EIA REPORT FOR MINING OF HEAVY MINERAL SAND IN ALAPPAD, PANMANA

AND AYANIVELIKULANGARA VILLAGES IN KOLLAM DISTRICT FOR AN AREA OF

180 HA IN NK BLOCK IV EE BY INDIAN RARE EARTHS, CHAVARA, KOLLAM,

KERALA

. Draft Report

Submitted to Indian Rare Earths Limited (A Government of India Undertaking)

Chavara, Kollam

Environmental Technology, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science &

Technology (NIIST-CSIR), Thiruvananthapuram

April-2018

Executive summary

Indian Rare Earths (IRE) has been granted mining lease to collect heavy mineral sand in Alappad, Panmana and Ayanivelikulangara village in Kollam district for an area of 180 Ha vide G.O (Rt.) No. 746/07/ID dated 08/06/07 by the Government of Kerala.

IREL has been accorded Environmental Clearance & CRZ Clearance for this mining project as per F.No. 11- 36/2008 IA- III dated 01.03.2011. The study was conducted by CSIR-NIIST for the proposed production of 2,37,150 TPA. The public in the lease area wanted the land to be given back at the earliest and requested IREL for enhancing the mining rate. Accordingly IREL propose to go for enhancement of mining from 2,37,150 TPA to 7,50,000 TPA. IREL as per work order No 21/T.No37/1314 dated 12/06/2013 has appointed CSIR-NIIST Thiruvananthapuram,to evaluate the environmental aspects and their possible associated impacts to workout environmental management plans and environmental monitoring programme to prevent, control, minimize or eliminate the adverse environmental impacts envisaged from the proposed mining activity in the 180 Ha.

Application for Prior environmental clearance was submitted in Form-1 to Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India. TOR has been finalised based on the presentation on June 2015.

The source of information are desk research, discussion with local panchayats, NGO’s, affected people, officials of state and central government relevant offices, literature survey and field studies. Primary and secondary data on meteorology, air, noise, water, soil, traffic, land use, ecology and socio-economics were collected and analyzed by CSIR - NIIST. The field studies were carried out from March 2015 to May 2017 for the study area (buffer zone) within 10 km radius with the IREL-ML area (core area) at the centre. No major or minor industries exist in the core area except M/s. Kerala Minerals & Metals Limited (KMML) which is 9.34 km and IREL main plant at Chavara at about 15.4 km road distance from the northwestern end of the proposed ML area. The mining lease area of 180 hectares has Vattakayal at the south and Pannikarkadavu bridge in the north.

EIA study is a well-recognized, effective planning tool that ensures environmentally sound activity. In this report, the impacts on relevant discipline of environment due to the operation of the proposed project have been identified and assessed quantitatively, as far as possible. Environmental management programmes for mitigation of impacts are delineated. An environmental monitoring programme has been suggested for post operational phase of the project. The monitoring programme specifies the locations, parameters, and frequency of monitoring of significant aspects. Capacity building in terms of staff, technical expertise and monitoring facilities are also suggested.

The proposed project lease area encompasses ‘vatta kayal’ which is part of the waterway called TS canal. The entire plot has heavy deposit of beach sand minerals. The mineable reserve of ilmenite, rutile, zircon, sillimanite, leucoxene and monozite is about 6.02 Million Tons as per the plan which is submitted for the period from 2016-17 to 2020-21, and the area proposed for production is in the western side of TS canal, the reserves of 6.025 Lakh tonne are calculated with the available data. As the report is awaited for the study carried out as per the UNFC classification which covers the entire lease area of 180 Ha. The average heavy mineral content of the area proposed for mining in 01 to 05 years is about 17.62%. The location of the site is given in the report.

Quantification of the impacts was carried out applying mathematical models. For quantifying and predicting the air quality the Fugitive Dust Modelling Software has been used and hemispherical modelling has been used for the noise quality modelling. Battelle environmental system has been used for evaluation of impacts of environmental pollution, ecology, human interest and aesthetics.

Dredge mining is a wet process and no dust pollution arises out of it. Total about 375t/day of raw material will be conveyed through 38 trips from mining area to mineral separation plant, assuming capacity of tippers as 10T.

The present air quality has been evaluated by setting up four high volume samplers at four different locations. Ambient air quality for PM10, SO2, NOx were monitored. Upwind downwind and cross direction location as well as the land use, wind rose were considered in selection of the sampling locations. Ambient Air Quality monitored at Vellanathuruthu PHC, Project Location, Amrithananthamai math and Maravana Junction for PM10, SO2 and NOx.

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The air pollutants of interest in this project are PM10. The main sources are emissions during mining and transportation. However dust emission is not significant in dredge mining as the ore and rejects are in wet or slurry form. Road transportation of ore on the haul road is the only source of dust emission. On commissioning of mining activity there will be increase in truck movement by 46 trips. Due to this increase in truck movement there will be increase in dust emission.

For prediction of dust emission the modelling software Envitrans MINE Fugitive Dust Modelling Pro was used. The model shows incremental increase in pollution caused due to the area due to truck. However the incremental values are within the CPCB limit prescribed for PM10, which is 100µg/m3 for 24 hour. This value is based on the prediction obtained without any control measures.

The maximum value of PM10 for an average of 24 hours was 63 µg/m3 observed inside the mine lease and minimum value for PM10 for an 3 average of 24 H was 45 µg/m . Similarly SO2, NO2 values showed, less than 10 µg/m3 for all stations. The permissible limits as per NAAQ std’s 3 3 for PM10 is 100 µg/m and for SO2 and NO2 the limits are 80µg/m .Thus the observed values for air quality taken over the period of February to April 2016 and February to May 2017 in core and buffer zone is within the permissible limits.

The report looks into the viability of barge economics which appears to be a feasible option for transporting mineral concentrate using TS canal ( part of NW3 water way) to IREL plant. The distance to IREL plant site is only 6.85 km as compared to 15.4 km road distance from northern end of the ML area. Considering the existing traffic congestion along the NH - ML area road , the availability of canal adjacent to the ML area , shorter distance to plant via water transport and provision of local employment to fishermen community, it is recommended that a trial run using water transport be conducted by IREL.

Country boats can be considered on environmental and socio-economic grounds. The loading and unloading of mineral concentrate from country boats has to be worked out. The loading of concentrate can be carried out by allowing concentrate slurry to flow into the boat or barge. Advantages and cost economics of barge transport which is ecofriendly best suited compared to road transport are covered in the report.

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Another option for transportation of the slurry is by pumping. A seven stage pumping at a rate of 65 tph is proposed The total estimated cost of the project is Rs.500 lakhs.

Water quality changes are widely considered to be the most significant consequence of mining activities. The surface and ground water characteristics have been established through field monitoring data at 13 locations generated during the study with respect to physicochemical characteristics and pollutant levels and the same has been compared with quality criteria for drinking water. The details are given in chapter-4. The Ground water contour map indicated that the flow/movement of water direction is predominantly towards South West and to the eastern side of the lease.

Maximum noise level during the study period was observed at Near municipal Corporation office, Karunagapally Junction which are busy junctions along the national highway which can be ascribed due to commercial activities, movement of continuous vehicular and other traffic and location of bus stand. Minimum ambient noise level observed was 50 - 60 dB at the Primary Health Centre Vellanathuruth, Pandarathuruth. The low values could be attributed to considerably less traffic and calm environment.

The noise level at dredge is about 70 dB that fades off at less than 50 meters and beyond 50 meters there was no effect of dredge operation. The modeling results also show almost the same results. Nearest habitation is beyond 100m distance and hence there is no need for noise control measures. However, the impact on staff at dredge should be minimized by introducing shift system, automation wherever possible and practicing safety measures.

Surface mining usually renders the land unsuitable for other uses unless it is restored or rehabilitated. The consultant suggests simultaneous refilling of the mine in progression with mining. After the recovery of HM concentrates the reject sand is used for refiling the mined out area. As the back filling is integrated into the mining process, the excavated land will be subsequently reclaimed and the ground surface of the reclaimed land will be brought back to the contours matching with the surrounding topography. No temple or any sensitive locations will be disturbed. The reclamation will improve the overall landscape considerably in a phased manner by green belt development and ponds for water conservation and ground water recharge, to improve the water

iv quality / quantity. It will also be a sustainable source for water, availing infiltration of water wherever feasible. The management plan also suggests rip rap bank protection, green belt development , conversion of mined area to sand dunes, creation of wet land ideal for mangrove afforestation which can serve as barrier in preventing sea water intrusion to the inland as well as recreation purposes. The deepening of the TS canal also enables smooth navigation of waterways.

NW-3 is the project of the Inland Waterways Authority (IWA) of India, Noida They aim at developing waterways upto a certain standard so that Inland Waterway Transport operators can operate the vessels for cargo and passenger transportation, State government is also interested in developing the NW3 as this will ease the congestion on roads. Moreover, it is a cheaper means of transport compared to roads. IWA has plans to develop 11 terminal for NW-3. Land acquisition for 10 terminals is over and 7 terminals are under construction. Widening of narrow canals and installation of navigational aids like day markings are in progress.

Improved roads and communication, electrical facilities and employment opportunity are the other immediate outcome of the project which is beneficial to the public. However, construction of black topped roads and its regular maintenance should be ensured to prevent fugitive dust emissions. The report lays stress on the probable occupational health hazards involved and the remedial measures.

The proposed ML area does not come under ‘forest land’ and hence no compensatory afforestation is required. No existing mangrove areas will be mined, however the project facilitates mangrove afforestation enhancing the total mangrove area to 2.73 ha in lieu of the existing 1.32 ha.

The company is now planning certain steps to recover the land lost to the sea. To reclaim the shore in Block IV EE and Block IV, it is proposed to construct Groyenes in the NK Block IV EE area between Thazhchakadavu (IREL Boundary) and the VT bus-stand. Four groynes will be constructed in this stretch with a distance of around 200 meters apart. Kerala irrigation department with a total cost expected to be Rs. 10 crores has taken up the work.

Another positive outcome of the proposed activity is that the mining of sand and separation of HM concentrates eventually contributes to a

v reduction in the overall level of radiation in the environment, which is a relief to the inhabitants in the area. However, it is recommended that external exposure be measured at selected locations round the year.

Data regarding the existing socioeconomic conditions were collected by circulating questionnaire among the families living in the project affected areas of Alappad, Panmana and Ayanivelikulangara of Kollam district. 550 families were covered under the survey. Water borne diseases are frequently reported and acute water shortage is experienced by the villagers. They depend on water supply schemes for potable water. The R & R scheme has been formulated after tripartite discussion between district administration, affected people and project authorities. The scheme has been approved by district authorities. General welfare measures for the fishermen community as well as for the general public are also highlighted in the report. The summary of the socio-economic report is given in Chapter-4.

The last chapter includes post project monitoring to ensure that the mitigation measures planned by way of environmental protection, function effectively during the entire period of the mining and reclamation. These include (1) Meteorological Observatory (2) Periodic topographic survey (3) Measures for Coastal protection & its monitoring (4) Water Resources management (5) Socio-economic development (6) Greenbelt development (7) Occupational health & Biological monitoring (8) Radiation Exposure monitoring (9) Organisational set-up & staff requirement for post - project monitoring. In addition to this a separate Environmental Monitoring Committee (EMC) is recommended comprising senior officers, external experts and representative of the Alapad panchayat to ensure implementation of recommendations as per the EMP. An amount of Rs. 159.00 lakhs will be required for post-project monitoring initially which include capital and recurring expenditure. The recurring expenditure will be about Rs. 113 lakhs/year. This project provides opportunity to reduce the existing radiation levels, increase in mangroves areas, prevents sea erosion, enhancement of wet land etc.

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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 General Beach Sand Heavy Minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, monazite, sillimanite etc. are used in considerable quantities as raw materials for the manufacture of various essential industrial products like titanium dioxide, welding electrodes, ceramics etc. In India these mineral deposits are found in the eastern and western coastal stretches at various locations. The major deposits along the west coast are the Quilon deposit at Chavara along the Neendakara - Kayamkulam belt in Kerala and the Manavalakurichi deposit in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu that extends from the Midalam to Kolachal. The economically exploitable deposits of east coast are at Chatrapur in Odisha and Bhimulipatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The beach placer deposits along the southern coast of India was explored and exploited by various agencies since the accidental discovery of monazite by a German Chemist Sir. Herr Shomberg in the year 1909 at Manavalakurichi in Tamilnadu. The beach placer deposit in kollam district of Kerala is commonly known as "Chavara Deposits". It occurs in a 22.5 km. long barrier beach with an average width of 200 m between the two tidal channels at Neendakara in the south and Kayamkulam in the north. The deposit is bounded by the Arabian Sea in the west. The deposit is seen to extend beyond Kayamkulam estuary (or Pozhi as it is known locally) up to Thottapally in the North, which has not been mined so far. The area south of Kayamkulam Pozhi has been under intensive mining since 1932. During this period, it was the main center for export of Ilmenite. This has been the only deposit so far in the Indian coast, to have a heavy mineral content running as high as 60 to 70%. Also the Chavara ilmenite known as Quilon grade or 'Q' grade Ilmenite has high TiO2 content of 59 to 60%. In the year 1965, Indian Rare Earths Ltd. (IREL), an organization under the administrative control of the Department of Atomic Energy, succeeded in taking over the assets of two companies viz. M/s. Travancore Mineral Concern and M/s. Hopkin & Williams Ltd., and since then rationalized and reorganized the production of the economic minerals from the Chavara sand deposits. Initially, their activities were confined to the mining and separation of heavy minerals from the beach washings collected over the beach by the wave action between high and

1-1 low water marks. Later on the Atomic Minerals Division (presently Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research) under the Department of Atomic Energy carried out geological exploration of the area and since 1990 the company is engaged in inland dredge mining operation. Besides Chavara, IREL has plants at Manavalakuruchi in Kanyakumari district (Tamil Nadu) and at Chatrapur in Ganjam District (Odisha). This stretch of deposit between Neendakara and Kayamkulam (NK ) was divided by the Govt. of Kerala into 8 blocks, for mining lease purpose. The even numbered blocks (II, IV,VI and VII ) have been leased to Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) and odd numbered blocks to Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML), Kollam in the year 1970. In the year 2007, IREL has been granted mining lease to collect heavy mineral sand in the Eastern Extension of the NK Block IV in the Alappad, Panmana and Ayanivelikulangara villages in Kollam district for an area of 180 ha vide G.O (Rt.) No. 746/07/ID dated 08/06/07 by the Government of Kerala. This study is conducted for carrying out the mining in Block IV EE. The TS canal passes in between the proposed mining block. The deposit covers an area of 180 hectares with Neendakara at the south and Kayamkulam in the north. The mining method is open cast method of inland mining (dredging using DWUP). A mining project may significantly contribute towards economic development but it may also bring in its wake associated ill-effects. These include the problems related to air & water pollution, solid waste management, land degradation, noise, human settlements, and impact of mining on the ecology. The coastal area of Kerala is one of the most densely populated area. As per 2011 census the population of the villages of the present project, Alappad, Panamana and Ayanivelikulangra villages are 21,655; 29,008 and 24,268 respectively. The main occupation of the people here is fishing. Degradation and inappropriate utilization of coastal areas adversely affect aesthetic and environmental values. These could be avoided through proper management based on the assessment of ecological values and potential damages from the project. The unique environmental and ecological values of the coastal areas require conservation, improvement and effective controls on the causes that imply environmental deterioration.

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To fulfill the statutory requirements of Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate change, Government of India, for Project appraisal procedures, Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study needs to be carried out for the project. EIA is one of the most valuable, interdisciplinary objective decision making tool considering various alternate routes for development, process technologies and project site options. It is an anticipatory mechanism which establishes quantitative and qualitative values for parameters indicating the quality of environment and natural systems before and after the proposed mining activity. IREL F.No. 11- 36/2008 IA- III dated 01.03.2011, IREL obtained EC and CRZ clearance for this block for mining of minerals for a quantity of 2,37,150 TPA, Now IREL propose to enhance the production capacity to 7,50,000 TPA, hence this project is a capacity expansion project. IREL as per the work order No 21/T.No37/1314 dated 12/06/2013 has appointed National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science & Technology NIIST-CSIR, Thiruvananthapuram, to evaluate the environmental aspects and their possible associated impacts that would arise due to the enhanced capacity of the project proposed for heavy mineral sand mining operations. Environmental management plans and environmental monitoring program are proposed to prevent, control, minimize or eliminate the adverse environmental impacts envisaged from the proposed mining activity. TOR has been finalised based on the presentation before the central appraisal committee on June 2015. NIIST has carried out the field study during March 2015 to May 2017. IREL is an organization having integrated certification on ISO on 9002, 14001 & 18001. The Environmental policy of IREL is as follows: IREL, Chavara is committed to sustain the growth of company in the supply of beach sand minerals & mineral products through:  Product Quality  Customer satisfaction  Prevention of pollution  Conservation of natural resources  Compliance with legal requirements  Prevention of incidents & ill health  Safe working Environment

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 Continual improvement

1.2 Resources

IREL has already obtained mining plan approval for Mineral Sands (including Sillimanite) mineral from Indian Bureau of Mines vide Ltr.No. 279/1031/2009/BNG/1079, Dated 25.06.2009 for the period 2011-12 to 2015-16 and from AMDER vide letter No. AMD/MPA/3M/IREL/180Ha/2008, dated- 01.12.20 for a capacity of 2,37,150 TPA. Now IREL submitted modified mining plan for approval to AMDER. The present study was conducted as per the modified mining plan. The mining activity at Block IVEE involves inland mining using dredger. The average depth of the deposit is 7.7m and the average grade is 10 to 18.85 %.

1.3 Need of the project Based on the available mineral reserves IREL has been granted mining lease to collect heavy mineral sand in NK Block IVEE, in Alappad, Panmana and Ayanivelikulangara in Kollam district for an area of 180 Ha. The minable reserve of sand containing ilmenite, rutile, zircon, sillimanite and leucoxene (brown ilmenite) is 6.025 MT as per the approved mine plan. The mined out sand is pre concentrated and transported to IREL plant for further separation. At the plant the mineral separation is conducted solely based on the physical properties of the minerals, such as magnetic susceptibility, electrical conductivity, grain size, specific gravity etc. The mineral sand from different mining areas as well as dredged sand from DWUP site is fed to HUP, where it is passed through a set of spirals and is separated into heavies and tailings (lighter) fractions. The heavies are passed through Wet High Intensity Magnetic Separator (WHIMS) to get magnetic and non-magnetic fractions. The dewatered WHIMS magnetic fraction from HUP is dried in Fluidised Bed Drier (FBD) and is fed to the ilmenite plant, where the conducting, Ilmenite product is separated by the high tension separators and the non-conducting fraction, which is enriched in Monazite, is sent to the monazite plant for further processing. The dewatered WHIMS non-magnetic fraction from HUP is dried in another Fluidised Bed Drier and fed to High Tension Separators in Rutile plant to get conducting fraction and non- conducting fractions. The conducting fraction is fed to Magnetic separators to get three fractions

1-4 viz, (1) Magnetics (ilmenite product), (2) Non-magnetics (Rutile product) and also a middlings fraction (Leucoxene product). The non-conducting fraction from the Rutile High Tension Separators in Rutile plant is fed to another set of Magnetic separators. The magnetic fraction rich in Monazite content is fed to Monazite circuit. The non-magnetic fraction is fed to the spirals circuit. The heavier fraction from these spirals is further upgraded through Wet tables, Magnetic separators, HTS etc. to produce Zircon product. The tailings from the spirals are treated in Kelsey Jig and wet tables to recover Zircon. The tailings fraction from Kelsey Jig is treated in Spirals, Flotation cells etc. to produce Sillimanite product.

1.4 Use of Minerals:

Ilmenite (FeO.TiO2) is the main raw material for the Titanium Dioxide Pigment industry. It is used as white pigment for paints, lacquer, enamels, rayon, etc. It is also used in the welding rod coating.

Rutile (TiO2) is used for the manufacture of TiO2 pigment, for the manufacture of welding electrodes, titanium metal and its alloys. Titanium is very light, corrosion resistant and erosion resistant and is used in highly corrosive environment as alloys.

Zircon (ZrO2.SiO2) is used in the production of foundry moulds, refractory bricks and crucibles, and in the ceramic industry as opacifier. Zirconium alloys are used for nuclear power reactors and as jet engine parts in Aircraft industry in the manufacture of surgical instruments, high intensity electric arc lamp etc.

Monazite (Ce, Y, La, Th (PO4)) is a phosphate of rare earths with variable amounts of thorium usually combined with silicate or phosphate. Thorium is largely used as a breeder in the Nuclear Reactors. Mixtures of rare earths are used in glass polishing, arc carbons, flint for lighters. They are used in optical lenses, prisms, television tubes, faceplates etc.

Sillimanite (Al2O3.SiO2): This finds the largest application in the manufacture of refractory products for lining furnaces and it is also used in ceramic industry.

1.5 Scope of the present study The scope of study includes detailed characterization of the Environmental status in respect of environmental components viz. air, noise, water, traffic, ecological and socio- economic components covering an area of 10 km radius from the project site with the boundary

1-5 of mine lease as its central nodal point. Thus the study area comprises the central nodal point and its surrounding area within 10 km radius.

1.6 Terms of reference

1.6.1 Objective The objective of the study is to identify the environmental impacts on the lease areas due to the proposed enhanced dredge mining activity. The study will identify the existing environmental conditions, predict impacts and suggest environmental safeguards and develop post project monitoring programme to ensure environment friendly mining and transportation of the concentrate. The above objectives are planned to be completed in three main steps as detailed below:  Determination of current environmental baseline conditions;  Assessment of impacts on the environment due to proposed activities  Preparation of EIA document delineating mitigation measures, environmental monitoring programme with cost. The details of ML areas are as follows: NK Block-IV EE : 180 ha The detailed monitoring was carried out for one season and representative sampling is done for other seasons for significant aspects observed. Secondary data from previous studies were also used. 1.6.2 PLAN OF APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY The study comprises of Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Management Plan as per the Guidelines and norms laid down by the Ministry of Environment EIA notification 2006 applicable for mining projects. The buffer zone is 10 kilometers all around the periphery of the core zone (ML area). The scope of services includes literature survey, field studies, impact assessment and preparation of the EIA document. The significant areas of a sand / dredge mining include air emissions due to transportation, change in land use, noise generation, traffic, sea erosion, marine ecological survey and social impact assessment including R&R. Other minor aspects include geology indicating seismic zone, water body ecology, flora & fauna, surface drainage pattern, vehicular

1-6 traffic density, hydrology, baseline meteorology and occupational safety and health and radiation studies. Based on the data collected, Coastal Regulation Zone map issued from NCESS and mining plan, the impacts on air, water, noise, land, socio-economic environment and ecology are assessed. For mitigation of adverse impacts, an Environmental Management Plan is prepared. For monitoring of critically affected parameters, environmental monitoring programme is designed. Rehabilitation & Resettlement plan as per the approved IRE pattern are also formulated. NIIST has engaged a (1) Mining engineer with valid license as RQP from Indian Bureau of Mines, Government of India (2) Geologist having experience in geological mapping and mineral surveys (3) Sociologist / NGO group with more than 5-year experience in carrying out Social Impact Assessment studies for the mine leases (4) Ecologists and (5) Marine Ecologist for carrying out aquatic ecological survey of TS canal and the Arabian sea. Based on the TOR submitted, the following studies were carried out as part of the project.

1.6.3 Baseline Meteorological and Air Quality data Although dredge mining with electrically driven dredges has little impact on air quality, the existing ambient air quality of the area is important for evaluating the overall impact of mining. Baseline air quality data available with adjacent mine (KMML) are also used for analysis. Secondary data available with IRE/KMML/PCB are also collected and compiled in the report. In the absence of stack (point emission source) the ambient air quality is expected to be affected only in and around mining areas and transportation routes up to a limited distance depending on wind speeds / direction. Wind rose pattern was plotted season wise based on Trivandrum IMD data. Data on temperature, relative humidity were also recorded during the study period. Two ambient air quality monitoring stations were installed in the core zone and one in the mine lease area. The predominant wind direction is determined by studying the wind rose pattern in the study area. The samples were collected and analyzed as per IS:5182 guidelines. The monitoring was done for four months (twice a week) covering one season.

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 Landuse For the ML area, land use patterns were classified into the following land use/land cover categories from the maps and GIS analysis  Build up area  Agricultural land  Forest  Waste Land  Water bodies  Mining  Others.

 Water Quality Mining and related activities have significant impacts on surface as well as the ground water resources. Therefore water availability and water quality were considered for the preparation of base line status of water environment. A sampling network for surface as well as ground water was designed to characterize the water quality of the area. The samples were collected once in each season over a period of one year at a minimum of 5 (five) stations per core zone. The following water quality parameters were analyzed:

Temperature TSS Phosphates Copper Taste and Odour Total Hardness Calcium Zinc Turbidity Chlorides Magnesium Oil& Grease Dissolved Oxygen Free Chlorine Sodium Cadmium BOD Sulphates Potassium Mercury pH Fluorides Iron Lead TDS Nitrates Manganese MPN

 Water Quantity To assess the surface water potential in the project area, the following aspects were studied per core zone:

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. Field monitoring of well details . Hydro geological characteristics from the available literature. . Review of hydrological records/field studies and analysis  Surface water: The contours were generated in the ML area and also distance to water bodies were l be marked in a map .Seasonal fluctuations during summer & post monsoon season were also studied. The water samples (surface as well as ground water samples ) from both core as well as the buffer zone were collected, and the analytical results for both surface water and ground water were prepared separately and interpretation of the water quality is done comparing with the drinking water specification IS 10500 and CPCB water quality criteria.  Ground water: . The study area falls within coastal zone where the aquifer systems discharge ground water to the sea or estuarine portion. The intra-coastal canals and lacustrine extensions of the tidal effect add complexity of the hydrodynamic equilibrium of the coastal tract... Seasonal fluctuations i.e. along summer and post monsoon season were monitored .The samples were collected both from core and the buffer zones. n.  Geology & Soil characteristics The baseline data on geology were collected from the available literature. Regional geology with type of ore formation are e discussed along with the tectonic history and seismicity of the region. . The local stratigraphical sequence of the mining area is interpreted from the geological map .The lithological sequence of the mining area is also interpreted from the existing mines, open wells and cuttings. Geological map of the study area is prepared and geologic cross sections (longitudinal and transverse) are drawn. The topics such as natural and geologic features, terrain topography, geological disturbance, ore grade, mineable reserves, production rate, estimated life of mine are detailed in the report. Representative soil sampling in the core zone and buffer zone covering 10 kms radius from mine lease area was conducted. The depth of sampling is dependent upon the nature of soil profile, type of structures, land use/cover etc. The soil samples were collected at the rate of one each representing different land use areas. Total 15 samples were e analyzed during the full period of study. The agricultural crop in the study area is mentioned by collecting the data from the concerned departments/agencies and limited ground truthing by field survey.

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The physical parameters that were analyzed for soil are colour, texture, water holding capacity, Electrical conductivity, Permeability, and Porosity. The chemical properties were include pH, Chloride, Sodium Absorption Ratio.  Demography & Socio-economics The project is in a densely populated area and therefore social impact assessment is of major importance. Mining activity in an area has long term irreversible impact on local, sociological, cultural and economic situation. In order to evaluate socio-economic impact of the project, an extensive study on the existing socio-economic status is carried out. The project also bring benefits to local people. The displacement of people and loss of livelihood are the major social/economic impact of the mining projects.

For the same the report l covers the following for each mine lease: 1. Demographic growth profiles and Socioeconomic status of all the villages in the affected mine lease area 2. Collection of details of religious places and historic monuments in the mine lease 3. Determine opinions, expression on the project; 4. Assess the nature of existing resources and means of livelihood 5. Ascertaining reasons and various social and political driving forces causing complaints and obstruction of existing and proposed activity; 6. Examine possible impact of the project on local population due to their displacement; loss of land, and other means of livelihood .; 7. Work out mechanism for consultation with all stakeholders and influential forces in order to address issues related to the proposed activity 8. Evolve suggestions , creative recommendations for getting the co-operation of local communities and work out guidelines for an effective R&R of the ‘project affected persons’ (PAPs) under focus. 9. Delineate R&R based on the result of the survey and in line with government and IREL policy.  Terrestrial Ecology As a part of the study the phyto-geographic region in which the relevant part of the project area lies were identified through field studies. A one season study on inventory of the common flora

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& fauna was prepared. Presence of rare and endangered species were not observed in the mine lease area. Data from previous studies with respect to buffer zone were also analysed. .  Aquatic ecological survey The T.S canal and the Arabian sea ecology were studied through literature survey and field studies. As part of the study, primary productivity, the densities of phytoplankton, zooplanktons, benthic macro-invertebrates, fish and macrophytes were assessed. The data on the prevailing fish species were collected from local fisheries offices, publications of Zoological Survey of India. Information on fish production, total catch, as well as on the number of fishermen and their income were collected from local, Central/State/NGO offices, Fishermen's Co-operatives (e.g. Matsya Federation etc.).  Noise Equivalent continuous noise level value measurement was done using integrated sound level . A total of 100 measurement were carried out covering the mine lease under study.  Topography & Drainage Topography of the study area is shown in topographical map and analyzed to describe the terrain . The physiographical features of the study area is explained using satellite imagery. The ASTER DEM data were overlaid with Land use layer to analyze the physiographic conditions of the mining areas.  Environmental Radioactivity Natural background radiation data were collected from the existing data available with the KMML and IRE. Data also collected for the ML area under study from Natural Background Radiation Registry (NBRR) project located at Neendakara.  Coastal erosion Analysis is done based on five year data using satellite Imagery.  Traffic Vehicular traffic during mine development and operation results in excessive use of existing public infrastructure and cause congestion and pollution. Baseline information / data on existing public utility infrastructure and service were also be collected. The traffic survey was monitored at various locations to find the total traffic at various village roads connecting the mine lease area. Assessment and carrying capacity analysis for the increase

1-11 in traffic due to the proposed mining activity is assessed. Alternate management plans were formulated to minimize the impact due to traffic.

1.6.4 Impact Assessment In the proposed IRE lease, the option of alternate site has little relevance since it is mainly guided by mineral deposits. Identification of all potential environmental impacts due to a project is an essential step of Environmental impact Assessment. These are critically examined and major impacts (both beneficial & adverse) were further studied. In case of this particular project activity the significant impacts are increased vehicular traffic and mining related social impact assessment and R&R.. The nature and characteristics of impacts are taken into consideration while evaluating the magnitude of impacts. The impacts of the project on air, water, traffic, land use, ecology, socio-economic environment were assessed. BEES environmental evaluation was used for evaluation of impacts. Based on the project details, fields studies, the impacts with regard the following were assessed:  Anticipated impact on the land environment  Impact on water environment  Impact on Air environment  Impact due to vehicular traffic  Impact on beach environment  Impact on the biological environment  Impact on Noise  Impact on workers health  Impact on socio-economic environment  Social Impact Assessment

1.6.5 Environmental Management & Monitoring Plans A management plan to mitigate the adverse impacts is suggested. Accordingly, he various issues to be addressed are: . Dust emission control . Traffic . Sea erosion

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. Land use and mine closure . Socio-economic conditions of the region . Human settlement and rehabilitation . Afforestation plans . Occupational Safety & Health . Organization and methods for environmental management . Post-project monitoring programme for critical environmental parameters . Estimation of cost required for management and monitoring plans 1.6.6 Risk Analysis and Disaster Management Plan Risk Assessment aims at prevention of accidents and to take necessary steps to prevent it happening. The main components that are covered in the ML will be  Protect workers in mines from accident  Prevent or reduce the incidence and severity of injury during mining operations  To respond immediately and adequately in case of an accident 1.6.7 Public Hearing The issues raised by the people during public hearing and the response of the project proponent together will form the final EIA report.

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1.7 Main elements of the study The main elements of the study are: Chapter – 1 Introduction Chapter - 2 Project Description. Chapter - 3 Analysis of Alternatives (Technology and Site) Chapter – 4 Description of environment (baseline data) Chapter - 5 Impact Analysis and Mitigation measures Chapter - 6 Environment Monitoring Program Chapter - 7 Additional Studies Chapter – 8 Project Benefits Chapter – 9 Environmental Management Plan (EMP) Chapter – 10 Summary and Conclusions Chapter – 11 Disclosure of Consultants

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CHAPTER -2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 Location and Accessibility

Figure 2.1: Location map showing accessibility

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The plot lies between Latitude 09°00' 55.97" N & Longitude 76°31' 17.19" E and Latitude 09°02' 03.80" N & Longitude 076°30’ 29.90" E (Toposheet No.58 C/8). A village road passes through the plot. This road connects the plot to NH 66 at Karunagappally at a distance of about 6 km. through Panikkarkadavu bridge, on the north. The broad gauge railway line is about 1 km. to the east of NH 66. The nearest railway station is Karunagappally station at a distance of about 8 km .M/s Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd (KMML), a State Govt. undertaking engaged in beach sand mining, beneficiation and pigment production & Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) are the only two major industries in this area.

