MINUTES OF 13th EXPERT APPRAISAL COMMITTEE (EAC) (THERMAL & COAL MINING) MEETING HELD ON 21st DECEMBER 2010

MINUTES OF 13^th EXPERT APPRAISAL COMMITTEE (EAC) (THERMAL & COAL MINING) MEETING HELD ON 21^st DECEMBER 2010

COAL MINING PROJECTS

The 13^th meeting of the reconstituted EAC (T &C) was held on 21^st December 2010 to consider the projects of coal mining sector. The list of participants of EAC and the proponents are given at Annexure-1 and 2 respectively.

Confirmation of minutes

The minutes of the 11^th meeting of EAC (T&C) held on 22^nd -23^rd November 2010 was confirmed subject to the following corrections:

i. Item 5: 3^rd para at page 6 to 3^rd para at page 10 upto ‘Wildlife Protection Act, 1972’ prescribing TOR stands deleted.

ii. Item 8: Page 16: 2^nd para, the line” The Committee desired … Shahdol Town’ stands deleted. The rest of the para 2 would be TOR condition No. (xxxix).

iii. Item No.11: page 23, para 2: The sentence “The Committee desired” until “Satpura Reservoir’ would be TOR condition No. (xxxviii)

iv. Item No.12: page 28, sentence “The Committee desired” until “Satpura Reservoir’ would be TOR condition No. (xxxviii)

v. Item 18.2, page 40: After the sentence 1) i), a new para will follow with the following sentences: “The Committee reiterated the fact that evacuation of raw coal from SECL mines should be by rail upto the nearest rail head or by conveyor. Transportation by road should be minimised and that too should be done only if no other viable option (railway and/or conveyor) is feasible.

Consideration of coal mining projects was taken up as given below.

1. Expansion of Churcha RO UG (1 MTPA to 2.10 MTPA and ML area from 2240.95 ha to 3590.147 ha) of M/s SECL located in Tehsil Baikunthpur, dist. Korea, Chhattisgarh (EC based on TOR)

The proponent made a presentation. It was informed that the proposal involves expansion of production from 1 to 2.10 MTPA (peak) and ML area from 2240.95 ha to 3541.15 ha and introduction of a more efficient technology – continuous miner (eliminating blasting) with SDL/LHD and by caving. Churcha RO UG is planned as a combination of four units – Churcha UG, Churcha West UG, Shivpur Incline and Ghugra Incline. The project proponent informed that EC was granted on 17.02.1995 for 1 MTPA. Of the total ML area of 3590.147 ha, 1626.407 ha is forestland, 518.26 ha is Govt. land and 1445.48 ha is agricultural land. A number of reserve forests such as Kothgori reserve forest in core zone and Temari reserve forests, Patharigawan RF, Tara Protected Forests, Kachardan Reserve forests & Hathbar RF are found in the buffer zone. Mining rights involves 3110 ha for UG mining and involves 5 entries- two additional entries. Seam V is the workable seam. Ultimate working depth is 470m. Grade of coal is A-B. Coal evacuation would be by covered tippers to CHP in Churcha West and thereafter to Railway Siding by closed conveyors. Life of the mine is 22 years. Total cost of the project is Rs 462.2539 crores. Total water requirement is 3280m3/d of which water requirement for mine operations is 890 m3/d, drinking is 90 m3/d and domestic consumption is 2300 m3/d. Mine discharge water is 8,050 m3/d in the present project and would be 13,148 m3/d in the expansion project. Water table is in the range of 5.30-13.90m bgl during pre-monsoon and 1.40-8.40m bgl during post-monsoon. No R&R is involved. Almost 90% of the mine is underneath hilly area and the colony and infrastructure are in the flat terrain. Jhumka nalla flowing through the core zone drains into Gagor nallah. No subsidence is anticipated in view of the fact that the seam V is considerably below the ground level -300m to 490m bgl and there is a 50m thick sandstone layer on the roof of the seam which serves as a safety barrier. It was informed that mine water is acidic (pH 5.4) and a treatment plant for 4.5 Mm3 capacity has been provided and acidic mine water is treated with lime dosing. TDS levels are within limits in both surface and ground water.

The Committee desired that adequate precautionary measures for roofing and bolting must be taken to ensure that no subsidence takes place till end of mining as caving may occur during depillaring and desired that adequate precautionary measures for roof support are taken such as roof bolting, etc. The Committee further desired that a Subsidence Prediction Modelling should be carried out and compared with actual and necessary corrective measures taken. The Committee noted that the levels of SPM are high (308 ug/m3) in the core zone although the mines in operation are UG mines. The Committee desired that the 3-tier plantation, sprinkling arrangements at transfer points and along main approach roads and coal transportation routes should be provided. The Committee further desired that plantation should be developed in areas within surface rights which are vacant/undisturbed. The Committee desired that monitoring of water quality after treatment to prescribed limits should be regularly done and records thereof maintained, especially at discharge points and the water quality of the receiving water (before and after discharge) should be monitored and records maintained. The Committee desired that measures for treatment of disposal of sludge precipitated (such as calcium sulphate, ferrous carbonate, etc) from the treatment plant and sought details thereof including details of lining for storage of sludge. The Committee desired that the mine discharge water of 13,148 m3/d is acidic and desired that it should be treated to prescribed norms before discharge into Jhumka Nallla. The Committee sought the detailed water balance for the project and reasons for use of tube well water for domestic consumption. The Committee desired that details of CSR drawn up for an estimated cost of Rs 98 lakhs should be presented along with names of villages and activities proposed under CSR. The Committee desired that a continuous monitoring mechanism for R&R and CSR implementation and which includes a Third Party Social Audit.

The Committee decided to further consider the case upon receipt of the aforesaid details.

2. Dhanpuri-Amlai Group of Opencast Coal Mines (4.75 MTPA (peak) and expn. in project area from 1309.554 ha to 1500.549 ha) of M/s South Eastern Coalfields Ltd., located in Tehsils Sohagpur and Anuppur and in districts Shahdol- Annupur, MP. (EC based on TOR granted on 11.03.2010)

The PP made a presentation. It was informed that the Dhanpuri-Amlai group of mines consist of 3 mines- Dhanpuri OCP of 1.25 MTPA, Amlai OCP (0.70 MTPA) with a residual life of 1 years and Dhanpuri OCP sector A coal will exhaust in 2 years and Sector D would be the major coal producing sector along with the proposed Amlai Opencast Extension Sector B mine (1.50 MTPA (normative) and 2.025 MTPA (peak). It was informed that the manpower, infrastructure of Amlai OCP would be used for the proposed mine.

