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ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION

MEASURES

1.1 DETAILS OF THE INVESTIGATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

This chapter provides a brief overview of the potential impacts on various environmental components due to the Bitkuli Limestone Mining project by semi-mechanized opencast mining method. The opencast mining operations involve development of benches, approach roads, haul roads, blasting, excavation and loading and unloading, crushing and transportation of materials. If adequate control measures are not taken to prevent/mitigate the adverse environmental impacts, these operations may cause environmental degradation and ultimately lead to irreversible damage to the ecosystem. Various environmental impacts, which are identified due to iron ore mining project, are discussed in the following sections: 1.1.1 Impact on Climate

The climate is represented through three distinct seasons- summer, rainy and winter. The climate in the study area generally has tropical weather which is moderate but on a warmer side in summer. Temperature

The area experiences hot climate during summer, with the average daily temperature rising up to 46°C (March-June). The maximum average daily temperature in winter and summer are 31.5°C and 46°C respectively. The average, monthly minimum and maximum temperatures have been monitored at the proposed mine project site and also analyzed based on the data from nearest IMD station at Raipur. The temperature pattern indicates a regional behavior. The proposed limestone mining project will be carried out over an area of 4.808 Ha. There is no combustion/heating process or manufacturing process involved in the mining. Only excavation of limestone from the mine, hand sizing ,loading and transporting to the destination industries as per the order are the major processes involved in proposed Bitkuli Limestone Mine. The Mining activities will be carried out only during day time in single shift. Heat will be generated only from the engines of the mining and transportation vehicles, which will be immediately radiated and cooled in the vicinity. As such, there will not be any changes in the ambient temperature of the area due to this small mining project.

Rainfall

The average annual rainfall in the region is 1050 to 1100 mm.. Any changes in the pattern of rainfall in a region are because of natural reasons and not due localized project activity. The magnitude of mining operation is small and is not expected to have any impact on the rainfall pattern of the area.

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Wind Speed

The wind speed of any area depends on the existence of elevations and depressions in the region. Regionally, the lease area is a small hillock and surround area is almost flat . The entire mining lease area is on the flat ground; the highest contour level is 271 mRL on the northern part and gradually reduced in all directions having lowest contour level of 268mRL. Due to flat topography of surrounding area , there may be no insignificant variations are anticipated at local level. Humidity

No change is envisaged in the relative humidity of the area as there is no water consuming process in the mining operation other than water requirement for dust suppression, plantation and domestic use, which will mostly be percolated to ground and only a small fraction will be evaporated.

1.1.2 Impact on Topography and Drainage

Regionally, the lease area is a part of flat terrain of Suhela-Hathband area . The entire mining lease area is on the flat gentle sloping ground contour level is 271 mRL on the center and gradually reduced in all directions having lowest contour level of 268 mRL, which will go up to 232mRL at Conceptual Stage. The proposed mining operations will alter the existing topography of the mining lease area. Proposed mining will require small flat ground cutting for excavation of limestone, which will result in creation of mine pits in the lease area. The proposed mining lease area is devoid of any seasonal or perennial water body. One seasonal nalas having no name present nearby mining lease area at a distance of 200 m.in south-east. The general ground level is about 270 m RL near the village settlements. As observed from the nearby wells, the water table is about 30 m below the general ground level. The UPD is 232 m RL at conceptual stage of mining. Hence there is no intersection of ground water table has been anticipated from quarrying activity. Surface run-off from the quarry lease area flows through along the slope of the area and joins the seasonal streams flowing outside the mining lease area. At the end of quarrying activities after reserves are exhausted, the area will be restored to an acceptable level of self-sustaining eco-system, which will comprise of 3.603 ha area converted in to water tank and 1.0 ha will be for afforestation with suitable slope and fenced boundaries. 1.1.3 Impact on Land use

Regionally, the mining lease area is a part of Govt. Revenue land under Pahar Chattan or waste land. The entire lease area is on the small flat ground. Proposed mining activities will change the land use pattern of the mining lease area. There will be creation of mine pits, haul roads, green belt, infrastructure facilities, etc. within the quarry lease area. However, there will not be

