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Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment Study for proposed 3 x 500 MW Thermal Power Project at Bhaiyathan, District Surguja (Chhattisgarh)

Pollution Control Research Institute, BHEL Haridwar i

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Energy is a critical success factor in the economic development process of any

country. It is well known that our commitment for the cause of development requires

assured supply of affordable and reliable energy. The demand for energy has grown

rapidly with the development of society. In spite of the increase in electricity

generation a wide gap still persists in the supply and demand.

Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board (CSEB) is responsible for meeting the entire

power demand of the consumers within the State of Chhattisgarh. Presently, CSEB

has a total installed generation capacity of 1423.85 MW of which 137.85 MW is

hydel and 6 MW from cogen based on cane bagasse and rice husk. In addition to the

installed capacity of 1423.85 MW, Chhattisgarh has Central Sector Share (from

Korba Thermal Power Station, Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station, Kakarapar

Nuclear Power Plant, NTPC's Kawas CCPP & Gandhar CCP) to the State presently

as 306 MW and CPP power availability as 300 MW.

The installed capacity in the state of Chhattisgarh is insufficient to meet the demand

for power. At present (2006-07), the Power Availability in the State is 1660 MW only

against Power Demand of 2300 MW. It is estimated that the peak power demand

would rise to 3700 MW by 2011 – 12. Based on the data, peaking power availability in

Chhattisgarh State will be surplus from 2010 - 11 on the projected demand, only with

the help of existing and proposed power projects of State and Central Sector.

However, with the rapidly increasing industrial development, the per capita energy

consumption level is an aspect of importance in the standards of living in both Urban

and rural areas, agricultural growth etc. which will increase the power demand to a

greater extent.

In view of the above projections, it is clear that the State of Chhattisgarh would face

shortage of power in the years to come, if power projects are not implemented. Hence,

an addition in generating capacity is mandatory to reduce power shortage. It can be


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achieved through setting up new power plant and augmentation of generating capacity

of existing power plants. The proposed project of 3 x 500 MW Coal based Thermal

Power Project at Bhaiyathan will help in bridging the gap between supply and demand

of power in the State of Chhattisgarh & Western region.

In order to assess the environmental implications due to the setting up of the proposed

thermal power plant, Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board retained Pollution

Control Research Institute, BHEL, Haridwar as consultants to carry out Rapid

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for proposed thermal power plant at

Bhaiyathan, District Surguja (Chhattisgarh). The study has been carried out based on

the Base line data collection covering one season of three months duration during

September - December, 2005.

Site Selection

In order to establish a power generating station close to the coal source, Chhattisgarh

State Electricity Board has explored the feasibility at Bhaiyathan, Baikunthpur,

Premnagar, Korba Risdi, Korba - FCI Complex locations. The relative merits of each

site have also been considered regarding environmental issues. It was concluded that

site near Bhaiyathan in District Surguja is favourable in view of :

• Adequate un-inhabited land availability

• No reserve forest/protected forest in the plant area

• General soil characteristics are suitable

• The length of approach road to be constructed is minimum

• Availability of water from Rehar river and Gobri Nalla

• Proximity to coal mines/coal resource of SECL

• Proximity to rail link of South Eastern Central Railway

Site and its Salient Features

The proposed power project would be located in Bhaiyathan block of Surajpur Tehsil,

District Surguja. The proposed power plant site is located at latitude of 23°19' N,


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longitude of 83°53' E at an altitude of 525 m above MSL. The distance of proposed

project by road from Surajpur is about 10 km and from that of Ambikapur is 52 km.

National Highway No.78 is at a distance of about 10 km. The district road i.e. Surajpur

- Bhaiyathan Road which connects the site to highway is close to the site.

The proposed site for main plant is located near to villages Mohanpur (Masira) &

Lodhima and ash disposal area will be between Ragda, Sirsi and Chopan villages

about 3 km from main power plant site. Water intake system will be installed near the

proposed anicut/dam on Rehar River at around 5 kms downstream from plant site. For

staff colony, land has been identified at Newra village 4 km from main plant site near

to Surajpur Road Railway Station. It may be seen from toposheet that most of the

nearby area is inhabitant, very few villages are in the region and there is no forest area

in the near vicinity.

Climatic Conditions

The climate of district is characterized by hot summer and well distributed rainfall

during the monsoon season. The location near to tropic of cancer results in tropical

climate with high pressure belt throughout the year, but due to its height above MSL

controls its high temperature. The climatic condition of Surguja district is

characterized by hot dry summer and a cold winter. The average rainfall in the district

is around 1474 mm. The nearest Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)

Observatory from the proposed power project site at Bhaiyathan is at Ambikapur.