The land use details were presented as given below:

S.No	Category	Dhanpuri OCP ha	Amlai Opencast Project in ha	Amlai Opencast sector B ha	Cluster Total ha
1	Forest land	748.790	166.00	166.92	1081.71
2	Agriculture land.	280.729	0.992	13.14	294.861
3	Government land	37.234	17.952	4.932	60.118
4	Water body	9.00	5.00	6.03	20.03
5	Total ML Area	1075.780	189.944	190.995	1456.719
6.	Colony area (ha) (outside the ML)	43.83(Agri/Tenancy	-	-	43.83 Agri/Tenancy
	Total area of cluster				1500.549

ACTIVITY –WISE LAND USE OF CORE ZONE

S.No	Purpose	Mining lease area				Total
		Government		Private
		Forest	others	Agriculture	others
1.	Area to be excavated(mines)	769.9	54.8	177.9	0	1002.6
2	Storage for top soil	0	0	0	0	0
3.	Overburden/Dumps	43.83	20.4	8.11	0	72.34
4.	Infrastructure (workshop, administrative building, etc)	10	0	0	0	10
5.	Roads	20	0	0	0	20
6.	Green belt	75.53	0	0	0	75.53
7	Safety Zone	162.4	4.95	108.8	0	276.21
Total		1082	80.15	294.9	0	1456.7
8.	Township area /rehabilitation site (outside ML area)	0	0	43.83	0	43.83

DETAILS OF CLUSTER

S.No	Particulars	Dhanpuri OCP ha	Amlai OCP	Amlai OCP sector B ha
1.	Mineable reserve	26.00(QRY:A&D) Balance :19.50	10.85 Balance : 0.40	18.70
2.	Total Volume of OB	128.00(QRY:A&D) Balance :93.00	46.96 Balance :2.20	142.0
3.	Avg.Stripping ratio	4.92	4.33	7.59
4.	OB (Top OB) m	14.0-70.0	37	12.56-75.48
5.	Maximum depth	83	55	110
6.	Mine Life	11	1	15
7.	Major HEMM	Dragline Shovel, Dumper	Dragline Shovel, Dumper	Dragline Shovel Dumper, Surface Miner
8.	Av Grade	D	D	C
9.	Manpower	1044	623	Redeployment Of Amlai OCP Manpower

The ML area also include a number of seasonal nalas and tributaries of Son river like Belha & Baghaiya are proposed to be diverted. The Committee was informed that the total water Requirement is 2860 m³/day (mine use -880m³/day;drinking 80 m³/day:Domestic -1900 m³/day). The present total mine discharge is 7118 m3/d and after expansion it would be 9630 m3/d. Water table is in the range of 6.09-13.42 m bgl during pre-monsoon and 1.75-12.90m bgl during post-monsoon. OB of 42 Mm3 generated would be stored in ext. OB dump and 208.90 Mm3 of OB would be backfilled concurrently and reclaimed. After backfilling, the area would be raised about 20m above ground level. Coal transportation would be by trucks. It was informed that no R&R is involved. Cost of project is Rs 462.2539 crores. A combined P.H. was held on 06.09.2010.

The Committee observed that the operational details of clustering the three mines and environmental considerations involved are not clear. The Committee desired that the detailed break-up of the mine operations, land use details of the three mines and cluster approach in terms of mine reclamation and waste management and the Final Mine Closure (conceptual), coal evacuation, use of infrastructure, manpower, etc should be presented. The Committee desired that specific air pollution control measures such as 3-tier plantation, wet drilling etc should be adopted. The Committee noted that an estimated 15,000 TPD of coal is proposed to be despatched by road and desired that road transportation be avoided and a coal evacuation plan by conveyor to tail head and loading into rail wagons by bulk loading method in place of wharf loading by pay loaders be considered and presented for reducing pollution due to use of diesel vehicles and from dust generating sources. The Committee desired that a project specific CSR Plan for the two villages for Rs 70 lakhs and Rs 65 lakhs respectively be prepared and presented. The Committee desired that Third Party evaluation (Social Audit) be carried out. The Committee desired that a one-season data of PM 10 and PM 2.5 for the cluster be collected. The Committee also desired that issues raised during P.H. along with commitments made/measures along with budgetary provisions be also presented.

The Committee decided to further consider the project upon receipt of the aforesaid details.

3. Fatehpur East Opencast Coal Mine Project (9.5 MTPA (normative) and 10 MTPA Peak in an ML area of 1664.563 ha) of M/s Fatehpur East Coal Pvt. Ltd., located in Mand Raigarh Coalfields, Tehsil Dharmajaigarh, Dist. Raigarh, Chhattisgarh (TOR)

The PP made a presentation. It was informed that Fatehpur East Coal Pvt.Ltd. (FECPL) is a joint venture between five private companies for extraction of coal at 9.5 MTPA (normative) rated capacity and 10 MTPA peak capacity for captive use - M/s J.L.D.Yuvatmal Energy, M/s R.K.M.Poergen Pvt,. Ltd., M/s VISA Power Ltd., M/s Anthena Infra Projects pvt ltd.; M/sVandana Vidhyut Ltd. The total ML Area is 1664.563 ha of which protected forest land is 567.563 ha, tenancy land (Agriculture land) is 335.349 ha and revenue land is 761.71 ha. A number of forests - Fatehpur PF, Semlipali PF, Sheraband PF are found in the study area. Drainage of the block is controlled by Pawasi nala in the north-eastern part of the block boundary which drains into River Mand flowing in south-east direction. In addition, there are some ponds within the ML area. Pawasi Nala is to be diverted. Of the total ML area, proposed land use for mining includes 1489 ha area for excavation of which 1450 ha is for internal dump, 75 ha for green belt, 10 ha for colony, and 90ha undisturbed area. Mining would be opencast by shovel-dumper combination. Ultimate working depth is 300m bgl. An estimated 2000 Mm3 of OB would be generated. An ext. On dump of a max. height of ext. OB would be created during the initial 5 years in non-forestland and would be rehandled and backfilled into the decoaled void. Thus, there witl no extenrla OB dump. Depth of water table is 15m bgl. Life of the mine is 32 years. Total cost of the project is Rs 2000 crores. R&R involves 126 PAFs of Fatehpur village and 56 PAFs of Rampura village. Mining Plan is yet to be approved.

The Committee sought a clarification whether the block is a ‘Go’ area in view of the MOEF letter No. 11-282/2010-FC dated 10.12.2010 which stated that he block is a ‘No-Go’ Area and would require certain modification of the lease boundary to make it a ‘Go Area’. The Committee also sought details of crown density of forestland. The Committee noted that there are a number of tribals within the project area.

The Committee after discussions decided to further consider the proposal only upon receiving a clarification from MOEF with respect to whether the Block is a ‘Go Area’ and clarification on mining operations vis-à-vis land use.

4. Coal & Ore Beneficiation Plant of M/s Shree Nakoda Global Ltd., village Hathband, dist. Raipur, Chhattisgarh (TOR)

PP not turned up for presentation. It was noted that no intimation was given for not attending the meeting.

5. Proposed Ashoka Coal Washery (10 MTPA) of M/s CCL to be located in Ashoka OCP, Jharkhand (TOR)

PP made a presentation. It was informed that the proposal is for establishing a new coal washery of 10 MTPA capacity in 24 ha land in Ashoka OCP. The process technology to be used is wet process using Jigs and Hydrocyclone in a closed circuit for washing Grade F coal (more than 37% ash) and to reduce the ash content to 33% + 0.5%. River Damodar is about 4km from the mine/washery. Total water requirement is 2700 m3/d for the washery. Mine water of Ashoka OCP would be used for the washery operations. The washery would be operated on a BOM basis. Clean coal rejects would be used in an FBC based TPP to be put up in the adjoining Piparwar OCP, where the site has been earmarked. EC was granted to Ashoka OCP vide ministry’s letter dated J-11015/610/2007 –IA.II(M) Dated 17.04.2008 and therefore, the proponent had sought an exemption from conduct of P.H. for coal washery project as the unit is located within the Ashoka OCP leasehold, which had been agreed to by the earlier EAC. It is proposed to backfill the coal rejects till FBC based TPP is commissioned. Life of the project is 35 years.

