Expansion of Reddipalayam Limestone Mine (Existing Captive ...

The Ramco Cements Limited

Expansion of Reddipalayam Limestone Mine

(Existing Captive Mine)

Mining Lease Area 63.60.0 Ha Proposed Production Enhancement from 1.7 MTPA to 3.0 MTPA

Mineral: Limestone (ROM)

S.F. Nos. Parts of 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 373, 374, 375, 376, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 401, 402, 403 and 404 of Reddipalayam Village,

Ariyalur Taluk & District, Tamil Nadu

Environmental Clearance under EIA Notification 2006 Schedule Sl. No. 1(a);

Category ‘B1’ (Mining in < 100 Ha)

Summary Environmental Impact Assessment

Awarded TOR : SEIAA-TN/F.No.6907/SEAC/TOR-691/2020 dated 13.03.2020

September 2020

EIA Consultant

ABC Techno Labs India Private Limited, Chennai (Sl. No. 4 of QCI/NABET List dated 11.07.2020)

Coordination for RCL : Ensyscon, Chennai

The Ramco Cements Limited Expansion of Reddipalayam Limestone Mine (63.60.0 Ha; 1.7 MTPA to 3.0 MTPA), Ariyalur, TN

The Ramco Cements Limited Expansion of Reddipalayam Limestone Mine

Mining Lease Area 63.60.0 Ha Proposed Production Enhancement from 1.7 MTPA to 3.0 MTPA

Summary Environmental Impact Assessment

1.1 Introduction 1.1 Project Proponent Ramco Group is one of the leading, highly reputed and Second Largest Industrial Group in South India. It is well diversified in the fields of Cement, Ready Mix Concrete, Cement Fiber Products, Cotton and Synthetic Yarn, Software Systems, Wind Farms, Research & Development, Dry Mortar Plants, Cotton Textiles and Surgical. The total employees are about 15,700 and the Turnover of the Group is Rs.8,000 Crores. M/s, The Ramco Cements Limited (RCL), under Ramco Group, is one of the reputed Cement Companies in India. The company is the second largest cement producer in South India and sixth largest manufacturer of cement in the Country. The cement production of RCL is about 17.70 million tons per annum (MTPA) from their Cement Plants in India.

v Ramasamy Raja Nagar near Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu (established in 1961) : 2.0 MTPA (2 Lines)

and going for Modernisation in 2020. v Kumarasamy Raja Nagar, Jayanthipuram near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh (1986) : 3.65 MTPA (2

Lines) (being expanded with 3rd Kiln). v Alathiyur near Vriddhachalam, Tamil Nadu (1997): 3.0 MTPA (2 Lines). v Mathod near Chithradurga, Karnataka : 0.3 MTPA (since 2000). v Govindapuram near Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu : 5.5 MTPA (established in 2009) (2 Lines). RCL is operating Cement Grinding Units at: v Kolaghat (0.95 MTPA; expanded to 2.0 MTPA) in West Bengal. v Kattuputtur (0.75 MTPA) near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. v Valapadi (2.0 MTPA) near Salem, Tamil Nadu. v Vizag (0.95 MTPA; being expanded to 2.0 MTPA) near Anakapalli, Andhra Pradesh. v Haridaspur (0.9 MTPA; to be commissioned soon), Jajpur District, Odisha. It is also operating a Packing Plant at Nagercoil. RCL is producing Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), Slag Cement (PSC), Composite Cement (CC), etc. The cement produced by RCL is marketed in the brand name of ‘RAMCO’. The brand name RAMCO SUPER GRADE is very popular PPC and RAMCO SUPER STEEL is Slag Cement brand. The market centers are mainly in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha and West Bengal States.

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RCL which has always been striving for Total Quality, possesses International Certificate ISO:9001, ISO:14001, ISO:45001 (18001) and ISO:50001. The company has achieved various awards for 'Best Performance' in the Cement Industry and also Green Rating Project Awards 4 Leaves from Centre for Science and Environment for the Year 2005. The Contact information of RCL Corporate Office is : The Executive Director (Operations), The Ramco Cements Limited, 5th Floor, Auras Corporate Centre, No. 98A, Dr.Radhakrishnan Road, Mylapore, Chennai-600 004.

