Environmental Impact Assessment for …environmentclearance.nic.in/writereaddata/EIA/17092014NR...Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. Environmental Impact Assessment for Development

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd.

Environmental Impact Assessment for Development of North Karanpura Coalbed

Methane Block (NK-CBM-2001/I) in Jharkhand

OIL AND NATURAL GAS CORPORATION LTD CBM Development Project

Bokaro



Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. i

CONTENTS

Acknowledgement

List of figures vii

List of tables vii - xi

Point wise compliance of TOR A-D

Executive Summary I - XIV

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 1-14

1.1 General 1

1.2 Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Production 1

1.3 CBM Production Parameters 4

1.4 Drilling Technology 5

1.5 Completion technology 7

1.6 CBM international Scenario 7

1.7 CBM Indian Scenario 8

1.8 CBM Policy Framework 10

1.9 Award of CBM Block and ONGC’s Activities for CBM 12

1.10 Objective and Scope of EIA Study 13

CHAPTER II: PROJECT DESCRIPTION 15-32

2 General 15

2.1 Block Detail, Location Map, Coordinates and Accessibility 15

2.2 Brief Geology and Target Depth 20

2.3 Technological Aspects 23

2.3.1 Drilling 23

2.3.2 Well Logging 26

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2.3.3 Well completion and Testing 27

2.3.4 Well Activation and Stimulation Details 28

2.3.5 Provisions for handling coal fines and sands 28

2.3.6 Surface Facilities (Production and transportation of CBM

Gas) 29

2.3.7 Type and quantity of water consummation and source of

supply 31

2.3.8 Fuel and Energy Consumption 31

2.3.9 Emission from Combustion of Fossil Fuels 32

2.3.10 Hazardous Wastes Generated and Management 32

2.3.11 Transportation of Personnel and Materials 32

CHAPTER III: DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT 33-94

3 General 33

3.1 Air Environment 33

3.1.1 Meteorological Status 33

3.1.2 Base Line Status of Air quality 38

3.2 Water Environment 43

3.2.1 Surface Water Source 43

3.2.2 Ground Water Hydrology 44

3.2.3 Water Requirement 44

3.2.4 Water Analysis Methodology 45

3.2.5 Baseline Water Quality 46

3.3 Land Environment 53

3.3.1 Land Use Pattern 53

3.3.2 Baseline Data 53

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3.3.3 Physical Characteristics 56

3.3.4 Chemical Characteristics 56

3.4 Noise Environment 64

3.4.1 Reconnaissance 64

3.4.2 Methodology for Noise Monitoring 65

3.4.3 Background Noise Levels 66

3.5 Biological Environment 70

3.5.1 Introduction 70

3.5.2 Study Area 70

3.5.3 Formulae for Analyzing Phytosociological Characteristics

of Vegetation 71

3.5.4 Floristic structure and composition 72

3.5.5 Ecological Analysis of Floral species in the project area 77

3.5.6 Fauna Assessment 80

3.5.7 Aquatic Ecology 84

3.6 Socio-economic Environment 90

3.6.1 Baseline Status 90

3.6.2 Demographic Structure 90

3.6.3 Socio-economic Survey 93

CHAPTER IV: ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND

MITIGATION MEASURES 95-105

4 General 95

4.1 Air Environment 95

4.1.1 Diesel Engines/Generator Sets 96

4.1.2 Fugitive Emissions 96

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4.1.3 Flaring Gas 96

4.1.4 Vehicular Pollution 98

4.2 Noise Environment 98

4.3 Water Environment 99

4.4 Land Environment 103

4.5 Biological Environment 104

4.6 Socio-economic Environment 105

CHAPTER V: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 106-130

5 General 106

5.1 Drilling Phase 107

5.1.1 Environment Protection and Reclamation Plan 107

5.1.2 Plan for Well Site Operation and/or Abandonment 108

5.1.3 Environmental Management Plan 109

5.1.4 Waste Management Plan 113

5.1.5 Waste Mud & Drill Cuttings Disposal Plan 113

5.1.6 Drilling Site Restoration Plan 114

5.2 Operation Phase 114

5.2.1 Water Environment 114

5.2.2 Land Environment 116

5.3 Environmental Monitoring Program 117

ANNEXURES 154-185

I. Coordinates of Blocks wherein Exploratory Drilling is proposed 154

II. ONGC Periodic Medical Examination Policy 157

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III. Corporate Environment Policy of ONGC 159

IV. Corporate HSE Policy of ONGC 160

V. TOR Issued by MoEF for NK CBM Block 161

VI. Water Balance Diagram 164

VII. Topographic map of the North Karanpura CBM Block 165

VIII. List of Accredited Consultant Organizations 166

IX. Environmental Clearance Exploratory Drilling 167

X. Application for Authorization of Hazardous Waste 172

XI. Application for Consent 173

XII. PEL for North Karanpura CBM Block 174

XIII. Hierarchical System of CBM Development Project - Bokaro 179

REFERENCES 180

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. vi

List of Figures

2.1.1 Location Map of Damodar Valley Coal Fields 16

2.1.2 Geological Map of North Karanpura with Bid Block Boundary 17

2.1.3 Map of North Karanpura Block Showing Development and

Assessment location 19

2.2.1 Generalized Stratigraphic Sequence and well detail (NK#1) of

North Karanpura Coalfield 21

2.3.1 Site Layout of Drilling Rig M-750-I 24

2.3.2 Schematic diagram of drilled CBM well 27

2.3.3 Schematic diagram of Inlet Separators 30

3.1.1 Seasonal Variation in Wind Direction 36

3.1.2 Wind Rose Diagram for Hazaribag Region 37

3.1.3 Ambient Air Quality Sampling Locations in North Karanpura CBM

Block 39

3.2.1 Water Quality - Sampling Locations 52

3.3.1 Soil Sampling Locations in North Karanpura CBM Block 55

3.3.2 Soil Textural of North Karanpura 57

3.4.1 Noise monitoring Locations in North Karanpura CBM Block 69

3.7.1 Employment Pattern in Rural Area 92

3.7.2 Employment Pattern in Urban Area 92

4.3.1 Change of TDS values of Wells NK#1, 4, 6 and 7 of North

Karanpura Block 102

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List of Tables

1.1.1 List of Awarded CBM Blocks and CBM Potential 13

2.1.1 Details of Phase-I, II and phase –III of CBM Activities 18

3.1.1 Average Meteorological condition for Hazaribag District (1961-

2000) 34

3.1.2 Methodology of Ambient Air Monitoring 38

3.1.3 Ambient Air Quality Parameters & Results 42

3.2.1 Analysis Methodology of Ground Water and Surface Water 45

3.2.2 Ground Water Sampling Locations 48

3.2.3 Surface Water Sampling Locations 48

3.2.4 The characteristics of groundwater of North Karanpura CBM Block 49

3.2.5 The characteristics of Surface Water of North Karanpura CBM

Block 50

3.3.1 Land use statistics 53

3.3.2 Name of the villages surveyed in North Karanpura for soil Samples 54

3.3.3 Soil Texture in the Study Area of North Karanpura 60

3.3.4 Physical Characteristics in Study Area of North Karanpura 60

3.3.5 Chemical Characteristics of Soil Extract in Study Area of North

Karanpura 61

3.3.6 Cation Exchange Capacity of Soil in Study Area of North Karanpura 61

3.3.7 Relationship of CEC with Productivity 62

3.3.8 Relationship of CEC with Adsorptivity 62

3.3.9 Fertility Status of Soils in the Study Area of North Karanpura 63

3.3.10 Heavy Metals Content in Soil of the Study Area of North Karanpura 63

3.4.1 Ambient Standards in Respect of Noise 67

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3.4.2 Background Noise Levels for NK-CBM Block 67

3.5.1 List of Common Flora Present in Study Area 73

3.5.2 Dominant Families in Study Area 77

3.5.3 Floristic Characteristic of Dominant Flora in North Karanpura Block 79

3.5.4 List of Fauna in Hazaribagh district 82

3.5.5 Dominant Class of Phytoplankton in Study Area 85

3.5.6 Phytoplankton Diversity Index (Shannon-Wiener Diversity index) in

Study Area (2012) 87

4.1.1 Composition of Gas for North Karanpura CBM Block 97

5.1.1 Environmental Monitoring framework 118

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. Page A

Point wise compliance of TOR for the development wells of North

Karanpura CBM Block. MoEF No. J-11011/228/2012-IA II(I) dated 21st

February, 2013

1. A separate chapter on status of compliance of

Environmental Conditions granted by

State/Centre to be provided. As per circular

dated 30th May, 2012 issued by MoEF, a

certified report by RO, MoEF on status of

compliance of conditions on existing unit to be

provided in EIA/EMP report.

Fresh case for Environmental

Clearance and public hearing will

have been conducted for the project

2. Executive summary of the project. Provided Page no - I - XIV

3. Details of existing land use pattern within the

proposed CBM block. (Cropping pattern,

forest, agriculture land, wasteland etc, flora

and fauna etc.)

Given in chapter III at Page no 55

4. Details of land acquisition w.r.t. private land,

Govt. land, agriculture land, mode of

compensation for land losers due to land

acquisition and R & R etc.

Land will be acquired according to

release of well location.

Acquired land detail at page no - 24

5. Information regarding eco-sensitive area such

as national park/wildlife sanctuary/ biosphere

reserves within 10 km radius of project area.

No any national park/wildlife

sanctuary/ biosphere reserves

within 10 km radius of project area.

6. Details of forest land involved in the proposed

project. A copy of forest clearance letter, if

applicable.

No forest land involved in the

proposed Development wells

7. Permission from the State Forest Department

regarding the impact of the proposed drilling

on the surrounding reserve forests, if

applicable.

Not applicable

8. Environment clearance for the existing unit

issued by the Ministry (reasons, if not

obtained), Consent to Operate and

Authorization accorded by the JSPCB.

Included as annexure – IX, X, XI

9. Confirmation with documentary support

indicating allocation of the Block solely to

M/s ONGC.

Included as annexure -XII

10. Is the block allocated for mining also? If yes,

name of the company.

Part of the block allotted to NTPC

as coal mine

11. Comprehensive proposal covering surface

facilities, pipeline/gas collection system,

utilities etc.

Chapter – II page no 30

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. Page B

12. Design details of all the facilities including

CGS, GGS, pipe network, utilities and

technology to be used for CBM project.

Chapter – II page no 30

13. Location of core holes outside the forest area.

The well sites shall be selected at more than

1.5 km away from the habitation. Forest and

revenue land shall be avoided as far as

possible.

Well locations will be 1.5 Km away

from the habitation. Forest and

revenue land shall be avoided as far

as possible

14. Baseline data collection for air, water and soil

for one season leaving the monsoon season in

an area of 10 km radius with centre of CBM

Field as its centre covering the area of all

proposed drilling wells. It includes;

Included in chapter III at Page nos

– 40, 45 and 55

i) Topography of the project site. Chapter -I

ii) Ambient Air Quality monitoring at 10

locations for PM10, SO2, NOx, VOCs,

Methane and non-methane HC.

Chapter III Page No – 41 Table no

3.1.3

iii) Soil sample analysis (physical and

chemical properties) at the areas located at

5 locations.

Chapter III Page No – 57

iv) Ground and surface water quality in the

vicinity of the proposed wells site.

Chapter III Page No – 48 - 54

v) Climatology and Meteorology including

wind speed, wind direction, temperature

rainfall relative humidity etc.

Chapter III Page No – 35-39

vi) Measurement of Noise levels (day and

night both) within 1 km radius of the

proposed wells.

Chapter III Page No – 66-71

vii) Vegetation and land use; Animal resources Chapter III Page No – 72-93

15. Action plan to control ambient air quality as

per NAAQES Standards for PM10, PM2.5,

SO2, CO and NOX as per GSR 826€ dated

16th November, 2009.

Chapter –V Page No - 126

16. Actual source and ‘Permission’ for the drawl

of water from the concerned authority.

Most of the water used in the CBM

operations is from CBM Produced

water.

17. Action plan for management of produced

water.

Given at page No 120

18. Details of wastewater treatment method

should be included.

Waste water collection pits with

polylined are in place for each well.

19. Reuse of produced water for drinking after

treatment / pisicuture / ground water recharge /

A pilot study is being carried out by

CIMFR, Dhanbad for appropriate

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. Page C

irrigation / coal washing/power generation etc. utilization of CBM produced water.

20. Extent and duration of flaring of methane gas

during exploration.

No flaring is carried out

21. Analysis of gas w.r.t. H2S. CBM gas content is given at Page

no - 101 Table no 4.1.1

22. Noise monitoring should be carried out at the

nearest villages.

Report included at page no 69

23. Measures to control noise pollution. Acoustic enclosures are provided to

all gensets used in the operation of

CBM

24. Assessment of generation of solid and

hazardous waste and its characteristics from

the operator.

Chapter IV at Page no 107

25. Proposed measures for treatment and disposal

of solid and hazardous waste.

Chapter V at Page no 119

26. Storage of chemicals at the site, proposed

preventive measures for spillage and

accidents.

Storage of chemicals are as per

procedure

27. Developing emergency response plan and

disaster management plan.

Given in Chapter VI, page no 143

28. Capping of core holes in case of emergency. Given in Chapter VI, page no 138

29. Statistical data of accident occurred so far

during CBM exploration.

No fatal accident occurred till dae

30. Identification of hazard prone operations and

assess the damage.

Given in Chapter VI, page no 143

31. The post project closures plan, if the project is

not economically viable.

Project is in development phase

32. Detailed Environment management Plan

(EMP) with specific reference to details of air

pollution control system, water & wastewater

management, monitoring frequency,

responsibility and time bound implementation

plan for mitigation measure should be

provided.

EMP is made part of the EIA report

and given in Chapter V

33. Details of occupational health surveillance

programme.

ONGC policy of occupational

health surveillance is attached as

annexure II page no - 164

34. Social impact assessment should be carried

out.

Given in Chapter IV, page no 109

35. Action plan for post-project environmental

monitoring.

Chapter –V at Page No. 124-136

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. Page D

36. Corporate Environmental Responsibility

a) Does the company have a well laid down

Environment Policy approved by its Board

of Directors? If so, it may be detailed in

the EIA report.

ONGC Environment Policy given

as annexure-III at page no 166

b) Does the Environmental Policy prescribe

for standard operating process/procedures

to bring into focus any infringement /

deviation / violation of the environmental

or forest norms / conditions? If so, it may

be detailed in the EIA report.

There is no any such violation

37. What is the hierarchical system or

Administrative order of the company to deal

with the environmental issues and for ensuring

compliance with the EC conditions? Details of

this system may be given.

hierarchical system given at

annexure-XIII at page no 180

38. Does the company have a system of reporting

of non compliance / violations of

environmental norms to the Board of Directors

of the company and / or shareholders or

stakeholders at large? This reporting

mechanism should be detailed in the EIA

report.

Annexed at Page no 180

39. Public hearing issues raised and commitments

made by the project proponent on the same

should be included separately in EIA/EMP

Report in the form of tabular chart with

financial budget for complying with the

commitments made.

Public hearing is conducted in two

concern districts on dated

25.02.2014 at Tandwa of Chatra

District and on dated 26.02.2014

Taleswar panchayat of Hazaribagh

District

40. Any litigation pending against the project and

/or any direction /order passed by any Court of

Law against the project, if so, details thereof.

No litigation is pending

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. Page I

1.0 Introduction

Coal Bed Methane is created during coalification, the process, which converts

plant material into coal over millions of years. Most of the CBM is stored within

the molecular structure of the coal; some is stored in the fractures or cleats of

the coal or dissolved in the water trapped in the fractures. Methane attaches to

the surface areas of coal and throughout fractures, and is held in place by water

pressure. .Along with Methane (CH4) it contains small amounts of other

hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases.

CBM gas, which is present in ample amount over coal belt in the earth, is a

clean-burning fuel, considered more environmentally friendly than oil, coal or

even conventional natural gas. The combustion process of methane produces

no particulates and only about half of the carbon dioxide associated with coal

combustion. It contains few, if any, impurities and therefore requires minimal

processing. In many cases it can go directly from the well to consumer once

trace amounts of water and CO2 are removed. CBM consists of pure methane. It

may also contain carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2).

The technology has now been established for safe extraction and commercial

utilization of CBM. The production of CBM by this technology will also reduce

the amount of methane vis-à-vis greenhouse gas being vented to atmosphere

either through natural process or mining operations. This provides an additional

source of energy while reducing both, the escape of methane gas to the

atmosphere and the mining hazard.

It is proposed to use this technology in India for the extraction of methane gas in

North Karanpura CBM Block NK-CBM-2001/1 in Jharkhand.

North Karanpura CBM Block NK-CBM-2001/1 lies in the eastern part of North

Karanpura coalfield which is a member basin of the east-west aligned Damodar

Koel group of basins. The CBM block has an ovate out line in conformity with

the sub-basinal structure of the eastern part of North Karanpura coalfield. The

CBM block covers an area of 271.8 sq. km. It is proposed to drill 68

Development Wells & 6 assessment wells. Present reports addresses

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. Page II

environmental impacts due to drilling of these wells for harnessing coal bed

methane.

2.0 Project Description

Rotary Drilling will be used for drilling of vertical section of the well whereas

Horizontal portion of Horizontal well be drilled using UBD/air drilling technology.

The depth of drilling will be Average 1000m and Max: 1500m. For vertical wells

& vertical section of Horizontal wells -Water based low solid polymer mud

(Composition: 3% Bentonite, 2% KCL & 1% PHPA) will be used as a drilling

fluid. Approximately 800 m3 of water per well (approximately 1200m depth) will

be used.

Sr. No. Name of Chemical Consumption (MT) per well

1 Bentonite 12.0

2 Caustic Soda 2.0

3 Soda Ash 0.4

4 Partially Hydrolysed Polyacrylamide PHPA

1.2

Total Tonnage 14.3

The details of the drilling programme in different phases are as follows:

Depth of drilling : Average 1000m, Max: 1500m

Diameter of wells : For Exploratory 12¼ up to 200 m

8½ From 200 m to Target Depth

Drill cuttings etc. : Sandstone, Silt & Shale (Chemically inert &

Stable) Coal

Quantity of Drilling fluid : 127 m3 (for well of depth approx 1200m)

Casing : Up to 200m: Hole size 12¼“& 9 ⅝ “Casing

Up to Final depth: Hole size 8½ “& 5½“Casing

Pilot wells are being planned for study the deliverability of the well. After Pilot

assessment is over and development plan for developing the area for

commercial production is taken up.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. Page III

3.0 Key Findings

In order to assess the potential impacts due to existing mining operations and

other activities in the region the study of baseline environmental status within

the impact zone for various components of the environment, viz. air, noise,

water, land and socio-economic was established. The environmental quality was

assessed through field studies in winter season within the study area

admeasuring 271.8 sq. km around the existing mines.

Air Environment

The baseline status of air environment has been assessed through

reconnaissance of study area and systematic air quality surveillance programme

at nine air quality-monitoring locations in winter season.

The arithmetic mean of 24 hourly PM2.5 at all these stations ranged between

260-647 µg/m3 respectively. The arithmetic mean value of 24 hourly averages

PM10 concentration varied in the range of 45-80 µg/m3.

The arithmetic mean of SO2 is observed to be 29-45 µg/m3. Similarly, arithmetic

mean of NOx varied in the range of 19-55 µg/m3. Non methane Hydrocarbon

concentration close to the project site were observed to be varying in the range

of <10 µg/m3 and THC varying in the range of <800 µg/Nm3 respectively.

The concentrations of SO2, NOx and Non-methane Hydrocarbon are observed

to be below the stipulated standards of CPCB for the designated landuse.

Water Environment

Damodar and its principal tributary Barakar form the core area of the Damodar

river basin. North Karanpura region draws its water from the river Damodar. The

Damodar in its upper reaches is known as the Deonad and originates near

Rajruppa from the lava capped Khamarpat hill. The Damodar receives a number

of tributaries both from the southern and the northern slopes. The area also

receives the discharge of mine water, which ultimately reaches to Damodar

River. Samples were collected from eight sampling locations to determine

baseline status of the existing groundwater quality through the study of Physico-

chemical parameters. The groundwater quality was assessed by collecting

samples from tube wells (>30 m deep) and surface water quality is assessed by

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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collecting samples from 3 points in river flowing through baragaon village and

meat to damodar and 4 Pond of the project area.

Physico-chemical Characteristics

a) Groundwater: - The physico-chemical characteristics of groundwater

indicate pH in the range of 6.5-7.5; temperature 25O-30OC. The

inorganic parameters viz., Alkalinity was in the range of 110-295 mg/l;

Total Hardness 102-160 mg/l; Chlorides 24-36 mg/l; Sulphates 1-16

mg/l); Organic parameter COD was in the range of 49-93 mg/l.

b) Surface Water: - The physico-chemical characteristics of surfacedwater

indicate pH in the range of 7.4-8.7; temperature 24.7-26.8OC. The


Total Hardness 56-63 mg/l; Chlorides 10-44 mg/l; Sulphates 6-16 mg/l);

Organic parameter COD was in the range of 6-15 mg/l.

Land Environment

The study of land environment was carried out through study of geological

conditions, and analysis of soil samples. Representative soil samples from 9

sampling locations within depth (0-15 cm) were collected for estimation of the

soil quality. Physical characteristics of soil are delineated through specific

parameters, viz., particle size distribution, texture, bulk density, porosity and

water holding capacity.

The texture of the soil is clay, and sandy clay loam, sandy loam. The clay

contain in the soil of the study area varies form 7.2 to 51.2 percent. The bulk

density of soil in the region is found to be 1.24-1.40 g/cm3 and considered as

moderately good. The porosity and water holding capacity of soil is in the range

of 18.80-48.80 % and 15.6-56.8 % respectively.

pH of soil in the study area is found to slightly acidic and neutral in reaction as

there pH is in the range of 6.3-7.8 and the electrical conductivity of the soil

samples are in the range of 0.42-2.83 dS/m. calcium and magnesium

concentrations are in the range of 7.03-19.17 meq/l and 2.89-15.13 meq/l

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. Page V

respectively whereas sodium and potassium are in the range of 0.88-1.66 meq/l

and 0.07-0.38 meq/l respectively.

Amongst the exchangeable cations, Ca+2 and Mg+2 are found in the range of

3.40-21.46 cmol(p+) kg-1 and 1.40-11.79 cmol(p+) kg-1 of soil while Na+ and K+

are in the range of 0.20-1.26 cmol(p+) kg-1 and 0.17-0.83 cmol(p+) kg-1 of soil

respectively. Exchangeable sodium percentage range from 0.91-6.12.

Organic carbon, available nitrogen and available phosphorous are found to be in

the range of 0.30-0.75 %, 205.72-331.16 and 13.68-22.62 kg/ha respectively.

Available potassium is found in the range of 134.68-197.27 kg/ha.

Total viable microbial population per gram of soil varied from

37 - 82 x 106 CFU. Different microflora observed per gram of soil was fungi

(1 - 6 x 104 CFU), actinomycetes (1 - 4 x 104 CFU), rhizobium (2 – 17 x 104

CFU) and azotobacter (2 - 9 x 104 CFU).

Noise Environment

Noise monitoring was carried out to identify and quantify so far as reasonably

possible the ambient condition to predict the increase in noise levels and causes

of variability of noise levels as a result of the proposed development. The noise

survey was conducted at twenty locations. Equivalent sound pressure level has

been adopted for the measurement of noise level in various selected sampling

locations such as residential, commercial, industrial areas and silence zones.

The background noise levels observed in during day time and (night time) are in

the range of 35-68 (31.9-60.6) dB(A),39.1-68 (36.4-61.6) and 35-68.8 (31.3-

62.1), dB(A) in Residential, Commercial and Silence zone respectively.

The equivalent noise level (Leq) during day time and night time at different

residential locations for Residential, Commercial and Silence zone are in the

range of 47.5-59.2 dB(A) (44.9-55.7) dB(A), 59.8-60.8 dB(A) (48.7) dB(A) and

42.6 dB(A) (39.4) dB(A) respectively.

Biological Environment

The study area of South Karanpura Block shows good biodiversity of trees

(0.151), shrubs (0.112) and herbs (0.268).Diversity of trees is good at various

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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places. Total density of all plant species present within South Karanpura Block is

508/ ha for trees, 666/ ha for shrubs and 1044 / ha for herbs. The common

herbal medicinal flora of the study area is Cassia tora , Calotropis sp., Vitex

neguudo, Aegle marmelos, Azadirachta indica, Butea monosperma, Ficus

religiosa, Syzygium cumini, Tamarindus indica,Lantana camara, Melia

azedaracta, Sida cardifolia ,Acacia nilotica, Careya arborea, Madhuca indica ,

Ficus religiosa, were observed during field study. Not a single species were

observed to be threatened in the study area.

Aquatic ecology

Total of 05 Class observed in the study area and Shannon-Wiener Diversity

index is calculated. Bacillariophyceae is dominating genera in almost all the

ponds sampled and having SWDI>2 which shows high diversity in all the

seasons (Pre Monsoon, Post Monson and in winter) and lest affected by the

pollution as per the scale of the Shannon-Wiener Diversity index. All other

species of pond A, B, C, D, and E are found in medium diversity or have medium

impact of pollution (SWDI<1 - Indicates maximum impact of pollution or adverse

factor, between 1-2 - Indicates medium impact of pollution or adverse factor and

SWDI>1 - Indicates lowest impact of pollution or adverse factor).

Socio-economic Environment

The highlights of demographic structure of the study area in which information

on population, employment, household, literacy, community structure, and the

summarized information is presented in below. The demographic details have

been abstracted from Primary Census Abstract-2011 of Jharkhand obtained

from Office of Registrar General India, New Delhi.

The salient features of the rural study area are as follows:

Total percentage of population living in rural area is 84.12%

Sex ratio i.e. no. of female per thousand male is 954 which indicates that

females are less in number than male counterpart in the rural area.

Percentage of Scheduled Caste is 18.7% and that of Scheduled Tribe is

7.4% in the rural area

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Percentage of literate people in the study area is 55.4%

Percentage of employed people in the study area is 37.7% while the Non

worker population is quite higher in the region which is about 62.3%

The salient features of the urban study area are as follows:

Sex ratio i.e. no. of female per thousand male is 912 which indicates that

females are less in number than male counterpart in the study area.

Percentage of Scheduled Caste is 11.10% and that of Scheduled Tribe is

5.2% in the study area


Percentage of employed people in the study area is 27.60% while the

Non worker population is quite higher in the region which is about 72.40%

4.0 Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

The impacts of the project activity on physico-ecological environment and socio-

economic environment can be predicted through the several scientific

techniques and methodologies specially the mathematical models.

