MATTUR BUILDING STONE QUARRY Mattur Village, Shimoga Taluk & Dist Ph No. : 91 9448255907
Date : 16.11.2015 To, Member Secretary SEIAA Department of Environment & Ecology Karnataka Government Secretariat Room No 710, 7 th Floor, 4 th Gate, M.S.Buildings, Bangalore
Respected Sir,
Sub: Submission of documents for obtaining Environmental Clearance for “Mattur Building Stone Quarry” over an extent of 1.00 Acre at Survey No.200 /P in Mattur Village, Shimoga Taluk & District, Karnataka State.
We are here with submitting the following documents for obtaining the Environmental Clearance for “Mattur Building Stone Quarry” over an extent of 1.00 Acre at Survey No.200 /P in Mattur Village, Shimoga Taluk & District, Karnataka State.
Form – 1 Pre Feasibility Report Environment Management Plan Processing Fee DD No 359236 Dated 06.11.2015 of Kotak Mahindra Bank Data in Soft Copy
In this regards we request you to grant us the Environmental Clearance for the Stone Quarry at the earliest.
Thanking you Sir,
Your’s Faithfully
RANGASWAMY
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND: Sri. Rangaswamy proposed to operate a building stone quarry, in an extent of 1-00 acre of Government Land bearing Sy. No. 200(P) of Mattur Village in Shimoga Taluk & District, in the state of Karnataka. The proposed annual output from the quarry will be about 6793 Tons per Annum of each cluster. In accordance with the Office Memorandum No. L-11011/47/2011-IA.II(M) dated 18 th May 2012, issued by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India and the EIA Notification 2006, Sri Rangaswamy, have submitted the Form-I along with Pre- Feasibility Report of the proposed project, Approved Quarrying Plan (by Dept. of Mines & Geology, Govt. of Karnataka), Land Documents, Quarry Lease Deed etc. to State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Karnataka for issuing Environmental Clearance for the proposed quarrying activity. Environmental Management Plan is also an essential document for issuance of Environmental Clearance. Hence the same is prepared and enclosed. 1.2 LOCATION OF THE PROJECT
The proposed Building Stone Quarry, is part of Government Land bearing Sy. No. 200(P), in an extent of 1-00 acre of Government Land. The chosen land, belongs to Mattur Village, Shimoga Taluk, & District. The nearest human habitation is Mattur village, which is at a distance of 2.0 km, from the proposed quarry site. The site is well connected to Water Bound Macadam Road, capable of handling the required traffic. There are no environmental sensitive places like estuaries, defense installations, major air ports, national/ state highways, rivers, religious/ historic places, archaeological monuments, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, etc., within close proximity (in 5km radial distance), of the proposed quarry. The location details and environmental setting around the proposed project site is given below:
Page 1
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
Location Details of Project Site Sl.no Particulars Details
1 Latitude & Longitude
1. 13 0 53’ 25.9” 75 0 34’ 34.9” 0 2 13 0 53’ 23.3” 75 34’ 38.1”
0 3 13 0 53’ 26.2” 75 34’ 38.5”
0 4 13 0 53’ 23.6” 75 34’ 38.7”
0 5. 13 0 53’ 25.8” 75 34’ 38.1”
0 6 13 0 53’ 24.3” 75 34’ 36.8”
0 7 13 0 53’ 25.3” 75 34’ 36.3”
0 8 13 0 53’ 26.8” 75 34’ 37.6” 2 Elevation above MSL 563 m above MSL 3 Climatic conditions (IMD, Bellary) • Annual Max. Temp: 34 0C • Annual Min. Temp: 16 0C • Annual total rainfall: 1800 mm Present land use at the 4 Hard Rock Mountain proposed plant site. 5 Nearest railway station Shimoga
6 Nearest Town Shimoga
7 Nearest Water Body None within 5 km radius
Rocky boulders, rocky knobs, sheet 8 Other Features rocks etc. No wild Life sanctuary and National 9 Ecologically sensitive zones Park within 20 km radius
10 Historical places None within 10 km
11 Defense Installations None within 10 km
12 Critically Polluted Areas None within 10 km
Page 2
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
1.3 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROJECT
The present project of Building stone Quarrying in a Government Land having an extent of 1-00 acre of Government Land with a capacity of 6793 Tons per Annum, has the main advantage of availability of the rocky terrain. The location of the quarry is near to Mattur village in Shimoga Taluk & District. It has got a good connectivity to Shimoga Town, from where it can lead to other important places of the District Head Quarters. Further the Proponent has chosen to adopt mechanized quarrying, an already proven environment friendly process, which will be a safe bet on the investment as well as the returns on the investment, with due care for environmental protection & pollution prevention.
1.4 ADMINISTRATIVE & LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND
As per the latest Office Memorandum No. L-11011/47/2011-IA.II(M) dated 18th May 2012 issued by Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), Government of India and the EIA Notification of the MoEF dated 14.09.2006 (amended in 2009), any new Mining or Quarrying activity shall not be undertaken in any part of India unless it is accorded environmental clearance by the concerned State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), in accordance with the procedures specified in this Notification.
As per the procedure, all quarries or mining of minor minerals proposals with an extent of less than 5 Hectares of activity area, in any part of India or expansion or modernization of any existing mine/ quarry, shall apply in prescribed Form, along with necessary documentation like Pre-Feasibility Report, Approved Mining Plan, Location Map, Land documents, Mine Lease Copy, Environmental Management Plan (EMP) etc.. Accordingly, this EMP for the proposed quarrying activities of Sri. Rangaswamy has been prepared for the perusal of SEIAA/ SEAC to judge the environmental viability of the project.
Page 3
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
Many State and Central legislation have a bearing on environment but laws on "environment protection" have been notified recently. These laws can be broadly classified in terms of focus areas viz.
