EIA & EMP for Cement Manufacturing Unit of M/s Valley Strong Cements (Assam) Limited,
CHAPTER 3
DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT
3.0 Introduction
Baseline study has to describe the existing environmental conditions surrounding the
proposed cement plant area. To study the baseline condition, proposed plant site is
considered as the ‘core zone’ and area within 10 km radius from the proposed plant site is
considered as the ‘buffer zone’ for the baseline environmental study. The Core zone and
Buffer zone together forms the study area of the project. Baseline data is collected during
the winter season 2009-10 for various environmental attributes so as to assess the impacts
due to the proposed project. The environmental attributes that are studied to establish the
present environmental scenario are as follows:
Topography and drainage pattern
Meteorological conditions
Ambient Air Quality
Noise Levels
Water resources (surface & ground water)
Water quality (surface & ground water)
Soil Quality
Land use pattern
Biological environment and
Socio Economic studies
The study has been conducted in accordance with the Ministry of Environment and Forest
(MoEF) guidelines applicable pertaining to IS – 5182 (Part-14), 1985. The Environmental
attributes and frequency of monitoring is given in Table 3.1.
TABLE 3.1: Salient Features of Baseline Environmental Studies
Parameter
Study
Inference
Micrometeorological
Wind Profile, Temperature,
To assess the Pathways for
Studies
Relative humidity, Rainfall, cloud the pollutant dispersal.
cover etc.
Air Quality Data
Particulate Matter (PM10)
To assess baseline air quality
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
status of the area
Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx)
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Noise Quality Studies
Noise Levels
To identify present noise levels
and noise generating sources
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Water Quality, Soil
Physico-chemical, Heavy
To identify baseline water
Quality and land use
Metals & Land Use Studies
quality, Soil quality .and land
studies
use pattern in the area
Biological
Study of flora & fauna
To identify the existing flora &
Environment
fauna for the possible impacts
Socio-economic &
Socio-economic
To know the socio-economic
Demographic studies
3.1
status of the study area.
TOPOGRAPHY & DRAINAGE
Study area having the geographical features of plain, undulating and hilly. The north and
south part of the study area is divided by Barak River. Northern part of the study area is plain
to undulating, where as southern part of the study area is hilly and undulating. Elevation of
the study area ranges between 20m and 140m AMSL. Barak River is the perennial source of
surface water in the study area. Topographical map of the study area is shown in Figure 3.1
3.2
CLIMATE
The area has tropical climate influenced by the atmospheric conditions in Bay of Bengal. The
year is clearly divided in four seasons, viz, summer, monsoon, post monsoon and winter.
The summers are generally hot with maximum temperature reaching beyond 39.4°C and
extend from March to May. The months of June to August are monsoon months. The area
receives good rainfall in these months with annual monsoon rainfall averaging 3213.7mm.
The months of September to November forms Post-monsoon season whereas winter
season covers the months from December to February.
3.3
AIR ENVIRONMENT
3.3.1
Meteorology
A long term meteorological data of the region has been studied from the nearest IMD station
located at Silchar (Assam) for the period 1951 to 1980. The monthly average values of the
different parameters for the period of 1951 to 1980 during winter are given in Table 3.2.
TABLE 3.2: Average Monthly Meteorological Data observed at IMD Silchar (Assam)
Month
Temperature, (°C)
Relative humidity (%)
Rainfall
Wind Pattern
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Speed (in m/s)
Direction
(mm)
December
28.2
10.3
82
67
2.1
SE
8.8
January
26.7
9.0
82
63
2.1
SE, S
16.3
February
29.8
9.9
74
54
2.1
SW
44.8
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Figure 3.1 : Topography and Drainage Pattern of the study area
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3.3.2.1 Site Specific Micro-Meteorological Data
A meteorological station was installed near the core zone to study the meteorological
conditions of the study area. A meteorological station was installed at a height of about 5 m
above the ground level ensuring that there are no obstructions to the free flow of winds.
Apart from the wind speed and direction, temperature, relative humidity and rainfall were
also measured.
On site monitoring was undertaken for various meteorological variables in order to generate
site-specific data. Hourly average, maximum and minimum values of wind speed, direction,
relative humidity and temperature were recorded continuously for the study period. The
meteorological data recorded is used for interpretation of the baseline information as well as
for prediction analysis.
Wind speed and direction data recorded during the study period is useful in identifying the
influence of meteorology on the air quality of the area. The meteorological data was
collected at the site by installing an automatic weather station during the study period. Wind
rose is prepared based on sixteen direction segments. Summary of the monitored data is
given in Table 3.3
TABLE 3.3: Site Specific Micro Meteorological Monitored Data
Sl.No
Parameters
Data
1
Hourly Maximum Temperature (0C)
29.8
2
Hourly Minimum Temperature (0C)
9.0
3
Hourly Maximum Relative Humidity (%)
82
4
Hourly Minimum Relative Humidity (%)
54
5
Predominant Wind Direction from
6
Average Wind Speed (m/s)
S,SW
2.1
The frequency of occurrence of wind in various speed categories was calculated on the
basis of total number of observations recorded in that particular wind speed category during
the study period. The wind frequency distribution table during the study period is given in
Table 3.4. The wind rose for the study period is shown in Figure 3.2.
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Table 3.4: Wind Frequency Distribution Table (December 2009 – February 2010)
Wind Speed (m/s)
Wind
Direction
0.5 - 2.1
2.1 - 3.6
3.6 - 5.7
5.7 - 8.8
8.8 - 11.1
>= 11.1
Total
N
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
NNE
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
NE
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
ENE
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
E
3
9
0
0
0
0
3
ESE
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
SE
18
0
0
0
0
0
18
SSE
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
S
19
0
0
0
0
0
19
SSW
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
SW
23
1
0
0
0
0
24
WSW
1
1
0
0
0
0
2
W
22
4
0
0
0
0
26
WNW
3
1
0
0
0
0
4
NW
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
NNW
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sub-Total
95
7
0
0
0
0
425
Bhagavathi Ana Labs Ltd., Hyderabad
Calms
608
Missing / Incomplete
1
Total
711
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Figure 3.2: Wind Rose Diagram (December 2009-February2010)
WIND ROSE PLOT:
DISPLAY:
Barak Valley Cements Ltd
Project Monitoring for winter season - 2009-2010
Wind Speed
Direction (blowing from)
NORTH
4%
3.2%
2.4%
1.6%
0.8%
WEST
EAST
WIND SPEED
(m/s)
>= 11.1
SOUTH
8.8 - 11.1
5.7 - 8.8
3.6 - 5.7
2.1 - 3.6
0.5 - 2.1
Calms: 85.63%
COMMENTS:
COMPANY NAME:
MODELER:
CALM WINDS:
TOTAL COUNT:
85.63%
710 hrs.