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any change in the land use pattern of the area outside the mining lease. The present and proposed land use pattern of the mine lease area is given in

TABLE : STAGE WISE LAND USE (HA)

Category Present Land Use ( Area in Hects. ) After 5 Years

( Area in Hectare )

Area Under Pits 2.849 2.849

Area for Dumping 0.027 0.071

Area for Approach Road 0.126 0.126

Plantation 0.022 0.082

Infrastructure 0.000 0.008

Garland Drain 0.000 0.000

Undisturbed area 0.579 0.467

Total Area in Hectares 3.603 3.603

It is evident from the above that at the end of 5 years period, the mined out area will be 3.136 ha in first 5 years at the end of mine life which would be converted into a water body for irrigation and fishery for local people. The waste dumps over an area of will also be reclaimed by plantation. No adverse impact is anticipated on land use of buffer zone associated due to the mining, as all the activities will be confined within the project site only. 1.1.4 Impact on Topsoil

The occurrence of top soil/lateritic soil in the mine is very insignificant and is encountered very thin in between limestone. However, during mining this soil will be preserved and utilized for plantation purpose only. 50 M3 estimated soil will be used for afforestation purpose only.

1.1.5 Impact on Air Quality& Mitigation Measures

The proposed mining operation will be carried out over an area of 3.136 ha. The quarrying will be with opencast semi-mechanized method which will involve various mining operations such as drilling, light blasting, development of benches, loading, unloading, excavation and transportation causing dust generation and gaseous pollutants in the atmosphere.

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1.1.5.1 Air Pollution due to Mining

(i) Particulate Matter

The prime source of dust generation is anticipated from various mining activities i.e. drilling, blasting, loading, unloading, dumps, crushing and transportation. Dust concentration levels will be no much higher within the active operational areas (mine area) whereas its level will be much lower in the buffer zone (10 km from mine lease boundary). (ii) Gaseous Pollution

The sources of gaseous pollutants (SO2 &NOx) within the mine lease area are anticipated due to deployment of excavator, tippers and transport vehicles. Vehicular movements within the quarry will add marginally to contribute NOx and SO2 concentration. To assess the impact of the limestone mining operations, air quality modeling was carried out for the mining operations and the mineral transportation activities. The modeling was carried out using MoEF/CPCB approved ISCST3 model. The incremental ground level concentration of due to mining and allied activities was predicted using the above mentioned models and the resultant concentration were compared with the National Air Quality Standards. 1.1.5.3 Emission of PM10 from Mining area

The emission rates for the different sources in the mining area were calculated primarily based on emission factor equation given in latest USEPA’s AP-42 guidelines. Further the emission estimation equations given in “TSP Emission Factors for different mining activities for Air Quality Impact Prediction as collated from different Sources” by S P Banerjee & CMRI were also considered since these are based on the study conducted in India for the estimation of emission rate of reparable suspended particulate matter from various open cast mining activities. In addition, as the proposed mine development will be undertaken in environmentally friendly manner as per the stipulated guidelines, activity specific control factors are considered in calculation the emission rates.

Summary of calculated estimated Emission Rates

TABLE : EMISSIONS RATES

Sr.

No. Mine

Emission Rate (g/s/m2)

Drilling Loading/unloading Blasting Haul road

1. Limestone mine 0.0014 0.00010 0.022 0.00044

Note: 70% controlled

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1.1.5.4 Meteorological Data

The meteorology of the project area plays very important role in dispersion of pollutants and build-up of pollution within the atmosphere. In the present study, in the month of March-May 2016 meteorological data has been taken to find the dispersion of pollutant concentration. The mixing height, which is an important parameter to express the dispersive potential of atmosphere, has been taken from the atlas of hourly mixing height and assimilative capacity of atmosphere in India (S.D. Attri et al., 2008). Wind-rose diagram for March-May 2016 meteorological data used for modeling is shown given below in Figure 4.1.

