M/s. KPR MINES AND MINERALS - APPCB

M/s. KPR MINES AND MINERALS SURVEY NO. 451, MOMIDI VILLAGE,

CHILLAKUR MANDAL, SPSR NELLORE DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH

DRAFT EIA REPORT 1. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT 2. ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN 3. COMPLIANCE OF TERMS OF REFERENCE 4. ANNEXURES

Silica Sand mining - 7.538 ha – 65740 TPA

Monitoring Period: January – March 2019 Project Cost : 55 Lakhs

SUBMITTED TO ANDHRA PRADESH POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD,

REGIONAL OFFICE, SPSR NELLORE

Project No. 0619 - 01 - 01 June, 2018 Submitted By M/s. KPR Mines and Minerals Sri K. Ravindra Reddy D. No. 27-4-242, Flat No. 404, Sai Ashraya Homes, Ramji Nagar, SPSR Nellore – 524002 Mobile No. +91 99893 67070 Email : [email protected]

Studies and Documentation By TEAM Labs and Consultants B-115 to 117& 509, Annapurna Block, Aditya Enclave, Ameerpet, Hyderabad-500 038 Phone: 040-23748 555/616, Telefax: 040-23748666 Email: [email protected]



1. ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT



Studies and Documentation By TEAM Labs and Consultants B-115 to 117 & 509, Annapurna Block, Aditya Enclave, Ameerpet, Hyderabad-500 038 Phone: 040-23748 555/616, Telefax: 040-23748666 Email: [email protected]

Submitted By M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals Sri K. Ravindra Reddy D. No. 27-4-242, Flat No. 404, Sai Ashraya Homes, Ramji Nagar, SPSR Nellore – 524002 Mobile No. +91 99893 67070 Email : [email protected]

CONTENTS

Section Chapter Page. No

1 Introduction

1.1 Introduction 1-1 1.2 Brief Background of the Project 1-3 1.3 Mining Method 1-4 1.4 Mine Location 1-4 1.5 Environmental Impact Assessment 1-6 1.6 Scope of EIA Studies 1-11 1.7 Clearance requirement for the project 1-12

2 Project Description

2.0 Introduction 2-1 2.1 Land use pattern of the mine lease area 2-1 2.2 Geology of the area 2-2

2.2.1 Topography 2-2 2.2.2 Regional Geology 2-2 2.2.3 Geology 2-2

2.2.3.1 Exploration 2-6 2.2.3.2 Quality and Grade of Sand 2-6

2.3 Geological Reserves 2-6 2.4 Life of mine 2-6 2.5 Mining Technology 2-6 2.6 Machinery Requirement 2-9 2.7 Employment Potential 2-9 2.8 Site Services 2-9 2.9 Fire Fighting Facilities 2-10

2.10 Water Requirement 2-10 2.11 Effluent generation and groundwater 2-10 2.12 Waste Generation and management 2-10 2.13 Compliance to the expert committee - environmental conditions 2-10 2.14 Details of Cluster Projects 2-13

3.0 Description of The Environment 3.1 Introduction 3-1 3.2 Land Environment 3-1

3.2.1 Physiography 3-1 3.2.2 Geology 3-8 3.2.3 Hydrogeology 3-10 3.2.4 Soils 3-13

3.3 Water Environment 3-18 3.3.1 Surface Water Resources 3-18

3.3.1.1 Surface Water Quality 3-18 3.3.1.2 Ground Water Resources 3-20 3.3.1.3 Quality of Ground Water 3-20

3.4 Air Environment 3-24 3.4.1 Meteorology 3-24 3.4.2 Meteorological station at mine lease area 3-27 3.4.3 Ambient Air Quality 3-29 3.4.4 Scope of Field Study 3-33 3.4.5 Description of Sampling Locations 3-34 3.4.6 Ambient Air Quality Status 3-36 3.4.7 Noise Environment 3-38 3.4.8 Traffic Study 3-41

3.5 Socio Economic Environment 3-41 3.5.1 Demography 3-42 3.5.2 Population Distribution 3-42 3.5.3 Literacy 3-43 3.5.4 Employment/Occupation 3-44 3.5.5 Living Standards and Infrastructure 3-46 3.5.6 Land Utilization 3-48 3.5.7 Project Economy 3-49

3.6 Ecology 3-49

4 Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 4.0 Identification of Impacts 4-1 4.1 Environmental impacts from mining and associated infrastructure 4-1

4.1.1 Impact Networks 4-4 4.2 Prediction and Assessment of Impacts 4-8

4.2.1 Methodology of Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix 4-9 4.2.2 Air Environment 4-12 4.2.3 Details of Mathematical Modeling 4-15 4.2.4 Emissions from Mining activity and transportation 4-17 4.2.5 Air Quality Predictions 4-19

4.3 Occupational Health Hazards Due to Dust Pollution 4-25 4.4 Noise Environment 4-25

4.4.1 Prediction of Impact on Noise Quality 4-26 4.4.2 Occupational Health Hazards of Noise Pollution 4-29

4.5 Ground Vibrations 4-29 4.6 Water Environment 4-30 4.7 Land Environment 4-34 4.8 Biological Environment 4-38 4.9 Socio-economic Environment 4-42

4.10 Prediction of Impact on Vehicular Traffic 4-45

5 Analysis of Alternatives 5.0 Introduction 5-1 5.1 Alternative Sites 5-1 5.2 Alternatives in Technology 5-1

6.0 Environmental Monitoring 6.1 Introduction 6-1

6.1.1 Objectives 6-1 6.1.2 Methodology 6-1 6.1.3 Ambient Air Quality (AAQ) Monitoring 6-2 6.1.4 Water quality monitoring 6-3 6.1.5 Noise Level monitoring 6-7 6.1.6 Responsibility of monitoring and reporting system 6-8

6.2 Environmental monitoring Budget 6-9

7.0 Additional Studies (Risk Assessment) 71 Introduction 7-1

7.2 Objectives and Scope 7-1 7.3 Mining Activity 7-1 7.4 Hazard Identification 7-1 7.5 Hazard analysis 7-3 7.6 Disaster Management 7-3

7.6.1 Clearance 7-4 7.6.2 Construction of Services 7-4 7.6.3 Failure of Pit Slopes 7-4 7.6.4 Transportation 7-5 7.6.5 House Keeping 7-5

7.7 Disaster Management Plan 7-5 7.7.1 Objective of Disaster Management Plan 7-6 7.7.2 Communication System 7-6 7.7.3 Facilities 7-6 7.7.4 Personal 7-6 7.7.5 Operating Procedure 7-6

8.0 Project Benefits 8.0 Introduction 8-1

9.0 Environment Cost Benefit Analysis 9.0 Introduction 9-1

10

Environment Management Plan

10.0

Introduction 10-1 10.1

Sources of Pollution and Control Measures 10-1

10.2

Air Pollution and its Control 10-1 10.3

Noise pollution and its control 10-2

10.4

Occupational Safety and Health 10-2 10.5

Water Quality Management 10-3

10.6

Water Resources 10-3 10.7

Water Management 10-4

10.8

Waste Management plan 10-4 10.9

Dump Area 10-4

10.10

Land Management 10-4 10.11

Land Reclamation 10-5

10.12

House Keeping 10-5 10.13

Transport Systems 10-5

10.14

Environmental Greening Program 10-5 10.15

Socio-economic Environment 10-7

10.16

Environment Policy 10-7 10.17 Corporate Environmental Responsibility Action Plan 10-8 10.18 Environment Management Cell 10-9 10.19 Other Management Aspects 10-10 10.20 Cost proposed for Environmental Protection Measures 10-10 10.21 Environmental Management for the Cluster 10-13

11

Summary and Conclusion 11-1

12

Disclosure of Consultants 12-1 IV ANNEXURES

A-1 Copy of Mining Lease A-1

List of Tables 1.1 Details of Mine Lease Area 1-4 1.2 The Geo coordinates of the mine lease area 1-6 1.3 Required Approvals and Applicable statutes 1-13

2.1 Details of the Lease Area 2-1 2.2 Land use Pattern of the mine lease area 2-2 2.3 The main geological sequence 2-2 2.4 Geological reserves 2-5 2.5 Year wise production 2-7 2.6 List of Machinery 2-9 2.7 Employment Potential 2-9 2.8 Water Requirement 2-10 2.9 Compliance to the recommendations suggested by expert committee 2-11

2.10 Mine leases within 500m radius 2-14 2.11 Total Reserves, Production and Life of the Mine in the Cluster 2-15 2.12 Details of mining Area Utilized for Mining in the Cluster 2-16 2.13 Water Requirement in the cluster 2-16 2.14 Details of Transportation 2-17

3.1 Details of the mine lease location 3-1 3.2 Soil Analysis data 3-16 3.3 Soil Test Results – Reference Tables 3-17 3.4 Surface water Analysis Data 3-19 3.5 Locations of groundwater sampling 3-20 3.6 Groundwater analysis data 3-23 3.7 Normal climatological table 3-27 3.8 Frequency Distribution of wind speed and wind direction 3-28 3.9 National Ambient Air quality standards 3-33

3.10 Locations of Ambient Air quality Monitoring Stations 3-34 3.11 Ambient Air quality data status 3-36 3.12 AQI Index Showing the Results of Ambient Air Quality 3-37 3.13 Effects on Human Beings at Different Noise Levels 3-40 3.14 Equivalent Noise levels in the study area 3-40 3.15 Population distribution – study area 3-42 3.16 Literacy - study area 3-43 3.17 Employment - study area 3-45 3.18 Main Workers - study area 3-46 3.19 Land Utilization Pattern 3-48 3.20 List of Plant Species Recorded in study area 3-55 3.21 List of Agricultural, Commercial Crops and plantations Recorded 3-64 3.22 List of planktonic flora and fauna from study area 3-65 3.23 List of Fauna 3-67

3.24 List of Reptiles either spotted or reported from the study area 3-68 3.25 List of fishes either spotted or reported from the study area 3-71

4.1 Activity and Environmental Impact - Construction Stage 4-2 4.2 Activity and Environmental Impact - Regular Operation Stage 4-2 4.3 Activity and Environmental Impact - Incidents and Accidents 4-3 4.4 Activity and Environmental Impact - Decommissioning 4-3 4.5 Impacts on Air Environment 4-13 4.6 Impact significance - Air Environment 4-14 4.7 Effects of Air Pollutants on Plants and Animals 4-16 4.8 Emission Details of Pollutants 4-18 4.9 Predicted GLC’s at Monitoring Locations 4-20

4.10 Cumulative AAQ Concentrations 4-21 4.11 Impacts on Noise Level 4-28 4.12 Impact Significance – Noise Level 4-28 4.13 Noise Exposure Levels and Its Effects 4-29 4.14 Impacts on Surface Water 4-31 4.15 Impacts on Ground Water 4-32 4.16 Impacts Significance - Surface Water 4-32 4.17 Impacts Significance - Ground Water 4-33 4.18 Impacts on Land Environment 4-35 4.19 Impact Significance – Land environment 4-36 4.20 Impacts on Flora 4-39 4.21 Impacts on Fauna 4-40 4.22 Impact Significance – Flora 4-41 4.23 Impact Significance – Fauna 4-41 4.24 Impacts on Socio Economic 4-43 4.25 Impact Significance – Socio Economic 4-44 4.26 Modified level of services for connecting roads 4-45 4.27 Modified level of services for connecting roads due to cluster 4-45

6.1 National Ambient Air Quality standards 6-2 6.2 Indian Standard Drinking water specifications 6-4 6.3 Noise Level Standards 6-7 6.4 Environmental monitoring plan 6-8 6.5 Environmental monitoring budget 6-9 6.6 Environmental monitoring budget – cluster 6-9

7.1 Details of Mine Lease Area 7-1 7.2 Trend of Accidents in Non-coal Mines - Cause Wise 7-3

10.1

List of plants identified for greenbelt 10-8 10.2

CSR plan and budget for 5 years 10-12

10.3

Frequency of Health monitoring 10-13 10.4

Cost estimate for EMP 10-17

10.5

Mine leases within 500m radius 10-19

List of Figures

1.1 Mine Lease area Location and study area map 1-5 1.2 Mine Lease area Lease Area sketch 1-10 1.3 Mine Lease area photographs 1-6

2.1 Surface, Geological plan 2-3 2.2 Geological Sections 2-4 2.3 Year wise Working Plan 2-8

3.1 Mine lease area photographs of KPR mines and Minerals 3-4 3.2 Base map of the study area 3-5 3.3 Road network Map of the Study Area 3-6 3.4 Forest map of the study area 3-7 3.5 Geological map of the study area 3-9 3.6 Hydrogeological Map of the study area 3-12 3.7 Land use and land cover of the study area 3-14 3.8 Soil Sampling Locations 3-15 3.9 Drainage pattern of the study area 3-21

3.10 Water Sampling Locations 3-22 3.11 Wind Rose Diagram of the study period at mine lease area 3-29 3.12 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations 3-35 3.13 Noise Sampling Locations 3-39 3.14 Peak Hour Traffic 3-41 3.15 Population distribution of the Study Area 3-43 3.16 Literacy of Study Area 3-44

4.1 Conceptual site model of mining activity (Site Preparation) 4-4 4.2 Conceptual site model of mining activity (During Mining) 4-5 4.3 Impacts on Air Environment 4-5 4.4 Impacts on Water Environment 4-6 4.5 Noise Impact on Surrounding Environment 4-6 4.6 Impact of Solid Waste on Soil Quality 4-7 4.7 Socio- Economic Environment 4-7 4.8 PM Ground Level Concentrations 4-22 4.9 PM10 Ground Level Concentrations 4-23

4.10 PM2.5 Ground Level Concentrations 4-24

KPR Mines and Minerals Environmental Impact Assessment Report

Team Labs and Consultants 1-1

CHAPTER 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals proposes to conduct Semi mechanized open cast method

quarrying for Silica Sand extraction in an area of 7.538 ha in Survey No. 451, Momidi

village, Chillakur mandal, SPSR Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. Silica sand is tiny

granules of quartz and a result of both wind and rain erosion.

The Nellore silica sand deposits are confined exclusively to the coastal zone between

the Kandaleru and Swarnamukhi rivers in the Chillakur and Kota mandals in Nellore

district essentially between North Latitudes 14°02’ and 14°10’ and East Longitudes

79°51’ and 80°09’ in the Survey of India topographic maps 57 N/16 and 66 C/1 on a

scale of 1:50,000. Silica sand deposits are widely spread over a span of 110 km2 area east

of Gudur town in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.

The study area, forms a more or less flat beach plain, was submerged under seawater

sometime in the Pleistocene to Holocene Period, characterized by long spells of global

cooling or glaciation alternating with global warming. As per Geological Survey of

India, District Resource Maps, these deposits belong to marine to fluvio-marine origin

containing tidal flat and deltaic deposits with unconsolidated sand, silt and clay

sediments in varying amounts with variable effective porosity to carry fresh to saline

groundwater in varying amounts and dune sands have an aeolian origin. Silica (SiO2)

is the name given to a group of minerals composed solely of silicon and oxygen. Found

most commonly in the crystalline state, it also occurs in an amorphous form resulting

from weathering or plankton fossilization.

Silica sand deposits are most commonly surface-mined in open pit operations.

Extracted ore undergoes considerable processing to increase the silica content by

reducing impurities. It is then dried and sized to produce the optimum particle size

distribution for the intended application.

Silica is hard and chemically inert and has a high melting point, attributable to the

strength of the bonds between the atoms used in industrial and manufacturing

applications with 95% and above SiO2. These are prized qualities in applications like

foundries and filtration systems. The mineral’s strength and non-reactive properties



make it an indispensable ingredient in the production of thousands of everyday

products.

Glassmaking: Silica sand is the primary component of all types of standard and

specialty glass. It provides the essential SiO2 component of glass formulation, and its

chemical purity is the primary determinant of colour, clarity, and strength.

Chemical Production: Silicon-based chemicals are the foundation of thousands of

everyday applications ranging from food processing to soap and dye production. In

this case, SiO2 is reduced to silicon metal by coke in an arc furnace, to produce the Si

precursor of other chemical processes. Silica sand is the main component in chemicals

such as sodium silicate, silicon tetrachloride, and silicon gels. These chemicals are used

to produce household and industrial cleaners, to manufacture fiber optics, and to

remove impurities from cooking oil and brewed beverages.

Paint and Coatings: Paint formulators select micron-sized industrial sands to improve

the appearance and durability of architectural and industrial paint and coatings. High

purity silica contributes critical performance properties such as brightness and

reflectance, colour consistency, and oil absorption. In architectural paints, silica fillers

improve tint retention, durability, and resistance to dirt, mildew, cracking, and

weathering. Low oil absorption allows increased pigment loading for improved finish

colour. In marine and maintenance coatings, the durability of silica imparts excellent

abrasion and corrosion resistance.

Ceramics and Refractories: Ground silica is an essential component of the glaze and

body formulations of all types of ceramic products, including tableware, sanitary ware,

and floor and wall tile. In the ceramic body, silica is the skeletal structure upon which

clays and flux components attach. The SiO2 contribution is used to modify thermal

expansion, regulate drying and shrinkage, and improve structural integrity and

appearance. Silica products are also used as the primary aggregate in both shape and

monolithic type refractories to provide high temperature resistance to acidic attack in

industrial furnaces.

Oil and Gas Recovery: Known commonly as proppant, or “frac sand,” industrial sand

is pumped down holes in deep well applications to prop open rock fissures and



increase the flow rate of natural gas or oil. In this specialized application, round, whole

grain deposits are used to maximize permeability and prevent formation cuttings from

entering the well bore. Silica’s hardness and its overall structural integrity combine to

deliver the required crush resistance of the high pressures present in wells up to 2,450

m deep. Its chemical purity is required to resist chemical attack in corrosive

environments.

Purpose of the Report

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of

India (GOI) issued notifications vide SO 1533, dt. 14.9.2006, its amendments based on

the directions issued by National Green Tribunal (NGT), New Delhi vide O. A. No. 16

of 2016, dt.13.09.2018 and vide E.A.NO 55/2018 of O. A. No. 520/2016, dt. 11.12.2018 on

Moefcc notification S.O.2269 (E), dt.01.07.2016 and S.O.3977 (E), dt.14.08.2018 and

Office Memorandum dt.12.12.2018 issued in compliance with the hon’ble NGT orders,

New Delhi, which mandate prior environmental clearance for all mining leases across

the country. The notification and its amendments based on NGT directions, classify

mine lease areas of 5 - 25 ha as category B2 at par with B1, and stipulate a three-stage

process of scoping, public consultation and appraisal by State Environmental Impact

Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to issue prior environmental clearance. Accordingly

scoping for preparation of environmental impact assessment (EIA) was done by the

state expert appraisal committee (SEAC), which issued terms of reference vide Letter

No. SEIAA/AP/NLR/MIN/011/2018/717 2020, dt.19.02.2019 for a production

capacity of 65,740 TPA in an area of 7.538 ha. The present study follows the prescribed

TOR’s to prepare draft EIA/EMP report for public consultation, to facilitate informed

view on the project by public/stakeholders.

1.2 Brief Background of the Project

The proponent obtained in principle approval by department of mines and geology,

Government of Andhra Pradesh vide letter no. 5614/R3-1/2018, dt. 28.06.2018. The

Mining plan was approved by the Deputy Director of Mines and Geology, Nellore,

Government of Andhra Pradesh, vide Letter No. 3263/MP/SS/NLR/2018, dt.

02.08.2018 for a production capacity of 65,740 TPA. The proposed project is envisaged

with a capital cost of Rs. 55 Lakhs.



1.3 Mining Method

The mining will be Opencast Semi mechanized method of mining without drilling and

blasting, followed by loading the elevated material into tippers using hydraulic

excavator.

1.4 Mine Location

The details of the mine lease location are presented in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1 Details of the mine lease location

Description Remarks Name of the Project M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals Location of the Project

Survey No. 451, Momidi Village, Chillakur Mandal, SPSR Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh – 524 412

Project / Activity 1(a) Category (A/B1/B2) B1 New / Expansion / Modernization New Mine Product Silica Sand Mine – 65,740 TPA Capital Cost, ₹ 55 lakhs Legal Status of the Company Private Ownership / Occupancy

Government non agriculture and non-forest sandy vacant land

Land Use Pattern Government non-agriculture sandy vacant Land-7.538 ha

Latitudes (North) 14° 9'59.10", 14° 9'57.40", 14° 9'54.90", 14° 9'51.50", 14° 9'49.90"

Longitudes (East) 80° 3'28.60", 80° 3'29.00", 80° 3'30.10", 80° 3'31.30", 80° 3'31.50"

Survey of India sheet No D44I04 (66 B/04) Elevation above Mean Sea Level (AMSL), m 6 – 8 Seismic zone Seismic Zone: III as per IS: 1893

Site surroundings

North : Open Land East : Connecting road West : Open Land South : Open Land

Nearest Village Yeruru village – 1.9 km – W direction Accessibility to site Site connecting – E direction



Description Remarks Road access Chintavarm to Momidi main road - 2.3 km – W direction Nearest Town Gudur – 23 km – W direction District Head quarters Nellore – 28 km – NW direction Nearest Railway station Krishnapatnam Port station – 11 km – NE direction Nearest airport Tirupati Airport – 83 km – SW direction Nearest Port Krishnapatnam Port – 13 km – NE direction Major Industries (Within 10 km radius)

i. Meenakshi Energy Power Plant – 5.8 km – NE direction ii. Simhapuri Energy Limited Power Plant – 4.7 km – NE

direction

Water Bodies in buffer area

Kandleru or Upputeru River - 3.3 km - NW direction

Buckingham Canal - 3.2 km - E direction Challa Kaluva - 9.8 km - S direction Bay of Bengal - 7.6 km - E direction Sona Kaluva - 55 m - E direction

Presence of Water Bodies in Core Area Nil the Project / Activity attracts the provisions of CRZ Not Applicable

Reserve Forest

Momidi RF - 0.2 km - W direction Kottapatnam RF - 4.7 km - NE direction

Udatavaripalem PF - 8.1 km - SW direction

Tammenapatnam RF - 7.6 km - NE direction Inter-state boundary and international boundary Nil within 10 km Protected Areas notified under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 Nil within 10 km Eco-sensitive areas as notified under section 3 of the E (P) Act, 1986 Nil within 10 km Critically polluted areas as identified by the Central Pollution Control Board from time to time, Nil within 10 km



Description Remarks

Defence Installation Nil within 10 km

Baseline Data period January – March 2019

This land is sand bearing non agriculture vacant land and does not involve forest land

except some shrubs and some cashew nut plants grown naturally. The Mine lease area

location is presented in Figures 1.2. The Geo coordinates of the mine lease area are

presented in Table 1.2. The mine lease area sketch is presented in Figure 1.2. The site

photographs are presented in Figure 1.3.

Table 1.2 The Geo coordinates of the mine lease area S. No. Latitude Longitude

1 14° 9'59.10"N 80° 3'28.60"E 2 14° 9'57.40"N 80° 3'29.00"E 3 14° 9'54.90"N 80° 3'30.10"E 4 14° 9'51.50"N 80° 3'31.30"E 5 14° 9'49.90"N 80° 3'31.50"E 6 14° 9'49.70"N 80° 3'40.40"E 7 14° 9'51.80"N 80° 3'40.10"E 8 14° 9'55.70"N 80° 3'38.30"E 9 14° 9'57.60"N 80° 3'35.90"E 10 14° 9'58.70"N 80° 3'35.40"E 11 14°10'0.40"N 80° 3'35.90"E

1.5 Environmental Impact Assessment

Excavation, loading and transportation of silica results in substantial dust and noise

emissions apart from dust from haulage roads connected to approach road. The

mining activity shall also have other detrimental environmental impacts necessitating

mitigation measures. M/s. KPR Mines and Minerals is conscious of their responsibility

towards the society in minimizing the pollution load due to this project and

accordingly decided to carry out the Environmental Impact Assessment to identify the

negative and positive impacts and to delineate effective measures to control the

pollution and to mitigate the environmental pollution in addition to identify effective

measures to address residual impacts. The mine lease area is part of a cluster vide



letter. No. 2395/P/2017, dt 13.08.2018, issued by AD Mines and Geology, Nellore, and

accordingly the environmental impact assessment considered the cumulative impacts

due to the cluster (including the mine lease areas of M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals, KK

mines and minerals and Smt Md. Hameeda), and accordingly environment

management plan for each mine of the cluster shall be prepared, in addition to the

cluster EMP. M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals has appointed M/s. Team Labs and

Consultants for the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment report.

The EIA report was prepared on the basis of TOR obtained from SEIAA, AP. The

baseline data for preparation of this report was collected during January – March 2019.

The other studies such as socio-economic profiles, land use pattern are based on

secondary data collected from various Government agencies and validated through

primary surveys. Field team of M/s. Team labs and Consultants worked in the study

area during January – March 2019 and base line data for various environmental

components i.e., air, water, soil, noise and flora and fauna and socio economic status of

people was collected in a circular area of 10 km radius by taking the mine lease area as

the center point to assess the existing environmental status as per the guidelines

specified by MoEFCC, GOI. This report presents the results of environmental impact

assessment study along with the environment management plan, necessary to contain

observed environmental impacts of the project.





Figure 1.1 Mine Lease area Location and study area map



Figure 1.2 Mine Lease Area sketch



Figure 1.3 Mine lease area photographs 1.6 Scope of EIA Studies

Environmental impact assessment study involves three basic components;

identification, prediction and evaluation of impacts. The scope of EIA report is based

on the TOR obtained from SEIAA - AP. Brief scope of EIA study is as follows;

An intensive reconnaissance and preliminary collection of environmental

information to plan field study.

Field studies to collect preliminary information, particularly on the quality of the

physical environment. Experienced scientists and engineers will collect the data.

Base line data generation and characterization of air, water, soil, noise, vegetation

and socio-economic status of the people in the 10-kilometer radius area (impact

zone) over a period of three months.



A thorough study of the mining activity including provisions for pollution control,

and environmental management that includes prediction of impacts and relevant

mathematical modeling.

A study of cluster of silica sand mines in the vicinity considering the cumulative

impacts due to mining, transportation, resource consumption and waste disposal by

the lease holders.

Preparation of Environment Management plan for the cluster and for the present

mine suggesting suitable methods for mitigating and controlling the pollution levels.

Environmental monitoring plan is suggested for monitoring the pollution loads due

to mining activity in the ML area, cluster area and in the surrounding impact area to

ensure compliance with the statutory requirements and to check adequacy of

environment management measures adopted.

The reporting format shall follow the generic structure mentioned in the SO 1533 dt.

14.9.2006 and its amendments.

1.7 Clearance requirement for the project

The statutory approvals required for this project and the applicability of various acts

which consider environmental management are presented in Table 1.3.



Table 1.3 Required Approvals and Applicable statutes

Legal Instrument (Type, Reference, Year) Responsible Ministries or Bodies Applicability Remarks

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and amendments

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB).

Yes Consent to establish and to operate need to be obtained

Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and amendments

Yes Consent to establish and to operate need to be obtained

Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rule 2000 and amendments

Yes Prescribed noise standards to be adopted and followed

Water (Prevention and Control of pollution) Cess Act, 1974

Yes Cess levy and returns to be submitted

Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and amendments

Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) and Government of India (GOI)

No Mine lease area does not consist of any forest land area.

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and amendments

National Board of Wildlife (NBWL).

No No sanctuary, or national park located within 10 km radius

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological sites & Remains Act, 1958 and amendment

Archaeological Survey of India No No archaeological monument within 300 m of the mine lease area boundary.

Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 and amendments

Central and State Pollution Control Board (CPCB/SPCB)

Yes Authorization for hazardous waste storage, transport and disposal must be obtained.

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and amendments

Central government nodal agency, MoEFCC can delegate to state departments of environment

Yes Prior environmental clearance vide SO 1533 dt. 14.9.2006 has to be obtained. The project is categorized as B, as the ML area is less than 100 ha vide sr. no. 3 a of the schedule.

Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 and amendments

Central / State Government No No displacement of People and no acquisition of land. ML area is government land, leased out by Go AP.



Legal Instrument (Type, Reference, Year) Responsible Ministries or Bodies Applicability Remarks

Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1988 as amended

Controller of Mines or the Chief Controller of Mines

Yes Implementation of mine plan including environmental management must be assured.

The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1988 Central / State Government No No Forest Land involved in the proposed project

The Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961 Government of India (GOI), DGMS

Yes Annual Return for the year ending on the 31st December.

Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas Rules, 2011

Govt of Andhra Pradesh No The ML area does not fall under notified scheduled area.

Water, Land and Trees Act, 2002, GOAP (WALTA, act 2002)

Govt of Andhra Pradesh Yes Permission to be obtained for removing trees and also for establishing/registering the bore well.

The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 State Transport Authority Yes Pollution under control certification for all vehicles plying in and out of the mine lease area.

The Public Liability Insurance Act 1991 Insurance Company Yes Insurance against liability to give relief in the event of injury or fatality and damage to property due to the proposed mining activity.



CHAPTER 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.0 Introduction

M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals proposes to conduct semi mechanized open cast

method quarrying for Silica Sand extraction in an area of 7.538 ha at Survey No.451,

Momidi village, Chillakur mandal, SPSR Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. In

principle mine lease notice was issued by department of mines and geology,

Government of Andhra Pradesh vide letter no. 5614/R3-1/2018, dt.28.06.2018 for a

period of 20 years. The proposed mine lease area is government land. Terms of

reference for preparing the EIA report as part of obtaining prior environmental

clearance for a production capacity of 65,740 TPA was obtained vide letter no.

SEIAA/AP/NLR/MIN/011/2018/717 2020, dt.19.02.2019. The Capital cost of the

proposed activity of mining is Rs. 55 Lakhs. The mining plan was approved by the

deputy director of mines and geology (DDMG), Nellore, Government of Andhra

Pradesh, vide Letter No. 3263/MP/SS/NLR/2018, dt. 02.08.2018. The details of

mining activity, cluster of mines (including the mine lease areas of M/s. KPR Mines

and Minerals, KK mines and minerals and Smt Md. Hameeda), production details

and other concepts as envisaged in the approved mining plan are presented in the

following pages. The details of Mine Lease area (MLA) are presented in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 Details of Mine Lease Area

State and District Mandal Village Lease

Area, ha Ownership of the lease area

Survey number

Andhra Pradesh and SPSR Nellore Chillakur Momidi 7.538 Govt. Land 451

2.1 Land use pattern of the mine lease area (Terms of reference No. 10)

The mine lease area of 7.538 ha consists of active mining area, services, green belt

and haulage road to be used during the plan period, with 0.123 ha of land area kept

for future use. The details of land use are presented in Table 2.2.



Table 2.2 Land use pattern of the Mine Lease Area

Type of Activity Area Utilized during plan period, ha Area to be excavated 6.7 Roads 0.35 Mineral storage 0.1 Infrastructure (Workshop, office) 0.015 Green Belt 0.25 Area remains untouched 0.123 Total 7.538

2.2 Geology of the area

2.2.1 Topography

The Topography of the area is an undulated sand bearing terrain with very less

number of bushes and shrubs. The height of the dunes existing in the area varies

from 1 -2 m from the ground level.

2.2.2 Regional Geology

The regional geology of the area is comprised of Nellore schist belt overlaid by sand

formed due to vigorous cyclone effect and by back water of Bay of Bengal years and

years ago. The sand is widely exposed in surface; rather fully covered by sand

everywhere. The schist, sand and sandy soil incorporates the general geology of the

mining applied area. The main geological sequence is presented in Table 2.3. The

surface, geological plan and Geological cross sections are presented in Figure 2.1.

Table 2.3 The main geological sequence Recent Silica sand and clay Nellore schist belt Allumina and silica rich products. Dharwars Schist's, Phyllite etc., Archaeons Igneous rocks

2.2.3 Geology

The area is fully covered with silica sand. No other outcrops of any rock type are

present in the area. A little quantity of silt and ferruginous material associated with

silica sand is present area. This was transported by waves and deposited near the



shore line. The sand size available at mine site ranges from 20 meshes to 100 meshes.

The average grade of the silica sand is 97.55% of SiO2 up to 100 meshes.

Figure 2.1 Surface cum Geological plan



Figure 2.2 Geological Sections



2.2.3.1 Exploration

The mineralization of silica sand was confirmed by digging trial pits. No core

drilling or DTH drilling was done.

2.2.3.2 Quality & Grade of Sand

The silica sand in the lease is non-crystalline having silica content of 99.75% with

Fe2O3 content of 0.16%.

2.3 Geological Reserves

The reserves of silica sand are computed using cross sectional area method. Ten

cross sections A-A' to J-J' were drawn perpendicular at equal distances of 30 m

(Average) and cross-sectional area each section multiplied with sectional influence

(30 m) and tonnage factor 2.0 gives reserves. The detailed calculations of reserves are

presented in Table 2.4.

Table 2.4 Geological Reserves

Section Sectional Area, m2

Cross section influence, m

Volume, m3 Specific Gravity

Volume, T

A-A' 591 40 23640 2 47280 B-B' 530 30 15900 2 31800 C-C' 532 30 15960 2 31920 D-D' 575 30 17250 2 34500 E-E' 633 30 18990 2 37980 F-F' 653 30 19590 2 39180 G-G' 654 30 19620 2 39240 H-H' 656 30 19680 2 39360

I-I' 674 30 20220 2 40440 J-J' 554 35 19390 2 38780

Total 380480

The reserves blocked under the buffer zone of 7.5m within the boundary area over

an extent of = 8500 m2 (0.85 ha) X 2.5(depth) = 21250 m3 X 2.0 (B.D)

= 42500 MT (not available for mining)



Mineable Reserves

Description Quantity in Tons Total Mineable Reserves 380480 Reserves Blocked in Buffer Zone 42500 Balance Reserves 337980

2.4 Life of Mine

Life of Mine = Mineable reserves / Annual production

= 337980/65740 = 5.1 Years say 5 Years

Hence the anticipated life of mine will be 5.1 years, say about 5 years.

2.5 Mining Technology and mining description

The process of silica sand mining will be opencast semi-mechanized mining without

drilling and blasting. It involves digging, scooping and excavating with the help of

simple tools like spade. Excavator will be used occasionally for scooping of sand.

Mining description

Silica sand is available in entire quarry lease area. Mining is carried out by semi

mechanized open cast method by using small size excavators to load silica sand.

Silica sand is soft in nature, hence there is no need of drilling and blasting.

However, it is proposed to work in the applied area from North to South side of the

lease boundary by excavating two benches (i.e 1.5 m & 1 m). The water table has

been encountered at a depth of 3.6 m. Hence, the proposed mining is confined up to

depth of 2.5 m i.e., 1m above ground water table existing in the applied area. The

maximum depth of the proposed mining is 2.5 m only. The bench height will be

maintained 1.5m and 1 m and bench width will be maintained more than bench

height.

Excavator, JCB loader, tippers and water tanker are used in the mining activity.

Excavator is mainly used for scooping the mineral which is loaded by JCB loader

into the tippers for transporting the mineral. Water tanker is used for sprinkling

water along the haulage roads. Year wise production details are presented in Table

2.5.



Table 2.5 Year wise Production

Year Section Sectional Area, m2

Cross section influence, m

Volume, m3

Specific Gravity

Volume, T

1 A-A' 473 40 18920 2 37840 B-B' 450 31 13950 2 27900

Sub Total 65740 2 C-C' 449 29 13021 2 26042

D-D' 493 39 19227 2 38454 Sub Total 64496

3 E-E' 546 21 11466 2 22932 F-F' 562 37 20794 2 41588

Sub Total 64520 4 G-G' 570 23 13110 2 26220

H-H' 574 34 19516 2 39032 Sub Total 65252

5 I-I' 598 26 15548 2 31096 J-J' 471 35 16485 2 32970

Sub Total 64066 Grand Total 324074


2-8 Team labs and Consultants

Figure 2.3 Year wise Working Plan



2.6 Machinery Requirement

The list of machinery required for mining operation is presented in Table 2.6.

