No. J-11015/185/2010-IA.II(M)
Government of
Ministry of Environment & Forests
Paryavaran Bhawan,
CGO Complex,
New Delhi-110510.
To
Dated: 28th May 2010
Chief General Manager (Env.),
M/s Bharat Coking Coal Ltd.,
Koyla Bhawan, Dhanbad.
Sub: Cluster XVI coalmines (Dahibari-Basantimata
OCP, Basantimata under Ground Mine, New Laikdih OCP (includes Dahibori
washery), Laikdih Deep UG ,Chanch UG)
of M/s Bharat Coking Coal Ltd., in
Raniganj Coalfields, dist. Asansol,
Sir,
This refers to consideration of the
aforesaid proposal in the EAC (T&C) meeting held on 28th -29th
April 2010. It was informed that the application is being made for EC for a
cluster of coalmines for their renewal of lease. It was informed that the
cluster is located in the Raniganj coalfields at a distance of 50km from
Dhanbad and 30km from Asansol. The cluster consists of 5 mines – 2 operating
mines, (1 OCP and 1 UGP) and 3 abandoned mines (1 OCP and 2 UGP).
|
S.N. |
Name
of Mine |
Status
of the mine |
Prod.
Capacity (MTPA) |
Peak
Prod. Cap. (MTPA) |
ML
Area (ha) |
|
1. |
Dahibari Basantimala OCP |
Operating |
1.30 |
1.69 |
385.68 |
|
2. |
Basantimal UG |
Operating |
0.21 |
0.273 |
417 |
|
3. |
New Laikdih OCP (includes Proposed Dahibari Washery) |
Abandoned |
Nil |
Nil |
305.10 |
|
4. |
Laikdih Deep UG |
Abandoned |
Nil |
Nil |
281 |
|
5. |
Chanch UG |
Abandoned |
Nil |
Nil |
575.43 |
|
TOTAL |
|
1.51 |
1.963 |
1964.21 |
|
|
6. |
Dahibari Washery |
|
1.60 |
12 ha within Laikdih lease |
|
It was
informed that the existing abandoned mines (including earlier worked out
pits/quarries) would be closed and reclaimed in an environmentally scientific
manner.
The Committee sought details of long term benefits to environment
because of cluster approach of mining to be clearly addressed in the EIA-EMP
study. The Committee desired that
details of the present land use and post mining land use of the operating and
abandoned mines individually and as a cluster be furnished as part of the EIA.
The Committee desired that the EIA-EMP should clearly bring out the present
status of env. quality, the extent of pollution load that would be reduced by
taking suitable mitigative measures and the expected improvements in the
cluster and tin the coalfield after the implementation of the measures. The
Committee desired that an Integrated Environmental Plan should be formulated on
the aforesaid basis and also desired that fresh baseline data on the env. quality
should be generated on the new NAAQM Notification. In addition to the above,
details of an Action Plan for project specific R&R and CSR should also be
formulated and presented in the EIA-EMP. The Committee further desired that an
FBC based TPP be also established near the washery so that the coal rejects
could be entirely used in the TPP, which the proponent agreed to. The ash could
be used in briquette making (flyash based bricks) and used in-house by the
company and also sold to other users. This would help enhance the existing env.
quality by use and disposal of the solid waste in an environmentally friendly
manner.
Based on the application along with documents
and presentation thereon and discussions held, the Committee prescribed the
following TOR:
(i) The environmental status
and impacts of each mine in the cluster should be provided and a combined env.