Tel. No. : 044-28478666/28478661/28478656 Fax No. : 044-28478676 e-Mail : [email protected]

1.2 Project Profile RCL is operating two Cement Plants in Ariyalur District viz. Alathiyur Cement Plant near Pennadam (3.0 MTPA) and Govindapuram Cement Plant near Ariyalur (5.5 MTPA) along with their Captive Limestone Mines. Govindapuram Cement Plant is located at a distance of 40 km from Alathiyur Plant to its south. Govindapuram Cement Plant (with Lines I & II) is being operated for 5.5 MTPA Cement along with Captive Power Plant for generating 66 MW for Captive Use. The Line-I is in operation since May 2009 and Line-II along with CPP are in operation since September 2012. The Plants operations are in full compliance with the conditions stipulated in the Environmental Clearances (ECs) awarded by MoEF&CC and Consent to Operate (CTO) Orders issued by TNPCB. The Cement Plant requires about 5.5 MTPA cement grade Limestone which is being met from the existing Captive Limestone Mines viz. Periyanagalur, Kattupirangium, Reddipalayam, Pudupalayam North, Usenabad South and Periyanagalur West in the Ariyalur Region. The Centralised Crusher is operated at the Cement Plant. These Mines operations are in full compliance with the conditions stipulated in the ECs awarded by MoEF&CC/SEIAA-TN and CTO Orders issued by TNPCB. RCL Reddipalayam (RPM) Mine is one of the Captive Mines of RCL Govindapuram Cement Plant. RPM Mining Lease (ML) Area is over an Extent of 63.60.0 Ha and is non-forest type. In the Lease area of 63.60.0 Ha, 59.49.5 Ha is RCL’s own Patta Land and 4.10.5 Ha is Government Poramboke Land in S.F. Nos. Parts of 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 373, 374, 375, 376, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 401, 402, 403 and 404 of Reddipalayam Village, Ariyalur Taluk & District, Tamil Nadu (Fig. 1.1). Permitted Outside Dump Area of 31.37.2 Ha is also RCL’s own Patta Land (Parts of 239, 243, 244, 249 of Reddipalayam Village & 67, 68, 69 of Nagamangalam Village). The Lease is at about 12 km (aerial) distance in SE from RCL Govindapuram Cement Plant and 24 km by Road. RPM Mine was commissioned during 2007-08. The Limestone production from this Mine was commenced from 2011-12. Mining is carried out by Open Cast Mechanized Conventional as well as Non-conventional Method using Xcentric Rippers. Southern Part of the Lease was taken-up for the Mining initially, mined out fully till 49 m below ground level (BGL) and Backfilling is being carried out now (Surface Plan as Fig. 2.1). The Production of the Mine is 1.70 MTPA Limestone on Raw Ore Mined (ROM) basis.

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Proved Mineable Reserves (111 Category) of RPM Mine is about 2,15,41,172 Tonnes. About 86,96,559 Tonnes (40.37%) of reserves was already mined out till 2019-20. The Balance Reserves of RPM Mine, as on 01.04.2020, is 1,28,44,613 Tonnes. Thus, RPM Mine alone is having the Reserves to support the Cement Plant comfortably for another 6 Years. Thus, the production level of RPM Limestone Mine has to be enhanced. Accordingly, RCL now proposes to increase the production capacity of the Mine. The exiting Statutory Clearances and Approvals are given in Table-1.

Table : 1 Existing Statutory Clearances & Approvals

Sl. No. Clearances/Approvals Order Reference Validity Period / Remarks 1 ML Grant by Government of

Tamil Nadu G.O No. 662 Industries (MMA 2) Dept., dated 09.10.1998

30 years

2 ML Deed Execution Executed on 05.10.2001and Registered on 23.07.2004

From 23.07.2004 till 22.07.2034. Valid till 22.07.2054 as per MMDR Amendment Act 2015

3 Environmental Clearances EC for expansion in production quantity from 1.2 MTPA to 1.7 MTPA Limestone vide MoEF Ltr. No. J-11015/337/2009-1A.II (M) dated 22.05.2013

CTO (Expansion) for mining 1.7 MTPA Limestone were obtained on 12.08.2013

4 Mining Plan Approval ‘Review of Mining Plan including Progressive Mine Closure Plan vide IBM-Chennai Lr. No. TN/ALR/LST/ROMP/1565/MDS dated 21.10.2019

Period for 2020-21 to 2024-25 for 3.0 MTPA

5 Consent to Operate Renewal CTOs for mining 1.7 MTPA Limestone vide TNPCB Orders No.180818118578 (Water Act) and 180828118578 (Air Act) dated 08.01.2018

For Period 2017-18 to 2020-21 Valid till 31.03.2021

RPM Mining operations are in full compliance with the conditions stipulated in awarded Environmental Clearances and Consent to Operate orders issued by TNPCB. Certified EC Compliance Report of the Mine has been obtained and submitted from the Regional Office, MoEF&CC, Chennai vide F. No. EP/12.1/2013-14/TN/1014 dated 24.06.2019. Also, there was no Show-Cause Notice issued by TNPCB under Air & Water Acts as well as no Directions issued under Environmental Protection Act for RPM Mining operations by the Authorities. There was no Production Violation during operation of the Mine. There is no Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) issue due to the proposal. There is no litigation/pending case against the proposal. The proposal is for expansion of Limestone Production of RPM Mine from 1.7 MTPA to 3.0 MTPA within

the existing Lease Area (no addition of land). The Mine Pit is now extended towards northern parts of the Lease i.e. Northern Pit over an extent of about 25.33.0 Ha. Mining will be carried out by Open Cast

Mechanized Conventional as well as Non-conventional Method using Xcentric Rippers. Drilling and Blasting is being carried out as and when required. Limestone from RPM Mine is being transported in Tippers through Muniyakurichi-Nagamangalam Road, State Highway (SH)-139, Ariyalur Bypass and Sendurai Road to the Cement Plant. The Project details are given in Table-2.

