No.
J-11015/ /2012-IA.II(M)
Government
of
Ministry
of Environment & Forests
Paryavaran
Bhawan,
CGO
Complex,
New
Delhi-110510.
To
Dated: 23rd
March 2012
Chief
General Manager (E &F),
M/s
Western Coalfields Ltd.,
Coal
Estate, Civil Lines,
Sub: Shivani Opencast Coalmine
Project (1.25 MTPA normative and 1.4375 MTPA peak capacity in an ML area of 780 ha) of M/s WCL, located in
dist. Yavatmal,
Sir,
This is with reference
to letter no. 43011/2/2012-CPAM dated 05.01.2012 of Ministry of Coal regarding
the aforesaid proposal which was considered in the meeting of the Expert
Appraisal Committee (Thermal & Coal Mining Projects) held on 21st-22nd
February 2012. It was informed that the proposal is for opening anew opencast
coalmine of 1.25 MTPA in an ML area of 780 ha. The mine is located adjacent to
River Wardha and an embankment of a length of 2km and 6m height is proposed. No
forestland is involved. Life of the mine is 20 years. R&R of 269 households
of Shivani village is involved. The total Ml area consists of 738.60 ah of
agricultural land and 41.40 ha of wasteland. No forestland is involved. Of the
total ML area, area for excavation is 214 ha, ext. Ob dump is 250.85 ha,
embankment is 48 ha, infrastructure/roads is 30 ha, area required for
rationalisation and blasting zone is 213.15 ha, colony is 15 ha and R&R
site is 15 ha. Depth of the mine is 60m to 175m. Of the total
The Committee desired that various options of reducing external dumping
and for reducing final void should be examined in the EIA-EMP. The Committee after
discussions recommended the project for TOR for opencast operations as given
below:
(i)
An EIA-EMP Report
should be prepared for Shivani Opencast Coalmine Project for a peak capacity of 1.25 MTPA normative and 1.4375 MTPA peak capacity in an ML area of 780
ha addressing the impacts of the
underground coalmine project including the aspects of mineral transportation
and issues of impacts on hydrogeology, plan for conservation of flora/fauna and
afforestation/plantation programme based on the generic structure specified in
Appendix III of the EIA Notification 2006. Baseline
data collection can be for any season except monsoon.
(ii)
The EIA-EMP report should also
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 baseline data and
information, generation of baseline data on impacts for 1.25 MTPA normative and 1.4375
MTPA peak capacity of coal production based on
approval of project/Mining Plan. Baseline data collection can be for any season
except monsoon.
(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
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 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.
(ix)
Map showing the complete route
of mineral transportation from mine face to end users indicating the extent of
transport in km by road, conveyors, rail, etc.
(x)
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.
(xi)
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.
(xii)
Break up of lease/project area
as per different land uses and their stage of acquisition.
LANDUSE DETAILS FOR OPENCAST 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 |
|
|
|
(xv)
Break-up of lease/project area
as per mining operations.
(xvi)
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.
(xvii)
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.
(xviii)
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.
(xix)
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.
(xx)
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.
(xxi)
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.
(xxii)
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.
(xxiii)
Detailed water balance should be
provided. The break up of water requirement for the various mine operations
should be given separately.
(xxiv)
Source of water for use in mine,
sanction of the competent authority in the State Govt. and impacts vis-à-vis
the competing users.
(xxv)
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.
(xxvi)
Impact of blasting, noise and
vibrations.
(xxvii) Impacts of mining on the AAQ, predictive modelling using the ISCST-3
(Revised) or latest model.
(xxviii) 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.
(xxix)
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) |
|
|
|
|
|
(xxx)
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)
|
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
(xxxi)
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)
|
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 |
(xxxii) 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.
(xxxiii) 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.
(xxxiv) Risk Assessment and Disaster Preparedness and Management Plan.
(xxxv) Integrating in the Env. Management Plan with measures for minimising use
of natural resources - water, land, energy, etc.
(xxxvi) Including cost of EMP (capital and recurring) in the project cost and
for progressive and final mine closure plan.
(xxxvii) 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.
(xxxviii) CSR Plan along with details of villages and specific budgetary
provisions (capital and recurring) for specific activities over the life of the
project.
(xxxix) 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.
(xl)
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.
(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