AVG. WIND SPEED:
PROJECT NO.:
0.24 m/s
WRPLOT View Lakes Environmental Software
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3.3.2 Ambient Air Quality
The design of monitoring network in the air quality surveillance program was based on the
following considerations.
•
Topography / Terrain of the study area
•
Human Settlements
•
Wind pattern
•
Representation of Regional Background levels
•
Accessibility of monitoring site
Criteria For Site Selection
The number of ambient air quality monitoring stations to be put up for generating the
baseline data and for further monitoring is arrived at using the model suggested by
USEPA (1975b). The model suggests that the minimum number of stations should be
four. However, the exact number has to be arrived at by knowing the wind rose (wind
blowing directions and their respective frequencies) at site and the distances of the
residential and sensitive areas from the project site in the buffer zone. This model
suggested by Houghland and Stephens, 1976 (Ref. The Design of Air Quality Monitoring
Network,” R.E. Munn, 1981) is simple and reliable. It suggests setting up of monitoring
stations at those locations where the probability of occurrence of maximum GLCs
(Ground Level Concentrations) is high. The probability factor was found by determining
the ‘Coverage Factor (Ajk)’ for residential locations around the proposed site, which are
liable to be affected by pollutants. Coverage Factors ‘Ajk’ for all the potential locations
were calculated by the following formula.
Ajk = Freq. (k)/ (1+Dj)
Where,
Ajk = Coverage factor of monitoring station in the ‘k’th downwind Sector from source.
Freq. (k) = Frequency of wind direction in the ‘k’th sector
Dj = Distance from the station to the source in km.
For all the locations present in the 10 km radius, coverage factor ‘Ajk’ was calculated and
presented in Table 3.5
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TABLE 3.5: Coverage Factors for Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations
Location
Direction
Distance
Frequency
Ajk
Ranking
0.5
0.00141
0.00094
IX
SE
1.5
0.00141
0.000564
-
DoliDahar
S
2.8
0.00141
0.00047
-
Umarpur
SW
4
0.00141
0.000282
-
DakshinGram
SW
4.5
0.00141
0.000256
-
Alakhargul
NE
0.5
0.03662
0.014648
II
Uttar Badarpur
NE
2
0.0338
0.00845
VI
Badarpur
NW
1.5
0.0338
0.00676
VIII
Siddeswar
N
2.6
0.02676
0.007646
VII
Devendranagar
N
1.3
0.02676
0.01338
III
Proposed Plant Site
--
0.5
0.02535
0.0169
I
Badarpur Grant
SE
1.5
0.02535
0.01014
IV
Polaspur
SE
2.5
0.02535
0.00845
V
Govindapur
Dakshin Badarpur
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (AAQM) stations were set up at 9 locations including 1 in
core zone and 8 in buffer zone. Due consideration was given to the above mentioned points
while selecting the location for Air quality monitoring. AAQ locations were selected in
downwind, cross wind and upwind direction of the proposed plant. Locations of Ambient Air
Quality sampling stations are shown in Figure 3.3. The details of the monitoring stations are
given in Table 3.6.
TABLE 3.6: Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations
Code Name
of
Station
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
A9
Plant site
Alakhar Gul
Devendra Nagar
Badarpur Grant
Polaspur
Uttar Badarpur
Siddeswar
Badarpur
Govindapur
Bhagavathi Ana Labs Ltd., Hyderabad
the
W.R.T. Proposed Plant boundary
Distance (in km)
Direction
0.5
1.3
1.5
2.5
2
2.6
1.5
4.9
NE
N
SE
E
NE
N
NW
NE
25
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Figure 3.3: Ambient Air Quality Sampling Locations
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Pre-calibrated R.D. Samplers have been used for monitoring the existing AAQ status.
Maximum, Minimum, Average and Percentile values have been computed from the raw data
collected at all individual sampling stations to represent the Ambient Air Quality . At each
station, monitoring was carried out with a frequency of twice a week for three months of
study period. The common air pollutants namely Particulate Matter (PM10), Sulphur di Oxide
(SO2) and the Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), were sampled on 8 hourly basis and results were
averaged to 24 hours to meet the requirements of the MoEF and compared with the
standards stipulated by CPCB. In addition to above parameters HC and CO were also
monitored.
Analysis of baseline concentration
24 hourly Ambient Air Quality monitoring results including maximum, minimum and 98
percentile values in the study area are given in Annexure 3.1 and summarized in Table 3.7
with relevant National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
TABLE 3.7: Summary of Ambient Air Quality Test Results
Description
Min
Max
Mean
98th percentile
Min
Max
Mean
98th percentile
Min
Max
Mean
98th percentile
Min
Max
Mean
98th percentile
Min
Max
Mean
98th percentile
Min
Max
Mean
PM10
SO2
Station: A1, Proposed Plant Site (in µg/m3)
22.6
4.1
30.2
6.1
27.2
5.0
30.1
6.1
Station: A2, Alakhar Gul
23.3
4.1
29.8
6.3
26.1
5.0
29.7
6.2
Station: A3, Devendra nagar
25.5
4.1
30.8
6.3
27.9
5.3
30.8
6.2
Station : A4, Badarpur Grant
22.9
4.1
29.8
6.3
26.4
5.0
29.7
6.2
Station: A5, Polaspur
24.6
4.3
30.3
6.2
26.9
5.1
29.6
6.0
Station: A6, Uttar Badarpur
21.6
4.0
29.7
5.9
26.1
5.0
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NOx
5.3
10.7
7.1
9.8
5.3
10.7
7.2
9.8
5.4
10.7
7.7
9.8
5.3
10.7
7.1
9.8
5.7
10.7
7.2
9.8
5.2
10.7
7.3
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Description
98th percentile
PM10
29.4
Station: A7, Siddeswar
Min
22.3
Max
30.6
Mean
26.1
98th percentile
29.3
Station: A8, Badarpur
Min
23.7
Max
28.9
Mean
26.3
98th percentile
28.7
Station :A9 Govindapur
Min
22.9
Max
29.8
Mean
26.4
98th percentile
29.7
*NAAQ Standard for residential
60/100
area Annual Average / 24 Hrs
**NAAQ Standard for industrial
60/100
Area Annual Average/24 Hrs
SO2
5.9
NOx
10.2
3.9
6.1
4.9
5.9
4.5
10.7
6.8
9.8
4.0
6.1
4.8
5.9
5.7
10.7
7.0
9.8
4.1
6.3
5.0
6.2
5.3
10.7
7.1
9.8
60/80
60/80
80/120
80/120
The baseline ambient air quality monitored during the study period is within the prescribed
National Ambient Air Quality Standards for industrial area and Residential area respectively.
