rapid environmental impact...

RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

FOR

THE PROPOSED AUGMENTATION & EXPANSION OF EXISTING

THERMAL POWER PLANT

BY

M/s. ARS Metals Pvt. Ltd. Chennai, Tamil Nadu

AT Sithurnatham, Sirupuzhalpettai & Eguvarapalayam villages ,

Gummidipoondi taluk, Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu

Project Proponent

M/s. ARS Metals Pvt. Ltd. Chennai, Tamil Nadu

EIA Consultant

M/s. Vimta Labs Limited Hyderabad / Coimbatore

QCI/NABET Accredited EIA Consultant

FINAL EIA REPORT

JULY 2015

For and on behalf of VIMTA LABS LIMITED

Approved by : K. S. Muneeswaran

Signed :

Designation : Senior Manager

Date : 2015.07.03

ARS METALS PVT. LTD. Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

FOR

THE PROPOSED AUGMENTATION & EXPANSION OF EXISTING THERMAL POWER

PLANT AT SITHURNATHAM, SIRUPUZHALPETTAI & EGUVARAPALAYAM

VILLAGES, GUMMIDIPOONDI TALUK, THIRUVALLUR DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU

This EIA report has been prepared for the purpose of obtaining Environmental Clearance from MoEF-CC, New Delhi in line with the ToR issued by MoEF-CC vide

letter no. F. No. J-13012/7/2010-IA.II (T) dt. 18.09.2014.

This report has been prepared by ‘Vimta Labs Limited’ with all reasonable skill, care and diligence within the terms of the contract with the client, incorporating our General Terms and Conditions of Business and taking account of the

resources devoted to it by agreement with the client.

PREFACE

Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed augmentation & expansion of existing thermal power plant at Gummidipoondi, Thiruvallur

district, Tamilnadu

Table of contents

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad/Coimbatore iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

_______________________________________________________________ Chapter # Title Page # _______________________________________________________________ Preface i

Table of Contents iii List of Annexures viii

List of Figures ix List of Tables x 1.0 Introduction 1 1.1 Purpose of the report 1 1.2 Identification of the project & project proponent 2 1.3 Brief description of the project 3 1.3.1 Project objective 3 1.3.2 Nature and size of the project 3 1.3.3 Location of the project 5 1.4 Scope of the study 11 1.4.1 Study area for EIA 11 1.5 Methodology of the study 12 2.0 Project description 15 2.1 Type of Project 15 2.2 Need for the project 15 2.3 Project location & layout 16 2.4 Size or magnitude of operation 16 2.4.1 Land requirement 19 2.4.2 Fuel requirement, source, quality &transportation 19 2.4.3 Power evacuation 20 2.4.4 Man power requirement 20 2.4.5 Water requirement 21 2.4.6 Infrastructure 23 2.4.7 Infrastructure for labour 24 2.5 Project schedule for implementation 24 2.6 Technology and process description 24 2.6.1 Plant layout 24 2.6.2 Mechanical equipment and systems 25 2.7 Plant water system 35 2.8 Coal handling system 40

2.9 Ash handling system 42 2.10 Miscellaneous auxiliaries 51 2.10.1 Cranes, hoists & elevators 51 2.10.2 Associated facilities 52 2.10.3 General stores 52


district, Tamilnadu

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VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad/Coimbatore iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Contd..)

_______________________________________________________________ Chapter # Title Page # _______________________________________________________________

2.11 Sources of pollution and mitigation measures 53

2.11.1 Air pollution source and mitigation measures 53 2.11.2 Wastewater generation and mitigation measures 55 2.11.3 Solid waste generation and mitigation measures 56 2.11.4 Noise pollution and mitigation measures 57 2.12 Environmental laboratory 58 3.0 Description of the environment 59 3.1 Introduction 59 3.2 Methodology 59 3.3 Geology & hydrogeology 60 3.3.1 Administrative details 60 3.3.2 Basin and sub-basin 60 3.3.3 Drainage 60 3.3.4 Rainfall and climate 60 3.3.5 Geomorphology and soil types 61 3.3.6 Soil 61 3.3.7 Ground water scenario 61 3.4 Land use studies 66 3.4.1 Objectives 66 3.4.2 Methodology 66 3.4.3 Land use pattern based on satellite imagery 66 3.5 Meteorology 73 3.5.1 Methodology 73 3.5.2 Synthesis of data on climatic conditions 74 3.6 Air quality 82 3.6.1 Methodology adopted for air quality survey 82 3.6.2 Instruments used for sampling 85 3.6.3 Instruments used for analysis 85 3.6.4 Sampling and analytical techniques 85 3.6.5 Presentation of primary data 86 3.6.6 Observations of primary data 87 3.7 Noise level survey 88 3.7.1 Identification of sampling locations 88 3.7.2 Method of monitoring 88 3.7.3 Instrument used for monitoring 89 3.7.4 Parameters measured during monitoring 89 3.7.5 Presentation of results 91 3.8 Soil characteristics 92 3.8.1 Data generation 92 3.8.2 Baseline soil status 95 3.9 Water quality 97 3.9.1 Methodology 97 3.9.2 Water sampling locations 97 3.9.3 Presentation of results 98


district, Tamilnadu

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VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad/Coimbatore v

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Contd..) _______________________________________________________________ Chapter # Title Page # _______________________________________________________________

3.10 Ecology and biodiversity 102

3.10.1 Introduction 102 3.10.2 Objectives of the study 102 3.10.3 Methodology 103 3.10.4 General ecology of the study area 105 3.10.5 Forest blocks 105 3.10.6 Terrestrial biodiversity 105 3.10.7 Fauna of the core zone 106 3.10.8 Flora of the buffer zone 106 3.10.9 Fauna of the buffer zone 107 3.10.10Aquatic ecosystems 109 3.10.11Conclusions 111 3.11 Demography and socio-economics 3.11.1 Methodology adopted for the study 111 3.11.2 Review of demographic and socio-economic 2001 111 3.11.3 Demography 112 3.11.4 Social structure 112 3.11.5 Literacy levels 113 3.11.6 Occupational structure 113 4.0 Anticipated environmental impacts & mitigation measures 115

4.1 Introduction 115 4.2 Impacts during construction phase 115 4.2.1 Impact on land use 115 4.2.2 Impact on soil 116 4.2.3 Impact on topography 116 4.2.4 Impact on air quality 116 4.2.5 Impact on water quality 117 4.2.6 Impact on noise levels 117 4.2.7 Impact on terrestrial ecology 117 4.3 Impacts during operational phase 118 4.3.1 Topography 118 4.3.2 Impact on air quality – point sources 118 4.3.3 Impact on air quality - fugitive emissions 127 4.3.4 Impact on water resources and water quality 127 4.3.5 Impact on land use 129 4.3.6 Impact on soil 129 4.3.7 Impact of solid wastes 130 4.3.8 Impacts on ecology 131 4.3.9 Impacts on noise levels 131 4.3.10 Predictions of impacts on socio economics 134

4.3.11 Impacts on public health and safety 134


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VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad/Coimbatore vi


4.4 Environment management plan during erection phase 134

4.4.1 Land environment management 134 4.4.2 Air quality management 135 4.4.3 Water quality management 135 4.4.4 Noise level management 135 4.4.5 Ecological management 135 4.5 Environment management plan during operation phase 135 4.5.1 Air pollution management 136 4.5.2 Water pollution management 136 4.5.3 Rainwater harvesting system 137 4.5.4 Noise pollution management 137 4.5.5 Solid waste management 137 4.6 Greenbelt development 140 4.6.1 Species for plantation 140 4.7 Cost provision for environmental measures 141 4.8 Corporate social responsibility 142 5.0 Analysis of Alternatives 145

5.1 Analysis of alternative sites for location of power plant 145 5.2 Analysis of Alternative for Unit Size Selection 145

6.0 Environmental monitoring programme 147

6.1 Introduction 147 6.2 Implementation schedule of EMP 147

6.3 Environmental monitoring and reporting procedure 147 6.4 Monitoring schedule 148 6.5 Monitoring methods and data analysis of 152

environmental monitoring 6.6 Report schedules of the monitoring data 153

6.7 Infrastructure for monitoring of environmental 154 protection measures

7.0 Additional studies 155 7.1 Public consultation 155 7.2 Risk assessment 155 7.3 Hazard identification 156 7.4 Hazard assessment and evaluation 157 7.5 Disaster management plan 169 7.6 Off-site Emergency Preparedness Plan 179

7.7 Occupational Health and Safety 183


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VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad/Coimbatore vii

7.8 Public Consultation 187


8.0 Project benefits 189 8.1 Introduction 189

8.1.1 Availability of Quality Power 189 8.1.2 Improvements in the Physical Infrastructure 189 8.1.3 Improvement in the Social Infrastructure 189 8.1.4 Employment Potential 190

9.0 Administrative aspects of environment management plan 191

9.1 Institutional Arrangements for Environment 191 Protection and Conservation

10.0 Summary & conclusion 193

10.1 Identification of project and project proponent 193 10.2 Details of the proposed project 195 10.3 Baseline environmental status 197 10.4 Anticipated environmental impacts 200 10.5 Environmental management plan 203

10.6 Post Project Environment Monitoring Programme 206 10.7 Risk Assessment and Disaster Management Plan 206 10.8 Project benefits 207 10.9 Conclusion 207 11.0 Disclosure of consultant 209 11.1 Introduction 209 11.2 The quality policy 209

11.3 Milestones and accreditations 209 11.4 Management and board of directors 210 11.5 Services offered 211 11.6 Services 211

11.7 Facilities 212 11.8 Quality systems 213 11.9 Achievements 213

QCI/NABET accreditation certificate of consultant 214


district, Tamilnadu

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VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad/Coimbatore viii

LIST OF ANNEXURES

_______________________________________________________________ Annexure # Title _______________________________________________________________

Annexure – 1 TORs issued by MoEF Annexure – 2 Compliance report for ToR issued by MoEF Annexure – 3 EC & CTO for the Existing Plant Annexure – 4 MoEF certified EC compliance Annexure – 5 Administrative setupmaps Annexure – 6 Applicable Environmental Standards Annexure – 7 Methodology adopted for sampling and analysis Annexure – 8 Study area map Annexure – 9 Ambient Air Quality Results of study area Annexure – 10 Demographic details of the study area Annexure – 11 Land use details of the study area Annexure – 12 Drainage pattern & water bodies Annexure – 13 Plant & site photos Annexure – 14 CGWA Letter for Ground water uptake letter Annexure – 15 Lab Report On Coal Characteristics Annexure – 16 MoEF Questionnaires for Environmental Appraisal of Thermal Power Plant Annexure – 17 Public Hearing - Advertisement copy Annexure – 18 English Executive Summary Annexure – 18B Tamil Executive Summary Annexure – 19 Public Hearing - Minutes of the Meeting Annexure – 20 MoU for coal supply Annexure – 21 Agreement for selling Fly ash


district, Tamilnadu

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VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad/Coimbatore ix

LIST OF FIGURES

_______________________________________________________________ Figure# Title Page# _______________________________________________________________

1.1 Index map of the plant site 6 1.2 10 km study area map 7 1.3 Topographic map 8 1.4 Aerial view of the plant site 9 2.1 Plant layout 17 2.2 Water balance (upon expansion) 22 2.3 Power generation flow scheme 26

3.1 Hydrogeology of Thiruvallur district 65 3.2 Flow chart showing methodology of land use mapping 68 3.3 Satellite imagery of the study area 70 3.4 Landuse of the study area 72 3.5(A) Windrose for pre monsoon & monsoon season- IMD, Chennai 77

3.5(B) Windrose for post monsoon & winter season – IMD, Chennai 78 3.5(C) Annual wind rose - IMD, Chennai 79 3.6 Site specific wind rose (May – July 2014) 81 3.7 Air quality sampling locations 83 3.8 Noise monitoring locations 90 3.9 Soil sampling locations 94 3.10 Water sampling locations 99 3.11 Ecological sampling locations 104 4.1 Short term 24 hourly incremental GLCs of PM 124 4.2 Short term 24 hourly incremental GLCs of SO2 125 4.3 Short term 24 hourly incremental GLCs of NOX 126 4.4 Predicted noise dispersion contours 133 7.1 Damage Contour For Two LDO Tanks (150 Kl Each) On Fire 164 7.2 Damage Contour For Two HFO Tanks (300 Kl Each) On Fire 165

7.3 On-Site Emergency Organization Chart 178 7.4 Public Hearing Photos 188

9.1 Organizational structure of environment cell 192 10.1 10 Km Radius Study Area Of The Project Site 194


district, Tamilnadu

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VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad/Coimbatore x

LIST OF TABLES

_______________________________________________________________ Table# Title Page# _______________________________________________________________

1.1 Project brief 3 1.2 Environmental setting of the plant 10 1.3 Environmental attributes and frequency of monitoring 13 2.1 Demand projections 15 2.2 Salient features of thermal power plant 18 2.3 Land break-up 19 2.4 Coal consumption 20 2.5 Indonesian coal characteristics 20 2.6 Man power demand 20 2.7 Water demand 21 2.8 Steam generator specifications 31 2.9 Turbine specifications 33 2.10 Sources of wastewater and its management 38 2.11 Details of coal handling system 41 2.12 Stack monitoring data 54 2.13 Wastewater generation from the power plant 56 2.14 Solid waste generation and disposal 57 2.15 Noise level exposure limits 57 3.1 Ground water resources 63 3.2 Sensitivity of meteorology monitoring equipment 73 3.3 Climatological data-IMD, Chennai 76 3.4 Seasonal frequencies of cyclones in east coast of India 76 3.5 Summary of wind pattern – IMD, Chennai 76 3.6 Summary of the meteorological data at site 80 3.7 Details of ambient air quality monitoring locations 82 3.8 Monitored parameters and frequency of sampling 84 3.9 Instruments used for analysis of samples 85 3.10 Techniques used for ambient air quality monitoring 85 3.11 Summary of ambient air quality results 86 3.12 Details of noise monitoring locations 89 3.13 Noise levels in the study area 91 3.14 Analytical techniques for soil analysis 92 3.15 Details of soil sampling locations 93 3.16 Soil analysis results 95 3.17 Standard soil classification 96 3.18 Details of water sampling locations 98 3.19 Ground water quality 100 3.20 Surface water quality 101 3.21 List of ecological sampling locations 103 3.22 List of forest blocks within 10 Km radius 105 3.23 List of flora in the core area 106 3.24 List of fauna in the core area 106 3.25 List of flora from the buffer zone 107


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VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad/Coimbatore xi

3.26 List of fauna from the buffer zone 108 3.27 List of plankton recorded during study period 110 3.28 Aquatic fauna from study area 110 3.29 Distribution of population 112 3.30 Distribution of population by social structure 113 3.31 Distribution of literate and literacy rate 113 3.32 Occupational structure 114 4.1 Hourly mean meteorological data 121 4.2 Stack details 122 4.3 Predicted 24-hourly incremental concentrations 122 4.4 Resultant concentrations due to incremental GLC’s 122 4.5 Types of wastewater generation and treatment details 128 4.6 Expected quality of wastewater 129 4.7 Expected solid waste from power plant 130 4.8 Major noise generating sources 132 4.9 Selected areas of fly ash utilization 138 4.10 Cost provision for environmental measures 141 4.11(a)Expenses towards CSR 142 4.12(b)Expenses towards CSR 143 6.1 EMP implementation schedule 147 6.2 Environmental monitoring schedule during construction stage 148 6.3 Environmental monitoring schedule during operation phase 150

7.1 Hazardous materials proposed to be stored/transported 156

7.2 Category wise schedule of storage tanks 156 7.3 Properties of fuels used in the plant 157

7.4 Applicability of GOI rules to fuel/chemical storage 157 7.5 Preliminary hazard analysis for storage areas 158

7.6 Preliminary hazard analysis for the whole plant in general 158 7.7 Fire explosion and toxicity index 159 7.8 Fire explosion and toxicity index 159 7.9 Damage due to the incident radiation intensities 161 7.10 Radiation exposure and lethality 161 7.11 Scenarios considered for MCA Analysis 162 7.12 Properties of fuels considered for modeling 162 7.13 Occurrence of various intensities – Pool fire 162 7.14 Hazard analysis for process in power plant 167 7.15 Hazardous events contributing to risk at on-site facility 168 7.16 Off-site action plan 182

10.1 Environmental setting of the plant 193 10.2 Salient Features of the Proposed Project 195 10.3 Summary of Ambient Air Quality in the Study Area 197 10.4 Resultant Concentrations Due to Incremental GLCs 201 10.5 Expected Solid Waste from Power Plant 202 Details of Personnel Involved In Current EIA Report 214

Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed augmentation &

expansion of existing thermal power plant at Gummidipoondi, Thiruvallur

district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 1

Introduction

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad/Coimbatore 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

M/s. ARS Metals Private Limited (hereinafter referred to as ARS) proposes for

an augmentation & expansion of its existing thermal power plant (TPP) at

Sithurnatham, Sirupuzhalpettai & Eguvarapalayam villages of Gummidipoondi taluk,

Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu. The existing plant operates in a total plant area of

25.49 ha (62.99 acres) for which EC has been obtained vide Letter No. J-

13012/7/2010-IA.II (T) dated 20th May, 2011 for 2 x 60 MW. Of this, only 1 x 60

MW is under operation since commencing the power plant. The proposed expansion

activity involves augmentation of the other 60 MW to 135 MW and erection of

additional 350 MW Super Critical TPP. For the current expansion, additional 11.49 ha

(28.39 acres) of land, adjacent (NE) to existing plant site has been acquired.

Altogether, the plant after expansion will be operated in 36.98 ha (91.38 acres). The

total cost for the proposed expansion will be INR 2,400/- Crores.

The purpose of proposed expansion is to meet its group captive requirement and

the excess power will be sold to Tamil Nadu state grid.

This chapter describes the purpose of the report, identification of the current

expansion activity and the project proponent, brief description of nature, size and

location of the project and importance to the region and country. This chapter also

describes the scope of the study and details of regulatory scoping carried out as per

Terms of Reference (ToR) issued by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF),

New Delhi.

1.1 Purpose of the report

In order to obtain Environmental Clearance from MoEF and Consent for

Establishment (CFE) from the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) for the

current expansion activities, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report with

detailed Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is essential as per the EIA

notification and its subsequent amendments.

As per the EIA Notification dated 14th September 2006, the proposed activity falls

under schedule. no. 1 (d) [Thermal Power Plant > 500 MW] and categorized under

category ‘A’.

The project was presented in the 18th meeting of the reconstituted expert appraisal

committee (EAC) – MoEF [Thermal Power] held on 1st August 2014 for ToR approval

and received ToR vide letter no. F. No. J-13012/7/2010-IA.II (T) dt. 18.09.2014

(Annexure – 1).

The objective of this REIA is to foresee the potential environmental problems that

would crop up out of the proposed expansion activity and address them in the

project planning and design stage.



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 1

Introduction


The specific objectives of this REIA are as follows:

To review the current environmental status of the plant under operation,

and its surrounding area, to estimate the pollution that would occur after

commissioning the proposed expansion activity, and its impact on the

surrounding environment.

To suggest an EMP including pollution control methods, to ensure that the

pollution will be well within the limits as prescribed by CPCB and TNPCB and

minimize the adverse environmental impacts of the development, so that

the quality of environment is not only preserved but also enhanced.

To propose a Post Project Monitoring Plan (PPMP) to ensure that the EMP

achieves its desired objectives.

1.2 Identification of Project & Project Proponent

The proposed augmentation / expansion of the existing thermal power plant is

identified and justified based on the growing demand of power requirement.

India's Electricity Act 2003 introduced structural changes to the power industry,

permitting private investment for the first time since 1948. This allowed power

producers to sell power directly to industrial consumers under the Group Captive

model. ARS has been a pioneer in developing the Group Captive model which

allows the flexibility to choose between two market routes.

ARS Metals Pvt. Ltd.

ARS is a pioneer in the field of manufacturing TMT re-bars (Thermo Mechanically

Treated) and Mild Steel Billets. ARS metals being one of the largest integrated

steel plants in Southern India, has acquired high reverence from its loyal

customers throughout South India.

ARS has a unique distribution network in South India. The company has made it

easy for the customers to procure their requirements such as high quality TMT re-

bars and mild steel billets at their location through authorized distributors at

various places in the South India.

Company Highlights

One of the largest integrated Steel Plants in Southern India.

Fully modern & automated plant for best quality TMT re-bars and Mild Steel

Billets.

Excellent distribution Network spread across entire Southern India.

Sophisticated infrastructure facilities for R&D.

Stringent Quality Control standards to ensure the best quality TMT re-bars

and Mild Steel Billets.



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 1

Introduction


1.3 Brief Description of the Project

1.3.1 Project Objective

The proposed expansion involves augmentation of 60 MW to 135 MW Group Captive

Power Plant (GCPP) and erection of additional 350 MW Independent Power Plant

(IPP) in addition to the existing 1 x 60 MW (GCPP) under operation.

1.3.2 Nature and Size of the Project

The existing plant operates in a total plant area of 25.49 ha (62.99 acres) for

which EC has been obtained vide Letter No. J-13012/7/2010-IA.II (T) dated 20th

May, 2011 for 2 x 60 MW. Of this, only 1 x 60 MW is under operation since

commencing the power plant. The proposed expansion activity involves

augmentation of the other 60 MW to 135 MW and erection of additional 350 MW

TPP. For the current expansion, additional 11.49 ha (28.39 acres) of land,

adjacent (NE) to existing plant site has been acquired. Altogether, the plant after

expansion will be operated in 36.98 ha (91.38 acres). The total cost for the

proposed expansion will be INR 2,400/- Crores. The details of the project are given

in Table-1.1.

TABLE – 1.1

PROJECT BRIEF

Sr. No. Description Details

1 Name of the project Augmentation & expansion of existing thermal power plant

2 Registered address of the proponent

Rajesh Bhatia Director M/s. ARS Metals Private Limited

D-109, 2nd Floor, LBR complex, Anna Nagar (East), Chennai – 600 102

3 Telephone numbers Ph. No. 044-43500687

4 Location of the plant site Sithurnatham, Sirupuzhalpettai & Eguvarpalayam villages, Gummidipoondi taluk & Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu

5 Power generation capacity

Status Capacity

Existing (as per EC) 2 x 60 MW (120 MW)

Upon expansion

1 x 60 MW 1 x 135 MW 1 x 350 MW [Super critical]

Total 545 MW _

6 Power requirement The entire power demand will be met from the existing & proposed captive power plant

7 Fuel requirement

Fuel Existing After expansion

Coal (TPD) 1000 (0.3 MTPA) 7712 (2.31 MTPA)



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 1

Introduction


8 Water Requirement Total water demand: 240 KLD Fresh water requirement: 79.84 KLD

Source: Existing bore wells

9 Details of Land use/Land Cover within plant site

Total plant area after expansion – 36.98 ha (91.38 acres)

Sr. No. Description Area

ha acres %

1 Boiler house 1.07 2.64 2.89

2 Turbine generator hall 0.88 2.17 2.38

3 Air cooled condenser 1.57 1.41 4.25

4 Water treatment plant 0.41 1.01 1.11

5 ESP and stack 0.56 1.38 1.51

6 Switch yard 2.59 6.40 7.00

7 Coal storage yard 2.18 5.38 5.90

8 Greenbelt 13.30 32.87 35.96

9 Raw water reservoir 3.12 7.71 8.44

10 Road 5.59 13.81 15.12

11 Ash dyke 3.25 8.03 8.79

12 Open area 2.46 6.08 6.65

Total 36.98 91.38 100

_ 10 Total investment of the

project/activity

The total cost for the proposed expansion

is INR 2400/- Crores

11 Funds allocated for EMP Capital cost: INR. 360 Crores Recurring cost: INR. 26 Crores/annum

12 Estimated Employment Present employees – 150 nos. Additional employees – 200 nos.

13 Name of the Environment Consultant involved in EIA report preparation

M/s. VIMTA LABS LIMITED S. No. in QCI list: #159

Branch office:

No. 8 – Azad Road R. S. Puram, Coimbatore - 641002

Regd. office: 142, IDA, Phase-II, Cherlapally, Hyderabad-500 051

QCI/NABET Accredited EIA Consultancy Organization, NABL Accredited, ISO 17025

Certified and MoEF Recognized Laboratory



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 1

Introduction


1.3.3 Location of the Project

The plant site falls within 13° 21’ 46.818” »» 13° 25’ 49.772” North latitude and

80° 0’ 7.77” and 80° 4’ 12.038” longitude. The entire plant area falls in the Survey

of India topo sheet nos. 57 O/15, 66 C/2 & 66 C/3. Existing plant site is 4.8 km,

West of National Highway – 5. The nearest railway station is Gummidipoondi R.S.,

which is at a distance of about 6.1 km, ESE. The nearest airport is Anna

International Airport, Chennai which is located at a distance of 48.3 km, SSE from

plant site. The project site falls in Sithurnatham, Sirupuzhalpettai &

Eguvarpalayam villages, Gummidipoondi taluk, Thiruvallur district, Tamilnadu.

List of S.F. Nos. covered under the project area are given below.

Existing land area: 25.49 ha (62.99 acres)

52/3 52/4 207/1 pt 206/2 44/2 207/13 209/7 651/1 611/1G

52/6 52/2 207/10 207/2 44/3 207/14 209/8 651/2 611/1I

52/7 52/8 207/11 207/4 50/3A 207/17 53/4 651/3

52/9 52/1B 207/12 46/2 51/12 207/18 53/6 651/4

53/12 49/3 207/16 49/8 51/3 207/15 53/10 611/1A

53/13 49/5 45/4 50/2C 51/6 207/19 53/11 611/1B

50/4 50/5C 49/1 50/2E 52/1A 209/1 53/7 611/1C

50/5B 50/2B 49/2 50/2A 207/3 209/2 53/5 611/1D

50/6B 50/2D 49/4 50/3C 207/5 209/3 53/8 611/1F

52/5 50/5D 49/6 50/3D 207/7 209/4 53/9 611/1H

45/3 50/6A 49/7 50/3E 207/8 209/5 611/1K 611/1J

46/1 50/5A 207/1 pt 50/3B 207/9 209/6 650 611/1E

Proposed additional land area : 11.49 ha (28.39 acres)

210/1L 210/1K 63/12 A 210/1H 119/18C 119/6F 131/14

210/1A 210/1M 609/1 210/1I 131/17 131/11A 129/9B

609/3 210/2 609/6A 210/1J 107/7 126/7 129/1

610/2C 609/5C 612/1A 126/2C 126/6A 126/2A 129/2

63/3 609/2 63/11 117/8B 117/8C 126/2B 129/10A

210/1B 609/4 63/3 120/15B 120/14 131/20 129/11

210/1C 609/6B 63/5A 131/9 131/7 131/15 29/10B

210/1D 610/2B 63/5B 134/5C 131/10C 128/5 129/1

210/1F 610/1A 210/1B 128/3 128/4 120/5

210/1G 609/5A 210/1E 125/2C 125/2B 118/8A

The environmental setting of the plant is given in Table-1.2. The location map of

the project site is shown in Figure-1.1 and the topographic map (5.0 km) showing

site co-ordinates is shown is Figure-1.3. Aerial view of the project site showing the

existing plant site and the proposed area allotted for the erection of 350 MW (IPP) is

shown in Figure-1.4.



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 1

Introduction


FIGURE – 1.1

INDEX MAP OF THE PLANT SITE

EXISTING PLANT SITE



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 1

Introduction


FIGURE – 1.2

10 KM STUDY AREA MAP

Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed augmentation & expansion of existing thermal power plant at Gummidipoondi, Thiruvallur District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 1

Introduction


FIGURE – 1.3

TOPOGRAPHIC MAP

ARS Metals Private Limited TOPO Map showing the project site

and its co-ordinates


Chapter – 1

Introduction


FIGURE – 1.4

AERIAL VIEW OF THE PLANT SITE

EXISTING PLANT

POWER PLANT

AREA FOR

PROPOSED

EXPANSION

EXISTING PLANT



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 1

Introduction


TABLE – 1.2

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF THE PLANT

Sr. No. Particulars Details

1 Site-coordinates Refer Figure-1.3

2 Elevation 18.0 m AMSL

3 Climatic conditions (IMD, Chennai)

a. Annual Max. Temp: 43.4 0C b. Annual Min. Temp: 16.0 0C c. Annual Total Rainfall: 1214.6 mm

d. Predominant Wind Direction: Pre-monsoon: S, SSW Monsoon: SSW, SW, S

Post monsoon: NNE, E, N, NE Winter: NE, S, NNE, E Annual: SSW, S, SW

4 Climatic conditions (Plant site) 1st May to 31st July 2014 a. Max. Temp: 43.04 0C b. Min. Temp: 22.0 0C

c. Rainfall: 275.6 mm d. Predominant Wind Direction:

First pre-dominant: West 18.49% Second pre-dominant: South 14.56% Third pre-dominant: WSW 11.94% Calm: 3.34%

5 Land use Industrial

6 Nearest highway NH-5 – 4.8 km, East

7 Nearest railway station Gummidipoondi R.S. – 6.1 km, ESE

8 Nearest airport Anna International Airport, Chennai – 48.3km, SSE

9 Nearest habitations Chitoornatham – 0.5 km, West

Eguvarpalayam – 1.7 km, NNW

10 Densely populated area Chennai city – 44.7 km, SSE

11 Inland water bodies Chittoornatham pond – 1.0 km, West Pulicat lake – 8.1 km, NE Arani river – 7.4 km, SSE

Pallavada lake – 6.6 km, NW

12 Ecologically sensitive zones like

Wild Life Sanctuaries, National Parks and biospheres

Nil

13 Defense establishments None within 10 km radius

14 Socio-economic factors No Resettlement and Rehabilitation issues

15 Seismicity zone Zone – III as per IS: 1893 (Part-1) 2002

16 Nearest sea coast Bay of Bengal –26.7 km, East

17 Reserve forests Puliyur forest – 3.1 km, SSW Periyapuliyur forest – 4.3 km, SW Pallavakam R.F. – 5.6 km WSW Thervoy R.F. – 5.7 km, SW Manali R.F. – 5.7 km, SSW

Siruvada forest – 8.2 km, WSW Palem forest – 12.3 km, WNW

18 Historical / archaeological places

Nil within 15.0 km from project boundary

WRPLOT View - Lakes Environmental Software

WIND ROSE PLOT:

Station # 03

COMMENTS: COMPANY NAME:

MODELER:

DATE:

8/25/2014

PROJECT NO.:

NORTH

SOUTH

WEST EAST

4%

8%

12%

16%

20%

WIND SPEED (m/s)

>= 11.1

8.8 - 11.1

5.7 - 8.8

3.6 - 5.7

2.1 - 3.6

0.5 - 2.1

Calms: 3.34%

TOTAL COUNT:

719 hrs.

CALM WINDS:

3.34%

DATA PERIOD:

Start Date: 1/1/2014 - 00:00End Date: 1/30/2014 - 23:00

AVG. WIND SPEED:

3.57 m/s

DISPLAY:

Wind SpeedDirection (blowing from)



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 1

Introduction


1.4 Scope of the Study

With a view to assess the environmental impacts due to the proposed expansion

activity ARS availed the services of M/s. Vimta Labs Ltd, Hyderabad / Coimbatore to

prepare EIA Report for various environmental attributes including air, noise, water,

land and ecology along with parameters of human interest which may be affected

and to prepare an EMP for mitigating adverse impacts.

This EIA report has been compiled incorporating one season based baseline

environmental quality data as per the guidelines and requirements of MoEF, Central

Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB).

Environmental baseline monitoring has been carried out during non-monsoon

season (1st May to 31st July 2014) and used to identify potential impacts. Modeling

exercises have been carried out to predict and evaluate impacts. An Environment

Management Plan is also delineated.

1.4.1 Study Area for EIA

The study area for EIA study comprises of 10 km radius area around the periphery

of existing plant site and the proposed area allotted for the expansion activities. The

study area map is shown in Figure-1.2.

The scope of the study broadly includes:

Field sampling of environmental attributes at various representative locations

in the study area to establish the baseline environmental status;

Collate and compile secondary data including socio-economic data from

published literature / government publications;

Estimate pollution loads that would be generated by the proposed project;

Predict incremental levels of pollutants in the study area due to the proposed

project;

Evaluate the predicted impacts on the various environmental attributes by

using scientifically developed and widely accepted Environmental Impact

Assessment Modeling Methodologies;

Prepare an Environment Management Plan (EMP) to mitigate the predicted

impacts; and

Identify critical environmental attributes required to be monitored during the

project execution and to suggest post project monitoring.



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 1

Introduction


1.5 Methodology of the Study

Reconnaissance survey was conducted by M/s. Vimta Labs Limited, Hyderabad

and officials of ARS and sampling locations were identified on the basis of:

Predominant wind directions expected during the period of baseline monitoring

in the study area and also recorded by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)

Topography and location of surface water bodies like ponds, canals and rivers;

Location of villages / towns / sensitive areas;

Identified pollution pockets, if any within the study area;

Accessibility, power availability and security of monitoring equipment;

Areas which represent baseline conditions; and

Collection, collation and analysis of baseline data for various environmental

attributes.

The monitored environmental attributes and frequency of monitoring are

presented in Table – 1.3.



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 1

Introduction


TABLE – 1.3

ENVIRONMENTAL ATTRIBUTES AND FREQUENCY OF MONITORING

Sr. No. Attributes Parameters Frequency

1 Ambient air quality PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOX, CO, Pb, As, Ni, C6H6, B(a)P, O3, NH3 & Hg

Two consecutive days per week at 8 locations

2 Meteorology Wind speed, Direction, temperature, Relative

humidity, Rainfall, cloud cover and atmospheric pressure

One hourly recording of wind speed, wind direction, cloud

cover, temperature (13-weeks) at 1 location

3 Water quality Physical, Chemical and Bacteriological

parameters. As per IS:10500 (2012)

Grab samples were collected from nine (6 GW + 2 SW)

locations once during the study period

4 Ecology Existing terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna in the study area

Through field studies once during the study period and based on the review of secondary data

5 Noise levels Noise levels in dB (A) Once during study period at ten locations

6 Soil characteristics Parameters related to agricultural and

afforestation potential

At eight locations once during the study period

7 Land use Establishing land use pattern

Based on the land use data published in District Census Handbook, 2001 & based on Satellite Imagery

8 Socio-economic aspects

Socio-economic and work force characteristics and other demographic aspects

Based on published statistics of 2001 Census

9 Geology Geological history Geological data based on

data collected from secondary sources & based on Satellite Imagery

10 Hydrology (surface & ground)

Drainage area and pattern, nature of

streams, aquifer

characteristics, recharge and discharge areas

Based on data collected from secondary sources

11 Risk assessment, disaster management plan

and occupational health & safety

Identify areas where disaster can occur and identify areas of

occupational hazards

Based on pool fire modeling and risk assessment studies

Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed augmentation

& expansion of existing thermal power plant at Gummidipoondi,

Thiruvallur District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 2

Project Description


2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This chapter addresses the details of the proposed augmentation & expansion of

thermal power plant (TPP) in context with the basic raw material requirement,

processes and capacities, utilities and services, infra-structural facilities, sources

of pollution and proposed mitigation measures.

2.1 Type of Project

The proposed expansion deals with the augmentation & expansion of existing

thermal power plant. Of the existing power plants 1 x 60 MW (60 MW) is operating

and the proposed project involves augmentation of another existing 60 MW to 135

MW and erection of additional 350 MW TPP.

The existing power plant consists of a 60 MW CFBC pulverized coal fired boiler rated

to generate 235.13 tonnes of steam per hour (TPH). The current expansion involves

installation of 135 MW & 350 MW TPP with a boiler rating of 563 TPH & 950 TPH

respectively. The superheated steam pressure will be 170 kg/cm2 and temperature

will be 537 ºC with reheat temperature of 537 ºC. Coal required for the plant upon

the expansion would be 2.31 MTPA which will be sourced by sea from Indonesia to

Ennore port which is located ~50 km by road and thereon through trucks (40 T

Container) to the plant site. The total water demand will be about 240 KLD which

will be drawn from existing borewells within the plant site. Power evacuation will be

from Thervaikandigai, which is located 14.0 km from site and hence a new

transmission line will be erected.

2.2 Need for the Project

The demand projections on all India basis for the year 2011-12, 2016-17 and

2021-22 are given in Table-2.1.

TABLE-2.1

DEMAND PROJECTIONS

Year Electricity Energy Requirement at

Power Station Bus Bars (GWh) Annual Peak Electric Load at

Station Bus Bars (MW)

2011-12 968659 152746

2016-17 1392066 218209

2021-22 19145058 298253

Justification of the Project

Deficit in power supply demand

Projected power demand by the end of 12th five year plan

Ever increasing power demand

Governments focus of infrastructural development as part of industrialization

Hence, the proposed augmentation cum expansion of coal based TPP is justified.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


2.3 Project Location & Layout

The project site is located in Sithurnatham, Sirupuzhalpettai & Eguvarpalayam

villages, Gummidipoondi taluk, Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu. The map showing

the general and specific location of the plant is shown Figure-1.1, 1.2 & 1.3 of

Chapter – 1. The detail of environmental setting is also given in Table – 1.2 of

Chapter – 1.

Layout of the existing power plant has been planned considering the space

requirements for all the equipment, systems, buildings, structures, coal storage

area and marshalling yard, ash silos, raw water storage tank, water treatment

plant etc., Necessary plant drainage system has been provided at the existing

plant site and also planned for the proposed additional area for the expansion

activities. In laying out various facilities, following general aspects have been

taken into consideration:

Provision to install 1 X 350 MW TPP (Independent);

Coal storage yard for 7 days requirement;

Ash silos for fly ash storage;

Predominant wind directions as shown in the wind rose to minimise pollution,

fire risk etc.;

Raw water supply, storage facilities; and

Availability of adequate space for fabrication / construction equipment.

