Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the proposed Exploration, Development and production in 5 onshore PML blocks in Arakan Fold Belt (AAFB), Assam & Assam Arakan (A & AA) Basin, and Karimganj District, Assam Executive Summary

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is the largest crude oil and natural gas producer in , contributing around seventy five percent to Indian domestic production. Crude oil is the raw material used by downstream companies like IOC, BPCL, and HPCL (subsidiary of ONGC) to produce petroleum products like Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene, Naphtha, and Cooking Gas-LPG.

ONGC has proposed exploration, development and production activities in the envisaged prospects for hydrocarbon falling in 5 PML blocks identified through seismic surveys. The PML blocks lie within the “Assam Arakan Fold Belt” (AAFB) falls in the Assam-Arakan Basin, Cachar and Karimganj Districts, Assam. The area covered in PML blocks identified as project area is presented below:

Block Name Area (Sq. Average Depth (meter) Km) Banskandi PML 15.0 2500-4000 During exploration stage Bhubandar PML 6.0 & 2,500 m for development wells. Sector VC PML 497.0 Adamtila PML 4.0 Adamtila Extension PML 148.0

1.1 Project Location

Study area of the project is divided into two separate units based on the relative distance between and nearness of PML blocks as well as nearest IMD meteorological stations. While, Banskandi PML, Bhubandar PML and Sector VC PML are covered in one unit (Study Area-I) (covered in Cachar District); Adamtila and Adamtila Extension PML are covered in another unit (Study Area-II) (covered in Karimganj District). The Study Area-I in Cachar district has the nearest IMD meteorological station at Silchar, within the Sector VC PML and in Study Area-II, the nearest IMD meteorological station is located at the Kailasahar Airport in state.

The environmental settings of the area within and from the block boundary (10 km radius), name of the PML/ML areas where well drilling is proposed and the area covered within the 10 km radius from the project area block boundary is explained in the detail in Chapter- 1 of the report. The project area has mixed land use type with agricultural land and surface water bodies contributing to dominating surface features. Silchar is the most important urban center which also consist of the nearest accessible airport. The study area maps of the project are presented below:

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad EE-1 Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the proposed Exploration, Development and production in 5 onshore PML blocks in Assam Arakan Fold Belt (AAFB), Assam & Assam Arakan (A & AA) Basin, Cachar District and Karimganj District, Assam Executive Summary

STUDY AREA - I STUDY AREA MAP OF 10 KM RADIUS FROM THE BLOCK BOUNDARY (BANSKANDI PML, BHUBANDAR PML AND SECTOR VC PML

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STUDY AREA - II STUDY AREA MAP OF 10 KM RADIUS FROM THE BLOCK BOUNDARY (ADAMTILA PML AND ADAMTILA EXT. PML)

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1.2 Project Description

ONGC plans to undertake exploratory drilling (in 33 Wells) and later development wells to be established based on the commercial viability of the Hydrocarbon reserves in the respective PML blocks. Based on discovery of the hydrocarbon reserves, the Bhubandar PML fields will be connected to Banskandi-Bhubandar Pipeline. This Banskandi-Bhubandar pipeline will be connected to Banskandi GCS. Development wells for Northern part of Banskandi and Sector VC PML Blocks will be connected to EPS located at North Banskandi area which is currently under production. The development wells from Adamtila and Adamtila Extension PML will be connected to Adamtila GCS which is currently under production. No additional facility is planned to be constructed except connecting the development wells to the existing facilities.

The site preparation followed by establishment of exploratory wells will commence after identification of drill site within the PML boundary. Site configuration and the target drilling depth is explained in detail in Project Description (Chapter 2) of this report. Water Based Mud (WBM) will be used in exploratory drilling, but use of Synthetic Oil Based Drilling Mud (SOBM) may be require due to the complexities associated geological formations and associated hole stability problems. At the end of the drilling SOBM will be recycled completely and reused in subsequent drilling operations.

Each Drill site will require about 3 DGs running continuously (rating 1500 KVA/DG) for operations. About 30-40 people would access each drill site during exploration phases. The net water requirement will be in the range 25 m3 (includes process requirement and domestic requirement) at each drill site during the exploration phase. The land requirement at each site will be in the range of 1.1 ha which will be leased for the drilling phase in the land acquisition process. If required, the approach road to drill sites will be constructed/ upgraded by the PWD to provide access for the drilling equipment and construction machinery and material, supply vehicles, passenger vehicles etc.