Table 2.6 List of Machinery Sl. No Type No’s Make Size / Capacity

1 Excavator 02 Volvo 2.0 m3 2 Tippers 4 Ashok Leyland 17 tonnes 3 Water Sprinkler 01 Tata 5 KL 4 JCB loader 01 5 Jeep 01

Haulage and Transport equipment with in the mining Lease

Total Quantity of silica sand to be handled = 65740 tones

No of Working days per year = 300

No of operating hours / day = 8

Capacity of each Dumper = 17 tonnes

No of Trips required per hour = 65740/300/8/17=1.6 trips say 2 trips

2.7 Employment Potential

The proposed method of mining is opencast semi mechanized. Workers are required

for general purpose only. The employment potential is presented in Table 2.7.

Table 2.7 Employment Potential S. No. Employee type Quantity

1 Mines Manager/Mate 1 2 Mines Supervisors / Clerk 2 3 Mine Watchman 2 4 Un-Skilled 30 Total 35

2.8 Site Services (Terms of Reference No. 33)

It is proposed to provide an office cum store room, first aid room cum rest shelters,

toilets and stock yard with temporary structures in the mine lease area as part of site

services. Temporary sheds with cement plastered brick walls and G.I. sheet or grass

roofing are constructed for site services. The workers required shall be sourced from

surrounding villages. Drinking water is obtained from Yeruru village through tankers

to mining staff and workers. A tractor mounted tanker is proposed for sprinkling of

water mainly on village roads to suppress the dust generated due to vehicular

movement.



2.9 Fire Fighting Facilities First aid Kit is proposed in the Office Room, 24 hours Commander Jeep, 1 fire gas

cylinders and 2 fire Buckets will be available in the site for use during emergency. Fire

station and police station are located at Gudur and are well connected by roads. The

108 Ambulance services provided by the local authorities may be utilized by lessee

during medical emergency.

2.10 Water Requirement (Terms of Reference No. 24) Water requirement for the mine is mainly for maintaining green belt, water for dust

suppression on the haulage roads to mitigate dust emissions and for domestic

purposes. The total water requirement is 4.3 KLD shall be drawn from Yeruru village/

storm water storage. The rainwater stored in the worked-out pit is used for sprinkling,

wet drilling and greenbelt development. The water requirement is presented in Table

2.8.

Table 2.8 Water Requirement

S. No Water Usage Quantity, KLD 1 Water sprinkling on haul roads 2.2 2 Domestic Purpose 1.6 3 Green Belt 0.5

Total 4.3 2.11 Effluent generation and ground water

The generation of wastewater is from domestic source only; it is expected to be

approximately 1.3 KLD, which is sent to septic tank followed by soak pit.

2.12 Waste Generation and management (Terms of reference No. 11)

No solid waste is generated from the mining actvity. Municipal solid waste about 10

kg/day shall be deposed in low lying areas, while wet waste is composted and

recyclables are sold to recyclers.

2.13 Compliance to the recommendations suggested by expert committee - environmental conditions

Compliance to the recommendations suggested by expert committee of environmental

conditions are presented in Table 2.9.



Table 2.9 Compliance to the recommendations suggested by expert committee

S. No. Condition Compliance position 1 Mining is permitted only to a level of >1m above water table. Will be Complied 2 To establish the level of water table in lease for monitoring reference,

sufficient number of trial pits of suitable size has to be formed by lessee at a minimum spacing of 30 m interval both along the gradient of water and perpendicular to it. The water table in these trial pits is considered as initial water table depth and mining should be permitted a level of 1m above the identified level.

The proponent has excavated upto the depth to water encountered level upto 3.6m below un-disturbed surface. Hence, after leaving the safety barrier of one meter above the water level. The proposed mining will be taken up to 2.5m from surface in un-disturbed surface.

3 In the areas with "Sona Kaluvas" (Spring Channels) no mining should be permitted within 50 m distance from any point of either side of channels and even existing mine lease areas also need to submit a closure plan of such areas, if they have already been excavated.

No spring canals are existing in this mine lease area. Sona Kaluva is flowing at a distance of 55 m in east direction.

4 Conditions for safe transportation of mined out sand for avoiding fugitive emissions and similar conditions for laying approach roads and haul roads to ensure mineral conservation, should be invariably and specifically be made as general conditions.

Will be Complied after initiating the Mining Operations

5 Permanent Monitoring stations at strategic locations be established by all mine lessees of a village and ensure that the silica content is less than 3 µg/m3 and similarly, well inventory of dug wells be maintained for every village.

Will be Complied after initiating the Mining Operations

6 Certain guidelines for mining are also proposed as here under

a. The Mining operations in the subject are categorized as

The Mines those are operating and stopped presently. New mine Semi mechanized Open cast mining

b. If a Sona Channel is found within 50 m from the applied boundary

in any direction and extent, the lease shall not be granted and accordingly the lease granting authority has to be intimated.

--

c. If the Mining operations that were done are observed to be within

50 m of any "Spring Channel" the side should not be cleared for Environmental Clearance unless the lease document is corrected

The survey has been carried out leaving 50 m as safety zone.



S. No. Condition Compliance position accordingly by correcting mineable boundaries.

d. For appraising any case for environmental clearance, the survey drawing of the site with contours of 1m interval shall be provided and proponent should be asked to provide the same by getting endorsed with DMG surveyor. The Contour survey shall be conducted with spot level density of at least 1 point for every 2 m2.

Contour map is prepared

e. The area map showing the leases will be helpful in deciding other

adjacent leases to decide the cluster condition. In the case of cluster conditions, they should be dealt accordingly.

Sketch of ADMG Nellore is enclosed.

f. The depth of excavation in permissible mining area shall in no case exceed 2.5 m from stay level in "Minus-Z direction".

The depth of excavation will be restricted to 2.5 m from surface by scooping the sand developed and precautions are mentioned in the proposed method of mining.

g. If a Mining Plan that is having conditions against the above

recommendations, the Mining Plan shall be suitably modified and resubmitted and get approved by the lessee.

The Mining plan was prepared as per conditions.



2.14 Details of Cluster Projects

The MoEFCC through its legislation has issued a notification No. SO 141(E),

dt.15.1.2016 through which it issued cluster guidelines for the purpose of obtaining

Prior Environmental Clearance for the Mines. As per that SO every mine shall obtain

prior EC for its operations and also EC for the entire cluster in case it falls in the

definition of cluster. Accordingly, the present cluster falls under purview of

definition of cluster as per the SO. Hence the present EMP for the whole cluster is

being prepared. As per the S. O. 2269 (E) notification dt. 01.07.2016 and as per

ADMG Letter, following Mines is present within 500 m distance from the mine lease

area. The details of Cluster projects (including the mine lease areas of M/s. KPR

Mines and Minerals, KK mines and minerals and Smt Md. Hameeda) are given in

Table 2.10.



Table 2.10 Mine leases within 500m radius S. No. Name of the mine lease Location of the Mine Leases Extent,

ha Mine Lease details EC Obtained

1 M/s. Southern Silica Mine Survey No. 420, Momidi Village, Chillakur Mandal, SPSR Nellore District

3.238 12.04.2002 Granted

2 M/s. Venkatakrishna Minerals & Co.,

Survey No. 162/1A,1128 to 1133, 1157/1, 1158, 59, Yeruru Village, Chillakur Mandal, SPSR Nellore

19.47 04.12.1999 Granted

3 M/s. Southern Silica Mine Survey No. 1154/1, 1155, 1160, 1161, Momidi Village, Chillakur Mandal, SPSR Nellore District

11.06 06.06.2003 NA

4 M/s. Southern Silica Mine Survey No. 421,422, Momidi Village, Chillakur Mandal, SPSR Nellore District 6.285 11.11.2004 Granted

5 Sri A. Sabath Kumar Survey No. 423/1, Punuguntapalem H/o. Momidi Village, Chillakur Mandal, SPSR Nellore District 23.335 01.01.2004 Granted

6 Sri P. Siva Kumar Reddy Survey No. 1162, 1163, 1164, Yeruru Village, Chillakur Mandal, SPSR Nellore District 6.973 06.11.2004 Granted

7 M/s. Sai Vindhya Silica Mine Survey No. 1167, Yeruru Village, Chillakur Mandal, SPSR Nellore District 6.232 15.12.2005 Granted

8 M/s. Sri Kumasraswamy Silica Mines

Survey No. 695/22, 696, Momidi Village, Chillakur Mandal, SPSR Nellore District 126.945 25.07.1998 NA

9 Sri Y. Janakirami Reddy Survey No. 695/6, 695/9B, 695/10B, 695/11, 695/13, 695/14,695/16,695/17,695/18,695/19, Momidi Village, Chillakur Mandal, SPSR Nellore

20.146 25.07.2002 Granted

10 Smt. Md. Hameeda Survey No. 665/P, Momidi Village, Chillakur Mandal, SPSR Nellore District

4.443 27.08.2018 LOI Applied for EC

11 M/s. Vemalamma Silica Mines Survey No. 441, Momidi Village, Chillakur Mandal, SPSR Nellore District

12.379 27.08.2018 LOI -

12 M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals Survey No. 451, Momidi Village, Chillakur Mandal, SPSR Nellore District

2.889 28.06.2018 LOI Applied for EC 13 M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals 7.539 28.06.2018 LOI Applied for EC 14 M/s. K. K. Mines and Minerals 7.867 22.10.2018 LOI Applied for EC Total Area 258.801



The cluster details are obtained from AD mines vide letter no. 2395/P/2017, dt

13.08.2018, spread in area of 258.801 ha in Momidi village, Chillakur mandal, SPSR

Nellore district, which is enclosed in the annexure. The letter obtained from AD mine

provides the mine lease, name of the occupier, lease area and land use. Other details

w.r.to reserves, water consumption, production capacity is extracted considering the

information available in district survey report released by DMG, Go AP (District Survey

Report – 2018). There is no information from the mines and geology department with

respect to reserves, life of mine, status and whether the projects obtained environmental

clearance. The total reserves, production and life of the mine in the cluster are presented

in Table 2.11. Hence the reserves are assumed by extrapolating the reserves of the

present project. The lease period and production quantities are obtained from district

survey report.

Table 2.11 Total Reserves, Production and Life of the Mine in the Cluster

Name of the mine lease

Area, ha Production TPA

Reserves, T Life of Mine, Yrs

Southern Silica Mine 3.238 20000 50000 3 Venkatakrishna Minerals & Co., 19.47 75000 646010 9

Southern Silica Mine 11.06 106950 609025 6 Southern Silica Mine 6.285 41850 125000 3 Sri A. Sabath Kumar 23.335 79682 756200 9 Sri P. Siva Kumar Reddy 6.973 77800 165200 2 Sai Vindhya Silica Mine 6.232 65365 355137 5 Sri Kumasraswamy Silica Mines 126.945 340083 7399321 21

Sri Y. Janakirami Reddy 20.146 36300 1881600 52 Smt. Md. Hameeda 4.443 29184 150312 5 Vemalamma Silica Mines 12.379 80000 629562 8 KPR Mines & Minerals 2.889 24576 124640 5 KPR Mines & Minerals 7.539 65740 337980 5 K. K. Mines and Minerals 7.867 52290 472440 9



Total life of the mine and the reserves are calculated based on the production figures

given in district survey report and presented in Table 2.12.

Table 2.12 Details of mining Area Utilized for Mining in the Cluster

Name of the mine lease Area to be excavated, ha

Total Extent, ha

M/s. Southern Silica Mine 2.5 3.238 M/s. Venkatakrishna Minerals & Co., 12.4 19.47 M/s. Southern Silica Mine 7.23 11.06 M/s. Southern Silica Mine 4.5 6.285 Sri A. Sabath Kumar 12.6 23.335 Sri P. Siva Kumar Reddy 4.5 6.973 M/s. Sai Vindhya Silica Mine 4.21 6.232 M/s. Sri Kumasraswamy Silica Mines 72 126.945 Sri Y. Janakirami Reddy 14.69 20.146 Smt. Md. Hameeda 3.75 4.443 M/s. Vemalamma Silica Mines 8.5 12.379 M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals 2.28 2.889 M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals 6.7 7.539 M/s. K. K. Mines and Minerals 5.25 7.867 Total 258.801

The water is required mainly for domestic usage, green belt development and dust suppression. Water Requirement in the cluster is presented in Table 2.13.

Table 2.13 Water Requirement in the cluster

Name of the mine lease Area, ha Water Requirement KLD

Domestic Water, KLD

Waste Water, KLD

Water KLD

Southern Silica Mine 3.238 2.5 1.0 0.8

40

Venkatakrishna Minerals & Co

19.47 17.5 1.5 1.2

Southern Silica Mine 11.06 14.0 8.0 6.0 Southern Silica Mine 6.285 6.5 2.5 1.9 Sri A. Sabath Kumar 23.335 22 8.0 6.0 Sri P. Siva Kumar Reddy 6.973 6.8 2.5 1.9 Sai Vindhya Silica Mine 6.232 21.0 2.0 1.6 Sri Kumasraswamy Silica Mines

126.945 2.0 0.8 0.5

Sri Y. Janakirami Reddy 20.146 18.0 2.0 1.6 Smt. Md. Hameeda 4.443 3.0 1.0 0.8 Vemalamma Silica Mines 12.379 8.8 2 1.6



KPR Mines & Minerals 2.889 3.6 1.6 1.3 KPR Mines & Minerals 7.539 4.3 1.6 1.3 K. K. Mines and Minerals 7.867 4.3 1.6 1.3

The total no of truck trips estimated in the cluster. Details of Transportation in the cluster are presented in Table 2.14.

Table 2.14 Details of Transportation

Name of the mine lease Production, TPA No. of Trips per day M/s. Southern Silica Mine 20000 4 M/s. Venkatakrishna Minerals & Co., 75000 17 M/s. Southern Silica Mine 106950 24 M/s. Southern Silica Mine 41850 9 Sri A. Sabath Kumar 79682 18 Sri P. Siva Kumar Reddy 77800 17 M/s. Sai Vindhya Silica Mine 65365 15 M/s. Sri Kumasraswamy Silica Mines 340083 76 Sri Y. Janakirami Reddy 36300 8 Smt. Md. Hameeda 29184 6 M/s. Vemalamma Silica Mines 80000 18 M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals 24576 5 M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals 65740 15 M/s. K. K. Mines and Minerals 52290 12



CHAPTER 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

3.1 Introduction

Impact is defined as “The difference between what would happen with the action

and what would happen witout it” by International Association of Impact

Assessment. Hence establishing the current status as base line is an integral aspect of

preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment Report. Baseline data reflects the

present status of environment before the initiation of any activity of the proposed

mining project. The possible effects due to proposed mining activity of the cluster

(including the mine lease areas of M/s. KPR Mines and Minerals, KK mines and

minerals and Smt Md. Hameeda) are estimated and superimposed on the compiled

baseline data subsequently to assess environmental impacts.

The study was conducted in the impact area; 10 km radius area surrounding the

Mine Lease area (MLA) during January – March 2019. Studies were undertaken to

generate baseline data of micrometeorology, ambient air quality (AAQ), water

quality (ground and surfce water), noise levels, flora and fauna, land use and land

cover, soil quality and socio-economic status of the community.

3.2 Land Environment

Land and soil constitute basic components of the physical environment. The mining

activity may cause changes in land, land use, soil and denudation processes in

different intensities contingent on spatial proximity of the activity and receptors.

Land and soil may get intensely altered within the mine lease area, and to some

extent within 2 km radius and to a lesser extent upto 10 km radial distance due to

development of the mining activity.

3.2.1 Physiography

The details of the mine lease location are presented in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1 Details of the mine lease location

Description Remarks Name of the Project (s) M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals

Location of the Project Survey No. 451, Momidi Village, Chillakur Mandal, SPSR Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh – 524 412



Description Remarks Product Silica Sand Mine – 65,740 TPA Capital Cost, ₹ 55 lakhs Legal Status of the Company Private

Ownership / Occupancy Government non agriculture and non-forest sandy vacant land

Land Use Pattern (Forest, Agricultural, Grazing, Barren etc.)

Government land, non-agriculture sandy vacant Land - 7.538 ha

Latitudes (North) 14° 9'59.10", 14° 9'57.40", 14° 9'54.90", 14° 9'51.50", 14° 9'49.90"

Longitudes (East) 80° 3'28.60", 80° 3'29.00", 80° 3'30.10", 80° 3'31.30", 80° 3'31.50"


Site surroundings


Nearest Village Yeruru village – 1.9 km – W direction Accessibility to site Site connecting – E direction Road access Chintavarm to Momidi main road - 2.3 km – W direction Nearest Town Gudur – 23 km – W direction District Head quarters Nellore – 28 km – NW direction Nearest Railway station Krishnapatnam Port station – 11 km – NE direction Nearest airport Tirupati Airport – 83 km – SW direction Nearest Port Krishnapatnam Port – 13 km – NE direction

Major Industries (Within 10 km radius)

i. Meenakshi Energy Power Plant – 5.8 km – NE direction ii. Simhapuri Energy Limited Power Plant – 4.7 km – NE

direction


Kandleru or Upputeru River - 3.3 km - NW direction

Buckingham Canal - 3.2 km - E direction Challa Kaluva - 9.8 km - S direction Bay of Bengal - 7.6 km - E direction Sona Kaluva - 55 m - E direction


Reserve Forest Momidi RF - 0.2 km - W direction Kottapatnam RF - 4.7 km - NE direction



Description Remarks Udatavaripalem PF - 8.1 km - SW direction Tammenapatnam RF - 7.6 km - NE direction

Inter-state boundary and international boundary Nil within 10 km Protected Areas notified under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 Nil within 10 km Eco-sensitive areas as notified under section 3 of the E (P) Act, 1986 Nil within 10 km Critically polluted areas as identified by the Central Pollution Control Board from time to time, Nil within 10 km

Defence Installation Nil within 10 km

Slope of the region Gentle

The mine lease area is sand bearing non agriculture vacant land and does not

involve forest land. The vegetation in the mine lease area consists mainly of few

shrubs and about 30 cashew nut plants which grew naturally.

The mine lease area photographs are presented in Figure 3.1. The base map of the

study area is presented in Figure 3.2. The roadnetwork map of the study area is

presented in Figure 3.3. The forest map of the study area is presented in Figure 3.4.



Figure 3.1 Mine lease area Photographs



Figure 3.2 Base Map of the Study Area



Figure 3.3 Road network Map of the Study Area



Figure 3.4 Map Showing Reserve forests of the study area



3.2.2 Geology

The regional geology of the area is comprised of Nellore schist belt overlaid by sand

formed due to vigorous cyclone effect and by back water of Bay of Bengal years and

years ago. The sand is widely exposed in surface; rather than area is fully covered by

sand everywhere. The schist, sand and sandy soil incorporates the general geology

of the mining applied area. The main geological sequence is presented is presented

below.

The main geological sequence

Recent Silica sand and clay,

Nellore schist belt Allumina and silica rich products. Dharwars Schist's, Phyllite etc., Archaeons Igneous rocks



Figure 3.5 Geological map of the study area



3.2.3 Hydrogeology

The study area is underlain by variety of geological formations comprising from the

oldest archaeans to recent alluvium. Hydrogeologically these formations are

classified as consolidated (Hard), semi-consolidated (Soft) and unconsolidated (Soft)

formations. The consolidated formations include mainly migmatised high grade

metamorphics (essentially garnetiferous amphibolites & pelitic schist), low grade

metamorphics (essentially amphibolites & politic schists) of Nellore schist belt,

granitic gneiss and Cuddapahs (Quartzites & Shales) of Pre-cambrian period. The

schist and gneisses are intruded by granites, pegmatites and basic dykes. Among

these consolidated

Ground water occurs in all most all geological formations and its potential depends

upon the nature of geological formations, geographical set up, incidence of rainfall,

recharge and other hydrogeological characters of the aquifer. Among the

consolidated formations gneisses are relatively good aquifers. Schistose formations

also form potential aquifers when the wells tapping contact zones with intrusives.

Quartzites and shales of Cuddapah group are of little significance from the ground

water point of view as they are restricted to the hilly terrain in the western margin of

the study area. In the consolidated formations ground water occurs under

unconfined to semiconfined conditions. Ground water is developed in these

formations by dug wells, dug cum bore wells and bore wells tapping weathered and

fractured zones. The yield of the dug wells are in the range of 15 to 35 KLD and

reduce considerably during peak summer periods. The occurrence of fractures in

these formations is limited to 40 to 60 m bgl and occasionally extends down to 70 to

80 m bgl. The bore wells in these formations generally tap the weathered and

fractured zones. The yields of the bore wells generally range between 80 and 350

KLD. The higher yields are limited to the available thickness of fractured zones.

Among the semi-consolidated formations, laterites only form potential aquifers

when their thickness is more than 8 m and without any overburden, whereas

sandstones do not form potential aquifers, as these are very thin. In laterites ground

water occurs under unconfined conditions. Ground water is developed in these

formations by dug wells. The yield of these wells varies from < 1 to 2 m3/hr. Among

the un-consolidated formations river alluvium i.e., in deltaic area form potential



aquifers. In deltaic area ground water occurrence is controlled by landforms and also

in this area a lot of heterogeneity in hydrogeological conditions exist both spatially

and vertically. Most of the coastal alluvium aquifers are saline. Palaeochannels are

favourable locations for fresh water aquifers. Wind-blown sand/ sand dunes are

fresh water aquifers. Ground water occurs under phreatic to confined conditions and

is developed through shallow dug wells, filter point wells and tube wells. The depth

of dug wells ranges from 5 to 12 m, while the depth of filter point wells generally

varies from 6 to 11 m. The yields generally range in this aquifer between 500 to 1000

KLD. Occasionally high yields also occur in the palaeochannels.

The transmissivity value of the aquifers in the consolidated formations, semi-

consolidated formations and unconsolidated formations generally vary from 15 to 75

m2/day, 20 to 60 m2/day and 200 to 500 m2/day respectively. The study area

surroundings water level ranges from 5 to 10 m bgl. The site area exists dendritic

drainage pattern. The Kandleru River located in the study area from NW direction.

Hydrogeological map of the study area is presented in Figure 3.6.



Figure 3.6 Hydrogeological Map of the study area



3.2.4 Soils (Terms of Reference No. 22)

Soil may be defined as a thin layer of earth’s crust that serves as a natural medium

for the growth of plants. It is the unconsolidated mineral matter that has been

subjected to and influenced by genetic and environmental factors such as parent

materials, climate, organisms and physico-chemical action of wind, water and

sunlight, all acting over a period of time. Soil differs from the parent materials in the

morphological, physical, chemical and biological properties. Also, soil differs

among them in some or all the genetic or environmental factors, therefore, some soils

are yellow, some are black, some are coarse textured. They serve as a reservoir of

nutrients for plants and crop and also provide mechanical anchorage and favorable

tilth.

The soil characteristics include both physical and chemical parameters. M/s. Team

Labs and Consultants field team carried out soil survey to assess the soil

characteristics of the study area. The land use and land cover map of the study area

is presnted in Figure 3.7. (Terms of Reference No .04, 05 & 10) It may be noted that

the land use land cover map reflects predominantly forest, agriculture followed by

barren lands. The impact area also has a significant percentage of agriculture nature

of the impact area, and also its dependence on tank for irrigation. Representative

soil sampling was done at various locations and these locations are shown in Figure

3.8. Analytical data of soil samples is presented in Table 3.2.



Figure 3.7 Land Use Land Cover Map of the Study Area



Figure 3.8 Soil Sampling Locations



Table 3.2 Soil Analysis Data Parameter Unit S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 S-5 S-6 S-7 S-8 S-9 S-10

pH 7.31 7.31 7.42 7.2 7.03 6.65 7 7.1 7.15 7.27 Electrical Conductivity dS/m 1 1 1 1 1.038 0.967 1.023 1 1 1.031 Bulk Density g/cc 1.43 1.43 1.43 1.33 1.25 1.11 1.43 1.25 1.43 1.33 Cation-Exchange Capacity Cmol (+)/kg 5.12 5.12 9.72 3.24 18.53 10.02 14.36 6.42 6.84 10.56 Infiltration rate mm/hour 26 26 24 13 30 12 27 12 21 30 Porosity % 46 46 46 50 53 58 46 53 46 50 Water Holding Capacity % 2.58 2.58 2.66 3.63 2.02 1.26 2.43 1.20 1.39 1.37 Moisture % 2.65 2.65 2.74 3.77 2.06 1.27 2.49 1.21 1.41 1.39 Organic Matter % 0.98 0.98 0.82 0.28 5.67 6.06 2.86 1.12 1.46 6.79 Carbonates % Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Sand % 89 89 90 48 60 39 67 45 67 80 Silt % 8 8 5 30 33 35 20 30 12 13 Clay % 3 3 5 22 7 26 13 25 21 7 Organic Carbon % 0.57 0.57 0.48 0.16 3.29 3.51 1.66 0.65 0.85 3.94 Nitrogen (as N) % 0.033 0.033 0.019 0.008 0.039 0.039 0.020 0.011 0.009 0.045 Carbon, Nitrogen Ratio - 90.7 17.3 25.3 20.8 84.3 90.1 83.0 57.7 97.9 87.5 Phosphorus (as P) % 0.055 0.055 0.070 0.065 0.16 0.065 0.16 0.180 0.230 0.24 Potassium (as K) mg/kg 250 250 412 28 508 434 442 266 348 590 Sodium (as Na) mg/kg 405 405 1205 199 3000 1180 2600 580 960 1360 Calcium (as Ca) mg/kg 310 310 410 320 320 380 190 410 170 370 Magnesium (as Mg) mg/kg 140 140 164 85 310 225 115 140 109 152 Calcium, Magnesium ratio - 2.22 2.22 2.50 3.76 1.03 1.69 1.65 2.93 1.55 2.44 Sodium Absorption Ratio - 4.80 4.80 12.72 2.56 28.67 11.86 36.73 6.31 14.13 15.04 Chlorides (as Cl) mg/kg 3297 3297 3102 2216 1507 1578 1471 1861 1826 2730 Sulphates (as SO4) mg/kg 120 120 106 98 61 63 60 65 72 56 Aluminium (as Al) mg/kg <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10

Texture - Sandy Sandy Sandy loam Sandy loam loam

Sandy loam loam

Sandy Clay loam

loamy sand

S1-KPR mine Lease Area, S2- KK mine Lease Area, S3-Smt Md. Hameeda, S4-Momidi, S5-Yeruru, S6-Chintavaram, S7- Addepalli, S8 – Manneguntla, S9- Ballvolu and S10-Valagali.



The test results of soil samples collected in the impact area are interpreted referring

to the book; “Interpreting soil test results”. The reference tables are presented in

Table 3.3. The pH of soil samples ranges from Neutral to Mildily alkaline to

Neutral. The cation exchange capacity of the soils is very low to Moderate. The level

of nitrogen of the all samples is very low. The calcium magnesium ratio of the

samples reflects Mg deficiency in all samples. Bulk density of soil of impact varies

from 1.25-1.43 g/cc among sandy loamsoils (4 samples), 1-11-1.33 g/cc among loam

soils (3 samples). The porosity values range from 46-53 % among sandy loamy (4

samples), 50-58 % among loam soils (4 samples). Soil texture is predominantly

Sandyloam.

Table 3.3 Soil Test Results – Reference Tables General interpretation of pH Measured Rating for Cation Exchange Capacity pH Range Classification CEC (Cmol)+)/kg

<4.5 Extremely Acidic Very low <6 * 4.51 -5.0 Very Strong Acidic Low 6-12 5.1-5.5 Strong Acid Moderate 12-25 5.6- 6.0 Moderately Acid High 25-40 6.1-6.5 Slightly acid Very High >40 6.6-7.3 Neutral Source: Metson (1961)

* Soils with CEC less than three are often low in fertility and susceptible to soil acidification.

7.4-7.8 Mildily Alkaline 7.9 -8.4 Moderately Alkaline 8.5-9.0 Strongly Alkaline >9.0 Very Strongly Alkaline

Source: Bruce and Rayment (1982). Ca/mg Ratio Base Saturation as a Criterion of

Leaching Description Range (%BS) Rating <1 Ca Deficient 70-100 Very Weakly Leached 1-4 Ca (Low) 50-70 Weakly Leached 4-6 Balanced 30-50 Moderately Leached 6-10 Mg (Low) 15-30 Strongly Leached >10 Mg deficient 0-15 Very Strongly Leached Source: Eckert (1987) Source: Metson (1961)

Rating of Total Nitrogen Extractable Potassium (K) Rating (% by W) Description K <0.05 Very low low <150 ppm* (< 0.4 meq/100 g soil) 0.05-0.15 Low medium 150–250 ppm (0.4–0.6 meq/100 g soil) 0.15-0.25 Modium high 250–800 ppm (0.6–2.0 meq/100 g soil) 0.25-0.50 High excessive >800 ppm (>2.0 meq/100 g soil) >0.5 Very High Source: Abbott (1989) Source: Bruce and Rayment (1982)



3.3 Water Environment

Industrial development of any region is contingent on the availability of sufficient

water resources, as most of the process industries require water for process or

cooling purposes. The potential for exploitation of ground water resources increases

as development of new projects increases in industrial and agricultural areas. With

the increasing industrialization and urbanization, the possibilities of contamination

of surface water and ground water sources are rapidly increasing. The water

resources in the impact area broadly fall into following categories; surface water

sources mainly consisting of tanks and ponds and ground water sources of tube

wells, dug wells and dug/bore wells which abstract accumulated water in the

aquifers in the deeper strata of ground.

3.3.1 Surface Water Resources

Sona Kaluva at a distance of 55 m in east direction from the mine lease boundary.

Buckingham canal is flowing from north to south direction at a distance of 3.2 km in

east direction from the mine lease area. Bay of Bengal at a distance of 7.6 km in east

direction. Kandleru or Upputeru stream is flowing from west to northeast at a

distance of 3.3 km in northwest direction. Yeruru canal is the largest tank in the

study area. There are no tanks in eastern part of impact area, however a nuber of

tanks are observed in the southern part of impact area. The eastern part of the

impact area is plan with poor drainage, mainly due to high infiltration rate of sandy

soil, while the western part drains into tanks. The overflow of these tanks ultimately

joins Kandleru.

3.3.1.1 Surface Water Quality (Terms of Reference No. 27)

In order to have an idea of quality of water flowing in the region, representative

water samples were collected and analysed according to IS 2296:1986. The analytical

results of water samples drawn from various locations in the study area during

monitoring are presented in Table 3.4. The sampling locations of both ground and

surface water are presented in Figure 3.10.



Table 3.4 surface water Analysis Data

Parameters SW-1 SW-2 SW-3 SW-4 Units Method of Analysis IS 2296:

1982 Temperature 29 29 30 29 oC IS:3025 part 09:2002 NS Colour 1 1 1 2 Hazen IS:3025 part 04:2012 300 Turbidity 0.62 0.59 0.21 1.1 NTU IS:3025 part 10:2006 NS pH 8.07 8.19 7.48 8.85 - IS:3025 part 11:2006 6.5-8.5 Total Solids 13069 14382 637 10779 mg/l IS:3025 part 15:2003 NS Total Dissolved Solids 13056 14368 627 10765 mg/l IS:3025 part 16:2006 1500 Total Suspended Solids 13 14 10 14 mg/l IS:3025 part 17:2006 NS Total Hardness 2261 1737 94 619 mg/l IS:3025 part 21:2009 NS Calcium (as Ca) 590 680 56 340 mg/l IS:3025 part 40:2009 NS Magnesium (as Mg) 541 413 22 146 mg/l IS:3025 part 46:2009 NS Sodium (as Na) 3350 4030 98 3350 mg/l IS:3025 part 45:2003 NS Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) 24.0 30.0 2.8 38.0

- -

Potassium (as K) 102 110 4.25 125 mg/l IS:3025 part 45:2003 NS Total Alkalinity 105 95 30 110 mg/l IS:3025 part 23:2003 NS Chloride (as Cl) 6063 6524 232 4822 mg/l IS:3025 part 32:2007 NS Sulphates (as SO4) 1334 1789 72 1072 mg/l IS:3025 part 24:2009 600 Nitrate Nitrogen 2.7 2.6 3.9 2.6 mg/l IS:3025 part 34:2009 400 Silica (as SiO2) 0.56 0.52 0.42 0.49 mg/l IS:3025 part 35:2003 50 Fluoride (as F) 0.39 0.25 0.29 0.27 mg/l IS:3025 part 60:2008 NS Residual, Free Chlorine <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 mg/l IS:3025 part 26:2009 1.5 Mineral Oil NIL NIL NIL NIL mg/l IS:3025 part 39:2013 NS Cyanide (as CN) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 mg/l IS:3025 part 27:2003 NS Aluminium (as Al) <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 mg/l APHA-3500-Al 0.05 Boron (as B) <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 mg/l IS:3025 part 57:2010 0.2 Cadmium (as Cd) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 mg/l IS:3025 part 41:2003 0.01 Hexavalent Chromium <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 mg/l IS:3025 part 52:2003 0.05 Copper (as Cu) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 mg/l IS:3025 part 42:2009 1.5 Iron (as Fe) 1.2 1.2 1.39 0.32 mg/l IS:3025 part 53:2009 50 Lead (as Pb) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 mg/l IS:3025 part 47:2009 0.1 Manganese (as Mn) 0.07 0.11 0.09 0.08 mg/l APHA-3500-Mn NS Zinc (as Zn) 0.04 0.01 0.07 0.04 mg/l IS:3025 part 49:2009 15 Dissolved Oxygen 5.3 5.6 5.7 5.2 mg/l Is:3025 Part 38:2003 4 Chemical Oxygen Demand 24 21 16 19 mg/l IS:3025 Part 58:2006 NS

BOD 3 days at 27±10C 3 2 1.5 2 mg/l IS:3025 Part 44:2003 3 SW1- Kandaleru River up stream, SW2- Kandaleru down stream, SW3-Sona kalava upstream and

SW4- Bakingham Canal.



3.3.1.2. Ground Water Resources

Ground water is the accumulation of water below the ground surface, caused by

rainfall and its subsequent percolation through pores and crevices. Percolated water

accumulates till it reaches an impervious stratum consisting of confined clay

confined clay or confined rocks. Occurrence of ground water is controlled by

landform, structure and lithology. Ground water abstraction is by means of dug

wells, dug cum driven wells, and bore wells. Every village has a number of

traditional wells large and small. The state authorities have also provided tube

wells fitted with hand pump for the drinking water requirement of villages in the

study area. Presently the drinking water needs are mostly met from the ground

water resources.

3.3.1.3 Quality of Ground Water

The representative samples are collected from various dug wells and bore wells in

the study area. There area has few bore wells in the vinicity of mine lease area. The

ground water in the vinicity may be shallow open wells or handpumps with depth

of 2 – 3 m. and quality of shallow well is soft. Unlike saline or hard water in the bore

wells, where water drawn from below 10 m. The list of samples loations is presented

in Table 3.5. The analytical results of water samples drawn from various locations

in the study area are presented in Table 3.6. The map showing the locations of

sample collection is presented in Figure 3.10. It may be observed that the analytical

results are above the prescribed standads for total hardness and total suspended

solids in all samples except the sample drawn from Dampalli.

