Environmental impact assessment and Feasibility of a Coal Beneficiation Plant

 

Vaishali Pendse¹ and Dr. H. Kumar²

¹Department of Chemical Engineering, Raipur Institute of Technology, Raipur

²Consultant, Chhattisgarh Council of Science and Technology, Raipur

 

ABSTRACT:

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) represents a systematic and well defined process which examines the environmental consequences of the development actions of any proposed activity beforehand. The existing guidelines have been prescribed by a Government of India (MOEF) notification. Screening Scoping, Public Hearing followed by appraisal are the primary components of an EIA. A case study has been presented for the proposed establishment of a coal beneficiation plant. After conducting baseline environmental study, the incremental pollution loads have been assessed. The cumulative analysis of the study suggests that the project is environmentally feasible

 

 

1. INTRODUCTION:

EIA in simple words can be defined as the systematic identification and evaluation of the potential impacts of proposed projects or legislative actions relative to the physico-chemical, biological, cultural and socio-economical components of the total environment and in all intended to minimize the adverse impacts of the project. EIA can be viewed as a tool for both planning and decision making. EIA focuses on problems, conflicts or natural resources constraints that could affect the viability of a project. After identifying the problems an EIA identifies measures to minimize the problems and outlines ways to improve the project’s suitability for its proposed environment. The methodology of EIA is best illustrated by taking a case study which in the present case is that of a coal Beneficiation Plant.

 

2. PROPOSED COAL BENEFICIATION PLANT:

A coal Beneficiation Plant is proposed at Chandrashekharpur, Dharamjaigarh, Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh at longitude 83⁰  07’ 50” E and latitude  22°04’ 26 ^“N.

 

The details of the proposed project are

S.No	Parameter	Description
1	Land requirement	8.58 ha
2	Main Washery area	2.0 ha
3	Processing rate	2550TPD
4	Water requirement	300 m3/day
5	Man Power required	50
6	Capacity	0.95MTPA
7	Process	Wet Process comprising crushing, screening, washing and material handling

 

3. NEED FOR THE PROJECT:

Ø  It is projected that by 2025, about 810 million tonnes of coal will be required for power generation. The washed coal requirement will be about 361 million tonnes.

Ø  Coal beneficiation is expected to provide huge economic benefits to various industrial sector by adding value to its natural resources, harmonizing the environment in the process of development and generating employment opportunity to the local people.

 

4. CONCEPT OF BASELINE ENVIRONMENT STUDY:

For preparing an EIA the basic necessity is to collect the primary as well as secondary environmental data which is known as baseline environmental data. The baseline status of environmental quality of study area serves as the basis for identification of impacts and their mitigation measures. A regional background to the baseline data is being presented at the very outset which will help in better appreciation of micro-level field data, generated on several environmental and ecological attributes of the study area.

 

4.1Study Area-

In line with the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MOEF) guidelines as outlined in EIA notification 2006 of 14th Sept, Terms of Reference(TOR)is proposed covering a study area spread over 10 km radius around the proposed plant.

 

4.2 Scope of Study-

The scope of study is broadly covered as under

·      Literature review and collection of data relevant to the study area

·      Establishing the baseline environmental aspects in and around the proposed projects

·      Identification of  various existing pollution loads due to diverse  project activities

·      Predicted incremental levels of pollutants in the study area due to proposed operations

·      Evaluation of the prescribed impacts on various environmental attributes in study area by using scientifically developed and widely accepted environmental impact assessment methodologies

·      Preparation of  an environment management plan outlining the measures for improving the environmental quality

·      Identification of critical environmental attributes that are required to be monitored in post project scenario.

 

4.3 Ambient Air Quality (AAQ)-

The prime objective of the baseline air quality monitoring is to evaluate the existing air quality of the area. This will also be useful for assessing the conformity to standards of the ambient air quality during the operation of the proposed coal beneficiation plant. AAQ monitoring is done by conducting field study at locations given in the table 2. The various sources of air pollution in the study area are industries and vehicular traffic. Ambient air monitoring was carried out at ten locations within radial distance of 10km. Details about sampling locations are given in the following table 1. The locations were identified keeping in view predominant wind directions prevailing during study period, sensitive receptors and human settlement.