Pollution; Natural resources; and Linkage between pollution and natural resources.
The status of key environmental legislations in India relevant to the proposed project is given below:
a) New EIA Notification of 14 September 2006 (“EIA 2006”); b) Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, as amended in 1987; c) Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 as amended in 1978 and 1988; d) Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 as amended in 1991; e) Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 and f) Noise (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Rules, 2000
Page 4
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
2.0 PROJECT DETAILS
2.0 Introduction.
Sri. Rangaswamy proposes to operate a Building Stone quarry for extraction of Building Stone/ Jelly to cater to the demands of market. The proposed building stone quarry is spread over an extent of extent of 1-00 acre of Government Land bearing Sy. No. 200(P) of Mattur Village in Shimoga Taluk & District, in the state of Karnataka.
In line with the requirements of Office Memorandum issued vide No. L-11011/47/2011 - IA.II(M) dated 18th May 2012 issued by Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), Government of India and the EIA Notification of the MoEF dated 14.09.2006 (amended in 2009), the Proponent has submitted the application for Environmental Clearance to the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) of Karnataka State, along with all relevant document, of which Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is also an important document. Accordingly, this report is prepared for submission to SEIAA/SEAC, along with the Form-I, for issuance of Environmental Clearance. The summary of the report is presented below.
2.1 PROJECT SITE DETAILS
Sri. Rangaswamy have proposing to lease with extent of 1-00 acre of Government Land, which comprises of hard rocky patch, for the proposed Building Stone Quarrying Activity. The proposed project site is located at a Longitude and a Latitude is as follows:
Page 5
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
Sl.No Latitude Longitude Sl.No Latitude Longitude 75 0 34’ 38.1” 01 13 0 53’ 25.9” 75 0 34’ 34.9” 05 13 0 53’ 25.8” 75 0 34’ 38.1” 75 0 34’ 36.8” 02 13 0 53’ 23.3” 06 13 0 53’ 24.3” 75 0 34’ 38.5” 75 0 34’ 36.3” 03 13 0 53’ 26.2” 07 13 0 53’ 25.3” 75 0 34’ 38.7” 75 0 34’ 37.6” 04 13 0 53’ 23.6” 08 13 0 53’ 26.8”
Nearest village from the proposed quarry site is Mattur, at a distance of 2.0 km from the quarry site. The nearest railway station is Shimoga Railway Station, situated at approx. 4- 5 Kms.
2.2 DETAILS ABOUT THE PROJECT
2.2.1 Cost of the Project:
The total cost of the proposed building stone quarrying activity is estimated as Rs. 10.00 Lakhs of which approx. Rs. 1.0 Lakhs is towards the pollution control. Most of the mechanical equipment will be outsourced.
2.2.2 Raw Materials Requirement
The proposed activity itself is quarrying of building stones blocks, which will be the raw material for subsequent activities. Hence, there is no requirement of any other raw materials.
2.2.3 Description of the Process:
In the above mentioned Government land (Sy. No. 200(P) of Mattur Village, Shimoga Taluk & District, Karnataka State), quarrying of building stone will be carried out by open cast mining manually and semi-mechanization method by using compressor operated jack hammer drills, excavators, tippers etc. As the rock is exposed to open sky, open cast quarrying will be sufficient.
Page 6
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
To achieve the required level of building stone production, it requires 1 air compressors, 4 compressor operated jack hammer drills, 1 Tippers etc. Transportation of quarried material will be made through hired trucks to the dispatching points. The flow diagram of various activities involved in the quarrying of building stone is shown below:
Drilling: 32mm dia holes will be drilled by using compressor operated jack hammer drills, at suitable intervals, depending on the spacing and burden. The drilled holes will be subsequently used for blasting (if required) and splitting.
Splitting: Splitting of the quarry will be carried out by drilling the holes by hammer drills, using required wedges and gad burners by skilled personnel. Portable magazine is required to prevent the blasting equipment for the purpose of blasting materials.
Loading : Loading will be done by using a front end loader by skilled labourers into the trucks.
Transport: Transportation of the product within the quarry area will be done by using tractors, tippers etc. The quarry waste and other over burden will be transported to the waste dumping yard by using trucks/ tippers. The product will be stored at the stock yards. The material will be transported to its designated place, by hired trucks.
2.2.4 Water requirement.
Water will not be utilized for any of the quarrying and related activities. Water will only be required to meet the drinking and sanitation needs of employees and visitors.
Page 7
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
The estimated water requirement for the proposed quarry will be about 1,000 litres/ day each cluster, which will be met from tankers purchased locally.
2.2.5 Power.
The power required for the operation of the proposed unit has been estimated as 50 KW and will be drawn from the nearest Substation. Also provision has been made for a 50 KVA D G Set for meeting emergency power requirements for each cluster.
2.2.6 Manpower.
The total manpower requirement during the operational phase of the above quarry will be 25 personnel including personnel at all levels. Local people will be employed to the maximum extent possible for skilled and unskilled categories.
2.3 Environmental Setup.
The temperatures start rising from January to a peak of around 380C in April, the hottest month in the district. Thereafter it declines during the monsoon period and December is coldest month and the temperatures dips down to 16 0C., The normal rainfall in the district is 1800mm. The isohyets drawn from normal rainfall indicates that the amount of rainfall is maximum in eastern part around Shimoga.
Page 8
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
3.0 Environmental Management Plan
3.0 General
Extracting stone from the earth is an arduous endeavor that affects the local ecosystem and community on a number of levels. In particular, quarry operations greatly modify landscape and topography, can displace wildlife populations and require significant quantities of water and energy. Additionally, potential occupational health and safety risks exist for quarry employees and local residents may experience noise and vibrations. The building stone quarrying activities, on a large scale can have several environmental impacts such as effects of blasts, vibrations, stone missiles, loosening of earth thereby increasing the chances of landslides and siltation rates, aesthetics etc. Also, activities like blasting, cutting, and truck traffic contribute to noise, vibration, and dust problems for local residents. Responsible site maintenance, however, can make a remarkable difference in the magnitude of these impacts as well as the financial burdens that may be attached to them.
