and OB transport roads are the major source of dust in the mine. To overcome the problems of dust generation, the following steps are being taken -

Permanent roads like road leading to the coal handling plant, permanent internal roads at site office etc. were black topped.

Water spraying on haul roads and permanent transport routes is being done by 4 nos. Of 28KL and 4 nos. of 18KL water tankers.

All roads leading to the project are being manually swept regularly.

Avenue plantation along roads.

Coal is being loaded in to trucks to optimum level.

Coal trucks were fully covered with tarpaulin sheet to avoid coal spillage and resultant dust pollution during transport.

Water spraying at coal tipplers parking yard by pipe line arrangements. Effective dust suppression measures were taken up at Coal Handling Plant (CHP).

Crusher house was enclosed to the extent possible and dust suppression arrangements were made at suitable locations in the CHP. Some of the measures adopted at CHP in order to control dust emission include:

Effective water spraying at crushing points (hopers), transfer points.

All crushing points and transfer points have closed covers.

Height of fall was minimized at all coal transfer points.

Internal lining of chutes and bins was done to take care of abrasion & dust.

Continuous water spraying arrangements were made for dust suppression.

Laying of concrete Pavement around bunkers in CHP

Continuous water spraying arrangements such as Mist spraying was provided for dust suppression.

E P T R I



10

The exhaust emissions from HEMM containing CO, SOx & NOx was controlled by strictly adhering to the scheduled maintenance that includes periodical tuning of engines.

Taking up plantation around the quarry and OB dumps in three rows, which serve as a barrier to prevent the dispersion of dust.

Regular monitoring for air quality within the lease area and other adjoining areas are carried out as part of the Post Project Environment Monitoring (PPEM) and the monitoring reports are submitted to SPCB and MoEF & CC Regional office.

4.2 Noise levels and ground vibrations

With the mining operations, due to machinery, drilling and blasting for OB removal,

excavation, transportation and crushing of coal, it is imperative that noise levels would

increase. High noise levels is confined to the mining areas only and the nearby villages and

other community areas is not likely to have any major adverse impact as noise levels is

attenuate with distance.

The following noise control measures are being taken in the GK OC Expansion for mitigating noise pollution.

Creation of green belts of dense foliage in three rows between mine areas and residential colonies which acts as noise attenuator.

Proper maintenance of machinery (including transport vehicles) including fine tuning of engines to reduce noise.

Protective devices like acoustic wool, ear plugs and ear muffs were provided to the workers working in HEMM where noise levels will be above 90 dB (A).

Controlled blasting techniques using milli-second delay detonators & relays are being adopted in the proposed OC mine for minimizing noise.

Sound and dust proof cabins were provided in the machines like dozers, shovels, dumpers, feeder breakers at CHP etc.

In CHP, all machine mountings have in their foundations anti-vibration pads/sheets for reducing the vibration and thereby noise. All transfer chutes and hoppers have wear resistant rubber or any suitable wear resistant liners of various thicknesses as per design requirement and their suitability.

4.3 Impact due to Ground Vibrations

Blasting in mining areas may give rise to ground vibrations which may cause damage to

nearby structures. Fly rock is another problem that deserves attention. Based on the ground

vibration studies proper care has been taken during blasting operations. The following

precautions are being taken for controlling ground vibrations at the project.

Controlled blasting techniques are being adopted in this project for reducing blast vibrations substantially. The experience gained over years gainfully utilized to keep the Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) within limits. In practice, this is kept much less than 10 mm/sec.

Further, charge per delay is being regulated to minimise blast vibrations.

Optimum delay sequence and stem to column ratio is being maintained to minimise the fly rock distance and ground vibration intensity.

Basing on the distance of the nearest sensitive areas from the epicenter of the blast, charge weight altered to meet the stipulated standards.

E P T R I



11

Design of optimum blast hole geometry considering bench height, diameter of hole, type of explosive, nature of rock, level of fragmentation required etc.

The total charge/blast is divided into several parts so as to keep minimum explosive per delay i.e. use of milli-second delay detonators & relays.

Avoiding concentration of explosive by using deck charging.

4.4 Impact on Water Environment

As a result of mining operations, water is required to be pumped out continuously from ground to surface for carrying out the mining operations safely. Total mine water discharge is 4200 m3/day. Out of this, 4100 m3/day is used for various requirements of the mine and the surplus water of 100 m3/day is let out into the local tanks and streams for use of the local people for their agricultural needs. This acts as constant source of recharge to the groundwater regime and improves the water levels around the mine.

With the above measures no adverse impact is envisaged on the surface water quality.