FIGURE 4.1: WIND-ROSE DIAGRAM

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Incremental Rise in Concentrations

Incremental rise in concentrations due to various mining activities in the present case, a model simulation was carried out for study period for incremental rise of ground level concentration (GLC). The maximum incremental rise of ground level concentration (GLC) for PM10 generated from the different activities in the mining areas is carried out. 1.1.5.5 Air Pollution Control Measures

There will be slight increase in particulate matter concentrations in ambient air due to the proposed iron ore mining activities. Particulate matter levels will be higher within the active operational areas (mine area) due to blasting, transportation and crushing. However, there will not be any significant increase in the dust concentration in the villages located in the study area. Also due air pollution control measures as suggested below, will be adopted to control dust generation from the mining and allied activities. Following measures shall be adopted to mitigate air pollution generated due to the mining activities:

No blasting under unfavorable wind and atmospheric conditions. ( No proposal of blasting)

Use of drilling machines equipped with dust collector arrangement or water flushing.

Blasting only in daytime and at a time when there will be no mining activity. No basting during unfavorable wind and atmospheric conditions.

Blasting by using adequate booster/primer & by proper stemming of the blast hole.

Minimum excavator bucket height during loading and unloading activity.

Water sprinkling through mobile tanker at regular intervals on haul roads within the mine and surface transportation road.

Regular maintenance of vehicles and machinery.

Dust respirators to workmen.

Development of green belt/plantation in the safety zone.

Good housekeeping.

Regular monitoring of pollutants to strengthen the control measures in case the concentration level exceeds the prescribed limits.

1.1.5.6 IMPACT ON TRAFFIC LOAD

The mined out limestone ( 125 TPD ROM) will be transported to the directly user cement industries in Chhattisgarh. The limestone will be transported to various Cement plant located at nearby in Chhattisgarh . Daily trip will be not more than 8 to 10 Trips 5 trucks with 2 trips each/day will be transported, the dust generation due to vehicular movement will be intermittent and there will be sufficient time to be dispersed in the atmosphere without any significant built up in dust concentration. Regular maintenance of road and covered transportation will also reduce the dust generation considerably. Since the transportation will

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be along the open areas stretches which are mostly devoid of habitation and sparse agriculture field, the effect on human being and agriculture will be insignificant. 1.1.5.6 Overall Impact due to the Mining Operations

As discussed above, there will be slight increase in terms of dust load and gaseous emissions. However, it can be stated that these incremental contributions will remain within the prescribed limits/norms. Further, the mitigation measures will further bring down these concentrations making the iron ore mining activities more environment friendly. 1.1.6 Impact of Mining on Water Regime

1.1.6.1 Water Demand

Total water requirement for the project will be 5 KLD, which will be met from bore well and mine pit water ( available from July to January). Details of water requirement in the project are presented in Table .The water balance for the project is presented in .

TABLE 4.4 WATER REQUIREMENTS (UNIT IN KLD)

S. No. Particulars Quantity Source

1 Dust Suppression 2 Bore well water and Mine pit water

(when available) 2 Green Belt & Plantation 1

3 Domestic Use 2

Total 5

1.1.6.2 Impact of Mining on Surface Water resources and its Management

Mining lease area is devoid of any seasonal or perennial water body. Some seasonal nalas are present nearby mine lease area. The nearest seasonal nalais at 100 meters, north. During the rainy season, there may be accumulation of surface water, which is proposed to be pumped out to keep the working area dry and it will be utilized for dust suppression and various Mining activity inevitably leads into sediment and suspended load due to erosional activity of overburden dump and loosened soil by blasting activity. This silt may get carried to the nearby seasonal streams with the surface runoff during rains and may cause siltation of the seasonal water bodies located outside the mining area. The following measures will be taken up to reduce this load.

Garland drains around the dump and mining pit so that surface water does not enter and is drained outside after treatment in settling tank.