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Table : 2 Project Details

Sl. No. Location RPM Mine Expansion Proposal 1 ML Area 63.60.0 Ha 2 Approved Mining Plan ‘Review of Mining Plan (ROMP) for Balance Period

2019-20 and 2020-21 to 2024-25 approved on 21.10.2019 for 3.00 MTPA Limestone Production

3 Method of Mining Open Cast Mechanized Non-conventional Method of Mining using Xcentric Rippers & permitted Drilling and Blasting whenever required.

4 Assessed Mineable Reserves (‘111’) 12.845 Million Tonnes as on 01.04.2020

5 Proposed Production 3.00 MTPA 6 Life of the Mine 6 Years (till 2025-26) 7 Plan Period Production (5 Years) 1,14,75,520 Tonnes 8 6th Year (Final Year) Production 13,69,093 Tonnes 9 ROM:Waste Ratio 1:0.54

10 Mine Top Level 43-45 m RL 11 Ultimate Pit Depth (-)7 m to (-)15 m RL (53 m to 60 m BGL) 12 Ground Water-table Level at 25 - 28 m BGL 13 Ground Water Intersection Yes 14 Mine Pit Area-Conceptual Stage 22.88 Ha + Backfilled 27.40 Ha 15 Top Soil Dump Nil 16 Active OB Dump Nil 17 Mineral Rejects Dump Nil 18 Infrastructure 0.20.0 Ha 19 Roads 1.50.0 Ha 20 Undisturbed Area, etc. 0 21 Green Belt & Bunds 11.62.0 Ha 22 Top Soil (TS) Generation :- -

Till 2nd Scheme Period 7,86,621 cu.m Plan Period (till 31.03.2025) 3,53,000 cu.m Total till Conceptual Stage 11,39,621 cu.m

(No TS Dump at Conceptual Stage) 23 Over Burden (OB) Generation : -

Till 2nd Scheme Period 50,88,033 cu.m Plan Period (till 31.03.2025) 30,99,580 cu.m Total till Conceptual Stage 81,87,663 cu.m

(No OB Dump with ML Area at Conceptual Stage) 24 In-active Dump OB Qty. 35.00 Lakh cu.m

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About 1,14,75,520 Tonnes of Limestone (53.27% of Total Reserves) will be mined out during the ROMP Period of 2020-21 to 2024-25 and the balance quantity of 13,69,093 Tonnes (6.36% of Total Reserves) will be mined out during 2025-26 itself. Thus, Life of the Mine is 6 Years only. The Ultimate Pit Depth will be 60 m BGL (-) 15 m RL. Mining will intersect the Ground Water-table at 25-28 m BGL. Top Soil generation of 3,53,000 cu.m will be further utilized for Afforestation of Backfilled Areas in the Mined out Pit. Over Burden wastes of 30,99,580 cu.m will also be utilized for Backfilling the mined out voids directly. There will be no generation of mineral reject waste. Mine Profile :

Proved Limestone Reserves Balance : 12.845 Million Tonnes as on 01.04.2020 Proposed Limestone Production : 3.0 MTPA

ROM : Waste Ratio : 1: 0.54 Life of the Mine : 6 years No. of working days/annum : 300

Ultimate Pit Depth : 60 m BGL [(-) 7 to (-) 15 m RL; Top RLs from 45-43 m

Ground Water-table at : Post Monsoon - 25 m BGL Pre Monsoon - 28 m BGL

Mining activities will intersect the ground water-table. Mining had intersected the Ground Water-table in the Southern Pit. Necessary NOC from Central Ground Water Authority was obtained vide Letter No. 21-4(285)/SECR/CGWA/2011-1751 dated 29.11.2011 and the Mine Pit dewatering quantity was also gainfully utilized. The same practice will be continued during Expansion also. The Average Dewatering Quantity from the Mine will be 1,191 KLD. Mine Raw Water Demand of 10 KLD will be met from the Mine Pit Water. Also, the proposed Afforestation of Backfilled Area would require about 625 KLD (53%) during Non-Rainy Season Periods and 300 KLD (26%) during Monsoon Season Periods. The balance amount of 556 KLD during Non-Rainy Season Periods (47%) and 881 KLD (74%) during Monsoon Season Periods will be pumped out into the Settling Tanks and the Treated Water will reach Periya Eri for Irrigation Purpose. Thus, the entire Mine Dewatering Quantity would be gainfully utilized. RPM Mine Area falls in ‘SAFE Category‘ for Ground Water Utilisation and there is no Impact on the Ground Water Resources. As per TWAD Assessment, Ariyalur Block is also falls in Safe Category. At Conceptual Stage, about 50.28 Ha will be the Mined out area. About 27.40 Ha will be Backfilled & Afforested (Reclaimed) and balance 22.88 Ha will be kept as Water Reservoir for Ground Water-table recharging. The total Green Belt & Afforested Area will be 39.02 Ha with coverage of 61.35 %. About 50 KVA industrial supply for lighting is required which will be met from TANGEDCO Grid. The fuel demand HSD @ 2,000 lits./day for mining equipments is met by the licensed mobile bowser at the Mine. There will be a standby DG set of 500 KVA in the Mine. All the services like Mines Office, First Aid Room, Rest Shelters, potable water and other necessary amenities are provided at the Mine. Occupational Health Center is established at the Factory with required Paramedical Personnel. A well established Township exists near the Factory and no Township is proposed for the Mine.