3.3.3.2 Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in RPM
The PAH compounds in suspended particulate matter and other chemical results are given
in Table 3.8.
TABLE 3.8: Chemical Characterization of SPM for PAH compounds (in µg/m3)
Locations
Proposed Plant
Site
Alakhar Gul
Devendranagar
Badarpur Grant
Polaspur
Uttar Badarpur
Siddeswar
Badarpur
Govindpur
RPM
27.2
PAH
Cl
Compounds
0.79
0.18
26.1
27.9
26.4
26.9
26.1
26.1
26.3
26.4
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0.75
0.85
0.65
1.12
0.92
0.96
0.85
0.82
0.25
0.07
0.24
0.39
0.27
0.23
0.22
0.09
F
Na
K
Ca
Mg
Pb
Fe
0.06
0.73
0.18
0.33
0.06
0.011
0.009
0.09
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.05
0.04
0.05
0.07
0.65
0.22
0.48
0.95
0.78
0.18
0.29
0.69
0.13
0.06
0.21
0.15
0.06
0.05
0.05
0.22
0.19
0.13
0.34
0.25
0.014
0.07
0.1
0.25
0.12
0.03
0.1
0.08
0.04
0.04
0.02
0.09
0.011
0.007
0.018
0.015
0.007
0.005
0.010
0.009
0.015
0.008
0.023
0.029
0.011
0.011
0.013
0.019
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3.4
NOISE ENVIRONMENT
3.4.1
Noise Level
The main sources of noise in the study area are industrial activities, domestic activities and
vehicular traffic. The study area is mostly covered with hill & thin forest. The vehicular traffic
also adds to the noise levels. A reconnaissance survey was undertaken to identify the major
noise generating sources in the area. The noise from different sources have been identified
which are - the industrial activities, commercial activities, traffic, etc. The noise monitoring
has been conducted at all the identified location in the study area during the study period.
Measured noise levels, displayed, as a function of time, is useful for describing the
acoustical climate of the community. Noise levels recorded at each station with a time
interval of about 60 minutes are computed for equivalent noise levels. Equivalent noise level
is a single number descriptor for describing time varying noise levels. The equivalent noise
level is defined mathematically as
Leq
= 10 Log L / T∑ (10Ln/10)
Where,
L
= Sound pressure level at function of time dB (A)
T
= Time interval of observation
Noise levels during the night time generally drop, therefore to compute equivalent noise
levels for the night time, noise levels are increased by 10 dB (A) as the night time high noise
levels are judged more annoying compared to the day time. Noise levels at a particular
station are represented as Day-Night equivalents (Ldn). Day Night equivalent is the single
number index designed to rate environmental noise on daily / 24 hourly basis.
Mathematically Ldn is given by
Ldn = 10 Log {1/24 (16 x 10(Ld/10) + 8 x 10(Ln+10) /10)}
Where,
Ld = A weighed equivalent for day time period (6 am-9 pm)
Ln = A weighed equivalent for night time period (9 pm to 6 am)
The noise level monitoring locations are given in Table 3.9 and shown in Figure 3.4. The
details of noise levels monitored results are given in Annexure 3.2 and summarized in Table3.10. The Ambient Noise Level Standards of MOE&F (GOI) is given in Table 3.11.
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TABLE 3.9: Locations of Noise Monitoring Locations
Code Name
of
the
W.R.T. Proposed Plant boundary
Station
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
Distance, km
Direction
0.5
1.3
1.5
2.5
2
2.6
1.5
4.9
NE
N
SE
E
NE
N
NW
NE
Plant site
Alakhar Gul
Devendra Nagar
Badarpur Grant
Polaspur
Uttar Badarpur
Siddeswar
Badarpur
Govindapur
TABLE 3.10: Ambient Noise Levels Monitored [Units: dB (A)]
Location Location
Code
N1
Proposed Plant Site
Min
35.2
Noise levels [dB(A)]
Max
Ld
57.5
51.6
Ln
36.7
N2
Alakhar Gul
34.9
58.0
51.9
36.9
N3
Devendra nagar
34.9
58.0
51.9
36.9
N4
Badarpur ghat
34.0
53.8
49.7
35.5
N5
Polaspur
35.1
54.3
50.4
36.9
N6
Uttar Badarpur
34.1
54.0
49.8
36.9
N7
Siddeswar
33.5
53.5
49.8
37.2
N8
Badarpur
34.1
53.5
50.2
37.6
N9
Govindapur
34.0
53.8
49.7
35.5
TABLE 3.11: Ambient Noise Standards of MOE&F (GOI), SCHEDULE - III
Area Code
Category of Area
Limits in dB(A) Leq
Day Time
Night Time
A
Industrial Area
75
70
B
Commercial Area
65
55
C
Residential Area
55
45
D
Silence Zone
50
40
Perusal of above data shows that the noise levels within the study area are well within the
permissible limits at all the locations
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Figure 3.4: Noise level monitoring locations
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3.4.2
Traffic Density
The characteristics and volume of traffic in the buffer zone was studied during the monitoring
period, on the national high way-44 (near Badarpur Ghat village). The details of traffic
density study are given in Annexure 3.3 and Summarised in Table 3.12.