Some of the control measures that are being taken for controlling water pollution are as follows:

The control measures being implemented in the Gouthamkhani OCP for controlling water pollution are as follow:

Creation of water storage areas in the quarry for settlement of suspended solids before pumping water out of the mine.

Sedimentation tanks were constructed around the OB dump and the lease area to reduce soil erosion and arrest suspended solids before discharging the run-off water into the natural water regime as well as to prevent storm water from entering the lease area.

In addition to the above, the dump slopes were formed with suitable inclination so that the water falling over the dump will gravitate down without causing soil erosion. Regular cleaning of drains being done for de-silting the same. Reclaimed / back filled area was properly graded and kept slightly sloping against mine workings so that water does not flow into the mine workings.

Construction of septic tanks followed by soak pits for treating waste water generated from the mine office.

To avoid the flow of surface water towards and into the quarry, suitable precautionary measure like diverting seasonal nallahs and provision of garland drains all along quarry peripheral were taken up.

To prevent surface and ground water contamination by oil/grease and sewage waste, the measures are as furnished below.

Leak proof containers being used for storage and transportation of oil/ grease.

All the steps were taken at the store to avoid oil spillages.

Oil/grease being handled on impervious area. Any wash off from the oil / grease handling area or workshop is being drained through impervious drains, collected in specially constructed pits and treated appropriately before releasing it into natural drains.

The surface and ground water in and around the project, loading plant and infrastructure are regularly tested.

The sewage water coming out from service buildings is treated in septic tank followed by soak pit. A Sewage Treatment Plant of 1.5 MLD is also established in the colony to treat the sewage.

E P T R I



12

An Effluent treatment plant of 25500 Gallons capacity was constructed with 5.24 lakhs is also available to treat the Effluents form the base work shop. A washing platform is provided for washing HEMM and the waste water is being collected in Effluent Treatment Plant for trapping oil and grease. The ETP can trap about 220 liters of oil and grease in a year. The treated water is re-used for dust suppression and cleaning purpose etc. This provision is also being made available for contractor vehicles.

4.5 Impact on Land and its Management

Any mining activity may alter the land use pattern in the lease area. In order to minimize the adverse effects, land reclamation is carried in concurrent with mining operations. At the end of the mining operations, quarry area and dumps left will be acceptable to the society and surrounding environment.

A detailed programme on Solid Waste Management and Land Reclamation has been given in the EMP for addressing land degradation. The following measures proposed/being taken in the project.

Plantation on the over burden dumps with native, regenerative and self-sustaining species.

Plantation along the boundary of the project area will carried out to improve the aesthetic value.

Top soil excavated from the site is dumped separately at predetermined place for spreading subsequently on external dumps and backfilled areas for plantation.

Back filling of the mine pits concurrently with the mining operations (land reclamation).

4.6 Soil Environment

The environmental impacts of the mining activities on topsoil are based on the quantity of removal of topsoil and its dumping. The topsoil is temporarily stored and used for plantation no impact of dozing of topsoil is envisaged.

4.7 Solid Waste and its Management

During the process of coal extraction overlying strata consisting of topsoil and sedimentary rock formation shall be removed separately as overburden. Solid waste mainly consists of overburden material obtained during mining operations at different stages and a negligible quantity of shale/rejects separated from the excavated coal.

The calendar programme of mining operation has been formulated based upon the adopted sequence of mine development and optimum condition of mining operation for the entire life of opencast mine.

GKOC expansion project produces a total of 341.04 MCum. OB including 5.0 MCum topsoil during the entire life of mine and the proposed capacity of the mine is 4.0 MTPA..

4.8 Location of Dump Yards

It is proposed to accommodate hard overburden and top soil in the following dump yards

during the life of the Gouthamkhani OCP mine.

External Dump Yard:

Three external dump yards are present for the project i.e. in West, South- East and South side of the quarry area. As of now, all these three dumps were merged with each other and considered to be one dump only. About 139.10 Mm3 i.e. 41.40% of total hard OB was already dumped in this external dump yard. Maximum height of external dump yard is 80m from ground level. The dumping of OB in the external dump yard is already completed. The area of the external dump yard is 361.34 ha. About 2.52 Mm3 of top soil is already spread over the finished decks of external dump yard.

E P T R I



13

Internal Dump Yard:

About 196.94 Mm3 i.e. 58.60% of total hard OB is envisaged to be back-filled in the voids of the quarry area. Maximum height of internal dump yard is 30m from ground level. About 0.60 Mm3 of top soil is already spread over the finished decks of internal dump yard. About 1.00 Mm3 of topsoil is proposed to spread over the finished decks of internal dump during the balance life of the project and 0.88 Mm3 of top soil will be spread at the time of Post Closure. The area of Internal dump is 142.26 ha.