Minerals

The proposed project site is towards West to district headquarter Ambikapur. Coal

deposits of South Eastern Coalfields Ltd. are present near Bishrampur area. The

mineral exploration studies carried out by South Eastern Coalfields Ltd., CMPDIL and

available geological information indicate that proposed project sites are situated over

non-coal bearing area.


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Sanctuary, National Park, Wild Life & Forests

The area within 10 Kms of proposed power project site covers no National Park and

Wild life Sanctuaries. However, hills towards North of the site is protected forest area

with no mining, residential or industrial activities permitted. There is no endangered

species of animals existing within a radius of 10 kms of proposed project site.

The proposed project site does not fall under forest area. No major forest area is at

proposed project site, however small patches of revenue forests are present on the

proposed site. The forest area is around 8 - 10 kms towards North to the proposed

project site.

Socio - Economics of the Area

Around 84% of the total workers are engaged in agriculture activities and only a small

percentage of around 2% is engaged in family enterprise in the development block.

Out of this total work force, only 63.03% are main workers and balance 36.97% are

marginal workers which are employed for agriculture work as per requirements. Also,

majority of population, 56.41% in the region is non-worker, which indicates under-

developed conditions of the region. The proposed project will help in development of

the region through better job opportunities in services and infrastructure improvement.

Thus the comparatively thin population at and around the proposed site may be an

advantage from Resettlement & Rehabilitation point of view.

Major Industries

Surguja is an industrially undeveloped district of the State. There are no major

industries in the region. There is no medium and large scale industry within 25 kms of

the proposed project site. However, coal mining activities are reported in the region.

Coal mining projects of South Eastern Coal Fields Limited (SECL) at Bhatgaon,

Bishrampur and Rehar - Gayatri region are present in the region. All these mining

blocks of SECL are not within 10 kms of the proposed project site, however these

blocks fall within 25 kms region. Bhatgaon is towards North - East, Bishrampur


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towards South - East and Rehar - Gayatri towards South - South East from the

proposed project site.

Selection of Technology & Unit Size

The plant is proposed to be established on the basis of unitized system. Super Thermal

Power station of 1500 MW capacity is proposed to be built up by 3 units of 500 MW

due to following reasons :

a. Economy of scale to achieve least per MW installed cost.

b. Better efficiency of large sized boiler, steam turbine and lower overall heat rate.

c. Lower land requirement/MW

d. Lower Operation & Maintenance cost and staff requirement

e. Higher net saleable power due to higher efficiency and lower auxiliary power

consumption due to use of steam turbine driven boiler feed pumps.

As the unit capacities of 500 MW are under consideration for the project, the

technology proposed to be used is pulverized fuel fired boilers.

Environmental Aspects

The various measures proposed to be adopted to minimize the pollution from the

proposed Power Project are as follows :

Air Pollution Control System

High efficiency (99.89 %) Electrostatic precipitators (ESP) would be installed to

control the emission of ash particles. The ESP would be designed to limit the

particulate emission to 100 mg/Nm3. Also, State of Art system like Ammonia

injection, is planned to be envisaged to maintain desired particulate emissions from the

stack. To facilitate wider dispersion of pollutants and in accordance with the

regulatory requirement, chimneys of 275 m height above plant grade level are

envisaged for this project.


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Space will be provided for retrofitting the Flue Gas De-sulphurisation (FGD) system.

The design and layout of steam generator and its auxiliaries would be such that a

wet/dry FGD system can be installed in future, if required.

Water Pollution Control System

An effluent management scheme would be implemented with the objective of

optimization of various water systems so as to reduce intake water requirement, which

would result in lesser waste water discharge. The effluent management scheme would

essentially involve collection, treatment and recirculation/disposal of various effluents.

Adequate treatment facilities would be provided to all the waste streams emanating

from the power plant to control water pollution. This would include physico-chemical

treatment for plant effluent and biological treatment for sanitary effluents.

Efficient operation of treatment plants would be ensured so that the quality of effluents

conforms to the relevant standards prescribed by the Regulatory Agencies. All the

treated effluents would be discharged through a single point outlet from Central

Monitoring Basin (CMB) for Green Belt Development.