TABLE 3.12: Summarised Traffic Details for 24 hours
Vehicle
Total traffic (in 24 hrs)
HMV
2976
LMV
2120
2 & 3 Wheelers
285
Total
5381
Perusal of the above monitored data shows that the traffic density on N.H. -44, Shillong Silchar road in a day is 5381.
3.5
3.5.1
WATER ENVIRONMENT
Water Resources
There is a seasonal nala passes from the plant area. Barak River is major perennial source
of surface water body within the study area flowing from west to east. A well inventory data
during the study period found that the ground water table of the study area ranges from 8m
to 9m from the surface level.
3.5.2
Water Quality
To assess the water quality of both ground and surface water resources a total of 8 water
samples including 5 ground water samples and 2 surface water samples were collected from
the study area. The ground water samples were drawn from the wells & this water is being
used by the villagers for their domestic needs. Surface water samples were collected from
River Barak & Bil pond. Water sampling locations are shown in Figure 3.5 and the same is
given in Table -3.13. The test results are given in Table 3.14 and 3.15.
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Figure 3.5: Water Sampling Locations
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TABLE 3.13: Details of Water Sampling Locations
Code
Name of the Station
W.R.T. Site boundary
Remarks
Direction
Distance (in km)
SW
1.2
Well water
W
1.5
Well water
WNW
2
Well water
GW1
Jhoom basti
GW2
Devendra nagar
GW3
Badarpur ghat
GW4
Dakshin Badarpur
SW
3.9
Well Water
GW5
Govindapur
NNE
4.2
Well Water
SW1
Bil pond(Tandapur)
N
0.6
Pond water
SW2
Barak river
N
1.5
River water
SW3
Sibnayanpur Pond
ENE
4.2
Pond Water
TABLE 3.14: Ground Water Quality
Sl.
No
I
1
GW1
Parameter
3
4
5
Taste
Turbidity,NTU
PH
Total
Hardness as
CaCO3, mg/l
7
Iron
Fe,mg/l
8
Chlorides as
Cl, mg/l
II
1
(Devendranagar)
5
5
5
5
UnObjectionable
UnObjectionable
UnObjectionable
UnObjectionable
UnObjectionable
Agreeable
3
6.57
Agreeable
7
6.54
Agreeable
6
6.5
Agreeable
3
6.56
Agreeable
7
6.57
210
45
75
190
60
0.06
0.03
0.08
0.05
0.04
132
10
39
128
11
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
100
152
418
119
48
14
16
39
18
22
2.4
8.5
19
2.8
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
Essential Characteristics
Colour
5
(Hazen units)
Odour
9
GW3
(Badarpur
ghat)
(Jhoom basti)
2
6
GW2
as
Residual free,
Nil
Chlorine, mg/l
Desirable characteristics
Dissolved
410
Solids,mg/l
2
Calcium
Ca,mg/l
as
3
Magnesium
as Mg,mg/l
4
Copper
Cu,mg/l
as
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GW4
GW5
Dakshin
Badarpur
Govindapur
34
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Sl.
No
Parameter
5
Manganese
as Mn,mg/l
6
Sulphate as
SO4, mg/l
7
8
9
10
Nitrate
as
NO3, mg/l
Fluoride
as
Phenolic
Compounds
as
C6H5OH,mg/l
Mercury
as
Hg,mg/l
GW1
GW2
GW3
GW4
GW5
(Jhoom basti)
(Devendranagar)
(Badarpur
ghat)
Dakshin
Badarpur
Govindapur
< 0.01
0.01
0.1
< 0.01
<0.01
26
10
11
23
16
37
2
3
31
3
0.65
0.4
0.45
0.59
0.5
< 0.001
< 0.001
< 0.001
< 0.001
< 0.001
< 0.001
< 0.001
< 0.001
< 0.001
< 0.001
11
Cadmium as
Cd,mg/l
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
12
Selenium as
Se,mg/l
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
13
Arsenic
As,mg/l
as
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
Cyanide
CN,mg/l
Lead
Pb,mg/l
Zinc
Zn,mg/l
as
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
0.01
0.012
0.02
0.01
0.012
< 0.02
< 0.02
< 0.02
< 0.02
< 0.02
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
Absent
64
Absent
50
Absent
45
Absent
59
Absent
56
0.02
0.05
0.01
0.02
0.05
0.06
0.01
< 0.01
0.06
0.01
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
as
as
Anionic
Detergents
as
MBAS,mg/l
Chromium as
Cr,mg/l
Mineral
Alkalinity,mg/l
Aluminium as
Al,mg/l
Boron
as
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TABLE 3.15: Surface Water Quality
S.
Parameter
No
SW1
SW2
SW3
(Bil pond)
(Barak River)
(Sibnayanpur Pond)
I
Essential Characteristics
1
Colour (Hazen units)
30
10
27
2
Odour
Objectionable
Un-objectionable
Objectionable
3
Taste
---
Agreeable
4
Turbidity,NTU
46
15
50
5
PH
7.12
7.03
6.89
6
Total Hardness as CaCO3, mg/l
120
70
110
7
Iron as Fe,mg/l
0.13
0.09
0.2
8
Chlorides as Cl, mg/l
21
12.5
17
9
Residual free, Chlorine, mg/l
Nil
Nil
Nil
II
Desirable characteristics
1
Dissolved Solids,mg/l
198
210
189
2
Calcium as Ca,mg/l
34
16
29
3
Magnesium as Mg,mg/l
8.5
7.3
8.3
4
Copper as Cu,mg/l
< 0.01
< 0.01
<0.01
5
Manganese as Mn,mg/l
0.02
0.01
0.02
6
Sulphate as SO4, mg/l
12
5
15
7
Nitrate as NO3, mg/l
2
2
3
8
Fluoride as F,mg/l
0.45
0.40
0.49
9
Phenolic Compounds as C6H5OH,mg/l
< 0.001
< 0.001
0.001
10
Mercury as Hg,mg/l
< 0.001
< 0.001
0.001
11
Cadmium as Cd,mg/l
< 0.01
< 0.01
<0.01
12
Selenium as Se,mg/l
< 0.01
< 0.01
13
Arsenic as As,mg/l
< 0.01
< 0.01
<0.01
14
Cyanide as CN,mg/l
< 0.01
< 0.01
<0.01
15
Lead as Pb,mg/l
< 0.01
< 0.01
<0.01
16
Zinc as Zn,mg/l
< 0.01
< 0.01
<0.01
17
Anionic Detergents as MBAS,mg/l
< 0.02
< 0.02
<0.02
18
Chromium as Cr,mg/l
< 0.01
< 0.01
<0.01
19
Mineral oil,mg/l
Absent
Absent
Absent
20
Alkalinity,mg/l
105
75
100
21
Aluminium as Al,mg/l
0.13
0.04
0.15
22
Boron as B,mg/l
0.02
0.02
0.009
The surface and ground water quality in the study area is good. All the parameters are well
within the permissible limits as per the drinking water standards (IS: 10500). The water can
be used for drinking purpose.