All facilities of the plant area will be laid out in close proximity to each other to

the extent practicable so as to minimize the land requirement. The layout

facilitates movement of men and materials between the various facilities both

during construction and operation. The layout map showing the plant site and

plant boundary is shown in Figure-2.1.

2.4 Size or Magnitude of Operation

Taking into account, reliability of equipment and matching capacities between the

different sections of the plant, the type of equipment/installation system and the

departmental capacities at the plant, have been arrived. A condensed description

of proposed utilities and major equipment is given in the following sections.

The capacity of total power plant after the proposed expansion will be 545 MW

[Existing 1 x 60 MW (Sub critical boiler); Proposed 1 x 135 MW (Sub critical

boiler) + 1 x 350 MW (Super critical boiler)]. The salient features of proposed

power plant are presented in Table-2.2.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


FIGURE-2.1

PLANT LAYOUT




Chapter – 2

Project Description


TABLE-2.2

SALIENT FEATURES OF THERMAL POWER PLANT

Sr. No. Features Description

1 Total capacity 545 MW

2 Configuration Under operation: 1 x 60 MW Proposed: 1 x 135 MW + 1 X 350 MW

3 Technology 1 X 60 MW & 1 X 135 MW PF Boiler with re-heat cycle: M.S: 170 kg/cm2

/ 537OC;

Reheat: 537OC

1 X 350 MW – Super Critical PF Boiler with re-heat cycle: M.S: 255 kg/cm2

/ 585OC; Reheat: 585OC

4 Boilers 1 x 235.13 TPH; Sub critical (Existing 1 x 60 MW)

1 x 563 TPH; Sub critical (Proposed 135 MW) 1 x 950 TPH; Super critical (Proposed 350 MW) CFBC/Pulverized Coal fired, natural circulation boilers

5 Generators Three generators with rated 60 MW, 11KV, 50 Hz, 3 ph and 0.8 PF 135 MW,

350 MW

6 Power evacuation Power evacuation will be from Thervaikandigai, which is located 14.0 km from site

7 Condenser Air cooled condenser

8 Auxiliary Cooling System

Finfan coolers for cooling of turbine, generator and boiler auxiliaries

9 HFO/LDO Storage Tanks

2 x 300 KL HFO tanks and 2 x 150 KL LDO tanks

10 Switchyard, Generator, Transformer and Station Transformer

230 KV System

11 Fuel Coal

12 Source of Coal Indonesia Coal (Imported)

13 Coal Handling Ground hoppers, stacker, reclaimers and double stream conveying system

14 Coal Requirement 2.31 MTPA at 85% PLF

15 Sulphur content 0.5%

16 Ash Content in Coal 9.0%

17

A B

Ash generation

Bottom Ash Fly Ash

0.135 MTPA

0.108 MTPA 0.027 MTPA

18 Ash Handling Dry ash collection

19 ESP efficiency 99.99%

20 Stack 145 m AGL [Common for 1 x 60 MW & 1 X 135 MW] 220 m AGL [1 x 350 MW]

21 Total water demand 240 KLD (0.098 cusec)

22 Source of water Existing borewells

23 Project cost INR. 2400 Crores




Chapter – 2

Project Description


2.4.1 Land Requirement

The existing plant operates in an area of 25.49 ha (62.99 acres). Additionally

11.49 ha (28.39 acres) of barren land adjacent to the existing site has been

acquired for the current expansion activities. Totally the plant upon expansion

operates in an area of 36.98 ha (91.38 acres). Out of which, an area about 26.07

ha will be used for plant facilities and 10.97 ha area will be used for greenbelt

development. The break up details of the land use is given in Table-2.3.

TABLE-2.3

LANDUSE BREAK-UP

Sr. No. Land Use

Area

Existing (ha)

Proposed (ha)

Upon Expansion

(ha) %

1 Boiler house 0.62 0.45 1.07 2.89

2 Turbine generator hall 0.38 0.50 0.88 2.38

3 Air cooled condenser 0.56 1.01 1.57 4.25

4 Water treatment plant 0.22 0.19 0.41 1.11

5 ESP and stack 0.20 0.36 0.56 1.51

6 Switch yard 2.09 0.50 2.59 7.00

7 Coal storage yard 1.60 0.58 2.18 5.90

8 Greenbelt 10.33 2.97 13.30 35.96

9 Raw water reservoir 1.22 1.90 3.12 8.44

10 Road area 4.37 1.22 5.59 15.12

11 Ash dyke 1.62 1.63 3.25 8.79

12 Open area 2.28 0.18 2.46 6.65

Total 25.49 11.49 36.98 100

2.4.2 Fuel requirement, Source, Quality & Transportation

Fuel Requirement and Source

As a coal based thermal power plant, the primary fuel of the plant will be 100%

Indonesian coal. The maximum annual coal consumption for the plant after

expansion will be about 2.31 MTPA. Coal requirement details along with its source

are presented in Table – 2.4. Coal from Indonesia would be transported through

sea to Ennore port and thereon through trucks to the existing plant site.

The coal requirement for the proposed power plant is based on

PLF : 85%

Plant heat rate : 2500 kcal/kwhr

Gross Calorific value : 4,500 kCal/kg

Secondary fuel Light Diesel Oil (LDO) will be used only for cold start and Heavy

Fuel Oil (HFO) will be used as support fuel at low loads and flame stabilization.

The required quantity will be brought to plant site via road transportation.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


TABLE-2.4

COAL CONSUMPTION

Sr. No. Power Generation

Coal Consumption

Existing (TPD) Upon expansion

(TPD)

1 1 x 60 MW 1,000 1,000

2 1 x 135 MW -- 1,952

3 1 X 350 MW -- 4,760

Total 1,000 7,712

Annual requirement 0.30 MTPA 2.31 MTPA

TABLE-2.5

INDONESIAN COAL CHARACTERISTICS

Sr. No. Particulars Properties

1 Gross Calorific Value 4,500 kcal/kg

2 Moisture 9.0 %

3 Ash 9.0%

4 Fixed Carbon 41.0%

5 Sulphur 0.5%

6 Volatile Matter 39.0 %

2.4.3 Power Evacuation

Power evacuation will be from Thervaikandigai, which is located 14.0 km from site

and hence a new transmission line will be erected.

2.4.4 Man power requirement

The total manpower of the existing plant is about 150 employees. Upon

expansion, additional 200 employees will be required, which includes officers and

supervisors also. The break-up of manpower requirement is given in Table-2.6.

TABLE-2.6

MAN POWER DEMAND

Sr. No. Category No. of persons

1 Managers / officers 20

2 Technical / administrative assistants 40

3 Skilled /semiskilled workers 140

Total 200




Chapter – 2

Project Description


2.4.5 Water Requirement

The water requirement of the existing and the proposed activity will be obtained

from the existing borewells itself. Rain water harvesting reservoir (70 MLD) has

been constructed for harvesting rainwater through storm water drains. Additional

rain water reservoir is also proposed to be constructed for additional water demand

for the expansion activities. The total water demand for the plant after the

proposed expansion will be 240 KLD with a daily fresh water requirement of 79.84

KLD. About 160.16 KLD of treated wastewater will be reused for the process

requirement (Boiler make-up / DM Plant). The break-up of the water requirement

details are given in Table - 2.7.

TABLE-2.7

WATER DEMAND

Sr. No. Power Generation Water Requirement

Existing (KLD) Upon expansion (KLD)

1. 60 MW 48.0 48.0

2. 1 x 135 MW +

1 X 350 MW -- 192.0

Total 48.0

(0.039 cusec)

240.0

(0.098 cusec)

Description Water Quantity (KLD)

DM water for boiler make-up 193.0

Domestic consumption 16.0

DM plant regeneration 31.0

Total 240 (0.098 cusec)




Chapter – 2

Project Description


FIGURE - 2.2

WATER BALANCE (UPON EXPANSION)

All Values are in KLD

Raw Water 240

Boiler Make-up 1 x 60 MW

Boiler Make-up 1

x 135 MW & 1 x 350 MW

Domestic Consumption 1 x 60 MW

Domestic Consumption 1 x 135 MW & 1 x 350 MW

STP

Cooling Pond I

Cooling Pond II

Guard Pond

R O Rejects

DM PLANT 1 x 60 MW

DM PLANT 1 x 135 MW & 1 x 350 MW

Neutralization Pit

RO Plant

Ground Water /Rain Water

Reservoir

160.16

160.16

36

157 138

35

6

25 25

6

31

173

173

204

43.84

Ash Quenching & Coal Dust Suppression

6

10

4.8

8.0

43.84

Greenbelt

79.84




Chapter – 2

Project Description


2.4.6 Infrastructure

Availability of infrastructure facilities like railways and road access to the site

for ease of transportation of equipment and fuel etc.;

Facility for interconnection with transmission and distribution system for

evacuation of power;

Optimum investment requirement for development of the infrastructure; and

Availability of medical, education, market and railway station within an

accessible distance.

Roads

The approach road for the plant will be from NH – 5. As a national highway, the

road will be suitable for carrying heavy equipment. The internal roads are

available to provide access to different areas of the plant.

All internal plant roads will be 7.0 m wide black topping with 1.5 m wide

shoulders on both sides of the road. Single lane roads will be of 4.0 m wide black

topping with 1.0 m wide shoulders on both sides of the road. Access roads to

building/facilities will generally be single lane roads without shoulders.

Drainage

Lined open drains are being provided at the plant site to carry the surface run-

off; these drains will run alongside the roads and will lead to the final disposal

point. Plinth protection provided around buildings will slope to the drains.

Reinforced concrete culverts or concrete pipe culverts will be provided at road

crossings.

Sewerage System

Sewage from the existing plant and from the proposed buildings and facilities will

be routed into a sewage treatment plant through a sewerage concrete pipe.

Manholes shall be provided at every junctions. A permanent sewage treatment

plant shall cater to the sewage discharge of the plant. The treated water will be

utilized for the greenbelt maintenance.

Landscaping

Landscaping has been already developed within the existing plant premises and

will also be developed for the additional plant area. Necessary afforestation/

green belt development work will be carried out as per the stipulation of Ministry

of Environment & Forests. Plants and tree saplings planted will be maintained and

irrigated by usage of treated sewage from the plant.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


2.4.7 Infrastructure for Labour

The basic amenities for the labour force during erection and operation phase are

proposed. The facilities comprises of the following:

Separate shelters will be provided for male and female labours for resting;

Separate wash rooms (sanitary facilities) will be provided for male and female

labours;

The contractors will be directed to provide fuel to labours for cooking;

First aid facilities will be made available; and

Drinking water will be provided.

2.5 Project schedule for Implementation

The erection and commissioning activities for the proposed expansion will be

completed by December, 2017 subject to receipt of all approvals from statutory

authorities.

i. BTG orders to place - October, 2015;

ii. Commencement of civil works - December, 2015;

iii. Commencement of boiler erection - April, 2016;

iv. Boiler hydro test - March, 2017;

v. Synchronization - November, 2017;

vi. Commissioning - December, 2017.

2.6 Technology and Process Description

Various utilities are being maintained and will be provided for the smooth and

efficient functioning of the existing & proposed plant. The proposed utilities are

discussed in subsequent sections. The process flow of the plant is given in

Figure-2.3.

2.6.1 Plant Layout

The general topography of the land for the main plant is plain. The land area is

free of any forest and with minimum habitation. No cultivation is being carried-

out in the additional land allotted for the proposed unit.

The general layout plan for the proposed units (1 x 135 MW & 1 X 350 MW) has

been worked out taking into consideration the various aspects like available land,

ground features, ground contour, corridor for outgoing transmission lines,

road/rail approaches, railway siding arrangement for coal transportation, wagon

tipplers, prevailing wind direction and location of ACC, strategically locating major

plant equipment etc.,

An area of 5.69 ha has been identified for installation of the proposed 1 x 135 MW

& 1 x 350 MW units. This land area is considered including space for installation

of boilers (0.78 ha), turbine generator hall (0.82 ha), air cooled condenser (1.54

ha), water treatment plant (0.35 ha), ESP & chimney (0.53 ha), Switch yard

(1.67 ha). Coal storage yard has been proposed in an area of 1.55 ha. Buffer

zone for plantation as required for such installation has also been considered.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


Ash dyke (Existing – 0.64 ha + Proposed 2.61 ha = 3.25 ha) is allocated for

temporary dumping of bottom ash (6 years) and unsold fly ash for approx. 2

years. Considering 15 M height (5m below ground and 10m above ground), about

3.25 ha of land has been earmarked for dumping ash generated from the plant

for a period of 2 years (As per CEA norms, Beginning from the 1st year, every

year 10% of the Fly ash to be utilized and after 10 years 100% Fly ash generated

should be utilized). This will cater for dumping of bottom ash for 6 years and 10%

quantity of fly ash for 2 years.

It is proposed to fill the low lying areas in the vicinity with the bottom ash for

area development. Bottom ash also has a ready market as building material for

uses such as landfill etc. Entrepreneurs will be encouraged to use fly ash for

manufacturing bricks, tiles, light aggregates etc.,

Greenbelt will be provided in the proposed plant area in addition to the existing

greenbelt all along the periphery of the plant site boundary, ash dyke area, partly

along raw water reservoir area and any vacant area lying within the plant site.

2.6.2 Mechanical Equipment and Systems

Thermodynamic Cycle

The proposed units will be a conventional thermal power plant operating on sub

critical pressure (1 x 135 MW) & super critical pressure (1 x 350 MW), single

reheat steam cycle with regenerative feed heating arrangement.

Sub critical operation (Exis. 1 x 60 MW; Prop. 1 x 135 MW)

The superheated steam from the boilers at 170 bar and 537ºC is supplied to the

High Pressure (HP) turbine. This steam, after expansion in the HP turbine is sent

back to the boiler as cold reheat steam. After reheating in the boiler, the

reheated steam (Hot reheat steam) at about 42 bar and 537 ºC is sent to

Intermediate Pressure (IP) and Low Pressure (LP) turbine and is finally exhausted

into the condenser.

The exhaust steam is cooled and condensed in the air cooled condenser.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


FIGURE-2.3

POWER GENERATION FLOW SCHEME




Chapter – 2

Project Description


The feed heating system consists of 4 stages of low pressure (LP) heaters in

series, one gland steam condenser, one separate drain cooler for low pressure

heater, one deaerator and 3 stages of high pressure (HP) heaters in series.

The condensate from the hot well of each condenser is extracted by 2 x 100%

capacity condensate extraction pumps (1W + 1S) and is pumped to the deaerator

through gland steam condenser, drain cooler and LP heaters. The feed water is

de-aerated in the deaerator and is collected in feed water storage tank. Water

from this tank is drawn by the boiler feed pumps and is pumped to the boiler

through the HP heaters. 3 x 50% capacity feed water pumps have been

envisaged for each unit.

Condensate in the LP heaters and feed water in HP heaters is heated

progressively by bled steam drawn from Cold reheat line and extraction steam of

the IP and LP turbine. Condensate drain from the HP heaters will be cascaded to

the deaerator feed storage tank and drain from the LP heaters would be cascaded

to the condenser through the drain cooler.

The auxiliary steam for the power station is drawn from main steam line and after

pressure reduction and desuperheating is used for de-aeration, turbine gland

sealing, etc. Provision for steam supply to auxiliary steam system from cold

reheat piping through adequately sized pressure reducing and desuperheating

station will also be there.

The unit is also provided with HP and LP bypass system for quick hot start and

boiler stability with large load rejections.

Description of major plant and equipment of a typical power plant unit is given

hereunder.

Steam generator & accessories

The steam generator which would be designed for firing 100% coal would be

radiant, reheat, natural circulation, single drum, balanced draft. Semi-outdoor

type of unit rated to deliver 939.7 t/hr of superheated steam at 170 bar, 537OC

when supplied with feed water at a temperature of 253.7°C at economiser inlet.

The steam generator would be provided with six mill type coal pulverisers along

with individual raw coal feeders and coal bunkers. The boiler would be designed

to handle and burn HFO/LSHS oil as secondary fuel up to 22.5% MCR capacity for

startup and low-load operation.

The boiler would also be provided with light diesel oil (LDO) firing system having

a capacity corresponding to about 7.5% MCR for warm-up during start-up. The

required fuel oil and light fuel oil pressurizing units and fuel oil heating equipment

will be provided. High energy arc (HEA) ignitors would be provided to ignite LDO

as well as fuel oil.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


The steam generator would consist of a corner fired water cooled furnace, radiant

and convection superheaters, reheaters, attemperators, economiser, regenerative

air heaters, Steam coil air heaters etc. The draft plant comprises 2x60% axial

forced draft fans, 2x60% radial induced draft fans and 2x60% radial type primary

air fans. Electrostatic precipitators and fly ash hoppers with associated

ducting/piping would be provided for the collection of ash. Soot blowers would be

provided at strategic locations and would be designed for sequential automatic

operation from the unit control room.

Turbine Generator Unit

The steam turbine would be rated for 135 MW maximum continuous output, at

the generator terminals, with throttle steam conditions of 170 bar pressure and

537OC superheat, 537OC reheat temperature, 0.1033 kg/cm2 back pressure and,

all feed water "heaters in service. The steam turbine would be a reheat,

condensing unit tandem compound with a double exhaust LP turbine. The generator would be rated for 135 MW, 3 phase, 50Hz, 3000 rpm and 0.8 pf.

The generator stator would be water cooled. The rotor would be suitable for

conventional hydrogen cooling, with the windings cooled with hydrogen circulated

by fans mounted on the rotor. The turbine-generator would be complete with all accessories customarily

supplied by turbine-generator manufacturer such as protective system, lube and

control oil systems, seal oil system. Jacking oil system, seal steam system,

turbine drain system. HP/LP bypass system. Electro-hydraulic control system,

automatic turbine run-up system. on-line automatic turbine test system and

turbine supervisory instrumentation. The turbine-generator would also have all

necessary indicating and control devices to permit the unit to be placed on

turning gear, to be rolled, accelerated and synchronized automatically from the

control room. Other turbine-generator accessories would include an oil

purification unit with transfer pumps and clean and dirty oil storage tanks of

adequate capacity.

The condensing plant would comprise double-pass surface type condenser of

single shell construction. The condenser would be mounted on spring supports

designed to take up its own and turbine exhaust hood thermal expansion.

1x100% capacity priming vacuum pump would be provided to create vacuum in

the condenser during start-up and 2x100% capacity main vacuum pumps to

remove the non-condensible gases liberated during normal operation. Mechanical vacuum pumps are motor driven and unlike steam jet air ejectors do

not require any motive steam. Vacuum pumps are therefore more convenient for

unit start-up and are preferred.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


The unit would be provided with a 60% HP-LP bypass system. a) To prevent a boiler trip in the event of a full export load throw-off and

maintain the unit in operation at house load.

b) To prevent a boiler trip following a turbine trip and enable quick restart of

the turbo set.

c) To minimise warm restart deviations of the unit after a trip.

d) To conserve condensate during start-up e) To facilitate quick load changes in both directions without affecting the

steam generator operation during start-up. Air Cooled Condenser

Air cooled condenser is typically of A-frame design. This design not only

facilitates condensate draining and collection but it also ensures that there

is no dead zone in the heat transfer surface and there is high operating

stability during load transients.

The vapour inlet header constituents the apex of the ‘A’. A large diameter

and comparatively lengthy pipe connects this header to the exhaust from

low pressure stage of the turbine and its large volume makes this inlet

subsystem prone to air leakage as well as requiring a longer time to

evacuate during plant start up. At the bottom of the A-frame are two

outlet headers, each connected to the inlet headers by banks of finned

tube.

Most of the panels on ACC are of parallel type, both condensing vapour

and condensate flow together down insides of the pipe. Piping also

connects the two outlet headers together, allowing the vapour to pass from

one side to other as well as the condensate to be collected. Whereas in

counter flow arrangement, the vapour rising up into the tube banks from

outlet headers while the condensate flows back down to these headers so

that it can be collected and withdrawn. Meanwhile, the upper ends of the

tubes in these section are connected to their own headers which are

provided with steam jet air ejectors for removal of non-condesibles.

The finned tubes are necessary because of the low thermal conductivity, low

density and low heat capacity of air. The large surface area required to obtain a

given heat removal rate, the area increasing with the design ambient air

temperature.

Major components of ACC

Condensing & venting modules

Air movement equipments

Windwall andmodule partition walls

Air evacuation equipment with piping

Condensate collection headers

Condensate storage tank and pumping system

Exhaust steam ducting with expansion joints




Chapter – 2

Project Description


Fin cleaning system

Instrumentation & controls

Pressure relief device (rupture disc)for protection of ducting

Steam duct condensate draining system

Electricals – VFD, MCC, cables etc

Wet Cooling System vs Dry Cooling System

Air cooled condenser have become the need of the hour than the conventional

method due to depletion of the water source. It is very well known fact, water is

becoming a scarce natural source. Using water for thermal power plant has

negative impact on environment and ecology. Besides this cost of storage, pump

and treatment of water for cooling power application is a major concern.

System Wet Cooling System Dry Cooling System

Availability of coolant Water is scarce hence it

has become costly

Air is free

Maintenance cost High 25 % of wet cooling system

Effluent treatment Necessary Not required

Fouling and Scaling Major concern Not required

Cleaning Frequent tube cleaning is

required

Occasional fin cleaning is

required

Infrastructure Pumping system and

storage system required

Not required

Annual energy

consumption

High Low

Condensing Equipment and Accessories

Condensate Pumps

Two 100% capacity condensate pumps, one working and one standby would be

provided. The pumps would be vertical, canister type, multistage centrifugal

pumps driven by AC motors.

Boiler Feed Pumps

Three 50% capacity motor driven boiler feed pumps would be provided to pump

the feed water from the deaerator to the steam generator through the high

pressure heaters. Two pumps would normally be in operation, with the third as

standby. The boiler feed pumps would be horizontal, multistage centrifugal

pumps of barrel type. Each boiler feed pump would be provided with a booster

pump driven from the same shaft as the main pump. Each boiler feed pump

would be provided with a variable speed hydraulic coupling, with built-in step-up

gear to regulate the boiler feed pump speed.

Low Pressure Heaters

The three low pressure heaters, namely 1, 2 & 3 would be of surface type

designed for vertical mounting with U-shaped stainless steel tubes, with their




Chapter – 2

Project Description


ends rolled in carbon steel tube sheets. Low pressure heater No.1 would be

provided with an external drain cooler.

Deaerator

The deaerating feed water heater would be a direct contact, variable pressure

type of heater with a spray or spray tray type of deaeration arrangement. The

feed water storage tank would have a storage capacity adequate to feed the

boiler for 10 minutes when operating at MCR conditions.

Gland Steam Condenser

A surface type gland steam condenser would be used to condense the gland

steam exhausted from the turbine glands. The gland steam condenser would be

of single-pass type with the main condensate flowing through the tubes to

condense the steam. Exhausters would be provided to evacuate the air from the

shell side and maintain the shell at the required negative pressure.

High Pressure Heaters

The two high pressure heaters, namely 5 & 6 would be of surface type designed

for vertical mounting with stainless steel-tubes welded into stainless steel clad

tube sheets. Both HP heaters would be provided with a desuperheating zone and

a drain cooling zone in addition to the condensing zone.

Super critical operation (Proposed 1 x 350 MW)

Steam Generator

The Steam Generator shall be of forced or assisted circulation with super-critical

steam parameters, once through type, single reheat arrangement for firing

pulverized coal. The steam generator shall be drum less, but shall include two (2)

nos. of separators and 1 x 100% start-up drain recirculation pump along with all

other necessary auxiliaries.

TABLE-2.8

STEAM GENERATOR SPECIFICATIONS

Sr. No. Parameters Data

1 Main Super-heated steam pressure 258bar (a)

2 Main Super-heated steam temperature 588ºC

3 CRH inlet pressure 53.16 bar (a)

4 CRH inlet Temperature 343ºC

5 HRH outlet pressure 48.107 bar (a)

6 HRH outlet temperature 585ºC

7 Feed water inlet temperature 289 ºC

8 Fuel used

Raw Coal LDO for start-up & HFO for

stabilization up to 30% BMCR condition

9 Gross Calorific value of Coal 4220 Kcal/Kg - Imported coal




Chapter – 2

Project Description


The steam generator shall be designed for satisfactory, continuous and reliable

operation at high efficiency with the range of coal being provided to this thermal

power plant with minimum requirement of support fuel oil for flame stabilization

within its control range. The furnace design shall have adequate residence time

provided to burn the fuel completely. The Steam Generator shall be designed to

fire the blended coal having 70% of imported coal and 30% of Indian coal. Each

steam generator shall have suitable pulverized coal firing arrangement comprising

coal bunkers with 16 hours storage capacity. Gravimetric raw coal feeders,

pulverizing mills (vertical/horizontal) and other required auxiliaries will be

installed.

The milling system will be sized to ensure rated performance for lifetime.

Selection of the number of mills shall consider one ready standby pulveriser mill

to achieve BMCR while the steam generator is fired with worst coal. The mill

capacity selection shall be based on 90% loading with worst coal with all mills

operating.

The steam generating unit shall be provided with LDO pressurizing units for

supplying LDO to oil burners during boiler cold and hot start-ups and HFO for

flame stabilisation with coal firing during low load operations up to maximum

30% BMCR load.

For maintaining the steam temperature control range (rated steam temperature

of 569 ± 5°C) within the prescribed limits at the outlet of super-heater and re-

heater, de-superheating stations will be provided. The water required for de-

superheating shall be tapped off at the outlet of the steam generator feed water

pumps to control the final steam temperature between 60% to 100% MCR load.

Tilting Burners will also be used to control Reheat temperature

2 x 60% RAPH will be provided for each steam generator for primary and

secondary air heating. SCAPH will be provided at the discharge duct of each F.D.

fan, and will be installed close to the regenerative air heater. The SCAPH will be

of modular construction type with fin tubes and will be designed to maintain the

cold end temperature above acid dew point temperature during steam generator

start-up and low load operations.

The steam generator balanced draft system per unit will be provided with two (2)

sets of FD fans, two (2) sets of ID fans, and two (2) sets of PA fans; each set

rated for 60% of BMCR (Steam generator MCR) capacity. The FD fans may be of

constant speed, axial flow type with hydraulic blade pitch control; ID fan of radial,

backward curved type with VFD and the PA fan of constant speed, centrifugal

type with variable blade pitch control. All necessary regulating and isolating

dampers will be provided to all fans for safe, efficient and convenient operation of

the steam generator.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


Turbine Generator Unit

The steam turbine would be tandem compounded, single reheat, condensing,

horizontally split machine with uncontrolled extractions for Four (4) LP heaters,

Three (3) HP heaters and One(1) Deaerator. The steam turbine will consist of

proven HP turbine, IP turbine, and LP turbine modules. However the final number

of heaters will depend upon the steam turbine supplier selected for this project.

The turbine will have a lubricating oil system for supplying oil to turbine and

generator bearings and also to hydrogen seal oil system of the generator. The

lubricating oil will be cooled by closed circuit cooling water system water as

cooling medium.

Necessary protective & supervisory system will be provided to ensure trouble-

free, safe and efficient operation of the turbine generator.

TABLE-2.9

TURBINE SPECIFICATIONS

Sr. No. Description Units

Design

Parameters

1 Main Steam Inlet Pressure Bar(a) 255

2 Main Steam Inlet Temperature ºC 585

3 Reheat steam inlet pressure Bar(a) 48.107

4 Reheat steam inlet temperature ºC 585

5 Exhaust pressure Bar(a) 0.18 – 0.2

6 Feed water temperature at last

HP heater outlet ºC 289

7 Valve Wide Open Flow % MCR 105

8 Turbine rating MW 350

The generator would be rated suitably with 3 phase, 50Hz, 3000 rpm and 0.8 pf.

The generator stator would be water cooled. The rotor would be suitable for

conventional hydrogen cooling, with the windings cooled with hydrogen circulated

by fans mounted on the rotor.

The turbine-generator would be complete with all accessories customarily

supplied by turbine-generator manufacturer such as protective system, lube and

control oil systems, seal oil system. Jacking oil system, seal steam system,

turbine drain system, HP/LP bypasses system, Electro-hydraulic control system,

automatic turbine run-up system, On-line automatic turbine test system and

turbine supervisory instrumentation. The turbine- generator would also have all

necessary indicating and control devices to permit the unit to be placed on

turning gear, to be rolled, accelerated and synchronized automatically from the

control room. Other turbine-generator accessories would include an oil

purification unit with transfer pumps and clean and dirty oil storage tanks of

adequate capacity.

The condensing plant would comprise of Air cooled condenser of single row

construction. 1 x 100% capacity priming vacuum pump would be provided to

create vacuum in the condenser during start-up and 2 x 100% capacity main




Chapter – 2

Project Description


vacuum pumps to remove the non-condensable gases liberated during normal

operation. Mechanical vacuum pumps are motor driven and unlike steam jet air

ejectors do not require any motive steam. Vacuum pumps are therefore more

convenient for unit start-up and are preferred. The unit would be provided with a

60% HP-LP bypass system.

i. To prevent a boiler trip in the event of a full export load throw-off and

maintain the unit in operation at house load;

ii. To prevent a boiler trip following a turbine trip and enable quick restart of

the turbo set;

iii. To minimise warm restart deviations of the unit after a trip;

iv. To conserve condensate during start-up;

v. To facilitate quick load changes in both directions without affecting the

steam generator operation during start-up.

Condensate Pumps

Unit shall comprise of 3 x 50% capacity CEPs. The CEP will be designed for 10%

Margin in capacity and 10% margin in head over and above the pump sizing

consideration indicated below. The condensate extraction pumps will be vertical;

multi stage, enclosed can type with flanged connection driven by electric motor.

Boiler Feed Pumps

Three 50% capacity motor driven boiler feed pumps would be provided to pump

the feed water from the deaerator to the steam generator through the high

pressure heaters. Two pumps would normally be in operation, with the third as

standby. The boiler feed pumps would be horizontal, multistage centrifugal

pumps of barrel type. Each boiler feed pump would be provided with a booster

pump driven from the same shaft as the main pump. Each boiler feed pump

would be provided with a variable speed hydraulic coupling, with built-in step-up

gear to regulate the boiler feed pump speed.

Regenerative Feed Water Heating System

Regenerative feed heating system is envisaged for the turbine cycle to improve

the efficiency. The feed heating system with four (4) numbers of LP heaters, one

number direct contact type deaerating heater and three (3) numbers of HP

heaters are foreseen for this type of unit. HP and LP feed heaters will be tube and

shell type. LP feed heaters will be of horizontal and U-tube type with integral

drain cooler. HP heaters will be horizontal and U-tube type with integral

desuperheating, condensing and drain cooling sections

Deaerator

For deaerating and heating of the feed water the unit will be provided with a

spray-cum-tray type deaerating heater with a horizontal feed water storage tank

of 6 minutes capacity of steam generator MCR condition. The deaerator will be

capable of deaerating all the incoming condensate from LP feed water heaters

and drains from HP feed water heaters to provide steam generator feed to match




Chapter – 2

Project Description


the steam generator MCR requirements continuously. The deaerator will be

designed to keep the oxygen content of the condensate below 0.005 cc/litre with

zero carbon dioxide. Deaerator will normally operate by taking extraction steam

from IP turbine casing. However, during low load operation and start-up, the

deaerator will be pegged with steam drawn from auxiliary header

Gland Steam Condenser

A surface type gland steam condenser would be used to condense the gland

steam exhausted from the turbine glands. The gland steam condenser would be

of single-pass type with the main condensate flowing through the tubes to

condense the steam. Exhausters would be provided to evacuate the air from the

shell side and maintain the shell at the required negative pressure.

Condensate Polishing Unit

Online condensate polishing unit of full-flow Mixed bed type is envisaged to treat

the condensate to maintain desired quality of condensate water as

recommended by BTG manufacturer. The CPU shall also be capable of

maintaining the desired condensate quality during start-up and condenser tube

leakage

Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP)

Steam generating unit shall be provided with the required electrostatic

precipitator (ESP). ESP shall have two parallel gas paths; one gas path can be

isolated for maintenance while the other path being in operation. Each path shall

comprise of the required number of fields in series for collection of fly ash. The

ESP will have efficiency of around 99.9%. The ESP will have adequate number of

ash hoppers provided with electric heaters. ESP will be provided with

Microprocessor based controller. The design of ESP shall be such that the outlet

dust burden or solid particulate matter (SPM) content at its outlet does not

exceed 50 mg/Nm³ at 100% BMCR with worst coal, with one field out of service.

2.7 Plant Water System

The requirement of water for the plant will be for meeting the following

requirement:

i. Make-up For the re-circulating Auxiliary cooling water system

ii. Power cycle make-up (through D.M plant)

iii. Make-up to the air-conditioning and air washer system

iv. Drinking Water

v. Service Water

vi. Dust suppression system

vii. For maintaining greenery

The source of water for the plant is existing borewells & rain water harvesting

system. Water will be collected in a raw water reservoir through a well-developed

rain water harvesting system and the plant drains which will be pre-treated and




Chapter – 2

Project Description


then treated to the required levels for usage in the plant. The total water demand

of the TPP is 240 KLD. A raw water reservoir of 60 MLD capacity is established

which would cater to the required water quantity. From the plant water reservoir,

the water is fed to clarifiers. Clarified water will be feed for Filtration Plant, which

will cater the needs of treated/soft water requirements of the plant.

Raw Water reservoir

A raw water reservoir of capacity 60 MLD is provided. The raw water reservoir at

site will be of earthen construction with suitable lining.

Water Pre-Treatment Plant

The purpose of pre-treatment system is to treat the raw water from raw water

storage tank and reduce the suspended solids and any organics prior to

downstream use. Raw water is pumped by means of 2 x 100% plant make up

pumps through 2 x 50 % Solid Contact Clarifiers for reduction of suspended

solids. The overflow of the clarifiers will be taken to clarified water storage RCC

tank. The clarified water feed to the DM plant will be pumped through multimedia

filters for further reduction in suspended solids and led to a filtered water storage

tank for downstream use.

The clarified water is used for:

i. Makeup for HVAC system;

ii. Service water system;

iii. Fire water system.

Filtered water is also used for potable water requirement after suitable

chlorination. Filtered water storage tank will have a total capacity of 8 hours

consumptive requirements.

The filtered water is used as

i. Inlet water to DM plant;

ii. Potable water;

iii. Coal handling plant requirements other than dust Suppression Plant and

equipment use including boiler blow down tanks quench;

iv. Miscellaneous uses.

Pre-treatment chemicals such as alum, lime and polyelectrolyte will be dosed at

inlet to the clarifier. A sludge sump will be provided and the collected sludge will

be transported to sludge thickener for further treatment and disposal.

Chlorination with sodium hypochlorite will be done at the outlet of clarifier. The

pre-treatment plant will be complete with 2 x 50% Solid Contact Clarifiers and

associated chemical storage, handling and dosing system, sludge handling

system, 2 x 100% multi grade filters, backwash pumps, backwash waste

collection tank and transfer pumps, RCC clarified water storage tank, filtered

water storage tank, all piping, valves and instruments as required. The system is

sized based on the Design Raw Water Analysis. The clarified water and filtered

water requirement will be based on downstream consumptions of systems.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


DM Plant

The purpose of the Cycle Make-Up Treatment (DM) System is to produce

Demineralized water of required quality and quantity for steam cycle. The DM

plant will treat filtered water to produce Demineralized water for make up to

steam cycle, closed cooling water system and miscellaneous use during

maintenance operation. 2 X 100% (1W + 1 S) each of 35m³/hr (Net Output

Capacity) streams will be provided. The net demineralized water that can be

produced from each stream will be 700 m³/day.

The Cation & Anion Exchangers service and regeneration cycle is 20 hours and 4

hours respectively. Mixed Bed (MB) unit will be regenerated once in 7 days.

Regeneration of Cation & Anion vessels is by counter current mode and

regeneration of MB is in concurrent mode. The DM water is stored in two DM

water tanks of each capacity 500 m3. It is further distributed to various user

points.

Regeneration system for Cation Exchangers consists of Acid Storage Tank and

Acid Measuring Tanks for Cation exchanger and Mixed Bed (Cation) Exchanger.

Regeneration system for Anion Exchanger consists of Caustic Storage tank and

Caustic Dilution Tank for Anion exchanger, Neutralization pit and Mixed Bed

(Anion) exchanger. Transfer Pumps are envisaged for Transfer of Acid/Alkali from

tankers to the storage tanks. Ejectors are used for injection of Regeneration

chemicals. Acid & Alkali storage tanks will be sized to store 30 days requirement

of chemicals.

Waste Water Treatment System

The Waste Water Treatment system envisaged will cover all the plant wastewater

which are to be disposed. The objective of the treatment is to make the

wastewater suitable for disposal as per the guidelines of the State Pollution

Control Board (PCB). All the wastewater after treatment will be fed to the

common monitoring basin to ensure that the effluent meets the PCB stipulations

before reuse within the plant and or disposal outside the plant.