Table 3.5 Locations of Groundwater Sampling

S. No Location Name Direction

form ML area Distance from ML Area (Km)

GW-01. KPR and KK mine lease area - - GW-02. KPR and KK mine lease area NW Adjacent GW-03. Smt Md. Hameeda NW 1.8 GW-04. Momidi NW 3.2 GW-05. Chintavaram SW 3.4 GW-06. Yeruru NW 1.9 GW-07. Addepalli SE 2.8 GW-08. Manneguntla NE 2.4 GW-09. Ballvolu S 4.6



Figure 3.9 Drainage pattern of the study area



Figure 3.10 Water Sampling Locations (Ground and Surface water)



Table 3.6 Groundwater Analysis Data

Parameters GW-

1 GW-2 GW-3 GW-4 GW-5 GW-6 GW-7 GW-8 GW-9 Units

Method of Analysis

IS 10500:2012 Standard

Temperature 27 27 25 25 29 28 25 26 27 oC IS:3025 part 09:2002 - Colour 1 1 1 1.0 1 1 1 1 1 Hazen IS:3025 part 04:2012 5 Turbidity <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 11 <0.01 <0.1 <0.1 20.8 <0.1 NTU IS:3025 part 10:2006 1 pH 6.83 6.83 6.69 6.29 7.19 7.08 6.36 6.85 6.80 - IS:3025 part 11:2006 6.5-8.5 Total Solids 714 714 328 294 294 413 402 781 528 mg/l IS:3025 part 15:2003 NS Total Dissolved Solids 703 703 320 288 288 406 397 768 518 mg/l IS:3025 part 16:2006 500 Total Suspended Solids 11 11 8.0 6.0 6.0 7.0 5.0 13 10 mg/l IS:3025 part 17:2006 NS Total Hardness (as CaCO3) 290 290 220 175 60 190 210 325 295 mg/l IS:3025 part 21:2009 200 Calcium (as Ca) 62 62 38 24 12 34 38 72 28 mg/l IS:3025 part 40:2009 75 Magnesium (as Mg) 33 33 30 28 7 26 28 35 55 mg/l IS:3025 part 46:2009 30 Sodium (as Na) 113 113 17 15 60 39 27 101 34 mg/l IS:3025 part 45:2003 NS Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) 2.9 2.9 0.5 0.5 3.4 1.2 0.8 2.4 0.9 - - - Potassium (as K) 34 34 4.0 5.0 10 22 15 67 47 mg/l IS:3025 part 45:2003 NS Total Alkalinity (as CaCO3) 175 175 70 35 40 130 30 145 70 mg/l IS:3025 part 23:2006 200 Chloride (as Cl) 250 250 64 101 64 83 120 260 166 mg/l IS:3025 part 32:2007 250 Sulphate (as SO4) 20 20 77 15 67 61 68 40 85 mg/l IS:3025 part 24:2009 200 Nitrate Nitrogen (as NO3) 2 2 25.6 20.0 2 3 10 47.6 38 mg/l IS:3025 part 34:2009 45 Silica (as SiO2) 3.1 3.1 3 2.1 0.37 0.42 1.2 0.57 0.32 mg/l IS:3025 part 35:2003 NS Fluoride (as F) 0.14 0.14 0.1 0.27 0.34 0.42 0.24 0.2 0.19 mg/l IS:3025 part 60:2008 1.0 Residual, Free Chlorine <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 mg/l IS:3025 part 26:2009 0.20 Mineral Oil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil mg/l IS:3025 part 39:2013 0.50 Aluminium (as Al) <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 mg/l APHA-3500-Al 0.03 Hexavalent Chromium (as Cr6+) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 mg/l IS:3025 part 52:2003 0.05 Copper (as Cu) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 mg/l IS:3025 part 42:2009 0.05 Iron (as Fe) 0.29 0.29 0.27 0.04 0.15 0.18 0.24 0.25 0.08 mg/l IS:3025 part 53:2009 0.30 Lead (as Pb) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 mg/l IS:3025 part 47:2009 0.01 Manganese (as Mn) 0.09 0.09 0.03 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.05 0.06 mg/l APHA-3500-Mn 0.10 Zinc (as Zn) 0.06 0.06 0.53 0.02 0.21 0.03 0.13 0.11 0.01 mg/l IS:3025 part 49:2009 5.0

GW1-KPR mine Lease Area, GW2-KK mine Lease Area, GW3-Smt Md. Hameeda, GW4-Momidi, GW5-Yeruru, GW6-Chintavaram, GW7- Addepalli, GW8 – Manneguntla and GW9- Ballvolu.



3.4 Air Environment

3.4.1 Meteorology

Micro meteorological studies are simultaneously conducted with air quality

monitoring. Meteorology plays a vital role in effecting the dispersion of pollutants,

once discharged into the atmosphere, their transport, dispersion and diffusion into

the environment. The meteorological data is very useful for interpretation of the

baseline information and for model study of air quality impacts also. Since

meteorological data show wide fluctuations with time, meaningful interpretation

can only be drawn from long term and reliable data. Such source of data is the India

Meteorological Department (IMD), which maintains a network of meteorological

stations at several important locations. The data recorded for IMD station at SPSR

Nellore is summarized and the salient features of the summarized data are as

follows in the Table 3.7. The following extreme weather phenomena was observed;

Highest temperature of 46.7 0C was observed on May 23, 1965, Lowest Temperature

of 11.1 0C was observed on Apil 15, 2001, Highest rainfall in a day was 523.4 mm,

observed on November 3, 1987, and the Highest Rainfall in a month was 981.7

mmobserved in November 1915. While typical wind speeds are observed to range

from 1 – 19 kmph.



Table 3.7 Normal Climatological Table





3.4.2 Meteorological Station at Mine Lease area

The micro meteorological data at the ML area is collected simultaneously with

ambient air quality monitoring. The station was installed at height of 10 meters

above the ground level and the same is located in such a way that there are no

obstructions facilitating free flow of wind. Wind speed, wind direction, humidity,

temperature and rainfall are recorded on hourly basis. Salient features of micro

meteorological data collected during study period are as follows:

1. Wind Direction and Speed:

The hourly wind speed and wind direction observations are computed for the study

period and the same are presented in Table 3.8 and the wind rose diagrams are

presented in Figure 3.11. The following observations can be made from the collected

data;

Calm period is observed to be 5.09% during the time of monitoring.

The predominant wind direction is southeast.

Other than predominant wind directions wind was blowing in N and NNE.

Mostly the wind speeds are observed to be in the range of 5-10 kmph and 10 - 15

kmph.

The maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity and total rainfall

are summarized as below. The salient features are discussed in brief as follows

2) Temperature (in0C)

(a) Maximum: 34.4 0C (b) Minimum: 24.1 0C (b) Mean: 27.3 0C

3) Humidity (in %)

The daily relative humidity values are observed to range between 35 to 72%. The

mean value of humidity is 52 %.

4) Rainfall (in mm)

(a) Maximum: 680 mm (b) Minimum: 0 mm (c) Mean: 3.0 mm



Table 3.8 Frequency Distribution Wind Direction and Wind Speed

Direction Wind Speed in KMPH

Calm 1-5 5-10 10-15 >15 TOTAL N 0.79 1.67 0.83 0.42 3.70 NNE 0.05 0.09 0.14 NE 0.05 0.23 0.14 0.42 ENE 0.28 0.23 0.05 0.56 E 0.32 0.56 0.28 0.05 1.20 ESE 0.69 2.87 2.22 0.32 6.11 SE 2.55 10.69 11.48 4.77 29.49 SSE 1.81 7.18 3.98 1.11 14.07 S 3.15 6.85 2.59 0.23 12.82 SSW 3.29 8.89 3.29 0.69 16.16 SW 1.25 2.92 1.06 0.32 5.56 WSW 0.28 0.23 0.09 0.05 0.65 W 0.51 0.28 0.28 0.05 1.11 WNW 0.19 0.51 0.23 0.93 NW 0.28 0.74 0.28 1.30 NNW 0.23 0.28 0.19 0.69 Calm 5.09 5.09

Total 5.09 15.42 44.26 27.18 8.06 100.00 (Data Period: January - March 2019)



Figure 3.11 Wind Rose Diagram at Mine lease area

WRPLOT View - Lakes Environmental Software

WIND ROSE PLOT:

First

COMMENTS: COMPANY NAME:

M/s.KPR Mines and Minerals

MODELER:

M/s.Team Labs and Consultants, Hyderabad

PROJECT NO.:

NORTH

SOUTH

WEST EAST

6.02%

12%

18.1%

24.1%

30.1%

WIND SPEED (m/s)

>= 4.20

2.80 - 4.20

1.40 - 2.80

0.28 - 1.40

Calms: 5.09%

TOTAL COUNT:

2160 hrs.

CALM WINDS:

5.09%

DATA PERIOD:

Start Date: 1/1/2019 - 00:00End Date: 3/31/2019 - 23:00

AVG. WIND SPEED:

2.47 m/s

DISPLAY:

Wind SpeedDirection (blowing from)



3.4.3 Ambient Air Quality

Air pollution means the presence in the outdoor atmosphere of one or more

combinations thereof in such quantities and of such duration as are or may tend to

be injurious to human, plant or animal life or property. Air pollutants include

smoke, vapors, soot, fumes, gases, mist, odors, particulate matter, radioactive

material or noxious chemicals. Air pollution produces a number of adverse effects

including offensive smell, loss of atmospheric clarity, soiling of clothes, building and

manufactured goods by smoke and dust. The hazards caused to man, animals,

vegetation, environment and climate have been understood in the past decade. The

effects of air pollution are briefly discussed below.

a) Effect on human beings

Air borne spores, pollen grains, virus, bacteria, fungi, fur and hairs cause various

allergic reactions, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis and other infections. Sulphur

dioxide produces drying of the mouth, scratchy throat and smarting eyes. It also

causes chest constriction, headache, vomiting and death from respiratory diseases.

Sulphur trioxide, Nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide diffuse in the blood stream.

They combine with haemoglobin and reduce its oxygen carrying capacity. Nitrogen

oxide in high concentration impairs the functioning of lungs by causing

accumulation of water in the air spaces. Hydrocarbons have been reported to cause

cancer in man. Hydrogen sulphide causes nausea and irritates eyes and throat.

Ammonia attacks upper respiratory passages. Ozone causes dryness of mucous

membrane of the mouth, nose and throat. It changes visual capacity, causes

headache, pulmonary congestion and oedema. Arsines damage red cells in blood,

kidney and cause jaundice. Suspended particles like ash, soot and smoke cause eye

irritation, tuberculosis and possible cancer. Fine particles of various metals present

in the air cause a number of diseases. Heavy dust fall is one of the major causes of

asthma, cough and other diseases of lungs and throat. Lead can damage the brain of

young children and may even cause death. It affects the normal functioning of the

nervous system in adults. Cadmium is a respiratory poison and may cause high

blood pressure and a number of heart diseases. Asbestos fibers have been associated

in chronic lung diseases.



b) Effect on animals

Air pollution causes wide spread damage to live-stock. The effect of air pollution on

domestic animals living in or near industrial areas is similar to those of human

beings. Live stocks ingest various fluorine compounds which fall on fodder crops

causing abnormal calcification of bones and teeth. It results in lameness, loss of

weight and frequent diarrhea.

c) Effect on plants

Air pollution has serious harmful effects on plants. Sulphur dioxide causes chlorosis.

It results in the death of cells and tissues. Forest trees are worst affected by sulphur

dioxide pollutants. Fluorides damage leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spinach.

Oxides of nitrogen and fluorides reduce crop yields. Photochemical smog bleaches

and blazes foliage of plants. Hydrocarbons cause premature fall of leaves and flower

buds, discolouration of sepals and curling of petals. Ozone damages cereals, fruits

and cotton crops. It also causes premature yellowing and shedding of leaves.

d) Effect on materials

The acid rain and photochemical smog affect metals and buildings. Acid rain

pollutes the soil and water sources. Acidic products of the air pollutant cause

disintegration of textile, paper. Many small industrial units and sources of

locomotive pollutants have been sifted to save the famous marble structure, Taj

Mahal at Agra. Hydrogen sulphide decolorizes silver and lead paints. Ozone

oxidizes rubber goods.

e) Aesthetic loss

Dust and smoke in the air do not allow us to have a clear view of nature’s beauty

and man-made objects. Smoke and foul smells emitted by factories, automobiles,

dirty drains and garbage dumps make the urban life discomfortable. Smoking in

public places affects the health of not only the smoker but also the non-smoker.



f) Change in Climate

A change in the earth’s climate due to atmospheric pollution is an alarming global

concern. It has been observed that in the recent past, the level of CO2 in the

atmosphere has increased from 290 ppm to 330 ppm. Approximately one fourth of

this rise has occurred in the past decade. Rapid increase in population, deforestation

and excessive burning of fossil fuel has been responsible for this increase. It is also

predicted that this factor alone could lead to rise in global temperature, causing

“Green House Effect” or “Global Warming”.

Green House effect may be defined as the progressive warming up the earth surface

due to blanketing effect of man-made CO2 in the atmosphere. The thick CO2 layer

functions like the glass panel of a green house preventing re-radiation of heat to

outer space. A rise of global temperature by more than 2 or 3 0C may lead to the

melting of polar ice cap and glaciers. This will cause rise in ocean level and

consequent flooding of costal towns and submersion of many oceanic islands. This

would also affect the rainfall pattern and productivity of agricultural crops.

With proposed mining activity a range of different pollutants, like PM 10 and PM 2.5

from mining and transportation, SO2, NOx and CO from fuel combustion in the

semi mechanized operations and transportation of mineral, are released into the

atmosphere that are dispersed and have a significant impact on neighborhood air

environment. Thus, collection of base line data of air environment occupies a

predominant role in the impact assessment statement. The ambient air quality status

across the study zone forms basis for prediction of the impacts due to the project.

The silica sand mining project is located at Momidi Village, Chillakur Mandal, SPSR

Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh. The data required to asses air quality impacts in

and around neighborhood is achieved by designing such a network, which

encompasses micro meteorological conditions, quantity and quality of emissions,

locations, duration, resources/monitoring technology and operational criteria. The

ambient air quality staions were identified considering the above factors.



3.4.4 Scope of Field study

The scope of baseline status of the ambient air quality can be assessed through a

well-designed ambient air quality stations network. Ambient air quality monitoring

of the study area consisting of 10 km radius with the mine lease area as the center

point was carried out during the study period of January – March 2019. The ambient

air quality was monitored at eight locations spread over entire study area. Figure

3.12 presents the locations of eight ambient air quality-monitoring stations. At each

sampling station monitoring was carried out for 24 hours in a day for 2 days a week

and for three months during post monsoon season. The parameters studied are

Particulate Matter (Size Less than 10 µm) or PM10 µg/m3, Particulate Matter (Size

Less than 2.5 µm) or PM2.5 µg/m3, Sulfur dioxide and Oxides of Nitrogen. Sampling

period, monitoring and analysis of the above variables is according to the guidelines

of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). National Ambient Air Quality Standards

(NAAQ) is presented in Table 3.9.

Table 3.9 National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Pollutant Time

Weighted Average

Concentration in Ambient Air

IRR ESA Methods of Measurement

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), μg/m3 Annual* 24 Hours**

50 80

20 80

Improved west and Gaeke Ultraviolet fluorescence

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), μg/m3

Annual* 24 Hours**

40

80

30

80

Modified Jacob & Hochheiser (Nn-Arsenite) Chemiluminescence

Particulate Matter (Size Less than 10µm) or PM10, μg/m3

Annual* 24 Hours**

60 100

60 100

Gravimetic, TOEM Beta Attenuation

Particulate Matter (Size Less than 2.5µm) or PM2.5, μg/m3

Annual* 24 Hours**

40 60

40 60

Gravimetic TOEM Beta Attenuation

Ozone (O3), μg/m3 8 hours** 1 hour**

100

180

100

180

UV Photometric Chemilminescence Chemical Method

Lead (Pb), μg/m3 Annual* 24 hours**

0.50

1.0

0.50

1.0

AAS /ICP method after sampling on EPM 2000 or equivalent filter paper ED - XRF using Teflon filter.

Carbon Monoxide (CO), mg/m3

8 hours** 1 hour**

02 04

02 04

Non Dispersive Infra Red (NDIR) Spectroscopy

Ammonia (NH3), μg/m3 Annual* 100 100 Chemilminescence



Pollutant Time

Weighted Average



24 hours** 400 400 Indophenol blue method

Benzene (C6H6), μg/m3 Annual* 05 05

Gas Chromotography based continuous analyzer Absorption and Desorption followed by GC analysis

Benzo (o) Pyrene (BaP)-Particulate Phase only, ng/m3

Annual* 01 01 Solvent extraction followed by HPLC/GC analysis

Arsenic (As), ng/m3 Annual* 06 06 AAS/ICP method after sampling on EPM 2000 or equivalent filter paper

Nickel (Ni), ng/m3 Annual* 20 20

IRR - Industrial, Residential, Rural and Other Area, ESA- Ecological Sensitive Area (Notified by Central Government)

G.S.No.826 (E), dt.16th November, 2009. Vide letter no. F. No. Q-15017/43/2007-CPW. *Annual Arithmetic mean of minimum 104 measurements in a year at a particular site taken twice a week 24 hourly at uniform interval.

**24 hourly/8/1 hourly monitored values as applicable, shall be complied with 98 percent of the time in a year.2% of time they may be exceeded the limits but not on two consecutive days of monitoring.

3.4.5 Description of Sampling Locations

The location of ambient air quality stations is contingent on the meteorological status

of the area. Hence the micro meteorological data was collected before initiating the

ambient air quality monitoring, and the stations were selected within 10 km of the

project site based on wind direction as the mine operations are limited. Table 3.10

presents the ambient air quality locations and their distances and directions from the

mine lease area.

Table 3.10 Locations of Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations

S. No Location Name Direction

form ML area Distance From ML area (Km)

AAQ-01. KK mine lease area - - AAQ-02. KPR mine lease area NW 0.01 AAQ-03. Smt Md. Hameeda NW 1.8 AAQ-04. Momidi NW 3.2 AAQ-05. Chintavaram SW 3.4 AAQ-06. Yeruru NW 1.9 AAQ-07. Addepalli SE 2.8 AAQ-08. Manneguntla NE 2.4 AAQ-09. Ballvolu S 4.6



Figure 3.12 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations



3.4.6 Ambient Air Quality Status (Terms of Reference No. 22)

The existing baseline levels with respect to Particulate Matter (Size Less than 10µm)

or PM10 µg/m3, Particulate Matter (Size Less than 2.5 µg/m3) or PM2.5 µg/m3,

Sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen at 8 locations are presented in Table 3.11.

The AAQ baseline data observed values are found to be within the prescribed

NAAQ standards.

Table 3.11 Summary Ambient Air Quality Status

Pollutant Maximum Minimum Mean 98% 1) Location: KPR mine lease area PM10 58 46 52.31 58 PM2.5 22 16 18.85 22 SO2 14 11 12.58 14 NOx 14 11 12.12 14 2) Location: KK mine lease area PM10 58 46 52.35 58 PM2.5 22 16 18.85 22 SO2 14 11 12.62 14 NOx 14 11 12.23 14 3) Location: Smt Md. Hameeda PM10 57 44 51.31 56 PM2.5 19 16 18.08 19 SO2 14 11 12.31 14 NOx 14 11 12.58 14 4) Location: Momidi PM10 56 44 50.27 56 PM2.5 19 16 17.81 19 SO2 14 10 11.54 14 NOx 14 10 12.12 14 5) Location: Chintavaram PM10 52 44 47.77 52 PM2.5 19 15 17.19 19 SO2 13 9 10.62 13 NOx 13 9 10.88 13 6) Location: Yeruru PM10 55 46 49.65 55 PM2.5 19 15 16.50 19 SO2 14 11 12.35 14 NOx 14 11 12.69 14 7) Location: Addepalli PM10 52 47 49.08 52 PM2.5 19 16 17.50 19



SO2 12 9 10.73 12 NOx 13 9 10.65 13 8) Location: Manneguntla PM10 54 47 49.73 54 PM2.5 19 16 17.42 19 SO2 12 9 10.88 12 NOx 13 9 11.15 13 9) Location: Ballvolu PM10 52 46 48.54 52 PM2.5 19 16 17.08 19 SO2 13 9 11.04 13 NOx 13 9 10.77 13

Note: Pollutant concentrations are presented in µg/m³

Table 3.12 AQI Index Showing the Results of Ambient Air Quality

Location Air quality

index

AQI Category (Range)

Associated Health Impacts

KPR mine lease area 58 Satisfactory (51–100)

Minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people

KK mine lease area 58 Satisfactory (51–100)


Smt Md. Hameeda 58 Satisfactory (51–100)


Momidi 56 Satisfactory (51–100)


Chintavaram 52 Satisfactory (51–100)


Yeruru 55 Satisfactory (51–100)


Addepalli 52 Satisfactory (51–100)


Manneguntla 54 Satisfactory (51–100)


Ballvolu 52

Satisfactory (51–100)




3.4.7 Noise Environment (Terms of Reference No. 22)

Noise is an unwanted sound without musical quality. Artificial noise impact on

environment, grown apace with advancing human civilization. Noise pollution is

equally hazardous to environment as air, water and other forms of pollution.

Various noise measurement units have been introduced to describe, in a single

number, the response of an average human to a complex sound made up of various

frequencies at different loudness levels. The most common scale is, weighted decibel

dB (A), and measured as the relative intensity level of one sound with respect to

another sound (reference sound).

The impact of noise depends on its characteristics (instantaneous, intermittent or

continuous in nature), time of day (day or night) and location of noise source. Table

3.13 shows the effects of different noise levels on human beings. The environmental

impact of noise can have several effects varying from noise induced hearing loss to

annoying depending on noise levels.

The assessment of noise pollution on neighborhood environment due to the mine

was carried out keeping in view, all the considerations mentioned above. The

existing status of noise levels is measured at 8 locations at various villages within the

study area. Figure 3.13 presents noise level monitoring locations. The monitored

noise levels are shown in Table 3.14. Noise levels are observed to be with in the

prescribed limits of rural and residential areas.



Figure 3.13 Noise Monitoring Locations

M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals Environmental Impact Assessment Report


Table 3.13 Effects on Human Beings at Different Noise Levels Source Noise Level Db(A) Effects

Large Rocket Engine (nearby) 180 Threshold of Pains Hydraulic Press (1 m) 130

Jet take off (60 m) 120 Maximum vocal

effort Automobile Horn (1m) 120 Construction Noise 110 Jet Take off (600 m) 110 Shout, Punch, Press, Circular Saw 100 Very annoying Heavy Truck (15m), Farm Machinery,

90 Prolonged exposure

Lathes, Sports Car, Noisy Machines Automobile (15m)

80 endangers hearing loss Annoying

Freeway Traffic (15m) 70 Telephone is difficult, Loud Conversations 60 Living Room in Home 50 Quiet Power Station (15m) 50 Bed Room in Home 40 Soft Whisper (5m) 30 Very quiet Tick of Wall clock (1m) 30 Low radio Reception 20 Whisper 20 Rattling of Leaves by Breeze 10 Barely audible 0 Threshold of hearing

Table 3.14 Equivalent Noise levels in the study area

S. No Location Equivalent Noise Levels dB(A)

Leq day Leq night N-1 KPR mine lease area 47 39 N-2 KK mine lease area 47 39 N-3 Smt Md. Hameeda 48 38 N-4 Momidi 49 37 N-5 Chintavaram 47 38 N-6 Yeruru 48 39 N-7 Addepalli 49 38 N-8 Manneguntla 47 37 N-9 Ballvolu 48 38

Note: Daytime is reckoned in between 6.00 a.m to 10.00 p.m. Night time is reckoned between 10.00 p.m to 6.00 a.m.



3.4.8 Traffic Study

Traffic study was conducted during three alternative days including a holiday to

arrive at peak traffic hours. Peak traffic was observed during 8 – 9 AM consisting of

mainly passangers traffic. Graphical representation of peak traffic is presented in

Figure 3.14. The maximum PCUs observed in an hour are 77. The composition of the

peak hour traffic in PCU.

Figure 3.14 Peak Hour Traffic

3.5 Socio Economic Environment

Project development reflects in social development, i.e., growth in infrastructure

facilities, growth in employment rates, increased demands for housing, and other

amenities etc., which will have a bearing on the socio-economic status.

Socio-economic survey is conducted to ascertain the existing socio-economic status

to compare the same with the developments due to the project. Baseline data of

demographic characteristics-occupational status, literacy, health status and the

access to infrastructure facilities for social development in the project area has been

studied from the primary data collected from census department by M/s. Team Labs

and Consultants.

Demographic characteristics of the study area falling within 10 km radius of the

mine lease area have been compiled to assess the pre-project socio-economic status.

Secondary data has been collected from various government agencies i.e., chief

planning officer, SPSR Nellore district and other government departments of



forestry, irrigation etc., and Mandal Development Offices of the relevant government

departments. Census 2011 data was complied and presented as follows.

3.5.1 Demography

The study area falls under the following mandals; Mudigubba, Kadiri and Chillakur

mandals in SPSR Nellore district. Study area comprises of 21 revenue villages and 18

hamlets.

3.5.2 Population Distribution

The population distribution of the study area is presented in Table 3.15. The

population density in the study area is less reflecting the rural nature and lack of

irrigation facilities. The total population of the area is 48519 consisting of 24812

males and 23707 females. The population of the scheduled castes is 4638 consists of

2776 males and 2413 females, while the scheduled tribe population is 4959 consists of

2551 males and 2408 females, which is 9.6% and 10.2 % of the total population

respectively.

Table 3.15 Population Distribution – Study Area

Category

kms Total

0-3 3-5 5-7 7-10

Total Population 2638 10207 1359 55642 69846

Total Population – Male 1329 5158 674 27959 35120 Total Population – Female 1309 5049 685 27683 34726 Population <6 years 315 1108 200 6519 8142

Male <6 years 167 540 93 3320 4120 Females < 6years 148 568 107 3199 4022 Scheduled Caste Population - Total 864 2781 152 14516 18313

Male – SC 428 1424 71 7036 8959 Female – SC 436 1357 81 7480 9354 Scheduled Tribe Population Total 480 1588 122 7576 9766

Male – ST 244 801 68 3840 4953

Female – ST 236 787 54 3736 4813



Figure 3.15 Population distribution of the Study Area

3.5.3 Literacy

Census operations consider a person who is above six years old and who can write

and read as literate. Table 3.16 presents literacy levels in the study area. The

population below six years old is 5189 consisting of 2776 males and 2413 females,

which is 10.7% of the study area population. The percentage of literacy level in the

study area among males is 71.7 and 46.9 among females. It may be observed that the

literacy level among females is comparatively less than males.

Table 3.16 Literacy - Study Area

Category kms

Total 0-3 3-5 5-7 7-10

Total Population 2638 10207 1359 55642 69846 Total Population – Male 1329 5158 674 27959 35120 Total Population – Female 1309 5049 685 27683 34726 Population <6 years 315 1108 200 6519 8142 Male <6 years 167 540 93 3320 4120 Females < 6years 148 568 107 3199 4022 Total Literates 1231 5368 503 29966 37068 Male –Literates 659 2951 293 16393 20296 Female – Literates 572 2417 210 13573 16772 Total Illiterates 1407 4839 856 25676 32778 Male –Illiterate 670 2207 381 11566 14824 Female – Illiterate 737 2632 475 14110 17954



Figure 3.16 Literacy of Study Area

3.5.4 Employment/Occupation

Work is defined as participation in any economically productive activity – Physical/

mental. The work force is classified into three categories: a) main workers, b)

marginal workers and c) non-workers. Main workers are those who work for a

substantial part of the year for a living such as salaried employees, agricultural labor

etc. Marginal workers are that who worked the previous year but has not worked

for a substantial part of this year. Non-workers constitute students, house wives,

dependents; pensioner’s etc. Table 3.17 presents the population distribution for

employment.

It may be observed that a majority of the study area population falls in the non

worker category among 46.2% of the total population and the marginal workers

from about 13.6% of the total population. The male female difference is also

significant in all the regions and in all the categories. There are few females among

the workers where as there are more non workers and marginal workers among

females.



Table 3.17 Employment – Study Area

Category kms

Total 0-3 3-5 5-7 7-10

Total Population 2638 10207 1359 55642 69846 Total Population – Male 1329 5158 674 27959 35120 Total Population – Female 1309 5049 685 27683 34726 Total Workers 1142 5081 851 26560 33634 Total Workers – Male 809 3169 415 16838 21231 Total Workers – Female 333 1912 436 9722 12403 Total Main Workers 853 3825 838 19500 25016 Main workers – Male 631 2431 413 13605 17080 Main Workers – Female 222 1394 425 5895 7936 Total Marginal Workers 289 1256 13 7060 8618 Marginal Workers – Male 178 738 2 3233 4151 Marginal Workers – Female 111 518 11 3827 4467 Total Non-Workers 1496 5126 508 29082 36212 Non-Workers – Male 520 1989 259 11121 13889 Non-Workers – Female 976 3137 249 17961 22323

Figure 3.17 Employment of Study Area

The main workers are further classified into; Total cultivators: those who engage a

single worker or his family member to cultivate land for payment in money, kind or

share; Agricultural labor: those who work in other’s lands for wages; household

workers: workers involved in manufacturing and processing industries in the house

hold industries; and other services; Livestock, forestry, fishing and allied activities;

Workers involved in mining and quarrying; Workers involved in manufacturing and

processing industries in the house hold industries, Non house hold industries,



construction workers, workers in trade and commerce, Workers involved in

transport, storage and communication and other services: government employees,

teachers, priests, artists etc. Table 3.18 presents the main workers distribution

among study area population. It may be observed that over 13.2% of the study area

population is involved in cultivation or agriculture labor, followed by other services

to the tune of 7.6% reflecting on the proximity to Chillakur which is the

administrative center and mining area. Significant differences are observed among

the male and female workers, Female workers are found to be less among all

categories of workers.

Table 3.18 Main Workers - Study Area

Category

Kms Total

0-3 3-5 5-7 7-10 Total Population 2638 10207 1359 55642 69846 Total Population – Male 1329 5158 674 27959 35120 Total Population – Female 1309 5049 685 27683 34726 Total Main Workers 853 3825 838 19500 25016 Main workers – Male 631 2431 413 13605 17080 Main Workers – Female 222 1394 425 5895 7936 Total Cultivators 142 345 2 1668 2157 Cultivators – Male 105 292 2 1499 1898 Cultivators- Female 37 53 0 169 259 Total Agriculture Labor 528 2346 796 10278 13948 Agriculture Labor – Male 395 1305 388 5958 8046 Agriculture Labor – Female 133 1041 408 4320 5902 Total Household Workers 11 25 11 204 251 Household Workers – Male 10 19 4 145 178 Household Workers – Female 1 6 7 59 73 Total Others 172 1109 29 7350 8660 Others – Male 121 815 19 6003 6958 Others – Female 51 294 10 1347 1702

3.5.5 Living Standards and Infrastructure

Sustainable development of any area is dependent not only the population but also

on the availability of infrastructure which leads to better living standards. The

infrastructure facilities are essential in providing education, awareness, health,

communication, potable water, transport etc. The standards of living are the sum of



the availability of the infrastructure to the subject community, wide variations in

terms of income, economic conditions and patterns of spending.

The infrastructure facilities available in the impact zone are reflecting the rural

nature of the entire study area.

I. Educational Facilities

The educational facilities available in the rural areas are meager, despite the

proximity to urban area of Kadiri. There are 20 primary schools, 28 middle schools

and 2 high schools in the study area. There is no junior college within the impact

area. The higher educational need of the population is met by Kadiri/ SPSR Nellore

town.

II. Health facilities

The medical and health facilities available in the rural area of the impact zone are

inadequate; there are 1 Primary Health Centre, 2 Primary Health Sub Centre and no

child welfare centers and 3 Registered Private Medical Practitioners centers in the

entire area. While the urban area has a number of health facilities including a

teaching hospital. The health needs of the population in this area are met by quacks

and other semi qualified persons.

III. Availability of Potable Water

The entire population in this area is dependent on ground water for drinking

purposes.

IV. Transport and Communication

Transport is essentially provided by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport

Corporation (APSRTC). Most of the study area has excellent road network in all the

villages, which has kacha roads. APSRTC bus facility is available for all the villages.

However, it is observed that a number of private transport vehicles are observed in

the area connecting them to SPSR Nellore.

V. Sources of Energy and Availability

The primary source of energy in the study area is electricity, and the entire study

area has electricity for agriculture and domestic purpose. The Chillakur area has



LPG facility for their cooking purpose. A significant number of people in the urban

area are also dependent on Kerosene for cooking purposes, which is contingent on

the vagaries of public distribution system. A majority of the rural area is mostly

dependent on LPG gas, dried cow dung cakes, wood from roadside trees for their

domestic energy needs.

VI. Post and Telegraph facilities

There are 9 post offices in the area and no post and Telegraph office in the study

area. Phone facilities however are extended to most of the villages.

VII. Housing

Census defines the house hold as a group of persons living together and sharing

their meals from a common kitchen. The number of households in the impact zone

is 12521. The density of the households is approximately four. The traditional houses

made up of mud walls and covered by dry common grass and leaves of bourses are

commonly found in the rural area, which are not considered puce houses. The

government has been augmenting the housing standards by constructing housing

colonies for various weaker sections of the society.

3.5.6 Land Utilization

Land use patterns can be prepared on the basis of revenue records though it is not an

exact indicator of the actual use of the land at a given time. Land use is presented

under the heads of area under forest cover irrigated land, area under cultivation and

cultivable wasteland in Table 3.19.

Table 3.19 Land Utilization Pattern

Category kms Total

Area, ha 0-3 3-5 5-7 7-10 Forest Area 0 20.24 0 1843.6 1863.84 Area under Non-Agricultural Uses 901 1793 510 10030.93 13234.93 Barren & Un-cultivable Land Area 827 876.76 20 1652.64 3376.4 Permanent Pastures and Other Grazing Land 43 373 81 2367.06 2864.06 Land Under Miscellaneous Tree Crops etc. 0 15 0 293.34 308.34 Culturable Waste Land Area 65 4 3 1347.33 1419.33 Fallows Land other than Current Fallows 0 0 0 1472.33 1472.33 Current Fallows Area 66 257 16 1509 1848



Category kms Total

Area, ha 0-3 3-5 5-7 7-10 Net Area Sown 451 1792 387 6511.77 9141.77 Total Unirrigated Land Area 189 813 339 4588.33 5929.33 Area Irrigated by Source 328 1236 64 4904.77 6532.77 Total 2870 7180 1420 36521.1 47991.1

It may be observed that a majority of the study area is Area Irrigated by Source,

followed Unirrigated Land Area.

3.5.7 Project Economy

It will provide employment additionally to 38 people consisting of 15 unskilled

workers, and 10 managerial employees and other supporting staff. The proposed

project will also generate indirect employment of 40 no’s to the locals during mining

activity. The employers will contribute to the provident fund, ESI and provide

facilities as per the relevant labor act.

The proximity of Kadiri town will provide access to the extensive medical facilities

available apart from the ESI medical facilities to the employees and their families.

It may be concluded that satisfactory amenities are available for the population of

the impact zone, while the amenities are available either within the village or at a

minimum distance of 3 km. The area also has large tracts of waste lands which can

be utilized for industrial development.

The proposed mining activity will contribute to the growth of the area, which in turn

generates employment, and improve the infrastructure facilities of the area by

strengthening the same economically.

3.6 Ecology (Terms of Reference No. 15, 18)

An ecological survey of the study area was conducted particularly with reference to

recording the existing biological resources in the study area. Ecological studies are

one of the important aspects of Environmental Impact Assessment with a view to

conserve environmental quality and biodiversity. Ecological systems show complex

inter-relationships between biotic and abiotic components including dependence,

competition and mutualism.



Generally, biological communities are good indicators of climatic and edaphic

factors. Studies on biological aspects of ecosystems are important in Environmental

Impact Assessment for safety of natural flora and fauna. The biological environment

includes terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The animal and plant communities co-

exist in a well-organized manner. Their natural settings can get disturbed by any

externally induced anthropological activities or by naturally occurring calamities or

disaster. So, once this setting is disturbed, it sometimes is either practically

impossible or may take a longer time to come back to its original state. Hence

changes in the status of flora and fauna are an elementary requirement of

Environmental Impact Assessment studies, in view of the need for conservation of

environmental quality and biodiversity. Information on flora and fauna was

collected within the study area. Relevant details on aquatic life within the study area

were collected from related government offices.