management plan with specific details for each mine as well as for the cluster
as a whole should be formulated. An Integrated EIA-EMP for the cluster of mines
should be prepared clearly bringing out the present status of env. quality, the
extent of pollution load that would be reduced by taking suitable mitigative
measures for the cluster and the expected improvement of the environmental
quality of the mines in the cluster and within the coalfield after the
implementation of the measures through an Integrated Environmental Plan
formulated on the aforesaid basis. A
fresh baseline data on the env. quality should be generated on the new NAAQM
Notification. Baseline data collection can be for any season
except monsoon. Details of the present land use
and post mining land use of the operating and abandoned mines individually and
as a cluster be furnished as part of the EIA. A detailed Mine Closure Plan and a Mine Reclamation Plan for the
abandoned mines (OC and UG)/pits/quarries found in the cluster should be
furnished as apart of EIA-EMP study. The closure of UG mines
should ensure that no illegal mining is done thereafter from the mines. Details of long term benefits to environment because of cluster
approach of mining to be clearly addressed in the EIA-EMP study. In addition to the above, details of an
Action Plan for project specific R&R and CSR should also be formulated and
presented in the EIA-EMP.
(ii) An Integrated
EIA-EMP Report would be prepared for 1.963 MTPA rated capacity in an cluster
of a total combine area of 1964.21 ha consisting of individual ML/project area indicated in
table based on the generic structure specified in Appendix III of the EIA
Notification 2006.
(iii) A map specifying locations of the State,
District and Project location.
(iv) 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.
(v) 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.
(vi) Map showing the core zone of each mine 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.
(vii) 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.
(viii) A detailed Site plan of the cluster of
mines 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.
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.
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.
(iv)
Break up area of cluster and for individual lease/project
area as per different land uses and their stage of acquisition.
(x) Break-up of area of cluster and for
individual lease/project area as per mining operations.
(xi) 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.
(xii) 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.
(xiii) Map of the study area (1: 50, 000 scale) (cluster
with the individual mines 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.
(xiv) 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 project
falls within 15 km of an ecologically sensitive area, then a comprehensive
Conservation Plan should be prepared and furnished along with comments from the
CWLW of the State Govt.
(xv) 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 final mine
closure plan should also be shown in figures.
(xvi) 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.
(xvi)
Study on
subsidence, measures for mitigation/prevention of subsidence, modelling
subsidence prediction and its use during mine operation, safety issues.
(xviii) 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.
(xix) Detailed water balance should be provided.
The break up of water requirement for the various mine operations should be
given separately.
(xx) Source of water for use in mine, sanction
of the competent authority in the State Govt. and impacts vis-à-vis the
competing users.
(xxi) 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.
(xxii) Impact of blasting, noise and vibrations.
(xxiii) Impacts of mining on the AAQ, predictive
modelling using the ISCST-3 (Revised) or latest model.
(xxiv) 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.
(xxv) Details of waste generation –
(xxvi) Impact and management of wastes and issues
of rehandling and backfilling and progressive mine closure and reclamation.
(xxvii) Flow chart of water balance. 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.
(xxviii) 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.
(xxix) Disaster
Management Plan.
(xxx) Integrating in the Env. Management Plan
with measures for minimising use of natural resources - water, land, energy,
etc.
(xxxi) 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.
(xxxii) Final Mine closure issues, 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.
(xxxiii)
Including cost of EMP (capital and recurring) in the project cost and for
progressive and final mine closure plan.
(xxxiv)
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.
(xxxv)
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.
(xxxvi) In built mechanism of self-monitoring of
compliance of environmental regulations.
(xxxvi)
Status of any litigations/ court cases
filed/pending on the project.
(xxxviii) 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.
(xxxviii)Copy of clearances/approvals – such as Forestry clearances,
Mining Plan Approval, NOC form Flood and Irrigation Dept. (if req.), etc. In
case clearances have not been obtained, copy of application made as annexure
tot eh Mining Questionnaire.
TOR FOR COAL WASHERY
Based on the presentation made and discussions held, the Committee
prescribed the following TOR for the Coal Washery, which will be integrated as
part of the EIA-EMP Report for the cluster of mines:
(i) A brief description of
the plant, the technology used, the source of coal, the mode of transport of
incoming unwashed coal and the outgoing washed coal. Specific pollution control
and mitigative measures for the entire process.