The basis of the operational philosophy is that the activities proposed in oil & gas processing shall be operated in complete compliance with all applicable Laws, Regulations, Standards and Permits, the Production Sharing Contract (PSC), ONGC corporate policies, procedures, specifications, rules, standards and guidelines. In order to achieve this, the proposed drilling sites will be maintained by technically qualified and experienced people. Detailed procedures and plans will be developed for each activity prior to operations start up. All persons on board the drilling rig will be part of an experienced crew with valid qualifications.

1.3 Description of Environment

The project area is drained by and its tributaries like Chri river, river, Rukini river etc. drain the project area in Cachar district while, and Juri river drain the project area in Karimganj District. Patches of Barail and Jiri reserve forests (RFs) were discovered within the Sector VC PML and patches of Sonai RF is observed within Bhubandar PML in Cachar District. Patches of Longai RF and Tilbhum Hill RF are marked within Admatila Extension PML. No major industrial activities were found within the study area though.

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Soil sampling was conducted covering different land use patterns include, forest lands, open lands, agricultural lands, etc. As per the standard soil classification described in ‘Hand Book of Agriculture, Indian Council of Agricultural Research’ it is observed that the soil in the project area is mostly characterized by moderately acidic to moderately alkaline in nature. The NPK values were also found to be ranging from less to sufficient indicating that the soil quality is suitable for agriculture and cultivation.

On-site monitoring was undertaken for various meteorological variables in order to generate the site-specific data. When the meteorological data generated at the monitoring site was compared with the data recorded at nearest IMD station Silchar/Kailashahar(A), it was observed that the data generated at the site is broadly in comparison with regional meteorology, except for minor variations.

The ambient air quality of the project area is reported through primary ambient air quality monitoring conducted in non-monsoon season, covering post-monsoon season and partly winter season of 2019. The AAQ monitoring was conducted within the period starting from 1st October 2019 to 31st December 2019. The ambient air quality thus conducted within study area confirms that all parameters monitored (as per NAAQS and additional parameters) are within permissible standards.

The ground water and surface water monitoring were conducted in several locations covering the study area. Only iron and magnesium were found to be exceeding in a few locations when compared with IS standards for drinking water.

Noise monitoring is conducted in several locations covering such areas as silent zones near schools and hospitals, commercial areas, residential areas, rural and urban areas etc. The noise levels were found to be within permissible limits at all locations.

The project area is characterized by tropical rainforest type flora and fauna. The study areas flora and fauna is ecologically rich and also it is fragmented with agriculture fields and habitations. Tea plantations are also observed more regularly unlike other agricultural crops.

The village wise demographic data of 764 villages, 02 census towns in Cachar district, 364 villages in Karimgung district, 34 villages, 01 census town and 09 Nagara Panchayat in North Tripura district, was collated as 2011 Census data of India. The project area (PML Block area) is distributed in above areas of the Cachar, Karimganj and North Tripura district. The detailed demographic structure and socio- economic pattern of the project study area is explained in detail in Chapter 3 of this report.

1.4 Assessment of Impacts and Mitigation Measures

The proposed exploratory drilling of wells project is a short duration activity at each well location, typically encompassing a period of 3-4 months from land acquisition to site abandonment. The impact would therefore be localized, temporary and minimal. Because of the above activities, the topographical structure may change locally. However, considering the small foot print area required during the drilling, only marginal impact due to change in land use is anticipated.

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The impact on air quality due to project activity will be due to DGs running at the site and vehicular flux (including heavy earth moving machines) during the 3-4 months exploratory drilling activity period. Impact due to DG emissions will be localized and temporary in nature. The dust emissions due to vehicular flux will increase particulate dust levels, although such activities will have localized impact within the drill site area. Further, flaring activities will occur only for a period of 1-3 days only during the well testing phase. Overall impact on air quality will be localized and temporary in nature during the exploration phase. Impact due to production is not considered in this report as the well locations are not confirmed yet. Appropriate measures shall be taken and periodic monitoring are recommended for abetment of air pollution at the drill site.

Approximately 5 m3/day (net) wastewater would be generated from the drilling operation including minor quantities from washing and cleaning of rig floor and other equipment. Water based drilling mud is non-hazardous in nature. The primary pollutants in the wastewater would thus be suspended solids, dissolved solids and traces of floating oil from washing of rig floor and other equipment. Effluents can cause significant pollution to water bodies especially ponds and lakes if disposed untreated. However, the wastewater will be collected in HDPE lined pits and clarified wastewater will be treated in packaged treatment plant located at the well sites to meet norms specified by CPCB and PCBA for discharge to land and surface water bodies. Further, all drill sites will be erected 500m away from existing water bodies to avoid contamination of natural water resources.