The quarrying development in the study area needs to be intertwined with judicious utilization of natural resources within the limits of permissible assimilative capacity. The assimilative capacity of the study area is the maximum amount of pollution load that can be discharged in the environment without affecting the designated use and is governed by dilution, dispersion and removal due to natural physico-chemical and biological processes. The Environment Management Plan (EMP) is required to ensure sustainable development in the study area.
For attaining the desired objective of good environmental quality in the study area, several management strategies in different phases are proposed and evaluated.
Planned improvements including additional control measures.
Page 9
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
Measures to alleviate problems affecting villages near quarrying area. Planning for the closure of quarry.
This section discusses the management plan for mitigation/abatement impacts and enhancement of beneficial impacts due to mining. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been designed within the framework of various Indian legislative and regulatory requirements on environmental and socio- economic aspects.
Environmental problems in building stone quarrying are similar to any opencast Quarrying operations. The general degradation of land due to unscientific and selective quarrying is a common feature. Environmental management plan giving the environmental protection measures at mine to meet the stipulated norms are detailed below:
3.1 Air Quality Management:
Generally building stone quarrying is expected to cause air pollution leading to breathing problems. Also activities like blasting and movement of heavy vehicles generate dust and aggravate air pollution in addition to noise pollution. Since the proposed building stone quarrying activity is semi-mechanized with the usage of air compressors, jack hammers etc., the air pollution minimized to acceptable limits by strictly following the guidelines promulgated like using wet drilling, proper maintenance of schedules, wrapping the drills with mufflers, enclosing the drill assembly with dust collector, providing cooling fan covers for hydraulic valves etc.. However, movement of heavy machinery and trucks using diesel are expected to cause air pollution and noise pollution. The following measures are proposed to reduce the impact of these, to the extent possible:
Frequent watering of the haulage road to prevent dust emission due to the movement of machinery and vehicles
Page 10
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
Vehicles moving in the activity area shall comply with the prescribed emission norms Proper preventive maintenance to reduce emissions Unnecessary idling of the vehicles and machinery will be completely avoided.
In addition to the above, from the point of view of maintenance of an acceptable ambient air quality in the region, it is desirable that air quality should be monitored on a regular basis to check the compliance with the standards prescribed by CPCB and in cases of non-compliance, appropriate Mitigative measures shall be adopted.
3.1.1 Controlling Fugitive Dust Emissions
Generally, dust is the major pollutant generated from the mining operations. As the proposed quarry will be operated in a semi-mechanized way, the dust generation will be comparatively less. However, the dust generation due to vehicle and machinery movement couldn’t be avoided. To reduce this dust, it is proposed to adopt the following measures:
Regular water spraying on haulage roads during transportation by water tankers. All haulage roads shall be maintained regularly. Dumping shall be done from an optimum height, so as to reduce the dust blow. Avoiding over filling of tippers and consequent spillage on the roads Ambient Air quality shall be regularly monitored both in the core zone and the buffer zone.
Page 11
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
3.1.2 Controlling of CO Levels.
It is expected that increase in the CO concentration is very low as CO emissions from quarrying operations are less compared to other pollutants. Heavy and light vehicles are the major sources of CO in the mine. All vehicles and their exhausts would be well maintained to reduce the CO concentrations.
3.1.3 Controlling of NOx Levels.
The source of NOx would be due to vehicular emissions. This can be controlled by proper maintenance and servicing of vehicles.
3.1.4 Occupational Health & Safety Measure To Control Dust Inhalation.
All the above precautions would be adopted to prevent dust generation at site and to be dispersed in the outside environment. However, for the safety of workers at site, engaged at strategic locations/dust generation points like loading and unloading points, dust masks would be provided. Dust masks would prevent inhalation of RPM thereby reducing the risk of lung diseases and other respiratory disorders. Regular health monitoring of workers will be carried out.
3.2 Noise Pollution Control.
The ambient noise level monitoring shall be carried out in and around the proposed mine, at regular intervals. n an operational mine, major noise sources are operation of mine machineries and equipment, and movement of vehicles, DG Sets etc. Noise generation may be for an instant, intermittent or continuous periods, with low to high decibels. Periodic inspection and checks of the risk prone areas and equipment have to be conducted. The following measures shall be undertaken: Acoustic enclosures, hoods, laggings and screens shall be provided in noise generating areas to the extent possible so that the sound levels in working areas are restricted below 85 dB (A) for 8 hours duty. This shall be regulated before engaging the equipment or purchase of the same.
Page 12
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
Provisions of rotation of workers to minimize exposure time as well as provision of earmuffs to workers exposed to high noise areas are also envisaged. In addition to it, green belt development shall be undertaken around the lease area to minimize propagation of noise. Use of sharp drilling bits, delivery of compressed air at optimal pressure and proper maintenance of compressor, drilling machine, jackhammers and tipper trucks. Regular monitoring of noise pressure level shall be done inside and outside the quarrry lease area. The equipments and machines should be maintained properly. Particular attention should be given to the silencers and mufflers. Ear muffs or other protective devices should be provided to the staff working in high noise prone areas. Proper charge per delay regulated. Unnecessary idling of vehicles and quarrying equipment shall be avoided.