Water from the working face and working areas will be channelized to flow into the quarry sump by gravity from where it will be pumped out to surface settling tank.

Garland drain having siltation pits at the toe of the dumps to channelize the runoff water from dumps into the settling tank for treatment.

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Retaining walls having water holes along the toe of the dumps to avoid the soil wash out.

Stabilization of dump slopes by plantation to avoid soil erosion.

Regular sampling and analysis of treated mine water for taking any corrective actions if required.

The impact due to this small mining operation on the water quality is expected to be insignificant

because of no use of chemicals or hazardous substances during quarrying process. The surface

run-off from dumps and mining area will be collected in this settling tank and will be used for dust

suppression and plantation in the mine and crusher. Excess water, if any, will be diverted to the

mine sump for storage.

1.1.6.3 Wastewater Generation, Treatment & Disposal

There will be no process waste water generation in the mine and allied activities. Only domestic effluent will be generated from the mine office and rest shelter. The domestic effluent is discharged in septic tank followed by soak pit. Rainwater accumulated in the mine pit, if any, will be collected in the quarry sump and will be used for dust suppression and plantation in quarry . 1.1.6.4 Impact of Mining on Ground Water & its Management

Mining lease a area is a part of Bitkuli village with highest contour level 271mRL on the center and gradually reducing in north-west direction having lowest contour level of 268mRL. The mining activities will be restricted upto ultimate depth of 232mRL at conceptual stage. From the tube well sunk in the area it is noticed that the ground water is available below 30 meters of the normal surface level (270 m RL). From the occurrence of Water Table it has been observed that mining activity will be confined much above the water table and will not intersect the aquifers in the area. Proposed mining operation is also not expected to cause any impact on ground water regime as the mining will be always above the ground water table. The ground water available in the nearby well, bore well is analysed and it is found within the prescribed standard of CPCB and remedial measures will be adopted to keep the water quality within the prescribed standard.

SCHEMATIC REPRESENTATION OF SITE ELEVATION, WORKING DEPTH & GROUND WATER Proposed working will not intersect ground water table.

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Artificial Recharge and Rain Water Harvesting To maintain the water level in the nearby villages, the mine management will suggest Roof top harvesting structures in the public buildings in nearby villages with prior consent from local Bitkuli grampanchayats to collect rain water and charge to ground through available dug well/ tube well

FIGURE : TYPICAL ROOF TOP RAIN WATER HARVESTING SYSTEM

1.1.8 Impact of Noise Levels and Ground Vibrations

1.1.8.1 Noise Impact due to Working Environment

High noise levels pose a major health risk to the mine workers. When noise in the form of waves impinges the eardrum, it begins to vibrate, stimulating other delicate tissues and organs in the ear. If the magnitude of noise exceeds the tolerance limits, it is manifested in the form of discomfort leading to annoyance and in extreme cases to loss of hearing. Detrimental effects of noise pollution are not only related to sound pressure level and frequency, but also on the total duration of exposure and the age of the person. The adverse effects of high noise levels on exposed workers may result in:

Annoyance;

Fatigue;

Temporary shift of threshold limit of hearing;

Permanent loss of hearing; and

Hypertension and high blood cholesterol, etc. The following are the sources of noise in the Iron Ore mine:

Roof Down Comer Pipe

Dug well

Filter Bed

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Drilling & Blasting;

Loading & unloading;

Crusher

Vehicular Movement. The likely generation of noise levels, due to various mining activities will be as given in following

:

TABLE 4.5 EXPECTED NOISE LEVELS FROM MINING OPERATIONS

Equipment’s Expected Noise Levels dB(A)

Drilling ( by Jack hammer and compressors ) 50-60

Excavator 60-70

Tippers 65-75

1.1.8.2 Predicted noise levels due to Limestone Mining .

The mining area where mine machinery and transport vehicles will operate, overall noise level will be within the stipulated 90 dB (A) norms. The protection measures for the operators of these equipment will reduce the impact/exposure. The quarrying operation is small and all the machinery are also small.