The point sources identified during drilling activity are diesel generator sets at

drill sites. Emissions from the generators will consist of mainly NOx, CO2, traces

of SO2 and suspended particles. Since diesel contains little sulphur, using diesel

as fuel will lead to low SO2 emissions. The levels of NOx emission will be less

than 0.2 g/sec (@ 6.6 kg/T of diesel). There will be rise in ground level

concentration of NOx within the drill site for a short period by 10-15 g/m3. The

NOx levels beyond 1 km will be less than 10 g/m3. The baseline status

indicates NOx ground level concentration as less than 30 g/m3, which is much

below the permissible limit of 80 g/m3.

The arithmetic mean of 24 hourly PM2.5 at all these stations ranged between

260-647 µg/m3 respectively. The arithmetic mean value of 24 hourly averages

PM10 concentration varied in the range of 45-80 µg/m3.

It has been observed that generally all the noise sources in a rig installation are

scattered in an area of about 100 m x 100 m. As the drilling operations are

carried out 0.5 to 1.0 km away from the human habitation, every drilling site will

act as a ”point” source of noise for general population in the villages. When a

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mechanical rig is in operation at its maximum efficiency, the drilling platform

(derrick) can be assumed as the location of the hypothetical source of noise at

the drill site where maximum noise levels are assumed as (85 dBA). The

average noise levels at about 0.5 km from the drilling rigs would be around 40

dBA. The overall background noise levels would increase by 3-4 dBA and 2-3

dBA during night and day time respectively due to drilling operations.

The baseline status of water environment for ground water quality is fairly good.

All physical, inorganic, organic, nutrient, and demand parameters are well within

the limits specified by ISI for drinking water. The major sources of wastewater

envisaged during extraction of coal bed methane are wastewater during drilling

operation and produced water during gas production.

Total drill cuttings expected from 1100 m deep well, with two casing programme

will be around 27m3 (50 t). Providing 10 mm non-pervious lining to the pit will

prevent seepage from the pit.

The quantity of Produce water may vary from 3-5 m3/d per well.

The produced water can be disposed using one of the following methods

Direct Land Application: Applying produced water directly to the land involves

moving water from the well to a nearby area of vegetation via a buried flow line ,

and dispersing the water on the ground with a sprinkler

Controlled Discharge into Streams: This is the disposal method of choice in

most CBM regions where a river is present. This option is not applicable here as

no stream is passing from nearby the wells.

Disposing Water in Disposal Wells: This procedure is used in areas where no

surface streams are available or where flow is insufficient to assimilate produced

waters year around.

Amendment of drilling mud with subsurface soils also increases its water holding

capacity and cation exchange capacity. The potential for leaching of constituents

from mud pits is hypothetically negligible as polythene of 10 mm thickness is

also being used as base of mud pits to prevent leaching.

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The impacts due to drilling and operation of gas wells in this region will not

cause any adverse impacts on flora and fauna as the vegetation identified in the

study area is in the form of sparse vegetation cover for grass, herb, shrub and

trees. A marginal impacts would be due to dry and wet deposition coupled with

SOx, NOx along with methane if detected in air will get hydrolysed and deposit

on leaf surface. The impact on plants and animal by methane in air is negligible.

The impacts of the project on the Socio Economic environment would have

positive as well as negative.

Employment can be generated in construction and transportation activities,

supply of raw material, auxillary and ancillary works. This is aided by the high

literacy rate in the district

Extraction of gas in organized manner will lead to reduction in release of

methane from subsurface formation in the region thereby reducing greenhouse

gas affects

The project installation would lead to improvement in transport and

communication facilities for the people of the region

Injuries and accidents may occur during movement of rig and drilling of the gas

wells

5.0 Environmental management Plan

The EMP provides a delivery mechanism to address potential adverse impacts,

to instruct contractors and to introduce standards of good practice to be adopted

for all project works. Environmental management plan has been prepared for

developmental activities such as drilling of CBM wells, Gas collection facilities,

Laying of gas pipelines.

The EMP comprises a series of components covering direct mitigation and

environmental monitoring, an outline waste management plan and a drilling site

restoration plan during drilling as well as operation phase

Management Plan Drilling Phase

Environment Protection and Reclamation Plan Topsoil will be stripped below

plough depth from the well site and stored on the site. The depth of stripping

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will be on the basis of site-specific soil survey. Topsoil will also be stripped

from and stored adjacent to any new access

Hazardous materials such as petroleum, spirit, diesel lubrication oil and paint

materials required at the site during construction activities would be stored

and disposed as per safety norms

All irrigation canals and ditches encountered by the proposed well site

access and well site will be maintained in a fully functional state

The vehicle maintenance area would so located that the contamination of

surface/soil/water by accidental spillage of oil/diesel will not take place and

dumping of waste oil will be strictly prohibited

Plan for Well Site Operation and/or Abandonment

In the event the well is successful the well site will be reduced to

approximately 30m x 30m for the production phase and all non-essential

areas will be fully reclaimed.

If the well becomes operational the site will be monitored and kept in a weed

free state. Weed control will be achieved through either mechanical control or

strategic and responsible application of an appropriate herbicide.

Any contaminated soils (eg. by accidental spills of fuel, lubricants, hydraulic

fluids, saline produced water) will be treated on site or if necessary, be

removed from the site to an appropriate landfill for further bioremediation.

Any irrigation ditches diverted to accommodate a well site will be realigned to

their pre-well site configuration in consultation with the landowner.Air

Environment

It is recommended that all equipments are operated within specified design

parameters during construction and operational phases. Any dry, dusty

materials (chemicals), muds etc. shall be stored in sealed containers.

DG Sets should be properly maintained and flare stack height should be

30m so as to minimize impacts on ground level concentration of NOx.

Noise Environment

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It is recommended that while deploying major noise generating equipment

such as diesel generators etc. it should be checked that all mufflers are in

good working order and that the manufacturers have taken the normal

measures for minimizing the noise levels.

Noise barriers/shields in the form of well berm should be provided around the

units wherever possible. Use of ear muffs/plugs and other protective devices

should be provided to the workforce in noise prone areas. Enclosures around

noise sources may be provided depending on the size of the unit

Water Environment

The effluents (wastewater) generated during drilling operations are

recommended to be collected in lined waste pits to avoid groundwater

contamination. The wastewater is solar evaporated and the residual material

on completion of well is removed and disposed in accordance with prevailing

rules

The produced water from the CBM wells of North Karanpura Block will be

used for inland application, however, it is recommended that disposal option

of produced water should be reviewed on regular interval as the produced

water quality may change during the life of the CBM well

Land Environment

Solid non-degradable wastes will be disposed in designated disposal sites.

Such sites shall be identified in consultation with the Jharkhand Pollution

Control Board.

The earth cuttings generated at drill site will be mostly inorganic in nature

and can be used either for land filling or road making

Socio-economic Environment

Protection of persons against dust emissions during construction and

transportation activities

People losing their land are against cash compensation at government rate.

Therefore, compensation should be agreed with landloosers before arriving

at amount to be disbursed

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A waste disposal plan should be chalked out to mitigate adverse impacts on

agriculture and human health

For social welfare activities to be undertaken by the project authorities,

collaboration should be sought with the local administration, gram panchayat

etc. for better co-ordination

The waste management plan

The waste management plan (WMP) covers disposal of all wastes with

further reference to offsite disposal of those wastes, which cannot be dealt

with on-site. Here the waste is classified. The waste is disposed by a number

of methods depending upon the type of waste

Waste Mud & Drill Cuttings Disposal Plan

The well depth will be maximum 1200 metres. The drilling fluid and cuttings

generated will be placed in secured polyethylene propylene lined landfill sites

and pits

Drilling Site Restoration Plan

All equipments and debris will be removed and the site will be returned to an

acceptable condition including revegetation (compensatory afforestation) as

required.

Special care will be taken with solidification and sealing of the cuttings pit to

ensure that there is no leaching of contaminants into the surrounding soils

and that the fluid pit is buried to sufficient depth as not to interfere with

existing land-use.

All constructed access roads will be reinstated to their original condition or a

state agreed with the state authorities.

Management Plan Operation Phase

Produce water management

The major issue during production phase is the utilization or disposal of

produced water. The water also meets drinking water quality standards except

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dissolved solids hence option for discharge of produced water into river after

preliminary treatment is also discussed.

To manage the produced water from the wells the following options are

suggested.

Proposed Irrigation Practices in the Study Area

Since, irrigation is not widely used in these areas where CBM operation for

methane exploration and discharges in the form of produced water will occur,

proper management practices involving reuse of produced water will be

appreciated. One CBM well produce water in the range of 3-5 m3/day, hence,

collective of all these wells could be framed into large pit. Flood irrigation would

be the least desirable of the methods of irrigation with CBM water.

Direct Land Application

In this method produced water is stored in large pit which receives water from

multiple small pits digged near the wells. The treatment involves natural aeration

making it a oxidation pond and all suspended and dissolved solids settled are

microbically degraded to purify the produced water. If water produced is excess

it should be discharged into nearby seasonal nallah/ stream (if any) during the

rainy season directly

Control discharge into stream

In this method produced water is stored in large pit. The treatment involves

natural aeration making it an oxidation pond and all suspended and dissolved

solids settled are microbically degraded to purify the produced water.

Land Environment

The produced water from the drilling wells if found to be having high sodicity /

alkalinity/ Sodi-alkalinity values, the following treatment should be given to the

produced water before discharging into soil. Soils high in salt and / or sodium

may limit crop yields. Salt-affected soils may contain an excess of water-soluble

salts (saline soils), exchangeable sodium (sodic soils) or both an excess of salts

and exchangeable sodium (saline-sodic soils). Periodic soil testing and

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treatment, combined with proper management procedures, can improve the

conditions in salt-affected soils that contribute to poor plant growth.

6.0 Disaster Management Plan

The findings of the hazard assessment and risk assessment form the basis for

the development of the Disaster Management Plan. The DMP has the following

objectives:

Ensure checks and inspections to prevent incidents leading to

emergency.

Ensure well maintained and well operated plant and machinery to

ensure trouble free and long life of the plant and machinery.

The development of a DMP is to ensure effective control of an emergency to

minimize loss to human life and property. First objective of a DMP is to save

human life and then comes minimizing damage to property. The DMP describes

the role and responsibilities of various authorities under the emergency

organization. Specifically, the DMP contains the following:

Information about the MCLS and their effect zones;

Checks and inspections to prevent incidents leading to

emergencies;

Prevention plan of an impending emergency by control of

incidents;

Internal emergency reporting and communication system;

Offsite plan components;

Regulatory requirements.

It is recommended that the DMP be integrated into the actual operations prior to

commencement of project work. A mock drill should be conducted during the

drilling programme to check the efficacy of the DMP. It is also important to

integrate the DMP of ONGC with the district level DMP/ Emergency Response

Planning initiated by the District Administration.

CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. Page 1

1.1 Preamble

Coal Bed Methane (CBM) is a natural gas formed by geological or biological,

processes in coal seams. CBM consists predominantly of methane. Lower

concentrations of higher alkanes and noncombustible gases are also often

present. CBM is intimately associated with coal seams that represent both the

source and reservoir. CBM exists in the coal in three basic states: as free gas;

as gas dissolved in the water in coal; and as gas “adsorbed” on the solid surface

of the coal. Coal varies considerably in terms of its chemical composition, its

permeability, and other characteristics. Some kinds of organic matter are more

suited to produce CBM than are others. Permeability is a key characteristic;

since the coal seam must allow the gas to move once the water pressure is

reduced. Gas molecules adhere to the surface of the coal. Most of the CBM is

stored within the molecular structure of the coal; some is stored in the fractures

or cleats of the coal or dissolved in the water trapped in the fractures. Methane

attaches to the surface areas of coal and throughout fractures, and is held in

place by water pressure.

It is often produced at depths through a borehole that allows gas and large

volumes of water with variable quality to be produced. Shallow aquifers, if

present, need to be protected. CBM resources represent valuable volumes of

natural gas. Many coal-mining areas in the world currently support CBM

production; other areas containing coal resources are expected to produce

significant volumes of natural gas in the near future. Natural gas is a relatively

clean-burning energy source well suited as a boiler fuel, vehicle fuel, and for

heating residences as well as large structures. CBM is a non-conventional

hydrocarbon resource that fundamentally differs in its accumulation processes

and production technology when compared to conventional natural gas

resources.

1.2 Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Production

CBM production potential is a product of several factors that vary from basin to

basin – fracture permeability, development, gas migration, coal maturation, coal

distribution, geologic structure, CBM completion options, hydrostatic pressure



and produced water management. Most coals contain methane, but it cannot be

economically produced without open fractures present to provide the pathways

for the desorbed gas to migrate to the well. As long as the pressure exerted by

the water table is greater than that of the coal the methane remains trapped in

the coal bed matrix. Coal cleats and fractures are usually saturated with water,

and therefore the hydrostatic pressure in the coal seam must be lowered before

the gas will migrate.

In most areas, naturally developed fracture networks are the most sought after

areas for CBM development. Areas where geologic structures and localized

faulting have occurred tend to induce natural fracturing, which increases the

production pathways within the coal seam. This natural fracturing reduces the

cost of bringing the producing wells on line. Most coals contain methane, but it

cannot be fractures present to provide the pathways for the desorbed gas to

migrate to the well. As long as the pressure exerted by the water table is greater

than that of the coal the methane remains trapped in the coal bed matrix. Coal

cleats and fractures are usually saturated with water, and therefore the

hydrostatic pressure in the coal seam must be lowered before the gas will

migrate. Lowering the hydrostatic pressure in the coal seam accelerates the

desorption process. CBM wells initially produce water primarily; gas production

eventually increases, and as it does water production declines. Once the gas is

released, it is usually free of any impurities; is of sufficient quality and can be

easily prepared for pipeline delivery. Some coals may never produce methane if

the hydrostatic pressure cannot be efficiently lowered. Some coal seams may

produce gas, but are too deep to economically drill.

1.2.1 Cleat (Fracture) Development

Coal contains porosity but very little matrix permeability. In order for fluids to be

produced out of coal seams into a well-bore, the coal must possess a system of

secondary permeability such as fractures. Fractures allow water, and natural gas

to migrate from matrix porosity toward the producing well. Cleat is the term used

for the network of natural fractures that form in coal seams as part of the

maturation of coal. Cleats form as the result of coal dehydration, local and

regional stresses, and unloading of overburden. Cleats largely control the



directional permeability of coals exploitation through well placement and

spacing. Two orthogonal sets of cleats develop in coals perpendicular to

bedding. The face cleats are the dominant set that are more continuous and

more laterally extensive; face cleats form parallel to maximum compressive

stress and perpendicular to fold axes of the coal bed. The butt cleats are

secondary and can be seen to terminate against face cleats. Butt cleats are

strain-release fractures that form parallel to fold axes. Cleat spacing is related to

rank, bed thickness, maceral composition, and ash content. Coals with well-

developed cleat sets are brittle reflecting fracture density. In general, cleats are

more tightly spaced with increasing coal rank. Average cleat spacing values for

three coal grades include: subbituminous (2-15 cm), high volatile bituminous

(0.3-2 cm), and mediumto low-volatile bituminous (<1 cm) (Cardott 2001). Cleat

spacing is tighter in thin coals, in vitrinite-rich coals, and in low-ash coals.

Methane is adsorbed on coal. The methane can be released (desorbed) by

reducing the fluid pressure associated with the coal environment. Reducing the

fluid pressure is accomplished by pumping out the groundwater contained in the

coal. As the groundwater is removed the fluid pressure is reduced and the

methane is released from the coal. The objective of coal bed methane (CBM)

production is to maximize the groundwater drawdown (maximize the pressure

drop) in order to release the maximum quantity of gas. Coal beds that once were

water saturated become partially saturated by methane. The methane moves

freely. It can migrate toward the land surface through natural fractures in the

rock and through old drill holes that were poorly plugged when abandoned.

1.2.2 Natural Gas Migration

In coal seams, most gas is absorbed by the microscopic laminations and micro

pores within coal macerals. As hydrostatic pressure is decreased by water

production, gas desorbs and moves into the cleat system where it begins to flow

towards the producing well, natural gas can also migrate through more

widespread fracture sets related to faults and tectonic jointing. Faults can persist

over several miles and are related to geologic movement and structure, and can

enhance the migration pathways for the methane in the subsurface. Coals can



be analyzed for adsorbed gas content using standardized techniques that

mechanically pulverize the core samples. The gas content figures range from

several hundred standard cubic feet (scf) per ton to less than 50 scf per ton of

coal. The test results cannot be directly equated with ultimate recoverable CBM

reserves since all the gas cannot be desorbed and produced from the coal.

1.3 CBM Production Parameters

1.3.1 Rank

In terms of CBM, rank is related to gas adsorption capacity, coal cleat

development, desorption and diffusion rates. The common rank indicators

utilized by the American Society of Testing Materials are: fixed carbon, volatile

matter, and calorific value. The influence of rank on producibility is indicated by

the fact that many of the major CBM projects in the U.S. fall within specific rank

and chemistry ranges. In general terms it appears that the more successful

projects are in high volatile, medium volatile, and low volatile bituminous coal.

The highest measured gas content in high volatile coals in the U.S. is 16 m³ per

ton and as rank increases; measured gas also increases correspondingly to a

maximum of 22 m³/ t anthracite deposits in the U.S.

1.3.2 Permeability:

Permeability is indicative of gas flow pathways in a coal reservoir. Cleat, joints,

and fractures all influence permeability. The frequency and orientation of these

features are related to local structural geology. Additionally, cleat development is

influenced by coal rank and ash content. Studies of cretaceous in the western

U.S. indicate that lower ash coals exhibited cleats with greater length, greater

width and height, and higher frequency of occurrence. It was also observed that

face cleats in zones with lower ash usually terminated against those zones

containing higher ash.

Depth also influences permeability as is indicated by the depth ranges of the

majority of the successful CBM wells. Although some development has occurred

at greater depths, most of the current economic production has been from

depths ranging from 305 to 914 meters (1000-3500 feet). Compressional



tectonic regime may indicate higher in-situ stresses and thus lower permeability.

The compressional movement tends to destroy the fabric of the coal. Thus

permeability could also be reduced.

1.3.3 Faults:

Faults influence production in several ways, some favorable some not. In some

cases they might partition the reservoir and restrict drainage to such an extent

that reserves are insufficient, or some fault blocks may have higher stress

resulting in reduced permeability. Conversely, highly fractured zones associated

with faults can greatly enhance permeability. Coal miners in many basins have

noted, particularly during development work, the relationship between faults and

fracture sets and the inflow of methane into the working. Small displacement

echelon faults appear to be particularly effective at enhancing in seam

permeability. Careful definition of faults is important when considering well

location and spacing.

1.3.4 Folds and Flexures:

Folds and flexures can affect coal thickness and gas migration. If sufficient depth

of cover is present, anticlinal highs tend to be good producers. These zones may

contain higher gas contents at shallower depths.

1.4 Drilling Technology

The technology of oil and gas drilling is continually changing and as CBM

resources become an important source of natural gas new drilling technologies

are being applied. Technologies such as vertical boreholes with multiple

completions (i.e., perforated into several zones), and precise multi-lateral

horizontals are not only feasible but, economically profitable. These techniques

have helped to reduce the number of well sites and other facilities that disturb

the surface. Fewer well-sites mean fewer roads, fewer pipelines, and reduced

surface disturbance. However, only a limited number of these techniques may

be appropriate in a CBM basin, and site specific conditions determine which

techniques are best to be applied at a particular location. Nature of lithology and



rank of coal is an important influence on the drilling options, especially the

setting of surface casing and the potential for multi-seam completions.

Worldwide mostly CBM basins are having hydrostatic to sub-hydrostatic

pressure regime and often UBD (air, foam, drilling) is restored to avoid formation

damage in coal seams.

The unique characteristics of coal reservoirs are responsible for the need to use

a different engineering approach. The most important of these characteristics

are:

Most of the gas in coal reservoirs is adsorbed onto the internal structures

of the coal, whereas most of the gas in conventional reservoirs is in a free

state within the pore structure of the rock. Because large amounts of gas

can be stored at low pressures in coal reservoirs, the reservoir pressure

must be drawn down to a very low level to achieve high gas recovery.

Most coal beds are characterized by water saturations near 100%. In that

the adsorbed gas is held in position by pressure, dewatering and the

resultant decrease in formation pressure must be initiated before gas flow

can begin.

Specific drilling parameters must be adhered to in an effort to avoid

damaging the CBM reservoir.

Different companies use different types of horizontal drilling techniques,

which are proprietary in nature. Out of these, mention of few technologies is

given below:

Horizontal – Inseam – Multilateral Drilling technology

Z-Pinnet – Technology

Radial – Horizontal – Multilateral drilling technology

Dimaxian – Horizontal drilling technology

1.5 Completion Technologies

Completion technologies depend on the preferences of the CBM developer and

site conditions. Coal seams can be completed as either open-hole completions



or by perforating casing set and cemented to depth. In CBM operations drilling

through the coal, setting and cementing long-string casing typically complete

hard coals across the coals, and finally perforating the casing. In soft coals

operators may choose to drill to the top of the coal, set casing, and then drill the

thickness of the coal seam and produce using an open-hole completion. Industry

practice in the Powder River Basin, USA involves open hole completions by

under-reaming long string casing to achieve a clean and scoured face with

unimpeded permeability.

CBM completions either by open-hole or through perforations often are

stimulated by large volumes of produced water to prepare the coal seam. The

water is then produced back to the surface and if it contains no additives, it is

typically handled as produced water. In addition some operators use sand mixed

with the treatment water to scour the coal face and to prop open any fractures

that are formed during the treatment.

1.6 CBM - International Scenario

While CBM exploration and appraisal operations are ongoing in many of the

major coal basins around the world, the vast majority of commercial production

is still in the US. Originating in the Black Warrior basin of Albania, and followed

by profilic production from the San Juan Basin of Colorado / New Mexico, CBM

currently accounts for 29.79 billion cubic meter of total annual natural gas

production in US. More than 14,000 CBM wells were reported to be in

production in the US, representing a phenomenal growth from a negligible

production base in mid 1980's

CBM resource appraisal, drilling and production testing are presently underway

in at least dozen other countries, and the proportion of non US production can

be expected to soar during the next 10 years. China's the world largest coal

producer, has generated particular interest. China United Coal Bed Methane

Corp Ltd. (CUCBM) has signed lot of contracts for exploration of CBM, with

foreign companies. The State Council granted favourable policies to CUCBM,

including tax reduction, duty exemption and the right to make decisions by itself

in investments and foreign trade. Its CBM resources are estimated to range from



between 28 and 78.4 trillion mmscm, many times larger than its conventional

gas potential. Chinese coalmine operations already extract gas from within the

underground workings. In 1990, 110 mines recovered 420 mmscm of CBM.

Although modest, this production has demonstrated to the Chinese authorities

the viability of the resource. As a result a number of areas have now been joint

ventured with foreign companies with initial drilling showing promising results.

On the basis of initial investigations, Bangladesh, too, is regarded as having the

potential to produce moderate to large volumes of CBM in close proximity to

major markets.

In several parts of Eastern Europe, a number of CBM ventures involving foreign

investment and applications of U.S. technology are reported to have met with

mixed success. Production tests in some regions are said to favour commercial

production, which is anticipated once negotiations with regulatory authorities

have been resolved.

The tempo of CBM exploration has increased significantly in Australia since the

entry of major international CBM producers, such as Amoco and Conoco, and

the involvement of major utilities such as Pacific Power, together with a number

of smaller groups.

CBM activities are also going in different countries of the world including

Canada, UK, South Africa etc.

1.7 CBM - Indian Scenario

CBM in India is at an early stage of development with both public and private

companies trying to develop in-country skills and services and thus achieve

market position. There are vast resources of methane available in India, but until

commercial production has been demonstrated the reserve potential is largely

unknown. An accurate estimation of the reserve of CBM in India, at present, is

not an easy task. Reserve estimation of CBM requires significant amounts of

drilling of boreholes in coal fields, which is obviously expensive, and makes

exploration very capital intensive. Estimates of CBM potential of India have been

proposed by various authors in the last ten years, which range from 800 to 1,500



billion cubic meters. One estimate is as high as 8,000 billion cubic meters (DGH,

2008).

Having the 3rd largest proven coal reserves and being the 4th largest coal

producer in the world, India holds significant prospects for commercial recovery

of CBM. Prognosticated CBM resource has been estimated to be around 4.6

TCM as per information available in DGH (Directorate General of Hydrocarbon)

website.

Indeed, Govt. of India has identified CBM as having a vital role in meeting this

energy shortfall. This has been clearly demonstrated by the strong support given

to DGH in promoting and awarding some 16 CBM blocks for exploration and

development. A further indication of intent to produce CBM is shown by the third

round of CBM blocks. Till now 26 blocks have been awarded comprising 8

Blocks under CBM-I, 8 Blocks under CBM-II and remaining 10 Blocks under

CBM-III. (Table 1.1.1). CBM potential of all the 26 CBM blocks is 1464.37 BCM.

Exploration programmes are well advanced in a number of blocks and foreign

involvement and cooperation is reported for technical support and specialist

services.

The coal-bearing formations of India occur in two distinct geological horizons in

the Lower Gondwana (Permian) belts of India and the Tertiary sediments

(Eocene-Oliocene) of north-eastern India, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jammu and

Kashmir. Methane gas is entrapped within these formations at a wide range of

sub-surface depths.

CMRI has carried out extensive investigation on the determination of methane

content of several coal beds by using Direct Method (Bertard et al., 1970)

suitably modified by USBM (Diamond and Levine,1981) for exploratory

boreholes. The methane content of coalbeds upto a depth of 400m has been

found to be generally low (<2m3/t) except in R VIII seam, Ghusick area of

Raniganj Coalfields where methane content was estimated to be 4.27 m3/t at a

depth 260 m. High concentration of methane has been observed in coalbeds at

Chasnala, Amlabad, Sitanala and Parbatpur area, located in the south eastern



part of Jharia coalfields in Jharkhand. The highest value of 14.93 m3/t of

methane content has been measured at XIV-A seam in Parbatpur block at a

depth of 795 m from the surface. The coal seams at greater depth (>500m) in

the East Bokaro and North Karanpura Coalfields also contain substantial reserve

of the gas. Methane content of coal seams in the Asnapani block of East Bokaro

coalfields (far away from mining area) is about 7.0m3/t at depth of 600m.

Methane content of coal seams at depth of more than 500 m in Chano-Rikba

and Ronhe Rautpara blocks of North Karnapura coalfields assessed recently to

be 3 and 6 m3/t respectively. The data on the estimates of CBM reserve are

highly varied but all of them suggest a vast CBM reserve imbedded in Indian

Coalfields ranging from 850 billion cubic meters to more than 1500 billion cubic

meter.

1.8 CBM - Policy framework

Prior to 1997, due to absence of a proper CBM policy including administrative,

fiscal and legal aspects, CBM E&P activities were limited to R&D only. It was

only after the formulation of the CBM policy for exploration & production of CBM

by

the Government in July 1997, CBM exploration activity commenced in the

country. Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MOP&NG) became the

administrative ministry and Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) became

the implementing agency for CBM policy. DGH functioning under the aegis of

MOP&NG plays a pivotal role in development of CBM resources in India.