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3.6
LAND ENVIRONMENT
3.6.1
Baseline Status
The village wise land use details of the 10 km radius (study) area based on census 2001
records is given in Annexure 3.4 and summarized in Table 3.16. Land use of the study area
as per satellite imagery interpretation is given in Table 3.17 and same is shown in Figure 3.6
TABLE 3.16: LAND USE STUDY BASED ON CENSUS DATA 2001
Land Use
%
Forest Area
0.39
Irrigated Area
0.05
Unirrigated Area
51.22
Culturable Wasteland
20.83
Area N/A for cultivation
27.49
TABLE 3.17: LAND USE PATTERN OF STUDY AREA USING SATELLITE DATA
Description
Area (Ha)
%
Dense Vegetation
2867.76
9.1
Agricultural Plantation
5358.24
17.1
Tea Gardens
3449.97
11.0
Sparce scrub
4305.78
13.7
Land with/without scrub
3574.08
11.4
Sub Total
19555.83
62.24
Agricultural Land
3539.7
11.3
Fallow Land
2766.96
9.1
Water Bodies
5553.42
17.1
Sub Total
11860.08
37.76
31415.91
100
From the above table, it can be seen that 62 % of the study area is covered by vegetation of
different types namely- agriculture, plantations, tea gardens and shrubs.. Irrigated area
occupies 0.05% while unirrigated area constitutes 51.22%.
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Figure 3.6: Satellite based Land Use of Study Area
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3.6.2
Soil Quality
The present study on soil quality establishes the baseline characteristics in the study area
surrounding the project site. The study has been addressed with the objective of determining
the existing soil characteristics around proposed project
Criteria Adopted for Selection of Sampling Locations
For studying the soil types and soil characteristics, 5 sampling locations were selected to
assess the existing soil conditions representing various land use and parent rock type.
The homogenized soil samples collected at different locations were packed in a polyethylene
plastic bag and sealed. The sealed samples were sent to laboratory for analysis. The
physical, chemical parameter concentrations were determined from all samples.
Details of the soil sampling locations are given in Table 3.18 and are shown in Figure 3.7.
The soil quality test results are given in Table 3.19.
TABLE 3.18: SOIL SAMPLING LOCATIONS
Code Name of the Station
W.R.T. Site
Direction
Distance km
N
0.5
S1
Alakhar Gul
S2
Devendra nagar
NNE
1.3
S3
Chapra
NW
2.6
S4
Badarpur ghat
NNW
2
S5
Proposed Plant site
-
-
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Figure 3.7: Location of Soil Sampling Station
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TABLE 3.19: SUMMARY OF SOIL QUALITY RESULTS
Sl.
PARAMETER
No
S-1
S-2
S-3
(Alakhar Gul)
(Devendra
(Chapra)
nagar)
1
pH
(1.2
Soil
Water
S-4
S-5
(Badarpur (Proposed
Ghat)
plant site)
5.13
7.30
5.21
6.25
7.92
90
470
69
94
270
Nitrogen,
410
350
380
290
20
Available Phosphorous
45
37
36
30
6
340
430
170
130
180
Extract)
2
E.C (µS/cm) (1:2 Soil
water Extract)
3
Available
Kg/Hec
4
as P2O5, Kg/Hec
5
Available Potassium as
K2O, Kg/Hec
6
Sodium as Na, ppm
55
125
80
65
85
7
Calcium as Ca, ppm
120
1800
680
1600
2520
8
Magnesium
50
150
170
340
290
as
Mg,
ppm
9
Chloride as Cl, ppm
14
92
14
21
57
10
Organic Carbon,%
0.72
0.58
0.62
0.53
0.09
11
Texture
Silt clay
Silt clay
Sandy
clay Sandy loam
loam
Sandy clay
loam
a) Sand, %
65
55
28
29
61
b) Silt, %
15
11
40
41
18
c) Clay, %
20
14
32
30
21
Observations
The analytical results of the soil samples collected during the study period are summarized
below:
• The pH of the soil is an important property. The normal range of pH i.e. 6.0 to 8.5 is
called as normal to saline soils. pH of the soil in the study area indicate that the it trends
towards neutral to acidic in nature. The pH values in the study area are varying from 5.13
to 7.92 indicating that the soils are falling in normal range.
• Based on the electrical conductivity, the soils are classified into 4 groups (Normal, Critical
for germination, Critical for growth of the sensitive crops, Injurious to most crops). The
electrical conductivity in the study area is varying from 69 µS/cm to 470µS/cm indicating
that soils are falling under normal category.
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• The organic carbon in the study area is varying from 0.09 to 0.72%.
• The other important parameters for characterization of soil for irrigation are N,P,K.
(Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium respectively) are known as primary nutrients,
Calcium, Magnesium and sulphur as secondary nutrients.
• The Nitrates as N value in the study area is varying from 20 to 410 kg/ha indicating that it
contains sufficient nitrates for proper growth.
• In the study area Phosphorus is varying from 6 to 45 kg/ha, which indicates that samples
are falling in normal range.