 

 

Table 1 Details of Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations

Location Code	Location	Distance (km)	Direction	Wind direction
AAQ1	Chandrashekharpur Village	0.5	NW	Up-wind direction
AAQ2	Dumarpali Village	9.0	SE	Down-wind direction
AAQ3	Chitapali Village	5.0	NE	Cross-wind direction
AAQ4	Agasmai Village	3.2	SW	Cross-wind direction
AAQ5	Pharkanara Village	6.6	WNW	Up-wind direction
AAQ6	Near Dhargarhpara Village	9.0	SW	Cross-wind direction
AAQ7	Tumidhi Village	5.0	NW	Up-wind direction
AAQ8	Gurda Village	3.4	SE	Down-wind direction
AAQ9	Bhalunara Village	5.0	S	Down-wind direction

 

Location	TSPM				RPM
	Max	Min	Avg	98%ile	Max	Min	Avg	98%ile
Chandrashekharpur Village	165.0	102.3	122.9	162.5	57.8	35.8	43.0	56.9
Dumarpali Village	120.3	92.3	105.0	118.1	39.3	27.5	33.4	38.8
Chitapali Village	102.8	70.2	87.6	101.5	30.8	20.6	26.2	30.4
Agasmai Village	138.4	97.2	111.1	133.9	38.8	22.5	29.8	38.3
Pharkanara Village	99.4	78.2	86.6	98.4	29.8	23.5	26.0	29.5
Near Dhargarhpara	96.4	62.1	78.0	94.4	28.9	18.6	23.4	28.3
Tumidhi Village	103.6	80.8	91.1	102.1	37.0	24.7	29.1	36.6
Gurda Village	93.9	80.6	86.5	93.3	32.4	24.7	27.5	31.5
Bhalunara Village	101.3	83.1	89.9	100.8	34.5	21.9	27.4	34.0
Range	62.1-165.0				18.6-57.8

 

Location	SO2				NOX
	Max	Min	Avg	98%ile	Max	Min	Avg	98%ile
Chandrashekharpur Village	11.2	8.5	9.6	11.1	14	10.1	11.3	13.7
Dumarpali Village	8.6	6.6	7.7	8.6	11.2	8.3	9.8	1.0
Chitapali Village	8.6	5.2	6.8	8.5	10.3	7.0	8.7	10.3
Agasmai Village	11.5	9.3	10.2	11.4	15.2	12.4	13.4	14.9
Pharkanara Village	8.9	6.9	7.9	8.8	11.7	8.9	10.1	11.5
Near Dhargarhpara	8.8	6.2	7.3	8.6	11.3	8.4	9.7	11.3
Tumidhi Village	9.8	5.8	8.0	9.7	10.9	7.2	9.6	10.9
Gurda Village	10.2	7.2	8.6	10.1	11.5	8.6	10.1	11.4
Bhalunara Village	9.6	6.8	8.6	9.6	10.8	7.2	9.7	10.8
Range	5.2-11.5				1.7-13.7

 

Location	CO
	Max	Min	Avg	98%ile
Chandrashekharpur Village	134	103	112	133
Dumarpali Village	122	100	108	121
Chitapali Village	118	100	106	116
Agasmai Village	120	104	111	119
Pharkanara Village	114	98	106	114
Near Dhargarhpara	113	94	106	113
Tumidhi Village	119	100	106	115
Gurda Village	132	100	110	129
Bhalunara Village	115	101	106	115
Range	94-134
Note: All values are represented in µ g/m3

 

Table 2 Details of Water Sampling Locations

Location Code	Location	Distance (km)	Direction
SW-1	Mand River (U/S) near village Karwadih	8.4	NNW
SW-2	Mand River (D/S) near village Navarangpur	4.4	SSE
SW-3	Kurket river (U/S) near village Tendumuri	7.3	E
SW-4	Kurket river (D/S) near village Gurda	2.0	SSE

 

Table 3 Details of surface water quality analysis in study area(10 km radius)

Sr. No.	Parameter	Unit	IS:2296 Class ‘C’ Limits	SW1	SW2	SW3	SW4
1.	pH	HaZen	6.5-8.5	7.8	7.7	7.5	7.7
2.	Colour	µS/cm	300	6	7	15	7
3.	Conductivity	NTU	$	136	130	172	135
4.	Turbidity	Mg/I	$	3	3	3	3
5.	TDS	Mg/I	1500	78	86	82	83
6.	DO	Mg/I	4 min	5.3	5.4	5.3	5.4
7.	BOD	Mg/I	3	<3	<3	<3	<3
8.	COD	Mg/I	$	20	25	21	24
9.	Total Hardness as CaCo3	Mg/I	$	47	46	43	45
10.	Total Alkalinity as CaCO3	Mg/I	$	31	30	32	30
11.	Calcium as Ca	Mg/I	$	12.4	12.3	12.6	12.3
12.	Magnesium as Mg	Mg/I	$	0.02	0.01	0.02	0.01
13.	Chlorides as Cl	Mg/I	600	14.2	14.2	14.4	14.5
*Onsite results, $ :Limits not specified, U O: Unobjectionable

Note: all results are in mg/lit except pH, Turbidity, colour, electrical conductivity. $: Limits not specified

 

4.4 Water Quality- The purpose of this study is to

·        Asses the water quality characteristics for critical parameters

·        Evaluate the impacts on agricultural productivity, habitat conditions, recreational resources and aesthetics in the vicinity and

·        Predict the likely impacts on water quality due to the proposed project and related activity.

