guidelines for environmental impact assessment for small hydropower projects

7/24/2019 Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment for Small Hydropower Projects

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STANDARDS / MANUALS / GUIDELINES FOR

SMALL HYDRO DEVELOPMENT

SPONSOR:

MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

GENERAL

GUIDELINES FOR

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

FOR SMALL HYDROPOWER PROJECTS

LEAD ORGANIZATION:

ALTERNATE HYDRO ENERGY CENTRE

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ROORKEE


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CONTENTS

Item Page No.

Section 1 Guidelines on Environmental Impacts and Need for SmallHydropower Projects

1

1.1 Small Hydro Potential and Prospects1.2 Environmental Impacts of Small Hydropower

Projects1.3 Positive Impacts1.4 Meaning of EIA1.5 Need of Guidelines for EIA of Small Hydropower

Projects

11

356

Section 2 Environmental Acts and Procedures for Clearance ofHydropower Projects in India

8

2.1 Environmental Acts2.2 Procedure for Obtaining Environmental Clearance

2.2.1 Requirements for Environmental Clearance2.2.2 General Conditions2.2.3 Documents Required with the Project Proposal2.2.4 Stages in Environmental Clearance

810

10101111

Section 3 Baseline Data 163.1 Land Environment

3.1.1 Land Use3.1.2 Drainage Pattern3.1.3 Soils3.1.4 Catchment Profile (Directly Draining)

3.1.5 Geomorphology/Geology

3.2 Air and Water Environment3.2.1 Water Quality Parameters3.2.2 Hydrological Data3.2.3 Meteorology

3.2.3.1 Seasonal-monitored data (monthly basis)3.2.4 Air Quality3.2.5 Noise

3.3 Biological Environment3.3.1 Aquatic3.3.2 Terrestrial

3.3.2.1 Flora3.3.2.2 Fauna

3.4 Socioeconomic Environment3.4.1 Demographic Profile (gender based

details of the population)3.4.2 Details of Villages to be Affected3.4.3 Village wise Land Details3.4.4 Details of Families to be Displaced3.4.5 Infra Structure Development3.4.6 Cultural Sites3.4.7 Health Profile

161617181818

181819191919192020202020

2020

202121212121

Section 4 Environmental Impact Assessment Methodology 224.1 Levels of EIA4.2 EIA Procedure

4.2.1 Screening4.2.1.1 Thresholds4.2.1.2 Locational criteria

2222232323


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Item Page No.

4.2.1.3 Positive and negative lists4.2.1.4 Initial environmental evaluation

4.2.2 Scoping (Depth of Analysis)4.3 Methods for Impact Identification and Assessment

4.3.1 Checklists4.3.2 Interaction matrices

4.3.3 Network4.3.4 Overlays

4.4 Socio-economic Assessment

242425262626

282829

Section 5 Water Quality Monitoring Program 325.1 Effects on Water Quality

5.1.1 Water Quality Effects During Construction5.1.2 Water Quality Effects During Operation

5.1.2.1 Water quality effects upstream of theproject site

5.1.2.2 Water quality effects downstream of theproject site

5.2 Purpose of Water Quality Monitoring5.3 Sampling Design

5.3.1 Duration5.3.2 Sampling frequency5.3.3 Sampling Locations5.3.4 Sample and Data Analysis5.3.5 Identification of Water Quality Laboratory5.3.6 Quality Control5.3.7 Reporting

5.4 Regulatory Audit5.5 Interpretation of Monitoring Results

32323333

33

3434353536363737383839

Section 6 Stake Holders in EIA Process 426.1 Ways to Identify Stakeholders and Group

Representatives6.2 Involving Stakeholders

6.2.1 Memoranda of Understanding6.2.2 Training6.2.3 User Groups

6.3 Public Consultation

42

4344454545

Section 7 Principles and Procedures of an Environmental ManagementPlan

47

7.1 Environmental Monitoring7.1.1 Principles of Monitoring7.1.2 Types of Monitoring7.1.3 Intensity of Monitoring7.1.4 Development of Monitoring Indicators

7.2 Environmental Auditing7.2.1 Types of Audit

7.3 Implementation of Environmental Management Plan7.3.1 Activities Concerning Impact Monitoring7.3.2 Formulation of Monitoring Plan/Schedule7.3.3 Information Required for Environmental

Auditing

7.3.4 Formulation of Auditing Plan/ Schedule

4747474849494949505051

52


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Item Page No.

Section 8 Preparation of Terms of References 588.1 Basic Objectives and Purpose

8.1.1 Appropriate time for developing TOR8.1.2 Responsibility for developing TOR

8.2 Good Practice Criteria for the Preparation of TOR8.2.1 Name and Address of the Person/Institution

Preparing the Report8.2.2 General Introduction of the Proposal8.2.3 Data Required for Preparation of EIA Report

and Methodology of Data Collection8.2.4 Policies, Laws, Rules, and Directives8.2.5 Report Preparation Requirements

8.2.5.1 Time8.2.5.2 Estimated budget8.2.5.3 Specialists/Experts

8.2.6 Approved Scope for the Preparation of the Report8.2.7 Likely Environmental Consequences8.2.8 Alternatives for Executing the Proposal8.2.9 Mitigation Measures, Environmental Management

Plan and Auditing Plan8.2.10 Costs and Benefits8.2.11 Monitoring Plan8.2.12 Relevant Information

5859595959

5960

616161616161616262

626363

Annexure I Useful References 64

Annexure II Definition of Terms Related to Soil, Air and Water Environment ofa Hydropower Project

66

Annexure III Environmental Standards Prescribed by Central Pollution Control

Board

72

Annexure IV Format of Environmental Impact Assessment Document 75

Annexure V Environmental Appraisal Questionnaire as Prescribed in AppendixI Form I of EIA Notification (MoEF, 2006)

77


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AHEC/MNRE/SHPStandards/E&MWorks- GuidelinesforEnvironmentalImpactAssessmentforSmallHydropowerProjects 1

SECTION 1

GUIDELINES ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND NEED FORSMALL HYDROPOWER PROJECTS

Developing countries need increased energy supplies in order to bring about

improvement in the quality of life of their people. Sustainable and environmentally sound

progress towards energy self reliance is probably best achieved through development of

renewable energy sources as these will eventually be the only sources available to sustain the

societies. Out of various renewable energy sources, small hydropower is the only source which

has sufficient potential to accommodate remote area needs. Although the adverse

environmental impacts of individual small hydropower project (SHP) may not be significant and

yet, the aggregate impact of several such projects in vicinity could be of a magnitude to cause

significant damage to the environment.

1.1 SMALL HYDRO DEFINITION

Small hydro is a renewable, non-polluting and environmentally benign source of energy.

In India, depending on the capacities, small hydropower projects are categorized as Micro, Mini

and Small hydro projects as under.

Pico : upto 5 kW

Micro : upto 100 kW

Mini : upto 2000 kW

Small : upto 25,000 kW

Depending on the head, SHPs may be further classified as low head (below 3 meters),

medium head (from 30 75 meters) and high head (above 75 meters).

1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF SMALL HYDROPOWER PROJECTS

A hydropower scheme entails change in use of land and water. Magnitude of such

change depends on the selected site configuration. An illustrative site configuration is shown

below. The environmental impacts of SHPs are positive (favourable) and negative (undesirable)

in nature.


