Chapter ‐ 3.0 Baseline Environment

Client : Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Tamilnadu Project : Fish Landing Centre at Nagore

CHAPTER ‐ 3.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENT

3.1 Introduction

Nagorepattinacherry fishing village is located in Nagapattinam taluk of Nagapattinam district in Central region of Tamil Nadu and is situate at approximately 7 km from Nagapattinam town. Nagorepattinacherry is one of the 51 marine fishing villages in Nagapattinam district with a total population of 4,307 comprising 2,201 male and 2,106 female residing in 1,140 households as per the Marine Fisheries Census 2005 conducted by Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) under a Programme on strengthening of data base and information networking for Indian fisheries sector. At present the fishermen are landing their catches from motorised boats and non‐motorised boats on the open beach in unhygienic manner while trawlers of the village are operating at Nagapattinam. Sufficient back up area is available at the fishing centre to undertake shore based facilities. Electricity and approach road is also available and it is just about a km from the Nagore Bridge located in Nagore town on Nagore – Karaikal road. The fishing village Nagorepattinacherry is located on the right side of road while landing centre is on the other side road. According to the fishermen of Nagore, there are 200 motorised 11 metre boats comprising 150 numbers of Keela Pattinacherry and 50 numbers of Mela Pattinacherry. Nagore is one of the important fishing centres in the state. Fisheries records indicate a substantial fish catch in this area resulting in increased revenue for the fisher folk. Economic growth of the fishing community is very much dependent on the hygienic condition of the environment. Presently there is no landing facility at Nagore, which leads to the poor aesthetic environment.

3.2 Background Data of Nagore

3.2.1 Berthing Facilities

There are no immediate landing / berthing facilities for vessels in the vicinity. The nearest fishing harbour is at Nagapattinam which is around 7 km away.

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All the boats were now berthed in the bank of the Vettar River which needs to be dredged for safe movement of the boats. At present there exists no wharf which is essential for safe berthing at the bank of Vettar River.

3.2.2 Ecological Status at the Project Location

While significant fish catch is reported from the Nagapattinam coastal area, there are no reports for the presence of ecologically sensitive habitats like coral reefs, sea grass beds etc.,.

The following Table No.3.1 details about the species wise marine fish production for the year 2005 – 2006. Table‐3.1 Species‐wise Marine Fish Production at Nagore for the year 2007‐2008 Sl.No. Name of the Species Quantity in Tonnes per 1 Shark 29.37 2 Skates and rays 24.79 3 Eels 62.01 4 Cat fishes 51.77 5 Chirocentrus 222.19 6 Oil sardines 0.00 7 Lesser Sardines 131.38 8 Hilsa Ilisha 1.53 9 O.Illisha 0.03 10 Anchoveilla 76.14 11 Thrissocles 127.64 12 Cluepeids 153.76 13 Saurida&Saurus 0.05 14 Hemirhamphus & Belon 0.03 15 Flying Fish 1.13 16 Perches 56.15 17 Red Mullets 14.04 18 Polynemids 6.12 19 Sciuaendis 8.63

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Sl.No. Name of the Species Quantity in Tonnes per 20 Ribbon Fish 0.03 21 Caranx 23.88 22 Chironermus 4.96 23 Trachynotus 1.96 24 Other Carangids 0.00 25 Elacate 1.83 26 Silverbellies 85.02 27 Lactarius 0.01 28 Pornfrets 8.02 29 Mackerel 124.61 30 Seerfish 27.46 31 Tunnies 15.13 32 Sphyreana 0.07 33 Mullets 3.89 34 Bregmcres 16.19 35 Soles 0.06 36 Penaeid Prawns 295.10 37 N.P. Prawns 0.00 38 Lobsters 0.56 39 Crabs 88.27 40 Cephalopods 35.00 41 Miscellaneous 281.21 42 Draphone 0.01 43 Lithrinus 6.23 44 Sillago 13.73 45 Balsisters 0.00 46 Ora 0.00 Total 2000.00 Source : Department of Fisheries, Government of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

The area is found to be highly productive with good representation of fish eggs, larvae etc, thus indicating the high fish productivity.