The CBM policy provides an attractive fiscal & contractual terms, which are

considered to be one of the best in the world, with freedom to work in a free and

flexible working environment. Some of the attractive terms offered by the

Government are:

No participating interest of the Government.

No upfront payment.

No signature bonus.

Exemption from payment of customs duty on imports required for

CBM operation.



Walkout option at the end of Phase-I & II.

Freedom to sell gas in the domestic market.

Provision of fiscal stability.

Seven years tax holiday.

The main laws governing CBM exploration and production in India are listed

below.

Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948;

Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 1959;

Environment Protection Act, 1986;

Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996;

Income Tax Act, 1961;

Customs Act, 1962.

The following activities are involved in the CBM exploration and production

process:

Phase I – Exploration (duration 3 years)

Phase II - Pilot Assessment and Market Confirmation, (Duration

5 years, 7 years for frontier areas)

Phase III – Development (5 years) and

Phase IV – Production (Duration 25 years).

1.8.1 Future Rounds

The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons in its endeavor to increase the pace of

exploration and development of CBM in the country is closely interacting with

MOC for carving out additional prospective blocks for forthcoming 4th round of

CBM bidding. In this context, several additional blocks in different coalfields of

the country have been identified. Drilling of coreholes and generation of CBM

related data in these identified blocks would be taken-up. Efforts are also on to

delineate fresh Coal Bearing blocks where Coal Mining would start after 8-10

years.



1.9 Award of CBM Block and ONGC’s Activities for CBM

To harness the CBM, an unconventional energy source in India, Govt. of India

(GOI) declared CBM Policy initiatives and accordingly CBM Blocks were

awarded by GOI in different parts of the country in different coal basins. The

North Karanpura CBM Block, NK-CBM-2001/1 comprising 271.8 sq km. located

in Jharkhand is one such block awarded to ONGC by Govt. of India. Oil and

Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has planned to complete development

phase that includes 74 wells of 271.8 sq km. Present report addresses

environmental impacts due to proposed drilling of the exploratory wells.

ONGC has done pioneering work for CBM in India. ONGC made a modest

beginning through a preliminary assessment of CBM potential of Damodar

Valley in 1992 (Patra et al 1992). Its major thrust in CBM Exploration has started

since 1995 when it drilled two R & D wells in Durgapur Depression of Raniganj

Basin and acquired significant data related to CBM exploration. Later it drilled

four more R & D wells in Parbatpur Block of Jharia Coal fields and through its

sustained efforts of CBM exploration, for the first time in India ONGC flowed

CBM gas to the surface in 1999 in a well in Parbatpur Block of Jharia Coal field.

It has field-tested and optimized required technological inputs for CBM

exploration and exploitation and has developed required expertise and a very

high level of understanding of entire gamut of CBM exploration viz. from various

laboratory studies required to generate CBM specific data to Indigenous

fabrication of laboratory equipments and technological inputs like techniques of

drilling, stimulation, production and simulation required for CBM exploration and

exploitation. Necessary data generation for the purpose of long term prediction

of production forecasting by simulation studies is still continuing from its R&D

well at Parbatpur Block, Jharia. ONGC's sustained and committed effort has put

India amongst the countries that are in the threshold of commercially producing

CBM.

1.10 Objective and Scope of EIA Study

The objective of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study is to meet the

regulatory environmental clearance criteria as well as to ascertain a sustainable



development through the assessment of likely impacts due to project related

activities on the surrounding environment. The study envisages to assess likely

negative impacts and alleviation of these negative impacts, to such extent so as

to avoid any harm/ permanent changes in the naturally existing environment.

The scope of the EIA study includes detailed characterization of the existing

status of the land, water, air, noise, biological and socio-economic environment

in and around the block, identification of the potential environmental impacts of

the project, and formulation of an effective Environmental Management Plan

(EMP) to prevent, control & mitigate the adverse environmental impacts, and

ensuring the environmental compliance. Apart from suggesting mitigation

measures to the negative impacts, the report reserves implementation of various

positive and enhancement measures as a part of project benefit program to

people of the nearby areas

Table 1.1.1: List of Awarded CBM Blocks and CBM Potential

Ref.No Block Name State Area(Sq.km.) CBM Potential

(BCM)

I. CBM-I

RG(E)-CBM-2001/I

West Bengal 500 42

BK-CBM-2001/I Jharkhand 95 45

NK-CBM-2001/I Jharkhand 340 62

SP(E)-CBM-2001/I

Madhya Pradesh

495 49.3

SP(W)-CBM-2001/I

Madhya Pradesh

500 37

TOTAL (A) 1930 235.3

II. Nomination Basis

RANIGANJ (NORTH)

West Bengal 350 43

JHARIA Jharkhand 85 85

RANIGANJ (SOUTH)

West Bengal 210 28

TOTAL (B) 645 156

III. CBM-II



SK-CBM-2003/II Jharkhand 70 30.50

NK(W)-CBM-2003/II

Jharkhand 267 43.6

SH(N)-CBM-2003/II

Chattisgarh 825 33.90

ST-CBM-2003/II Madhya Pradesh

714 29.30

WD-CBM-2003/II Maharashtra 503 30.50

BS(1)-CBM-2003/II

Rajasthan 1045 95.10

BS(2)-CBM-2003/II

Rajasthan 1020 87.70

BS(3)-CBM-2003/II

Gujarat 790 87.20

TOTAL (C) 5234 437.8

IV. CBM-III

RM-CBM-2005/III Jharkhand 469 158

BB-CBM-2005/III West Bengal 248 50

TR-CBM-2005/III Chattisgarh 458 53.78

MR-CBM-2005/III Chattisgarh 634 118.92

SP(N)-CBM-2005/III

Madhya Pradesh

609 16.72

SR-CBM-2005/III Madhya Pradesh

330 31

KG(E)-CBM-2005/III

Andhra Pradesh 750 57.2

BS(4)-CBM-2005/III

Rajasthan 1168 82

BS(5)-CBM-2005/III

Rajasthan 739 38

GV(N)-CBM-2005/III

Andhra Pradesh 386 29.65

TOTAL (D) 5791 635.27

GRAND TOTAL (A + B + C + D) 13600 1464.37

CHAPTER II – PROJECT DESCRIPTION


2.0 GENERAL

As per contract with GOI, ONGC-CIL Consortium need to execute certain

minimum work programme for CBM exploration in the North Karanpura CBM

Block NK-CBM-2001/1 and hence the activities of CBM exploration as described

here were planned and being executed.

2.1 Block Detail, Location Map, Coordinates and Accessibility

The North Karanpura Coalfield is the western-most member of the Damodar

Valley Coalfields and is well known for large resources of inferior non-coking

coal. The Block falls in the districts of Hazaribagh and Chatra (271.8 sq. Km) of

Jharkhand State and is connected by all-weather tarred road with Hazaribagh

and Ranchi (Fig.2.1.1). No forest land, Sensitive zone and bio reserves within 10

KM of Well Location.

The CBM block lies close to the important town of Hazaribagh. Barkagaon is a

prosperous village in this block and is connected by all-weather tarred road with

Hazaribagh town. Badam area in the block is connected with Ranchi-

Hazaribagh road (National Highway 33) by a 16Km. forest road. The western

part of the CBM block is also served by a number of all-weather roads. The

Eastern Railway branch line from Gomoh to Dehri-on-son via Barkakana runs to

the south of this block. Hendagir and Ray are two railway stations in near

vicinity.

The Block NK-CBM–2001/1 falls in North Karanpura Coalfield (Fig-2.1.2). The

Block NK-CBM–2001/1 horseshoe-shaped encompass an area of 271.8 Sq Km

in the Hazaribagh and Chatra district. The Block is bounded by latitudes

23º46’56” & 23º54’57” and longitudes 85º00’36” & 85º20’44”. In this block ONGC

proposed to drill 74 development wells (68 Development Wells & 6 assessment

wells).



Fig. 2.1.1: Location Map of Damodar Valley Coal Fields



Fig. 2.1.2: Geological Map of North Karanpura with Bid Block Boundary



The present proposal is in IIIrd phase of development. Anticipated Development

and Assessment location of North Karanpura Block are shown in Fig 2.1.3. The

details of Ist and IInd phase of CBM activities are given below in Table 2.1.1.

Table 2.1.1: Details of Phase-I, II and phase –III of CBM Activities

Phase Phase-I (Exploratory Phase)

Phase-II(Pilot Assessment Phase)

Phase-III Developmen

t

Normal Actual Normal Actual Normal

Time Period

3 years (21.02.2003

-20.02.2006)

3½ years (21.02.2003

-20.08.2006)

4 years (21.02.2006

-20.02.2010)

5 years + 218 days

(21.02.2006-

26.09.2011)

5 years

Activities

Planned

9 Boreholes & 2 Exploratory Wells

5 Pilot wells (+1 Successful well from Phase-I carried forward to Phase-II as Pilot well)

68 Development

Wells & 6 assessment

wells

Remarks

Completed Activities of Phase-I after obtaining necessary environment clearance from Jharkhand Pollution Control Board

Completed Activities of Phase-II after obtaining necessary environment clearance from MoEF

Submitted FDP on

25.07.11.

The CBM block has an ovate out line in conformity with the sub-basinal structure

of the eastern part of North Karanpura coalfield. The central part of this sub-

basin is covered by Upper Triassic Mahadeva Formation which forms prominent

hill features because of its hard and compact lithology. There is neither

geological nor geophysical data to indicate the continuity of coal seams below

the hill forming Mahadeva rocks. Even if the seams are developed at such

deeper levels in this sub-basin, these will not be of any economic importance for

commercial exploitation of methane. As such the central part of the sub-basin

covered by Mahadeva Formation has not been included within the CBM block.

The identified block flanks on all sides the high hill formed by Mahadeva rocks.



Fig: 2.1.3: Map of North Karanpura Block Showing Development and Assessment location



The North Karanpura coalfield is located in the upper reaches of the Damodar

river and forms a prominent east-west valley in between the Hazaribagh plateau to

the north and Ranchi plateau in the south. From this monotonous level of North

Karanpura valley rise some table lands formed of subhorizontal Mahadeva rocks.

The Ronhe hill (595m) is one of such table lands around the block. The Damodar

river draining this coalfield originates on the western periphery of the coalfield.

The Haharo, Badamhi and Ghaghara nalas are the important drainages of this

block. All these nalas have little water in the dry season but burst into flash floods

during the rains. The area hosts isolated patches of forest which still forms the

habitat for some wild animals.

2.2 Brief Geology and Target Depth

2.2.1 General Geology

The block displays a complete geological succession of Gondwana rocks from

basal Talchir Formation (Early Permian) to Mahadeva Formation (Upper Triassic)

(Fig. 2.2.1 ). The CBM block defined by a sub-basinal structure preserves about

2km. of Gondwana sediments. The basal Talchir Formation is very well exposed

in Chano-Rikba area near the southeastern corner of the block. Here a type

Talchir section hosting classical Early Gondwana flora is observed in the Lurunga

nala bed. The glaciogene Talchir Formation is succeeded by Karharbari

Formation - the lower coal-bearing unit. The Karharbari unit is composed of

pebbly sandstones, 'recomposed granite' fire clay and one or two coal seams.

Barakar Formation, the main coal bearing unit crops out in several fault bounded

segments just outside the CBM block. The coal measure however extends below

the younger cover sediments in the identified block. The younger units display

some crudely developed fining upward cycles. The middle part of the Barakar

Formation shows a varied assemblage of coarse and fine clastics along with shale

and coal seams.



Fig. 2.2.1: Generalized Stratigraphic Sequence and well detail (NK#1) of North Karanpura Coalfield



Five regionally persistent coal seams are recorded in Barakar Formation. The

interseam sediments gradually thicken towards the basin centre with progressive

increase in sandstone-shale ratio. The topmost part of Barakar Formation

shows a preponderance of coarse clastics with a few thin bands of coal.

Barren Measures conformably overlying Barakar Formation cover a large part of

the CBM block. The formation consists of dark grey shale, coarse to medium

grained sandstone, siltstone, and beds or concretions of sideritic mudstone.

This formation has a thickness range of 201m to 356m. Some of the coarse

sandstone units of this formation behave as excellent aquifer in this block. This

formation shows lateral variations in facies organisation. The arenaceous facies

are predominant in the southern part of the block which gradually changes to

argillaceous facies in the northern part. The lithological facies of Barren

Measures suggests its deposition in restricted environment under reducing

condition.

The Panchet Formation (Lower Triassic) overlies the Raniganj Formation with a

gradational contact. This defines the youngest unit of Gondwana rocks in the

CBM block. This formation abut against the Precambrian rocks in the

southeastern part of the block along the southern boundary fault. This formation

shows development of alternating sequence of greenish sandstone and shales

in its lower part, whereas in the upper part chocolate shales and micaceous

yellow sandstones are conspicuously present. This formation yielded a reptilian

remain of Lystrosaurus near Barkagaon in this block. The Panchet Formation is

unconformably overlain by Mahadeva Formation (Upper Triassic) near the

periphery of CBM block. Excellent exposures of flat lying Mahadeva Formation

are seen in Tamauli Pahar near Ronhe. The Gondwana sediments are intruded

by a few Lamprophyre dykes/sills. One such dyke is observed near Badam area

which has converted the coal seams to natural coke. The igneous intrusives are

much less frequent in comparison to intrusive occurrences in nearby Jharia and

Bokaro coalfields.



2.2.2 Details of Acquired Land

Land required for development wells are in process of permanent acquisition

through government. Detail is as given below:-

Sl

no

Name Location of the site/land Area

(Acres)

Coordinates

(Lat/Long)

Type of

Land

NKAA Chandaul, P.S -Barkagaon

Hazaribagh, Jharkahnd

3.96 2350’58” N

8515’43.50” E

Agriculture

NKAC Chandaul, P.S -Barkagaon


3.16 2350’43.30” N

8515’39.70” E

Agriculture

NKAD Chandaul, P.S -Barkagaon


2.59 2350′47.20" N

8515′53.80″ E

Agriculture

NKAE Kharanti, P.S -Barkagaon


3.47 2348′40.49″ N

8516′44.43″ E

Agriculture

NKAF Talashwar, P.S-

Barkagaon Hazaribagh,

3.70 2347’29.53” N

8515’31.68” E

Agriculture

NKAG Koelong, P.S - Barkagaon


2.84 2345′55.50" N

8514′35.60″ E

Agriculture

2.3 Technological Aspects

2.3.1 Drilling

For drilling of vertical section of the well, carrier mounted mobile drilling rig along

with portable stores and rig materials (Mud Tanks, Pumps, Office bunk house,

Lab etc.) deployed approximately 80 No. of persons. Mechanical Drilling Rig (M-

750-I) layout is shown in figure 2.3.1.

Depth of drilling : Average 1000m, Max: 1500m

Diameter of wells: For Exploratory 12¼ upto 200 m

8½ From 200 m to Target Depth



Figure 2.3.1: Site Layout of Drilling Rig M-750-I



Drill cuttings etc. : Sandstone, Silt & Shale (Chemically inert & Stable), Coal

The overall drilling plan and architecture of well are systematically

described below:

i. Drilling of 12¼” section to a desired depth, as per disposition of the top

most coal seam

ii. Setting of surface casing (9 5/8”) accordingly

iii. Drilling of 8 ½” hole vertically down to Target Depth (T.D.), which will

depend on the target seams

iv. Setting of 51/2” production casing up to desired depth, depending upon

the target seams and considering a sump of 100m below the bottom most

object seam

v. Water based mud will be used. Bentonite suspension will be used while

drilling the 12¼” section. Low solid polymer mud (PHPA) with 2-3%

bentonite suspension will be used as drilling fluid during drilling of the 8½”

section.

vi. The 51/2” production casing is planned to be cemented in single stage

with the use of low weight cement slurry with sufficient compressive

strength.

2.3.1.1 Drilling flued composition and cement type

All well will be drilled using Water Based Mud, Composition: 3% Bentonite, 2%

KCL & 1% PHPA

Drilling Fluid Type : Water based low solid polymer mud

Quantity of Drilling Fluid : 127 m³ (for well of depth approx 1200 m)

Name and Quantity of Chemical to be used are given below:

Sr. No. Name of Chemical Consumption (MT) per well

1 Bentonite 12.0

2 Caustic Soda 2.0

3 Soda Ash 0.4

4 Partially Hydrolysed Polyacrylamide PHPA

1.2

Total Tonnage 14.3



2.3.1.2 Schematic diagram of drilled CBM well

Coalbed methane wells are designed to produce methane through the casing

and water is knocked out through the tubing annulus as shown in Fig 2.3.2. The

wells normally produce under minimum back pressure in order to optimize gas

desorption from the coal and drainage of the water. The gas flow path at the

surface will be from the wellhead through a small turbine flow meter and to an

on-site flare. None of the gas will be retained on site or allowed to escape to the

atmosphere. All operations will be conducted at very low pressures.

2.3.1.3 Cement Type, Additives and Quantity

Type of Cement : Oil well Cement-Class-G

Quantity of Cement : 40 Metric Ton/well

Cement Additives : PVC resin, Silica fume, Retarder (R-

53),

Friction reducers (FR-22)

2.3.1.4 Casing and Well Construction Details

Upto 200 m : Hole size 12¼ ” & 9⅝” Casing

Upto final depth (1200 approx.) : Hole size 8½” & 5½” Casing

2.3.2 Well Logging

Following logging operation are normally carried out in CBM wells:

Open Hole:

DLL-MSFL-GR-CAL – Dual Laterolog - Microsphrically Focused Log –

Gamma Ray Log-Caliper Log

LDL-CNL-GR – Litho Density Log-Compensated Neutron Log-Gamma Ray

DSI-FMI – Dipole Shear Sonic Imager – Formation micro Imager Log

Cased Hole:

CBL-VDL-GR – Cement Bond Log – Variable Density Log – Gamma Ray Log

Perforation for well stimulation – Making holes in well casing/cement with

the help of explosives.



Figure: 2.3.2 Schematic diagram of drilled CBM well

2.3.3 Well completion and Testing

For testing & stimulation 50 ton workover rig will be used. No chemical/ other

material storage at the site is required. Before every operation the materials

required for stimulation / testing is brought before the job & consumed during the

operation.



2.3.4 Well Activation and Stimulation Details

i. After drilling, a 2 casing policy x 5000 psi with 9 5/8” X 51/2” completion

is planned for the vertical wells.

ii. 51/2” production casing will be perforated against the object seams

iii. Each object seam will be stimulated, just after perforation, by hydraulic

fracturing method.

iv. On completion of perforation and hydraulic fracturing of the seams,

sequentially from bottom to top, the objects will be put on dewatering

by Progressive Cavity Pump (PCP) in the initial stage and

subsequently, SRP will be installed during the remaining production

life of the well.

.Following is a broad sample of the job carried out:

Parameters Range of Values

Depth (m) 350-1100

Break-down pressure (psi) 1500-3400

Treating pressure (psi) 2500-4500

Reservoir Pressure Gradient (psi/ft) 0.41-0.43

Fracture Gradient (psi/ft) 0.60-0.73

Permeability (md) 0.1-3.0

Volume of Proppant used (tons) 30-60

Volume of fluid used (m³) 250-350

Concentration of linear gel (carrier fluid) (lb/gal)

30-40

Pumping Rate (bbl/minute) 10-30

2.3.5 Provisions for handling coal fines and sands:

Coal fines and sands collected at surface will be insignificant in volume. Sands

may be reused for seam isolation / sand dumping and coal fines may be

dumped in small pitches at well site. The following provisions have been made

for handling coal fines and sand ingress:



1. A sump of 100m below the deepest perforation provides

accommodation for coals and sands that ingress during production.

2. Work-over jobs will be conducted at regular intervals to clear the

sump of debris.

3. Use of PC Pumps will provide steady flow.

4. Use of additives in hydraulic fracturing of the coals will prevent back

flow of fines.

2.3.6 Surface Facilities (Production and transportation of CBM Gas)

Well Head

Separation of water and gas

Skid

Flow meters

2.3.6.1 Gathering System

There will be 3 mini Gas Collecting Stations (GCS) in Sector-C, one located in

Sub-Sector-1 and other two in Sub-Sector-2 (Fig.2.1.3). The gathering system

(Fig 2.3.3) will be comprised of two separate but parallel systems (series of

pipelines). Gas and water produced from each production well, as usually, will

be separated within the well (gas through annulus and water through tubing as

in Fig.2.3.1). Water will be collected into the ‘Water Gathering System’ and gas

into the ‘Gas Gathering System’. The two systems will, in the most part, run

parallel to each other.

The small quantity of gas coming along with water produced from the wells will

be separated in collecting tanks at the mini GCS and will be flared. If the volume

of gas found to be significant the same will be compressed by LP compressor

and will be sent to the main gas line.

Gas will be transported from the wellhead to the Gas Collecting Station (GCS)

by the wellhead pressure to be maintained at 3-4 kg/cm2. In the long run if the

pressure drops, wellhead compressors may be used for transporting gas from

wellheads to the GCS. At GCS, the design pressure of the separator will be 6



kg/cm2 and the separator will normally be operated at 1.1 to 1.2 kg/cm2. The gas

will be sold on ‘as is where is basis’, at the custody transfer point at the GCS

fence.

The facilities have been planned to accommodate the following volumes at each

GCS:

Gas Processing 0.15 MMSCMD

Produced Water 1500 m³/day

Gas will enter the processing facility via two separators, in which gas will be

scrubbed of fluids held in suspension. In each of the three GCSs, each of the

two separators has a capacity of 0.075 MMSCMD. The separator will normally

be operated at 1.1 to 1.2 kg/cm2. The separator has been designed to run at 6

kg/cm2. Liquids separated from the gas will flow to effluent storage tanks. The

gas will be sold on as is where is basis, at the custody transfer point at the GCS

Figure: 2.3.3 Schematic diagram of Inlet Separators



2.3.7 Type and quantity of water consummation and source of supply

Drilling- Approximately 800 m³ of water per well (approximately 1200

m depth) will be used for drilling of well. The source of water is usually

borewell at site/carried by tanker from nearby river. Average 3-5 m³ of

water is consumed per day for operational purpose.

Work over: Average 3-5 m3 of water is consumed per day for

operational purpose. The source of water is usually bore well at

site/carried by tanker from nearby river.

Stimulation: During stimulation of each object in only for vertical

wells, around 300 m3 of water is pumped into the well. Water tankers

are hired for transporting water from nearby identified sources for this

purpose.

Testing: During prolonged testing phase, well produces water and no

water is consumed.

2.3.8 Fuel and Energy Consumption

Energy and fuel consumption in various operations of Coal Bead Methane exploration and production is given in detail below:-

Drilling

Fuel : 36 KL per month during drilling

Energy consumption : Approximately 50 MWH per month

Workover

Fuel : Around 3 KL per month

Energy consumption : 430 HP Rig engine +33 KV genset

Testing

Fuel : Around 5 KL per month

Energy consumption : 100 KV DG set

Stimulation

3 sand pumpers of 2250 HP each (hydro – frac)



Fuel consumption: Average 3 KL per job

2.3.9 Emission from Combustion of Fossil Fuels

As such during drilling and production operation (Testing & Stimulation) no

emission from combustion of fossil fuels is envisaged with exception:

Generator set, minimal emission within limit

Occasional short time gas flaring which is carried out following all

statutory norms viz. OMR 1984, OISD guidelines). It should be mentioned

that complete combustion of the flared gas is ensured.

2.3.10 Hazardous Wastes Generated and Management

No hazardous wastes will be produced during drilling and later during execution

of the project. Drill cutting of sand, shale, coal will be generated, the quantity of

which is approximately 45 m³ by volume. The earth cutting generated at drill site

will be mostly inorganic in nature and can be used either for land filling or road

making. These solids could be collected and transported to the identified sites.

However, from CBM wells water is produced throughout the life of the well along

with production of gas quantity may vary from 3-5m³/d. The produced water

during production testing is allowed to evaporated naturally from the evaporation

pit. Moreover, the water analysis data of produced water from adjacent CBM

Blocks indicate the water quality to be quite good for surface disposal.

2.3.11 Transportation of Personnel and Materials

For transportation of personnel from well site to their accommodation, vehicles

are provided. For Transportation of material trucks/trailors are used.

All safety precautions regarding noise, vibration level are taken as per guidelines

and standards. Generally, drilling of the well is completed in 1½ month to 2

months. Production testing during exploratory phase is carried out for around 6-9

months in a well. Entire sequence of drilling and testing is completed within one

year.

CHAPTER III –DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT


3.0 General

In this project, the existing baseline environmental status within the impact zone

for various components of the environment, viz. air, noise, water, land and socio-

economic was established with a view to assess the potential impacts due to

existing mining operations and other activities in the region. The environmental

quality was assessed through field studies in summer season within the Block

area.

3.1 Air Environment

The knowledge of quality of ambient air plays an important role in assessing the

environmental scenario of the region. The ambient air quality status in the vicinity

of the activities forms an important part of the Environmental Impact Assessment

studies. The quality of ambient air depends upon the concentrations of specific

contaminants, the emission sources and meteorological conditions. The study is

essential to establish environmentally significant issues due to the

developmental activities expected to be taken-up in the region and critical

environmental changes that have occurred since the initiation of such activities.

3.1.1 Meteorological Status

The study of micro-meteorological conditions of a particular region is of

importance in knowing the ambient air quality status of that particular region. The

prevailing micrometeorology of the study region plays a crucial role in transport

and dispersion of air pollutants released into the atmosphere. The persistence of

the predominant wind direction and wind speed during a particular time period at

the project site decides the direction and extent of the worst impact zone. The

principal variables, which affect the micrometeorology, are horizontal convective

transport (average wind speed and directions), vertical convective transport

(atmospheric stability) and topography of the area.

Climatological Tables of Observatories in India (1961-2000), published by the

India Meteorological Department, were used to obtain historical data for the

region. Meteorological data pertaining to various parameter such as surface



temperature (minimum and maximum), wind speed, wind direction, relative

humidity, rainfall, mixing height etc. were studied on the basis of latest available

data, obtained from Pune and Patna office of I. M. D. Climatological table of

observation in India, published by the Indian Meteorological department was

used to obtain historical data for the region.

3.1.1.1 Temperature

The monthly variation of maximum temperature for five years has been depicted

in Table. 3.1.1. There is a sharp rise in temperature from January to April where

as there is not much difference in temperature in October as compared to July.