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Figure 1.1: Physical components of small hydropower project

The environmental impacts of small hydropower project may be summarized as follows:

Table 1.1: Environmental impacts of small hydropower projects

Activi ty Adverse Impact

Construction of road,dam, power house

and switch yard

1. Reservoir sedimentation and deterioration of water quality2. Air and noise pollution and disturbance to flora and fauna

by work force

3. Visual intrusion caused by construction activity

4. Disturbance of recreational spots (e.g. waterfalls) and

activities

Construction of

transmission line

1. Damaging flora due to right of way clearing

2. Endangering the lives of fauna

3. Visual intrusion

Stream diversion

through channel and

conduit

1. Loss of habitat of fish and other aquatic flora and fauna

2. Decrease in dilution capacity of stream

3. Depletion in ground water recharge where diversion is

taken off from effluent stream

4. Loss of waterfalls and other recreational activities

Ponding 1. Flow disruption

2. Channel degradation during generation or spilling and

flushing of silt from dam


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3. Trapped nutrients and sediments, eutrophication

4. Changed water temperature

5. Changes in land uses: (a) submergence of agricultural and

forest land (b) submergence of human settlement and

displacement of population (c) submergence of

monuments/sites of historic importance (d) loss of

whitewater recreation

6. Change in aquatic plant life and fish species

7. High evaporation rate

8. Sedimentation adversely affects fish spawning areas by

burying them

9. Provides increased habitat for mosquitoes and snails

which are vectors of diseases like malaria, yellow fever,

dengue, encephalitis and schistosomiasis

Operation of

hydropower station

1. Increase in pollution concentration in the downstream due

to release of pollutants from residential areas, hydropower

plant

2. Released water containing low dissolved oxygen

3. Fish mortality from turbine passage

Peaking operation ofpower station

1. Damage to fish spawning ground and nesting ground forwater fowls and other aquatic birds

2. Erosion of banks

3. Transport of nutrients from the shallow water to deeper

water in pond

4. Affects recreational facilities due to fluctuating water level

5. Exposure of drawdown zone creates visual intrusion

1.3 POSITIVE IMPACTS

Positive environmental impacts of hydropower projects are somehow ignored as a

routine probably due to the fact that these projects are conveniently considered as demanding

an environmental price. It is equally important to highlight and quantify (to the extent possible)

positive environmental impacts of SHPs.

Positive Socio-Economic Impacts

1. Most convenient energy source commercially available at the door steps

2. Multiplier effect of electricity on economy of the area especially in remote areas

3. Development of agro-industrial units in remote areas

4. Improvement of agricultural produce


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5. Net improvement in community health

6. Improvement in living standard of local people

7. Generation of employment opportunities locally

8. Motivation of higher literacy

9. Check on migration from villages to towns, thereby checking urban concentration of

population

10. Increasing tourism potential water sports, boating, fishing etc.

11. It helps in checking deforestation which is taking place to meet food, fodder and fuel

demands in rural, remote areas.

12. It is significant for off-grid, rural, remote area applications in far flung isolated

communities having no chances of grid extension for years to come. It is operationally

flexible, suitable for peaking support to the local grid as well as for stand alone

applications in isolated remote areas.

13. Small hydro does not require much expertise to build and operate. Components of small

hydro projects are simple and fairly visible at site. They can become centre of education.

Positive Ecological/Environmental Impacts

1. Clean and renewable source of energy

2. It is benign source of power generation, harnessing only gravitational potential of water

to make it yield energy in a continuum

3. Decrease of pollution in the area (hydro replacing diesel generation, electricity replacing

polluting energy sources)

4. Fisheries development in the pondage/reservoir

5. Improved ground water table enhancing greenery all around

6. Improvement towards vegetation and plantation associated with the project

(compensatory afforestation)

7. Improved habitat

8. Lake shore environment in otherwise dry areas

9. Modification of micro climate due to storage and regulation of water to a more or less

uniform pattern. This also leads to a somewhat stabilizing impact on local environment

influencing flora and fauna aquatic as well as terrestrial.

10. SHPs are environmentally more friendlier than conventional large hydro plants:

a. Non-involvement of setting up of large dams and thus not associated with

problems of deforestation, submergence or rehabilitation

b. Non-polluting and environmentally benign. It is one of the least CO2 emission

responsible power sources, even by considering full energy chain right from the

impact of production of plant equipment etc.


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c. Least impact on flora and fauna (aquatic and terrestrial) and biodiversity.

Example: Positive Impacts of Tidong Hydropower Project

Clean and Renewable Source of Energy : On completion, the project would provide 100 MW of electricity

which is a non polluting and renewable source of energy.

Employment Opportunities :About 1500 people are likely to work during peak period of activity (equivalent

to 1500 people x 240 working days/year x 5 years of construction = 18.00 lakhs mandays). In operation

phase, about 70 people will be stationed for operation and maintenance of the project (equivalent to 70

people x 240 working days per year = 16,800 mandays/ year). Thus the project would provide substantial

direct employment and in addition to these, more people would be indirectly employed for allied activities.

Catchment Area Treatment : One of the major beneficial impacts of hydropower projects is the treatment of

degraded catchment area of the project to control the soil erosion. This results in regeneration of natural

forests and other ecosystems significantly benefiting to the environment.

Recreation and Tourism Potential : The proposed barrage will be located on river Tidong near village

Lumber, a tributary of Satlej. Kinnaur is called Dev Bhumi and is located in the tottering heights of

Himalayas, having passes that remain inaccessible almost for six months was a forbidden land till now andonly open to a chosen few. Now the secret beauty of this place is open to all who like to witness what had

been hidden for centuries together. Due to above features of district and natural beauty of the project area,

it can be considered as a tourist attraction by developing adequate infrastructure in and around the project

area.

Additional Habitat for Aquatic Life /Wetland Species :The creation of reservoir (capacity 23700 cum with

1.98 ha surface area) provides a habitat to wetland species, especially water birds. The increased water

surface will create additional habitat for aquatic life in or near the reservoir. Receding waters will create

dry mudflats and shall provide suitable feeding sites for migratory birds in autumn and spring. This will also

provide breeding habitat for resident species and can be a significant environmental benefit.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Potential :Efforts to stock commercially valuable fish in the reservoir will lead

to the increase in fisheries (catch and income) in the reservoir. Creation of reservoir will develop potential

for fish and fisheries farming. No fish is observed at the barrage site in Tidong being the steep slope of riverbed and cold climate but it can be developed in the reservoir.

Benefits to Economy :Development of infrastructure and availability of reliable power supply as a result of

the project realisation would contribute to the stimulation of economic activities like small scale industry in

the area. The project will benefit the economy at both local and national level.

Less Fuel Consumption :The project capacity is 100MW and it would generate 301.10 GWh power

annually on 90% dependability. In no project scenario, in order to generate this power by thermal power

plant, about 0.32 million tones of coal would be utilized. With the implementation of this project equal

amount of coal is saved. Specific fuel consumption has been taken as 1.06Kg/ Kwh. This will directly benefit

to the tune of Rs. 640 million per year.

Reduction in Air Pollution : Hydropower produces no air pollution/greenhouse gases as compared to

Thermal/coal power stations. It is very efficient, reliable, and - once installed inexpensive. Hydropower

systems can provide both base load and peaking power.

Reduction in Greenhouse Gas (Carbon Dioxide) Emission :About 0.30 million ton of CO2 will be emitted

from 100MW coal fired thermal power plant. This will reduce 0.30 million tones of green house gas

contribution to the global environment every year. The cumulative reduction in Green House gas (CO2) in

the taking 70 years lifetime of the project thus works out to 21.0 million tones.

Increased Infrastructure : Present infrastructure is either likely to be upgraded or new infrastructure is set

up with the implementation of the new project. Basic infrastructures required to be developed are roads,

health facilities, educational facilities etc. The project affected people shall be benefited due to development

of better infrastructure in the project area.

1.4 MEANING OF EIA

EIA is an activity designed to identify, predict and describe in appropriate terms the

primary and secondary changes due to a proposed action. Such actions may include policies,


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plans, programmes and projects. EIA covers the biophysical environment, mans health, the

quality of life and social environment, and communicates results in a form which is

understandable by the community and decision makers. Thus, EIA is required not only for a

particular hydropower project but also for a set of projects (existing and proposed) under a plan

or a programme.