The Committee noted that as per the TOR granted vide MOEF letter dated 09.06.2009, an integrated proposal for coal washery-cum-FBC based TPP was required to be submitted. However, the application received is for the coal washery only. The Committee reiterated that an integrated EIA/EMP/Proposal should be prepared for Ashoka Coal Washery, FBC power plant using coal and mine water produced from Piparwar OCP and Ashoka OCP be prepared. The Committee also desired that the PP look into utilisation of the flyash from the TPP as a raw material along with clinker by cement based industries in the area.

The Committee after discussions decided to return the application.

6. Cluster 6 (9 UG mines of a combined prod. capacity of 1.013 MTPA normative and 1.750 MTPA peak in a total combined ML area of 4775 ha) of M/s ECL, located in Raniganj Coalfields, dist. Burdwan, West Bengal (TOR)

The proponent made a presentation. It was informed that the Raniganj coalfields consist of 111 coalmines of which 8 have obtained EC and one opencast is not part of the cluster concept. Thus, the remaining 92 underground coal mines have been grouped into 13 clusters of M/s ECL in Raniganj Coalfields. Of this, Cluster 6 of 9 UG mines has a combined ML area of 4775 ha as given below:

Status	S.no	MINES IN CLUSTER VI
		Name of Mine	Production capacity(MTY)		Lease Hold Area(HA)	Life of Mine (years)
		Name of Mine	NORMATIVE	PEAK	Lease Hold Area(HA)	Life of Mine (years)
Working mines	1	Dhemomain UG	0.155	0.210	1623	>50
	2	Sodepur (UG)	0.120	0.150	808	>10
	3	Narsamuda UG	0.148	0.190	265	>10
	4.	Patmohana (UG)	0.120	0.120	544	>40
	5	Chinakuri I(UG)	0.060	0.080	414	>50
	6.	Chinakuri III (UG)	0.150	0.200	216	>25
	7.	Bejdih (UG)	0.040	0.100	242	>20
	8.	Methani(UG));	0.100	0.200	348	>20
	9.	Sheetalpur UG	0.120	0.500	315	>30
TOTAL			1.013	1.750	4775

LAND USE OF CLUSTER 6

S.N.	Land Use	Area in ha
1.	Colliery infrastructure	577.0
2.	Tanks	245.0
3.	Agriculture	1465.0
4.	Danga	1236.0
5.	Towns	488.0
6.	Village/Basti	296.0
7.	Road	105.0
8	Rail	217.0
9.	Plantation	146.0
	TOTAL	4775.0

The PP informed that Cluster 6 consists of 9 adjoining underground mines taken over from pre-nationalisation period. The cluster is located in the western part of the Raniganj coalfields in Burdwan district of West Bengal. River Damodar forms a boundary on the South west of the cluster. It was clarified that there are no abandoned pits and quarries. It was further clarified that there is no forestland in Raniganj coalfields. Grade of coal is A or B (non-coking or semi-coking).

The details of R&R under Raniganj Action Plan for Cluster 6

S.N.	Parameter	Details
	PHASE-I
1.	Total Unstable locations	7 nos
2.	Total Areas	316.05 ha
3.	Affected population	13865
	PHASE-II
1	Total Unstable locations	19 nos
2.	Total Areas	343.07 ha
3.	Affected population	61535

The Committee desired that an integrated EIA-EMP Report for the 9 mines should be prepared. The AAQ stations should be positioned based on the locations of habitations, pollution generating sources and the wind direction and should be checked for impacts of measures taken on the air quality in view that Asansol is a critically polluted area. The Committee desired that abandoned pits/quarries if any, of worked out mines of pre-nationalisation period should be backfilled and reclaimed with plantation. The Committee desired that the 61,535 PAPs and 13,865 PAPs living in unstable locations within the cluster should be rehabilitated. The details of Raniganj Action Plan involving resettlement of habitation from unstable sites within the cluster should be integrated with the EIA-EMP study (Phase-I and II) for the entire cluster along with clear time lines of the schedule of implementation. The Committee desired that subsided areas should be reclaimed with plantation. The details of areas under Mining Rights and under Surface rights and their land use should be provided in the EIA-EMP Report.

Based on the application along with documents and presentation thereon and discussions held, the Committee prescribed the following TOR:

(i) An Integrated EIA-EMP for the cluster of mines shall be prepared clearly bringing out the present status of 6 mines in Cluster 6 as above consisting of 9 UG mines of a combined prod. capacity of 1.013 MTPA normative and 1.750 MTPA peak in a total combined ML area of 4775 ha - status of env. quality and the extent of pollution load from each mine and the combined pollution load from the cluster of mines that would be reduced by taking suitable mitigative measures for the individual mines and for the cluster and the expected improvement in 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 – air, water, land, biotic community, etc. shall be generated through collection of data and information, generation of data on impacts. 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 shall be furnished as part of the EIA. A detailed Mine Closure Plan and a Mine Reclamation Plan for the abandoned mines (UG and OC)/pits/quarries found in the cluster shall be furnished as a part 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 shall be clearly addressed in the EIA-EMP study. In addition to the above, the Committee desired that the 61,535 PAPs and 13,865 PAPs living in unstable locations within the cluster should be rehabilitated. The details of Raniganj Action Plan involving resettlement of habitation from unstable sites within the cluster should be integrated with the EIA-EMP study (Phase-I and II) for the entire cluster along with clear time lines of the schedule of implementation. The Committee desired that subsided areas should be reclaimed with plantation. The details of areas under Mining Rights and under Surface rights and their land use should be provided in the EIA-EMP Report.

(ii) The Integrated EIA-EMP shall be based on the generic structure specified in Appendix III of the EIA Notification 2006 and incorporate an Environmental Action Plan for mitigating the environmental degradation existing in the cluster and for improvement of the environmental quality (air, water and land) so that the region, which is presently critically polluted, and show by implementation of the Env. Action Plan the discernible improvement of its environmental quality.

(iii) A map specifying locations of the State, District and Project location. A map showing the Raniganj Coalfields and the locations of the mines in the cluster.

(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 mines in the cluster, locations of human habitations, major constructions including railways, roads, pipelines, major industries/mines and other polluting sources.

(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 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 of the mines of the cluster, the proposed route of diversion and its realignment should be shown.

(ix) Break up of lease/project area as per different land uses and their stage of acquisition of each mine in the cluster.

(x) Break-up of lease/project area as per mining operations of each mine in the cluster.

(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 and should be checked for impacts of measures taken on the air quality in view that Asansol is a critically polluted area

(xiii) 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.

(xiv) 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.

(xv) 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.

(xvii) 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.

(xviii) Detailed water balance should be provided. The break up of water requirement for the various mine operations should be given separately for the cluster and for each mine separately.

(xix) Source of water for use in mine, sanction of the competent authority in the State Govt. and impacts vis-à-vis the competing users.

(xx) Impact of mining and water abstraction use in mines 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.

(xxi) Impact of blasting, noise and vibrations.

(xxii) Impacts of mineral transportation in an integrated manner using road-cum rail or rail network– 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.

(xxiii) 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. OB dump heights and terracing should based on slope stability studies with a max of 28^o angle as the ultimate slope. Sections of dumps (ultimate) (both longitudinal and cross section) with relation to the adjacent area should be shown.