The details of various waste water sources and their treatment schemes are given

in Table-2.10.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


TABLE-2.10

SOURCES OF WASTEWATER AND ITS MANAGEMENT

Sources of wastewater Treatment & Disposal

Runoff Water From Coal Yard

The runoff from the coal yard will be collected in a settling tank. The clear water will be taken to a collection tank and used for watering of green belt

Runoff Water From

Limestone Yard

The runoff from the limestone yard

will be collected in a settling tank. The clear water will be taken to a collection tank and used for watering of green belt

Neutralized Waste Water Make-up water treatment plant waste will

be taken to separate neutralization pit, neutralized and then pumped to the Common Monitoring Basin (CMB)

Oily Waste Water Oil bearing effluent generated from fuel oil handling area plant floor wash etc. will be treated in an oil/water separator to

separate oil from water and the treated waste water sent to CMB. The oily sludge will be collected and disposed offsite

Sewage Water from Toilets in the Power Plant

The Sewage water generated from the Power Plant will be treated in an anaerobic

filter and the treated effluent will be collected and used for horticulture. Suitable arrangements for collection of sludge, its compaction and safe disposal will be provided

Boiler Blow Down Boiler blow down waste water will be

fed to neutralization pit of water treatment plant and from there it will be sent CMB

Special Waste Water Special waste water like Air Preheater washing water, acid cleaning of boiler etc. will be collected and treated in a chemical

waste cleaning plant to make it suitable for offsite disposal

Clarifier Sludge The sludge collected in the clarifier will be taken to a sedimentation tank and the

clear water will be sent to CMB. The collected sludge will be taken to a sludge

drying bed and spread over the green belt within the plant boundaries

Common Monitoring Basin

The outlet from the CMB after ensuring that the quality meets the requirements stipulated in the PCB norms, will be used

for coal yard dust suppression, limestone dust suppression and watering of green belt




Chapter – 2

Project Description


Chlorination System

Raw water chlorination plant is required to dose chlorine in the clarifier during

pre-treatment stage. It is dosed to remove the organic matters present in the raw

water. Sodium hypochlorite dosing will be provided for chlorination of raw water.

The chlorination system consists of sodium hypochlorite dosing tank and dosing

pumps.

Chemical Feed System

Although high purity water will be used as heat cycle make-up, careful chemical

conditioning of the feed steam condensate cycle is essential as a safeguard

against corrosion and possible scale formation due to ingress of contaminants in

the make-up system. Chemical feed system will comprise of the following:

A) Hydrazine System

The most harmful contaminant, which is always present in the make-up water,

causing serious corrosion in the high-pressure boiler is dissolved oxygen.

Hydrazine solution will be used as a de-oxygenator, to wipe off traces of dissolved

oxygen left over in the feed water after deaerator. Hydrazine solution will be

prepared in a solution tank. Water from the condensate pump discharge header

will be used as the diluting medium.

Dosing pump will deliver hydrazine solution at controlled rates continuously at the

condensate pump discharge headers and/or boiler feed pump suction lines. A

dosing pump will be provided.

B) Phosphate Dosing System

The rate of corrosion on mild steel surface is lowest when the solution in contact

has a pH within 9 to 10. Proper attention is required so that the alkalinity does

not become excessive, as in such case the corrosion rate will go on increasing. To

impart desired alkalinity to boiler water and also to safely remove scale-forming

compound in water, if any, due to system contamination as non-adherent

harmless precipitate, tri-sodium phosphate solution will be added in the boiler

drum. Phosphate solution will be prepared in a common tank. Water from the

condensate pump discharge header will be used as the solvent. The solution will

be transferred to individual metering tanks, from which respective phosphate

dosing pumps will inject the solution to respective boiler drums are required.

Potable Water Treatment Plant

The purpose of potable water treatment system is to treat the water from filter

water tank to disinfect prior to downstream use. Filtered water, from filtered

water tank, is pumped to the overhead potable water storage tank. This water is

chlorinated by dosing sodium hypochlorite in the line for disinfections and makes

the water suitable for potable purposes.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


Service Water System

Clarified water will be used as service water. Clarified water will be pumped from

the clarified water storage tank with the help of 2 x 100% service water transfer

pumps to overhead service water tank. Further distribution for various points of

use will be done from this tank by gravity except for boiler floor wash for which

the water will be pumped using booster pumps.

Closed cooling Water (CCW) System

The CCW system will be provided as part of the SG & auxiliaries and STG &

auxiliaries which will meet the cooling water requirements of all the auxiliary

equipment of the STG and SG units such as turbine lube oil coolers, generator air

cooler, exciter air coolers, ID/SA/PA fan bearing oil coolers, BFP auxiliaries such

as lube oil coolers, working oil coolers, drive motors, etc., condensate pump

bearings and sample coolers.

The total estimated aux. cooling water requirement for the above auxiliaries is

about 2500 m³/hr. A closed loop system using passivized DM water is proposed

for the CCW system. In CCW system, DM water is circulated by 2 X100% capacity

each Closed Cooling Water (CCW) pumps. The hot water from these auxiliaries is

cooled in the plate type CCW heat exchangers 2 No (1 W+1S).

An overhead expansion tank of adequate capacity is proposed to ensure positive

suction to the CCW pumps and also serve as the source of make-up to the CCW

system. Normal make- up to the CCW expansion tank is provided from the DM

water make up pumps. To minimize the corrosion, a corrosion inhibiting chemical

solution will be added to the CCW system.

2.8 Coal handling system

Design Criteria, Assumptions and System Capacity

Coal will be received in trucks from nearest Port and unloaded using hydraulic

tippers / unloading hoppers for tipper trucks. Belt conveyors, stacking, and

reclaiming, screening, crushing and conveying same to steam generator bunkers

is based on the following functional requirements and assumptions:

Coal required for 1 x 350 MW unit at MCR condition based on worst coal

having a gross calorific value of 4000 Kcal/kg is 198.5 TPH;

Storage capacity of stockpile is considered Seven (7) days at plant site.

The calculations for Coal handling system capacity considering Worst type coal

are given in Table-2.11.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


TABLE–2.11

DETAILS OF COAL HANDLING SYSTEM CAPACITY

Sr. No. Description Units Design Coal

1 Calorific value Kcal/kg 4000

2 MCR fuel consumption TPH 198.5

3 Coal consumption per day TPD 4760

4 No. of hours of CHS operation per day hours 12

5 Average capacity of coal plant for

1x350MW plant

TPH 250

6 Rated capacity of System selected

considering 12 hrs operation of the plant

TPH 500

The estimated maximum daily coal consumption for the power station will be

around 4760 tonnes. It is considered that coal of size (+) 50 mm will also be

received in the station.

Coal receipt, storage and Handling system

Raw coal of size 300 mm max will be crushed to 25 mm size in Ring granulator

type crushers ( 2 x 100%). Crushed coal will be either sent to Coal yard for

storage (capacity to hold 30 days’ requirement) or sent to bunkers for firing. One

no Stacker-cum-Reclaimer will be used to stack and reclaim the coal.

Coal handling plant (CHP) will be consisting of 3 nos. truck tipplers (2W+1S) and

3 nos unloading hoppers for tipper trucks, crushing / stacking, reclaiming from

the stockyard and conveying the same to steam generator bunkers using

travelling tippers. 2 x 100% capacity conveyor system will be provided

throughout.

Inline Magnetic separators and metal detectors will be provided at Crusher house

and bunker floor to separate magnetic and non-magnetic particles in coal. Belt

weighers and coal samplers will be provided at appropriate locations to record

the quality and quantity of coal received and utilized.

When coal is required in the boiler bunkers and primary crusher is not in

operation, coal will be reclaimed by the stacker / re-claimer and fed to boiler

bunkers through secondary crusher. An emergency reclaim ground hopper will

be provided to reclaim coal by dozers when stacker / re-claimer is not in

operation. Required no. of dozers / mobile equipment will be provided.

The stockpile of coal will have adequate storage for at least 7 days coal

consumption. The stockpile will be provided with necessary fire hydrant

system, compacting and dust suppression system.

The capacity of the conveying system from of crusher up to the boiler bunkers

onwards will be to meet the 24 hours MCR coal requirement of boiler in 12

hours. The conveyors will have 100% standby system.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


Coal samplers and belt weigh scales will be provided in the junction tower

prior to bunker feeding conveyor. Necessary inline magnetic separators and

metal detectors will be provided in the conveyors feeding the crusher house.

Bunker filling will be done by tipper conveyor arrangement. Bunker top will

be sealed to have effective dust control and ventilation system in the bunker

floor.

Dust suppression system will be provided in all the transfer towers, crusher

houses, and coal stockpile to minimize the air pollution problem. Necessary

spray system arrangement will be provided in the coal stockpile. Bunker

ventilation / dust extraction will be provided to extract the dust due to bunker

filling operation.

The coal stockpiles will be provided with ring main headers with hydrant

valves located as per the statutory requirements for fire fighting operations.

The complete coal handling system operation will be controlled from coal

handling control room located near crusher house. The stacker / reclaimer will

be operated from local station.

A PLC based safety-interlocking system for coal-handling plant will be

provided such that sequential starting/shut down of all the equipment due to

trip condition of downstream conveying equipment is ensured.

2.9 Ash Handling System

Ash handling, disposal and utilization

As per the present comprehensive Guidelines of Ministry of Environment &

Forests (MoEF) for fly ash utilization and disposal, all power stations should

provide arrangements for dry ash collection and disposal (The Gazette of India:

Extraordinary - Notification of Environment and Forests, New Delhi, dated 14th

September, 1999). In view of this, dry ash handling and disposal system has

been considered for the existing & proposed unit.

The design of ash handling system for the proposed units has been considered

based on maximum 10% ash (max.) and 0.5% Sulphur (max.) in Coal.

The following data has been considered for design of ash handling system:

a. Hourly coal firing rate at MCR condition

per unit for coal (maximum) 239 tons / hr

b. Ash content in coal considered

For the design of ash handling equipment 10% (maximum)

For ash disposal area calculations 10%

c. The system adopted for bottom ash removal will be dry system and for fly ash

removal will be vacuum-cum-pressure type pneumatic system.

d. The ash disposal will be in by means of trucks.

e. As a contingency measure, wet ash system is also considered both for bottom

ash and fly ash.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


f. Fly ash will be handled in dry and systems are designed for unloading in

trucks to facilitate selling of fly ash.

It will be ensured from the boiler manufacturer that the unburnt carbon content

in the fly ash is limited to 3% by weight, so that the fly ash is acceptable to the

cement manufacturers for using in their cement manufacturing process.

The ash generated from the plant will be about 451 TPD (0.135 MTPA)

considering ash content in the coal of 10%, and a plant load factor of 85%.

Dry bottom ash handling system

Shall allow the extraction of bottom ash coming from solid fuel fired boilers in

completely dry manner. The bottom ash handling system shall consist of a

completely robust extraction and conveying arrangement through steel belt

conveyor suitable for handling dry bottom ash including clinkers. Arrangements

shall be provided for cooling of bottom ash. The collected bottom ash shall be

crushed in the crushers and then conveyed to the bottom ash silo.

Suitable type and quantity of crushers shall be provided for crushing of bottom

ash into smaller size for meeting requirements of pneumatic conveying up to

bottom ash silo via buffer hopper. Bottom ash generation per unit will be

calculated at 100 % PLF considering generation of bottom ash at 25% of total ash

with worst coal.

The Dry bottom ash from the buffer hopper shall be pneumatically conveyed to

the bottom ash silo by positive pressure conveying system using transport air

compressors. From bottom ash silo, suitable provision shall be provided for

unloading the bottom ash into trucks or discharged for wet disposal; the slurry is

led to the bottom ash slurry sump. From the sump, the slurry is transported to

the dump area using ash slurry disposal pumps and pipelines.

Fly Ash Handling System

Ash collected in ECO hoppers shall be conveyed to the intermediate Fly ash

hoppers from here the ash shall be conveyed to the fly ash silos.

Vaccum Conveying Systems

Fly ash collected in ESP, Air Preheater duct, and APH hoppers shall be conveyed

from hoppers to buffer hoppers by vaccum system for onward pressure

transportation to storage silos for collection in dry form. Each fly ash hopper shall

be provided with manual chute isolation valve and ash intake valve below the

hopper flange.

Ash intake valves in the first three fields of the ESP shall be air assisted diffuser

intake type valves. Gravity discharge intake valves shall be provided for the rest

of the ESP fields and other APH and Duct hoppers.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


During System operation, the ash intake valve opens and fly ash shall fall under

gravity into the ash conveying pipeline (branch pipeline) running below the fly

ash hoppers.

Each branch pipe of the conveying system shall be provided with an air intake

valve thru which the atmospheric air shall enter the conveying line. Each branch

line shall be laid along the flue gas path and four such pipelines emerging out of

one ESP shall be connected to a header pipe, which shall be fed tom the bag filter

separator cum buffer hopper. Each branch pipeline shall be separated from each

other by cylinder operated isolation valve.

RCC Silos

The bottom ash and fly ash will be collected in the RCC silos. Individual silos for

bottom ash & fly ash storage have been installed for each boiler. Capacity of fly

ash silo is 791 m3 and the capacity of bottom ash silo is 216 m3. RCC silo will be

for collecting bottom ash mixture from the boilers. The bottom ash storage silo

will have 16 hours storage capacity. Fly ash silo will be for collecting fly ash. This

silo also will have adequate storage capacity.

The silos will be fitted with bag filters with the exhauster of the silo top to

displace air from the silo

Dry Ash Disposal

Through Closed Tankers

Dry Fly ash will be transported to the consumers in special construction closed

tankers. The dry fly ash from fly ash silo bottom will be filled in the closed tankers

with the help of motor operated retractable chutes to avoid fugitive ash going to

the atmosphere and causing air pollution.

Through Open Trucks (Conditioned Ash)

In one of the openings at the bottom of each ash silo, pug mill (Ash conditioner)

will be provided which will mix water in the dry ash mass to make it moist.

Conditioned fly ash coming from the ash conditioner will be transported through

open trucks to the consumers.

Ash Utilization

Non utilization of ash generated by thermal power station in India has been a big

pollution threat as huge quantity of ash is generated every year. The Govt. of

India has made guidelines to utilize the generated ash from the thermal power

station. For this, entrepreneurs are being encouraged by giving relaxation at

many fronts like supply of free dry ash, provision of land on concessional terms,

power supply on the mutual agreed terms and conditions, etc. A list of areas for

probable ash utilization is given below:




Chapter – 2

Project Description


Use of fly ash in manufacturing Pozzolona cement - Use of fly ash for

Pozzolona cement is quite prevalent in USA, Europe, Japan and other advanced

countries. As per data available many Indian cement manufacturers are also

using fly ash for manufacture of Pozzolona cement. The Govt. of India, in order to

encourage use of fly ash in manufacture of Pozzolona cement, has introduced

Indian Standard in this regard. This cement is being manufactured in India as per

Indian Standard IS: 3812, 1981.

Also possibilities for utilizing fly ash as per the following shall also be envisaged:

a) Concrete blocks.

b) Concrete

c) Screed

d) Refractory Concrete

e) Ash brick

f) Use in mine - stowing of underground mines.

g) Use as railway/road embankment

h) As waste land reclamation material

i) Use as stabilization of soil for road underbed.

Fuel Oil Handling System

The steam generators of power station will be designed for 100% Coal firing.

However, LDO and HFO will be required for start-ups, stabilization during low

load. The fuel oil facilities will be common to both the units.

Fuel Oil Requirement

Light Diesel Oil (LDO) Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO)

LDO and HFO requirement has been estimated based on 1.0 ml/kwhr (CERC

norms), which works out to approximately 4000 kilo liters per year for the power

station.

a) Light Diesel Oil (LDO) storage tanks

For storage of LDO, 2 nos. x 150 KL bulk LDO storage tanks has been

provided.

b) Fuel oil decanting/unloading facilities

LDO will be brought in road tankers from the nearest oil terminal and will be

unloaded in the storage tanks through unloading header and 2 nos. unloading

pumps.

c) LDO supply to the Steam Generation units

Two nos. of LDO pumps (1 W + 1S) will be installed for meeting the

requirement of LDO delivery to both the boiler units. Duplex filters at suction

side and at discharge side of each pump shall be provide Adequate provision

will be made in the design of piping system which will be laid overhead

supported on shop columns. The oil delivery pressure will suit the burner

requirement.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


Heavy Oil Storage Tanks

For storage of heavy oil, 2 nos. x 300 KL bulk storage tanks are provided.

Fuel Oil Decanting/Unloading Facilities

Heavy fuel oil will be brought in road tankers from the nearest oil terminal and

will be unloaded in the storage tanks through unloading header and 2 nos.

unloading pumps.

Heavy Fuel Supply to the Steam Generation Units

Four nos. of HFO pumps (2 W + 2S) will be installed for meeting the requirement

of Heavy oil delivery to both the boiler units.

Duplex filters at suction side and at discharge side of each pump shall be

provided. Oil heaters will be provided in the pump discharge.

Adequate provision will be made in the design of piping system which will be laid

overhead supported on shop columns. The oil delivery pressure will suit the

burner requirement.

Ventilation System

An elaborate ventilation system has been envisaged for the power house building,

ESP control building and other areas like air compressor room, DM plant building,

elevator machine rooms and various pump houses like ash water pump house,

filter water pump house, etc. to achieve the followings:

i) Dust-free comfortable working environment.

ii) Scavenging out structural heat gain and heat load from various equipment,

hot pipes, lighting etc.,

iii) Dilution of polluted air due to generation of obnoxious gaseous/aerosol

contaminants like acid fumes, dusts etc.,

The following areas are proposed to be ventilated:

Turbine building and tipper floor

ESP control building

Ash slurry pump house

Air compressor rooms

AC plant room

DM plant building

Miscellaneous rooms in powerhouse like cable spreader room, switch gear

room, oil room, toilet, elevator m/c room etc.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


a) Power House

Supply/exhaust ventilation: system with evaporative cooling has been

recommended for the powerhouse building. Ambient air will be drawn through

inertia filters, metallic panel filters, spray bank, moisture eliminator and will be

supplied by means of centrifugal fan to power house through ducting and grilles

to achieve proper distribution. The water sprayed will be re-circulated by means

of centrifugal pumps, piping, valves and other accessories. This is about the

supply system. 'Exhaust' system consists of axial flow roof exhaust fans with rain

protection cowl hood, short duct work etc. Part of the supplied air will be

exhausted and the rest will ex-filtrate through the various openings in the

structure, preventing infiltration of dusty air. This arrangement also ensures more

or less ambient dry bulb temperature inside power house.

Various rooms in power house e.g. Cable spreader room, switchgear room etc.

will be ventilated by means of transfer fans or by extending duct as required and

found suitable. Coal tripper floors are proposed to be provided with exhaust

system to eliminate building up to hazardous gases like carbon monoxide,

methane etc.

b) ESP Control Building (Excepting Control Room)

For ventilation of this building, ambient air will be drawn through unitary air

filtration unit compressing of fresh air intake Louvre, automatically cleanable

nylon filter (with water spray) and moisture eliminator and. supplied to the space

by means of centrifugal fan through ducting, grilles etc. The water for filter

cleaning will be re-circulated by means of centrifugal pumps. In addition to filter

cleaning, the water spray will have an evaporative cooling effect too. This will

produce some cooling as an added advantage. The supplied air will be exhausted

through wall mounted gravity operated to maintain an overpressure of 2-3 mm of

WC to reduce dust.

c) Other Buildings

Other buildings like ash water pump house, air compressor room, etc., will be

ventilated by means of dry system comprising of axial flow fan, dry filter

wherever required, cowls, ducting etc., Inside dry bulb temperature will be higher

than ambient by about 5 Degree centigrade. Fire dampers will be provided

wherever there is electrical installation.

Thermal Insulation

Insulation will be provided wherever necessary to minimize heat losses from the

equipment, piping and ducts and to ensure protection to personnel. Insulation will

be held by adequate cleats, wire nets, jackets, etc. to avoid loosening. Insulation

thickness will be so selected that the covering jacket surface temperature does

not exceed the surrounding ambient temperature by more than 15 oC. The

turbine proper will be spray insulated as recommended by the turbine supplier.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


Painting

All mechanical and electrical equipment including piping system and structures

wil1 be painted with international standards / IS standard colour-code for ease of

identification. The equipment exposed to marine environment will be painted /

coated with suitable corrosion resistant paint such as polyurethane paint.

Fire Protection System

The firefighting system will be designed in conformity with the recommendations

of the Tariff Advisory Committee of Insurance Association of India. While

designing the fire protection systems for this power station its extreme ambient

conditions need special attention. Codes and Standards of National Fire Protection

Association (NFPA) will be followed, as applicable.

The Power Plant is classified as Ordinary Hazard Occupancy as per TAC. Hence,

the entire system will be designed accordingly. The different types of fire

protection /detection system envisaged for the entire power plant are described

below.

Hydrant System for entire area of power plant

High Velocity Water Spray System (HVWS) for generator transformer, Unit

Auxiliary transformer, station transformer, and turbine lube oil canal pipe lines

in main plant, Boiler burner front, diesel oil tank of DG set, main lube oil tank,

clean and dirty lube oil tanks.

Medium Velocity Water spray system - cable gallery / Cable spreader room,

Coal conveyors, Transfer points and crusher house, F.O. pumping station and

F.G. tanks

Foam system for Fuel oil tanks.

Portable extinguisher will be provided for Central Control room, Control

equipment room and Computer rooms in the power house building.

Portable and mobile fire extinguishers for entire plant

Fire Tenders (minimum 2 Nos.)

Fire Detection and Alarm system for all Central Control room, Control

Equipment Room, battery rooms, all switchgear rooms / MCC rooms, and

Computer rooms located in Power block area and in other auxiliary buildings.

Necessary instruction and warning plates shall be provided all around

All necessary facemasks, fire jackets, breathing and resuscitation apparatus

and/or ether protection devices for optimal protection for the personnel.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


Hydrant System

The hydrant system consists of a large network of pipe, which will feed

pressurized water, to a number of hydrant outdoor, water monitors and indoor

landing valves with hose reel system. External hydrants will be located all around

the periphery of buildings and internal hydrants will be provided at each landing

floor of staircases through above ground main. Outdoor type fixed water monitors

will be provided for ESP areas and other areas in the coal conveyors at locations

where water cannot reach from hydrant system.

Hose pipes of suitable length fitted with standard accessories like hose coupling,

branch pipes and nozzles will be located in 'HOSE BOXES'.

High Velocity Water Spray (HVWS) System

The spray ring main header will cater water for the spray system. For water spray

system piping network will be separate from the pump house. The HVWS system

will be designed for automatic remote and manual emergency operation for the

Generator Transformers, Unit Aux.

Transformer and Station Transformer and remote manual operation for turbine

lube oil canal pipe lines in main plant, Boiler burner front, and diesel oil Tank of

DG set, main lube oil tank, clean and dirty lube oil tanks.

Medium Velocity Water Spray (MVWS) System

The medium velocity spray system will be provided for the cable gallery /Cable

spreader room, Coal conveyors, Transfer points and crusher house, F.O. pumping

station and F.O. tanks. Water required for this system will be .tapped off from

HVWS/MVWS header.

The fire in the cable gallery / Cable spreader room and coal conveyors will be

detected by a detection system, which will give an electrical signal for the

operation of the deluge valve. In the event of fire in zone, the deluge valve of

corresponding zone and those of adjacent zone on either side will be opened.

The MVWS system for fuel oil pump house will be designed considering the pump

house as a single zone. A network of pipes with spray nozzles will be located near

the roof of the pump house, which will be connected to a deluge valve.

Manual MVWS system will be provided for L.D.O and H.F.O tanks. This system is

provided for LDO and HFO storage tanks. The water for the foam system will be

tapped from the Hydrant system. The system will consist of foam tank, level

indicators, foam ejector, foam makers, fixed piping valves, etc.

Portable and Trolley mounted fire Extinguishers

Fire Extinguishers with suitable capacity, rating and medium such as water, CO2,

foam, Dry Chemical powder (DCP) and with standard accessories and in adequate

numbers as per TAC covering all the buildings in the power plant premises will be

provided.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


Fire Tender

One no. Water Fire Tender as per IS: 950 Type-B.

One no. Foam Tender as per IS-10460.

Fire Water Reservoir

The Plant will be provided with fire water from service I fire water reservoir of

such volume have to satisfy the fire water demand of plant in the worst assumed

scenarios as per TAC requirements. A dedicated storage of 2300m3 of water is

envisaged.

Fire Water Pumps

The fire water pump capacity and head will be designed as per the system

requirement. The fire hydrant system will have dedicated 2 x 100% firewater

main pumps of capacity 410m3/hr, 88MWC.

The main fire pump will be motor driven and one standby diesel engine driven. A

separate fire pumps including with one standby diesel engine driven pump will

serve the HVWS/MVWS system.

The standby pump of Hydrant system will also serve as standby for HVWS/MVWS

system. The entire fire water network will be pressurized and maintained the

hydro-pneumatic tank along with common jockey pumps and air compressors

functions to make up the system leakage losses.

All the main and standby pumps will be capable of operating at 150% flow with a

head drop less than or equal to 65% of the operating head. The shutoff head of

the pump will not be more than 140 % of operating head. Fire pumps will

conform to IS: 5120 and will be certified by TAC as approved Fire pumps.

Diesel Engine drive set

The diesel engine will be of direct injection, multi-cylinder, water cooled, 4-stroke

cycle and will have engine shaft power rating at least fifteen 15 % higher than the

maximum power required at the pump shaft at rated speed.

As the fire pumping unit is not required to run continuously for long period and

operation will not be very frequent, special features will be built into the engine to

allow it to start instantaneously against full load; even it has remained idle for

long period.

The engine will be able to start quickly from cold condition. The starting system

will include a DC motor having high starting torque to overcome full engine

compression. The engine will be provided with two sets of 24 volts heavy duty

VRL and lead acid batteries.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


The diesel engine will have provision to start on auto / manual mode. The selector

switch for the same will be provided in the control panel. The cooling water

system for the diesel engine will be provided as per TAC requirement. The fuel

storage tank will be provided as per the TAC requirement.

Fire Detection and Alarm System

Fire detection and alarm system provided for the entire plant area will be

microprocessor based Intelligent Analog Addressable type. The system will consist

of central monitoring station located in unit control room will be provided.

The main fire alarm panel will be provided in the unit control room, one fire alarm

and control panel in coal handling plant control room and repeater panel, which

will be provided hi the fire station office.

2.10 Miscellaneous Auxiliaries

2.10.1 Cranes, Hoists & Elevators

Electric Overhead Traveling (EOT) cranes will be provided in Steam Turbine hall,

raw water and firewater pump house, workshop, DG plant building etc. The

cranes will be used for unloading of heavy equipment and also for erection and

maintenance of equipment. The cranes will be designed to handle the heaviest

piece in that area during maintenance.

Monorail hosts of suitable capacity will be installed in the following areas.

Fuel oil pump house

DM plant

Chlorination Plant

Air heater

ID fan & FD fan area

Mills area

Air compressor house / building

Ash water pump house

Ash recycle water pump house

Stores

One goods cum passenger elevator of about 2000 kg carrying capacity will be

provided for boiler house and one goods cum passenger elevator of about 1000

kg carrying capacity will be provided for power house building. One passenger

elevator of about 550 kg carrying capacity will be provided for the administrative

building. One number of rack and pinion lift for chimney will be provided for

handling passenger / goods.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


2.10.2 Associated Facilities

Repair Workshop

For achieving higher availability of the plant some of the plant maintenance would

have to be done at site following concept of unit exchange system for repair and

maintenance.

Under this system, the defective components would be replaced immediately by

sound ones from the stores. Some of the defective components would thereafter

be repaired in the site workshop and sent back to the stores. Following this

System two types of activities namely maintenance and reconditioning would be

physically separated thereby.

Speeding-up maintenance activity

In order to carry out the repair activities, it is proposed to provide the following

shops

a. Main workshop

b. Instrument repair shop

c. A repair shop for mobile equipment to be located near the coal storage yard

d. Loco engine repair shade

e. Motor vehicle repair shops

Besides tools, tackle, gadgets, measuring instruments, testing equipment as

required would be procured.

2.10.3 General Stores

Both covered and open space would be required for storage of various material

and equipment required for construction as well as operation and maintenance of

the plant. While the construction stores would be temporary, the other stores

would be permanent. Stores would broadly have the following divisions to house

equipment and material of different categories

Chemical Laboratory & Testing Facilities

A fully equipped chemical laboratory adequate to carry out the tests and analyses

required for the station would be provided in the Service Building of the station.

The testing and calibration laboratories for Control &Instrumentation (C&I) and

Relay-Metering instruments would also be housed in the same building.

Necessary facilities including standard instruments for analyses or tests or

calibrations of various items would be provided.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


2.11 Sources of Pollution and Mitigation Measures

The various types of pollution from a thermal power power plant are categorized

under the following types:

a) Air pollution

b) Water pollution

c) Sewage disposal

d) Thermal pollution

e) Noise pollution

f) Pollution monitoring and surveillance systems

Coal based thermal power plants are a major source of gaseous emissions. In

addition, wastewater and solid waste will also be generated. The quantities and

the composition of the gaseous, liquid and solid waste that are generated in a

thermal power plant will be managed and treated such that their final disposal

into the environment meets all the statutory requirements and the environmental

impacts are mitigated.

2.11.1 Air Pollution Sources and Mitigation Measures

The Air pollutants from the power plant are:

a) Dust particulates from fly ash in flue gas

b) Sulphur dioxide in flue gas

c) Nitrogen oxides in flue gas

d) Particulate Matter (PM)

e) Coal dust particles during storage/handling

The Indian Emission Regulations stipulate the limits for particulate matter

emission for thermal power stations. The minimum stack height to be maintained

to keep the Sulphur dioxide level in the ambient within the air quality standards.

The stack height for the 60 MW & 135 units under consideration will be 145

metres (common stack). For the Independent 1 x 350 MW unit, separate stack

(220 m) will be erected considering fuel characteristics.

The dust content in the flue gas will be limited to 50 mg/Nm3 even with one of

the fields of ESP is not in working condition.

Providing specially designed burners reduce NOx emission from the steam

generator. The maximum NOx emission from the unit will be as per the

CPCB/SPCB norms by using low NOx burners in the firing system of the steam

generator. As noted above, PM, SO2 and NOx emission levels will meet the

requirement of Indian Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). For coal dust control, water spraying arrangement will be provided to spray water

into each wagon prior to discharge. Dust generated at the wagon discharge points

will be further suppressed by spraying chemical solution.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


Crusher houses, junction towers, feed points below wagon discharge and

emergency reclaim hoppers will be provided with wet scrubber type dust

extraction system. Sprinklers will be provided all around the stockpile to suppress

the dust generation and to wet the coal while compacting to minimize the dust

nuisance.

The expected air emissions are given in Table–2.12.

TABLE – 2.12

STACK MONITORING DATA

Particulars Stack #1 Stack #2

Material of Construction RCC RCC

Stack attached to 1 x 60 MW &

1 x 135 MW

1 x 350 MW

Stack height (m) 145 220

Stack diameter (mm) approx. 5250 6500

Volume Flow Rate (m3/s) 475.45 696.82

Velocity of flue gas (m/s) 22.0 21.0

Temperature of flue gas (°C) 140 140

Flue gas specific volume (kg/Nm³) 1.3 1.3

Fuel Consumption (kg/s) 34.17 55.09

Sulphur content (% w/w) 0.5 0.5

Emission rate – NOx (g/s) 307.5 495.83

Emission rate – SO2 (g/s) 341.67 550.925

Emission rate – PM (g/s) 21.5 34.841

2.11.1.2 Mitigation Measures

The mitigation measures proposed for the TPP are detailed below:

145 m & 220 m tall stacks for flue gas emission

Space provision for retrofitting FGD (Flue Gas Desulfurization) systems

High efficiency ESPs to reduce PM level in the exhaust gas to < 50 mg/Nm³

Dust suppression and extraction system at handling plant area to control

fugitive emission

Greenbelt development in the plant and ash disposal areas

A minimum water depth will be maintained in the ash dyke to prevent fugitive

dust emission

Use of bag filters at all transfer points

Use of limestone to limit SO2 emission

High efficiency Electro Static Precipitator of 99.9% are provided for limiting

PM concentration in the flue gas to less than 50 mg/Nm³. The tall stack of 145

m & 220 m height based on maximum SO2 concentration in the flue gas is

provided for natural dispersion at high elevation so that ground level

concentration are within acceptable limits

The emission of NOx, is reduced by burning fuel at a lower temperature and

shortening the throughput time of the fuel

NOx is also controlled by operating at low excess air




Chapter – 2

Project Description


2.11.1.3 Fugitive Emissions

All other dust sources are considered as secondary sources since they are not

process implied. These dust sources may occur wherever relatively dry or dusty

material is handled, conveyed, pumped or extracted. Water spray is being carried

out to control fugitive dust due to wind. All the materials will be stored in a

covered storage facilities.

2.11.2 Wastewater Generation and Mitigation Measures

Steam generator blow down

The salient characteristics of the blow down water from the point of view of

pollution are the pH and temperature of water since suspended solids are

negligible. The pH will be in the range of 9.5 to 10.3 and the temperature of the

blow down water will be about 100°C since it is flashed in an atmospheric flash

tank (IBD tank). It is proposed to lead steam generator blow down to cooling

tanks and then sequentially to guard pond. The retained water will be RO treated

to meet the CPCB norms and will be reused for boiler make-up.

DM Plant Effluents

Hydrochloric acid and caustic soda will be used as regenerants in the DM plant.

The acid and alkali effluents during the regeneration process of the ion

exchangers will be drained into an underground neutralizing pit. The effluent will

be neutralized by the addition of either acid or alkali to achieve the required pH.

The effluent will then be pumped to RO plant and reused for process.

Effluent Disposal

The following high TDS effluents water will be collected in a guard pond.

Pressure sand filter back wash (TDS < 100)

Effluent discharge from Neutralizing pit (TDS < 6000)

Sewage Disposal

Sewage from various buildings in power plant area will be conveyed through

separate drains to septic tanks. The effluent from septic tank will be disposed in

soil by providing dispersion trenches. There will be no ground pollution because of

leaching. Sludge will be removed occasionally and will be disposed of as land fill

at suitable places.

The waste water generated from proposed project is given in Table-2.13.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


TABLE-2.13

WASTE WATER GENERATION FROM THE POWER PLANT

Sr. No. Units

Water

Requirement (KLD)

Loses/ Uses

Waste

Water Generated

Usage/ Disposal

1 Boiler Makeup 193 20 173 Reuse for process

2 Potable Water 16 3.2 12.8 Greenbelt

maintenance

3 DM Plant 31 0 31 Reuse for process

Total 240 23.2 216.8

The total wastewater generated from the plant after the proposed expansion will be

216.8 KLD. Boiler blow down (173.0 KLD) & DM plant regeneration wastewater

(31.0 KLD) generated after the proposed expansion will be treated in 2-stage RO

plant. Available treated effluent (160.16 KLD) will be re-used in the process. RO

reject (43.84 KLD) will be used for ash quenching & coal dust suppression.

Domestic sewage (12.8 KLD) will be treated in the existing sewage treatment

plant itself. Treated domestic sewage will be utilized for greenbelt maintenance.

Thus, the plant will operate on zero liquid discharge concept even after the

proposed expansion.

2.11.3 Solid Waste Generation and Mitigation Measures

Ash is the main solid waste generated in the coal based thermal power plant.

Major portion of the ash will be utilized by supplying to potential users. Efforts will

be made to utilize 100% fly ash as per the Fly Ash Notification, 1999 and as

amended later.

The ash which is not lifted by the potential users will be disposed of in the ash

dyke using High Concentration Slurry Disposal (HCSD) method. In this method of

ash disposal, the slurry is highly viscous and non-Newtonian fluid requiring less

water compared to conventional low concentration slurry disposal. The ash dyke

will be provided with trenches to collect the storm water during rainy days.

Greenbelt will be provided enveloping the ash dyke to arrest the fugitive dust

emissions. Ash dyke will also be provided with HDPE liner to prevent leaching of

contaminants to groundwater. The quantities of solid waste expected the plant is

given in Table – 2.14.




Chapter – 2

Project Description


TABLE – 2.14

SOLID WASTE GENERATION AND DISPOSAL

Sr.

No. Power Generation

Ash generation

Mode of

Disposal Existing

(TPD)

Upon

expansion

(TPD)

1. 1 x 60 MW 50 50 Sold to Cement

manufacturers 2. 1 x 135 MW -- 116

3. 1 x 350 MW -- 285

Total 50 451

Capacity of fly ash silo: 791 m3

Capacity of bottom ash silo: 216 m3

2.11.4 Noise Pollution and Mitigation Measures

The major noise generating sources in the power plant are boiler, coal crushing,

material handling area, and water pumps. The noise levels at 1 m away from these

sources will be maintained at less than 85-dB (A) in compliance with the statutory

requirements. All equipment in the power plant will be designed/operated to have

a noise level not exceeding 85 to 90 dB(A) as per the requirement of

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standard (OSHA). As per this

standard, protection from noise is required when sound levels exceed those in

given below when measured on the A scale at slow response on a standard sound

level meter.

TABLE – 2.15

NOISE LEVEL EXPOSURE LIMITS

Duration per day (hrs.) Sound level in dB(A)

8 90

6 92

4 95

3 97

2 100

1.5 102

1 105

0.5 110

0.25 115

In general, the following measures will be adopted for noise pollution control.

Technical measures

Administrative measures

Personal protection measures




Chapter – 2

Project Description


In thermal power plants high pressure boilers, exhausters, turbines and leaking

air/ steam pipelines are the primary sources of noise pollution. The following

technical measures will be taken to overcome these noises.

Continuous vigilance in high pressure air/steam pipelines for leakages and

once noticed, immediate plugging of the leakage reduces plugging them, thus

reducing the noise at the source.

Providing acoustic enclosures / barriers for the turbines.

Providing silencers at inlet / outlet of the high pressure equipment like DG set,

compressors, fans etc.,

Regular checking of vibration level of high speed machines and taking

necessary steps to mitigate the same. In areas such as turbine floor,

compressed air station and pump houses, soundproof enclosures will be

provided for the operators.

In the boiler plant, there are various noise polluting sources such as boilers and

high pressure pipelines where technical measures will not be practically effective.

In such cases, the following administrative measures are proposed.

Workers will be assigned rotational duties to minimize noise exposure time.

Medical check-up of all workers will be done at regular interval for any noise

related health problems and if any such problem is detected they will be

assigned alternative duty.

Besides all the above measures all workers exposed to high noise will be provided

with personal protective devices such as ear plugs and ear muffs. Workers will be

educated about the benefits of the protective devices and encouraged to use

them.