3.3 Water Pollution Control Measures
Generally, building stone quarrying activities are not expected to cause any major water pollution, unlike other mining activities. However, due to the consumption of potable water by the working personnel for drinking and sanitation needs, needs to be addressed properly. For this, a septic tank followed by soak pit will be constructed at the site, as per IS: 2470 (Part I&II). In addition, as a proactive measure, the following activities will be initiated:
The rainwater accumulating in the work area will be collected and will be drained-out to the downstream properly with guide drains, so that it can be used by the downstream fields for their agriculture and allied purposes.
To avoid soil erosion, rain water entering into the mine pit, carryover of the material with rain water, suitable garland drains will be provided all along the active mine area.
Page 13
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
3.4 Solid Waste Management:
The solid waste that is likely to be generated from the proposed activity will be mainly from the drilling process. This will be in the form of flakes of irregular shape and quarry dust. This will be collected and broken into pieces and can be sold as aggregates for civil works, because of its hard nature. Quarry dust can be used for road construction and filling of low-lying areas etc.
3.5 Plantation Programme:
Under plantation programme, it is suggested to develop green belt all along the boundary of mine lease area and in the vacant spots, to the extent possible. The implementation of the development of green belt around the activity area will be of paramount importance as it will not only add up as an aesthetic feature, but also act as a pollution sink. But space limitation will be a major constraint, because of the fact that major portion of the area will be hard rock, where tree plantation is not possible. However, the following facts shall be considered for greenbelt development, in the vacant spots, wherever it is possible to take-up the plantation works:
The species to be grown in the areas should be dust tolerant and fast growing species so that a permanent green belt is created. Apart from the green belts and aesthetic plantation for eliminating fugitive emissions and noise control, all other massive plantation efforts shall be decided and executed with the assistance and co-operation of the local community. The plantation of any of the above or combination of the above will be decided in consultation with the local forest authorities and community. In this area regular watering is required to improve the survival rate.
Page 14
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
However, the practice of afforestation programme and other control measures shall bring greenery to the area and also the vegetation of mixed species and availability of green cover shall prompt the migration of birds and wild life from surrounding places.
3.6 Storage and Preservation of Topsoil
There is little soil cover occurring, as the area is exposed with building stone. Wherever the topsoil generated, shall be collected and stacked separately for use in afforestation.
3.7 Reclamation of land.
The area affected by mining operations will be back filled by waste material from the dumps. Still some voids will remain. Plantation will be undertaken in the leasehold area, on waste dumps and vacant lands.
a) Green belt b) Areas to be dumped c) Reclamation of mined out areas.
a) Green belt:
Planting a suitable combination of trees that can grow fast and also have good leaf density shall be adopted to develop the green belt. It will act like a buffer to trap the airborne dust and also reduce the noise levels. From the aesthetic point of view also, this will have a positive impact. The green belt shall be developed in consultation with the local forest authorities for selection of site, specific species, seedling management, and plantation techniques and to up keep by deweeding, manuring and regular watering.
Page 15
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
b) Area to be dumped temporarily:
During initial stages of Quarrying, some quantity of waste consisting of Lateritic soil is dumped in the Quarrying lease area, allotted for this purpose in a bench like manner in an ascending order. This helps in the lower slice being consolidated and stabilized using retention wall, concurrent to Quarrying the slopes are afforested using grass and local species.
c) Reclamation of Mined out Areas :
The mineral bearing area will be mined out up to ultimate depth by maintaining proper bench height and width. As a result of Quarrying over an area of 0-37 acre a large sized pit may be formed and part of the pit shall be backfilled with the waste. After completion of Quarrying operation the entire mined out area shall be afforested after proper reclamation and recharging of ground water. The benches shall be afforested with local grass and plant species. All along the edge of the pit fencing shall be made and afforested with good root bearing species.
3.8 Environmental Aspects:
Conceptually, there shall be only two pits formed. The pit shall have earthen bund and fencing all along the periphery. This shall be properly secured and stabilized by afforestation of suitable tree species. After the completion of the Quarrying, the bund and the pit shall be designed to facilitate the storage of rain water. This will help in recharging the ground water.
A green belt shall be developed all along the ultimate pit limit using fast growing tree species with dense canopy in tune with the local biodiversity. The mined out and dumping areas shall be planted with Mango, Tamarind, Goose buns & other local timber and bio-fuel yielding species. Simultaneously, the dump slopes shall be afforested using agave, grasses and legumes.
Page 16
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
At the end of the Quarrying the rain water shall be stored in the pits. The rain water could be utilized for afforestation purposes. The neighbouring villagers can also use this for domestic and agricultural purpose. This will improve the aesthetic beauty of the Environment of this area and surroundings.
3.9 Human Settlements
There is no human settlement with in 1.0 km from the quarry area.
3.10 Socio-Economic Benefits
Spurt in industrialization and Quarrying activities have invariably brought a drastic change in the environment including the society connected with region. Mostly remote areas tucked away from urbanization and influence of modern civilization fall within the limits of mine development.
A natural corollary to this the socio economic aspects of the local inhabitants who have dwelling this region for generations, get suddenly and probably a radical change, consequent to their abrupt exposure to the Quarrying. The local people will get employment opportunities, better medical and educational facilities etc., mainly due to the Quarrying operation from this project. In addition to this the literacy rate and better living standards shall increase due to the enhanced earning capacity of villagers.
3.11 Implementation of EMP & Monitoring Programme.
The environment management plan is detailed on the basis of impact assessment. Control and mitigation measures for the adverse impacts envisaged.
The mitigation measures suggested above will be implemented so as to reduce the impact on environment due to the operations of the proposed plant. In order to facilitate easy implementation, mitigation measures are phased as per the priority implementation. The priority of the implementation schedule is given below:
Page 17
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
Implementation Schedule
As the major environmental attributes have been confined to the project area alone, implementations of the proposed control measures and monitoring there of will be undertaken on the regional basis. The Building Stone Quarry will ensure the implementation of the measures within the mine area and carryout efficient monitoring. The proponent Sri.Rangaswamy is committed to implement the monitoring programme, as per the recommendations of the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA)/ Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). In order to implement the measures suggested for mitigating the adverse impacts on the environment, it is suggested to monitor the environmental parameters regularly.