Ash Pond Effluent

A dry extraction and wet disposal system has been envisaged for fly ash disposal. The

bottom ash, however, will be collected and disposed in wet form. An ash water re-

circulation system for ash pond effluent has been envisaged. The ash slurry discharged

into the lagoons will be allowed to stagnate where most of the ash particles will settle

and almost clear water will be collected at the top. This water will be re-circulated to

the plant area for re-use after further clarification/sedimentation. Thus, there will be no

discharge of ash pond effluent.

Noise Pollution

The major noise generating sources are turbines, generators, compressors, pumps,

fans, coal handling plant etc. Acoustic enclosures shall be provided to control the

noise level below 90 dB(A). Personal protective equipments shall be provided to the


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persons working in high noise area. Noise level of 75 dB(A) will not be exceeded at

the plant boundary.

Afforestation and Green Belt Development

An area of around 33 % of all components of total plant has been earmarked for Green

Belt Development which also includes a green belt of 100 m width all around the

project. Extensive afforestation within the plant and township areas would be

undertaken. All available spaces in the plant and township will be afforestated through

appropriate species. The species selected will be a mixture of endemic pollution

resistant and pollution indicators.

Ash Utilisation

CSEB shall consider utilization of ash produced by its coal based power stations as a

thrust area of its activities. At the project site, various avenues for utilization of ash in

various application areas such as issue to cement and asbestos industries, brick

manufacturing, low lying area filling, wasteland development, road embankment

construction etc. shall also be explored.

Land Requirement

Total 635.55 hectares of land would be required for the proposed project. Out of

which, 275.02 hectares of land for the Main Plant area including Green Belt &

Switchyard, 180.77 hectares of land for ash disposal area, 127.60 hectare of land for

township, 31.16 hectare of land for water intake pump house, water & ash pipe line

corridors etc. and 21.00 hectare for railway corridor is identified by Chhattisgarh State

Electricity Board (CSEB). For staff colony, land has been identified at Newra villages

4 km from main plant site near to Surajpur Road Railway Station. Ash disposal area

will be developed at Ragda, Sirsi and Chopan villages about 3 km from power plant.

Collector, Surguja vide letter No.93 dated 29.04.2005 confirmed that land will be

made available for Bhaiyathan Thermal Power Project as per Govt. rules and Land

Acquisition Act.


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It is proposed to construct a Permanent Township comprising 1196 dwelling units, with

all necessary infrastructural facilities in the proposed township, to cater to the

requirements of operation & maintenance personnel and other supporting staff of the

project. The infrastructure support facilities in the township would include different

types of accommodation alongwith armoury for Security staff, 25 bedded General

Hospital with support facilities, Estate office, Union/Association offices, Nursery,

Senior Secondary School, Shopping centre, Bank, Post office, Telephone exchange,

Petrol pump, Parks, Welfare Association Club, Bal bhawan, Ladies Club, Community

centre, Swimming pool, Sports complex with play fields, Auditorium, Guest house,

Field hostel facilities and space for religious places etc.

Rehabilitation of Displaced Population

The area identified for Main plant, Township complex is mainly agricultural land with

Single crop pattern in the area, while proposed ash disposal area is mainly barren land.

The land is fairly undulated terrain with rocky soil. Minimum revenue forest/PF land

(1.76%) falls within the proposed project sites.

The land proposed to be acquired for project presently belongs to around 949 farmers.

The lands for the proposed project sites involve minimum displacement of persons.

Appropriate rehabilitation and resettlement plan will be implemented for the project

affected persons in consultation with State Govt. and as per “State Model

Rehabilitation Policy – 2005 and as amended in 2007 ” of Chhattisgarh Govt. so that

this issue can be taken care appropriately.

Impact during Construction Phase

The construction of a new power plant usually involves significant changes in

land use, which may be accompanied by direct social and ecological impacts.

The proposed 3 x 500 MW Coal based Thermal Power Project at Bhaiyathan is to be

located at about 10 Km North of Surajpur town. The project site is approachable

through National Highway (NH - 78) connecting Ambikapur and Baikunthpur via


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Surajpur and all the infrastructure are already available there. Surajpur - Bhaiyathan

road exists close to proposed project site. The existing road will be utilised for

movement of construction material, construction machineries and transportation of

power plant equipment. There is no requirement of additional land for development of

infrastructural facilities since the site is connected by roads and Highway (NH 78) lies

just about 10 kms. away. The site is also closely located to Surajpur Road Railway

Station (South Eastern Central Railway) at about 4 kms from the proposed project site.