Table 2.1: Site Details

District and State Kollam District, Kerala State

Taluk Karunagappally Taluk

Villages Alappad, Panmana and Ayanivelikkulangara

Khasra No./ Plot No./ 87.2980 hectares in Block Range / Felling Sy.No.253to259,267,268,269,278,279,290,291,292,293,2 Series etc. 94,295,304,305,306,311 to 316,333 to 448 (Alappad) 6.6534 hectares in Sy.No. 1 to 29 (Panmana) 86.0486 hectares in Sy.No. 2140 to 2270,2330 to 2386, 2535 to 2569 and 2570 to 2682 ( Ayanivelikkulangara)

Area ( hectares) 180

The modified mining plan for the capacity expansion from 2,37,150 TPA to 7,50,000 TPA is approved by AMD under Rule8(9)of AMCR 2016and Rule 23 of MCDR2017.

In 1970 the coastal strip from Neendakara to Kayamkulam Pozhi was divided into 8 blocks for sanctioning mining lease. Block I, III, V and VII are leased to Kerala Minerals & Metals Ltd and Block II, IV, VI and VIII were leased to IREL Ltd. The present mining lease is to the east of NK block IV.

The new lease area extends from the eastern boundary of Block IV into the Canal and Vattakayal, a lake at the boundary of IREL and KMML sea shore into the Kayamkulam lake (Kayal). This lake (Kayal) is connected to Travancore-Sherthalai Canal (T.S. Canal) which

2-2 passes by the side of IREL Chavara Plant. Hence, in addition to road transport, water transport from the mining area to the plant is also feasible.

2.2 Lease Details The lease is for the extraction of mineral sands (Ilmenite, Monazite, Rutile, Zircon, Leucoxene and Sillimanite). Monazite rich fraction coming out of the process plant are stock piled as per AERB guide lines at plants premises.

The lease area can be divided into the following geographical types.

2.2.1 Beach area to the east of Block IV

This area is part of the beach deposit. The land is flat and the elevation is generally within 2 meters of MSL. The area was mostly patta lands/ government purambokk lands owned by private persons. M/s IREL has purchased part of the land and the company is in the process of buying rest of the anticipated ML area. All the land required for commencement of mining operation are in IREL possession. The company offers a very attractive rehabilitation package and the company does not expect any problem in procuring the required extent of land. Details of rehabilitation policy are indicated in chapter-5.

Table: 2.2 Year wise production details for last 5 years Raw sand production

G.O.(MS)No746/07/I Year Remarks D dt08.06.2007–in 2011-12 inlandareas(inlakhN il 2012-13 tons) Nil The proposed production was not done due to the agitation of the previous land 2013-14 Nil owners and asking for more 2014-15 Nil compensation for the lands and 2015-16 Nil employment. Total Nil

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Figure 2.2: A view of the southern end of the leasehold

2.2.2 Canal and Lake area About 25 % of the area is canal or lake. The canal (NW 3) area is generally shallow with depth of 1.7 meters. NW- 3 is the project of the Inland Waterways Authority (IWA) of India, Noida. The central and state government is interested in developing the national waterway by maintaining depth and width for operating the cargo and passenger transportation.

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Figure 2.3: A view of the lake being dredged by National Water Way Authority for deepening the lease area is in back ground

2.2.3 Area to the east of T.S. Canal. This area is mainly private land used for agriculture and homestead. The area will be required only towards the latter half of the lease period of 20 years. IRE will be buying this land as and when required. The company offers a very attractive rehabilitation package and the company does not expect any problem in procuring the required extent of land.

The Mineral Separation Plant (MSP) of IREL is located on the Block 2 leasehold of IRE at about 15.4 Km from the proposed ML area and 1.5 km from the NH 66, that is Kanyakumari- Salem Highway, and this is at 13 km from the district headquarters at Kollam and 80 km from the capital city, Trivandrum. It has all the infrastructural facilities for operating the mines and processing plant. Export of the minerals is through Cochin Port which is 130 KM to the North of the IRE plant.

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Figure 2.4 : Another view of the southern parts of the leasehold

2.3 COASTAL REGULATION ZONE STATUS The present study area is within or close to Coastal Regulation zone (MoEF, 2011) and falls in Map No. 17 of the Coastal Zone Management Plan of Kerala (CZMP, 1995; MoEF, 1996). All the development activities in CRZ are regulated through the CRZ Notification (MoEF,2001). The Government of India Notification [S.O.19(E) dated 6.1.2011] under section 3(1) and section 3(2) (v) of the Environment (Protections)Rules ,1986 has defined CRZ. The CRZ notification (2011; 1991) defines “High tide line (HTL) as the line on the land, up to which the highest water line reaches during the spring tide”. The HTL/LTL has to be identified based on the coastal geomorphologic signatures in the field/satellite imageries/ aerial photographs following the guidelines of MoEF (MoEF, 2011; 1991). The coastal zone report of the project site prepared by NCESS is appended as Annexure-9

The mining site is in Alappad, Panmana and Ayanivelikkulangara villages. The HTL, LTL and CRZ mapping was done on large scale maps of 1:4000. The HTL and LTL are demarcated by taking into consideration the geomorphic signatures that are discernible in the field such as berms, mangroves, seawalls and embankments. The HTL, shoreline and nature of beach are getting modified at the mining sites.500m landward of the HTL is the

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CRZ along the seacoast. The CRZ on the banks of kayal/backwater and canals is 100m or width of the water body whichever is less. The CRZ categories are identified based on the CZMP of the State and coastal ecosystems and morphologies identified during field mapping. Being in panchayat, the CRZ except those categorized as CRZ IA, CRZ IB and CRZ IV belongs to CRZ III. The seasonal beach and other intertidal zones are CRZ IB. Mangrove vegetation are present as small isolated patches on the banks of backwater/canal and these belong to CRZ IA. Mining of placer deposits rich in heavy minerals is permissible in CRZ subject to conditions.

KCZMA has recommended the project for CRZ clearance to MoEF vide letter number 2933/A1/2018/KCZMA dated 22/10/18.

2.3 Justification for the Project The heavy minerals have substantial demand in India and abroad. Substantial gap exists between actual production and demand for the minerals. Chavara deposit which has heavy mineral content as high as 60 - 80% and is the richest deposit in Asia and one of the important beach sand deposits in the world.

Considering the important aspects, viz., meeting the internal demand, earning valuable foreign exchange, generating additional employment and further economic development of the region, continuation of mining and allied activities at Chavara deposit is essential and is the need of the country.

2.5 Geology of Beach Sand Deposit The prominent geological feature of the region is the beach sand deposits of Neendakara to Arattupuzha coast. The coastal plain of Neendakara to Arattupuzha extends inland for several kilometers. It is a raised marine plain and is marked by retreat dunes, which extend to inland for some distance. The present coast is marked by a raised barrier dune behind which there is a canal which links a series of lagoons between the tidal channels at Neendakara on the Ashtamudi estuary and at the Kayamkulam lagoon.

Block II, where IRE's plant is located, has been divided into two major parts: the Beach zone (consisting of the beach-front and the mid-zone) and the easterly extension.

The economically valuable minerals occur dominantly in the beach zone. Valuable minerals extend to the west for a mile or so under the waters of the Arabian Sea (Rao 1968b) and on

2-7 land to the east, across the coastal plains. The lease boundaries are well defined but the reserve of heavy minerals continues eastward beyond the lease boundary also.

The beach is subjected to intermittent marine erosion and to replenishment of heavy minerals from abundant off-shore, submarine deposits (Rao, 1968b). Hence, it is probable that economically valuable minerals could occur intermittently for some miles to the east across the plain. The mineralized layer is of the order of 7 m. (22ft) deep but the grades are generally much lower than those of the beach zone.

The beach zone is very rich and grades near 90% total heavy minerals are found near the surface. The average grade of the beach front zone is 45.7% and remaining of the zone (the mid zone) is 38.3% heavy mineral.

The eastern extension is lower in grade with the majority of the higher grade samples around 20%. There are extensive areas of material with grades between 5 and 15% of total heavy mineral and the average is 10.8% heavy mineral. The deposit along the sea coast is formed by the tidal waves of the sea. The origin of the sand deposits is attributed to the weathering action on the Archean crystalline rocks in the hinterland including the Western Ghats. The minerals were carried down along the rivers to the sea and sorted by tidal action.

There is no over burden in the area. There is no wall rock etc. and the deposits have quartz, shells etc. as gangue mineral. The chemical characteristics and physical characteristics of the minerals are given below (Table 2.3).

Table 2.3: Physical & Chemical Characteristics of the minerals

Mineral Physical ( Grain size) Chemical

Ilmenite 50 mesh/140 mesh TiO2-59%,Fe2O3-17%toFeO- 23.5%

Sillimanite 50 mesh/100 mesh Al2O3-60%, SiO2- 36.34%

Zircon 50 mesh/140 mesh ZrO2-65%

Rutile 50 mesh/140 mesh TiO2-95%

Monazite 80 mesh/200 mesh ThO2 8 to 10 %

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2.6 Exploration already carried out in the area The area was prospected by AMD in October 1981 to April 1982 under “Heavy Mineral Investigation of Eastern Extension of Block IV, Chavara (Eastern and Western sides of TS Canal).

A series of boreholes were drilled in the area. These are along lines spaced at a distance of 30 meters and the lines were numbered 118 to 196. In each line, boreholes were located at a spacing of about 30 meters and named as A, B, C etc. Some of the boreholes were in the old lease hold of Block IV and the rest in new lease area. In each bore hole, samples were taken every 1.5 meters and the HM content was checked. The boreholes were restricted to the area to the west of TS canal. There were 274 boreholes in the land purchased by IRE and adjoining areas.

Based on the Heavy Mineral data of the boreholes, the weighted average of heavy mineral content of the boreholes in the area in possession of IRE was worked out. The grid lines from 118 to144 relate to this area, which is planned for mining in the next five years. Weighted average of the data from the core analysis for this area is seen to be 18.85%. Summary of the current land usage of study area is shown in Table 2.4. Estimate of Mineral reserves in the area in possession of IRE is shown in Table 2.5.

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Table 2.4: Current land use of the study area Sl.NO. Activities As on date (H)

1 Area under inland mining 0.000

2 Storage of topsoil 0.000 3 Overburden/dump/Waste dump 0.000 4 Mineral storage 0.000 Infrastructure (Plant area, Pump 5 house, workshop etc.,) 2.000 6 Road 0.000 7 Railways 0.000 8 Tailing pond 0.000 9 Effluent treatment plant 0.000 10 Mineral Separation Plant 0.000 11 *area under the sea 5.000 13 Mines, Refilled, and afforested area 0.00 Inhabited Village areas–TS canal widened, lake area and 14 safety for water body, coastal replenishment 47.975 15 Undisturbed Area 125.025 Grand Total 180.00

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Table 2.5 Mineable reserve available in Block IV EE

Classification Block UNFCCode Quantity Grade(%) Forest/Non (MillionTon) Forest/ Unspecified

NK-IV(EE) (A)Mineral Reserve Proved Mineral NK-IV(EE) 111 6.025 17.62 Non-Forest

Reserve

2.7 Mining methodology The proposed method of mining is similar to the dredge mining conducted by the company in Block No. 2. No development work is required here. There is no over burden. The beach sands will be mined by open cast method. The equipment used is DWUP. The dredge has a working length of 30 meters and width of 14 meters. A drawing of the dredge is shown below

Figure 2.5 : Dredge Operation Details

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Figure 2.6 : DWUP (Dredge and Wet Upgradation Plant) located in the dredge pond at IRE Chavara Plant

Figure 2.7 : Heavies Discharge from DWUP at Chavara Plant The Dredge-WUP combination has a maximum capacity of 125 TPH. However, average capacity reached in operation is about 40 TPH. The DWUP comprises of a dredge which is the main excavating equipment with a bucket wheel cutter mounted on a ladder lift. The

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Bucket Wheel ladder is lowered and lifted by hydraulically operated winches. The bucket wheel and the gravel pumps are also driven hydraulically. Anchoring ropes are provided for swinging the dredge and bucket wheel. Spud carriage ways are provided for movement of the DWUP and also for anchoring the plant when there is no operation. The sideway movement of the dredge is achieved by hydraulically operated slew winches. Two rear anchors area provided for additional safety during rough weather conditions.

The pond is man-made and the pond advances by the cutting action of the dredge. The tailing is discharged as a heap in the tailings cyclone underflow and is used for refilling the back side of the pond. A loader is used for handling the tailings. The heavies are also discharged outside the pond in another heap and is transported to the Chavara Plant by loader- tipper combination. The dredge is moved to the desired direction by operation of the winches.

Estimated yearly production of raw sand is 7,50,000 tons having an average grade of 15% THM content. During up-gradation of raw sand, the DWUP can generate about 6 to 6.6 lakh tons of heavies having about 85 % THM content. Rest of the sand (nearly 85%) of the raw sand mined, is rejected by the DWUP as tailings.

The area proposed for mining is shown in figure-.2.8.

Figure 2.8: A view of the area proposed to be mined

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Mineral transport can be by tipper trucks. A combination of water transport, or by means of pumping through conduits can also be explored.

2.8 Mining Methodology Proposed for the new lease area The entire plot has deposit of beach sand minerals. The prospecting done here has not indicated any hard rock present upto a depth of 7.5 M below MSL. The dredge can reach upto depth of 8m. The dredge will work in a pond of water. The pond will move forward by the cutting action of the dredger. Rejects from the DWUP will be used for refilling the mined out area of the pond. Hence refilling will go side by side with mining operation. The pond with the dredger in it will traverse the entire area of the lease area, recovering Heavy Minerals present in the sand. The refilled area will be free of HM, especially Monazite, which is radio-active. Thus the dredging and mining of the area will reduce the radioactivity of the area. The adjoining T.S canal is dredged periodically to maintain the depth required for water transportation. This also generates good quantity of material that is also used for refilling the dredge pit. There will have to be one pond dug in the area for accommodating the dredger and hence no specific and elaborate development programme is necessary for this project. The mining will proceed from the southern boundary of the plot. The pond will progress as a strip parallel to the lease boundary. The excavation during the first two years will be 2,37,150 tons of raw sand and for the coming three years it will be 7,50,000 tons. Estimated Raw sand production is worked out in table 2.6.

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Table 2.6 Yearwise development and estimated production

Year Pit No. Total Top OB/ ROM(Ton) Mineral ROM/ tentative Soil SB/I Ore Mineral reject Waste Excavatio (Ton) B Reject Ratio n (TON) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2016 NK 2,37,150 Nil Nil 2,37,150 Nil Nil 1:0 -17 block IVEE 2017 NK 2,37,150 Nil Nil 2,37,150 Nil Nil 1:0 -18 block IVEE 2018 NK 7,50,000 Nil Nil 7,50,000 Nil Nil 1:0 -19 block IVEE 2019 NK 7,50,000 Nil Nil 7,50,000 Nil Nil 1:0 -20 block IVEE 2020 NK 7,50,000 Nil Nil 7,50,000 Nil Nil 1:0 -21 block IVEE 27,24,300 27,24,300 Source: Mine Plan

2.9 Site infrastructure and facilities: The Chavara processing plant which maintains all site services including Electric workshop and Mechanical will take care of the repairs and maintenance. Main stores, fuel storage points, hospital and canteen, cooperative store are also situated at Chavara main plant. The workshop is fully equipped to take care of the repairs and routine maintenance etc. The electricity is supplied by KSEB to the plant through 11 KV line. The dredge area is supplied with power from separate grid from Kerala State Electricity Board's main 11 KV lines. The

2-15 stores and fuel storage tanks are located at convenient locations. A hospital with two Doctors and required number of supporting staff is also maintained in the Plant.

Power supply is available as 11KV line passing through northern side of KMML to Block IV lease hold. Necessary power distribution arrangements will be made in the mining area. The proposed employment potential in the proposed ML area are mentioned in below table 2.7.

Table 2.7 Manpower calculations Manpower calculation for NK-IVEE

No. of Persons required per day Sl.No. Operations Departmental 1 Mines Manager 1

Asst.Mines Manager& Mining 2 9 Engineer 3 Geologist 1 4 Mines Foreman 3 Sub-total 14 5 UnSkilled(Female) 3 6 UnSkilled 15

Transport will be arranged through tipper even though barge transport is also feasible. One wheel loader will be engaged for loading the heavies from the DWUP. The same loader will level the reject material and refill the back side of the pond. The heavies are processed at Chavara IRE plant to various products.

2.10 Mineral Processing The beach sand (inland deposit) is mined by open cast method. The raw sand is first up- graded so that its heavy mineral (HM) content is increased to 85%.This is done in a Dredge & Wet Up-gradation Plant (DWUP) which not only mines the beach sand as slurry but also up- grades the HM bearing sand and dumps back the tailing for refilling the mined out area.

The raw sand is to be beneficiated in the WUP, which is mounted on the dredger unit itself. The DWUP discharges about 75 % of the sand as tailing. The heavies from DWUP, having

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THM content of 75% is discharged through the cyclone mounted on a stand/staker. The heavies are to be transported to the Chavara Plant where it is first fed to the Heavies Upgrading Plant (HUP). Product of HUP has about 95% HM content and it is sent to the Mineral Separation Plant. Here the minerals are separated using their properties like magnetic attraction, electric conductivity etc. The mineral processed in this system gives the end products as Ilmenite, Rutile, Zircon, Sillimanite and Monazite. The separation process ensures the purity of end products and prevents contamination of the product by any other mineral. The water required for the Spiral Separators in the Dredge and Wet Upgradation Plant (DWUP) is made available from the artificial pond itself in which the DWUP floats and the water is being recycled back to the pond. The power required for the plant is supplied by the Kerala State Electricity Board and in case of electricity failure there are two standby generators of 1150 KVA each and one of 950 KVA to take care of the plant requirement.

The reject tailings from the DWUP as mentioned earlier will be pumped back to the mined out area at Chavara. These will be systematically analyzed for the heavies and the mineral content will be monitored.

2.11 Product Information

Ilmenite, Leucoxene and Rutile are minerals containing mainly TiO2 varying from around

60% to 98%. The fraction that contains an average TiO2 content of about 60% is called Ilmenite, 75% is called Leucoxene and 98% is called Rutile.

Zircon : Zircon is Zirconium silicate - Zr O2.SiO2

Sillimanite : It is Silicate of Alumina - Al203 SiO2 Monazite : It is a complex phosphate of Thorium and Rare Earth Minerals. This is radio active. 2.12 Physical properties The minerals are separated by various physical means depending on their properties viz. 1. Magnetic Susceptibility 2. Electrical conductivity and 3. Specific Gravity. Ilmenite, Leucoxene and Monazite are magnetic materials. The magnetic susceptibility of these materials is different. Ilmenite is more magnetic and Leucoxene and Monazite are feebly magnetic. Regarding electrical conductivity, all titanium minerals (i.e. Ilmenite, Leucoxene and Rutile) are conducting and all others are non-conducting.

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The specific gravity the various minerals are as below: - 1. Monazite - 5.20 2. Zircon - 4.70 3. Rutile - 4.20 4. Ilmenite - 4.50 5. Leucoxene - 3.50 6. Sillimanite - 3.25 7. Quartz - 2.65

2.13 Separation of Minerals Ilmenite: Ilmenite is the largest constituent of the raw sand. Its Magnetic Susceptibility is more than that of Leucoxene and Monazite, which are also magnetically susceptible. Hence a low intensity magnetic separator can separate Ilmenite.

Rutile: As Ilmenite, Leucoxene and Rutile are electrically conducting materials, these can be separated from other minerals using High Tension Separators or Electrostatic separators. Of these conducting materials Ilmenite is highly magnetic, Leucoxene is feebly magnetic and Rutile is non magnetic. Ilmenite can be removed by using a low intensity magnetic separator and the non-magnetic fraction will be Rutile.

Leucoxene: The fraction obtained as magnetics of High Intensity Magnetic Separator is theoretically Leucoxene. This will contain Ilmenite, Rutile and a small percentage of non- conducting. However since the Leucoxene content in raw sand is very low, this can be sent along with Rutile without affecting the guaranteed TiO2 content of Rutile.

Flow sheet of DWUP process is shown as figure 2.9. 2.14 Mineral Recovery The non-conducting minerals, composed of Monazite, Zircon, Sillimanite, Quartz is further processed to separate the valuable minerals. Zircon and Sillimanite are sold as finished products and Monazite is stored as a concentrated fraction.

Construction of separate Sillimanite plant was suggested for production of additional quantity of Sillimanite from plant tails, which was postponed due to low market demand.

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Process flow chart

Figure 2.9: DWUP Process Flow Chart Monazite-rich fraction is stock piled in demarcated earthen pits / trenches on Northern side of plant beyond HUP as per the the directions from AERB/HPU for ensuring safety from radiation. The trenches are covered using 1 m thick sand cover.

2.15 Use of Heavy Minerals Ilmenite is used for production of titanium-di-oxide pigment which is used in paints, paper, plastic, rubber and in the electronic industry. Naturally occurring Rutile contains 94-96% titanium dioxide. Rutile is used for manufacture of titanium dioxide pigment, coatings of welding electrodes and in the manufacture of titanium sponge and metal. Titanium tetrachloride, used in the manufacture of aluminum materials is produced by chlorination of rutile or a mixture of highly altered Ilmenite or leucoxene. Zircon is used in the manufacture of foundry moulds, refractory bricks and crucibles and in the ceramic industry as opacifier. Zirconium alloys are used for nuclear reactor as cladding materials for nuclear fuel and in the aerospace industry for the manufacture of jet engine parts. Garnet is used for manufacture of abrasives. Sillimanite is an important raw material used for manufacturing high grade refractories and porcelain goods. Moanazite is phosphate of rare earths with variable amounts of thorium usually combined with silicate or phosphate.Monazite is used for production of

2-19 rare earth compounds, tri-sodium phosphate, thorium hydroxide and thorium nitrate. Thorium is largely used as fuel in fast breeder nuclear reactors.

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CHAPTER 3 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES There is no scope of alternative sites as this rare earth as the rare earth minerals are available only on the coastal stretches of Kerala and concentrated on the stretches between Neendakara and Kayamkulam. The minable reserves of minerals in the inland area based on prospecting done by Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) is around 6.02 million tons on IREL Block IVEE. The inland mining will be conducted for about 2,37,150 MT/year for first two years followed by 7,50,000 million tons per year for the remaining 3 years. The THM content of inland mining is 17.62 % and no beach washing is present in Block IV EE. The technology adopted is conventional dredge mining. It is a wet process and no dust pollution arises out of it. The DWUP comprises of a dredge which is the main excavating equipment with a bucket wheel cutter mounted on a ladder lift. The Bucket Wheel ladder is lowered and lifted by hydraulically operated winches. The bucket wheel and the gravel pumps are also driven hydraulically. The ladder lift is designed for a dredging depth of 6-8 metres. The concentrate of the DWUP is the feed material for the mineral separation plant (MSP). No major impacts are anticipated by using this technology. No drilling or blasting is adopted in this mining project. Since there will be no subgrade material there will be no dumps. The mining and the separation of the minerals are done by physical processes and hence there will be no discharge of any chemicals. The mining of radioactive mineral (Monazite containing Thorium) reduces the radiation exposure significantly. The heavy minerals have significant demand in India and abroad. Substantial gap exists between actual production and demand for these minerals. Chavara deposit is the richest deposit in Asia and one of the important beach sand deposits in the world. Considering the important aspects, viz., meeting the internal demand, earning valuable foreign exchange, generating additional employment and further economic development of the region, continuation of mining and allied activities at Chavara deposit is essential and is the need of the country. Considering the above facts there is no scope for exploring alternate sites and technology. 3-1

CHAPTER 4

DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT

4.1General

The Chavara coast of Kollam district, Kerala is world famous for its rich placer deposits. The heavy mineral content in the beach sand goes up to as high as 95%. Sand extraction by Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IREL) and its predecessor companies has been going on at various sites along the Chavara coast since 1930.The occurrence of rare mineral deposits is site-specific and their exploitation does not allow any options except to adopt eco-friendly mining operations. IREL aims to adopt environmental equilibrium by ensuring sustainable operations.

The primary objective of an EIA Study includes determination of the present environmental status, the study of the proposed activities specifically related to the project and evaluation of the probable environmental impacts due to these specific activities, thus, leading to the recommendations of necessary environmental mitigation/control measures.

An EIA Study, thus, necessarily includes collecting detailed information on the existing environmental scenario or ‘baseline data’ and establishing related data of the proposed activity. The project data, relevant to environmental aspects, is then superimposed on the baseline data and the resultant environmental conditions predicted with the help of effective predictive tools.

The EIA is, thus, a comprehensive study on environmental impacts due to proposed mining activity, work out plans to assess and mitigate the detrimental impacts on the environment due to proposed mining operation and other allied activities.

Some of the important aspects considered are:

1. Mine lease area (180 Ha) is the Core Zone

2. 10 km radius from the boundary limits of the mine lease area is considered as a buffer zone.

3. Maps of the study area (core and buffer zone) showing various monitoring stations, superimposed on locations of habitats.

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4. Monitoring and testing are done as per standard testing protocols.

5. One season (non-monsoon) primary baseline data on ambient air quality (PM10, SO2

and NOx), water quality, noise level, soil and flora and fauna were collected and the specific meteorological data were also collected. The locations of the monitoring stations were selected such as to represent whole of the study area and justified keeping in view the pre-dominant direction and location of sensitive receptors. As per TOR, there should be at least one monitoring station within 500m of the mine lease in the pre dominant downwind direction. Base line data collected during the last three years by CSIR-NIIST has been incorporated as a part of the report and utilized in formation of baseline Environmental status and Environmental Management Plan.

6. NABET accredited NGO’s, empaneled experts, NABL Lab Cochin form the team for carrying out the study in addition to functional area experts and EIA coordinator of CSIR-NIIST.

4.2 Reconnaissance Survey of project site:

The distance to key locations (refer figure 4.2 &4.3) from the 180Ha mine lease area(north west end) is as follows:

. NH 66 at Karunagappally : 3.45 km . Kerala Minerals & Metals (KMML) : 9.34 km . Indian Rare Earths Ltd.( IREL) : 15.4 km . Kollam (district HQ) : 25 km . Thiruvananthapuram capital of Kerala: : 95.5 km . Karunagappaly town : 3.75 km

The deposit is quite rich with respect to ilmenite, rutile, and zircon and the mineral ilmenite happens to be of weathered variety analyzing 60% TiO2. The project aims in the mining of heavy minerals through inland mining using dredge/excavators.

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4.2.1 Key Observation:

The mining area is a human inhabited area. The beach area to the west of the new mining lease is already subjected to collection of beach washing. Most of the people residing in the beach zone area are of the fishermen community. The area was devastated by the 2004 tsunami. The block comprises of sensitive locations such as churches and temples, these religious places likely to be mined subjected to some specific conditions. Company plans to shift temples or churches to nearby acceptable places with prior permission after observing the religious formalities. There was a similar relocation in surrounding area (Panmana Sri Durga Devi temple, Vellanathuruth ).IREL respects people’s beliefs and company will not indulge in any activities compromising people’s believes. The block also comprises mangroves to a smaller extent, covering an area of 2.73 Ha

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Fig 4.1: Block IV EE lease area (Core Zone)

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Fig 4.2 Buffer zone of the study area (IREL Block IVEE)

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4.3 Aspects studied

The major environmental disciplines studied include geology, soils, hydrology, meteorology, landuse, surface and groundwater quality, air quality, noise quality terrestrial and aquatic ecology, demography and socioeconomics. The radiation data are generated during August 2017 by BARC and this is incorporated in the study. The Report consists of field data generated over a period from September 2013, (from date of signing of agreement) to December 2017 along with relevant data collected from various agencies on the above disciplines. The data and observations carried out in adjacent mining lease of IREL, KMML which is in the buffer zone is also considered for preparation of impacts and mitigation measures. The present block have already got EC in the year 2011, the current project is an expansion project and hence for the present report previous studies data were also considered.

4.3.1Micro-Meteorological Status:

The climate of Kerala, as per Koppen's classification, is tropical monsoon with seasonally excessive rainfall and hot summer. The entire state is classified as one meteorological subdivision for climatological purposes. The year is divided into four seasons. The period March to the end of May is the hot season. This is followed by Southwest Monsoon season that continues till the beginning of October. From October to December is the Northeast Monsoon season and the two months (January & February) period is considered as winter season. The climate is pleasant from September to February. Summer months March to May is uncomfortable due to high temperature and humidity. The State is extremely humid due to the existence of Arabian Sea in the west.

The mine lease area which comes in Kollam district has a tropical humid climate, with an oppressive summer. The hot season from March to May is followed by the southwest monsoon season from June to September. October - November may be termed the post- monsoon or the retreating monsoon season. December to February is the northeast monsoon season. (Source: ENVIS Centre: The Kerala State of Environment and Related Issues)

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 Rainfall

The total annual rainfall in the State varies from 360 cm over the extreme northern parts to about 180 cm in the southern parts. The southwest monsoon (June•-October) is the principal rainy season when the State receives about 70% of its annual rainfall. Monsoon rainfall as percentage of annual rainfall decreases from north to south and varies from 83 % in northern district of Kasaragod to 50% in the southern district of Thiruvananthapuram. Northeast monsoon rainfall as percentage of annual rainfall increases from north to south and varies from 9% in north most district of Kasaragod to 27% in south most district of Thiruvananthapuram. The rainfall amount in the State decreases towards the south with decrease of height of Western Ghats. The southernmost district of Thiruvananthapuram where Western Ghats are nearest to the sea coast and its average height is also least in the State receives minimum amount of rainfall. The thunderstorm rains in the pre-monsoon months of April and May and that of monsoon months are locally known as 'EDAVAPATHI'. Rainfall during northeast monsoon season is known as 'THULAVARSHAM' in local language.

The southwest monsoon sets-over the study area situated at Kollam tentatively on 1st June and extends over the entire State by 5th June. June and July are the rainiest months, each accounting individually to about 23% of annual rainfall. The average level of annual rainfall is quite high when compared to other Indian states. The study area /Kerala does not have extreme climatical variations like acute summer or acute winter as experienced in northern states. The study area experiences 4 types of climatic conditions such as winter, summer, South West Monsoon and North East Monsoon.

Rainfall data collected from the nearest IMD station of the mine lease (Alappuzha) are given intable 4.1. Owing to its position near the southern end of the Peninsula, the lease area benefits from the southwest monsoon and to a lesser extent from the northeast monsoon. Rains mostly in the form of thunderstorm occur in the summer and in the post-monsoon months constitute a good portion of the annual total of rainfall.

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Table 4.1 Rainfall data

Temperature (o C) Month Total rainfall (mm) Maximum Minimum

Oct-14 203.0 31.8 24.4

Nov-14 135.6 31.5 24.1

Dec-14 35.1 31.7 24.2

Jan-15 11.0 32.3 23.5

Feb-15 4.2 33.2 24.0

Mar-15 61.9 33.9 25.3

Apr-15 160.6 33.9 25.4

May-15 184.2 33.4 26.5

Jun-15 451.7 31.9 25.3

Jul-15 283.6 31.3 24.5

Aug-15 274.3 32.4 24.7

Sep-15 258.0 33.4 25.1

Oct-15 349.6 32.4 24.6

Source: IMD, Trivandrum

 Temperature Day temperatures are more or less uniform over the plains throughout the year except during monsoon months when these temperatures drop down by about 3 to 5°C. Both day and night temperatures are lower over the plateau and at high level stations than over the plain. Day temperatures of coastal places are less than those of interior places. March is hottest month with a mean maximum temperature of about 33°C. Mean maximum temperature is minimum in the month of July when the State receives plenty of rainfall and the sky is heavily clouded.

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It is 28.5°C for the State as a whole in July, varying from about 28°C in the north to about 29°C in the South. Inland stations experience higher maximum temperatures than the coastal stations. From May onwards both the maximum and minimum temperatures start falling.

Daily maximum and minimum temperature from October 2014 to October 2015 were collected from Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) monitoring station at Alappuzha. The months March, April, and May are the hottest and the mean daily maximum temperature being of the order of 32.5oC On certain days the maximum temperature reached 33.9oC. In April and May, the oppressive heat is relieved by thundershowers. With the onset of the monsoon by the end of May, weather becomes cooler. After September, the day temperature increases gradually till they reach a maximum in the hot season. The average daily minimum temperature is 23.5oC.

CSIR NIIST conducted a field study during the period of March-April 2008 for IRE to evaluate the environmental aspects and their possible associated impacts that would arise due to the proposed heavy mineral sand mining operations, in the same area. In the study, meteorological data from Thiruvananthapuram observatory was analyzed and found that temperature variations through the seasons were fairly uniform. March, April and May are the hottest months, the mean daily maximum temperature being of the order of 30.5oC. On some days the maximum may reach 36oC. In April and May, the oppressive heat is relieved somewhat by thundershowers. With the onset of the monsoon by the end of May weather becomes cooler. After September, the day temperature increases gradually till they reach maximum in the hot season. The average daily minimum temperature during December to February is 22.6 oC. On some individual days in this season the minimum may be lower by three or four degrees.