• The Available Potassium in the study area is varying between 130 to 430 kg/ha which is
in High range category.
3.7
BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
Ecology of the study area includes the study of forests, flora and fauna in the core zone as
well as in the buffer zone of the proposed cement plant. The study area is covered mostly
with large trees and shrubs. Part of the study area is also covered with agriculture activities
of commercial crop such as tea garden which covers about 11% of the study area. The
details of the observations are given in the following paragraphs.
3.7.1
Forests
There is no National Parks / Wildlife Sanctuary in or nearby the study area of the proposed
plant. About 9% of the study area is covered with forest / Dense Vegetation. Forest of the
study area is categorized under 3C/C1 type “North Indian Tropical Moist Deciduous Sal
Bearing Forest” as per Champion & Seth forest type classification. About 17% of the study
area is observed under agriculture plantation.
3.7.2
Flora
A detailed study was conducted for determining the floral composition in the study area. The
primary data was collected by field observations and verified with secondary data collected
from District Forest Department. Consolidated list of flora found in the study area is given in
Table 3.20.
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TABLE 3.20: LIST OF FLORA IN THE STUDY AREA
Sl. No.
Common Name
Botanical Name
Trees
1.
Am
Mangifera indica, Linn
2.
Amra
Spondias pinnata , kurz
3.
Amala
Emplica offcinals, Gaerntn
4.
Amboke
Eugenia Farmosa, wall
5.
Arjun
Termnlia arjuna, Beda
6.
Indian Willow
Salix tetraperma, Roxb
7.
Barehar, simply Banyan
Ficus bengalensis, Linn
8.
Burhar, monkey jack” or “lakuchi
Artocarpus Lukoocha, Roxb
9.
Baera,beleric
Terminelia belerica Roxb
10.
Chalta
Dillenia indica, Linn
11.
Champa
Michelia champaca, Linn
12.
Chapalish, Breadfruit
Artocarpus chaplasha, Roxb
13.
Chilaune, Makri sal
Schima Wallichii, choisy
14.
Dhamon
Grewia glabra, Bl. Syn
15.
Dhudila
Ficus nemoralis, wall
16.
Plum Pine or Brown Pine
Podocarpus nerifotia, Don.
17.
Gamhar
Gmelina arborea, Linn.
18.
Gayo
Bridelia retusa, Spreng
19.
Gokul
Ailanthns grandis, prain
20.
Haldu
Adina Cordifolia, Hk.f
21.
Harra or Harada.
Terminalia chebula.Retz
22.
Jaman or Jamuna
Syzygium cumni, (Linn) Skeels
23.
Jog Dumur
Ficus cunia, Ham
24.
Kadam
Anthocephalus cadamba, miq
25.
Kalikath
Cephalanthus occidentalis, Linn
26.
Kathal or Jackfruit
Artocarpus heterophyllus. Lamk
27.
Kawlo
Machilus Villosa, HK.
28.
Khanakpa
Ecodia meliaefolia,Benth
29.
Khanium
Ficus cunia,Ham
30.
Kholme
Symplocus laurina (Retz) syn.
31.
Khair or Catechu
Acacia catechu, Willd
32.
Khirra
Holarrheaa antidysentrica, wall
33.
Khutii
Polyalthia Simiarum, Benth
34.
Kimbu or Mulberry
Morus laevigata, wall
35.
Koiralo,
Bauhinia valiehgata, Linn
36.
Koksa or Hairy Fig
Ficus hispida Linn
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37.
Kumbhi or Slow Match Tree
Careya arborea, Roxb
38.
Kusum or rambai
Baccauria sapida, muell
39.
Lathar
Artocarpus Chaplasha, Roxb
40.
Latikaram
Hymenodictyon excelsum, wall
41.
Latikath
Glochidion thomsoni, Hk. f
42.
Maina
Tetrameles nudiflora R. Br
43.
Malagiri
Cinnamomum cecidodaphne, meissn
44.
Mandane
Aceocarpus fraxinifolius, W & A
45.
Mauwa
Engelhardtia spicata, Blume
46.
Maya
Eriobotrya bengalensis, Hk
47.
Pakasaj
Terminalia exenulata. Roth
48.
Palash
Butea monosperma, (Lamk) Jaub
49.
Panchphal
Dillenia indica ,Linn
50.
Pani saj
Terminalia myrio carpa, Heurek, muell
51.
Patpate or champ
Magnolia pterocarpa, Roxb
52.
Pipal
Ficus religiosa. Linn
53.
Ramphal
Gynocardia odorata. R.Br
54.
Rangbhang
Caryota Urens, Linn.
55.
Ritha
Sapindus detergens, Well
56.
Sal
Shorea robusta. Gaertn.
57.
Setisal
Dalbergia latifolia. Roxb
58.
Sidha
Lagerstroemia parviflara , Roxb
59.
Simul
Salmalia malabarica, schett
60.
Siris
Albizzia procera,Benth
61.
Sissu
Dalbergia sissoo.Roxb
62.
Tanki
Bauhinia melabarica , Roxb
63.
Teak
Tectona grandis, Linn
64.
Tun or Toon
Toona Ciliate ,Rohen,
65.
Arere kata
mimosa himalayan, Gamble
66.
Assamlota
Eupatorium Odoratum, Linn.
67.
Bakshi-kanra
Mezoneurum Calullatum. W & A
68.
Baldhengra
Mucuna Maerocarpa, D. C
69.
Bhant
Clerodendrum viscosum, vent
70.
Bhorla
Bauhinia vahlii,W& A
71.
Charchare
Cissus adnata , Roxb
72.
Debre lahare
Butea parviflora Roxb, syn
73.
Dude lahare
Cryptolepsis buchanami, Roem.
74.
Gayo lahara
Bridelia Stipularis, Blume
Shrubs
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75.
Chila lahara(or) Pangra
Entada phaseoloides, Linn
76.
Gurjo
Tinospora cordiflora, Miers
77.
Hardikanth
Morinda citrifolia. Linn
78.
Kali lahara
Combretum decandrum, Roxb
79.
Kowchu (or) Kaochir
Mucuna prurita, Hook,
80.