All these existing infrastructure will significantly reduce the impacts during

construction phase of these units for the proposed plant.

The environmental impact during construction will be localized and short term with no

changes in use of the surrounding land as compared to the current conditions. Impacts

will primarily relate to the civil works period and less intensive impact is expected

during erection of the equipment and trial operation. The time schedule for the main

civil works (foundations for steam generators and turbine units, transformers and

condensers) is about 36 months.

The construction phase of the project will have some impacts on the environment.

These impacts will be minimised/neutralized with the help of State of Art construction

equipments and appropriate environmental management practices.

Air Quality

Ambient air monitoring was carried out to assess the air quality in the vicinity of the

proposed power project. Ambient air monitoring sites at 10 locations were selected

covering all four directions with respect to proposed project site and also existence of

sensitive locations like hospitals, schools etc. within a radius of 10 km. from the

proposed coal based power plant site. It was ensured that the monitoring sites are free

from any obstructions, availability of power and easy accessibility to the

village/locations while selecting the monitoring sites.


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These stations were selected so as to provide representative ambient air quality data on

Background Air Pollution Level in the vicinity of the proposed power plant site. Due

consideration was given to the meteorological parameters and local conditions (e.g.

local sources of pollution) while selecting these sites.

Various statistical parameters like 98 percentile, average, maximum and minimum

values have been computed from the observed raw data for all the Ambient Air

Quality Monitoring Stations. The obtained values are compared with the standard

prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for rural and residential Zone.

The interpretation of these data is as follows :

Suspended Particulate Matter

24 hourly average arithmetic mean concentration of SPM at various locations around

the proposed power plant site varied from 102 to 134 µg/m3. The lowest and the

highest mean values were found at Kaskela and Basdei village respectively.

98th percentile concentration values of SPM varied from 130 µg/m3 (at Kaskela) to

160 µg/m3 (at Ragda Village) which is below the standard value for Residential areas.

Higher value at Ragda was found due to reverine loose soil near the village on the

bank of Gobri Nalla (river).

Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM)

24 hourly average arithmetic mean concentrations of RSPM at various locations varied

between 40 to 54 µg/m3. The lowest and the highest mean values were observed at

Kaskela and Basdei respectively. 98th percentile concentration values of RSPM varied

from 50 µg/m3 (at Kaskela) to 69 µg/m3 at Bhaiyathan.

Sulphur Dioxide

24 hourly average arithmetic mean concentrations of SO2 at various locations varied

between 4 to 6 µg/m3. The highest mean value was observed at Bhaiyathan and

lowest mean value which is 6 µg/m3 was observed at various locations such as


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Uchhdih, Ragda, Ramnagar, Karonji, Khopa and Kaskela villages. 98th percentile

concentration values of SO2 varied from 7 µg/m3 (at Bhaiyathan and Karkoli) to 11

µg/m3 (at Khopa) which are well within the corresponding NAAQS allowable limit of

80 µg/m3 for residential area.

Oxides of Nitrogen

The 24 hourly average arithmetic mean of NOx concentrations at the monitored

locations varied from 6 to 9 µg/m3. The highest mean values were found at Ramnagar,

Karonji, Khopa villages whereas lowest mean value was observed at Doomaria

village. 98th percentile concentrations for NOx varied from 11 µg/m3 to 18 µg/m3. The

maximum 98 percentile value i.e. 18 µg/m3 was observed at various places such as

Ramnagar, Karonji and Khopa villages. The values observed in all the monitoring

locations are well within the corresponding NAAQS allowable limit of 80 µg/m3 for

residential area.

Air Quality Impact Assessment by means of Computer Modeling (ISCST3 Model)

The impact due to operation of proposed power plant on ambient air quality in the

surrounding region has been predicted through mathematical modeling. The change in

the incremental concentrations in SPM, SO2 and NOx were computed through

computer dispersion model.

The monitoring station equipped with monitoring equipment to record hourly wind

speed, direction, relative humidity and temperature was set up at the project site. The

data logger attached with the station recorded the observations and the data was down

loaded from it from time to time. The maximum temperature during the post monsoon

study period was recorded as 32.5 oC and the minimum 5.6 oC.

24-hour, second highest concentration has been computed from the meteorological

data recorded through PCRI Meteorological Station installed at Bishrampur for the

period 26.09.2005 to 25.12.2005 using the EPA-ISCST3 model.