 Humidity

The State stretches from north to south with the Arabian Sea in its west, relative humidity is in general high over the State. In the period January to March afternoon humidity reduce to 60-63%, varying from 35% in the interior to 71 % in the coastal area. The diurnal variation in relative humidity during this period is maximum and ranges from 4 to 16%, depending upon the proximity of the sea. The relative humidity in the monsoon period rises to about 85% for the state. The variation in this period is minimum.

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The air is highly humid practically all the year round in mine lease area, the relative humidity being over 78.93%. Daily relative humidity from October 2014 to October 2015 was collected from IMD, Alappuzha station. The relative humidity during the months of December to May is slightly less than that during the rest of the year. The average monthly relative humidity is given in table 4.2.

Table 4.2 Average monthly Relative humidity

Month Relative humidity (%)

Oct-14 89.19

Nov-14 87.97

Dec-14 83.26

Jan-15 79.74

Feb-15 78.93

Mar-15 82.77

Apr-15 82.47

May-15 85.26

Jun-15 89.77

Jul-15 92.45

Aug-15 91.84

Sep-15 90.53

Oct-15 92.45

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 Cloudiness

Skies are heavily clouded or overcast on most of the days in the monsoon months and to a lesser extent in the post-monsoon months. In the summer and post-monsoon months, cloudiness generally increases in the afternoons. During the rest of the year, skies are generally clear.

 Winds

The winds over the State are seasonal only in the region of Palakkad Gap where winds are predominantly from the east in the period from November to March and from west in the rest of the year. In other parts of the State flow of wind is mainly governed by differential heating of land and water mass together with mountain winds. Winds have westerly component during the day and easterly components during the night throughout the year. In general winds are quite strong during afternoons when the thermal circulation is best developed and weak during night.

Wind direction and wind speed were measured at site monitoring station by NCESS. Hourly wind speed and direction for a period of 12 months were monitored. The wind rose diagrams have been plotted for the site on a seasonal basis from the wind data collected on site for the duration December 2014 to December 2015 is presented in figures 4.3, 4.4, 4.5.

Fig 4.3 Wind rose –post-monsoon (October 2015 to Nov 2015)

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Fig 4.4 Wind rose – Winter (December 2014 to March 2015)

Fig 4.5 Wind rose – Summer (April 2015 to June 2015)

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4.4 AIR ENVIRONMENT

Ambient air quality monitoring was carried out at four stations considering the downwind, crosswind, categorization of the area as per land use. The parameters monitored were PM10,

SO2 and NOx. The locations include mine lease area, sensitive location, residential area and rural area. The air monitoring details are shown in table 4.3

Fig:4.6 PM10 monitoring stations

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Table 4.3: Ambient air quality data of core and buffer zone:

Sl.no Date Location/Sampler PM10 SOX NOX I.D

µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3

1 22/02/17-23/02/17 49 10 12 2 23/02/17-24/02/17 48 < 10 < 10 3 02/03/17-03/03/17 51 < 10 < 10 4 03/0317-04/13/17 52 < 10 < 10 5 09/03/17-10/03/17 39 < 10 < 10 6 10/03/17 -11/03/17 42 < 10 < 10 7 17/03/17-18/03/17 41 < 10 < 10 8 18/03/17-19/03/17 36 < 10 < 10 9 21/03/17-22/03/17 40 BDL < 10 10 22/03/17-23/03/17 42 < 10 < 10 Kozhikode/S.4 11 29/03/17-30/03/17 38 < 10 < 10 12 30/03/17-31/03/17 40 < 10 < 10 13 06/04/17-07/04/17 44 < 10 < 10 14 07/04/17-08/04/17 41 < 10 < 10 15 13/04/17-14/04/17 39 < 10 < 10 16 14/04/17-15/04/17 49 < 10 < 10 17 18/04/17-19/04/17 51 < 10 < 10 18 19/04/17-20/04/17 48 < 10 < 10 19 26/04/17-27/04/17 49 < 10 < 10 20 27/04/17-28/04/17 52 < 10 < 10 21 01/05/17-02/05/17 48 < 10 < 10

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22 02/05/17-03/05/17 46 < 10 < 10 23 11/05/17-12/05/17 48 < 10 < 10 24 12/05/17-13/05/17 51 < 10 < 10 25 18/08/17-19/05/17 48 < 10 < 10 26 19/05/17-20/05/17 46 < 10 < 10 27 24/05/17-25/05/17 38 < 10 < 10 28 25/05/17-26/05/17 36 < 10 < 10

Sl.no Date Location/Sampler PM10 SOX NOX I.D

µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3

1 22/02/17-23/02/17 66 10 12 2 23/02/17-24/02/17 52 < 10 < 10

3 02/03/17-03/03/17 58 < 10 < 10

4 03/0317-04/13/17 56 < 10 < 10

5 09/03/17-10/03/17 42 < 10 < 10

6 10/03/17 -11/03/17 44 < 10 < 10

7 17/03/17-18/03/17 44 < 10 < 10

8 18/03/17-19/03/17 42 < 10 < 10

9 21/03/17-22/03/17 36 BDL < 10 Cheriazeekal S.2 10 22/03/17-23/03/17 46 < 10 < 10 11 29/03/17-30/03/17 58 < 10 < 10 12 30/03/17-31/03/17 58 < 10 < 10 13 06/04/17-07/04/17 59 < 10 < 10 14 07/04/17-08/04/17 60 < 10 < 10 15 13/04/17-14/04/17 52 < 10 < 10 16 14/04/17-15/04/17 60 < 10 < 10 17 18/04/17-19/04/17 64 < 10 < 10 18 19/04/17-20/04/17 66 < 10 < 10

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19 26/04/17-27/04/17 58 < 10 < 10 20 27/04/17-28/04/17 No reading < 10 < 10 Instrument not working 21 01/05/17-02/05/17 60 < 10 < 10 22 02/05/17-03/05/17 58 < 10 < 10 23 11/05/17-12/05/17 52 < 10 < 10 24 12/05/17-13/05/17 64 < 10 < 10 25 18/08/17-19/05/17 56 < 10 < 10 26 19/05/17-20/05/17 54 < 10 < 10 27 24/05/17-25/05/17 48 < 10 < 10 28 25/05/17-26/05/17 38 < 10 < 10

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Sl.no Date Location/Sampler PM10 SOX NOX I.D

µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3

1 22/02/17-23/02/17 61 <10 <10 2 23/02/17-24/02/17 44 <10 <10

3 02/03/17-03/03/17 51 <10 <10

4 03/0317-04/13/17 53 <10 <10

5 09/03/17-10/03/17 48 <10 <10

6 10/03/17 -11/03/17 44 <10 <10

7 17/03/17-18/03/17 41 <10 <10

8 18/03/17-19/03/17 38 <10 <10

9 21/03/17-22/03/17 37 <10 <10

10 22/03/17-23/03/17 PHC 44 <10 <10 VELLANATHURU 11 29/03/17-30/03/17 THU/S.1 58 < 10 < 10 12 30/03/17-31/03/17 56 < 10 < 10 13 06/04/17-07/04/17 60 < 10 < 10 14 07/04/17-08/04/17 62 < 10 < 10 15 13/04/17-14/04/17 58 < 10 < 10 16 14/04/17-15/04/17 63 < 10 < 10 17 18/04/17-19/04/17 62 < 10 < 10 18 19/04/17-20/04/17 63 < 10 < 10 19 26/04/17-27/04/17 58 < 10 < 10 20 27/04/17-28/04/17 61 < 10 < 10 21 01/05/17-02/05/17 58 < 10 < 10 22 02/05/17-03/05/17 56 < 10 < 10

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23 11/05/17-12/05/17 48 < 10 < 10 24 12/05/17-13/05/17 62 < 10 < 10 25 18/08/17-19/05/17 52 < 10 < 10 26 19/05/17-20/05/17 50 < 10 < 10 27 24/05/17-25/05/17 46 < 10 < 10 28 25/05/17-26/05/17 36 < 10 < 10

Sl.no Date Location/Sampler I.D PM10 SOX NOX

µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3

1 22/02/17-23/02/17 52 < 10 < 10 2 23/02/17-24/02/17 48 < 10 < 10 3 02/03/17-03/03/17 54 < 10 < 10 4 03/0317-04/13/17 48 < 10 < 10 5 09/03/17-10/03/17 42 < 10 < 10 6 10/03/17 -11/03/17 44 < 10 < 10 7 17/03/17-18/03/17 44 < 10 < 10 8 18/03/17-19/03/17 42 < 10 < 10 NEAR 9 21/03/17-22/03/17 AMRITHANANTHA 42 BDL < 10 10 22/03/17-23/03/17 MAYI MADAM 44 < 10 < 10 (S3) 11 29/03/17-30/03/17 42 < 10 < 10 12 30/03/17-31/03/17 45 < 10 < 10 13 06/04/17-07/04/17 48 < 10 < 10 14 07/04/17-08/04/17 51 < 10 < 10 15 13/04/17-14/04/17 46 < 10 < 10 16 14/04/17-15/04/17 54 < 10 < 10 17 18/04/17-19/04/17 60 < 10 < 10 18 19/04/17-20/04/17 58 < 10 < 10

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19 26/04/17-27/04/17 52 < 10 < 10 20 27/04/17-28/04/17 49 < 10 < 10 21 01/05/17-02/05/17 52 < 10 < 10 22 02/05/17-03/05/17 51 < 10 < 10 23 11/05/17-12/05/17 51 < 10 < 10 24 12/05/17-13/05/17 48 < 10 < 10 25 18/08/17-19/05/17 48 < 10 < 10 26 19/05/17-20/05/17 46 < 10 < 10 27 24/05/17-25/05/17 42 < 10 < 10 28 25/05/17-26/05/17 44 < 10 < 10

Table:4.4 Comparison of ambient air quality (PM10) of the four sampling locations:

S.No. Location Mean Minimum Maximum 1. Kozhikode 45 38 52 2. Cheriazeekal 54 36 66

3. Primary Health Centre 53 36 63 Vellanathuruth 4. Amrithananthamayi Madam 49 42 60

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Table 4.5 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring carried out in buffer zone: Feb to April 2016

Sl.no Date Location PM10 SOX NOX

µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3

1 3/02/16 63 10 12 2 12/02/16 55 < 10 < 10 3 13/02/16 68 < 10 < 10 4 25/02/16 70 < 10 < 10 5 26/02/16 58 < 10 < 10 6 1/03/16 52 < 10 < 10 7 3/03/16 68 < 10 < 10 8 4/03/16 61 < 10 < 10 9 10/03/16 52 BDL < 10

10 11/03/16 KMML 60 < 10 < 10 11 15/03/16 guest house 62 < 10 < 10 12 16/03/16 62 < 10 < 10 13 22/03/16 65 < 10 < 10 14 23/03/16 68 < 10 < 10 15 29/03/16 65 < 10 < 10 16 30/03/16 70 < 10 < 10 17 05/04/16 62 < 10 < 10 18 06/04/16 64 < 10 < 10 19 12/04/16 66 < 10 < 10 20 13/04/16 69 < 10 < 10

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Sl.no Date Location PM10 SOX NOX

3 3 3 µg/m µg/m µg/m 1` 3/02/16 66 < 10 11 2 12/02/16 43 < 10 10 3 13/02/16 85 12 14 4 25/02/16 73 11 12 5 26/02/16 56 < 10 < 10 6 1/03/16 64 11 13 7 03/03/16 65 BDL < 10 8 4/03/16 54 < 10 < 10 9 10/03/16 55 < 10 < 10 10 11/03/16 48 BDL < 10 11 15/03/16 49 < 10 < 10 12 16/03/16 52 < 10 10 M.S Plant 13 22/03/16 60 < 10 10 (KMML) 14 23/03/16 60 < 10 10 15 29/03/16 55 < 10 < 10 16 30/03/16 55 < 10 < 10 17 05/04/16 55 < 10 11 18 06/04/16 56 < 10 10 19 12/04/16 58 < 10 < 10 20 13/04/16 60 < 10 12 21 19/04/16 58 < 10 12 22 20/04/16 62 < 10 10 23 26/04/16 60 < 10 10

24 27/04/16 55 12 14

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Sl.no Date Location PM10 SOX NOX

3 3 3 µg/m µg/m µg/m

1 3/2/16 81 < 10 < 10

2 12/02/16 65 < 10 < 10

3 13/02/16 58 < 10 10

4 25/02/16 48 < 10 10

5 26/02/16 46 < 10 12

6 1/03/16 40 10 12

7 3/03/16 44 < 10 11 IREL GUEST 8 4/03/16 HOUSE 50 < 10 < 10

9 10/03/16 40 < 10 < 10

10 11/03/16 48 < 10 12

11 15/03/16 52 < 10 12

12 16/03/16 48 < 10 10

13 22/03/16 52 < 10 11

14 23/03/16 53 < 10 10

15 29/03/16 53 < 10 12

16 30/03/16 56 10 12

17 05/04/16 50 < 10 10

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18 06/04/16 52 < 10 10

19 12/04/16 55 < 10 < 10

20 13/04/16 58 < 10 10

21 19/04/16 56 < 10 11 IREL GUEST

22 20/04/16 HOUSE CONT. 55 < 10 10

23 26/04/16 55 < 10 11

24 27/04/16 56 < 10 10

Sl.no Date Location PM10 SOX NOX

3 3 3 µg/m µg/m µg/m

1 3/02/16 64 <10 10

2 12/02/16 75 < 10 12

3 13/02/16 68 < 10 11

4 25/02/16 58 < 10 10

5 26/02/16 48 < 10 11

6 1/03/16 42 < 10 <10

7 3/03/16 42 < 10 12 VELLANATHURUT 8 4/03/16 H 55 < 10 11

9 10/03/16 54 <10 < 10

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Sl.no Date PM10 SOX NOX

µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3

10 11/03/16 58 <10 <10

11 15/03/16 46 <10 <10

12 16/03/16 52 <10 <10

13 22/03/16 52 <10 11

14 23/03/16 52 <10 10

15 29/03/16 53 <10 <10

16 30/03/16 54 <10 <10

17 05/04/16 VELLANATHURUT 48 <10 13 H

(CONT…)

18 06/04/16 52 <10 10

19 12/04/16 52 <10 <10

20 13/04/16 54 <10 11

21 19/04/16 52 <10 10

22 20/04/16 55 <10 <10

23 26/04/16 55 <10 12

24 27/04/16 52 <10 <10

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Table 4.6 Comparison of ambient air quality (PM10) of the four sampling locations (Feb to April 2016)

S.No. Location Mean Minimum Maximum 1. KMML guest house 63 85 52 2. MS plant (KMML) 59 85 54

3. IREL guest house 48.7 81 40 4. Vellanathuruthu 53 75 42

Table 4.7: Comparison of Ambient Air Quality Status for summer season – RSPM (µg/m3) May 2008

S.No. Location Mean Minimum Maximum

1. Project Site (MCH Centre, 29.4 13 48 Vellanathuruthu)

2. MaravanaJn 19.9 14 27

3. Kannety 30 13 56

Table 4.8Ambient Air Quality Status for Winter season –RSPM (µg/m3 ) December 2008

S.No. Location Mean Minimum Maximum

1. Project Site (MCH Centre, 33.3 19 51 Vellanathuruthu)

2. MaravanaJn 22.5 19 29

3. Kannety 41 29 66

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Table 4.4, 4.6, 4.7 and 4.8 shows the comparison of PM10 in study area and its buffer zone. From the study it can be seen that in all locations PM10 was found within the permissible 3 limits (100 µg/m ) for three years of various studies. The SOx and NO2 averages will give negligible values, as in most locations 24 H sampling have given values less than 10 3 µg/m .Thus the results shows that all stations have observed SOx and NO2 values within permissible limits.(80 µg/m3 for both SOx and NO2 )

Source of data: KSPCB. Source of data: KSPCB.

Type Location ID KMML TVM* KOCHI*

PM 10 SOX NOX PM10 SOX NOX PM10 SOX NOX

PLAMOOD CHAVARA-2016 64.08 8.08 8.16 59.11 8.56 28.66 MG ROAD 2013 66.00 2.90 7.85 2015

Commercial

MS KALAMASERRY PLANT(KMML)- 58.08 8.64 10.0 VELI 2015 59.78 20.3 28.43 82.00 2.94 7.05 2013 2016

Industrial

VELLANATH - COSMO URUTH 53.88 8.16 10.2 60.83 8.61 31.19 2015 2016

Sensitive

IREL GUEST 52.96 8 9.75 VYTILLA 2013 77 2.85 9.85 HOUSE

2016

Residential

The air quality status of a major industry (KMML) which is situated within 10 km of mine lease is being compared with the air quality of Trivandrum and Kochi with a classification based on the utility of the area i.e. residential, sensitive, commercial and industrial. The air quality of the Block IVEE mine lease and it’s buffer area is much lower.

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4.5 NOISE ENVIRONMENT

Noise measurements have been carried out using Sound level meter (Envirotech SLM 100). The locations were selected keeping in view the probable noise prone areas (close proximity to residential and sensitive zones, proposed project site, etc.). The measurements were taken 1 m from ground level, and carried out at each of these stations mentioned in Table below. The study area includes a few places of worship, schools, health centers etc. (sensitive locations).

Fig 4.7 Sound level meter

Table 4.9 Location and values of noise levels at different locations in core and buffer zones

Average Noise Sl no: Location of monitoring Value in dB

1 Mining road to Block IV EE 62 2 Primary Health Center 54

3 Amrithapuri Junction 69

4 Sree Kurukasseril Bhadra Devi temple 66

5 Alappad Panchayat Office 61 Cheriazikkal near to junction 6 71 (school,temple) 7 Pandarathuruthu 60

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70(cont. traffic) 8 Panikarkadavu bridge 57(normal) Poockattu junction 9 74 (Panikarkadavu) 10 SV Market, Karunagappaly 54 11 Muncipal Corporation Office, Karunagapally 78 12 Karunagapally Junction 77

13 Karunagapply Govt.Hospital 68

14 KSEB Office, Puthiyakavu 75 15 Market Road, Karunagapallly 75

Karunagapally Railway station.(w/o train movement) 56 16 17 Kanetti Bridge 76 MES college of Arts & Science, Chavara (measured 18 77 at NH 47) 19 Titanium Junction 75

The permissible limits of noise at various localities are:

Table 4.10: Acceptable Outdoor Noise Levels: Norms of Central Pollution Control Board

Limits in dB (A) Area Code Category of Area Day time Night time

A Industrial Area 75 70

B Commercial Area 65 55

C Residential Area 55 45

D Sensitive zone 55 45

Note: 1. Day time is reckoned in between 6 A.M and 9 P.M.

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2. Night time is reckoned in between 9 P.M. and 6 A.M.

3. Silence zone is defined as areas upto 100 metres around such premises as hospitals, educational institutions and courts.

NIIST study on 2008 on the same area, showed a maximum noise level ( 60-65) at NH 66 (KMML), KSRTC-Near Pearl hospital and Karunagapally which are busy junctions along the National Highway. The higher ambient noise level is due to commercial activities, movement of continuous vehicular and other traffic and location of bus stand of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation and private bus Stand. The minimum ambient noise level during study period was observed to be 35-40 dB at the Panmana Ashramom ( Mahasamadhi Peedam). The low values could be attributed to considerably large vegetation cover and calm atmosphere of religious Ashram. In general, on an average the noise levels are well within prescribed limits.

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4.6 HYDROGEOLOGY The coastal tract comprises thick pile of semi-consolidated to unconsolidated sediments of recent to tertiary age, which consists of phreatic and confined aquifer systems. The study area falls in the coastal sedimentary basin of Kollam – Ponnaniarea. The exploration by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) indicated a maximum depth of 600m for the sedimentary basin comprising 3 sedimentary formations: Warkallai, Quilon and Vaikom beds. Of these, the Warkallai and Vaikom beds are the most potential aquifers. A subsurface geological section along the coastal belt based on borehole data are shown (Fig 4.8 a).The Vaikom beds form artesian aquifers between Kollam and Ponnani, and Workallai beds cater to the requirements of drinking water of urban and rural population between Kollam and Kochi.Water is fresh south of Cherthalla in Workable beds whereas it is fresh south of Karuvatta in Vaikom beds. The quality of groundwater is brackish in nature at various places along the coast and was considered due to seawater intrusion. But the detailed hydrogeochemical survey by the CGWB revealed that the brackishness is also due to leaching of salts from the formation materials.

Fig 4.8 (a): Subsurface geological section along the coastal belt based on borehole data

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Fig 4.8(b): Geological Map along W-E direction of block IVEE

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Fig 4.8 (c ): Tentative Section along E-W direction in block IV and Block IV EE

The recharge of the tertiary aquifers takes place from direct precipitation as well as by downward percolation from the overlying recent to sub-recent formations all along the inland margin of the coastal belt. Natural discharge from these aquifers takes place directly into the sea or into the tidal lagoon all along the coastal line. The dug wells in the area tap the phreatic aquifers in the recent sediments whereas the deep tube wells draw water from the semi- confined to confined aquifers. Groundwater occurs in the porous granular formations such as alluvium, laterite etc. The Tertiary sediments and weathered and decomposed crystalline rocks as well as in the fissures, joints, and fractures in the fresh crystalline rocks. In the study area, recent alluvium to tertiary sediments, groundwater occurs either in unconfined or semi- confined/confined conditions. Phreatic conditions mainly exist in coastal alluvium. Groundwater is mainly extracted through dug wells or filter point wells for domestic or irrigation purposes. In the coastal region, the Quaternary alluvial deposits form potential water table aquifers.

Laterite: The occurrence and movement of groundwater in laterite are mainly controlled by the topography. Laterite forms potential aquifers along valleys and topographic lows where

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the thickness of saturated zone is more and can sustain large diameter open wells for domestic and irrigation use.

Recent Alluvial Deposits: These constitute the most potential phreatic aquifer in the area and are extensively developed by dug wells and filter point wells for domestic and irrigation needs. The depth to water level in this formation ranges from 0.50 to 5.9 m which are 1 to 6 m above MSL. The depth of the wells ranges from 2.76 to 10.6 m BGL. The yield of the shallow dug wells ranges from 15 to 50 m3/day. The area around Chavara, Karunagappally where the saturated thickness exceeds 5.0 m form a promising area for filter point wells. The filter point wells are constructed to a maximum depth of 12.0 m BGL and the yield ranges from 20 to 60m3/day.

The shallow phreatic aquifers in alluvium are developed through dug wells and filter point wells. Filter point wells are more economical in the alluvium areas in comparison to dug wells. However, filter points can be constructed only in very restricted areas where the saturated sand thickness in the shallow zone exceeds 5m. Filter point wells are feasible in coastal areas especially along Chavara, Karunagappally blocks and the yield from these wells ranges from 20 to 60m3/day.

4.6.1 Hydrogeological survey of the study area and buffer zone

The field data collection in core zone and buffer zone were carried out and traverse along the buffer zone were made and groundwater and surface water samples were collected and analysed. Hydrogeological survey of the project area and buffer zone was undertaken by conducting a sample survey of the area taking field measurements at a minimum of 24 wells in the buffer area including the nearby villages. The data generated during the previous study (2014 to 2017) by CSIR-NIIST for the EIA study of KMML block III, was also taken into consideration for ascertaining the hydrogeological impact.

The study area consisted of more than 300 wells. However, about Reduced level (RL’s) of 100 wells was taken at regular intervals. The data generated by the NIIST by an inventory of 100 wells previously during the Environmental Impact Assessment of Old Sludge Ponds of Kerala Minerals & Metals (KMML), has been utilized in the present study (January 2014 to May 2016).

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Hydrogeological survey of the project area and buffer zone was undertaken by conducting a sample survey of the area taking field measurements of 22 wells in the study area including the nearby villages keeping the ML area at the center. Of these 8 wells pertains to the project area and 14 wells were in the buffer zone. The water levels in the 22nos of wells were inventoried varies from 0.35 to2.30m .The depth of the wells varies from 1.59mto 5.78m .The water level of the wells in the project varies from 0.61m to 2.18m and in the buffer zone the water level varies from 0.35mto 4.53m The depth of the wells in buffer zone ranges from0.97 m to 5.78m It was observed that a in a few of the wells in proximity to the canal in project area are shallow and with RL likely to be about 1m or even lesser .Thus based on actual monitored data, it is evident that the working of the mine will intersect water table aquifer .of the area

Groundwater is influenced by the difference in hydraulic head produced by topographic relief and unconsolidated formations. The difference in the hydraulic head due to topographic relief is the most significant driving force for groundwater flow. Along the western part of the area, the aquifers flow towards the Sea. Water Level Contour maps are generated using this data. With reference to GPS control points, the well location and its RL’s were determined by using the total station instrument.

4.6.2 Ground Water level and Flow Pattern

The contours were generated with reference to water level RL’s of wells which are measured during the field survey for Block no III. The water level RL of well is calculated from the above table i.e., (Water level RL= Reduced level - (depth to water level from top of parapet - Height of parapet). The location of the wells and the address of the inhabitants are provided in Annexure .The contours were drawn for the water level RL’s for determining the ground water flow direction in the study area extrapolating from the ground water contours in Block III since contour of block IV EE was not available for reference. Usually sandy layers facilitate the flow of water whereas clayey layer retards it. The contours were drawn for the water level RL’s for determining the ground water flow direction in the study area. The Ground water contour map ( Fig 4.9) indicated that the western part of the area comprising the Block IV EE the water table aquifers flows towards the Lakshwadeep Sea in the west and to the T- S canal in the east The ground water contours along the eastern side of the TS canal show that the ground water flow pattern is generally towards west ie to the adjacent

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canal portion .Ground water is influenced by the difference in hydraulic head produced by topographic relief and unconsolidated formations. The difference in hydraulic head due to topographic relief is the most significant driving force for ground water flow.

The tentative geological section in west – east direction along Block IV EE (Fig 4.8 b, c) also depicts the water table profile which is likely to be intersected by the mining pit deepening/dredging activity in Block IV and Block IV eastern extension.

The GW flow is predominantly towards east in the T.S canal from the eastern extension portion west of the canal and towards IRE block IV along the western margin towards Arabian sea. From the portion of eastern extension on the eastern bank of the T.S canal the GW flow is towards west into the canal and also to the Vattakayal along the south and south western side.

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Fig 4.9: Water level contours and groundwater flow pattern of IREL block IV EE

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4.7 WATER ANALYSIS 4.7.1 Saltwater intrusion due to mining of mineral sands

Overexploitation of aquifers, both unconfined and confined may result in contamination of the fresh water bearing aquifers by saline water intrusion from sea or estuary. The intra- coastal canals and lacustrine extension of tidal effects add complexity in coastal tract especially those of the phreatic aquifers. The fresh waters in rivers, block saltwater intrusion, whereas blocking of the flow of the water in the upper reaches of the rivers by building dams, sand mining in river bottoms and dredging of the estuarine beds increase the penetration of brackish and saline water. The actual change in both the coastal penetration of salt water and depth of subsurface saline layer will depend upon the configuration of the coastline, the nature of the underlying geology and probable change in sea level and freshwater flow reduction.

The coastal aquifer is in hydraulic continuity with the sea and thus there is a continuous flow of subsurface water towards the sea. This flow prevents entry of the saline water into the aquifer or towards land. The net result of this flow and counter seawater push towards land is the existence of fresh water in the form of a lens floating on the saline water within the coastal alluvium. The interfacial boundary within the aquifer is seldom sharp but a brackish transition zone of finite thickness exists. The first physical formulations of saltwater intrusion were made by W. Ghyben (1888, 1889) and A. Herzberg (1901), thus called the Ghyben- Herzberg relation. The Ghyben-Herzberg ratio states, for every foot of fresh water in an unconfined aquifer above sea level, there will be forty feet of fresh water in the aquifer below sea level. The salt water is seen underground not at sea level but at a depth below sea level of about 40 times the height of the fresh water above sea level. This distribution is attributed to a hydrostatic equilibrium existing between the two fluids of different densities. Saline water ingress is observed in the shallow alluvial aquifer in the western part of the district which is in hydraulic connection with the backwater.

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Fig 4.10: the Ghyben-Herzberg relation.

Freshwater has a density of about 1.000 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3) at 20 °C, whereas that of seawater is about 1.025 g/cm3. The equation can be simplified to z= 40h. This denotes that any attempt to lower the fresh water level in the coastal alluvium by 1 m will result in upcoming of the saline water boundary by 40 m towards the surface.

4.7.2 Sampling

As part of the field studies groundwater samples were collected and analyzed randomly from the existing wells as well as from surface water within the study area during Jan 2015 to May 2016. Water samples were collected in pre-cleaned polyethylene bottles, tagged, stored in ice-box and transported to the lab. The location of water sampling points in the core and buffer zone keeping the block IVEE ML area at the center and related details are given below in table 4.11.

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Table 4.11: Location details of sampling points

Sl.n Lat. Long. Label of Type of Location Details Zone Remarks o sample sample 1 9º 1'33.84'' 76º 33'53.34'' W1 sensitive Near health centre core NO sediment at bottom. Water not been used after tsunami 2 9º 01'49.44'' 76º 30'43.57'' W2 sensitive near temple core Used for drinking 3 9º 02'08.60'' 76º 30'33.36'' W3 open well open well buffer Not been used after tsunami 4 9º 02'22.43'' 76º 30'27.34'' W4 residence buffer Not been used after tsunami 5 9º 02'15.57'' 76º 30'32.54'' W5 commercial surface water buffer under the bridge 6 9º 06'04.11'' 76º 31'17.40'' W6 commercial Open well buffer high sediment load observed 7 9º 03'57.19'' 76º 32'43.25'' W7 industrial drinking water buffer 8 9º 02'56.47'' 76º 32'03.22'' W8 residence Other purpose buffer Taste differenc e not using for drinking purpose 9 9º 02'43.04'' 76º 31'22.05'' W9 sensitive drinking water for buffer Used for school students drinking 10 9º 02'59.36'' 76º 31'13.03'' W10 residential drinking water buffer yellowis h colour observed 11 9º 02'15.23'' 76º 31'00.88'' W11 residential drinking water buffer turbid used for drinking purpose 12 9º 02'02.33'' 76º 31'03.97'' W12 commercial open well buffer presence of smell and yellowis h colour used for gardenin g 13 9º 02'40.32'' 76º 32'10.41'' W13 sensitive Drinking water buffer Clear

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near to temple and water hospital Used for drinking purpose

4.7.3 Water quality

In order to assess the quality of water in the wells of the core and buffer zone, water samples were collected and analysed for different parameters. The parameters tested in the quality analysis include pH, conductivity, salinity, TDS, TSS, ammonia, chloride, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, hardness, potassium, sodium, sulfates, silicate, phosphate, iron, nitrite, zinc and lead. According to Indian Standards and Specifications for Drinking Water (IS: 10500:2012) and World Health Organization (WHO), drinking water limits have been shown below in table 4.12.

Fig 4.11 GW sampling points

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Table 4.12 Standard water quality parameters Minimum Maximum value (in the Sl.No Parameter value(Acceptable Limit), absence of permissible source), mg/L mg/L 1 pH 6.5 8.5 2 Salinity, ppt 0.5 1 3 TDS, mg/L 500 2000

4 TSS, mg/L 100 500 5 Ammonia, mg/L 3 12 6 Chloride, mg/L 250 1000 7 Alkalinity, mg/L 200 600 8 Calcium, mg/L 75 200 9 Magnesium, mg/L 30 100 10 Potassium, mg/L 0.1 10 11 Sodium, mg/L 20 200 12 Sulphate, mg/L 200 400 13 Silicate, mg/L - - 14 Phosphate, mg/L 0.1 1.7 15 Iron, mg/L 0.3 1 16 Nitrite, mg/L 45 100 17 Zinc mg/L 5 15 18 Lead mg/L 0.05 0.05

4.7.4 Physicochemical Properties of water samples

Water quality changes are widely considered to be the most significant consequence of mining activities. This is partly because of the wide variety of undesirable contaminants that are derived from mining operations and partly due to the frequency and persistence of these problems.

Table 4.13 shows that all the samples were having pH within the permissible limits as per Indian Standards. Sample IRE W 2 registered the lowest conductivity (0.202 mS/cm) while sample IRE W5 showed the highest value of 23330 µS/cm. Portability of water with a TDS

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level of less than 500 mg/liter is generally considered to be good; drinking water becomes significantly and increasingly unpalatable at TDS levels greater than 1000 mg/liter. The total solid content was maximum in IRE W5 (1153 mg/L) sample and the total dissolved solid contents were found to be the highest in the case of sample IREW6 (10.7mg/l) which is reflected in its salinity and conductivity values. The minimum TDS was observed in IREL W11(30mg/L) and similarly min TSS was observed in IREL W11 (1.1 mg/L). Sample IREL W11 possessed the lowest TSS & TDS values which are in good agreement with its low salinity and conductivity. All samples except IRE W1, IRE W5, and IRE W 12 exhibited TDS values less than 500 mg/l. High calcium content was found in sample IRE W5, IRE W1 while samples IRE W5 possessed the maximum magnesium values. All samples except IRE W5 contained chloride ions at levels less than 250 mg/l (permissible limit). Sulphate levels of all samples were found within permissible limits (200mg/L) except for IRE W5.