2.12 Environmental Laboratory

To evaluate the physico-chemico properties of source emission /waste water

discharge and to establish the ambient pollution level during power plant

operation, as desired by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change

(MoEFCC), New Delhi, and State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), an

environmental laboratory has been considered for monitoring/ testing of different

pollutants, Gas, liquid & solids, generated from the plant. List of

equipment/instrument pertaining to Environmental pollution monitoring will be

provided during detailed engineering.



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3

Description of the environment

Vimta Labs Limited, Hyderabad/Coimbatore 59

3.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

3.1 Introduction

This chapter illustrates the description of the existing environmental status of the

study area with reference to the prominent environmental attributes. As per the

EIA guidelines, the study area has been divided into core zone and buffer zone

which is about 10 km radius from the boundary of the existing & the proposed

site.

The existing environmental setting is considered to adjudge the baseline

environmental conditions, which are described with respect to climate, hydro-

geological aspects, atmospheric conditions, water quality, soil quality, vegetation

pattern, ecology and socio-economic profiles of people and land use. The

objective of this section is to define the present environmental status, which

would help in assessing the environmental impacts due to the proposed

expansion activities.

This report incorporates the baseline data generated through primary surveys for

three months from 1st May 2014 to 31st July 2014 representing pre-monsoon

season.

3.2 Methodology

Appropriate methodologies have been followed in developing the EIA/EMP report.

The methodology adopted for the study is outlined below:

Conducting reconnaissance surveys for knowing the study area; and

Selecting sampling locations for conducting various environment baseline

studies.

The sampling locations have been selected on the basis of the following:

Predominant wind directions recorded by the India Meteorological Department

(IMD) Meenambakkam, Chennai observatory;

Existing topography;

Drainage pattern and location of existing surface water bodies like

lakes/ponds, rivers and streams;

Location of villages/towns/sensitive areas; and

Areas, which represent baseline conditions.

The field observations have been used to:

Assess the positive and negative impacts due to the proposed expansion

activity; and

Suggest appropriate mitigation measures for negating the adverse

environmental impacts, if any; and

Suggesting post-project monitoring requirements and suitable mechanism for it.



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



3.3 Geology & hydrogeology

Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has carried out extensive geological and

hydro-geological surveys for the Thiruvallur district.

3.3.1 Administrative Details

Tiruvallur district is having administrative divisions of 8 taluks, 14 blocks, 539

Panchayats and 805 villages.

3.3.2 Basin and sub-basin

The district is part of the composite east flowing river basin having Araniar-

Korataliar and Cooum sub basins.

3.3.3 Drainage

Araniyar, Korattalayar, Cooum, Nagari and Nandhi are the important rivers. The

drainage pattern, in general, is dendritic. All the rivers are seasonal and carry

substantial flows during monsoon period. Korattaliar river water is supplied to

Cholavaram and Red Hill tanks by constructing an Anicut at Vellore

Tambarambakkam. After filling a number of tanks on its further course, the river

empties into the Ennore creek a few kilometres north of Chennai. The Cooum

river, flowing across the southern part of the district, has its origin in the surplus

waters of the Cooum tank in Tiruvallur taluk and also receives the surplus waters

of a number of tanks. It feeds the Chembarambakkam tank through a channel. It

finally drains into the Bay of Bengal.

The chief irrigation sources in the area are the tanks, wells and tube wells. Canal

irrigation is highest in Minjur block followed by Sholavaram, Pallipattu, R.K.Pet,

Poondi, Gummidipoondi and Ellapuram blocks.

3.3.4 Rainfall and climate

The district receives the rain under the influence of both southwest and northeast

monsoons. Most of the precipitation occurs in the form of cyclonic storms caused

due to the depressions in Bay of Bengal chiefly during Northeast monsoon period.

The southwest monsoon rainfall is highly erratic and summer rains are negligible.

Rainfall data analysis shows that the normal annual rainfall varies from 950mm

to 1150mm. It is minimum around Chengam (982.1mm) in the south eastern

part of the district. It gradually increases towards west and a maximum around

Wandavasi (1117.1mm) is noticed.

The district enjoys a tropical climate. The period from April to June is generally

hot and dry. The weather is pleasant during the period from November to

January. Usually mornings are more humid than afternoons. The relative

humidity varies between 65 and 85% in the mornings while in the afternoon it

varies between 40 and 70%.

The annual mean minimum and maximum temperature are 24.3 ° and 32.9°C

respectively. The day time heat is oppressive and the temperature is as high as

41.2°C. The lowest temperature recorded is of the order of 18.1 °C.



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



3.3.5 Geomorphology and soil types

The prominent geomorphic units identified in the district through interpretation of

Satellite imagery are 1) Alluvial Plain, 2) Old River Courses 3) Coastal plains 4)

Shallow & deep buried Pediments, 5) Pediments and 6) Structural Hills.

The elevation of the area ranges from 183 m AMSL in the west to sea level in the

east. Four cycles of erosion gave rise to a complex assemblage of fluvial,

estuarine and marine deposits. The major part of the area is characterized by an

undulating topography with innumerable depressions which are used as irrigation

tanks.

The coastal tract is marked by three beach terraces with broad inter-terrace

depressions. The coastal plains display a fairly lower level or gently rolling surface

and only slightly elevated above the local water surfaces or rivers. The straight

trend of the coastal tract is resultant of development of vast alluvial plains. There

are a number of dunes in the coastal tract.

3.3.6 Soil

Soil in the area have been classified into i) Red soil ii) Black soil iii) Alluvial soil

iv) colluvial soil. The major part is covered by Red soil of red sandy/clay loam

type. Ferrugineous red soils are also seen at places. Black soils are deep to very

deep and generally occur in the depressions adjacent to hilly areas, in the

western part. Alluvial soils occur along the river courses and eastern part of the

coastal areas. Sandy coastal alluvium (arenaceous soil) are seen all along the sea

coast as a narrow belt.

3.3.7 Ground water scenario

Hydrogeology

The district is underlain by both porous and fissured formations. The important

aquifer systems in the district are constituted by i) unconsolidated & semi-

consolidated formations and ii) weathered, fissured and fractured crystalline

rocks.

The porous formations in the district include sandstones and clays of Jurassic age

(Upper Gondwana), marine sediments of Cretaceous age, Sandstones of Tertiary

age and Recent alluvial formations. As the Gondwana formations are well-

compacted and poorly jointed, the movement of ground water in these

formations is mostly restricted to shallow levels. Ground water occurs under

phreatic to semi-confined conditions in the inter-granular pore spaces in sands

and sandstones and the bedding planes and thin fractures in shales. In the area

underlain by Cretaceous sediments, ground water development is rather poor due

to the rugged nature of the terrain and the poor quality of the formation water.

Quaternary formations comprising mainly sands, clays and gravels are confined

to major drainage courses in the district. The maximum thickness of alluvium is

30.0 m. whereas the average thickness is about 15.0 m.



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



Ground water occurs under phreatic to semi-confined conditions in these

formations and is being developed by means of dug wells and filter points.

Alluvium, which forms a good aquifer system along the Araniyar and Korattalaiyar

river bed, is one of the major sources of water supply to the urban areas of

Chennai city and also the industrial units.

Ground water generally occurs under phreatic conditions in the weathered mantle

and under semi-confined conditions in the fissured and fractured zones at deeper

levels. The thickness of weathered zone in the district is in the range of 2 to 12

m. The depth of the wells ranged from 8.00 to 15.00 m bgl.

The yield of large diameter wells tapping the weathered mantle of crystalline

rocks ranges from 100 to 500 lpm and are able to sustain pumping for 2 to 6

hours per day.

The yield of bore wells drilled down to a depth of 50 to 60 m ranges from 20 to

400 lpm. The yield of successful bore wells drilled down to a depth of 150 m bgl

during the ground water exploration programme of Central Ground Water Board

ranged from 1.2 to 7.6 lpm.

The depth to water level in the district varied between 2.38 - 7.36 m bgl during

pre-monsoon (May 2006) and 0.79 - 5.30 m bgl during post monsoon (Jan

2007). The seasonal fluctuation shows a rise between 0.28 and 4.80 m bgl. The

piezometric head varied between 2.20 to 10.30 m bgl (May 2006) during pre-

monsoon and 2.72 to 8.55 m bgl during post monsoon.

Ground water resources

The ground water resources have been computed jointly by Central Ground

Water Board and State Ground & Surface Water Resources and Development

Centre (PWD, WRO, Government of Tamil Nadu) as on 31st March 2004. The

salient features of the computations are furnished in Table-3.1.



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



TABLE-3.1

GROUND WATER RESOURCES

Block

Net

Groundwater

Availability (M.Cu.m)

Existing

Gross

Draft for Irrigation

(M.Cu.m)

Existing

Gross Draft

for

Domestic

and industrial

water

supply

(M.Cu.m)

Existing

Gross

Draft for all uses

(M.Cu.m)

Allocation for

Domestic and

Industrial

Requirement

supply upto next 25 years

(2029)

(M.Cu.m)

Net

groundwatre

Availability for

future Irriation

Development

(M.Cu.m)

Stage of

Groundwater

Development (%)

Category of

Block

Ellapuram 114.68 157.14 3.30 160.44 3.49 -45.95 140 Over

Exploited

Gummudipoondi 169.05 82.66 4.16 86.82 4.40 81.99 51 Safe

Kadambathur 88.03 79.02 2.86 81.88 3.03 5.98 93 Critical

Madhavaram 31.39 14.49 3.04 17.53 3.22 13.68 56 Safe

Minjur 111.35 113.36 35.71 149.07 35.87 -37.88 134 Over

Exploited

Pallipattu 46.93 71.27 2.51 73.78 2.66 -26.99 157 Over

Exploited

Poonamalee 64.81 55.43 4.85 60.27 5.13 4.25 93 Critical

Poondi 115.04 77.75 2.55 80.30 2.70 34.59 70 Safe

R.K.Pet 55.49 67.83 2.46 70.29 2.60 -14.95 127 Over

Exploited

Sholavaram 88.56 67.62 3.30 70.92 3.49 17.46 80 Semi

Critical

Thiruvalankadu 71.42 74.09 2.33 76.43 2.47 -5.15 107 Over

Exploited

Tiruttani 32.97 42.56 2.67 45.23 2.83 -12.41 137 Over

Exploited

Tiruvallur 70.16 51.72 2.75 54.47 2.91 15.54 78 Semi

Critical

Villivakkam 54.59 26.76 4.27 31.02 4.52 23.31 57 Safe

District Total 1114.46 981.69 76.76 1058.46 79.31 53.46 95 --

Ground water in phreatic aquifers in Tiruvallur district, in general, is colourless,

odourless and slightly alkaline in nature. The specific electrical conductance of

ground water in phreatic zone (in MicroSeimens at 25o C) during May 2006 was

in the range of 480 to 2360 in the district. It is between 750 and 2250 µS/cm at

25oC in the major part of the district. Conductance below 750 µS/cm have been

observed in ground water in parts of Gummidipundi, Minjur, Sholavaram and

Puzhal blocks, whereas conductance exceeding 2250 µS/cm have been observed

in part of Tiruvelangadu block.

It is observed that the ground water is suitable for drinking and domestic uses in

respect of all the constituents except total hardness and Nitrate in more than 90

percent of samples analysed.

Total Hardness as CaCO3 is observed to be in excess of permissible limits in about

36 percent of samples analysed whereas Nitrate is found in excess of 45 mg/l in

about 32 percent samples. The incidence of high total hardness is attributed to

the composition of lithounits constituting the aquifers in the district, whereas the

Nitrate pollution is most likely due to the use of pesticides and fertilizers for

agriculture. With regard to irrigation suitability based on specific electrical

conductance and Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), it is observed that ground

water in the phreatic zone may cause high to very high salinity hazard and

medium to high alkali hazard when used for irrigation. Proper soil management

strategies are to be adopted in the major part of the district while using ground

water for irrigation.



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



Status of Ground Water Development

The estimation of groundwater resources for the district has shown that 6 blocks

are over exploited and 2 blocks are under “critical” category. The shallow alluvial

aquifers along Korattalaiyar and Araniyar rivers serve as an important source of

drinking water for Chennai Metropolitan area and 5 well fields have been

constructed in Tiruvallur district for the purpose. The well fields have a combined

yield of 36.50 MCM/year.

Dug wells are the most common ground water abstraction structures used for

irrigation in the district. The yield of dug wells range from < 50 to 200 m3/day in

weathered crystalline rocks, 20 to 100 m3/day in Gondwana formations and upto

400 m3/day in Recent alluvial formations along major drainage courses. The dug

wells in hard rock terrain tapping the entire weathered residuum are capable of

yielding 6 - 7 lps, requiring the installation of 5 HP centrifugal pumps for

extraction of ground water.

Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed augmentation & expansion of existing thermal power plant at Gummidipoondi, Thiruvallur district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



FIGURE-3.1

HYDROGEOLOGY OF THIRUVALLUR DISTRICT

ANDHRA PRADESH

VELLORE

KANCHIPURAM

GUMMIDIPOONDI

UTHUKOTTAI

MINJUR

SHOLAVARAM

THIRUVALLUR

VILLIVAKKAM

POONAMALEE

POONDI

THIRUVILANGADU

THIRUTTANI

PALLIPATTU

RK PET

CHENNAI

BA

Y O

F B

EN

GA

L



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



3.4 Land Use Studies

Studies on land use aspects of eco-system play an important role in identifying

sensitive issues and taking appropriate actions by maintaining ‘Ecological

Homeostasis’ for development of the region.

3.4.1 Objectives

The objectives of land use studies are:

To determine the existing land use pattern in the study area;

To analyze the impacts on land use in the study area; and

To give recommendations for optimizing the future land use pattern vis-a-vis

proposed expansion activity in the study area and its associated impacts.

3.4.2 Methodology

The land use pattern of the study area has been studied by analyzing the available

secondary data such as the District Primary Census Handbook of Thiruvallur

District.

The land use is classified into four types - viz. forests, area under cultivation,

cultivable waste and the area not available for cultivation. The land under

cultivation is further sub-divided into two types viz. irrigated and un-irrigated.

3.4.3 Land Use Pattern in Study Area Based on Satellite imagery

Methodology

Information of land use and land cover is important for many planning and

management activities concerning the surface of the earth (Agarwal and Garg,

2000). Land use refers to man's activities on land, which are directly related to

land (Anderson et al., 1976). The land use and the land cover determine the

infiltration capacity. Barren surfaces are poor retainers of water as compared to

grasslands and forests, which not only hold water for longer periods on the

surface, but at the same time allow it to percolate down.

The terms ‘land use’ and ‘land cover’ (LULC) are often used to describe maps that

provide information about the types of features found on the earth’s surface (land

cover) and the human activity that is associated with them (land use). These are

important parameters for number of environmental related development projects

associated with inland and coastal areas. It is necessary to have information on

existing land use / land cover but also the capability to monitor the dynamics of

land use resulting out of changing demands. Satellite remote sensing is being

used for determining different types of land use classes as it provides a means of

assessing a large area with limited time and resources. However satellite images

do not record land cover details directly and they are measured based on the

solar energy reflected from each area on the land.



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



The amount of multi spectral energy in multi wavelengths depends on the type of

material at the earth’s surface and the objective is to associate particular land

cover with each of these reflected energies, which is achieved using either visual

or digital interpretation. In the present study the task is to study in detail the

land use and land cover in and around the project site respect to the

development of the plant. The study envisages different LULC around the plant

area and the procedure adopted is as below. Remote sensing satellite imageries

were collected and interpreted for the 10-km radius study area for analyzing the

Land use pattern of the study area. Based on the satellite data, Land use/ Land

cover maps have been prepared.

Scale of mapping

Considering the user defined scale of mapping, 1:50000 IRS-P6, LISS-III data on

1:50000 scale was used for Land use / Land cover mapping of 10 km radius for

proposed expansion activity. The description of the land use categories for 10 km

radius and the statistics are given for core and buffer zones separately.



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



FIGURE – 3.2

FLOW CHART SHOWING METHODOLOGY OF LANDUSE MAPPING



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



Interpretation Technique

Standard on screen visual interpretation procedure was followed. The various

Land use / Land cover classes interpreted along with the SOI topographical maps

during the initial rapid reconnaissance of the study area. The physiognomic

expressions conceived by image elements of color, tone, texture, size, shape,

pattern, shadow, location and associated features are used to interpret the FCC

imagery. Image interpretation keys were developed for each of the LU/LC classes

in terms of image elements.

March 2009 FCC imagery (Digital data) of the study area was interpreted for the

relevant land use classes. On screen visual interpretation coupled with supervised

image classification techniques are used to prepare the land use classification.

i. Digitisation of the study area (10 km radius from the plant site) from the topo

maps

ii. Satellite Data Selection: In the present study the IRS –P6 satellite image with

path row 102-64 for the topo map of 57P-7. have been procured and

interpreted using the ERDAS imaging software adopting the necessary

interpretation techniques.

iii. Satellite data interpretation and vectorisation of the resulting units

iv. Adopting the available guidelines from manual of LULC mapping using

Satellite imagery (NRSA, 1989)

v. Field checking and ground truth validation

vi. Composition of final LULC map

The LULC Classification has been done at three levels where level -1 being the

broad classification about the land covers that is Built-up land, agriculture land,

waste land, wet lands, and water bodies. These are followed by level –II where

built-up land is divided into towns/cities as well villages. The Agriculture land is

divided into different classes such as cropland, Fallow, Plantation, while

wastelands are broadly divided into, Land with scrub and without Scrub and

Mining and Industrial wasteland. The wetlands are classified into inland wetlands,

coastal wetlands and islands. The water bodies are classified further into

River/stream, Canal, Tanks and bay. In the present study level II classification

has been undertaken. The satellite imagery of 10 km radius from the project site

is presented in Figure-3.3.

Field Verification

Field verification involved collection, verification and record of the different

surface features that create specific spectral signatures / image expressions on

FCC. In the study area, doubtful areas identified in course of interpretation of

imagery is systematically listed and transferred on to the corresponding SOI

topographical maps for ground verification. In addition to these, traverse routes

were planned with reference to SOI topographical maps to verify interpreted

LU/LC classes in such a manner that all the different classes are covered by at

least 5 sampling areas, evenly distributed in the area.


Chapter – 3



FIGURE – 3.3

SATELLITE IMAGERY OF THE STUDY AREA

PROPOSED AUGMENTATION &

EXPANSION OF EXISTING THERMAL

POWER PLANT AT GUMMIDIPOONDI, THIRUVALLUR DISTRICT,

TAMILNADU



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



Ground truth details involving LU/LC classes and other ancillary information about

crop growth stage, exposed soils, landform, nature and type of land degradation

are recorded and the different land use classes are taken.

Description of the land use / land cover classes

Built-up land

It is defined as an area of human settlements composed of houses, commercial

complex, transport, communication lines, utilities, services, places of worships,

recreational areas, industries etc. Depending upon the nature and type of utilities

and size of habitations, residential areas can be aggregated into villages, towns

and cities. All the man-made construction covering land belongs to this category.

Agricultural land

This category includes the land utilized for crops, vegetables, fodder and fruits.

Existing cropland and current fallows are included in this category.

It is described as an area under agricultural tree crops, planted adopting certain

agricultural management techniques.

Wasteland

Wastelands are the degraded or under-utilized lands most of which could be

brought under productive use with proper soil and water management practices.

Wasteland results from various environmental and human factors.

Land with or without Scrub

The land, which is outside the forest boundary and not utilized for cultivation.

Land with or without scrub usually associated with shallow, stony, rocky

otherwise non-arable lands.

Water bodies

The category comprises area of surface water, either impounded in the form of

ponds, reservoirs or flowing as streams, rivers and canals. River cater channel is

inland waterways used for irrigation and for flood control.

The land use map of the study area based on satellite imagery is presented in

Figure-3.4.

The land use analyses show that the area is of predominantly Plantation followed

by Crop land in the core and buffer zones of the study area. It is noticed since

there is no industrial development in and around the project site, there may not

have any direct impact on the existing land use and soil. However, it is generally

agreed that as the total volume of transport activity may increase due to the

development leading to negative externalities like pollution and congestion. Some

environmental damage may be acceptable if transport activity generates positive

net benefits to society.


Chapter – 3



FIGURE – 3.4

LANDUSE OF THE STUDY AREA

PROPOSED AUGMENTATION & EXPANSION OF EXISTING THERMAL POWER PLANT AT

GUMMIDIPOONDI, THIRUVALLUR DISTRICT, TAMILNADU



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



3.5 Meteorology

The meteorological data recorded during the monitoring period is very useful for

proper interpretation of the baseline information as well as for input prediction

models for air quality dispersion. Historical data on meteorological parameters will

also play an important role in identifying the general meteorological regime of the

region.

The year may broadly be divided into four seasons:

Winter season : December to February

Pre-monsoon season : March to May

Monsoon season : June to September

Post-monsoon season : October to November

3.5.1 Methodology

The methodology adopted for monitoring surface observations is as per the

standard norms laid down by Bureau of Indian Standards (IS:8829) and India

Meteorological Department (IMD). On-site monitoring was undertaken for various

meteorological variables in order to generate the site-specific data. The generated

data is then compared with the meteorological data generated by IMD.

Methodology of Data Generation

The automatic meteorological instrument was installed on top of the admin

building at the plant premises to record wind speed, direction, relative humidity

and temperature. Cloud cover is recorded by visual observation. Rainfall is

monitored by rain gauge. Hourly average, maximum, and minimum values of

wind speed, direction, temperature, relative humidity and rainfall have been

recorded continuously at this station.

Continuous recording meteorological instrument [Make: Dynalab, Pune (Model

No.WDL1002] has been used for recording the met data. The sensitivity of the

equipment is given in Table-3.2.

TABLE-3.2

SENSITIVITY OF METEOROLOGY MONITORING EQUIPMENT

Sr. No. Sensor Sensitivity

1 Wind Speed Sensor ± 0.02 m/s

2 Wind Direction Sensor ± 3 degrees

3 Temperature Sensor ± 0.2oC

Sources of Information

Secondary information on meteorological conditions has been collected from the

nearest IMD station at Chennai Airport.



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



India Meteorological Department has been monitoring surface observations at

Chennai since 1891. Pressure, temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, wind

speed and direction are measured twice a day viz., at 0830 and 1730 hr. The

wind speed and direction data of IMD, Chennai has been obtained for the past

available 10 years. The data for the remaining parameters has been collected for

the last 10 years and processed.

3.5.2 Synthesis of Data on Climatic Conditions

Analysis of the data Recorded at IMD – Chennai

Temperature

The winter season starts from January and continues till the end of February.

January is the coldest month with the mean daily maximum temperature at 33.3°C

with the mean daily minimum temperature at 17.0°C. Both the day and night

temperatures increase rapidly during the onset of Pre-monsoon season. During Pre-

monsoon the mean maximum temperature (May) is observed at 43.4°C with the

mean minimum temperature at 21.6°C. The mean maximum temperature in the

Monsoon season was observed to be 42.8°C whereas the mean minimum

temperature was observed to be 21.2°C. By end of September with the onset of

Northeast monsoon (October), day temperatures decrease slightly with the mean

maximum temperature at 35.9°C with the mean minimum temperature at 22.4°C.

The monthly variations of temperatures are presented in Table-3.3.

Relative Humidity

The air is generally very humid in the region especially during monsoon when the

average relative humidity is observed around 67% with a maximum and minimum

of 100% and 35% respectively. In the pre-monsoon period the relative humidity is

63%. During the pre-monsoon season the mean maximum humidity is observed at

100%, with the mean minimum humidity at 39% in the month of May and April

respectively. During winter season the humidity is found to be in line with the values

recorded during the Pre-monsoon season. The mean maximum humidity recorded

during winter season, which is the driest part of year with an average of 66%

relative humidity. The mean maximum relative humidity is observed to be 100%

with mean minimum humidity at 38%. The monthly mean variations in relative

humidity are presented in Table-3.3.

Atmospheric Pressure

The station level maximum and minimum atmospheric pressure levels are recorded

during the winter and monsoon seasons. The maximum pressure observed is in the

range of 1016.5 to 1003.5-mb, with the maximum pressure (1016.5-Mb) occurring

during the winter season, in the month of January. The minimum pressure observed

is in the range of 1013.6 to 999.9 Mb, with the minimum pressure (999.9-Mb)

occurring during the pre-monsoon season in the month of June. The average

pressure levels in all other months are found to be in the range of 1008.5 to

1010.6-mb. The monthly variations in the pressure levels are presented in Table-

3.3.



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



Rainfall

It is observed that the north-east monsoon is more predominant than the south-

west monsoon. The southwest monsoon generally sets in during the last week of

May. About 30% of the rainfall is received during the southwest monsoon. The

rainfall gradually increases after September (and reaches maximum rainfall is

recorded in the month of November). The area experiences maximum rainfall

(308.0 mm) in the month of November. The Northeast monsoon rain occurs

between October to December and contribute to the rainfall by about 60% of the

total rainfall. Monthly variations in the rainfall for past available 10 years are given

in Table - 3.3.

Cloud Cover

Generally light clouds are observed during winter mornings. During pre-monsoon

and the post-monsoon evenings the skies are either clear or lightly clouded. But in

post-monsoon mornings as well as monsoon mornings heavy clouds are commonly

observed. Whereas in the evening time the skies are light to moderately clouded

throughout the year.

Special Weather Phenomena

Thunderstorms are frequent in pre-monsoon, post monsoon and early North-east

monsoon seasons. Occasional squalls occur in association with thunderstorms in the

later pre-monsoon season.

On an average three to four severe cyclonic storms form in the Bay of Bengal,

(mostly from April to June in pre-monsoon and September to December in post-

monsoon season). It is observed that cyclonic storms are five times more frequent

in the Bay of Bengal than in Arabian Sea. This is quite evident from the hazards that

the eastern coast faces year after year compared to west coast. The seasonal

frequencies of cyclones in East Coast of India during 1891-1982 are given in Table-

3.4.

Wind Speed/Direction

The wind rose for the study period representing pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-

monsoon and winter season along with annual wind rose are shown in Figure-

3.5 (A), (B) & (C) and presented in Table-3.5.



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



TABLE-3.3

CLIMATOLOGICAL DATA - IMD, CHENNAI

Month Temperature (0C)

Relative Humidity (%)

Atmospheric Pressure (Mb)

Rainfall (mm)

Max Min Avg. 0830 1730 0830 1730

January 33.3 17.0 26.1 100 38 1016.5 1013.6 23.8

February 34.9 16.0 25.2 95 31 1012.2 1009.0 6.8

March 38.7 18.2 27.5 91 28 1010.6 1007.1 15.1

April 42.7 21.0 32.0 96 39 1008.4 1004.3 24.7

May 43.4 21.6 32.2 100 15 1004.5 1000.8 51.7

June 42.8 21.2 32.5 100 32 1003.5 999.9 52.6

July 39.5 22.3 31.0 95 35 1004.2 1000.7 83.5

August 39.0 22.0 31.0 98 32 1004.9 1001.1 124.3

September 37.8 21.5 29.5 97 35 1006.3 1002.4 118.0

October 35.9 22.4 28.7 98 46 1008.5 1005.3 267.0

November 34.4 18.0 27.0 99 42 1010.9 1003.1 308.0

December 31.7 17.8 25.0 100 34 1012.9 1010.0 139.1

TABLE-3.4

SEASONAL FREQUENCIES OF CYCLONES IN EAST COAST OF INDIA

Month Seasonal Frequency

January 4

February 0

March 2

April 11

May 15

June 32

July 33

August 27

September 23

October 40

November 40

December 22

Total 249

TABLE-3.5

SUMMARY OF WIND PATTERN – IMD, CHENNAI

Season First predominant winds Second predominant winds Calm condition in %

0830 1730 0830 1730 0830 1730

Pre-monsoon

S (29.0) S (37.5) SSW (17.5) SSW (24.9) 10.3 1.7

Monsoon SSW (17.3) SSW (20.3) SW (16.9) S (18.1) 10.5 8.2

Post monsoon

NNE (17.0) E (15.0) N (15.5) NE (14.0) 21.0 25.0

Winter NE (16.7) S (14.6) NNE (14.0) E (11.6) 31.0 16.7

Annual SSW (12.9) S (18.9) SW (10.0) SSW (14.2) 15.8 12.9



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



FIGURE-3.5 (A)

WINDROSE FOR PRE MONSOON & MONSOON SEASON-IMD, CHENNAI



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



FIGURE-3.5 (B)

WINDROSE FOR POST MONSOON & WINTER SEASON-IMD, CHENNAI



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



FIGURE-3.5 (C)

ANNUAL WINDROSE -IMD, CHENNAI



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



Analysis of Meteorological Data Recorded at Project Site

The meteorological data recorded at the plant site during the study period (1st

May, 2014 to 31st July, 2014) is presented in Table-3.6.

TABLE-3.6

SUMMARY OF THE METEOROLOGICAL DATA AT SITE

Month Temperature (oC) Humidity (%) Total Rainfall

(mm) Max Min Max Min

May 2014 43.0 24.0 94 18 139.97

June 2014 42.0 23.0 100 21 103.64

July 2014 39.0 22.0 94 27 32.02

Temperature

It was observed that the temperature at the plant site during study period ranged

from 22.0oC to 43.0oC. The monthly variations in the temperatures are presented

in Table-3.6.

Humidity

During the period of observation, the humidity ranged from 18.0% to 100.0%.

Cloud Cover

Mostly clear skies were observed during the study period.

Wind Speed and Direction

The windrose for the study period representing pre-monsoon season is shown in

Figure-3.7. A review of the windrose diagram shows that predominant winds are

mostly from West (18.5%) followed by South (14.6%). Calm conditions were

recorded for 3.34%.



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



FIGURE-3.6

SITE SPECIFIC WINDROSE (MAY – JULY 2014)

WRPLOT View - Lakes Environmental Software

WIND ROSE PLOT:

Station # 03

COMMENTS: COMPANY NAME:

MODELER:

DATE:

8/25/2014

PROJECT NO.:

NORTH

SOUTH

WEST EAST

4%

8%

12%

16%

20%

WIND SPEED (m/s)

>= 11.1

8.8 - 11.1

5.7 - 8.8

3.6 - 5.7

2.1 - 3.6

0.5 - 2.1

Calms: 3.34%

TOTAL COUNT:

719 hrs.

CALM WINDS:

3.34%

DATA PERIOD:

Start Date: 1/1/2014 - 00:00End Date: 1/30/2014 - 23:00

AVG. WIND SPEED:

3.57 m/s

DISPLAY:

Wind SpeedDirection (blowing from)

WIND ROSE PLOT: Station name: Existing plant site of ARS Metals Pvt. Ltd.

DISPLAY:

Wind speed

Direction (Blowing from)

COMPANY NAME: ARS METALS PVT. LTD.

DATA PERIOD: START DATE: 1/05/2014 – 00:00

END DATE: 31/07/2014 – 23:00

MODELER:

VIMTA LABS LIMITED

PREDOMINANT WIND

DIRECTION: WEST (258.75o – 281.25 o)

DATE:

2014 AUGUST 25 PROJECT NO.: 002/AMBA/ARS AVG. WIND SPEED:

3.57 m/s

CALM WINDS: 3.34 %

COMMENTS:

18.49%

14.56%

11.94%

10.77%

9.61%

6.99%

10.63%

7.86%

3.78%

2.91% 1.31%



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



3.6 Air Quality

The ambient air quality with respect to the study zone of 10-km radius around the

project site forms the baseline information. The various sources of air pollution in

the region are industries and vehicular traffic. The prime objective of the baseline

air quality study was to assess the existing air quality of the area. The study area

represents mostly rural environment.

This section describes the selection of sampling locations, methodology adopted for

sampling, analytical techniques and frequency of sampling.

3.6.1 Methodology adopted for Air Quality Survey

Selection of Sampling Locations

The baseline status of the ambient air quality has been assessed through a

scientifically designed ambient air quality-monitoring network. The design of

monitoring network in the air quality surveillance program has been based on the

following considerations:

Meteorological conditions on synoptic scale;

Topography of the study area;

Representatives of regional background air quality for obtaining baseline status;

Representatives of likely impact areas.

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (AAQM) stations were set up at eight locations with

due consideration to the above mentioned points. Table-3.7 gives the details of

environmental setting around each monitoring station. The location of the selected

stations with reference to the project site is given in the same table and shown in

Figure-3.7.

TABLE-3.7

DETAILS OF AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING LOCATIONS

Station Code

Name of the Station Distance &

direction w.r.t

project site (km)

AAQ 1 Plant site --- AAQ 2 Gangadoddi 5.8 km, East AAQ 3 Valaimadu 4.1 km, NE AAQ 4 Edur 5.1 km, North AAQ 5 Surapundi 3.6 km, NW AAQ 6 Muttureddikandigai 4.4 km, SE AAQ 7 Amirtamangalam 2.7 km, SW AAQ 8 Vaniyamalli 3.5 km, WSW


Chapter – 3



FIGURE-3.7

AIR QUALITY SAMPLING LOCATIONS



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



Frequency and Parameters for Sampling

The following frequency has been adopted for sampling:

Ambient air quality monitoring has been carried out with a frequency of two days

per week at all locations for study period from 1st May 2014 to 31st July 2014. The

baseline data of air environment is generated for the following parameters:

Particulate Matter (PM10);

Particulate Matter (PM2.5);

Sulphur dioxide (SO2);

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2);

Carbon monoxide (CO);

Ozone (O3);

Ammonia (NH3);

Lead (Pb);

Arsenic (As);

Nickel (Ni);

Benzene (C6H6); and

Benzo(a)Pyrene

Duration of Sampling

The sampling duration for PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, Pb, NH3, C6H6, BaP, As and Ni was

twenty-four hourly continuous samples per day and CO & O3 was sampled for 8–hrs

continuous thrice a day. This is to allow a comparison with the present revised

standards mentioned in the latest Gazette notification of the Central Pollution

Control Board (CPCB) (November 16, 2009).

TABLE-3.8

MONITORED PARAMETERS AND FREQUENCY OF SAMPLING

Parameters Sampling Frequency

PM10 24 hourly sample twice a week for three months

PM2.5 24 hourly sample twice a week for three months

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) 24 hourly sample twice a week for three months

Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX) 24 hourly sample twice a week for three months

Ozone (O3) 08 hourly sample twice a week for three months

Ammonia (NH3) 24 hourly sample twice a week for three months

Lead (Pb) 24 hourly sample twice a week for three months

Arsenic (As) 24 hourly sample twice a week for three months

Nickel (Ni) 24 hourly sample twice a week for three months

Carbon Monoxide (CO) 08 hourly sample twice a week for three months

Benzene (C6H6) 24 hourly sample twice a week for three months

Benzo(a)Pyrene 24 hourly sample twice a week for three months

Mercury (Hg) 24 hourly samples twice a week for three months

Method of Analysis

The air samples were analyzed as per standard methods specified by Central

Pollution Control Board (CPCB), IS: 5184 and American Public Health Association

(APHA).



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



3.6.2 Instruments used for Sampling

Respirable Dust Samplers (APM-460 model) have been used for monitoring

Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Respirable Particulate Matter (PM10) and

gaseous pollutants like SO2 and NO2. Fine Dust Samplers of Polltech instruments

were used for monitoring PM2.5. Glass tubes were deployed for collection of grab

samples of carbon monoxide. Gas Chromatography techniques have been used for

the estimation of CO.

3.6.3 Instruments used for Analysis

The make and model of the instruments used for analysis of the samples collected

during the field monitoring are given in Table-3.9.

TABLE-3.9

INSTRUMENTS USED FOR ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES

Sr. No. Instrument Name Parameters

1 Spectrophotometer SO2, NOx, O3

2 Electronic Balance TSPM, PM10, PM2.5

3 Gas Chromatograph with FID, pFPD, ECD CO

3.6.4 Sampling and Analytical Techniques

The techniques used for ambient air quality monitoring and minimum detectable

levels are given in Table-3.10.

TABLE-3.10

TECHNIQUES USED FOR AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING

Sr. No.

Parameters Test method Minimum

detectable limit

1 PM10 Gravimetric (Respirable dust sampling / High volume sampling)

5.0 g/m3

2 PM2.5 Gravimetric (FRM method / Low volume sampling)

2.0 g/m3

3 Sulphur dioxide (SO2) Modified West & Gaeke method 4.0 g/m3

4 Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) Sodium Arsenite method 9.0 g/m3

5 Ozone (O3) Spectrophotometric method 2.0 g/m3

6 Ammonia (NH3) Indo-phenol blue method 20.0 g/m3

7 Lead (Pb) AAS/ICP-MS method after sampling on EPM filter paper

0.05 ng/m3

8 Arsenic (As) AAS/ICP-MS method after sampling on EPM filter paper

0.2 ng/m3

9 Nickel (Ni) AAS/ICP-MS method after sampling on EPM filter paper

0.10 ng/m3

10 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Adsorption and extraction followed by GC-MS analysis

12.5 g/m3

11 Benzene (C6H6) Adsorption and desorption followed by GC-MS analysis

1.0 ng/m3

12 Benzo (a) Pyrene (BaP) Solvent extraction followed by GC-MS 1.0 ng/m3


Chapter – 3



3.6.5 Presentation of Primary Data

Various statistical parameters like 98th percentile, average, maximum and minimum values have been computed from the observed

raw data for all the AAQ monitoring stations. The summary of these results is presented in Table-3.11

TABLE-3.11

SUMMARY OF AMBIENT AIR QUALITY RESULTS

Parameters AAQ-1 AAQ-2 AAQ-3 AAQ-4 AAQ-5 AAQ-6 AAQ-7 AAQ-8

PM10

( g/m3)

Maximum 83.1 51.9 44.4 38.7 41.6 51.6 60.6 38.1

Minimum 72.7 45.4 40.0 33.9 36.4 45.2 53.0 33.4

Average 78.3 48.9 41.9 36.5 39.2 48.6 57.1 35.9

98%tile 82.7 51.7 44.2 38.6 41.4 51.4 60.3 38.0

PM2.5

(µg/m3)

Maximum 27.4 17.1 14.7 12.8 13.7 17.0 20.0 12.6

Minimum 24.0 15.0 13.2 11.2 12.0 14.9 17.5 11.0

Average 25.8 16.1 13.8 12.0 12.9 16.0 18.8 11.8

98%tile 27.3 17.0 14.6 12.7 13.7 17.0 19.9 12.5

SO2

( g/m3)

Maximum 26.9 14.6 13.2 8.2 10.7 14.8 15.7 11.1

Minimum 19.5 11.0 10.0 6.4 7.9 10.7 11.3 7.9

Average 22.5 12.2 11.4 7.4 9.0 12.7 13.5 9.5

98%tile 26.9 14.6 13.1 8.2 10.7 14.8 15.7 11.1

NO2

( g/m3)

Maximum 33.2 23.1 19.1 12.2 14.3 25.6 27.1 19.1

Minimum 26.1 17.9 14.5 9.6 9.3 15.9 16.9 11.9

Average 30.6 19.8 16.1 11.0 12.7 19.5 20.6 14.5

98%tile 33.2 22.8 19.0 12.1 14.3 25.4 26.9 18.9

CO ( g/m3)

Maximum 343 236 213 175 217 175 284 199

Minimum 259 178 173 141 179 150 243 170

Average 282 194 183 153 191 157 256 179

98%tile 338 232 207 175 217 173 282 197

Note: Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni), Benzene (C6H6) and Benzo(a)Pyrene (BaP) are found to exist

below Detectable Limit.