Topsoil Storage Yard

A total of 5.00 Mm3 of top soil was already removed from the project area. Out of the total top soil removed, 0.60 Mm3 was already spread over the finished decks of Internal dump yard and 2.52 Mm3 of Topsoil was spread over the finished decks of external Dump yard. The balance 1.88 Mm3 of topsoil is stored in the temporary storage yard at the south side of the quarry. Maximum height of temporary top soil storage yard is 5 m.

Stage-Wise OB Management:

The project is already operating opencast mine and proposed to enhance its rated capacity from 2.00 to 4.00 MTPA. Stage wise details of overburden (hard OB and top soil) excavation, dumping of hard OB in the external and internal dump yards, and top soil placement in different stages are furnished as per the approved mining plan in the below tables.

Cumulative OB management (in M.Cum)

Cumulative top soil placement (in M.Cum)

Stage/Year

To

p S

oil

Rem

ov

al

"M

m3"

Top Soil Used "Mm3"

Embankment

Spreading over the backfilled area

Spreading over the ob dump area

Using for Green Belt area

Total utilised TS

Up to 31.03.2018 5.00 -- 0.60 2.52 -- 3.12

Y-1 2018-19 5.00 -- 1.10 2.52 -- 3.62

Y-2 2019-20 5.00 -- 1.60 2.52 -- 4.12

Y-3 2020-21 5.00 -- 1.60 2.52 -- 4.12

Post Closure

Y-6 2023-24 5.00 -- 2.48 2.52 -- 5.00

Liquid waste: The liquid waste to be generated in the mine like used engine oil, gear oil, brake oils and other lubricants is stored in separate tins/drums/cans and sent to stores for disposal to SPCB authorized recyclers.

Year

Cumulative OB Removal External Dump (Cumulative)

Internal Dump/ Backfilling (Cumulative)

Top Soil

H.OB Total H.OB Top Soil

H.OB Top Soil

Up to March-2018 5.00 294.20 299.2 139.10 2.52 155.10 0.60

Y-1 5.00 311.7 316.7 139.10 2.52 172.6 1.10

Y-2 5.00 326.85 331.85 139.10 2.52 187.75 1.60

Y-3 5.00 336.04 341.04 139.10 2.52 196.94 1.60

Post Closure

Y-6 5.00 336.04 341.04 139.10 2.52 196.94 2.48

E P T R I



14

Final void

The maximum depth of the final void at the end of the mining operation is 240m covering an area of 226.64 ha with a void volume of 187.73 Mm3. This void will be left as water body at the end of mining operations.

4.9 Impact on Flora & Fauna

As the mining activity is restricted to the core zone, no significant impact on the flora of the buffer zone due to the expansion of mine is anticipated. With afforestation on overburden dumps and proper management of forest and development of greenbelt around the mine, the aesthetics is adopted. There are no endangered flora and fauna species within the core area.

4.10 Impact on Socio Economic Environment

SCCL has been carrying out mining operations in Godavari Valley Coal Fields (GVCF) for last 129 years. There is a positive impact on the quality of life, employment avenues and socio-economic development of the region. The local people get direct, indirect employment opportunities because of coal mining activities and infrastructure facilities being developed in these areas.

Allocation of CSR Funds

The following are activities carried in the Kothagudem area. Under the CSR activities an amount if Rs.1218.40 lakhs has already been spent towards these activities in the 10 km radius of the project area. SCCL is also organizing free medical camps since 2003 around the project area. Detailed activities taken up under the CSR activities are as follows:

SI No.

Name of Head

2004-05

2005-06

2008-09

2011-12

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

Total in Lakhs

1 Road infrastructures

21.00 55.04 87.53 294.16 186.46 132.04 67.50 9.60 853.33

2 Drainage & Sanitation

3.00 27.32 85.64 18.00 4.25 8.00 7.50 0.00 153.71

3 Education 0.00 15.00 0.00 12.05 0.00 6.50 0.00 51.60 85.15

4 Drinking water supply

8.50 5.00 0.00 0.00 4.53 9.95 0.00 0.00 27.98

5 Others

30.50

36.00

6.48

7.85

0.00 0.00 0.00 17.40 98.23

Total in Lakhs 63.00 138.36 179.65 332.06 195.24 156.49 75.00 78.60 1218.40

5.0 ALTERNATIVES

Coal mines are site specific in nature and location of the proposed area is restricted to the geology and coal deposition of the area. Safety, economic and technical constraints determine the mining method to be employed in a particular project. Considering the gradient of seams, depth of seams and after evaluating different options, Shovel Dumper combination for coal and overburden have been finalized as suitable mining methodology for the proposed GK OC Expansion Project.