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3.2.3 Demographic Data

Demographic data in this village shows 310 households exist. Almost for all the people in these households, fishing and its allied activity is the only source of income. The demographic data as per 2001 census is given below in Table 3.2

Table‐3.2 2 Demographic Data as per Census 2001 NAGORE (KOTTAGAM) – RURAL

Parameter Total Male Female Percentage Sex Ratio Population 1530 797 733 100 920 Population (0‐6) 166 86 80 12.17 930 Scheduled Castes 494 232 262 32.29 1129 Scheduled Tribes 0 0 0 0 0 Literates 1152 654 498 84.46 761 Illiterates 378 143 235 15.54 1643 Workers 576 397 179 37.65 451 Main Workers 432 389 43 28.24 111 Main Cultivators 20 19 1 4.63 53 Main Agricultural 180 166 14 41.67 922 labourers Main Workers in 1 1 0 0.23 0 household industries Main Other Workers 231 203 28 53.47 438 Marginal Workers 144 8 136 9.41 1500 Marginal Cultivators 1 0 1 0.69 Marginal Agricultural labourers 143 8 135 99.31 16875

Marginal Workers in 0 0 0 0 0 Household industries Marginal Other 0 0 0 954 400

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Parameter Total Male Female Percentage Sex Ratio Workers Non Workers 554 62.35 1385 Households 310 Source: Census 2001, TamilNadu.

3.2.4 Fisheries

According to the statistical information provided by the Department of Fisheries, Government of TamilNadu, the total annual fish catch in the districts of Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur and Thanjavur accounts to 80900.14 Tonnes (2005‐2006) contributing to 20.76 % to the state marine fisheries production. The details are given below. Table ‐3.3 3 Month wise fish production for the year 2005 – 2006

Fish Production in Total Fish Production in S. No Month Tonnes Tamil Nadu (Tonnes) 1 April 6575.24 33174.73 2 May 6410.12 31811.64 3 June 7855.52 36974.73 4 July 7442.46 36589.96 5 August 7477.17 36377.65 6 September 6940.80 33016.34 7 October 6697.97 30662.66 8 November 4729.03 22902.23 9 December 5721.78 27303.37 10 January 6733.14 32540.81 11 February 6949.86 32931.06 12 March 7367.05 35428.41 Total 80900.14 389713.59 Source : Department of Fisheries, Government of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

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Table‐3.44 Craft wise fish production for the year 2005 – 2006 Type of Craft Quantity in Tonnes Mechanized Vessels 58533.37 Non – Mechanized Vessels 2722.49 Motorized Vessels 19644.27 Shore Seine 0.00 TOTAL 80900.13 Source : Department of Fisheries, Government of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

Table 3.5 ANNUAL LANDINGS at Nagore Description 2005 2006 2007 2008 / year Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value (T) (Lakhs) (T) Lakhs (T) Lakhs (T) Lakhs PRAWNS ‐ Class 1 144 302.4 150 315 156 327.6 160 336 ‐ Class 2 180 288 187.5 300 195 312 200 320 ‐ Class 3 216 172.8 225 180 234 187.2 240 192 sub ‐ total 540 763.2 562.5 795 585 826.8 600 848 FISH ‐ Class 1 180 90 187.5 93.75 195 97.5 200 100 ‐ Class 2 360 72 375 75 390 78 400 80 ‐ Class 3 720 72 750 75 780 78 800 80 sub ‐ total 1260 234 1312.5 243.75 1365 253.5 1400 260 Total 1800 997.2 1875 1038.8 1950 1080.3 2000 1108 Source : Department of Fisheries, Government of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

3.2.5 Shore Based Facilities

All the shore based facilities like Auction hall, Net Mending Shed, Sanitary / Toilet Facility, Approach & Internal Roads, Water Supply, Electric Supply & Lighting, were not available in

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Nagore and hence the above mentioned items have to be developed for the betterment of the fishing community.

3.2.6 Climate and Meteorology

Climatologically and meteorological factors play an important role in the dispersion and dilution of pollutants into the atmosphere and their impact on air environment. As a part of this EIA study, Meteorological parameters were obtained from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The nearest existing meteorological station maintained by Indian Meteorological department (IMD) is situated at Nagapattinam which is closer to the project site, and hence deemed representative of the study area. The station was found to be well manned, and equipped with Thermometer, Barometer, Rain‐gauge and Wind Monitor. Available past records for 5‐years (May2002‐April 2007) were obtained from this IMD station regarding the meteorological features of the site and are summarized.

3.2.6.1 Temperature:

The district is situated in tropical wet and dry region. Nagore has been experiencing the hot climate in summers with humidity and pleasant climate in winters.

¾ Summer season: Summer season starting from March and ended at May. During summer the climate is hot with the temperature hovering around 29 °C to 36°C. It is located in the coastal region the cool breeze from the sea provides reprieve from the extreme hot. ¾ Maximum temperature recorded is 41oC during the month of MAY. ¾ Winters season occurring from December to February with pleasant and moderate climate. During winters the temperature is in a range of 22°C to 26°C. ¾ Minimum temperature recorded is 17.6oC during the month of Feb.