1.1.9 Impacts due to Ground Vibration and Fly Rocks

Ground vibration due to mining activities in the area are anticipated due to operation of mining machines like excavators, drilling and blasting, transportation vehicles etc. However, the major source of ground vibration from this mine is blasting. The major impact of the ground vibrations is observed on the domestic houses located in the villages surrounding the mine lease area. The kuchha houses are more prone to cracks and damage due to the vibrations. Apart from this, the ground vibrations may develop a fear factor in the nearby settlements. Another impact due to blasting activities is fly rocks. These may fall on the plantation in forest area nearby the quarry lease. Nearest major habitation from the mine lease area is located in Bitkuli village at 1.0 km. The ground vibrations at Bitkuli village due to the blasting in mine are calculated using the empirical equation: It is proposed to use about 50 to 60 kg/day explosives for blasting for obtaining the desired limestone production.

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The empirical equation used for assessment of peak particle velocity (PPV) is: V= 417.8 {D/(Q0.5)}-1.265 Where V= Peak particle velocity in mm/s D= Distance between location of blast and gauge point in m Q=Quantity of explosive per blasting in kg

TABLE 4: ESTIMATED PEAK PARTICLE VELOCITY FOR DIFFERENT EXPLOSIVE CHARGES

Distance from blasting site, m Quantity of Explosive/Blast, Kg PPV, mm/s

1000 200 1.9

2000 200 0.8

3000 200 0.5

4000 200 0.3

5000 200 0.2

Note: The empirical formula does not take into account the delay factor in blasting due to use of Delay Detonators. The standards for safe limit of PPV are established by Directorate General of Mines Safety for safe level criteria through Circular No. 7 dated 29/8/1997. Permissible standards of Ground vibration due to blasting as per guidelines of Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Dhanbad are given in Table

Type of Structure Dominant Excitation Frequency

<8 Hz 8 – 25 Hz >25 Hz

A] Buildings/structures not belonging to the owner

Domestic houses/structures (Kuchha brick and cement) 5 10 15

Industrial Buildings (RCC and framed structures 10 20 25

Objects of historical importance and sensitive structures 2 5 10

B] Buildings belonging to owner with limited span of life

Domestic houses/structures (Kuchha brick and cement) 10 15 25

Industrial buildings (RCC& framed structures) 15 25 50

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TABLE : PERMISSIBLE PEAK PARTICLE VELOCITY (mm/s) Source: DGMS Circular No. 7 dated 29/08/1997

From the above table, it can be seen that the maximum charge per blast of 20 kg/day will not cause any significant ground vibrations in the area. The ground vibrations at nearby village due to the blasting in Bitkuli Limestone Mine is approximately zero. However, additional control measures needs to be adopted to avoid the impacts due to ground vibrations and fly rocks due to blasting. 1.1.9.1 Measures for Minimizing Impacts

Noise Control Measures

The following control measures will be adopted to keep the ambient noise levels well below the limits. The same will be continued and strengthen in proposed expansion project:

Drilling will be carried out with sharp drill bits which help in reducing noise.

Secondary blasting will be totally avoided and Hydraulic rock breaker/jack hammer drills will be used for breaking boulders.

Controlled blasting with proper spacing, burden, stemming and optimum charge/delay will be maintained.

The blasting will be carried out during favorable atmospheric condition and between 2.00 PM to 2.30 PM and proper security arrangement.

Proper maintenance, oiling and greasing of machines at regular intervals will be done to reduce generation of noise.

Provision of sound insulated chambers for the workers deployed on machines (HEMM) producing higher levels of noise.

Proper designing of crushing plant by providing inbuilt mechanism like silencers, mufflers and enclosures for noise generating parts and shock absorbing pads at the foundation.

Green Belt/Plantation will be developed around the mining activity area and along haul roads.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like ear muffs/ear plugs will be provided to the operators of HEMM and persons working near HEMM; and

Periodical monitoring of noise during blasting will be done.

