No.
J-11015/261/2011-IA.II(M)
Government
of
Ministry
of Environment & Forests
Paryavaran
Bhawan,
CGO
Complex,
New
Delhi-110003.
To
Dated: 23rd
May 2012
General
Manager (E&F),
M/s
Western Coalfields Ltd.,
Coal
Estate, civil Lines,
Sub: Niljai Expansion (Deep) OC Coal Mine Project (expansion in ML area from 1346.63 ha to 1761.22
ha at the existing prod. capacity of 3.5 MTPA) of M/s Western Coalfields Ltd.,
Dist. Yavatmal,
Sir,
This is with reference to your response dated 28.02.2012
on the MOEF letter dated 27.01.2012 on the clarifications sought by the Expert
Appraisal Committee (Thermal & Coal Mining) in the meeting held on 2nd-3rd January 2012
for TOR.
The proposal was further
considered in the EAC (T&C) meeting held on 23rd-24th
April 2012. In the presentation made before the Committee, the proponent
presented details of the present and proposed expansion for the
major operational parameters. It was informed that there would be no change in
peak production capacity of 3.5 MTPA, no forestland is involved and no change
in mining method that is opencast mining by shovel-dumper combination. It was
informed that the expansion involved expansion of ML area from 1346.63 ha to
1761.22 ha and of the total additional area to be acquired, 382.34 ha is
agricultural land, 32.25 ha is Govt. land. The total estimated
|
S.N. |
Name of Project |
Coal (MT) |
|
Stripping Ratio |
|
1. |
Ukni |
9.28 |
147.24 |
15.87 |
|
2. |
Niljai |
26.36 |
326.56 |
12.39 |
|
3. |
Bellora–Naigaon |
12.25 |
122.50 |
10.00 |
It was informed that the proponent has
applied for integral mining of all the 3 mines. It was informed that Ukni would be exhausted first followed by Bellora-Naigaon and lastly,
Niljai. At a ultimate working depth of about 250m, it is proposed to
accommodate 34.14 Mm3 OB of Niljai into Ukni, which would be raised 60m above
ground level and merged with the existing
It was informed that further, for Niljai Deep OCP, sequencing of
operation of the two quarries with minimum requirement of additional land has
been examined, whereby; Q-1 is proposed to be worked first through existing
access trench. There would be no internal dumping and the entire OB of Q–I is
planned to be dumped in external
Thus, by the integration of operation of the three mines, a total
combined area of 462 ha of land has been avoided for external dumping. The
proponent presented a conceptual combined post-mining land use plan of three
integrated mines Ukni Extn,
Niljai North and South and Bellora–Naigaon for the combined total ML area of
3672.51 ha of which 2204.848 ha will be under plantation, 588.80 ha under
voids, 284.50 ha for public use, 594.362 ha undisturbed/technically reclaimed
area.
The
Committee after discussions recommended the project for TOR. The Committee
however requested the proponent to examine option of underground mining for
preparing the EIA-EMP Report for this project and in such projects whose mine
depth increases beyond 250m, especially with high stripping ratios.
Based on the application and further clarifications, and presentations
made before the EAC, the following TOR is prescribed:
(i)
The proponent shall examine
option of underground mining for preparing the EIA-EMP Report for this project
and in such projects whose mine depth increases beyond 250m, especially with
high stripping ratios, based on An EIA-EMP Report would be prepared on the incremental
impacts of Nijai expansion in ML area
from 1346.63 ha to 1761.22 ha at the existing prod. capacity of 3.5 MTPA based on the generic structure specified in Appendix III of
the EIA Notification 2006.
(ii)
Status of compliance
of earlier EC along with status of compliance of issues raised in earlier P.H.
shall be incorporated as part of EIA-EMP Report.
(iii)
An EIA-EMP Report on
the incremental impacts of Niljai expansion in ML area from 1346.63 ha to 1761.22 ha at the existing
prod. capacity of 3.5 MTPA would be prepared and
cover the impacts and management plan for the project specific
activities on the environment of the region, and the environmental quality –
air, water, land, biotic community, etc. through collection of data and
information, generation of data on impacts including prediction modelling for 3.5 MTPA
of coal production based on approval of project/Mining Plan for 3.5 MTPA.
Baseline data collection can be for any season except monsoon.
(iv)
A map specifying locations of
the State, District and Project location.
(v)
A map of the coal field and
location of the coal block on the coal field showing various land use features
such as water bodies, transportation routes, other mines and industries, etc.
(vi)
A Study area map of the core zone and 10km area of
the buffer zone (1: 50,000 scale) clearly delineating the major topographical
features such as the land use, surface drainage of rivers/streams/nalas/canals,
locations of human habitations, major constructions including railways, roads,
pipelines, major industries/mines and other polluting sources. In case of
ecologically sensitive areas such as Biosphere Reserves/National Parks/WL
Sanctuaries/ Elephant Reserves, forests (Reserved/Protected), migratory
corridors of fauna, and areas where endangered fauna and plants of medicinal
and economic importance found in the 15 km area of the buffer zone should be
given.