(xxiv) Impact and management of wastes and issues of rehandling and backfilling and progressive mine closure and reclamation for each mine in the cluster.

(xxv) 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.

(xxvi) 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.

(xxvii) Details of fire affected sites and areas affected by subsidence and unstable sites as given in Raniganj Action Plan for Cluster 6 Group of Mines and their management for each along with time schedule for mitigation under the Raniganj Action Plan.

(xxviii) Integrating in the Env. Management Plan with measures for minimising use of natural resources - water, land, energy, etc.

(xxix) Progressive Green belt and afforestation plan (both in text, figures as well as in tables prepared by MOEF) for each mine along with selection of species (local) for the afforestation/plantation programme based on original survey/landuse.

(xxx) Conceptual Final Mine Closure Plan for existing and abandoned mines with specific time lines and costs, post mining land use and restoration of land/habitat to pre-mining for each mine in the cluster. A Plan for the ecological restoration of the area post mining and for land use should be prepared with detailed cost provisions. The Committee desired that the abandoned quarries/mined out pits/voids left over from the pre-nationalisation period should be properly backfilled and biologically reclaimed in to either plantation or restored to agricultural land. The Committee desired that details of land use end of mine life and post mining be furnished in the standard tables prepared by MOEF. In case, exploration does not indicate sizeable reserves, the proponent may consider surrendering the lease after completion of reclamation of the abandoned mines and worked out OC and UG mines.

(xxxi) Including cost of EMP (capital and recurring) in the project cost and for progressive and final mine closure plan.

(xxxii) Details of R&R in Raniganj Action Plan for the cluster and its integration with the EMP. Cluster specific details of 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.

The Committee also sought a detailed CSR Plan for the entire cluster and Rs 5 per tonne of coal to be earmarked for activities under CSR.

(xxxiii) Public Hearing for the entire cluster 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.

(xxxiv) In built mechanism of self-monitoring of compliance of environmental regulations.

(xxxv) Status of any litigations/ court cases filed/pending on the project.

(xxxvi) 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.

(xxxvi) Copy of clearances/approvals – such as Forestry clearances, Mining Plan Approval, NOC from Flood and Irrigation Dept. (if req.), etc.

(xxxvii) Grant of EC for the closed mines would be reviewed at the time of application for EC.

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) MOEF Circular dated 22.03.2010 may kindly be referred to regarding time limit for validity of Terms of Reference (TOR) prescribed under EIA Notification, 2006 for undertaking detailed EIA studies for development projects requiring environmental clearance.

7. Cluster 7 (4 UG mines of a prod. capacity of 0.18 MTPA normative and 0.24 MTPA (peak) in a combined ML area of 2313 ha) of M/s ECL, located in Raniganj Coalfields, dist. Burdwan, West Bengal(TOR)

The proponent made a presentation. It was informed that the cluster 7 consists of 4 mines UG of a combined ML area of 2313 ha as given below:

Status	S.no	MINES IN CLUSTER VII
		Name of Mine	Production capacity(MTY)		Lease Hold Area(HA)	Life of Mine (years)
		Name of Mine	NORMATIVE	PEAK	Lease Hold Area(HA)	Life of Mine (years)
Working mines	1	Barmondia UG	0.020	0.030	665	>10
	2	Chakballavpur (UG)	0.030	0.040	233	>10
	3	Manoharbahal UG	0.030	0.040	735	>10
	4.	Bhanora West (UG)-	0.100	0.130	680	>20
TOTAL			0.180	0.240	2313

Cluster 7 is located north of Asansol township. The mines are located on the eastern and western flanks of Salma Dyke in Barmondia geological block of Raniganj Coalfields.

LAND USE OF CLUSTER 7

S.N.	Land Use	Area in ha
1.	Colliery infrastructure	166.0
2.	Tanks	56.0
3.	Agriculture	1266.0
4.	Danga	380.0
5.	Settlement	236
7.	Road	41.0
8	Rail	20.0
9.	Plantation	148.0
	TOTAL	2313.0

The details of Rehabilitation of Cluster 7 proposed under Raniganj Action Plan

S.N.	Parameter	Details
	PHASE-I
1.	Total Unstable locations	3 nos
2.	Total Area	12.7 ha
3.	Affected population	2000
	PHASE-II
1	Total Unstable locations	7 nos
2.	Total Area	11.2 ha
3.	Affected population	1955

The AAQ stations should be positioned based on the locations of habitations, pollution generating sources and the wind direction and should be checked for impacts of measures taken on the air quality in view that Asansol is a critically polluted area. The Committee desired that the R&R of 2000 PAPs (phase-I) and 1955 PAPs (Phase-I) under Raniganj Action Plan for resettlement from unstable sites should be dovetailed with the EIA-EMP Study along with time schedules of their implementation. The Committee desired that abandoned pits/quarries if any, of worked out mines of pre-nationalisation period should be backfilled and reclaimed with plantation.

Based on the application along with documents and presentation thereon and discussions held, the Committee prescribed the following TOR:

(i) An Integrated EIA-EMP for the cluster of mines shall be prepared clearly bringing out the present status of 4 mines in Cluster 7 as above- status of env. quality and the extent of pollution load from each mine and the combined pollution load from the cluster of mines that would be reduced by taking suitable mitigative measures for the individual mines and for the cluster and the expected improvement in 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 – air, water, land, biotic community, etc. shall be generated through collection of data and information, generation of data on impacts. 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 shall be furnished as part of the EIA. A detailed Mine Closure Plan and a Mine Reclamation Plan for the abandoned mines (UG and OC)/pits/quarries found in the cluster shall be furnished as a part 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 shall be clearly addressed in the EIA-EMP study. In addition to the above, the Committee desired that the R&R of 2000 PAPs (phase-I) and 1955 PAPs (Phase-I) under Raniganj Action Plan for resettlement from unstable sites should be dovetailed with the EIA-EMP Study along with time schedules of their implementation. The Committee desired that abandoned pits/quarries if any, of worked out mines of pre-nationalisation period should be backfilled and reclaimed with plantation. The Committee desired that subsided areas should be reclaimed with plantation.

(iii) A map specifying locations of the State, District and Project location. A map showing the Raniganj Coalfields and the locations of the mines in the cluster.

(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.

(ix) Break up of lease/project area as per different land uses and their stage of acquisition of each mine in the cluster.

(x) Break-up of lease/project area as per mining operations of each mine in the cluster.

(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. The Committee desired that subsided areas should be reclaimed with plantation. and should be checked for impacts of measures taken on the air quality in view that Asansol is a critically polluted area.

(xv) 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) Detailed water balance should be provided. The break up of water requirement for the various mine operations should be given separately for the cluster and for each mine separately.

(xix) 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 blasting, noise and vibrations.

(xxiv) Impact and management of wastes and issues of rehandling and backfilling and progressive mine closure and reclamation for each mine in the cluster.

(xxvi) 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.

(xxvii) Details of fire affected sites and areas affected by subsidence and unstable sites as given in Raniganj Action Plan for Cluster III Group of Mines and their management for each along with time schedule for mitigation under the Raniganj Action Plan.

(xxviii) Integrating in the Env. Management Plan with measures for minimising use of natural resources - water, land, energy, etc.

(xxxi) Including cost of EMP (capital and recurring) in the project cost and for progressive and final mine closure plan.

(xxxii) Details of R&R in Jharia Action Plan for the cluster and its integration with the EMP. Cluster specific details of 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.