Review of Secondary Data on biodiversity

Details from Forest, Agriculture and Fisheries department were collected along with

local villagers. The thesis on mangroves worked in Nellore District was also

reviewed. Papers published in Journals were collected to check the primary data

collected during survey. The main observations from the secondary data are noted

as follows. The study area is having degraded forest due to excessive biotic

interference. The forests of the district are of dry deciduous type. The overall

condition of the forests in the district is not very good. Natural vegetation mainly

consists of mainly stunted trees or bushes or a shrub which belongs to xerophytes.

Most forest in the study area is scrub forest. The main reason behind this is short

monsoon period, which mount major biotic pressure. Type of forest is the open

scrub forest; mostly thorny, hard wood species are predominant. The vegetation is

mostly spiny and often with xerophytes character, extending down to low scrub

vegetation. Mangrove species are existing near the Coastal region particularly where

the river water merges to sea.

The objectives of the present study are intended to:

Generate baseline data from field observations from various terrestrial and

aquatic ecosystems;



Compare the data so generated with authentic past records to understand

changes;

Quantification of data and verifying REET species from BSI, ZSI and IUCN

records as well as IWPA and

Study mangrove vegetation and marshy (swampy) land in the study area.

Methods Adopted for the Study

An extensive field studies were conducted in post monsoon season to know the

present status of fauna of the study area. Apart from that, secondary data was

collected by mode of interaction of local elderly people and Forest Working Plans of

Nellore district. The vegetation was sampled by employing the standardized field

ecological sampling methods (transect and quadrant method). Both Terrestrial

Ecosystem and Aquatic Ecosystems were studied. The study of terrestrial ecosystem

covers the forest type analysis, floral analysis, faunal analysis and assessment of

agriculture and livestock, etc. To accomplish the above objectives, a general

ecological survey covering an area of 10 km radius from the ML area boundary has

been considered.

Reconnaissance survey for selection of sampling sites in and around site on the

basis of meteorological conditions;

Generation of primary data to understand baseline ecological status, important

floristic elements;

Generation of primary data to understand baseline fauna structure; and

Collection of secondary data from Forest Working Plan and Gazetteers.

Reconnaissance survey was conducted to identify the phyto-sociological sampling

location on the basis of following criteria:

Proximity to the plant site;

Downwind direction of the plant site; and

Upwind direction of the plant area.



The primary data was generated through:

Desktop study with EIA coordinator on baseline information of the study area

and proposed developmental activity.

Planning for field survey and preparing a general checklist of all plants

encountered in the study area. This would indicate the biodiversity for wild and

cultivated plants.

Phytosociological studies by using list count quadrate method. Sufficient number

of quadrates of 100 m2 size was employed for this. The number of quadrates

depended on actual field requirements (15 quadrates of 10X10 m for trees and 5 x

5m for shrubs and 1m x 1m for herbs). Estimating basal areas of trees and shrubs

at breast height [132 cm from ground or above buttresses]. Herbaceous flora was

studied by taking 10 quadrates in each location, each quadrate having 10 m2.

Determining frequency, abundance, relative frequency, relative density, relative

dominance and importance value indices using Mueller-Dombois-Ellenberge

[1974] Method.

Determining the bird population of migratory and local birds by taking 10

random readings at every location during dawn and desk and near water bodies.

Observing mammals, amphibians and reptiles, noting their calls, scat/ droppings,

burrows, pugmarks and other signs.

Noting impact of industrial activities on fauna, flora and crops. Effects on status

and/or quality of growth on plants and any symptoms like defoliation,

deformities, chlorosis, necrosis, warping, reduced vigor and infection by parasites

and attacks by predator insects were noticed.



Methodology for Aquatic Ecology Study

Protecting the environment and making efficient use of natural resources are two of

the most pressing demands in the present stage of social development. The task of

preserving the purity of the atmosphere and water basins is of both national and

global significance since there are no boundaries to the propagation of

anthropogenic contaminants in the water. An essential pre requisite for the

successful solution to these problems is to evaluate ecological impacts from the

baseline information and undertake effective management plan. So the objective of

aquatic ecological study may be outlined as follows:

To characterize water bodies like fresh waters;

To understand their present biological status;

To characterize water bodies with the help of biota;

To understand the impact of industrial and urbanization activities;

To suggest recommendations to counter adverse impacts, if any on the ecosystem.

To meet these objectives following methods were followed:

Generating data by actual field sampling and analysis in these areas through field

visits during study period; and

Discussion with local people to get the information for aquatic plants and aquatic

animals.

To fulfill these objectives and to understand the present status of aquatic

ecosystem, samples were collected from different fresh water system. There are three

sources of aquatic ecology are located at East, north and southdirection in the study

area. There is only one river (upputuru) which flows in the eastern side. In order to

get a clear picture and to assess the various biological parameters of water; four

sampling locations were identified for sampling. Samples were collected during post

monsoon season.



Planktons

To assess the planktanic profile (phytoplanktons & zooplanktons) samples were

collected at Buckingham canal, Bay of Bengal near Kattapalem, Upputuru river near

Kolamitta, Upputuru river near Krishnapatnam basin and other ponds near the

Momidi village.

Plankton, aquatic plants, fish fauna of water bodies, and their associated fauna

were collected, identified and estimated. The following methodology has been

adopted for sampling; lakey drop method used for phytoplankton and SR – Cell

method used for zooplankton respectively. 50 liters of water samples were collected

and filtered through plankton net (40 mesh size) for plankton collection. Samples

were then preserved in formalin (1% concentration) for laboratory analysis of species

diversity and load (Number/ liter). To calculate the statistical accuracy of observed

data, Shannon wiener diversity index and palmer pollution index are used. Palmar

pollution index is only use for phytoplankton study.

Macro Fauna

Macro fauna was studied by field collection and observation with the help of field

binocular. Aquatic bird, reptiles, fishes and amphibian were studied by field

observation and secondary data was collected from the local residents.

Flora of the study area:

Natural vegetation is mostly restricted to herb layer having drought resistance

characteristics. The study area are devoid of trees apart from agroforestry types and

commercial plantations such as Tectona grandis, Lucana lecocephala, Coccos

nucifera, Phoenix sylvestris, Phoenix acculis, Borrassus flabellifer, Azadirachta

indica, Prosopis cineraria, Ficus and Acacia species. Most of them are restricted to

wasteland and cultivable wasteland. Albizzia procera, Albizzia lebbek, Delonix

regia, Azadirachta indica, Peltoforum pterocarpum, Terminalia catapa, Dalbergia

sisso, Tamarandus indica are predominantly found near agriculture land and village

roads. The species of flora found during the species identification survey within and

in the forest tracts adjacent to the project site are given in Table 3.20.



No thick vegetation found in the buffer area except the plantations of Coconut,

Eucalyptus and Casuarina species. The buffer area is well covered with villages and

agricultural activities. Growth of grasses in the study area is more in rainy season;

apart from rainy season study area looks like scrubby land. Most of the study area is

dominated by salt tolerant species with much of the area devoid of trees. The

common trees in the study area are Borrassus flabellifer, Prosopis julifera,

Anacardium occidentale, Acacia nilotica, Coccos nucifera, Acacia sp, Phoenix

sylvestris. The main predominant plant species in the study area is Borrassus

flabellifer. There are variety of natural tree species in the study area but shrub

vegetation consist of Zizyphus xylopyra, Adathoda vasica, Carisa sp, and Randia

dumentorium. The common species of grasses in the study area are Fimbryostylus

ovata, Aristida funiculata, Pennisetum and Heteropogon. On the basis of

distribution of flora and fauna, the study area is demarcated into crop land,

terrestrial vegetation and aquatic vegetation. 240 plant species (except algae, fungi

and bryophytes) were recorded from the study area.

Table 3.20 List of Plant Species Recorded in study area and Their Relative

Abundance Status

Botanical Name Common name Family Habit Cor

e B

uff

er

Sta

tu s

Acacia leucophloea Tella tumma Mimosaceae Tree A P C Acacia nilotica Nalla tumma Mimosaceae Tree A P S Acacia pennata Korinta Mimosaceae Tree A P C Aegle marmelos Maredu Rutaceae Tree A P C Albizia lebbek Dirisanam Mimosaceae Tree A P C Anacardium occidentale

Jeedi mamidi Anacardiaceae Tree A P C

Annona squamosa Custard apple Annonaceae Tree A P C Anogeissus latifolia Tiruman Combretaceae Tree A P C Areca cathecu Arecaceae Tree A P S Azadirachta indica Vepa Meliaceae Tree P P C Bauhinia purpurea Deva kanchanum Fabaceae Tree A P C Bauhinia racemosa Are Caesalpiniaceae Tree A P R Bixa orellana Bixaceae Tree A P S Bombax ceiba Buruga Bombacaceae Tree A P C Borassus flabellifer Taadi Araceae Tree A P C Bridelia cinerascens Euphorbiaceae Tree A P C Bridelia retusa Euphorbiaceae Tree A P C



Buchanania lanzan Anacardiaceae Tree A P C Butea monosperma Moduga Papilionaceae Tree A P C Cappairs divaricata Nalla balasi Capparaceae Tree A P C Cassia auriculata Caesalpiniaceae Caesalpiniaceae Tree P P S Cassia fistula Rela Caesalpiniaceae Tree A P C Cassia siamea Seema tangedu Leguminosae Tree P P C Cassia siamea Seema tangedu Caesalpiniaceae Tree A P C Casuarina equisetifolia Casuarinaceae Tree A P C Callistemon lanceolatus

Bottle brush Tree A P S

Catunaregam spinosa Manga Rubiaceae Tree A P C Ceiba pentandra Bombacaceae Tree A P C Cocos nucifera Coconut Araceae Tree A P C Dalbergia latifolia Jitregi Papilionaceae Tree P P C Dalbergia paniculata Porla patcharu Papilionaceae Tree A P C Dalbergia sisso Sisso or seesum Caesalpiniaceae Tree A P C Delonix regia Sunkesula Fabaceae Tree P P C Diospyros candolleana Ebenaceae Tree A P S Diospyros melanoxylon Ebenaceae Tree A P S Dolichandrone falcata Bignoniaceae Tree A P C Ehretia canarensis Cordiaceae Tree A P C Erythrina variegata Papilionaceae Tree A P C Eucalyptus teretocronis Eucalyptus Myrtaceae Tree A P C Ficus benghalensis Marri Moraceae Tree A P S Ficus hispida Bommedu Moraceae Tree A P C Ficus racemosa Medi Moraceae Tree A P C Ficus religiosa Raavi Moraceae Tree P P C Flacourtia indica Porika Flacourtiaceae Tree A P C Gmelina arborea Gummudu tepu Verbenaceae Tree A P C Grewia flavescens Pedda Jana Tiliaceae Tree A P S Grewia tiliifolia Tiliaceae Tree A P C Gyrocarpus americanus Propeller Tree Hernandiaceae Tree A P R Hardwickia binata Yepi Caesalpiniaceae Tree A P C Helicteres isora Nool tada Tiliaceae Tree A P C Ixora arborea Korivi Rubiaceae Tree A P S Lagerstroemia parviflora Lythraceae Tree A P C Lannea coromandelica Gumpena Anacardiaceae Tree A P C



Leucaena leucocephala Subabul Mimosaceae Tree P P C Limonia acidissima Velaga Rutaceae Tree A P C Litsea deccanensis Lauraceae Tree A P C Madhuca indica Ippa Sapotaceae Tree A P C Melia azadirachta Thuraka vepa Meliaceae Tree A P C Mimosops elengi Pogada Sapotaceae Tree P P C Murraya koenigii Kari vepa Rutaceae Tree A P C Peltophorum pterocarpum Konda chinta Caesalpiniaceae Tree A P C Phoenix sylvestris Eetha Araceae Tree P P C Phyllanthus emblica Usiri Euphorbiaceae Tree A P C Pithecolobium dulce Seemachinta Fabaceae Tree A P C Polyalthia longifolia Ashoka Annonaceae Tree A P S Pongamia pinnata Ganuga Fabaceae Tree P P C Prosopis juliflora English tumma Mimosaceae Tree P P C Pterocarpus marsupium Yegisa Papilionaceae Tree A P C Samanea saman Nidrabhangi Mimosaceae Tree A P S Sterculia urens Tapasi Sterculiaceae Tree A P C Syzygium cumini Neradu Myrtaceae Tree A P R Tamarindus indica Chinta Caesalpiniaceae Tree A P C Tecoma stans Patcha turai Bignoniaceae Tree P P S Tectona grandis Teak Verbenaceae Tree P P C Terminalia catappa Badam Combretaceae Tree A P C Thespecia populnea Ganga Raavi Malvaceae Tree P P C Vitex negundo Vaavili Verbenaceae Tree P P C Ziziphus numularia Nela Regu Rhamnaceae Tree P P C Zizyphus jujuba Regu Rhamnoceae Tree A P C Zizyphus xylopyra Regu Rhamnoceae Tree A P C Abutilon indicum Thuthuru Benda Malvaceae Shrub P P C Acacia sundra Sundra Mimosaceae Shrub A P R Adhatoda vasica Acanthaceae Shrub A P R Bridelia montana Pariki Euphorbiaceae Shrub A P C Caesalpinia bonduc Gacha podha Leguminosae Shrub A P C Caesalpinia pulcherrina Caesalpiniaceae Shrub A P C Callistemon lanceolatus Myrtaceae Shrub A P C Calotropis gigantea Tella Jilledu Asclepiadaceae Shrub P P C Calotropis procera Jilledu Asclepiadaceae Shrub A P S Carissa spinarum Kalimi Apocynaceae Shrub A P C Cassia occidentalis Adavi Chennangi Caesalpiniaceae Shrub P P C Chomelia asiatica Rubiaceae Shrub A P S Cissus quadrangularis Nalleru Vitaceae Shrub A P C



Clerodendrum inerme

Ganttu barangi Verbenaceae Shrub A P S

Datura metal Ummetha Solanaceae Shrub A P C Dodonaea viscosa Bandedu Sapindaceae Shrub A P C Echinops ehinatus Mulla banthi Asteraceae Shrub A P C Eranthemum nervosum Verbenaceae Shrub A P C Erythroxylon monogynum Dedaraaku Erythroxylaceae Shrub A P C Euphorbia cactus Euphorbiaceae Shrub A P C Flemingia semialata Papilionaceae Shrub A P C Gardenia gummifera Bikki Rubiaceae Shrub A P C Graptophyllum pictum Verbenaceae Shrub A P C Grewia hirsuta Jaani Chettu Tiliaceae Shrub P P C Grewia obtusa Jaana Tiliaceae Shrub A P S Grewia tilliaefolia Pedda Jaana Tiliaceae Shrub A P R Grewia villosa Nalikiri chettu Tiliaceae Shrub A P C Homonoia riparia Euphorbiaceae Shrub A P C Hyptis suaveolens Maha beera Lamiaceae Shrub A P C Indigofera aspalathoides Papilionaceae Shrub A P C Indigofera cassiodes Karu kandi Papilionaceae Shrub A P C Ipomoea carnea Rubber mokka Convolvulaceae Shrub A P C Ixora coccinea Rubiaceae Shrub A P S Jatropha gossypifolia adaviamudamu Euphorbiaceae Shrub P P C Lantana camara Lantana Verbenaceae Shrub P P C Mimosa rubicaulis Pariki kampa Mimosaceae Shrub A P C Opuntia dillenii Nagajamudu Cactaceae Shrub A P C Opuntia stricta Cactaceae Shrub A P C Phoenix robusta Arecaceae Shrub A P C Phoenix acaulis Eetha Araceae Shrub A P C Plumeria alba Devaganneru Apocynaceae Shrub P P S Prosopis chilensis Mimosaceae Shrub A P S Randia dumetorum Manga Rubiaceae Shrub A P C Ricinus communis Amudam Euphorbiaceae Shrub A P C Salvadora persica Salvadoraceae Shrub A P S Sarcostemma viminale Apocyanaceae Shrub P P C Sesbania sesban Somanthi jiluga Papilionaceae Shrub A P S Synadenium grantii Euphorbiaceae Shrub A P S Typha angustata Jammu Typhaceae Shrub A P C Woodfordia fruticosa Lythraceae Shrub A P C Ziziphus oenoplia Pariki Rhamnaceae Shrub A P C



Ziziphus rugosa Enuga pariki Rhamnaceae Shrub A P S Avicennia marina* Nallamada Avicenniaceae Mangroves A P C Bruguiera gymnorhiza* Thoddu ponna Rhizophoraceae Mangroves A P C Ceriops decandra* Calhasu Rhizophoraceae Mangroves A P R Excoecaria agallocha* Tilla Euphorbiaceae Mangroves A P R Rhizophora apiculata* Ponna Rhizophoraceae Mangroves A P R Avicennia officinalis* Nallamada

Avicenniaceae Mangroves A P C

Rhizophora mucronata* Uppu Ponna Rhizophoraceae Mangroves A P C Aegiceras corniculatum* Guggilam Myrsinaceae Mangroves A P R Thespesia populneoides Gangaravi Malvaceae Mangroves A P C Suaeda maritima* Elakura Chenopodiaceae Mangroves A P C Clerodendrum inerme Pisingi Verbenaceae Mangroves A P C Sesuvium portulacastrum Aizoaceae Mangroves A P C Achyranthes aspera Uttareni Amaranthaceae Herb A P C Aerva lanata Konda Pindi Amaranthaceae Herb A P C Aloe vera Asphodelaceae Herb A P C Alternanthera sessilis Ponaganti kura Amaranthaceae Herb A P S Amaranthus spinosus

Mullathotakura Amaranthaceae Herb P P C

Argemone mexicana Bhrama dandi Papaveraceae Herb P P C Asparagus racemosus Pilliteegalu Asperagaceae Herb A P C Barleria prinotis Acanthaceae Herb A P C Biophytum nervifolium Junuku Malpighiaceae Herb A P C Blumea mollis Kukka pogaku Asteraceae Herb A P C Blumea virens Adavi pogaku Asteraceae Herb A P C Boerhaevia diffusa Atukamaamidi Nyctaginaceae Herb A P C Borreria hispida Madanaaku Rubiaceae Herb A P C Cassia uniflora Tagarisa Caesalpiniaceae Herb P P S Catharanthus roseus Billa ganneru Apocynaceae Herb P P C Chloris barbata Poaceae Herb P P S Cleome viscosa Yerri Vaminta Cleomaceae Herb P P S Cocculus hirsutus Dusaari Menispermaceae Herb A P C Crotan bonplantianum Bhu thulasi Euphorbiacea Herb P P C



Dendrocalamus strictus Sanna vedru Poaceae Herb A P S Eclipta alba Gunta galijru Asteraceae Herb A P C Eupatorium odoratum Galivana Asteraceae Herb A P C Euphorbia antiquorum Bontha Jemudu Euphorbiaceae Herb A P C Euphorbia hirta Pachabotlu Euphorbiaceae Herb A P C Euphorbia nivulia Aaku jemudu Euphorbiaceae Herb A P C Euphorbia tirucalli Tirucalli Euphorbiaceae Herb A P C Evolvulus alsinoides Visnu krantha Convolvulaceae Herb A P C Gymnema sylvestre Podapatri Asclepiadaceae Herb A P C Hyptis suaveolens Maha beera Lamiaceae Herb A P S Hygrophila auriculata Acanthaceae Herb A P S Leucas aspera Thummi Lamiaceae Herb P P C Ocimum canum Kukka Tulasi Lamiaceae Herb A P S Oldenlandia umbellata

Amara Rubiaceae Herb A P C

Parthenium hysterophorus Congress Grass Asteraceae Herb P P C Pavonia zeylanica Karu-benda Malvaceae Herb P P C Phyllanthus amanus Nela Usiri Euphorbiaceae Herb P P C Polygala arvensis Polygalaceae Herb A P S Polygala elongata Polygalaceae Herb A P S Portulaca oleracea Portulacaceae Herb A P S Psoralea corylifolia Papilionaceae Herb A P S Pupalia lappacea Gundu Uttareni Amaranthaceae Herb A P C Pupalia lappacea Tella uttareni Amaranthaceae Herb A P S Sida acuta Bala Malvaceae Herb P P C Sida cordata Bala Malvaceae Herb P P S Solanum surattense Vakudu Solanaceae Herb A P C Spermacoce pusilla Rubiaceae Herb A P S Sphaeranthus indicus Bodataram Asteraceae Herb A P C Tagetes patula Asteraceae Herb A P S Tephrosia purpurea Vempali Fabaceae Herb A P C Theriophonum infaustum Araceae Herb A P S Tragia involucrata Durada gondi Euphorbiaceae Herb A P C Tribulus terrstris Palleru Zygophyllaceae Herb P P C Tridax procumbens Gaddichamanthi Asteraceae Herb P P C Triumfetta rhomboidea Marla Benda Taccaceae Herb A P C Turnera ulmifolia Turneraceae Herb A P C Urena lobata Nalla Benda Malvaceae Herb P P C



Vanda tessellata Kodikalla chettu Orchidaceae Herb A P S Verbena laciniata Verbenaceae Herb A P C Vernonia cinerea Sahadevi Asteraceae Herb P P C Zaleya decandra Aizoaceae Herb A P C Cymbopogon coloratus Poaceae Grass P P C Cymbopogon flexuosus Poaceae Grass A P C Cynodon dactylon Garika Cyperaceae Grass P P C Cynoglotis tuberosa Commelinaceae Grass P P C Cyperus alopecuroides Cyperaceae Grass P P C Cyperus flavidus Cyperaceae Grass P P C Cyperus rotundus Tunga Cyperaceae Grass A P S Cyperus triceps Cyperaceae Grass A P C Dendrophthoe falcata badanika Loranthaceae Grass A P C Ipomoea prescarpe Convolvulaceae Creaper A P S Acacia caesia Kirintha Mimosaceae Climber A P C Aganosma dichotoma Apocynaceae Climber A P S Argyreia hirsuta Adavi gummadi Convolvulaceae Climber A P S Bauhinia vahlii Adda teega Caesalpiniaceae Climber A P S Capparis sepiaria Nall uppi Capparaceae Climber A P C Clitoria ternatea Shanka pushpi Fabaceae Climber A P C Combretum albidum Yada teega Combretaceae Climber A P S Cryptolepis buchanani Panjanga chettu Periplocaceae Climber A P C Cucumis trigonus Cucurbitaceae Climber A P S Daemia extensa Puli vavilli Asclepidaceae Climber A P C Hemidesmus indicus Sugandhipala Asclepiadaceae Climber A P C Ipomoea nil Convolvulaceae Climber A P S Ipomoea obscura Macha aku Convolvulaceae Climber A P S Jasminum grandiflorum Oleaceae Climber A P C Luffa acutangula Beera Cucurbitaceae Climber A P C Marsdenia tenacissima Adavi juttupa Asclepiadaceae Climber A P C Momordica charantia Cucurbitaceae Climber A P C Momordica dioca Agakara Cucurbitaceae Climber A P S Pergularia daemia Dustapa teega Asclepiadaceae Climber A P S Sarcostemma acidum Pandiri jamudu Asclepiadaceae Climber A P S



Scindapsus officinalis Araceae Climber A P S Smilax zeylanica Smilacaceae Climber A P S Thunbergia fragrans Acanthaceae Climber A P S Tinospora cordifolia Tippa tiga Menispermaceae Climber A P C Trichosanthes anguina Cucurbitaceae Climber A P C Tylophora indica Kukkapala teega Asclepiadaceae Climber A P C

Note: C : Common; R: Rare; S: Sporadic; P: Present; A: Absent * True Mangroves Floristic Richness

Field survey conducted in winter season revealed most of the species were

Herbs followed by Trees. During the present study all the plants observed in the

field are recorded but there could be many other plants which have remained

unrecorded due to limitation of time.

Diversity of Vegetation

During primary survey, it was observed that density of plants is more in almost

all sampling locations near the villages and denser and diversity near reserve forests.

To quantify the primary data obtained from field study Shannon – Weiner Index is

calculated for each sampling point. It is noted that Ipuru RF is very dense when

compared to others but diversity is less where as Momidi RF is less dense with more

diversity.

Mangroves:

There are some common mangroves species like, Avicennia marina,

Rhizophora apiculata and Bruguiera gymnorhiza. During ecological field visit in the

study area, study of mangroves was carried out in Upputeru creak of Muthukuru

mandal which is a part of Krishnapatnam where the creek merges with the Bay of

Bengal. The mangroves are at a distance of 9.5 from ML area.

True mangroves:

1. Avicennia marina, 2-3 ft tall, without flowers and fruits -- most common

2. Ceriops decandra, 2-4 ft tall, without flowers and fruits-- rare



3. Bruguiera gymnorhiza, 2-3 ft tall, no flowering -- Uncommon

4. Excoecaria agallocha, 2-5 ft tall, no flowers -- Rare

Mangroves associates:

Suaeda maritima, flowering -- Sparce

Clerodendrum inerme, flowering -- Sparce

Sesuvium portulacastrum, no flowers -- most common

Tamminapatnam RF: This RF is adjoining to the Duchingham canal. In this RF, there

are few sparsely dispersed associates mangrove species exists in this area. The

predominant species found here is Eucalyptus and Casuarina which is of

plantations. The entire belt is thorny scrub type.

True mangroves:

1. Avicennia marina, 5-7 ft tall, no flowers and fruits --- most common

2. Ceriops decandra, 4-5 ft tall, --- Rare

3. Bruguiera gymnorhiza, 3-4 ft tall, --- Rare

Mangrove associates:

1. Clerodendron inerme, flowering --- Rare

2. Thespesia populneoides, Malvaceae, no flowers --- Rare

Kottapatnam RF: Here, the density of the RF is quite high when compared to other

RFs of the study area. Among the fauna, Rhesus monkey, Mynas and Open billed

storks were very frequently seen.

Momidi RF: In this RF, Azadiracta indica and Borassus species are well dominant

along with few climbers such as Cissus quadrangularis and Abrus precatorius. Most

of this RF is open with sand rich area. Very few species are existing here and mostly

this land is cultivated with Paddy and other seasonal fruit baring trees and

ornamental plants.



Cryptogamic Vegetation

The area shows many algae, fungi, bryophytes and ferns. Algae are present in

aquatic bodies or in marshy places. Fungi, particularly from ascomycetes and

basidiomycetes are located on ground or epiphytically. Lichens of crustose, foliose

and fruticose types are present on different substrates (Lichens, Ascomycetes and

Basidiomycetes could be observed near old house walls and agricultural waste

dump areas.

Agriculture

The common crops are Oryzha sativa, Sorghum vulgare, Zea mays, Pennisetum

typhoideum, Sacharum officinarum which are mainly dependent on rainwater

during monsoon season and also through ground water source, tubewells, open

wells during non-monsoon season. In addition to this croplands, various weeds are

observed like, Cynodon dictylon, Euphorbia hirta, Cyperus rotundus, Digitarea

species and Alycicarpus are also contributing to primary production. Apart from the

commercial crops like ground nut, sunflower and several vegetable Brinjal,

Watermelon, Bhendi and leafy vegetable crops could also grow in this region. The

detail of staple crops and commercial crops in study area are presented in Table

3.21.

Table 3.21 List of Agricultural, Commerial Crops and plantations Recorded in

Study Area

Technical Name Local Name Agricultural crops Oryza sativa Vari, batta Sorghum vulgare Jonna, jola Saccharum officinarum Charaku Zea mays Mokkajonna Pennisetum typhoideum Sajjalu, saja Commercial crops Abelomoschus indicus Benda Allium cepa Ulli Allium sativum Velluli Annona squamosa Sitahpahalam Arachis hypogia Verusenega Carica papaya Boppayi Catharanthes pusillus Kanuppolakku



Technical Name Local Name Lycopersicum esculentus Tomato Mangifera indica Mamidi Memordia charantia Kakara Psidium guava Jama, guava Raphanus sativa Mullangi, muli Trichosanthes anguina Potla, snake guard III. Plantations Avicenia marina Albizia lebbeck Mimosaceae Azadirachta indica Meliaceae Bauhinia purpuria Caesalpinaceae Cocos nuecifera Arecaceae Casuarina equicitifolia Casuarinaceae Delonix regia Caesalpinaceae Eucalyptus teretocronis Myrtaceae Leucena leucophloe Caesalpinaceae Peltoforrum ferrusinum Caesalpinaceae Pongamia pinnata Papillionaceae Tectona grandis Verbinaceae

Identification of local Protected Species

As per Botanical Survey of India records and available published literature

pertaining to the study area and current detailed study of project site, no threatened,

endangered and rare plant species were observed from the study area. The

topomap indicating the absence of National park, Sanctuary, Elephant/Tiger

Reserve, Migratory routes/ Wildlife corridor with in 10 km radius indicates that this

region is not ecologically very significant.

As per the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972), those animals, which have

been enlisted in the schedules of the Act, have been presented in subsequent section.

The schedules are based on the species namely, rare, endangered, threatened,

vulnerable etc. According to threat of extinction Schedule-I contains those species

which need topmost priority, while II, III, IV and V have lesser degree of threat.

Most of the avi-fauna has been listed in Schedule–IV. As per the list of avi-faunal

species, these are mostly local migrant species only.



Fauna and Wildlife

On the basis field observations, there is no major wildlife. The details of

animals recorded are presented in Table 3.22. Primary field surveys are conducted

through random observation in the study area and also information collected from

elderly persons of the area, forest officials. This area hosts jackal, foxes and other

animals. There are not endangered animals in this area. The area is also represented

with various species of water birds such as adreols (herons) ixobrachus etc. The

present study reveals that 12 mammalian species, 96 avian species and 20 reptilian

species recorded from this area.

Table 3.22 List of planktonic flora and fauna from study area

Phytoplankton Zooplankton Gyrosigma sp Keratella monospina Achananthes affinis Brachirous caudatus Gyrosigma accuminatus Asplancha brighwell Pandorina sp Colpidium colpoda Ankistrodesmus falcatus Daphnia sp Ankistrodesmus var. tumidus Ceriodaphnia reticulata Pediastrum boryanum Mesocyclops leuckarti Scenedesmus bijuga Mesocyclops hyalinus Melosira granulate Coleps hirsutus Cyclotella meneghiana Arcella sp Microcystis sp Actinophyros sp Navicula gracilis Asplancha sp Nitzschia gracilis Ceriodaphnia sp Chroococcus minutus Mesocyclops sp Spirulina princepes - Pinnularia braunii - Synedra tabulata - Ophora sp - Cymbella sp - Navicula radiosa -

Mammalian Species

The current survey recorded 12 species from the study area. Out of these, Jackal

(Canis aureus), Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Indian Grey Mongoose (Herpestes

edwardsi), Common Langur (Mucaca mulata) are found to be under Part-II of

Schedule-II as per wildlife protection act, 1972 but Least Concern under IUCN



category. These are very common in all forested areas throughout country and need

not to take conservation steps except to protect their natural habitats.

Table 3.22 List of Fauna

Scientific Name Common Name IUCN Status

Conservation status as per wildlife protection act,1972

Bandicota indica Large Bandicoot Rat LC - Bbengalensis Lesser Bandicoot Rat LC - Cynopterus sphinx Short nosed Fruit Bat LC V Felis chaus Jungle Cat LC Part-II of Sch-II Funambulus palmarum

Three Stripped Squirrel LC IV

Herpestres edwardsinyula

Common Mongoose LC Part-II of Sch-II

Lepus nigricollis nigricollis

Black napped Hare LC IV

Mus booduga Little Indian Field Mouse

LC V

Mus musculus House Mouse LC V Mucaca mulata Common Langur LC Part-II of sch-II Sus scrofa Wild Boar LC III Canis aureus Jackal LC Part-II of sch-II

Wildlife Corridors, Seasonal Movements and Migration

No such zones are present in the study area.

Avian Species

The survey results show that 96 species of birds are recorded and none of them are

rare or endangered or migratory.

Reptilian Species

The survey recorded 20 species of reptiles in the study area. Out of these, Naja

naja (Indian Cobra), Vipera russelli (Russel Viper), Ptyas mucosus (Common Rat

snake), Chamaeleon zelanicus (Chameleon) Varanus bengalensis (Common Indian

monitor) Xenocchrophis piscator (Cheekered keelback) are under Schedule-II as per

wildlife protection act, 1972 but Least Concern under IUCN category. These are very



common in all forested areas throughout country and need not to take conservation

steps except to protect their natural habitats.

Table 3.23 List of Reptiles either spotted or reported from the study area. LR = Lower Risk; LC = Least Concern;

Scientific Name Common Name IUCN Status

Conservation status as per wildlife protection act,1972

Ahaetulla nasutus Green whip snake LC Naja naja Indian Cobra LC II Vipera russelli Russel Viper LR II Dendrelaphis tristis Common Indian Bronze

Back or Tree Snake LC

Ptyas mucosus Common Rat snake LC II Amphiesma stolata Buffstriped keelback LC Trimeresurus gramineus

Green pit viper LC IV

Typhlops hypomethes

Common blind snake LC IV

Macropisthodon plumbicolor

Green keel back LC

Xenocchrophis piscator

Cheekered keelback LC II

Boiga ceylonensis Cat snake LC Bungarus caeruleus Common Indian Krait LC

Enhydris enhydris Common Smooth Water Snake

LC

Varanus bengalensis Common Indian monitor LR II Chamaeleon zelanicus

Chameleon VU II

Mabuya carinata Common Skink LC Calotes rouxi Forest Calottes LC Calotes versicolor Common garden lizard LC Hemimidactylus brooki

House gecko LC

Hemidactylus forenatus

Southern House Gecko LC

Threatened and Endangered Animal Species

None of the species are under endangered and threatened species, and not listed in

the Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as amended in 1991. Some

of the species are under Schedule II for which conservation the habitat is much



required. A detailed list of all the mammalian, avian and reptilian species including

the endangered and threatened species recorded.

Aquatic Ecosystem

Planktons

There are microscopic life forms belonging to either phytoplanktons (algae) or

zooplanktons (protozoa or rotifers etc.) categories. They form the lowest trophic

level of the aquatic ecosystem. Water samples were collected from Upputeru river

and other ponds and canals present in the buffer zone for planktonic analysis. None

of the aquatic forms are rare or endangered. Phytoplankton group reported from

four locations are basillariophyceae, chlorophyceae, myxophyceae and

euglenophyceae members. About 26 species of phytoplankton were reported from

four locations. Density of phytoplankton group among the three locations was

highest in lentic ecosystem (Aqua-2) and lowest in (Aqua-1). The density of

phytoplankton group ranged between 17 to 26 organisms/ml in all studied samples.

Dominance of Bacillariophyceae members followed by myxophyceae was observed

in all the locations. The highest percentage was Ankistrodesmus falcatus and

Anabeana sp and the lowest percentage was Euglena sp during study period was

observed. The Shannon Wieners index for phytoplankton varies between 2.86-3.14

for study area.

Zooplankton

Daphnia, Asplancha, Ceriodaphnia is predominant animal species in studied

samples.

List of phytoplankton species identified from study area

Algal Species

Bacillariophyceae: Cymbella sp., Cyclotella sp., Diatoma sp., Gomphonema sp.,

Navicula sp., Nitzschia sp.

Chlorophyceae: Ankistrodesmus sp., Chlorococcum sp., Chollera sp., Closterium

sp., Eudorina sp.



Cyanophyceae: Anabaena sp., Anacystis sp., Lyngbya sp., Merismopedia sp.,

Phormidium sp.

Euglenophycea: Euglena sp., Phacus sp.

List of zooplankton species identified from study area

Copepoda: Cyclops sp, Nauplius larva

Rotifera: Brachionus sp, Keratella quadridantatus, Trichocera sp.,

Cladocera: Daphnia sp., Diaphnosoma sp.