Monkanta
Flacourtia indica, Meer
81.
Nagbacli
Bauhinia anguina Roxb.
82.
Pani lahara
Cissus repanda,vahi
83.
Sarpagandha
Rauwalfia serpentine, Benth
84.
Taror- rik
Milletia auriculata , Baker.
85.
Boro bans
Bambusa balcooa, Roxb
86.
Jaotha bans
Bambusa tuldo, Roxb
87.
Malka bans
Bambusa rutans, Wall
Bamboo
3.7.3
Fauna
Consolidated list of fauna found in the study area is given in Table 3.21.
TABLE 3.21: LIST OF FAUNA IN THE STUDY AREA
Sl. No.
English Name
Zoological Name
1.
Rhesus Macaque
Macaca mullata
2.
Common Langur
Persbytis entellus
3.
Sloth Bear
Melurses urssinus
4.
Indian Ratel
Mellivora capenis
5.
Indian ella
Gazella gazelle
6.
Spotted Deer
Axis axis
7.
Grey musk Shrew
Suncus murinus
8.
Field Rat
Bendicota bengalensis
9.
Three striped squirrel
Funambulus pennati
10.
Flying Squirrel
Manis Crassicaudata
11.
Jungle Cat
Felis chaus
12.
Indian Wild Dog
Canis alpinus
13.
Indian Hare
Lepus nigricollis
14.
Jackal
Canis aureus
15.
Barking Deer
Muntiacus muntjak
16.
Striped Hyaena
Huaena hyaena
17.
Common mongoose
Herpestes edwardsi
18.
Blue Bull
Boselaphus tragocamelus
19.
Indian porcupine
Hystrix indica
Mammals
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20.
Indian Wild Bear
Sus scrofa
21.
Cobra
Naja naja
22.
Python
Python molurus
23.
Rat Snake
Ptyas mucosus
24.
Russel’s Viper
Viper russeli
25.
The common Krait
Bungarus Caeruleus
26.
Monitor Lizard
Varanus monitor
27.
Laggar Falcon
Fal biamicus jugger
28.
Langle Bussh Quail
Perdula asiatica
29.
Grey Quail
Conturnix coturnix
30.
Baya weaver Bird
Poceus philippinus
31.
Racker- Tailed Drenge
Dicrurus paradiseus
32.
King Crow (Black Dronge)
Dicrurus admisssiil
33.
Red Vented BulBul
Pyconotuss cafer
34.
Chakwa
Tadorna ferruginea
35.
Common snipes
Capella gallinage
36.
Common gray Horn Bill
Tockus birostris
37.
Common Pariah Kite
Milvuss migrans
38.
Common inidan Nightjar
Caprimulgus asiaticus
39.
Small bkueking fisher
Alcedo atthis
40.
Copper Smith
Megalaima haemacephala
41.
Crimson throated Barbet
Mugalaima ruvricaphala
42.
Malabar gray horn bill
Tockus griseus
43.
Paradise flycatcher
Tripsiphone paradise
44.
Spotted Dove
Streptopelia chinensis
45.
Cattle Egret
Bulbulcus ibis
46.
Bank Mayna
Acridotheres ginginianus
47.
House Sparrow
Passer domesticuss
48.
Inidan Great horned owl
Bubo bubo
49.
Cotton Teal
Nettapuss coromadelianus
50.
Common green pigeon
Treron phoenicoptera
51.
Hoopoe
Upera epops
52.
Barred jungle owler
Glaucidim rediantum
53.
India Jangle crow
Corvus macrothychos
54.
Gery Jangle fowl
Gallus sonnerati
55.
Red Jangle Fowl
Gallus gallus
56.
Blue rock Fowl
Columba liovia
Reptiles
Aves
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57.
Indian Reef Heron
Egretta gularis
58.
Baster Hill Myna
Grecula religiosa
59.
Yellow Fronted wood
Picoides mahrattensispeeker
60.
Rufous wood peeker
Micro ptrinus brachyurua
61.
Black backew wood peeker
Chrysocoloptes festivus
62.
Indian Golden Backed
Dinopium javanesewood peeker
63.
Lisser Golden Backed
Dinopium benghalense wood pekeer
64.
Great Black wood peeker
Dryocopus javensis
65.
Pigmy wood keeper
Picoides nanus
66.
Little Egret
Egretta garzetta
67.
House crow
Carvus splondens
68.
Koel
Eudynamys scolopacea
69.
Red Munia
Eslrildam amandava
70.
Common peafowl
Pave cristatus
71.
India Myna
Acridotheres tristis
72.
Indian Pitta
Pitta brachyura
73.
Blue Thoroated barbet
Megalaima asiatica
74.
India Cuser
Cursorius coromandelicus
75.
Small green Bee-eater
Mereps orientates
76.
Greu Wagtail
Meta cilla caspica
77.
Large Pied Wagtail
Meta cilla meadraspatensis
78.
Ring Dove
Streptopelia dicacto
79.
Spotted Dove
Streptopelia ohinensis
80.
Little brown Dove
Streptopelia senegalesis
81.
Golden oriole
Oriolus oriolus
82.
Black headea oriole
Oriolus zanthomus
83.
Sarus Crane
Grus antigone (Linnaeus)
84.
Shikra
Accipiter badius (Gmelin)
85.
Grey partiridge
Francolinus pondiceriaunus (Gmelin)
86.
Large India Parakeet
Psitta – cula eupatria
87.
Roseringed para keet
Psittacula krameri
88.
Brown fish Owl
Bubo zeylenensid (Gmelin)
89.
Jangle babbler
Turdodes striatus
90.
Kingfisher
Halyon ssmyrnensis
91.
Grey heron
Ardea cinerea
92.
Bata
Labeo bata
93.
Boal
Wallgo attu
94.
Catla
Catla catla
Fishes
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EIA & EMP for Cement Manufacturing Unit of M/s Valley Strong Cements (Assam) Limited,
3.8
95.
Chanda
Chandra ranga
96.
Magur
Clariass batrachus
97.
Nandus
Nandus nandua
98.
Punti
Puntius sarana
99.
Singhi
Heteropneustes fossilizes
100.