The EIA should contain descriptions of both the likely beneficial and adverse impacts

(short and long-term). The EIA approach should be inter-disciplinary, systematic,

comprehensive and capable of presenting results that are understandable to non-experts.

Assessments should indicate the possible need for pollution control measures, health care

programmes and environmental monitoring on the basis of an understanding of the affected

environment. The EIA process does not stop at the production of an Environmental Impact

Statement (EIS) or the granting of project authorisation, but continues throughout the life of a

project.

The potential advantages of EIA are more efficient use of resources and improved

quality of life. If the probable environmental, social and health consequences of proposed

development are known from an early stage, attempts can be made to minimise adverse

impacts and maximize beneficial impacts.

1.5 NEED OF GUIDELINES FOR EIA OF SMALL HYDROPOWER PROJECTS

A series of standards, guidelines and manuals have been brought out by various

agencies dealing with environmental impact assessment of large river valley/hydropower

projects. However, such literature for small hydropower projects is not available. There is an

urgent need to develop and adopt simplified guidelines for SHPs.

Guidelines have been issued by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) for

diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes and for EIA of river valley projects. These

guidelines are exhaustive covering wide range of environmental subjects. Small hydropower

projects may not require same type of scrutiny as that required by large projects. Further, in

depth study of some of environmental aspects may not be necessary.

Basic physical character of SHP and the local factors influencing the environment are to

some extent similar to those of large projects; the only difference is in terms of magnitude of

change in the use of land, water and other resources. Further there are certain positive impacts

(socio-economic and environmental) unique to small hydropower. Several of the positive socio-

economic impacts are intangible in nature (i.e. not quantifiable) and yet could be significant.

Intangibility does not imply insignificance.

There is an urgency to accelerate development of small hydro and remove regional

imbalances in economic development. Private sector has a big role to play in development of


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SHPs. Standards and guidelines are required to help concerned agencies in carrying out EIA in

a systematic and scientific manner and thus avoiding delay in clearance of the projects.

Keeping the above in view, these guidelines have been prepared to address needs of

SHPs. The following aspects are covered in this manual:

various acts and decision making process as followed in India for obtaining

environmental clearance.

baseline data required as per environmental indicators

the EIA methodology

procedure for water quality monitoring and auditing

methods and procedures for engaging stake holders

principles and procedures of environmental management plan the preparation of terms of references and good practice criteria

some terms related to environment

standards of environmental parameters used in India

prescribed format of EIA document

Environmental Appraisal Questionnaire as prescribed in Appendix V Form I of EIA

notification (MOEF, 2006)

Useful references


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SECTION 2

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTS AND PROCEDURES FOR CLEARANCE OFHYDROPOWER PROJECTS IN INDIA

2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTS

Adequate provisions for protection of environment and forests are made in the

Constitution of India. Article 47 provides for protection and improvement of health. Article 48(A)

is directed towards protection and improvement of environment and protection of forest and

wildlife. Article 51(A) says it is the duty of every citizen to protect and improve natural

environment. Following the UN Conference on Human Environment (Stockholm, 1972), a

constitutional amendment (42, 1976) inserted relevant provisions for environment protection in

Constitution in Part IV Directive Principles and Part IVA Fundamental Duties.

In order to ensure sustainable development from water resources angle the Government

of India has enacted various Acts and Legislations. Prominent among these is the Environment

(Protection) Act, 1986 through which the Government has acquired wide powers for protecting

the environment. Some other acts related to Water and Environment are Water (Prevention and

Control of Pollution) (Cess) Act, 1977 (amended in 1991), Forest Conservation Act, 1980,

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification of MOEF 2006 and the Ministry of

Environment and Forests Notification of January 1977 constituting the Central Ground Water

Authority (CGWA).

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 seeks to maintain or restore

wholeness of water and the Central and State Pollution Control Boards have been established

under this Act. According to the Water Cess Act, 1997, both Central and State Governments

have to provide funds to the Boards for implementing this Act. The Forest Conservation Act,

1980 provides for compensatory afforestation to make up for the diversion of forestland to non-

forest use. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 was enacted in 1986 for the protection and

improvement of human environment.

Recently, Government of India has constituted Water Quality Assessment Authority

(WQAA) vide MoEF/Nc. J-15011/8/2000-NRCD dated 29thMay, 2001 under the chairmanship

of Secretary, MOEF, exercising the powers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. This

authority exercises the powers and functions under the said Act for several functions. Some of

these relevant to hydropower projects are given below:

To direct various agencies to standardize methods for water quality monitoring

To ensure quality of data generation of utilization thereof

To make measures so as to ensure proper treatment of waste water with a view to restoringthe water quality of the river water bodies to meet the designated best uses


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To maintain minimum discharge for sustenance of aquatic life forms in riverine system

To promote rain water harvesting

To utilize self assimilation capacities at the critical river stretches

To constitute/set up state level Water Quality Review Committees (WQRCs) to coordinate

the works to be assigned to such committees

To deal with any environmental issues concerning surface and ground water quality referred

to it by central Government or the State Government relating to the respective areas, for

maintaining and/or restoration of quality to sustain designated best-uses.

TABLE 2.1: Key Environmental Legislations and Guidelines

Name Scope and objective Key areasOperational

agencies/key

players

Water Prevention andControl of PollutionAct, 1974, 1988

To provide for theprevention andcontrolof water pollution andenhancing the qualityof water

Controls sewage andindustrial effluentdischarges

Central and StatePollution ControlBoards

Air Prevention andControl of PollutionAct 1981, 1987

To provide for theprevention andcontrol of air pollution

Controls emissions ofair pollutants

Central and StatePollution ControlBoards

Forest ConservationAct, 1980, 1988

To consolidateacquisition ofcommon propertysuch as forests; haltIndias rapiddeforestation andresultingEnvironmentaldegradation

Regulates access tonatural resources,state has a monopolyright over land;categorize forestsRestriction on de-reservation and usingforest for non-forestpurpose

State governmentAnd Centralgovernment

Wildlife ProtectionAct, 1980

To protect wildlife

Creates protectedareas (nationalparks/sanctuaries)categorize wildlife

which are protected

Wildlife advisoryboards; Central ZooAuthorities

EnvironmentProtection Act, 1986

To provide for theprotection andimprovement ofEnvironment

An umbrellalegislation;supplements pollutionlaws

Central governmentnodal agency MoEF;can delegate powersto state department ofEnvironment

EnvironmentalClearanceNotification, 2006 OFMoEF (GOI)

Environmental ImpactAssessment ofProjects; EnvironmentManagement Plans

EnvironmentalProtection

Project Developer,State and CentralGovernments.

National Policy onR&R, 2003 of Min. of

Rural Development,GOI

Resettlement andRehabilitation of

project affectedpeople

Social Issues State Government


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2.2 PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE

Before January, 1994, it was an administrative requirement for the mega projects to

obtain environmental clearance from the MOEF, Government of India. However, in order to

assess the impacts of the developmental projects/activities on the environment, MOEF issued a

gazette notification on the EIA on January 27, 1994 (as amended on May 04, 1994) and made

environmental clearance statutory for all the projects located in ecologically sensitive/fragile

areas as notified by the Government of India from time to time, besides various categories of

the projects as specified in the schedule of the notification. These also include water resource

development (WRD) project. MOEF has issued a revised gazette notification on 14th

September, 2006 suppressing the earlier notification of January 27, 1994. The new gazette

notification is based on National Environment Policy which was approved by Union Cabinet on18th May, 2006. Flow chart depicting procedure of environmental clearance is given in Figure

2.1. Flow chart depicting appraisal procedure is shown in Figure 2.2.

2.2.1 Requirements for Environmental Clearance

The gazette notification dated 14thSeptember, 2006 stipulates two regulatory authorities

to deal with environmental clearance for all new project and expansion/modernization of

existing projects.