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The Proposal was deliberated by the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee-Tamil Nadu (SEAC-TN) as Item No. 21 in its 132nd Meeting held on 25.07.2019 and in 144th Meeting held on 17.02.2020 and recommended the TOR with Public Hearing. The Proposal was placed before the 372nd Authority (SEIAA-TN) Meeting held on 13.03.2020 and TOR has been awarded with Public Hearing vide Lr No. SEIAA-TN/F.No.6907/SEAC/TOR-691/2020 dated 13.03.2020. The baseline data pertaining to Dec. 2019-Feb. 2020 (Winter Season) are utilised for the EIA Study in compliance with MoEF&CC Office Memorandum No. J-11013/41/2006-IA-II(I) (Part) dated 29.08.2017. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report and the Summary Environmental Impact Assessment Report have been prepared as per the generic structure proposed in EIA Notification 2006 and in compliance with the awarded TOR and submitted.

The EIA Consultant, M/s.ABC Techno Labs India Private Limited, Chennai has been accredited for various Sectors including Sector-1 (Mining Projects) for Category ‘A’ by the National Accreditation Board for Education & Training (NABET), Quality Council of India vide Certificate NABET/EIA/1922/RA 0155 with validity 22.05.2022 (Sl. No. 4 of QCI/NABET List dated 11.07.2020). The ABC Techno Labs India Private Limited Laboratory is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and also recognised by MoEF&CC. The services of M/s.Environmental System Consultants & Ambiente Lab Solutions Private Limited, (Ensyscon), Chennai are utilised for the coordination of the Study on behalf of RCL. 2.0 Description of the Environment 2.1 Environmental Setting

RPM Limestone Mine is located in-between the Coordinates 11°04’24.00” N to 11°05’15.70” N Latitudes and 79°09’30.20” E to 79°09’59.50” E Longitudes; Survey of India Topo sheet No. 58 M/4 (Fig. 1.2). The site is free from seismic effects (Seismic Zone III). Karaiveti Bird Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 14.3 km in southwest direction from the Mine boundary. There are no eco sensitive areas like National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, Elephant Corridor, Mangroves, Archaeological/Historical Monuments, Heritage sites, etc. within 10 km from the Mine boundary. There are 5 Reserved Forests (RFs) within 10 km radius area viz. Managethi (Manageri) RF at 6.4 km in northeast, Sundaresapuram RF at 5 km in east, Vilangudi RF at 5.1 km in east, Ulliyankudi RF at 6 km in east-southeast, Ammbapur RF at 7 km in east-southeast. Seasonal Uppu Odai flows at 50 m in North & West. Periya Eri is at 50 m in southeast. Kallar River flows at 1.4 km in southwest. Marudaiyar River flows at 1.6 km in South. Ottan odai flows at 4.6 km in southwest and Sukra Eri is at 8 km in south-southeast. Taluk and District Headquarter Ariyalur is at a distance of 9.5 km in northwest from the lease area. NH-81 (earlier 228) runs at a distance of 2.0 km in northwest and NH 227 runs at 8.6 km distance in the west. SH-139 runs at 2 km in the East. Southern Railway line runs at 12.2 km distance in west. Ariyalur Railway Station is located at a distance of 12.5 km in WNW direction from the lease. Trichy Airport is at 58.0 km in SW direction and Chennai Airport is at 227 km in NE. Karaikal Port is at 79.0 km in SE direction.