During the proposed project operation at the well sites, there would be various sources of noise in the area, viz., drilling draw works/rotors, mud pumps, power generators, Vehicular Movement and Cranes and material handling equipment. The maximum predicted noise level at about 100 m from the boundary of the well site is about 52.0 dB (A). The ambient noise levels at most of the places in the region are within the CPCB standards, no substantial increment in noise levels is anticipated during well drilling and other temporary activities. Since, the drilling operations last for only 3-4 months at each location, impact of the noise pollution due to the proposed exploratory drilling of wells will be short lived and minimal on the nearby community.

Impact on the ecology of the study area will vary with the proximity of the habitats from the drilling locations. However, the impacts are of temporary nature, which will last only for 3-4 months at each drill location during the exploratory drilling activities and will thus allow subsequent recovery after the activities stops.

Impact on socio-economy of the nearby areas of the project site will be impact on positive aspects as employment opportunities for about 30-40 people will be generated for a temporary period. Although, improvement of existing infrastructural facilities and utilities as part of the project CSR activities will enhance the quality of life in the nearby villages. Impact on health will be controlled through appropriate environment management of the project site and by siting them away from natural resources or human habitations.

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1.5 Analysis of Alternatives

The project area is identified considering detailed in-house interpretation of 2D & 3D seismic data, inputs from nearby wells and other Geological and Geophysical (G&G) study data using latest interpretation software. The Assam Arakan Fold Belt (AAFB) of the AAA basin is rich in hydrocarbon reserves. Moreover, ONGC employs most relevant of technologies in exploration of hydrocarbon reserves as well as production of hydrocarbons. Considering above aspects, no other alternative site is deemed appropriate for exploration, development and production.

1.6 Environmental Monitoring Programme

Appropriate Environmental Monitoring Program is addressed in Chapter 6 for addressing the environmental monitoring aspects in different phases of the project.

1.7 Additional Studies

The hazard potential of oil & gas and estimation of consequences in case of their accidental release during drilling has been identified and risk assessment has been carried out to quantify the extent of damage and suggest recommendations for safety improvement for the proposed facilities. Risk mitigation measures based on MCA analysis and engineering judgments are incorporated in order to improve overall system safety and mitigate the effects of major accidents.

An effective Disaster Management Plan (DMP) to mitigate the risks involved has been prepared. This plan defines the responsibilities and resources available to respond to the different types of emergencies envisaged. Training exercises will be held to ensure that all personnel are familiar with their responsibilities and that communication links are functioning effectively.

1.8 Project Benefits

The major benefits of the project include reduction of the oil import bill of the nation as well as reduction of the imbalance in oil production and consumption. The commercial development will also lead to investment in Assam, bringing oil and gas revenues both to the State and to the Central Government. The presence of ONGC in the region will substantially improves the socio-economic conditions of the region.

Stakeholder consultations has been undertaken as part of the project benefit study aspects of the EIA study and thus project aims to strengthen the communication systems and local infrastructure through implementation of project CER budget. Health impacts due to the project will be abated to the extent possible by constructing the drill sites away from human habitations and maintaining proper site security systems to avoid trespassing. People accessing the project site shall use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for the oil and gas drill sites.

1.9 Environment Management Plan

The HSE dept is the nodal agency to coordinate and provide necessary services on environmental issues during construction and operation of the exploratory drilling of

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wells project. The department consists of officers from various disciplines to co-ordinate the activities concerned with the management and implementation of the environmental control measures.

Basically, this department will supervise the monitoring of environmental pollution levels viz. ambient air quality, water and effluent quality, noise level either departmentally or by appointing external agencies wherever necessary. In case the monitored results of environmental pollution found to exceed the allowable limits, the Environmental Management Cell (EMC) will suggest remedial action and get these suggestions implemented through the concerned authorities.

The EMC will also co-ordinate all the related activities such as collection of statistics of health of workers and population of the region, afforestation and green belt development. A dedicated HSE set-up in the corporate level will oversee the environmental management and pollution control aspects and headed by Director (Operations) and Executive Director (Chief HSE). At the project level, the HSE section will be headed by General Manager and the team consists of Environment and Safety Engineers.

A detailed Environment Management Plan has been chalked out covering environmental, health and safety aspects of the project through all phases (construction, operation, site abandonment and decommissioning) as appropriate. It is addressed in Chapter 10 of this report.

1.10 Conclusion

Thus, it is concluded from the EIA study of the project that, the project will have positive socio-economic impacts while impacts on natural environment will be mostly localized and temporary in nature. The EIA report addresses all aspects related to environment management and EHS measures to be considered by ONGC for safe operation of the project and without compromising the rich ecological biota as well as conserving natural resources within the study area.

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