Central Government in Ministry

of Environment and Forests

for Category A projects 50 MW

for category B projects if located wholly or partially

within 10 km from boundary of notified protected

area/critically polluted area/ecosensitive area

State Environmental

Assessment Authority (SEIAA)for category B projects 25 MW and


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All kinds of projects located in ecologically sensitive/fragile area (e.g. Doon Valley in

Uttaranchal and Aravali range in Rajasthan etc.) as notified by the Government of India from

time to time have to obtain environmental clearance compulsorily irrespective of the size, cost

and whether they are listed in the schedule of the EIA notification or not. All the projects located

in/near wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, wetlands, mangroves, biosphere reserve also need

environmental clearance.

Therefore, even a small hydropower project (


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determine whether or not project requires EIA report (termed B1 type project). If EIA is not

required then it is B2 type project. MOEF will issue guidelines from time to time for

categorization as B1 and B2. For categorization of projects into B1 or B2, the Ministry of

Environment and Forests shall issue appropriate guidelines from time to time.

Stage (II) Scoping

Scoping refers to the process by which the Expert Appraisal Committee in the case of

Category A projects or activities, and State level Expert Appraisal Committee in the case of

Category B1 projects or activities, including applications for expansion and/or modernization

and/or change in product mix of existing projects or activities, determine detailed and

comprehensive Terms Of Reference (TOR) addressing all relevant environmental concerns for

the preparation of an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Report in respect of the project or

activity for which prior environmental clearance is sought. The Expert Appraisal Committee or

State level Expert Appraisal Committee concerned shall determine the Terms of Reference on

the basis of the information furnished in the prescribed application form including Terns of

Reference proposed by the applicant, a site visit by a sub- group of Expert Appraisal

Committee or State level Expert Appraisal Committee concerned only if considered necessary

by the Expert Appraisal Committee or State Level Expert Appraisal Committee concerned,

Terms of Reference suggested by the applicant if furnished and other information that may be

available with the Expert Appraisal Committee or State Level Expert Appraisal Committee

concerned. All projects and activities listed as Category B shall not require Scoping and will be

appraised on the basis of application form and the conceptual plan.

It is required for category A and B1 projects. Purpose is to determine detailed and

comprehensive terms of reference for preparation of EIA report.

For category A, hydroelectric project item 1(c) (i) of schedule of TOR shall be conveyed

along with clearance for preconstruction activities.

Stage (III) Public consultation

Public Consultation refers to the process by which the concerns of local affected

persons and others who have plausible stake in the environmental impacts of the project or

activity are ascertained with a view to taking into account all the material concerns in the project

or activity design as appropriate.

It is required for category A and B1 project with some exceptions e.g. modernization of

irrigation projects, expansion of roads and B2 type and projects, projects concerning national

defence and security. MOEF (2006) has specified procedure for conduct of public hearing.

Purpose is to take into account concerns of local affected persons and others who have

plausible stake in environmental impacts. Based on this, appropriate changes in the draft EIA


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and EMP shall be made. Applicant may submit a supplementary report to draft EIA for

appraisal.

The detailed methodology for public consultation is explained in SECTION 6.

Stage (IV) Appraisal

Figure 2.2 depicts the procedure for project appraisal. Appraisal means the detailed

scrutiny by the Expert Appraisal Committee or State Level Expert Appraisal Committee of the

application and other documents like the Final EIA report, outcome of the public consultations

including public hearing proceedings, submitted by the applicant to the regulatory authority

concerned for grant of environmental clearance. This appraisal shall be made by Expert

Appraisal Committee or State Level Expert Appraisal Committee concerned in a transparent

manner in a proceeding to which the applicant shall be invited for furnishing necessary

clarifications in person or through an authorized representative. On conclusion of this

proceeding, the Expert Appraisal Committee or State Level Expert Appraisal Committee

concerned shall make categorical recommendations to the regulatory authority concerned

either for grant of prior environmental clearance on stipulated terms and conditions, or rejection

of the application for prior environmental clearance, together with reasons for the same.


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Figure 2.1: Flow chart describing procedure of environmental clearance


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APPRAISAL

Figure 2.2: Flow chart describing Appraisal procedure by Regulatory Authority (RA)

Documents: Final EIA or Draft EIA reports andsupplementary reports, video tape/CD of

public hearing, layout plan, projectfeasibility report and Form 1

Scrutiny by RA office with respect toTOR (30 days)

EAC/SEAC completes approval (60 days)

EAC/SEAC meetingApplicant makes presentation

Minutes displayed on website (5 days)

Clearance given, environmental safeguardsand conditions specified or reasons for

rejection are explicitly stated


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SECTION 3

BASELINE DATA

Baseline data is required to describe environmental and socio-economic status of

project site and project impact area for pre-project condition. It consists of primary data (field

tests, surveys, measurements) and secondary data (published information, unpublished

information available with various agencies). Much of the required secondary data/information

is often available within the various government agencies. Major difficulty with the unpublished

information is determining which of it is important and then correctly interpreting it while

eliminating all the unimportant data.

The data is compiled for: Land Environment, Water Environment, Air Environment,

Noise Environment and Socio-economic Environment. Primary data related to the

environmental attributes like air, noise level, water quality and soil are collected from field

studies. A structured questionnaire is used for collection of primary information on socio-

economic aspects. Ecological information is collected from field studies as well as secondary

sources. A summary of environmental attributes related parameters and source of information

is given in Table 3.1.

3.1 LAND ENVIRONMENT

3.1.1 Land Use

Land use and land cover patterns are important in environmental impact assessment

study from the point of view that land use describes the present use such as agriculture,

settlement etc. and land cover describes the material on it such as forest, vegetation, rocks or

building etc. Land cover of the 10 km radius study area with reference to the site can be derived

using latest cloud free satellite imageries. The data is geo-referenced using SOI 1:50000 scale

toposheets with the help of standard data preparation techniques in GIS software such as

ERDAS IMAGINE. Interpretation of the geo-referenced data is done using standard

enhancement techniques and ground truthing. The land use is explained in terms of type and

areal extent i.e. dense vegetation, medium vegetation and sparse vegetation which refers to the

crown cover density of >40%, 10-40% and


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Table 3.1: Environmental attributes, parameters and source of information

S. No. At tr ibute Parameter Source

LAND ENVIRONMENT

1 Land Use Land use pattern District Planning Map

2 Soil Soil Characteristics Soilerosivity in catchment area

Field studies, GIS basedinformation

3 Geology Geological Status Project Pre-Feasibility Report

4 Seismology Seismic Hazard Pre-Feasibility Report

WATER ENVIRONMENT

5 Water Resources Catchment Area, Flow, Design Project Pre-Feasibility Report

6 Water Quality Physical, Chemical andBiological parameters

Field studies

7 Hydrology Drainage area and pattern Project Pre-Feasibility Report

8 Ambient Air Quality SPM, RPM, SO2, NOx andCO

Field Studies

9 Meteorology Temperature and Relativehumidity

Field Studies

Temperature, Relativehumidity, Rainfall, Wind Speedand Wind Direction

India MeteorologicalDepartment

10 Noise Noise levels in dB (A) Field Studies

BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

11 Ecology Flora & Fauna Diversity Field Studies, Informationfrom Forest department and

Literature Study12 Aquatic Ecology Density & diversity of aquaticspecies

Field studies, FisheriesDepartment, Literature review

SCIO-ECONOMIC

13 Socio-economicaspects

Socio-economic characteristicof the affected area

Field Studies, Literaturereview.