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There are two Cement Plants viz. Ultratech-Reddipalayam Plant (1.9 km-N) & TANCEM-Kallankurichi Plant (9.5 km-NW) within 10 km radius area from the Mine. From RPM Mine, Ultratech Cement’s Reddipalayam mine (100 m in W), Chettinad Cement’s Edayathankudi mine (0.4 km in SW), India cement’s Periyathirukonam mine (1.4 km in SW), Chettinad Cement’s Pudupalayam mine (1.5 km in NW), RCL Pudupalayam mine is (2.1 km in NW), Dalmia Cement’s Periayathirukonam mine (2.5 km in SSW), Chettinad Cement’s Alanduraiyarkattalai mine (3.2 km in south) and RCL Kattupirangiyam mine (3.4 km in NW) exist along with TANCEM & TAMIN Mines and Periyanaglur Group of Mines of Dalmia & RCL in Northern Parts. 2.2 Baseline Environmental Status The monitoring stations were identified in the study area of 10 km radius from ML boundary (Fig. 3.1). The monitoring stations are selected in such a way that the baseline environmental data reflects the Cumulative Impact of existing Mines and Industries in the Study area. Baseline Data have been collected for one season during the Winter Season 2019-20. The Project Area does not fall in Critically Polluted Industrial Clusters listed by CPCB. Considering the Environmental setting of the project, project activities and their interaction, environmental regulations and Standards, following Environmental Attributes have been included in EIA Study. v Site specific Micro-meteorological Data from Core Zone for a Season on wind speed, wind direction

(wind roses), temperature, humidity, cloud cover, atmospheric pressure, rainfall, etc. v Ambient Air Quality Monitoring at 10 locations on 24-hourly basis, continuously for 2 days in a week

for 4 weeks in a Month for a Season for all 12 parameters as per NAAQ Norms. Mobile Stations were also established for the monitoring.

v Noise Level Measurements at all air quality monitoring station for Leq, L day and L night values once in the Season.

v Water Quality Monitoring-grab sampling once in the Season-both Surface Waters (8 locations) as per CPCB/IS Norms & Ground Waters (8 Locations including Mine Pit Water) as per IS:10500 Norms.

v Soil Quality Monitoring at 6 locations once in the Season for Textural & Physical Parameters and Nutrients.

v Land use pattern based on Satellite Imagery. v Biotic Attributes for Flora & Fauna - Core zone & Buffer zones. v Socio-Economic Profile, based on 2011-Census and Household Survey, once in the study period for:

Total Population/Household Size/Gender Composition, SC/ST, Literacy Level, Occupational Structure, available Infrastructures, etc.

The summary of baseline status is given in Table 3.

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Table : 3 Environmental Baseline Status Period : Dec. 2019-Feb. 2020

Envl. Component Main Parameters Minimum Maximum Mean Desirable Norms

Ambient Air Quality (24-hly), ug/m3

PM2.5 10 48 24.7 60

PM10 19 71 41.3 100

SO2 6 20 11.1 80

NOx 8 24 13.2 80

Ambient Noise, dB(A) Leq-Day 39.7 48.4 43.0 55

Leq-Night 37.8 44.3 40.7 45

Workzone Noise, dB(A) Leq Max.-8 hours. - - 80.7 85.0

Surface Waters TDS, mg/l 360 470 - 500/2100

Ground Waters TDS, mg/l 400 490 - 500-2000

Mine Pit Watersl TDS, mg/l 510 540 - 2100

Soil Status EC, mmhos/cm 1.14 1.42 - 0.2-0.5

SAR <5

Legend : PM2.5-Particulate Matter size less than 2.5 um; PM10-Respirable Particulate Matter size less than 10 um;

SO2-Sulphur dioxide; NOx-Oxides of Nitrogen. Leq-Day & Leq-Night : Equivalent Noise Levels during Day & Night Times. Day time is reckoned in between 6 a.m and 10 p.m. and Night time is reckoned in between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. TDS : Total Dissolved Solids. EC-Electrical Conductivity. SAR-Sodium Absorption Ratio.

The findings of baseline environmental status of the study area are summarized below : v The collected meteorological data during this season represented the local weather phenomena. v The monitored ambient air quality in the study area was found to be in compliance with the National

Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ) 24-hourly Norms for Industrial, Residential, Rural and other areas. v Monitored Ambient Noise Levels (Leq) during day and night times were found to be well within the

MoEF&CC Norms. v Workzone Noise Levels were found to be in compliance with OSHA Standards for 8-hours exposure. v Mine dewatered quantity from Southern Pit was gainfully utilized. v The water quality of surface waters were found to be in compliance with CPCB Norms. v The ground water quality was found to be in compliance with the IS:10500-2012 Norms. v The soil in the study area would very well support vegetation after amending it suitably. v The crop land occupies about 34.39%. The Fallow Land occupies about 35.06%. Water body

occupies about 4.98%. Only 3.35% of the study area is covered by built-up land. v There is no eco sensitive area exists in the study area and only domesticated animals exist. v The area is thinly populated and basic amenities are available almost in all villages. Thus, there is adequate buffer for the proposed Project in the physical, biological and edaphic environments of the study area.

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3.0 Anticipated Environmental Impacts Identification of all potential environmental impacts due to the Proposal are critically examined and major impacts (both beneficial & adverse) are studied. The impacts have been divided into two categories, viz. Localised and Cumulative.