3.12 Miscellaneous Environmental Measures:
3.12.1 Rain Water Harvesting.
Rain water harvesting scheme is proposed which forms the integral part of the plant design. Storm water from quarry area will be discharged into storm water drains which are proposed along the boundary of the rocky patch.
Page 18
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
Water from these drains will be discharged in recharge pits proposed at suitable locations, based on the geo-hydrology of the site area.
3.12.2 Green Belt Development:
Greenbelt in and around the quarry area, wherever feasible, will be developed. This will be done with the help of local forest/ horticulture department. Species to be selected will fulfill the following specific requirements:
Availability of seed material; Tolerance to specific conditions or alternatively wide adaptability to eco- physiological conditions; Rapid growth; Capacity to endure water stress and climatic extremes after initial establishment; Differences in height, growth habits and bole shapes; Pleasing appearance; Capacity to selectively concentrate some materials from the surroundings; Providing shades; Large bio-mass and leave numbers to provide fodder and fuel; Ability of fixing atmospheric Nitrogen; and Improving waste lands.
Local plant species will be used for plantation. In order to have a ground cover, some fast growing species which do not require watering have been recommended for plantation.
3.12.3 Infrastructure for Environmental Protection:
The proposed activity will be under Administrative Control of Quarry Manager, who will be the overall in-charge for the safety and environmental issues of the activity. It is proposed to outsource the following activities to specialized agencies:
Page 19
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
Collect the information from regular monitoring and create data-base. Prepare monthly statement Maintenance of pollution control equipment Greenbelt development and it’s maintenance. Liaison with regulatory authorities like Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and other concerned govt. departments on environmental issues. Monitoring of various environmental parameters for proposed plant (by external KSPCB approved agency).
3.13 Best Practices in Building Stone Quarrying:
The best practices outlined in this document bring a multitude of advantage to a stone quarry. These include: Reduction in cleanup costs: Proactive site maintenance over the life of the quarry reduces the time and money spent on site cleanup when the quarry closes; reclaiming a well-maintained site is less laborious than restoring one with a poor preservation plan. Reduction in fuel costs: Reducing machine idling durations, maintaining infrastructure, and optimizing haul distances reduce fuel consumption and thus expenses. Avoidance of regulatory penalties: Site organization and proactive hazard management mitigates potential for occupational exposure and regulatory fees. Increase in employee safety & morale: Employees that feel safe at work are more likely to make a greater personal investment in the company. Generation of revenue: Site maintenance, interim restoration, and final rehabilitation can increase land value for future leasing and/or sale. Additionally, overburden and quarry dust may be sold for use in road construction and agricultural applications
Page 20
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
Increased efficiency: A clean and well-organized quarry site can increase production efficiency by ensuring open paths and roadways, reducing debris, and increasing the safety of employees. Enhancement of company reputation: Adequate maintenance and rehabilitation practices can result in greater community acceptance of the quarry and respect for the company. A company with a reputation for being socially responsible is likely to retain current customers and attract new ones.
Page 21
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
4.0 Disaster Management Plan
4.0 INTRODUCTION
Risk analysis involves the identification and assessment of risks the neighboring population is exposed to as a result of hazards present. The proposed activities would be designed and engineered with all possible safely measures and standard code of practices of engineering. In spite of this, there may be some design deficiency or due to operation and maintenance faults which may lead to accidental events causing damage to life and property. However, the proposed project activity doesn’t involve any hazardous operations and the magnitude of the operations is also very small.
Risk assessment is all about prevention of accidents and there is a need to be aware that there is a risk of an accident before steps can be taken to prevent its happening. This is the reason as to why risk assessments are carried out.
The proposed project is an opencast mining project. The anticipated risks are mentioned below:
Roof fall inside the quarry : Not applicable for open cast quarrying.
Surface Subsidence : The processes in overburden rocks causes unfavorable environmental side effects accompanied by significant subsidence of the ground surface. Ground surface subsidence causes soil erosion and flooding, swamps formation, agricultural damage, deforestation, and changes in landscape, groundwater level decreasing and the formation unstable cavities pertaining to technical, economical and ecological problems. The surface subsidence inflicts severe damage to engineering structures such as highways, buildings, bridges and drainage besides interfering with groundwater regime.
Page 22
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
A fault-tree based risk assessment shall be conducted for the impact of sinkhole type structures, surface subsidence and the effect of overcharging blast- holes shall be evaluated.
Then the assessment indicates that the formation of surface subsidence features on the production level scores the highest risk rating.
Inundation: Quarrying operations are not proposed below the ground water table, therefore, disturbance to ground water quality or depletion are not envisaged.
In order to control the in-rush of water into the quarry in rainy season from the surface or through seepage from the strata, sufficient garland drains will be made around the opencast excavation as proposed.
The precipitation water falling directly into the open excavation will automatically drain out and there is no need to install pumps except to pump out the rain water collected in the pit during monsoons from bottom most benches to facilitate quarrying. This is a normal operation in quarrying.
Surface Fire: Sufficient fire extinguishers will be installed at selected locations on surface like office, workshop, Garage, Stores etc. Besides, sufficient water hydrants with sufficient hosepipes will be made available in the surface for fire protection.
Accident due to Explosive: Explosives by virtue of their nature have the potential for the most serious and catastrophic accidents in the quarrying industry yet the way they are used are an excellent example of how risk assessment is properly applied. For example no one would allow any person to use explosives without first having been properly trained in its handling and use.