Table 3.1.1: Average Meteorological condition for Hazaribag District (1961-

2000)

Month Mean Temperature oC Mean Rainfall in mm

Max Min

January 23 10 20.5

February 25.8 12.6 25.7

March 31.2 17 18.9

April 35.5 21.4 41.2

May 37.2 23.6 58.5

June 33.5 23.7 216.3

July 29.3 22.7 337.9

August 28.8 22.5 326.8

September 29.1 21.8 273.2

October 28.5 19 99.7

November 25.9 14 16

December 23.2 10.2 6.1

3.1.1.2 Wind

Predominant wind direction for four seasons over the basin is depicted in

Fig. 3.1.1. It may be observed from the figure that in January, the predominant

winds are Westerlies and North-Westerlies in major part of the basin. In April,

winds are in different directions in different parts of the basin. However, the

predominant directions in April are S-W in hazaribag region as shown in wind

rose figure 3.1.2. In July, the most predominant direction is Southeasterly. Only



in the extreme Southwest area of the basin, the initial direction of wind is

observed to be Southwesterly which later changes to South-Easterly ultimately,

as in the other part of the basin. In October, again the winds are in different

directions, particularly in the extreme east and extreme west of the basin. But

the trend shows that the most predominant direction of winds is North -Westerly.

This seems to be obvious as the monsoon season is the intermediate season

and so both winter and monsoon circulations can be experienced. (Lakes

Environmental Software)



Fig.3.1.1: Seasonal Variation in Wind Direction



Fig.3.1.2: Wind Rose Diagram of Hazaribagh Region for summer



3.1.2 Base Line Status of Air quality

The collection of baseline information for air environment includes identification of

specific parameters expected to cause significant impacts and assessing their

levels of existence in ambient air within the impact zone. 10 stations were selected

respectively in industrial, rural and mixed area for monitoring for Ambient Air Quality

and are shown in Fig 3.1.3. The frequency of monitoring was 24 hrs. twice in a

week at each location and spread over 05 weeks. Parameters monitored are

PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOX, Total Hydrocarbon, NMHC and Volatile Organic

Compound (VOC), results of AAQ is given in Table 3.1.3. Monitoring methodology

adopted for AAQM is given in Table -3.1.2

Table 3.1.2: Methodology of Ambient Air Monitoring

Sampling Parameters

Sampling equipment

Analytical Equipment

Sensitivity/Detection Limit

Methodology

PM10

Respirable Dust Sampler with Cyclone & Flow measurement

Electronic balance 5 µg/m3

Gravimetric IS: 5182 (Part 23) 2006

PM2.5 Fine Particulate Sampler

Electronic balance 3 µg/m3

USEPA CFR-40, Part -50 Appendix L

SO2 Gaseous Flow attachment with RDS Sampler

Spectro photometer 1.7 µg/m3 Colorimetric IS: 5182: (Part II) 2001

NOX Gaseous Flow attachment with RDS Sampler

Spectro photometer 0.5 µg/m3

Colorimetric IS: 5182: (Part VI) 2006

HC Grab samples Gas Chromatograph

1ppm As per equipment manual

VOC Grab samples Gas Chromatograph

1ppm As per equipment manual



Fig: 3.1.3 Ambient Air Quality Sampling Locations in North Karanpura CBM Block



Table 3.1.3: Ambient Air Quality Parameters & Results

Station code Location (CPCB

Designation)

Parameters & Results (April and May, 2013)

Note: All units are in µg/Nm3 except VOCs, which are in mg/m3. Figures in brackets

indicate CPCB limits. Minimum Reportable Readings are 8 µg /Nm3 for SO2, 10 µg

/Nm3 for NOx, 800µg/Nm3 for THCs, 10 µg /Nm3 for NMHCs, and <0.25 mg/m3 for

VOC

PM10 (100)

[24 Hours]

PM2.5 (60)

[24 Hours]

SO2 (80)

[24 Hours]

NOx (80)

[24

Hours]

MHC

(NS)

[Grab]

NMHC(NS)

[Grab]

VOC

[NS]

AA1 Koelong Village, District Hazaribag

Maximum 70.1 254.8 44.3 55.1 <0.25

Minimum 59.2 249.6 31.9 41.8 <0.25

Average 64.65 252.2 38.1 48.45 820 BDL <0.25

AA2 Barakagaon Village, District Hazaribag

Maximum 68.9 255.6 39.6 54.7 <0.25

Minimum 48.1 253.6 34.8 36.6 <0.25

Average 59 255 37 43.6 820 BDL <0.25

AA3 Kharanti Village, District Hazaribag

Maximum 79.1 518.9 31.6 61.9 <800 <0.25

Minimum 57.6 470.8 28.2 49.1 <800 <0.25




Designation)





VOC

Average 68.35 494.85 29.9 55.5 <800 BDL <0.25

AA4 Dantitanar, District Hazaribag

Maximum 69.2 698.3 49.3 48.6 <800 <0.25

Minimum 50.7 596.3 30.2 39.1 <800 <0.25

Average 59.95 647.3 39.75 43.85 <800 BDL <0.25

AA5 Loisukwar, District Hazaribag

Maximum 55.8 269.6 42.8 52.2 <800 <0.25

Minimum 51.7 253.9 31.4 41.3 <800 <0.25

Average 53.75 261.75 37.1 46.75 <800 BDL <0.25

AA6 Kuthan, District Hazaribag

Maximum 91 233 11.9 22.4 <800 28 <0.25

Minimum 24 211 <8.0 <10.0 <800 10 <0.25

Average 49 223 10.3 12.8 <800 13 <0.25

AA7 Patram Kalan, District Hazaribag

Maximum 97 240 12.2 18.0 <800 15 <0.25




Designation)





VOC

Minimum 66 220 2.2 6.5 <800 10 <0.25

Average 76 229 6.7 11.2 <800 11 <0.25

AA8 Pandaul, District Hazaribag

Maximum 97 237 16.3 21.6 1081 35 <0.25

Minimum 53 220 8.9 8.0 1006 10 <0.25

Average 71 231 13.0 15 1033 16 <0.25

AA9 Sanrh, District Hazaribag

Maximum 96 230 12.0 15.0 997 18 <0.25

Minimum 49 211 8.0 10.0 882 10 <0.25

Average 76 218 8.5 11.0 928 10.4 <0.25

AA10 Tikritnar, District Hazaribag

Maximum 68 241 12.0 18.1 <800 BDL <0.25

Minimum 27 113 8.0 10.0 <800 BDL <0.25

Average 44 176 9.4 12.2 <800 BDL <0.25



3.2 Water Environment

3.2.1 Surface Water Sources

The study area comprises a perennial river Damodar that is a tributary to River

Hooghly. Damodar and its principal tributary Barakar form the core area of the

Damodar river basin. It drains about 23,170 sq. km. areas in Bihar and West

Bengal states. The Damodar in its upper reaches is known as the Deonad and

originates near Rajruppa from the lava capped Khamarpat hill. The Damodar

receives a number of tributaries both from the southern and the northern slopes.

After Dishergarh, the Damodar enters flat alluvial plain and runs southeast and

eastward upto Barsul in Burdwan. The flow of the river has become very

sluggish at this stage. A barrage has been constructed over the Damodar near

Durgapur, 60 km east of its confluence with Barakar. Afterwards the Damodar

takes a sharp turn towards south near village Chachai, 24 km southeast of

Burdwan town. Turning south, it has distributaries named the Kana and the Kana

Damodar, which ultimately drain out water in the Hooghly. The area also

receives the discharge of mine water, which ultimately reaches to Damodar

River.

The five reservoirs, out of which two are constructed at Damodar River namely

Tenughat and Panchet, two on Barakar namely Tilaiya and Maithon and one at

Konar river tributaries of Damodar.. Topchanchi Lake serves the purpose of

drinking water for Thermal Power Plant. Constructions of dam at the Damodar

River and its tributatires, surface water availability is totally depending upon the

reservoir capacity, its water level, dead storage and release from them especially

in lean period. In rainy months, the excess water is just released from the Dams

considering the Dam safety factors which is regulated by Central Water

Commission.

Surface water availability in Damodar River basin has been augmented by

making another reservoir at Tenughat and a barrage at Durgapur at the

Damodar River. Tenughat reservoir is mainly constructed to meet the water

requirement of Bakaro Steel Plant while Durgapur barrage is to meet the



irrigational requirement of West Bengal by constructing right bank and left bank

canal. Surface water availability is estimated as 4048 mcm.

3.2.2 Groundwater Hydrology/Geology

Geologically the area is underlain by Chotanagpur granite gneiss, phyllitemica-

schist. It is unconformably overlain by lower Gondwana formations consisting of

Sandstone, Shales and Coal seams. Ground water mainly occurs under water

table condition in weathered residuum and semi-confined condition in deeper

fractures. Granite rocks show maximum thickness of weathered mantle in

favorable topographic and drainage condition (SINGH 2007).

At present, ground water resource in North Karanpura Block is being developed

mainly through hand pumps. There is a scope for further ground water

development in these formations through large diameter dug wells tapping

weathered zones and bore wells tapping fissured zones.

3.2.3 Water Requirement

Water consumption in the region can be divided into three categories i.e.

irrigation, domestic and industrial. Besides irrigation, water of Damodar River

and its tributaries are being utilized in industrial sectors, domestic and other

purposes. Particularly domestic and industrial consumption have grown

considerably in the recent past in the region.

North Karanpura region draws its water from the river Damodar. The raw water

is provided conventional treatment and then distributed to the consumers

through public stand posts as well as individual household connections. A small

fraction of population residing in slums is not covered with piped water supply,

and they depend upon groundwater drawn through hand pumps / tube wells

fitted with pumps and open dug wells. The main problem in the region is

competitive demand for water and therefore existing resources are being used

for meeting the water requirement.



3.2.4 Water Analysis Methodology

The methodology used for the analysis of water samples taken from the project

area is given in Table 3.2.1

Table 3.2.1: Analysis Methodology of Ground Water and Surface Water

S. No

Parameters Methodology Minimum Detection

Limit

1. pH APHA, Edition 21 (4500 H+ B), pH meter

0.01

2. Temperature APHA Edition 21 (2130 B), Standard Thermometer

1OC

3. Turbidity APHA Edition 21 (2130 B), Nephelophotometric

0.1 NTU

4. TDS APHA Edition 21 (2540 C) Gravimetric 4 mg/l

5. Electrical conductivity

APHA Edition 21 (2510 B) Conductivity Meter

1µmoh/cm

6. COD APHA Edition 21 (5220 B), Titrametic open reflux

4 mg/l

7. BOD 3 days IS 3025 part 44, 1993 Iodometric 5 days APHA edition 21 (5210 B) Iodometric

1 mg/l

8. Chlorides APHA Edition 21 (4500 Cr B) Titrametic 5 mg/l

9. Sulphates APHA Edition 21 (4500 SO2 4 E) Turbidimetric

0.1 mg/l

10. Total Hardness APHA Edition 21 (2340 C) Titrametric (EDTA Method)

10 mg/l

11. Total Alkalinity APHA Edition 21 (2320 B) Titrametric 10 mg/l

12. Nitrate APHA Edition 16 (418 D) Colorimetric 0.08 mg/l

13. Fluoride APHA Edition 21 (4500 F- D) Colorimetric

0.005 mg/l

14. Sodium APHA Edition 21 (3500 Na- B) Flame Emission Photometric

1 mg/l

15. Potassium APHA Edition 21 (3500 K- B) Flame Emission Photometric

1 mg/l

16. Calcium APHA Edition 21 (3500 Ca- B) Titrametric (EDTA Method)

1 mg/l

17. Magnesium APHA Edition 21 (3500 Mg- B), by difference

2 mg/l

18. Salinity APHA Edition 21 (2520 B), Electrical conductivity Method

-



19. Ammonical Nitrogen

APHA Edition 21 (4500 NH3) Colorimetric

0.01 mg/l

20. SAR Flamephotometric and EDTA Method -

21. Arsenic (as As) APHA Edition 21 (3500 As- B) Colorimetric

0.01 mg/l

22. Cadmium (as Cd) APHA Edition 21 (3500 Cd), 3111 B, AAS Method

0.001 mg/l

23. Chromium (as Cr) APHA Edition 21 (3500 Cr B) Colorimetric

0.001 mg/l

24. Copper (as Cu) APHA Edition 21 (3500 Cu B), (3111B), AAS Method, Colorimetric

0.02 mg/l

25. Cyanide (as CN)

26. Iron (as Fe) APHA Edition 21 (3500 Fe-B) Colorimetric

0.01 mg/l

27. Lead (as Pb) APHA Edition 21 (3500 Pb-A), AAS Method

0.02 mg/l

28. Mercury (as Hg) APHA Edition 21 (3500 Hg), AAS Method

0.001 mg/l

29. Manganese (as Mn)

APHA Edition 21 (3500 Mn-B) (3111 B), AAS Method/ Colorimetric

0.007mg/l

30. Nickel (as Ni) APHA Edition 21 (3500 Ni), AAS Method

0.02 mg/l

31. Zinc (as Zn) APHA Edition 21 (3500 Zn-B) (3111 B), AAS Method/ Colorimetric

0.002 mg/l

32. Total Coliform APHA Edition 21 (9221 B), Multiple Tube Fermentation

2 MPN/100ml

33. Faecal Coliforms APHA Edition 21 (9221 E), Multiple Tube Fermentation

2 MPN/100ml

3.2.5 Baseline Water Quality

Sampling Lactations for ground and surface (River and Pond) water are based

on the vicinity of the upcoming location and existing locations of the CBM wells.

Ground water samples were collected from the tubewell and handpump. Surface

water samples were collected from upstream and down streem of the nearest

reiver and the ponds falling in the 10 KM radius of the well locations.

Physico-chemical parameters have been determined to ascertain the baseline

status of the existing groundwater and surface water resources. Locations are

shown in Fig 3.2.1



Sampling locations for groundwater and surface water (River and Pond) are

enlisted in Table 3.2.2 and Table 3.2.3. The groundwater quality was assessed

by collecting samples from Tube well water at different Locations.

The ground water and surface water samples were analysed for physico-

chemical parameters to arrive at the baseline environmental status of water

quality. The characteristics of groundwater are presented in Tables 3.2.4 and

Table 3.2.5.

3.2.5.1 Physico-chemical Characteristics

Standard methods (APHA, APWA, 1998) were followed for groundwater quality

characterization & the results are summarized in the following sections

c) Groundwater: - The physico-chemical characteristics of groundwater

indicate pH in the range of 6.5-7.5; temperature 25O-30OC. The inorganic

parameters viz., Alkalinity was in the range of 110-295 mg/l; Total

Hardness 102-160 mg/l; Chlorides 24-36 mg/l; Sulphates 1-16 mg/l);


d) Surface Water: - The physico-chemical characteristics of surfacewater

indicate pH in the range of 7.4-8.7; temperature 24.7-26.8OC. The


Total Hardness 56-63 mg/l; Chlorides 10-44 mg/l; Sulphates 6-16 mg/l);




Table 3.2.2: Ground Water Sampling Locations

Sampling Location GPS Position

Bore well

Latitude Longitude

Near NK1 (Chandol) 23º50’9.68’’ 85º15’5.96’’

Barkagaon 23º51’9.24’’ 85º13’0.38’’

Loisukhwar 23º51’7.95’’ 85º04’2.03’’

Talashwar 23º50’9.68’’ 85º15’5.96’’

Keri 23º53’3.04’’ 85º12’06.2’’

Koelong

Table 3.2.3: Surface Water Sampling Locations

Sample Code Sampling Location GPS Position

River (R)

Latitude Longitude

R-1 Barwadih 23º51’56.4’’ 85º13’23.6’’

R-2 Barkagaon 23º51’22.5’’ 85º12’44.5’’

R-3 Sanrh 23º50’27.0’’ 85º13’40.6’’

R-4 Horam 23º49’08.1’’ 85º14’47.4’’

Pond (P)

P-1 Barwadih 23º51’35.0’’ 85º13’31.0’’

P-2 Barkagaon 23º50’54.4’’ 85º13’08.9’’

P-3 Datitanar 23º50’29.9’’ 85º14’44.9’’



Table 3.2.4: The characteristics of groundwater of North Karanpura CBM Block

S. No

Parameters Unit Ground Water Quality

Barkagaon Keri Chandaul Talashwar Koelong

24/2/13 24/2/13 24/2/13 15/5/2013 15/5/2013

1. pH 7.35 7.62 7.44 7.0 6.79

2. Temperature o C 33 30.4 26.1 25.4 29.2

3. Turbidity NTU 0.3 0.3 0.9 0.8 0.8

4. TDS mg/l 696 172 380 320 320

5. Electrical conductivity µmho/cm 1076 393 586 553 558

6. COD mg/l 18 6 BDL BDL 3

7. BOD mg/l 4 3 <1 <1 <1

8. Phenol mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001

9. Chlorides mg/l 29 36 28 27 24

10. Sulphates mg/l 9 1 8 16 6

11. SAR - 2.14 0.3 0.16 0.81 0.64

12. Total Alkalinity mg/l 110 160 177 275 295

13. Fluoride mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 2.0 2.12

14. Sodium mg/l 98.6 10.2 5.4 28 22

15. Calcium mg/l 70.54 26.45 20 53 51

16. Magnesium mg/l 54.43 34.99 37 23 24

17. Dissolved Oxygen mg/l 3.3 3.4 3.9 4.2 4.0

18. Total Nitrogen mg/l <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3

19. Heavy Metals

20. Arsenic (as As) mg/l <0.001 <0.001 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005

21. Cadmium (as Cd) mg/l <0.003 <0.003 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

22. Chromium (as Cr) mg/l <0.002 <0.002 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05



23. Copper (as Cu) mg/l <0.01 0.061 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

24. Cyanide (as CN) mg/l <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003

25. Iron (as Fe) mg/l 4.422 0.939 0.5 0.5 0.5

26. Lead (as Pb) mg/l <0.04 <0.04 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

27. Mercury (as Hg) mg/l <0.002 <0.002 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001

28. Manganese (as Mn) mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

29. Nickel (as Ni) mg/l <0.004 <0.004 <0.004 <0.004 <0.004

30. Zinc (as Zn) mg/l <0.004 <0.004 0.10 0.10 0.10

31. Vanadium (as V) mg/l <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

Table 3.2.5: The characteristics of Surface Water of North Karanpura CBM Block

Sl.No. Parameter Unit

SAMPLE CODE

R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 P-1 P-2 P-3 07.05.13 07.05.13 07.05.13 07.05.13 07.05.13 07.05.13 07.05.13

1 Colour Hazen 4 3 4 2 3 4 2

2 Temperature 0 C 25 24.3 26 26.4 24.9 26.5 25.4

3 pH mg/l 6.52 6.68 6.35 6.79 6.44 6.32 6.44

4 Conductivity µmhos/cm 189 259 172 252 108 168 156

5 Residual Free Clorine mg/l <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1

6 Total Dissolved Solid mg/l 120 175 109 168 69 110 98

7 Calcium ( as Ca ) mg/l 17 31 20 37 12 9 20

8 Magnessium ( as Mg ) mg/l 10 6 4 13 7 7 5

9 Chloride ( as Cl ) mg/l 17 44 10 17 10 17 10

10 Iron ( as Fe ) mg/l 0.24 0.18 0.15 0.21 0.14 0.12 0.08

11 Arsenic ( as As ) ppb <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2

12 Sodium (as Na) mg/l 8 18 8 4 1.5 18 6



13 Sulphate ( as SO4 ) mg/l 13 6 7 15 9 11 16

14 p Alkalinity mg/l <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1

15 M Alkalinity mg/l 82 101 85 120 41 70 58

16 Total Suspended Solid mg/l 29 33 24 22 31 22 34

17 Oil and Grease mg/l <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2

18 C.O.D. mg/l 6 15 6 10 6 6 10

19 B.O.D. ( 3days at 27 0C) mg/l 2 5 2 3 2 2 3

20 Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen mg/l <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3

21 Sulphide (as S) mg/l <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1

22 Phenolic Compounds ( as C6H5OH ) mg/l <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001

23 Cyanide ( as CN ) mg/l <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

24 Lead ( as Pb ) mg/l <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

25 Mercury ( as Hg ) mg/l <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001

26 Cadmium ( as Cd ) mg/l <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

27 Hexavalent Chromium ( as Cr+6 ) mg/l <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

28 Total Chromium (as Cr) mg/l <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

29 Copper ( as Cu ) mg/l <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

30 Zinc ( as Zn ) mg/l <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

31 Nickel (as Ni) mg/l <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

32 Fluoride ( as F ) mg/l 0.38 0.49 0.28 0.31 0.12 0.19 0.13

33 Vanadium (as V) mg/l <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05



Fig.3.2.1 Water Quality - Sampling Locations



3.3 Land Environment

3.3.1 Land Use pattern

The National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Govt. of India, conducted a land

use survey using Remote Sensing Techniques in the year 1988-89 at the behest of

the Planning Commission for classifying land by visual interpretation techniques and

digital techniques. NRSA’s output results in two level system of classification,

comprising sis first level of classification, leading to a second level of classification

that resulted in further subcategories.

The first and second level of classification is provided in the following sections.

Table - 3.3.1: Land use statistics

S.

No.

First Level

Classification

Area in Sq. km

1. Built-up Land or

Habitation

263.28

2. Agricultural Land 1767.06

3. Forests 2238.77

4. Wastelands 524.81

5. Water Bodies 119.07

6. Others Nil

7. Vegetation Cover Nil

Source: Wasteland Maps -2005-2006 – NRSA, ISRO

3.3.2 Baseline Data

Seven locations were identified for soil quality assessment of proposed project area.

The locations of the study areas are given in Table 3.3.2. The sampling locations

are shown in Fig. 3.3.1.



Table 3.3.2 Name of the villages surveyed in North Karanpura for soil Samples

Sr. No

Sampling Location

1. Mahudi

2. Deshwari

3. Kuthan

4. Barkitana

5. Kundru

6. Badam

7. Badkagaon

Representative soil samples from depth (50 - 100 cm) were collected from these

villages area for estimation of the physicochemical characteristics of soil. Air-dried

and Sieved samples have been used for determination of physical properties of soil.

Standard methods were followed for the analysis of soil samples.

The International Pipette Method (Black, 1964) was adopted for determination of

particle size analysis. The textural diagram was generated using “SEE soil Class

2.0 version based on United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) classification

of soils. Physical parameters such as bulk density, porosity and water holding

capacity were determined by KR Box Method (Keen and Raczkowski 1921).



Fig: 3.3.1 Soil Sampling Locations in North Karanpura CBM Block



3.3.3 Physical Characteristics

Physical characteristics of soil are delineated through specific parameters,

viz., particle size distribution, texture, bulk density, porosity and water holding

capacity. The particle size distribution in terms of percentage of sand, silt and

clay is depicted in Fig. 3.3.2 given in Table 3.3.3. The texture of the soil is clay,

and sandy clay loam, sandy loam. The clay contain in the soil of the study area

varies from 7.2 to 51.2 percent.

Regular cultivation practices increase the bulk density of soils thus inducing

compaction. This results reduction in water percolation rate and penetration of

root through soils. The bulk density of soil in the region is found to be 1.24-1.40

g/cm3 and considered as moderately good.

Soil porosity is measure the air filled pore spaces and gives information about

movement of gases, inherent moisture, and development of root system and

strength of soil. Variations in soil porosity are depicted in Table 3.3.3. The

porosity and water holding capacity of soil is in the range of 18.80-48.80 % and

15.6-56.8 % respectively.

3.3.4 Chemical Characteristics

The chemical characteristics of soil were determined by preparing soil extract in

distilled water in ratio 1:1 (Jackson 1967). Organic carbon was determined by

(Walkley and Black 1934). Fertility status of soil in terms of available nitrogen

was determined by nitrogen Kjeldhal method, available phosphorus was

determined by chlorostannous reduced molybdo phosphorus blue colour, (Olsen,

Cole et al. 1954) and available potassium was determined by flame photometer

method (Jackson 1967). Heavy metals in soil were determined by extracting soil

with concentration HNO3 and HClO4 followed by analysis on ICP or AAS (APHA,

1995).



Fig.:3.3.2: Soil Textural of North Karanpura

The soil samples were analysed for various chemical properties. The parameters

selected were pH, electrical conductivity, soluble cations, cation exchange

capacity (CEC), exchangeable cations, exchangeable sodium percentage,

nutrients status, organic carbon content and heavy metals are presented in

Tables 3.3.4 - 3.3.9.

Legend

First Dominance

Second Dominance

Third Dominance

Clay

Sandy Clay

Loam

Sandy Loam



pH is an important parameter indicative of the alkaline or acidic nature of the soil.

It greatly affects the microbial population as well as the solubility of metal ions

and regulates nutrient availability. pH of soil in the study area is found to slightly

acidic and neutral in reaction as there pH is in the range of 6.3-7.8.

The soluble salt were determined from soil extract (1:1) the soluble salt are

expressed in terms of electrical conductivity (EC) the EC electrical conductivity of

the soil samples are in the range of 0.42-2.83 dS/m is presented in Table 3.3.4.

Soils are normal, and also slightly to moderately saline. The important cations

present in soil are calcium and magnesium. It is observed that both calcium and

magnesium concentrations are in the range of 7.03-19.17 meq/l and 2.89-15.13

meq/l respectively whereas sodium and potassium are in the range of 0.88-1.66

meq/l and 0.07-0.38 meq/l respectively.

The soils have low to medium and high cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the

cation exchange capacity of the soils of the study area are presented in Table

3.3.5. Amongst the exchangeable cations, Ca+2 and Mg+2 are found in the range

of 3.40-21.46 cmol(p+) kg-1 and 1.40-11.79 cmolv(p+) kg-1 of soil while Na+ and

K+ are in the range of 0.20-1.26 cmol(p+) kg-1 and 0.17-0.83 cmol(p+) kg-1 of soil

respectively. Exchangeable sodium percentage range from 0.91-6.12. Soils from

all the villages are normal with respective to alkalinity as exchangeable sodium

percentage of soil is below 15. The soils have very low, moderate and very high

cation exchange capacity and the productivity is based on cation exchange

capacity is low to moderate. The soils have limited, moderate and high to very

high adsorbtivity but the majority of the soils have very high adsorbtivity. The

classification of soil on the basis of their relationship with productivity and

adsorbtivity based on cation exchange capacity is presented in Table 3.3.6 and

Table 3.3.7.

Nutrient Status

Organic matter present in soil influences its physical and chemical properties of

soil. It commonly accounts as one third or more of the cation exchange capacity

of the surface soils and is responsible for stability of soil aggregates. Organic

carbon, available nitrogen and available phosphorous are found to be in the



range of 0.30-0.75 %, 205.72-331.16 and 13.68-22.62 kg/ha respectively.

Available potassium is found in the range of 134.68-197.27 kg/ha (Table 3.3.8).

These soils are poor, medium level in organic carbon, and also available

nitrogen content. Similarly soils are poor to moderate fertility level in available

phosphorus content. Available potassium present in the soil show medium

fertility level. The fertility status of the soil is presented in Table 3.3.9.

Heavy Metals Content in the Soil

Plants require some of the heavy metals at microgram levels for their metabolic

activities. These heavy metals are termed as micronutrients. Their deficiency

becomes a limiting factor in plant growth, but at the same time their higher

concentrations in soils may lead to toxicity. Levels of heavy metals in soils are

presented in Table 3.3.10.