The Committee also sought a detailed CSR Plan for the entire cluster and Rs 5 per tonne of coal to be earmarked for activities under CSR.

(xxxiv) In built mechanism of self-monitoring of compliance of environmental regulations.

(xxxv) Status of any litigations/ court cases filed/pending on the project.

(xxxvi) 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.

(xxxvi) Copy of clearances/approvals – such as Forestry clearances, Mining Plan Approval, NOC from Flood and Irrigation Dept. (if req.), etc.

(xxxvii) Grant of EC for the closed mines would be reviewed at the time of application for EC.

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.

(vii) The letter/application for EC should quote the MOEF file No. and also attach a copy of the letter prescribing the TOR.

(viii) 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.

8. Cluster X (6 mines of a peak prodn. of 2.289 MTPA and one washery in a combined cluster of 2057.47 ha) of M/s Bharat Coking Coal Ltd, located in Jharia Coalfields, dist. Dhanbad, Jharkhand (TOR)

The proponent made a presentation. It was informed that Cluster X consists of 6 mines of UG and OC mines located in Jharia coalfields along with a Coal Washery located in Sudamdihi Incline lease hold. The total combined prod. capacity is 1.76 MTPA (normative) and 2.289 MTPA (peak) in a total combined ML area of 2057.47 ha. The cluster if flanked in the east and in the north by TISCO mines, and in the west and south by metamorphics. The cluster is drained by River Damodar. It was informed that Sudamdih coal washery of BCCL is located in south-eastern part of Jharia Coalfields in Dhanbad district of Jharkhand adjacent to Damodar River which is 2.0 km from Sudamdih Railway station. The washery is connected with Dhanbad-Jharia-Chas state highway at about 3 km away. The washery is based is closed water circuit and base don the principle of ‘zero discharge’. The source of water is mine discharge of from Sudamdih Shaft, situated beside washery. Water requirement of washery is 0.1 MGD.Well maintained Railway siding with electronic weighbridge is existing at Sudamdih washery loading of washed coal and middling takes place through chutes & conveyors from silos. Rejects generation is only 1% i.e. 5000T (approx)/annum which is used to filling the ditches and for road making and as building material by local villagers.

Cluster No. X (6 mines)
s.no	Name of mines	Production Capacity (MTY)		Lease hold area (ha)	Life (years)
s.no	Name of mines	Normative	Peak	Lease hold area (ha)	Life (years)
1	Bhowrah North(UG & OC)	0.53	0.689	208.83	30
2	Bhowrah South(UG & OC)	0.683	0.887	571.58	30
3.	Patherdih(UG & OC)	0.274	0.356	244.34	30
4.	Sudamdih incline mine(UG)	0.09	0.117	254.27	30
5.	Sudamdih Shaft mine(UG) (include Sudamdih coal washery with in lease hold of Sudamdih Shaft mine(UG))	0.185 (1.6)	0.240 (2.08)	391.50	30 (18)
6.	Amlabad UG mine(Closed for coal production)–OCP-UG Mines	0	0	386.95	-
	Total	1.762	2.289	2057.47

The details of integration with Jharia Action Plan:

S.N.	Parameter	Details
1.	Total Voids	20.511 Mm³
2.	Total External OB	16.85 Mm³
3.	Total Unstable Sites	25 no
4.	Total Affected Area	697600 m²
5.	No. of Houses to be rehabilitated	1670 no. as per JAP
6.	Land for Resettlement	8.50 ha (BCCL land) 23.10 ha (Non-BCCL land)
7.	Total cost of fire dealing	700.00 lakhs
8.	Total resettlement Cost	Rs 7087.75 lakhs

LAND USE OF CLUSTER X

S.No	Type Land Use	Present Mining Land Use(In Ha)	Proposed Mining Land Use(In Ha)	Post- Mining Land Use(In Ha)
1.	Running quarry
	Backfilled	35.12	17.52	0.00
	Not Backfilled	66.70	30.64	0.00
2.	Abandoned quarry			0.00
	Backfilled	46.15	0.00	0.00
	Not Backfilled	69.00	0.00	0.00
3.	External OB dump	53.80	0.00	0.00
4.	Service building/mne infrastructure	17.27	16.25	0.00
5.	Coal dump	15.63	15.63	0.00
6.	Road & rail	87.35	87.34	87.34
7.	Homestead land	103.31	103.01	103.01
8.	Agriculture land	35.81	35.81	35.81
9.	Forest land	0.00	0.00	0.00
10	Plantation/reclamation	57.03	496.48	755.41
11.	Water body	243.97	265.84	286.54
12	Barren land	1226.35	988.94	789.36
	Total	2057.47	2057.47	2057.47

The Committee desired that details of the Coal washery, use of coal rejects in an FBC based plant and use of flyash from the FBC based TPP should be presented. The Committee desired that an Integrated EIA-EMP should be prepared as given in TORs for similar cases considered by the EAC earlier. The Committee desired that subsided areas should be reclaimed with plantation. and should be checked for impacts of measures taken on the air quality in view that Dhanbad is a critically polluted area. The Committee desired that the Jharia Action Plan prepared for the mines in Cluster X should be dovetailed with the EIA-EMP for the cluster along with time-bound Action Plan for its implementation. The details of Project specific CSR Plan for Rs 88 lakhs earmarked for the cluster and Rs 5 /T of coal towards recurring costs for CSR activities should be provided.

Based on the application along with documents and presentation thereon and discussions held, the Committee prescribed the following TOR:

(i) An Integrated EIA-EMP for the cluster of mines shall be prepared clearly bringing out the present status of Cluster X consisting of 6 mines of a peak prodn. of 2.289 MTPA in a combined cluster of 2057.47 ha) as above- status of env. quality and the extent of pollution load from each mine and the combined pollution load from the cluster of mines that would be reduced by taking suitable mitigative measures for the individual mines and for the cluster and the expected improvement in 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 – air, water, land, biotic community, etc. shall be generated through collection of data and information, generation of data on impacts. 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 shall be furnished as part of the EIA. A detailed Mine Closure Plan and a Mine Reclamation Plan for the abandoned mines (UG and OC)/pits/quarries found in the cluster shall be furnished as a part 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 shall 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 shall also be formulated and presented in the EIA-EMP. The aforesaid Integrated Environmental Management Plan shall be dovetailed with the Jharia Action Plan and details of its implementation with specific time-lines should be provided.

(ii) The Integrated EIA-EMP shall be based on the generic structure specified in Appendix III of the EIA Notification 2006 and incorporate an Environmental Action Plan for mitigating the environmental degradation existing in the cluster and for improvement of the environmental quality (air, water and land) so that the region (Dhanbad), which is presently critically polluted, and show by implementation of the Env. Action Plan the discernible improvement of its environmental quality.

(iii) A map specifying locations of the State, District and Project location. A map showing the Jharia Coalfields and the locations of the mines in the cluster.

(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.

(ix) Break up of lease/project area as per different land uses and their stage of acquisition of each mine in the cluster.

(x) Break-up of lease/project area as per mining operations of each mine in the cluster.

(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. The Committee desired that subsided areas should be reclaimed with plantation. and should be checked for impacts of measures taken on the air quality in view that Dhanbad is a critically polluted area

(xv) 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) Detailed water balance should be provided. The break up of water requirement for the various mine operations should be given separately for the cluster and for each mine separately.