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Model Output

The output of model provides ground level concentration of pollutants due to the

proposed 3 x 500 MW coal fired power plant. Impact on ambient air quality due to the

proposed thermal power project has been assessed by superimposing predicted

concentrations on background air pollution level. Baseline ambient air quality data

indicated that maximum 98th percentile concentration of SPM, SO2 and NOx was

observed 160, 11 and 18 µg/m3 respectively and these concentrations have been

considered as background level of pollutants. The maximum incremental

concentrations of SPM, SO2 and NOx are expected to be 1.3 µg/m3, 27.8 µg/m3 and

20.9 µg/m3, respectively due to thermal power project operation. These concentrations

are expected to occur at a distance of 4.2 Km South west with respect to source.

Maximum total concentrations of SPM, SO2 and NOx, after superimposition of

background level would be 161.3 µg/m3, 38.8 µg/m and 38.9 µg/m3, respectively.

The total concentrations are compared with National Ambient Air Quality Standards

prescribed for residential areas as specified under National Ambient Air Quality

Standards as notified by Central Pollution Control Board. It is concluded that total

concentrations of pollutants would be below the allowable limits for residential areas.

Water Availability

Water resources department of Chhattisgarh has confirmed the allocation of 50 million

cum of water for the proposed project. WRD committed total 60 million cum per year

water in the meeting dated 02.08.2007Though during 09 months of year from July to

March, monthly requirement will be met by the natural flow available in the Rehar

river, but for the months of April to June, the shortfall in the inflow will be

supplemented by construction of two storage weir/barrage on the tributaries of Gobri

river and one weir at the junction of Gobri river and Rehar river.

The cooling towers have been envisaged for the proposed power project. Make up

water requirement for this project would be 5380 m3/hr with ash water re-circulation


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system. Total water requirement for the proposed power plant (5380 m3/hr) would be

drawn from river Rehar storages. Make up water for cooling towers would be 3455

m3/hr. Part of the clarified water after passing through pressure filter will be sent to

De-Mineralisation (DM) plant.

Water Quality

During the operation of the thermal power plant, waste water would also be generated

from various sources viz. cooling tower blow down, blow down from raw water

treatment plant, waste from DM plant during regeneration of columns and ash pond

overflow etc. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the water availability, existing quality

of the water body around the proposed plant, quality of the raw water and the

assessment due to the impact of the power plant on the near-by water bodies.

Water Quality Assessment Methodology

For the purpose of Water Quality Assessment, sampling points were selected for

Surface water and Ground water within the area of study. The proposed power project

site is presently single crop agricultural land. Ground water is the major source of

water for use in the nearby villages of the proposed power plant. The sampling points

were selected in these villages in order to assess the existing quality of the ground

water. There are only two surface water sources, i.e., Gobri Nalla and Rehar River

near the proposed site and quality of water at these sources was also assessed as the

surface water in the nearby area.

It may seen from analysis results that some of the parameters fall in Class “B” and

some in Class “C” as per Best Designated uses as specified by Central Pollution

Control Board. Therefore, the overall surface water quality may be put in class “C”

water. A part of the water of these surface water sources are presently being used for

agricultural purposes. The water quality of both these sources is suitable for

agricultural activities. The water quality is also suitable for power plant operations

after treatment. As no water is planned to be discharged into Gobri Nala and Rehar


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River from the proposed power project site, no impact is envisaged on the surface

water quality due to proposed power project.

Assessment of Ground Water Quality

The ground water in the district is mainly developed by dug wells for domestic and

irrigation purposes. The dug cum bore wells are also used for irrigation. The borewells

fitted with hand pumps are used for the rural drinking water supply requirements of

the village community. The average ground water depth in the district during pre-

monsoon (May-June) varies from 6.17 m to 7.32 m, while during post monsoon these

levels vary from 2.75 m to 4.01 m.

Ground water is also the major source of drinking water in the region. The ground

water samples were collected from various existing sources around the proposed

power project site.

On comparing the water quality analysis results with IS:10500, it is observed that the

values of Alkalinity, Aluminium, Copper, Fluoride, Manganese, Iron, Total Dissolved

Solids and Zinc are higher than desirable limits but within the permissible limits in

some of the villages. But all the parameters are well below the permissible limit values

as per Indian Standard. All other parameters are within the desirable limits. Therefore

it could be concluded that Ground Water is safe for drinking and other purposes.

The surface water and ground water sample analysis shows that there is not much

source of pollution in the region and base line data for surface water and ground water

is well within the limits prescribed in “Primary Water Quality Criteria” laid down by

CPCB and IS:10500 (Specifications for Drinking Water) respectively.