Table 3.6 MONTHLY MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (DEG C) YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2002 *** *** *** *** 37.6 36.5 37.4 36.2 36.4 32.3 29.6 29.4 2003 29.5 31.1 32.2 33.8 36.8 36.9 35.3 35.3 35.7 32.8 29.8 29.8

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MONTHLY MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (DEG C) YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2004 29.9 31.1 32.5 34.3 34.5 36.2 35.5 36.7 32.8 31.3 29.3 29.7 2005 30.3 31.4 32.8 32.5 36.5 37.8 36.3 36.9 34.7 32.1 28.6 29.3 2006 29.2 30.5 32.8 34.6 36.2 36.5 37.3 36.1 33.0 32.1 30.0 30.2 2007 30.2 31.0 32.5 34.1 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Source : Indian Meteorological Department of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

Table 3.7 MONTHLY HIGHEST MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (DEG C) YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2002 *** *** *** *** 40.8 38.9 40.0 38.9 38.0 35.0 33.0 30.9 2003 30.4 32.0 33.3 37.6 41.0 41.0 38.3 38.3 38.1 36.6 31.8 31.0 2004 30.9 31.6 35.5 39.6 38.0 38.4 38.5 39.1 35.3 34.8 31.3 30.7 2005 31.5 32.5 34.4 34.8 39.4 39.8 38.1 39.1 37.4 35.0 33.6 31.0 2006 31.6 31.9 36.4 38.8 39.4 38.7 39.1 38.1 34.6 35.1 32.0 31.6 2007 31.5 33.8 35.2 37.1 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Source : Indian Meteorological Department of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

Table 1.8 MONTHLY MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE (DEG C) YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2002 *** *** *** *** 27.5 26.5 26.6 26.0 25.9 25.0 23.8 22.3 2003 22.3 24.3 24.2 26.3 27.2 27.0 25.7 25.7 25.9 25.2 24.1 22.8 2004 21.9 21.6 24.4 27.0 26.0 26.2 25.9 25.9 24.8 24.5 24.1 22.7 2005 22.9 22.8 25.5 26.4 27.3 27.5 26.2 26.5 25.3 25.1 23.3 23.0 2006 22.0 21.9 24.5 26.2 26.8 26.8 26.9 26.0 25.2 24.9 24.3 23.2 2007 22.8 22.7 23.8 26.3 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Source : Indian Meteorological Department of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

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Table 3.9 MONTHLY LOWEST MINIMUM TEMPERATURE (DEG C) YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2002 *** *** *** *** 24.2 24.2 21.7 23.1 23.3 23.3 20.9 20.1 2003 19.7 20.8 19.9 24.1 22.4 22.2 23.5 23.5 22.5 22.9 21.3 20.2 2004 18.8 19.2 19.3 24.3 22.6 24.4 24.5 22.2 22.6 23.0 21.9 20.0 2005 18.9 18.4 22.6 23.3 24.6 25.1 23.5 22.3 22.8 22.5 21.0 19.5 2006 18.0 17.6 20.8 23.6 23.0 24.8 23.8 23.7 22.5 22.7 22.5 20.4 2007 19.8 19.4 22.0 22.8 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Source : Indian Meteorological Department of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

3.2.6.2 Wind Speed & Relative Humidity:

Generally the wind blowing from NW(North West) and NNE direction. The wind speed varying from 7 to 13KMph.the highest wind speed recorded in the past five year is 16Kmph.

Table 3.10 MONTHLY MEAN WINDSPEED (KMPH) YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2002 *** *** *** *** 12 13 13 12 11 7 7 9 2003 8 7 6 8 11 12 10 * * * * 9 2004 7 7 7 8 10 13 12 13 8 7 8 9 2005 7 7 7 6 10 13 12 16 10 7 9 9 2006 7 7 5 7 11 11 14 12 9 7 6 8 2007 8 7 6 3 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Source : Indian Meteorological Department of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

3.2.6.3 Relative Humidity:

Nagore characterised by general dryness in the air during summer season. The relative humidity due to the coastal stretch wind having the humidity value ranging from 64 to 92 during morning times and 60 to 86 during evening time.