Freshwater Fishery

Fishing is the major profession after agriculture in the study area. Major fresh water

fishing practiced in Uppaturu River. Fisherman’s community is majorly observed in

the coastal area. Nearly all fishermen’s use traditional method of fishing i.e. trapa,

gillnet and cast net are also used for fishing. The fishes found here are Rohu, Mullet,

Mugri, Dingar, Haren, Bas, Kalwas, Chal, Katiya, Ghegra, Bighun, Jhingra, Grach,

Bam, Papta, Pariyasi, Gudheya, Tengan, Siland and Jhinga. Large quantity of fishing

activities takes place in the Uppaturu river and in small dams as water gets dry in

streams and pond during the summer season. A total of 19 species of fishes have

been recorded in the study area by secondary source of information.

Marine Fishery

Nearly 10%of the study area is covered by Bay of Bengal, so marine fishing is also

major employment in the study area. There are some common fish varieties in the

study area are mullets (Mughil sephalus), serr fish (Scomberomerous sp), mackeral

(Rastustragellar kanatha) and snake fish (Tricherious). Among all fish species

mackeral is threatened in the study area. Some cattle fish, crabs and lobsters are also

seen in study area. Catish (Scolidon dyctylon) is marine catfish, 4 sp of ray fish, 2 sp

of skates are found in the region. Annual fish production is 40000 MTPA in the

entire Nellore coast and 40% of the entire production is found in the study area.

There are 145 fishermen cooperative in the Nellore district and 10000 active

fisherman populations in the Nellore district.



Table 3.25 List of fishes either spotted or reported from the study area. LC means Least Concern

Scientific Name Family IUCN Status Order Osteoglossiformes

LC

Notopterus notopterus (Pallas) Notopteridae LC Order Cypriniformes Notopteridae LC Salmostoma bacaila (Ham) Cyprinidae LC Chela cachius (Ham) Cyprinidae LC Chela laubuca (Ham) Cyprinidae LC Amblypharyngodon mola Cyprinidae LC Tor mussulah (Sykes) Cyprinidae LC Rohtee ogilbii Sykes Cyprinidae LC Osteobrama cotio (Ham) Cyprinidae LC Puntius filamentosus (Val) Cyprinidae LC Cirrhinus fulungee (Sykes) Cyprinidae LC Cirrhinus reba (Ham) Cyprinidae LC Catla catla (Ham) Cyprinidae LC Labeo rohita (Ham) Cyprinidae LC Garra mullya (Sykes) Cyprinidae LC Crossocheilus latius (Ham) Cyprinidae LC Order Siluriformes Cyprinidae LC Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch) Siluridae LC Wallago attu (Block and Schn) Siluridae LC Pangasius pangasius (Ham) Pangasiidae LC Bagarius bagarius (Ham) Sisoridae LC

Threatened and Endangered Aquatic Fauna

The survey results show that none of the aquatic fauna is threatened or endangered

according to Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and amended in 1991.

* Data collected through interactions with local elderly personnel and forest officials of respective forest ranges.


4-1 Team Labs and Consultants

CHAPTER 4.0 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND

MITIGATION MEASURES

4.0 Identification of Impacts

Identification of Impacts is one of the basic analytical steps of EIA for subsequent

prediction and evaluation of impacts. Impact is a change in baseline due to interaction

of a development activity with environment, or interaction of environment with

development activity, or change in baseline due to a manmade emergency. The

impacts were assessed for construction stage, operation stage and emergency cases.

Initially the assessment was done to identify impacts due to the proposed Silica sand

mining development activity using network method which mainly follows cause

condition and effect relationship. The interaction of project activity on the

environment was assessed by posing questions related to each aspect of project

activity envisaged as part of proposed project the plant. After broad identification of

impacts, an interaction table enumerating the activity vs factors of various

environmental components was prepared for various stages of mining activity

implementation considering the entire life cycle of construction, operation and

decommissioning.

4.1 Environmental impacts from mining and associated infrastructure

The mining activity and development of required infrastructure result in potential

impact on environment. The operational stage was considered for both regular

operation and for incidents and emergencies caused by both human errors and

extreme weather phenomena. Table 4.1 to 4.4 present the interaction tables identifying

the environmental factors anticipated to have an impact due to the project and impacts

due to environment on the project.



Table 4.1 Activity and Environmental Impact (Impact Identification Matrix) - Construction Stage Environment Abiotic

Biotic Socio

Economic Others Component Climate Atmosphere Land Water

Factors

Mic

rom

eteo

rolo

gy

Air

qu

alit

y

Noi

se a

nd

vi

bra

tion

Geo

logy

Soi

l

Su

rfac

e W

ater

Gro

un

d W

ater

Flor

a

Fau

na

Soc

io

Eco

nom

ic

Was

te

Man

agem

ent

Occ

up

atio

nal

h

ealt

h a

nd

sa

fety

Fire

Saf

ety

Cli

mat

e C

han

ge

Construction Stage Site clearing, √ √ √ √ Line cutting, √ √ √ √ √ √ Road Formation √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Site services √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

√ Indicates Impact Table 4.2 Activity and Environmental Impact (Impact Identification Matrix) - Regular Operation Stage

Environment Abiotic Biotic Socio

Economic Others Component Climate Atmospher

e Land Water

Factors

Activity Mic

rom

eteo

rol

ogy

Air

qu

alit

y

Noi

se a

nd

vi

bra

tion

Geo

logy

Soi

l

Su

rfac

e W

ater

G

rou

nd

W

ater

Fl

ora

Fau

na

Soc

io

Eco

nom

ic

Was

te

Man

agem

ent

Occ

up

atio

nal

h

ealt

h a

nd

sa

fety

Fire

Saf

ety

Cli

mat

e C

han

ge

Mining stage Dozing, Loading and Unloading √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Transportation √ √ √ √ √ Indicates Impact



Table 4.3 Activity and Environmental Impact (Impact Identification Matrix) - Incidents and Accidents Environment Abiotic

Biotic Socio


Factors

Mic

rom

eteo

rolo

gy

Air

qu

alit

y

Noi

se a

nd

vi

bra

tion

Geo

logy

Soi

l

Su

rfac

e W

ater

Gro

un

d

Wat

er

Flor

a

Fau

na

Soc

io

Eco

nom

ic

Was

te

Man

agem

ent

Occ

up

atio

na

l hea

lth

an

d

safe

ty

Fire

Saf

ety

Cli

mat

e C

han

ge

Operation Stage Incidents and Accidents Machinery Failure √ √ Fire accidents √ √ Accidents during transport of material

√ √ √ √ √

Extreme Weather phenomenon √ √ √ Indicates Impact

Table 4.4 Activity and Environmental Impact (Impact Identification Matrix) - Decommissioning Environment Abiotic

Biotic Socio


Factors

Mic

rom

ete

orol

ogy

Air

qu

alit

y

Noi

se a

nd

vi

bra

tion

Geo

logy

Soi

l

Su

rfac

e W

ater

Gro

un

d

Wat

er

Flor

a

Fau

na

Soc

io

Eco

nom

ic

Was

te

Man

agem

en

t

Occ

up

atio

nal

hea

lth

an

d s

afet

y

Fire

Saf

ety

Cli

mat

e C

han

ge

Mine Closure Removal, Back filling and sealing

√ √ √ √ √ √

√

Removal of structures √ √ √ √ Danger due to inadvertent entry √

√

√ Indicates Impact



4.1.1 Impact Networks

The purpose of identifying the impacts is that it aids in making appropriate decision to

mitigate the adverse consequences if any. The degree of extensiveness and scale of

impacts and the consequences based on value judgments are generalized while

identifying impacts; as it is imperative that the impact will normally lead to a chain of

reactions. The construction of network charts brings out to certain extent the

appropriate levels of risks that may occur due to the interventions while interacting

with hydrological, biological and social systems due to the proposed mining activity its

life time of construction, operation and Mine closure including emergency scenarios

both natural and manmade. The conceptual site model of mining activity before and

during mining activity area presented in Figure 4.1 – 4.2, while the generic impact

networks for each aspect of environment are presented in Figure 4.3 to 4.7.

Figure 4.1 Conceptual site model of mining activity (Site Preparation)



Figure 4.2 Conceptual site model of mining activity (During Mining)

Figure 4.3 Impacts on Air Environment



Figure 4.4 Impacts on Water Environment

Figure 4.5 Noise Impact on Surrounding Environment



Figure 4.6 Impact of Solid Waste on Soil Quality

Figure 4.7 Socio- Economic Environment



4.2 Prediction and Assessment of Impacts

Based on the above images and tables the impacts are identified with respect to the

current mining project. The identified impacts are assessed by posing questions related

each activity of proposed project and their interaction with environment during the life

cycle of the proposed silica sand mining activity i.e., construction, operation and mine

closure stages including incident and accidents scenario during operation stage. The

statutory limits of ambient air quality, noise, emissions and discharges as mandated by

the MoEFCC was considered to classify the quantifiable impacts as acceptable or not

acceptable. However, there are few impacts that cannot be quantified, which need to

be qualitatively assessed. There are a number of methods for qualitatively assessing the

impacts to arrive at the significance of impact. The qualitative assessment of impacts

require characterization with respect to its magnitude, geographic extent, duration,

frequency, reversibility, probability of occurrence, confidence rating and impact rating.

The manual published by MOEF&CC prescribes the following process for determining

the significance of impact; first, an impact is qualified as being either negative or

positive. Second, the nature of impacts such as direct, indirect, or cumulative is

determined using the impact network. Third, a scale is used to determine the severity

of the effect; for example, an impact is of low, medium, or high significance.

Accordingly, it was proposed to quantify the impacts which are a direct result of the

activities contingent on availability of reliable prediction tools. In case the

quantification is not feasible, a subjective assessment of the impact significance using

Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) was used. Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix

(RIAM) is constructed from a set of well-defined assessment criteria and a collection of

specific environmental indicators or components. The environmental indicators are

carefully chosen for the purpose of evaluating the potential impacts of the alternatives

that are being considered (Pastakia and Jensen, 1998).

4.2.1 Methodology of Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix

The RIAM is suited to EIA where a multi-disciplinary team approach is used, as it

allows for data from different sectors to be analyzed against common important

criteria within a common matrix, thus providing a clear assessment of the major

impacts. With the assessment criteria typically arrayed as the columns of the matrix



and the indicators as the rows, the cells are comprised of numbers which provide a

measure of the expected impacts of the indicators when measured against the

assessment criteria. Technically, the assessment process is comprised of four steps that

must be completed in sequence: Step I — create a set of indicators, Step II — provide

numerical values for the indicators, Step III — compute environmental scores and Step

IV — evaluate the alternatives. RIAM is based on the knowledge that certain specific

criteria are common to all impact assessments, and by scaling these criteria it becomes

possible to record the values of the assessments made. RIAM works with both

negative and positive impacts. Not all criteria can be given the same weight, and so

the criteria are divided into two groups: those which individually are important in

their impact; and those that collectively important. The important assessment criteria

fall into two groups: (A) Criteria that are of importance to the condition, and which

can individually change the score obtained. (B) Criteria that are of value to the

situation, but individually should not be capable of changing the score obtained. The

value ascribed to each of these groups of criteria is determined by the use of a series

of simple formulae. These formulae allow the scores for the individual components to

be determined on a defined basis.

The process can be expressed:

(a1) x (a2) = aT (b1) + (b2) + (b3) = bT (aT) x (bT) = ES Group (A) criteria

Importance of condition (A1)

A measure of the importance of the condition, which is assessed against the spatial

boundaries or human interests it will affect. The scales are defined:

4 = important to national/international interests

3 = important to regional/national interests

2 = important to areas immediately outside the local condition

1 = important only to the local condition

0 = no importance.



Magnitude of change/effect (A2)

Magnitude is defined as a measure of the scale of benefit/dis-benefit of an impact or

a condition:

+ 3 = major positive benefit

+ 2 = significant improvement in status quo

+ 1 = improvement in status quo

0 = no change/status quo

- 1 = negative change to status quo

- 2 = significant negative dis-benefit or change

- 3 = major dis-benefit or change.

Group (B) criteria

Permanence (B1)

This defines whether a condition is temporary or permanent, and should be seen only

as a measure of the temporal status of the condition

1 = no change/not applicable

2 = temporary

3 = permanent.

Reversibility (B2)

This defines whether the condition can be changed and is a measure of the control

over the effect of the condition.


2 = reversible

3 = irreversible.

Cumulative (B3)

This is a measure of whether the effect will have a single direct impact or whether

there will be a cumulative effect over time, or a synergistic effect with other conditions.




2 = non-cumulative/single

3 = cumulative/synergistic

Environmental components

The RIAM requires specific assessment components to be defined through a process

of scoping; and these environmental components fall into one of four categories,

which are defined as follows:

Physical/chemical:

Covering all physical and chemical aspects of the environment, including finite (non-

biological) natural resources, and degradation of the physical environment by

pollution.

Biological / ecological:

Covering all biological aspects of the environment, including renewable natural

resources, conservation of biodiversity, species interactions, and pollution of the

biosphere.

Sociological / cultural:

Covering all human aspects of the environment, including social issues affecting

individuals and communities; together with cultural aspects, including conservation

of heritage, and human development.

Economic / operational: To qualitatively identify the economic consequences of

environmental change, both temporary and permanent, as well as the complexities of

project management within the context of the project activities. The use of these four

categories can be, in itself, a competent tool for EIA, though each category can be

further sub-divided to identify specific environmental components that better

demonstrate the possible impacts. The degree of sensitivity and detail of the system

can thus be controlled by the selection and definition process for these environmental

components.



Criteria for Significance of Impacts based on Environmental Scores

Environmental Score Range Bands

Description of Range Bands

+72 to +108 +E Major Positive Change/Impacts +36 to + 71 +D Significant Positive Change/Impacts +19 to + 35 +C Moderately positive change/impacts +10 to + 18 +B Positive Change/Impacts +1 to +9 +A Slightly Positive Change/impacts 0 N No Change/status quo/not applicable -1 to -9 -A Slightly Negative Change/impacts -10 to - 18 -B Negative Change/Impacts -19 to - 35 -C Moderately negative change/impacts -36 to -71 -D Significant negative change/impacts -72 to -108 -E Major negative change/impacts

4.2.2 Air Environment

The sources of air pollution in the proposed activity are emissions from dozing

equipment and transportation vehicles, in addition to wind erosion of stockpiles. The

emissions from dozing equipment and transport vehicles consist of particulate matter,

sulfur dioxide, and oxides of nitrogen, which results in change in criteria air

contaminants in ambient air quality. The adoption of mitigation measures like water

sprinkling along the haulage roads shall reduce the impact to low levels. Wind erosion

of stockpiled mineral may result in particulate pollution in the immediate

surroundings. The anticipated impacts on air environment are presented in Table 4.5

and Table 4.6 presents significance of each impact based on RIAM. The impact

assessment indicates that the proposed silica sand mining activity in the cluster will

have slightly negative change /impacts on visibility, change in odor related

contaminants, and eutrophication of sensitive ecosystems, wher as negative impact is

indicated on change in criteria air pollutants, change in greenhouse gases, and impact

on soil and flora due to wet and dry deposition of pollutants.



Table 4.5 Impacts on Air Environment

Impact Activity

Ch

ange

in

Cri

teri

a ai

r co

nta

min

ants

Ch

ange

in

hea

lth

an

d

odor

rel

ated

co

nta

min

ants

Ch

ange

in

gree

nh

ouse

ga

ses

Ch

ange

in

visi

bil

ity

Eff

ects

on

ve

geta

tion

du

e to

dry

an

d w

et

dep

osit

ion

Eff

ects

on

soi

l d

ue

to d

ry a

nd

w

et d

epos

itio

n

Eu

trop

hic

atio

n

of s

ensi

tive

ec

osys

tem

du

e N

20 d

epos

itio

n

Construction Stage Site clearing, √ Line cutting, √ Road Formation √ √ √ √ √ √ Site Services √ √ √ √ √ √ Production stage Dozing, Loading and Unloading √ √ √ √ √ √ Transportation √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Mine Closure Removal, Back filling and sealing √ √ √ √ Removal of structures √ √ √ √ Danger due to inadvertent entry




Table 4.6 Impact significance - Air Environment

Impact

Imp

orta

nce

of

con

dit

ion

(A

1)

Mag

nit

ud

e of

ch

ange

/ ef

fect

(A2)

Per

man

ence

(B

1)

Rev

ersi

bil

ity

(B2)

C

um

ula

tive

(B

3)

(a1)

x (a

2) =

aT

(b1)

+ (b

2) +

(b

3) =

bT

(aT

) x (b

T) =

E

S

Sig

nif

ican

ce

Change in Criteria air contaminants 2 -1 2 3 3 -2 7 -14 -B Change in health and odor related contaminants 1 -1 2 3 3 -1 7 -7 -A Change in greenhouse gases 2 -1 2 3 2 -2 7 -14 -B change in visibility 1 -1 2 3 2 -1 7 -7 -A Effects on vegetation due to dry and wet deposition 2 -1 2 3 2 -2 6 -12 -B Effects on soil due to dry and wet deposition 2 -1 2 3 2 -2 6 -12 -B Eutrophication of sensitive ecosystem due N20 deposition

1 -1 2 3 2 -1 6 -6 -A



4.2.3 Details of Mathematical Modeling

The change is criteria air pollutants is calculated by conducting air quality impact

predictions. A large number of different mathematical models for dispersion

calculations are in practice in many parts of the world. Most of the models for

prediction of downwind concentrations are based on Gaussian dispersion. The

principle behind the Gaussian dispersion models is Gaussian probability distribution

of concentration in both vertical and horizontal cross wind directions about the plume

central line.

Predictions of ground level concentrations of the pollutants were carried out based on

site meteorological data collected during the study period. For calculation of predicted

ground level concentrations, ISCST3 model of Lakes Environmental based on USEPA,

ISCST3 algorithm is used as it has a more sophisticated algorithm incorporating

deposition, better algorithm for area sources, etc.

Overview of New Features in the ISC3 Models

The ISC3 models include several new features. A revised area source algorithm and

revised dry deposition algorithm have been incorporated in the models. The ISC3

models also include an algorithm for modeling impacts of particulate emissions from

open pit sources, such as surface coal mines. The Short-Term model includes a new wet

deposition algorithm, and also incorporates the COMPLEX1 screening model

algorithms for use with complex and intermediate terrain. When both simple and

complex terrain algorithms are included in a Short-Term model run, the model will

select the higher impact from the two algorithms on an hour-by-hour, source-by-source,

and receptor by- receptor basis for receptors located on intermediate terrain, i.e., terrain

located between the release height and the plume height.

Some of the model input options have changed and newer input options have been

added as a result of the new features contained in the ISC3 models. The source

deposition parameters have changed somewhat with the new dry deposition algorithm,

and there are new source parameters needed for the wet deposition algorithm in the

Short-Term model. There are also new meteorology input requirements for use of the



new deposition algorithms. The option for specifying elevation units has been extended

to source elevations and terrain grid elevations, in addition to receptor elevations.

The utility programs, STOLDNEW, BINTOASC, and METLIST have not been

updated. While they may continue to be used as before, they are not applicable to the

new deposition algorithms in the ISC3 models. The salient features of the ISCST3

model are presented below Table 4.7. The air quality predictions have been made

using the model evaluation protocol for fugitive dust impact modeling for surface coal

mining operations (EPA 1995, EPA 1994).

Table 4.7 Salient Features of the ISCST3 Model Item Details Model name ISCST3 (Based on USEPA algorithm) Source Types Point, Area, Volume, Open Pits Dispersion Equation Steady State Gaussian Plume Equation Diffusion Parameters Pasqual Gifford Co-efficient Plume Rise Briggs Equation Time Average 1 hr to Annual/Period Has Short Term and Long-Term

modeling options Deposition Both Dry and Wet Deposition Application Input data: (i) Source Data mine coordinates, base elevation, emission rates of pollutants (ii) Receptor Data Grid interval, number of receptors, receptor elevations (iii) Meteorological data

Hourly meteorological data i.e. wind speed, direction, ambient temperature, stability and mixing heights

Model Formulation

The model uses the following steady state Gaussian plume equation. The basic

equation for calculating the concentration of pollutants for any point in x, y, z co-

ordinates is given below:

C(x,y,z,H) = Q/2yz U exp[-1/2(y/y)2]x[exp{-1/2(z-h/z)2} + exp {-1/2 (z+H/z)

2}]

Where C= Concentration of pollutants in mg/cu m Q= Strength of emissions in g/sec. H= Effective Height (m), i.e., physical height + plume raise y, z= diffusion coefficients in y and z directions in m. U= average wind velocity in m/sec. The following assumptions are made in Gaussian dispersion model.



This model assumes no diffusion in the down wind direction and thus applicable to a

plume and not a puff of pollutant. The dispersion parameter values used for

horizontal dispersion coefficient and vertical dispersion coefficients are those given in

the “Work book of atmospheric dispersion estimates”. These dispersion coefficients

assume a sampling time of about 10min., the height values of interest to be in the

lowest several hundred meters of the atmosphere, a surface corresponding to the open

country. The stacks are tall enough to be free from building turbulence so that no

aerodynamic down wash occurs. The given stability exists from ground level to well

above the top of the plume.

The Gaussian dispersion model has been tested extensively for its validity and found

to be reasonably applicable for different atmospheric conditions. BIS has also adopted

this basic plume dispersion model. Hence the same model is adopted for predictions

of downwind concentrations of pollutants in this report.

Meteorological Data

Data recorded by the weather monitoring station at site on wind speed, direction, solar

isolation, temperature and cloud cover at one hourly interval for three months i.e. One

full season has been used for computations.

Mixing Height

The mixing heights for ambient air quality predictions are adopted from Atlas of

Hourly Mixing Height and Assimilative Capacity of Atmosphere in India by S.D Attri,

Siddartha Singh, B. Mukhopadhya and A.K Bhatnagar, Published by Indian

Metrological Department, New Delhi, 2008. The mixing heights range from 650 to

1450 m during summer season. There is no record of inversion for this area (reference:

Atlas of Hourly Mixing Height and Assimilative Capacity of Atmosphere in India by

S.D Attri, Siddartha Singh, B. Mukhopadhya and A.K Bhatnagar, Published by Indian

Metrological Department, New Delhi, 2008). There is no record of inversion in this

area as observed from the IMD data.

4.2.4 Emissions from Mining activity and transportation

The speciation of PM based on the particle size was done using AP-42 emission factors

of USEPA. The emission rate of PM is presented in Table 4.8.



Table 4.8 Emission Details of Pollutants

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Excavation of material

Quantity, TPA 20000 75000 106950 41850 79682 77800 65365 340083 36300 29184 80000 24576 65740 52290

Operations Hours Per Year 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300

Activity Rate, m3/Hr 6.06 22.73 32.41 12.68 24.15 23.58 19.81 103.06 11.00 8.84 24.24 7.45 19.92 15.85

Emission of Dust, gm/m3 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

Emission of Dust, gm/hr 0.6 2.3 3.2 1.3 2.4 2.4 2.0 10.3 1.1 0.9 2.4 0.7 2.0 1.6

Area of Influence, m2 923.0 923.0 923.0 923.0 923.0 923.0 923.0 923.0 923.0 923.0 923.0 923.0 923.0 923.0 Uncontrolled Emission Rate, g/s/m2 0.0000002 0.0000007 0.0000010 0.0000004 0.0000007 0.0000007 0.0000006 0.000003 0.0000003 0.0000003 0.0000007 0.0000002 0.0000006 0.0000005

Controlled Emission Rate, g/s/m2 0.0000001 0.0000002 0.0000003 0.0000001 0.0000003 0.0000003 0.0000003 0.0000001 0.0000001 0.0000001 0.0000003 0.0000001 0.0000003 0.0000002

Transport of Material

Quantity, TPA 20000 75000 106950 41850 79682 77800 65365 340083 36300 29184 80000 24576 65740 52290

Operations Hours Per Year 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300 3300

Capacity of Each Damper 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 Total Number of Dumpers Per Year 1176 4412 6291 2462 4687 4576 3845 20005 2135 1717 4706 1446 3867 3076

Lead Length Per Trip 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

Total VKT Per Year 1765 6618 9437 3693 7031 6865 5768 30007 3203 2575 7059 2168 5801 4614

Emission Kg/VKT 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Total Emission Kg/Year 882 3309 4718 1846 3515 3432 2884 15004 1601 1288 3529 1084 2900 2307 Uncontrolled Emission Rate, g/s/m 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5

Controlled Emission Rate, g/s/m2 0.02546 0.06213 0.08954 0.05092 0.06245 0.06241 0.05864 0.1246 0.05846 0.02513 0.06425 0.02647 0.05846 0.05674

1.Southern Silica Mine, 2- Venkatakrishna Minerals & Co.,3- Southern Silica Mine, 4- Southern Silica Mine, 5-Sri A. Sabath Kumar, 6-Sri P. Siva Kumar Reddy, 7- Sai Vindhya Silica Mine, 8- Sri Kumasraswamy Silica Mines, 9-Sri Y. Janakirami Reddy, 10-Smt. Md. Hameeda, 11- Vemalamma Silica Mines, 12- KPR Mines and Minerals, 13- KPR Mines and Minerals and 14- K. K. Mines and

Minerals.

The emission figures are derived by using the emission factors mentioned in air chief AP-42 published by USEPA.



4.2.5 Air Quality Predictions (Terms of Reference No. 23)

Prediction of ground level concentrations of pollutants was carried out based on site

meteorological data collected during the study period. For calculation of ground level

concentrations, a grid of 10 X 10 km with a receptor interval of 400 meters is

considered.

The composition of particulate matter was obtained from USEPA AIRCHIEF AP-42

and the same was considered in determining the source concentration of PM10 and

PM2.5 for prediction purpose. It may be observed that the annual predicted maximum

24 hourly GLC’s of PM, PM10 and PM10 are 0.87, 0.35 and 0.16 g/m3 respectively and

the maximum values are observed within site. The isopleths of predicted ground level

concentration are graphically presented in Figure 4.8 to 4.10. The predicted ground

level concentration at various ambient air quality monitoring locations and the valued

eco component of reserve forests in the impact area are presented in Table 4.9. The

cumulative ground level concentration considering the observed ambient air quality

values is presented in Table 4.10. It may be observed that there is a marginal increase

in the ambient air quality of surrounding area due to proposed mining activity.

The mitigation measures proposed for controlling fugitive dust shall ensure that the

impact is negative and moderately significant; local in scope and their effects can be

distinguished from the natural range of variability in physical, chemical and biological

characteristics and processes. The impact magnitude is low with less than 1 g/m3

change in the ambient air quality, confined to study area only. The impact occurs

continuously during mining operations and manifests long term throughout

operations; however, it is reversible after mining activity is completed. The certainty

of impact is high based on quantitative evaluation of site-specific data while the level

of confidence is high as the quantitative prediction is considered to be reliable, with a

high probability of occurrence. The residual effect of the impact is dry deposition of

particulate in mine lease area, which may join surface runoff and increase sediment

load.



Table 4.9 Predicted GLC’s at Monitoring Locations

S. No Location Name Distance

from Site, km Direction form site

Predicted GLC, g/m3 PM PM10 PM2.5

Buffer Zone A-02 Momidi 3.1 NW 0.00011 0.00004 0.00002 A-03 Chintavaram 3.5 SW 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 A-04 Yeruru 1.9 NW 0.00011 0.00004 0.00002 A-05 Addepalli 2.7 SE 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 A-06 Manneguntla 2.5 NE 0.00002 0.00001 0.00000 A-07 Ballvolu 4.5 S 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000

Reserve Forest 01 Momidi RF 0.2 W 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 02 Kottapatnam RF 4.7 NE 0.00001 0.00000 0.00000 03 Tammenapatnam RF 7.6 NE 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 04 Udatavaripalem PF 8.1 SW 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000



Table 4.10 Cumulative AAQ Concentration at various locations in the Impact Area

S. No Location Name Distance

from Site, km

Direction Form site

Concentration, g/m3 Predicted

GLC, g/m3

Cumulative Concentration,

g/m3 PM10 PM2.5 PM10 PM2.5 PM10 PM2.5

Buffer Zone A-02 Momidi 3.1 NW 56 19 0.00 0.00 56 19 A-03 Chintavaram 3.5 SW 52 19 0.00 0.00 52 19 A-04 Yeruru 1.9 NW 55 19 0.00 0.00 55 19 A-05 Addepalli 2.7 SE 52 19 0.00 0.00 52 19 A-06 Manneguntla 2.5 NE 54 19 0.00 0.00 54 19 A-07 Ballvolu 4.5 S 52 19 0.00 0.00 52 19 Reserve Forest

01 Momidi RF 0.2 W 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 02 Kottapatnam RF 4.7 NE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 03 Tammenapatnam RF 7.6 NE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 04 Udatavaripalem PF 8.1 SW 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00



Figure 4.8 PM Ground Level Concentrations

ISC-AERMOD View - Lakes Environmental Software

PROJECT NO.:

SCALE:

0 5 km

1:136,413


M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals

SOURCES:

6

RECEPTORS:

0

OUTPUT TYPE:

CONC

MAX:

0.87214 ug/m^3

ug/m^3PLOT FILE OF HIGH 1ST HIGH 1-HR VALUES FOR SOURCE GROUP: ALL

0.097 0.194 0.291 0.388 0.485 0.581 0.678 0.775 0.872

6

3

5

2

4

1

-10000 -8000 -6000 -4000 -2000 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000

-800

0-6

00

0-4

00

0-2

00

00

200

04

000

600

08

000

W RP LOT V iew - Lakes Environmental Softw are

WIN D R OS E PLOT:

First

COMMEN TS: COMPA NY N AME:

M/s.KPR Mines an d Minerals

MODELE R:

M/s.Team Labs an d Consultants, Hyd erabad

P ROJECT NO.:

NORTH

SOU TH

W EST EAST

6.02%

12%

18. 1%

24.1%

30.1%

WIN D S PEED (m/ s)

>= 4 .20

2.80 - 4. 20

1.40 - 2. 80

0.28 - 1. 40

Calms: 5.09 %

TOTAL C OU NT:

2160 hrs.

C ALM WIN DS :

5.09%

D ATA PER IOD :

S tart D ate: 1/ 1/ 2019 - 00:00E nd D ate: 3/31/2019 - 23:00

A VG. WIN D SP EED :

2.47 m/s

D ISPLA Y:

Wind SpeedD irecti on (blowing from)



Figure 4.9 PM10 Ground Level Concentrations


PROJECT NO.:

SCALE:

0 5 km

1:136,413



SOURCES:

6

RECEPTORS:

0

OUTPUT TYPE:

CONC

MAX:

0.34885 ug/m^3


0.039 0.078 0.116 0.155 0.194 0.233 0.271 0.310 0.349

6

3

5

2

4

1

-10000 -8000 -6000 -4000 -2000 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000

-80

00-6

000

-40

00-2

000

020

004

000

600

08

000

WR PLOT View - Lakes Environmental Software

WIND ROSE PLOT:

First

COMME NTS: COMPAN Y NA ME :

M/s.KPR Min es an d Minerals

MOD ELER :

M/s.Team Labs an d Co nsu ltants, Hyd erabad

PR OJEC T NO.:

NO RTH

SO UTH

W EST EAST

6. 02%

12%

18.1%

24.1%

30. 1%

WIN D SPEED (m/ s)

> = 4. 20

2 .80 - 4.20

1 .40 - 2.80

0 .28 - 1.40

Calms: 5.09%

TOTAL COUN T:

2160 hrs.

CALM WIN DS:

5.09%

DATA PER IOD :

Start Date: 1/1 /2019 - 00:00End D ate: 3/ 31/2019 - 23:00

AVG. WIND SPE ED:

2.47 m/s

D ISPLA Y:

Wind SpeedD irection (bl owing from)



Figure 4.10 PM2.5 Ground Level Concentrations


PROJECT NO.:

SCALE:

0 5 km

1:143,233



SOURCES:

6

RECEPTORS:

0

OUTPUT TYPE:

CONC

MAX:

0.15698 ug/m^3


0.017 0.035 0.052 0.070 0.087 0.105 0.122 0.140 0.157

6

3

5

2

4

1

-10000 -8000 -6000 -4000 -2000 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000

-800

0-6

000

-400

0-2

000

02

000

4000

600

080

00

W RP LOT V iew - Lakes E nvironmental Software

WIND R OSE P LOT:

First

COMMENTS: COMPA NY NAME:

M/s.KPR Min es and Min erals

MODELE R:

M/s.Team Labs and Co nsultants, Hyderabad

PR OJE CT NO.:

N OR TH

S OUTH

W EST EAST

6. 02%

12%

18.1%

24.1%

30. 1%

WI ND SPEED (m/ s)

>= 4.20

2.8 0 - 4 .20

1.4 0 - 2 .80

0.2 8 - 1 .40

Calms : 5.0 9%

TOTAL COUNT :

2160 hrs.

CALM WINDS :

5.09%

DATA PERIOD:

Start D ate: 1/1/2019 - 00:00End D ate: 3/31/ 2019 - 23:00

A VG. WIN D SP EED:

2.47 m/s

DISP LAY:

Wi nd SpeedDirection (bl owi ng from)



4.3 Occupational Health Hazards Due to Dust Pollution

The mining activity results in mainly particulate emission and dust pollution.

Progressive disintegration of suspended solid particles or dust results in major health

problems. This micron sized particles, once air-borne, are extremely difficult to be

collected or trapped. Due to the minute size of the particles, the ambient environment

remains clear giving a deceptive sense of security to the workers and the management.

Dust will have impact on the health of the workers and the population of surrounding

villages due to dry deposition of particulates. Lung function is impaired due to both

respirable and non-respirable dust particles. Chronic exposure leads to respiratory

illnesses like asthma, emphysema, severe dyspnea (shortness of breath), and

bronchitis and in extreme cases pneumoconiosis or the black-lung disease of miners.

The effect of dust is harmful to human health, necessitating implementation of

effective occupational health and safety practices. The impact within the mine lease

area is moderate negative with low magnitude, as the impact is localized, and is

reversible with employee rotation, implementation of dust pollution mitigation

measures and occupational health and safety practices. The impact on habitation is

not significant as the predicted ground level concentrations are very low contributing

to minor increase to AAQ, which is within the prescribed NAAQ standards.

4.4 Noise Environment

The source of noise during mining operation is loading, vehicular movement. Loading

operations are intermittent during mine working hours, while vehicle movement is

intermittent. The noise sources contribute to increase in background noise levels. The

monitored values for noise levels are within the prescribed levels of CPCB. The

incremental noise levels due to these activities were predicted and the values reflect

low impact outside the premises. The increase in noise levels shall have low impact,

restricted to within site area due to its low magnitude and occasional frequency. The

incremental noise levels however shall have direct negative impact on the noise levels,

with low significance due to mitigation measures and also due to absence of sensitive

receptors within 1500 m of the sources. The impact significance is calculated using

RIAM. The impacts due to various activities during the life time of the project



including the emergency scenarios on noise levels is presented in Table 4.11. The

impact significance on noise levels is presented in Table 4.12.

4.4.1 Prediction of Impact on Noise Quality

The change is criteria Noise environment is calculated by conducting noise quality

impact predictions. The sound pressure level generated by noise source decreases

with increasing distance from the source due to wave divergence. An additional

decrease in sound pressure levels also occurs with increasing distance from the source

due to atmospheric effect or interaction with the objects in the transmission path.

This is due to excess attenuation. The sound pressure level is also affected by

medium of travel and environmental conditions. The propagation model has been

devised to take into account these factors and predict the noise levels at various

distances round a single or a multiple source. The model uses the following formula

as a basis for such predictions.