IRE W5 is the sample collected from below pannickarkadavu bridge and from the table it can be observed that this sample shows high values of salinity, EC, TDS etc.

This place is used as a boat anchoring location and the area is under continuous disturbance caused by boat cleaning boat movement etc. This may be the reason for the increase in values of parameters.

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Table 4.13Physiochemical parameters of water sample

Sample pH Conduct Salini TDS Chlor Alkalinity Calci Magnesi Sodiu Potassiu Sulphat TSS ivity ty ide um um m m e ID µS/cm ppt mg/L mg/L Carbonat Bicarbona mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L e mg/L temg/L IRE-W1 7.87 1367 0.7 670 198.8 0 356 128.26 21.87 220.8 32.8 85.492 1.5 IRE-W2 7.86 26.1 0.1 128 39.76 0 70 28.06 9.72 30.43 2.5 9.553 1.1 IRE-W3 7.71 622 0.3 305 89.46 0 150 56.11 0 84.33 21.38 38.382 2.8 IRE-W4 7.67 543 0.3 266 74.55 0 150 56.11 19.44 57.29 9.42 15.641 1.5 IRE-W5 7.38 23330 14.3 1153 7057.4 0 40 132.26 493.29 7349 198 698.732 9.4 IRE-W6 7.60 506 0.2 248 54.67 0 110 52.1 0 64.1 18.71 70.221 10.7 IRE-W7 7.46 140.9 0.1 210 24.85 0 110 8.02 2.43 60 15 23.539 0.3 IRE-W8 7.57 338 0.2 165 29.82 2 116 40.08 13.61 28.54 12.22 27.03 0.8 IRE-W9 7.32 354 0.2 173 49.7 0 68 30.46 5.83 0.94 0.15 43.377 1.6 IRE- 6.55 265.9 0.1 69 53.68 0 12 16.03 4.86 34.71 4.21 38.113 4.2 W10 IRE- 7.55 62.1 0 30 15.9 0 16 4.81 1.94 16.88 1.75 6.697 1.1 W11 IRE- 7.13 1545 0.8 757 308.14 24 360 73.75 25.27 221 21.46 14.984 1.5 W12 IRE- 7.68 371 0.2 182 59.64 0 66 43.29 1.94 33.12 28.69 72.567 8.6 W13 4-43

4.7.5 Physiochemical parameters of water samples of buffer zone (summer season :2015):

The physiochemical parameters of water samples collected from buffer zone is presented below. Table 4.14 shows that all the samples except sample KMW11, possess pH values within the specified limit. Sample KMW9 registered the lowest conductivity (0.202 mS/cm) while sample KM2 showed the highest value of 30.8 mS/cm. Potability of water with a TDS level of less than 500 mg/litre is generally considered good.

Drinking water becomes significantly and increasingly unpalatable at TDS levels greater than 1000 mg/litre. Total solid content as well as the total dissolved solid contents were found to be the highest in the case of sample W3 (523 mg/l) which is reflected in its salinity and conductivity values. Sample W4 possessed the lowest TS & TDS values which are in good agreement with its low salinity and conductivity. All samples except KM2, KMW5, KMW13, and KMW15 exhibited TDS values less than 500 mg/l. KM2 is the sample collected from dredging pit of adjacent block of KMML and since it shows high values of salinity, EC, TDS etc, sea water intrusion is suspected. This is mainly due to poor management of mine pits by KMML. High Calcium content was found in sample KMW1 and KM2 while samples KM2 and KMW13 possessed the maximum magnesium values. All samples contained chloride ions at levels 250 mg/l (permissible limit) except for the mine pit water (KM2). KM2 exhibited high chloride value. Nitrite in all the water samples were within the prescribed limits of specifications. High iron content was found in two of the water samples – KMW2 & KMW3. Phosphate was found in samples KMW2, KMW3, KMW9, KMW13 and KMW15. Alkalinity and TSS were within the permissible limits in all samples. All samples except KMW1 and KM2 exhibited high silica content.

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Table 4.14 Physiochemical parameters of water samples of buffer zone-(summer season of 2015) Sample p Conduct Salini TDS Chlor T.Alkal Calci Magnesi Sodiu Potassiu Sulphate TSS Ammonia -N H ivity ty ide inity um um m m ID µS/cm ppt mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L KMW1 8 931 0.5 456 89 77 82 15 140 20 150 2 BDL KM2 8 30800 19.1 15082 9656 82 240 41 11198 5 2076 19 BDL

KMW2 8 456 0.2 223 36 58 46 10 55 22 22 1 BDL

KMW3 7 759 0.4 372 107 66 48 9 137 16 48 2 BDL

KMW4 8 259 0.1 127 22 28 12 8 44 21 30 0 BDL

KMW5 7 1428 0.7 701 162 134 44 28 267 2 65 1 BDL

KMW6 7 958 0.3 273 71 38 36 8 105 4 52 0 BDL

KMW7 7 520 0.3 255 44 70 32 13 72 3 57 5 BDL

KMW8 7 537 0.3 263 28 52 32 21 43 21 158 4 BDL

KMW9 7 202.7 0.1 99 20 28 10 9 25 1 23 10 BDL

KMW10 7 602 0.3 295 21 78 48 11 35 42 88 1 BDL

KMW11 6 325 0.2 159 53 14 8 11 33 3 11 2 BDL

KMW12 7 925 0.5 452 118 40 36 11 174 13 54 1 BDL

KMW13 8 1712 0.9 839 186 180 56 43 374 47 47 47 BDL KMW14 8 419 0.2 419 21 73 22 19 26 3 33 0 BDL KMW15 8 1101 0.5 539 69 118 46 0 24 2 49 0 BDL

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4.8 SOIL CHARACTERISTICS

4.8.1 Introduction

In general, the soils of Kerala are acidic, kaolintic and gravelly with low CEC, low water holding capacity and high phosphate fixing capacity. Climate topography, vegetation and hydrological conditions are the dominant factors of soil formation. On the basis of the morphological features and physico-chemical properties, the soils of the State have been classified into red loam, laterite coastal alluvium, riverine alluvium, Onattukara alluvium, brown hydromorphic, saline hydromorphic, Kuttanad alluvium, black soil and forest loam. (Source: Department of Agriculture and farmer’s welfare, Karsikha Keralam)

4.8.2 Soil properties of study area:

Since the study area belongs to Karunagapally taluk and it is a coastal area the soil category of the area belongs to Onnatukara Alluvium.These soils are confined to the Onattukara region comprising the Karunagapally, Karthikapally and Mavelikara taluks of Kollam and Alappuzha districts. They occur as marine deposits extending to the interior up to the lateritic belt. The soils are, in general, coarse textured with immature profiles. In low-lying areas, the water table is high and drainage is a problem. These soils have very rapid permeability. They are acidic in reaction and are extremely deficient in all the major plant nutrients.

4.8.1 Physicochemical characteristics

Chloride: It is a micronutrient essential for plant development. It is required in small quantities by all crops .Chloride has a direct role in photosynthesis, is important in osmotic adjustment of plant. The table 4.15 shows the chloride content of the soil in study area it showed a range of 10.65% to 0.00018%.

Sulphur: In plants sulfur is essential for nitrogen fixing nodules on legumes, and necessary in formation of chlorophyll. Plants uses sulfur in process of producing proteins, amino acids, enzymes and vitamins. Sulfur also helps the plant’s resistance to disease. The table 4.15 shows the Sulphate content in soil of study area.KMW1 showed the highest Sulphate content of 0.28% while IRES12 recorded the lowest value.

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pH: pH is simply a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is, and soil acidity or alkalinity is important because it influences how easily plants can take up nutrients from the soil. The pH of the core area and buffer zone ranges in between 5.1 to 8.5.

Table 4.15Physiochemical parameters of soil samples collected from core and buffer zones Sample pH Chloride Sulphate Moisture Silt Sand Clay ID

% % % % % %

IRES-S2 5.9 0.00018 0.09 11.46 59.14 30.78 10.07251

IRES-S9 8.5 0.00019 0.05 10.09 21.82 54.87 23.30794

IRES-10 8.0 0.00019 0.07 5.71 21.26 50.81 27.92974

IRES-11 8.0 0.00018 0.10 7.72 25.22 48.96 25.82036

IRES-12 7.5 0.00018 0.01 2.22 33.80 50.85 15.35079

IRES-13 8.2 0.00019 0.15 5.29 46.93 30.18 22.88604

KMW1 7.8 6.57 0.28 -- 15.45 84.93 BDL

KMW2 7.9 4.79 0.24 -- 30.28 74.16 BDL

KMW3 8.1 7.10 0.23 -- 11.90 90.68 BDL

KMW5 6.9 12.60 0.19 -- 11.04 92.39 BDL

KMW6 7.2 6.92 0.43 -- 32.09 76.87 BDL

KMW7 7.2 13.49 0.25 -- 17.64 88.13 BDL

KMW8 7.8 9.59 0.14 -- 28.16 73.09 BDL

KMW9 5.1 17.75 0.24 -- 24.82 81.79 BDL

KMW10 8.0 7.63 0.14 -- 58.96 50.85 17

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KMW11 7.9 14.20 0.13 -- 13.33 68.82 BDL

KMW12 7.3 17.75 0.19 -- 29.33 73.86 BDL

KMW13 7.1 13.31 0.25 -- 29.40 75.29 BDL

KMW14 8.2 8.17 0.19 -- 35.52 68.23 BDL

KMW15 7.5 7.81 0.24 -- 22.29 81.38 BDL

KMW16 8.1 10.65 0.15 -- 52 67.69 BDL

KMW17 7.2 8.17 0.14 -- 82.39 43.99 BDL

4.9 ECOLOGY

The ecology of block IVEE and surrounding buffer zone including block III of KMML was considered for ecological study. A detailed ecological survey was conducted on buffer zone of block IVEE considering all flora and fauna of the area.

4.9.1 Method of study

Transect walk was the tool used to assess the occurrence of the fauna at all these locations. All the observations were recorded. The terrestrial, aquatic and aerial species were collected using suitable contrivances and identified by direct observation and also by referring standard literature. Discussions with the local natives, villagers, experts and officials were also made.

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Table4.16 :Locations selected for survey

Location Location Area no.

1. IRE mine site Block IV(Buffer Zone) 9o 02’ 3.80”N 76o 30’ 29.9”E

Block IV EE ( NW of KMML) (Core 9 o 00’ 19.24”N 76º 31’ 39.70”E 2. Zone)

3. KMML Block 3(Buffer Zone) 8o 59’ 34.74”N 76o 31’ 26.718”E

Amrithapuri – 4. MathaAmritanandamayi math(Buffer 9 o 5’ 15.87”N 76o 21’ 13.53”E Zone) 5. Amritapuri – Westside(Buffer Zone) 9 o 5’ 16.14”N 76o 21’ 13.28”E Kuzhamkulam – towards east side of KMML along the road to 6. 9 o 00’ 14.17”N 76o 33’ 47.33”E Shasthamcotta (residential area) (Buffer Zone) Parimanam – Neendakara (in front of 7. 8 o 57’ 20.04”N 76o 31’ 57.25”E temple)(Buffer Zone) 8. Kavanad NH 66(Buffer Zone) 8 o 54’ 32.82”N 76o 33’ 37.56”E

4.9.2 Fauna:

A total of 102 animals were cited in the core and buffer area which includes 47invertebrates and 55 vertebrates. Among invertebrates only two species of annelids were observed in the core area. Among arthropods, maximum number was represented by insect (33 species), and all other groups were represented by two species each in crustacean, myriapods and arachinida. Maximum number of vertebrates was represented by the group aves with 32 species followed by fishes (15 species). Only 8species of mammals were observed in the study area.

Since continuous mining activities are going on in the buffer area, there is no stability for the soil habitat and that could be the reason for less soil organisms.

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The buffer consists of 127 animals including 64 invertebrates and 63vertebrates. Two annelidan species were identified from this area. Insect represents the maximum number of species (41) followed by crustacean with 7species, and two species each in Myriapoda and Arachinida. There were four species of molluscans represented in this area. Birds are the class with maximum number of species (36). A total of 26 species of fishes were observed and among them, 8species were from brackish water and 7 species from fresh water. The details are shown in table 4.17

Table 4.17 List of fauna observed in core area

INVERTEBRATES

Whether belong to Phylum – Annelida Schedule I

1. Megascolexmauritii (Earth worm) No

2. Pheretimaposthuma (Giant earthworm) No

Phylum – Arthropoda

CLASS I Crustacea

1. Albunia sp. No

2. Uca lacteal annulipes (Fiddler crab) No

CLASS II MYRIAPODA

1. Scolopendramarsidents(Centepede) No

2. Spirobolus sp. (Millipede) No

CLASS III INSECTA

1. Pachlioptaaristolochia(Commomnatturose) No

2. Papiliomormon(Common mormon) No

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3. Papiliopolytes(Common mormon ) No

4. Delias eucharis (Common Jezebel) No

5. Bacillus Rosii(Grass hopper) No

6. Gryllotalpa(Mole cricket) No

7. Achetadomestica(House cricket) No

8. Mantis religiosa(Praying mantis) No

9. Phylliumcrucifolium(Leaf insect) No

10. Forficula(Earwig) No

11. Menoponpallidum(Fowl lice) No

12. Leptoflebia(mayfly) No

13. Labella (Dragon fly) No

14. Aphids No

15. Corixa(water boatman) No

16. Notonecta(Back swimmer) No

17. Belostomaindica(Giant water bug) No

18. Myrmeleon sp. (Antlion) No

19. Alcedes sp. No

20. Kallima sp. No

21. Apisindica(Domestic honey bee) No

22. Oryctus rhinoceros (Cococnut beetle) No

23. Rhynchophorus sp. (Red palm weevil) No

24. Cincindella sp. (Tiger beetle) No

25. Coccinellaseptumpunctata(lady bird beetle) No

26. Mylabrisindica(Cantharids beetle) No

27. Sternochaetusmangiferae(mangonutweevle) No

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28. Myrmicarubra(Red ant) No

29. Oecopheliasmargadina(Tailor ant) No

30. Monomorumgracilimum(large black ant) No

31. Muscadomestica(House fly) No

32. Anophelusmaculipenis( Mosquito) No

33. Culex sp. No

Class IV ARACHINIDA

1. Palamnaeusawammerdami(Scorpion) No

2. Araneusdiadematus(Garden spider) No

PHYLUM – MOLLUSCA

1. Pilaglobosa(Apple snail) No

2. Lamellidansmarginalis(Fresh water mussel) No

3. Pernaviridis(brown mussel No

4. Pernaindica(Green mussel) No

PHYLUM ECHINODERMATA

1. Clypiasterhumilis(Sand dollars) No

2. Echinodiscusauritus(Sand dollars) No

VERTEBRATA

CLASS I PISCES

Brackish Water Fishes

1. Gerresfilamentosus (Gerres) No

2. Teraponjarbua No

3. Ambassismola (Glass fish) No

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4. Mugilparsia (Mullet) No

5. Mugilcephalus (Grey mullet) No

6. Scatophagusargus (Scat) No

7. Etroplussuratensis (Pearl spot) No

8. Etroplus maculates (Orengechromid) No

Fresh water Fishes

9. Clariasgariepinus (African catfish) No

10. Anabas testudineus (Climbing perch) No

11. Tilapia mossambica (Tilapia) No

12. Labeorohitha(Rohu) No

13. Catlacatla (Catla) No

14. Cyprinuscarpio (Common carp) No

15. Cirrhinusmrigala (Mrigal) No

CLASS II AVES

Centropussinensis(Greater Coucal ) No

Meropsorientalis(Green Bee-Eater) No

1. Dicrurusleucophaeus(Ashy Drongo) No

2. Calandrellaraytal ( Indian Short-toed Lark) No

3. Turdoidesmalcolmi ( Large Gray Babbler) No

4. Acridotheresfuscus (Jungle Myna) No

5. Orthotomussutorius ( Common Tailorbird) No

6. Phalacrocoraxniger (Little Cormorant ) No

7. Corvusmacrorhynchus (Jungle crow) No

8. Acridotherestristis (Common Mynah) No

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9. Cospichussaularis (Magpie robin) No

10. Centropussinensis (Crow pheasant) No

11. Nectariniaasiatica (Sunbird) No

12. Turdoidesaffinis(Babblers) No

13. Pychnonotuscafer(Red vented bulbul) No

14. Dendrocittavagabunda (Indian tree pie) No

15. Oriolusoriolus (Oriole) No

16. Ploceusphilippinus (Baya) No

17. Eudynamusscolopaceae (Indian koel) No

18. Columba livia (Pigeon) No

19. Haliaster Indus (Brahmini kite) No

20. Milvusmigrans (Pariah kite) No

21. Alcidoatthis (Small blue king fisher) No

22. Dicrurusadsimilis( Black drongo) No

23. Ardeolagrayii (Pond herone) No

24. Ergettagarzetta(Little erget) No

25. Bulbulcus ibis (Catta\le erget) No

26. Larusridibundus (Black headed gull) No

27. Upupaepops (Hoope) No

28. Vanellusindicus (Red vatted lapwing) No

29. Tringahypoleucos (Common sand piper) No

30. Charadriusdubiusjerdoni (Little ringed plover) No

CLASS III MAMMALIA

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1. Capra bus indicus (Cow) No

2. Capra hiscus (Goat) No

3. Bubalus (Buffallo) No

4. Oryctolaguscuniculus (Rabbit) No

5. Musmuscularis (Mouse) No

6. Canisfamiliaris(Dog) No

7. Felisdomesticus (Cat) No

8. Herpestesedwardsii (mangoose) No

INVERTEBRATES

Phylum – Annelida

1. Megascolexmauritii (Earth worm) No

2. Pheretimaposthuma (Giant earthworm)

Phylum – Arthropoda

CLASS I Crustacea

1. Penaeusindicus( Indian White prawn) No

2. Macrobrachiumrosenberghii(Giant freshwater prawn) No

3. Balanus sp. (Rock barnacles) No

4. Eupagurus Sp.(Hermit crab) No

5. Macrobrachiumidella(Motta chemmeen) No

6. Scylla serrata(Mud crab) No

7. Albunia sp. No

8. Uca lacteal annulipes (Fiddler crab) No

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CLASS II MYRIAPODA

1. Scolopendramarsidents(Centepede) No

2. Spirobolus sp. (Millipede) No

Class III Insecta

1. Pachlioptaaristolochia(Commomnatturose)

2. Papiliomormon(Common mormon) No

3. Papiliopolytes(Common mormon ) No

4. Delias eucharis (Common Jezebel) No

5. Euthaliaaconthea(Common baron) No

6. Ctenolepisma(Silver fish) No

7. Bacillus Rosii(Grass hopper) No

8. Gryllotalpa(Mole cricket) No

9. Achetadomestica(House cricket) No

10, Mantis religiosa(Praying mantis) No

11. Phylliumcrucifolium(Leaf insect) No

12. Forficula(Earwig) No

13. Menoponpallidum(Fowl lice) No

14. Leptoflebia(mayfly) No

15. Labella (Dragon fly) No

16. Aphids No

17. Corixa(water boatman) No

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18. Notonecta(Back swimmer) No

19. Belostomaindica(Giant water bug) No

20. Myrmeleon sp. (Antlion) No

21. Alcedes sp. No

22. Kallima sp. No

23. Bombyxmori(Silk worm) No

24. Apisindica(Domestic honey bee) No

25. Apis florae (Little honey bee) No

26. Apismellifera(Italian honey bee) No

27. Leptocorisaacuta(Rice bug) No

28. Aspengopus sp. (Pumkinbug) No

29. Oryctus rhinoceros (Cococnut beetle) No

30. Rhynchophorus sp. (Red palm weevil) No

31. Cincindella sp. (Tiger beetle) No

32. Brachinus sp. (Bombadier beetle) No

33. Coccinellaseptumpunctata(lady bird beetle) No

34. Mylabrisindica(Cantharids beetle) No

35. Sternochaetusmangiferae(mangonutweevle) No

36. Myrmicarubra(Red ant) No

37. Oecopheliasmargadina(Tailor ant) No

38. Monomorumgracilimum(large black ant) No

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39. Muscadomestica(House fly) No

40. Anophelusmaculipenis( Mosquito) No

41. Culex sp. No

No

Class IV ARACHINIDA

1. Palamnaeusawammerdami(Scorpion) No

2. Araneusdiadematus(Garden spider) No

PHYLUM – MOLLUSCA

1. Pilaglobosa(Apple snail) No

2. Lamellidansmarginalis(Fresh water mussel) No

3. Sepia phoronis(Cuttle fish) No

4. Pernaviridis(brown mussel No

5. Pernaindica(Green mussel) No

6. Sepia (cuttle fish) No

7. Loligo(Squid) No

8. Octopus sp. (Devil fish ) No

PHYLUM ECHINODERMATA

1. Clypiasterhumilis(Sand dollars) No

2. Echinodiscusauritus(Sand dollars) No

VERTEBRATA

CLASS I PISCES

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Brackish Water Fishes

1. Gerresfilamentosus (Gerres) No

2. Teraponjarbua No

3. Ambassismola (Glass fish) No

4. Chanoschanos (Milk fish) No

5. Mugilparsia (Mullet) No

6. Mugilcephalus (Grey mullet) No

7. Scatophagusargus (Scat) No

8. Etroplussuratensis (Pearl spot) No

9. Etroplus maculates (Orengechromid) No

Fresh water Fishes

10. Clariasgariepinus (African catfish) No

11. Anabas testudineus (Climbing perch) No

12. Tilapia mossambica (Tilapia) No

13. Labeorohitha(Rohu) No

14. Catlacatla (Catla) No

15. Cyprinuscarpio (Common carp) No

16. Cirrhinusmrigala (Mrigal) No

17. Etrplussuratensis (Pearlspot) No

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AMPHIBIA

1. Rhacophorus

REPTILIA

CLASS II AVES

1. Centropussinensis(Greater Coucal ) No

2. Meropsorientalis(Green Bee-Eater) No

3. Dicrurusleucophaeus(Ashy Drongo) No

4. Calandrellaraytal ( Indian Short-toed Lark) No

5. Turdoidesmalcolmi ( Large Gray Babbler) No

6. Acridotheresfuscus (Jungle Myna) No

7. Orthotomussutorius ( Common Tailorbird) No

8. Phalacrocoraxniger (Little Cormorant ) No

9. Corvusmacrorhynchus (Jungle crow) No

10. Acridotherestristis (Common Mynah) No

11. Cospichussaularis (Magpie robin) No

12. Centropussinensis (Crow pheasant) No

13. Nectariniaasiatica (Sunbird) No

14. Turdoidesaffinis(Babblers) No

15. Pychnonotuscafer(Red vented bulbul) No

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16. Dendrocittavagabunda (Indian tree pie) No

17. Psittaculakarmeri(Red ringed parrot) No

18. Oriolusoriolus (Oriole) No

19. Ploceusphilippinus (Baya) No

20. Eudynamusscolopaceae (Indian koel) No

21. Columba livia (Pigeon) No

22. Haliaster Indus (Brahmini kite) No

23. Milvusmigrans (Pariah kite) No

24. Alcidoatthis (Small blue king fisher) No

25. Dicrurusadsimilis( Black drongo) No

26. Ardeolagrayii (Pond herone) No

27. Ergettagarzetta(Little erget) No

28. Bulbulcus ibis (Cattle erget) No

29. Amaurornisphoenicurus (White breasted water hen) No

30. Larusbrunnicephalus (Brown headed gull) No

31. Larusridibundus (Black headed gull) No

32. Upupaepops (Hoope) No

33. Dendrocopusnanus(Wood pecker) No

34. Vanellusindicus (Red vatted lapwing) No

35. Tringahypoleucos (Common sand piper) No

36. Charadriusdubiusjerdoni (Little ringed plover) No

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CLASS III MAMMALIA

1. Capra bus indicus (Cow) No

2. Capra hiscus (Goat) No

3. Bubalus (Buffallo) No

4. Oryctolaguscuniculus (Rabbit) No

5. Musmuscularis (Mouse) No

6. Canisfamiliaris(Dog) No

7. Felisdomesticus (Cat) No

8. Pteropusmedius (Fruitivorus bat) No

9. Scotophilus (Insectivorous bat) No

10. Funnambulus (Squirrel) No

11. Herpestesedwardsii (mangoose) No

The animals in this area are not included in Schedule I of Act 1972. No endangered or endemic animals were found in the study area during the survey.

4.9.3Flora studies

Changes in the physical and chemical aspects of the environment will reflect in the flora of the study area. Some of the plants are sensitive to environmental changes, but most of them can gradually acclimatize to the environment. The ecological studies particularly the study about the vegetation is very important for the conservation of the environmental quality. The study area comprises of terrestrial habitat as well as aquatic. The aquatic habitat comprised of sea beaches, canals and wetlands. The sea beach though a part of the terrestrial habitat is described along with the aquatic habitat considering that a part of the project site is on the beach. The large area covered by the wetlands and the canal, considerable extent of the study area is covered by water. During the survey none of the threatened plant species are noticed.

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Altogether 107 plant species were identified in the buffer zone which includes herbs, shrubs and trees. In the core zone 63 species of plants were recorded. There was no forest area located in the area of survey. No endangered species or threatened species or plants included in the Schedule I of wild life protection act of 1972were observed during the survey.

4.9.4 Mangroves

Mangroves are important floral component of any coastal ecosystems that play crucial roles in the local ecology and also in livelihood security of human populations. Mangroves are special kind of flora which can tolerate salinity and can grow in marshes due to the presence of special kind of roots called pneumatophores. The most effective method for stabilising the shore is through biological stabilisation provided by the existence of mangroves and its diversity. The roots of the mangroves not only capture sand, shells, and sediment but trap as well as reinforce the shore by root branch growth. Mangroves also build land and solidify it against attacks by waves and currents. The other most important characteristics of mangroves are its activity in offering breeding grounds for coastal fish and shell fish species. They grow very quickly, often as much as two feet per year and form a forest of mangroves, which provide an abode to not only aquatic species but also to various terrestrial and bird species. Since the mangroves are located in the T.S canal, the area is out of the mining lease. As such there are no effects of mining or supportive activities in the said area.

Characteristics and Functions: Mangroves

• Form biomass at rates equal to most intensively cultivated tropical agricultural lands, with only marine grass beds, coral reefs, and tropical rain forests exceeding mangroves in productivity;

• Export organic matter to adjacent coastal food chains, thereby playing a critical role in sustaining life in environments such as coral reefs and sea grass beds;

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• Provide habitat for many birds, fish and invertebrates in their maze of trunks, prop roots, and muddy substrates.

•Protect shorelines, boats, and land-based structures from erosion and wave damage, particularly during tropical storms and hurricanes;

•Serve as physical and chemical filters for upland runoff and enhances water quality.

The riparian vegetation along TS canal were found to be flourished with mangrove species where there is no human habitation. The TS canal was identified as National Water Way (No.3) and NWAI carries out the widening and dredging of the canal for safe navigation. Mangroves along the construction sites are being destroyed but the local natives are trying to protect it since the awareness after the Tsunami event. The estuarine system has many island formations by sediment deposit and many such islands also hold good mangrove vegetation.

Comparatively mangrove floral density was found to be low along the riparian areas of TS canal, which may be due to the construction and up-gradation work of National Water Way.

Table 4.18 Mangroves and their density around estuarine system, Chavara, Kollam

Density Species (No./m2)

Acanthus ilicifolius 9

Avicenniaofficinalis 5

Bruguieraparviflora 7

Rhizophoramucronata 5

Salvadorapersica 3

Ceriopsdecandra 2

Exoecariaagallocha 1

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4.10 WILD LIFE

Wild life was not represented in the study area since there are no forests. The wild species represented in this area are jungle cat, jackal and few captive elephants.

4.11 FISHERIES

The list of fishes that are commonly seen in this area is listed in table 4.19. Fisheries aspect of the study was represented mainly by commercial fisheries from the area. Fishes and other crustaceans like prawns and crabs represents commercial fisheries from the area. In addition certain molluscan species were also included in the catches. Sampling from different fishing vessels from different zones of the study area recorded 19 estuarine species of fin fishes, 31 marine species of fin fishes, 8 species of prawns and 4 species of crabs and 2 species of commercial clams.

Samples from market nearby and Neendakara fishing harbor were also investigated for assessment and fin and shell fish representation was fairly good when compared to other landing centers along west coast of Kerala. Almost all commercial fish species were recorded from the fish catches and other noncommercial fishes may also be present in the area including migratory forms.

Table 4.19 Fish, shellfish and Fisheries along the Marine and Estuarine system, Kollam (Fishes and shell fishes obtained from fishermen/Boats during sampling day and secondary data on fisheries)

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Group/Species Estuarine Fishes Marine Fishes Gymnothoraxpseudothyrosidea Stolephorusindicus Glossogobiusgiuris Stolephoruscommersoni Liza tade Stolephorusinsularis Liza parsia Encrasicholinadevisi Anabas testuidineus Encrasicholinaheteroloba Boleophthalmusdussumerri Thryssamalabarica Awaousstamineus Thryssamystax Mugilcephalus Opistopterustadoore Strongylurastrongylura Sardinellalongiceps Horabagus sp. Sardinellagibbosa Arius dussumeri Scomberomoruscommersoni Etroplussuratensis Scomberomorusguttatus Etroplus maculates Sardaorientalis Tilapia mossambicus Auxisthazard Chirocentrusdorab Auxisrochei Panchaxpanchax Katsuwonuspelamis Nandusnandus Euthunnusaffinis Gerresfilamentosus Carangoidesmalabaricus Hyporhampusxanthopterus Rastralligerkanagurta Epinephelusareolatus Epinepheluschlorostigma Nemipterusrundalli Coolaeolus japonicas Psettoeserumei Secutorinsidiator Pelatesquadrillineauts Teraponjarbua Lutjanusgibbus Lutjanusjohni Fi Leiognathusdussumeiri Pampusargentus Prawns Crabs Peneaeusindicus Scylla serrata Peneaeus monodon Metapograsussp Peneaeusmarguiensis Portunussanguinolentus Penaeusjaponicus Charybdis feriata Metapenaeusaffinis Metapenaeusdobsoni Metapenaeusmonoceros Metapenaeusbrivicornis Clams

Meritrixcasta Villorita cyprinoids

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4.12 MARINE AND ESTUARINE ENVIRONMENT Marine and estuarine ecology forms an important part of this project as the proposed project area is in coastal area. EIA is inevitable if estuarine or marine systems are directly involved and/or affected due to various anthropogenic activity. Biological and ecological dynamics forms the major component of any ecosystem, which acts as the major primary or secondary productivity source of the ecosystem. The biological factors are directly or indirectly controlled by the abiotic component, which includes physicochemical, and biological characteristics of water and sediment of the aquatic ecosystem.

Marine and estuarine ecological survey for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study was carried out on May 2017. Previously a marine ecological survey was carried out during February 2016.

A total of 6 stations were identified in the vicinity of Indian Rare Earth Ltd., Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd. (KMML), Chavara, Kollam district of Kerala state. Out of the 6 stations, three were in marine system (Arabian Sea) and three were in TS Canal (backwater), parallel to the coast. The first station was selected at 10 km off coast in the sea at western side of IREL plant, (control station) and the second station was at the sea opposite to Panikkarkadavu bridge (proposed mine lease location block IVEE). Third station was also selected further north of IREL from sea near to coast, towards western side of IREL plant. Rest of the three stations was selected in adjoining TS canal. Fourth station was selected towards eastern side of IREL, (near to plant) Fifth station was at Vattakayal and sixth station was beneath Panikkarkadavu bridge in TS canal. The figure 4.12 shows the sampling locations. Biological aspects like phytoplankton and zooplankton diversity and abundance, primary productivity, Chlorophyll and phaeophytin content, fish and shell fish fauna, mangroves etc. were collected and analysed.

The data were collected through field investigations, laboratory analysis, desk research, literature survey, data analysis and computation. The study area and the sampling stations for marine sampling are shown in table 4.20. Keeping in view the proposed project location, the inland navigational channel, shallow and deep regions of the ecosystem, point of inflow and outflow of effluents, water and sediment sampling was carried out at six locations. Both surface and bottom water samples were collected for analysis.

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Floats were anchored for identification of sample locations. The surface samples were collected using a pre-acid rinsed plastic bucket and polyethylene bottle and glass bottle. Bottom water samples were collected using a Von Dorn water sampler.

Parameters like atmospheric and water temperature, pH, total depth, light penetration, dissolved oxygen, salinity, conductivity and productivity were measured onboard the monitoring vessel. Samples for laboratory analysis were transferred in well rinsed and labeled containers. The bottles were tightly capped and transported in iceboxes. Flow meter was used to measure the velocity and the quantity of water sampled through plankton net. The flow meter was attached with plankton net to know the actual amount of water passed through the net.