3.1 Construction Phase Being an existing Mine, it does not involve any major establishment or construction. Predominantly Vertical Exploitation in the Lease Area is proposed on this Expansion. 3.2 Operation Phase Cumulative Impact has been assessed for the identified Industries and assumed that the pollution due to other existing Mining and Industrial activities have already been covered under baseline environmental status and continue to remain same till the operation of the project. Land Environment : At Conceptual Stage, about 50.28 Ha will be the Mined out area. About 27.40 Ha

will be Backfilled, Afforested and Reclaimed and balance 22.88 Ha will be kept as Water Reservoir for Ground Water-table recharging. The total Green Belt & Afforested Area will be 39.02 Ha with coverage of

61.35 %. There will be no Top Soil Dump or Over Burden Dump in the Lease. Water Environment : Seasonal Uppu Odai flows at 43.0 m RL in the North and at 40.0 m in the South of RPM Mine. Highest Flood Level (HFL) of Uppu Odai in the Lease Area was 43.53 m RL on 19.11.2014. There is a Bund along the Uppu Odai with the dimension of 1,770 (L) x 12 (W) x 6 m (H) (51 m RL) and with an effective Green Belt. Thus, there is no impact due to the Seasonal Discharges of Uppu Odai. Southern Pit was subjected to the Limestone Mining up to 49 m BGL. It intersected the Ground Water-table at 25 m BGL. In an average, about 400 KLD (max. 900 KLD during rainy periods) water from the Mine was dewatered and utilized for Irrigation purpose. It is proposed to mine up to 60 m BGL in the Northern Pit. Mining activities will intersect the ground water-table at 25 m BGL. The Radius of Influence zone due to mine pit dewatering is about 624 m which will be within the mine lease area. The Average Dewatering Quantity from the Mine will be 1,191 KLD. Mine Raw Water Demand of 10 KLD will be met from the Mine Pit Water. Also, the proposed Afforestation of Backfilled Area would require about 625 KLD (53%) during Non-Rainy Season Periods and 300 KLD (26%) during Monsoon Season Periods. The balance amount of 556 KLD during Non-Rainy Season Periods (47%) and 881 KLD (74%) during Monsoon Season Periods will be pumped out into the Settling Tanks and the Treated Water will reach Periya Eri for Irrigation Purpose. Thus, the entire Mine Dewatering Quantity would be gainfully

utilized. RPM Mine Area falls in ‘SAFE Category‘ for Ground Water Utilisation and there is no Impact on the Ground Water Resources. As per TWAD Assessment, Ariyalur Block is also falls in Safe Category. Traffic Impact : Existing Traffic Volume at Muniyakurichi-Nagamangalam Road Junction is about 1,778

PCU/day. On Expansion it will be about 2,687 PCU/day. The net increase (cumulative) in Traffic Volume

due to RPM Mine Expansion at Nagamangalam Road Junction will be 909 PCU/day. The existing Haulage Road, SH-139, Ariyalur Bypass and Ariyalur-Sendurai Roads are adequate to handle the proposed

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additional Traffic Volume due to RPM Expansion. There will not be any significant impact on the existing

baseline traffic volume during RPM Mine Expansion. Air Environment : The Drilling & Blasting, Excavating, Loading, Unloading, Transporting and Rehandling

activities would generate both fugitive dust emissions and smoke from Heavy Earth Moving (HEM) Machineries and Transporting Tippers. The maximum incremental GLC of PM10 predicted due to Cumulative Operations of the operating Plant & Mines in the area is found to be 11.50 ug/m3 to the existing predicted GLC of 6.94 ug/m3. Adequate Buffer (47.20% exist in the Air Environment for the proposed Expansion activity. Noise Levels : The noise levels due to HEM operations are maintained at <85 db(A) at a distance of 1.5 m from the sources. In general, noise generated by these sources are found to be well within the limit of 90 dB(A) prescribed by DGMS, Dhanbad. Ambient Noise level at the boundaries are maintained <55 dB(A) during day times and <45 dB(A) during night times, well within the MoEF&CC Norms for Residential & Rural Areas. Biological Environment : There is no cutting of trees or clearing of bushes, etc. due to the proposal

within the Lease. There is no eco sensitive area exists in the study area and only domesticated animals exist. There is no habitat fragmentation or blocking of migratory corridors due to Project activities as there is no wild life movement or migratory birds movement in the study area. Occupational Health : Occupational Health Surveillance Programme is being carried out for all the Mine

Employees periodically and the Records are maintained. Socioeconomics, CSR & CER : RCL has spent about Rs.3.85 Crores during the last 5 Years for various CSR Activities in Ariyalur Region (Table-4).

Table : 4 CSR Activities

Sl. No. CSR Works Amount Spent, Rs.