Chapter – 3



3.6.6 Observations of Primary Data

The three months ambient air quality data are given as Annexure – 9.

PM10: The maximum and minimum concentrations for PM10 were recorded as

83.1 g/m3 and 33.4 g/m3 respectively. The maximum concentration was

recorded at Plant Site (AAQ1) and the minimum concentration was recorded at

Vaniyamalli (AAQ8). The average values were observed to be in the range of 35.9

and 78.3 g/m3.

PM2.5: The maximum and minimum concentrations for PM2.5 were recorded as 27.4

g/m3 and 11.0 g/m3 respectively. The maximum concentration was recorded at

Plant Site (AAQ1) and the minimum concentration was recorded at Vaniyamalli

(AAQ8). The average values were observed to be in the range of 11.8 and 25.8

g/m3.

SO2: The maximum and minimum SO2 concentrations were recorded as 26.9 g/m3

and 6.4 g/m3. The maximum concentration was recorded at Plant Site (AAQ1) and

the minimum concentration was recorded at Edur (AAQ4). The average values

were observed to be in the range of 7.4 and 22.5 g/m3.

NO2: The maximum concentration of 33.2 g/m3 for NO2 was recorded at Plant Site

(AAQ1) and minimum of 9.3 g/m3 observed at Surapundi (AAQ5). The average

concentrations were ranged between 11.0 and 30.6 g/m3.

CO: The maximum concentration of 343 g/m3 was recorded at Plant site (AAQ1)

and minimum of 141 g/m3 observed at Edur (AAQ4). The average concentrations

were ranged between 153 and 282 g/m3.

The concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOX and CO are observed to be well within

the standards prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for Industrial,

Rural, Residential and other area. Other parameters including Ozone (O3),

Ammonia (NH3), Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni), Benzene (C6H6),

Benzo(a)Pyrene (BaP) & Mercury (Hg) are found to exist below detectable limits.




Chapter – 3



3.7 Noise Level Survey

The physical description of sound concerns its loudness as a function of frequency.

Noise in general is sound which is composed of many frequency components of

various loudness distributed over the audible frequency range. Various noise scales

have been introduced to describe, in a single number, the response of an average

human to a complex sound made up of various frequencies at different loudness

levels. The most common and universally accepted scale is the A weighted Scale

which is measured as dB (A). This is more suitable for audible range of 20 Hz to

20,000 Hz. The scale has been designed to weigh various components of noise

according to the response of a human ear.

The impact of noise sources on surrounding community depends on:

Characteristics of noise sources (instantaneous, intermittent or continuous in

nature). It can be observed that steady noise is not as annoying as one which is

continuously varying in loudness;

The time of day at which noise occurs, for example high noise levels at night in

residential areas are not acceptable because of sleep disturbance; and

The location of the noise source, with respect to noise sensitive land use, which

determines the loudness and period of exposure.

The environmental impact of noise can have several effects varying from Noise

Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) to annoyance depending on loudness of noise. The

environmental impact assessment of noise due to construction activity, and

vehicular traffic can be undertaken by taking into consideration various factors like

potential damage to hearing, physiological responses, annoyance and general

community responses. Noise monitoring has been undertaken for 24-hr duration at

each location.

3.7.1 Identification of Sampling Locations

A preliminary reconnaissance survey has been undertaken to identify the major

noise generating sources in the area. Noise at different noise generating sources

has been identified based on the activities in the village area, ambient noise due to

industries and traffic and the noise at sensitive areas like hospitals and schools.

The noise monitoring has been conducted for determination of noise levels at ten

locations in the study area. The environmental settings of each noise monitoring

location is given in Table-3.12 and depicted in Figure-3.8.

3.7.2 Method of Monitoring

Sound Pressure Level (SPL) measurements were measured at all locations; one

reading for every hour was taken for 24 hours. The day noise levels have been

monitored during 6 am to 10 pm and night levels during 10 pm to 6 am at all the

monitoring locations within the study area.




Chapter – 3



3.7.3 Instrument Used for Monitoring

Noise levels were measured using integrated sound level meter manufactured by

Quest Technologies, USA (Model No.2900). The integrating sound level meter is

an integrating/ logging type with Octave filter attachment (model OB-100) with

frequency range of 31.5 to 16000 Hz. This instrument is capable of measuring the

Sound Pressure Level (SPL), Leq and octave band frequency analysis.

TABLE – 3.12

DETAILS OF NOISE MONITORING LOCATIONS

Location Code

Location (Village)

Distance & direction w.r.t

plant site (km)

Zone

N1 Plant site --- Industrial

N2 Melpakkam 2.5 km, North Residential

N3 Gopalreddikandigai 2.1 km, NE Residential

N4 Bodireddikandigai 3.5 km, East Residential

N5 Billakuppam 2.3 km, SE Residential

N6 Amirthamangalam 2.5 km, SSW Industrial

N7 Vaniyamalli 3.4 km, West Residential

N8 Ramachandrapuram 3.1 km, NW Residential

N9 Palayapalayam 1.8 km, East Residential

N10 Gumpuahintala 3.1 km, North Residential

3.7.4 Parameters Measured During Monitoring

For noise levels measured over a given period of time interval, it is possible to

describe important features of noise using statistical quantities. This is calculated

using the percent of the time certain noise levels are exceeding the time interval.

The notation for the statistical quantities of noise levels are described below:

L10 is the noise level exceeded 10 per cent of the time;

L50 is the noise level exceeded 50 per cent of the time ; and

L90 is the noise level exceeded 90 per cent of the time.

Equivalent Sound Pressure Level (Leq):

The Leq is the equivalent continuous sound level which is equivalent to the same

sound energy as the actual fluctuating sound measured in the same period. This is

necessary because sound from noise source often fluctuates widely during a given

period of time.

This is calculated from the following equation:

(L10 - L90)2

Leq = L50 + ------------

60

Lday is defined as the equivalent noise level measured over a period of time during

day (6 am to 10 pm).

Lnight is defined as the equivalent noise level measured over a period of time during

night (10 pm to 6 am). A noise rating developed by Environmental protection

Agency (EPA) for specification of community noise from all the sources is the Day-

Night Sound Level, (Ldn).


Chapter – 3



FIGURE-3.8

NOISE QUALITY MONITORING LOCATIONS



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



Day-Night Sound Level (Ldn):

The noise rating developed for community noise from all sources is the Day-Night

Sound Level (Ldn). It is similar to a 24 hr equivalent sound level except that during

night time period (10 pm to 6 am) a 10 dB (A) weighting penalty is added to the

instantaneous sound level before computing the 24 hr average.

This night time penalty is added to account for the fact that noise during night

when people usually sleep is judged as more annoying than the same noise during

the day time.

The Ldn for a given location in a community may be calculated from the hourly Leq's,

by the following equation.

Ldn = 10 log {1/24[16(10 Ld/10) + 8 (10(Ln+10)/10)]}

Where Ld is the equivalent sound level during the daytime (6 am to 10 pm) and Ln

is the equivalent sound level during the nighttime (10 pm to 6 am).

3.7.5 Presentation of Results

The statistical analysis is done for measured noise levels at ten locations for once

during study period. The parameters are analyzed for Lday, Lnight, and Ldn. These

results are tabulated in Table-3.13.

TABLE-3.13

NOISE LEVELS IN THE STUDY AREA

Code Location L10 L50 L90 LEQ Lday Lnight Ldn

N1 Plant site 55.8 51.7 44.1 54.0 56.9 42.8 56.0

N2 Melpakkam 69.2 63.8 61.9 64.7 68.2 53.9 67.0

N3 Gopalreddikandigai 69.1 64.1 61.8 65.0 66.9 51.8 65.9

N4 Bodireddikandigai 54.9 48.2 42.9 50.6 53.3 41.7 52.7

N5 Billakuppam 59.5 50.3 42.4 55.1 55.8 43.4 55.2

N6 Amirthamangalam 49.4 45.1 42.0 46.7 47.6 43.8 51.0

N7 Vaniyamalli 50.6 46.1 42.7 47.1 49.1 44.2 51.7

N8 Ramachandrapuram 49.8 45.9 42.2 46.9 47.7 44.1 51.2

N9 Palayapalayam 48.4 44.6 40.8 45.6 46.8 42.9 50.1

N10 Gumpuahintala 47.3 43.1 39.2 44.2 45.2 40.8 48.2



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



3.8 Soil characteristics

It is essential to determine the potentiality of soil in the area and to identify the

impacts of urbanization on soil quality. Accordingly, the soil quality assessment

has been carried out.

3.8.1 Data Generation

The sampling locations have been identified with the following objectives:

To determine the baseline soil characteristics of the study area;

To determine the impact of proposed expansion activity on soil

characteristics; and

To determine the impact on soils more importantly from agricultural

productivity point of view.

Eight locations within 10-km radius of the plant boundary were selected for soil

sampling. At all location, soil samples were collected from three different depths

viz. 30 cm, 60 cm and 90 cm below the surface and are homogenized. This is in

line with IS: 2720 and Methods of Soil Analysis, Part-1, 2nd edition, 1986 of

(American Society for Agronomy and Soil Science Society of America). The

homogenized samples were analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics.

The soil samples were collected during pre-monsoon season. The samples have

been analyzed as per the established scientific methods for physico-chemical

parameters. The heavy metals have been analyzed by using Atomic Absorption

Spectrophotometer and Inductive Coupled Plasma Analyzer. The methodology

adopted for each parameter is described in Table-3.14.

TABLE-3.14

ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR SOIL ANALYSIS

Parameter Method (ASTM Number)

Grain size distribution Sieve analysis (D 422 – 63)

Textural classification Chart developed by Public Roads

Administration

Bulk density Sand replacement, core cutter

Sodium absorption ratio Flame colorimetric (D 1428-82)

pH pH meter (D 1293-84)

Electrical conductivity Conductivity meter (D 1125-82)

Nitrogen Kjeldahl distillation (D 3590-84)

Phosphorus Molybdenum blue, colorimetric (D 515-82)

Potassium Flame photometric (D 1428-82)

Copper AAS (D 1688-84)

Iron AAS (D 1068-84)

Zinc AAS (D 1691-84)

Boron Surcumin, colorimetric (D 3082-79)

Chlorides Argentometric (D 512-81 Rev 85)



district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



The details of the soil sampling locations are given in Table-3.15 and shown in

Figure-3.9.

TABLE-3.15

DETAILS OF SOIL SAMPLING LOCATIONS

Code No.

Location

Distance &

direction w.r.t. plant site (Km)

S 1 Plant site --- S 2 Melpakkam 2.1 km, NNW S 3 Gopalreddikandigai 1.9 km, NE S 4 Bodireddikandigai 2.9 km, East S 5 Billakuppam 1.8 km, SE S 6 Amirthamangalam 2.5 km, SSW S 7 Vaniyamalli 3.1 km, West S 8 Ramachandrapuram 2.8 km, NW


Chapter – 3



FIGURE-3.9

SOIL SAMPLING LOCATIONS


Chapter – 3



3.8.2 Baseline Soil Status

The soil characteristics are shown in Table-3.16. The results are compared with standard soil classification given in Table-3.17.

TABLE-3.16

SOIL ANALYSIS RESULTS

Sr. No. Parameter UOM S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8

1 pH (1:5 Aq.Extract) ---- 7.8 7.6 7.9 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.8 7.4

2 Conductivity (1:5 Aq.Extract) S/cm 164 182 150 143 201 182 210 167

3 Texture ---- Sandy clay Sandy clay Sandy clay Sandy clay Sandy clay Sandy clay Sandy clay Sandy clay

4 Sand % 49 46 51 49 52 49 36 49

5 Silt % 15 16 15 12 11 18 13 15

6 Clay % 36 38 34 39 37 33 51 36

7 Bulk Density mg/cc 1.1 1.0 1.2 1.0 1.2 1.1 1.0 1.1

8 Exchangeable Calcium as Ca mg/kg 1200 1600 4998 4399 1999 1799 3799 1599

9 Exchangeable Magnesium as Mg g/kg 729 486 607 972 850 607 243 486

10 Exchangeable Sodium as Na mg/kg 151 307 250.4 243.5 194.4 181.9 211.4 152.9

11 Available Potassium as K Kg/ha 276.2 303.8 383.0 244.9 482.4 280.4 306.8 424.2

12 Available Phosphorous as P Kg/ha 75.9 89.4 64.9 61.6 80.5 82.2 76.5 94.4

13 Available Nitrogen as N Kg/ha 81.9 121.9 91.8 103.0 83.4 71.4 95.8 87.2

14 Organic Matter % 0.77 1.26 0.79 1.06 0.72 0.67 0.99 0.82

15 Organic Carbon % 0.45 0.73 0.46 0.62 0.42 0.39 0.57 0.47

16 Water Soluble Chloride as Cl mg/kg 88.6 283.6 248.1 319.0 141.8 106.3 78.0 141.8

17 Water Soluble Sulphate as SO4 mg/kg 51.6 153.2 138.7 93.5 114.5 96.7 101.6 117.7

18 Sodium Absorption Ratio ---- 0.38 0.77 0.40 0.39 0.41 0.42 0.40 0.38

19 Aluminium % 1.32 1.42 1.65 1.44 1.12 1.63 1.54 1.72

20 Total Iron % 1.12 1.48 1.72 1.53 1.34 1.08 1.16 1.13

21 Manganese mg/kg 153 120 138 158 164 210 184 154

22 Boron mg/kg 25.4 25.7 32.1 29.4 28.3 24.6 27.2 30.4

23 Zinc mg/kg 48 54 70 86.7 62 82.4 61.3 68.7

It has been observed that the texture of soil is sandy clay in the study area. It has been observed that the pH of the soil ranged from

7.4 to 7.9. The electrical conductivity was observed to be in the range of 143 – 210.0 µmhos/cm.




Chapter – 3



TABLE-3.17

STANDARD SOIL CLASSIFICATION

Sr. No. Soil Test Classification

1 pH <4.5 Extremely acidic

4.51 - 5.50 Very strongly acidic

5.51 - 6.0 moderately acidic

6.01 - 6.50 slightly acidic

6.51 - 7.30 Neutral

7.31 - 7.80 slightly alkaline

7.81 - 8.50 moderately alkaline

8.51 - 9.0 strongly alkaline

9.01 very strongly alkaline

2 Salinity Electrical

Conductivity (mmhos/cm)

(1 ppm = 640 mmho/cm)

Upto 1.00 Average

1.01 - 2.00 harmful to germination

2.01 - 3.00 harmful to crops

(sensitive to salts)

3 Organic Carbon Upto 0.2: very less

0.21 – 0.4: less

0.41 – 0.5 medium,

0.51 – 0.8: on an average

sufficient

0.81 – 1.00: sufficient

>1.0 more than sufficient

4 Nitrogen (Kg/ha) Upto 50 very less

51 – 100 less

101 – 150 good

151 – 300 Better

>300 sufficient

5 Phosphorus (Kg/ha) Upto 15 very less

16 – 30 less

31 – 50 medium,

51 – 65 on an average sufficient

66 – 80 sufficient

>80 more than sufficient

6 Potash (Kg/ha) 0 – 120 very less

120 – 180 less

181 – 240 medium

241 – 300 average

301 – 360 better

>360 more than sufficient Source: Handbook of Agriculture, ICAR, New Delhi




Chapter – 3



3.9 Water Quality

Selected water quality parameters of ground water and surface water resources

within the study area has been studied for assessing the water environment and

evaluate anticipated impact of the proposed expansion project. Understanding the

water quality is essential in preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment and

to identify critical issues with a view to suggest appropriate mitigation measures for

implementation.

The purpose of this study is to:

Assess the water quality characteristics for critical parameters;

Evaluate the impacts on agricultural productivity, habitat conditions,

recreational resources and aesthetics in the vicinity; and

Prediction of impact on water quality by this project and related activities.

The information required has been collected through primary surveys and

secondary sources.

3.9.1 Methodology

Reconnaissance survey was undertaken and monitoring locations were finalized

based on:

Drainage pattern;

Location of residential areas representing different activities/likely impact

areas; and

Likely areas, which can represent baseline conditions.

Water sources covering 10-km radial distance were examined for physico-chemical,

heavy metals and bacteriological parameters in order to assess the effect of

industrial and other activities on water. The samples were collected and analyzed

as per the procedures specified in 'Standard Methods for the Examination of Water

and wastewater' published by American Public Health Association (APHA).

Samples for chemical analysis were collected in polyethylene carboys. Samples

collected for metal content were acidified with 1 ml HNO3. Samples for

bacteriological analysis were collected in sterilized glass bottles. Selected physico-

chemical and bacteriological parameters have been analyzed for projecting the

existing water quality status in the study area. Parameters like temperature,

Dissolved Oxygen (DO), free Chlorine and pH were analyzed at the time of sample

collection.

3.9.2 Water Sampling Locations

Water samples were collected from 6 ground water and 2 surface water-sampling

locations. These samples were taken as grab samples and were analyzed for

various parameters to be compared with the standards for drinking water as per

IS:10500 (2012). The water sampling locations are listed below in Table-3.18 and

are depicted in Figure-3.10.




Chapter – 3



TABLE-3.18

DETAILS OF WATER SAMPLING LOCATIONS

Code Location Distance w.r.t.

Project Site (km)

Ground water

GW1 Plant site --- GW2 Pappankuppam 3.0 km, East GW3 Billakuppam 2.3 km, SE GW4 Amirthamangalam 2.5 km, SSW GW5 Iguvarpalayam 2.0 km, NW GW6 Gopalreddikandigai 2.2 km, NE

Surface water

SW1 Chithoornatham pond 1.0 km, West SW2 Arani river 7.7 km, SW

3.9.3 Presentation of Results

Ground Water Quality

The results of the parameters analyzed for the 6 Ground water samples are

presented in Table-3.19 and are compared with the standards for drinking water

as per IS: 10500 (2012).


Chapter – 3



FIGURE-3.10

WATER SAMPLING LOCATIONS



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



TABLE 3.19

GROUND WATER QUALITY

Sr. No.

Parameter Units IS:10500

Limits GW1 GW2 GW3 GW4 GW5 GW6

1 pH - 6.5 to 8.5 7.7 7.6 7.8 7.6 7.4 7.5

2 Colour Hazen 5 (15) <1.0 1.0 1.0 <1.0 1.0 2.0

3 Odour - UO Un-objectionable

4 Conductivity us/cm $ 447 693 635 450 505 773

5 Taste - Ag Agreeable

6 Turbidity NTU 1 (5) 2 3 3 2 2 3.0

7 Total hardness as CaCO3

mg/l 200 (600) 220 350 300 230 240 190

8 Total Dissolved solids mg/l 500 (2000) 223 355 316 234 264 414

9 Chlorides as Cl mg/l 250 (1000) 24.8 35.5 53.2 28.4 28.4 53.2

10 Residual free Chlorine

mg/l 0.2 Min <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2

11 Fluoride as F mg/l 1.0 (1.5) 0.9 0.8 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.1

12 Calcium as Ca mg/l 75 (200) 48 76 60 52 72 52

13 Magnesium as Mg mg/l 30 (100) 24.3 38.8 36.4 24.3 14.6 14.6

14 Sulphates as SO4 mg/l 200 (400) 8.6 2.6 2.1 2.4 2.1 2.1

15 Nitrates as NO3 mg/l 45 3.9 11.2 37.3 11.6 17.4 36

16 Phenolics as C6H5OH mg/l 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001

17 Cyanide as CN mg/l 0.05 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02

18 Alkalinity as CaCO3 mg/l 200 (600) 175 300 200 180 200 280

19 Boron mg/l 1 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.02

20 Sodium as Na mg/l $ 4.9 6.2 5.6 3.9 5.5 78.9

21 Potassium as K mg/l $ 2.9 3.5 1.3 3 2.9 8.5

22 Iron as Fe mg/l 0.3 <0.01 <0.01 0.07 0.04 0.06 0.04

23 Copper as Cu mg/l 0.05 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.01

24 Manganese as Mn mg/l 0.1 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01

25 Aluminium as Al mg/l 0.03 0.1 0.07 0.12 0.21 0.11 0.34

26 Chromium as Cr+6 mg/l 0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

27 Cadmium as Cd mg/l 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.01

28 Selenium as Se mg/l 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

29 Arsenic as As mg/l 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

30 Lead as Pb mg/l 0.05 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

31 Zinc as Zn mg/l 5 (15) 0.01 <0.01 0.02 0.01 0.03 0.01

32 Mercury as Hg mg/l 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001

33 Anionic detergents as MBAS

mg/l 0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2

34 Mineral oil mg/l 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

35 Pesticides mg/l Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent

36 E. coli - Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent absent

37 Total Coliforms MPN/

100

10 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2 <2

U.O.: Un-objectionable $: Not specified NR – No Relaxation

The analysis results indicate that the pH ranges in between 7.4 to 7.8, which is well

within the specified standard of 6.5 to 8.5. The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

concentration is found to be ranging in between 223 to 414 mg/l.

Total hardness was observed to be ranging from 190 to 350 mg/l. The Chlorides

and Nitrates are found ranging from 24.8-53.2 mg/l and 3.9 – 37.3 mg/l.

Potassium found ranging in between 1.3 to 8.5 mg/l. The Heavy metals are found

to be below detectable limits.



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



Surface Water Quality

The results of the parameters analyzed for the surface water samples are

presented in Table-3.20.

TABLE 3.20

SURFACE WATER QUALITY

Sr. No. Parameter Unit IS:10500

Limits SW1 SW2

1. pH - 6.5-8.5 (NR) 8.1 7.1

2. Colour (Hazen) Hazen 5(15) <1 <1

3 Taste - Agreeable Ag Ag

4 Odour - UO U.O U.O

5 Conductivity ( s/cm) µS/cm $ 961 1086

6 Turbidity (NTU) NTU 1(5) 2 3

7 Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 500 (2000) 652 745

8 Total Hardness as CaCO3 mg/l 200 (600) 570 310

9 Total Alkalinity mg/l 200 (600) 280 231

10 Calcium as Ca2+ mg/l 75 (200) 42.0 25.3

11 Magnesium as Mg2+ mg/l 30 (100) 11.0 11.6

12 Residual Chlorine mg/l 0.2 Min <0.2 <0.2

13 Boron mg/l 1 0.08 0.03

14 Chloride as Cl- mg/l 250 (1000) 211 105.5

15 Sulphate as SO4 2+ mg/l 200 (400) 28.7 38.1

16 Fluorides as F mg/l 1.0 (1.5) 0.5 0.6

17 Nitrate as NO3 mg/l 45 (NR) 15.0 15.4

18 Sodium as Na+ mg/l $ 89.2 66.3

19 Potassium as K+ mg/l $ 20.1 3.2

20 Phenolic Compounds mg/l 0.001 (0.002) <0.001 <0.001

21 Cyanides mg/l 0.05 (NR) <0.02 <0.02

22 Anionic Detergents mg/l 0.2 (0.1) <0.1 <0.1

23 Mineral Oil mg/l 0.01 (0.03) <0.01 <0.01

24 Cadmium as Cd mg/l 0.01 (NR) <0.01 <0.01

25 Arsenic as As mg/l 0.01 (NR) <0.01 <0.01

26 Copper as Cu mg/l 0.05 (1.5) 0.05 0.13

27 Lead as Pb mg/l 0.05 (NR) <0.01 <0.01

28 Manganse as Mn mg/l 0.1 (0.3) 0.02 0.01

29 Iron as Fe mg/l 0.3 (1.0) 0.24 0.16

30 Chromium as Cr+6 mg/l 0.05 (NR) <0.05 <0.05

31 Selenium as Se mg/l 0.01 (NR) <0.01 <0.01

32 Zinc as Zn mg/l 5 (15) 0.17 0.24

33 Aluminium as Al mg/l 0.03 (0.2) <0.01 <0.01

34 Mercury as Hg mg/l 0.001 (NR) <0.001 <0.001

35 Pesticides mg/l Absent Absent Absent

36 E. Coli - Absent Absent Absent

37 Total Coliforms MPN/100 ml

10 Absent Absent

U.O. : Un-objectionable $ : Not specified NR – No Relaxation

The analysis results indicate that the pH value at SW1 & SW2 was found to exist as

8.1 & 7.1 respectively. The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentration was found

as 652 & 745.



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



3.10 Ecology and Biodiversity

3.10.1 Introduction

Ecological evaluation aims at developing and applying methodologies to assess

the relevance of an area for nature conservation. As such, it is to support the

assessment of the impact of a proposed development by providing guidance on

how to describe the ecological features within the area affected, how to value

them, and how to predict the value losses caused by the development. The

evaluation of the ecological significance of an area can be undertaken from

different perspectives and consequently with different objectives. One of such

perspectives focuses on the conservation of the biological diversity or

biodiversity. Among the human activities that pose the highest threat to the

conservation of biodiversity are the developmental projects in particular. Such

projects represent artificial elements that cut through the landscape and interfere

with the natural habitat and its conditions by emissions that may be solid, liquid

and or gaseous. This in turn influences the abundance and distribution of plant

and animal species, i.e., the biodiversity of the areas impacted.

Most of the background data needs to be acquired from the governmental

agencies or the scientific literature. This information is typically complemented by

field visit, site surveys and sample collection. The description of the actual

ecological assessment provided by the ecological baseline study serves to set a

reference for the subsequent impact analysis. Moreover, it helps decision-makers

and EIA reviewers to become familiar with the environmental features and the

needs of the study area

3.10.2 Objectives of the Study

The present study was undertaken with the following objectives to assess both

terrestrial and aquatic habitats of the study area:

To assess the nature and distribution of vegetation in and around the existing

project site.

To assess the fauna in the study area;

To understand the ecology of the water bodies;

To ascertain the migratory routes of fauna, presence of breeding grounds

and sensitive habitats in the study area, if any;

To assess the presence of protected areas in the study area;

To review the information from secondary sources and discuss the issues

of concern with the relevant authority and stakeholders;

Impact prediction based on primary and secondary data sources to

formulate mitigation measures.



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



3.10.3 Methodology

To achieve the above objectives a detailed study of the area was undertaken with

the existing site as its centre. The different methods adopted were as follows:

Generation of primary data by undertaking systematic ecological studies in

the study area;

Primary data collection for flora through random sampling method for

trees, shrubs and herbs from the selected locations to know the vegetation

cover qualitatively.

To spot the fauna in the study area and also to identify the fauna by

secondary indicators such as pugmarks, scats, fecal pallets, calls and other

signs.

For ecological information, the secondary sources such as local officials,

villagers and other stakeholders were interviewed.

Sourcing secondary data with respect to the study area from published

literature.

The list of Terrestrial and Aquatic sampling locations in the study area is

presented in Table-3.21 and shown in Figure-3.11.

TABLE-3.21

LIST OF ECOLOGICAL SAMPLING LOCATIONS

Code Name of the Locations

Distance from

Plant Site

(Km)

Direction w.r.t.

Proposed

Plant Site

Terrestrial sampling locations

TE-1 Manali R.F. Near Manali village 5.9 SSW

TE-2 Near Siruvadu village 6.7 W

TE-3 Near Nemalur village 6.6 W

TE-4 Near kondamanallur 6.2 NNW

Aquatic sampling locations

AE-1 Near Arani village 8.8 SSE

AE-2 Near Arigattura village 9.7 SE



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



FIGURE-3.11

ECOLOGICAL SAMPLING LOCATIONS



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



3.10.4 General Ecology of the Study Area

The area is a degraded scrub land intermixed with agriculture fields. There is one

reserved or protected forest in the study area. The region is an urbanized area

with developmental activities that include industries, stone quarries, railway lines

and roads.

Some of the area is covered with agricultural fields as well as fruit trees

cultivations. Small patches were noted of open scrublands forming pockets of

degraded vegetation. Most of the horticultural activity is dominated by coconut

and banana gardens

3.10.5 Forest Blocks

The forest area comes under broad category of Tropical semi evergreen forest of

subgroup Sothern tropical semi evergreen forests. The nearest forest block is

about 5.6 km from plant site on south west direction. The main composition of

trees in forest blocks are mainly comprised of Azadiractha indica Ficus

bengalensis, ficus religiosa, phenix spp,opuntia, Emblica officinalis, ziziphus

jujuba Eucalyptus.The list of forest blocks and their distances from plant

boundary are presented in Table-3.22.

TABLE-3.22

LIST OF FOREST BLOCKS WITHIN 10 KM RADIUS

Sr. No. Name of forest

block

Distance from the

site (km)

Direction from

the site

1 Palavakkam RF 5.6 SSW

3.10.6 Terrestrial Biodiversity

Flora of the Core area

The core are is mostly Barren land and some part of the land consists green

patces. The flora of the core area is mainly covered by the shrubs, under shrubs

and herbs.species such as Prosopis juliflora, Acacia auriculoformis, calotrophis

gigantic,Opuntia stricta, Datura metel and Trees like Khejur (phoenix dactylifera),

onla (Emblica officinalis), imli(Tamarindus indicus), Aam(Mangifera indica). The

list of flora is given in Table-3.23.



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



TABLE-3.23

LIST OF FLORA IN THE CORE AREA

Sr. No. Common name Scientific name

1 Arjun Terminalia arjuna

2 Bamboo Dendrocalamus strictus

3 Kekar Garuga pinnate

4 Kusum Schleichesia oleosa

5 Babul Acacia auriculoformis

6 Mango Mangifera indica

7 Amla Emblica officinalis

8 Hairy Senna Cassia hirsute

9 Unni chedi Lantana camara

10 Carrot grass Parthenium histerophorus

3.10.7 Fauna of the Core Zone

This area hosts common mongoose, field mouse, Bandicoot rat and birds like

hose sparrow, common myna and koel white throated king fisher lapwing Black

drongo There are no Schedule-I species in the core area. The list of fauna is given

in Table-3.24.

TABLE-3.24

LIST OF FAUNA IN THE CORE ZONE

Sr. No. Scientific name Common name Conservation status

as per WPA (1972)

1 Milyus migrans Common Kite Sch-IV

2 Corvus splendens House crow Sch-II

3 Acridotheres tristicus Common myna Sch-IV

4 Passer domisticus House Sparrow Sch- V

5 Eudynamis scolopaceus Koel Sch-IV

6 Calotes versicolor Common garden

lizard

Sch-IV

7 Chameleon zeylanicus Chamaeleon Sch-IV

8 Bufo melanostictus Bufo Sch-IV

9 Bandicota indica Bandicoot Sch-IV

3.10.8 Flora of the Buffer Zone

Most commonly found species in the buffer zone and along the road side were

Neem (Azadiractha indica), Ficus bengalensis, ficus religiosa, phenix spp,opuntia,

Emblica officinalis, ziziphus Eucalyptus.The list of forest blocks and their distances

from plant Acacia (Acacia nilotica) The list of flora is given in Table-3.25.



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



TABLE-3.25

LIST OF FLORA FROM THE BUFFER ZONE

Sr. No. Scientific name Family

1 Emblica officinalis Euphorbiaceae

2 Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae

3 Spondias mangifera Anacardiaceae

4 Saraca asoca Caesalpiniaceae

5 Ficus religiosa Moraceae

6 Annona squamosa Annonaceae

7 Ficus bengalensis Moraceae

8 Ziziphus jojoba Rhamnaceae

9 Ficus hispida Moraceae

10 Semecarpus anacardium Anacardiaceae

11 Anacardium occidentale Anacardiaceae

12 Helictres isora Tiliaceae

13 Anogeissus latifolia Combrataceae

14 Ficus carica Moraceae

15 Ficus glomerata Moraceae

16 Ocimum sanctum Labiatae

17 Ocimum sanctum Labiatae

18 Jatropha gossypifolia Euphorbiaceae

19 Jusrtia simplex Acanthaceae

20 Jussiaea suffraticosa Onagraceae

21 Abutilon indicum Malvaceae

22 Mimosa pudica Mimosaceae

23 Osimum americanum Labiataceae

24 Desmodium trifolium Fabaceae

25 Casurina Casuarinaceae

26 Melia azadiractha Meliaceae

27 Oxalis cornicula Oxalidaceae

28 Aegle marmelos Rutaceae

29 Tephrosia purpuria Fabaceae

30 Polyalthia longifolia Annonaceae

31 Feronia elephantum Verbanaceae

3.10.9 Fauna of the Buffer Zone

Primary field studies were conducted near villages, forest areas, waste lands, along

the water bodies within 10 km radius of the project boundary and secondary data

was collected through interaction with local forest officials. The details of the same

are presented in Table-3.26.



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



TABLE-3.26

LIST OF FAUNA IN THE BUFFER ZONE

Sr. No. Scientific name Common name

Conservation

status as per

WPA (1972)

I.Aves

1 Milyus migrans Common Kite Sch-IV

2 Corvus corvus Jungle crow Sch-IV

3 Corvus splendens House crow Sch-V

4 Halcyon symyrnensis White Kingfisher Sch-IV

5 Ceryle rudis Pied kingfisher Sch-IV

6 Columba livia Rock Pigeon Sch-IV

7 Bubo bubo Indian great horned Owl Sch-IV

8 Copsychus saularis Magpie Robin Sch-IV

9 Oriolus oriolus Indian Oriole Sch-IV

10 Temenuchus

pagodarum

Brahmny Myna Sch-IV

11 Acridotheres tristicus Common myna Sch-IV

12 Ploceus philippinus Weaver bird Sch-IV

13 Uroloncha striata Spotted munia Sch-IV

14 Passer domisticus House Sparrow Sch-IV

15 Megalaima merulinus Indian Cuckoo Sch-IV

16 Eudynamis scolopaceus Koel Sch-V

17 Centropus sinensis Crow Pheasant Sch-IV

18 Psittacula crammeri Rose ringed parakeet Sch-IV

19 Coracias bengalensis Indian Roller Sch-IV

20 Merops leschenaultia Chestnut headed Bee

Eater

Sch-IV

21 Alcedo atthis Common Kingfisher Sch-IV

22 Microfus affinis House swift Sch-IV

23 Caprimulgus asiaticus Common Indian jar Sch-IV

24 Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret Sch-IV

25 Ardeola grayii Pond Heron Sch-IV

26 Pavo cristatus Peacock Sch-I

II.Reptiles

1 Calotes versicolor Common garden lizard Sch-IV

2 Chameleon zeylanicus Indian chameleon Sch-IV

3 Bangarus spp. Krait Sch-IV

4 Naja naja Indian cobra Sch-IV

III.Butterflies

1 Pachliopta hector Lin. Crimson rose Sch-IV

2 Papilio demoleu Lime butterfly Sch-IV

3 Junoria almanac Peacock pansy Sch-IV

4 Hypolimnas bolina Great egg fly Sch-IV

5 Euploea core Common crow Sch-IV

6 Neptih hylas moore Common sailor Sch-IV



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



Sr. No. Scientific name Common name

Conservation

status as per

WPA (1972)

7 Eurema hecabe Common grass yellow Sch-IV

IV.Amphibians

1 Rana tigrina Bull frog Sch-IV

2 Bufo malanosticus Bufo Sch-IV

V.Mammals

1 Bandicota indica Bandicoot Sch-IV

2 Rhinolopus spp. Bat Sch-IV

3 Hipposiderus spp. Bat Sch-IV

4 Presbytis entellus Langur Sch-II

5 Mucaca mulata Monkey Sch-II

6 Rattus sp. Rat Sch-V

7 Funambulus spp. Squirrel Sch-IV

8 Rattus norvegicus Field mouse Sch-V

9 Lepus nigricollis Hare Sch-IV

10 Rattus rattus House rat Sch-V

3.10.10Aquatic ecosystems

Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton forms the basis of food chain in any aquatic water body. The

diversity and abundance of phytoplankton mainly depends on the region, type of

water body, either lentic or lotic, the nutrient flux in the system and the sunlight

available for photosynthesis. These factors together form the dynamics of

phytoplankton productivity over the seasons. The phytoplankton of given water

body determines the zooplankton populations and the fish productivity of the

ecosystem.

Phytoplankton group reported from the study area were Basillariophyceae,

Chlorophyceae, Myxophyceae and Euglenophyceae members. About 20 species of

phytoplankton were reported from all the locations. Dominance of

Bacillariophyceae members followed by Myxophyceae was observed in studies

samples. The highest percentage was Ankistrodesmus sp. and Navicula sp. and

the lowest percentage was ophora sp and Synedra sp. was observed.