(vii)
Land use map (1: 50,000 scale)
based on a recent satellite imagery of the study area may also be provided with
explanatory note of the land use. Satellite imagery per se is not required.
(viii)
Map showing the core zone
delineating the agricultural land (irrigated and unirrigated, uncultivable land
(as defined in the revenue records), forest areas (as per records), along with
other physical features such as water bodies, etc should be furnished.
(ix)
A contour map showing the area
drainage of the core zone and 2-5 km of the buffer zone (where the water
courses of the core zone ultimately join the major rivers/streams outside the
lease/project area) should also be clearly indicated as a separate map.
(x)
A detailed Site plan of the mine showing the
various proposed break-up of the land for mining operations such as the quarry
area, OB dumps, green belt, safety zone, buildings, infrastructure, CHP, ETP,
Stockyard, township/colony (within and adjacent to the ML), undisturbed area
and if any, in topography such as existing roads, drains/natural water bodies
are to be left undisturbed along with any natural drainage adjoining the lease
/project and modification of thereof in terms of construction of
embankments/bunds, proposed diversion/rechannelling of the water courses, etc.,
approach roads, major haul roads, etc.
(xi)
In case of any proposed
diversion of nallah/canal/river, the proposed route of diversion/modification
of drainage and their realignment, construction of embankment etc. should also
be shown on the map.
(xii)
Similarly if the project involves diversion of any
road/railway line passing through the ML/project area, the proposed route of
diversion and its realignment should be shown.
(xiii)
Break up of lease/project area
as per different land uses and their stage of acquisition.
LANDUSE DETAILS FOR OPENCAST PROJECT
(Original and expansion project)
|
S.N. |
LANDUSE |
Within
ML Area (ha) |
Outside
ML Area (ha) |
TOTAL |
|
1. |
Agricultural
land |
|
|
|
|
2. |
|
|
|
|
|
3. |
Wasteland |
|
|
|
|
4. |
Grazing
land |
|
|
|
|
5. |
Surface
water bodies |
|
|
|
|
6. |
Settlements |
|
|
|
|
7. |
Others
(specify) |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
|
|
|
(xiv)
Break-up of lease/project area
as per mining operations.
(xv)
Impact of changes in the land
use due to the start of the projects if much of the land being acquired is
agricultural land/forestland/grazing land.
(xvi)
Collection of one-season
(non-monsoon) primary baseline data on environmental quality - air (PM10,
PM2.5, SOx, NOx and heavy metals such as Hg,
Pb, Cr, As, etc), noise, water (surface and groundwater), soil along with
one-season met data coinciding with the same season for AAQ collection period.
(xvii)
Map of the study area (1: 50,
000 scale) (core and buffer zone clearly delineating the location of various
stations superimposed with location of habitats, other industries/mines,
polluting sources. The number and location of the stations in both core zone
and buffer zone should be selected on the basis of size of lease/project area,
the proposed impacts in the downwind (air)/downstream (surface
water)/groundwater regime (based on flow). One station should be in the
upwind/upstream/non-impact/non-polluting area as a control station. The
monitoring should be as per CPCB guidelines and parameters for water testing
for both ground water and surface water as per ISI standards and CPCB
classification wherever applicable. Values should be provided based on
desirable limits.
(xviii)
Study on the existing flora and
fauna in the study area (10km) carried out by an institution of relevant
discipline and the list of flora and fauna duly authenticated separately for
the core and buffer zone and a statement clearly specifying whether the study
area forms a part of the migratory corridor of any endangered fauna. If the
study area has endangered flora and fauna, or if the area is occasionally
visited or used as a habitat by Schedule-I fauna, or if the project falls
within 15 km of an ecologically sensitive area, or used as a migratory corridor
then a comprehensive Conservation Plan should be prepared and submitted with
EIA-EMP Report and comments from the CWLW of the State Govt. also obtained and
furnished.
(xix)
Details of mineral reserves,
geological status of the study are and the seams to be worked, ultimate working
depth and progressive stage-wise working scheme until end of mine life should
be reflected on the basis of the approved rated capacity and calendar plans of
production from the approved Mining Plan. Geological maps and sections should
be included. The progressive mine development and Conceptual Final Mine Closure
Plan should also be shown in figures.
(xx)
Details of mining methods,
technology, equipment to be used, etc., rationale for selection of that
technology and equipment proposed to be used vis-à-vis the potential impacts.
(xxi)
Impact of mining on hydrology,
modification of natural drainage, diversion and channelling of the existing
rivers/water courses flowing though the ML and adjoining the lease/project and
the impact on the existing users and impacts of mining operations thereon.