Measures to Control Ground Vibration & Fly Rocks

The blasting operations in the mine will be carried out by 34 to 65 mm shallow hole drilling and blasting using delay detonators, which reduce the ground vibrations. The measures that are generally followed and currently proposed for abatement of ground vibration and fly rocks are detailed below:

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Proper quantity of explosive, suitable stemming materials and appropriate delay system will be adopted to avoid overcharging and for safe blasting.

Proper blast design will be made to control ground vibration and fly rocks.

Adequate safe distance from blasting will be maintained.

The charge per delay will be minimized and preferably more number of delays will be used per blasts;

During blasting, other activities in the immediate vicinity will be temporarily stopped;

Drilling parameters like burden, depth, diameter and spacing will be properly designed to give proper blast.

Muffle blasting using wire mesh and sand bags will be conducted at mine working near ML boundary.

Blasting will be carried out only to loosen the strata, thereby reducing the quantity of explosives used per blast.

1.1.10 Impact Prediction & Mitigation Measures – Biological Environment

Impact on terrestrial Flora

Dust deposition on leaf lamina observed on nearby local plant species which may results in decline the rate of photosynthesis and retards the plant growth.

Measures for Minimizing Impact on Flora

Dust issues are mainly raised in the area due to unpaved road, cumulative fugitive dust emissions by various quarrying activities. To mitigate the impact regular water sprinkling will be carried out within the mine lease area as well as approach road.

Stabilization of soil/waste dumps by grass cover shall be done. Impact on Wildlife

There is no National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve within 50 km radius of the mining project site.

No rare, endemic & endangered species are reported in the buffer zone. However, during the course of mining, the management will practice scientific method of mining with proper Environmental Management Plan including pollution control measures especially for air and noise, to avoid any adverse impact on the surrounding wildlife.

Fencing around the mine lease area to restrict the entry of stray animals

Green belt development will be carried out which will help in minimizing adverse impact on the flora found in the area.

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Measures for Minimizing Impact on Fauna

Following measures will be adopted to minimize the impact of mining on faunal environment of the area.

Measures will be taken to curb pollution due to mining activities on air, water, land& noise environment. Plantation around mine area will help in creating habitats for small faunal species and to create better environment for various fauna. Creating and developing awareness for nature and wildlife in the adjoining villages.

Study of Impact on Aquatic Ecology

Small quarrying activities will not disturb the existing aquatic ecology as there is no effluent discharge proposed from the iron ore mine.

Mining activity may increase sediment load and total dissolved solids in streams due to, surface run off, erosion activity of loosened soil by blasting activity especially during rainy season and may affect water quality of natural water body and stream within mine lease area.

1.1.11 Mitigation Measures

Periodic maintenance of mineral transport road .

Regular sprinkling of water through mobile tanker on mineral transport road.

Covered Transport of ore

Development of thick plantation inside mine lease area

Monitoring of dust fall at land located nearby the mining area

Green Belt Development

The basic approach towards the development of Green belt /plantation in the lease area are with a view to provide an aesthetic look, eliminating fugitive emissions and for controlling the impact of noise, etc. A Green Belt will be developed based on the following principles:

Plants that grow fast will be preferred.

Preference for high canopy covers plants with local varieties

Perennial and evergreen plants will be preferred.

Plants having a high Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) will be preferred. The development of green belt is an important aspect for any project because:

It improves the ambient air quality by controlling Suspended Particulate Matter in air.

It helps in noise attenuation for the surrounding area.

It helps in attracting new birds and insects as their habitation.

It maintains the ecological balance.

It increases the aesthetic value of site.

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1.2 GREENBELT DEVELOPMENT & PLANTATION PROGRAMME

Proposed Greenbelt Development & Plantation Programme

It is proposed to develop plantation at 2 M x 2 M spacing, the rate of survival is aimed at 80% by regular watering & fencing to keep plants safe from animal grazing. Local species will be planted in consultation with local horticulturist. Diseased plants will be replaced by planting new saplings.