(ii) The EIA-EMP report
should cover the impacts and management plan for the project of the capacity
for EC is sought and the impacts of 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
for the rated capacity. If the washery is captive to a coal mine/TPP/Plant the
cumulative impacts on the environment and usage of water should be brought out
along with the EMP.
(iii) A Study area map of
the core zone and 10km area of the buffer showing major industries/mines and
other polluting sources, which shall also indicate the migratory corridors of
fauna, if any and the areas where endangered fauna and plants of medicinal and
economic importance are found in the area. If there are any ecologically
sensitive areas found within the 15km buffer zone, the shortest distance form
the National Park/WL Sanctuary Tiger Reserve, etc should be shown and the
comments of the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State Government should be
furnished.
(iv) Collection of
one-season (non-monsoon) primary base-line data on environmental quality – air
(PM10, PM2.5, SOx and NOx), noise, water (surface and groundwater), soil.
(v) Detailed water balance
should be provided. The break up of water requirement as per different
activities in the mining operations vis-à-vis washery should be given
separately. Source of water for use in mine, sanction of the competent
authority in the State Govt.. and examine if the unit can be zero discharge
including recycling and reuse of the wastewater for other uses such as green
belt, etc.
(vi) Impact of choice of the
selected use of technology and impact on air quality and waste generation
(emissions and effluents).
(vii) Impacts of mineral
transportation - the entire sequence of mineral production, transportation,
handling, transfer and storage of mineral and waste, if any, and their impacts
on air quality should be shown in a flow chart with the specific points where
fugitive emissions can arise and the specific pollution control/mitigative
measures proposed to be put in place.
(viii) Details
of various facilities to be provided for the personnel involved in mineral
transportation in terms of parking, rest areas, canteen, and
effluents/pollution load from these activities.
Examine whether existing roads are adequate to take care of the
additional load of mineral [and rejects] transportation, their impacts. Details
of workshop, if any, and treatment of workshop effluents.
(ix) Impacts
of CHP, if any on air and water quality. A flow chart of water use and whether
the unit can be made a zero-discharge unit.
(x) Details of
green belt development.
(xi) Including
cost of EMP (capital and recurring) in the project cost.
(xiv) Public Hearing details
of the coal washery to include details of notices issued in the newspaper,
proceedings/minutes of public hearing, the points raised by the general public
and commitments made in a tabular form. If the Public Hearing is in the
regional language, an authenticated English Translation of the same should be
provided.
(xv) Status of any
litigations/ court cases filed/pending on the project.
(xvi) Submission of sample
test analysis of:
a. Characteristics of coal to be
washed- this includes grade of coal and other
characteristics
– ash, S and and heavy metals including levels of Hg, As, Pb, Cr etc.
b. Characteristics and quantum
of washed coal.
c. Characteristics and quantum
of coal waste rejects.
(xvii) Management/disposal/Use
of coal waste rejects.
(xviii) The Committee desired
that an FBC based TPP be also established near the washery so that the coal
rejects could be entirely used in the TPP, which the proponent agreed to. The
ash could be used in briquette making (flyash based bricks) and used in-house
by the company and also sold to other users. This would help enhance the
existing env. quality by use and disposal of the solid waste in an
environmentally friendly manner. The broad details of this would be presented
in the EIA-EMP Report. An application for the FBC Plant would require to be
made a separate application, however the broad details should be furnished as
part of the Integrated EIA-EMP Report for the cluster of mines-cum-coal washery.
(xix) Submission
of sample test analysis of:
Characteristics of coal to be washed- this includes grade of coal and
other characteristics – ash, S.
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 Integrated EIA-EMP Report for the cluster of mines 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 Integrated EIA-EMP
report for the cluster of mines 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) MOEF Circular dated
22.03.2010 may kindly be referred to regarding time limit for validity of Terms
of Reference (TORs) prescribed under EIA Notification, 2006 for undertaking
detailed EIA studies for development projects requiring environmental clearance.
Yours faithfully,
(Dr.T.Chandini)
Director
Copy to: Member-Secretary,
10A- Block LA, Sector –III,