Water Management System

Water is one of the important requirements for power generation. The main

requirement of water in coal based power plant is for cooling and ash disposal. The

proposed project will adopt circulating type Cooling Water system with cooling


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towers. The cooling water requirement will be only for make up water for evaporation

losses and blow down quantity.

The proposed units will have dry evacuation and wet ash disposal system. The bottom

ash will be disposed in wet form but the ash water recovery system will substantially

reduce the quantity of water required for ash disposal. Since the quantity of water

taken from Rehar and Gobri River is low as compared to water availability, it will not

have any adverse impact on water availability to down stream users. As ash water

recirculation system is planned to be provided at thermal power project, there will be

no effect due to power plant on quality of surface water.

Keeping into consideration the amount of water required and effluent discharged after

treatment, it can be concluded that proposed project will neither affect the availability

of water nor the surface/ground water quality in the region. However, detailed

ground/surface water monitoring schedule would be developed for monitoring of

water quality around the proposed power project site.

Soil Quality

For studying soil profile of the region, sampling locations were selected to assess the

existing soil conditions in and around the proposed project area representing various

land use conditions. The physical, chemical parameters and heavy metal

concentrations in soil samples were determined.

Soil samples were collected from different places based on survey conducted around

the site. At each location, soil samples were collected from three different depths viz.

50 cm, 100 cm and 150 cm below the surface. The samples were then packed in

polythene plastic bags and sealed. The samples from three different depths were

homogenized. Large stones, gravels and plant roots were removed from the soil. The

soil was then crushed and passed through 100 mesh sieve. Sieved soil was used for

analysis. The present study on the soil profile establishes the baseline characteristics

around the proposed project site.


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Single crop agriculture is the main activity in the surrounding area of proposed power

project. The soil samples were collected from various villages around the proposed

power project site. As the proposed project is not likely to generate any material which

will affect the soil quality, therefore no adverse impact is envisaged due to proposed

power plant site.

Coal & Ash

The daily raw coal requirement for 3 x 500 MW units shall be about 24,165 tonnes

based on average Gross Calorific Value of 3650 Kcal/kg, 100% plant load factor and

2450 Kcal/Kwh unit heat rate. The coal requirement for Bhaiyathan Thermal Power

Project shall be met from captive coal mine blocks at Paturia and Gidhmuri already

allotted to Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board (CSEB) by Ministry of Coal. These

mining blocks are about 90 kms from the proposed project site. Mining plan for these

coal blocks have been approved by Ministry of Coal.

The bottom ash shall be extracted and disposed off in wet form. The fly ash shall be

extracted in dry form from the electrostatic precipitator hoppers. This dry ash can

either be taken to buffer hoppers for its onward transportation in dry form or can be

slurrified in wetting units for its disposal in wet form to ash disposal area.

Ash Water System

Initially water for ash handling system shall be available from plant make up water

system. Thereafter, it is proposed to re-circulate the ash water from the ash dyke area

to the plant area for its reuse in the ash handling system. For this purpose required

number of ash water pumps shall be provided which shall take suction from the

retention basin associated with the ash water re-circulation system. The effluent

generated during operational phase will be treated to meet the permissible norms and

will be utilized for green belt development.


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Fly Ash Management

The fly ash and bottom ash from the plant is proposed to be collected and used for

various applications. CSEB will explore various other avenues for utilisation of ash in

value added products such as cement, fly ash bricks etc.

In order to provide quality dry fly ash to users such as, manufacturers of cement,

concrete and its allied products like Cellular Concrete etc., the plant shall provide

systems and facilities for 100% extraction of dry fly ash.

Noise

The noise monitoring stations were selected for measurement of Ambient Noise

Levels to establish the base line status of noise level in and around the proposed power

plant site. It has been observed that in all the locations, the noise level during day time

and night time is well within limit specified for Residential areas during post monsoon

season.

However, appropriate measures would be taken at the design stage itself to attenuate

noise level to the acceptable limit during operation stage of the power plant. Moreover,

provision would be made within the power plant to insulate areas such as the control

rooms from the turbine hall noise. The control rooms and adjacent offices would have

double glazed windows facing to the turbine hall with wide spacing for better sound

attenuation. Besides, ear muffs/plugs will be provided to the workers in the close

vicinity of noise sources. Also effort will be made to use special construction

equipment having low noise generation during construction stage. The generated noise

would be controlled to reduce it to an acceptable level at the project site boundary by

means of isolation and as a further mitigation measure planting of trees along the plant

boundary as well as within the plant premises would be done to form a sound barrier.