Increasingly use of explosives is specialist work. Planning for a round of shots is necessary to ensure that the face is properly surveyed, holes correctly drilled, direction logged, the weight of explosive suitable for good fragmentation and the continuity of the initiator are but a few of the steps necessary to ensure its safe use.
Page 23
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
Poorly designed shots can result in misfires, early ignition and flying rock. The more sophisticated type of explosive demands properly trained persons to carry out the blast design, charge and fire a round of explosives. Only competent person should be engaged to do this work.
Accident due to blasting: Blasting causes accidents due improper use of explosives, not taking precautions during the blasting and release of excessive ground vibrations and fly rocks due to unsystematic blasting.
Control blasting techniques are adopted to minimize the ground vibrations and ejection of fly rocks. Pre-designed blasting parameters will be adopted for the safe blasting and blasting will be done by the qualified persons taking all the precautions as prescribed in the circular issued by the Directorate of Mines Safety.
Radioactive hazard : No radioactive hazards are envisaged in the building stone quarrying.
Failure of Pit slope: will be taken care, by way of proper designing of bench width and height restrictions.
Failure of waste dumps : Sliding of waste dump is a severe risk compared with quarry slope failure. Hence, it is imperative that the degree of hazard against potential failure of waste dump slopes should be identified and that precautionary measures are adopted, if required. The height of outside dumps will be about 10 m (max.). Further the slopes of waste dumps are going to be afforested to provide long term stability. Thus the chances of slope failures for the dumps are remote.
Failure of mine benches : Not anticipated, due to the fact that building stone is a hard rocky mineral.
Dust from the drilling operation : The hazard is the inhalation of dust which is created during the drilling operation. While it is not presently possible to totally remove the hazard, properly applied control measures can substantially reduce the risk. Control measures vary from using water during the drilling operation to the
Page 24
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District provision of local exhaust ventilation which removes the dust from the head of the hole to a dust collection unit to the provision of a ventilated cabin provided for the operator. The most effective of these precautions is the provision of a control cabin on the drilling rig provided with a suitable ventilation system fitted with a dust filter to remove harmful dust and maintain the dust level within the cabin to below acceptable control levels.
Any ventilation equipment should periodically be examined to ensure that it is maintained to its design standard.
Noise : Drilling and splitting operations give rise to medium to high levels of noise. Both drilling the hole and the operation of the drill rig itself creates it. It is impractical to remove the hazard at the hole but new generations of drill rig should be quieter by virtue of its design.
The noise created especially by the crusher is very high. The noise created is harmful to anyone who is within a zone around the operation of the machine at which the noise level is above that considered to be safe for persons to work without having to use control measures.
The noise levels around drilling & splitting equipments should be measured and the risk assessed. Unless control measures are in place no-one, except those necessary for the work in hand, should be allowed inside the designated noisy area. In most cases this will be the operator of the machine.
The risk is highest at older drilling machines. Newer large drilling machines are provided with sound insulated operating cabins which control the noise level within the cabins to acceptable levels.
Other control measures will include providing enclosure, development of green belts in the surrounding areas, training the operators and providing them with ear protection, although the latter should only be seen as an interim precaution until a permanent solution can be found.
Page 25
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
The risk is very high when no control measures are provided. However if all the mitigation measures are provided the risk will be very low.
Loading : The main hazard associated with loading is rock falling on to the driver, plant toppling over due to uneven ground, failure of hydraulic systems, fires and falls while gaining access to operating cabins. In case of building stone quarries, such hazards are totally eliminated.
Transport Vehicles : The main hazards arising from the use transport vehicles are incompetent drivers, brake failure, lack of all around visibility from the drivers position, access to the cabin, vehicle movements particularly reversing, roll over, vibration, noise, dust and maintenance. Those most at risk are the driver and pedestrians likely to be struck by the vehicle, and drivers of smaller vehicles, which cannot be seen from the cabs of large vehicles.
Visibility defects can be eliminated by the use of visibility aids such rear view mirrors. Good maintenance and regular testing are necessary to reduce the possibility of brake failure. An area should be set out as a testing area where daily tests are carried out on the effectiveness of a vehicles braking system. Careful attention must be paid to guarding dangerous parts of the equipment and handling heavy components during maintenance work. Those most at risk will be the users of the system although casual pedestrians and vehicle operators may also be at risk.
House-keeping : The provision and maintenance of a safe and healthy workplace is the most basic principle of health and safety. Dirty and untidy workplaces or walkways contribute to a very large proportion of toppling and fall accidents. In the context of surface mining the provision of well defined roadways and walkways clear of obstruction, and regular cleaning up of spillage will greatly reduce the potential for this type of accident. Lack of maintenance may lead to roadways and walkways being unsuitable for their use.
Page 26
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
The work : The application of risk assessment depends upon a full understanding of all aspects of the job being undertaken. In carrying out a risk assessment in relation to a particular task the evaluation must include a review of the knowledge, experience and training of those persons carrying out the work.
Personal Competence : It follows that the knowledge, experience and training of personnel involved in work is critical to the result of any risk assessment. A knowledgeable, experienced well-trained and competently supervised workforce will be at a lower risk of accidents occurring than a poorly trained and badly supervised workforce.
Co-ordination : A qualified & trained person should be given the responsibility for overseeing and coordinating work. It is essential that the coordinator ensures that everyone engaged in the work is capable and understands the role of others and their responsibility for each other. This is particularly important when contract workers undertake part or all of the work to be carried out.
Plant and Equipment: There is an assumption in risk assessment that plant and equipment are suitable for the particular work being undertaken and have been designed, manufactured and installed to at least the minimum standards for health and safety. Failure to meet the standard will result in people being at higher risk and remedial steps have to be incorporated to make the shortfall. Other interim arrangements should be implemented to protect any persons exposed to latent danger. Maintenance of plant and equipment to agreed specification, whether original or upgraded to the latest health and safety standards, is essential .