(d) Homestead land(e) Grazing land(f) Fallow(g) Marshes

(h) Water bodies(i) Road(j) Railway(k) Bridges(l) Airport

3.1.2 Drainage Pattern(a) Data regarding flash floods, frequency of occurrence(b) Ground water strata(c) Springs

3.1.3 Soils


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The locations for collection of soil samples should be well distributed to represent the

spatial variation in project area. The soil samples are to be analysed for the following

parameters:

(a) Land capability classification (for agricultural land)

(i) Physical properties of soil (soil texture, porosity, particle size distribution)(ii) Chemical properties of soil (pH, electrical conductivity, cations, anions)(iii) N, P, K content

3.1.4 Catchment Profi le (Directly Draining)(a) Drainage pattern(b) Watershed characteristics

(i) Size(ii) Shape(iii) Relief(iv) Slope(v) Drainage

(vi) Pattern and density(c) Ground water potential and runoff behaviour(d) Sediment/silt yield data(e) Existing cropping pattern(f) Migrant behaviour of human and livestock population

3.1.5 Geomorphology/Geology(a) Data with reference to the entire project area (rock type, slopes, strata, minerals etc.)(b) Seismic zones/classification(c) Data pertaining to occurrence of earthquakes

3.2 AIR AND WATER ENVIRONMENT

3.2.1 Water Quality Parameters

To generate baseline data for existing water quality in the project area, water samples

(composite) should be collected and analysed for examination of water and wastewater as per

the standard procedure such as given in Protocol for Water Quality Monitoring

(http://www.cwc.nic.in/main/HP/download/ProtocolforWaterQualityMonitoring.pdf) or the

relevant code of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The details for conducting water quality

assessment are given in Section 5. These water samples are to be assessed for the following

parameters:(a) Physico-chemical pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, TDS and

TSF, turbidity, total alkalinity, total hardness, chloride, iron, nitrate, phosphate,BOD, COD

(b) Bacteriological E coli, coliform(c) Depending upon the pollution source concerned heavy metals namely

mercury, arsenic etc. also to be analysed(d) Base line data:

(i) Pre-construction: Two season data i.e. high flow and lean flow(ii) Post-construction: Water quality parameters upstream of the project site

to be compared with the quality downstream of the project site

3.2.2 Hydrological Data


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(a) Monthly discharge data at dam site(b) Lean season flow (cumec)

(i) upstream of project site(ii) downstream of the project site

(c) Water required for (cumec)(i) power generation(ii) irrigation(iii) domestic/industrial use

(d) Ground water profile pre-monsoon/post-monsoon

3.2.3 Meteorology3.2.3.1 Seasonal-monitored data (monthly basis)

(i) Temperature (in 0C)(a) Maximum(b) Minimum(c) Mean

(ii) Mean rainfall (in mm)

(iii) Wind speed (km/h)(a) Maximum(b) Minimum(c) Mean

(iv) Windrose diagram for winter, summer, rainy season and annual(iv) Humidity (mean monthly)(v) Evaporation (observed class A pan evaporation or estimated using appropriate

method)

3.2.4 Air Quality(a) Season wire/air quality (SPM, NOX, SO2, CO)(b) Construction material required (Table 3.2)

(c) Dust emissions(i) Quarry sites(ii) Haulage roads(iii) Construction activity(iv) Stone crusher

Table 3.2: Construction material required (clause 3.2.4 b)

List of constructionmaterials to be used at all

stages of construction

Quantity(tonnes/month)Peak Average

Source ofmaterial

Means of transportation(source to storage site)

with justification

Cement

Stone

Steel

Sand

Other

3.2.5 Noise(a) Major sources of noise in the project area (stationary and mobile)(b) Level at source (dB)(c) Level at project boundary (dB)


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3.3 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

3.3.1 Aquatic

Aquatic ecosystem to be studied over an area atleast between 2km upstream of the

project site and atleast 2 km downstream of the project site. The study should include the

following:

(a) Fish species of commercial value(b) Resident species(c) Migratory species, their spawning ground, fish morphology, anatomy, feeding

pattern, breeding pattern etc.

Aquatic ecological analysis may be made following the methods outlined in Wetzel and

Likens (1991) and APHA (1998). Periphyton, phytoplankton, macrobenthos and zooplankton

should be studied for frequency, density, abundance and diversity indices.

3.3.2 Terrestrial

An inventory of flora, listing of rare, endangered, economically important and medicinal

plant species should be prepared and their frequency, abundance and density should be

determined. Quadrate method is generally used for sampling.

3.3.2.1 Flora

(a) Major forest products and dependability of the local communities on these such asfuel wood, edible species, construction material etc.

(b) Forest type(c) Trees, shrubs, herbs(d) Rare and endangered species(e) Endemic species(f) Economically important species

3.3.2.2 Fauna(a) Aerial distance of National Park/Sancturay/Biosphere Reserve etc., if any in the

vicinity, from the project site(b) Rare and endangered species(c) Endemic species(d) Species of special interest to local population and tourists

(e) Migratory route of animals, if any, in the project area

3.4 SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

3.4.1 Demographic Profile (gender based details of the population)(a) Rural/urban(b) Population density(c) SC/ST and others(d) Literacy(e) Employment and occupation(f) Economic status (land holding/house holding)

3.4.2 Details of Villages to be Affected(a) Total no. of villages


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(b) Total no. of families(i) Tribal(ii) Others

(c) Total population(i) Tribal(ii) Others

3.4.3 Village wise Land Details(a) Name of village(b) Total land(c) Land coming under project area(d) Main occupation of villagers

(i) Agriculture(ii) Service(iii) Labourers(iv) Business

3.4.4 Details of Families to be Displaced

Name ofvillage

Population

Land oustees only Homestead oustees only Land and homestead oustees

Tribal Others Tribal Others Tribal Others

3.4.5 Infra Structure Development(a) Education(b) Industrial development(c) Drinking water

(d) Communication(e) Roads(f) Electricity(g) Sanitation

3.4.6 Cultural Sites(a) Places of worship(b) Archeological sites/monuments(c) Anthropological sites

3.4.7 Health Profi le(a) Existing health(b) Screening of the facilities urgent labour

(i) No. of persons to be employed for construction (average and during peakperiod)

(ii) No. of persons to be employed from the affected population(iii) Details of temporary labour colonies

(c) Disease surveillance(i) Endemic health problem(ii) Epidemic prevention and control(iii) Probability of the occurrence of malaria etc.


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SECTION 4

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

This Section aims at description of environmental impact assessment (EIA)

methodology with reference to water resource projects.

4.1 LEVELS OF EIA

The potential scope of a comprehensive EIA system is considerable and can include

appraisal of policies, plans, programmes and projects. Even if policies were not environmental

in nature, they might still have severe environmental implications.

The top tier of EIA application would be a Policy EIA which attempts to assess theenvironmental and health implications of national policies. For example, agricultural policies

may cause severe ecological impacts or energy policies will influence the demand for natural

resources and affect industrial development. At a lower level a Plan EIA would seek to identify

key environmental factors affecting land use such as agricultural land quality and resources

exploitation.

EIAs could assist in the identification of preferred areas where certain types of

development might be encouraged. A Programme EIA would be prepared for a series of like

projects, such as in a river basin development scheme in which different hydropower projects

including SHPs may be constructed at different times. A Project EIA would be undertaken when

local environmental issues are particularly important for individual projects. It should be

recognised that EIA is not a universal panacea, it may have restricted use in certain areas of

decision-making. Most EIA experience is related to projects (Project EIA); very few plan EIAs

have been undertaken.

4.2 EIA PROCEDURE

The key activities are screening, scoping and assessment which will be discussed indetail in following sections. These steps require intensive interaction between the human

resources and information resources available for a proposed project.