These measures would be adequate to limit the incremental change in background

noise level to a minimal. It is expected that the setting up of coal based thermal power


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project at Bhaiyathan would not have any major adverse impact on community noise

level.

Impact Assessment

Thermal power plants invariably have potential environmental effects during both the

construction and operational phases including effects on air, water, noise & land

environments as well as socioeconomic conditions during construction phase. The

significance of construction impacts will be limited, however the mitigation measures

will be taken for traffic management, appropriate timing and routing of materials,

delivery etc.

The probable environmental impacts during construction as well operational phase of

the proposed 3 x 500 MW coal based thermal power project have been identified. The

impacts during the construction/development phase may be regarded as temporary or

short term; while during the operation phase the impact has to be taken as long-term

effects. The overall impacts during construction and operation phase of proposed coal

based power plant have been assessed and are as given below :

Air Quality

Ambient air quality studies within 10 kms. radius of proposed power plant at

Bhaiyathan indicate that the 98 percentile concentration of Suspended Particulates

(SPM), Sulphur Di-oxides (SO2) and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) are well within

permissible limits of National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Residential & Mix

Use areas as prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board.

The emission from the proposed power project will mainly consist of Suspended

Particulate Matters (SPM) and SO2. In order to control SPM from the power plant,

High efficiency Electrostatic precipitators (ESP) would be installed. The ESP would

be designed to limit the particulate emission to 100 mg/Nm3. To facilitate wider

dispersion of pollutants and in accordance with the regulatory requirement, chimneys

of 275 m height above plant grade level are envisaged for this project. Emissions


Pollution Control Research Institute, BHEL Haridwar xix

through these tall stacks will help in effective dispersion of gaseous pollutants in the

atmosphere and thereby minimising effect on ground level concentration of pollutants.

The chimneys shall be provided with sampling points for continuous online

monitoring system for stack emissions.

Space will be provided for retrofitting the Flue Gas De-sulphurisation (FGD) system.

The design and layout of steam generator and its auxiliaries would be such that a

wet/dry FGD system can be installed in future, if required.

Fugitive dust emission at coal handling, other vulnerable areas of the plant will be

controlled by regular sprinkling of water and Green Belt development.

Current baseline air quality study indicated that background concentrations of

Suspended Particulate Matters (SPM), SO2 and NOx are within limits for residential

areas. The air dispersion prediction model shows that during normal operation with

two stacks (one twin flue and one single flue) of 275 meter height, maximum ground

level concentration of SPM, SO2 and NOx will not exceed the permissible norms of

National Ambient Air Quality for residential & mix use areas.

ISCST-3 model indicates that the maximum ground level concentration after

commissioning of the plant will be within specified limits at site and incremental

change in concentration in all other parameters will be negligible. The maximum

impact would be at a distance of 4.2 kms from source under normal operation.

There will be marginal impact on ambient air quality in and around the proposed

project site due to construction activities, transportation, handling and storage of

construction materials. However, the impact on air quality will not have long term

effect in the region.

The air quality impact of operation of proposed power project would be within

allowable limits for Residential and Rural areas. Thus, there will not be significant

impact on air quality due to emission of Suspended Particulate Matters, Suplhur Di-


Pollution Control Research Institute, BHEL Haridwar xx

oxides and Oxides of Nitrogen due to operation of coal based thermal power project at

Bhaiyathan.

Water Pollution

Water is one of the important requirements for power generation. Total water

requirement for the proposed power plant (5380 m3/hr) would be drawn from river

Rehar and stored in a water reservoir.

The surface water through reservoir will be sent to water treatment plant. The clarified

water from the clarifier will then be sent to cooling towers as make up water. The main

requirement of water in Power Plant would be make-up water for cooling tower. Make

up water for cooling towers would be 3455 m3/hr. Part of the clarified water after

passing through pressure filter will be sent to De-Mineralisation (DM) plant.

During the operation of the thermal power plant, waste water would also be generated

from various sources viz. cooling tower blow down, blow down from raw water

treatment plant, waste from DM plant during regeneration of columns and ash pond

overflow etc.

It is proposed to provide ash water re-circulation system to meet the requirements of

environmental authority. Decanted water from ash pond shall be led to the plant area

through pumps. This water will be used further in the ash handling system. Normal

make up to the ash water system shall be from CW blow down water. Provision to

supply treated plant effluent from central monitoring basin to ash handling shall also

be kept.