(xxii)
Detailed water balance should be
provided. The break up of water requirement for the various mine operations
should be given separately.
(xxiii)
Source of water for use in mine,
sanction of the competent authority in the State Govt. and impacts vis-à-vis
the competing users.
(xxiv)
Impact of mining and water
abstraction use in mine on the hydrogeology and groundwater regime within the
core zone and 10 km buffer zone including long–term modelling studies on.
Details of rainwater harvesting and measures for recharge of groundwater should
be reflected in case there us a declining trend of groundwater availability
and/or if the area falls within dark/grey zone.
(xxv)
Impact of blasting, noise and
vibrations.
(xxvi)
Impacts of mining on the AAQ,
predictive modelling using the ISCST-3 (Revised) or latest model.
(xxvii) Impacts of mineral transportation – within and outside the lease/project
along with flow-chart indicating the specific areas generating fugitive
emissions. Impacts of transportation, handling, transfer of mineral and waste
on air quality, generation of effluents from workshop, management plan for
maintenance of HEMM, machinery, equipment. Details of various facilities to be
provided in terms of parking, rest areas, canteen, and effluents/pollution load
from these activities.
(xxviii) Calendar plan of programme (original and expansion). Details of waste
generation – OB, topsoil – as per the approved calendar programme, and their
management shown in figures as well explanatory chapter with tables giving
progressive development and mine closure plan, green belt development, backfilling
programme and conceptual post mining land use.
|
Project |
Total waste generation
(Mm3) |
Topsoil (Mm3) |
Total |
Total in Ext. Dump |
Total Backfilled (Mm3) |
|
Original
Project (ha) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expansion Project (ha) (balance life) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL (Mm3) |
|
|
|
|
|
(xxix)
Progressive Green belt and
afforestation plan (both in text, figures as well as in tables prepared by
MOEF) and selection of species (local) for the afforestation/plantation
programme based on original survey/landuse.
Table 1:
Stage-wise Landuse and Reclamation Area (ha) separate columns for original and
expansion project.
|
S.N. |
Land
use Category |
Present
(1st
Year) |
5th
Year |
10th
Year |
20th
year |
24th
Year (end of Mine life)* |
|
1. |
Backfilled
Area (Reclaimed with plantation) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. |
Excavated
Area (not reclaimed)/void |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. |
External
Reclaimed
with plantation) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. |
Reclaimed
Top soil dump |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5. |
Green
Built Area |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. |
Undisturbed
area (brought under plantation) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7. |
Roads
(avenue plantation) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8. |
Area
around buildings and Infrastructure |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
110* |
110* |
110* |
110* |
110* |
* As a
representative example
Table 2:
Stage-wise Cumulative
|
S.N |
YEAR* |
Green
Belt |
External
Dump |
Backfilled
Area |
Others
(Undisturbed
Area/etc) |
TOTAL |
|||||
|
|
|
Area (ha) |
No. of
trees |
Area (ha) |
No. of
Trees |
Area (ha) |
No. of
Trees |
Area (ha) |
No. of Trees |
Area (ha) |
No. of Trees |
|
1. |
1st
year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. |
3rd
year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. |
5th
year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. |
10th
yesr |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5. |
15th
year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. |
20th
year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7. |
25th
year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8. |
30th
year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9. |
34th
year (end of mine life) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10. |
34-37th
Year (Post-mining) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
85 |
|
* As a
representative example
(xxx)
Conceptual Final Mine Closure
Plan, post mining land use and restoration of land/habitat to pre- mining. A
Plan for the ecological restoration of the area post mining and for land use
should be prepared with detailed cost provisions. Impact and management of
wastes and issues of rehandling (wherever applicable) and backfilling and
progressive mine closure and reclamation.
Table 3:
Post-Mining Landuse Pattern of ML/Project Area (ha) (original and expansion)
|
S.N. |
Land
use during Mining |
Land Use (ha) |
||||
|
1. |
External
|
|
Water
Body |
Public
Use |
Undisturbed |
TOTAL |
|
2. |
Top
soil Dump |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. |
Excavation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. |
Roads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. |
Built
up area |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5. |
Green
Belt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. |
Undisturbed
Area |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
85 |
|
|
|
110 |
(xxxi)
Flow chart of water balance
(original and expansion). Treatment of effluents from workshop, township,
domestic wastewater, mine water discharge, etc. Details of STP in colony and
ETP in mine. Recycling of water to the max. possible extent.
(xxxii) Occupational health issues. Baseline data on the health of the
population in the impact zone and measures for occupational health and safety
of the personnel and manpower for the mine.
(xxxiii) Risk Assessment and Disaster Preparedness and Management Plan.