Table 4.20 Sampling locations for marine and estuarine studies for IREL Block IVEE

Location Light Station Depth (m) penetration 0 0 Lat ( ' ") Long ( ' ") (cm)

S1 9 01 47.05 76 28 21.66 15 192

S2 9 02 05.04 76 30 07.45 8 110

S3 9 01 21.88 76 30 19.22 8 110

S4 8 59 29.65 76 31 28.62 3.5 60

S5 9 01 11.61 76 31 23.32 1 50

S6 9 02 17.32 76 30 33.27 2.5 55

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Fig 4.12 Marine sampling locations

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Table 4.21: MARINE ECOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR BLOCK IVEE OF IREL-KOLLAM (On Site) (May 2017) Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Station 4 Station 5 Station 6 Parameters SW BW SW BW SW BW SW BW SW BW SW BW

Time 9.30 am 10.15 a.m 11.00 am 12.45pm 1.20p.m 2.10pm

Temp(degree celcius) 29.19 28 29.7 29.7 29.8 29.3 35 34 35.7 35.1 36 34.5

Ph 7.2 7.7 7.2 7.68 7.7 7.8 7.8 7.5 6.8 7.5 7.3 7.6 8.5 milli Conductivity 59.9µs 59.2 58.1 56.83 56.14 54.96 11.1 17.7 semens 8.6 13.3 14.7

Salinity 39.9ppt 39.4ppt 38.7 37.83 37.29 36.4 6.3 10.4 4.68 4.8 7.6 8.5

DO 6.7 5.14 6.89 5.75 6.9 6.3 8.1 6 7.68 7.8 7.5 7.4

TDS 38.94g/L 38.5g/L 37.7 36.9 36.5 35.72 7.2 11.5 5.4 5.6 8.6 9.5

Depth 15m 8 8 3.5 1 2.5

SSG 26.8 26.8 25.6 25.1 24 1.4

ORP 32.5 54.6 176 147 146.9 151 116 81.4 82 71 75 75

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Cont……

Table 4.22 : Physio-chemical parameters of marine &estuarine water (February 2016 ) Parameters pH Chloride Calcium Magnesium TSS TDS Sodium Pottassium Units mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L sw1 7.11 24850 320.6 631.8 276 37600 15637.500 590.000 sw2 7.60 20277.6 288.6 651.24 494 37200 14375.000 527.500 sw3 7.90 20078.8 328.7 602.64 486 38400 15570.000 500.000 sw4 6.90 4671.8 80.2 315.9 68 6800 3058.000 101.000 sw5 7.10 3081.4 52.1 284.31 332 5000 1799.000 67.000 sw6 5.75 5069.4 80.2 340.2 124 9000 3071.000 103.000 bw1 7.60 22265.6 360.7 631.8 342 38800 15657.500 492.500 bw2 7.70 22663.2 352.7 588.06 250 38000 16550.000 532.500 bw3 7.68 22066.8 380.8 571.05 304 37400 15250.000 477.500 bw4 6.75 6659.8 132.3 187.11 174 12400 14092.500 410.000 bw5 7.75 2982 96.2 208.98 150 4600 4515.000 172.500 bw6 7.70 5367.6 92.2 308.61 96 8600 7755.000 237.500

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4.13 Aquatic ecology

Aquatic ecology includes marine and estuarine ecology, which include assessment of biological component of the ecosystem. The present status of the aquatic biological components will reveal ecological dynamics and the rate of pollution of the system. Ecological status of the system will be assessed by exploring each and every trophic levels right from producer level to tertiary consumer level and the present study investigates the phytoplankton, zooplankton, aquatic nekton including fishes and shell fishes along with the estimations of primary productivity, chlorophyll and phaeophytin. Crude biomass is also estimated to have knowledge on total biomass content over the area.

4.13.1 General methodology

Standard scientific methods were adopted for collection, transportation and preservation of samples. Identification and analysis of samples were also done by standard keys and procedures. Samples were collected from surface (SW) as well as bottom (BW) using a bottom water sampler for all the stations. Results of all the parameters estimated are reported for surface water and bottom water separately. Plankton samples were collected using standard plankton nets for phytoplankton and zooplankton collection. Samples were preserved in 5% formalin in situ and transported to laboratory for further qualitative and quantitative analysis. Chlorophyll and phaeophytin were estimated adopting standard filtration procedure. In situ productivity estimation in terms of Gross Primary Production (GPP), Net Primary Production (NPP) and Community Respiration (CR) were done employing standard Light and Dark bottle method by estimating dissolved oxygen and converting it to carbon production per day. Biomass was estimated by dry weight procedure.

4.13.2 Results and assessment

Plankton Analysis

Plankton forms the basic producers in any aquatic environment. Both phytoplankton and zooplankton constitute basic producer level and forms limiting factor for productivity of the system. The entire dynamics, especially biological processes depend upon the diversity and abundance of plankton in any aquatic system. Moreover, many plankton species act as indicator organism for many abiotic and biotic parameters especially pollution, presence of fishes/shell fishes etc.

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Phytoplankton composition, abundance and density form the basis of any aquatic ecosystem as it forms the basic producers. Phytoplankton composition is depended upon many factors like physicochemical parameters and the quality of the water, light availability, water current, nutrient content, presence of other fauna and flora etc. Phytoplankton analysis can be used as an indicator for pollution or health status of an aquatic ecosystem. Moreover, certain pollutants are indicated by presence of certain species of phytoplankton.

Phytoplankton composition and abundance of Chavara area of Kollam obtained during the preset study is given in table 4.23.A total of 27 phytoplankton species were identified during the study period from all the stations including estuarine and marine species. Bottom water phytoplankton were comparatively low along all the stations and Station 2 need special mention in having lowest phytoplankton composition and density, which may be due to high pollution from the mineral plant as well as due to a very low light penetration along with other worse physico-chemical parameters. Station 2 registered a very low diversity of phytoplankton, where only 14 species obtained from surface water and only 9 species obtained from bottom water. Similarly, the total plankton density was also too low compared to other stations under investigation. All other stations except station 2 registered more than or equal to 15 species phytoplankton. All possible measures should be taken to reduce the pollution rate at the site 2.

Table 4.23: Diversity and abundance of phytoplankton (Density Unit: Cells/litre) recorded from Marine and Estuarine system, Chavara, Kollam

(Phytoplankton collected using 120 m mesh plankton net)

Species SW1 BW1 SW2 BW2 SW3 BW3 SW4 BW4 SW5 BW5 SW6 BW6 Rhizoso 19 2 -- -- 11 4 23 11 331 121 332 215 leniasp Rhizoso leniastyl 21 9 -- --- 02 10 20 2 187 45 141 47 iformis Chaetoc --- 2 4 1 87 -- 80 24 218 211 22 -- erossp Chaetoc erosdeci 10 ------241 145 15 12 14 2 pens

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Coscino discus 65 22 6 -- 54 24 517 347 14 12 201 146 sp Coscino discusgr 12 6 ------112 95 32 15 11 -- anii Coscino discus 55 ------11 5 5 58 -- 42 11 gigas Coscino discus 32 12 6 2 ------65 60 28 12 wailesii Skeleton emacost 65 55 -- -- 56 24 54 25 343 214 158 88 atum Plankto 235 14 10 8 136 36 236 114 251 236 147 123 nella sol Navicul 99 88 33 13 165 54 405 125 154 124 256 214 asp Pleurosi 122 17 2 -- 11 7 165 111 312 305 365 333 gmasp Nitzschi acloster -- -- 2 ------222 112 354 111 232 -- ium Stephen opyxisp -- 9 -- 3 ------89 115 66 60 almeria na Dictylu 69 12 25 12 -- -- 33 25 68 87 541 252 msp Dictylu 59 44 12 -- 35 12 -- -- 23 -- 55 -- m sol Thallass iothrixfr 9 5 ------33 23 113 -- 25 -- aunfeldi i Astronei lla 55 50 -- -- 25 -- 25 33 -- 22 36 66 japonic a Thallisi oneman ------22 02 -- -- 22 ------itshiode s Biddulp 324 225 44 21 -- 02 209 98 154 122 654 541 hiasp Biddulp ------45 -- 12 11 -- -- 21 2 hiafavus Ceratiu 345 222 59 25 95 12 514 347 681 258 478 245 msp

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Tricerat ium 65 55 ------65 -- 309 154 -- -- 56 14 reticulu m Tricerat 254 147 19 -- 25 99 231 256 147 111 365 254 iumsp Peridini umdiver 44 14 ------14 -- 8 -- gens Podium 22 12 7 ------6 5 33 -- 25 -- sp Odontel 12 ------145 111 12 8 23 20 14 11 lasp Unident ified / 8 7 6 3 15 22 29 14 16 18 24 19 Parts Total Density 2001 1029 235 88 994 430 3493 2090 3717 2219 4317 2655 Total Species 23 22 14 9 17 15 23 23 25 20 27 20

Zooplankton Analysis

Zooplankton composition, abundance and/or density also govern the ecosystem dynamics as it controls phytoplankton composition and its abundance. Zooplankton forms the major primary consumer of phytoplankton and graze upon them. Zooplankton composition also depends upon very many factors like physico-chemical parameters and the quality of the water, light availability, water current, presence of other fauna and flora etc. Zooplankton analysis can also be used as an indicator for pollution level of an aquatic ecosystem and more over the zooplankton abundance can be regarded as the ecosystem health status.

Zooplankton composition and abundance of Chavara area of Kollam obtained during the preset study is given in table 4.24. A total of 26 zooplankton varieties were identified during the study period apart from un-identified or plankton parts from all the stations including estuarine and marine species. Bottom water zooplankton were comparatively low along all the stations and Station 2 need special attention in having lowest zooplankton composition and density, which may be due to high pollution along the area. Station 2 registered a very low diversity of zooplankton, where only 10 groups were obtained from surface water and only 9 varieties were obtained from bottom water. Similarly, the total zooplankton density was also too low compared to other stations under investigation. All other stations except station 2 registered more than or equal to 20 varieties of zooplankton.

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Table 4.24. Diversity and abundance of zooplankton (Density Unit: Cells/Litre) recorded from Estuarine system, Kollam

(Zooplankton collected using 180 µm mesh plankton net)

Species/Gr SW BW1 SW 2 BW2 SW 3 BW3 SW 4 BW4 SW 5 BW5 SW 6 BW6 oup 1 Tintinnopsis 122 98 87 27 16 -- 35 -- 88 56 112 87 sp Favella sp. 159 69 102 24 123 25 325 135 265 222 252 212 Cresissp 11 ------26 15 54 45 69 66 124 22 Calanussp 335 236 66 38 789 654 555 456 365 258 456 369 Eucalanuss 123 154 32 -- 198 178 236 245 147 123 159 146 p Paracalanu 112 102 ------23 22 56 -- 54 23 ssp Acrocalanu 155 125 -- -- 124 78 101 99 36 25 145 155 ssp Acartiasp 28 11 12 -- 234 222 189 178 35 -- 245 223 Other 265 105 47 14 589 458 456 258 369 357 298 287 Calanoids Other 145 126 54 41 564 444 269 145 256 199 325 269 Cyclopoids

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Macrostella 11 ------22 -- 55 17 -- -- 26 23 sp Other Harpaticoid 109 91 26 12 187 144 325 241 236 214 478 365 s Other 354 254 45 10 654 456 654 365 365 265 487 235 Copepods Cladocerans 225 168 -- -- 324 125 452 236 546 412 325 222 Mysids 88 29 10 03 22 14 54 34 26 22 45 25 Sagitta/Cha 67 41 04 -- 54 11 87 11 36 33 65 28 etognaths Polychaete 12 124 -- 02 65 147 11 225 26 145 11 145 larvae Decapod 08 25 -- 12 11 51 23 125 21 88 54 135 larvae Copepod 23 ------56 23 55 23 147 111 245 187 nauplius Zoea larvae 36 -- 03 -- 254 154 325 -- 241 22 321 154 Schizopoid 32 12 -- -- 23 -- 254 123 222 121 211 22 larvae

Alima 56 14 06 -- 55 15 124 100 128 87 124 34

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larvae Lamellibran -- 32 04 -- 23 88 11 147 23 254 21 145 ch larvae Gastropod 04 54 -- 23 24 231 -- 154 -- 241 23 147 larvae Fish eggs / 10 ------23 44 26 58 36 38 69 58 Larvae Other larval 21 11 02 -- 25 23 26 33 145 112 178 169 forms Unidentifie d/Parts 12 5 3 6 19 25 26 32 24 18 42 36 Total 2523 1886 503 212 4504 3625 4751 3507 3908 3489 4895 3923 Density Total Species 25 21 15 11 25 22 25 24 24 23 26 26

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Chlorophyll a and Phaeophytin

Chlorophyll a is the photosynthetic pigment present in green plant/ phytoplankton. The productivity of a water body is directly proportional to the Chlorophyll concentration. The abundance of plankton, especially phytoplankton indicates that the photosynthetic activity is efficient and is largely responsible by phytoplankton rich in chlorophyll a values.

Chlorophyll and phaeophytin contents of the study area are given in table 4.25. The chlorophyll a content of second station, where there was an influence due to effluent discharge from KMML takes place was below detectable level and almost uniformly distributed at other stations. For bottom water samples, a lesser value than surface water was observed throughout the stations. Chlorophyll value for surface water ranged between 1.548 and 2.878 mg/L. For bottom water, the values ranged from 0.654 to 2.014 mg/L. The Phaeophytin range varied from 1.087 to 2.014 mg/L and 0.752 to 1.564 mg/L for surface water and bottom water respectively.

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Table 4.25: Chlorophyll ‘a’ and Phaeophytin content at Marine and Estuarine system, Kollam

Chlorophyll a Phaeophytin Water Sample Station (mg/L) (mg/L)

SW1 2.541 1.658

SW2 ND ND

SW3 1.548 1.087 Surface Water SW4 2.341 1.998

SW5 2.014 1.875

SW6 2.878 2.014

BW1 0.654 0.752

BW2 ND ND

BW3 1.091 0.789 Bottom Water BW4 1.582 1.104

BW5 1.112 1.147

BW6 2.014 1.564

ND – Lower than Detectable Level

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Productivity (Primary Production)

Primary production is the rate at which new organic matter is added to the existing phytoplankton. Primary productivity depends on the chlorophyll pigments, which absorbs the light and produces the energy through the process of photosynthesis. Therefore, the estimation of these pigments is very much important to ascertain the productivity of aquatic environment. It is expressed as mg carbon per cubic meter per light day (12 hr photoperiod). Primary productivity is the total energy trapped from sunlight during the photosynthesis using carbon dioxide and nutrients. Primary productivity is the major factor governing any ecosystem dynamics. All other biological components depend on productivity, which relay upon the abiotic factors.

The productivity values of the present study are given in table 4.26. The Gross and the net primary productivity were found to be high along surface waters of all stations and little low value was recorded in the bottom water samples as light penetration and phytoplankton concentrations are maximum at surface waters. But bottom waters lack enough light penetration and plankton concentration which lead to low productivity. Maximum surface water productivity was found to be in station 1 followed by station 6 in the canal and the lowest productivity recorded at station 2, where effluent discharge point located. Bottom water productivity was lower than detectable level in station 2 due to lack of adequate light penetration. Bottom water productivity was high along station 6 in TS water canal.

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Table 4.26: Primary Productivity (mg C/m3/12 Hr.) at Marine and Estuarine system, Kollam

Gross primary Net primary Community Water Station production production respiration Sample (GPP) (NPP) (CR)

SW1 8.65 6.96 1.60

SW2 0.26 0.19 0.07

SW3 1.56 1.00 0.56 Surface SW4 3.56 2.56 1.00 Water SW5 5.66 3.98 1.68

SW6 7.25 6.11 1.14

SW7 6.54 5.44 1.10

BW1 4.11 2.56 1.55

BW2 ND ND ND

BW3 0.87 0.55 0.32 Bottom Water BW4 1.98 1.02 0.96

BW5 3.55 2.09 1.46

BW6 5.29 3.33 1.96

ND – Not detectable

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Biomass

Biomass of water in terms of dry weight of phytoplankton and zooplankton pooled from each station was analysed. Dry weight of phytoplankton was calculated from the Chlorophyll value, which is a direct indicator of phytoplankton biomass. It has been estimated that chlorophyll forms 2% of the dry weight of phytoplankton (APHA, 1995).

Table 4.27depicts dry weight biomass, which is found to be high in station 1 followed by station 7 along surface water and dry weight could not be estimated in station 2. Bottom water biomass was also high in station 1. Ash weight of the samples was also followed same pattern like that of dry weight biomass.

Table 4.27: Dry weight (mg/L) and ash weight (mg/L) of phyto- and zooplankton at Marine and Estuarine system, Kollam

Water Sample Station Dry weight Ash weight

SW 1 0.065 0.044

SW 2 ND ND

SW 3 0.041 0.031 Surface Water SW 4 0.045 0.035

SW 5 0.051 0.042

SW 6 0.057 0.040

BW 1 0.048 0.028

BW 2 ND ND Bottom Water BW 3 0.028 0.020

BW 4 0.045 0.028

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BW 5 0.044 0.021

BW 6 0.056 0.028

ND – Not detectable

4.14 Sediment Ecology

4.14.1 Sediment characteristics

4.14.2 Benthos Benthos is a collective term referred to the organisms lying in or associated with aquatic sediment comprising bacteria, plants and animals from almost all phyla. Benthic animals are generally described on the basis of their position in the sediment. In fauna are the animals living within the interstitial space or burrows. Those occupying the sediment surface are termed as Epifauna. Again, benthos is categorized into three based on their body size, as micro-fauna (1-100 µm) comprising bacteria, protophyta and protozoans other than forminifera, Meio-fauna (100-1000 µm) including foraminifera, small metazoans, nematodes and small invertebrates including crustacea and Macro- or Mega-fauna (above 1000 µm) comprising of several macro invertebrates. Macro-benthos usually tends to concentrate in the upper oxygenated layer of sediment except the true anaerobics.

Benthic fauna has been found to play a significant role in the trophic network, as they utilize all forms of food material available in the sea-bed or estuarine base and form an important link in the transfer of energy. The biodiversity of benthic fauna suggests the health of the aquatic system. Hence one of the important aspects of the benthic studies is the assessment of pollution through benthic fauna analysis. Since many pollutant settles down on sediments, effect of pollution at once reflects on the standing crop and productivity. Relationship of benthos with abiotic parameters especially with the sedimentological features has explained most of the fluctuations in benthic abundance.

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4.14.3 Materials and methods

Sediment samples were collected from all stations using Peterson's dredge/grab having a biting area of 16 x 17 cm. The sediment obtained was sieved through required meshes to separate macrofauna (> 500 µ) and meio fauna (which pass through 0.5mm sieve and are retained by a 1000 µ sieve). Each group of organisms was individually identified and a quantitative and qualitative analysis has been done. Themeio-fauna is represented in individuals/100 cm2.

4.14.4 Results and assessment

Meio-benthos

Table 4.28Meio-benthos recorded from six different locations of Marine and Estuarine system, Kollam MEIO FAUNA / FLORA (No./m2)

Group/Species I II III IV V VI Foraminferan shells 16 08 187 356 354 177 Tintinnida -- 03 125 264 145 162 Bipalium sp. 06 05 45 56 24 102 Globigerina sp. 18 -- 22 88 39 -- Nematode worm 28 12 77 46 78 98 Gastropods 42 08 59 78 102 101 Diatoms Coscinodiscus sp. 12 14 158 245 178 221 Pleurosigma sp. 33 05 156 111 138 97 Nitzschia sp. 09 -- 112 65 -- -- Skeletonema sp. 32 08 101 77 66 58 Navicula hasta 21 -- 98 36 44 -- Coccoliths 14 03 45 -- 12 12 Bacillaria sp. 22 -- 36 -- 16 08 Gastrotricha 18 15 41 12 -- 22 Copepods 16 12 122 286 258 267 Larvae/Eggs 29 -- 65 56 254 221 Unidentified/Parts 24 11 123 45 138 105

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Meio-benthos formed the important component of the benthic diversity. Analysis of meio- benthos from six different stations is given in table 4.28. Meiofauna of the area was represented by a wide variety of organisms representing different phyla and/or groups, including zooplankton groups. More than 8 groups of organisms were identified from sediment analysis of which diatoms formed the major part of organisms. Maximum representation of meiofauna was recorded in station IV and the least was in station II, where only 6 types of meio-benthos were identified. The reduced rate of meiobenthos along station II might be due to the effluent deposition/siltation from the factories of KMML Ltd.

4.14.5 Macro-benthos

Larger benthic organisms form macro-benthos group and are listed in table 4.29. A total of 7 groups of organisms or parts of organisms were identified from all the six stations. Molluscan shells formed majority of the macrobenthos. Other macrobenthos like crabs and other crustaceans were found to be comparatively low along all the stations but represented in fairly good number in stations III onwards. Station II recorded the least benthic diversity and abundance, which might be due to the effect of effluent from the factory.

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Table 4.29: Macro- benthos recorded from six different locations of the Marine and Estuarine system, Kollam

MACRO-BENTHOS (No./m2)

Group/Species I II III IV V VI

Lamellibranchs shells 33 11 98 178 205 114

Gastropods shells 12 09 26 65 56 78

Bivalve shells 11 -- 15 08 36 25

Crustacea -- -- 12 23 14 16

Amphipods 04 -- 18 18 45 44

Worms 22 03 18 42 26 46

Other small shells 22 11 78 56 48 54

Unidentified/Parts 07 09 33 25 34 44

Conclusion

Marine ecological and sedimentological study from six stations from the vicinity of KMML and IREL was assessed for the environmental impact study and the present status of the biological properties of the six stations were investigated and reported. Station II near to KMML was poorly represented by both fauna and other biological parameters like primary productivity and chlorophyll. Abundance and diversity of benthic fauna were also low in station II, which may be due to effluent discharge from KMML and is not a result of mining and supporting activities. Proper mitigation measures should be adopted as as given in chapter 5, to reduce pollution due to the effluent. Other options for effluent discharge should also be explored to conserve the ecological balance of the micro-environment.

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4.15 COASTAL EROSION IN BUFFER ZONE OF STUDY AREA (BLOCK IV)

The shoreline of Kerala has been subjected to severe coastal erosion in recent times. In the monsoons, two third of the shore line is vulnerable to dynamic changes. Recent experience drives home the point that there can be events like Tsunamis. In a study by the AMDER in Chavara deposit in the period 1970 to 1977, an extent of 177.04Ha of land was lost by marine erosion with an average of loss of 0.86m2 per year. Hence uninterrupted sediment flow from hinterland to the sea is a major factor to contain sea erosion, building of raised beaches.

The sand on beaches is not static. The wave action constantly keeps the sand moving in the surface wash zones and when waves strikes the coast at an angle, the net result is long shore current and beach drift which collectively move sand along the coast (Littoral drift). The sand on the coastal beaches is supplied by the rivers which transport it from the areas up stream where it has been produced by weathering of crystalline rocks. The material flow is hindered by building dams in the upper reaches of the rivers that effectively trap the sand, consequently the beaches are deprived of sediments.

Seawalls or concrete or rip rap may help to retard erosion, but are not always effective because considerable erosion may occur at the extremity of the protective structure. Besides, the sea walls tend to produce a narrower beach with less sand, particularly if the waves are strongly reflected and unless adequately designed. Beach erosion along the coast may also be due to heavy monsoons, unrestrained sand mining in rivers, estuaries / lakes etc.

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4.15.1 Sea Erosion in parts of Kollam to Alappuzha The shoreline fluctuation studies over a time gap of 55 years (1910-1965) by Thrivikramji et al. (1983) using Survey of India topo sheets have shown that the Kerala coast has gained 41 km2 by accretion and lost 22 km2 by erosion. Studies on beach profile conducted by Thrivikramji.et al (1983) during the pre-and post-monsoon showed that all along the coast from Cape Comorin to Mangalore, 30 million tons of sand were removed by waves from the shore face of Kerala, while 11 million tons were added in different sectors.

Apart from natural phenomenon, the man-made structures along the coastline act as barriers to the material' and energy balance, and produce adverse effects on the stability of the nearby coast. Some of the man-made barriers are dredged channels, jetties, groynes, seawalls and break waters. The structures constructed along ports and harbours have triggered many environmental problems in addition to upsetting the sand balance in many locations of the coastal zone. Eravipuram beach, south of Kollam is a narrow curved beach south of Thankassery headland. The entire stretch of the beach is protected by sea walls. Ithikkara river falls south of this beach and Ashtamudi Lake present on the north. The beach width is about 50 m with a gently sloping backshore, covered with beach vegetation. The beach undergoes rapid erosion during April to June followed by a slow accretion till July and erosion during August to September. Subsequently the beach builds till December and shows an erosional trend during December-January. The storage volume shows that the beach has a maximum storage volume in April (425.4 m3/m), and a minimum storage volume in June (371 m3/m) followed by a slight building up during July-August and erosion during September (373.6 m3/m). This is followed by an accretional trend during October-December. In general, the beach shows an erosional trend over a period of one year. At Kollam, the average grain size, shows the presence of coarse sand (>5 mm). From March to June, the sand size shows medium sand size class (0.30 mm - 0.38 mm) except in May (0.53 mm). Two peaks of coarser grain size are present, one during the south-west monsoon season and another during the north-east monsoon season with size class 0.95 mm during July and 0.96 mm during October. Medium size sand is observed during the other season. During July to August, the sorting value shows a poor sorting tendency. The samples show negatively skewed nature during most of the period except during April and June when they are symmetrical. This shows that the beach in general undergoes erosion during the period of study.

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4.15.2 Long-shore sediment transport:

The long-shore movement of beach sand poses a potential littoral problem. The important factor governing the beach erosion is the long shore sediment transport which is controlled predominantly by waves and near shore topography. An understanding of sediment transport on beaches is also necessary for the analysis of formation of the geomorphic features such as sand spits and barrier islands, to examine the tidal inlet processes and to understand their irregularities in the shoreline. Interruptions of these natural movements of sands by manmade barriers like groynes, breakwaters, jetties etc. result in sediment updrift side and removal of sediments on deposition on the down drift side. This results in the necessity to study the long shore sediment transport around inshore coastal areas, which is of fundamental interest to coastal engineers in the planning of structures, dredging activities for ports and spoil disposal.

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Fig 4.13 Temporal changes of block IV EE boundary

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Fig 4.14: Shore line change detection of IREL Block IV (buffer zone)

A proper understanding of the seasonal littoral transport trend is important for the efficient management and development of coasts. Beach erosion problems along this coast have been the initial motivation for this study on sand transport by estimating the rate of sand movement. Since estimation of the rate of littoral sand drift is one of the essential items

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necessary for the field investigation in regard to beach protection and sedimentation problems, much effort has been made in establishing a method of estimation by coastal engineers. The dynamics of sediment movement in the littoral zone is governed primarily by the wave induced currents. Specific knowledge of these currents and associated circulation patterns are helpful in better utilization of the coastal environment.

In the near shore area, waves arriving from offshore continuously bring in momentum, energy and mass. Since the fluxes are dissipated in the surf zone, most of the energy is converted into turbulence in the breaker zone but enough is left to drive a near shore current system and move loose bed material. The momentum brought in by the waves will drive the littoral current system and cause a local set-up or set-down of the mean water level. The dynamics of sediment movement in the littoral zone depends mainly on four factors: the nature of the material available for transport, orientation and other geomorphic features of the shore, the angle of wave approach and the wave induced currents. Waves arriving at the shore are the primary cause of sediment transport in the littoral zone. Higher waves break further offshore, widening the surf zone and setting more sand in motion. Changes in wave period or height result in moving sands onshore or offshore. The knowledge about the wave characteristics- the combined distribution of wave height, period and direction during different seasons is required for an adequate understanding of movement of sand in any specific area. The cellular circulation patterns in the surf zone depend on the long shore gradient in wave setup. Because of the turbulence due to breaking and surging of waves, large volumes of sediments are placed in suspension or rolled along the bed in the surf zone.

The long shore movement of beach sand poses a potential littoral problem. The important factor governing the beach erosion is the long-shore sediment transport which is controlled predominantly by waves and near shore topography. An understanding of sediment transport on beaches is also necessary for the analysis of formation of the geomorphic features and to examine the tidal inlet processes, to understand the irregularities in the shoreline. This creates a necessity to study the long-shore sediment transport around inshore coastal areas, which is of fundamental interest to coastal engineers for management of various coastal activity.

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Fig 4.15: Sea eroded area of IREL block IV (buffer zone)

In order to assess the shore line changes as a result of sea erosion in the study area, the shore line in Survey of India Toposheet (1968) and the cadastral maps (survey map prepared by the Survey and Land Records department (prior to the resurvey) were geo referenced and compared with the Google Earth image (2017) . It was observed that after span of nearly 50 years, the shoreline has changed towards landward side nearly 50 m near Panikkarkadavu

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bridge (northern limit of Block IV) and 374.40m along the southern side. It was also estimated that an area of 17.5089 Ha out of the Block IV mining lease area 40 .566 Ha of IREL was lost consequent to the sea erosion.

4.16 Traffic Survey

The traffic survey was monitored at five locations. The locations monitored are given in the table 4.30 below. The locations selected are,

(1) Traffic between the Panikkarkadavu Jn to Block IV EE Mine office.

(2) Traffic on the Panikkarkadavu bridge

(3) Proposed alternate route traffic density

(4) S.V market road

(5) Traffic intensity at Karunagappally junction

The traffic survey data conducted on 12/10/17 is given below.

The main objective of conducting the traffic survey is to estimate the traffic load towards the Block IV EE mine lease area, traffic on the Panikkarkadavu bridge which includes trucks to the IREL plant and other vehicles towards Mata Amritha Madam, traffic at proposed alternate routes and the traffic at the main junction of the NH. This survey helps in planning of traffic routes of the tippers to avoid traffic congestions due to the activities of Block IV mining, without disturbing the local inhabitants.

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Table 4.30: Traffic survey

Vehicles

Site Location Time Sl

no

al

2/3 Wheelers 4 wheelers LCV & mini buses HMV Tot Towards

IREL block Latitude 132 40 4 48 IV at bus stop Towards 2’ 14.69”

° Block IV 9 9.50am From IREL 1 EE to 10.50 419 block IV Mining am towards 136 12 3 44 site Longitud Karunagapal

e ” ly

30.86

’

30

Total 268 52 7 92

º

76

Towards Latitude Karunagapal 136 16 3 4 At ly

Panickar 9° 2' 14.69" 11am to 2 From 319 kadavu 12 pm Karunagapal 120 28 8 4 bridge Longitud ly e

Total 256 44 11 8

76° 29.3592" 30'30.86”

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Table 4.30 Cont.

Towards Latitude S.V 40 8 4 12.10 market

Alternate 9° 02' 19.57" pm to 3 From 101 route 1.10p

S.V 40 4 4 1 m Longitude market

Total 80 12 8 1

76° 30' 56.49"

Towards

S.V market Latitude Kanneti 32 6 3 1 road 2.00p bridge

opposite 9° 02' 0.41" m to 4 From 73 Manappu 3.00p Kanneti 20 4 5 2

ram m Longitude bridge polyclini c Total 52 10 8 3

76° 31' 4.52" 5 Karunaga Latitude 4.00p Toward 860 408 32 72 2576

plly m to s

Junction 5.00p. Kollam

9 2 59.03 m (NH) Longitude From 664 336 80 124

Kollam

1524 744 112 196

76 32 9.47

LCV – light commercial vehicle HMV – Heavy motor vehicle

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4.17 Land use of the study area

Land use involves the management and modification of natural environment or wilderness into built environment such as settlements and semi-natural habitats such as arable fields, pastures, and managed woods

For the proper understanding, planning and the decision making of a system, either spatial or temporal, adequate information on many complex interrelated aspects and its activities are needed. Land use is one of such aspects that help experts to make adequate decisions to overcome the problems of hazards, uncontrolled development, deterioration of environment, loss of prime agricultural land or change in land use. Hence for the proper understanding of the study area a land use map is prepared by using spatial technology.

The land use map of the study area, with a buffer of 10km from the boundary of IREL Block –IV EE mine lease was done by using GIS techniques. The land use was created by using the software tool of Arc Map 10.3. The primary data used was the Linear Imaging Self Scanning Sensor (LISS) of the year 2016 and is also compared and validated with the data of the Bhuvan data explorer. LISS is considered as the base map for the production of the land use in the present study. Land use was created by digitizing the features by visual identification methods. Eight such primary features were identified and created and they are

• Mixed vegetation

• Water bodies

• Mining area

• Paddy converted

• Railway line

• Industrial area

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Fig4.16: Land use and landcover map of study area

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4.18 SOCIO-ECONOMIC SURVEY

In the study area/ ML area more than 550 families resides.For the survey a total of 300 families were selected and interviewed. It is to be noted that the people residing in and around the site were not evacuated. In the proposed project, option for alternate mining site has little relevance since it is mainly guided by the availability of mineral deposits.

The main objective of the study is to assess the extent of socio-economic impact of sand mining in the lease area and its surroundings. The areas considered for the study are in Alappad, Panmana and Ayanivelikkulangara Villages of Karunagappally taluk in Kollam district.