(xix) 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 blasting, noise and vibrations.

(xxiv) Impact and management of wastes and issues of rehandling and backfilling and progressive mine closure and reclamation for each mine in the cluster.

(xxvi) 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.

(xxvii) Details of fire affected sites and areas affected by subsidence and unstable sites as given in Jharia Action Plan for Cluster IX Group of Mines and their management for each along with time schedule for mitigation under the Jharia Action Plan.

(xxviii) Integrating in the Env. Management Plan with measures for minimising use of natural resources - water, land, energy, etc.

(xxxi) Including cost of EMP (capital and recurring) in the project cost and for progressive and final mine closure plan.

The Committee also sought a detailed CSR Plan for the entire cluster and Rs 5 per tonne of coal to be earmarked for activities under CSR.

(xxxiv) In built mechanism of self-monitoring of compliance of environmental regulations.

(xxxv) Status of any litigations/ court cases filed/pending on the project.

(xxxvi) 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.

(xxxvi) Copy of clearances/approvals – such as Forestry clearances, Mining Plan Approval, NOC from Flood and Irrigation Dept. (if req.), etc.

(xxxvii) Grant of EC for the closed mines would be reviewed at the time of application for EC.

(xxxviii) The Committee desired that details of the Coal washery, use of coal rejects in an FBC based plant and use of flyash from the FBC based TPP should be presented. The Committee desired that an Integrated EIA-EMP should be prepared as given in TORs for similar cases considered by the EAC earlier. The Committee desired that the Jharia Action Plan prepared for the mines in Cluster X should be dovetailed with the EIA-EMP for the cluster along with time-bound Action Plan for its implementation. The details of Project specific CSR Plan for Rs 88 lakhs earmarked for the cluster and Rs 5 /T of coal towards recurring costs for CSR activities should be provided.

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.

(ix) The letter/application for EC should quote the MOEF file No. and also attach a copy of the letter prescribing the TOR.

(x) 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.

9. Digwadih Colliery of M/s Tata Steel Ltd. for expansion to 0.6 MTPA in ML area 314.57 ha), in Tehsil Jharia, in Jharia Coalfields, dist. Dhanbad, Jharkhand (TOR)

The proponent made a presentation. It was informed that Digwadih Colliery falls under the Jamodoba Group of collieries of Tata Steel Ltd. The mine is captive to the company steel plant at Jamshedpur to supply prime coking coal. Mining is semi-mechanised by Board & Pillar method. The production in the existing mine would be increased to 0.60 MTPA. The coal rejects would feed the existing 10 MW FBC based TPP of the company located in Jamodoba. The flyash generated is used for stowing, brick manufacturing and in agriculture. The total ML area of 314.57 ha consist of buildings and stockyard of 8.16 ha, colony 88.79 ha, railway and roads 47.99 ha, villages (habitation) 148 ha, parks and gardens 2.25 ha, agricultural land 13.65 ha, drains, tanks, etc 4.99 ha. Coal evacuation is by an underground network of conveyors to the linked coal washery. It is not proposed to expand the capacity of the coal washery. Mining Plan was approved by MOC on 08.03.2010. Subsidence is not anticipated as mining is at great depths. No incidents of fires of underground coal seams has been reported.

The Committee desired that two separate public hearings should be conducted for the two projects.

Based on the application along with documents and presentation thereon and discussions held, the Committee prescribed the following TOR:

(i) An EIA-EMP Report should be prepared for a peak capacity of 0.6 MTPA over an ML area of 314.57 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 0.6 MTPA of coal production based on approval of project/Mining Plan.

(iii) A Study area map of the core zone and 10km area of the buffer zone (15 km of the buffer zone in case of ecologically sensitive areas) delineating the major topographical features such as the land use, drainage, locations of habitats, major construction including railways, roads, pipelines, 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.

(iv) Map showing the core zone along with 3-5 km of the buffer zone) delineating the agricultural land (irrigated and unirrigated, uncultivable land (as defined in the revenue records), forest areas (as per records) and grazing land and wasteland and water bodies.

(v) Contour map at 3m interval along with Site plan of the mine (lease/project area with about 3-5 km of the buffer zone) showing the various surface structures such as buildings, infrastructure, CHP, ETP, Stockyard, township/colony (within/adjacent to the ML), green belt and undisturbed area and if any existing roads, drains/natural water bodies are to be left undisturbed along with details of 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., highways, passing through the lease/project area.

(vi) Original land use (agricultural land/forestland/grazing land/wasteland/water bodies) of the area. Impacts of project, if any on the landuse, in particular, agricultural land/forestland/grazing land/water bodies falling within the lease/project and acquired for mining operations. Extent of area under surface rights and under mining rights.

(vii) Details of mineral reserves, geological status of the study area and the seams to be worked, ultimate working depth and progressive stage-wise working plan/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 should also be included.

(viii) 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.

(ix) Collection of one-season (non-monsoon) primary baseline data on environmental quality – air (SPM, RSPM, SOx, NOx and heavy metals such as Hg, Pb, Cr, AS, etc), noise, water (surface and groundwater), soil along with one-season met data..

(x) Map of the study area (core and buffer zone) clearly delineating the location of various monitoring stations (air/water/soil and noise – each shown separately) superimposed with location of habitats, wind roses, other industries/mines, polluting sources. The number and location of the stations should be selected on the basis of the proposed impacts in the downwind/downstream/groundwater regime. One station should be in the upwind/upstream/non-impact non-polluting area as a control station. Wind roses to determine air pollutant dispersion and impacts thereof shall be determined. Monitoring should be as per CPCB guidelines and standards for air, water, noise notified under Environment Protection Rules. Parameters for water testing for both ground and surface water should be as per ISI standards and CPCB classification of surface water wherever applicable.

(xi) Impact of mining and water abstraction and mine water discharge in mine on the hydrogeology and groundwater regime within the core zone and 10km buffer zone including long–term modelling studies on the impact of mining on the groundwater regime. Details of rainwater harvesting and measures for recharge of groundwater should be reflected wherever the areas is declared dark/grey from groundwater development.

(xii) Study on subsidence, measures for mitigation/prevention of subsidence, modelling subsidence prediction and its use during mine operation. Safety issues, Risk Assessment and Disaster Management Plan,.

(xiii) Detailed water balance should be provided. The break up of water requirement as per different activities in the mining operations, including use of water for sand stowing should be given separately. Source of water for use in mine, sanction of the competent authority in the State Govt. and impacts vis-à-vis the competing users should be provided.

(xiv) Impact of choice of mining method, technology, selected use of machinery - and impact on air quality, mineral transportation, coal handling & storage/stockyard, etc, Impact of blasting, noise and vibrations.

(xv) Impacts of mineral transportation – within and outside the lease/project. The entire sequence of mineral production, transportation, handling, transfer and storage of mineral and waste, 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. Examine the adequacy of roads existing in the area and if new roads are proposed, the impact of their construction and use particularly if forestland is used.

(xvi) Details of various facilities to be provided 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 their impacts.

(xvii) Examine the number and efficiency of mobile/static water sprinkling system along the main mineral transportation road within the mine, approach roads to the mine/stockyard/siding, and also the frequency of their use in impacting air quality.

(xviii) 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.

(xix) Conceptual Final Mine Closure Plan along with the fund requirement for the detailed activities proposed there under. Impacts of change in land use for mining operations and whether the land can be restored for agricultural use post mining.