(xxxiv) Integrating in the Env. Management Plan with measures for minimising use
of natural resources - water, land, energy, etc.
(xxxv) Including cost of EMP (capital and recurring) in the project cost and
for progressive and final mine closure plan.
(xxxvi) Details of R&R. Detailed
project specific R&R Plan with data on the existing socio-economic status
of the population (including tribals, SC/ST, BPL families) found in the study
area and broad plan for resettlement of the displaced population, site for the
resettlement colony, alternate livelihood concerns/employment for the displaced
people, civic and housing amenities being offered, etc and costs along with the
schedule of the implementation of the R&R Plan.
(xxxvii) CSR Plan along with details of villages and specific budgetary
provisions (capital and recurring) for specific activities over the life of the
project. Status of CSR activities already carried out in the original project
and that proposed for the expansion project.
(xxxviii) Public Hearing should cover the details of notices issued in the
newspaper, proceedings/minutes of public hearing, the points raised by the
general public and commitments made by the proponent should be presented in a
tabular form. If the Public Hearing is in the regional language, an
authenticated English Translation of the same should be provided. Status of
compliance of issues raised in earlier P.H.
(xxxix) In built mechanism of self-monitoring of compliance of environmental
regulations.
(xxxx) Status of any litigations/ court cases
filed/pending on the project.
(xxxxi)
Submission of sample test analysis of:
Characteristics of coal - this includes grade of coal and other
characteristics – ash, S and heavy metals including levels of Hg, As, Pb, Cr
etc.
(xxxxii)
Copy of clearances/approvals – such as Forestry clearances, Mining Plan
Approval,
NOC from Flood and Irrigation Dept.
(if req.), etc. wherever applicable.
(A) FORESTRY CLEARANCE
|
TOTAL ML/PROJECT
AREA (ha) |
TOTAL FORESTLAND (ha) |
Date of FC |
Extent of forestland |
Balance area for which FC is yet to be obtained |
Status of appl. for diversion of forestland |
|
|
|
If more than one, provide details of each FC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(B) MINING PLAN/PROJECT APPROVAL
Date of Approval of Mining
Plan/Project Approval:
Copy of Letter of Approval of Mining Plan/Project
Approval
(xxxviii) Corporate Environment Responsibility:
a) The
Company must have a well laid down Environment Policy approved by the Board of
Directors.
b) The Environment
Policy must prescribe for standard operating process/procedures to bring into
focus any infringements/deviation/violation of the environmental or forest
norms/conditions.
c) The hierarchical system or Administrative
Order of the company to deal with environmental issues and for ensuring
compliance with the environmental clearance conditions must be furnished.
d) To have
proper checks and balances, the company should have a well laid down system of
reporting of non-compliances/violations of environmental norms to the Board of
Directors of the company and/or shareholders or stakeholders at large.
The following general points
should be noted:
(i) All documents should be
properly indexed, page numbered.
(ii) Period/date of data
collection should be clearly indicated.
(iii) Authenticated English
translation of all material provided in Regional languages.
(iv) After the preparation of
the draft EIA-EMP Report as per the aforesaid TOR, the proponent shall get the
Public Hearing conducted as prescribed in the EIA Notification 2006 and take
necessary action for obtaining environmental clearance under the provisions of
the EIA Notification 2006.
(v)
The letter/application for EC
should quote the MOEF file No. and also attach a copy of the letter prescribing
the TOR.
(vi)
The copy of the letter received
from the Ministry on the TOR prescribed for the project should be attached as
an annexure to the final EIA-EMP Report.
(vii) The final EIA-EMP report
submitted to the Ministry must incorporate the issues in TOR and that raised in
Public Hearing. The index of the final EIA-EMP report, must indicate the
specific chapter and page no. of the EIA-EMP Report where the specific TOR
prescribed by Ministry and the issue raised in the P.H. have been incorporated.
Mining Questionnaire (posted on MOEF website) with all sections duly filled in
shall also be submitted at the time of applying for EC.
(viii) General Instructions
for the preparation and presentation before the EAC of TOR/EC projects of Coal
Sector should be incorporated/followed.
(viii) The aforesaid TOR has a
validity of two years only.
The
following additional points are also to be noted:
(i)
Grant of TOR does not
necessarily mean grant of EC.
(ii)
Grant of TOR/EC to the present
project does not necessarily mean grant of TOR/EC to the captive/linked project
and vive-versa.
(iii)
Grant of TOR/EC to the present
project does not necessarily mean grant of approvals in other regulations such
as the
(iv) Grant of EC is also
subject to Circulars issued under the EIA Notification 2006, which are
available on the MOEF website: www.envfor.nic.in
Yours faithfully,
(Dr.T.Chandini)
Director
Copy to: Member-Secretary,
Scheme Road. No.8, Opp. Cine Planet
Cinema, Near