Pilot Study:

With the intention of forecasting flaws and problems and the plausibility of the research, a pilot study was conducted. Discussions with various people and officials concerned with mining were carried out which helped to identify and understand the situations and problems. Ten (10) families in mining area and ten (10) families in buffer zones were selected and interviewed. The interview schedule was administered on these respondents to find out whether the questions were simple enough for them and whether the data collected through them were adequate, reliable and valid. With the use of simple statistics, analysis was carried out. In the light of pilot study, the methodology and schedule were modified and finalised.

Pre-test

A pre-test was also conducted in Block-IVEE, Karunagappally, Kollam district by administering the schedule to 10 families. It was found that some of the questions were unnecessary and were not understood by the respondents, mainly among the less educated. For some questions, the response was repetitive. The unreliable, ambiguous, suggestive and repetitive questions were suitably modified or discarded. The questions were then finalised and coded.

Data Collection

The field study was conducted in March, 2016. The Investigators were from the same place. All the respondents were interviewed in their homes. Some respondents compelled the investigators to raise the need for getting facilities form the concerned agencies. A few

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respondents’ particularly unemployed and old people were articulative about their problems etc. In rare cases, a few respondents were hesitant to provide necessary details. However, when the researchers could convince them of the real purpose, they fully cooperated. Usually, the interview lasted for 50 to 60 minutes, depending on the time required to establish rapport.

4.18.4 Results and Discussion:

1. Age

Age of the people has prominent importance as this influence the accuracy and correctness of information. Besides, maturity depends on age and this provides knowledge and analytical power to understand the issues. All the respondents selected for the interview were head of the families. It is seen that the most (28.3%) of the respondents interviewed belonged to the age group 46-65 years followed by 36-45 (16.7%), above 75 years (15%), 66-75 years (12.3%) and 26-35 years (6.7%).

2. Sex

Sex is also very important as far as information is concerned. From the table it is clear that the majority (80.7%) of the respondents were males followed by females (19.3%). It is because of the reason that the head of the families are generally males in Kerala and that is why the most of the respondents availed were males. Actually, they are the main person in the family and intervene in various issues. So, their information is important.

2. Marital Status

Marital status is also significant in providing correct information on issues and problems in the society. The issues and problems related to mining mostly affect the families rather than the individuals. From the table it is clear that the respondents under study are mostly married (81.7%) while 14.7 percentages belonged to the category of widowers, widow (2%) and unmarried (1.6%). The information provided by them is reliable and valid and highly important to the concerned agencies.

3.Education

Education means not simply stuffing minds with information but to change the attitude and outlook of a person. Education helps a person in his socialisation process. There is drastic difference between educated and uneducated person. It contributes a lot to sophistication of behaviour and understanding of issues. From the table it is understandable that 41.7

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percentages of the respondents were high school educated. This shows that they are having average education and this makes them to analyse the issues to a certain extent. So, their reaction and response are important related to the issues come out from mining.

4. Occupation

It is very essential to know the occupation and means of livelihood of the people in mining area as this helps in formulating the policies and programmes of rehabilitation and resettlement. So, question was asked and data collected. The analysis of the data showed that the most (78.4%) of the respondents were engaged in fishing followed by unemployed and employed either in government or private institutions (8.3% each). Fishing is the main occupation of the most people residing here and generally mining affects much in this category of occupation. This shows that the most people’s livelihood is affected seriously by mining. This fact may be noted.

5. Annual Income

Income is an index of social status and life style of an individual. So, question was asked to know their income and whether they are leading a satisfied life or not. This information is very important while making programmes and policies for rehabilitation and resettlement. From the table it is seen that the most (73.4%) of the respondents belonged to the income group below Rs. 20,000/- per year while 14.3 percentage as Rs. 20,001- 40,000/-. This shows that majority of the people are below poverty line. A large number of the respondents were engaged in fishing and this work is interrupted to a certain extent through mining in the locality. Hence, they are not able to get regular income which reduces their income. This point may be noted and seriously considered

6. Language

Cent percentage of the members reported that they speak Malayalam, the state language which is their mother tongue. From this it is clear that the respondents who reside in the mining area are Malayalees.

7. Family Members

Today, it is quite natural that the families are small and members are less compared to olden times. So, question was asked to know the number of members in the family and data collected. From the table it is clear that a lot (71.3%) of the members had 3-4 members

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followed by 5-6 (14.4%), 7-8 (8.3%) and 1-2 (6%). It is quite natural that the families in Kerala are nuclear and very few are joint and extended families

8. Type of Family

From the table it is seen that the majority (77.4%) of the respondents reported as their family is nuclear followed by extended (14.3%) and joint (8.3%). This is in consonance with the general pattern of families in Kerala. The joint and extended families were old type of families. Now, it is very rare to see such families. It is due to various reasons like democracy, industrialisation, modernisation and westernisation.

9. Type of Occupancy

To understand whether families live in own or rented, question was asked and data collected. It is clear that 97.7 percentage of the respondent reported that their families are living in their own building while 2.3 percentages as in rented house.

10. Nature of Ownership

Ownership includes either inherited or purchased. Those who get share from their parents are called inherited. The parents may have the house already inherited or purchased that may be transferred to their offspring. Purchased includes houses which are bought from their own earned money. The findings got from the analysis showed that 94.7 percentage of the respondents reported that the nature of ownership is inherited followed by purchased (5.3%). This shows that almost all of them have availed the land as inherited. It is clear that their families are living here for years and years ago. Traditionally, they are living here and engaged in their own occupation. And they are socially and culturally accustomed to this area. The sentimental attachment of the people of this soil necessarily compels them to stay here. So, care and caution may be taken while evacuating them from this area.

11. Main Source of Personal Income

In order to find out the source of personal income questions was asked and data collected. The analysis of data showed that the majority (78.4%) of them were engaged in wage based jobs followed by salary and no income (8.3% each). They lead a life of difficulty due to meagre income from wage.

12. Assets (Immovable)

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To know whether the inhabitants have land with pattayam or not, question was asked and data collected. The analysis of the data showed that the cent percentage of the respondents are having pattayam inside the study area while 22 percentage informed that they have pattayam outside the study area while 76 percentage have no Pattayam. Here we were able to find out that the majority of title holders belonged to the others category mostly women and only 8 percentages reported that the title holder was men (husbands)

13. Creation of social unrest in your area due to mining

Social unrest is an index of social problem which has to be eradicated for smooth functioning of the society and peaceful family life. The findings are given in the table regarding this. It is seen that 66 percentages reported that that there is no social unrest among the public due to mining followed by to a great extent (18%) and to some extent (16%).

14. Unfavourable Impact on health due to mining

It is very important question whether there is any unfavourable impact on health due to mining. The analysis of the data shows that the 66.6 percentage of the respondents reported that there is not at all unfavourable impact on health due to mining while 26.7 percentages as to some extent. So, adequate and proper action plan has to be formulated for avoiding such negative impact of mining.

15. Increase of lungs/kidney diseases among the public

Question was asked whether there is any increase of lungs/kidney diseases among the public and 86.7 percentage of the respondents reported that there is not at all followed by to some extent (7.3%) and to a great extent (6%). This may be due to mining and proper defensive action has been taken, failing this will lead to social resistance against mining.

16. Decrease of cancer diseases among the public due to mining.

It is very interesting to note that 70.7 percentage of the respondents reported that there is no decrease of cancer among the public due to mining followed by to some extent (20.7%) and to a great extent (8.6 %).

17. Increase of mosquito problem after the mining

Question was asked to know whether there is an increase of mosquito problem or not for which data collected. It is seen that the 41 percentage of the respondents reported that there is no increase of mosquito problem followed by to some extent (40.7%) and to a great extent

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(18.3%). The findings showed that there is such problem either to a great extent or to some extent. Various methods are available to avoid the problem of mosquitoes but not made available here from the side of mine operators. So, steps have to be taken to eradicate mosquito problem.

18. Spread of Filariasis among the public

Filariasis is a disease that emerges from mosquito problem. So, question was asked. The analysis of the data shows that the most (66.7%) of the respondents reported as there is no spread of filariasis here followed by to some extent (24.7%) and to a great extent (8.7%). This may be due to the fact of prevention programmes of the Health Department, Government of Kerala.

19. Whether the mine operators have approached you to purchase the land

To know whether the mine operators approached to the people to purchase the land majority (91.7%) of the respondents reported that the mine operators have not approached to purchase the land. From the study it is found out that there is 8.3 percentages of the families living here reported yes.

20. Are the mine owners willing to give the existing market price, if so what is your plan

It is seen that a lot (61.7%) reported that their plan is to retain the land for better prospects followed by to sell it off to the mine owners (30%), IRE should back fill the area after mining (5%) and wait and see (3.3%). So, adequate and special steps have to be taken to vacate them.

Summary and Conclusion of Socio Economic Studies

Mining Area

The IRE is an important concern has its own pros and cons. The industry attracts foreign currency, but the socio-economic impact due to the extraction process of the soil necessarily invites a good number of issues-both positive and negative.

The air emissions in the area and the frequent movement of the vehicle necessarily invite air and sound pollution which affects the people in the locality on their health and family life. It is a fact that the company is very cautious in reducing the pollution at all means. More and more precautions are to be taken to reduce the pollution in the least manner. Moreover, the company has to take steps to intensify the water cleaning process and the like issues.

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It is a matter of the fact that the income of the family is comparatively low and all inhabitants are compelled to find out alternative source of income to meet their daily bread. Though the quantum of the land under their disposal is limited as well as the fertility of the soil is diminishing due to mining. So, land utilisation for agricultural purpose is insignificant.

The people in the area have different occupational skill. It is understood that almost all people in this area are using potable water. The vehicle carrying the water is reaching the area at a particular time and the people have to wait to collect water from the distributors. If due to unseen circumstances, they are unable to collect their share of water they will lose the chance to collect the pot water for their daily needs. Most of the wells have dried and if little is available. it is contaminated. The survey reveals the fact that due to mining sea erosion is common. The people are to be protected from this catastrophe. This problem has to be addressed without delay.

Majority of them reported that their income from the traditional jobs is diminished. Though they are sparing more time compared to pre-mining period the income is less. So, in the formulation in the R&R, this fact may be given much priority which will reduce their anxiety as well as upbringing of their family. It is fact that the mining has invited a lot of health issues among the people especially in the spreading up of cancer, kidney and lung diseases. The allergic and skin ailments are also increasing among the people. Another important sensitive issue of the locality is resettlement. The existing families in the mining area are still not willing to vacate the present place of settlement. If the resettlement problem is found essential the company has to take adequate and reasonable decision in the matter of the land under their disposal.

Buffer Zone

The Buffer Zones around the mining area were taken for the study which has been subjected to mining. As far as the agriculture is concerned, like in the mining area, there are no special agriculture but coconut and palm groves only and supported with pot water irrigation. They have no agricultural loan or subsidy as they do not have large scale farming. Regarding the duration of the occupancy of the present place, majority of them are of opinion that they were occupied the land years and years ago. Their main occupation is fishing followed by driving, electrical repair etc.

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The poor and innocent people are always fond of religious ceremonies and have close connection with religious leaders. The people as a whole in this area revealed that they were not influenced either by politicians, social activists or the like in the matter and hence the religious institutions are free from any troubles.

During the pre-mining period, the majority of the people were engaged in fishing, daily labours and driving. After the mining process started the life situation of the people has not been changed much. They followed more or less the same job and earned their daily needs. But, the mining has created some problems in the matter of their daily income. The people outside the mining zone are hesitating to purchase the fish, coconut and such products from the mining area. This resulted in the decline of their daily income. Though they are compelled to spare more time and energy to cope with new situation, they are struggling to meet both ends.

As far as their social stratification is concerned they are able to keep up with old relations as it is and hence there won’t be any feud and faction among the people or social unrest. Mining has created some problems on their health matters and lion share of them have reported that the diseases like cancer/kidney or lungs are not on its increase. Proper defensive action on the matter of pollution problem is on the dire need of the hour. Otherwise the social unrest among the people will be unbalanced.

The stagnant water in the mine pits has created the problem of increasing the mosquito and related diseases like filariasis, skill ailments and allergic disorders. Another serious issue of the area is the depletion off well water, its quality, and dust pollution. There are other issues like soil erosion, land degradation, land slide, fear about vehicle accident, increase in traffic load etc. The survey made it clear that effective and time bound proper action to resolve the issues are of urgent nature.

Though, there are problems confronted with people of this buffer zone area, they are not willing to let the land acquire for the mining project. A small portion of the people in the locality is of opinion that they are willing to let the land on certain conditions especially in the land value and proper R&R.

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4.19 Radiation Survey

Pre-Operational Radiological Monitoring at the proposed mining site of IREL, Chavara at Vellanathuruthu coastal region of Kollam District, Kerala

The pre operational radiological monitoring of the proposed mining area at Vellanathuruthu region was carried out by Health Physics Unit (HPU) of IREL Udyogamandal along with HPU of IREL, Manavalakurichi. The site is located in the Alappad village of Karunagappally and lies between the latitude of N 9002’ 44 to 9003’ 74 and longitude 760 50’ 61 to 760 56’ 77.

4.19.1 External Gamama radiation monitoring

An extensive radiation survey of the mining area was carried out using a sensitive Geiger Muller tube detector integrated with Global Position System (GPS) and a pocket size radiation survey meter (Rad Eye PRD) which incorporates a high sensitivity NaI (Tl) detector with an integrated photo multiplier tube. Measurements were recorded at 1m above the ground level. Gamma ray exposure rate at eighteen locations along with latitude and longitude values is given in Table 4.31

Table 4. 31: External Gamma radiation monitoring

Sl No Location Radiation Field Latitude Longitude (µ Gy/h) 1 Pushpamangalam House 0.4 9.0244 76.5139 2 Kunnumpurath House 1.7 9.0244 76.5129 3 Thuppassery House 1.7 9.0267 76.5112 4 ThekkeThuppassery 2.0 9.0271 76.5115 5 New Mining area 1.2 9.0285 76.5108 6 Pandarathuruthu 1.7 9.0300 76.5096 7 Mukkumpuzha junction 0.5 9.0308 76.5122 8 Panamoottil 1.2 9.0305 76.5095 9 Haribhavanam 1.1 9.0310 76.5093

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10 AlappadGovt L P School 1.7 9.0328 76.5085 11 Alappad church 1.7 9.0357 76.5073 12 PanikkarKadavu 0.7 9.0374 76.5061 13 KurusumMoottil 2.7 9.0362 76.5069 14 Nishalayam 1.4 9.0348 76.5677 15 Kollampurath 1.3 9.0314 76.5095 16 Edayil House 1.3 9.0314 76.5095 17 Padattedath 1.35 9.0318 76.5080 18 Ramanamadam 1.4 9.0320 76.5084

4.19.2 Soil Sample Analysis

Soil samples were collected from 10 different locations extending from MRP tailings area to Panikkarkadavu Bridge in the proposed mining area which covers 2 km length and 300 m width. Locations are identified based on the population density and accessibility of the region. Three samples were collected from each location. Three composite samples were analyzed for Gross alpha and Gross beta activity. The results are given in table 4.32.

Table4.32: Gross alpha and gross beta activity in soil samples

Sl No Location Gross α (Bq/g) Gross β (Bq/g) 1 NishalayamPandarathuruthu 8.7±2.4 4.1±0.7 2 HaribhavanamPandarathuruthu 4.8±2.0 6.3±1.4 3 KurushumoottilPanickerkadavu 6.7±2.1 2.8±0.9 4 Panamoottil, Pandarathuruthu 7.6±2.4 5.3±1.1 5 Edayileveedu, Pandarathuruthu 7.3±2.4 4.6±0.9 6 Panamootitil south Pandarathuruthu 4.2±2.2 3.4±0.8 7 Kollapurathu, Pandarathuruthu 8.9±2.3 1.9±0.9 8 Padattedathu, Pandarathuruthu 8.6±2.2 4.5±1.2 9 Ramanamadam, Pandarathuruthu 5.7±2.4 3.8±1.0 10 Pushpamangalathu Vellanathuruthu 3.9±2.4 3.3±1.3

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4.19.3 Water sample Analysis

Well water samples collected from sampling locations were analyzed for gross alpha and beta activity, results are given in table 4.33.

Table 4.33:Gross alpha and gross beta activity in well water sample

Sl No Location Gross α (Bq/g) Gross β (Bq/g) 1 Kunnumpurathu, Vellanathuruthu 0.013±0.007 0.10±0.02 2 Santhibhavanam, Vellanathuruthu 0.012±0.007 0.049±0.018 3 Mangalathu, Pandarathuruthu 0.007±0.004 0.34±0.018 4 Kollapurathu, Pandarathuruthu 0.012±0.007 0.44±0.018 5 Panamoottil, Pandarathuruthu 0.019±0.008 0.087±0.02 6 Thuppasseril, Vellanathuruthu 0.007±0.004 0.085±0.02 7 ThekkeThuppasseril, Vellanathuruthu 0.016±0.008 0.34±0.018 8 PadattedathPandarathuruthu 0.011±0.007 0.78±0.019 9 PanamoottilPandarathurhu 0.012±0.007 0.34±0.018 10 KanakalayamPandarathuruthu 0.010±0.007 0.109±0.02

4.19.4 Conclusion

The pre operational radiological monitoring of the proposed mining area of IREL chavara at Vellanathuruthu region was carried out by Health Physics Unit (HPU) of IREL Udyogamandal and Manavalakurichi during September-October 2017. External gamma radiation monitoring and analysis of well water and soil samples were carried out.

The radiation field in the proposed site ranged 0.4 – 2.7 µGy/h depending on the monazite content in the soil. The gross alpha activity in the soil samples ranged from 3.9 – 8.9 Bq/g and the gross beta activity ranged from 1.9 – 6.3 Bq/g. The gross alpha activity in the well water samples ranged from 0.007 – 0.016 Bq/lit and the gross beta activity ranged from 0.034 – 0.109 Bq/lit.

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CHAPTER 5

IMPACT ASSESSMENT

5.1 General Impact assessment describes the beneficial and adverse effects of the 180 Ha mining project. The proposed method of mining is similar to the dredge mining conducted by the company. IREL has been granted renewal of mining lease to collect heavy mineral sand from NK Block IV EE (Alappad, Panmana and Ayanivenikkulangara) in Kollam district for an area of 180 Ha vide G.O (Rt) No 746/07/ID dated 08.06.2007 upto 10.08.2031 The production is to be expanded to 7,50,000 tons of raw sand by inland mining only and in which about 6 to 6.6 lakh tons will be discarded as tailings. The environmental impact assessment process ensures identifying the key developmental and operational activities/hazards resulting from the proposed mining & mineral processing. There will be only one pond of working length 30m and width of 14m. Once DWUP (Dredge and Wet Upgradation Plant) is in place, the dredging will progress as a strip of 50 meters. The proposed activity is purely a wet process and there is no significant impact on air except fugitive emissions due to material transport. The water system consists of surface and ground water domains. The land system consists of human settlements, existing land use patterns, fragile shoreline, sensitive locations like temple and a school and eco-protective land cover. Air aspects include emissions due to transportation of mineral heavies from the location. No other dust emissions are expected as the mine operates under wet condition. Noise includes sound generated by trucks during transportation and other mining and separation activities. Other significant impacts include socio-economic impacts and road traffic congestion. All these are prone to multiple changes from time to time, in tune with the prevalent socio-economic scenario, systemic anomalies in the seasons and coastal dynamics and anthropogenic activities. The impacts of mining of heavy mineral sand in environment have been evaluated and possible measures to mitigate their adverse impacts have been worked out. However considering various activity components, the impacts on the environment, either beneficial or deleterious due to the proposed mining activity are

5-1 identified. The aspects on the environment, which are likely to be disturbed or damaged due to the implementation of this project, are represented with mitigation measures. Mathematical models have been used to quantitatively predict the impacts on air and noise quality. Battelle environmental system is used for evaluation of various impacts of environmental pollution, ecology, human interest and Aesthetics. The environmental impacts due to the mining can be summarised as follows:

 Air Environment

 Topography and Land use

 Drainage

 Water Environment

 Ecology

 Traffic

 Radiation

 Socio-economic & Rehabilitation & Resettlement

5.2 Air

5.2.1 Air environment

Beach sand extraction, upgradation and back filling do not cause appreciable rise in gaseous or particulate pollution level in ambient and work zone environment. Sand extraction process (dredging) is a wet primary process and back filled mass is moist in form and do not release dry dusts in mining area. Therefore in the proposed area pollution will be insignificant. Ambient Air Quality monitored at Vellanathuruthu PHC,

Project Location, Amrithananthamai math and Maravana Junction for PM10,SO2 and

NOx and are well within respective permissible limits. The meteorological data have been generated at the mining site from the NCESS station for the study period. Other Met data have been collected from IMD, Trivandrum.

5.2.2 Modelling of Dust Emissions

Modeling of air emissions

The air pollutants of interest in this project are PM10. The main sources are emissions during mining and transportation. However dust emission is not significant in

5-2 dredge mining as the ore and rejects are in wet or slurry form. Road transportation of ore on the haul road is the only source of dust emission.

Fugitive Emissions Estimation

Dust clouds due to the movement of trucks on roads can cause very significant transient dust nuisance. In this project, the transportation of mined material is through rural unpaved single lane road and concentrate is transported from inland mining area to MS plant partly through unpaved roads and partly through bituminous topped public roads connecting Karunagappally and the mine lease with six meters width. The projected average inland mining in the area is 7,50,000 MT (maximum) per year. The Heavy Mineral concentration ie. THM content for mined out minerals by inland mining is 15% on an average and range between 10 to 18%. The collection of mineral rich sand takes place during a span of 300 working days with the upgradation plant working for 1600 hours per year from 8am to 5pm. Thus the transportation of concentrated mineral sand per day from the inland mining is 375 MT. The material transported is heavy mineral rich beach sand, and its silt content is very low. Therefore dust raised from entrainment of spilled materials will be relatively less compared with the transportation of excavated soil or clay as commonly seen on roads in Kerala. Dust can be assessed using emission factor equation for both paved and unpaved roads. The emission factor equations are given below. The equation is according to ‘AP 42 on emission factors of unpaved roads’.

0.65 1.5  sL  W  E  k     2   3 

Where:

E = Particulate emission factor (having units matching the units of k), sL = Road surface silt loading (grams per square meter) (g/m2)

W = average weight (tons) of the vehicles traveling the road k = is the particle size multiplier as given in the table below

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Particle Size Multiplier k Size range g/VKT PM- 2.5 0.66

PM-10 4.6

PM-15 5.5

PM-30 24

The equation given below for paved road is taken from the ‘AP 42 for paved roads’, neglecting correction factor for tire and break wear.

E  ksL0.91 W 1.02

Where,

E, sL and W are the same as above

The particle size multiplier k is as given in the table below

Particle Size Multiplier k Size range g/VKT

PM- 2.5 0.15 PM-10 0.62 PM-15 0.77 PM-30 3.23

The silt loading, refers to mass of less than 75µm particles collected by brooming and vacuuming the road. This has not been measured. Silt loading is taken as 20 g/m2 for the unpaved road area and 10 g/m2 for the paved road.

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Table 5.1: Estimated increase in emissions by emission factor method Road Traffic (day E Total Avg. Silt Total time) Number vehicle loading PM10 emission Pannikerkadavu to of trips weight g/m2 g/ VKT g/km/day mine lease

For Unpaved Road 30 12 20 164.37 4931.1

For paved Road 30 12 10 63.55 1906.5

AFTER EXPANSION For Unpaved Road 76 12 20 164.37 12492.12

For paved Road 76 12 10 63.55 4829.8

Modeling of SPM due to dust emissions from traffic has been done using Gaussian Plume modeling method for which the general equation is given below. The Gaussian model is the most commonly used model for the air dispersion modelling. The Gaussian equation for point source emission is

The Gaussian equation applicable for the line source is

Where,

C (x,y,z)= Pollutant concentration as a function of downwind position (µg/m3) Q = Emission rate (g/s) q = Emission rate (g/s/m) u = Average wind speed (m/s)

σy,σz = Standard distribution of the concentration distributions in the Horizontal and vertical directions z = Vertical distance from ground level, (m) y = distance in horizontal direction (m) H = Vertical distance from ground level, (m)

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Dust emissions have been modeled using MoEF approved Envitrans FDMpro software.

It would suffice to calculate the increase in PM10 from increase in total emission calculated above, using the measured baseline values. The isopleth plots are obtained for the baseline and the incremental increase in pollution due to truck traffic is shown in figure 5.1. The isopleth plot obtained after expansion of mining activity is shown in figure 5.2.

Figure 5.1 Isopleth plot for the air quality before expansion

Figure 5.2 Isopleth plot for the air quality after expansion

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The model shows incremental increase in pollution caused due to the area due to truck. However the incremental values are within the CPCB limit prescribed for PM10, which is 100µg/m3 for 24 hour. This value is based on the prediction obtained without any control measures. The maximum incremental value from the area after expansion of mining is 35µg/m3 in addition to the ambient quality observed (maximum value)

5.2.3 Mitigation Strategies

Existing level of air pollution in the proposed core zone area is below the permissible limits (National Ambient Air quality norms). The dredge is electric driven and therefore has no gas or dust emissions. The only source of air pollution is emissions during road transportation in haul roads of heavies from mine to MSP. The following listed methods are being advised to adopt for minimizing the air impacts

 Usage of TS canal for transport of heavies

Air pollution and road congestion can be totally avoided by using water transport through the TS Canal. The suggested method is the use of country boats which are the most environment friendly and having a very positive socio-economic impact.

 Traffic Diversion

Alternate route for the Tipper transport. For the loaded vehicles a route is suggested and for unloaded vehicles another route is suggested which will help in avoiding the traffic congestion (Figure 5.3)

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Figure 5.3 Alternate route for truck Transport

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Pumping of heavies

As an alternate method of transportation of materials from Block IV EE to Chavara plant against the present method of transportation of using contract tippers, pumping of the spiral concentrate is proposed. It will be done by 7 stage pumping at a rate of 65 tph. Three pumps will be located in the IREL lease owned area and 4 pumps in the KMML lease hold areas. Power supply is to be sourced from the proposed dedicated feeder from Chavara substation to Block IV area. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs.500 lakhs. The pumping system is designed for pumping 65 tph solids having specific gravity of 4.0 and the solid concentration of 26 %. The total volume of the slurry pumped is 201 cu.m / hr and the total head of the system is 315 meters.

The alternate plan for transportation of mineral concentrates using HDPE pipes have been added as figure 5.4

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Figure 5.4 Alternate plan for transportation of heavies using HDPE pipeline

The pumps are located at 750 m apart. The discharge of the first pump will be connected to the suction of the second pump and so on. The pipe line will be 160 mm HDPE pipe

5-10 of PNPE80 grade. The lines will be laid along the TS canal side and also through the KMML mining area depending upon the terrain available for laying the pipes. The maximum working pressure in the pipe line will be 5.5 bar. The advantage of the pumping method is that there will be no traffic congestion, dust generation and accidents can be avoided. An aquatic ecological survey may be carried out before laying the pipeline for its environmental feasibility.

The following measures are recommended to reduce pollution for road transport

 During the transportation from the segregated area, the material may be wetted thoroughly to avoid dispersion.

 The segregation area where the material is stored should be covered completely to avoid wind dispersion.

 During transportation, the loaded vehicles should be secured with a covering over the loaded material to avoid spillage, which on drying may cause dispersion.

 Provision of water trough at the exits of roads for tyre washing .

 Good preventive maintenance schedule for equipment & vehicles.

 It is suggested that the vehicles strictly follow the stipulations for their vehicular exhausts, both diesel and petrol vehicles.

 Ensure leak-proof transport equipment. Vehicles transporting the minerals shall be provided with tarpaulin cover.

 Supply of face masks to workers and staff to prevent dust inhalation.  Overloading of transport equipment must be prevented.  The 35% Calcium chloride solution can be sprayed on the unpaved part of roads to prevent the rise of dust particles into the atmosphere. This shall be done in the summer months when the soil is dry and subject to dispersion.  Gaseous pollutants in the exhaust fumes generated by the dozers and other machinery shall be minimised by ensuring vigorous maintenance and stringent overhaul schedules. The repair workshop and maintenance garage should be equipped with all necessary facilities.

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5.3 Noise

The sound generated from any process becomes polluting when the sound generated tends to disrupt and intrude into the day-to-day activities of people. Noise is measured in terms of decibels (dB). The ambient measure of sound in an industrial area is 75 dB and the sound value in residential area is 55 dB in the daytime. The noise was measured in different locations (LEQ) in and around the area of mine lease.

Table 5.2 The value of noise measured from different locations

Average Noise Value Sl no: Location of monitoring in dB

1 Mining road to Block IV 59

2 Primary Health Center 54

3 Amrithapuri Junction 69

4 Sree Kurukasseril Bhadra Devi temple 66

5 Alappad Panchayat Office 61

Cheriazheekkal near to junction 6 71 (school, temple)

7 Pandarathuruthu 60

70(cont.traffic) 8 Panikarkadavu bridge 57(normal)

Poockattu junction 9 74 (Panikarkadavu)

10 SV Market,Karunagappaly 54

11 Muncipal Corporation Office, Karunagapally 81

12 Karunagapally Junction 78

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13 Karunagapply Govt.Hospital 75

14 KSEB Office,Puthiyakavu 75

15 Market Road, Karunagapallly 75

Karunagapally Railway station.(w/o train 56 16 movement)

17 Kanetti Bridge 76

MES college of Arts & Science, Chavara (measured 18 77 at NH 66)

19 Titanium Junction 75

Table 5.3 Standards for noise calculation according to CPCB Norms

Acceptable Outdoor Noise Levels: Norms of Central Pollution Control Board

Area Code Category of Area Limits in dB (A)

Day time Night time

A Industrial Area 75 70

B Commercial Area 65 55

C Residential Area 55 45

D Sensitive zone 55 45

5.3.1 Noise Modelling

Environmental noise modelling describes the process of theoretically estimating noise levels within a region of interest under specific set of conditions. But the variation in real

5-13 world conditions will give an estimate for a snapshot of the range of actual environmental noise level that could occur in time and space.

In order to predict the impact of noise generated due to the proposed DWUP, a systematic survey of the ambient noise levels existing in a similar DWUP system at IREL mine lease was conducted. The overall impact was predicted and calculated using hemispherical model for sound wave propagation.

LW = Lp + [20 × log10 (r)] + 8

Where,

Lw= Sound power level (dB), Lp = Sound pressure level at a receiver

r = distance from source

The predicted values have been shown in table 5.5.

The noise level at dredge is averaged at 70 dB. The modelling of noise has been carried out using the hemispherical model equation. The Noise values have been calculated at a distance of 1m, 2m, 5m, 10m, 20m, 40m etc. The Table 5.4 shows the variation of noise from source with distance. This shows a logarithmic variation of noise. As the distance increases, the reduction in noise also is observed.

Table 5.4 Change of noise from source with distance

Value Calculated values at distances Location record of ed in 2 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 monitoring 1m 5m dB m m m m m m m m m m

Noise from 70 62 56 48 42 36 32 30 30 30 30 30 30 Machinery

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level

Predicted Noise Noise Predicted

Distance from Source in metre

Fig 5.5 Plot for the change of noise v/s distance

From this, it is understood that the noise levels does not cross the standard limits as prescribed by CPCB. Figure 5.5 shows the outburst of the noise from the DWUP Plant. The values reaches the ambient level at a distance of about 40 to 50m from the DWUP.

5.3.2 Mitigation Strategies

The noise level at DWUP was about 70 db. The value reaches the ambient level at a distance of about 40 to 50m from the DWUP. Nearest habitation is beyond 100m distance. Hence, there is no need for noise control measures.

Traffic noise from trucks is a nuisance for which there are no simple control measures. If transportation of mined heavies by waterways, preferably by using country boats or by pumping of mineral heavies in a slurry form, there will be no further traffic noise or congestion. However, exposure of workers at DWUP and excavators needs to be minimised. This could be achieved by:

 Conducting audiometric examination once a year.  The noise level should be monitored at the key locations once in a month and values to be recorded. The workers shall be provided with the noise protection earphones or plug.  Job Rotation, Automation, Protective Devices

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5.4 Ground water quality

Core Zone Groundwater samples were collected randomly from the existing wells as well as from surface water sources within the study area during Jan 2015 to May 2016 as part of the field studies. The sample collected from below the panickarkadavu bridge shows high values of salinity, EC, TDS etc. this location is used for boat anchoring and the area is under continuous disturbance caused by boat cleaning boat movement etc. This location is closer to the sea mouth. This may be the reason for the increase in salinity, TDS values etc. Buffer Zone In a study conducted by Central Ground Water board, a well located at Chavara recorded an EC value of 1370 mS/cm at 25ºC and chloride value of 298mg/l. However in the bore wells, the quality of water is generally good, mostly the Electrical conductivity (EC) in the range of 50 to 250 mS/cm at 25ºC. The fluoride value is also within the permissible limits. The shallow phreatic aquifers in alluvium are developed through dug wells. Filter point wells are more economical where the saturated thickness of the shallow zone exceeds 5m. These are feasible in the coastal areas along Chavara and Karunagappally and the yield ranges from 20 to 60m3/day. In areas very near to the coast and tidal zones, the water samples have reported EC above 1000 μS/cm at 25ºC. Chloride in phreatic groundwater is below 60 mg/l in major part of the district. Higher values of chloride were observed as localised patches in the coastal plain in the close vicinity of the backwaters. The chloride content is observed as 298 mg/l in Chavara area.