TABLE 4.9: PROPOSED AFFORESTATION PROGRAM (YEAR WISE)

Year No. of Sapling

1st Year 200

2nd Year 200

3rd Year 200

4th Year 200

5th Year 200

Total 1000

1.3 IMPACT ON SOCIO - ECONOMIC ASPECTS

Anticipated environmental impacts associated with the proposed project activity of Bitkuli Limestone Mining project have been identified. Various activities during the construction & operation phase of the project, which are likely to cause an impact on various environmental components, have been listed. There are many social &economical problems in almost all human communities are prevailing in the entire area. Due to the proposed project a significantly higher affirmative changes in the socio‐economic quality is foreseen, beneficial impacts of proposed project on socio-economic layout of project area would start its occurrence from construction phase itself. Construction Phase: No construction required at mine site . Small mine office store and reset shelter will be required at mine. Positive impact

Direct indirect employment opportunities for skilled, semiskilled and unskilled workforce

Changes in employment and income levels due to increased employment opportunities Due to use of local workforce, there will no additional strain for shelter/housing Local population would also get opportunities in related services activities like small

contractors, sub-contractors, supply of construction materials etc. Quality of life will improved due to increased income and employment opportunities

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Negative impact OPERATION PHASE:

Positive impact

Impact on Human Settlement

There is no human settlement in or adjacent to the Bitkuli Mining project. Nearest human settlement is located at Bitkuli village, 1.0 km. west of the mine lease area. Thus there will not be any impact on the human settlement in the area. The operation of the Mine and associated activities will improve the economic development, civic amenities, and educational facilities in the project vicinity. Overall, due to employment generation and economic progress, there will be small scale positive changes in the socio-economic condition of the people residing in the vicinity of the project site.

Impact on Population Growth

Total 19 nos. manpower will be employed directly during operation phase of mining. Mostly local persons will be employed in the mine. Additional manpower requirement in the mine will be employed from the nearby villages. Thus, there will not be any population growth in the area due to the proposed mining project.

Impact on Civic Amenities

Mine management will take efforts as a part of CSR for improvement in civic amenities like sanitation, drinking water facilities, transport road, etc. in the nearby villages.

Impact on Health Care Facilities

There are primary health care facilities in the nearby villages and hospital is available in Suhela town 5 km. . Mine management will also conduct periodic medical camps in the nearby villages as a part of CSR.

Impact on Economic Aspects

During operational phase, the manpower requirement will be a total of 19 persons. Mostly local persons will be employed in the mine. The local population will be given preference in employment. The employment potential will improve economic conditions of these families directly and provide employment to many other families indirectly who are involved in business and service oriented activities. These will in-turn improves the quality of life in the region. Negative impact

During operation phase transportation will increased due to loading/unloading of

material at project site

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In operation phase of Bitkuli mining project, fugitive emission will also increase.

Mitigation measures

Ensure that roads are properly signed, vehicles are well maintained and drivers are well trained and safety conscious

Increase awareness of villagers about risks/pollution and prevention from the mining activity risk

Villager/village leaders involvement during CSR implementation Require proper pollution control devices should be applicable for the different component

of environment such as water, air, soil etc. which directly or indirectly are the source of degradation of human condition

1.4 RECLAMATION OF MINED OUT AREA

Reclamation of mined out area is the most important activity of EMP. As a result of mining operation the original ground profile will be altered. The mining lease hold area is not covered with alluvial soil and topography of the surround area is flat, and the lease area is a small hillock. Reclamation activity will be commenced only after attaining the optimum thickness of limestone , which is economically viable, has been extracted. Prior to that whatsoever, overburden generated will be stacked along the western lease boundary, so that it can be used for reclamation purpose only. Soil Conservation Measures

The occurrence of Topsoil/Lateritic Soil in the quarry area is very insignificant and is encountered very thin in between rocks & boulders. However, during mining this soil will be preserved and utilized for plantation purpose. 1.5 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH (IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES)

Lessee G.P. Madharia will concern and takes full responsibility for the protection of the workers against sickness, disease and injury arising out of their employment and have adopted certain principles with regard to occupational health services, like establishing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment which will facilitate optimal physical and mental health in relation to work. The following occupational health measures shall also be adopted:-

(a) Identification and assessment of the risks from health hazards in the workplace; (b) Surveillance of the factors in the working environment and working practices which may

affect workers' health, including sanitary installations, canteens and housing; and (c) Advice on planning and organization of work, including the design of workplaces, on the

choice, maintenance and condition of machinery and other equipment and on substances used in work.