2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 Total 1 Promotion of Education 4,92,312 6,58,681 9,27,556 25,14,556 42,98,991 88,92,096

2 Infrastructure Development 38,61,195 56,49,868 42,00,622 52,81,006 48,21,998 238,14,689

3 Eradication of Hunger 2,08,344 - - 11,35,790 - 13,44,134 4 Sports 70,620 15,000 1,83,963 8,16,122 3,07,791 13,93,496 5 Temple - 1,05,000 62,500 3,05,000 8,78,000 13,50,500

6 Promotion of healthcare including preventive healthcare

1,08,195 25,000 94,460 2,14,749 5,51,730 9,94,134

7 Ensuring Environment Sustainability - - - - 7,38,356 7,38,356

Total 47,40,666 67,46,649 57,47,875 102,67,223 115,96,866 385,27,405 The existing Project Cost is Rs. 8.00 Crores. With additional Project Cost of Rs.4.00 Crores for the

Expansion, the total Project Cost will be Rs.12.00 Crores. About 1% of Expansion Project Cost viz. Rs.4,00,000/- has to be allotted as Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) Budget in compliance with MoEF&CC OM F. No. 22-65/2017.IA.III dated 01.05.2018 for execution within 2 years.

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4.0 Environmental Monitoring Programme RCL has the Environment Monitoring Cell under the overall supervision of the Executive Director (Operations) / Unit Head. The quality of air, noise, water, soil, etc. are being monitored at the identified locations as per MoEF&CC/TNPCB Norms by appointing an accreditated external agency. The status reports are being submitted to MoEF&CC Monitoring Cell, IBM and TNPCB periodically.

5.0 Additional Studies Detailed risk assessment and mitigative measures are delineated and an effective Disaster Management Plan, for natural and man-made disasters, is also submitted.

6.0 Project Benefits Environmental Benefits : Effective utilization of Minerals for blending with raw materials in Cement

manufacturing as Mineral Conservation Measure is the Environmental Benefit. Financial Benefits : The expansion Project will bring additional Rs.4.00 Crores investment to the Region. Improving the local and regional economy, Royalty and other taxes to the Exchequer and Contribution to District Mineral Fund (DMF) are also the Financial Benefits of the Proposal. Social Benefits : The mine presently employs about 22 persons directly and 50 persons indirectly. A

budget of 1% of the Project Cost will be allotted as CER Budget. In addition, for the mandatory District Mineral Federation (DMF) @ 30% of Royalty Amount will also be contributed. The direct & indirect employment, CER & CSR activities, etc., will have a positive impact on the Regional Economy.

7.0 Environmental Management Plan RPM Mine is in operation (production) over an extent of 63.60 Ha for the last 10 Years. The Mine will be

operated for another 6 Years (production). Mining is now being carried out by Open Cast Mechanized

Conventional as well as Non-conventional Method using Xcentric Rippers. Drilling and Blasting is being carried out as and when required. The Ultimate Pit Depth will be 60 m BGL viz. (-) 15 m RL from highest Top Level of 45 m RL. The proposed Mine Expansion will be carried out scientifically as per approved Mining Plan by Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), stipulated EC & CFO Conditions, Directorate of Geology & Mine Safety (DGMS) Norms, etc.

EMP Measures for Land Environment :-: v No Blastings shall be carried out during night times and overcast conditions. v Vibration Studies/Monitoring has to be carried out whenever Blastings are carried out. v Vibration Parameters viz. Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) and Noise Levels during Blastings shall

comply with DGMS Norms for Residential Areas. v There will be no Solid Wastes Dump in the Lease at Conceptual Stage. v OB in permitted Non-Lease Area may be gainfully utilized on obtaining the necessary approvals. v Backfilled Mine Voids are to be Afforested with local Tree species and Reclaimed early.

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v Bunds along the Uppu Odai and Lease Boundaries are to be maintained with effective Green Belt. v Maintenance of garland drains around the Lease boundaries, has to be carried out periodically. v Solid Wastes generated periodically due to desilting of Garland Drains are to be used for Green Belt

development. v Mine Pit Seepage water is to be used gainfully as in current practice. v The balance part of excavated Mine Pit has to be converted into a water reservoir. v The water reservoir would be used for Rain Water Harvesting for the benefit of nearby villages. EMP Measures for Water Environment :-

v The increased Mine Pit Water has to be utilized gainfully by increasing the supply to nearby Villages

for Domestic Consumption as well as to agricultural activities nearby as in the current practice. v Mine Pit Water shall not be directly discharged without ensuring its quality. v Ground Water NOC for Dewatering has to be obtained/renewed from SGWA/CGWA Authority. v Periodical Monitoring of Water Level Data from existing Piezometer and nearby Wells in the vicinity

has to be carried out along with the water quality. v The monitored Water Level Data has to be submitted to SGWA/CGWA periodically. v Effective Afforestation in Backfilled Areas, with native species, is to be done. v Garland Drains and Settling Tanks are to be maintained and desilted periodically. The de-silted

quantity from the Garland Drains has to be used for Green Belt/Afforestation. v Ground Water Levels and Water Quality are to be periodically monitored at the identified Borewells &

Dugwells in the Mine vicinity. v The monitored Water Quality data are to be periodically submitted to the IBM and with half-yearly

Compliance Reports to SEIAA-TN & Regional Office, MoEF&CC, Chennai. EMP Measures for Traffic Impact :- v Regular wetting of haul roads has to be undertaken to arrest the fugitive emissions. v Tippers are to be fully covered with Tarpaulin to avoid any spillage on transportation. v No overloading of Tippers is allowed strictly. v A strict Speed Limit of 30 km/hr. has to be enforced and monitored continuously. v Compliance to ‘Pollution under Control’ Certification has to be ensured for the Tippers which has to

be checked periodically. v Restriction of Truck parking in the Public Road has to be implemented. v Regular and preventive maintenance of transport vehicles has to be ensured. v Effective Green Belt with thick foliage has to be developed and maintained along the haul roads. v Security Guards are to be placed at the Public Road-Mine Haulage Road Junction to handle the

inward and outward vehicles.