Table 5.5 Analytical data on samples from GWM wells

Location ECin Total us/cm hardness as Ca Mg Cl F 0 at25 C CaCO3 ( mg/l)`` ( mg/l) ( mg/l) ( mg/l) ( mg/l) Karunagappally 325 110 35 49 60 0.02

Chavara 1370 465 162 14 298 0.26

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Table: 5.6 Tubewell details constructed at Chavara

Depth Static water Discharge Sl.no Depth drilled constructed level Aquifer (lpm) (m) (m)

I 189.53 185 12.91 Warkallai 30

II 160.0 143 9.18 Quilon 1.83

III` 101.45 48 2.89 Vaikkom 0.02

Table: 5.7 Ground Water Quality

Total EC in hardness Location (us/cm as Ca Mg Cl F CaCO3 0 at25 C) ( mg/l)`` ( mg/l) ( mg/l) ( mg/l) ( mg/l)

Karunagappally 325 110 35 49 60 0.02

Chavara 1370 465 162 14 298 0.26

5.4.1 Ground water level trend:

Ground water level trends analysed through water level data of 10 observation wells in Karunagapally block for 5 years (2006 to 2010) indicate that the fluctuation ranges from 0.02 to 2.37 meters during SW monsoon and from 0.62 to 2.97 meters during the North East monsoon.

Ground water depletion: The hydrological surveys and exploration for ground water carried is in Kollam district by the Central Ground Water Board(CGWB) to assess the capabilities of the aquifers , water quality and ground water potential. The stage of ground water development in Chavara Panchayat and Karunagappally Municipallity

5-17 were assessed as safe. However the prevalence of large scale pumping of wells along the western area have resulted in the depletion of the water table aquifers as evidenced from the steep gradient of the water table contours. The increase in urbanization, industrial uses and continued influx of tourists have lead to ground water resources depletion particularly the water table aquifer.

5.4.2 Ground Water level and Flow Pattern

The contours were generated with reference to water level RL’s of wells which are measured during the field survey for Block no III . The water level RL of well is calculated by (Water level RL= Reduced level - (depth to water level from top of parapet - Height of parapet). Usually sandy layers facilitate the flow of water whereas clayey layer retards it. The contours were drawn for the water level RL’s for determining the ground water flow direction in the study area. The Ground water contour map indicated that the western part of the area comprising the Block IV EE , the water table aquifers flows towards the Arabian Sea in the west and to the T- S canal in the east The ground water contours along the eastern side of the TS canal show that the ground water flow pattern is generally towards west ie. to the adjacent canal portion . Ground water is influenced by the difference in hydraulic head produced by topographic relief and unconsolidated formations. The difference in hydraulic head due to topographic relief is the most significant driving force for ground water flow.

The tentative geological section in west – east direction along Block IV EE (figure 4.8 b) also depicts the water table profile which is likely to be intersected by the mining pit deepening/dredging activity in Block IV and Block IV eastern extension .

5.4.3 Impact on water quality

Physicochemical parameters were determined on the 13 well water samples collected from the core and another 12 from buffer zone. Data generated was compared with the Indian Standards and specifications for Drinking Water (IS: 10500:2012) and World Health Organizations (WHO) drinking water limits. The analysis results were interpreted based on IS: 10500 (2012).

From the analysis of samples from core zone it can be seen that pH recorded for all 13 samples were within permissible limits. Sample IREW2 registered the lowest conductivity (0.202 mS/cm) while sample IREW5 showed the highest value of 23330 µS/cm The total solid content was maximum in IRE W5 (1153 mg/L) sample and the

5-18 total dissolved solid contents were found to be the highest in the case of sample IRE W6 ( 10.7 mg/l) which is reflected in its salinity and conductivity values. All samples except IRE W1, IRE W5, and IRE W 12 exhibited TDS values less than 500 mg/l.

In buffer zone all the samples except sample KMW11, possess pH values within the specified limit. Total solid content as well as the total dissolved solid contents were found to be the highest in the case of sample W3 (523 mg/l) which is reflected in its salinity and conductivity values. Sample W4 possessed the lowest TS & TDS values which are in good agreement with its low salinity and conductivity. All samples except KM2, KMW5, KMW13, and KMW15 exhibited TDS values less than 500 mg/l. KM2 is the sample collected from dredging pit of adjacent block of KMML and since it shows high values of salinity, EC, TDS etc. sea water intrusion is suspected.

5.4.3.1 Water environment The mining lease is on a narrow strip of sandy formation being surrounded by saline water on either sides and fresh water has been very thin in the locality. Water from dredge pond will be utilised for primary circuit in DWUP. No water is consumed and the entire water will be recycled for the process except for very minor evaporation loss. The water balance is shown in figure.

Dredge Pump Input water Qty. from Input Pond (390 cu.m/hr) + Make-up Water (740 cu.m/hr) Input (350 cu.m/hr)

Concentrate Tailings All Bins Overflow

Hydrocyclone Hydrocyclone Tailings Tails Bin Surge-bin Other Bins Trommel Spray Over-flow Under-flow Discharge Over-flow Over-flow Over-flow Water (56 cu.m/hr) (4 cu.m/hr) (103 cu.m/hr) (93 cu.m/hr) (327 cu.m/hr) (133 cu.m/hr) Return water quantity (740 cum./hr) (24 cu.m/hr) Figure 5.6: Water balance diagram

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5.4.4 Impact of inland mining on ground water conditions due to Saline Water Intrusion

Bicarbonates and carbonate ions are abundant in ground water but Chloride generally occurs in small amounts but is abundant in sea water. Salt water intrusion may be identified by the relative concentrations of some of the characteristic ions of sea water - - 2- - such as Cl , Na and Mg. The Cl / (CO3 + HCO3 ) ratio is recommended as a criterion to evaluate salt water intrusion aspect. This ratio is considered to be indicative of ground water contamination by sea water

- 2 Table 5.8: Range of Cl / (CO3 - + HCO3- ) vs Saltwater contamination level

Range of Cl- Remarks with reference to salt Sample no’s /(CO32- + water contamination HCO3- )

< 0.5 Normal (no salt water contamination ) IRE-W2, IRE-W3,IRE- ground water W4,IRE-W6,IRE-W7, IRE- W8, IRE-W9, IRE-W10, IRE-W11, IRE-W13

0.5 - 1.30 Slightly contaminated ground water IRE-W1, IRE-W12

1.30 - 2.80 Moderately contaminated ground water

2.80 - 6.60 Injuriously contaminated ground water

6.60 - 15.50 Highly contaminated ground IRE-W5 water(near sea water)

> 200.0 Sea water

Above cited results shows that the ground water in the study area is hard with - 2- - bicarbonate alkalinity. Since water samples showed Cl /(CO3 + HCO3 ) ratio ranging from 0.99 to 176.4, brackish / salt water intrusion is not ruled out. The contamination level in the water samples is from slightly contaminated and the water sample is highly contaminated at one location.

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5.4.5 Beach erosion in the buffer zone

Beach erosion is a major environmental and public issue in the area and indeed throughout the Kerala coast. The shoreline of Kerala has been subjected to severe coastal erosion in recent times. In the monsoons, two third of the shore line is vulnerable to dynamic changes. The mining and removal of sand will, prima facie, have a negative impact on the coastal topography. But there is no evidence to state that beach sand mining is the primary cause of erosion in this area. Moreover, the dredging operation will not lead to any erosion at any point of time and the project under consideration is aimed at dredging operation only.

Coastal protection measures undertaken here include sea wall construction by the State Government and IREL in its mining areas.

Mitigation measures proposed

To reclaim the shore in Block IV, it is proposed to construct Groyenes in the NK Block IV EE area between Thazchakadavu (IREL Boundary) and the VT bus-stand. It covers a distance of 700 meters. Four groyenes will be constructed in this stretch with a distance of around 200 meters apart. The groyene on the southern side will have a length of 75 meters, and on the northern side will be of 40 meters. The groyenes in between will have a length of 100 meters and 75 meters. The groyenes will be constructed through the Irrigation department. The total cost is Rs. 10 crores.

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Figure 5.7: Groynes proposed in the buffer zone

The figure 5.8 shows an example of formation of beach due to construction of groynes at KayankulamPozhi.

Fig 5.8 Beach formation due to construction of groynes

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5.5 Topography and Landuse

The Mining operations go in tandem with reclamation. About 85% of the raw sand will be deposited back to the mining area and will be used for reclamation of the mined out area. Original Topography of the beach sand mining area will change due to removal of 15% heavies. Since the land elevation is not more than 1 to 2.50 m above the high tide line and also since water table is not more than 1 to 2.00m belowground level a small change in topography will have significant impact. It is recommended that the back fill and tailing alone be used to bring the land to the original elevation and to leave a part of the area as shown in the EMP plan as wetland.

The mining and recovery of heavy mineral will eliminate the radioactive mineral (monazite) present in the raw sand.

As the back filling is integrated into the mining process. Thus the excavated land will be subsequently reclaimed and the ground surface of the reclaimed land will be brought back to the contours matching with the surrounding topography. No temple or any sensitive locations will be disturbed. The reclamation will improve the overall landscape considerably in a phased manner by green belt development and ponds for water conservation and ground water recharge, to improve the water quality / quantity. It will also be a sustainable source for water, availing infiltration of water wherever feasible.

This area is not a forest and there are no historical monuments in the lease area or near it. Overall landscape shall improve in a phased manner when greenbelt development, plantation cover, mangrove afforestation, wetlands etc stretches subsequent to backfilling.

5.6 Impact on Ecology

5.6.1 Fauna

Animals included in Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 was not observed in the study area. No endangered or endemic animals were also observed during the ecological survey.

5.6.1.1 Flora

At present, no endangered species or threatened species or plants included in the Schedule I of wild life protection act of 1972 was observed. There are no forest in the

5-23 core or buffer zone. There are no significant impact on the ecology due to the mining or DWUP plant.

5.6.2 Impacts on soil and agriculture

The core zone soil is basically sandy soil. The mining will involve extraction of this sandy soil, and dumping back the tailings in the mined out areas. Since the heavy mineral extraction is a simple physical process, the sand which is dumped back will not differ chemically from the pre-mining sand except that the heavy minerals are no longer present. The physical changes which will occur will be minor and will have no lasting impacts. Mining will involve cutting down of coconut trees leading to loss in coconut production. These trees if required can be replaced by new saplings of improved variety to improve the agricultural yield.

5.6.3 Socio Economic Impacts

The survey was conducted with the prime intention to know the effect of mining among the people residing at the site as well as the people inhabited in the IREL Block IV EE core and buffer zone. It is to be noted that the people residing in and around the site were not evacuated and waiting for getting reasonable compensation as per the existing R&R policy of the government and the company. There are more than 550 families residing in the area and a sample of 300 families were selected and interviewed to get socio- economic impact of mining and other needed information related to the objectives mentioned in the study. Here, it is seen that most of the respondents are reluctant to vacate on the presumption that the face value of the land has been increased to a large extent.

In the proposed project, option for alternate mining site has little relevance since it is mainly guided by the availability of mineral deposits. The local residents follow the traditional job of fishing. The project is likely to bring about positive changes in life style and quality of people located in the area, especially around the proposed blocks.

The socio-cultural scenario of the people is highly fabricated as there is no tussle among the people and the religious group.

The following types of data were collected for the study

i. Documentary evidence mainly from published materials

ii. Interview data from the families in Mining Area and Buffer Zone

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iii. Field notes by the researcher through observation and discussion with the knowledgeable persons, local leaders, Local Self Government Officials and other persons authentic in this area.

5.6.4 Socio economic impact mitigation suggestions:

After the commencement of the mining operation, the geography of the area has drastically changed. The result is that the earning pattern of the people changed significantly, which adversely affected their day-to day life. Hence the people migrated to other places but few of them have become labourers in the sand mining firm (KMML /IREL) and its allied activities. So support may be given by the company either by providing employment to the members of the family who face eviction or other self- employment programs have to be provided. This will necessarily reduce the anxiety and resistance from the people.

2. It is a matter of the fact that the land acquisition dispute line with the court may be settled at the earliest. This is possible by paying adequate and reasonable compensation in line with more or less present market price to the people in the mining area.

3. Another major demand of the people is to return the land after the mining is over to the concerned land owners with provision of resettlement at suitable places near to their own land.

4. Regular medical checkup and provision of free medicines are of urgent need to reduce the fear and anxiety of the people that cancer and other diseases are on the rise in the mining area.

5. Educational facilities for at least primary and upper primary level may be established. In addition to this adequate incentives for the student may also be provided.

6. The conveyance of the mined sand is done through trucks and should use the TS canal for transporting the heavies. Another method is pumping for transporting the sand have been suggested.

7. Regarding the drinking water problem, the present system of supply of potable water is unsatisfactory to the level of the expectation of the people. Regular water supply is an essential need. So effective water supply schemes have to be formulated and implemented.

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8. The fishing and agricultural activities are very scarce in the mining area. This reduced their income drastically. So alternative income generating programs may be suggested and implemented at the earliest.

9. The mining and mineral processing involves transportation activities for day-today operation. This will fetch a substantial amount of money. So, as an alternative the project authorities shall take steps to engage the local people for transportation by trucks or by means of barges/ country boats. They can also employ the local people for loading and unloading the concentrates. Employment should be given to the local in appropriate to their qualification. A system of reservation of job or indirect employment may be reserved for the project affected families.

10. The company shall provide training from time to time for improving the skills, agro- techniques and first aid and safety to the inhabitants.

11. The company shall earmark a part of their profit for corporate social responsibility

12. IREL shall provide regular grant to neighbouring schools, hospitals and encourage them for their upliftment.

12. The land owner who is interested in resettling in their own area may be given the land free of cost at the backfilled areas.

13. Even though, a few numbers of families are already in the mining area, the mining process of the company will not be affected in any manner. The company will provide necessary precautionary measures to keep the people not to be affected with their peaceful life and on health matters.

14. Proper infrastructure development like road development has to be taken into consideration.

15. The environment pollution has to be reduced by taking proper action in this direction

5.7 Risk hazard

IREL has adopted a mining method that has minimum risks. The operations for beach mining are conducted on the ground and it involves manual loading of heavy mineral sands deposited by the wave action of the sea. Loading of sand on the trucks is done semi mechanically. In inland mining, using DWUP the sand is dredged out from the pond. The process does not involve drilling or blasting. The upgraded sand is transported

5-26 using trucks and the rejects are simultaneously refilled. The mining methods deployed in IREL are predominantly wet process resulting in low dust emission.

5.8 Environmental radioactivity

The impact of mining project in terms of environmental radioactivity can only be considered positive. The beach sand, rich in monazite deposits is the cause of anomalous background radiation is mined and the beaches are refilled back through reclamation with sands free of radiation. The mining activity will reduce the existing levels of radiation and radioactivity. On the other hand it is expected to reduce the background radiation level of the mined and refilled areas and thus the proposed action is expected to have a net positive impact.

5.8.1 Recommendations to mitigate environmental risks

5.8.2 Post mining land use and reclamation

In general, mining in India is conducted in land that belongs to the Government. In the present instance almost all the land that is used for mining is on lease. IREL proposed to purchase the land for mining under the Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) package.

• The DWUP will be setup at the mine lease and the concentrate will be transported to the Mineral Separation Plant at Chavara.

SAFEGUARD MEASURES TO BE PROVIDED.

In dredge mining, the dredge works in an artificial pond and the sand is dredged out from the pond. This will not pose any danger because the dredge is at a distance from any type of structure. Any other method like drilling and blasting would have caused more dangers to man power and nearby structures.

The operations are closely supervised by a team of competent personnel qualified to perform these functions, by virtue of possessing the qualifications prescribed for the job under Mines Act 1952. They include Mines foremen possessing statutory Mines Foreman Certificate issued by Directorate General Of Mines Safety (DGMS), Assistant Managers and Mines Managers with Mine Managers Certificate issued by DGMS.

Total number of persons holding Certificates of competency from DGMS is as below:

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Table 5.9 Number of Persons Holding certificates of competency from DGMS

Manpower calculation for NK-IV EE, Ilmenite Mine

No. of Persons required per day Sl. No. Operations Departmental

1 Mines Manager 1

2 Asst. Mines Manager & Mining Engineer 9

3 Geologist 1

4 Mines Foreman 3

Sub-total 14

5 Un Skilled (Female) 3

6 Un Skilled 15

5.9 Environmental Impacts

The study has observed the following.

1. Based on the measured reduced levels of 25 wells in the core and buffer zone area, the flow of groundwater direction was predominantly towards south western and eastern direction.

2. The well water samples from the buffer zone and core zone is within the permissible limit (pH values in the range 6.5-8).

3. The highest contamination was found near the Panikkerkadavu bridge where the anchoring location of boats and is under constant disturbance.

4. During operation stage, no wastewater is generated due to operation of the plant ie. DWUP.

5. Coastal erosion is being observed in the buffer zone of the block although sea walls are being laid a much more effective mitigation plan is needed.

6. Socio economic problems were observed people were complaining about water scarcity, dust pollution, unemployment etc and the area is thickly populated.

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5.9.1 Mitigation measures suggested

The present study proposes the following remedial measures

1. Coastal protection measures must be undertaken in the area. Coastal protection measures against erosion are a major part of the environmental management measures required in this area. The method of the construction of seawalls on regular basis by the State Irrigation Department/IREL is already in practice.

2. To reclaim the shore in the buffer area of the minelease, it is proposed to construct Groyenes in the NK Block IV EE area between Thazchakadavu (IREL Boundary) and the VT bus-stand. It covers a distance of 700 meters. Four groyenes will be constructed in this stretch with a distance of around 200 meters apart. The total cost is expected to be Rs. 10 crores.

3. In addition the consultant recommends the construction of groynes in the 22 km stretch between Kayamkulam and Neendakara. The construction of groynes can be made at a spacing of 1.2km. The expenditure can be shared between IREL and KMML.

4. The option of putting up sandbars may be examined in lieu of groynes.

5. One possible environmental impact is the dust that could be raised during truck transport of the ore and the rejects. To avoid dust generation, all haul roads are sprayed with water. This will mitigate the dust in haul roads, method is to spray 35% CaCl2, which is effective for mitigation of dust emissions in mines.

6. Inorder to eradicate the dust emission due to truck traffic, company is planning to implement pumping of the heavies by laying pipe lines to MS plant from mining site, by adopting this air pollution can be mitigated to a larger extent.

5.10 Evaluation by Battelle Environmental Evaluation System (BEES)

The first step in such a process is the identification of impacts that are likely to occur as a result of this mining project i.e. scoping process. Environmental impact assessment process begins by identifying the developmental and operational activities due to the proposed activity at Allapad, Ayanivelikulangra and Panmana. The probable impacts on the environment, community, economy etc are identified. Wherever possible, interrelationship and combined effects are identified. The following proposed activity / parameters have been identified for prediction of impacts due to the proposed expansion of mining activity.

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For this project 15 environmental parameters have been identified as the significant ones for evaluation of impacts. Battelle Environmental Evaluation system (BEES) is the methodology used for evaluation of impacts. The parameters have been assigned parameter importance unit (PIU). The objective measurement of the environmental qualities prior to and after the implementation of the project are then presented into a subjective interpretation of Environmental quality based on a scale of 1.0 for good quality and 0.0 for poor quality (EQ).

Environmental Impact unit (EIU) = (EQ) * (PIU) Where, EIU= Environmental Impact Unit for the parameter EQ = Environmental quality scale factor for the parameter PIU= Parameter Importance units for the parameter This method evaluates the expected future condition of the environmental quality both “With” and “Without” the project. A difference in Environmental Impact Units (EIU) between these two conditions constitutes either an adverse impact, which corresponds to a loss in EIU or a beneficial impact, which corresponds to a gain in EIU. The identified parameters have been classified into four major categories i.e. Environmental Pollution, Ecological Environment, Aesthetics & Human Interest.

Table 5.10 : Checklist of anticipated impacts due to the proposed Project

IMPACTS Sl.no. Proposed activity/Parameter Negative No Positive impact 1 AIR QUALITY i) DWUP emissions ** ii) Fugitive emissions due to ** loading / unloading / traffic 2 LAND Environment Land cover ** Beach erosion ** Agriculture ** 3 ECOLOGY i) Terrestrial **

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ii) Aquatic ** iii) Forestry ** iv) Wild life ** v) Fisheries ** 4 WATER QUALILTY ** Lake area ** 5 NOISE ENVIRONMENT ** 6 SOCIO-ECONOMIC i) Change in social status ** ii) Change in economic ** status iii)Employment generation ** iv) Traffic ** v) Medical facilities ** vi) Infrastructural facilities ** 7 Radiation **

5.10.1 Environmental Pollution

No significant environmental pollution is anticipated during construction of DWUP except traffic and fugitive emission due to transportation of DWUP components. During operation phase the air emissions are expected though insignificant since it a wet based process. Suitable control measures are suggested in the EMP to keep the dust emission levels within the prevalent norms. No ground water is tapped.

Table 5.11: Environmental Pollution (450) After project Change Change in EIU EIU in EIU Paramete Weight Existing EIU with with withou without rs (PIU) (EIU) EMP EMP t EMP EMP Water 100 20 40 20 25 -5 Air 200 160 160 0 40 -120 Noise 50 25 20 -5 13 -12 Landuse pattern 100 40 50 +10 16 -24 Total 450 255 270 15 94 -161

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Noise, air and water pollution shall be mitigated by curbing emissions at the source and other management measures as suggested in EMP. In addition groins are proposed to curtail sea erosion. To eliminate traffic related issues, the consultant recommends transportation of mineral to Chavara plant through barges, country boats or by the means of pumping.

5.10.2 Ecological

No rare or endangered species exists and species found here are found in other parts of the core area and likewise, there is no National park or wildlife sanctuary in the core area. The project site consists of loose unconsolidated sandy soil with sparse vegetation. Mangroves are found to exist as per CRZ mapping. The dredged area will be filled by DWUP rejects and well planned reclamation programme will ensure improved land use pattern, improved crop yield, aesthetics and overall improvement.

5.10.3 Human interest

The following sections give the socio-economic impacts (on population growth, density, aesthetics, standards of living, infrastructure etc.) likely as a result of the project. During the mining phase, the following interpretations can be arrived at:

 short - term as well as long term employment opportunities will be created during construction and operation phase of the project;  improvement in socioeconomic status, communications and transportation sectors is expected to occur;  local, long-term betterment of human welfare will take place;  Medical and drinking water supply facilities will improve.

Table 5.12: Human interest (400)

After project Parameters Weight Existing EIU Change EIU Change (PIU) (EIU) with in EIU without in EIU EMP with EMP without EMP EMP Economy output 60 18 30 12 18 0

Employment 70 21 42 21 21 0

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Human welfare 60 24 36 12 18 -6 schemes Overall 80 24 36 12 24 0 development Traffic 65 30 20 -10 13 -17 Radiation 65 13 45 32 26 13 TOTAL 400 130 209 79 120 -10

5.10.4 Aesthetics The development of green belt and wet land, construction of rip rap along the banks of canal and enhancement of mangroves would augment diversity of vegetation and aesthetics. The proposed project hence promotes overall positive impact aesthetically converting the unplanned land into planned systematic plantation, added mangrove forestation for improved aquatic ecology etc.

Table 5.13 : Aesthetics (150)

After project Parameters Weight Existing EIU Change EIU Change (PIU) (EIU) with in EIU without in EIU EMP with EMP without EMP EMP Topography 60 18 36 18 15 -3 Vegetation 90 30 58 28 23 -7 Total 150 48 94 46 38 -10

Table 5.14 : Summary of Evaluation of Impacts

Change in EIU Sl.no. Category Weight Without With (PIU) EMP EMP 1 Environmental 450 -161 15 Pollution 2 Aesthetics 150 -10 46 3 Human interest 400 -10 79

Total 1000 -181 140

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5.10.5 Impact identification summary Based on the above aspects, the observations in impact identification have been summarized below for the proposed mining activity .Due to the use of state of art technology in the mining process as well as pollution control equipment, the emission levels will be within permissible limit. Due to the above, the air quality would not be affected significantly. Health and welfare services are the major areas to experience impact due to the additional employment potential and the resultant social and cultural development.

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Table 5.15: Impact identification matrix during operation Mining

Identification Matrix for Operation Phase

P - permanent impact

T - Temporary impact

Environmental

parameters

Water Requirement Water CommissioningDWUP Discharge Effluent Emissions Gaseous Fugitive Emission Disposal Solid Waste storage Material Raw Handling material Raw Spills and Leaks Shut down/ Start offs failure Equipment Traffic workers of Transport vehicles of Movement and other needs Medical needs Educational needs Recreational Immigration needs Power Land use T P P P T T River water Resources GroundWater Resources p Odour Problem Air Quality T P P T T P T T Solid Waste P Noise T T T T T Animal Life Marine Ecology T P National Park/Forests/Sanctuary Human Settlement T

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Employment P P P P Housing Infrastructure P P Culture P P P

Water Supply P P P

Power situation P P P

Health facilities P T R&R T P P P Ecology T P P P

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CHAPTER 6 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

Monitoring is essential to ensure that the mitigation measures planned for environmental protection, function effectively during the entire period of the mining and reclamation. The aim of the monitoring programme is to develop an "early warning" system of indicators to detect when pollution begins to approach or exceed permitted levels. However, changes external to the activity may at any future stage endanger environmental conditions rendering the existing mitigation measures inadequate. Hence, the necessity of remaining vigilant through a well planned and meticulously implemented environmental monitoring programme becomes essential. Such indicators can be categorized under three groups: physical, chemical and biological, as applicable to each mode of pollutant transmission, viz. air, water, traffic, radiation, sea erosion, and noise. Monitoring program will be followed till the mining operations continue; every year as per the schedule given below:

6.2 METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATORY A small automatic meteorological observation station to record daily continuous synoptic data has to be setup. Wind speed data would help in making changes if required for stabilisation of sand dunes & plantations. Arrangements for recording temperature, humidity, wind direction, speed and rainfall would be required at the project site. The cost of the instrument will be around Rs.20.00 lakhs and Rs.3.0 lakhs for annual maintenance. An automatic wave height and direction recorder is suggested to generate data on coastal erosion. As Blocks IV & IV EE are adjacent mine leases, the data generated for Block IV could be used for these mine leases also.

Block IV EE is situated away from the coastal stretch in the inland area, the buffer zone area extends to coastal stretch. The management measures suggested for Block IV could be extended to this block also. The instruments procured can be utilized here too. However for replacement and maintenance of instruments , a budget of Rs.16.00 lakhs and Rs.10.00 lakhs has been kept.

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6.3 TOPOGRAPHY Periodic contour mapping of dunes and topography should be undertaken on a seasonal basis: Pre-monsoon and Post monsoon period. An amount of Rs.10.0 lakhs is estimated per year. An external agency can be engaged for this.

6.2.6 Greenbelt development The green belt as per the environmental management plan is recommended. A provision of Rs. 10.00 lakhs per year is estimated for development of green belt as suggested in the EMP. Three locations in the estuarine portion are recommended for mangrove afforestation.

After mining only about 80% rejects is available for refilling. It is proposed to make up this 20% by dredging the sides of T.S canal and thereby canal widening for conversion to wetland and lake. The ecology of these areas has to be monitored every year.

6.4 COASTAL PROTECTION Monitoring of shoreline evaluation provides valuable data on the accretion and sediment transport rates. As this is a specialized area, an external agency can be engaged for this. The activities should include the following:

 Regular photographic images from the same positions which will look at changes in beach alignment, sand levels, and sand movement. Photographs are to be taken at regular intervals and at high impact times especially during storms. Photographic monitoring is to be done prior to commencement of any works being undertaken.  In addition, tides, beach slopes, winds, wave climate, current regime, and sand grain sizes having mineral fractions are to be monitored once in every six months.  Monitoring on adjacent shorelines as well as those immediately within the Groynes scheme.  Assessment to be carried out bi-annually to check the beach-dune evolution and the success of the scheme relative to the objectives.  Construction of sea-walls and their maintenance on regular basis may be taken into consideration.

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An amount of Rs.40.00 lakhs is estimated per year for coastal protection. The consultant recommends construction of groynes all along the 22.5 km stretch (i.e between Kayamakulam Pozhi and Neendakara) at a spacing of 1.9 km with a length of 250m.The expenditure can be shared between IREL and KMML. The coastal protection measures provided in block IV could suffix the requirements and no separate budget is allocated except provision of Rs.10.00 lakhs for minor equipments / replacements and maintenance.

6.5 WATER 6.5.1 Drinking water supply for the local people

At present IREL provides drinking water to locals as and when required based on the demand. After completion of mining, refilling and providing rehabilitation IREL will provide drinking water by laying pipe lines for rehabilitated colony. A provision of Rs.15.00 Lakhs capital and Rs.5.00 lakhs for annual maintenance.

6.6 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The authorities should be in regular touch with people residing around the, Block IV EE to support and monitor the various development schemes. IREL will also consider any emergent requirements by the affected people. A provision of Rs.20 Lakhs per year is earmarked under this head.

6.7 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & BIOLOGICAL MONITORING Normal medical check-up for workers will be done. Pre medical examinations and periodical medical examinations are being carried out by the company medical team headed by company doctor. It is proposed to have a systematic program for medical check-up at regular intervals for all workers. Biological monitoring to find out the effects of mining on the plants also will be done. A provision of Rs.18.00 lakhs is estimated per year. This can be done in- house or through engaging an external expert.

6.8 RADIATION SURVEY The pre-operational radiological monitoring of the proposed mining was carried out by health Physics unit (HPU) of IREL Udyogmandal along with HPU of IREL. An extensive radiation survey of the area was carried out by Geiger Muller Tube detector integrated with GPS and pocket size radiation survey meter. Measurements are recorded at 1 m above the ground level. External Gamma radiation exposure, Soil sample analysis and water sample analysis

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will be done for the area along with the IREL Block IV An amount of Rs 10 lakhs is estimated as recurring expenditure.

6.9 GUIDELINES & TRAINING The updated Environmental & safety regulations / norms and guidelines should be kept in the possession of the Environmental Engineer and should be available for ready reference to other employees. Budget provision for periodic training and provision for attending seminars / conferences related to environmental issues, updating of skills etc. should be made. A provision of Rs.5.0 lakhs may be earmarked annually.

6.10 ORGANISATIONAL SET-UP & STAFF REQUIREMENT FOR POST - PROJECT MONITORING A separate Environmental Division shall be formed under the control of Head of the department, Mining .The composition of this cell shall be from following disciplines:

- Environmental Engineer - Occupational Health Engineer - Industrial Safety Expert This division would work full time for the maintenance and operation of pollution control system, collection of meteorological data, monitoring of coastal erosion, management of groynes, water quality, social impact assessment and R&R, occupational health & biological monitoring, radiation exposure monitoring , disaster management, development of green belt and maintenance of environment & safety equipment.

This set of personnel could comprise of officials belonging to maintenance, industrial safety and waste management units. A provision of Rs 40.0 lakhs is earmarked per year. Minimum number of personnel required to meet the responsibilities associated with the environmental aspects is recommended below.

1. Environmental Engineer- (1 no)

2. Occupational Health Expert

3. Industrial Safety Officer

3. Horticulture Adviser (1 no - Consultant )

4. Technical Officer ( Lab) – (3 nos)

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The engineers and supporting staff appointed for block IV could be utilized for this blocks also. However an additional budget of Rs.10.00 lakhs is provided for extra manpower and they can be taken on daily wages or contract,

Local people for casual labor could also be engaged. In addition to this a separate environmental monitoring committee (EMC) will be organized comprising senior officers, external experts, a citizen of the local area, and representative of the LSG to ensure implementation of recommendations as per the EMP. This committee shall meet once in six months.

Table 6.1: Recommended composition of the EMC

Job Description Designation

Managing Director or his nominee or the unit head Chairman

General Manager (HOD mining) Member

Environmental Engineer Convener

Health & Safety Officer Member

External Expert Member

Representative from Government Member

Representative from local people Member

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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CELL

UNIT HEAD

MANAGER (OPERATIONS) / HOD MINING

ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT CELL

ENVIRONMENTAL OCCUPATIONAL INDUSTRIAL SAFETY HEALTH EXPERT EXPERT ENGINEER

TECHNICAL TECHNICAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANT ASSISTANT ASSISTANT

COLLECTION AND COLLECTION OF DATA MAINTENANCE OF ANALYSIS OF SAPMLES ON RADIATION AND SAFETY EQUIPMENTS & FOR AIR QUALITY, WATER PUBLIC HEALTH, PERSONAL SAFETY AND WASTEWATER NOICE MONITORING OF MONITORING AND SOIL MONITORING RADIATION LEVELS

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6.12 COST ESTIMATES An amount of Rs.150.5 lakhs will be required for post-project monitoring which includes the capital expenditure of about 34 lakhs and the recurring of about Rs. 116.5 lakhs / year. The details are given in table 6.2.