(Lob) = (Lr) - (Ldiv) - (Latm) Where (Lob) = Observed noise level at a distance R from source (Lr) = Noise level of source measured at reference distance r (Ldiv) = Loss due to divergence at distance R from source = 20 log (R/r) (Latm) = Attenuation due to atmosphere at distance R from the source. = a x R/100, where a is atmospheric attenuation coefficient in dB (A)/100m.

For hemispherical wave divergence in a homogenous loss free atmosphere (Latm) = 0.

The total impact of all sources at particular place is then estimated by adding as the contribution of noise from each of the following sources as follows; i=n (Lob)i/10 (Leq) = 10 log {10 } i=1

Where n = total number of sources

The calculated noise levels are further super imposed (logarithmically) on the

background noise levels. The model assumes that the noise spectrum is mainly

centered on a spectrum of 1000 Hz and attenuation due to building materials is also

at the same frequency.

The major sources of noise generation are excaavtion, loading, truck moment, DG set,

which emit noise level of maximum 90 dB (A) - 110 dB (A) at a reference distance of



1m from the source. The predicted cumulative noise levels due to the source and the

existing level as calculated from the logarithmic model without noise attenuation

ranged between 55 and 75 Db (A) at distances ranging between 70 to 135 m which

falls within the mine boundary. The impact of noise on the population in the

surrounding area will be negligible, as the nearest habitation is 1.5 m away from the

site.

The impact assessment indicates that the proposed silica sand mining activity in the

cluster will have slightly negative change/impacts on ambient noise, whereas

negative impact is indicated on change in criteria noise environment.



Table 4.11 Impacts on Noise Level Impact

Activity

Noise and vibration

Change in ambient noise

levels

Change in behavior

due to noise

Effects on sensitive receptors leading to gradual impairment

Construction Stage Site clearing, √ √ √ Line cutting, √ √ √ Road Formation √ √ √ Production stage Dozing, Loading and Unloading √ √ √ √ Transportation √ √ √ √ Operation Stage - Incidents and Accidents Accidents during transport of material √ Extreme Weather phenomenon

Mine Closure Removal, Back filling and sealing Removal of structures √ √ √ Danger due to inadvertent entry √ √ √

√ Indicates Impact Table 4.12 Impact Significance – Noise Level

Impact

Importance of

condition (A1)

Magnitude of change/ effect (A2)

Permanence (B1)

Reversibility (B2)

Cumu-lative (B3)

(a1) x

(a2) = aT

(b1) + (b2) + (b3) =

bT

(aT) x

(bT) = ES

Signi-ficance

Change in ambient noise levels 1 -1 2 2 3 -1 7 -7 -A Change in behaviour due to noise 1 -1 2 2 2 -1 6 -6 -A Effects on sensitive receptors leading to gradual impairment 1 -1 2 2 3 -1 7 -7 -A



4.4.2 Occupational Health Hazards of Noise Pollution

Exposure to noise levels, above TLV, has been found to have detrimental effect on the

workers' health. Mineworkers working for more than 4 to 4.5 hours per shift will be

greatly affected, unless suitable mitigation measures are adopted. The health impact

of high noise levels on exposed workers may reflect in annoyance, fatigue, temporary

shift of threshold limit of hearing, permanent loss of hearing, hypertension, high blood

cholesterol and etc. Noise pollution poses a major health risk to the mineworkers.

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. Table 4.13 presents frequency

levels and associated mental and physical response of humans. The impact within the

mine lease area is moderately negative with low magnitude, as the impact is localized,

and is reversible with employee rotation, implementation occupational health and

safety practices. The impact on habitation is not significant as the distance from

mining activity is more than 1.5 km.

Table 4.13 Noise Exposure Levels and Its Effects

S. No Noise Level dB (A) Exposure Time Effects 1 85 Continuous Safe 2 85-90 Continuous Annoyance and irritation 3 90-100 Short term Temporary shift in hearing threshold,

generally with complete recovery. 4 Above 100

Continuous Permanent loss of hearing Short Term Permanent hearing loss can be

avoided 5 100-110 Several years Permanent deafness 6 110-120 Few months Permanent deafness 7 120 Short term Extreme discomfort 8 140 Short term Discomfort with actual pain 9 150 and above Single exposure Mechanical damage to the ear

4.5 Ground Vibrations

There is no Blasting anticipated in the proposed mine lease area.



4.6 Water Environment

The mine lease area is a plain land with 1 – 2 m elevation. There are no major surface

water bodies within 3 km of the Mine lease area and the proposed mining activity is away

from the drain. It is proposed to utilize groundwater from nearby villages for domestic

purpose in the order of 4.3 KLD and it is proposed to utilize stored storm water for other

mining operations like dust suppression and etc. The release of effluents may change

ground water quality, change in run off quality, change in ground water and surface

water interaction, change in channel morphology leading to deterioration of production

levels of both terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna, resulting in higher concentrations

of chemicals in food chain. The impacts due to various activities during the life time of

the project including the emergency scenarios on water environment for both surface

water and ground water is presented in Tables 4.14 and 4.15 respectively. The impact

significance is calculated using RIAM and presented in Tables4.16 and 4.17 respectively

for both surface and ground water environment respectively. The mitigation measure

shall hence ensure that the impact is of low significance.


cluster will have slightly negative change/impacts on runoff quantity, change in runoff

peak flow, and change in erosion and sedimentation, whereas negative impact is

indicated on quality of surface water.



Table 4.14 Impacts on Surface Water

Impact Activity

Change in

runoff quantit

y

Change in

runoff peak flow

Change in

surface drainag

e pattern

Change in

Surface water Qualit

y

Change in surface

and ground water

interaction

Change in channel

morphology

Change in erosion and

sedimentation

Dry and wet deposition leading to

acidity

Construction Stage Site clearing, √ √ Line cutting, √ √ √ √ √ Road Formation √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Site Services √ √ √ √ Production stage Dozing, Loading and Unloading √ √ √ √ √ Transportation √ √ Operation Stage - Incidents and Accidents

Accidents during transport of material

√ √

Extreme Weather phenomenon √ √ √ √ √ √ Mine Closure Removal, Back filling and sealing

√ √ √ √ √ √ √

Removal of structures √ √ √ √ √ Danger due to inadvertent entry




Table 4.15 Impacts on Ground Water Impact

Activity

Change in ground water

quantity

Change to ground water

quality

Change in ground water flow regime

Change in ground water and surface water interaction

Construction Stage Site clearing, Line cutting, √ √ √ Road Formation √ √ √ √ Site Services √ √ Production stage Dozing, Loading and Unloading √ √ Transportation Operation Stage - Incidents and Accidents Accidents during transport of material √ Extreme Weather phenomenon √ √ √ Mine Closure Removal, Back filling and sealing √ √ √ √ Removal of structures √ √ √ Danger due to inadvertent entry

Table 4.16 Impacts Significance - Surface Water

Impact

Importance of condition (A1)

Magnitude of

change/effect (A2)

Permanence (B1)

Reversibility (B2)

Cumulative (B3)

(a1) x (a2) = aT

(b1) + (b2) + (b3) =

bT

(aT) x (bT) = ES

Significance

Change in runoff quantity 1 -1 3 2 2 -1 7 -7 -A Change in runoff peak flow 1 -1 3 2 3 -1 8 -8 -A Change in surface drainage pattern

1 -1 3 3 3 -1 9 -9 -A

Change in Surface water Quality

2 -1 2 3 2 -2 7 -14 -B



Change in surface and ground water interaction 1 -1 3 2 2 -1 7 -7 -A

Change in channel morphology 2 -1 3 3 3 -2 9 -18 -C

Change in erosion and sedimentation

2 -1 2 2 2 -2 6 -12 -B

Dry and wet deposition leading to acidity 1 -1 2 2 3 -1 7 -7 -A

Table 4.17 Impacts Significance - Ground Water

Impact/aspect

Importance of

condition (A1)

Magnitude of

change/effect (A2)

Permanen

ce (B1)

Reversibility (B2)

Cumulativ

e (B3)

(a1) x

(a2) = aT

(b1) + (b2) + (b3) =

bT

(aT) x (bT) =

ES

Significance

Change in ground water quantity 1 -1 3 2 3 -1 8 -8 -A Change to ground water quality 1 -1 2 2 2 -1 6 -6 -A Change in ground water flow regime 1 -1 3 2 3 -1 8 -8 -A Change in ground water and surface water interaction

1 -1 3 2 3 -1 8 -8 -A



4.7 Land Environment

The construction and operation of industry of this magnitude would result in change in

land use from rainfed agricultural to mining in a land area of 7.538 ha. The proposed

mining plan involves construction of site services. There is major alteration of terrain, and

it results change in to foot print of the structures. The operational phase impacts shall be

low due to effective implementation of mitigative measures in handling, storing and

transferring wastes, effluents and chemicals. It may however be noted that significant

negative impacts may occur due to accidental releases of wastes on soil. The impact

significance is calculated using RIAM. The impacts due to various activities during the

life time of the project including the emergency scenarios on land environment is

presented in Table 4.18. The impact significance on land environment is presented in

Table 4.19.


cluster will have slightly negative change/impacts on soil profile due to its disturbance,

change in erosion, soil bio diversity and ecological integrity: C/N ratio, whereas negative

impact is indicated due to alteration of terrain, Loss of nutrients due to land use

operations, and impact on soil and flora due to wet and dry deposition of pollutants.



Table 4.18 Impacts on Land Environment

Impact Activity

Soil profi

le disturban

ce

Erosion

Accidental releases leading to degradation of soil quality

Soil bio diversity

and ecologic

al integrity

: C/N ratio

Alteration of terra

in

Land

capabilit

y effects

Soil compactio

n

Ground

sealing:

change in

water balanc

e

Change in filter function

: permeability

Change in acid buffering function due

to wet and dry deposition:

CEC and base saturation

Loss of emissio

n protecti

on

Factors Construction Stage Site clearing, √ √ √ Line cutting, √ √ √ √ Road Formation √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Site Services construction √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Production stage Dozing, Loading and Unloading

√ √ √ √ √ √ √

Transportation √ √ Operation Stage - Incidents and Accidents Accidents during transport of material

√ √

Extreme Weather phenomenon

√ √ √

Mine Closure Removal, Back filling and sealing

√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Removal of structures √ Danger due to inadvertent entry




Table 4.19 Impact Significance – Land environment

Impact

Importance of

condition (A1)

Magnitude of

change/effect (A2)

Permanence (B1)

Reversibility (B2)

Cumulative (B3)

(a1) x

(a2) = aT

(b1) + (b2) + (b3) =

bT

(aT) x

(bT) = ES

Significance

Soil profile disturbance 1 -3 3 3 2 -3 8 -24 -C Erosion 1 -1 2 2 3 -1 7 -7 -A Accidental releases leading to degradation of soil quality

1 -1 2 2 2 -1 6 -6 -A

Soil bio diversity and ecological integrity: C/N ratio 1 -2 3 2 2 -2 7 -14 -B

Alteration of terrain 1 -3 3 2 2 -3 7 -21 -C Land capability effects 1 -3 3 2 2 -3 7 -21 -C Soil compaction 1 -1 2 2 2 -1 6 -6 -A Ground sealing: change in water balance

1 -1 3 2 2 -1 7 -7 -A

Change in filter function: permeability 1 -1 3 2 2 -1 7 -7 -A

Change in acid buffering function due to wet and dry deposition: CEC and base saturation

1 -1

3 2 2 -1 7 -7 -A

Loss of emission protection 1 -1 3 2 2 -1 7 -7 -A Loss of nutrients due to land use operations 1

-1 3 3 2 -1 7 -7 -A



4.8 Biological Environment

The ecological factors that are considered most significant as far as the impact on flora

and fauna concerned are:

1. Whether there shall be any reduction in species diversity? 1. Whether there shall be any habitat loss or fragmentation? 2. Whether there shall be any additional risk or threat to the rare or endangered or

endemic or threatened (REET) species? 3. Whether there shall be any impairment of ecological functions such as

(i) disruption of food chains, decline in species population and or (ii) Alterations in predator-prey relationships?

4. Whether it is possible to attain the global objectives of ‘no net loss’ of biodiversity? 5. Whether it is possible to improve the biological diversity through the proposed

activity?

There is no direct threat to any rare or endangered or threatened biological species as

indicated by the baseline data, due to the proposed project, as the proposed construction

area has sparse vegetation. Momidi RF is at a distance of 0.2 km in west direction,

Kottapatnam RF is at a distance of 4.7 km in northeast direction, Udatavaripalem PF is

at a distance of 8.1 km in southwest direction and Tammenapatnam RF is at a distance

of 7.6 km in northeast direction. The project is not going to cause any fragmentation of

habitat or disruption of food cycles or destruction of breeding grounds or blockade of

migratory routes. The major impacts of the project are mainly during construction and

subsequently on account of atmospheric pollution. The industry is required to limit its

emissions as per the NAAQ of 2009. It has to strictly adhere to the conditions stipulated

by the regulatory bodies. The project authorities are going to take all steps and measures

in order to strictly comply with National Ambient Air Quality Standards of 2009. The

project may not have impacts on terrestrial flora and fauna. Further, as there are no rare

or endangered or threatened (RET) species within the impact area, the project does not

pose any direct threat to the survival of any rare species. Hence, the proposed project

activity is unlikely to pose any additional threat to REET species in the impact area. It

may be concluded that the impacts are indirect, and positive due to increasing the

density of green belt, and of low significance. The impacts due to various activities

during the life time of the project including the emergency scenarios on flora and fauna

are presented in Tables 4.20 and 4.21 respectively. The impact significance on Flora

and Fauna are presented in Tables 4.22 and 4.23 respectively.




cluster will have slightly negative change/impacts on Habitat availability – due to loss

or alteration of habitat, fragmentation of Habitat, and reduced habitat connectivity,

whereas negative impact is indicated due to possible reduction in abundance/diversity,

and impact on soil and flora due to wet and dry deposition of pollutants.



Table 4.20 Impacts on Flora

Impact Activity

Terrestrial vegetation reduction

Removal of traditionally used plants

Reduction in species and community

diversity

Reduction in

landscape diversity

Potential acid input

and N2 deposition

Fragmentation of habitat

Construction Stage Site clearing, √ √ √ √ √ Line cutting, √ √ √ √ √ Road Formation √ √ √ √ √ Site Services √ √ Production stage √ Dozing, Loading and Unloading √ Transportation Operation Stage - Incidents and Accidents Accidents during transport of material Extreme Weather phenomenon Mine Closure Removal, Back filling and sealing √ √ Removal of structures √ √ Danger due to inadvertent entry √ Indicates Impact



Table 4.21 Impacts on Fauna

Impact Activity

Habitat availability- loss or alteration

Habitat fragmentation

Reduced habitat connectivity

Increased mortality risk

Reduced abundance/ diversity

Construction Stage Site clearing, √ √ √ √ Line cutting, √ √ √ √ Road Formation √ √ √ √ Site Services √ √ √ Production stage Dozing, Loading and Unloading Transportation Operation Stage - Incidents and Accidents

Accidents during transport of material √ Mine Closure Removal, Back filling and sealing √ √ Removal of structures √ √ Danger due to inadvertent entry




Table 4.22 Impact Significance – Flora

Impact

Imp

orta

nce

of

con

dit

ion

(A1)

Mag

nit

ud

e of

ch

ange

/eff

ect

(A2)

Per

man

ence

(B1)

Rev

ersi

bil

ity

(B2)

Cu

mu

lati

ve (B

3)

(a1)

x (a

2) =

aT

(b1)

+ (b

2) +

(b3)

=

bT

(aT

) x (b

T) =

ES

Sig

nif

ican

ce

Habitat availability - loss or alteration 1 -1 3 2 3 -1 8 -8 -A

Habitat fragmentation 1 -1 3 2 3 -1 8 -8 -A Reduced habitat connectivity 1 -1 3 2 2 -1 7 -7 -A Increased mortality risk 1 -1 3 2 2 -1 7 -7 -A Reduced abundance/diversity 1 -1 3 2 3 -1 8 -8 -A

Table 4.23 Impact Significance – Fauna

Impact Importance of condition

(A1)

Magnitude of

change/effect (A2)

Permanence (B1)

Reversibility (B2)

Cumulative (B3)

(a1) x

(a2) = aT

(b1) +

(b2) +

(b3) = bT

(aT) x

(bT) = ES

Significance

Habitat availability - loss or alteration

1 -1 3 2 3 -1 8 -8 -A

Habitat fragmentation 1 -1 3 2 3 -1 8 -8 -A Reduced habitat connectivity

1 -1 3 2 2 -1 7 -7 -A

Increased mortality risk 1 -1 3 2 2 -1 7 -7 -A Reduced abundance/diversity

1 -1 3 2 3 -1 8 -8 -A



4.9 Socio-economic Environment

The proposed project envisages additional employment to 38 people, with monthly

salary outlay of Rs. 3.2 lakhs which will have a direct positive impact. The proximity of

the site to both Yeruru, Guduru, which has adequate infrastructure with respect to

housing, education, transport, health and civic amenities, and hence have low impact on

infrastructure availability. The impact on health was assessed by air quality impact

predictions and was observed to be within prescribed NAAQ standards. There will be

medium significant, direct negative impact due to community expectations and public

safety concern as the unit handles, and accidents. The proposed CSR activities from the

company shall also enhance the public approval for the project and ensure improvement

in infrastructure in the surrounding villages. The overall impact due to this project shall

be positive, both direct and indirect with high significance. The impacts due to various

activities during the life time of the project including the emergency scenarios on Socio-

economic environment is presented in Table 4.24. The impact significance calculated

using RIAM method on socio-economic environment is presented in Table 4.25.


cluster will have moderately positive impact due to employment generation, negative

impact due to possible migration of employees into this area (due to cluster), pressure on

social infrastructure, on health due to emissions from mining activity and transport,

stress on common water resources. The cluster shall have moderately negative impact

on the transport infrastrure, while slightly negative impact is observed due to demand

for additional housing, stress on municipal/panchayath infrastructure, stress on

traditional land use, and concerns related to public safety due to increased pollution

levels and transport related incidents. Positive impacts are observed due to change in

quality of life, increased community expectations, possible additional employment for

women resulting better gender equity, and business opportunity for locals in associated

activities.



Table 4.24 Impacts on Socio Economic

Impact Activity

Employment

Migration: in

and out

Housing imapct

Social

infrastructu

re

Municipal/ Local Body Infrastruct

ure

Traffic Impact

Traditional use impact

Impact on health

Impact on

common water resource

both ground

and surface water

Change in

quality of

life

Communit

y expectation

s

Gender equity

Business opportuni

ty

Health co

ncern

Public safety concer

n

Construction Stage Site clearing, √ Line cutting, √ Road Formation √ √ √ √ √ Site Services √ √ √ √ √ Production stage √ Dozing, Loading and Unloading √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Transportation √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Operation Stage - Incidents and Accidents

Accidents during transport of material √

Extreme Weather phenomenon √ √ Mine Closure Removal, Back filling and sealing √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Removal of structures √ Danger due to inadvertent entry




Table 4.25 Impact Significance – Socio Economic

Impact

Importance of

condition (A1)

Magnitude of change

/effect (A2)

Permanence (B1)

Reversibility (B2)

Cumulative (B3)

(a1) x

(a2) = aT

(b1) + (b2) + (b3) =

bT

(aT) x

(bT) = ES

Significance

Employment 2 +2 2 2 3 +4 7 +24 +C Migration: in and out 2 -1 2 2 3 -2 7 -14 -B Housing impact 1 -1 2 2 3 -1 7 -7 -A Social infrastructure 2 -1 2 2 3 -2 7 -14 -B Municipal/Local Body Infrastructure 1 -1 2 2 3 -1 7 -7 -A

Traffic Impact 2 -2 2 2 3 -4 7 -28 -C Traditional use impact 1 -1 2 2 3 -1 7 -7 -A Impact on health 2 -1 2 2 3 -2 7 -14 -B Impact on common water resource both ground and surface water

2 -1 2 2 3 -2 7 -14 -B

Change in quality of life 2 +1 2 2 3 +2 7 +14 +B Community expectations 2 +1 2 2 3 +2 7 +14 +B Gender equity 2 +1 2 2 3 +2 7 +14 +B Business opportunity 2 +1 2 2 3 +2 7 +14 +B Health concern 2 -1 2 2 3 -2 7 -14 -B Public safety concern 1 -1 2 2 3 -1 7 -7 -A



4.10 Prediction of Impact on Vehicular Traffic

As the plant is located adjacent to the Yeruru village connecting road there will not be

any unauthorized shop or settlements along the road connecting the plant site. The

traffic density of the connecting road is low mainly consisting of local transport,

commercial and passenger vehicle traffic. material is transported by road using road

trucks. The additional traffic generated due to the proposed project shall be 15 truck trips

per day. There will be marginal increase in the traffic density.

The traffic study for the both the units of the connecting road revealed that the peak traffic

volume in PCU is 0.086 during 8 to 9AM and the level of service of the connecting road

remains A, after proposed project also. Modified level of service for connecting roads

considering the additional truck trips due to this mining and cluster mining are presented

in Table 4.26 and Table 4.27.

Table 4.26 Modified level of services for connecting roads

Road Existing volume, PCU/hr

Existing volume/ Capacity

Additional volume

Modified Volume

Modified volume/ Capacity

Modified Los &

performance Meenagunta

- Yeruru 77 0.086 54 131 0.146 A (Excellent)

Table 4.27 Modified level of services for connecting roads due to cluster

Road Existing volume, PCU/hr

Existing volume/ Capacity

Additional volume

Modified Volume

Modified volume/ Capacity

Modified Los &

performance Meenagunta

- Yeruru 77 0.086 854 931 0.146 C (Good)



CHAPTER 5.0 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

5.0 Introduction

The proposed mining activity located at Survey No.451, Momidi village, Chillakur

mandal, SPSR Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh in an area of 7.538 ha. Analysis of

alternatives was undertaken to assess sites, process and technology and treatment

options. The mining activity is site specific activity, after conform of the availability of

mineral only the proposed site is selected. The objective of this assessment is to

identify best available technology not entailing excessive costs, and to reduce pollution

loads by optimizing both raw material and resource consumption.

5.1 Alternative Sites

The availability of silica sand mineral at this site facilitated the mine lease grant from

Government of Andhra Pradesh. The proposed mine lease area is however found to be

away from any sensitive locations. The mineral prospecting was done and accordingly

a mine plan was prepared. There are no archaeological, historical, cultural or defence

installation with in 10 km from the mine lease boundary. There is no national park and

wildlife sanctuary/ecologically sensitive areas within 10 km from the mine lease

boundary. The mine lease area is not part of any flood plain.

5.2 Alternatives in Technology

Type of mining is contingent on geological, topographical conditions of the mine lease

area, type of mineral and production capacity envisaged. The present case has silica

sand mining with an annual capacity of 65, 740 TPA. The extraction capacity is low,

and manual method is carried out. The mining process was detailed in the mining

plan and the same is as follows.






CHAPTER 6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM

6.1 Introduction

The environmental monitoring programme provides such information on which

management decision may be taken during mine planning and operation phases. It

provides basis for evaluating the efficiency of mitigation and pollution control

measures and suggest further actions that need to be taken to achieve the desired

effect as part of adaptive management.

The monitoring includes: -

(i) Visual observations;

(ii) Selection of environmental parameters at specific locations;

(iii) Sampling and regular testing of these parameters.

6.1.1 Objectives

The objectives of the environmental monitoring programme are:

Evaluation of the efficiency of mitigation and pollution control measures;

Updating of the actions and impacts of baseline data;

Adoption of additional mitigation measures if the present measures are

insufficient;

Generating data, which may be incorporated in environmental management plan

in future projects.

6.1.2 Methodology

Monitoring methodology covers the following key aspects:

Components to be monitored;

Parameters for monitoring of the above components;

Monitoring frequency;

Monitoring standards;



Responsibilities for monitoring;

Direct responsibility,

Overall responsibility;

Monitoring costs.

M/s. KPR Mines and Minerals proposed mining of Silica Sand using opencast semi

mechanised method. Environmental monitoring of the parameters involved and the

threshold limits specified are discussed below.

6.1.3 Ambient Air Quality (AAQ) Monitoring

Ambient air quality parameters recommended are Particulate Matter (Size Less than

10µm) or PM10, Particulate Matter (Size Less than 2.5µm) or PM2.5, Oxides of

Nitrogen (NOX) and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO). These are to be

monitored at designated locations starting from the day of operation of additional

capacity. Data should be generated at all identified locations in accordance to the

National Ambient Air Quality Standards; location, duration and the pollution

parameters to be monitored and the responsible institutional arrangements are

detailed out in the Environmental Monitoring Plan. Fugitive emission will be

monitored in the predominant wind direction as per MoEF&CC guidelines. The

National Ambient Air Quality standards are presented in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1 National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Pollutant Time

Weighted Average



Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), μg/m3

Annual* 24 Hours**

50 80

20 80

Improved west and Gaeke Ultraviolet fluorescence

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) , μg/m3

Annual* 24 Hours**

40 80

30 80

Modified Jacob & Hochheiser Chemiluminescence

Particulate Matter (Size Less than 10µm) or PM10 , μg/m3

Annual* 24 Hours**

60 100

60 100


Particulate Matter (Size Less than 2.5µm) or PM2.5 μg/m3

Annual* 24 Hours**

40

60

40

60


Ozone (O3) , μg/m3 8 hours**

100

100

UV Photometric Chemilminescence



Pollutant Time

Weighted Average



1 hour** 180 180 Chemical Method Lead (Pb) , μg/m3 Annual*

24 hours**

0.50

1.0

0.50

1.0

AAS after sampling on EPM 2000 or equivalent filter paper ED - XRF using Teflon filter.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) , mg/m3

8 hours** 1 hour**

02 04

02 04

Non Dispersive Infra Red (NDIR) Spectroscopy

Ammonia (NH3), μg/m3 Annual* 24 hours**

100 400

100 400

Chemilminescence Indophenol blue method

Benzene (C6H6), μg/m3 Annual* 05 05

Gas Chromotography based continuous analyzer Absorption and Desorption followed by GC analysis

Benzo (o) Pyrene(BaP) – Particulate Phase only, ng/m3

Annual* 01 01 Solvent extraction followed by HPLC/GC analysis

Arsenic (As), ng/m3 Annual* 06 06 AAS/ICP method after sampling on EPM 2000 or equivalent filter paper

Nickel (Ni), ng/m3 Annual* 20 20

IRR, Industrial, Residential, Rural and ESA-Ecological Sensitive Area. G.S.No.826 (E) dated 16th November, 2009. Vide letter no. F. No. Q-15017/43/2007-CPW *Annual Arithmetic mean of minimum 104 measurements in a year at a particular site taken twice a week 24 hourly at uniform interval. **24 hourly/8/1 hourly monitored values as applicable, shall be complied with 98 percent of the time in a year.2% of time they may be exceeded the limits but not on two consecutive days of monitoring.

6.1.4 Water Quality Monitoring

The physical and chemical parameters recommended for analysis of water quality

relevant are pH, total solids, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, oil and

grease, COD. The location, duration and the pollution parameters to be monitored

and the responsible institutional arrangements are detailed in the Environmental

Monitoring Plan. The monitoring of the water quality is to be carried out at all

identified locations in accordance to the Indian Standard Drinking Water

Specification – IS 10500:2012 presented in Table 6.2.



Table 6.2 Indian Standard Drinking Water Specifications – IS: 10500:2012

Substance or Characteristics Desirable

Limit Undesirable Effect Outside the Desirable Limit

Permissible Limit

Methods of Test (Ref. To IS)

Physical Parameters Colour, Hazen units, Max. 5 Above 5, consumer acceptance decreases 15 3025 (part 04) : 1983 Odour Agreeable - Agreeable 3025 (Parts5) : 2012 PH Value 6.5 to 8.5 Beyond this range, the water will affect the

mucous membrane and/or water supply system NR 3025 (Part 11) : 2006

Taste Agreeable - Agreeable 3025 (Part 7& 8) : 2006

Turbidity NTU, Max. 1 Above 5, consumer acceptance decreases 5 3025 (Part 10) : 2006 Total Dissolved solids mg/l, Max 500 Beyond this palatability decreases and may cause

gastro intestinal irritation 2000 3025 (Part 16) : 2006

General Parameters Aluminium (as Al), mg/l, Max 0.03 Cumulative effect is reported to cause dementia 0.2 3025 (part 55) : 2009 Ammonia (as total ammonia-N), mg/l, Max

0.5 - NR 3025 (part 34) : 2009

Anionic detergents (As MBAS) mg/l, Max

0.2 Beyond this limit it can cause a light froth in water

1 13428 Annex K

Barium (as Ba), mg/l, Max 0.7 May lead to Cardiovascular problem NR 13428 Annex F Boron, mg/l, Max 0.5 - 1 3025 (part 57):2010

Calcium (as Ca) mg/l, Max 75 Encrustation in water supply structure and adverse effects on domestic use

200 3025 (Part 40) : 2009

Chlorides (as CI) mg/l, Max 250 Beyond this limit, taste, corrosion and palatibility are affected

1000 3025 (Part 32) : 2007

Copper (as Cu) mg/l, Max 0.05 Astringent taste, discoloration and corrosion of

pipes, fitting and utensils will be caused beyond this

1.5 3025 (part 42): 2009

Fluoride (as F) mg/l, Max 1 Fluoride may be kept as low as possible. High fluoride may cause fluorosis

1.5 3025 (part 60) : 2008

Free Residual chlorine, mg/l, Min 0.2 - 1 3025 (Part 26) : 2009




Limit Undesirable Effect Outside the Desirable Limit Permissible

Limit Methods of Test

(Ref. To IS) Iron (as Fe) mg/l, Max 0.3 Beyond this limit taste/appearance are affected,

has adverse effect on domestic uses and water supply structures, and promotes iron bacteria

NR 3025 (part 53): 2009

Magnesium (as Mg), mg/l, Max 30 Encrustation to water supply structure and

adverse effects on domestic use 100 3025 (part 46) : 2009

Manganese (as Mn) mg/l, Max 0.1 Beyond this limit taste/appearance are affected, has adverse effects on domestic uses and water supply structures

0.3 3025 (part 59): 2012

Mineral oil mg/l, Max 0.5 Beyond this limit undesirable taste and odour

after chlorination take place NR 3025 (part 39) : 2013

Nitrate (as NO3) mg/l, Max 45 Beyond this, may cause methaemoglobinemia NR 3025 (Part 34) : 2009 Phenolic compounds (As C6H5OH) mg/l, Max

0.001 Beyond this, it may cause objectionable taste and colour

0.002 3025 (part 43) : 2003

Selenium (as Se), mg/l, Max 0.01 Beyond this, the water becomes toxic NR 3025 (part 56) : 2003 Silver (as Ag),mg/l, Max 0.1 NR 3025 (part 56) : Sulphate (as SO4) mg/l, Max 200 Beyond this causes gastro intestinal irritation

when magnesium or sodium are present 400 3025 (Part 24) : 2009

Sulphide (as H2S), mg/l, Max 0.05 Beyond this, it may cause objectionable taste and odour

NR 3025 (Part 29) : 2009

Total Alkalinity as Calcium carbonate, mg/l, Max

200 Beyond this limit taste becomes unpleasant 600 3025 (part 23) : 2008

Total hardness (as CaCO3) mg/l, Max 200 Encrustation in water supply structure and

adverse effects on domestic use 600 3025 (Part 21) : 2009

Zinc (As Zn), Mg/l, Max 5 Beyond this limit it can cause astringent taste and an opalescence in water

15 3025 (Part 49) : 2009

Parameters consisting Toxic Substances Cadmium (as Cd), mg/l, Max 0.003 Beyond this, the water becomes toxic NR 3025 (Part 41) : 2003 Chromium (As Cr6+) mg/l, Max 0.05 May be carcinogenic above this limit NR 3025 (Part 52) : 2003 Cyanide (As CN), mg/l, Max 0.05 Beyond this limit, the water becomes toxic NR 3025 (Part 27) : 2003




Limit Undesirable Effect Outside the Desirable Limit Permissible

Limit Methods of Test

(Ref. To IS) Lead (as Pb), mg/l, Max 0.01 Beyond this limit, the water becomes toxic No

relaxation 3025 (Part 47): 2009

Mercury (as Hg) mg/l, Max 0.001 Beyond this, the water becomes toxic NR 3025 (Part 48): 2003 Molybdenum (as Mo), mg/l, Max 0.07 Beyond this it may cause osteoporosis /bone

disorders NR 3025 (Part 02): 2004

Nickel (as Ni), mg/l, Max 0.02 Beyond this it may cause allergic reaction NR 3025 (Part 54): 2003 Pesticides mg/l, Max Absent Toxic NR USEPA, GC Method Polychlorinated biphenyls, mg/l, Max

0.0005 May be carcinogenic NR ASTM 5175

Poly nuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (as PAH) g/1, Max

0.0001 May be carcinogenic NR APHA 6440

Total Arsenic (As As) mg/l, max 0.01 Beyond this, the water becomes toxic 0.05 3025 (Part 37): 2003 Parameters Concering Radioactive Substances Radioactive materials a) Alpha emitters Bq/l, Max 0.1 May be carcinogenic above this limit NR 14194 (Part 2): 2013 b) Beta emitters pci/1, Max 1 - NR 14194 (Part 1): 2013

Note : NR- No relaxation,

Source: Indian Standard Drinking Water Specification-IS10500: 2012.



6.1.5 Noise Level Monitoring

The measurements for monitoring noise levels would be carried out at all designated

locations in accordance to the Ambient Noise Standards formulated by Central

Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 1989 are presented in Table 6.3. Sound pressure

levels would be monitored on twenty-four-hour basis. Noise should be recorded at

an “A” weighted frequency using a “slow time response mode” of the measuring

instrument. The location, duration and the noise pollution parameters to be

monitored and the responsible institutional arrangements are detailed in the

Environmental Monitoring Plan.

Table 6.3 Noise level standards (CPCB)

Type Noise level for Day Time Leq dB (A)

Noise level for Night Time dB (A)

Industrial area 75 70 Commercial area 65 55 Residential area 55 45 Silence zone 50 40 Day time - 6.00 am - 9.00 pm (15 hours), Night time - 9.00 pm - 6.00 am (9 hours)

The monitoring plan along with the environmental parameters and the time frame is

presented in the Table 6.4.



Table 6.4 Environmental Monitoring Plan

S.No. Particulars Monitoring Frequency

Standards Duration of Sampling

Important monitoring parameters

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring 1 At 3 Locations

Site office, Momidi and Yeruru villages

Quarterly Air (Preven-tion and Control of Pollution) Rules, CPCB, 1994

24 hrs PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx

2 Fugitive Dust Monitoring-4 Areas (Mine face, haul road, Mineral storage, loading)

Quarterly 8 hr SPM, SO2, Nox

Water Quality Monitoring 1 At 2 locations

Working Pit, and Momidi village

Once in 6 months

IS : 10500 pH, TSS, TH, TDS & metals

Noise Quality Monitoring 1 Noise Levels at 3

Locations; Working pit area, Momidi and Yeruru villages

Quarterly Noise stan-dards by CPCB

8 hrs Equivalent Noise levels in dB (A)

Soil Quality Monitoring 1 Soil at 3 Locations

Mine lease area, Momidi and Yeruru villages.

Yearly pH, EC, CEC, Moisture, Texture, Bulk Density etc.

6.1.6 Responsibility of Monitoring and Reporting System

The overall responsibility of monitoring the above parameters lies with the

management. The mine manager shall be responsible for day to day monitoring.

The monitoring shall be conducted by MOEFCC registered laboratory, either in-

house or third party.