Mahasir
Libio rohita
101.
Calbasu
Labio colabossu
102.
Tilapia
Tilapia mesambica
SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
The information on socio-economic aspects of the study area (10 km radius) has been
compiled from data available as per Census 2001 records and through primary data
collected during field study.
3.8.1
Demography
There are total 173 villages present within the study area as per Census 2001. Village wise
detailed demographic pattern is given in Annexure 3.5 and summarized in Table 3.22.
TABLE 3.22: DEMOGRAPHIC DETAILS OF STUDY AREA
Sl.No.
Description
Total
%
1
Total Villages
173
--
2
No. of Tehsil
03
--
3
No. of District
03
--
4
Total no. Of households
42083
--
5
Total population
243,732
100
6
Male population
126,361
51.84
7
Female population
117,371
48.15
8
Scheduled caste
39733
16.30
9
Scheduled tribes
87
0.03
10
Total literates
137165
56.27
11
Male literates
77,256
54
12
Female literates
57,909
46
Perusal of the above table shows that scheduled population covers only 16.33% of the total
population of study area. The literacy in the study area is moderate with 56% in comparison
to the district level literacy rate. The literacy rate of women is low with 46% in comparison to
man.
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EIA & EMP for Cement Manufacturing Unit of M/s Valley Strong Cements (Assam) Limited,
3.8.2 Employment Pattern
The employment pattern indicates the major source of livelihood in a particular area. The
details of employment pattern in the study area are given in Annexure 3.5 and are
summarized in Table 3.23.
TABLE 3.23: EMPLOYMENT PATTERN IN STUDY AREA
3.8.3
Sl. No.
Description
1
Total population
2
Main workers
Total
243,732
51535
A. Cultivators
15556
B. Household workers
1507
C. Agricultural labours
5477
D. Other workers
28995
3
Marginal workers
16807
4
Non- workers
175390
Health impacts
Health and well being of the people living in and around the plant site gets affected due to
the pollutants in the air, water and due to noise. The people working in the plant and
associated facilities also get affected by the work place environment, which can cause
various problems, e.g., skin problems, lung diseases; noise induced hearing loss, etc. For
the proposed project, due precautions will be taken for protection against occupational
health hazards to the workers as well as for inhabitants.
3.8.4
Socio-Economic and Infrastructure development programmes
The project proponent has an operational cement plant adjoining to the proposed plant site
of its sister concern i.e. ‘M/s Barak Valley Cements Ltd (BVCL)’. The BVCL has already
taken up a number of CSR activities in the surrounding villages, which are as follows:
•
A Free Health Care centre was established at Devendra nagar,which is dedicated to
providing excellent primary health care.
•
Participating in different Health care activities like “Pulse Polio Immunization
programme”, ”Family Planning Programme”, Vaccination for child”.
•
Health has been identified as a primary objective in the community development
process.As part of the healthcare initiatives, BVCL in association with Lions club,
Badarpur, Organized “Free Eye Camp” for detection of cataract treatment with Micro
Surgery (IOL) at its Free Health Care Centre (BVCL), Devendra nagar. Total 131
patients were checked-up and 31 patients were detected of Cataract and they were
underwent micro surgery treatment (IOL) at free of cost.
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EIA & EMP for Cement Manufacturing Unit of M/s Valley Strong Cements (Assam) Limited,
•
Constructed number of waiting sheds for common people at different places like
Badarpur Ghat, Silchar (Ram nagar) and Zirbam.
•
Developed a green park for the recreation of people at the Tri- junction of Badarpur
Ghat (on NH-44 and NH-53) and named as “Valley strong Island”.This Island was
developed with consent of GREF-97 (BRTF) .
•
Under community welfare activities, BVCL distributed clothes and necessary goods
to the Fire victims of the Harijan colony at Badarpur
•
BVCL has been providing regular drinking water to the local people.
•
BVCL also sponsored various sports/cultural activities for community well being.
•
Efforts are made for imparting education to the children of employees & local people
by establishment of “Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya” near Debendranagar village.
•
For construction of school building, 13 Bhigas of land was purchased by the BVCL
and MOU has been signed with the authorities of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari
and expecting to start classes for KG and standard 1. The foundation stone was laid
by Mr.Kamakhya Chamaria,Vice-Chairman cum M.D. of BVCL on 21st December
2008.. BVCL will be spending Rs.2.50 Crores in next 5 years.
•
Under Mass Tree plantation, various vacant lands have been taken up through
mutual cooperation with owners of land. BVCL has planted different trees in
approximately 3000 Bhigas of land.
•
BVCL developed an Ever Green Hill by planting different species to enhance
biodiversity around the plant site.
•
Initiatives like “Arboriculture plantation” on Badarpur - Adarkonda PMGSY road
strech of 1.6 KM were taken up to plant ornamental and medicinal trees etc.
•
Company supplied drinking water to the local people as well as to various cultural
organizations during their functions and meetings. Various hospitals were also
supplied with water.
•
Company has associated with I.T.I Karimgunj, as an industrial partner for upgradation of I.T.I under public private partnership scheme on 15th December 2008.
•
Company also provided assistance to the Deputy Commissioner of Karimgunj for
augmentation of District Library. Assistance was also provided to the
sanitation
programme for the inmates of District jail at Karimgunj on 61st Independence Day at
Karimgunj.
•
Barak valley cements Limited proposes to allocate funds for these activities as seed
money. It will put in efforts for the allocation of funds from the State and Central
government
programs
and
social
development
schemes
and
supplement
government machinery in implementing the programs for the rural areas.
VSCL will also adopt similar schemes to augment CSR activities in the area.
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EIA & EMP for Cement Manufacturing Unit of M/s Valley Strong Cements (Assam) Limited,
3.9
SEISMICITY
The study area falls in seismic zone V as per the IS 1893(Part I): 2002 seismic map of India.
There is a danger of earthquake in this area. The buildings and civil structures for the
proposed cement plant need to incorporate features for additional structural safety into the
design aspects in view of the threat. A map indicating different seismic zones of India is
shown in Figure 3.8.
Figure 3.8: Map showing different seismic zone of India
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