Finally, an EIA has to be organized to address certain specific topics. Most EIAs cover

the following features:

Description of the proposed project,

Description of the proposed location or study area, including information about physical

resources, ecological resources, human and economic development and existing quality of

life

Alternatives considered (including no-action),


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Potential impacts and benefits including evaluation of each alternative considered,

Mitigation of adverse effects,

Irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources,

Identification of temporary, short-term and long-term effects,

Disposition of reviews comments,

Summary, conclusions and recommendations,

Monitoring,

Addition of other features or topics particular to the proposed project.

4.2.1 Screening

Screening is a procedure which aims to identify, as early as possible, those projects with

potentially significant impacts, that should therefore be subject to EIA. Projects can be

investigated and, if no significant impacts are anticipated, they can then be exempted from

further environmental analysis. According to MoEF guidelines, Category B projects or activities

(see section 2) are subjected to scrutiny by concerned State Level Expert Appraisal Committee

for determining whether or not the project or activity requires an EIA. Those requiring EIA are

termed as B1 project and those not requiring EIA are termed as B2 project. For categorization

of projects into B1 or B2, the MoEF shall issue appropriate guidelines from time to time. A

number of approaches to screening can be identified. These are listed and discussed below:

Project thresholds,

Locational criteria,

Positive and negative lists,

Initial Environmental Evaluations (IEEs),

4.2.1.1 Thresholds

Thresholds may be developed on the basis of size, cost or pollution levels. For example,

in India, a policy has been established (MoEF, 2006) that all hydropower projects with installed

capacity less than 25 MW would not be subject to prior environmental clearance by competent

authority. This approach, unfortunately, neglects the implications of several small hydropower

developments in vicinity, each below the threshold, but which in combination may cause

significant adverse impacts and thus should be subject to EIA.

4.2.1.2 Locational criteria

Locational criteria usually involve designation of sensitive areas, for example nature

preserves, national parks, historical/religious sites and biospheres. Thus any project or activity


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in category B will be treated as category A if located in whole or part within 10 km from the

boundary of protected areas/critically polluted areas/notified ecosensitive areas etc.

4.2.1.3 Posit ive and negative lis ts

The approach is based upon a list of proposed projects for which an EIA is always

required (positive list) and a list for which no EIS is required (negative list). Initially, some work

is needed to justify the inclusion of one project and the exclusion of another.

Example: individual industries located in notified ecosensitive zone (positive list)/biotech parks

(negative list)

4.2.1.4 Init ial environmental evaluation

An initial environmental evaluation (IEE) approach requires considerably more

understanding of a project and its environs than the approaches described previously. IEEsoperate on a project-by-project basis and consequently it is impossible to make generalizations

as to which project will be subject to an EIA. However, the RA is an essential precursor to an

IEE since it provides sufficient information on pollution loads and levels to allow decision to be

made on the need for an EIA.

An IEE-approach is presented in the UNEP guidelines (United Nations Environment

Programme, 1980) for the assessment and siting of industry. This approach requires a

systematic identification of possible interactions between the characteristics of the proposed

development, and those of the size and surroundings. Both an interactions matrix andscreening tests may be needed for this approach.

There are several general criteria that can be used when making a decision as to the

environmental effect of an activity. These criteria are not mutually exclusive but are very much

interrelated.

Magnitude : This is defined as the probable severity of each potential impact. Will the impact

be irreversible? If reversible, what will be the rate of recovery or adaptability of an impact area?

Will the activity preclude the use of the impact area for other purpose?

Prevalence : This is defined as the extent to which the impact may eventually extend as in the

cumulative effects of a number of stream crossings. Each one taken separately might represent

a localized impact of small importance and magnitude but a number of such crossing could

result in a widespread effect. Coupled with the determination of cumulative effective is the

remoteness of an effect from the activity causing it. The deterioration of fish production resulting

for access roads could affect sport fishing in an area many miles away and for months or years

after project completion.


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Duration and Frequency : The significance of duration and 1frequency can be explained as

follows. Will the activity be long-term or short-term? If the activity is intermittent, will it allow for

recovery during inactive periods?

Risks : This is defined as the probability of serious environmental effects. The accuracy of

assessing risk is dependent upon the knowledge and understanding of the activities and the

potential impact areas.

Importance : This is defined as the value that is attached to a specific area in its present state.

For example, a local community may value a short stretch of beach for bathing or a small

marsh for hunting. Alternatively, the impact area may be of a regional, provincial or even

national importance.

Mitigation : Are solutions to problems available? Existing technology may provide a solution to a

silting problem expected during construction of an access road or bank erosion resulting form a

new stream configuration.

While single screening approaches may be applied, they may also be used in

conjunction with each other. Screening techniques can, therefore, vary in sophistication, but

there is considerable merit in keeping this activity as simple as possible. A simple approach

such as a positive and negative list approach, will allow both the development proponent and

the authorizing agency to clearly understand EIA requirements in advance. This approach may

need to be reinforced with an IEE approach in order to accommodate non-listed projects.

Alternatively, a simple questionnaire approach may be acceptable.

4.2.2 Scoping (Depth of Analysis)

Scoping is the procedure used to determine the "terms of reference" of an EIA and

concentrates on identifying those issues which require in-depth analysis. Scoping has the

following specific objectives:

To identify the major environmental issues that must be assessed in the EIA.

To determine the range of alternatives to the project which should be examined.

To determine the boundary for the study in a geographical context.

To establish a procedure for the preparation of an EIS and its format.

Scoping often involves contact between those proposing a development and the public,

and it is a procedure that allows interested persons to state their concerns before an EIA is

undertaken. Participation of the public in scoping is important because it may help identify

people who have useful knowledge about the proposed site. It also allows them to propose

alternatives and suggest the kind of study that should be undertaken. Scoping is the first stage

in creating public confidence in EIA and the decision-making process (US Council on

Environmental Quality, 1981). It is helpful in providing participants with a report from the


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developer which contains the preliminary information. This may allow any serious issue

associated with a proposal to be identified early on.

4.3 METHODS FOR IMPACT IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT

Although there are many types of EIA methods, this section will only discuss checklists,

matrices, network and overlays manuals. These represent the most widely used methods.

Before discussing these methods, it should be noted that evidence for their partial utility is often

limited. Whenever possible evidence relating to this important aspect of methods will be

considered.

4.3.1 Checklists

The checklists method lists local environmental factors, which are likely to be affected

where a development is planned. This list can contain broad categories of factors, for example,flora, fauna, hydrological regimes, surface water bodies and the atmosphere. Conversely, it can

be extensive and detailed. An example of checklist is given Table 4.

Another useful type of checklist is the "questionnaire", which presents a series of

questions relating to the impact of a project. Checklists are used to provide answers to specific

questions relating to the particular project being assessed. Once an initial question has been

answered in the affirmative, additional questions investigate the nature of particular impacts in

detail.

There have been many attempts to develop checklists by the use of weighing andscaling. Numerical weights are assigned to items of a checklist in accordance with the relative

importance of each item. Scaling is a procedure for reducing impacts on all items to a common

arbitrary scale. These methods have not been widely used because of their complexity, cost

and extensive data requirements. Also, they can be politically controversial due to the need to

assign weights for relative importance to environmental components.

4.3.2 Interaction matrices

A development of basic checklists is the interaction matrix. The most well known is theLeopold matrix development for the U.S. Geological Survey (Leopold et al, 1971). The matrix

consists of a horizontal list of development activities displayed against a vertical list of

environmental factors. The matrix is used to identify impacts by systematically checking each

development activity against each environmental parameter. If it were thought that a particular

development activity were to affect an environmental component, a mark is placed in the cell

which occurs at the intersection of the activity and the environmental component. It should be

noted that the matrix can be expanded to cover the construction and operational phases of

various components on horizontal scale or more than one alternative can be represented on thehorizontal scale.