Records shall be maintained for the analysis of pit water and effluents, ambient air

quality data and noise levels. These records are not only required for the perusal of

the Pollution Control Board authorities but also to derive at the efficiencies of the

pollution control measures as the objective of the project proponent is not only

compliance with statutory regulations, but also a serious commitment towards clean

environment and sustainable development. The management shall maintain the

records as per the hazardous waste regulations and EPA regulations and apply for



the annual consents for air and water. Reporting system provides the necessary

feedback for project management to ensure quality of the mitigation measures and

that the management plan in implementation. The rationale for a reporting system is

based on accountability to ensure that the measures proposed as part of the

Environmental Management Plan get implemented in the project.

5.1 Environmental Monitoring Budget

The budget for environmental monitoring for the parameters mentioned in Table 6.4

is calculated on the basis of CPCB notification of charges for environmental

monitoring and analysis. The cost estimate for environmental monitoring is

presented in Table 6.5.

Table 6.5 Environmental Monitoring Budget - KPR mine and Minerals

Component Item Unit Unit Cost

(Rs.) Total Cost / Year (Rs.)

Air Ambient Air Quality – 3 locations specified in monitoring plan

Quarterly 60000 72000

Fugitive dust – 4 locations specified in monitoring plan Quarterly 2000 32000

Water quality 2 locations specified in monitoring plan

Once in 6 months 2000 8000

Noise 3 locations specified in monitoring plan Quarterly 1200 14400

Soil 3 locations specified in monitoring plan yearly 1800 5400

Total 1,31,800 Table 6.6 Environmental Monitoring Budget – Cluster

Component Item Unit Unit Cost

(Rs.) Total Cost / Year (Rs.)

Air Ambient Air Quality – 6 locations Quarterly 60000 72000

Fugitive dust – 6 locations Quarterly 2000 32000

Water quality 4 locations Once in 6 months

2000 8000

Noise 6 locations Quarterly 1200 14400

Soil 6 locations yearly 1800 5400 Total 2,47,600



CHAPTER 7.0 ADDITIONAL STUDIES (RISK ASSESSMENT)

7.1 Introduction

KPR Mines and Minerals proposes production capacity 65740 TPA by conducting

opencast mining for silica sand mine in an area of 7.538 ha in Survey No. 451,

Momidi village, Chillakur mandal, SPSR Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.

Table 7.1 Details of Mine Lease Area

State and District Mandal Village Lease

Area, ha Ownership of the lease area

Sy. No

Andhra Pradesh & SPSR Nellore

Chillakur Momidi 7.538 Govt. Land 451

7.2 Objectives and Scope

Risk analysis has been carried out to identify the activities and materials considered

hazardous and to prepare the emergency and disaster management plan for the

hazards and risks anticipated from opencast mechanized mining activity for silica

sand. The risk assessment involves hazard identification, hazard analysis followed

by disaster management plan for the identified hazards.

7.3 Mining Activity

The proponents obtained a mine lease over an area of 7.538 ha and it is proposed to

develop 6.7 ha initially in the lease area. The semi mechanized mining activity

project involves site clearance, construction of haulage road, excavation, loading and

transportation of mineral. The services required for the mining activity are

construction of office shed, restroom, toilets.

7.4 Hazard Identification

The following mine operations involve hazards and the same are listed as follows;

a. Clearance

Clearance covers all the activities associated with preparing a site ready for laying

out primary roads for working a face.



It may include tree clearance, and removal of the top layers of earth. In the present

case the mining activity is on a hill top with low vegetation and very less top soil

removal. The primary hazards are being struck by falling trees use of power saws,

and dozers used in the removal of the top layers of soil and plants and dozer usage

to convey it to storage areas.

b. construction of services

The hazards prevalent during the construction of new roads and buildings are falls,

while working at heights and individuals being struck by moving vehicles. One of

the hazards to be assessed is earth moving vehicles such as bulldozers being driven

off the edge of roadways under construction. While all persons working at civil and

construction works are at high risk those working at height or working with cranes,

large earth moving plant will be at greater risk than those persons concerned with

surveying, setting out and conveying supplies to the primary workers or those

working at ground level. If suitable equipment is not used, for example if poor and

badly constructed scaffolding is used there is a much higher probability of persons

falling from heights or the scaffolding collapsing than if good properly constructed

scaffolding is used.

c. Face stability

Face instability gives rise to sand falls or slides. Face instability can arise due to

adverse geological faulting or poor work methods. Those at greatest risk will be face

workers engaged in loading material and driving vehicles.

d. Loading

The hazards related to loading activity in the proposed Silica Sand mine are rock

falls on the driver, dozer topping over due to uneven ground, fall of driver while

gaining access to dozer cabin, mechanical failure of dozers while loading.

g. Transportation

The main hazards arising from the use of transportation and large earth moving

vehicles are incompetent drivers, brake failure, lack of all around visibility from the

drivers position, access to the cab, vehicle movements particularly reversing, roll



over, vibration, noise, dust and maintenance. Those most at risk are the driver and

pedestrians likely to be struck by the vehicle, due to blind spots in the windshields

of vehicles.

6.5 Hazard Analysis

The identified hazards are compared with the accident records of non coal mining

activity as presented in Table 7.2. It may be noted that fall of sides followed by

dumpers, trucks etc. are the main reason for fatalities, while non transporting

machinery and fall of objects are the major cause for serious accidents in the mining

sector.

Table 7.2 Trend of Accidents in Non-coal Mines - Cause Wise

Source : Annual Report 2014 -15, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.

7.6 Disaster Management

The mine lease area is located in SPSR Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh which falls

in Zone II seismic zone considered to be which is considered as low Damage Risk



Zone. The mine lease area does not fall under any of the flood plains, and is located

on a hillock. There is no record of flooding at ground level also.

The hazards identified in the preceding paragraphs are addressed and the mitigation

measures for reducing and or avoiding the hazards are presented in the following

paragraphs.

7.6.1 Clearance

There are no major trees in the proposed mine area, and the required activity

involves mainly clearing and grubbing only. It is proposed to use fully protected

power saws in case of their usage, and employees involved in clearing and grubbing

shall be provided with safety helmets, face shields, gloves, and boots.

7.6.2 Construction of Services

The risk of serious injury is high during construction of services, which may be

reduced by planned construction activity incorporating safety measures and

observation during construction. Good well-maintained equipment and machinery

is essential to reduce risk of injuries. Falling from heights which is a major

contributor to accidents in mining sector may be avoided by providing properly

constructed scaffolding, built by experienced persons. The drivers of earth moving

equipment, transporting equipment and their attendants are trained to provide

signals. The lack of training and competence in the use of such equipment is the

biggest cause of failing and accidents involving the use of excavators etc., and the

same shall be reduced by recruiting experienced drivers and also providing them

frequent training.

7.6.3 Failure of Pit Slope

Slope failures in mines are mostly associated with circular failure, a result of rock

mechanics, properties such as cohesion, angle of internal friction, joint/shear planes,

ground water flow conditions, rock density and the heights to be maintained. It is

hence proposed to provide benches with a slope angle of 300. Additionally pit slope

failure is avoided by Regular examination of face and remedial measures to make it

safe if there is any doubt that a collapse may take place. Working is advanced in a



direction taken into account the geology such that face and quarry side remain

stable.

7.6.4 Transportation

Training of drivers in defensive driving incorporating usage of visual aids like rare

view mirrors, avoidance of driving along the edge of haulage road etc. will mitigate

the hazards. Proactive maintenance of vehicles will reduce the chance of brake

failure.

7.6.5 House Keeping

The pathways and walkways to the work place will be demarcated with regular

housekeeping to avoid tipping or toppling of men and material. Lack of maintenance

may lead to roadways and walkways being unsuitable for their use.

7.7 Disaster Management Plan (Terms of Reference No. 42)

The mining operation will be carried out under the direction of qualified mines

manager and supervisors, based on the guidelines and directions of Directorate

General of Mines Safety (DGMS) and Indian Bureau of Mines. Code of practice of

different operations will be formulated to ensure safety of men and machines and to

avoid various hazards mentioned above. Mine workers will be provided training on

safe work practices. The following natural/ industrial hazards may occur during

normal operation; slope failure at the mine faces; accident due to heavy equipment/

machinery.

In order to take care of above hazards/disasters, the following measures shall be

adopted; all safety precautions and provisions of Mine regulation 1961 are strictly

followed during all mining operations; checking and regular maintenance of garland

drains and earthen bunds to avoid any inflow of surface water into mining area;

entry of unauthorized persons shall be prohibited; fire fighting and first aid

provisions in the mines office and mining Area; provision of all the safety

appliances such as safety boots, helmets, goggles etc. would be made available to the

employees and regular check to ensure their use; training and refresher courses for

all the employees working in the hazardous premises; working of mine as per



approved plan, related amendments and other regulatory provisions; and

suppression of dust on the haulage roads by providing water sprinkling.

7.7.1 Objective of Disaster Management Plan

The objective of disaster management plan is to identify mitigation measures to

avoid hazards turning in to risk, the materials required for implementing the same,

the personnel requirement and their roles and responsibilities, and the

communication and operating procedures to be adopted in case of an emergency.

7.7.2 Communication System

The telephone numbers and addresses of mine sites in the vicinity, nearest fire

station, police station, local hospital, electricity department, ambulance, and local

public representatives and revenue officials shall be prepared and kept in custody of

mines manager.

7.7.3 Facilities

The office shed will have provision of a small rescue room and first aid centre to

provide first aid in the event of an emergency. The office shed will also function as

emergency control room. It will be provided with telephone and mobile phones,

and a vehicle for emergency transport.

7.7.4 Personnel

The mines manager is responsible for overall supervision of the disaster

management plan. He will be assisted by supervisors, magazine in charge in

implementing the emergency management plan and procedures.

7.7.5 Operating Procedures

The operating procedures during emergencies are related communication to the

immediate supervisor, who would relay the same to mine manager. The mine

manager may assess the requirement of first aid, external assistance, transportation

to nearby hospital contingent on the emergency. In the absence of mines manager

the senior most supervisor will be made responsible for disaster management.



CHPATER 8.0 PROJECT BENEFITS

8.1 Introduction (Terms of Reference No. 43)

M/s. KPR Mines and Minerals proposed to conduct open cast mining at Survey No.451,

Momidi village, Chillakur mandal, SPSR Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. The proposed

mining activity involves a capital expenditure of Rs. 55 lakhs contributing to the local

economy due to consumption of building construction materials from the surrounding

areas and usage of construction labour from surrounding villages has a significant

positive impact on the socio-economic environment of the area.

The project shall ensure availability of good quality silica sand for glass, foundries,

construction, ceramics, and the chemical industry etc. The mining project may result in

provision of local employment of 38 people. The project may also generate indirect

employment and also transport contracts to local people. The project may generate tax

of approximately Rs. 9.5 lakhs annually to Government of Andhra Pradesh, which shall

devolve 1.8% of it for local area development. The total salary bill annually is Rs. 4.5

lakhs, which would be spent within the local area, resulting in improved livelihood

opportunities and life style. The project envisages spending 1.0% of the capital cost

towards socio economic development of the neighbouring villages as part of corporate

social responsibility. The programs shall be identified in consultation with public

representatives and revenue officials.



CHAPTER 9.0 ENVIRONMENT COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS

9.0 Introduction

As per EIA Notification S.O.1533, dt. 14.09.2006, the Chapter on the Environmental

Cost Benefit Analysis is applicable only if the same is recommended at the scoping

stage. As per the ToR points issued by SEIAA, Govt of Andhra Pradesh vide letter no.

SEIAA/AP/NLR/MIN/11/2018/717 2020, dt.19.02.2019 for the mining project

activity, the environmental cost benefit analysis and hence the same was not

conducted.

KPR Mines and Minerals., Environnent Management Plan


Chapter 10.0 ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

10.0 Introduction

This section discusses management plan for mitigation /abatement of adverse

environmental impacts and enhancement of beneficial impacts due to Silica sand

mining. The project activity involves mining silica sand mineral using opencast semi

mechanized method. The mining activity involves clearing and grubbing,

construction of haulage road, construction of site services, excavation and transport

of mineral to end users. These activities result in air emissions, increase in ambient air

quality levels, alteration of drainage pattern, sediment load from wind and water

erosion, storm water runoff, and dry deposition of pollutants, increase in noise due to

transport, as described in the previous chapters. The EMP has been designed within

the framework of various legislative and regulatory requirements on environmental

and socio-economic aspects. The management plan is drawn in consultation with the

registered qualified person who prepared the mine plan and the project authorities.

10.1 Sources of Pollution and Control Measures

The sources of pollution of air and noise from the proposed activity mainly from

excavation loading and unloading of material and transportation of mineral.

10.2 Air Pollution and its Control

The Silica Sand mining does involve much dust formation. The dust would be

generated during mining and also during handling and transportation of the material.

Personal protective equipment’s like nose mask and goggles etc will be provided to

the workers. Regular water spraying on haul roads during transportation of mineral

by water sprinklers. Over loading of transport equipment’s will be avoided to prevent

spillage. Also, measures such as covering tarpaulin over the loaded material will

prevent spreading of dust particles from the trucks. Speed controls on vehicle

movements to limited speed. Wind erosion reduction control by plantation will

reduce air borne dust dispersion. Limiting the height and slope of the stockpiles can

also reduce wind erosion. Regular checking and maintenance of vehicles will be

conducted and pollution under control certificate be obtained. Periodical monitoring

of ambient air quality will help facilitate decision support for adaptive management.



10.3 Noise pollution and its control

The major source of noise pollution is due to vehicular movement. Noise barriers in

the form of plantation surrounding the mine lease area shall be provided to attenuate

the noise levels. The plantation green belt width shall be 6m, and shall mitigate noise

level propagation. Protective equipment to reduce noise levels like ear muffs and

other protective devices will be provided to the staff working near noise generating

sources like dozers and dumper. Training would be imparted to mine personnel to

generate awareness about the damaging effects of noise. The transport activity shall

be restricted to day time to reduce impact on habitation. Idling of engines of transport

vehicles is avoided to ensure low noise levels and reduce air pollution. Periodic

proactive maintenance of the equipment will also mitigate the noise levels.

10.4 Occupational Safety and Health

Health and safety aspects of the mine will be taken care off as per the World Bank

(WB) guidelines on open pit mining. The guidelines provide the detailed information

on the aspects that are required to be taken into account for maintaining proper health

and safety issues. The workers continuously exposed to dust will be provided with

protective devices like dust mask to prevent respiratory disorders. Green belt in and

around the mining area will be developed to attenuate noise and dust impact.

Provisions of rest shelter for mine workers with facility of drinking water supply for

the employees will be provided by the project authority. The standard of the drinking

water will be per IS 10500 standards. Periodical training program to inform the

employees about their task, associated risk, and safe working practices will be

undertaken. Conduct of mock drill, Safe storage, training will also include information

on accident prevention, proper control and maintenance of equipment and safe

material handling practices. Awareness on safety and ensuring usage of personal

protective equipment’s (PPE) by workers shall further reduce occupational health

hazard due to dust and noise. Regular monitoring of the Occupational Health and

Safety will reduce the chances of accidents in the mine. Records of job-related

accidents and illness should be maintained. This information will be reviewed and

evaluated to improve the effectiveness of Environmental Health and Safety program.



Occupational Safety and Health to Control Dust Inhalation

Dust is expected to be generated during mining and may affect the environment. Even

though it is a small-scale mining activity, presence of a cluster with a total area of

258.801 ha and an annual production capacity (calculated) of 1094820 TPY will lead to

increased truck trips for silica sand transport and passenger vehicle movement for the

employees of these mines in the cluster. A dust masks are provided for the safety of

workers at site, engaged at the strategic locations/dust generation points like loading

and unloading points. Dust masks would prevent inhalation of RSPM thereby

reducing the risk of lung diseases and other respiratory disorders. Regular health

monitoring of workers will be carried out.

10.5 Water Quality Management

The mine lease area and its cluster are sandy soils, with shallow depth wells and

streams known as Sona Kaluva. The mining activity may have an impact on ground

water and surface water interaction, however the activity has least potential to cause

any water pollution. The ground water level in this area is 3.6 m BGL. Maximum depth

of the mining will be 2.5 m, flooding by ground water is not anticipated. Hence neither

ground water table nor the general surface drainage pattern is affected. There will be

no change in quality of water. However, during rainy season, there is a possibility of

wet conditions developing in the working pit this will be minimized, if not altogether

eliminated, by adopting simple techniques like digging trenches all round to drain off

rainwater and preventing surface run off from entering and flooding working pit. The

water from the pits will be pumped by deploying suitable pumps, if and when

required, the mine drainage can be effectively managed and the pit kept dry to keep

up the production schedule.

10.6 Water Resources

The water table in the mine lease area and its cluster is at a depth of 3.6 m BGL and

maximum depth of mining is 2.5 m. There are no wells or springs in the mine lease

areas. Hence there will not be adverse effect on ground water due to mining. The daily

water requirement for the mining operations would be approximately 4.3 KLD. Water



sprinkling on mine haulage roads shall consume 2.2 KLD. For green belt development

water consumption is about 0.5 KLD. Domestic purpose is about 1.6 KLD. The water

is to be sourced from nearby village through tankers. The generation of wastewater

from domestic sources is expected to be approximately 1.3 KLD, which will be sent to

septic tank followed by soak pit. The water requirement for the cluster shall be

approximately 40 KLD, and effective management measures in each of the mines in

the cluster shall ensure least impact on ground water sources.

10.7 Water Management

Following measures will be adopted to mitigate the impact on the water resources:

To prevent surface water contamination by oil/grease, leak proof containers shall

be used for storage and transportation of oil/grease. The floors of oil/grease

handling area will be kept effectively impervious.

To prevent degradation and maintain the water quality during rainy season,

adequate control measures like catch pits in the drain will be adopted to check the

mine run-off into the natural streams.

10.8 Waste Management plan

No waste generation is anticipated in this mine area, as the mine lease areas have no

over burden or side burden and the mineral is available on the surface.

10.9 Dump Area

Dump yards are not proposed as no waste is generated.

10.10 Land Management

Land degradation is one of the major adverse impacts of opencast mining in the form

of excavated voids. Land reclamation plan will be implemented simultaneously with

the mining activities.



10.11 Land Reclamation

Reclamation of land affected by mining activities is proposed at the end of the lease

period. The land can be reclaimed as the excavated area may be partially refilled by

sand carried out by wind action. The area is plain terrain which can be used into any

services. It can be used for casuarina plantation at the end of the mining activity.

10.12 House Keeping

Proper housekeeping and cleanliness will be maintained in the infrastructure facilities.

Wet mopping will be adopted to conserve water. Sign boards will be provided in the

work areas and the roads highlighting the safety and occupational aspects.

10.13 Transport Systems

Chintavarm to Momidi main road is passing at a distance of 2.3 km in West direction.

Nearest railway station and town are Gudur at a distance of 23 km in SW direction.

The silica sand mineral is mainly transported by road using trippers to either

krishnapatnam port, or users by road, and occasionally the same may use rail

transport. The number of trips will be approximately 15 per day for transportation of

mineral and the tripper is covered with tarpaulin. Loading will be done manually. The

materials while transporting does not pose any hazard. Sufficient parking facilities

will be provided for vehicles loading and unloading of material. Safety signs will be

displayed inside and outside the mine to avoid road accidents.

10.14 Environmental Greening Program

Environmental greening program is an important component of the Environment

Management Plan and is an imperative requirement for sink of air pollutants

including noise as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment and

forests, Govt. of India. Conceptualization, design and implementation of the

proposed activity, taking into account the specific requirement of the proposed

mining activity and the site conditions are presented. Green cover in mining area not

only help in reducing pollution level, but also improves the ecological conditions and

prevent soil erosion to great extent. It further improves the aesthetics and beneficially

influences the microclimate of the surrounding. During the plan period about 30



Casuarina plants will be planted in buffer zone at an interval of 3m in each row. By

the end of this plan period Green belt will be developed in an area of about 0.25 ha.

The shelterbelt will contain species, which act as windbreakers so that the

environment within the mine is contained; the planting of different species in rows is

envisaged in general in the greenbelt. A dedicated cell in the mine should be

established for post plantation care, which include, regular watering, manuring,

protective measures etc. Diseased and dead plants should be uprooted and replaced

by fresh saplings. Regular monitoring on survival rate and remedial action should be

done in an organized and planned manner.

10.15 Socio-economic Environment

The project provides an opportunity for the local people to get employment directly

or indirectly and helps in the upliftment of the socioeconomic status of the area. The

proposed project would generate an employment of 35. The tentative requirement of

manpower in the cluster is 1250. The local inhabitants of the area live in the villages

surrounding the mine area and their main occupation is Agriculture. In a small way

they rear cattle and sheep for sustenance. The mining activity in this belt will benefit

the locals both directly and indirectly. The direct beneficiaries will be those who get

employed in the mines as skilled and un-skilled workers. The indirect beneficiaries

will be those who open small business to sell goods required by the residents whose

“Per Capita” income will be enhanced by the mining activity, and thereby their

purchasing power. In the long run a lot of social good is expected in the comparatively

backward area when the inhabitants will be able to send their children to school. The

change, though slow, is bound to be perceptible. The management will involve in

social activities of stakeholders/surrounding community by planning the betterment

of neighboring social conditions through awareness and welfare programs to ensure

an improved relation, useful in the long run. Many of the beneficiaries of such

programs will include own employees as well. The goodwill of the local populace can

never be ignored. It is proposed to supply drinking water and medical facilities to the

villagers. The management will also support for vocational training and assistance in

utilizing government programs. The channels employed may vary either through

direct contact or by means of local organizations. Another important facet of social



environment identified by the project proponents is a green appearance; hence the

management will develop a green belt towards aesthetic beautification as the same is

necessary to be considered as a responsible, social neighbour.

10.16 Environment Policy

In order to protect environment and for sustainable development, an Environmental

Policy will be adopted by Lessee as follows:

Objective

The Environmental Policy is framed specifically to fulfill the following objectives:

• Create a work environment which enhances/motivates production and

productivity.

• Encourage safe and scientific mining and other engineering practices.

• Promoting awareness amongst employees and neighborhood population for

adopting environmentally acceptable procedures and restricting environmental

degradation and pollution to the barest minimum.

• To achieve Communal harmony and peace amongst employees and the local

villagers for heading fast towards "sustainable development".

• Restoration of post mining land use to pre-mining status, to the extent possible.

• Prevent pollution in its activities associated with mining.

• Continually improve environmental performance and comply with environmental

legislations and regulations.

• Conserving energy and other resources through optimum utilization and waste

minimization. Reducing waste and fugitive pollutants emissions though extensive

mitigation measures.

• Training and involving employees for development of Clean and Green

Environment.



Evaluate environmental performance through periodic reviews and audits to

ensure that conduct of the organization is consistent with these principles.

Responsibility

The mines manager is responsible for maintaining ecological balance by adequate

environmental protection and environment improvement works is entrusted to the

Mines Manager of the project. In the event of observation of non-compliance by any

employee, the same is informed to mine manager and the lessee. These two will

identify the cause and implement the mitigation measures or engineering controls or

work practices required. The Lessee will monitor the environmental performance and

guide the manager and employees for maintaining good environmental practices and

to adopt newer, safe and cleaner technologies.

10.17 Corporate Environmental Responsibility Action Plan

An amount of Rs. 2.0 lakhs were earmarked for corporate environmental

responsibility Action Plan, to be spent over a period of 7 years for the proposed

project. The social development programs are identified in consultation with local

authorities and district administration. The activities identified for social

development in the neighboring area, cost estimate is presented in Table 10.1. The

schedule for implementation of these activities is a maximum of 5 years and the six-

monthly compliance report to be submitted to the MoEFCC may show the scale of

completion of CER activities.

Table 10.1 CER Plan and Budget for 5 years

Particular Unit Total, Rs. Installation of solar street lamps 20,000 per lamp 1,00,000 Supply of saplings for tree plantation (Agroforestry) 100 Per Plant@

5000 5,00,000 Construct shed, sitting arrangements and a bore well in the premises of Cremation ground in village Lump Sum 5,00,000

Total 2,00,000



10.18 Environment Management Cell

A Cell for Environmental Management within Mine lease area at the project level, will

take the overall responsibility for co-ordination of the actions required for

environmental management and mitigation, and for monitoring the progress of the

proposed management plans and actions to be taken for the project. The Cell will be

under the overall supervision of the Mine Manager, and responsible for monitoring of

the implementation of the various actions which are to be executed by the mine

manager and his assistants. The Cell will be headed by Mine Manager and the other

members of the cell that will include a part time Horticulturist.

The EMC will prepare a formal report on environmental management and mitigation

for the Environmental issues at the Mine, at six-monthly intervals. Reports on any

urgent or significant issues may be prepared at shorter intervals. Apart from

responsibilities listed above, the EMC will have the responsibility of the following:

collection of water and air samples within and outside the work zone; analyzing the

water and air samples; implementation of the control and protective measures; land

reclamation and vegetation; co-ordination of the environment related activities;

collection of the statistics of health of workers; green belt development; awareness and

implementing safety programmes; and monitor the progress of implementation of

EMP.

Post Project Monitoring

The survey of post project monitoring comprises of the following monitoring aspects;

a. Ambient air quality survey

b. Noise Level Monitoring

c. Water quality monitoring

Ambient air quality and noise level Monitoring will be carried out at minimum two

stations, one station within mine site other nearby residential areas outside the mine.

Parameters like particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen carbon

monoxide and lead will be monitored in case of ambient air quality. Water quality

monitoring will be carried out in the mine working area, sump and nearby village.



The frequency of monitoring is preferably once in three months on 24 hour basis. The

samples will be collected in accordance with the procedures given by CPCB.

10.19 Other Management Aspects

Records will be maintained for the analysis of ambient air quality, noise levels and

water quality. These records are not only required for the perusal of the Pollution

Control Board authorities to take preventive action against the environmental

pollution. The management will maintain the records as per the hazardous waste

regulations and EPA regulations and apply for the annual consents for air and water,

and renewal of authorization for the storage of hazardous waste as per the Hazardous

Waste (Handling & Management) Rules, 1989. The records of hazardous waste

manifest will be maintained. The mine will obtain the consent for establishment (CFE)

and consent for operation (CFO) from State Pollution Control Board as required under

section 25/26 of the Water act, 1974 and under section 21/22 of Air Act, 1981, before

commissioning and production as directed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.

The CFO will be renewed each year by the management in consultation with SPCB.

The mine will submit environmental statement every year before September 30. The

management ensures that it will comply with all the directions and regulations issued

by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi, State and Central Pollution

Control Boards. The Consent for Establishment, Consent for Operation will be

displayed in a conspicuous location for the information of the inspecting authorities

of different departments.

10.20 Cost proposed for Environmental Protection Measures

The cost estimate of environment management is presented in table 1.2.



Table 1.2 Environment Management - Cost Estimate

S. No.

Description Item Capital

cost (Rs.)

Recurring cost (Rs.)

Remarks

1 Air pollution Nose masks

48720 21840

Once a week. Replaceable, and cost may increase with time

Road wetting @ 1 Ltr/Sq.m. - 5000 Ltrs 63000 25200

Water tanker cost @ one tankers per day for 300 days

Plantation on road side-3m interval and buffer zone-3m interval plus maintenance

85410 39860

Re-plant the non-surviving plants, watering and protection from animals

Sub Total 197130 86900 2 Water

pollution Construction of garland drains 123500 61750

Once only for the lease period/life of mine

De-silting operations 105300 44460

Yearly and manual operations

Sub Total 228800 106210 3 Noise

pollution Maintenance of machinery suitably

20000 8800 Included in main cost

PPE's like Ear muffs 2800 1050 Once in six months Sub Total 22800 9850

4 Occupational Safety and Health

First aid kits - 2 No's Fire extinguishers - 2 No's 8000 3600

Once in year, replace by conducting periodical checkup

PPE's to all employees (hand gloves @ Rs. 30, safety shoe @ Rs. 1500 and helmet @ Rs. 100)

114650 55032

Safety shoe twice in a year, helmets once in three years and hand gloves thrice in a year

Training and awareness programs on risk factors during emergencies by the experts

10000 5000

Once in six months and create sign boards about the risk and safety precautions regularly

Periodical medical checkup and supply of medicines 35000 7140

Once in a year and supply of medicines for every three months



S. No.

Description Item Capital

cost (Rs.)

Recurring cost (Rs.)

Remarks

Sub Total 167650 70772 5 Environmental

monitoring Ambient air quality studies - Once in six months - 2 locations

- 214100 Will be done through

MoEF&CC/NABL recognised laboratories

Water quality studies - Once a year - 2 Locations

- 3000

Noise studies - Once in six months - 2 Locations

- 4400

Sub Total 0 28800 Grand Total 616380 302532



10.21 Environmental Management for the Cluster

The management measures mentioned in the previous paragraphs with respect to air,

noise, water, solid waste, occupational health and greenbelt are generically, applicable

to all the mine leases in the cluster. The generic measures are presented in Table 10.5.

Additionally, the following measures shall be adopted to mitigate the cumulative

impacts; Strengthening of common haulage roads, mining activity during day time

to reduce noise, mineral dispatch on mutual consultation to avoid traffic congestion,

pooling of CER fund to avoid duplication of CER activity, adoption of water

conservation measures and water harvesting measures in common properties of the

surrounding villages after mutual consultation to compensate the water usage from

common properties, plantation along connecting roads, drainage management and

planning to avoid the sediment load and to avoid over flow of storm water into the

connecting drains, mutual support in case of any emergency.

Table 10.3 Generic Environment Management Measures

Project Stage

Project Activity Potential

Environmental Impacts

Proposed Mitigation Measure

Pre mining Stage /

Construction

stage

Site clearing, Habitat disturbance NA

Line cutting, Erosion and sedimentation

Water sprinkling using tractor tanker, provision of sediment pond at the drain out lets and Periodic repairs of drain

Road Formation

Any Change in land use (Disturb active mine area, and dump area)

Worked out pits are backfilled with mine waste after completion of working and waste dumps will be stabilized by developing plants

Modification of drainage pattern

No major drain in the active mine area, provision of garland drains.

Emissions from equipment and fugitive dust

Proactive maintenance of vehicles and PUC Certification. Clearing of bushes is manual.

Noise from equipment

Nil in the light of above point and Activity is during day time only. Periodical maintenance of equipment.

Production stage

Top soil removal Loss of productive soil, fugitive dust

Top soil is used for greenery purpose

Habitat disturbance Nil



Project Stage




Overburden removal

Erosion and Sedimentation from dumps and during removal

Terracing of waste dump, construction of garland drains and retaining wall. Water sprinkling on dumps with sprinklers.

Emissions from equipment and fugitive dust

Proactive maintenance of equipment’s and PUC for vehicles

Production Stage

Dozing, Loading and Unloading

Dust generation

Negligible. Operator’s cabins air tight with ventilation circulation. Water sprinkling on surface before loading and unloading.

Noise Provision of PPE and activity during day time

Transportation

Dust generation Water sprinkling on haulage roads, transportation through covered trucks and avoidance of over load.

Noise Proactive maintenance of vehicles, and engine idling. Provision of PPE to operators.

Any other factors Nil

Mineral storage

Erosion and sedimentation of dumps

Water sprinkling

Dust can harm health of workers

Only contingency (spot/ unexpected) measures possible, retaining wall will be constructed. Workers on waste dump will be provided with nose-masks.

Product Dressing

Solid waste generation, and workers will be exposed to dust

Water sprinkling Small waste will be stored in dump yard and reused for back filling. Dust masks to employees.

Production stage

Site Infrastructure: Office, Sanitation, Domestic Water

Generation of wastewater and solid waste.

Provision of septic tank followed by soak pit.

Mine Closure

Removal, Back filling and sealing

Contamination of ground and surface water, Emissions from equipment and transport

No contamination of groundwater is envisaged as the bottom is impervious. Water gets stored and reused for dust suppression.



Project Stage




Removal of structures

Spills, Visual impact, Health and safety of workers

Spreading soil cover and plantation, provision of PPE.

Danger due to inadvertent entry

Animals or person may accidentally enter the closed pit and fall down

Signage and Fencing will be provided.

A guard will be posted all the time.

Table 10.4 Cluster EMP Cost estimation

Description Capital Cost, Rs

Recurring, RS

Remarks

Road wetting 38100 285090

Water tanker cost @ one tankers per day for 300 days

Plantation on road side - 3m interval and plus maintenance

305500 279500 Re-plant the non-surviving plants, watering and protection from animals

Salary 600000 salary per one year Road Development 400000 50000 Sign Boards and repairing Air Monitoring - 300000 Will be done through MoEF&CC/

NABL recognized laboratories Total 1086500 974500

KPR Mines and Minerals Summary and Conclusion

11 - 1 Team Labs and Consultants

Chapter 11.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

11.0 Introduction

The Nellore silica sand deposits are confined exclusively to the coastal zone between

the Kandaleru and Swarnamukhi rivers in the Chillakur and Kota mandals in

Nellore district essentially between North Latitudes 14°02’ and 14°10’ and East

Longitudes 79°51’ and 80°09’ in the Survey of India topographic maps 57 N/16 and

66 C/1 on a scale of 1:50,000. Silica sand deposits are widely spread over a span of

110 km2 area east of Gudur town in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.

M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals proposes mining in an area of 7.538 ha to extract Silica

Sand of 65740 TPA. In principle approval by department of mines and geology,

Government of Andhra Pradesh vide letter no. 5614/R3-1/2018, dt. 28.06.2018. The

proposed mine lease area is revenue land. Terms of reference for preparing the EIA

report as part of obtaining prior environmental clearance for a production capacity

of 65740 TPA was obtained vide letter no. SEIAA/AP/NLR/MIN/011/2018 /717

2020, dt.19.02.201. The Capital cost of the proposed activity of mining is Rs. 55

Lakhs. The Mining plan was approved by the Deputy Director of Mines and

Geology (DDMG), Kurnool, Government of Andhra Pradesh, vide Letter No.

3263/MP/SS/NLR/2018, dt. 02.08.2018.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government

of India (GOI) issued notifications vide SO 1533, dt. 14.9.2006, its amendments based

on the directions issued by National Green Tribunal (NGT), New Delhi vide O. A.

No. 16 of 2016, dt.13.09.2018 and vide E.A.NO 55/2018 of O. A. No. 520/2016, dt.

11.12.2018 on Moefcc notification S.O.2269 (E), dt.01.07.2016 and S.O.3977 (E),

dt.14.08.2018 and Office Memorandum dt.12.12.2018 issued in compliance with the

hon’ble NGT orders, New Delhi, which mandate prior environmental clearance for

all mining leases across the country. The notification and its amendments based on

NGT directions, classify mine lease areas of 5 - 25 ha as category B2 at par with B1,

and stipulate a three-stage process of scoping, public consultation and appraisal by

State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to issue prior

environmental clearance. Accordingly scoping for preparation of environmental



impact assessment (EIA) was done by the state expert appraisal committee (SEAC),

which issued terms of reference vide Letter No. SEIAA/AP/NLR/MIN/011/2018

/717 2020, dt.19.02.2019 for a production capacity of 65,740 TPA in an area of 7.538

ha. The present study follows the prescribed TOR’s to prepare draft EIA/EMP

report for public consultation, to facilitate informed view on the project by

public/stakeholders for this mine lease area and other mine leases in this cluster

namely KK mines and minerals and Smt Md. Hameeda and the total cluster area of

258.801 ha. The report presents cumulative environmental impacts due to the mining

cluster and the environmental management plan to address the same in addition to

the impacts assessment and environmental management for this project.

M/s Team Labs and Consultants prepared Environmental Impact Assessment

Report for the proposed activity. The report is been prepared using baseline data of

environmental status within 10 km radius of the mine lease area for major

environmental components; water, air, noise, soil, flora, fauna and socio-economic

environment for one season, and the proposed measures to be adopted for

mitigating and controlling pollution.