EMP Measures for Air Environment :- v Water sprinkling on the mining areas, loading point, haul roads, etc. has to be carried out. v Controlled Blasting is to be carried out and during day times only. v No Blasting is carried out during overcast conditions. v Covering of trucks/tippers with tarpaulin is to be done during the transportation. v Over loading of Tippers is to be avoided to control the spillages on transportation.

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v Periodical maintenance of mine equipments has to be carried out and replacement of worn out accessories has to be made..

v Tippers are to be maintained periodically. v Periodical check up of vehicles for ‘Emission Under Control’ measures is to be ensured. v Effective Green Belt with thick foliage has to be developed and maintained. v Backfilled areas are to be reclaimed at the earliest and afforested.

EMP Measures for Noise Levels :- v Deploying HEM equipments will be with in-built acoustic mechanism for reducing noise. v Controlled Blasting is to be carried out and during day times only. v No Blastings shall be carried out during night times and overcast conditions. v Vibration Studies/Monitoring are to be monitored whenever Blastings are carried out. v Vibration Parameters viz. Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) and Noise Levels during Blastings shall

comply with DGMS Norms for Residential Areas. v Provision of silencers is to made to control the noise generated by the machines. v Provision of ear muffs/ear plugs are to be provided the Workers in higher noise zones. v Effective Green Belt with thick foliage has to be developed and maintained along roads and around

lease boundary to act as acoustic barriers.

EMP Measures for Biological Environment v Effective Green Belt developed is to be maintained with good Survival Rate till Conceptual Stage. v Backfilled Areas are to be Afforested with native species and maintained well, as proposed. v Total Green Belt & Afforested Area will be 39.02 Ha with coverage of 61.35 %. v The desilted soil from Garland Drains maintenance may be used in Green Belt/Afforested Areas..

Occupational Health Measures :- v All employees are to undergo Medical Check-up on recruitment and periodically during employment.

Maintenance of Pre, during & Post Employment Records are to be kept for periodical review. v Standard operating procedures for all operations with respect to occupational safety and health are

to be in place. v Required Personal Protective Equipments for the Mine employees are to be provided. v Provision of ergonomically designed seats for drivers/operators has to be ensured. v Provision of illumination facilities are to be made at proper places of mines for ease of working during

night times. v Work comfort and its periodic review by a Committee is to be ensured. v Provision of Rest Shelters at Mines has to be made. v Provision of cool drinking water to employees has to be made. EMP Measures for Socioeconomics :- The existing Project Cost is Rs. 8.00 Crores. With additional Project Cost of Rs.4.00 Crores for the Expansion, the total Project Cost will be Rs.12.00 Crores. About 1% of Expansion Project Cost viz.

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Rs.4,00,000/- has to be allotted as Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) Budget in compliance with MoEF&CC OM F. No. 22-65/2017.IA.III dated 01.05.2018 for execution within 2 years. Financial Assurance : The financial assurance as per the Rule 27(1) of MCDR, 2017 has been

submitted to the Regional Controller of Mines, IBM, Chennai in the form of a Bank Guarantee from ICICI Bank, Nungambakkam Branch, Chennai for Rs.1,90,80,000/- Plastic Waste Management : There will be ban on one-time use and throw away Plastic usage in the Lease. RCL has to encourage the use of eco friendly alternative such as banana leaf, areca nut palm plate, stainless steel glass, porcelain plates / cups, cloth bag, jute bag etc. Covid-19 Scenario : RCL is strictly complying the Norms stipulated by both State & Central Governments in controlling the Pandemic Disease Corona Virus-19 (Covid-19). Employees are instructed to wear all PPEs like Mask, Gloves, etc. Sanitization is ensured at the work places. Social Distancing is ensured at the Mine. Hygenic conditions and all Preventive Measures are strictly in-place/implemented. EMP Budget : The existing Project Cost is Rs. 8.00 Crores. With additional Project Cost of Rs.4.00 Crores for the Expansion, the total Project Cost will be Rs.12.00 Crores. Presently, an amount of Rs.27.50

Lakhs has been earmarked as Capital EMP Budget and Rs. 22.00 Lakhs per Annum is the Operating Cost towards EMP measures, Green Belt maintenance, Environmental Monitoring, etc.

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