Zooplankton

The zooplankton of the aquatic water body are the primary consumers and also in

cases secondary producers which play an important role for the fisheries of that

system. The diversity and abundance of zooplankton also depends on whether the

water body is eutrophic or oligotrophic. About 14 species of zooplankton were

reported from all the locations. They also are good representatives of the

ecosystem health. The amount and type of pollutants in the water body

determine the type of zooplankton species. Species of copepod will usually

dominate in the tropical region while more eutrophicated waters with high



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



nutrient or organic loads will harbor high number of crustaceans and arthropods.

The less polluted waters will have more of cladocerans and rotifers.

Among the zooplankton group, Asplancha sp.had highest percentage composition

and the lowest percentage composition was of Ceriodaphnia sp. in the total

zooplankton. The list of plankton recorded in fresh water bodies in study area

during study period are presented in Table-3.27.

TABLE-3.27

LIST OF PLANKTON RECORDED DURING STUDY PERIOD

Sr. No. Phytoplankton Zooplankton

1 Gyrosigma sp. Keratella monospina

2 Achananthes affinis Brachirous caudatus

3 Gyrosigma accuminatus Asplancha brighwell

4 Pandorina sp. Colpidium colpoda

5 Ankistrodesmus falcatus Daphnia sp.

6 Ankistrodesmus sp. Ceriodaphnia reticulate

7 Pediastrum boryanum Mesocyclops leuckarti

8 Scenedesmus bijuga Mesocyclops hyalinus

9 Melosira granulate Coleps hirsutus

10 Cyclotella meneghiana Arcella sp.

11 Microcystis sp. Actinophyros sp.

12 Navicula gracilis Asplancha sp.

13 Nitzschia gracilis Ceriodaphnia sp.

14 Chroococcus minutes Mesocyclops sp.

15 Spirulina princepes

16 Pinnularia braunii

17 Synedra tabulate

18 Ophora sp.

19 Cymbella sp.

20 Navicula radiosa

Fishes

The Arani River is a perennial river and the list of principle catchers is given in

Table-3.28.

TABLE-3.28

AQUATIC FAUNA FROM STUDY AREA

Sr. No. Local Name Zoological Name

1 Catla Catla catla

2 Rohu Labeo rohita

3 Mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala

4 Silver Carp Thirmethrix molitrix

5 Grass Carp Ctenopheringodon idella

6 Common Carp Cyprinus carpio



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



3.10.11Conclusion

From the field observations it can be concluded that the forests in the study area

are under anthropogenic pressure and show signs of degradation in the form of

tree cutting, lopping, grazing and collection of NTFPs and habitat fragmentation.

As per MOEF and Forest Department of Tamilnadu state reveals that there are no

Wildlife sanctuaries, National parks/biosphere reserves in 10 km radius from the

proposed site boundary. As per the records of the Botanical Survey of India there

are no plants of conservation importance in the study area.

It can be concluded that there is one species belonging to Sch-I,2 species belongs

to Sch-II and rest of species belongs Sch-III, Sch-IV and Sch-V of Wildlife Protection

Act, 1972.

3.11 Demography and Socio-Economics

The growth of industrial sectors and infrastructure developments in and around

the agriculture dominant areas, villages and towns are bound to create its impact

on the socio-economic aspects of the local population. The impacts may be

positive or negative depending upon the developmental activity. To assess the

impacts on the socio-economics of the local people, it is necessary to study the

existing socio-economic status of the local population, which will be helpful for

making efforts to further improve the quality of life in the area of study. To study

the socio-economic aspects of people in the study area around the plant site, the

required data has been collected from various secondary sources and

supplemented by the primary data generated through the process of a limited

door to door socio-economic survey.

3.11.1 Methodology adopted for the Study

The methodology adopted for the study is based on the review of secondary data,

such as District Census Statistical Handbooks-2001 of Thiruvallur district and the

records of National Informatics Center, New Delhi, for the parameters of

demography, occupational structure of people within the general study area of

10-km radius around the plant site.

3.11.2 Review of Demographic and Socio-Economic Profile - 2001

The sociological aspects of this study include human settlements, demography,

social such as scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and literacy levels besides

infrastructure facilities available in the study area. The economic aspects include

occupational structure of workers.

The salient features of the demographic and socio-economic details are described

in the following sections.



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



3.11.3 Demography

Distribution of Population

As per 2001 census, the study area consists of 2,78,458 persons. The distribution

of population in the study area is given in Table-3.29. The males and females

constitute 50.86 % and 49.14 % of the study area population respectively.

TABLE-3.29 DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION

Particulars 0-3 km 3 - 7

km

7-10

km 0-10 km

No. of House holds 4532 14927 44845 64304

Male Population 9916 32925 98785 141626

Female Population 9932 31478 95422 136832

Total Population 19848 64403 194207 278458

Avg. House hold size 4.38 4.31 4.33 4.33

Male % 49.96 51.12 50.87 50.86

Female % 50.04 48.88 49.13 49.14

Source: Thiruvallur District Census Statistics-2001

Average Household Size

The average household size of the study area is 4.33. The low family size could

be attributed to a high degree of urbanization with migration of people with

higher literacy levels who generally opt for smaller family size and family welfare

measures.

Sex Ratio

The configuration of male and female indicates that the males constitute to about

50.86% and females to 49.14% of the total population as per 2001 census

records. The sex ratio i.e. the number of females per 1000 males indirectly

reveals certain sociological aspects in relation with female births, infant mortality

among female children and single person family structure, a resultant of

migration of industrial workers. The study area on an average has 966 females

per 1000 males as per 2001 census.

3.11.4 Social Structure

As per 2001 census, the percentage of scheduled caste population is 21.45%

within 10-km radius study area. The percentage of Schedule Tribe population is

1.4%. The distribution of population by social structure is given in Table-3.30.



District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 3



TABLE- 3.30

DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION BY SOCIAL STRUCTURE

Particulars 0-3 km 3 - 7 km 7-10 km 0-10 km

Schedule Caste 5482 14404 39853 59739

% of total population 27.62 22.37 20.52 21.45

Schedule Tribes 634 1390 1758 3782

% of total population 3.2 2.2 0.9 1.4

Total SC and ST population 6116 15794 41611 63521

% To total population 30.81 24.52 21.43 22.81

other caste population 13732 48609 152596 214937.00

% To total population 69.19 75.48 78.57 77.19

Total population 19848 64403 194207 278458

3.11.5 Literacy Levels

The study area experiences a literacy rate of 63.73%. The distribution of literate

and literacy rate in the study area is given in Table-3.31.

The male literacy rate i.e. the percentage of male literates to the total males of

the study area works out to be 57.34%. The female literacy rate, which is an

important indication for social change is observed to be 42.66%.

TABLE 3.31

DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATE AND LITERACY RATES

Particulars 0-3 km 3 - 7 km 7-10 km 0-10 km

Total literate 10873 38594 127983 177450

Male population 9916 32925 98785 141626

Female population 9932 31478 95422 136832

Average literacy (%) 54.78 59.93 65.90 63.73

Male Literate 6347 22769 72632 101748

% To Study area literate 58.37 59.00 56.75 57.34

% To total male population 64.01 69.15 73.53 71.84

Female Literate 4526 15825 55351 75702

% To Study area literate 41.63 41.00 43.25 42.66

% To total female population 45.57 50.27 58.01 55.32


3.11.6 Occupational Structure

The occupational structure of residents in the study area is studied with reference

to main workers, marginal workers and non-workers. The main workers include

10 categories of workers defined by the Census Department consisting of

cultivators, agricultural labourers, those engaged in live-stock, forestry, fishing,

mining and quarrying; manufacturing, processing and repairs in household

industry; and other than household industry, construction, trade and commerce,

transport and communication and other services.



District, Tamilnadu

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The marginal workers are those workers engaged in some work for a period of

less than six months during the reference year prior to the census survey. The

non-workers include those engaged in unpaid household duties, students, retired

persons, dependents, beggars, vagrants etc.; institutional inmates or all other

non-workers who do not fall under the above categories.

As per 2001 census records, altogether the main worker works out to be 30.71%

of the total population. The marginal workers and non-workers constitute to

8.19% and 61.11% of the total population respectively. The distribution of

workers by occupation indicates that the non-workers are the predominant

population. The occupational structure of the study area is shown in Table-3.32.

The demographic details in the study area are provided as Annexure – 10.

TABLE-3.32

OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE

Particulars 0-3 km 3-7 km 7-10 km 0-10 km

Total main workers 5408 22204 57890 85502

% to total population 27.25 34.48 29.81 30.71

Marginal workers 3328 4734 14730 22792


Non-workers 11112 37465 121587 170164




district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4

Anticipated environmental impacts and mitigation measures

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad 115

4.0 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

4.1 Introduction

This chapter presents identification and appraisal of various impacts due to the

proposed expansion of the existing coal based thermal power plant during

erection and operational phases. The environmental impacts are categorized as

primary or secondary. Primary impacts are those, which are attributed directly to

the project and secondary impacts are those, which are indirectly induced and

typically include the associated investment and changed pattern of social and

economic activities by the proposed activity.

The mitigation measures proposed for minimizing the impacts have also been

discussed in this chapter. Environment Management Plan (EMP) is developed to

minimize adverse impacts and to ensure that the environment in and around the

project site is well protected. The EMP has been prepared for both construction

and operation phases of the proposed facilities.

The impacts have been assessed for the power plant assuming that the pollution

due to the existing activities has already been covered under baseline

environmental monitoring and continue to remain same till the operation of the

project.

The erection and operational phase of the proposed expansion project comprises

various activities each of which may have an impact on some or other

environmental parameters. Various impacts during the erection and operation

phase on the environment have been studied to estimate the impacts on the

environmental attributes and are discussed in the subsequent sections.

4.2 Impacts during Construction Phase

This includes the following activities related to land acquisition, leveling of site,

construction of related structures and installation of related equipment.

4.2.1 Impact on Land Use

The existing plant operates in area of 25.49 ha (62.99 acres). The land identified

for the proposed addition of 1 x 350 MW thermal power plant unit is about 11.49

ha (28.39 acres) adjacent to the existing plant site. About 3.25 ha (8.03 acres) of

the land will be used as ash dyke. Main plant facilities and ancillary facilities will

occupy about 12.45 ha (30.76) acres of land.

Entire site (existing & proposed) is under the ownership of the project proponent

and there is no forest or ecological sensitive land within the existing & additional

site. No residential or habitation areas are proposed to be acquired, hence no

displacement of residential areas.

Construction of additional facilities will lead to permanent change in land use

pattern at the proposed adjacent site as a direct impact.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



The proposed expansion involves erection of large scale civil works including

levelling within project premises. The earthen material generated during

construction of additional water storage reservoir within the site premises will be

used for elevating plant area.

The environmental pollution impacts during erection phase would be temporary

and are expected to gradually stabilize by the time of commissioning of proposed

expansion activity.

There are no sensitive locations such as archaeological monuments, sanctuaries,

national parks, critical pollution zones etc., within 10 km radial distance around

the existing plant site. No major changes in land use pattern of study area

(region) will occur due to the project activities.

Hence, no major impact is envisaged on land use pattern of the project site (core

zone) or the buffer zone.

4.2.2 Impact on Soil

The construction activities will result in loss of vegetation cover, topsoil and earthen

material to some extent in the plant area. However, it is proposed to use the soil

and earthen material for greenbelt development and levelling of project site.

Additional greenbelt will be developed in phased manner from erection stage

onwards.

Apart from localized construction impacts at the plant site, no adverse impacts on

soil in the surrounding area are anticipated.

4.2.3 Impact on Topography

The existing plant site is partially plain and undulating with a general elevation of

about 18 m above MSL.

It is proposed to level the additional project site and to use the earthen material

excavated from the proposed additional reservoir inside the premises itself. There

will not be any tall structures except the stacks for plume dispersion. Also, the

contours of natural drainage will not be disturbed.

In view of the above, there will not be any major impacts on topography of the

project site.

4.2.4 Impact on Air Quality

The main sources of emission during the erection period are the movement of

equipment at site and dust emitted during the leveling, grading, earthwork,

foundation works and exhaust emissions from vehicles and equipment deployed

during the construction phase is also likely to result in marginal increase in the

levels of SO2, NOx, PM and CO. The impact will be for short duration and confined

within the project boundary and is expected to be negligible outside the plant

boundaries.


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Chapter – 4



The impact will, however, be reversible, marginal and temporary in nature. Proper

maintenance of vehicles and construction equipment will help in controlling the

gaseous emissions. Water sprinkling on roads and construction site will prevent

fugitive dust.

4.2.5 Impact on Water Quality

Impact on water quality during erection phase may be due to non-point discharge of

solids from soil loss and sewage generated from the construction workforce

stationed at the site. Further, the construction will be more related to mechanical

fabrication, assembly and erection; hence the water requirements would be small.

Sanitary sewage generated by the temporary workforce will be handled by the

existing STP itself.

The overall impact on water environment during erection phase due is likely to be

short term and insignificant.

4.2.6 Impact on Noise Levels

Vehicular traffic, loading and unloading of construction material, fabrication and

handling of equipment and materials are likely to cause an increase in the ambient

noise levels. The areas affected are those close to the site. However, the noise will

be temporary and will be restricted mostly within plant area.

The noise control measures during erection phase include provision of caps on the

equipment and regular maintenance of the equipment.

4.2.7 Impact on Terrestrial Ecology

The land required for the expansion of power plant is a Barren land and cutting of

trees are not required. Therefore, no major loss of biomass is envisaged during

construction phase. Although the land required for the expansion of the plant

would be put to industrial use, there may not be any significant impact on soil

and agriculture in general. These impacts are, however, restricted to the early

phase of construction.

The removal of herbaceous vegetation from the soil and loosening of the topsoil

generally causes soil erosion during dry season. However, such impacts would be

primarily confined to the project site during initial periods of the construction

phase and would be minimized through adoption of mitigatory measures like

paving and surface treatment, water sprinkling and appropriate plantation

program. The project site and township area will be extensively landscaped with

the development of green belt consisting of a variety of taxa, which would enrich

the ecology of the area and add to the aesthetics.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



4.3 Impacts during Operational Phase

The expansion activity will involve a proposed power generation of 485 MW (1 x

135 MW + 1 x 350 MW) of power generation in addition to the existing 60 MW.

The following activities related to the operational phase will have varying impacts

on the environment and are considered for impact assessment:

Topography and climate;

Air Environment;

Water resources and quality;

Land use;

Soil quality;

Solid waste;

Noise levels;

Terrestrial and aquatic ecology;

Demography and socio-economics; and

Infrastructural facilities.

4.3.1 Topography

Most of the area of the plant site is partially plain with slight undulations and it will

be maintained plain during post-project scenario. There will not be any

topographical changes during operation of the project.

4.3.2 Impact on Air Quality – Point Sources

Being a coal based thermal power project, the important air pollutants are

Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM).

Prediction of impacts on air environment has been carried out by employing

mathematical model based on a steady state Gaussian plume dispersion model

designed for multiple point sources for short term. In the present case, AERMOD -

designed for multiple point sources for short term and developed by United States

Environmental Protection Agency [USEPA] has been used for simulations from point

sources.

The model simulations deal with dispersion of three major pollutants viz., Sulphur

Dioxide (SO2), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) emitted from

the stacks.

4.3.2.1Air Pollution Impact Prediction through Modelling

a. AERMOD View

AERMOD is an air dispersion-modeling package, which seamlessly incorporates

the popular USEPA Models, ISCST3, ISC-PRIME and AERMOD into one interface

without any modifications to the models. These models are used extensively to

assess pollution concentration and deposition from a wide variety of sources.


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Chapter – 4



b. AERMOD Model

The AMS/EPA REGULATORY MODEL (AERMOD) was specially designed to support

the Environmental Regulatory Modeling Programs. AERMOD is a regulatory steady

– state-modeling system with three separate components;

AERMOD (AERMIC Dispersion Model);

AERMAP (AERMOD Terrain Preprocessor); and

AERMET (AERMOD) Meteorological Preprocessor.

The AERMOD model includes a wide range of options for modeling air quality

impacts of pollution sources, making it popular choice among the modeling

community for a variety of applications. AERMOD requires two types of

meteorological data files, a file containing surface scalar parameters and a file

containing vertical profiles. These two files are provided by AERMET

meteorological pre-processor program.

PRIME building downwash algorithms based on the ISC – PRIME model have

been added to the AERMOD model;

Use of arrays for data storage;

Incorporation of EVENT processing for analyzing short-term source culpability;

Explicit treatment of multiple – year meteorological data files and the annual

average; and

Options to specify emissions that vary by season, hour-of-day and day-of-

week.

Deposition algorithms have been implemented in the AERMOD model – results

can be output for concentration, total deposition flux, dry deposition flux, and / or

wet deposition flux. The model contains algorithms for modeling the effects of

settling and removal of large particulates and for modeling the effects of

precipitation scavenging for gases or particulates.

c. AERMET

In order to conduct a refined air dispersion modeling project using the AERMOD

short-term air quality dispersion model, it is necessary to process the

meteorological data representative of the study area being modeled. The

collected meteorological data is not always in the format supported by the model,

therefore the meteorological data needs to be pre-processed using AERMET

program.

The AERMET program is a meteorological preprocessor, which prepares hourly

surface data and upper air data for use in the AERMOD air quality dispersion

model. AERMET is designed to allow future enhancements to process other types

of data and to compute boundary layer parameters with different algorithms.

AERMET processes meteorological data in three stages and from this process two

files are generated for use with the AERMOD model.


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Chapter – 4



A surface file of hourly boundary layer parameters estimates a profile file of

multiple-level observations of wind speed, wind direction, temperature and

standard deviation of the fluctuating wind components.

d. Application of AERMOD

AERMOD model with the following options has been employed to predict the

cumulative ground level concentrations due to emissions from the proposed

activity.

All terrain dispersion parameters are considered;

Predictions have been carried out to estimate concentration values over radial

distance of 10 km around the project area;

Uniform polar receptor network has been considered;

Emission rates from the sources were considered as constant during the entire

period;

The ground level concentrations computed without any consideration of decay

coefficient;

Calm winds recorded during the study period were also taken into

consideration;

24 hourly mean ground level concentrations were estimated using the entire

meteorological data collected during the study period; and

The study area is used to represent the graphical output of the GLC’s using the

terrain processor.

e. Meteorological Data

The hourly meteorological data recorded at site is converted to the mean hourly

meteorological data as specified by CPCB and the same has been used in the

model. Hourly mixing heights are taken from the “Atlas of Hourly Mixing Height

and Assimilative Capacity of Atmosphere in India” published by India

meteorological department, 2008, New Delhi.

The meteorological data recorded during study period continuously on wind speed,

wind direction, temperature etc., have been processed to extract the data required

for simulation by AERMOD using AERMET. The meteorological data used are given

in Table 4.1.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



TABLE-4.1

HOURLY MEAN METEOROLOGICAL DATA

Time in

hours

Wind speed in

m/s

Wind

direction in

degrees

Air Temperature

in K

Stability

class

Mixing

height

in m

12:10:00 AM 3.258 180 303.15 1 1000

01:10:00 AM 3.861 247.5 303.15 1 1000

02:10:00 AM 3.494 202.5 303.15 1 1000

03:10:00 AM 4.111 225 303.15 1 1000

04:10:00 AM 2.314 225 303.15 2 1000

05:10:00 AM 3.481 247.5 303.15 2 900

06:10:00 AM 3.306 270 303.15 1 800

07:10:00 AM 3.347 270 304.15 4 800

08:10:00 AM 4.939 247.5 306.15 4 200

09:10:00 AM 3.944 270 306.15 6 200

10:10:00 AM 5.139 270 309.15 6 200

11:10:00 AM 4.453 270 310.15 6 200

12:10:00 PM 4.639 270 310.15 6 200

01:10:00 PM 4.111 270 309.15 6 200

02:10:00 PM 5.792 270 309.15 6 200

03:10:00 PM 4.117 90 309.15 6 200

04:10:00 PM 4.375 112.5 307.15 6 200

05:10:00 PM 4.375 135 306.15 6 200

06:10:00 PM 3.347 135 305.15 6 500

07:10:00 PM 4.328 135 305.15 6 800

08:10:00 PM 5.139 157.5 304.15 6 800

09:10:00 PM 3.861 180 304.15 4 800

10:10:00 PM 4.375 180 304.15 1 800

11:10:00 PM 3.731 180 304.15 1 1000

f. Emission Factors Considered in Model

The modelling has been carried to predict the impacts of the power generation

operations with a total generation capacity of 545 MW, considering emission

factors for the worst case i.e. without control measures. The emission factor has

been estimated for 2 nos. of point sources as given in Table-4.2. The graphical

representation of ground level concentrations (GLCs) is shown in Figure-4.1


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



TABLE-4.2

STACK DETAILS

Particulars Existing Proposed

Stack 1 Stack 2

Material of Construction RCC RCC

Stack attached to 1 x 60 MW & 1 x 135 MW

1 x 350 MW

Stack height (m) 145 220

Stack diameter (mm) approx. 5250 6500

Volume Flow Rate (m3/s) 475.45 696.82

Velocity of flue gas (m/s) 22.0 21.0

Temperature of flue gas (°C) 140 140

Flue gas specific volume (kg/Nm³) 1.3 1.3

Fuel Consumption (Kg/s) 34.17 55.09

Sulphur content (% w/w) 0.5 0.5

Emission rate – NOx (g/s) 307.5 495.83

Emission rate – SO2 (g/s) 341.67 550.925

Emission rate – PM (g/s) 21.5 34.841

g. Presentation of Results

The model simulations have been carried out for pre monsoon season. For the

short-term simulations, the ground level concentrations (GLCs) were estimated

around 220 receptors to obtain an optimum description of variations in

concentrations over the site in 5 km radius covering 16 directions.

The maximum incremental ground level concentrations and resultant concentrations

for PM, SO2 and NOx are given in Table-4.3 and Table-4.4 respectively. Similarly,

the isopleths for various pollutant concentrations are enclosed. The CPCB

permissible ambient air quality standards are given in Table-4.4.

TABLE-4.3

PREDICTED 24-HOURLY SHORT TERM INCREMENTAL CONCENTRATIONS

Season Maximum Incremental GLCs

( g/m3) Distance

(km) Direction

Pre-monsoon 2014 PM SO2 NOx

Imported coal 1.39 22.14 15.66 2.0 East

TABLE-4.4

RESULTANT CONCENTRATIONS DUE TO INCREMENTAL GLC's

(WORST CASE SCENARIO)

Pollutant Concentration ( g/m3)

Standards Baseline Incremental Resultant

PM 83.1 1.39 84.49 100

SO2 26.9 22.14 49.04 80

NOx 33.2 15.66 48.86 80


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



h. Discussions on Results of Assessment

A perusal of previous sub-section reveal that the maximum incremental short-term

24 hourly ground level concentrations for PM, SO2 and NOx likely to be encountered

in the operation of the power project are 1.39, 22.14 and 15.66 g/m3 respectively

occurring at a distance of about 2.0 km in the East direction.

The worst case maximum resultant 24 Hourly concentrations for PM, SO2 and NOx

after implementation of the proposed activity are 84.49, 49.04 and 48.86 µg/m3

respectively.

According to the above presented results, it can be stated that the impact of PM

from proposed expansion would be negligible in core or buffer zone of the project.

Even though, the incremental and resultant concentrations of SO2 and NOx are

significant to certain extent, they are well within the NAAQ limits and hence, the

AAQ levels after implementation of the proposed activity will remain within the

permissible limits. Hence, it can be stated that the AAQ of the area will be within

the permissible limits of respective zones.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



FIGURE-4.1

SHORT TERM 24 HOURLY INCREMENTAL GLCs OF PM


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



FIGURE-4.2

SHORT TERM 24 HOURLY INCREMENTAL GLCs of SO2


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



FIGURE-4.3

SHORT TERM 24 HOURLY INCREMENTAL GLCs of NOx


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



4.3.3 Impact on Air Quality - Fugitive Emissions

The fugitive dust emissions expected are from coal storage yards, coal conveyor

belt area, ash dumping areas, transportation of fuel and solid waste.

Coal handling unit will be properly operated with EMP suggested in this report, no

major fugitive dust emissions are envisaged. Similarly, HCSD system of ash

stacking will be practiced and hence, no dust emissions are envisaged from ash

dump areas. The fuel will be conveyed through belts and the solid waste will be

sent to dyke areas through pipeline. Hence, no dust emissions from handling are

envisaged. However, internal roads are to be asphalted to further reduce fugitive

dust emissions.

The dust emissions, if any, from the above areas will be fugitive in nature and

maximum during summer season (when the wind velocities are likely to be high)

and almost nil during the monsoon season. The dust emissions are likely to be

confined to the place of generation only. The quantification of these fugitive

emissions from the area sources is difficult as it depends on lot of factors such as

dust particle size, specific gravity of dust particles, wind velocity, moisture content

of the material and ambient temperatures etc. Also, there is a high level of

variability in these factors. Hence, these are not amenable for mathematical

dispersion modelling. However, by proper usage of dust suppression measures,

dust generation and dispersions will be reduced.

The impact of fugitive dust emissions from the proposed units on air quality of the

region is insignificant.

4.3.4 Impact on Water Resources and Water Quality

The entire water demand for the existing and the proposed facilities will be met

from the existing borewell within plant site. However, the impact on ground water

level will be mitigated by adopting suitable rain water harvesting and ground

water recharge measures. Ground water uptake will be limited by using rain

water collected in a huge rain water harvesting pond with a collection capacity of

70 MLD. Additionally, a new rain water collection pond is also proposed for the

expansion activity.

4.3.4.1 Impact on Water Quality

The water balance and wastewater generation details have been described in

Chapter-2. Total wastewater (including domestic wastewater) generation in the

project will be about 216.8 m3/day. Out of 216.8 m3/day of wastewater

generated, about 160.16 m3/day will be re-used for boiler make-up. About 43.84

m3/day will be used for ash quenching & coal dust suppression and the remaining

12.8 m3/day will be used for greenbelt development.

Garland drains around the ash dyke site will be provided for the collection of run-

off water during monsoon season.


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Chapter – 4



The storm water in the project area will be collected through storm water drains

and collected in the rain water collection pond, which is lined to prevent any

contamination of ground water. The stored storm water will be utilized in the

plant operation resulting in conservation of fresh water.

Various types of wastewater to be generated from the plant with their quantity,

expected pollutants and their respective treatment are provided in Table-4.5.

TABLE-4.5

TYPE OF WASTEWATER GENERATION AND TREATMENT DETAILS

Sources of wastewater Treatment & Disposal

Runoff Water From Coal Yard

The runoff from the coal yard will be collected in a settling tank. The clear water will be taken to a collection tank and used for watering of green belt

Runoff Water From Limestone Yard

The runoff from the limestone yard will be collected in a settling tank. The clear water

will be taken to a collection tank and used for watering of green belt

Neutralized Waste Water Make-up water treatment plant waste will be taken to separate neutralization pit, neutralized and then pumped to the Common Monitoring

Basin (CMB)

Oily Waste Water Oil bearing effluent generated from fuel oil handling area plant floor wash etc. will be treated in an oil/water separator to separate oil from water and the treated waste water sent to CMB. The oily sludge will be collected

and disposed offsite

Sewage Water from Toilets in the Power Plant

The Sewage water generated from the Power Plant will be treated in an anaerobic filter and the treated effluent will be collected and used for horticulture. Suitable arrangements for

collection of sludge, its compaction and safe disposal will be provided

Boiler Blow Down Boiler blow down waste water will be fed to neutralization pit of water treatment plant and from there it will be sent CMB

Special Waste Water Special waste water like Air Preheater washing water, acid cleaning of boiler etc. will be collected and treated in a chemical waste cleaning plant to make it suitable for offsite disposal

Clarifier Sludge The sludge collected in the clarifier will be taken to a sedimentation tank and the clear water

will be sent to CMB. The collected sludge will be taken to a sludge drying bed and spread over the green belt within the plant boundaries

Common Monitoring

Basin

The outlet from the CMB after ensuring that

the quality meets the requirements stipulated in the PCB norms, will be used for coal yard dust suppression, limestone dust suppression and watering of green belt


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



The expected quality of raw and treated wastewater from the power plant

including sewage water and discharge limits as specified by environment

protection rules is given in Table-4.6.

TABLE-4.6

EXPECTED QUALITY OF WASTEWATER

Sr. No. Parameter Unit Raw wastewater Treated

Wastewater

Permissible Limits as per GSR 422 (E) for On-land

Discharge (Irrigation)

1 pH - 5.5 to 9.0 6.0 to 8.5 5.5 to 9.0

2 Suspended Solids mg/l 100 to 500 <100 200

3 Oil & Grease mg/l 10 to 200 <5 10

4 Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 500 to 10000 <1000 --

5 BOD mg/l 250 to 350 <30 100

6 COD mg/l 450 to 600 <100 -

7 Zinc mg/l 1 to 5 <1 -

Entire treated wastewater will be reused / recycled and zero discharge from the

plant will be ensured. Thus, no impact on the natural water bodies is envisaged.

4.3.5 Impact on Land Use

The land additionally procured for the proposed 1 x 350 MW unit is about 11.49

ha (28.39 acres). About 3.25 ha of the land will be used for ash disposal.

Greenbelt including existing green cover will be developed in an area of about

13.30 ha (32.86 acres) covering 35.96% of the total plant area upon expansion.

The additional greenbelt proposed will have a positive impact on land. There will be

minimum changes in land use during the operational phase of the project. Hence,

no major impacts are envisaged during operational phase of the project.

4.3.6 Impact on Soil

Most of the impacts of power plant project on soil quality are restricted to the

erection phase, which will get stabilized during operational phase. The impact on the

topsoil will be confined to the main plant area. Further, the additional greenbelt

proposed will have a very positive impact on soil quality.

The probable sources of degradation of soil quality will be due to generation &

disposal of ash and fugitive dust emissions. However, the impacts due to disposal of

ash are covered under Section-4.3.7.

The airborne fugitive dust from the plant is likely to be deposited on the topsoil in

the immediate vicinity of the plant boundary. However, the fugitive emissions are

likely to be controlled to a great extent through proposed control measures like

water sprinkling and development of greenbelt development.

Hence, no impact is envisaged on soil quality of the project site.


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Chapter – 4



4.3.7 Impact of Solid Wastes

Ash is the major solid waste to be generated from a coal based thermal power

plant. Coal consumption of 2.31 MTPA having 9.0% ash content was considered

for estimation of ash generation. Ash will be generated as both forms viz. bottom

ash and fly ash. About 80% of the total ash generations will be fly ash and

remaining 20% comes as bottom ash. The fly ash is the important air pollutant,

which emits to outside environment through stacks attached to boilers. ESPs with

efficiencies over 99.99% shall be provided to prevent ash dispersions into

ambient air. The details of the solid waste generation are given in Table-4.7.

TABLE-4.7

EXPECTED SOLID WASTE FROM POWER PLANT

Sr. No. Plant Quantity of Generation Mode of Disposal

1 Ash* Fly ash Bottom ash

0.135 MTPA 0.108 MTPA 0.027 MTPA

Emphasis will be given for supply to potential users in dry from. Remaining ash will be disposed into HDPE lined ash dyke through HCSD method

2 Used Oil 2000 KLPA Will be supplied to authorized recyclers

3 Sewage sludge 2.4 TPA Sent to sludge drying beds and used as manure

4 Domestic solid waste / municipal solid waste

5.25 TPA Organic portion will be dried, composted and used as manure. Inorganic portion will be handed to authorised recyclers

* Ash calculations are based the 9% ash content of Indonesian coal considering worst case

Fly ash will be collected from ESP hoppers in dry from and supplied to potential

ash users depending on the demand. The balance unutilized ash will be disposed

of using High Concentrated Slurry Disposal (HCSD) technology. An area of about

2.61 ha has been identified for ash dyke in addition to the existing ash dyke of

0.64 ha within the project premises. In view of the proposed HCSD ash disposal

technology, the impact of ash dyke supernatant runoff would not be expected and

the impacts on surrounding environment would be insignificant. However, it is

also proposed to provide the ash dyke with an impervious HDPE layers.

The sludge from sewage treatment plant will be dried, vermi-composted and used

as manure for greenbelt maintenance. Canteen/sanitary waste will be composted

and used as manure for greenbelt development.

With the implementation of above precautionary measures, the impacts due to

solid waste disposal will be minimum.

Impact of Ash Dyke on Surface Water

In ash disposal, High Concentration slurry disposal method will be adopted. The

bottom ash slurry and fly ash slurry from the both the units will be led to common

slurry sump of the combined ash slurry disposal pump house. In view of the

proposed HCSD ash disposal technology, the impact of ash dyke supernatant run

off would not be expected. Hence, the impact of the ash dyke on the surface water

will be insignificant.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



Impact of Ash Dyke on Ground Water

The possibility of groundwater contamination due to the leaching of metals from

the ash dyke will be examined based on soil investigation study. Fortification

around the dyke will be provided with proper compaction at maximum dry density.

The co-efficient of permeability will be much less than the natural deposits to

further reduce the drainability. However, with the passage of time, more and more

fly ash particles will get deposited in the pore spaces of the top soil making it

essentially non-porous and impervious and in view of the above, contamination

through leaching is not envisaged. However, it is also proposed to provide the ash

dyke with an impervious bottom HDPE layers.

In view of the above mitigative measures, no surface water or groundwater

pollution is anticipated from the ash disposal area. Similarly, as the other solid

wastes also used properly, no impact of solid waste is envisaged.

4.3.8 Impacts on Ecology

Detailed flora and fauna studies were carried out during study period and the

details are presented in Section-3.10 of Chapter-3. As per records of forest

department of Thiruvallur district, literature survey and also from field studies,

there are no endangered, threatened and protected plants as per Wildlife

Protection Act, 1972.

It is proposed to develop additional greenbelt with an average width of about 50

m to 100 m around plant site and implementation of eco development along with

local people will enhance the greenery of the area. Hence, no significant adverse

impact is envisaged on terrestrial ecology.

The impacts on aquatic ecology due to proposed expansion activity would be

negligible as the treated effluents from the plant will meet the prescribed standards

prior to final discharge. Similarly, as the discharge water will not have much higher

temperature than the receiving body, no thermal effects on receiving body due to

discharge are envisaged. Hence, the impacts on ecology of the region will be

insignificant.

4.3.9 Impact on Noise Levels

The main noise generating stationary sources from the power plant will be

pumps, compressors and boilers. The noise levels at the source for these units

will be in the range of 80-90 dB(A). The noise dispersion from the plant units has

been computed based on the mathematical model. The major noise generating

sources from the plant are identified and listed in Table-4.8. These are

considered as input to the noise model.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



TABLE-4.8

MAJOR NOISE GENERATING SOURCES

Sr. No. Sources Noise Level in dB(A)

[1.0 m away] Nature of Noise

1 Turbine units 85 Continuous

2 Air compressors 85 Continuous

3 Transformer 75 Continuous

4 Boilers 85 Continuous

4.3.9.1 Presentation of Results

The incremental noise levels are computed at plant site at 100 m X 100 m grid

intervals over an area of 10 km X 10 km study area. The predicted results of

incremental noise levels at each grid points are used to draw noise contours. The

predicted noise contours around expected sources are shown in Figure-4.4.

The predicted noise levels at the boundary due to various plant activities will be

ranging in between 32 to 36 dB(A). The incremental noise levels will be less than

40 dB(A) at all the surrounding habitations. It is seen from the simulation results

that the incremental noise levels will be well within the CPCB standards.

4.3.9.2 Impact on Work Zone

Boilers are the high noise generating equipment in the existing & the proposed

units. However, impacts on the working personnel are not expected to be

significant on account of the high level of automation of the plant, which means

that workers will be exposed for short duration only.

The noise generation during operational phase would be at source itself through

different measures such as inspection, operation and maintenance at regular

intervals. The noise control measures as described in EMP will be fully followed.

The occupational noise exposure to the workers in the form of 8 hourly time

weighted average will be maintained well within the prescribed OSHA standards

[<90 dB (A)]. Hence, the impact on occupational health of workers would be

insignificant.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



FIGURE-4.4

PREDICTED NOISE DISPERSION CONTOURS

-1000 -800 -600 -400 -200 0 200 400 600 800 1000

-1000 -800 -600 -400 -200 0 200 400 600 800 1000

-1000

-800

-600

-400

-200

0

200

400

600

800

1000

-1000

-800

-600

-400

-200

0

200

400

600

800

1000


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



4.3.9.3 Impact on Community

As per the location of power plant, the minimum distance maintained between

existing & proposed major noise sources and the outer periphery of the project

site will be more than 500 m. The cumulative incremental impact of all noise

sources at boundary will range in between 32 to 36 dB (A).

4.3.10 Prediction of Impacts on Socio-Economics

No shifting of human habitations are envisaged for siting of the proposed units,

as the land is a barren land which has been acquired by the proponent. Hence, no

resettlement activities are envisaged.

Unskilled manpower will be met from nearby villages during erection phase. The

project will also help in generation of the indirect employment apart from direct

employment. This will be a positive socio-economic development for the region.

There will be a general upliftment of standard of living in the region.

4.3.11 Impacts on Public Health and Safety

The discharge of waste materials (stack emission, wastewater and solid wastes)

from process operations may have potential impact on public safety and health.

The wastewater generated from power plant will be treated before discharging

outside. It is proposed to reuse the wastewater to the maximum extent. Since,

the adverse impacts on ambient air and soil quality are predicted to be low it is

anticipated that with effective implementation of control measures suggested for

pollution control, the impact on public health will be minimum.

4.4 Environment Management Plan during Erection Phase

During erection phase, the construction activities like site levelling, grading,

transportation of the construction material cause various impacts on the

surroundings. However, the erectional phase impacts are temporary and localised

phenomena except the permanent change in local landscape and land use pattern of

the project site.

4.4.1 Land Environment Management

Preparation of site will involve excavations and fillings. The earthen material

generated during excavations and site grading periods, shall be properly dumped

and slope stabilisation shall be taken. The topsoil generated during erections shall

be preserved and reused for plantations.