Table 3.3.3 Soil Texture in the Study Area of North Karanpura

Sr. No

Sampling Location

Particle Size Distribution (%)

Textural Class Coarse sand

Fine Sand

Silt Clay

1. Mahudi 7.24 4.48 37.08 51.2 Clay

2. Deshwari 16.12 52.44 24.24 7.2 Sandy Clay Loam

3. Kuthan 28.96 32.72 15.52 22.8 Sandy Clay Loam

4. Barkitana 10.32 15.28 32.6 41.8 Clay

5. Kundru 20.00 18.68 18.52 42.8 Clay

6. Badam 14.40 19.76 24.68 41.2 Clay

7. Badkagaon 12.16 17.40 26.84 43.6 Clay

Table 3.3.4 Physical Characteristics in Study Area of North Karanpura

Sr. No.

Sampling location

Bulk density (gm/cm3)

Porosity (%)

Water Holding Capacity

(%)

1. Mahudi 1.24 45.34 56.8

2. Deshwari 1.40 20.06 15.6

3. Kuthan 1.38 33.05 32.2

4. Barkitana 1.32 42.36 48.6

5. Kundru 1.34 42.60 48.8

6. Badam 1.32 48.80 47.8

7. Badkagaon 1.28 44.60 49.6



Table 3.3.5 Chemical Characteristics of Soil Extract in Study Area of North Karanpura

Sr. No.

Sampling Location

pH EC Calcium

Magnesium

Sodium

Potassium

dS/m meq/l

1. Mahudi 6.8 1.40 8.05 4.2 1.15 0.15

2. Deshwari 7.2 2.83 19.17 15.13 1.10 0.38

3. Kuthan 6.7 1.34 7.74 5.44 1.06 0.12

4. Barkitana 7.2 0.98 8.42 7.82 1.21 0.17

5. Kundru 7.6 1.71 12.41 10.2 1.66 0.10

6. Badam 6.9 0.42 7.07 4.01 0.92 0.14

7. Badkagaon 6.3 0.89 11.72 5.88 0.88 0.33

Table 3.3.6 Cation Exchange Capacity of Soil in Study Area of North Karanpura

Sr. No.

Sampling Location

Ca2+ Mg2+ Na+ K+ CEC ESP

% cmol (p+) kg-1

1. Mahudi 20.98 11.79 1.26 0.83 37.11 3.39

2. Deshwari 3.40 1.80 0.22 0.21 6.20 3.50

3. Kuthan 6.80 3.20 0.20 0.31 11.80 1.69

4. Barkitana 19.97 11.39 1.18 0.56 36.38 3.24

5. Kundru 13.90 11.75 0.84 0.22 29.91 2.81

6. Badam 16.21 10.48 0.86 0.31 31.72 2.71

7. Badkagaon 21.46 11.3 0.34 0.68 37.21 0.91



Table 3.3.7: Relationship of CEC with Productivity

CEC Range in

(cmol (p+) kg-

1)

Productivity Location (Sr. No.)

Very low <10 Very low 2,6

Low 10-20 Low 3

Moderate

20-50 Moderate 1,4,5,7,8,9

High >50 High -

Table 3.3.8: Relationship of CEC with Adsorptivity

CEC Range in

(cmol (p+) kg-

1)

Absorptivity

Location (Sr. No.)

Limited or low

<10 Limited or low

2,6

Moderate 10-20 Moderate 3

High 20-30 High 7

Very High >30 Very High 1,4,5,8,9



Table 3.3.9: Fertility Status of Soils in the Study Area of North Karanpura

Sr. No.

Sampling Location

Organic Carbon

(%)

N P2O5 K2O

(kg/ha)

1. Mahudi 0.75 205.72 13.68 183.30

2. Deshwari 0.30 321.12 20.16 154.30

3. Kuthan 0.59 303.56 22.62 134.68

4. Barkitana 0.73 238.33 15.86 197.27

5. Kundru 0.64 301.05 21.34 147.56

6. Badam 0.35 301.05 14.86 187.03

7. Badkagaon 0.62 331.16 14.56 136.52

Level in poor soil <0.5 <280 <23 <133

Level in medium soil 0.5-0.75 280-560 23-57 133-337

Level in high fertile soil >0.75>560.0 >57.0 >337.0

Table 3.3.10: Heavy Metals Content in Soil of the Study Area of North Karanpura

Sr. No.

Sampling Location

Cd Cr Co Cu Fe Mn Ni Pb Zn

(mg/kg)

1. Mahudi ND 9.0 ND 19.6 2972.2 333.0 41.0 22.2 50.7

2. Deshwari ND ND ND 7.0 2720.2 372.5 18.7 17.9 42.5

3. Kuthan ND 0.5 ND 11.4 2929.2 327.5 24.0 23.5 52.7

4. Barkitana ND 1.3 ND 20.1 3021.2 257.5 38.8 22.1 52.9

5. Kundru ND 0.5 ND 7.7 2775.2 227.9 25.5 13.3 27.0

6. Badam ND 2.7 ND 19.3 2965.2 504.0 44.3 24.2 50.2

7. Badkagaon ND 11.0 ND 19.6 3031.2 368.1 41.3 24.5 64.5

ND-Not Detected



3.4 Noise Environment

The noise problem is said to exist when the sound level in the air causes

interference in human activities such as disturbance in sleep, work and speech

communication leading to annoyance. Perception of noise by individuals varies

depending on number of factors such as natural sensitivity/hearing ability, level

of exposure, time of the day, socio-cultural activities etc. at the time of exposure

to sound. The impact of noise at community level can have different effects

varying from aesthetic impairment such as annoyance, frequent hypertension to

as high as loss of hearing. The health impact of noise on individual depends on

several factors, viz. physical dose (intensity of sound pressure level and duration

of exposure), frequency spectrum, intermittency etc. as well as human factors

like sex, age, health condition, occupational exposure etc.

Assessment of noise impacts and the significance of any impact as a result of

development are dependent upon the number of factors such as the ambient or

background noise levels in the vicinity of the site, the type of development and its

operating characteristics. Therefore noise monitoring was carried out to identify

and quantify so far as reasonably possible the ambient condition to predict the

increase in noise levels and causes of variability of noise levels as a result of the

proposed development.

3.4.1 Reconnaissance

The NK-CBM Block area comes under the Hazaribag district of Jharkhand. This

block comes under the Barkagaon tahasil, District Hazaribag, State Jharkhand.

Paddy cultivation is the main agricultural activity in this block most of the portion

of this block contains sparse type of forest vegetations with hilly terrain. There

are seven CBM well exists in the block. The objective of noise monitoring survey

around the proposed NK-CBM block is to identify the existing noise sources so

as to measure background noise levels and to suggest mitigation measures to

alleviate adverse impact of noise. The study has been executed in the following

steps:

Reconnaissance Survey



Identification of noise sources and measurement of noise levels

Measurement of noise levels in residential, commercial, industrial and silence zone

3.4.2 Methodology for Noise Monitoring

Noise standards (Table 3.5.1) have been designated for different types of

landuse, i.e. residential, commercial, industrial and silence zones, as per ‘The

Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, Notified by the Ministry of

Environment and Forests, New Delhi on February 14, 2000’. Different standards

have been stipulated during day time (6 am to 10 pm) and night time (10 pm to 6

am).

The noise rating method as Leq i.e. equivalent sound pressure level has been

adopted for the measurement of noise level in various selected sampling

locations of this region. It is the energy mean of the noise level over a specified

period and is expressed in terms of decibels.

)(101

log10 10/)(

0

AdtdBT

L tLP

T

eq

The noise scale A-weighted network in dB(A) was used for monitoring of noise

level. Leq in dB(A) denotes the frequency weighting in the measurement of noise

and corresponds to frequency response characteristics of human ear. The

average of Leq at each location is calculated using energy average formula

n

i

Lpi

naverageEnergy

1

10/101

log10..

At some locations total noise due to multiple sources at observer’s location was

calculated as follows

n

i

Lpi

TOTALLp1

10/10log10

Day night sound level (Ldn) for 24 hours equivalent sound level can be

calculated as follows:



16

1

8

1

10/10)(10/)( 101024

1log10

i j

jLeqiLeqLdn

Where,

Ldn : Day night sound level

‘i’ : Denotes the sum over the 16 hours during the daytime

‘j’ : Denotes the sum over the 8 hours during the night time

Leq(i) : Equivalent noise level for ‘i’th hours

Leq(j) : Equivalent noise level for ‘j’th hours

Notes :

1. Day time shall mean from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.

2. Night time shall mean from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.

3. Silence zone is defined as an area comprising not less than 100 meters

around Hospitals, Educational Institutions and courts. The silence zones

are zones which are declared as such by the competent authority.

4. Mixed categories of areas may be declared as one of the four

abovementioned categories by the Component Authority.

* dB(A) Leq denotes the time weighted average of the level of sound in decibels

on scale A which is related to human hearing

"A", in dB(A) Leq, denotes the frequency weighting in the measurement of noise

and corresponds to frequency response characteristics of human ear

Leq : It is an energy mean of the noise level over a specified period

3.4.3 Background Noise Levels

The residential, commercial, industrial areas and silence zones in the study area

have been identified in the vicinity of the location of CBM wells. Some of the

locations were identified which were away from the major roads and major noise



sources so as to measure ambient noise levels. Equivalent noise levels (Leq) for

a period of about 60 minutes were measured at each monitoring location during

day time and night time. The noise survey was conducted at ninteen locations

listed in Table 3.4.2 and shown in figure 3.4.1. All measurements were carried

out when the ambient conditions were unlikely to adversely affect the results:

wind speeds were approximately 2-4 m/sec

Table 3.4.1 - Ambient Standards for of Noise

Area Code Category of

Area/Zone

Limits in dB(A) Leq*

Day Time Night Time

(A) Industrial Area 75 70

(B) Commercial Area 65 55

(C) Residential Area 55 45

(D) Silence Zone 50 40

Table 3.4.2 Background Noise Levels for NK-CBM Block

Sr. No

Sampling Locations Category of Area

Time Noise

levels in dB(A)

Leq dB(A)

1 Barkagaon Village Residential Day 40.1-68.0 53.8

Night 37.5-62.9 49.1

2 Barkagaon Village (Market)

Commercial Day 39.1-67.8 59.8

Night 36.4-60.9 53.6

3 Barkagaon Village (Aadarsh Med. School)

Silence Day 45.1-68.8 53.1

Night 41.0-62.1 49.7

4 Chandol Village (NK-1 Well) near 1 meter

Residential Day 40.2-65.1 55.8

Night 38.9-60.8 50.6

5 Chandol Village (NK-1 Well) near 15 meter


Night 37.8-59.4 48.6

6 Badam Village Residential Day 40.1-60.2 51.7

Night 38.5-57.9 48.9

7 Mahudi Village Residential Day 40.0-62.1 52.1

Night 38.3-59.1 47.9

8 Satbahiya Village Residential Day 38-62.8 50.8

Night 35.9-59.1 47.6



9 Kundru Village Residential Day 40.2-58.2 48.9

Night 37.6-51.3 45.9

10 Chamgara Village (NK-2 Well) near 1 meter


Night 39.8-59.7 55.7

11 Chamgara (NK-2 Well) near 15 meter


Night 37.3-59.8 50.6

13 Garri Kalan Village Residential Day 37-59 50.2

Night 35.3-52.9 47.9

14 Deshwari Village Residential Day 35-59 49.1

Night 31.9-52.9 46.3

15 Kerendari Village Residential Day 36-60 48.2

Night 32.0-56.8 46.1

16 Kutan Village Residential Day 35-58 47.5

Night 32.9-54.6 44.9

17 Tandwa Village Residential Day 40.1-67 56.1

Night 38.7-60.6 51.2

18 Tandwa (Market) Village

Commercial Day 42-68 60.8

Night 39.6-61.6 54.8

19 Tandwa (Surya Temple) Village

Silence Day 35-55 40.5

Night 31.3-50.1 37.8



Fig.: 3.4.1 Noise monitoring Locations in North Karanpura CBM Block



3.5 Biological Environment

3.5.1 Introduction

Study of biological environment is one of the most important components for

Environmental Impact Assessment, in view of the need for conservation of

environmental quality and biodiversity. Ecological systems show complex inter-

relationships between biotic and abiotic components including dependence,

competition and mutualism. Biotic components comprise of both plant and

animal communities which interact not only within and between themselves but

also with the abiotic components viz. Physical and chemical components of the

environment.

Generally, biological communities are good indicators of climatic and edaphic

factors. Studies on biological aspects of ecosystems are important in

Environmental Impact Assessment for safety of natural flora and fauna.

Information on the impact of environmental stress on the community structure

serves as an inexpensive and efficient early warning system to check the

damage to a particular ecosystem. The biological environment includes mainly

terrestrial ecosystem and aquatic ecosystem.

Biological communities are dependent on environmental conditions and location

of its resources. They show various responses and sensitivities to anthropogenic

activities. The changes in biotic community are studied by the pattern in the

distribution, abundance and diversity. These changes over a span of time can be

quantified and related to the existing environmental conditions. The sensitivity of

plants and animal species to changes occurring in their ecosystem can therefore

be used for monitoring the biological environment for environmental impact

assessment.

3.5.2 Study Area

Total geographical area of the Hazaribagh district is 5049 sq. km out of this 3032

sq. km area is covered by forest including reserved forest, protected forest and

unclassified forest. Hazaribagh is 2019 ft. high above sea level in the

chotanagpur plateau. There is one National park in Hazaribagh District,



Hazaribagh National park at a distance of about 25 km away from the

Hazaribagh city that provides habitat for flora and fauna in his region. The

assessment of wild life fauna was carried out by field observation, enquiring with

local people and on the basis of secondary data collected from different

government offices like District Forest office, Fishery Department, Agriculture

Department, University of Hazaribag, Rice Research Institute, Hazaribag.

3.5.3 Formulae for Analyzing Phytosociological Characteristics of

Vegetation

Density: - it is expressed as a numerical strength of a species. Though, density

indicator of the abundance of the species, it does not indicate the distribution of

species with regards to space. It helps to identify the dominant and rare species

with regards to space it helps to identify the dominant and rare species and is

also an indicator of the standing biomass and productivity of the region

Number of individual species A Density = --------------------------------------------

Area Sampled

Density of species A Relative Density = ------------------------------------- x 100

Total density of all species

Total cover of basal area of species A Dominance = --------------------------------------------------

Area sampled

Dominance of species A Relative dominance = ------------------------------------------ x 100

Total dominance of all species

Number of plots in which species A occurs Frequency = -------------------------------------------

Total number of plots sampled



Frequency value for species A

Relative Frequency =-----------------------------------------------x 100 Total frequency values of all species

Importance Value Index = R. Density + R. Dominance + R. Frequency

Shannon-Weiner Species Diversity Index: - To calculate, and can be used to

compare different populations. Species richness is simply the number of species

present in an area. Species evenness refers to the proportion that each species

comprises of the whole (Nolan and E 2006).

The Shannon-Weiner Species Diversity Index is calculated by taking the number

of each species, the proportion each species is of the total number of individuals,

and sums the proportion times the natural log of the proportion for each species.

Since this is a negative number, we then take the negative of the negative of this

sum. The higher the number, the higher is the species diversity. In the ideal

situation, one should compare populations that are the same size in numbers of

individuals.

The formula is as follows:

H = − ∑ pi ln pi

s

i=1

H’ - species diversity index,

s - Number of species,

pi - proportion of individuals of each species belonging to the ith

species of the total number of individuals.

3.5.4 Floristic structure and composition

The floristic structure and species composition representing a highly diverse and

rich gene pool.

The study area was dominated by natural vegetation. According to revised

classification of forest types by Champian and Seth, the forest lying in the study



area range from Northern dry sal forest (5B/C1) and Northern dry mixed

deciduous forest (5B/C2). The forest area composed mainly of sal (Plate 1) and

the associated tree species like Shorea robusta , Terminalia coriacea , Madhuca

indica ( Plate 2) , Buchanania lanzan ,Terminalia sp. and shrubs consist of

Hollarrhena antidysentrica , Nyctanthes arbortrictes etc . The grasses consist of

Heteropogon contortus and Bamboo brakes of Dendrocalamus strictus where

present. (Plate 3) shows a view of Bamboo in the study area.

During the floristic survey of study area, a total of 113 plant species were

recorded which consist of 69 tree species, 23 shrub species, 6 herb species,

11climber species, 3 grass species and 1 bamboo species were recorded from

the study area. The list of total number of different plant species (trees, shrubs,

herbs and climbers) recorded during field survey is enlisted in Table 3.5.1.

Table No. 3.5.1 - List of Common Flora Present in Study Area

Sr. No.

Botanical Name Common Name Family

Tree

1. Acacia auriculaeformis Sonajhuri Mimosaceae

2. Acacia catechu Khair Mimosaceae

3. Acacia nilotica Babul Mimosaceae

4. Adina cordifolia Karam Rubiaceae

5. Aegle mermelos Bel Rutaceae

6. Ailanthus excelsa Ghorneem Simaroubaceae

7. Albizia lebbek Kala siris Mimosaceae

8. Albizia procera Safed siris Mimosaceae

9. Anogeissus latifolia Dhaunta (Dhaura-saya)

Combretaceae

10. Anthocephalus chinensis Kadam Rubiaceae

11. Artocarpus heterophyllus Kathal Artocarpaceae

12. Azadirachta indica Neem Meliaceae

13. Bauhinia purpurea Konar Caesalpiniaceae

14. Bauhinia variegata Kachnar Caesalpiniaceae

15. Bombax ceiba Semal Bombacaceae

16. Borassus flabellifer Tar Arecaceae



Sr. No.


17. Boswellia serrata Salai / shallaki Burseraceae

18. Bridelia airy-shawii Kajh (Kaji) Araliaceae

19. Buchanania lanzan Piar Anacardiaceae

20. Butea monosperma Palas Fabaceae

21. Careya arborea Kumbhi Myrtaceae

22. Cassia fistula Amaltas Caesalpiniaceae

23. Cassia siame Chakundi Caesalpiniaceae

24. Cleistanthus collinus Karla Euphorbiaceae

25. Cochlospermum religiosum

Galgal Cochlospermaceae

26. Cordia dichotoma Bahuar Rubiaceae

27. Dalbergia latifolia Satsar Fabaceae

28. Dalbergia sissoo Sissoo Fabaceae

29. Diospyros melanoxylon Kend (Tendu) Ebenaceae

30. Ehretia laevis Chamror Boraginaceae

31. Emblica officinalis Acnla Euphorbiaceae

32. Ficus bengalensis Ban Moraceae

33. Ficus glomerata Dumar Moraceae

34. Ficus religiosa Pipal Moraceae

35. Gardenia latifolia Papra Rubiaceae

36. Garuga pinnata Kekar Burseraceae

37. Gmelina arborea Gamhar Bignoniaceae

38. Grewia elastica Patdhaman Tiliaceae

39. Holoptelia intergrifolia Chilbil Urticaceae

40. Hymenodictyon excelsum Baurkund Rubiaceae

41. Lagerstroemia parviflora Sabai Lythraceae

42. Lannea coromandelica Ghingan (Nanam) Anacardiaceae

43. Madhuca indica Mahua Sapotaceae

44. Mangifera indica Am Anacardiaceae

45. Melia azedarach Bakain Meliaceae

46. Miliusa velutina Kari Anonaceae

47. Mitragyna parvifolia Kadam Rubiaceae

48. Oroxylum indicum Sonapatta Bignoniaceae



Sr. No.


49. Ougeinia oojeinensis

Pandan (Sandan-Bandhan)

Fabaceae

50. Phoenix acaulis Khajur Arecaceae

51. Pongamia pinnata Karanj Fabaceae

52. Pterocarpus marsupium Bhusal (Paisar, Paisal)

Fabaceae

53. Sapindus mukorossi Ritha Sapindaceae

54. Schleichera oleosa Kusum Sapindiaceae

55. Semecarpus anacardium Bhelwa Anacardiaceae

56. Shorea robusta Sal Dipterocarpaceae

57. Soymida febrifuga Rohan Meliaceae

58. Spondias pinnata Amea Anacardiaceae

59. Sterculia urens Keonjhi Sterculiaceae

60. Sterculia villosa Udal Sterculiaceae

61. Syzygium cuminii Jamun Myrtaceae

62. Tamarindus indica Imali Caesalpiniaceae

63. Tectona grandis Sagwan (Teak) Verbenaceae

64. Terminalia arjuna Arjun (Kahua) Combretaceae

65. Terminalia bellirica Bahera Combretaceae

66. Terminalia chebula Harre (Hadsa) Combretaceae

67. Terminalia tomentosa Asan Combretaceae

68. Trewia nudiflora Pani-gamhari Euphorbiaceae

69. Ziziphus mauritiana Ber Rhamnaceae

Shrub

70. Agave americana Murabba Liliaceae

71. Agave sisalana Sisal Liliaceae

72. Alangium salvifolium Dhola (Ankul koli) Alangiaceae

73. Asparagus recemosus Satwar Liliaceae

74. Calotropis gigantea Akwan Asclepiadaceae

75. Carissa opaca Kanod Apocynaceae

76. Casearia tomentosa Beri Asclepiadaceae

77. Clerodendron infortunatum

Titbhant Verbenaceae

78. Flacourtia ramantchi Katahi Flacourtiaceae



Sr. No.


79. Gardenia turgida Karhar Rubiaceae

80. Helicteres isora Aintha Steculiaceae

81. Holarrhena antidysenterica

Koraiya Rutaceae

82. Hyptis sauveolens Bhrulsi Lamiaceae

83. Indigofera pulchella Jirhul Fabaceae

84. Ixora parviflora Khonta Rubiaceae

85. Lantana camara Putus Verbenaceae

86. Nyctanthes arbortristis Harsinger Nyctanthaceae

87. Sida cardifolia Bariar Malvaceae

88. Vallaris solanacea Kokurbotur Apocynaceae

89. Vitex negundo Sinduar Verbenaceae

90. Wendlandia tinctoria Tilai Rubiaceae

91. Woodfordia fruticosa Dhawai (Ieha) Lythraceae

92. Ziziphus xylopyra Kathber Rhamnaceae

Herb

93. Alysicapus bupleurifolius Dip Fabaceae

94. Anotis calycina Art Gentianaceae

95. Cassia tora (Linn) Chakora Caesalpiniaceae

96. Swertia angustifolia Chiretta Gentianaceae

97. Syzygium heyneanum Kat-jamun Euphorbiaceae

98. Ventilago maderaspatana Keoti Rhamnaceae

Climber

99. Acacia pennata Arar Mimosaceae

100. Bauhinia vahlii Mahulan Caesalpiniaceae

101. Butea superba Latpalas Fabaceae

102. Cryptolepis buchanani Dadhlar Asclepiadiaceae

103. Cuscuta reflexa Amarbel Convolvulaceae

104. Ichnocarpus frutescens Dudhlata Apocynaceae

105. Macuna prurita Alkusi Fabaceae

106. Milletia extensa Gaj Fabaceae

107. Smilax zeylanica (Syn. S. parviflora)

Ramdatwan Salicaceae

108. Ventilego maderaspatana Keoti Rhamnaceae



Sr. No.


109. Ziiyphus oenoplia Dithor Rhamnaceae

Grass

110. Heteropogon contortus Choranth Poaceae

111. Saccharum munja Munj Poaceae

112. Vetiveria zizanioides Khus-khus Poaceae

Bamboo

113. Dendrocalamus strictus Bans Poaceae

3.5.5 Ecological Analysis of Floral species in the project area

Dominant families recorded in the study area according to decending order are

Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Mimosaceae, Anacardiaceae,

combretaceae, Rhamnaceae, verbenaceae and Poaceae. The families with their

number of species in the study area are depicted in Table 3.5.2

Table 3.5.2 - Dominant Families in Study Area

Sr. No. Family No of Species

1. Fabaceae 11

2. Rubiaceae 10

3. Caesalpiniaceae 8

4. Mimosaceae 6

5. Anacardiaceae 5

6. Combretaceae 5

7. Rhammnaceae 5

8. Verbenaceae 4

9. Poaceae 4

10. Asclepidiaceae 3

11. Lilliaceae 3

12. Sterculiaceae 3

13. Moraceae 3

14. Meliaceae 3

15. Apocynaceae 3

16. Euphorbiaceae 3

17. Lytheraceae 2

18. Rutaceae 2



Sr. No. Family No of Species

19. Bignoniaceae 2

20. Arecaceae 2

21. Sapindiaceae 2

22. Burseraceae 2

23. Laminaceae 1

24. Malvaceae 1

25. Nyctanthaceae 1

26. Alangiaceae 1

27. Flacourtiaceae 1

28. Uritiaceae 1

29. Borangiaceae 1

30. Simaroubaceae 1

31. Cochlospermaceae 1

32. Artocarpaceae 1

33. Anonaceae 1

34. Araliaceae 1

35. Ebenaceae 1

36. Sapotaceae 1

37. Tiliaceae 1

38. Bombraceae 1

39. Dipterocarpaceae 1

40. Salicaeaea 1

41. Zingibraceae 1

3.5.5.1 Density, Frequency, Dominance and Importance Value Index

The following parameters are calculated on the basis of the survey, data

collected from the field and from different government offices like District Forest

office, Fishery Department, Agriculture Department.

For floral community parameters i.e. values of density per ha, relative density,

frequency, relative frequency, dominance, relative dominance, and importance

value index for most dominance flora are presented in Table no. 3.5.3.

Total density of all plant species present within North Karanpura Block is 508/ ha

for trees, 666/ ha for shrubs and 1044 / ha for herbs. The dominant tree species

listed with high importance value indices are Shorea robusta (26.89),

Buchanania lanzan (9.53), Madhuca indica (9.13), Anogeissus latifolia (7.54)

Terminalia coriacea (7.28) Butea monoserma (5.69) Most dominant shrubs are



Hyptis suaveolens (17.38), Calotropis gigantia (13.91), Woodfordia fruticosa (

10.83), Lantana camera (8.97),Vitex negundo (8.83)and in case of herbs, Cassia

tora ( 34.34), Syzygium neyneanum(27.28), Anotis calycina (25.24) .

Table 3.5 .3 - Floristic Characteristic of Dominant Flora in North Karanpura

Block

Sr.