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Table 4.1: Example: checklist of impacts of Tidong Hydropower Project

S.NO

PROJECT PHASE /ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

IMPACT NOCHANGE

SHORTTERM

LONGTERM

POSITIVE NEGATIVE

A. Impacts due to Project Location

1 Displacement of People *2 Loss of Land / Change in Land

Use

* *

3 Encroachment into Forest Land /Loss of Forest Produce

* *

4 Encroachment into Nature

Reserves & Wildlife

*

5 Loss of Historical/Cultural

Monuments

*

6 Loss of Infrastructure *

7 Erosion and Silt Risks * *

8Disruption of HydrologicalBalance

*

B. Impacts due to ProjectConstruction

9 Soil Erosion at Construction Sites * *

Muck Generation * *

Transportation of muck and

construction material

* *

10 Deforestation * *

11 Human Health * *

12 Water Quality * *

13 Cultural Hazards * *

14 Air and Noise Pollution * *

C. Impacts due to Project

Operation15 Reservoir Evaporation Losses *

16 Deforestation * *

17 Effect on Wildlife *

18 Change in Water Quality & Riskof Eutrophication

*

19 Increased Incidences of WaterBorne Diseases

*

20 Impact on Fish and Aquatic Life *

21 Public Health * *

22 Drainage *

D. Positive Impacts

23 Clean and renewable source of

energy

* *

24 Employment Opportunities * * *

25 Catchment Area Treatment * *

26 Recreation and Tourism Potential * *

27 Additional Habitat for Aquatic

Wildlife / Wetland Species

* *

28 Fisheries & Aquaculture potential * *

29 Benefits to Economy * *

30 Reduction in Air Pollution * *

31 Reduction in Greenhouse gasEmissions

* *

32 Increased Infrastructure * *


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After the initial identification of impacts, it is possible to use the same matrix to indicate

those impacts considered to be the most important. In the original Leopold matrix, scores from

a 1-10 scale can be assigned to describe the importance and magnitude of individual impacts.

Importance refers to the significance of an impact and magnitude to its scale and extent.

Leopold-type matrices are easy to use and perhaps the most widely employed and successful

of all EIA methods.

4.3.3 Network

This method, although widely discussed in the EIA literature, has not been used as

extensively as matrices and simple checklists. It was developed to explicitly consider the

secondary, tertiary and higher order impacts that can arise from an initial impact. Checklists

and matrices structure thinking towards impacts on single environmental entities. When using a

matrix the effects of vegetation clearance, for example, are considered in relation to all listed

environmental components. With this approach to impact identification, there is a danger that

linked impacts are omitted. In this case, vegetation clearance can have an initial or primary

impact on both soils and animal and bird life. However, the impact on soils can result in erosion

and this can increase the sediment load in rivers. This sediment load can, in turn, affect life of

reservoir and various forms of aquatic life. Should the river support a commercial or

recreational fishery, then any changes in aquatic structure might have economic repercussions.

4.3.4 Overlays

The overlays approach to impact assessment involves the use of a series of

transparencies. The study area is subdivided into convenient geographical units, based on

uniformly spaced grid points, topographic features or differing land uses. Within each unit, the

assessor collects information on environmental factors and human concerns, through various

sources/techniques. The concerns are assembled into a set of factors, each having a common

basis and regional maps (overlays) are drawn for each factor. The degree of impact or

importance of each factor is represented by varying the degree of shading with light shading

indicating low impact and heavy shading the highest impact. The overlays are then stacked one

on the other using the same reference points and the total degree of shading is visually

observed. Those areas on the maps with the highest shading are thus the most acceptable

alternatives. Because of the reduction in light transparency with each overlay, only about 10

maps or overlays can be used.

This method is easily adaptable for use with a computer which may be programmed to

perform the tasks of aggregating the predicted impacts for each geographical subdivision and

of searching for the area least affected. Automated procedure can be used for selecting

sequence of unit areas for routing highways, canal network, pipelines, and other corridors. The


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computer method is more flexible, an advantage whenever the reviewer suggests that the

system of weights be changed.

The overlay approach can accommodate both qualitative and quantitative data. For

example, water is often shaded blue while land elevation can be shown by contour lines. There

are, however, limits to the number of different types of data that can be comprehended in one

display. A computerized version thus has greater flexibility. Although in this case, too, the

individual cartographic displays may be too complex to follow in sequence, the final maps

(optimum corridors for each alternative, and comparisons amongst alternative) are readily

prepared and understood.

When using overlays, the burden of ensuring comprehensiveness is largely on the

analyst. Also, the approach is selective because there is a limit to the number of transparencies

that can be viewed together. Finally, extreme impacts with small probabilities of occurrence are

not considered. A skilled assessor may indicate in a footnote or on a supplementary map,

however, those areas near proposed corridors where there is a possibility of landslides, floods,

or other unacceptable risks. Overlays do have some strong features too. For example, overlays

may be mutually exclusive provided that checklists of concerns, effects, and impacts are

prepared at the outset and a simplified matrix-type analysis is undertaken. Also, the objectivity

of the overlay method is very good with respect to the spatial positioning of effects and impacts

(e.g., area of land to be flooded), but is otherwise low. Overlays are not effective in estimating

or displaying uncertainty and interactions.

4.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT

A hydropower project generally requires construction of the diversion barrage, headrace

tunnel, powerhouse etc. Construction of the project facilities would require acquisition of land,

out of which part may be the government/forest land and the remaining private land owned by

the individuals. Expropriation of private lands may cause social disruption and economic loss

for the project affected families/people. The workers, which will be migrating in the project area

during construction, would also cause certain demographic and social changes, since the

project is normally situated in remote area.

A survey should be undertaken to study and understand the socio economic conditions

of these project-affected households and to examine the impact of the proposed project

thereupon.

Socio-Economic Profile of Project A ffected People (PAP):

It should cover analysis of the following:

Sex and Age

Educational Attainment:


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Religion and Caste

Occupation\

Family Income

Marital Status

Family Pattern and Size

Enlistment

Family Assets and Acquisition

Infrastructure Facilities

Social Impact Analysis

It should cover analysis of the following:

Pressure on existing infrastructure/resources : Creation of the project infrastructure likeroads, electric supply would also be available for the project affected people.

Incidence of water related diseases: The aggregation of labour, discharge of uncontrolled

wastewater and formation of stagnant water would result in occurrence/spread of diseases like

malaria, cholera etc.

Cultural conf licts: People in the project area have distinct habits of food and clothing along

with deep religious faiths celebrating their festivals with great enthusiasm. Hence, chances of

cultural conflicts may take place with that of migratory population.

Cost of living and inflation: Minor increase in cost of living and inflation may be experienced

in the project area as a result of increased commercial activities.

Resettlement, Rehabilitation and Social Response Program (SRP) of the Project

Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India have published the National Policy

on Resettlement and Rehabilitation for Project Affected Families (NPRR-2003) in February,

2004 which gives guidelines for resettlement and rehabilitation of project affected families.

Family to be displaced due to the project are to be identified. Only partial acquisition of

agricultural land from the only four families of Lumber village would be necessitated for theproject. If the number of affected families is much less than 250, then the NPRR-2003 is not

compulsorily applicable.

The affected families should be compensated for acquisition of their land in accordance

with the local norms applicable for such acquisition. It is also obvious that such compensation

would never render sufficient to compensate the indirect losses to the local people. The local

population of the project area deserves certain incentives towards their social upliftment, so that

they feel themselves an integral part of the overall development. With this principal objective in

view, the project proponent should prepare a Social Response Program (SRP) for the project.The SRP should be carried out with active involvement of the affected people. It provides for


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livelihood support, infrastructure development, education assistance, public health facility,

gender support, water conservation and harvesting and creation of employment opportunities.

A separate body comprising of representatives from project management & public

representatives should be formed for monitoring and concerted evaluation of the SRP.