No nallas or water courses are present in the project site. The nearest river (R.

Arani) is at about 7.4 km, SSE from the plant site. However, natural drainage

pattern shall not be disturbed as far as possible.

The additional greenbelt area shall be delineated before start-up of earthwork and

tree plantation shall be taken up during erection stage itself.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



4.4.2 Air Quality Management

The activities like site development, grading and vehicular traffic contribute to

increase in PM and NOx concentrations. The mitigation measures recommended to

minimize the impacts are:

Water sprinkling in construction area;

Asphalting the main approach road;

Proper maintenance of vehicles and construction equipment; and

Tree plantation in the area earmarked for greenbelt development.

4.4.3 Water Quality Management

The soil erosion at site during heavy precipitation contributes to the increase in

suspended solids. The wastewater from vehicle and construction equipment

maintenance centre will contribute to oil and grease concentration. The wastewater

from labour colony will contribute to higher BOD concentrations. The mitigation

measures recommended to minimize the impacts are:

Sedimentation tank to retain the solids from run-off water;

Oil and grease trap at equipment maintenance centre;

Packaged STP / septic tanks to treat sanitary waste at labour colony; and

Utilizing the wastewater in greenbelt development.

4.4.4 Noise Level Management

Operation of construction equipment and vehicular traffic contribute to the increased

noise level. Recommended mitigation measures are:

Enclosures for noise making units like pumps, compressors, etc.;

Good maintenance of vehicles and construction equipment;

Plantation of trees around the plant boundary to attenuate the noise; and

Provision of earplugs and earmuffs to workers.

4.4.5 Ecological Management

Clearing of vegetation will not be required as the additional land acquired is a barren

land. Thus, there will not be any ecological impact due to the project in its erection

stage. Furthermore, additional greenbelt with a vegetation density of over 2500

trees/ha has been planned which has a positive impact on the site ecology.

4.5 Environment Management Plan during Operation Phase

During operation phase, the impacts on the various environmental attributes should

be mitigated using appropriate pollution control equipment. The Environment

Management Plan prepared for the proposed expansion project aims at minimizing

the pollution at the source itself.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



4.5.1 Air Pollution Management

Fugitive and stack emissions from the power plant will contribute to increase in

concentrations of PM, SO2, NOx and HCs. The mitigative measures recommended for

the plant are:

Installation of ESP of efficiency more than 99.90% to limit the PM concentrations

below 50 mg/Nm3;

Provision of stack of 220 m height for wider dispersion of gaseous emissions;

Provision of water sprinkling system at raw material storage yard;

Asphalting of the roads within the plant area;

Provision of dust extraction systems at dust generating source.

Developing of greenbelt around the plant to arrest the fugitive emissions;

Online flue gas monitors as well as flue gas flow rates and temperature

measurement shall be provided for all stacks; and

Usage of washed / beneficiated coal may be explored.

The fugitive dust emissions shall be controlled by installation of closed conveyor

system along with suitable dust suppression measures.

4.5.2 Water Pollution Management

Wastewater will be generated from boilers & DM plant from the project. Besides,

domestic wastewater from canteen and employees wash area will also be

generated. The recommended measures to minimise the impacts and conservation

of fresh water are:

Recycling of wastewater for ash disposal, coal handling and service water

requirements;

The effluent carrying oil spillage in the plant area shall be sent to oil-water

separator for removal of oil;

Coal stock piles and ash dyke shall be provided with garland drains and water

shall be treated for suspended / floating solids;

Adequate treatment of wastewater prior to recycling/reuse to maximum extent;

Provision of sewage treatment plant to treat domestic sewage generated from

plant;

Utilization of treated domestic wastewater in toilet flushing & greenbelt

development;

Lining of effluent dyke suitably to prevent any seepage into ground to avoid any

groundwater contamination;

Provision of storm water system to collect and store run-off water during rainy

season and utilization of the same in the process to reduce the fresh water

requirement;

Suitable rainwater harvesting structures to be constructed.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



4.5.3 Rainwater Harvesting System

Rainwater harvesting structures will be provided to recharge the groundwater

resources in the region. The run-off water from the roof of the structures and

paved areas shall be collected through storm water drainage system and led to

rain water harvesting structure.

4.5.4 Noise Pollution Management

In the process, various equipments like pumps, compressors etc., generate noise.

The recommendations to mitigate higher noise levels are:

Equipments should be designed to conform to noise levels prescribed by

regulatory authorities;

Provision of acoustic barriers or shelters in noisy workplaces;

Provision of hoods to noise generating equipment like pumps;

Provision of thick greenbelt to attenuate noise levels;

Provision of Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) such as earplugs, earmuffs to

the workers working in high noise level area; and

Implementation of greenbelt, landscaping with horticulture at power block areas

to reduce noise impacts.

4.5.5 Solid Waste Management

Solid waste in the form of ash will be generated in a coal based thermal power

plant. The total ash generated in the plant will be 0.135 MTPA out of which 80%

will be fly ash i.e. 0.108 MTPA and balance will be bottom ash of 0.027 MTPA. The

following measures shall be taken for solid waste management:

In general, ash will be given to potential ash users;

The excess ash will be disposed of using high concentrated slurry disposal

system to HDPE lined ash dyke;

The generated waste oil shall be explored to be used in boiler furnace with HFO

or shall be given to authorized recyclers;

Solid waste generated in the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) will be used as

manure in greenbelt development; and

Maintaining the data base on solid waste generation such as quantity, quality,

treatment / management.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



4.5.5.1 Literature on Fly Ash Utilization

Fly Ash use in Cement Industries

Cement mixed with fly ash is known as Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC). As per

the Indian standards, fly ash can be used to replace 25% to 35% cement. The fly

ash cement is made by grinding with clinker. The fly ash generated from plant will

be supplied to cement plants in the region. The fly ash can be utilized by these

cement plants to manufacture PPC cement.

Fly Ash use in Road Construction

Fly ash can be used as a component in a stabilized aggregate sub-base course. A

blend of 84% dense aggregate, 11% fly ash and 5% hydrated lime gives

maximum dry density, optimum moisture content and unconfined compressive

strength.

4.5.5.2 Prospective Ash Utilization

It is very much clear that the ash generated at the power plants can be

effectively used for various products. Though the acceptability of the ash-based

products may take a long time, it is always better to start on a small scale.

The figures derived at about the ash utilization in the area are only rough

estimates and may be considered as a guideline. The probable ash utilization

quantities estimated in the earlier sections are tabulated in the following Table-

4.9.

TABLE-4.9

SELECTED AREAS OF FLY ASH UTILIZATION

All values except percentage are in MTPA

Sr. No. Item Description 1st

year 2nd

year 3rd

year 4th

year

1 Total production of fly ash 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00

2 Use in brick plants 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01

3 Fly ash use in micro nutrition as fertilizers 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01

4 Use in fly ash in clay brick 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.14

5 Road development in surrounding areas 0.01 0.01 0 0

6 Use of pozzolonic material cement (PPC) 0.63 0.72 0.79 0.83

7 Total fly ash consumption 0.68 0.78 0.84 1.00

8 Percentage of use of fly ash (%) 68 78 84 100

Note: The figures derived above the ash utilization in the area are only rough estimates and may be considered as a guideline only.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



4.5.5.3 Policy on Fly Ash Utilization

Utilization of ash produced by coal based power stations as a thrust area of its

activities and all possible actions will be taken to enhance level of ash utilization.

Various avenues for ash utilization will be explored as delineated in the above

sections. In particular, supply of quality ash for manufacture of cement will be

taken as there are some cement units. Some of the actions planned for the

project are as given below:

ARS will make efforts to motivate and encourage entrepreneurs to set up

units for manufacture of ash-based products such as fly ash bricks,

lightweight aggregates, cellular concrete products etc., as ancillary industries

in the region. ARS would be providing all possible infrastructure facilities to

these entrepreneurs in accordance with its policy;

ARS will also continue to encourage utilization of available ash based products

in all its erection activities; and

ARS will encourage the use of water treated fly ash as a soil ameliorator and

as a source of micro-nutrients and secondary nutrients for improving

agricultural productivity.

All efforts will be made for 100% utilization of fly ash.

ARS is committed to comply with the Fly Ash Utilization Notification, 1999 and as

amended thereof.

4.5.5.4Excess ash Disposal

The balance ash after utilisation shall be disposed in ash dyke. Ash disposal system

proposed is High Concentrate Slurry Disposal (HCSD). Treated wastewater will be

used in ash handling plant. The ash dyke will be provided with HDPE liners. The area

provided for ash dyke is about 3.25 ha.

The major advantages of the HCSD method are:

Very low water consumption;

The slurry can be self-setting and self-limiting so that ash will deposit and dry

by itself to form a hard surface;

Considerably less area is required for ash disposal;

Specific energy consumption in pumping and transportation will be much

lower;


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



Pipeline diameter can be much smaller and transportation velocities could also

be considerably lower due to the fact that the slurry is non-settling. This could

also reduce wear in the pipeline;

Both bottom ash and fly ash can be disposed together if needed; and

The trenches will be constructed along the periphery of the ash dyke to collect

the run-off water during rainy days. The run-off water will be routed through

sedimentation tank before discharging.

The ash will be utilized in various construction materials to the maximum extent and

100% utilization will be achieved.

4.6 Greenbelt Development

With rapid industrialization and consequent deleterious impact of pollutants on

environment, values of environmental protection offered by trees are becoming

clear. Trees are very suitable for detecting, recognizing and reducing air pollution

effects. Monitoring of biological effects of air pollutant by the use of plants as

indicators has been applied on local, regional and national scale. Trees function as

sinks of air pollutants, besides their bio-esthetical values, owing to its large

surface area.

The greenbelt development not only functions as foreground and background

landscape features resulting in harmonizing and amalgamating the physical

structures of the plant with surrounding environment, but also acts as pollution

sink. Thus, implementation of afforestation program is of paramount importance.

It will also check soil erosion, make the ecosystem more complex and functionally

more stable and make the climate more conducive.

The existing plant has a greenbelt area of 10.33 ha (25.53 acres). Additionally

2.97 ha (7.34 acres) of greenbelt will be developed for the expansion. Greenbelt

with a width of 50 m to 100 m will be developed around the proposed plant site.

The total greenbelt around the power plant complex will be about 13.30 ha

(32.86 acres) covering 35.96% of the total plant area after expansion .

4.6.1 Species for Plantation

The species proposed will have broad leaves. Trees will be selected based on the

type of pollutants, their intensity, location, easy availability and suitability to the

local climate. They have different morphological, physiological and bio-chemical

mechanism/ characters like branching habits, leaf arrangement, size, shape,

surface (smooth/hairy), presence or absence of trichomes, stomatal conductivity

proline content, ascorbic acid content, cationic peroxides and sulphite oxidize

activities etc., to trap or reduce the pollutants.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



Species to be selected will fulfil the following specific requirements of the area:

Tolerance to specific conditions or alternatively wide adaptability to eco-

physiological conditions;

Rapid growth;

Capacity to endure water stress and climate extremes after initial

establishment;

Differences in height and growth habits;

Pleasing appearances; and

Providing shade.

4.7 Cost Provision for Environmental Measures

It is proposed to invest about INR. 360 Crores in addition to the existing facilities

on pollution control, treatment and monitoring systems for proposed activity. In

addition to this, INR. 1.0 Crores per annum will be spent on greenbelt

maintenance in and around the proposed additional area. The break-up of the

investment is given in Table-4.10.

TABLE-4.10

COST PROVISION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES

Sr. No.

Description of item Capital Cost

(INR in Crores)

Recurring Cost (Rs in

Crores/annum)

1 Raw water treatment systems 120 5.0

2 Wastewater treatment systems 30 4.0

3 Rainwater harvesting systems 20 0.5

4 Air pollution control systems including ESP

80 8.0

5 Stack (220 m height) 90 6.0

6 Noise pollution control systems 5 0.5

7 Environmental monitoring/ Environmental Laboratory

5 0.5

8 Occupational health & safety 5 0.5

9 Greenbelt development 5 1.0

Total 360 26.0


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



4.8 Corporate Social Responsibility

ARS has always believed that managing its business most efficiently and in a cost

effective manner is its primary duty to the society. ARS also believes that it can

contribute to the common cause of the society by bringing in the same level of

corporate efficiency in the administration and management of the various CSR

initiatives.

ARS have provided bore wells in the villages for drinking water. ARS is in

discussion to engage a full time NGO for the social upliftment of the villages by

identifying the necessary programs in consultation with village leaders. Also have

discussed with district administration (District Rural Development Authorities -

DRDA) for implementing SSS (Self Service Scheme – Namakku Name Thittam)

The proposed schemes include

1. Vocational training program;

2. Road laying;

3. Toilet facilities;

4. Drinking water facilities;

5. Cattle for generating livelihood; and

6. Setting up of primary schools.

TABLE – 4.11 (a)

EXPENSES TOWARDS CSR

Sr. No. Description Amount Spent in

INR.

1 Housing aid to the nearby communities 23,54,694/-

2 Upgradation of nearby village school from

8th std to 10th std. 9,73,396/-

3 Drinking water facilities to nearby schools 1,81,501/-

4 Construction of first aid centre with doctor

facilities at Eguvarapalayam village 6,40,315/-

5

Amount spent for construction of

compound water to the local panchayat

school

3,00,000/-

Total 44,49,906/-


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 4



TABLE – 4.11 (b)

EXPENSES TOWARDS CSR

Corporate social responsibility - upto cod - aug'13

Description Actuals (rs) Description Actuals (rs)

School uniform 10,178 Ambulance 463,396

School books 553,600 Diesel & maintenance

School function Water pumps 60,000

Computers 53,808 Bore well 257,274

Printers 30,000 RO. Plant - village 45,000

Toilets Maintenance of RO plant

RO. Plant Public toilets 360,600

Maintenance of RO plant Road 2,500,000

Teacher's salary Sports development 100,000

Medicine 113,500 Hospital 100,000

School sports 25,785 Temple 53,200

School prizes 100,000 Panchayat 19,252

Stationery 63,970 Police station 10,600

Furnitures 600,000 People welfare (saris) 40,000

School maintenance 44,463 EB 2,250

Sieving machines 63,500 School boundary 1,306,000

Drains Water coolers & RO for school 70,000

Development of lab in school 180,300

Total (rs) Rs.16,58,804 Total Rs.55,67,872


District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 5

Analysis of alternatives (technology and site)

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad / Coimbatore 145

5.0 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES (TECHNOLOGY AND SITE)

5.1 Analysis of alternative sites for location of power plant

The proposed site acquired for the additional unit (1 x 350 MW) is adjacent to the

existing plant site of ARS. The adjacent land has been selected based on the

following criteria

Availability of barren land adjacent to existing site

No forest land

No crop land

Nearest village (Siruvapuri) is more than 1 km

Accessibility to railway line

Coal transportation

Absence of ecologically / environmentally sensitive areas within 15 km radius

National highway (NH – 5) is 4.8 km from plant site

Manpower availability from nearby areas

Based on the above criterion, alternate site analysis is not required for the

current expansion activity as the adjacent site is the most viable option for this

project.

5.2 Analysis of Alternative for Unit Size Selection

Unit Size Selection

The most suitable unit size for the proposed boliers for 1 x 135 MW & 1 x 350 MW

has been considered by analysing various major aspects as enumerated below:

i) Provenness based on the quality of main fuel to be fired;

ii) Reliability and availability;

iii) Capacity of the grid for evacuation of power;

iii) Capital expenditure and economics of power generation;

iv) Space requirement;

iv) Manpower requirement.

Provenness

The TG units and matching Coal fired boilers of both the sizes (135 MW and 350

MW) are well tested in India as well as abroad. Both 1x135 MW and 1 x 350MW

are comparable in this aspect.

Reliability and availability

Reliability of 135 MW and 350 MW steam generator and turbo generator are

comparable.


District, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 5

Analysis of alternatives (technology and site)


Dependence on the grid

The dependence on grid for drawal of power, with 1 x 135 & 1 x 350 MW will be

higher when compared to four or more unit configurations.

Space requirement

The space requirement will be marginally less for 1 x 350 MW power station as

compared to the space required for more unit configurations.

Manpower requirement

The manpower requirement with four units station will be around 20% higher

compared to two unit station. This is due to the fact that in 4 unit configuration,

number of plant and equipment will increase.

Capital expenditure and economics of power generation

The capital expenditure of 4 unit station will be around 7-10% higher compared

to 2 unit station. The generation cost also will be higher for 4 – unit configuration

power plant due to higher capital cost, marginally higher heat rate and more

expenditure towards O&M.

Analysis

From the foregoing it could be seen that both the unit sizes have their own

advantages and disadvantages. It is true that capital expenditure and cost of

power generation both will be less in case of 1 x 135 MW & 1 x 350 MW power

plants.

Recommendation on selection of unit size

From the foregoing, it could be seen that for the 2 - unit configuration capital cost

and cost of power generation both will be less as compared to 4 - unit

configuration. However, with 2 – unit configuration, during planned / forced

outage loss of one unit generation will lead less power sale resulting in reduced

revenue during the unit shutdown period.

Selection of 1 x 135 & 1 X 350 MW unit configuration is recommended.

Conclusion and Recommendation:

Overall Recommendation Based on the foregoing it is recommended to go in for 1

x 135 & 1 X 350 MW configuration power plant based on PF boilers.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 6

Environmental monitoring program


6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM

6.1 Introduction

Regular monitoring of environmental parameters is of immense importance to

assess the status of environment during project its operation phase. With the

knowledge of baseline conditions, the monitoring programme will serve as an

indicator for any deterioration in environmental conditions due to operation of the

project, to enable taking up suitable mitigatory steps in time to safeguard the

environment. Monitoring is as important as that of control of pollution since the

efficiency of control measures can only be determined by monitoring.

Usually, as in the case of the study, an impact assessment study is carried over

short period of time and the data cannot bring out all variations induced by the

natural or human activities. Therefore, regular monitoring programme of the

environmental parameters is essential to take into account the changes in the

environmental quality.

6.2 Implementation Schedule of EMP

The mitigation measures suggested in the Chapter-4 will be implemented so as to

reduce the impact on environment due to the operations of the plant operation. In

order to facilitate easy implementation, mitigation measures are phased as per the

priority implementation. The priority of the implementation schedule is given in

Table-6.1.

TABLE-6.1

EMP IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

Sr. No. Recommendations Requirement

1 Air pollution control measures Before commissioning

2 Water pollution control measures Before commissioning

3 Noise control measures Along with the commissioning of the

Project

4 Solid waste management During commissioning of the project

5 Green belt development Stage-wise implementation

6.3 Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Procedure

Regular monitoring shall check whether the commitments proposed are being

met. This may take the form of direct measurement and recording of quantitative

information, such as amounts and concentrations of discharges, emissions and

wastes, for measurement against corporate or statutory standards, consent limits

or targets. It may also require measurement of ambient environmental quality in

the vicinity of a site using ecological/biological, physical and chemical indicators.

Monitoring may include socio-economic interaction, through local liaison activities

or even assessment of complaints.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 6



6.3.1 Objectives of Monitoring

The objectives of environmental post-project monitoring are to:

Verify effectiveness of planning decisions;

Measure effectiveness of operational procedures;

Confirm statutory and corporate compliance; and

Identify unexpected changes.

6.4 Monitoring Schedule

Environmental monitoring schedules are prepared covering various phases of

project advancement, such as erection phase and regular operational phase.

6.4.1 Monitoring Schedule during constructional phase

The proposed expansion envisage setting up of boilers, turbines and establishment

of storage facilities for coal and ash. The construction activities require preparing

land, mobilisation of construction material and equipment to plant site.

The generic environmental measures that need to be undertaken during project

construction stage are given in Table-6.2.

TABLE-6.2

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DURING PROJECT CONSTRUCTION STAGE

Sr. No.

Potential Impact

Action to be Followed Parameters for

Monitoring Frequency of Monitoring

1 Air Emissions All equipment to be operated within specified design parameters

Random checks of equipment logs/ manuals

Periodic

Vehicle trips to be minimized to the extent possible

Vehicle logs Periodic during site clearance & construction activities

Maintenance of DG set emissions to meet stipulated standards

Gaseous emissions (SO2, HC, CO, NOx)

Periodic emission monitoring

Ambient air quality within the premises of the plant area to be monitored

The ambient air quality will conform to the standards for PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx, and CO

As per CPCB / SPCB requirement or on monthly basis whichever is earlier

2 Noise List of all noise generating machinery onsite along with age to be prepared Equipment to be maintained in good working order

Equipment logs, noise reading

Regular during construction activities

Night working is to be

minimized.

Working hour

records

Daily records

Generation of vehicular noise

Maintenance of records of vehicles

Daily records


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 6



Sr. No.

Potential Impact



Noise to be monitored in ambient air within the plant premises

Spot Noise recording As per CPCB/SPCB requirement or on quarterly basis whichever is earlier

3 Wastewater Discharge

No untreated discharge to be made to surface water, groundwater or soil

No discharge hoses shall be in vicinity of watercourses

Periodic during construction activities

4 Soil Erosion Protect topsoil stockpile where possible at edge of site

Effective cover in place


5 Drainage and

effluent Management

Ensure drainage system

and specific design measures are working effectively The design to incorporate existing drainage pattern and avoid disturbing the same

Visual inspection of

drainage and records thereof

Periodic during

construction activities

6 Waste Management

Implement waste management plan that

identifies and characterizes every waste arising associated with proposed activities and which identifies the procedures for collection, handling & disposal of each waste arising.

Comprehensive Waste Management

Plan should be in place and available for inspection on-site Compliance with MSW Rules, 1998 and Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling Rules), 2003

Periodic check during

construction activities

7 Non-routine events and accidental releases

Plan to be drawn up, considering likely emergencies and steps required to prevent/limit consequences

Mock drills and records of the same


8 Health Employees and migrant labour health check ups

All relevant parameters including

HIV

Regular check ups

9 Environmental Management Cell/ Unit

The Environmental Management Cell/Unit is to be set up to ensure implementation and monitoring of environmental safeguards

Responsibilities and roles will be decided before the commencement of work

During construction phase

10 Loss of flora

and fauna

Re-vegetation as per Forest

guidelines

No. of plants,

species

During site

clearance


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 6



6.4.2 Monitoring Schedule during Operational Phase

During operational stage, continuous air emissions from power boilers,

wastewater disposal to river, non-hazardous waste such as ash, hazardous used

oily wastes are expected.

The following attributes which merit regular monitoring based on the

environmental setting and nature of project activities are listed below:

Source emissions and ambient air quality;

Groundwater levels and ground water quality;

Water and wastewater quality (water quality, effluent & sewage quality etc);

Solid and hazardous waste characterisation (fly ash, bottom ash, oily wastes,

ETP sludge, used and waste oil);

Soil quality;

Noise levels (equipment and machinery noise levels, occupational exposures

and ambient noise levels); and

Ecological preservation and afforestation.

The following routine monitoring programme as detailed in Table-6.3 shall be

implemented at site. Besides to this monitoring, the compliances to all

environmental clearance conditions and regular permits from SPCB/MoEF shall be

monitored and reported periodically (once every six months).

TABLE-6.3

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DURING OPERATIONAL PHASE

Sr. No.

Potential Impact



1 Air Emissions Stack emissions from power boilers to be

optimized and monitored

Gaseous emissions (PM10, PM2.5, PM

size distribution, SO2, CO, NOx)

Continuous monitoring using

on-line equipment during entire operation phase

Stack emissions from DG set to be optimized and monitored

Gaseous emissions (SO2, HC, CO, NOx)

Periodic during entire operation phase

Ambient air quality within the premises of the plant and nearby habitations to be monitored Exhaust from vehicles to be minimized by use of fuel efficient vehicles and well maintained vehicles having PUC certificate

PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx, O3, CO, Lb, As, Ni, C6H6, B(a)P, NH3 and Hg Vehicle logs to be maintained

As per CPCB/ SPCB requirement or on weakly basis whichever is earlier

Measuring onsite data of Meteorology

Wind speed, direction, temp., relative humidity and rainfall, solar radiation

Continuous monitoring using on-line weather station during operation phase


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 6



Sr. No.

Potential Impact



2 Noise Noise generated from operation of power boilers to be optimized and monitored Noise generated from operation of DG set to be optimized and monitored

and should be provided with acoustic enclosures

Spot Noise Level recording; Leq (night), Leq (day), Leq (dn) Noise levels to be recorded at 1m distance from the

respective unit

Once every six months

Generation of vehicular noise

Maintain records of vehicles

Periodic during operation phase

3 Wastewater Discharge

Wastewater (treated and untreated) analysis

As per CPCB Once in a month

4 Drainage and effluent Management

Ensure drainage system and specific design measures are effective & working Design to incorporate existing drainage pattern and avoid disturbing the same

Visual inspection of and cleaning of drainage before monsoon season


5 Water Quality and Water Levels

Monitoring of groundwater quality around ash pond and ground water levels

Comprehensive monitoring as per IS: 10500 Groundwater level in meters bgl

Once in a month Water level maintaining once every season

River water quality downstream to discharge

As per IS: 10500 (2012)

Once in a month

6 Emergency preparedness, such as fire fighting

Fire protection and safety measures to take care of fire and explosion hazards, to be assessed and steps taken for their prevention

Mock drill records, on site emergency plan, evacuation plan


7 Maintenance of

flora and fauna

Vegetation, greenbelt /

green cover development

No. of plants,

species

Once in summer

and winter

8 Waste Management

Implement waste management plan that identifies and characterizes every waste arising associated with the plant activities and which identifies the procedures for collection, handling & disposal of each waste

arising

Records of solid waste generation, treatment and disposal


9 Soil quality Maintenance of good soil quality

Physico-chemical parameters and metals.

Periodical monitoring at ash dyke

10 Health Employees and migrant labour health check ups

All relevant parameters

Regular check-ups


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 6



6.5 Monitoring Methods and Data Analysis of Environmental Monitoring

All environmental monitoring and relevant operational data will be stored in a

relational database and should be able to link to GIS system. This will enable

efficient retrieval and storage and interpretation of the data. Regular data

extracts and interpretive reports will be sent to the regulator.

6.5.1 Air Quality Monitoring and Data Analysis

6.5.1.1 Stack Monitoring

The emissions from all the stacks shall be monitored regularly. The exit gas

temperature, velocity and pollutant concentrations shall be measured. Any

unacceptable deviation from the design values shall be thoroughly examined and

appropriate action shall be taken. Air blowers shall be checked for any drop in exit

gas velocity.

6.5.1.2 Workspace Monitoring

The concentration of airborne pollutants in the workspace/work zone environment

shall be monitored periodically. If concentrations higher than threshold limit values

are observed, the source of fugitive emissions shall be identified and necessary

measures shall be taken. Methane and non-methane hydrocarbons shall be

monitored in oil storage area once in a season. If the levels are high, suitable

measures as detailed in EMP shall be initiated.

6.5.1.3 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

The ground level concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOX in the ambient air

shall be monitored at regular intervals. Any abnormal rise shall be investigated to

identify the causes and appropriate action shall be initiated. Greenbelt shall be

developed for minimising dust propagation. The ambient air quality data should be

transferred and processed in a centralised computer facility equipped with required

software. Trend and statistical analysis should be done.

6.5.2 Water and Wastewater Quality Monitoring and Data Analysis

To ensure a strict control over the water consumption, flow meters shall be

installed for all major inlets. All leakages and excess shall be identified and

rectified. In addition, periodic water audits shall be conducted to explore further

possibilities for water conservation.

Methods prescribed in "Standard Methods for Examination of Water and

Wastewater" prepared and published jointly by American Public Health

Association (APHA), American Water Works Association (AWWA) is recommended.

6.5.2.1 Monitoring of Wastewater Streams

All the wastewater streams in the project area shall be regularly analysed for flow

rate, physical and chemical characteristics.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 6



Such analysis is carried out for wastewater at the source of generation, at the point

of entry into the wastewater treatment plant and at the point of final discharge.

These data shall be properly documented and compared against the design values

for any necessary corrective action. 6.5.2.2 Monitoring of Groundwater

The monitoring of groundwater is the most important tool to test the efficiency of

ash pond performance. This is indispensable as it provides detection of the

presence of waste constituents in groundwater in case of leachate migration. In

this programme, water samples are taken at a predetermined interval and analysed

for specific pollutant expected to be in the leachate. For early detection of leachate

migration, if any, it is suggested to construct piezometers around the ash dyke.

In addition to piezometers, monitoring wells should be installed to a depth of at

least 3-m below the maximum historic groundwater depth. Based on assumptions

and data about the characteristics of leachate to be generated, approximate

permeability of soils in the zone of aeration and direction and velocities of

groundwater flow, the maximum probable aerial extent of contaminant migration

can be estimated as a basis for establishing the position of monitoring wells.

A minimum of two ground monitoring wells should be typically installed at ash

disposal facility: one up-gradient well and one down-gradient well. It is suggested

to collect water samples and analyse. Records of analysis should be maintained.

6.5.3 Noise Levels

Noise levels in the work zone environment such as boiler house, cooling tower

area, DG house shall be monitored. The frequency shall be once in three months in

the work zone. Similarly, ambient noise levels near habitations shall also be

monitored once in three months. Audiometric tests should be conducted

periodically for the employees working close to the high noise sources.

6.6 Reporting Schedules of the Monitoring Data

It is proposed that voluntary reporting of environmental performance with

reference to the EMP should be undertaken.

The environmental monitoring cell shall co-ordinate all monitoring programmes at

site and data thus generated shall be regularly furnished to the state/central

regulatory authorities.

The frequency of reporting shall be on once every six months to the local state PCB

officials and to Regional office of MoEF. The Environmental Audit reports shall be

prepared for the entire year of operations and shall be regularly submitted to

regulatory authorities.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 6



6.7 Infrastructure for Monitoring of Environmental Protection Measures

A well-equipped laboratory with consumable items shall be provided for monitoring

of environmental parameters in the site. Alternatively, monitoring can be

outsourced to a recognized accredited laboratory.

The following equipment and consumables shall be made available in the site for

environmental monitoring or alternatively the monitoring can be outsourced to a

recognized accredited laboratory.

Air quality and meteorology

High volume samplers, stack monitoring kit, personal dust sampler, central

weather monitoring station, spectrophotometer (visible range), single pan

balance, flame photometer, relevant chemicals as per IS:5182.

Water and wastewater quality

The sampling shall be done as per the standard procedures laid down by IS:2488.

The equipments and consumables required are:

BOD incubator, COD reflex set-up, refrigerator, oven, stop watch, thermometer,

pH meter, distilled water plant, pipette box, titration set, dissolved oxygen

analyser and essential chemicals.

Noise levels

Noise monitoring shall be done utilising an integrating sound level meter to record

noise levels in different scales like A-weighting with slow and fast response options.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 8

Project benefits


8.0 PROJECT BENEFITS

8.1 Introduction

Proposed expansion of the power plant will result in a considerable growth in

industrial and commercial sector in the state. Small and medium scale industries

may be further developed as a consequence.

Proposed expansion would be beneficial in reducing the existing and ever

escalating demand of electricity in the southern part of the country.

In operation phase, the plant would require significant workforce of non-technical

and technical persons. Migration of persons with better education and

professional experience will result in increase of population and literacy in the

surrounding villages.

8.1.1 Availability of Quality Power

The plant would be generating about 545 MW of power after the current

expansion and this project is inline with the central government’s massive power

capacity addition plan, which sets a target of adding 88,537 MW of power

generation capacity in the country in the 12th plan (2012-2017) as per the report

of Integrated Resource Planning Division, Planning wing, CEA.

8.1.2 Improvements in the Physical Infrastructure

The beneficial impact of the power plant on the civic amenities will be substantial

after the commencement of project activities. The basic requirement of the

community needs will be strengthened by extending healthcare, educational

facilities to the community, building/strengthening of existing roads in the area.

ARS will initiate the above amenities either by providing or by improving the

facilities in the area, which will help in uplifting the living standards of local

communities.

8.1.3 Improvement in the Social Infrastructure

Generation of employment: The project will create direct and indirect

employment opportunities;

Increase in purchasing power and improved standard of living of the area;

Further development of small and medium scale industries may be developed

as consequence;

Increased revenue to the state by way of royalty, taxes and duties;

Overall growth of the neighboring area viz.:

Health and family welfare;

Watershed development;


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 8

Project benefits


Sustainable livelihood and strengthening of village Self Help Groups; and

Infrastructure development.

In addition to above, due to increase in purchasing power of local habitants:

There shall be significant change in the socio-economic scenario of the area;

The proposed expansion shall enhance the prospects of employment;

Recruitment for the unskilled and semiskilled workers for the proposed project

will be from the nearby villages;

The basic amenities viz. roads, transportation, electricity, proper sanitation,

educational institutions, medical facilities, entertainment, etc., will be

developed as far as possible; and

Overall the project will change living standards of the people and improve the

socio-economic conditions of the area.

8.1.4 Employment Potential

The impact of the project on the economic aspects can be clearly observed. The

project activities will provide employment to persons of different skills and trades.

The local population will be given preference to employment. The employment

potential will ameliorate economic conditions of these families directly and

provide employment to many other families indirectly who are involved in

business and service oriented activities.

The employment of local people in primary and secondary sectors of project shall

upgrade the prosperity of the region. This in-turn will improve the socio-economic

conditions of the area.

During construction phase of the project, this project will provide temporary

employment to many unskilled and semi-skilled laborers in nearby villages.

This project will also help in generation of indirect employment to those

people who render their services for the personnel directly working in the

project; and

During operational phase, considerable number of people will be benefited by

provision of services. Thus, the direct and indirect employment generation by

this plant expansion.

The trend of out migration for employment, if any, is likely to be reduced due to

better economic opportunities available in the area.

During the erection phase, about 50 people on average will be employed. The

additional manpower of power plant during operational period is estimated to be

about 200 persons.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 9

Administrative aspects


9.0 ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS

9.1 Institutional Arrangements for Environment Protection and Conservation

Environment Management cell is being headed by a senior manager and will

constitute environmental engineer, scientists, chemists and supervisors. The

Organizational Structure of Environment Management is presented in Figure-9.1.

The Manager (Env) will be responsible for Environment management activities.

Basically, this department will supervise the monitoring of environmental

pollution levels viz. source emission monitoring, ambient air quality, water and

effluent quality, noise level either departmentally or by appointing external

agencies wherever necessary.

In case the monitored results of environmental pollution found to exceed the

allowable limits, the Environmental Management Cell will suggest remedial action

and get these suggestions implemented through the concerned authorities.

The Environmental Management Cell also co-ordinates all the related activities

such as collection of statistics of health of workers and population of the region,

afforestation and greenbelt development.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 9

Administrative aspects


GENERAL MANAGER

(O & M)

DY. GENERAL MANAGER

(O & M)

MANAGER

(ENVIRONMENT)

SAFETY OFFICERENVIRONMENT

ENGINEER

ECOLOGIST/

HORTICULTURIST

CHEMISTS SUPPORT STAFF

FIGURE-9.1

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 10

Summary and conclusion


10.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

10.1 Identification of project and project proponent

ARS, a pioneer in the field of manufacturing TMT re-bars and Mild Steel Billets

intends an expansion & augmentation of its existing coal based thermal power

plant at Sithurnatham, Sirupuzhalpettai & Eguvarapalayam villages,

Gummidipoondi village, Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu. The cost of the total

project is about INR. 2400 crores, which includes INR. 360 Crores for

environmental protection measures.

10.1.1 Environmental setting of the site

The study area map of 10 km radius around the plant site is given in Figure-10.1.

The environmental setting of the plant site is given as follows:

TABLE – 10.1

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF THE PLANT

Sr. No. Particulars Details

1 Site-coordinates Refer Figure-1.3 (Chapter 1)

2 Elevation 18.0 m AMSL

4 Climatic conditions (Plant site) 1st May to 31st July 2014 a. Max. Temp: 43.04 0C b. Min. Temp: 22.0 0C c. Rainfall: 275.6 mm

5 Land use Industrial

6 Nearest highway NH-5 – 4.8 km, East

7 Nearest railway station Gummidipoondi R.S. – 6.1 km, ESE

8 Nearest airport Anna International Airport, Chennai – 48.3km,

SSE

9 Nearest habitations Chitoornatham – 0.5 km, West Eguvarpalayam – 1.7 km, NNW

10 Densely populated area Chennai city – 44.7 km, SSE

11 Inland water bodies Chittoornatham pond – 1.0 km, West Pulicat lake – 8.1 km, NE Arani river – 7.4 km, SSE Pallavada lake – 6.6 km, NW

12 Ecologically sensitive zones like

Wild Life Sanctuaries, National Parks and biospheres

Nil

13 Defense establishments None within 10 km radius

14 Socio-economic factors No Resettlement and Rehabilitation issues

15 Seismicity zone Zone – III as per IS: 1893 (Part-1) 2002

16 Nearest sea coast Bay of Bengal –26.7 km, East

17 Reserve forests Puliyur forest – 3.1 km, SSW Periyapuliyur forest – 4.3 km, SW

Pallavakam R.F. – 5.6 km WSW Thervoy R.F. – 5.7 km, SW Manali R.F. – 5.7 km, SSW Siruvada forest – 8.2 km, WSW Palem forest – 12.3 km, WNW

18 Historical / archaeological

places

Nil within 15.0 km from project boundary


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 10



FIGURE-10.1

10 KM RADIUS STUDY AREA OF THE PROJECT SITE


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 10



10.2 Details of the proposed project

The proposed expansion will be operated on coal as main fuel to generate 545 MW

of power. The details of the project are given in Table-10.2.