No. Name of Species D/ha RD F RF Dm R Dm IVI

Tree

1. Anogeissus latifolia 36 7.08 0.6 8.333 0.072 7.228 7.549

2. Buchanania Lanzan 44 8.66 0.8 11.11 0.088 8.835 9.535

3. Butea monosperma 22 4.33 0.6 8.333 0.044 4.417 5.693

4. Careya arborea 24 4.72 0.4 5.555 0.048 4.819 5.033

5. Garuga pinnata 26 5.11 0.4 5.555 0.052 5.220 5.298

6. Lannea coromandelica 28 5.51 0.6 8.333 0.056 5.622 6.489

7. Madhuca indica 34 6.69 1 13.88 0.068 6.827 9.136

8. Ougeinia oojeinesis 28 5.51 0.4 5.555 0.056 5.622 5.563

9. Sapindus mukorossi 36 7.08 0.4 5.555 0.052 5.220 5.954

10. Shorea robusta 168 33.07 1 13.88 0.337 33.73 26.89

11. Terminalia arjuna 28 5.51 0.4 5.555 0.056 5.622 5.563

12. Terminalia coriacea 34 6.69 0.6 8.333 0.068 6.827 7.284

Shrub

1. Asparagus recemosus 42 6.30 0.4 6.451 0.063 6.306 6.354

2. Agave americana 42 6.30 0.4 6.451 0.063 6.306 6.354

3. Calotropis gigantea 96 14.41 0.8 12.90 0.144 14.41 13.91

4. Hyptis suaveolens 120 18.01 1 16.12 0.180 18.01 17.38

5.

Holarrhena

antidysenterica 46 6.90 0.6 9.677 0.069 6.906 7.830

6. Lantana camara 68 10.21 0.4 6.451 0.102 10.21 8.957

7. Sida cordifollia 84 12.61 1 16.12 0.126 12.61 13.78

8. Vallaris solanacea 36 5.40 0.4 6.451 0.054 5.405 5.754

9. Vitex negundo 56 8.40 0.6 9.677 0.084 8.408 8.831



Sr.

No. Name of Species D/ha RD F RF Dm R Dm IVI

10. Woodfordia fruticosa 76 11.41 0.6 9.677 0.114 11.41 10.83

Herb

1.

Alysicapus

bupleurifolius 80 7.662 0.4 4.545 0.076 7.662 6.623

2. Anotis calycina 336 32.18 1 11.36 0.321 32.183 25.243

3. Syzygium heyneanum 368 35.24 1 11.36 0.352 35.249 27.287

4. Cassia tora 182 17.43 6 68.18 0.174 17.432 34.349

5. Swertia angustifolia 78 7.471 0.4 4.545 0.074 7.471 6.495

*D/ha – Density per hectare * RD – Relative Density *F –Frequency

*RF- Relative frequency * Dm – Dominance * R Dm – Relative dominance

3.5.6 Fauna Assessment

3.5.6.1 Mammals

The status of wildlife holds good in general. According to the collected data

Leopard are much more common & frequently visit the town of Hazaribagh.

Each year they kill large number of cattles, but they rarely attack human beings

unless provoked. Bears are not numerous & belong to sloth variety. Hyaenas are

fairly numerous. Jackals & foxes (also narrated by local people) are common as

there is abundant food over the greater part of the district in the form of

feathered game & wild fruits. Wild boars are numerous & cause to agricultural

damage during agricultural period. While wild dogs causes a lot of damage to

other animals. Hares are common (Table 3.5.4).

Study area doesn’t comprise any wildlife sanctuary. However Hazaribagh wildlife

sanctuary is present, which is more than 25 km away from study area. This

sanctuary is almost like an oasis where wild animals are found in abundance.

3.5.6.2 Reptiles

Garden lizards and Indian chameleon were observed in every sampling station.

In snakes krait, rat snake and cobra is noted during personal interviewing with

local peoples. The list is given in Table 3.5.4.



3.5.6.3 Avifauna

The vegetation of the study area supports a variety of avi-fauna. The House

Crow (Corvus splendens) is the most common of the Indian birds found in the

district. There are also the Babblers going about in pairs or in-groups on the

ground or in low bushes. Two varieties are common (i) the jungle babbler and (ii)

the common babbler or the Rat bird. House sparrow (passer domesticus) is

found in most places where there are human habitations. The Indian blue rock

pigeons are seen all over the plains & agriculture fields.

Other common avifauna observed in study area is depicted in Table 3.5.4.

3.5.6.4 Fishery

According to the information collected from the Fishery Department Ranchi. The

species of fish, which are found in the study area, are Rohu (Labeo rohita),

Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala), & Kalbasu while Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys melitrix), Grass Carp (Ctenepharynageden

idella) and Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) (exotic carps). The wild varities

are like Magur (Clarias batrachus), Singhi (Heteropneustes fossilis), Chittal

(Noptoterus Chitala), Murrels (Ophicephalus striatus), Taki (Channa Punctatus),

Koi (Anabas testudinius).

According to the information obtained from the Directorate of Fisheries by Mr

Ravi Shankar the study area comprising of 60 % seasonal tank. Most of the

tanks are smaller due to undulating geographical area. Fishing was carried out in

early morning by 6.00am & in the late night. Drag nets, grill nets, cast nets &

some local traps. During rainy season stocking was carried while in reservoir

continuous was carried out, while in tanks fishing was actively carried out in

winter season.

3.5.6.5 Animal Husbandry

Study area includes mostly urban area, cattle wealth is of great importance to

the economy of the study region especially in agriculture (Table 3.5.4). Every

farmer usually has at least a cow or buffalo and a pair of bullocks, which perform

a variety of functions, chief among them being ploughing, harrowing, and

carrying bullock-carts, agricultural implements etc. Agriculture is not mechanized



to an appreciable extent. Goats and Buffaloes are used mainly for milking

purpose. Hen & pig rearing is also carried out as side business.

Livestock rising is an economic activity persuaded by certain sections of

community, who have made grazing and breeding of livestock as their traditional

occupation. Livestock has proved to be a very valuable asset to the farmers. It

provides them with the draught power required for cultivation, and an additional

means of supplementing their income.

3.5.6.6 Endangered & Vulnerable Animals

A comprehensive central legislation namely Wild Life (Protection) act was

enforced in 1972. This law provides protection to wild animals and for matters

related to their ancillary or incidental death.

The mammals like leopard (Panthera pardus) and sloth bear (Melursus ursinus)

are included in Schedule II of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 wheras langur

(Presbytis entellus) and Jackal (Canis aurcus), Rhesus macaque (Macaca

mulatta) are included in Schedule II of Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

In reptile Indian python (Python molurus) is included in Schedule I of Wildlife

Protection Act 1972 and in avifauna, no species are included in Scheduled

Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

Table 3.5.4: List of Fauna of study area

Sr. No. English Name Scientific Name

Reptiles

1. Garden lizard Calotes versicolor

2. Indian chameleon Chameleon zegylanicus

3. Indian cobra Naja naja

4. Indian python Python molurus

5. Krait Bungarus spp.

6. Rat snake Ptyas mucosus

Birds

7. Babbler Turdoides spp.




8. Bee-eater Merops spp.

9. Blue rock pigeon Columba livia

10. Bulbul Pycnonotus spp.

11. Common Indian night jar Caprimulgus asiaticus

12. Common kingfisher Alcedo atthis

13. Crow pheasant Centropus sinensis

14. Cuckoo Cuculus spp.

15. Drongo Dicrurus spp.

16. Hoopoe Upupa epops

17. House crow Corvus splendens

18. House sparrow Passer domesticus

19. Jungle crow Corvus macrorhynchos

20. Jungle fowl Gallus spp.

21. Kite Milvus spp.

22. Koel Eudynamys scolopaceae

23. Magpie robin Copsychus spp.

24. Myna Acridotheres spp.

25. Partridge Francolinus sp

26. Pied king fisher Ceryle rudis

27. Redwattled lapwing Vanellus indicus

28. Roser-ringed parakeet Psittacula kramerii

29. Swift Apus apus

30. Wood pecker Picus spp.

Mammals

31. Common langur Semnopithecus entellus

32. Domestic cattle Bos taurus

33. Domestic Pig Sus domesticus

34. Hare Lepus spp.

35. Hyaena Hyaena hyaena

36. Indian fox Vulpes bengalensis

37. Jackal Canis aureus

38. Jungle cat Felis chaus

http://www.answers.com/topic/cattle

http://www.answers.com/topic/domestic-pig




39. Leopard Panthera pardus

40. Mongoose Herpestes spp

41. Rhesus macaque Macaca mulatta

42. Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus

43. Wild boar Sus scrofa

44. Wild dog Canis lupes

Source: Wildlife Division, Hazaribagh

3.5.7 Aquatic Ecology

Establishment of biological status of an aquatic ecosystem is an essential pre-

requisite to assess the impacts of existing as well as proposed developments in

the surrounding region. The best indicators of environmental quality for a

particular environmental condition are the biological species, viz. phytoplankton.

With a view to conserve the environmental quality and safety of natural flora and

fauna, studies on biological aspects of the ecosystem is of priority in an

environmental impact assessment study. These parameters serve as an

inexpensive and efficient indicator of aquatic eco. system health for the presence

of these indicator organisms depend on physico-chemical characteristics of

water such as pH, Conductivity, Nutrients, BOD, Alkalinity etc. and also type of

water body viz. canal/rivers, lakes, and sea.

Sampling Procedure

Sampling was done according to the parameters considered for the present

study of above referred communities. They are Phytoplankton cell count,

Zooplankton standing stock and Macro benthic biomass and population status.

Phytoplankton

Polyethylene bucket was used for sampling surface water for the estimation of

phytoplankton cell count. Samples were preserved in Lugol's iodine.

Total of 05 Class observed in the study area listed in the Table 3.5.5 and

Shannon-Wiener Diversity index is given in Table 3.5.6. Bacillariophyceae is

dominating genera in almost all the ponds sampled and having higher side

diversity in all the seasons (Pre Monsoon, Post Monson and in winter) as per the



scale of the Shannon-Wiener Diversity index given below. All other species of

pond A, B, C, D, and E are found in medium diversity or have medium impact of

pollution (SWDI<1 - Indicates maximum impact of pollution or adverse factor,

between 1-2 - Indicates medium impact of pollution or adverse factor and

SWDI>1 - Indicates lowest impact of pollution or adverse factor).

Table 3.5.5 - Dominant Class of Phytoplankton in Study Area

Class Species

Yxophyceae

Microcystics (colony)

Anabaena Sp.

Oscillatoria sp.

Merismopedia sp.

Tetrapedia sp.

Coelosphaerium (Colony)

Nostoc

Lyungbya aestuarii

Rivularia minutula

Gomphosphaera Wichurae

Hlorophyccae

Ankistradesmus sp.

Scenedesmus sp.

Microspora sp.

Pediastrum sp.

Actinastrum sp.

Selenastrum sp.

Ophiocyticum sp.

Chlamydomons sp.

Volvox monanae

Chlorella Vulgaris

Spirogyra sp.

Zygnema sp.

Mougetia sp.

Closterium sp.



trthrodesmus sp.

Bacillariophyceae

Synedra sp.

Stephanodiscus sp.

Tobellaria sp.

Novicula sp.

Nitzschia sp.

Melosira sp.

Fragillaria sp.

Cymbella sp.

Amphora ovalis

Pinnularia sp.

Gomphonema sp.

Epithemia Lurgida

Cerotoneis Arcus

Synedra sp.

Desmidiaceae

Gonatozygon sp.

Docidium sp.

Clesrium sp.

Euglenophyceae

Euglena sp.

Phacus sp.

L.texla

Astatia sp.

Lepocynclis Ovum

*Data is from the study conducted by Prof. P K Mishra, Dept. of Botany, V.B University, Hazaribag in 2012.



Table 3.5.6 – Phytoplankton Diversity Index (Shannon-Wiener Diversity index) in Study Area (2012)

Pond -A Pond -B Pond -C Pond -D Pond -E

Index SW -DI SW -DI SW -DI SW -DI SW -DI

Phytoplankton Pre

mon

Post

mon

Winter Pre

mon

Post

mon

Winter Pre

mon

Post

mon

Winter Pre

mon

Post

mon

Winter Pre

mon

Post

mon

Winter

yxophyceae 0.63 1.13 1.14 1.42 1.38 1.38 1.23 0.24 1.21 1.09 0.67 0.63 1.38 1.40 1.24

hlorophyccae 2.07 2.06 1.95 1.62 1.35 1.49 0.89 2.06 1.85 1.65 2.08 1.93 1.24 1.42 2.03

Bacillariophyceae 2.17 2.32 2.30 1.80 1.94 2.07 1.47 2.04 1.64 1.88 2.32 2.21 1.66 1.80 1.94

Desmidiaceae 0.69 1.09 1.08 0.38 0.52 0.61 ----- 0.58 0.43 0.62 1.03 1.03 1.03 0.49 0.49

Euglenophyceae 1.48 1.48 1.44 1.58 1.60 1.59 1.57 1.60 1.58 1.45 1.29 1.39 1.58 1.60 1.53

*SW-DI in bold numbers is showing higher diversity or has least effect of pollution. Scale for Shannon-Wiener Diversity index

SW-DI Range

Indication

<1 Indicates maximum impact of pollution or adverse factor

1-2 Indicates medium impact of pollution or adverse factor

>2 Indicates lowest impact of pollution or adverse factor



Plate 1 – Sal forest in the study area.

Plate 2 – Patches of Madhuca indica in the study area.



Plate 3 – Dendrocalamus strictus (Bamboo) present in the study area.



3.6 Socio-economic Environment

The study of socio-economic component of environment is incorporating various

facets viz. demographic structure, availability of basic amenities such as

housing, education, health and medical services, occupation, water supply,

sanitation, communication and power supply, prevailing diseases in the region.

The study of these parameters helps in identifying, predicting and evaluating the

likely impacts due to project activity in that region.

3.6.1 Baseline Status

The survey has been carried out with the help of a pre-designed set of

questionnaires. Adult male and female representing various communities were

interviewed on judgmental or purposive basis data on following parameters has

been collected for the study region.

Demographic structure

Infrastructure resource base

Economic attributes

Health status

Aesthetic attributes

Socio economic status

Awareness and opinion of the people about the project

The data is generated using secondary sources viz. Census Records, District

Statistical Abstract, Official Document and Primary Sources.

3.6.2 Demographic Structure

The highlights of demographic structure of the study area in which information

on population, employment, household, literacy, community structure, and the

summarized information is presented in below. The demographic details have

been abstracted from Primary Census Abstract-2011 of Jharkhand obtained

from Office of Registrar General India, New Delhi.



The salient features of the rural study area are as follows:

Total percentage of population living in rural area is 84.12%

Sex ratio i.e. no. of female per thousand male is 954 which

indicates that females are less in number than male counterpart

in the rural area.

Percentage of Scheduled Caste is 18.7% and that of Scheduled

Tribe is 7.4% in the rural area


Percentage of employed people in the study area is 37.7% while

the Non worker population is quite higher in the region which is

about 62.3%

The salient features of the urban study area are as follows:

Sex ratio i.e. no. of female per thousand male is 912 which

indicates that females are less in number than male counterpart

in the study area.

Percentage of Scheduled Caste is 11.10% and that of

Scheduled Tribe is 5.2% in the study area


Percentage of employed people in the study area is 27.60%

while the Non worker population is quite higher in the region

which is about 72.40%



Figure 3.7.1: Employment Pattern in Rural Area

Figure 3.7.2: Employment Pattern in Urban Area

Non Working 62.26%

Marginal Worker 18.87%

Main Cultivator Workers6.50%

Main Agricultural Workers2.50%

Main Household Workers0.47%

Main Other Workers 9.41%

Main Workers18.87%

Non Working 72.39%

Marginal Worker 4.35% Main Cultivator Workers

0.41%

Main Agricultural Workers0.41%

Main Household Workers0.55%

Main Other Workers 21.90%

Main Workers24%



3.6.3 Socio-economic Survey

Socio-economic survey was conducted with the help of predesigned tool to

measure the socio-economic status of the people in the study area.

The salient socio-economic features observed under the study are:

Most of the families use collected forest produces for their self-

consumption and some others sale these forest products in the

market for economic gain.

Most of the people in study area use firewood and Kerosene as

the main source of fuel for cooking purpose.

Average literacy level among the people is about 55.37% in

which Male are approximately 33.06% are literate and Among

women in the study area, literacy level is 22.32%, as the

educational facilities available in the study area are very poor.

Almost villages do not have communication and transportation

facilities. Road conditions are very poor. There is no bus facility

available in the interior villages.

Medical facilities available in the area are very poor. Lack of

drainage and control of mosquitoes nuisance, have resulted in

higher prevalence of malaria in the area, especially during rainy

season.

Electricity facility is available in few villages but mostly villages

are not electrified. Frequently people in the region are facing

power cut problem.

Mostly, people in the region are having the kaccha and mud

houses

Total percentage of working population of the area is

approximately 39.65% in which male are 24.44% and female are

about 15.11% which is again very less



Awareness and opinion of the people about the project

For the assessment of awareness about the project activities and

opinion about it, following salient observations were recorded:

Respondents opined positively about the proposed exploratory

drilling project activity

People in the region expect job opportunities and improvement

in educational, transportation and sanitation facility from project

authority

CHAPTER IV– ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES


4.0 General

Several scientific techniques and methodologies are available to predict impacts

on physico-ecological environment and socio-economic environment.

Mathematical models are the best tools to quantitatively describe the cause and

effect relationships between sources of pollution and different components of

environment. In case, it is not possible to identify and validate a model for a

particular situation, predictions could be arrived at based on extrapolations

In this chapter, analysis is given on:

Identification of project activities that could beneficially or adversely

impact the environment

Prediction and assessment the environmental impacts of the such

activities

Examine each environmental aspect-impact relationship in detail and

identify its degree of significance

4.1 Air Environment

Impacts on the air environment shall be temporary due to very short period and

time bound nature of exploratory drilling work.

A number of sources in onshore oil and gas drilling which may have potential

impacts on air quality are:

Emissions from DG sets used during drilling of well;

Flaring of gases primarily during the testing phase which may contribute

to additional emissions.

Emissions from vehicular movement;

For the purpose of impact predictions on air environment emission

sources can be classified into point and area sources. There are no area

sources considered for the purpose of predictions. The point sources identified

are diesel generator sets at drilling sites.



4.1.1 Diesel Engines/ Generator Sets

Two nos. of DG sets will be in operation 24 hours a day during drilling operation.

Emissions from the generators will consist of mainly CO2 and water, and contain

traces of NOx, SO2 and suspended particles. The concentration of SO2 in the

emitted gas will depend on the fuel source. Since diesel contains very low

sulphur, using diesel as fuel will lead to very very low SO2 emissions.

For the purpose of impact predictions on air environment emission sources can

be classified into point and area sources. There is no area sources considered

for the purpose of predictions. The point sources identified during drilling activity

are diesel generator sets, Rig Engine and Mud Pump Engine at drill sites. There

will be two DG sets (stack height 3.5 m) at drill site for power supply at the range

of 292 KW/350 KVA. 1.8 KL of diesel will be consumed per day. These will be

in operation for 24 hours a day. Emissions from the generators will consist of

mainly NOx, CO2, traces of SO2 and suspended particles. Since diesel contains

little sulphur, using diesel as fuel will lead to low SO2 emissions. The levels of

NOx emission will be less than 0.2 g/sec (@ 6.6 kg/T of diesel). There will be

rise in ground level concentration of NOx within the drill site for a short period by

10-15 g/m3. The NOx levels beyond 1 km will be less than 10 g/m3. The

baseline status indicates NOx ground level concentration as less than 30 g/m3

which is much below the permissible limit of 80 g/m3.

4.1.2 Fugitive Emissions

Volatile chemicals and fuel are stored at the site. Fugitive emissions may

emanate from these, if not properly handled with due care. However, such

emissions will not disperse widely and can only affect workers health at site.

4.1.3 Flaring of Gas

Emissions are expected during temporary well flaring in the event gas is

discovered during drilling of well. A test flare (stack height 30 m) in the event of a

gas discovery will burn about 2000 m3 gas. It has been estimated using model

ISCST that maximum of 60 µg/m3 of NOx would result as GLC during 30 minutes

of flaring.



During operation phase, routine emissions from gas extraction are not envisaged

as gas will be separated from water and dispatched to consumer in the region. In

the event of failure in distribution network, the inventory will be flared till the wells

are closed. A scenario generated for test flaring will also be valid for emergency

flaring as gas well can be closed in 30 minutes.

The impacts due to area source that can be envisaged is seepage of methane to

the surface, if not properly trapped that can result into danger of fire and

explosion. Methane in air gets oxidized and forms carbon dioxide, a well-known

useful greenhouse gas. Secondary pollutant formations in the air phase and on

particulate matter when inhaled bring about carcinogenicity in living organisms.

However as methane trapped in coal bed at a depth of 1000-1100 m is not likely

to surface as it will be channeled through proper extraction process thereby

minimizing the impact.

During short period of site preparation mechanical shovels and earth movers will

be used for site clearance, cut and fill and other site leveling activities. These

activities could generate dust particles. However, impacts will be temporary and

be confined to the site by implementation of proper measures.

Table 4.1.1 Composition of Gas for North Karanpura CBM Block

Components Sample for Well (Vol. %)

Nitrogen 1.12

Carbon Dioxide 1.31

Methane 97.09

Ethane 0.45

Propane 0.01

Iso-Butane Nil

n-butane Nil

Helium 0.01

Hydrogen Nil

Gross cal. Value, Kcal/m3 8835.00



Net. cal. Value, Kcal/m3 79.55.51

Sp. Gravity 0.5744

4.1.4 Vehicular Pollution

Emission from Vehicles will principally arise during transportation of construction

materials and drilling rig equipment. Vehicles used at site will be PUC certified

hence the effect will be reduced to some extent.

4.2 Noise Environment

For hemispherical sound wave propagation through homogenous loss free

medium, one can estimate noise levels at various locations due to different

sources using model based on first principle.

Lp2 = LP1 -20 Log (r2 /r1) - Ae1,2 (1)

Where Lp1 and LP2 are sound levels at points located distance r1 and

r2 from the source Ae1,2 is the excess attenuation due to environmental

conditions. Combined effect of all the sources then can be determined at various

locations by logarithmic addition.

The impact of noise generated by the drilling on the general population is

expected to be insignificant. On the basis of expected noise levels calculated

through standard attenuation model, it is observed that the noise levels in the

region would be within the standard limits (IS: 4954). The increase will only be

marginal in comparison to the existing noise levels.

The averaged equivalent sound power level of such a point source can be

estimated by measurements of noise levels at approximately 50 meters in

different directions from a hypothetical source by applying equation:

Lp = Lw - 20 log r- Ae-8 (2)

Where, Lw is sound power level of the source, Lp is sound pressure level at

distance r and Ae is the environmental attenuation factor. The noise level at

different location can be calculated using equation (2) for averaged equivalent



noise source. The asymmetry of the source gets masked in this model due to

working approximation, but it is allowable for distant receptors (>1 km).

When a mechanical rig is in operation at its maximum efficiency, the drilling

platform (derrick) can be assumed as the location of the hypothetical source of

noise at the drill site where maximum noise levels are recorded (95 dBA).

Further the noise levels recorded in various directions at distance 50 m can be

used for estimation of magnitude of the average noise equivalent source. As

environmental attenuation, particularly due to air absorption and

crops/grass/shrubs cannot be neglected the levels will work out to be less by 7

to 10 dBA depending on the nature of vegetation, relative humidity and

frequency of the noise. Therefore average noise levels at about 1 km from the

drilling rigs would be around 37-44 dBA. The overall background noise levels

would increase by 3-4 dBA and 2-3 dBA during day and night time respectively

due to drilling operations. Deployment of electrical rigs would minimize the noise

levels and impact can be minimized.

Day night sound level, Ldn is often used to describe community noise exposure

which includes 10 dBA night time penalties. As per WHO recommendations

there is no identified risk in damage of hearing due to noise levels less than 75

dBA (Leq 8 hrs). Most of the international damage risk criteria for hearing loss

permit Leq (12 hrs) up to 87 dBA. Further, WHO recommendations for

community noise annoyance, permits day time outdoor noise levels of 55 dBA

Leq, and night time outdoor noise level of 45 dBA Leq to meet steep criteria i.e.

Leq (24 hrs) = 52.2 dBA and Ldn = 55 dBA.

The damage risk criteria for hearing, as enforced by OSHA (Occupational Safety

& Health Administration) to reduce hearing loss, stipulates that noise level up to

90 dBA are acceptable for eight hours exposure per day. Thus it can be inferred

here that there will be no impact related to noise environment.

4.3 Water Environment

The baseline status of water environment for ground water quality is fairly good.

All physical, inorganic, organic, nutrient, and demand parameters are well within



the limits specified by ISI for drinking water. Hence, the water status in the

present condition is safe for drinking. Groundwater quality in the area is found to

be highly mineralized in some of the locations that might be due to the

dissolution of minerals in the groundwater. However could be used for drinking

purpose after chlorination.

No significant impact on surface and ground water water quality are envisaged

due to proper discharges of CBM Produced Water if properly treated as the

baseline status show low dissolved solids, total hardness, chloride, sulphate,

sodium, potassium and nutrients.

4.3.1 Ground Water

Ground water is an environmental parameter that could be affected by the

drilling activities. Potential impacts on the ground water arising from drilling

activities are:

4.3.1.1 Effect on Ground water regime

The compaction of the working areas for setting up heavy machineries and

equipment’s like the rig may lead to increased runoff and reduced infiltration,

thereby affecting subsurface groundwater recharge at local level. This can affect

local users, who are still dependent on ground water for various needs.

However, the drilling operation being a temporary activity will not become a

cause of permanent loss to ground water recharging. Hence, the effect on the

groundwater regime will not affect water availability of the area by drilling

operation.

4.3.1.2 Contamination of Subsurface Groundwater

Possibility of subsurface groundwater contamination from site drainage or

accidental spillage of fuel, lubricants and chemicals from storage areas, vehicles

and machineries is always there, if they are not properly designed or maintained.

Contamination of subsurface Ground water is least in the case of CBM

operations as there no crude oil handling takes place. Only Methane gas is

transported into the pipes at very low pressure @ 2-3 kg



4.3.2 Produced Water

Water production rates for coalbed methane wells are variable, even for closely

spaced wells in the same basin. The volume of produced water will depend on

geologic features, formation permeability, completion methods, and the size of

the pumps used. There are seven coalbed methane wells at present in the block,

one out of which is abandoned. From CBM wells water is produced throughout

the life of the well along with production of gas, quantity may vary from 13-15

m3/d per well in initial phase and reduces to 5-10 m3/d in later phases of CBM

Production. Life of the CBM well is expected to be15-25 years. The produced

water during production testing is allowed to evaporate naturally from the

evaporation pit and also consumed for the in-house activities like Drilling fluid

preparation, hydro fracturing (Aprox – 350KL/Job) of coal seams,

4.3.2.1 Produced Water Quality

Data on 46 produced water samples from 6 wells are available till now. Table-6

and

Table-7 indicate that TDS range from 341 mg/L to 1583mg/L with average

values being in the range of 455-1353mg/L (Fig.-3). TDS values of North

Karanpura CBM block are lower than the prescribed limit of 2100mg/L.

Concentration of sodium, though much lower than those of Jharia and Bokaro

CBM blocks, are marginally higher than the prescribed limits of 60mg/L and are

in the range of 25-470mg/L. Other parameters as per standard are lower than

the prescribed limits except fluoride with average concentration in the range of

1.56- 4.9mg/L, are marginally higher than the standard prescribed limit as

observed for waters of Jharia and Bokaro CBM blocks.