Dangerous parts of machinery: Certain parts of machinery such as revolving parts, in running nips and entrapment between reciprocating parts as defined in European and National standards should be protected to those standards.
Page 27
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
Workplaces: Access to both above and below ground workplaces should be by well constructed and maintained permanent fixed means. When practical stairways and shallow inclined walkways are preferred to vertical ladders, which in some circumstances can be the cause of very high risk. The sides of all workplaces from which persons may fall should always be protected.
Health hazards: For the purposes of this document health hazards should be interpreted as being harmful dust, vibration and noise which is emitted during surface quarrying operations, as well as the handling of heavy loads. While elimination and often complete suppression at source is not practicable, the norms for control of health hazards shall be made applicable.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The PPE should be of good construction, of ISI standard, suitable for the hazard e.g. a dust respirator fitted with the correct filter to capture the particular hazardous dust, and maintained to recommended standards. As personal protective equipment only affords limited protection it should only be used as a last resort and then as an interim arrangement until other steps are taken to reduce the risk of personal injury to an acceptable level.
Traffic Movement: The traffic movement should only take place within designated areas and over suitable roadways. Adopting one way traffic movement systems are preferred to two directional traffic systems. The risk of accidents due to traffic movement is much less, as the proposed level of quarrying is not quite high.
Disaster Management Plan
The complete mining operation is carried out under the management control and direction of a qualified mine manager holding a First Class Manager’s certificate of competency. The DGMS have been issuing a number of standing orders, model standing orders and circulars to be followed by the mine management in case of disaster, if any. Moreover, mining staff is being sent to refresher courses from time to time to
Page 28
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District keep them alert. However, following natural/industrial hazards may occur during normal operation.
Inundation of mine pit due to flood/excessive rains; Slope failures of pit & dump Accident due to explosives; Accident due to transport & other equipment; and Sabotage in case of magazine .
In order to take care of above hazard/disasters the following control measures have been adopted.
Regular inspection of the pit and dump slopes for the observance of any visible cracks. Checking and regular maintenance of garland drains and earthen bunds to avoid any inflow of surface water in the mine pit. provision of high capacity pumps for pumping out water from the quarrying pit; All safety precautions and provisions of metalliferous mine regulation 1961 is strictly followed during all mining operations; Entry of unauthorized persons is prohibited; Fire fighting and first-aid provisions in the quarry office complex and quarrying area; Provisions of all the safety appliances such as safety boot, helmets, goggles etc. are made available to the employees and regular check for their use; Training and refresher courses for all the employees working in hazardous premises; Working of mine, as per approved plans and regularly updating the mine plans; Cleaning of mine faces is regularly done;
Page 29
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
Regular maintenance and testing of all mining equipment as per manufacturer’s guidelines; Suppression of dust on the haulage roads; Increasing the awareness of safety and disaster through competitions, posters and other similar drives .
The management is able to deal with the situation efficiently to reduce confusion keeping in view of the likely sources of danger in the quarry.
Structure (Out-line) of the Disaster Management Plan:
The purpose of disaster management plan is to restore the normalcy for early resumption of quarrying operation due to an unexpected, sudden occurrence resulting to abnormalities in the course of quarrying activity leading to a serious danger to workers or any machinery or the environment.
System of communication: Having an internal direct communication system for the department head and to their line of command. Having the telephone nos. and addresses of adjoining mines, rescue station, police station, Fire service station, local hospital, electricity supply agency and standing consultative committee members. Consultative committee: A standing consultative committee will be formed under the head of Mines manager. The members consists of EHS Officer / Asst. Manager/ Public Relation Officer and Supervisor.
Facilities & Accommodation: Accommodation and facilities for medical centre, rescue room and for various working groups will be provided.
First Aid & medical facilities: The mine management is having first aid / medical centre for use in emergency situation. All casualties would be registered and will be given first aid. The centre will have facilities for first aid & minor treatment, ambulance for transport. It will have proper telephone / wireless set for quick communication with hospitals where the complicated cases are to be sent.
Page 30
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
Transport services: A well-defined transport control system will be provided to deal with the situation.
Functions of public relations group: Following are included: To make a cordial relation with government officials and other social service organization and working groups. To liaise with representatives of the mine to ameliorate the situation of panic, tension, sentiments, grievances and misgivings created by any disaster. To ameliorate the injured, survivors and family members of affected persons by providing material, finance, moral support and establishing contact with relatives of victims.
Care and maintenance during temporary discontinuance: If the mine will be discontinued temporarily for more than 120 days, notice will be given 30 days before the date of such discontinuance to the concerned authorities. During discontinuance period safety arrangement and fencing will be provided to avoid the entry of unauthorized persons. The accessibility to the mine from the surface will be prevented by providing fencing arrangement. Emergency plan:
On realizing anything serious happened anywhere in the mine, immediately inform the nearest mining official. On being informed about the emergency it will be verified for the correctness of information and telephone in particular to the Manager and in charge of other parts of the mine and managers of adjoining mine so that persons may be withdrawn. On receiving information of emergency intimation will be sent by the mines manager to the consultative committee. Shift in-charge will ensure that all the materials and transport system to deal with emergency situation.
Page 31
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
First aid and rescue facilities to be kept in readiness to receive & treat the casualties.
Notification & Declaration of Emergency: The Assembly Point wherein all the persons (employees, visitors etc.) shall assemble, in case of any emergency will be located at a place, very close to the approach road. In case of any emergency, the Shift security supervisor / Guard will sound the emergency siren or alternative hooter following instructions received from the incident / site controller. Intermittent hooting will be made continuously 3 minutes to declare emergency. The purpose is to advise personnel that emergency has occurred in the plant.