6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

Environmental monitoring programme has been prepared for the existing project for assessing the efficacy of implementation of Environment Management Plan and to take corrective measures in case of any degradation in the surrounding environment. An environment management committee has been formulated at the project level to monitor the implementation of environmental protection measures in the project.

E P T R I



15

Air quality, water quality, noise levels, ground water levels has been periodically monitored in compliance to the conditions stipulated by TSPCB and MoEF&CC and necessary mitigation measures has been taken as and when necessary.

7.0 ADDITIONAL STUDIES

7.1 Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan

As it is an existing project No rehabilitation and resettlement is involved in this Project.

7.2 Risk assessment and Disaster Management Plan

Mining and allied activities are associated with several potential hazards to both the employees and the public. A worker in a mine should be able to work efficiently under conditions which are adequately safe and healthy. At the same time, the environmental conditions should be such as not to impair his working efficiency. This is possible only when there are adequate safety opencast mines.

Risk Assessment is to be performed on a regular basis. The goal for each risk assessment is to identify hazards, determine risk rating and controls and to review the implementation of risk controls from previous risk assessment sessions.

GK OC expansion project is Opencast with Shovel Dumper combination the Hazards were identified basing on the previous experience of the Project with the following criteria.

Design parameters of the expansion mine

Work process evaluation

Accidents or occurrences

Consultation with employees.

Safety statistics

Significant incident, near miss or accident reports

Inspection in the mine

Accordingly, a detailed risk assessment and disaster management plan has been prepared for the proposed expansion basing the Technical Circulars issued by Directorate General of Mines Safety for implementing safety management systems in coal mines.

8.0 PROJECT BENEFITS

Indirect employment opportunities to local people and improvement in communication, education, community development and medical facilities.

The project will help in socio-economic development of the area and also the state.

The project helps in further development of infrastructure facilities

9.0 ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

Environment Management Plan (EMP) aims at the preservation of ecological system by considering in-built pollution abatement facilities at the mining site. Mitigation measures at the source level and an overall environment management plan at the study area are elicited so as to improve the supportive capacity of the receiving bodies. The EMP aims at controlling pollution at the source level to the possible extent with the available and affordable technology followed by treatment before they are discharged.

Environmental monitoring programme has been prepared for the proposed expansion of mines for assessing the efficacy of implementation of Environment Management Plan and to take corrective measures in case of any degradation in the surrounding environment.

E P T R I



16

9.1 Fund Provision for Environment Protection and Management

An amount of Rs.17.58 Crores (Direct-0.93 Crores and Indirect-16.65 Crores) towards capital cost and an amount of Rs.3.40 Crores per year towards recurring cost has been apportioned for implementing environmental safeguards (As per RCE 2001).

9.2 Budget for remediation plan, natural resource augmentation plan and community resource augmentation plan

The summary of amounts which will be spent for Remediation Plan, Natural Resource

Augmentation Plan and Community Resource Augmentation Plan is given below.

Sl. No. Description Estimated cost (Rs. in Lakhs)

1 Remediation Plan 180.00

2 Natural Resources Augmentation Plan 65.00

3 Community Resources Augmentation Plan 220.00

Total 465.00

Life of the project is up to 2020-21 only as per duly approved mining plan

9.3 Mine Closure Plan

Mining being a time bound activity and must be closed after extraction of the mineral deposit. Closing of mining operations involves numerous issues like reclamation and environmental protection, community issues, socio-economic consideration, planning for alternate use of available facilities, cost estimation and asset disposal.

Total Mine closure cost is estimated for project area is 80.36 crores .However as per the guidelines the amount it shall be divided by the balance life of the project to arrive at the annual closure cost and shall be escalated at the rate of 5 % every year from the year of deposition of amount in Escrow account till final year. Considering the balance life and fund provision at 5% escalation, the amount to be deposited in Escrow account during the balance life the project estimated as 36.446 crores.

10.0 Conclusion

The industrial and economic growth of India depends to a large extent on coal, which is the prime source of energy. Our requirement of coal has significantly increased and the major requirement will come from the power sector. The other major requirement of coal comes from other industries like Cement, Sponge iron etc.

The expansion of GK OC project will have impacts on the local environment but with proper mitigation measures with the effective implementation of the environment management measures as suggested in the EIA/EMP report and as recommended by MoEF, CPCB and State Pollution Control Board, the negative impacts will be minimized to a great extent. However, development of this project has beneficial impact/effects in terms growth in regional economy, transform the region's economy from predominantly agricultural to significantly industrial, increase Government earnings and revenues and accelerate the pace of industrial development in the region.

* * * * *

E P T R I



17

Documents

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT / … Khani by SCCL, Gouthampur (V...southern India and is jointly owned by Government of India and Government of Telangana. SCCL is the largest