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The highest humidity of 100% is also experienced in morning and evening times also. Table 3.11 MONTHLY MEAN R.H. AT 0830 HRS IST (%) YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2002 *** *** *** *** 74 67 64 66 69 87 89 91 2003 84 83 84 80 78 92 73 73 66 78 88 90 2004 88 86 81 71 76 68 72 69 84 89 92 90 2005 89 85 80 79 76 64 70 64 77 85 92 88 2006 90 88 82 79 74 72 68 76 81 89 92 84 2007 83 82 78 78 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Source : Indian Meteorological Department of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data) Table 3.12 MONTHLY HIGHEST R.H. AT 0830 HRS IST (%) YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2002 *** *** *** *** 91 85 78 82 92 100 100 100 2003 100 92 96 92 95 87 89 89 75 95 100 100 2004 96 93 100 83 100 80 95 90 100 100 100 100 2005 100 100 90 100 92 79 95 89 98 97 100 100 2006 100 95 98 93 89 83 80 94 92 100 100 98 2007 98 95 90 92 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Source : Indian Meteorological Department of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

Table 3.13 MONTHLY LOWEST R.H. AT 0830 HRS IST (%) YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2002 *** *** *** *** 55 54 52 51 49 69 77 96 2003 70 63 66 67 48 61 58 58 55 55 63 75 2004 75 65 67 63 58 59 55 60 70 78 74 73 2005 68 69 65 61 57 56 61 54 57 68 77 71 2006 68 56 68 62 61 60 61 63 67 74 76 65 2007 68 56 57 66 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Source : Indian Meteorological Department of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

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Table 3.14 8. ELEMENT: MONTHLY MEAN R.H. AT 1730 HRS IST (%) YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2002 *** *** *** *** 69 62 61 63 68 74 79 76 2003 67 70 67 71 69 67 60 60 66 72 82 77 2004 69 65 67 64 68 61 60 60 74 81 85 76 2005 71 64 65 69 63 58 65 57 65 74 86 80 2006 74 69 65 84 64 66 59 67 77 87 85 75 2007 72 67 66 70 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Source : Indian Meteorological Department of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

Table 3.15 MONTHLY HIGHEST R.H. AT 1730 HRS IST (%) YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2002 *** *** *** *** 98 83 79 79 100 95 98 77 2003 87 91 79 81 84 81 84 84 81 97 100 95 2004 85 76 74 70 95 89 92 73 100 100 100 100 2005 84 71 76 97 77 88 93 75 90 92 100 98 2006 96 86 90 86 76 84 78 88 93 100 100 97 2007 83 92 73 83 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Source : Indian Meteorological Department of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

Table 3.16 MONTHLY LOWEST R.H. AT 1730 HRS IST (%) YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2002 *** *** *** *** 46 38 34 36 45 60 60 57 2003 55 57 58 51 58 43 30 30 50 55 67 65 2004 56 55 58 44 46 51 42 42 60 42 66 61 2005 56 55 57 48 46 42 43 33 40 63 64 61 2006 43 54 51 45 52 51 46 49 62 79 71 63 2007 60 50 41 52 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Source : Indian Meteorological Department of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

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3.2.6.4 Rain fall:

Nagore receives highest rainfall from south west & north east monsoon period and also experiences rainfall during hot weather and winter seasons.

¾ South west monsoon‐June to September. ¾ North East monsoon –October to December.

Highest recorded rainfall in the month of November is 978.8 mm over a period of 19 rainy days.

Table 3.17 MONTHLY TOTAL RAINFALL (MM) YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2002 *** *** *** *** 13.7 27.5 75.3 19.4 20.1 358.0 330.4 127.6 2003 21.3 TR 11.3 15.8 33.2 46.4 80.4 23.1 58.5 166.6 609.5 47.6 2004 11.8 TR 3.8 0.0 322.9 1.8 54.8 61.5 297.2 716.0 407.2 75.7 2005 3.8 0.0 0.7 244.7 12.2 0.0 60.4 90.2 138.8 231.4 978.8 65.8 2006 61.4 TR 20.9 33.6 65.1 25.0 TR 46.1 136.4 393.5 321.3 43.5 2007 TR 38.5 0.0 9.4 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Source : Indian Meteorological Department of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

Table 3.18 MONTHLY HEAVIEST RAINFALL IN 24 HRS. (MM) YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2002 *** *** *** *** 9.7 19.8 28.5 11.4 9.8 87.6 85.5 77.7 2003 13.8 0.0 8.2 15.8 31.9 45.8 28.5 12.8 48.2 79.1 165.2 25.6 2004 5.9 0.0 2.8 0.0 125.6 1.8 29.2 29.2 74.1 311.6 44.4 22.1 2005 3.8 0.0 0.0 73.9 7.4 0.0 29.2 88.6 58.9 105.8 276.3 26.2 2006 15.6 TR 11.7 32.6 25.2 16.6 TR 21.4 58.2 103.8 57.8 11.4 2007 TR 30.0 0.0 4.4 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Source : Indian Meteorological Department of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