Evacuation of Personnel: When a major accident occurs and there is only cause or trouble in which case any employee or any human life faces the problem of self evacuation, even though having the knowledge of evacuation plan, then it is the entire responsibility of the Mines manager to evacuate all the persons and provide necessary medical facilities. In first place the trained persons in the ambulance room shall give first aid treatment, and they may be transported to the nearby hospital.
Counting of Personnel : When persons engaged in the emergency, the Mines Manager is responsible to bring out the employees to safe place and make the arrangements for their medical treatments. Proponent also visit site of the emergency to ensure that nobody has been trapped. The persons who have engaged/trained in the FIRST AID and FIRE FIGHTING also check up for ensuring that nobody has been trapped.
Information to Relatives of Injured : The relatives of injured will be informed by the Mines Manager only. The employees’ residential address file will be available at the office and also in residence of the Mines Manager. The communication to the relatives of injured will be passed on telephone or through a messenger with a car. The clear address of the injured person (local residential address, address if hospitalized) will be communicated to his relatives.
Page 32
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
Information to Local Authorities: In case of onsite emergency, concerned govt. departments will be informed. The information will be passed on over telephone/ Fax, telegram or through a messenger deputed by the Mines Manager.
Implementation for Repair and Safety Gears : The repair work will be taken up after the incident is over. During this process, employees are provided with necessary safety appliances and work permits. The declarer of emergency and the officials along with the Mines Manager shall immediately prepare the list of safety tools, safety gear and other implements required to control the emergency situation in respect of Fire, Electrical Short Circuiting etc. The detail statement shall be prepared and submitted to the higher authorities (Managing Director/chairman) by the departmental head.
Law and Order: The information regarding the emergency will be sent to the concerned Government Authorities, General Public etc., by the Mines Manager, to ensure the Law and Order situation, is fully under control.
All Clear Signal : After the situation is brought under control, the emergency will be called off by the Mines Manager. Two (02) minutes continuous blast will denote all clear and restoration normalcy once the emergency is called-off, but the detailed inspection will be conducted by emergency organizing personnel. On their satisfaction of the situation, the Mines Manager will give clearance to resume the plant operations.
Training and Rehearsal: The electrical system as well as the areas where high temperature prevails in the working areas, precautionary measures such as guards, caution boards, fool proof measures will be provided to prevent the accidents. Training is the most essential for all the teams to act in accordance with the emergency condition with patience. To act accordingly, the workers are trained in the first aid treatment and fire fighting. The training and the rehearsals for fire fighting and emergency evacuation is carried out to avoid, confusion that might
Page 33
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District arise during the actual emergency. For fire fighting, the training will be given by the security officer to the staff. Also the government fire force training institute personnel will be asked to give further training and the Red Cross Association Personnel will train personnel in first aid procedures.
It is also the responsibility of the emergency declarer / controller to train the teams in their respective area of operation during emergency and to carry-out mock drills, at least once in 6 months.
Occupational Health and Safety: The building stone quarry, where multifarious activities are involved, the men, materials and machines are the basic inputs. Along with the boons, the industrialization generally brings several problems like occupational health and safety.
Occupational Health: Occupational health needs attention during operation phase of the quarry. The problem of occupational health, in the operation and maintenance phase is due to noise hearing losses. Suitable personnel protective equipment will be given to employees. The working personnel will be given the following appropriate personnel protective equipment:
Industrial Safety Helmet; Face shield with replacement acrylic vision; Zero power goggles with cut type filters on both sides and blue color glasses; Cylindrical type earplug; Leather apron; Leather hand gloves and Industrial safety shoes with steel toe.
Full fledge hospital facilities are available, within 10 km distance, round the clock for attending emergency arising out of accidents, if any. All working personnel will be medically examined at least once in every two years and at the end of his
Page 34
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District term of employment. This is in addition to the pre-employment medical examination.
Safety Plan: Safety of both men and materials during the operation phases is of concern. The preparedness of an industry for the occurrence of possible disasters is known as emergency plan. Keeping in view the safety requirement during operation and maintenance phases at the Plant, the project proponent would formulate safety policy with the following regulations:
To allocate sufficient resources to maintain safe and healthy conditions of work; To provide wherever necessary protective equipment, safety appliances and clothing, and to ensure their proper use; To ensure that adequate safety instructions are given to all employees; To inform employees about materials, equipment or processes used in their work which are known to be potentially hazardous to health or safety; To keep all operations and methods of work under regular review for making necessary changes from the point of view of safety in the light of experience and upto date knowledge; To provide appropriate facilities for first aid and prompt treatment of injuries and illness at work; To provide appropriate instruction, training, retraining and supervision to employees in health and safety, first aid and to ensure that adequate publicity is given to these matters; To organize collection, analysis and presentation of data on accident, sickness and incident involving personal injury or injury to health with a view to taking corrective, remedial and preventive action; To publish/notify regulations, instructions and notices in the common language of employees;
Page 35
Environmental Management Plan For the Proposed Building Stone Quarry in Shimoga District
Safety Training: Safety training would be provided by the Expert Safety Training Institutes. In addition to regular employees, limited contractor labors would also be provided safety training. To create safety awareness safety films would be shown to workers and leaflets would be distributed.
Health and Safety Monitoring Plan: All the potential occupational hazardous work places would be monitored regularly. The health of employees working in these areas would be monitored once in two years for early detection of any ailment due to exposure to plant operation.
CONCLUSION.
This new project will meet the development needs of the state without causing any negative influence on the environment. It can be summarized that the development of Mattur Building Stone Quarry have a positive impact on the socio- economics of the area and lead to overall sustainable development of the region.
Page 36