(xx) 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 should be furnished.

(xxi) Details of cost of EMP (capital and recurring) in the project cost and for final mine closure plan. The specific costs (capital and recurring) of each pollution control/mitigative measures proposed in the project until end of mine life and a statement that this is included in the project cost.

(xxii) Integrating in the Env. Management Plan with measures for minimising use of natural resources – water, land, energy, raw materials/mineral, etc.

(xxiii) R&R: Detailed project specific R&R Plan with data on the existing socio-economic status (including tribals, SC/ST) of the population 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.

(xxiv) Public Hearing should cover the details as specified in the EIA Notification 2006, and include notices issued in the newspaper, proceedings/minutes of public hearing, the points raised by the general public and commitments by the proponent made 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.

(xxv) Status of any litigations/ court cases filed/pending on the project.

(xxvi) Submission of sample test analysis of:

(xxvii) Characteristics of coal - this includes grade of coal and other characteristics – ash, S and heavy metals including levels of Hg, As, Pb, Cr etc.

(xxviii) Copy of clearances/approvals – such as Forestry clearances, Mining Plan Approval, NOC from Flood and Irrigation Dept. (if req.), etc.

(xxix) The Committee desired that no flyash should be used in agriculture without prior studies on the toxicity effects of the flyash, if any. The Committee also desired that the impacts of leachates on sub-soil aquifers should also be studied. The Committee desired that long-term monitoring of the impacts of use of flyash for dumping and in agriculture on soil, water, air quality etc should be studied. The Committee stated that no dumping of flaysh with sand should be undertaken without proper trials and fields studies. The Committee also desired that the monitoring data on the water quality of treated mine water being discharged outside the mine be furnished.

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 in Regional languages provided/enclosed with the application.

(v) 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.

(vi) The letter/application for EC should quote the MOEF file No. and also attach a copy of the letter prescribing the TOR.

(vii) 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.

(viii) Mining Questionnaire (posted on MOEF website) with all sections duly filled in shall also be submitted at the time of applying for EC.

(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 Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 or the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

10. 6 & 7 Pits colliery (from 0.28 MTPA to 0.6 MTPA in an ML area 168.403 ha) of M/s Tata Steel Ltd., Tehsil Jharia, in Jharia Coalfields, dist. Dhanbad, Jharkhand (TOR)

The PP made a presentation. It was informed that the proposal is for enhancing coal production from 0.28 MTPA to 0.60 MTPA by mining one more seam in the existing 6&7 Pits colliery, which falls under the Jamodoba group of coalmines. It was informed that the coal rejects are used in an FBC based TPP existing adjoining the colliery and the flay ash is used for stowing, as flyash bricks and in agriculture. The PP desired that additional flyash be permitted to be backfilled into the decoaled voids along with sand. There is no increase in ML area. Of the total ML area, 10.003 ha is for buildings, magazine and sand stockyard, 19.70 ha is for colony, 40.80 ha is for railway and roads, 2 ha for sub-station and coal bunkers, 21.16 ha are for playground, gardens, 32.67 ha of villages and the balance 42.17 ha is under agriculture. Mining is semi-mechanised by Board & Pillar method. River Damodar flows west of the ML. Coal transportation from the mine seam to washery is by underground conveyor network and thereafter from the Railway Siding at the washery area to the linked Steel Plant by rail. Mining Plan was approved on 08.03.2010. It was informed that no subsidence is anticipated as mining is at great depth. It was clarified that no incidents of fire as in the other areas of Jharia coalfields has been reported from the mine.

The Committee desired that no flyash should be used in agriculture without prior studies on the toxicity effects of the flyash, if any. The Committee also desired that the impacts of leachates on sub-soil aquifers should also be studied. The Committee desired that long-term monitoring of the impacts of use of flyash for dumping and in agriculture on soil, water, air quality etc should be studied. The Committee stated that no dumping of flyash with sand should be undertaken without proper trials and fields studies. The Committee also desired that the monitoring data on the water quality of treated mine water being discharged outside the mine be furnished.

The Committee desired that public hearing should be conducted separately for the two projects.

Based on the application along with documents and presentation thereon and discussions held, the Committee prescribed the following TOR:

(i) An EIA-EMP Report should be prepared for a peak capacity of 0.6 MTPA over an area of 168.403 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 0.6 MTPA (expansion from 0.28 MTPA to 0.60 MTPA) of coal production based on approval of project/Mining Plan.

(vii) Study on the existing flora and fauna in the study area 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. The flora and fauna details should be furnished separately for the core zone and buffer zone. The report and the list should be authenticated by the concerned institution carrying out the study and the names of the species scientific and common names) along with the classification under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 should be furnished.

(viii) Details of mineral reserves, geological status of the study area and the seams to be worked, ultimate working depth and progressive stage-wise working plan/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 should also be included.

(ix) 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.

(x) Collection of one-season (non-monsoon) primary baseline data on environmental quality – air (SPM, RSPM, SOx, NOx and heavy metals such as Hg, Pb, Cr, AS, etc), noise, water (surface and groundwater), soil along with one-season met data..

(xi) Map of the study area (core and buffer zone) clearly delineating the location of various monitoring stations (air/water/soil and noise – each shown separately) superimposed with location of habitats, wind roses, other industries/mines, polluting sources. The number and location of the stations should be selected on the basis of the proposed impacts in the downwind/downstream/groundwater regime. One station should be in the upwind/upstream/non-impact non-polluting area as a control station. Wind roses to determine air pollutant dispersion and impacts thereof shall be determined. Monitoring should be as per CPCB guidelines and standards for air, water, noise notified under Environment Protection Rules. Parameters for water testing for both ground and surface water should be as per ISI standards and CPCB classification of surface water wherever applicable.

(xii) Impact of mining and water abstraction and mine water discharge in mine on the hydrogeology and groundwater regime within the core zone and 10km buffer zone including long–term modelling studies on the impact of mining on the groundwater regime. Details of rainwater harvesting and measures for recharge of groundwater should be reflected wherever the areas is declared dark/grey from groundwater development.

(xiii) Study on subsidence, measures for mitigation/prevention of subsidence, modelling subsidence prediction and its use during mine operation, safety issues.

(xiv) Detailed water balance should be provided. The break up of water requirement as per different activities in the mining operations, including use of water for sand stowing should be given separately. Source of water for use in mine, sanction of the competent authority in the State Govt. and impacts vis-à-vis the competing users should be provided.

(xv) Impact of choice of mining method, technology, selected use of machinery - and impact on air quality, mineral transportation, coal handling & storage/stockyard, etc, Impact of blasting, noise and vibrations.

(xvi) Impacts of mineral transportation – within and outside the lease/project. The entire sequence of mineral production, transportation, handling, transfer and storage of mineral and waste, 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. Examine the adequacy of roads existing in the area and if new roads are proposed, the impact of their construction and use particularly if forestland is used.

(xvii) Details of various facilities to be provided 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 their impacts.

(xviii) Examine the number and efficiency of mobile/static water sprinkling system along the main mineral transportation road within the mine, approach roads to the mine/stockyard/siding, and also the frequency of their use in impacting air quality.

(xix) 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.

(xx) Conceptual Final Mine Closure Plan along with the fund requirement for the detailed activities proposed there under. Impacts of change in land use for mining operations and whether the land can be restored for agricultural use post mining.

(xxi) 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 should be furnished.