11.1 Mine Location

Details of the mine lease location

Description Remarks Name of the Project (s) M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals

Location of the Project Survey No. 451, Momidi Village, Chillakur Mandal, SPSR Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh – 524 412

Project / Activity 1(a) Category (A/B1/B2) B1 New / Expansion / Modernization New Mine Product Silica Sand Mine – 65,740 TPA Capital Cost, ₹ 55 lakhs Legal Status of the Company Private Ownership / Occupancy Government non agriculture Land Use Pattern (Forest, Agricultural, Grazing, Barren etc.)

Government non-agriculture sandy vacant Land-7.538 ha

Latitudes (North) 14° 9'59.10", 14° 9'57.40", 14° 9'54.90", 14° 9'51.50", 14° 9'49.90"



Description Remarks

Longitudes (East) 80° 3'28.60", 80° 3'29.00", 80° 3'30.10", 80° 3'31.30", 80° 3'31.50"


Site surroundings


Nearest Village Yeruru village – 1.9 km – W direction Accessibility to site Site connecting – E direction Road access Chintavarm to Momidi main road - 2.3 km – W direction Nearest Town Gudur – 23 km – W direction District Head quarters Nellore – 28 km – NW direction Nearest Railway station Krishnapatnam Port station – 11 km – NE direction Nearest airport Tirupati Airport – 83 km – SW direction Nearest Port Krishnapatnam Port – 13 km – NE direction

Major Industries (Within 10 km radius)

i. Meenakshi Energy Power Plant – 5.8 km – NE direction

ii. Simhapuri Energy Limited Power Plant – 4.7 km – NE direction


Kandleru or Upputeru River - 3.3 km - NW direction Buckingham Canal - 3.2 km - E direction Challa Kaluva - 9.8 km - S direction Bay of Bengal - 7.6 km - E direction Sona Kaluva - 55 m - E direction


Reserve Forest

Momidi RF - 0.2 km - W direction Kottapatnam RF - 4.7 km - NE direction Udatavaripalem PF - 8.1 km - SW direction Tammenapatnam RF - 7.6 km - NE direction

Inter-state boundary and international boundary Nil within 10 km Protected Areas notified under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 Nil within 10 km



Description Remarks Eco-sensitive areas as notified under section 3 of the E (P) Act, 1986 Nil within 10 km Critically polluted areas as identified by the Central Pollution Control Board from time to time, Nil within 10 km Defence Installation Nil within 10 km

11.2 Proposed Method of Mining




Land use pattern of the Mine Lease Area

Type of Activity Area Utilized during plan period, ha Area to be excavated 6.7 Roads 0.35 Mineral storage 0.1 Infrastructure (Workshop, office) 0.015 Green Belt 0.25 Area remains untouched 0.123 Total 7.538

11.2.1 Development and Production

The Silica Sand is exposed to surface without over burden. No waste generation is

anticipated.

11.3 Employment Potential

The manpower requirement for the above-mentioned production capacity is

approximately 35 no’s and all the workers are supervised by Mines manager.

11.4 Site services

It is proposed to provide an office cum store room, first aid room cum rest shelters,

toilets and stock yard with temporary structures in the mine lease area as part of site

services. Temporary sheds with cement plastered brick walls and G.I. sheet or grass

roofing are constructed for site services. The workers required shall be sourced from

surrounding villages. Drinking water is obtained from Yeruru village through



tractor mounted tankers for the mining staff and workers. A tractor mounted tanker

is proposed for sprinkling of water mainly on village roads to suppress the dust

generated due to vehicular movement. Fencing shall be provided around workings

pit to avoid accidental slippage of men and animals, while worked out pit is used as

reservoir for storage of rain water.

11.5 Water Requirement and Effluent Generation

The total water requirement is 4.3KLD. Water requirement for the project is mainly

for sprinkling on the haul roads (2.2 KLD) to mitigate dust emissions, for

maintaining green belt (0.5 KLD) and for domestic purposes (1.6 KLD). Rainwater

stored in worked out pit is used for sprinkling, green belt development. The

domestic water will be drawn from Yeruru / storm water storage. Total water

required for the cluster is 40 KLD.

11.6 Baseline Environmental Status

The baseline data for ambient air quality, surface and ground water quality, noise,

and soil quality was collected and analyzed for various parameters to determine the

existing quality and flora and fauna study of the impact area was conducted during

period of January – March 2019. The ambient air quality monitoring results show

that the values are within the prescribed limits of National Ambient Air Quality

standards. Ground water sample analysis results show that the values are saline or

hard water in the bore wells most of the locations compared to Indian Standard

Drinking Water Specification of IS: 10500-2012. Noise quality parameters in the

study area are within prescribed limits of Ambient Noise Standards. There are no

Schedule I flora or fauna within the impact area.

11.7 Identification and Quantification of Impacts

The project activities that are likely to cause potential impacts on environment are

mining operations and associated infrastructure. Mining operations involve

development of haul roads, excavation, handling and transportation of silica sand.

The likely effects of these activities are land degradation, Fugitive dust generation,

noise and vibration levels, increased run-off during monsoon and Human health

risks.



ISCST3 model was used for air quality impact predictions. The predicted maximum

24 hourly GLC’s of PM, PM10 and PM2.5 are 0.87, 0.35 and 0.16 g/m3 respectively

falling within the mine lease area. The cumulative values (baseline and predicted)

are found to be within the prescribed standards of national ambient air quality.

11.8 Environment Management Plan

The management plan is drawn in consultation with the project proponent, mining

engineer and geologist after evaluating various methods for mitigation and control

of pollution. The environment management plan is drawn to address the impacts

identified, predicted and assessed to be significant. The environment management

plan addresses the impacts identified.

11.8.1 Dust Emissions

Dust will be generated during mining and also during handling and transportation

of the material. Haulage of Silica Sand within lease area will lead to emissions of

fugitive dust in the mining area. It is proposed to provide water sprinkling in haul

roads to reduce the fugitive dust emissions. Tractor mounted sprinkler will be

deployed.

11.8.2 Noise Pollution Control

Major noise sources during operation are mine machineries, equipment, occasional

drilling and blasting and vehicular movement. The following measures will be

adopted to reduce noise levels; improved silencers, mufflers and closed noise

generating parts, regular and periodic maintenance of noise generating machinery

including transport vehicles, location of site office and other infrastructures away

from the noise sources. Personal protective equipment like earmuffs, earplugs will

be provided to workers involved in work closer to noise generating sources. The

exposure to noise levels is also mitigated by adopting employee rotation.

11.8.3 Water Resources and waste water generation

The total water requirement is 4.3 KLD. Drinking water in the order of 1.6 KLD is

drawn from nearby yeruru. Water stored in worked out pit after first year is used for

other purposes. Domestic waste water is sent septic tank followed by soakpit.



11.8.4 Land Management

Land degradation is one of the major adverse impacts of opencast mining in the

form of excavated voids. During plan period about 6.7 ha area will be occupied by

pit, and plantation will cover 0.25 ha and approach road covers an area of 0.35 ha.

Other temporary constructions are dismantled after completion of mine workings.

11.8.5 Waste Management

There is no waste anticipated from mining activity. Municipal solid waste about 10

kg/day shall be deposed in low lying areas, while wet waste is composted and

recyclables are sold to recyclers.

11.8.6 Socio-Economic Environment

There are no settlements in the ML area. Hence no rehabilitation and resettlement

(R&R) is required. The mining activity will improve the economic status of the

people surrounding the mine lease area. The proposed project generates

employment to 35 people, and all the semiskilled and unskilled jobs will be provided

to the local villagers. Apart from employment, the state government and village

panchayath will get royalty due to mining.

11.8.7 Green Belt

Greenbelt is proposed as an additional mitigation measure for dust control in

addition to water sprinkling. It is proposed to have dense green belt in and around

the mine site, loading and unloading facilities, and in abandoned mine area during

reclamation process. About 0.25 ha (350 trees) area will be planted during next five

years. Precautionary measures like regular watering, providing manure and fencing

will be taken up to achieve 90% of survival rate of plantation.

11.8.8 Occupational Health and Safety Measures

Protective equipment will be provided to the employees such as safety shoes,

helmets and dust masks. Dust masks would be provided for the safety of workers at

site, engaged at dust generation points like loading and unloading points etc. Dust

masks would prevent inhalation of particulate matter thereby reducing the risk of



lung diseases and other respiratory disorders. Regular health monitoring of workers

will be carried out. The health impact due to dust shall be addressed by rotation of

employees from dust generating jobs after periodic health monitoring.

11.8.9 Environmental Monitoring Program

The monitoring program consists of collection and analysis of air, soil, noise and

water samples. Environmental monitoring shall be conducted on quarterly basis to

assess the pollution level in the ML area and in the surrounding areas as well. An

Environment Management Cell shall be established to look after all the environment

related activities. This cell will be headed by the Mines Manger. The Cell is

responsible for all the environmental management activities including

environmental monitoring, greenbelt development and to ensure statutory

compliance with the regulatory authorities. The total capital expenditure envisaged

for environmental management is Rs.6.16 lakhs with annual recurring expenditure

of 3.02 lakhs. The total capital expenditure envisaged for cluster environmental

management is Rs.10.86 lakhs with annual recurring expenditure of 9.74 lakhs.

11.8.9 Corporate Social Responsibility

By individual lease

It is proposed to spend Rs. 2.0 Lakhs in five years for CER activities like provision of

solar street lamps, trees plantation. The management will provide training and

awareness on job facilities to unemployed graduates and post graduates, embroidery

and tailoring training to backward and weaker section women and finance to local

sports persons.

By cluster leases as follows

The following measures shall be adopted to mitigate the cumulative impacts;

Strengthening of common haulage roads, mining activity during day time to reduce

noise, mineral dispatch on mutual consultation to avoid traffic congestion, pooling

of CER fund to avoid duplication of CER activity, adoption of water conservation

measures and water harvesting measures in common properties of the surrounding

villages after mutual consultation to compensate the water usage from common

properties, plantation along connecting roads, drainage management and planning



to avoid the sediment load and to avoid over flow of storm water into the connecting

drains, mutual support in case of any emergency.

11.9 Mine Closure Plan

The disturbed land including area disturbed due to excavation, dumping,

construction of haul roads, ramps, structures would be reclaimed before finally

abandoning the mine. The closure involves the following; fencing around the pit

and greenery development.


Team Labs and consultants 12-1

CHAPTER 12.0 DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANTS ENGAGED

Declaration by Experts Contributing to the EIA I, hereby, certify that I was a part of the EIA team in the following capacity that developed the above EIA.

EIA coordinator:

Name: Srinivasa Reddy Manchala

Signature and Date: May 22, 2019

Period of involvement: October 2018 to till date

Contact information: Team Labs and Consultants, B115 - 117, 509, Aditya Enclave, Ameerpet, Hyderabad 500038.

Functional area experts:

S. No.

Functional

areas

Name of the expert/s

Involvement (period and task**)

Period of involvement: October 2018 till date

Signature and date

1 AP M. Srinivasa Reddy

Site visit, Design of AAQ network, supervision of AAQ monitoring, Compilation of emissions and characteristics, assessment of impacts due to the proposed project, identification of mitigation measures, preparation of EMP for AP, Preparation of monitoring plan for AP.

2 WP G.V.Reddy Site visit, identification of monitoring stations, supervision of sampling, Characterization of effluent, effluent treatment, assessment of impacts due to the proposed project, identification of mitigation measures, preparation of EMP for WP, Preparation of monitoring plan for WP.

3 SHW M. Srinivasa Reddy

Site visit, Characterization of solid wastes, storage, and disposal plan for various solid wastes, assessment of impacts due to the proposed project, identification of mitigation measures, preparation of EMP for SHW.

4 SE G.V.Reddy Site visit, primary and secondary data collection of the impact area, assessment of impacts due to the project on socio economic status and project economy, preparation of CSR plan, Preparation of SE part of EIA report.



S. No.

Functional

areas

Name of the expert/s

Involvement (period and task**)

Period of involvement: October 2018 till date

Signature and date

5 EB I. Sivarama Krishna

Site visit, primary and secondary data collection related to ecology and biodiversity, assessment of impacts based on IAIA guidelines, preparation of mitigation measures and preparation of green belt plan and cost estimate, preparation of EB part of EIA report.

6 HG G.V.A. Ramakrishna

Identification of water sheds of the area by preparing the drainage map, assessment of ground water potential of the site and impact area, preparation of rain water harvesting plan, assessment of impacts due to ground water abstraction and mitigation measures.

7 SC D. Sundar Rao

Identification of soil sampling locations and characterization of the soils, interpretation of soil analysis reports, assessment of impacts due to spillages, accidental releases of chemicals, effluents etc., and mitigation measures.

8 AQ M. Srinivasa Reddy

Assisting AP FAE in identifying the AAQ monitoring stations by providing normal climatological and other historical data, Identification of Micrometeorological data monitoring station, supervision of met data collection using Automatic weather station, Preparation of emission details, Air quality impact prediction modeling, Calculation of work room concentrations of solvents using box model, Assessment of results and preparation of isopleths, assisting the AP FAE and EIA coordinator in preparation of EMP.

9 LU G.V.A. Ramakrishna

Preparation of land use land cover map using satellite imagery, ground truth study, assessing the impacts due to project.

10 RH M. Srinivasa Reddy

Site visit, assessment of hazop reports, identification of sources of hazards, assessment of storages proposed in comparison with statutory regulations and calculation of FETI to assess the scope of risk assessment, preparation of isopleths for various scenarios as part of consequence analysis, identification of mitigation measures preparation of disaster management plan.



Declaration by the Head of the accredited consultant organization/ authorized person

I, G.V. Reddy hereby, confirm that the above-mentioned experts prepared the EIA report for KPR Mines and Minerals. I also confirm that the consultant organization shall be fully accountable for any mis-leading information mentioned in this statement.

Signature:

Name : G.V. Reddy Designation: Director Name of the EIA consultant organization: Team Labs and Consultants NABET Certificate No: S. No. 154 of List ‘A’ – Accredited EIA Consultant Organizations complying with Version 3 of the Scheme - as on Rev. 76, May 6, 2019.



3. COMPLIANCE OF TERMS OF REFERENCE



STUDIES AND DOCUMENTATION BY TEAM Labs and Consultants B-115 to 117 & 509, Annapurna Block, Aditya Enclave, Ameerpet, Hyderabad-500 038. Phone: 040-23748 555/616, Telefax: 040-23748666 Email: [email protected]

SUBMITTED BY M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals Sri K. Ravindra Reddy D. No. 27-4-242, Flat No. 404, Sai Ashraya Homes, Ramji Nagar, SPSR Nellore – 524002 Email : [email protected]

KPR Mines and Minerals Compliance of TOR

C-1 Team Labs and Consultants

Compliance of Terms of Reference

Introduction

Compliance for the TOR letter Issued by SEIAA, Andhra Pradesh, Govt of India,

vide letter no. SEIAA/AP/NLR/MIN/11/2018/717 2020, dt.19.02.2019.

Compliance of Terms of Reference

S. No Terms of Reference Compliance 1. Year-wise production details since 1994

should be given, clearly stating the highest production achieved in any one year prior to 1994. It may also be categorically informed whether there had been any increase in production after the EIA Notification, 1994 came into force w.r.t. the highest production achieved prior to 1994.

In principle mine lease notice issued by department of mines and geology, Government of Andhra Pradesh vide letter no. 5614/R3-1/2018, dt.28.06.2018 for a period of 20 years (Enclosed as Annexure-1). It is a fresh mine applying for Environmental clearance

2. A copy of the document in support of the fact that the Proponent is the rightful lessee of the mine should be given.

Lease memos order is enclosed as Annexure-1 in EIA report.

3. All documents including approved mine plan, EIA and public hearing should be compatible with one another in terms of the mine lease area, production levels, waste generation and its management and mining technology and should be in the name of the lessee.

The Mining plan has been approved by the Deputy Director of Mines and Geology (DDMG), Nellore, Government of Andhra Pradesh, vide Letter 3263/MP/SS /NLR/2018, dt. 02.08.2018. EIA report is prepared for same extent, same method of mining, same production, waste generation and its management. The final EIA report is submitted after Public hearing. Mine lease area is 7.538 ha, Mining technology, Production capacity is presented in chapter-2.0 of EIA report, page no. 2-7.

4. All corner coordinates of the mine lease area, superimposed on a High-Resolution Imagery/toposheet, topographic sheet, geomorphology and geology of the area should be provided. Such an Imagery of the proposed area should clearly show the land use and other ecological features of the study area (core and buffer zone).

Corner coordinates of the mine lease area is superimposed on Survey of India topo sheet and presented in chapter-1 of EIA report, page no. 1-6. Land use and land cover of the area is presented in chapter-3.0 of EIA report, page no. 3.14.

5. Information should be provided in Survey of Land use and land cover of the



S. No Terms of Reference Compliance India Toposheet in 1:50,000 scale indicating geological map of the area, geomorphology of land forms of the area, existing minerals and mining history of the area, important water bodies, streams and rivers and soil characteristics.

area is presented in chapter-3.0 of EIA report, page no. 3.14.

6. Details about the land proposed for mining activities should be given with information as to whether mining conforms to the land use policy of the State; land diversion for mining should have approval from State land use board or the concerned authority.

The present mining lease area is granted to KPR mines and minerals. They prepared and approved the Environment Policy. Objective and Responsibility of the policy are presented in Environment Management Plan, page no. 10-7.

7. It should be clearly stated whether the proponent company has a well laid down Environment Policy approved by its Board of Directors? If so, it may be spelt out in the EIA report with description of the prescribed operating process/procedures to bring into focus any infringement/deviation/violation of the environmental or forest norms/ conditions? The hierarchical system or administrative order of the Company to deal with the environmental issues and for ensuring compliance with the EC conditions may also be given. The system of reporting of non-compliances / violations of environmental norms to the Board of Directors of the Company and/or shareholders or stakeholders at large may also be detailed in the EIA report.

The present mining lease area is granted to KPR mines and minerals. They prepared and approved the Environment Policy. Objective and Responsibility of the policy are presented in Environment Management Plan, page no. 10-7.

8. Issues relating to Mine Safety, including subsidence study in case of underground mining and slope study in case of open cast mining, blasting study etc. should be detailed. The proposed safeguard measures in each case should also be provided.

Occupational Safety and Health measures are presented in EIA report, page no. 10-2. Subsidence is not anticipated as it is an open cast mining activity. There is no blasting activity in the proposed mining and in the cluster.

9. The study area will comprise of 10 km zone around the mine lease from lease periphery and the data contained in the EIA such as waste generation etc should be for the life of the mine / lease period.

The study area considered is 10km around the periphery of mine lease area (Refer EIA, page no. 1-4). Waste generation during plan period and There is generation of waste generation in the project, municipal solid waste about 10 kg/day shall be filled in



S. No Terms of Reference Compliance Low laying areas.

10. Land use of the study area delineating forest area, agricultural land, grazing land, wildlife sanctuary, national park, migratory routes of fauna, water bodies, human settlements and other ecological features should be indicated. Land use plan of the mine lease area should be prepared to encompass preoperational, operational and post operational phases and submitted. Impact, if any, of change of land use should be given.

Land use and land cover map of the study area is presented in chapter-3 of EIA report, page no. 3-14. There is no national park, wildlife sanctuary within 10km of the mine lease periphery. Land use plan of the mine lease area is presented in chapter2.0, page no: 2-2.

11. Details of the land for any Over Burden Dumps outside the mine lease, such as extent of land area, distance from mine lease, its land use, R&R issues, if any, should be given.

There is No Over burden dump area is within the ML area, no outside area is utilized for over burden/waste dumping.

12. A Certificate from the Competent Authority in the State Forest Department should be provided, confirming the involvement of forest land, if any, in the project area. In the event of any contrary claim by the Project Proponent regarding the status of forests, the site may be inspected by the State Forest Department along with the Regional Office of the Ministry to ascertain the status of forests, based on which, the Certificate in this regard as mentioned above be issued. In all such cases, it would be desirable for representative of the State Forest Department to assist the Expert Appraisal Committees.

The proposed mine lease area is a government revenue land, no forest land is involved. The nearest forests is Momidi RF – 0.2 km – W direction, Kottapatnam RF – 4.7 km - NE direction Udatavaripalem PF – 8.1 km – SW direction, Tammenapatnam RF – 7.6 km – NE direction falling within 10km radius of the mine lease periphery.

13. Status of forestry clearance for the broken up area and virgin forest land involved in the Project including deposition of net present value (NPV) and compensatory afforestation (CA) should be indicated. A copy of the forestry clearance should also be furnished.

The proposed mine lease area is a revenue land, no forest land is involved and no permission is required from them.

14. Implementation status of recognition of forest rights under the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 should be indicated.

The proposed mine lease area is a government revenue land and the area does not belong to scheduled tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.

15. The vegetation in the RF / PF areas in the study area, with necessary details, should be given.

Vegetation and flora of the core zone and buffer zone are presented in chapter-3.0 of EIA report, page no. 3-50to 3-73.

16. A study shall be got done to ascertain the impact of the Mining Project on wildlife of the study area and details furnished. Impact

There is no wildlife sanctuary within 10 km radius of the lease periphery and there is no wild



S. No Terms of Reference Compliance of the project on the wildlife in the surrounding and any other protected area and accordingly detailed mitigative measures required, should be worked out with cost implications and submitted.

animal movement in core and buffer zone. There is no schedule-I flora and fauna present in the 10km radius from the mine lease periphery.

17. Location of National Parks, Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, Wildlife Corridors, Ramsar site Tiger/Elephant Reserves (existing as well as proposed), if any, within 10 km of the mine lease should be clearly indicated, supported by a location map duly authenticated by Chief Wildlife Warden. Necessary clearance, as may be applicable to such projects due to proximity of the ecologically sensitive areas as mentioned above, should be obtained from the Standing Committee of National Board of Wildlife and copy furnished.

There is no Ecologically sensitive area like National Park, Wildlife/Bird sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve, Wildlife Corridor, Tiger/Elephant Reserve and Critically Polluted area within the 10 km radius of the mine lease periphery.

18. A detailed biological study of the study area [core zone and buffer zone (10 km radius of the periphery of the mine lease)] shall be carried out. Details of flora and fauna, endangered, endemic and RET Species duly authenticated, separately for core and buffer zone should be furnished based on such primary field survey, clearly indicating the Schedule of the fauna present. In case of any scheduled-I fauna found in the study area, the necessary plan along with budgetary provisions for their conservation should be prepared in consultation with State Forest and Wildlife Department and details furnished. Necessary allocation of funds for implementing the same should be made as part of the project cost.

Biological study of the study area [core zone and buffer zone (10 km radius of the periphery of the mine lease)] is conducted. Flora and fauna of the study area separately for core and buffer zone is presented in chapter-3.0 of EIA report, page no. 3-50 to 3-73.

19. Proximity to Areas declared as 'Critically Polluted' or the Project areas likely to come under the 'Aravali Range', (attracting court restrictions for mining operations), should also be indicated and where so required, clearance certifications from the 'prescribed Authorities, such as the SPCB or State Mining Dept. should be secured and furnished to the effect that the proposed mining activities could be considered.

There is no Critically Polluted area within the 10 km radius of the mine lease periphery.

20. Similarly, for coastal Projects, A CRZ map duly authenticated by one of the authorized

Not applicable, The Mine lease area is away from CRZ.



S. No Terms of Reference Compliance agencies demarcating LTL. HTL, CRZ area, location of the mine lease w.r.t CRZ, coastal features such as mangroves, if any, should be furnished. (Note: The Mining Projects falling under CRZ would also need to obtain approval of the concerned Coastal Zone Management Authority).

21. R&R Plan/compensation details for the Project Affected People (PAP) should be furnished. While preparing the R&R Plan, the relevant State/National Rehabilitation & Resettlement Policy should be kept in view. In respect of SCs /STs and other weaker sections of the society in the study area, a need-based sample survey, family-wise, should be undertaken to assess their requirements, and action programmes prepared and submitted accordingly, integrating the sectoral programmes of line departments of the State Government. It may be clearly brought out whether the village(s) located in the mine lease area will be shifted or not. The issues relating to shifting of Village(s) including their R&R and socio-economic aspects should be discussed in the report.

The proposed mine lease area has no settlements, the nearest habitation from the proposed active mine area located at a distance of 1.9 km in W direction and hence R&R of village does not arise. The mining lease area does not belong to any scheduled area and other weaker sections of the society.

22. One season (non-monsoon) [ i.e. March – May (Summer Season); October to December (post monsoon season); December to February (winter Season)] primary baseline data on ambient air quality as per CPCB Notification of 2009, water quality, noise level, soil and flora and fauna shall be collected and the AAQ and other data so compiled presented date-wise in the EIA and EMP Report. Site-specific meteorological data should also be collected. The location of the monitoring stations should be such as to represent whole of the study area and justified keeping in view the pre-dominant downwind direction and location of sensitive receptors. There should be at least one monitoring station within 500 m of the mine lease in the pre-dominant downwind direction. The mineralogical composition of PM10, particularly for free silica, should be given.

The baseline study was carried out in the months of January – March 2019. Ambient Air Quality Status of the study area is presented in chapter-3.0 of EIA report, page no. 3-37. Water quality data is presented in page no. 3-24. Noise level data is presented in page no. 3-41, soil analysis data is presented in page no. 3-16 and flora and fauna of the study area is presented in page no. 3-50 to 3-73 in EIA report. Site specific meteorological data is presented in page no. 3-28. The monitoring locations are covered all the directions in the study area.



S. No Terms of Reference Compliance 23. Air quality modeling should be carried out

for prediction of impact of the project on the air quality of the area. It should also take into account the impact of movement of vehicles for transportation of mineral. The details of the model used and input parameters used for modeling should be provided. The air quality contours may be shown on a location map clearly indicating the location of the site, location of sensitive receptors, if any, and the habitation. The wind roses showing pre-dominant wind direction may also be indicated on the map.

ISCST3 model is used for Air quality modeling for prediction of impact on air quality including vehicle movement for transportation of mineral, input parameters are presented in chapter-4.0 of EIA report, page no. 4-18. Predicted and cumulative concentrations are presented in chapter-4.0 of EIA report, page no. 4-20, 4-21. Air quality contours indicating the site location and wind rose diagram are presented in page no. 4-22 to 4-24.

24. The water requirement for the Project, its availability and source should be furnished. A detailed water balance should also be provided. Fresh water requirement for the Project should be indicated.

Water requirement for the project is 4.3 KLD which shall be drawn from Yeruru village/ storm water storage. Water requirement details are presented in chapter-2.0 of EIA report, page no. 2-10.

25. Necessary clearance from the Competent Authority for drawl of requisite quantity of water for the Project should be provided.

Storm water stored shall be used for dust suppression and greenbelt development. Domestic water is drawn from Yeruru village.

26. Description of water conservation measures proposed to be adopted in the Project should be given. Details of rainwater harvesting proposed in the Project, if any, should be provided.

Storm water stored shall be used for dust suppression and greenbelt development. Domestic water is drawn from Yeruru village.

27. Impact of the project on the water quality, both surface and groundwater should be assessed and necessary safeguard measures, if any required, should be provided.

The ground water level is 3.6 m depth, workings will be conducted 2.5 m from ground level and the maximum depth of the mine is 2.5 m. However, the existing water quality analysis results are presented in chapter-3.0-page no. 3-24.

28. Based on actual monitored data, it may clearly be shown whether working will intersect groundwater. Necessary data and documentation in this regard may be provided. In case the working will intersect groundwater table, a detailed Hydro Geological Study should be undertaken and Report furnished. The Report inter – alia, shall include details of the aquifers present

The ground water level is 3.6 m depth, working will conduct below 2.5 m, depth of mine is 2.5 m. Hence there is no intersect on ground water is observed.



S. No Terms of Reference Compliance and impact of mining activities on these aquifers. Necessary permission from Central Ground Water Authority for working below ground water and for pumping of ground water should also be obtained and copy furnished.

29. Details of any stream, seasonal or otherwise, passing through the lease area and modification / diversion proposed, if any, and the impact of the same on the hydrology should be brought out.

No river is passing through the mine lease area. No modification / diversions are required.

30. Information on site elevation, working depth, groundwater table etc. Should be provided both in AMSL and BGL. A schematic diagram may also be provided for the same.

The mining activity is carried out from southern part. The maximum depth of the mine is 2.5 m above ground level.

31. A time bound Progressive Greenbelt Development Plan shall be prepared in a tabular form (indicating the linear and quantitative coverage, plant species and time frame) and submitted, keeping in mind, the same will have to be executed up front on commencement of the project. Phase wise plan of plantation and compensatory afforestation should be charted clearly indicating the area to be covered under plantation and the species to be planted. The details of plantation already done should also be given. The plant species selected for greenbelt should have greater ecological value and should be of good utility value to the local population with emphasis on local and native species and the species which are tolerant to pollution.

Green belt development plan is presented in Environment Management Plan, page no. 10-6.

32. Impact on local transport infrastructure due to the Project should be indicated. Projected increase in truck traffic as a result of the Project in the present road network (including those outside the Project area) should be worked out, indicating whether it is capable of handling the incremental load. Arrangement for improving the infrastructure, if contemplated (including action to be taken by other agencies such as State Government) should be covered. Project proponent shall conduct Impact of transportation study as per Indian Road Congress Guidelines.

The number of truck trips required shall be 13 no’s per day. There shall not be any adverse impact due to increased traffic as the existing connecting road has low traffic density.



S. No Terms of Reference Compliance 33. Details of the onsite shelter and facilities to be

provided to the mine workers should be included in the EIA report.

Site services and other details are presented in chapter-2.0 of EIA report, page no. 2-09.

34. Conceptual post mining land use and Reclamation and Restoration of mined out areas (with plans and with adequate number of sections) should be given in the EIA report.

Sections are presented in page no. 2-8.

35. Occupational Health impacts of the Project should be anticipated and the proposed preventive measures spelt out in detail. Details of pre-placement medical examination and periodical medical examination schedules should be incorporated in the EMP. The project Specific occupational health mitigation measures with required facilities proposed in the mining area may be detailed.

Occupational Safety and Health measures are presented in EIA report, page no. 10-02.

36. Public health implications of the Project and related activities for the population in the impact zone should be systematically evaluated and the proposed remedial measures should be detailed along with budgetary allocations.

Pre placement medical examination will be conducted and the periodical medical examination will be conducted to the mine workers.

37. Measures of socio economic significance and influence to the local community proposed to be provided by the Project Proponent should be indicated. As far as possible, quantitative dimensions may be given with time frames for implementation.

Socio economic development including CER activities is presented in Environment Management Plan, page no. 10-8.

38. Detailed environmental management plan (EMP) to mitigate the environmental impacts which, should inter-alia include the impacts of change of land use, loss of agricultural and grazing land, if any, occupational health impacts besides other impacts specific to the proposed Project.

The environment management plan is presented in chapter 10.0.

39. Public hearing points raised and commitment of the project proponent on the same along with time bound action plan with budgetary provisions to implement the same should be provided and also incorporated in the final EIA/EMP Report of the Project.

The Final EIA is prepared after conducting public hearing. Issues raised and commitment of the proponent are incorporated in the final EIA repor.t

40. Details of litigation pending against the project, if any, with direction /order passed by any Court of Law against the project should be given.

No court case is pending against the project. The violation case has been filed and the same was informed to MoEF&CC during the



S. No Terms of Reference Compliance time of issue of TOR.

41. The cost of the project (capital cost and recurring cost) as well as the cost towards implementation of EMP should clearly be spelt out.

The capital cost of the project is Rs.55.0 Lakhs and the cost towards EMP is 6.2 Lakhs. The recurring cost for EMP is 3.03 lakhs/annum.

42. A Disaster management plan shall be prepared and included in the EIA/EMP report.

Disaster management plan presented in Chapter 7.0, page no 7.3.

43. Benefits of the project if the project is implemented should be spelt out. The benefits of the project shall clearly indicate environmental, social, economic, employment potential, etc.

The projects benefits are presented in Chapter 8.0

44. Besides the above, the below mentioned general points are also to be followed: - a) Executive summary of the EIA/EMP report. Executive summary of EIA report

is presented in Chapter 11.0 Summary and Conclusion.

b) All documents to be properly referenced with index and continuous page numbering.

The documents enclosed as annexure are properly indexed with continuous page numbers and the same is presented in contents also.

c) Where data are presented in the report especially in tables, the period in which the data were collected and the sources should be indicated.

Baseline data for air, water, soil, noise, flora and fauna was collected during the period of January – March 209.

d) Project Proponent shall enclose all the analysis/testing reports of water, air, soil, noise etc. using the MoEF&CC/NABL accredited laboratories. All the original analysis/testing reports should be available during appraisal of the Project.

Analysis reports are enclosed in Annexure II of EIA report.

e) Where the documents provided are in a language other than English, an English translation should be provided.

noted

f) The Questionnaire for environmental appraisal of mining projects as devised earlier by the Ministry shall also be filled and submitted.

Questionnaire for environmental appraisal of mining project is Enclosed.

g) While preparing the EIA report, the instructions for the Proponents and instructions for the Consultants issued by MoEF vide O.M. No. J-11013/41/2006-IA. II (I) dated 4th August, 2009, which are

Instructions issued by MoEFCC are followed for preparation of EIA.



S. No Terms of Reference Compliance available on the website of this Ministry, should be followed.

h) Changes, if any made in the basic scope and project parameters (as submitted in Form-I and the PFR for securing the TOR) should be brought to the attention of MoEF&CC with reasons for such changes and permission should be sought, as the TOR may also have to be altered. Post Public Hearing changes in structure and content of the draft EIA/EMP (other than modifications arising out of the P.H. process) will entail conducting the PH again with the revised documentation.

There is no change in the scope of the project which was obtained TOR.

i) As per the circular no. J-11011/618/2010-IA.II (I) dated 30.5.2012, certified report of the status of compliance of the conditions stipulated in the environment clearance for the existing operations of the project, should be obtained from the Regional Office of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as may be applicable.

There is no Environmental clearance obtained earlier for this project.

j) The EIA report should also include (i) surface plan of the area indicating

contours of main topographic features, drainage and mining area,

(ii) geological maps and sections and (iii) Sections of the mine pit and external

dumps, if any, clearly showing the land features of the adjoining area.

Surface, Geological plan and Geological Cross Sections is enclosed in chapter-2.0 of EIA report. Working plan and sections of the mine are presented in chapter-2.0.

Additional ToR i.

The environmental public hearing to be conducted as per provision of EIA notification 2006

The final EIA is submitted after Public Hearing.

ii. The details of surrounding mines and their impacts

Surround mine details presented in Page no.2-13 to 2-17 of EIA report and Impact in Page no.10-12 to 10-15 EMP of EIA.

M/s. KPR MINES & MINERALS SURVEY NO. 451, MOMIDI VILLAGE,


4.ANNEXURES



Submitted By M/s. KPR Mines & Minerals Sri K. Ravindra Reddy D. No. 27-4-242, Flat No. 404, Sai Ashraya Homes, Ramji Nagar, SPSR Nellore – 524002 Mobile No. +91 99893 67070 Email : [email protected]

Studies and Documentation BY TEAM Labs and Consultants B-115 to 117 & 509, Annapurna Block, Aditya Enclave, Ameerpet, Hyderabad-500 038. Phone: 040-23748 555/616, Telefax: 040-23748666 Email: [email protected]

KPR Mines and Minerals Annexures of EIA/EMP

Team Labs and Consultants A-1

ANNEXURE Copy of mining plan approval





Copy of Mine lease





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M/s. KPR MINES & MINERALS SURVEY NO. 451, MOMIDI VILLAGE,


TEAM Labs and Consultants (An ISO 9001:2008 Certified Organization) [MoEF&CC - NABET - OM-S. No. 154] List of Accredited Consultant Organizations Rev.76, May 05, 2019 B-115 to 117, 509, Annapurna Block, Aditya Enclave, Ameerpet, Hyderabad-500 038. Phone: 040-23748 555/616, Tele fax: 040-23748666 Email: [email protected]

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