Change in TDS concentrations in North Karanpura CBM block have been plotted

for

wells NK#1, 4 6 and 7 (Fig 4.3.1). In these wells too gradual decrease (-18-20%)

of TDS concentrations with time of water production has been observed for both

the wells. This is true for all the wells in the block.



Sampling Date

18.0

5.20

11

22.0

6.20

11

08.0

7.20

11

01.0

2.20

12

24.0

2.20

12

18.0

4.20

12

15.0

5.20

12

30.0

7.20

12

07.0

8.20

12

30.1

0.20

12

TD

S,

mg/l

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400 NK#1

NK#4

NK#6

NK#7

Fig 4.3.1: Change of TDS values of Wells NK#1, 4, 6 and 7 of North

Karanpura Block

4.3.3 Drilling Wastes

The wells are drilled using mixture of water and bentonite as drilling fluid. The

drilling fluids are used in drilling for cleaning of well bore and cooling of bit. Drill

fluids will carry the cuttings to the surface. The fluid and cuttings are carried

through the surface casing by a steel flow line and directly back into circulating

tanks. The fluid then passes through shale shaker and desilter which separate

cuttings as the fluid travel back to the pump. Fresh water is added to make up

for volume loss as well bore depth increase. The wastewater will flow to waste

pit (5-10 m3/d).



The drill cuttings containing some portion of silt and sand along with bentonite

particles will be stored in waste pit at drill site. The quantity of drill cuttings

expected per day are 0.6-1m3 (0.7-1.2 T/d) and would vary depending on the

drilling depth achieved in a day. Total drill cuttings expected from 1100 m deep

well, with two casing programme will be around 45m3. Drill site waste pit will be

designed in such fashion that the fluid will remain at least two feet below the top

of the pit wall or dyke. Seepage from the pit will be prevented by providing 10

mm impervious lining to the pit. After a well is completed all fluids and

recoverable slurry from the pit will be safely disposed in accordance with rules

and regulation.

In view of the above, impact due drill site wastewater on nearby by surface and

groundwater resources is not envisaged.

4.4 Land Environment

In order to predict the environmental impacts due to drilling mud reject pits and

emergency produced water impoundments, laboratory studies were carried out

by simulating field conditions. The studies included investigation of leaching

potential of possible hazardous constituents from these two sources.

Subsurface soils were collected from the block and experiments for

investigations of leaching potential of drilling mud and produced water were

carried out in laboratory. Since pH and alkalinity can directly affect the solubility

of many parameters, especially the metals, the comparison of the two gave

some indications of the mobility of the metals. Generally solubility of metal

decreases with increase in pH and increase in buffering capacity. On application

of the drilling mud and produced water on soils under study, this was found to be

true as soils were alkaline in nature. The transportation of ions revealed that Na,

Cl and metals would tend to be slightly elevated in subsurface soils close to the

mud pits or emergency produced water impoundments, however, most

parameters will not migrate any significant distance away from the

disposal/temporary storage facilities. Na, Cl were the only ions to show definite

vertical migration through subsurface soils, specific conductance was used as

the characteristic of zones with elevated ions.



The studies further revealed that amendment of drilling mud with subsurface

soils also increases its water holding capacity and cation exchange capacity.

Thus, drilling muds could benefit vegetative production. This could be attributed

to the fact that the drilling muds are by design impermeable suspensions of clays

which form an even more impermeable contact surface between the mud and

native soils. Beside this, the polythene of 10 mm thickness is also being used as

base of mudpits to prevent leaching if any.

As a result of these characteristics, the potential for leaching of constituents from

mud pits is hypothetically negligible. In mud pits migration of constituent will be

dominated by surface runoff rather than by percolation of precipitation downward

through the relatively impermeable drilling mud clays.

4.5 Biological Environment

The impacts due to drilling and operation of gas wells in this region will not

cause any adverse impacts on flora and fauna as the vegetation identified in the

study area is in the form of sparse vegetation cover for grass, herb, shrub and

trees. For fauna in the study area, the insects, animals and birds are

encountered. All form the commonly encountered species, evenly distributed

throughout India. The flora and fauna is scantily distributed in and around the

area of proposed CBM wells. The density, diversity, frequency and abundance of

all species of flora (as herb, shrub, and trees) and fauna falling in the study area

is very low. Further there is no exotic, endangered threatened and rare species

enlisted on observable and identified species of flora and fauna in this region.

A marginal impacts would be due to dry and wet deposition coupled with SOx,

NOx along with methane if detected in air will get hydrolysed and deposit on leaf

surface. The impact on plants and animal by methane in air is negligible.

However, the combined effects of vehicular emission, dust and other operational

emission by drilling activities for methane exploration and extraction of gas in

this region will marginally affect the plant physiology. However, the impact by

methane in air to plants and animals is hardly experienced.



4.6 Socio-economic Environment

Critically analyzing the baseline status of the socioeconomic profile and

visualizing the scenario within the proposed project, the impacts of the project

would be of varied nature.

Positive Impacts

The Positive impacts identified from proposed project are described below:

Increase in job opportunities operational phase for the qualified and

skilled as well as unqualified and unskilled people in the study area

There may be development of infrastructural facilities due to proposed

drilling project in the region like road network, power, water supply etc.

It would also result in the appreciation of land values around these

areas

The civil amenities like medical facilities, market, education, sports and

cultural activities are likely to improve in the study area

The gas explored by drilling can be used as a domestic fuel. It will fulfill

the demand of the country for oil and gas

Many auxiliary and ancillary industries may develop due to the

proposed developmental project activity

Negative Impacts

The culture of the tribal people may be disturbed due to the

development activities.

Local people cannot take direct benefits of product of drilling

Disturbance to human and wildlife, due to the vehicle and drilling

equipment can create noise pollution in operation phase if proper

abatement measures are not adopted

Change in the local socio-economic environment due to increased

activities

CHAPTER V -ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN


5.0 General

The EIA for the CBM developmental drilling programme has identified a number

of impacts that are likely to arise during site preparation, drilling, well testing and

demobilization. The EIA has examined hydrogeological, biophysical and socio-

economic effects of the proposed CBM developmental drilling programme, from

site clearance, preparation of the drilling sites, drilling, testing through to

abandonment, demobilization, restoration and also for production phase when

gas/water will flow from wells.

Where adverse impacts have been identified, the EIA has examined the extent

to which these impacts would be mitigated through the adoption of industry

standard practice and guidelines and following local legislative requirements.

The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) describes good practice measures

both in general and site specific, the implementation of which is aimed at

mitigating potential impacts associated with the pilot exploratory drilling

programme for CBM extraction and production.

The EMP provides a delivery mechanism to address potential adverse impacts,

to instruct contractors and to introduce standards of good practice to be adopted

for all project works. The EMP can be developed into a standalone document

covering each stage of the exploratory drilling programme.

For each stage of the programme, the EMP lists all the requirements to ensure

effective mitigation of every potential hydrogeological, biophysical and socio-

economic impact identified in the EIA. For each impact, or operation which

could otherwise give rise to impact, the following information is presented:

a comprehensive listing of the mitigation measures

the parameters that will be monitored to ensure effective implementation

of the action

the timing for implementation of the action to ensure that the objectives

of mitigation are fully met



The EMP comprises a series of components covering direct mitigation and

environmental monitoring, an outline waste management plan and a drilling site

restoration plan during drilling as well as operation phase.

5.1 Drilling Phase

The exploratory drilling programme has been designed to avoid or minimise

impacts to the environment and local communities wherever practicable. Where

residual impacts remain, which may have moderate or significant effects on the

environment, mitigation measures have been prescribed in this EIA which will

either reduce the impact to an acceptable level or adequately offset it. The EMP

covers the waste management plan, classification of wastes generated during

drilling operation, disposal options and waste mud and drill cuttings disposal

plan.

5.1.1 Environment Protection and Reclamation Plan

i. Construction activities will be coordinated in consultation with

landowners to reduce interference with agricultural activities

ii. Terrain disturbance would be within the acquired land only and in

dry weather conditions necessary control of dust during excavation,

leveling and transportation will be effected using dust suppressing

equipment

iii. Topsoil will be stripped below plough depth from the well site and

stored on the site. The depth of stripping will be on the basis of site

specific soil survey. Topsoil will also be stripped from and stored

adjacent to any new access

iv. The topsoil pile will be seeded with grass to prevent soil erosion

and weed invasion

v. If required for rig stabilization the well site will be temporarily

padded with granular fill

vi. The drill site would be provided with sufficient and suitable sanitary

facilities and these will be connected to well designed and

maintained septic tanks



vii. Combustible wastes generated would be burnt in a controlled

manner or disposed off in an approved dump site

viii. Hazardous materials such as petroleum, spirit, diesel lubrication oil

and paint materials required at the site during construction activities

would be stored and disposed as per safety norms

ix. To ensure that the local inhabitat are not exposed to the hazards of

construction the site would be secured by fencing and manned

entry posts

x. It would be ensured that both gasoline and diesel powered

construction vehicles are properly maintained. The vehicle

maintenance area would so located that the contamination of

surface/soil/water by accidental spillage of oil/diesel will not take

place and dumping of waste oil will be strictly prohibited

xi. All irrigation canals and ditches encountered by the proposed well

site access and well site will be maintained in a fully functional state

xii. No Construction material, debris will be left on site

5.1.2 Plan for Well Site Operation and/or Abandonment

i. In the event the well is successful the well site will be reduced to

approximately 30m x 30m for the production phase and all non-

essential areas will be fully reclaimed.

ii. If the well becomes operational the site will be monitored and kept

in a weed free state. Weed control will be achieved through either

mechanical control or strategic and responsible application of an

appropriate herbicide.

iii. In the event the well is unsuccessful the well bore will be cement

plugged, the casing will be cut-off below grade, all other facilities

will be removed and any non-native fill material will be removed.

iv. Any contaminated soils (eg. by accidental spills of fuel, lubricants,

hydraulic fluids, saline produced water) will be treated on site or if



necessary, be removed from the site to an appropriate landfill for

further bioremediation.

v. Subsoil compaction will be relieved by scarifying, all topsoil will be

evenly replaced and the site will be seeded or planted to former

crop in consultation with the land owner.

vi. Any newly constructed access will be fully reclaimed unless

specifically requested to do otherwise by the landowner.

vii. Any irrigation ditches diverted to accommodate a well site will be

realigned to their pre-well site configuration in consultation with the

landowner.

5.1.3 Environmental Management Plan

5.1.3.1 Air Environment

It is recommended that all equipment’s are operated within specified

design parameters during construction and operational phases.

Any dry, dusty materials (chemicals), muds etc. shall be stored in sealed

containers.

DG Sets should be properly maintained and flare stack height should be

30m so as to minimize impacts on ground level concentration of NOx.

Well testing (flaring) to be undertaken only if required and for minimum

duration through careful planning and using high combustion efficiency,

smokeless flare/ burners, so as to minimize impact of emission.

Availability of valid pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC)shall be

ensured for vehicles used on site.

5.1.3.2 Noise Environment

It is recommended that while deploying major noise generating equipment

such as diesel generators etc. it should be checked that all mufflers are in

good working order and that the manufacturers have taken the normal

measures for minimizing the noise levels.



Noise barriers/shields in the form of well berm should be provided around

the units wherever possible. Use of ear muffs/plugs and other protective

devices should be provided to the workforce in noise prone areas.

Enclosures around noise sources may be provided depending on the size

of the unit.

Wherever generator noise occurs in proximity to human settlements,

sound deadening barriers must be provided.

Preventive and predictive maintenance of machines and vehicles is to be

carried out to reduce the noise levels;

All noise generating operations, except drilling is to be restricted to

daytime only to the extent possible;

Personnel Protective Equipments (PPE) like ear plugs/muffs is to be

given to all the workers at site and it will be ensured that the same are

wore by everybody during their shift;

5.1.3.3 Water Environment

Wastewater generated during drilling operations would be around 5-10 m3/d and

150-200 m3 per well. Wastewater characteristics would be of varied nature and

likely to contain soil particulate matter.

The effluents (wastewater) generated during drilling operations are

recommended to be collected in lined waste pits to avoid groundwater

contamination.

The wastewater is solar evaporated and the residual material on

completion of well is removed and disposed in accordance with prevailing

rules.

The pit will also be designed in such a fashion that there will not be any

possibility of wastewater spills from waste pits to surrounding areas.

The produced water from the CBM wells of North Karanpura Block will be

used for inland application (however, it is recommended that disposal

option of produced water should be reviewed on regular interval as the



produced water quality may change during the life of the CBM well). The

life of the CBM well is approx. 15 – 25 years.

Proper care will be taken so that the ground water aquifers does not get

contaminated due to leak in the HDPE lined pit;

Best engineering technique will be adopted during drilling operation jobs

like cementation job and installation of casing etc. so that drilling fluid

does not contaminate the ground water.

5.1.3.4 Land Environment

Soils in the region have moderate infiltration rates amenable to groundwater

pollution. Considering this fact and moderate ground water quality, every

precaution would be taken to avoid spillages of chemicals on soils to avoid any

deterioration of groundwater quality and danger to soil microbial populations in

soils which are sensitive to hydrocarbon.

Solid non-degradable wastes will be disposed in designated disposal

sites. Such sites shall be identified in consultation with the Jharkhand

Pollution Control Board.

The earth cuttings generated at drill site will be mostly inorganic in nature

and can be used either for land filling or road making. These solids could

be collected and transported to the identified sites. If this is uneconomical

separate drying pits may be made at a corner of drill site.

Necessary efforts will be made during selection of drill site to minimize

disruption to existing land use pattern to the extent possible;

Necessary restoration efforts will be made during decommissioning and

site closure to restore the site back to its original condition to the extent

possible;

Proper restoration of site will be carried out to bring the physical terrain,

soils and vegetation, as closely possible, to their original condition;

On completion of works (in phases), all temporary structures, surplus

materials and wastes will be completely removed till 1m below the

surface;



Temporary new approach roads can be constructed and existing roads

can be improved, if required, for smooth and hassle free movement of

personnel as well as materials and machineries;

Optimization of land requirement through proper site lay out design will

be a basic criteria at the design phase;

The drill cuttings (approx. 40 – 45 m3 per well) are mostly inorganic in

nature and may be used either for land filling or road making.

Drill cuttings could be collected in lined pit at site and after solar dry shall

be covered with top layer of soil which was stacked at site during site

preparation as per MOEF notification dated 30th August 2005, Sr. No. C

Point No. 1.

5.1.3.5 Socio-economic Environment

Programs for environmental education and public participation may be

developed with the help of audio visual aids to create awareness about the

activities. Certain welfare measures be implemented for the benefit of local

population. Employment opportunities should also be considered for local

population. Exclusive Development Programe under Corporate Social

Responsibility scheme should be taken in the area of project to generate the

employment for the people of the area.

In order to mitigate the adverse impacts likely to arise out of construction

activities, it is required that there be a well-planned EMP for the smooth

commissioning and functioning of the project. Some of the key issues which are

identified through evaluation of the baseline status will be addressed before

commencing project work. Keeping this in view the following measures are

suggested to avoid undesirable impacts in the future.

Suggestions are given below:

Protection of persons against dust emissions during construction and

transportation activities

During construction/drilling activity, local people should be given

preference regarding jobs in skilled and semi-skilled categories on

temporary basis



People loosing their land are against cash compensation at

government rate. Therefore, compensation should be agreed with

landloosers before arriving at amount to be disbursed

A waste disposal plan should be chalked out to mitigate adverse

impacts on agriculture and human health

Welfare activities including rural medical facilities and higher education

facilities should be considered in the area

Communication with the local community, landloosers should be

institutionalised to get local people into confidence, so as to avoid any

unpleasantness amongst local people in future

For social welfare activities to be undertaken by the project authorities,

collaboration should be sought with the local administration, gram

panchayat etc. for better co-ordination

5.1.4 Waste Management Plan

The waste management plan (WMP) covers disposal of all wastes with further

reference to offsite disposal of those wastes, which cannot be dealt with on-site.

The objectives of the WMP are:

To provide the drilling contractor with the necessary guidance for the

reduction and appropriate management of wastes generated on the

drilling site;

To comply with all current Indian environmental regulations;

To meet industry standards on waste management and control and;

To prevent occurrence of any environmental degradation within the

locality due to waste handling

5.1.5 Waste Mud & Drill Cuttings Disposal Plan

This section details recommendations and proposals for isolation, containment

and disposal of drilling fluid and drill solids from the exploratory drilling. The

strategy recommended provides for maximum protection of the environment

from any potential adverse impact of the drilling fluid and cuttings.



The well depth will be maximum 1200 metres. The drilling fluid and cuttings

generated will be placed in secured polyethylene propylene lined landfill sites

and pits.

5.1.6 Drilling Site Restoration Plan

Upon completion of drilling, the rig and crew will demobilize from the site. All

equipment’s and debris will be removed and the site will be returned to an

acceptable condition including re-vegetation (compensatory afforestation) as

required.

Special care will be taken with solidification and sealing of the cuttings pit to

ensure that there is no leaching of contaminants into the surrounding soils and

that the fluid pit is buried to sufficient depth as not to interfere with existing land-

use.

All constructed access roads will be reinstated to their original condition or a

state agreed with the state authorities.

If a commercial discovery is made, the site will be restored to a standard

acceptable to the state authorities and consistent with future land-use.

5.2 Operation Phase

5.2.1 Water Environment

The major issue during production phase is the utilization or disposal of

produced water. The produced water quality indicates that it meets inland water

quality standards.

To manage the produced water from the wells the following options are

suggested.

4.6.1.1 Produced Water Disposal

Followings are the three options for disposal CBM produced water:

1) Direct Land Application: Applying produced water directly to the land

involves moving water from the well to a nearby area of vegetation via a

buried flow line, and dispersing the water on the ground with a sprinkler. The

applicability of this method is dependent on the chemistry of the groundwater



and the water quality standards for irrigation. In areas where this method has

been used extensively, the standards for its use are that the produced water

contains less than 2000 mg/l Total Dissolved Solids, and the water must be

applied in such a way that there is no soil erosion runoff into nearby streams.

If the produced water is within standards, this method would be effective in

agricultural areas where irrigation water is needed. In the event of use of this

water for irrigation a positive boost to agriculture activity is envisaged.

In order to comply with onland water quality standards, the operator is

required to monitor the produce water in regular intervals throughout the life

of the CBM wells. Coalbed methane water is piped from individual wells to a

central treatment pond. Typically, treatment involves a settlement pond.

Aeration treatment oxidixes the water and separates suspended solids, it

increases dissolved oxygen levels and reduces dissolved iron and other trace

metals (if present). Settlement reduces the amount of Total Suspended solids

(TSS). Fig. 4.2 represents the general layout of water disposal.

2) Controlled Discharge into Streams: This is the disposal method of choice

in most CBM regions where a river is present. This option is not applicable

here as no stream is passing from nearby the wells.

3) Disposing Water in Disposal Wells: This procedure is used in areas where

no surface streams are available or where flow is insufficient to assimilate

produced waters year around. This method is dependent on the presence of

deeper formations that exhibit sufficient porosity and permeability to accept

the necessary volumes of produced water. In some of the major CBM

developments of the U.S. most formations are of low permeability and,

therefore, not suitable for injection. Injection wells (minimum depth- 1000m)

are substantially more expensive than surface disposal methods.

Option considered by ONGC is method no. 1 i.e the direct land application

technique. The produce water quality characteristics with respect to different

parameters viz. total dissolved solids, chlorides, sulphate, fluoride and heavy

metals as given in chapter 3 are within the limits prescribed for inland

application.



5.2.2 Land Environment

The produced water from the drilling wells if found to be having high sodicity /

alkalinity/ Sodi-alkalinity values, the following treatment should be given to the

produced water before discharging into soil.

Soils high in salt and / or sodium may limit crop yields. Salt-affected soils may

contain an excess of water-soluble salts (saline soils), exchangeable sodium

(sodic soils) or both an excess of salts and exchangeable sodium (saline-sodic

soils). Periodic soil testing and treatment, combined with proper management

procedures, can improve the conditions in salt-affected soils that contribute to

poor plant growth.

Salinity and Sodium Determination Salinity is measured by conducting an

electrical current through a soil solution made from a soil sample. The ability of

the solution to carry a current is called electrical conductivity and is measured in

decisiemens per meter (dS/m) (equivalent to old measure of millimhos per

centimeter). The lower the salt content of the soil, the lower the dS/m rating and

the less effect on plant growth.

Saline soils often can be reclaimed by leaching salts from the plant root

zone. Saline soils contain large amounts of water-soluble salts that

inhibit seed germination and plant growth. The salts are white,

chemically neutral and include the chlorides, sulfates and sometimes

nitrates of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium.

Sodic soils often can be reclaimed by replacing soil sodium with calcium

by adding a calcium-based soil amendment. Sodic soils respond to

continued use of good irrigation water, good irrigation methods and

good cropping practices.

Sodic soils are high in exchangeable sodium. The clay particles in the soils

attract and hold cations (positively charged atoms). Desirable cations in the soil

include calcium, magnesium, potassium and ammonium. These cations readily

interchange with one another. However, sodium also can occur in soils and

replace desirable cations.



Sodic soils are hard and cloddy when dry and tend to crust. Water intake usually

is poor, especially in soils high in silt and clay. The pH (acidity-alkalinity value) of

the soil usually is high, often above nine, and plant nutritional imbalances may

occur.

Saline-sodic soils contain large amounts of salts as well as high

exchangeable sodium. If excessive salts are present as well as

excessive sodium, the physical condition of the soil and water intake

may be satisfactory, but plant growth may be restricted.

Crop yields are not significantly affected where the salt level is 0 to 2

dS/m. A level of 2 to 4 dS/m restricts some Crops. Levels of 4 to 5 dS/m

restrict many Crops and above 8 dS/m restricts all but very tolerant

Crops.

Exchangeable sodium in a soil is reported as the Sodium Absorption

Ration (SAR). This is a unitless ratio of the amount of cationic (positive)

charge contributed to a soil by sodium to that contributed by calcium

plus magnesium. An SAR value below 13 is desirable. Above 13,

exchangeable sodium can cause soil structure deterioration and water

infiltration problems.

5.3 Environmental Monitoring Program

Monitoring is one of the most important components of a management system.

Continuous monitoring needs to be carried out for regulatory permit

requirements, environmental effects and performance of EMP implementation.

Monitoring indicators have been developed for each of the activity considering

the mitigation measures proposed. Indicators have been developed for

ascertaining the performance of the EMP implementation through Environmental

Indicators (EI’s) which focus not only on quantifying or indexing activity-

environment interactions that may potentially impact the environment but at the

same time also help in comparing different components of environmental quality

against previously established baseline values. Monitoring results would be to be



documented, analyzed and reported internally to Drilling Supervisor and HSE

Coordinator.

Monitoring requirements, Monitoring parameters, Period and Frequency of

monitoring have been presented in the Table 5.1.1.

The table also categorizes each indicator presented according to the project

phase in which they have to be monitored under the following categories:

Disturbance to Local Environment

Disturbance to Local Communities

Global Environmental Problems

Resource Consumption

Waste Generation

Benefits to the Local Population

Each indicator has been tagged with an EI number (Refer Table 5.1) in order to

establish the linkage between the suggested mitigation measures and the

proposed monitoring framework.

Table 5.1.1: Environmental Monitoring framework

EI. No.

Environmental Indicator (EI)

Monitoring Parameter

Location Period & Frequency

A : DESIGN AND PLANNING

A.1 Proximity of

vulnerable

environmental

habitat

Distance between

the drill site and

vulnerable

environmental

habitat

N. A. Once in project

lifecycle

A.2 Proximity of

nearest habitation

Distance between

the drill site and

nearest habitation

Site Once in project

lifecycle

A.3 Location and Size

of Land Leased

Number of land

owners affected


lifecycle



Total area leased

for all the drill sites

(Ha)

A.4 Present Crop

Cycle

Crop period

(in months)


lifecycle

A.5 Approval /

Authorisation of

quarries

Validity of the

Approval /

Authorisation

Quarry Once in project

lifecycle

A.6 Landuse Landuse Type Borrow Area Once in project

lifecycle

A.7 Haul Routes Distance of quarry /

borrow area from

project site

Condition of haul

road

Quarry /

Borrow Area

Once in project

lifecycle

A.8 Borrowing period Number of rainy

days within the

borrowing period

Borrow Area During site

planning

A.9 Terrestrial

Habitat/Vegetation

Cover

Number of matured

trees to be felled

Distance of borrow

areas from

protected areas

Borrow Area During

identification of

borrow areas

A.10 Emissions during

flaring

Height of flare

stack

Location of flare

stack with respect

to campsite and

habitations

Site

A.11 Compliance of Air

standards

% of machinery

and equipment

meeting source

Site always



emission standards

A.12 Compliance of

Noise standards

% of machinery

and equipment

meeting source

emission standards


lifecycle

A.13 Hazardous / Toxic

Drilling Chemicals

List of Hazardous/

Toxic Drilling

Chemicals to be

used in Drilling

Project


lifecycle

A.14 Chemical and fuel

storage

Area of chemical

and fuel storage

Area made

impervious around

such storages

Height of chemical

and fuel storage


lifecycle

A.15 Terrestrial Habitat

/ Vegetation

Cover

Species Diversity

Index

Borrow Area During

identification of

borrow areas

B : APPROACH ROAD & SITE DEVELOPMENT

B.1 Topsoil Area occupied for

topsoil storage/

Area planned for

topsoil storage

Height of topsoil

stockpile

Site Weekly during

site preparation

B.2 Fugitive emission

of dust during site

preparation

Visual observation

of dust in air by

haziness

Site &

approach

roads

Daily during site

preparation

B.3 Air emissions from

vehicles and

SPM, NOx, SOx,

CO, HC) based on

Exhausts Twice in project

lifecycle Daily



machineries emission factors

Visual observation

of emissions (black

signifying more

pollution) % of

vehicles

possessing valid

PUCC Certificates

Contractor

Selection,

Case-to-case -

if considerable

emissions

observed during

operations

B.4 Night time

operations of

vehicles &

machinery

Hours of operation

during night time

Site &

approach

road

Daily during site

preparation

B.5 Noise emissions

from vehicles and

machineries

Noise pressure

level in dB(A) near

noise sources (5m)

Site &

approach

road

Daily during site

preparation

B.6 Subsoil

Compaction

Visual observation

of compacted area

/ trampled

vegetation / crops

Adjacent to

Site &

approach

roads

Daily during site

preparation


of dust during

material transport

Visual observation

of dust in air by

haziness

Transport

route

Daily during site

preparation

B.8 Servicing

schedule for

vehicles

Percentage of

vehicles not

complying with the

servicing schedule

Site &

approach

road

Monthly during

site preparation

B.9 Supervision of

movement of

heavy vehicles

within site

Number of vehicles

reported with

movement outside

platform area and

access road

Site Daily during site

preparation




of dust during

material handling

and storage

Visual observation

of dust in air by

haziness

Near

stockpiles

and

storages

Daily during the

entire project

life-cycle

B.11 Spilled

Chemicals/Oil

Area of Spill /

Quantity Spilled /

Severity of Spill /

Characterization of

Spilled Substances

for Contaminants

(Heavy Metals,

Toxics, etc.)