Table 6.2 : Cost estimate for Environmental monitoring programme

Sl no. Parameters Cost in Lakhs Capital Recurring Total 1 Meteorology including 16.00 10.00 26.00 wave monitoring 2 Topography - 10.00 10.00 3 Coastal Protection - 10.00 10.00 4 Water 15.00 5.00 20.00 5 Ecological Survey - 5.00 5.00 6 Mangrove and wetland 15.00 - 15.00 development 7 Green belt 10.00 10.00 development 8 Occupational Health & - 18.00 18.00 Biological Monitoring 9 Radiation Survey - 10.00 10.00 10 Organisation Setup - 10.00 10.00 including salary (Only for additional man power) 11 Training and meeting 5.00 5.00 etc of the organizational Setup. 12 Socio-economic 20.00 20.00 development schemes Total 46.00 113.00 159.00

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CHAPTER 7 ADDITIONAL STUDIES

The following additional studies have been conducted as part of the EIA report.  CRZ Report prepared by NCESS Trivandrum.  Mine-plan constituting Risk assessment and Mine closure plan.  Hydrogeology Study for NK block IV EE

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CHAPTER- 8 PROJECT BENEFITS

1. Block-IV EE with a total mine lease area of 180 Ha. The area has been prospected and the average thickness of the deposit is seen to be 7.7 meters. The mineable reserve of sand containing ilmenite, rutile, zircon, Sillimanite and leucoxene is about 6.02 MT as of 1/04/2016.The area available for inland mining in Block IVEE as per current land use is will be 162.5 Ha (undisturbed area + inhabited area).The life of mining is restricted upto 30 years. 2. The IREL proposal is for Mining of heavy mineral sand in Alappad, Panmana and Ayanivelikulangara villages in Karunagapally Taluk, Kollam district for an area of 180 Ha, in the Eastern Extension of NK Block IV. 3. Geological reserve in Block-IVEE is worked out to be 6.025 Million Tons on the basis of the geological details. 4. About 45 acres plots of land are under the possession of IREL. 5. The heavy mineral sand deposits of the coastal stretch of Kollam district are one of the richest in the world. These sands contain Illmenite, sillimanite, rutile, leucoxene, zircon and the highly radioactive monazite which were being mined and separated by the IREL/ KMML during the last decade and value added by IREL during the last thirty years. 6. This heavy rare earths in economic proportion is available only in this stretch of Kerala starting from Neendakara to Kayamkulam. 7. This is the only deposit on the Indian coast having heavy mineral contents ranging as high as 60 to 70 % renowned as world class deposit 8. The deposits has been divided into two major parts viz. (1) The Beach zone (consists of beach-front and mid-zone) (2) Inland zone .As per the AMD report, the economically valuable minerals occur dominantly in the beach zone with width 122 to 183 m. The evidence indicates that the reserves and highest grade occur in this zone and economic grade occur up to about 8 m above clay bottom. It is reported that the beach is subject to intermittent marine erosion and replenishment of heavy mineral takes place from abundant off-shore and submarine deposits.

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9. Nearest Railway Station: Karunagapally (6 km), Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram, International Airport (110 km), NH 66 is about 3.45 km from the project site 10. IREL plant situated approximately at a distance of 15 km from the lease. 11. Monazite (a radioactive mineral) rich fraction separated in the Mineral Separation Plant is stocked as per the procedure approved by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board in the Plant premises. 12. IREL is one of the reputed and one of the most important production and export centers of rare minerals and its value added product in the world. IREL helps in generating revenue to the government. 13. The company gives top priority in employing the local people and also in suitably compensating the people whose lands were/are acquired by IREL. 14. Mining sites are being regularly inspected by the statutory officials from the directorates of Dept. of Atomic Energy/ Director General of Mines Safety, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Indian Bureau of Mines, etc. for ensuring the implementation of the statutes.

15. A number of social welfare schemes are envisaged and executed taking into consideration the needs and aspirations of the local people. The main objective of CSR and sustainability policy is to lay down guidelines for the company to make CSR a key business process for substantial development for the society and environment with a balanced emphasis on all aspects of CSR and Sustainability – equally with regard to its internal operations, activities and processes, as well as in their response to externalities. CSR and Sustainability activity is applicable equally to all stakeholders including employees.

Some of such welfare measures being carried out for local people are listed below:

 Drinking water distribution to the resettlement colony  Free medical camp at Vellanathuruthu  Construction of toilets under Swatch Bharath Vidyalya  Fishing Shelter in Pandarathuruthu

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 Contribution to mining welfare board.

Figure 8.1 CSR activities of IREL

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CHAPTER 9

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

9.1 General

The aim of the environmental management plan (EMP) is to maintain ecological balance and check harmful effect due to the inland mining mining. It ensures integration of environmental control measures into the process of mine planning. The Environmental Monitoring Programme detailed in chapter 6 includes institutional set-up for effective implementation of environmental management activities.

Many of the areas of environmental management planning require multidisciplinary approach. Therefore the measures envisaged in the report are to be regarded as guidelines and continued advice is proposed to be taken from experts of relevant fields like environmental pollution, meteorology, coastal management, hydrology, mine planning, ecology, soil chemistry, socio-economics, radiation, rehabilitation & resettlement etc. The suggested schemes are to be detailed and if necessary, be modified from time to time to meet statutory requirements. The changes warranted as per site specific conditions are to be accounted for, during actual implementation. Further, in the light of experience likely to be gained during the initial years of operation, proposed schemes may require periodic modification/updating.

In this chapter all technical, biological and socioeconomic control measures have been envisaged. In the present project, the total environmental management plan for the proposed 180 ha mining project can be divided into the following categories:

 Air Environment;  Water Environment;  Solid Waste Disposal;  Noise Environment  Land Environment  Green belt development.

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9.2 Air Environment

Existing level of air pollution in the proposed core zone area is far below the permissible limits (National Ambient Air quality norms). The dredge is electric driven and therefore has no gas or dust emissions. The only source of air pollution is emissions during road transportation of heavies from mine to Mineral Seperation Plant at Chavara which is about 15.4 km from the 180 Ha mine lease (north west end).No spills or emissions are expected from the loaded heavies as they are covered and transported in moist form. Air pollution can be totally avoided by using water transport through the TS Canal. The suggested method is the use of country boats which are the most environmentally friendly and having a very positive socio-economic impact. The consultants recommends to undertake a field trial to work out the economics. A field trial was undertaken by IREL to transport the material by boat on 05.10.2009 to check the depth and other obstruction in the canal water way. The material was loaded at the project site in jumbo bags of 1 tonne capacity onto the boat. However, on arrival of the boat at the plant site, the locals ( about 60 persons) objected to the unloading of the materials from the boat raising unrealistic demands. Presently the IWAI is in the process of capital dredging of the channel (NW3) to provide two lane channel with planned width of 32 meters remains to be done in 3.00 km. This length of 3K.m’s is spread over two locations 1.00 km in Kayamkulam Kayal requiring0.50 Lakh cu m. of dredging, which can be taken up with departmentaldredgers after removal of fishing nets by State Govt.; and 2.00 km requiring1.47 Lakh cu m. dredging including widening near Chavara. For completingthe work in Chavara area, work has been awarded and the agency aftermobilizing at site, has commenced the work since February, 2016. 0.11 lakhcu m. dredging in Kayamkulam Lake and 0.25 lakh cu m. dredging in Chavara area has been completed with planned width of 32 meters remains to be done in 3.00 km. Another option to be considered is the use of two separate roads for truck movement. The current path will be used as an empty truck route and another path has been identified passing through S.V market road which will reach NH66, this route will be used for loaded trucks. The alternate route was having a width of 615cm while village

9-2 road was having only 530cm.All roads are tarred roads, but road widening is necessary in those areas of truck movement as this will minimize the dust emissions to a great extent. The existing roads should be widened, resurfaced and should be maintained in good condition. (Reff fig: 5.3 in chapter 5)

However if road transport is to be persisted with, the following measures are recommended to reduce pollution.  The existing roads should be widened, resurfaced and in good condition. Trees should be planted on sides.  Ensuring transport equipment to be leak-proof. Vehicles transporting the minerals shall be provided with tarpaulin cover  Provision of water trough at the exits of roads for tyre washing. This is specially recommended at the exit of Chavara factory, for the return vehicles.  Good preventive maintenance schedule for equipments & vehicles  Supply of face masks to workers and staff to prevent dust inhalation  Overloading of transport equipment shall be prevented.  Gaseous pollutants in the exhaust fumes generated by the dozers and other machinery shall be minimized by ensuring vigorous maintenance and stringent overhaul schedules. The repair workshop and maintenance garage should be equipped with all necessary facilities.

As an alternate method of transportation of materials from Block IVEE to Chavara plant against the present method of transportation using contract tippers, pumping of the spiral concentrate is proposed. It will be done by 7 stage pumping at a rate of 65 tph. Three pumps will be located in the IREL's own lease area and 4 pumps in the KMML lease hold areas. Power supply is to be sourced from the proposed dedicate feeder from Chavara sub station to Block IV area. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs.500 lakhs. The pumping system is designed for pumping 65 tph solids having specific gravity of 4.0 and the solid concentration of 26 %. The total volume of the slurry pumped is 201 cu.m /hr and the total head of the system is 315 meters. The pumps are located at 750 mts apart. The discharge of the first pump will be connected to the suction of the second pump and so on. The pipe line will be 160 mm HDPE pipe of PNPE80 grade. The lines

9-3 will be laid along the TS canal side and also through the KMML mining area depending upon the terrain available for laying the pipes. The maximum working pressure in the pipe line will be 5.5 bar.

9.3 Water Environment and coastal zone management

The existing and proposed core zone is a part of narrow strip of land between sea and T.S. canal/Kayakulam Kayal. The soil is mostly sandy. The area receives heavy to very heavy rainfall during the south west monsoon. In addition, DWUP (Dredge and Wet Upgrading Plant) which is proposed to be used at 180 ha ML area has a capacity of 125 t / h (15-16 hrs operation per day). The manpower requirement is 8 operators and 3 engineers. The total manpower envisaged including unskilled, clerk, electrician will be 18 nos. During operation stage, no wastewater is generated due to operation of the plant. The quantity of wastewater generated from domestic source is about 2.4 m3/day. It is proposed to utilize the already existing toilet blocks with septic tanks/ soak pit arrangement at Vellanathuruthu IRE site office. Coastal protection measures against erosion are a major part of the environmental management measures required in this area.The method of the construction of seawalls on regular basis by the State Irrigation Department/IREL is already in practice.It is recommended that sea walls may be substituted by groyns, which comes under the purview of State Harbour Engineering Department. IRE can defray part of the expenditure in the construction of groynes. The company is now planning certain steps to recover the land lost to the sea. To reclaim the shore in Block IV EE and Block IV, it is proposed to construct Groyenes in the NK Block IV EE area between Thazchakadavu (IREL Boundary) and the VT bus-stand.It covers a distance of 700 meters. Four groyenes will be constructed in this stretch with a distance of around 200 meters apart. The groyene on the southern side will have a length of 75 meters, and on the northern side will be of 40 meters. The groyenes in between will have a length of 100 meters and 75 meters. The groyenes will be constructed through the Irrigation department of Kerala Government. The total cost is expected to be Rs. 10 crores. Figure 9.1 shows EMP of the proposed ML area after mining. As per this plan, in the post mining scenerio the land earmarked for proposed, conversion to wet land will be

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3.52 ha, green belt: 5.82 ha, Mangrove afforestation: 2.73 ha and mixed plantation: 130 ha.

9.4 Solid waste management There are no solid wastes generated during the mining operation.During dredging of canal and backwater, the dredged mud in the upper layers of sediment are likely to be anaerobic and foul smelling.It should be disposed off at a site where it does not cause odour nuisance.Disposal into sea may be considered as an option that is preferable to land disposal. In-house control measures should be adopted.These could be avoidance of spillage of any material either solid or liquid and wherever possible, solid wastes should be handled in a dry state in order to reduce water pollution. On commissioning of the mining activity there will be an increase of 46 numbers of trips. The trucks shall be properly covered to avoid spillage of raw material when transversed from mining location to factory site. NIIST has worked out a lab scale experiment for recovery of sand for construction purpose as there is acute shortage of construction sand in the state. However this may not be feasible as reject sand is required for refilling the mined out area. The entire raw mineral sand mined from the inland mining areas is transported to the HUP through tippers. The tailing/waste generated at the HUP (mostly consisting of quartz in its native state) is used for back filling of inland mined out areas to bring the land profile to the near original topography. The mined out inland areas near to sea are back filled with an elevated height followed by plantation activities. From all the mine leases the total raw sand quantity will be about 13,70,150 tonne per annum, of which, the raw mineral sand contribution from 180.00.0Ha ML area alone will be 7,50,000 tonne. Around 12lakh tonnes of tailing will be produced by feeding the 13.7 lakh tonne of raw sand throughput. These tailing will be utilized for back filling in a scientific manner in the inland mined out areas. Tailings production annually from 180Ha ML area will be around 6.0 –6.6lakh ton from 7.50lakh ton of ROM and this tailing will be used for back filling. Mining activity in the inland deposits are carried out with simultaneous back filling of mined out areas and hence it is an eco-friendly mining operation.

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The closure plans were reviewed for adequacy. It is seen that the material for refilling will be the tailings from Inland mining and from BWC in other areas. The quantity has been estimated on the basis of available geological information. This material will be generally sufficient for refilling the mined out voids. Refilling of the mined out area will address all the environmental concerns.

9.5 Noise Environment

Noise pollution like air and water pollution can be mitigated by controlling the pollution source, curbing emissions at source and utilizing the land around them to reduce its impact. However, unlike air and water pollution, noise does not accumulate but dissipates within a short time and distance from its point of generation. The approach to mitigation of noise levels therefore are: (1) mitigate noise at source (2) reduce noise level at specific receiving points. In order to predict the impact of noise generated due to the proposed DWUP, a systematic survey of the ambient noise levels existing in a similar plant of IRE was conducted. The overall impact was predicted and calculated using hemispherical model for sound wave propagation. The predicted values showed the noise levels were subsequently low comparing with the source noise level when the noise is reaching a distance of 100m, Reffer table no.5.4 in chapter no.5 The predicted values were compared with actual measurement at IRE site.The noise level at dredge was about 70 db.Noise levels were measured at various distance on four sides and the average value is presented in figure 5.5 of chapter no.5. As seen from the graph, the noise due to dredge operation fades off at less than 50 meters. Nearest habitation is beyond 100m distance. Hence, there is no need for noise control measures. The predicted values are comparable with the actual field measurements (ground truthing) .Traffic noise from trucks is a nuisance for which there are no simple control measures. If transportation of mined heavies by waterways, preferably by country boats or by pumping is adopted, there will be no further traffic noise. However, exposure of workers at dredge ( 70 db) needs to be minimized.This could be achieved by :

 job rotation

 automation

 protection devices and

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 sound proof control rooms.

9.6 Land Environment

The area proposed for Mining in the 01-05 years is in the South-Western part of the lease. The mine will be operated as a mechanized mine with a dredge. The dredge will be working in a pool which will advance with the mining operation of the dredge. The rejects from DWUP will be used for refilling the pool. The heavies will be mechanically / manually loaded into trippers for transport to Chavara Plant. The pond will progress by the cutting action of the dredge.Figure-2.5 in chapter 2 gives the typical dredge operation which will be followed at the 180 ha ML area. The surface road is black topped upto Vellanathuruthu health centre which helps to a large extent in avoiding fugitive dust.A new road is under construction from health centre to site office. Adequate provisions should be made for the timely repair of the roads by IRE. A good road would also reduce HC, NOx and CO emissions from the vehicles also. Extraneous materials and objects should be removed from the site and the ground surface maintained up to its original level. One major problem anticipated in this project is the traffic congestion at panchayat road connecting Pannikkarkadavu bridge to mine site and also in the PWD road connecting NH 47 to Pannikkarkadavu bridge. The width of the road is very less and it is not possible to widen it as there are many houses and establishments close to the road. Frequent traffic blocks are experienced in this route which is partially due to tippers transporting mineral concentrate from the mine lease.The deterioration of the roads may be reduced by use of rubberized or plastic mixed bitumen.The traffic block is very intense during the various temple festivals. Frequent road accidents are reported in this area. It should be ensured that the speed limit is 30km/h along the road connecting Pannikkarkadavu bridge to mine site. Alternatively, the consultant suggests that IRE should develop a system in future for transportation of heavies through waterways or pumping.The distance from 180 ha mine lease area to existing IRE plant is only 6.85 km by T.S canal as compared to 15.4 kms by road (figure-5.5). Figure-5.6 gives the inland canal distance to Chavara IRE plant. Transportation via country boats could provide job to the fishermen.

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The proposed site is not part of any national park, wildlife sanctuary, natural reserve or biosphere reserve.No forest land too is being encroached. Hence, no compensatory afforestation is required.

9.6.1 Land use planning

Back filling is integrated into the mining process.Backfilling has to be carried out to original elevation, considering that the land is only a few meters above the high tide level and the water table. Backfilling should also be carried out with sand alone in order to preserve the ecology of the area. Since sand for backfilling to original elevation, will leave some area unfilled, the extent of water body and wetland will increase. The wetland will be planted with mangrove. The widening of the TS canal in the post mining phase will also increase the water body extent. All these measures will result in a net improvement of the land environment.

9.6.2 Water Transport

Water transport is an effective solution to the present road congestion observed in the study area extending from the present Mine Lease area to Chavara plant. Main advantages are:  No environmental pollution (zero contribution to air,water,noise pollution)  Provide job to the locals  Re-deployment of the displaced fishermen folk.  Less time for transportation due to less distance  Proximity to waterways The main infrastructure – the waterways - NW3 – is available adjacent to ML area and stretches upto IRE plant and this can be advantageously made use of avoiding heavy traffic .

Thus consultant recommends country boats/barge on environmental and socio-economic grounds. The loading and unloading of mineral heavies from country boats has to be worked out. This equipment may be customed designed. The local fishermen societies or the local panchayat may be engaged to provide the transport services. Another option for loading and unloading is to have bins or 1t FIBC bags that can be loaded on and unloaded from the country boat using cranes.

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West Coast canal system in Kerala is one of the currently designated National Waterways in the country as indicated in table 9.1. The potential for this mode of transport has been unquestioned over the years and it forms a significant fraction of goods movement.. In Germany IWT constitute 20% [WB, 2005] and in Bangladesh it is 32% [Rahman Mushfequr, 1994]. However, in India, it is very meager (0.15%). [Raghuram G, 2004] of the overall transport movement.

Table 9.1: National Waterways of India

Sl. National Waterway Location No 1 NW-1 Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly - Allahabad to Haldia

2 NW-2 Brahmaputra system in Assam

3 NW-3 West Coast canal system in Kerala

IREL had explored the possibility of adopting the water transport method in 2006. A Public Tendering was done in this respect in the year 2006. The L1(Lowest Party) quoted rate was Rs 246/- per ton against the prevailing rate of Rs 158.85/- per ton which reveals that the water transport rate was 55% higher than the Road Transportation cost. In addition to this the unloading cost from the barge and its subsequent transportation to the stack yard is also to be taken in to consideration to arrive at the final end cost.However consdering traffic conjestion in the existing road, availability of canal adjacent to the ML area , shorter distance to plant via water transport and provision of local employment to fishermen community a trail run using water transport to arrive at the feasibility is recommended.

Further, the increase of forty six trips to the existing traffic due to the capacity expansion to 7,50,000 will not cause any significant impact (Refer 5.2.2 in chapter 5).

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9.7 Greenbelt Development

Tree cover is not a significant issue in this project unlike in other mining projects. The area is clear of natural vegetation that grows sparsely on nutrient poor sand. No sand dunes are found in this project area and coconut plantations are found available here. An important environmental issue of the coastal regions of Kerala is the loss of sand dunes due to conversion to farmland. Hence, this project offers opportunity to restore sandy expanses and natural vegetation, if replanting is avoided. White sandy expanses have high aesthetic and tourism value and provides alternate livelihood instead of non- remunerative.

Mangroves are recommended to be developed in area contiguous to Vattakayal. These measures, if implemented will be an environmentally better option in this area than traditional greenbelt and tree cover. Green belt is reccommended on the eastern part of the ML area. Figure 9.1 gives the environmental Management Plan for the lease area.

Inland Waterways Authority is in the process of deepening and widening of the TS canal as part of canal improvement programme.About 80% rejects is available for refilling and to compensate for 20% heavies, the consultants recommend conversion of a part of ML area to wet land and widening of TS canal. The management plan is formulated in line with CRZ norms (Figure 9.1). 9.8 Occupational safety and health . Occupational safety and health is very closely related to productivity and good employer-employee relationship. The main factors of occupational health in Chavara Beach sand project are noise and radiation. Safety of employees during operation and maintenance etc shall be as per mines rules and regulations. To avoid any adverse effects on the health of workers due to various pollutants, sufficient measures have already been addressed in this chapter. The following measures relating to safety and health which are practised in Chavara project shall be continued in proposed 180ha expansion programme also:

. Provision of rest shelters for mine workers with amenities like drinking water

. All safety measures like use of safety appliances, safety awards, posters, slogans related to safety etc.

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. Training of employees for use of safety appliances and first aid.

. Regular maintenance and testing of all equipment as per manufacturers’ guidelines.

. Periodical Medical Examination (PME) of all workers by a medical specialist so that any adverse effect may be detected in its early stage.

9.9 Socio-economic measures

9.9.1 Measures for project Affected People (Rehabilitation and Resettlement)

The R & R scheme has been formulated after tripartite discussion between district administration, affected people and project authorities. The scheme has been approved by district authorities. The following have been decided about the scheme.

1. Basic land value shall be fixed by revenue authorities. 2. Value of trees, buildings and other structures shall be added to the above to obtain market value. The market value obtained (by adding to the basic land value of structures, trees and other improvements) will be enhanced to obtain the compensation price. Over and above the following rehabilitation benefits and shifting/good will charges will be provided. 3. A list of evictees will be maintained to provide employment on priority basis wherever there is an opportunity.

9.9.2 Measures for fishermen community

. The local fishermen shall be engaged in transporting the mineral heavies from 180 ha ML area to Chavara IRE plant. Substantial amount of revenue as well as employment can be generated for the local fishermen community. . The local fishermen could be associated to monitor ecology of the area as well as for planting of mangroves/trees. . Increased fishing activity due to better approach to sea face as well as improved inland fisheries due to more mangroves productive area. . Conversion of non-productive area into a tourist white sand natural ecological area with sand dunes, management measures against sea erosion, Back water bank protection using Rip Rap, increased income from TS canal.

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. Provisision of four groins in Block IV mine lease would enhance the formation of beach and also protect the inhabition from the hazards of sea eraosion.

9.9.3 General Measures (for people, in general, of the region)

. Mining and mineral processing involve transportation activity for day to day operation. Substantial amount of revenue is expected to be generated by transportation activities along with employment e.g. labour, helper etc. Project authorities shall engage (on contract) the local people for transportation or at least can arrange for loading and unloading heavies/tailings by local people. . In case of direct manpower required for mining and mineral processing operations, local people shall be employed as much as possible especially in the categories of unskilled and semi skilled labours subject to rules and procedures in vogue for PSU’s. . A section of local youth shall be trained in phases so that they can take up some jobs (mining contractorship, building contractorship, supply of mining/MSP materials and also small scale rural business developments) of their own (self employment) or in mines (on contract basis) or elsewhere. . IRE shall provide training from time to time for improved agrotechniques, first aid and safety, adult literacy programme to the villagers. . IRE shall provide regular grant to neighboring schools and constant encouragement for cultural activities in local villages.

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9.10 Radiation aspects

The pre operational radiological monitoring of the proposed mining area at Vellanathuruthu region was carried out by Health Physics Unit (HPU) of IREL Udyogamandal along with HPU of IREL, Manavalakurichi.Post project radiological survey will be carried out in similar manner.This radiation studies will help to analyse the overall reduction in radiaoactivity by mining in the project site.

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Figure 9.1: Environmental Management Plan IRE – 180 ha ML area

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Figure 9.2 : Demarcation of HTL, LTL and CRZ

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CHAPTER 10

SUMMARY & CONCLUSION

1. IREL proposes to mine NK Block IVEE, Karunagapally having a mine lease area 180 Ha by inland mining by using Dredge Wet Upgradation Plant (DWUP). The company has already accorded EC & CRZ clearance for mining of 2,37,150 TPA . Now as per the request of the public for return of the land at the earliest, the company propose for enhancement of mining from 2,37,150 TPA to 7,50,000 TPA. The reserves of mineable deposit based on prospecting by AMD is around 6.02 MT.

2. IREL has appointed CSIR - NIIST, a NABET Accredited Govt.of India Category-A EIA consultant organisation, Thiruvananthapuram, to evaluate the environmental aspects and their possible associated impacts that would arise due to the proposed heavy mineral sand mining and to work out mitigation measures to prevent/ minimize/ control the adverse environmental impacts envisaged from the proposed mining. CSIR-NIIST has carried out the studies as per the TOR during the period of 2015-2017.

3. IREL has obtained surface rights of 45 acres of land, which is sufficient for the first five years. The company is in the process of acquiring the remaining land on lease.

4. The method of mining is open cast inland mining or by using dredge or excavators.. Inland mining will be done by using dredge. The dredge has a working length of 30 meters and width of 14m. The separation is through physical process and no chemicals are used. The semi mechanized mining includes refilling of mined area using tailings from pre concentration plant and mineral separation plant.

5. After studying the proposed project and its activities the consultant along with the approved empanelled experts has generated baseline data of the core and buffer zone. This includes analysis of air, soil, water, noise, traffic, hydrology, geology, ecology, and socio economic parameters. Envirodesigns Eco Labs Ernakulum an NABL/MoEF accredited laboratory is

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also associated for generation of primary data. The significant aspects include dust emissions due to traffic movement, increase in traffic and social impact assessment

6. The present air quality has been monitored and the results for PM 10, SO2, NOx shows these parameters are under the limit prescribed by CPCB. Noise quality of the environment has also been evaluated and the result shows that all the values were within the limits.

7. Various impact models include Envitrans Fugitive Dust Modelling Pro for air quality modelling, hemispherical model equations for noise modelling and GIS applications for

landuse are depicted for prediction of impacts due to mining and related activities. PM10 concentration might increase in future during the full-fledged mining operations. This can be remedied by adapting the EMP measures suggested in the report.

8. Due to the full-fledged mining activities, there will be additional truck movement of 46 trips. This will increase the traffic congestion and risk associated in the panchayat road connecting the mine lease with the NH. For the control of traffic, an alternate traffic management plan for carrying the minerals to the Chavara IREL plant has been suggested.

9. The consultant recommends the use of TS Canal (NW3) which is adjacent to mine lease for transportation of the concentrate to IREL plant instead of the pathway presently used. IREL may explore this option of Water transportation, which could reduce the dust emission due to increase in trucks and minimize overstraining of the existing pathway. As an alternative. the pumping of mineral concentrate using piping conduits is also recommended.

10. The surface and ground water characteristics have been established through field monitoring data at 13 locations generated during the study with respect to physicochemical characteristics and pollutant levels and the same has been compared with quality criteria for drinking water. The results showed limited increase in the water quality parameters above the prescribed limit. The Ground water contour map generated indicates that the flow/movement of water is predominantly towards South West and to the eastern side of the lease. Various remedial measures for overcoming this problem has been suggested in Environmental Management Plan chapter.

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11. Socio economic aspects has been studied by an independent NGO group called SISSR. This aspects has been carefully analysed by considering all social impact elements and the survey indicates that people are partially losing their traditional jobs due to mining. Some reported that the company is not offering the right value for their property and it is difficult to purchase land elsewhere with the lesser amount given by the company. The consultant suggests measures for improving the socio economic aspects of the people in core and buffer zone. This involves the formulation of a well acceptable R&R policy, supply of drinking water and providing direct / indirect jobs to locals. However IREL has a long history in attending the problem by way of providing potable water to surrounding locality and by giving preferential chance to the locals for employment.

12. The consultant has developed an effective Environmental Management Plan for mitigating the impacts observed in all respective environmental field relevant to this project. For dust suppression remedial measures like usage of alternate road /water way/road widening / pumping of concentrate was suggested. For suppressing of dust on the roads, the consultant suggests the use of 35% calcium chloride (dust suppressants) on the haul roads between mine lease and the panchayat road. Construction of Groins are suggested to mitigate sea erosion.

13. As a management measure NIIST suggests the formulation mangrove afforestation for an area about 2.17 Ha. In the current project there is limited scope for development of green belt as the company is proposing to return back the land to owners after mining.

14. Additional studies conducted includes marine ecological survey, detailed hydrological studies, and mining issues of open cast mining of Block –IVEE prepared by a Mining engineer.

15. Implementation of a post project monitoring with the cost estimation is suggested in the report. Post Project Monitoring will help to understand whether the mitigation measures suggested are effective to control the impacts. An amount of Rs. 159 lakhs is estimated for post project monitoring which include capital and recurring expenditure.

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DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANTS

11NAME OF THE CONSULTANTS:

11.1 CSIR-NIIST: The National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, is a constituent Laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR).Initially established in 1975 as a CSIR Complex ,it was named as the Regional Research Laboratory in 1978 and later renamed as NIIST in 2007.Its mandate is to conduct research and development activities of the highest quality in areas related to effective utilization of resources of the region and of fundamental importance to the country. Currently NIIST is engaged in R & D programmes in areas related to Agroprocessing, Chemical Sciences ,Materials Science and Technology, Biotechnology, Process Engineering and Environmental Technology. The institute has established state-of-the- art facilities for conducting advanced research in the areas of interest .Pilot plant facilities for research training and process/product development in the areas of spices and oilseeds have been established. The institute has also been playing a significant role in Human Resource Development by training post graduate/graduate students, with over 252 Ph.D degrees awarded till date, based on research conducted in the institute. The R&D activities are now broadly classified into five major areas :

 Agro-Processing and Technology Division  Materials Science and Technology  Chemical Sciences & Technology  Environmental Technology Division  Microbial Processes and Technology Division 11.1.1 ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY DIVISION (ETD)

The ETD Division develops innovative processes and technologies for value addition to resources of the region and for the management of the region’s environment. ETD comprises engineers, chemists, physicists, mathematicians, biologists and computer scientists. These multi-disciplinary skills come together to address real problems.

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The CSIR-NIIST is the first organization to get NABET Accreditation in Kerala and on the process of acquiring NABL Accreditation also. NIIST has an MOU with Environment & ECO CARE, a NABL/ MOEF approved laboratory at Cochin to collaborate in EIA studies. A panel of highly qualified NABET approved empanelled experts are involved in the various environmental management studies.

ETD is engaged in the development of processes for odour control, anaerobic treatment of solid waste, industrial water purification, biofuel from marine microalgae, bioremediation of perchlorate in waste water and Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) studies. The Computational Modelling group provides computational tools and services for designing engineering and chemical processes and investigating the complex phenomena in biological systems. The Dioxin Research Unit is focusing on the monitoring, control and phase out of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) with special reference to dioxins and furans from various industrial and non-industrial activities in Southern states of the country.

The institute has an active programme targeting societal development. Recently CSIR has identified CSIR-800 as a thrust area with a vision of inclusive growth and improvement in the quality of life of the 800 million people at the bottom of economic pyramid, through S & T interventions. Under this scheme CSIR-NIIST has taken up a project named Green Enterprises for Micro-Sector(GEMS). A number of technologies that have the potential to crate green micro-enterprises that generate income and employment for low income groups and are at the same time beneficial to the environment, have been identified, namely i)environment friendly extraction of natural fibers ,ii)natural fiber based biodegradable household articles, iii)value addition of under-exploited and under-utilized agro products, iv)agro-technologies for cultivation and post-harvest management of medicinal, aromatic plants and v)development of green household sanitation devices. Linkages are being built up with NGOs and appropriate Governmental bodies for delivery of the technologies in a way that would benefit large number of people in the low income group .The institute has also been supporting in Kerala Tile Sector in modernization of infrastructure, training manpower and setting up quality control laboratories. Studies on industrial feasibility for preparation of coir and banana fiber reinforced polymer composite panels and building components have also been conducted

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Consultants Name & Address

CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science & Technology

Industrial Estate PO

Pappanamcode

Trivandrum-695019

Kerala

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11.2 NABET LETTER OF ACCREDETATION

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11.3 DECLARATION OF EXPERTS

CSIR-NIIST

EIA: IRE PROJECT – DECLARATION OF EXPERTS

Project Proponent Indian Rare Earths Ltd (A Govt. of India Undertaking) An ISO Certified Company Chavara- 691583 Kollam, Kerala

EIA study for Mining of Beach Sand Mineral with enhancement of production capacity from 2,37,150 to 7,50,000 TPA in Alappad, Panmana and Ayanivelikulangara villages in Kollam district for an area of 180 ha in NK block IV EE by Indian Rare Earths, Chavara, Project Proposal Kollam, Kerala

Project Location Alappad, Panamana and Ayanivelikulangara Villages Kollam district, Kerala state.

EIA Coordinator Dr.Jamal .Ansari

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