(xxii) Details of cost of EMP (capital and recurring) in the project cost and for final mine closure plan. The specific costs (capital and recurring) of each pollution control/mitigative measures proposed in the project until end of mine life and a statement that this is included in the project cost.

(xxiii) Integrating in the Env. Management Plan with measures for minimising use of natural resources – water, land, energy, raw materials/mineral, etc.

(xxiv) R&R: Detailed project specific R&R Plan with data on the existing socio-economic status (including tribals, SC/ST) of the population 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.

(xxv) Public Hearing should cover the details as specified in the EIA Notification 2006, and include notices issued in the newspaper, proceedings/minutes of public hearing, the points raised by the general public and commitments by the proponent made 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.

(xxvi) Status of any litigations/ court cases filed/pending on the project.

(xxvii) Submission of sample test analysis of:

(xxviii) Characteristics of coal - this includes grade of coal and other characteristics – ash, S and heavy metals including levels of Hg, As, Pb, Cr etc.

(xxix) Copy of clearances/approvals – such as Forestry clearances, Mining Plan Approval, NOC from Flood and Irrigation Dept. (if req.), etc.

(xxx) The Committee desired that no flyash should be used in agriculture without prior studies on the toxicity effects of the flyash, if any. The Committee also desired that the impacts of leachates on sub-soil aquifers should also be studied. The Committee desired that long-term monitoring of the impacts of use of flyash for dumping and in agriculture on soil, water, air quality etc should be studied. The Committee stated that no dumping of flaysh with sand should be undertaken without proper trials and fields studies. The Committee also desired that the monitoring data on the water quality of treated mine water being discharged outside the mine be furnished.

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 in Regional languages provided/enclosed with the application.

(vi) The letter/application for EC should quote the MOEF file No. and also attach a copy of the letter prescribing the TOR.

(vii) 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.

(viii) Mining Questionnaire (posted on MOEF website) with all sections duly filled in shall also be submitted at the time of applying for EC.

(ix) 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 Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 or the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

11. Proposed Pit Head Coking Coal Washery (3.5 MTPA) in Tasra Coal Block of M/s Steel Authority of India Ltd. located in Jharia Coalfields, Dist. Dhanbad, Jharkhand (TOR)

The proponent made a presentation. It was informed that the proposed pit head is to be located in the northern part of Tasra Coal Block in a non-coal bearing area which was earlier a Super Phosphate and Gypsum Plant of Bihar State Govt., which is porposed to be acquired. The coal block is located in the eastern part of Jharia coalfields adjacent to Chasnalla Colliery. The total land requirement is 18 ha and 2 ha for railway siding. It was informed that the source of water for the washery would be mine pit water from Tasra OCP. Life of the proposed washery is 25 years. It is proposed to dispatch clean coal of 18% ash content to railway siding at a distance of 2km to linked Steel Plants at Burnpur and Durgapur. Power grade coal would be dispatched to TPP of the company.

The Committee noted that the Superphosphate and Gypsum Plant was in operation many years ago. The site may be contaminated with the wastes form the operations of the unit and a detailed study would require to be carried out before discerning its suitability for establishing the washery.

The Committee after discussions decided that a report on the site be furnished and the proponent simultaneously consider other sites for the washery, which may be presented to the Ministry.

Any Other Issue with the Permission of the Chair:

12. Letter dated 15.10.2010 of M/s Gondhkari Coal Mining Ltd. for revising ML area from 1130 ha to 977ha (Internal Consideration)

Director, MOEF informed that the Gondhkari UG Coalmine Project was granted TOR on 23.09.2010 for 1 MTPA in 1130 ha ML area. A letter dated 15.10.2010 has since been received from the PP informing that while preparing the Mining Plan the total ML area has been revised from the 1130 ha to 970 ha only which is coal bearing. The PP sought this revision in the TOR granted on 23.09.2010.

The Committee desired that details thereof should be circulated to the EAC which would be considered in the next EAC meeting.

13. A Report published by Water and Rivers Commission of Australia entitled `Mine void water resource issues in Western Australia` was shown by Shri S.Shsehadri to the Chairman and members of the EAC, in the context of the discussions held on Agenda Item No.9 in the EAC (T&C) meeting held on 22-23^rd Nov. 2910. Chairman desired that this document should be circulated to all committee members and also duly recorded in minutes.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.

* * *

Annexure-1

PARTICIPANTS IN 13^th EXPERT APPRAISAL COMMITTEE (THERMAL & COAL MINING) IN THE MEETING HELD ON 21^st DECEMBER 2010 ON COAL SECTOR PROJECTS

_________________________________________________________________

1. Shri V.P. Raja … … … … Chairman

2. Prof. C.R.Babu … … …… … Member

3. Shri T.K. Dhar … … … … Member

4. Shri J.L. Mehta … … … … Member

5. Shri S.Seshadri … … … .. Member

6. Prof. Roonwal … … … … Member

7. Dr. T. Chandini … … … Scientist F MOEF

8. Dr. Rubab Jaffer … … … … … Scientist B, MOEF

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In addition, Dr.R.K. Garg, Advisor, M/s Coal India Ltd. attended the meeting on both days.

Annexure-2

PARTICIPANTS IN 13^th MEETING OF EXPERT APPRAISAL COMMITTEE (THERMAL & COAL MINING) HELD ON 21^st DECEMBER 2010 ON COAL MINING PROJECTS

1. M/s South Eastern Coalfields Ltd. (SECL)

1. Shri Gopal Singh, Dir (T)

2. Shri M.Bhattacharya, GM (Env.)

3. Shri V.G.Pratapan, GM

4. Shri D.V.Subba Rao, Chief Manager, Hydrogeologist

5. Shri T.D.Guyin, Sr.Manager

2. M/s Fatehpur East Coal Pvt. Ltd.

1. Shri P.K. Agarwal, V.P. (Mines)

2. Shri Deepak Kumar, Sr.GM

3. Shri Debenjen Banerjee

4. Shri MMS Khadeni, V.P.

5. Shri R. Srinivasan, V.P.

3. M/s Central Coalfields Ltd. (CCL)

1. Shri Sumit Ghosh, CGM (E&F)

2. Shri B.K.Sharma, Chief Manager (Env.)

3. Shri V.K.Rai, CMPDI

4. Shri V.K.Sahay, GM

4. M/s Eastern Coalfields Ltd. (ECL)

1. Shri N. Kumar, Dir. (T)

2. Shri Rakesh Pandit, GM (Env.)

3. Shri B.N.Basu, CMPDI

4. Shri G.Prasad, GM, CMPDI

5. Shri A.Shekhar, Manager, CMPDI

5. M/s Bharat Coking Coal Ltd. (BCCL)

1. Dr. EVR Raju, GM (Env.)

2. Dr.R.K.Sinha

3. Shri V.K.Sinha, RD, CMDPIL

6. M/s Tata Steel Ltd.

1. Shri Divakar, GM, Jharia

2. Shri Jasbir Singh

3. Shri Ajay Sahay

4. Dr.M.K.Chakravorty, CMIFR

5. Dr.B.K.Tewary, CMIFR

7. M/s Steel Authority of India Ltd.

1. Shri Arvind Kuamr

2. Shri Ram Gopal

3. Shri K.L.Srivastava

4. Dr.Abhay Kr. Singh

5. Dr.Siddharth Singh

6. Dr.B.K.Tewary

7. Shri H.L.Gupta

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