Storage & Disposal

Details (Qty,

Method)

At storage

point within

site

As and when

spills occur

B.12 Soil Fertility Fertility parameters

like pH, NPK ratio,

Total Carbon, etc.

Site &

adjacent

areas

Once before

site preparation

B.13 Quality of water Visual observation

Analysis of

Parameters as per

CPCB Use-class

Nearby

Nalla, canal

Daily during site

and road works

Monthly during

site and road

works

B.14 Ambient Air

Quality

Visual observation

Odour/smell (NOx)

Measurement of

SPM, RPM, SOx,

NOx, CO, using

HVS

At

Surrounding

receptor

points

Daily site and

road works

Monthly during

site and

road works



B.15 Ambient noise

quality

Hearing / perception

Measurement of

Noise Pressure

Level in dB(A)

At

surrounding

receptor

points

Daily site and

road works

Monthly site and

road

works

B.16 Condition of

Natural Habitats

(forests etc.)

Visual observation

of signs of visible

pollution /

degradation

Nearby

forests

around

borrow

areas

Monthly site and

road works

B.17 Consultation with

villagers

Number of

consultations with

villagers regarding

selection of

alternate foot track

access to

agricultural fields

Number of

consultations with

villagers regarding

site restoration

Inhabitants

of nearest

settlement

Twice in project

lifecycle Once in

project lifecycle

B.18 Local labor force Number of

temporary land

losers (or their

family members)

employed in project

activities

Nearby

settlements

Once in project

lifecycle

C : DRILLING & TESTING ACTIVITY



C.1 Gaseous pollutant

emissions from

DG Set

Pollutant

concentrations in

gaseous emissions

and maintenance

parameters (air,

fuel filters & air-fuel

ratio) of DG sets

influencing air

emissions Visual

observation of

exhaust smoke

characteristics

Emission rates of

PM, NOx, SOx,

CO, HC based on

emission factors

DG Stack Monthly during

drilling & testing

Daily during

drilling & testing

For the entire

project life-

cycle period

C.2 Noise emission

from DG Sets

Noise pressure

level in dB(A)

Near noise

sources

(5m)

Regularly (day

& night)

C.3 Noise emission

from rig

Noise pressure

level in dB(A)

Number of cases of

workers not using

PPE

Near noise

sources

(5m) Site

Regularly (day

& night) Case-

to-case basis

C.4 Ground water

usage

Daily withdrawal

rate

Site Daily

C.5 Noise emission

during mud

preparation

Noise pressure

level in dB(A)

Near noise

sources

(5m)

Regularly (day

& night)

C.6 Waste from

Spillage

containment

Mass generated in

kg Storage &

disposal details

At storage

point within

site

Daily during

entire life-cycle

of project



(qty, method)

C.7 Noise emissions

from vehicles

Noise pressure

level in dB(A)

Near

vehicles

Case-to-case :

only if high

noise is noticed

C8 Spilled

Chemicals/Oil

Area of Spill /

Quantity Spilled /

Severity of Spill /

Characterization of

Spilled Substances

for Contaminants

(Heavy Metals,

Toxics, etc.)

Storage & Disposal

Details (Qty,

Method)

Site As and when

spills occur

C9 Fugitive emission

of cement dust

during handling

and storage

Visual observation

of cement dust in

air by haziness

Near

stockpiles

and

storages

Daily during the

entire project

life-cycle

C.10 Runoff from

temporary storage

areas

Supervision of

functioning of

conduits / drains

channelising runoff

into the waste pit

Site Fortnightly

during drilling

phase

C.11 Engineering

control at the

disposal site

Supervision of

waste disposal at

the on-site final

disposal site

Final

Disposal

Site

Fortnightly

during drilling

phase

C.12 Runoff from final

disposal site

Supervision of

functioning of

garland drains

Final

Disposal

Site

Fortnightly

during drilling

phase



C.13 Waste Oil and

Lubricants

Volume of waste

generated in it

Storage & disposal

details (qty,

method)

At storage

point within

site

Daily during

entire life-cycle

of project

C.14 Spent batteries Numbers, size

Storage & disposal

details (qty,

method)

Authorisation of

waste recyclers of

spent batteries

At storage

point within

site

Daily during

entire life-cycle

of project

C.15 Metallic, packing,

scrap waste

Mass generated in

kg Storage &

disposal details

(qty, method)

At storage

point within

site

Daily during

entire life-cycle

of project

C.16 Emissions from

Flaring

Total CO, Non-

Methane

Hydrocarbons,

NOx emission

estimates based on

emission factors

Flare Stack Twice during

well testing

C.17 Domestic Solid

Waste

Mass of waste

generated in kg

Storage & disposal

details (qty, method

and frequency)

At storage

point within

site

Daily during

entire life-cycle

of project



C.18 Sewage (Black,

grey water)

quantity & quality

Volume estimate

Basic pollutant

parameters (pH,

solids, COD)

All parameters as

per Consent to

Operate

At discharge

point

Daily during the

project

life-cycle

For every batch

of wastewater

discharge

Monthly during

the project

life-cycle

C.19 Waste water

quantity & quality

(Process water)

Volume estimate

Basic pollutant

parameters (pH,

solids, COD)

All parameters as

per Consent to

Operate

At discharge

point

Daily during the

project life-cycle

For every batch

of wastewater

discharge

Monthly during

the project life-

cycle

C.20 Air emissions

from vehicles

PM, NOx, SOx,

HC) based on

emission factors

Visual observation

of emissions % of

vehicles

possessing valid

PUCC Certificates

Exhausts Twice in project

lifecycle

Daily

Contractor

election, Case-

to-case if

considerable

emissions

observed during

operations

C21 Fugitive emission

of dust during

material transport

Visual observation

of dust in air by

haziness

Near

transport

routes

Daily during the

entire project

life-cycle

C.22 Servicing

schedule for

Percentage of

vehicles not

Site &

approach

Monthly during

drilling phase



vehicles complying with the

servicing schedule

road

C.23 Evacuation

Procedures

Arrangements for

safe shelters,

evacuation routes

and vehicles

Nearby

villages /

camp

site workers

Once during

drilling phase

C1 Ambient Air

Quality

Visual observation

Odour/smell

Measurement of

PM10, SOx, NOx,

CO, and HC

At

surrounding

receptor

points

Regularly

C2 Ambient noise

quality

Hearing /

perception

Measurement of

Noise Pressure

Level in dB(A)

At

surrounding

receptor

points

Regularly

C3 Groundwater

Quality

Analysis of

Parameters as per

IS10500

Nearby

wells

Regularly

C4 Quality of water Visual observation

Analysis of

Parameters as per

CPCB Use-class

Nearby

Nalla, canal,

Regularly

D : DECOMMISSIONING / CLOSURE

D.1 Noise pressure

level in dB(A)

Near noise sources

(5m)

Site &

Approach

road

Daily during

decommissioning

D.2 Decommissioning

waste

Mass generated in

kg Storage &

disposal details

(qty, method)

At storage

point within

site

Daily during

entire life-cycle

of project



D.3 Spilled

Chemicals/Oil

Area of Spill /

Quantity Spilled /

Severity of Spill /

Characterization of

Spilled Substances

for Contaminants

(Heavy Metals,

Toxics, etc.)

Storage & Disposal

Details (Qty,

Method)

Site As and when

spills occur

D.4 Air emissions

from vehicles

SPM, NOx, SOx,

CO, HC) based on

emission factors

Visual observation

of emissions (black

signifying more

pollution)

% of vehicles

possessing valid

PUCC Certificates

Exhausts Once in project

lifecycle Daily

Contractor

Selection, Case-

to-case-if

considerable

emissions

observed during

operations

D.5 Fugitive emission

of dust during

transport of

drilling facilities

Visual observation

of dust in air by

haziness

Near

stockpiles

and

storages

Daily during the

entire project life-

cycle

D.6 Fugitive emission

of dust during

excavation of

raised platform

Visual observation

of dust in air by

haziness

Near

stockpiles

and

storages

Daily during the

entire project life-

cycle



D.7 Site restoration Visual observation

of :

Clearing of

decommissioning

waste Leveling of

site Relaying of top

soil Regeneration

of top soil

Site Daily during

decommissioning

D1 Ambient noise

quality

Hearing /

perception

Measurement of

Noise Pressure

Level in dB(A)

At

surrounding

receptor

points

Daily during

decommissioning

Monthly after

decommissioning

till 10 years

D2 Quality of water Visual observation

Analysis of

Parameters as per

CPCB Use-class

Nearby

Nalla, canal

Daily during

decommissioning

Monthly after

decommissioning

till 10 years

D3 Ambient Air

Quality

Visual observation

Odour/smell (NOx)

Measurement of

SPM, RPM, SOx,

NOx, CO, using

HVS

At

surrounding

receptor

points

Daily during

decommissioning

Monthly after

decommissioning

till 10 years

D4 Soil Fertility Fertility parameters

like pH, NPK ratio,

Total Carbon, etc.

Site &

adjacent

areas

Once after site

restoration

ANNEXURE


Annexure –I: Coordinates of Blocks wherein Exploratory Drilling is

proposed

Latitude Longitude

Deg Min Sec Deg Min Sec

A 23 51 26 85 0 36

B 23 51 23 85 3 1

C 23 52 42 85 2 59

D 23 52 46 85 5 49

E 23 53 41 85 5 3

F 23 53 38 85 6 28

G 23 53 41 85 8 28

H 23 53 54 85 8 10

I 23 53 45 85 9 26

J 23 53 58 85 9 9

K 23 53 47 85 10 43

L 23 54 7 85 10 18

M 23 53 41 85 11 46

N 23 54 19 85 11 3

O 23 54 55 85 10 14

P 23 54 54 85 11 21

Q 23 54 31 85 12 7

R 23 54 19 85 12 16

S 23 53 55 85 12 56

T 23 52 46 85 13 45

U 23 52 43 85 13 40

V 23 51 28 85 14 41

W 23 51 30 85 16 17

X 23 51 28 85 17 9

Y 23 51 6 85 17 9

Z 23 50 32 85 17 22

a 23 50 5 85 17 44

b 23 49 30 85 18 41

c 23 49 25 85 18 32

d 23 49 6 85 19 7

e 23 49 6 85 17 50

f 23 48 54 85 18 29

g 23 48 39 85 19 39

h 23 48 13 85 20 34

i 23 47 55 85 20 28

j 23 47 48 85 20 35

k 23 47 28 85 20 14

l 23 47 42 85 19 58

m 23 47 36 85 19 47

n 23 47 11 85 19 48

o 23 46 47 85 19 30

p 23 47 23 85 17 47

q 23 46 30 85 16 48

ANNEXURE


r 23 46 29 85 16 45

s 23 46 15 85 16 34

t 23 45 35 85 16 41

u 23 45 30 85 17 11

v 23 45 15 85 17 11

w 23 45 17 85 17 38

x 23 45 6 85 17 55

y 23 44 50 85 17 25

z 23 44 32 85 16 51

A' 23 44 28 85 15 56

B' 23 44 52 85 14 38

C' 23 45 8 85 14 11

D' 23 45 2 85 11 28

E' 23 45 29 85 11 25

F' 23 46 3 85 12 9

G' 23 46 32 85 12 34

H' 23 46 27 85 13 4

I' 23 46 58 85 13 36

J' 23 48 2 85 14 7

K' 23 48 22 85 13 56

L' 23 48 44 85 13 14

M' 23 48 52 85 12 28

N' 23 48 38 85 12 3

O' 23 49 8 85 11 50

P' 23 49 15 85 11 32

Q' 23 49 23 85 11 32

R' 23 49 32 85 12 14

S' 23 49 45 85 12 15

T' 23 49 55 85 11 53

U' 23 49 55 85 11 7

V' 23 49 36 85 10 29

W' 23 48 47 85 10 34

X' 23 48 49 85 9 47

Y' 23 49 26 85 9 19

Z' 23 49 51 85 8 22

a' 23 49 51 85 7 53

b' 23 49 32 85 7 38

c' 23 49 36 85 6 13

d' 23 49 22 85 5 11

e' 23 49 23 85 4 19

f'' 23 49 11 85 4 29

g' 23 49 3 85 3 59

h' 23 48 38 85 4 22

i' 23 48 30 85 4 51

j' 23 48 20 85 3 24

12 23 48 18.95 85 3 22.58

11 23 48 23.46 85 3 20.48

10 23 48 40.82 85 3 17.94

ANNEXURE


9 23 48 52.52 85 3 21.84

8 23 48 8.13 85 3 27.75

7 23 49 21.77 85 3 31.60

6 23 49 29.51 85 3 31.40

5 23 49 37.15 85 3 27.01

4 23 49 48.21 85 3 1.54

3 23 49 53.20 85 2 23.63

2 23 49 52.23 85 1 39.57

1 23 49 51.03 85 0 37.71

ANNEXURE


Annexure –II: ONGC Periodic Medical Examination Policy

Manpower in the organization is the most important resource and maintaining

their health is vital for productivity and effectiveness. As such, promotion of

health of employees in the widest sense has become a high priority goal for the

organization. ONGC has formulated a policy (effective from 5th July 2007) on

Periodic Medical Examination (PME), some important features of which are

detailed below:

Type of PME Employees to be

covered

Periodicity

General PME Employees upto 45 years

of age

5 Years

Employees in age group

of 46 to 55 years

3 Years

Employees in age group

of 56 years and above

2 Years

Specific PME Employees having

hazard based profiles

2 Years

Intermediate PME On need basis – upto

10% of employees

examined in a particular

year

Every Year

PME will be conducted in two stages

Laboratory tests either in-house or at empanelled lab/diagnostic center.

Clinical examination including interview, which will include physical

parameters, spirometry, audiometry tests, flexibility test (P4), physical

evaluation of male field personnel, interview to fill in the personal and

family history sheets, psychological evaluation etc.

Procedure

Medical Officer (Occupational Health) will record the pertinent findings in

Periodic Medical Profile and simultaneously in Occupational Health

ANNEXURE


System. He will record these findings in a register also which is required

to be maintained in compliance with the provisions of Indian Factories

Act.

MO (OH) will issue form ‘O’ required under the provisions of Mines Act

1952, certifying the fitness of field employees to the concerned Sectional

Head and the individual. A copy of the said document will also be kept in

record at the Occupational Health Center.

ANNEXURE


Annexure III: Corporate Environment Policy of ONGC

ANNEXURE


Annexure IV: Corporate HSE Policy of ONGC

ANNEXURE


Annexure V: TOR Issued by MoEF for NK CBM Block

ANNEXURE


ANNEXURE


ANNEXURE


Annexure VI: Water Balance Diagram

Domestic

Soak Pit

ANNEXURE


Annexure VII: Topographic map of the North Karanpura CBM Block

ANNEXURE


Annexure VIII: List of Accredited Consultant Organizations

ANNEXURE


Annexure IX: Environmental Clearance Exploratory Drilling

Payaa-varNa evaM vana maM~alaya Government of India

Ministry of Environment & Forests (IA Division)

Paryavaran Bhawan CGO Complex, Lodhi Road

New Delhi – 110 003 E-mail: [email protected]

Telefax: 011: 2436 3973

F. No. J-11011/960/2007- IA II (I) Dated: 14th November, 2008

To, Shri K. P. Balaraman, SE (P) In-Charge-HSE-CBM M/s Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC)

CBM-Development Project, HSE Section 41, J.L. Nehru Road, Kolkata-700071

Email: [email protected] Sub: Expansion of Exploratory Drilling for coal bed methane in north Karanpura CBM

block (NK-CBM-2001/1) in Jharkhand by M/s ONGC – Environmental Clearance regd.

Sir, This has reference to letter no. ONGC/CBM/HSE/KOL/7(4)/2007 Dated 10th September, 2008along with EIA/EMP report received from you on the above mentioned subject seeking environmental clearance under the provisions of EIA Notification, 2006 2.0 The Ministry of Environment and Forests has examined your application. It is noted that M/s ONGC Limited have proposed for expansion of exploratory drilling for coal bed methane in north Karanpura, CBM block (NK-CBM-2001/1) in Jharkhand. The area of the block is 340.54 km2. M/s ONGC have earlier drilled 9 bore wells and 2 exploratory wells. It is proposed to drill 5 pilot wells (1successful well from Phase-I carried forward to phase-II as pilot well). The wells will be drilled up to the depth of 1000m-1500 m. About 30 m x 30 m of area for the well site will be kept during the production phase. In the event, the well is un-successful the well bore will be cement plugged. Water based low solid polymer mud will be used as a drilling fluid. 127m3 of drilling fluid per well will be used. 3.0 About 800m3/day of water per well will be used. The source of water is usually bore well or tanker from the nearby river. Two DG set will be installed for supply of power at the drilling location. The waste water generated during drilling operations will be 5-10 m3/day which will be collected in lined waste pit and solar evaporated. Produced water may vary from 3-5 m3/day and will be used for inland application. However, disposal of produced water will be reviewed on regular intervals as its quality may

mailto:[email protected]

ANNEXURE


-2- change during the life of the CBM well. The drill cuttings (45 m3 ) generated at drill site will be used for road making or for land filling. Other solid waste generation during the drilling activities will be paper, wood, plastic, metal canes, glass jars, organic kitchen refuse, paints, solvents, lubricating oil, batteries and incinerator ash etc. The main source of air emissions will be from the DG set at well site. Emissions are also expected during temporary well flaring in the event gas is discovered during drilling of well. The air emissions from DG set will be controlled by providing stack of adequate height. 4.0 The project activity is covered in 1(b) and is of “A” Category under the Schedule of EIA Notification 2006. The Expert Appraisal Committee(Industry) in its 86th meeting held on 20-22 October, 2008 recommended the proposal for environmental clearance. Public hearing of the project was exempted as per para 7(ii) of EIA Notification, 2006 5.0 Based on the information provided by the project proponent, the Ministry of Environment and Forests hereby accords environmental clearance to the above project under the provisions of EIA Notification, 2006 subject to strict compliance of the following Specific and General Conditions.

A. SPECIFIC CONDITIONS:

i. The company shall comply with the guidelines for disposal of solid waste, drill cutting and drilling fluids for onshore drilling operation notified vide GSR.546(E) dated 30th August, 2005.

ii. The company shall pay compensation for acquisition of private land as per the

Central Government/State Government norms. The compensation to be paid to the land loser shall not be less than the norms/package as per the Policy on National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Rules, 2007.

iii. The company shall monitor data on methane and non-methane hydrocarbons and

data submitted to the Ministry.

iv. The drilling shall be restricted to the mine free area. The company shall use water based drilling mud.

v. The surface facilities shall be installed as per applicable codes and standards,

international practices and applicable local regulations.

vi. The top soil removed wherever suitable shall be stacked separately for reuse during restoration process.

vii. Drilling waste water including drill cuttings wash water shall be collected in

disposal pit lined with HDPE lining evaporated or treated and shall comply with the notified standards for on-shore disposal.

viii. The Company shall take necessary measures to prevent fire hazards and soil

remediation as needed. At place of ground flaring, the flare pit shall be lined with refractory bricks and efficient burning system shall be provided. In case of overhead flare stacks, the stack height shall be provided as per the norms to minimize gaseous emissions and heating load during flaring.

-3-

ix. The produced water during drilling operations shall be collected in the lined waste pits to prevent ground water contamination. The water shall be treated to the

ANNEXURE


prescribed standards before disposal. The treated produced water shall be used for irrigation, pisci-culture and ground water recharge etc.

x. To prevent underground coal fire, preventive measures shall be taken for ingress

of ambient air during water withdrawal inside the coal seams by adopting technologies including vacuum suction. Gas detectors for detection of CH4 and H2S shall be installed

xi. The Company shall take necessary measures to reduce noise levels at the drill

site by providing mitigation measures such as proper acoustic enclosures to the DG set and meet the norms notified by the MoEF. Height of all the stacks/vents shall be provided as per the CPCB guidelines.

xii. Provision shall be made for the housing for the construction labour within the site

with all necessary infrastructure and facilities such as fuel for cooking, mobile toilets, mobile sewage treatment plant, safe drinking water, medical health care, crèche etc. The housing may be in the form of temporary structure to be removed after the completion of the project. All the construction wastes shall be managed so that there is no impact on the surrounding environment.

xiii. The Company shall take necessary measures to prevent fire hazards, containing

oil spill and soil remediation as need

xiv. The project proponent shall also comply with the environmental protection measures and safeguards recommended in the EIA /EMP / risk analysis report as well as the recommendations of the public hearing panel.

xv. To prevent well blowouts during drilling operations, Blow Out Preventor (BOP)

system shall be installed. Blow Out Prevention measures during drilling shall focus on maintaining well bore hydrostatic pressure by proper pre-well planning and drilling fluid logging etc.

xvi. Occupational health surveillance of the workers shall be carried out as per the

prevailing Acts and Rules.

xvii. The company shall take measures after completion of drilling process by well plugging and secured enclosures, decommissioning of rig upon abandonment of the well and drilling site shall be restored to near original condition. In the event that no economic quantity of hydrocarbon is found a full abandonment plan shall be implemented for the drilling site in accordance with the applicable Indian Petroleum Regulations.

xviii. In case the commercial viability of the project is established, the company will

prepare a detailed plan for development of CBM block to obtain fresh clearance from this Ministry.

-4-

B. GENERAL CONDITIONS:

i. No further expansion or modification in the project shall be carried out without prior approval of the Ministry of Environment & Forests. In case of deviations or alterations in the project proposal from those submitted to this Ministry for clearance, a fresh reference shall be made to the Ministry to assess the adequacy

ANNEXURE


of conditions imposed and to add additional environmental protection measures required, if any.

ii. The project authorities must strictly comply with the rules and regulations under

Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous chemicals Rules, 1989 as amended in 2000. Prior approvals from Chief Inspectorate of Factories, Chief Controller of Explosives, Fire Safety Inspectorate etc. must be obtained, wherever applicable.

iii. The project authorities must strictly comply with the rules and regulation with

regarding to handling and disposal of Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989/ 2003 wherever applicable. Authorization form the State Pollution Control Board must be obtained for collections/treatment/storage/disposal of hazardous wastes.

iv. The overall noise levels in and around the plant area shall be kept well within the

standards by providing noise control measures including acoustic hoods, silencers, enclosures etc. on all sources of noise generation. The ambient noise levels shall conform to the standards prescribed under EPA Rules, 1989 viz. 75 dBA (daytime) and 70 dBA (nighttime).

v. A separate Environmental Management Cell equipped with full-fledged laboratory

facilities must be set up to carry out the environmental management and monitoring functions.

vi. The project authorities will provide adequate funds both recurring and non-

recurring to implement the conditions stipulated by the Ministry of Environment and Forests as well as the State Government along with the implementation schedule for all the conditions stipulated herein. The funds so provided shall not be diverted for any other purposes.

vii. The Regional Office of this Ministry at Bhubaneswar/Central Pollution Control

Board/State Pollution Control Board will monitor the stipulated conditions. A six monthly compliance report and the monitored data along with statistical interpretation shall be submitted to them regularly.

viii. The Project Proponent shall inform the public that the project has been accorded

environmental clearance by the Ministry and copies of the clearance letter are available with the State Pollution Control Board/ Committee and may also be seen at Website of the Ministry and Forests at http:/www.envfor.nic.in. This shall be advertised within seven days of the issue of this letter in at least two local newspapers that are widely circulated in the region of which one shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned.

-5-

ix. The Project Authorities shall inform the Regional Office as well as the Ministry, the date of financial closure and final approval of the project by the concerned authorities and the date of commencing the land development work.

7. The Ministry may revoke or suspend the clearance, if implementation of any of the above conditions is not satisfactory.

ANNEXURE


8. The Ministry reserves the right to stipulate additional conditions if found necessary. The Company in a time bound manner will implement these conditions.

6. Any appeal against this environmental clearance shall lie with the National Environment Appellate Authority, if preferred within a period of 30 days as prescribed under Section 11 of the National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997. 7. The above conditions will be enforced, inter-alia under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Hazardous Wastes (Management & Handling) Rules, 1989, 2003 and the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 along with their amendments and rules.

Copy to: 1. Secretary, Department of Forest, Govt. of Jharkhand, Nepal House, Ranchi. 2. Chief Conservator of Forests, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Regional Office,

(EZ) A-3, Chandrashekharpur , Bhubaneswar-715023. 3. Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board Parivesh Bhavan, CBD-cum-Office

Complex, East Arjun Nagar New Delhi – 110 032. 4. Chairman, Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board, Office of the PCCF, Doranda,

Ranchi, Jharkhand. 5. Director (Monitoring Cell), Ministry of Environment and Forests, Paryavaran Bhavan,

CGO Complex, New Delhi. 6. Guard File. 7. Monitoring File. 8. Record File.

ANNEXURE


Annexure X: Application for Authorization of Hazardous Waste

ANNEXURE


Annexure XI: Application for Consent -2013

ANNEXURE


Annexure XII:- PEL for North Karanpura CBM Block

ANNEXURE


ANNEXURE


ANNEXURE


ANNEXURE


ANNEXURE


Annexure XII:- Hierarchical System of CBM Development Project - BOKARO

ED-NATIONAL HEAD, CBM

Head Well Services Head Drilling

Services

Head Surface

DRILLING RIG

Production

Facilities

Wells under

CBM production

In-Charge

Well Stimulation

Services

In-Charge Well Completion

&Testing Services

In-Charge Workover

Services

Wells under

Hydro-fracturing

Wells under

Testing Phase

Work Over

Rigs

REFERENCES


Cardott, B. J. (2001). Coalbed-methane activity in Oklahoma 2001. Oklahoma Coalbed-methane workshop 2001; Oklahoma Geological Survey Open-File Report 2-2001: 93-118. Jackson, M. L. (1967). "Soil Chemical analysis." Prentice Hall of India, Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi 498. Keen, B. A. and H. Raczkowski (1921). "Relation between the clay content and certain physical properties of a soil." Journal of Agricultural Science 11: 441-449. Nolan, K. A. and C. J. E (2006). Beachcomber Biology:The Shannon-Weiner Species Diversity Index. Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching. E. M.A. O'Donnell, Association for Biology Laboratory Education. 27: 334-338. Olsen, S., et al. (1954). Estimation of available phosphorus in soils by extraction with sodium bicarbonate. USDA Circular Nr 939. US Gov. Print. Office, Washington, D.C. SINGH, T. B. N. (2007). Ground water information booklet, Central Ground Water Board, Mid Eastern Region, Patna. Walkley, A. and I. A. Black (1934). "An examination of the Degtjareff method for determining organic carbon in soils: Effect of variations in digestion conditions and of inorganic soil constituents." Soil Sci. 63: 251-263.

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