The effluent management scheme would essentially involve collection, treatment and

recirculation/disposal of various effluents. Adequate treatment facilities would be

provided to all the waste streams emanating from the power plant to control water

pollution. This would include physico-chemical treatment for plant effluent and

biological treatment for sanitary effluents.


Pollution Control Research Institute, BHEL Haridwar xxi

Efficient operation of treatment plants would be ensured so that the quality of effluents

conforms to the relevant standards prescribed by the Regulatory Agencies. All the

treated effluents would be discharged through a single point outlet from Central

Monitoring Basin (CMB) and will be used for Green Belt Development in the plant

premises.

The discharged effluent quality will meet the norms laid down by Chhattisgarh State

Pollution Control Board for discharge on land. Hence, there will be no significant

impact due to discharge of waste water on the environment.

Employment

The installation of proposed power project will generate employment opportunities

during construction as well as operation phase and thus will provide direct and indirect

jobs to the local population. The project will not disturb the existing social pattern of

the area and due to the employment opportunities generated; it will have beneficial

economic impact on the area.

Aesthetics

The effective pollution control equipment helps to maintain the visual quality of air

and water environment. Natural vegetation and its diversity will increase due to green

belt development. The aesthetics of the area is expected to improve after installation of

proposed 3 x 500 MW thermal power project.

Socio-Economic Environment

The impacts on socio-economic status of the project area are predominantly positive

and no adverse changes are expected.

The proposed project at Bhaiyathan will generate employment opportunities during

construction as well as operation phase and thus will provide direct and indirect jobs to

the local population. The project will not disturb the existing social pattern of the area


Pollution Control Research Institute, BHEL Haridwar xxii

and due to the employment opportunities generated in the society where majority of

population has no regular job, it will have beneficial economic impact on the area.

The additional power generated would lead to availability of power to the area and

state. This would result in increased power supply to rural areas. An increase in

sanitation, education and transportation facilities is expected due to proposed project.

The economic output due to proposed project would be positive besides enhancement

of community services.

The proposed project will lead to development of the area. Hence, it will have

beneficial effect on the society.

Ecology

The proposed project site does not fall under forest area. No major forest area is at

proposed project site, however small patches of revenue forests are present on the

proposed site. The forest area is around 8 - 10 kms towards North to the proposed

project site.

The area within 25 Kms of proposed project site covers no National Park, Wild life

Sanctuaries. However, hills towards North of the site are reserved forest area. There

are no endangered species of animals existing within study area.

There may be some negative impacts on terrestrial ecosystem namely crops and

vegetation due to dispersion of fly ash. However, with efficient control systems for

particulate and tall stacks for gases, no significant adverse impacts are foreseen which

can disturb the ecological balance of the area.

There are no major water bodies or aquatic biosystems in the study area. The only

water bodies in the region include Rehar river and Gobri nalla. However, the aquatic

life will not be affected because of low water requirement, no effluent discharge from

proposed thermal power project and closed cycle system for cooling water.


Pollution Control Research Institute, BHEL Haridwar xxiii

Hence, the proposed plant will not have any significant detrimental impacts on plants,

animals, soil and other ecological targets around the proposed site as a whole.

Education & Health

The infrastructure support facilities would be developed in the proposed township

which would also include 25 bedded General Hospital with support facilities and

Senior Secondary School. Hence there will be positive impact on education & health

services in the area due to the proposed power plant.

Environmental Impact Matrix

The overall environmental impact of the project can be quantitatively assessed through

environmental impact matrix by assigning weightages to various environmental

parameters in the matrix. The weightage values are subjective but have been achieved

after considering inter-disciplinary judgment based on the type of the project.

The assessment indicates that with the adoption of the mitigation measures established

by the Environment Impact assessment process, the overall environmental impacts of

construction and operation of the proposed project, there will be Impact on

environment but not injurious in general. However, mitigation measures are important

during the construction as well as operation stage of Proposed Thermal Power project.

The changes in air, water quality with the introduction of proposed mitigation

measures would allow compliance with appropriate standards and confine negative

effects within acceptable limits. The green belt development plan envisaged in and

around the power plant will improve the surrounding environment.

On the whole it can be concluded that installation of 3 x 500 MW Coal Fired

Thermal Power Project at Bhaiyathan, District Surguja (Chhattisgarh) will be an

environment friendly project.

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