 

To address these issues, it is necessary to take a stock of available water resources in the project area with respect to baseline status of water environment as part of impact assessment study for a proposed project.

 

4.5 Socio-economic Environment- Socio-economic components  incorporating various facets related to socio economic conditions of the project area is an integral part of any EIA. This component of the environment with reference to human interest, aesthetic and cultural attributes needs to be studied while delineating Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for achieving desired targets without impairing the quality of life.

 

 

Table 4. Environmental Monitoring Program

Sl. No.	Description of parameters	Schedule & duration of monitoring
1.	AIR QUALITY
	Ambient air quality-monitoring stations will be established inside the washery area as well outside for SPM, RPM, SO2, NOx. Selection of monitoring stations will be done in consultation with State Pollution Control Board.	Twice every year or as prescribed by SPCB
2.	WATER QUALITY
	Water quality of ground water will be monitored. Selection of monitoring station will be done in consultation with State Pollution Control Board.	Physico-chemical and biological toxic metals yearly or as prescribed by SPCB
3.	SOCIO-ECONOMIC	Once in 4 years

4.6 Environment Management Plan (EMP) - EMP-An effective Environmental Management Plan will need regular monitoring of following attributes.

·        Air quality

·        Water and wastewater quality

·        Noise levels

·        Greenbelt and 

·        Socio Economic aspects and community development

 

To evaluate the effectiveness of environmental management program, regular monitoring of the significant environmental parameters are proposed to be taken up as given in Table 5

 

5. PUBLIC HEARING:

After the completion of EIA report the law requires that the public must be informed and consulted on a proposed development after the completion of EIA report. The state pollution control board will conduct the public hearing before the proposals are sent to MOEF for obtaining environmental clearance.

 

6. CONCLUSION:

The potential environmental, social and economic impacts have been assessed. The proposed Coal Beneficiation Plant project will have marginal impacts on the local environment with proper mitigation measures and with the effective Environmental Management Plan as suggested in the EIA/EMP report as recommended by MOEF, CPCB and State Pollution Control Board. Development of the project has beneficial impact in terms of providing direct and indirect employment opportunities. This will be a positive socio-economic development in the region. Quality of life of the people will improve. No displacement of people from the project site is involved. Thus, in view of considerable benefits from the project the proposed project is feasible and most advantageous to the region as well as to the nation.

 

7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

Part of this baseline environmental data has been provided by the MOEF State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) C.G. which is gratefully acknowledged. The help and support to one of the authors Dr. H. Kumar from The Chhattisgarh Council of Science and Technology is also gratefully acknowledged.

 

8. REFERENCES:

1.       EPCT (1997). “Draft Report - Environmental Impact Assessment in Oil and Gas Sector”, survey work conducted by Engineering Planning Consultancy Team, Sylhet.

2.       Gaikwad R.W. (2006), Environment Engineering, Deneett Publication.

3.       Gaikwad R.W. and SapkalR.S.(2006), Environmental  Engineering, Deneett Publication

4.       Kulkarni Vijay and Ramachandra T.V. (2011), Environment Management, Teri Publication.

5.       MOEF EIA notification September (2006), Govt. Of India, Ministry of Environment and Forest.

6.       Sen Kalyan, Das N. S., Singh Ashok K. and Dasgupta R.(2003), Search for Appropriate Strategy on Coal Utilization- A Pressing Need for Sustainable Development in Jharia Coalfield- MGMI Chapter at Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad

7.       Singh Ashok K, Sen Kalyan, Mukherjee A. K., ChaudhuriS. G.  and ChatterjeeC. N.  (2000), Production Trend and Demand for Coking and Power Coal in India-  JCAOL, Japan and CFRI India New Delhi.

8.       Sohony R.A. and Verma S.K. (1999), Impact of Thermal Power Generation on Environment :Indian Scenario, Seminar on Management of Environmental Pollution.

 

© EnggResearch.net All Right Reserved