TABLE-10.2

SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

Sr. No. Features Description

1 Total capacity 545 MW

2 Configuration Under operation: 1 x 60 MW Proposed: 1 x 135 MW + 1 X 350 MW

3 Technology 1 X 60 MW & 1 X 135 MW PF Boiler with re-heat cycle: M.S: 170 kg/cm2

/ 537OC;

Reheat: 537OC

1 X 350 MW – Super Critical

PF Boiler with re-heat cycle: M.S: 255 kg/cm2

/ 585OC; Reheat: 585OC

4 Boilers 1 x 235.13 TPH; Sub critical (Existing 1 x 60 MW) 1 x 563 TPH; Sub critical (Proposed 135 MW) 1 x 950 TPH; Super critical (Proposed 350 MW) CFBC/Pulverized Coal fired, natural circulation boilers

5 Generators Three generators with rated 60 MW, 11KV, 50 Hz, 3 ph and 0.8 PF, 135 MW & 350 MW

6 Power evacuation Power evacuation will be from Thervaikandigai, which is located 14.0 km from site

7 Condenser Air cooled condenser

8 Auxiliary Cooling

System

Finfan coolers for cooling of turbine, generator and

boiler auxiliaries

9 HFO/LDO Storage

Tanks

2 x 300 KL HFO tanks and 2 x 150 KL LDO tanks

10 Switchyard, Generator, Transformer and Station Transformer

230 KV System

11 Fuel Coal

12 Source of Coal Indonesia Coal (Imported)

13 Coal Handling Ground hoppers, stacker, reclaimers and double stream conveying system

14 Coal Requirement 2.31 MTPA at 85% PLF

15 Sulphur content 0.5%

16 Ash Content in Coal 9.0%

17 A B

Ash generation Bottom Ash Fly Ash

0.135 MTPA 0.108 MTPA 0.027 MTPA

18 Ash Handling Dry ash collection

19 ESP efficiency 99.99%

20 Stack 145 m AGL [Common for 1 x 60 MW & 1 X 135 MW] 220 m AGL [Common for 1 x 350 MW]

21 Total water demand 240 KLD (0.098 cusec)

22 Source of water Existing borewells

23 Project cost INR. 2400 Crores


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 10



10.2.1 Technology and process description

The existing 60 MW and the proposed 135 MW power plant will be a conventional

thermal power plant operating on sub critical pressure, single reheat steam cycle

with regenerative feed heating arrangement. The primary fuel to be used for the

power generation will be coal. The mode of transportation of coal will be by road

from Ennore port. The superheated steam from the boilers at 170 bar and 537ºC

is supplied to the High Pressure (HP) turbine. This steam, after expansion in the

HP turbine is sent back to the boiler as cold reheat steam. After reheating in the

boiler, the reheated steam (Hot reheat steam) at about 42 bar and 537 ºC is sent

to Intermediate Pressure (IP) and Low Pressure (LP) turbine and is finally

exhausted into the condenser. The exhaust steam is cooled and condensed in an

air cooled condenser. The proposed 1 X 350 MW will be operated on Super critical

pressure PF Boiler with re-heat cycle: M.S: 255 kg/cm2/ 585OC; Reheat: 585OC

10.2.2 Power evacuation

Power evacuation will be from Thervaikandigai, which is located 14.0 km from

site.

10.2.3 Land requirement

The existing plant operates in an area of 25.49 ha (62.99 acres). Additionally

11.49 ha (28.39 acres) of barren land has been acquired for the current

expansion activities. Totally the plant after expansion operates in an area of

36.98 ha (91.38 acres).

10.2.4 Fuel Requirement

The primary fuel of the power plant will be 100% Indonesian coal. The maximum

total annual coal consumption for the power plant after expansion will be about

2.31 MTPA. Coal from Indonesia would be transported through sea to Ennore port

and thereon through trucks to the existing plant site.

10.2.5 Water Requirement

The total water demand for the plant after expansion will be about 240 KLD,

which will be met from existing borewells and rain water harvesting.

10.2.6 Manpower

The total manpower of the existing plant is about 150 employees. Upon

expansion, additional 200 employees will be required, which includes officers and

supervisors also.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 10



10.3 Baseline Environmental Status

The 10 km radial distance from the existing plant boundary has been considered

as study area for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) baseline studies.

Environmental monitoring for various attributes like meteorology, ambient air

quality, surface and ground water quality, soil characteristics, noise levels and

flora & fauna have been conducted at specified locations and the secondary data

collected from various Government and Semi-Government organizations. The

baseline environmental monitoring studies were carried out from 1st May 2014 to

31st July 2014.

10.3.1 Land Use

The land use pattern of the study area has been studied by analyzing the available

secondary data published in the District Primary Census abstract of the year 2001.

In addition to the establishment of land use pattern based on the review of

secondary data, the land use pattern in study area and its buffer zones covered

within a radius of 10 km from the existing plant has been established through

interpretation of satellite imageries and by means of preparation of land use/land

cover map.

10.3.2 Meteorology

On-site monitoring was undertaken for various meteorological parameters in

order to generate the site-specific data. Data was collected every hour

continuously from 1st May to 31st July 2014. The maximum and minimum

temperatures recorded at the site during the study period are 43.0oC and 22.00C.

The humidity found varying from 18% to 100%. The predominant winds are

mostly from West (18.5%) followed by South (14.6%). Calm conditions were

recorded for 3.34%.

10.3.3 Ambient Air Quality

To establish the baseline status of the ambient air quality in the study area, the

air quality was monitored at 8 locations. The summary of the Ambient Air Quality

monitored is given in Table-10.3.

TABLE- 10.3

SUMMARY OF AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN THE STUDY AREA

PM2.5 PM10 SO2 NOx CO 11.0-27.4 33.4-83.1 6.4-26.9 9.3-33.2 141-343

Concentrations are expressed in g/m3

The results of the monitored data indicate that the ambient air quality of the region

in general is in conformity with respect to rural/residential norms of National

Ambient Air Quality standards of CPCB, with present level of activities. Mercury

concentration was observed to be less than 0.001 g/m3.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 10



10.3.4 Ambient Noise Levels

The noise monitoring has been conducted for determination of ambient noise levels

at ten locations in the study area. The observations are given below:

Day time Noise Levels (Lday)

The day time noise levels were ranged in between 45.2 dB (A) to 68.2 dB (A). The

maximum value 68.2 dB (A) was recorded at was recorded at Melpakkam village

(N2), and the minimum value 45.2 dB (A) was recorded at Gumpuahintala village

(N10). It is observed that the day time noise levels are in accordance to the

prescribed limit of 55 dB (A) for Residential areas.

Night time Noise Levels (Lnight)

The night time noise levels were ranged in between 40.8 dB (A) to 53.9 dB (A).

The maximum value 53.9 dB (A) was recorded at Melpakkam village (N2), and the

minimum value 40.8 dB (A) was recorded at Gumpuahintala village (N10). It has

been found that the night time noise levels are in accordance with prescribed limit

of 45 dB (A) for Residential areas.

10.3.5 Water Quality

Six ground water samples and two surface water samples within the study area

were considered for assessment.

Surface Water Quality

The analysis results indicate that the pH value at SW1 & SW2 was found to exist as

8.1 & 7.1 respectively, which is well within the specified standard of 6.5 to 8.5.

The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentration was found as 652 & 745. The

chlorides were found as 105.5 - 211 mg/l. The Sulphates were found as 28.7 -

38.1 mg/l. Heavy metals in very low concentration and are well within the

prescribed limits. It is evident from the above values that all the parameters are

found to comply with the requirements of IS: 10500 (2012) "Specifications for

Drinking Water."

Ground Water Quality

The analysis results indicate that the pH ranges in between 7.4 to 7.8, which is

well within the specified standard of 6.5 to 8.5. The maximum pH of 7.8 was

observed at GW3 and the minimum pH of 7.4 was observed at GW5. Total

hardness was observed to be ranging from 190 to 350 mg/l. The maximum

hardness (350 mg/l) was recorded at GW2 and the minimum (190 mg/l) was

recorded at GW6. Chlorides were found to be in the range of 24.8-53.2 mg/l, the

maximum concentration of chlorides (53.2 mg/l) was observed at GW3 & GW6,

and where as the minimum value (24.8 mg/l) was observed at GW1. Nitrates were

found to be in the range of 3.9 – 37.3 mg/l. The maximum value observed at GW3

(37.3 mg/l) whereas the minimum value observed at GW1 (3.9 mg/l).


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 10



The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentrations were found to be ranging in

between 223 to 414 mg/l, the maximum TDS observed at GW6 (414 mg/l) and

minimum concentration of TDS observed at GW1 (223 mg/l). Potassium is found in

between 1.3 to 8.5 mg/l. It is evident from the above values that all the

parameters are found to comply with the requirements of IS: 10500 (2012)

"Specifications for Drinking Water."

10.3.6 Soil Quality

A total of eight samples within 10 km radius of the plant site were collected for the

assessment of soil quality. The sampling was carried out during study period. It

has been observed that the pH of the soil in the study area ranged from 7.4 to

7.9 the maximum pH value of 7.9 was observed at S3, where as the minimum

value of 7.4 was observed at S4 and S8. The pH of the soil is slightly alkaline to

moderately alkaline. The electrical conductivity was observed to be in the range

of 143 µmhos/cm to 210 µmhos/cm, with the maximum observed at S7 with the

minimum observed at S4 respectively. The nitrogen values range between 71.4-

121.9kg/ha. The nitrogen content in the study area falls in less to good category.

The phosphorus values range between 61.6 to 94.4 kg/ha, indicating that the

phosphorus content in the study area falls in average sufficient to more than

sufficient category. The potassium values range between 244.9 – 482.4 kg/ha.

The potassium content in the study area falls in average to more than sufficient

category.

10.3.7 Flora and Fauna

As per MoEF and Forest Department of Tamilnadu state, it reveals that there are

no Wildlife sanctuaries, National parks/biosphere reserves in 10 km radius from

the proposed site boundary. As per the records of the Botanical Survey of India

there are no plants of conservation importance in the study area. It can be

concluded that there is one species belonging to Sch-I,2 species belongs to Sch-II

and rest of species belongs Sch-III, Sch-IV and Sch-V of Wildlife Protection Act,

1972.

10.3.8 Socio-Economic Environment

As per 2001 census the study area consists of 2,78,458 persons inhabited in the

study area of 10 km radial distance from the periphery of the proposed plant. The

males and females constitute 50.86 % and 49.14 % of the study area population

respectively. The average household size of the study area is 4.33 persons. In the

study area, 21.45% of the population belongs to Scheduled Castes (SC). The

study area experiences average literacy rate of 63.73%. As per 2001 census

records, altogether the main workers works out to be 30.71% of the total

population. The marginal workers and non-workers constitute to 8.19% and

61.11% of the total population respectively.


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Chapter – 10



10.4 Anticipated Environmental Impacts

The environmental impacts during construction and operation phases of the

project have been assessed and adequate management plan has been evolved to

mitigate the impacts.

10.4.1 Impacts during Constructional Phase

The environmental impacts during the erection stage will be short term,

temporary in nature and will be confined very close to the project site. The

manpower required for these activities should preferably be deployed from

nearby villages.

Land Environment

There is no forest land or ecological sensitive land within proposed additional

plant site. Hence, no major loss of agricultural productivity is envisaged.

Impact on Soil

The construction activities will result in loss of some vegetation cover, topsoil and

earthen material to some extent in the plant area. However, it is proposed to use

the soil and earthen material for greenbelt development and levelling of project site.

Greenbelt will be developed in phased manner from construction stage onwards in

the peripheral boundary of the additional project site.

Apart from localized construction impacts at the plant site, no adverse impacts on

soil in the surrounding area are anticipated.

Impact on Air Quality

The sources of emission during the construction period are from the movement of

equipment at site and dust emitted during the levelling, grading, earthwork,

foundation works. Exhaust emissions from vehicles and equipment deployed during

the construction phase are also likely to result in marginal variation in the levels of

SO2, NOx, PM and CO. The impact will be for short duration and confined to the

project boundary and the same is expected to be negligible outside the plant

boundaries. The impact will, however, be reversible, marginal and temporary in

nature. Proper maintenance of vehicles and construction equipment will help in

controlling the gaseous emissions. Water sprinkling on roads and construction site

will prevent the fugitive dust.

Impact on Terrestrial Ecology

The initial construction works at the project site involves land clearance. Greenbelt

will be developed phase wise during construction to improve the aesthetic value in

the area and to screen out the fugitive dust generated during construction.


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The removal of vegetation from the soil and loosening of the topsoil generally

causes soil erosion. However, such impacts will be confined to the project site and

will be minimized through paving and water sprinkling.

There are no existing matured wooded and useful trees in the site. However,

greenbelt will be developed surrounding the plant facilities. Thus, no major adverse

impacts are envisaged on terrestrial ecology.

Socio-Economic Impacts

Services of skilled and unskilled workers of different trades are required in large

numbers. The project will provide either direct or indirect job opportunities to the

local population as far as possible. These earnings are likely to change the economic

status of local people.

10.4.2 Impacts during Operational Phase

Impact on Soil

Most of the impacts of power plant project on soils are restricted to the construction

phase, which will get stabilized during operational phase. The impact on the topsoil

will be confined to the proposed main plant area as all the activities are limited in

the project site boundary only.

Impact on Air Environment

The impact on air quality is assessed based on emissions of the plant. Particulate

Matter (PM), Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) will be the

important pollutants emitting from the power plant. The maximum resultant

ground level concentrations of PM, SO2 and NOx are given in Table-10.4.

TABLE-10.4

RESULTANT CONCENTRATIONS DUE TO INCREMENTAL GLCs

Pollutant Concentration ( g/m3)

Standards Baseline Incremental Resultant

PM 83.1 1.39 84.49 100

SO2 26.9 22.14 49.04 80

NOx 33.2 15.66 48.86 80

A perusal of previous sub-section reveal that the maximum incremental short-term

24 hourly ground level concentrations for PM, SO2 and NOx likely to be encountered

in the operation of the power project are 1.39, 22.14 and 15.66 g/m3 respectively

occurring at a distance of about 2.0 km in the East direction.

Impact on Water Environment

ARS has already received uptake letter for 800 m3/day water from existing

borewell vide letter no. 21-4 (192)/CGWA/SECR/2010-1839 dt. 16 March 2010.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 10



Garland drains around the ash dyke will be provided for the collection of run-off

water during monsoon season. The wastewater generated, will be treated and

mixed in guard pond and finally utilised for ash handling system and green belt

development.

The guard pond will be suitably lined to prevent percolation into ground. The ash

pond will be provided with HDPE lining to prevent any kind of percolation into

ground. Therefore the impact on surface and ground water will be insignificant.

Impact of Solid Waste Generation

Imported coal (100%) will be used in the existing & the proposed power project.

The details of the solid waste generation are given in Table- 10.5.

TABLE- 10.5

EXPECTED SOLID WASTE FROM POWER PLANT

Sr. No. Plant Quantity of Generation Mode of Disposal

1 Ash* Fly ash Bottom ash

0.135 MTPA 0.108 MTPA 0.027 MTPA

Emphasis will be given for supply to potential users in dry from. Remaining ash will be disposed into HDPE lined ash dyke through HCSD method

2 Used Oil 2000 KLPA Will be supplied to authorized recyclers

3 Sewage sludge 2.4 TPA Sent to sludge drying beds and used as manure

4 Domestic solid waste / municipal solid waste

5.25 TPA Organic portion will be dried, composted and used as manure. Inorganic portion will be handed to

authorised recyclers

Major portion of the ash will be utilized by supplying to potential users. Efforts

will be made to utilize 100% fly ash as per the Fly Ash Notification, 1999 and as

amended later.

It is proposed to collect fly ash from ESP hoppers in dry form and provide/supply

to potential ash users depending on the demand. The balance unutilized ash will

be disposed off using High Concentrated Slurry Disposal (HCSD) technology.

Impact on Aquatic Ecology

The impacts on aquatic ecology due to project would be negligible as the treated

effluents from the power project will meet the prescribed standards prior to final

discharge. Similarly, as the discharge water will not have much higher

temperature than the receiving body, no thermal effects on receiving body due to

discharge are envisaged. Hence, the impacts on ecology of the region will be

insignificant.


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Impact on Reserve/Protected Forest

The incremental gaseous concentrations and noise generated during operation of

the power plant are not likely to cause any adverse impact on ecology of forest

bocks within the study area.

Impacts of Noise Levels

The noise generating sources are pumps, compressors and boilers. The predicted

noise levels will be ranging in between 32 to 36 dB(A) and the same will recede

further as the distance increases. Hence, the impact of the noise levels on the

surroundings will be insignificant.

Impact on Human Health

The impact from the air emissions is not expected to be significant since the stack

design and the atmospheric conditions are such that the ambient air quality at

present as well as in future after the proposed facility will be within the

prescribed ambient air quality limits set forth by CPCB.

Impact on Public Health and Safety

The discharge of waste materials (stack emission, wastewater and solid wastes)

from process operations may have potential impact on public safety and health.

The wastewater generated from power plant will be treated before discharging

outside. It is proposed to reuse the wastewater to the maximum extent. Since,

the adverse impacts on ambient air and soil quality are predicted to be low it is

anticipated that with effective implementation of control measures suggested for

pollution control, the impact on public health will be minimum.

10.5 Environment Management Plan

10.5.1 Environment Management Plan during Construction Phase

Air Quality Management

The activities like site development, grading and vehicular traffic contribute to

increase in PM and NOx concentrations. The mitigation measures recommended to

minimize the impacts are:

Water sprinkling in construction area;

Asphalting the main approach road;

Proper maintenance of vehicles and construction equipment; and

Tree plantation in the area earmarked for greenbelt development.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 10



Water Quality Management

The mitigation measures recommended to minimize the impacts are sedimentation

tank to retain the solids from run-off water; oil and grease trap at equipment

maintenance centre; Septic tanks to treat sanitary waste at labour camp; and

utilizing the wastewater in greenbelt development. The wastewater from labour

colony will contribute to higher BOD concentrations. The mitigation measures

recommended to minimize the impacts are:

Sedimentation tank to retain the solids from run-off water;

Oil and grease trap at equipment maintenance centre;

Packaged STP/Septic tanks to treat sanitary waste at labour colony; and

Utilizing the wastewater in greenbelt development.

Noise Level Management

Operation of construction equipment and vehicular traffic contribute to the

increased noise level. Recommended mitigation measures are:

Good maintenance of vehicles and construction equipment;

Restriction of construction activities to day time only;

Plantation of trees around the plant boundary to attenuate the noise; and

Provision of earplugs and earmuffs to workers.

Ecological Management

During construction, vegetation in the plant premises is required to be cleared. The

measures required to be undertaken to minimise the impact on the ecology are:

The felling of trees will be kept at minimum; and

The greenbelt having vegetation density of 2500 trees/ha will be developed.

Social community Management

Constructional activities will generate employment to local and near by villages. For

construction work force, temporary sanitation facilities (septic tanks and soak pits)

will be set-up for disposal of sanitary sewage. Similarly, rest rooms and canteen

facilities will be provided for truck drivers during construction as well as operation

phase of power plant.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 10



10.5.2 Environment Management Plan during Operation Phase

Air Pollution Management

Fugitive and stack emissions from the power plant will contribute to increase in

concentrations of PM, SO2, and NOx pollutants. The mitigative measures

recommended in the plant are:

Installation of ESP of efficiency more than 99.99% to limit the PM concentrations

below 50 mg/Nm3;

Provision of stack of adequate height (Existing – 145.0 m & Proposed – 220 m)

for wider dispersion of gaseous emissions;

Provision of water sprinkling system at raw material storage yard;

Asphalting of the roads within the plant area;

Provision of dust extraction systems at dust generating source.

Developing of Greenbelt around the plant to arrest the fugitive emissions;

Online flue gas monitors as well as flue gas flow rates and temperature

measurement shall be provided for all stacks; and

Usage of washed/beneficiated coal may be explored.

Water Pollution Management

Wastewater will be generated from boilers in the power plant. Besides, domestic

wastewater from canteen and employees wash area will also be generated.

Adequate treatment of wastewater in ETP prior to recycle/reuse to maximum extent

will be done. Provision of separate storm water system to collect and store run-off

water during rainy season and utilization of the same in the process to reduce the

fresh water requirement will be made. Suitable rainwater harvesting structures will

be constructed.

Noise Pollution Management

Equipments will be designed to conform to noise levels prescribed by regulatory

authorities. Provision of thick greenbelt shall attenuate the noise levels.

Solid Waste Management

Solid waste in the form of ash will be generated in a coal based thermal power

plant. The total ash generated in the plant will be 0.135 MTPA out of which 80%

will be fly ash i.e. 0.108 MTPA and balance will be bottom ash of 0.027 MTPA. The

following measures shall be taken for solid waste management:

In general, ash will be given to potential ash users;

The excess ash will be disposed off using high concentrated slurry disposal

system to HDPE lined ash pond;

The generated waste oil shall be explored to be used in boiler furnace with HFO

or shall be given to authorized recyclers;

The organic portion of solid waste generated in the Sewage Treatment Plant

(STP) will be used as manure in greenbelt development; and

Maintaining the data base on solid waste generation such as quantity, quality,

treatment/management.


district, Tamilnadu

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Ash Utilization

Fly ash will be utilized in brick plants, cement industries, as micro-nutrient in

fertilizer, road construction and backfilling of mines. The fly ash will be utilized in

various construction materials to the maximum extent and 100% utilization will be

achieved as per the new fly ash notification.

Greenbelt Development

Additional greenbelt will be developed around the plant site. The total greenbelt

around the power plant complex will be about 13.30 ha (35.96%) upon expansion.

The greenbelt will be maintained with a density of minimum 2500 trees/ha inside

the plant premises. A total cost of Rs. 5 Crores is proposed to be spent for the

development of additional greenbelt.

Cost Provision for Environmental Measures

It is proposed to invest about Rs. 360 crores on pollution control, treatment and

monitoring systems for proposed power plant with a recurring cost of Rs. 26

crores per annum

10.6 Post Project Environment Monitoring Programme

Post project environmental monitoring is important in terms of evaluating the

performance of pollution control equipments installed in the project. The sampling

and analysis of the environmental attributes will be as per the guidelines of

CPCB/SPCB. The frequency of air, noise, surface water and ground water

sampling and location of sampling will be as per the directives of Tamil Nadu

Pollution Control Board.

10.7 Risk Assessment and Disaster Management Plan

The hazard potential of oil and estimation of consequences in case of their

accidental release during storage, transportation and handling has been identified

and risk assessment has been carried out to quantify the extent of damage and

suggest recommendations for safety improvement for the proposed facilities. Risk

mitigation measures based on MCA analysis and engineering judgments are

incorporated in order to improve overall system safety and mitigate the effects of

major accidents.

An effective Disaster Management Plan (DMP) to mitigate the risks involved has

been prepared. This plan defines the responsibilities and resources available to

respond to the different types of emergencies envisaged. Training exercises will

be held to ensure that all personnel are familiar with their responsibilities and

that communication links are functioning effectively.


district, Tamilnadu

Chapter – 10



10.8 Project Benefits

The proposed 545 MW thermal power plant will result in improvement of

infrastructure as well as upliftment of social structure in the surrounding villages.

The people residing in the nearby areas will be benefited indirectly. The major

benefit due to the proposed project will be in the sphere of generating temporary

employment for substantial number of personnel.

During the erection phase about 50 people on an average will be employed. The

manpower for the proposed expansion of power plant during operational period is

estimated to be about 200 persons in addition to the existing manpower.

Implementation of the power project will result in the following benefits

Employment will be provided to eligible persons both during construction and

operational phase

Temporary employment for people from the neighboring villages during

construction phase.

Community development activities such as training of local unemployed youth

in various construction skills, English speaking, personality development,

development of self help groups for women, providing drinking water facility,

strengthening of rural roads, deepening of ponds etc.,

State will get revenue from payment towards taxes and water cess etc.,

Providing dispensary with a medicine bank to cater to the health care needs of

the surrounding villages.

Providing vocational training to women in areas for their self employment.

Utilizing the services of ex-servicemen for providing training to youth in areas

of personality development, security etc.,

10.9 Conclusion

The proposed expansion of the power plant has certain level of marginal impacts

on the local environment. However, development of this project has certain

beneficial impact/effects in terms of bridging the electrical power demand and

supply gap and providing employment opportunities that will be created during

the course of its setting up and as well as during the operational phase of the

entire project.




Chapter – 11

Disclosure of consultant

Vimta Labs Limited, Hyderabad / Coimbatore 209

11.0 DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANT

11.1 Introduction

VIMTA Labs Limited is a leading multi-disciplinary testing and research

laboratory in India. VIMTA provides contract research and testing services in the

areas of clinical research, pre-clinical (animal) studies, clinical reference lab

services, environmental assessments and analytical testing of a wide variety of

products.

VIMTA - Environment Division has been in the forefront of its vision to provide

better environment through guiding and assisting the industry for sustainable

development. A stalwart in the mission to protect and preserve the natural

resources on earth for future generations, Vimta offers extensive research and

consultancy services in the field of Environment. With its rich experience, multi-

disciplinary expertise and with the support of its state-of the-art analytical

equipment, the services offered by Vimta are wide ranging and encompasses

entire gamut of Environment Management and Monitoring Services. With its

emphasis on quality services, Vimta, over the years, has evolved itself into a

single reference point in India for Comprehensive Environmental Services.

11.2 The Quality Policy

VIMTA is committed to good professional practices and quality of operations in

its testing, validation and research services.

VIMTA shall ensure customer satisfaction by maintaining independence,

impartiality and integrity in its operations.

VIMTA shall provide the services in accordance with national and international

norms.

VIMTA shall implement quality system as per ISO/IEC 17025 and applicable

GLPs & GCPs, to generate technically valid results/data.

VIMTA shall ensure that all its personnel familiarize with the policies and

procedures of the quality system and implement the same in their work.

11.3 Milestones and Accreditations

1984 - Registered with an initial investment of Rs.2 Lakhs.

1985 - Recognized by ISI (now known as Bureau of Indian Standards).

1987 - Qualified by the criteria of Ministry of Environment and Forests was

notified as one of the 14 standard Environmental Laboratories published in the

Gazettee of India.

1988 - Licensed for carrying out tests on Drugs and Pharmaceuticals.

1990 - Cherlapally land purchased with plans of larger, more comprehensive

facility.

1991 - Accredited by NCTCF, DST, Government of India (the forerunner of

NABL).

1992 - Laboratories shifted to new facility at Cherlapally.

1993 - State-of-the-art equipment worth Rs.60 million procured.

1995 - Accredited by NABL under its revised scheme, certified by Standards

Australia, Quality Assurance Services as per ISO/IEC Guide 25 and ISO 9002.




Chapter – 11



1996 - GLP Compliance.

1997 - Restructuring of Vimta from 165 to 100 associates with same

performance.

1998 - Accreditation by GOSSTANDART and joint venture for certification of

Food Exports with ROSTEST, Russia.

2001 - World Bank Recognition.

2002 - ANVISA Brazil certification.

2003 - USFDA accepts Vimta Bioequivalence study report. Showcased Vimta

at AAPS (USA) and ICSE-CPHI (Germany).

2003 - Vimta VHS Research Center inaugurated at Chennai, Launched district

laboratories at Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, Patient service centers

launched at 160 locations across the country.

2003 – Vimta Labs Recognized by Saudi Arabian Standards Organization.

2004 - Vimta increases people strength from 225 in 2003 to 400 in 2004.

Vimta achieves export turnover of $ 2.5 million.

2004 - Vimta releases its first fortnightly medical newsletter “Vaidyalekha”,

Vimta enters Gulf market - bags a contract for Environmental Consultancy in

Kuwait.

2004 - Vimta acquires 10.7 acres of land in S.P.Biotech Park – Genome

Valley, Hyderabad, to create a world class Research Laboratory of 150000

sq.ft by July 2005.

2004 – Vimta starts a new state of the art speciality services in Molecular

Diagnostics at TICEL Bio-Tech Park” at Chennai.

2006 – Vimta expands its overseas activities. Undertakes environmental

assignments in Saudi Arabia and Tanzania

2008 – Vimta has been Pre-Qualified by World Health Organization (WHO).

2009–Undertaken Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment in

Cameroon, Africa

2010 – Accredited by QCI/NABET, Government of India for EIA report

preparation

2011- Undertaking environmental and social impact assessment study in

Tanzania, Africa as per IFC-World Bank Guidelines

11.4 Management and Board of Directors

1. Dr. S.P. Vasireddi Chairman and Managing Director

2. Mrs. Harita Vasireddi Director Projects

3. Mr.V. Harriman Director – Technical

4. Mr. V.V. Prasad Executive Director

5. Mr. S. Subrahmanyam Director

6. Mr. T.S. Ajai Director

7. Dr. Pavuluri Subba Rao Director

8. Prof. D. Balasubramanian Director




Chapter – 11



11.5 Services Offered

Spread over the 70,000 Sq.ft lush green garden premises at Cherlapally,

Hyderabad (India), the scientifically designed and meticulously groomed

infrastructural facility of the Central Laboratory of VIMTA has the most

sophisticated instruments backed by an excellent team of professionals. The

40,000 Sq.ft, three-storied, 120 roomed, centrally air conditioned state-of-the-art

Laboratory equipped with Rs.100 million worth analytical instruments and

computerized data management systems, all under one roof is perhaps the only

one of its kind in South Asia in the contract testing and research sector.

Vimta offers various services under the following divisions:

Environment;

Analytical;

Clinical Reference Lab; and

Clinical Research.

The environment division of VIMTA Labs Limited (Vimta) has its presence all over

India including a strong association with international consultants like Japan Bank

for International Cooperation (JBIC), Kennametal Inc. - USA, BBL - UK, Rudal

Blanchard – UK, E&E Solutions – Japan, NEPESCO & KNPC – Kuwait, Marafiq –

Saudi Arabia and others. Vimta has the following credentials:

Recognitions by BIS;

Recognitions by Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India;

Recognitions by State Pollution Control Boards (wherever applicable) ;

Recognitions by Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India (NABL) ;

Recognitions by Ministry of Defense, Govt. of India;

Recognitions by APEDA, Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India;

Recognitions by Saudi Arabia Standard Organization (SASO), Saudi Arabia;

Recognitions from NEMC, Tanzania;

Accreditations by NCTCF;

Certification from Standard Australia;

Recognition from ANVISA Brazil;

Quality Assurance Services as per ISO/IEC 17025; and

Quality Assurance Services as per ICH Guidelines

11.6 Services

Environment essentially being a multi-disciplinary science, the range of services

offered by the Division are also comprehensive and caters to the needs of

industry, pollution control agencies, regulatory authorities and in a larger pursuit

of a green globe. The services under Environmental Assessments include:

Site Selection and Liability Studies;

Environmental Impact Assessments;

Environment Management Plans;

Carrying Capacity based Regional Studies;

Environmental Audits;

Solid and Hazardous Waste Management;




Chapter – 11



Risk Assessment (MCA,HAZON,HAZOP) & DMP;

Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene;

Environmental Monitoring for Air, Meteorology, Water, Soil, Noise, Ecology

and Socio-Economic;

Industrial Emission Source Monitoring;

Offshore Sampling and Analysis of Marine Water and Sediments;

Marine Ecological Studies;

Marine Impact Assessment;

Rehabilitation and Resettlement Studies;

Forestry and Ecological Studies;

Geological and Hydro-geological Studies;

Land Use /Land Cover Studies based on Remote Sensing;

Socio-Economic Studies;

Due Diligence Studies;

Epidemiological Studies;

Wasteland Management Studies; and

Study on Bio-indicators.

The services under Environmental Chemistry include:

Analysis of Water, Wastewater, Soil, Solid Waste, Hazardous waste as per

Indian and International Codes;

Source Emissions and Work Zone Air/Noise quality monitoring;

Analysis of SVOCs, VOCs, PAH, BTEX, AOX, PCB’s, TCLP metals, TOC etc.;

Categorization of Hazardous Waste; and

Pesticide Residue Analysis.

11.7 Facilities

Vimta-Environment Division is located in scientifically designed Central Laboratory

with the state-of the-art modern facilities to offer vide range of services in indoor

and outdoor monitoring and analytical characterization in the field of

Environment. Further, it is ably supported by highly skilled and experienced team

of professionals in the fields of Science, Engineering, Ecology, Meteorology, Social

Planning, Geo & Hydro-geology, and Environmental Planning.

Besides the regular monitoring equipment such as Respirable Dust Samplers,

Automatic Weather Monitoring Stations, Stack Monitoring Kits, Personal

Samplers, Noise Meters, Portable Water Kits etc, the other major specialized

equipment include:

Monostatic Sodar–Designed by National Physical Laboratory, GOI;

Integrated Noise Level Meter–Quest, U.S.A;

Flue Gas Analyzers–Testo, Germany;

113-A Gravimetric Dust Sampler-Casella, London;

ICP AES– Varian, USA;

Gas Liquid Chromatographs with FID, ECD & pFPD–Varian, USA;

Gas Chromatograph with Mass Detector–Varian, USA;

Atomic Absorption Spectrometer [AAS]–Varian, USA;

PAS-AFC-123 instrument;




Chapter – 11



High Performance Liquid Chromatograph;

Laser Particle Size Analyzer;

Monostatic Sodar – Designed by National Physical Laboratory, GOI;

Integrated Noise Level Meter–Quest, U.S.A;

Flue Gas Analyzers–Testo, Germany;

113-A Gravimetric Dust Sampler-Casella, London;

ICP AES– Varian, USA;

Gas Liquid Chromatographs with FID, ECD & pFPD–Varian, USA;

Gas Chromatograph with Mass Detector–Varian, USA;

Atomic Absorption Spectrometer [AAS]–Varian, USA;

11.8 Quality Systems

The fact that Environment division and its supporting Site Laboratories are

accredited by NABL (IS0-17025) and Ministry of Environment and Forests and by

other international bodies such as Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World

Bank stands testimony to its emphasis on Quality Systems.

11.9 Achievements

Being the first laboratory to be recognized under Environment Protection (EP) Act

by GOI in 1986, Environment Division with its best mind power and industrial

knowledge competency that allows it to compare with the best in the business.

The Environment Division till date has executed about 350 Environmental

Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environment Management Studies with Risk

Assessment and Disaster Management Plans and obtained statutory

approvals.

Supported by the strong modern laboratory support and experienced hands,

Environment division is well equipped in conducting Due Diligence, Phase-I

and Phase-II studies.

Undertaken specialized studies such as Regional Environmental Impact

Assessment on Carrying Capacity Principle; Upper Air Meteorological studies

using SODAR for major Industrial Complexes.

Associated with prestigious studies such as Environmental Pollution

monitoring around Taj Trapezium, Pre and Post Satellite launch studies for

SHAR, ISRO and monitoring for offshore Oil & Gas exploration for deep-sea

water and sediment sampling.

The services offered include vide spectrum of industries covering Power,

Chemical, Cement, Mining, Steel & Alloys, Metallurgical, Dye & Intermediates,

Bulk Drugs, Pesticides, Agro-Chemicals, Petro-Chemicals, Refineries, Pulp &

Paper, Oil & Gas Exploration & Production, Asbestos, Infrastructure, River

valley, Foundries etc.

The Environment division has also offered its services to major infrastructure

projects such as Ports, Oil & Gas Pipelines, Green field Air Ports, Roads and

Highways.


Chapter – 11



DETAILS OF PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN CURRENT EIA REPORT

Sr. No. Name Qualification Position Contribution Experience

1 Mr. M. Janardhan M.Tech (Env) Head & Vice

President(Env)

Co-ordination About 20 years of experience in the field of air quality impacts, and noise,

environmental management and environmental engineering

2 Mr. K.S. Muneeswaran M.E. (Env. Engg)

PGDES, PGDIS

Senior Manager Co-ordination About 22 years of experience in the field of environmental chemistry and

environmental impact assessment

3 Mr. G.V. Raghava Rao M.Tech (Env) Dy. Manager Expert About 11 years of experience in the field of Environmental Impact

Assessment studies

4 Mr. P.Niranjan Babu B.Com Asst Manager Secretarial About 21 years of experience in the field of Environmental Monitoring and

secretarial assistance

5 Ms. Durga Bhavani M.Sc. (Env. Sci) Group leader Expert About 8 years of experience in the field of environmental impact assessment

6 Dr. Subba Reddy M.Sc., Ph.D Scientist Expert About 6 years of experience in the field of Environmental Impact Assessment studies

7 Mr. S. Kishore Kumar M.Tech (Env) Env Engineer Expert About 3 years of experience in the field of Environmental Impact Assessment

studies

8 Mr. S. Rajeswaran M.E., (Env. Engg) Env. Engineer Expert About 3 years of experience in the field of environmental monitoring and


9 Mr. J. Bharatvaj M.E., (Env. Engg) Env. Engineer Expert About 1 year of experience in the field of environmental monitoring and


10 Mr. ACH Ramesh Kumar M.Sc (Env) Scientist Expert About 10 years of experience in the field of Environmental Impact

Assessment studies

11 Mr. T. Seshagiri Rao M.Sc (Env) Scientist Expert About 8 years of experience in the field of Environmental Impact Assessment

studies

12 Dr. Subba Reddy M.Sc., Ph.D Scientist Expert About 6 years of experience in the field of Environmental Impact Assessment

studies

13 Mr. G. Krishnamoorthy M.Sc., (Env. Sci) Scientist Expert About 3 years of experience in the field of Environmental Science and

monitoring

14 Mr. C. Yathavaraj M.Sc., (Env. Sci) Scientist Expert About 2 years of experience in the field of Environmental Science and

monitoring

15 Mr. A. Ashok B.Tech (Biotechnology) Jr. Env. Engineer Expert About 1 year of experience in the field of Environmental Science and

monitoring

16 Mr. T.Karthikeyan B.Tech (Biotechnology) Jr. Env. Engineer Expert About 1 year of experience in the field of Environmental Science and

monitoring

17 Mr. P. Krishna I.T.I (Civil) Sr. Draftsman Cartography About 12 years experience in the field of Environmental and Civil Drawings

18 Mr. J. Ramakrishna I.T.I (Civil) Sr. Draftsman Cartography About 11 years experience in the field of Environmental and Civil Drawings




Chapter – 11



rapid environmental impact...

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