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SECTION 5

WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM

Assessment of potential impacts of a hydropower development to water quality firstrequires an effective plan to acquire sufficient baseline information to make the assessments.

At the time of construction activities begin, a modified monitoring program is necessary to

evaluate the effectiveness of measures to prevent adverse effects to water quality. Ultimately,

additional modifications to the monitoring plan are needed to evaluate the actual effects of the

project on water quality and to enable identification of unanticipated effects and/or ineffective

protection measures. The first monitoring plan, to develop a baseline of the information, should

be a component of the Terms of References (TOR) developed within the Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) process. The second and third modifications to the baseline monitoring

program are to be presented in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) which is a part of

the EIA report.

5.1 EFFECTS ON WATER QUALITY

5.1.1 Water Quality Effects During Construction

Generally, effects of construction on water quality in a river system stem primarily from

the discharge of wastewater (both construction waste water and sanitary waste water from

workforce housing areas) to the adjacent river and runoff from quarries and construction areas.Discharge of wastewater from construction areas that may affect water quality include

discharge of water used to wash concrete mixing and hauling equipment, wash water used to

prepare concrete aggregate, and other minor on-site discharges of water to the river system.

Generally, the effect is an increase in suspended sediment loads and an increase in alkalinity of

the water due to discharge of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), a component of concrete. However,

dissolved solids may also increase significantly as a consequence of runoff from the

construction area. If excavated material is deposited in or adjacent to the river channel,

suspended solids concentrations and dissolved solids concentrations may increase further. Of

particular concern with deposition of spoil materials is the potential for increasing

concentrations of heavy metals such as iron, manganese, copper, lead, and other heavy

metals.

Deposition of suspended solids in the river channel downstream from the construction

area may cause changes in the river channel if significant amounts of sediment is contributed to

the river, and may cause problems with spawning areas of fish in the downstream reach of the

river.

Discharge of sanitary waste from work camps and other human sanitary facilities can

affect Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in the river as well as increasing fecal coliform


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bacteria concentrations, an indicator of potential disease risk to to downstream users. Suitable

handling and treatment of sanitary wastes will significantly reduce the potential for adverse

effects to water quality from this source.

Runoff from construction areas constitutes a more problematic situation. Potential water

quality effects on runoff from construction sites include increases in sediment emanating from

erosion from disturbed areas (construction staging areas, excavated areas, quarries, access

road construction, spoil disposal areas), flushing of oils, greases and other hydrocarbon

lubricants from maintenance areas, and potential flushing of other hazardous materials used at

the project site for construction purposes. Containment of such materials and installation of

erosion barriers will significantly reduce the potential effects to water quality. Maintenance of

the erosion control measures and containment facilities must be accomplished throughout the

construction period.

5.1.2 Water Quality Effects During Operation

Most of the significant water quality effects are realized only after the project begins

operation. At this time the affected river has been partitioned into two major components:

Upstream of the project site and Downstream of the project site.

5.1.2.1 Water quality effects upstream of the pro ject si te

In general, a hydropower project can not and should not directly affect water quality

conditions upstream of the project site. Any realized changes in water quality are generallyattributable to changes in land use patterns, changes in population distributions and changes in

industrial or commercial installations in the upper river basin. Consequently, any changes in

water quality conditions upstream will be reflected in changes in water quality downstream.

Management of land use, population distribution and industrial development upstream is

basically the only option available to minimize these impacts.

5.1.2.2 Water quality effects downstream of the project site

The more significant effects of a hydropower development on water quality, at least fromthe perspective of ecological characteristics and human use, are generally realized in the river

downstream of the project site. The magnitude of the changes in water quality parameters

realized downstream from the project are attributable to the operating regime of the project

which defines the hydrologic regime. Aside from the alteration of the hydrologic regime, two of

the more common water quality parameters that are affected by a small hydropower

development in the downstream reach are water temperature and dissolved oxygen.

While the temperature regime in the river is not necessarily considered an adverse

condition, it is the changes in the biological community that are affected by those changes thatcan become significant. The temperature regime of a river may affect the types of organisms


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that are able to survive in the affected reach, the biological productivity within the reach

(generally, biological production is positively correlated with temperature in aquatic systems),

and the reproductive cycles of aquatic organisms downstream from the project. It should be

noted that although some species may cue reproductive cycles on water temperature, other

species cue their cycles on changing hydrologic regimes that may or may not be correlated with

seasonal changes in water temperature. Therefore, the significance of predicted changes in

water temperature must be framed in reference to the biological requirements of the organisms

inhabiting the river downstream of the project.

5.2 PURPOSE OF WATER QUALITY MONITORING

Generally, the statement of purpose for a water quality monitoring program is fairly

straight forward. Though the development cycle, three basic monitoring programs will be

designed and implemented corresponding to the baseline description period (EIA), construction

period, and operation period.

The primary purpose of the baseline monitoring program are twofold: First, the baseline

monitoring program should provide sufficient information to enable accurate (justifiable)

predictions of potential effects of the hydropower project on water quality parameters; second,

the baseline data set will provide the standard against which project effects and/or mitigation

effectiveness can be determined. Obviously, it is necessary to determine the starting point

condition to determine if changes occur.

The purpose of the water quality monitoring program for the construction period,

likewise, can serve two purposes: First, the program should be designed to enable evaluation

of the effect of various construction activities and construction related facilities on water quality;

second, certain components of the program can provide further baseline information for

determining the effect of project operation on water quality.

The purpose of the final water quality monitoring program to be implemented during

operation also has two purposes: First, data collected during the operational period are

compared with the baseline data to determine if projections made in the EIA are accurate and

mitigation or avoidance measures are effective; second, the monitoring program can be used to

determine if changes occur during the operation period and might require attention and can be

used as a basis to determine the sources of any pollutants.

5.3 SAMPLING DESIGN

Design of the water quality monitoring program is key to obtaining a useful set of

information for describing baseline conditions and measuring the effects of construction and

operation on those conditions. Thus, the sampling design presented in the monitoring plans is

the most important part of the plan.


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5.3.1 Duration

The duration of the water quality monitoring programs will vary according to the stage in

project development.

For baseline monitoring, the minimum length of time necessary for basic understanding

of cycles in water quality parameters is one year. The baseline monitoring program should

provide sufficient information on all parameters included in the monitoring program to

demonstrate annual cycles in concentrations or conditions. While the data set should provide at

least one full year of sampling, continuing monitoring for longer periods would facilitate

understanding of year-to-year variation in those parameters. Consequently, the baseline

monitoring program should be implemented for as long as possible given the schedule for

project construction and completion.

Determination of the duration of the construction period monitoring program should

correspond to the construction period, including preparatory period. In addition to monitoring

the effects of construction, continuation of monitoring parameters included in the baseline

program will provide additional foundation for measuring the effects of the project once it

becomes operational.

The duration of the monitoring program to be implemented during operation of the

project will depend upon specific conditions at the project. For some parameters, the monitoring

program could extend throughout the life of the project. For other parameters, sampling for a

period of up to 5 years will provide an adequate basis for evaluating the effect of the project.

5.3.2 Sampling frequency

As defined above, recommended parameters for inclusion in the baseline, construction

period, and operational period include two groups: Those for general monitoring and those for

assessment monitoring.

During the baseline period (EIA preparation), parameters included in general monitoring

should be measured on at least a biweekly basis, preferably on a weekly basis for one full year.

Parameters included for the assessment monitoring include some parameters that should be

measured on a monthly basis, with the remainder measured on a quarterly or seasonal basis

through the planning phase of the project.

The sampling frequency during the construction period, particularly for parameters that

may be affected by construction activities should be measured at least on a monthly basis

throughout the construction period. Parameters that are included in the general monitoring

program and contribute to the baseline descriptions should be measured at the same