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1.5.1 Identification of Work Related Health Hazards

Details of the principle environmental and occupational risks that are likely to be created are

given in Table-.

TABLE : WORK RELATED HEALTH HAZARDS

Sr. No. Hazardous Activities Type of Hazards Severity of Injury

1 Drilling Exposed to high level of Noise Hearing impairment

Exposed to dusty environment Respiratory diseases

2 Blasting Struck by fly rock Serious Physical injury

Exposed to dusty environment Respiratory diseases

Exposed to high level noise Hearing impairment

Exposed to excessive vibration Cracks to permanent structures

3 Loading Struck by rolling big boulders Serious injury, and equipment

damage

Struck by fall of objects Serious Physical injury

4 Transportation Accidental runaway of vehicle Serious injury, and equipment

damage Fall of vehicle from height while

reversing

Exposed to high level noise Hearing impairment

Fire in engine due to over

heating

Serious Physical injury

6 Welding, gas cutting No Proposal No Proposal

No Proposal No Proposal

No Proposal No Proposal

No Proposal No Proposal

7 Storage of oil,

lubricant

No Proposal No Proposal

8 Battery maintenance

handling

No Proposal No Proposal

9 Use/repair of No Proposal No Proposal

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Sr. No. Hazardous Activities Type of Hazards Severity of Injury

hydraulic jacks &

pumps

No Proposal

No Proposal

The lessee G.P.Madharia takes full responsibility for the protection of the workers against sickness, disease and injury arising out of their employment and have adopted certain principles with regard to occupational health services, like establishing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment which will facilitate optimal physical and mental health in relation to work. The following occupational health measures shall also be adopted:

(d) Identification and assessment of the risks from health hazards in the workplace; (e) Surveillance of the factors in the working environment and working practices which may

affect workers health, including sanitary installations and canteens; and (f) Planning and organization of work, including the design of workplaces, choice,

maintenance and condition of machinery and other equipment and substances used in work.

1.5.2 Medical Surveillance and Examinations

In order to evaluate the impacts from limestone mining project activities on health of workers, baseline health studies will be conducted on every worker before joining their duties.

Identifying workers with conditions that may be aggravated by exposure to dust & noise and establishing baseline status for determining changes in health

Evaluating the effect of dust and noise on workers

Enabling corrective action to be taken when necessary

providing health education and awareness The medical surveillance program will consist of the following:

Pre-employment medical examinations

Periodic medical examinations

Health & Safety awareness and training

Record keeping Based on the medical findings, the worker will be placed for appropriate jobs and necessary safety training will be provided. 1.5.2.1 Awareness and Training Program

All workers will be subjected to pre-employment and periodic awareness program on health and safety issues of Limestone mining and related activities. They would also be imparted with proper training and would be made to understand the health impacts of inhaling high concentration of dust laden air. All the workers will also be provided training in first aid.

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Holders of first aid certificate will be given refresher training once in two years

Rescue trained person will acquire highest standards of proficiency in first aid

Ambulance van will be provided fully equipped with lifesaving drugs, medicines and appliances needed in emergency

Implementation of OH&S

For implementation of Occupational Health & Safety in the iron ore mining project, a safety committee will be formed. The hierarchy of the committee and responsibilities of individual members will be as follows:

OH&S Committee & its responsibilities

Sr. No. Designation Responsibility

1. Mines Manager Overall responsibility of Occupational Health & Safety in the

Mines

2. Doctor periodic examination / health checkup and updating the

records, provision of first aid training.

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