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Table 3.19 NUMBER OF RAINY DAYS [ 2.5 MM & ABOVE ] YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2002 *** *** *** *** 2 2 4 3 2 14 11 4 2003 2 0 2 1 1 1 6 3 2 6 19 4 2004 7 0 1 0 14 0 3 4 10 15 18 8 2005 1 0 0 7 2 0 5 4 7 9 14 5 2006 5 0 2 1 4 4 0 7 7 12 13 4 2007 0 2 0 1 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Source : Indian Meteorological Department of Tamil Nadu (Secondary data)

3.2.6.5 History of Cyclones and Natural Disaster during the past five decades:

Table 3.20 Date of occurrence Calamity Damages caused 30.11.1952 Storm surge in land up to 5 miles 400 deaths 08.12.1967 Cyclone 7 deaths t and 15,000 rendered homeless 12.11.1977 Cyclone 560 deaths and 196 missing. Damages to port, irrigation systems, road, power supply and communication including large number of houses 01.12.1984 Floods due to heavy rain Crops damaged in large scale and normal life affected due to heavy floods 15.11.1991 Heavy rainfall Crops damaged 04.12.1993 Cyclone speed 188 kmph 1100 people lost their lives, severe damage to crops 29.10.2004/Nov 2004 Floods due to heavy rain Crops damaged, around 12,000 houses damaged 26.12.2004 Tsunami (Indian Ocean) 6065 dead and 1922 injured. 12,821 cattle lost, large number of houses, boats and infrastructure damaged Source : http://www.nagapattinam.tn.nic.in/relief.html

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From the above table, it is understood that Nagapattinam is a multi‐hazard prone district with heavy winds, cyclones, floods being a regular feature. Being in the coastal region, Nagore is prone to cyclones and depressions like the coastal areas of nagapattinam district.

3.3 Baseline Study Description

Baseline environmental quality in and around the proposed location was assessed by the study through field visits, detailed surveys, collecting water samples and conducting analysis. Insitu measurements were carried out for physical characteristics of the water, while the chemical parameters were determined from laboratory analysis. Data on biological characteristics were also collected and analysed for productivity and species abundance in benthos, zooplankton, and phytoplankton. In order to determine the variation in concentration in flood and ebb waters, samples were collected for high and low tides. Standard procedures were used for analysis and quality control. Two tidal samples were collected for water quality and biological characteristics.

A Socio Economic study for the fishing village was also carried out to assess the feasibility of the project in the proposed site.

3.4 Summary of Baseline Studies

3.4.1 Project Study Area

As a part of rapid environmental Impact study an area covering 10 km radius around the FLC site was considered to establish the baseline environmental status. The project influence area is shown in the following figure 3.1.

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The above figure represents, 10 km radius of the project area. Nagore is surrounded by Mela Pattainachery, Samanthan Patti, Nambiar Nagar, Vanchiyur, Mela Vanchiyur, Thirupattinam, Muttam villages around the project influence area. The proposed site is free from any environmentally important features. Moreover, the activities proposed in this project already exist in the same proposed area. The only difference that this project makes to the area is that creating standard living conditions for the fishermen. There are no significant features like reserve forest, sanctuaries, ecological monuments, etc falls within the project influence area. Vettar River is the water body flowing close to the proposed site. The nearby villages are also prone to fisheries activity only.

3.4.2 Water Quality & Marine Biology

The water samples were taken at two locations one near the barmouth and another in the sea as detailed in the Table.No.3.21. To know the impacts of the treated wastewater

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disposal during the operational stage of FLC the present condition of the sea water needs to be analysed.

The collected sample was tested at laboratory to measure the Physical parameters like pH, Atmospheric Temperature, Water Temperature, etc, chemical parameters like dissolved oxygen, nitrates, etc, metals and microbiology. The scanned copy of the laboratory test report is annexed with this report as Annexure – III

Table‐3.21 Location of Water Quality Sampling Points Name of the Location Sl. No. Sampling Point Latitude Longitude

1 WQ1 10.82683° 079.85019°

2 WQ2 10.82757° 079.85606°

3.4.3 Water Quality – Baseline condition

Water Quality Standards for Coastal Waters (22nd December 1998): In a coastal segment, marine water is subjected to several types of uses. The primary water quality standards for Harbours come under category SW‐IV, as per amendment to Schedule‐1, serial no. 86 of Environment Protection Rules, 1986 dt 22nd December, 1998. The quality of water samples collected are presented in Table No. 322

3.4.3.1 Temperature and Salinity The water temperature varied between 28°C to 29°C and Salinity ranged between 0.49 to 34.33 ppt during the survey period. Variations in temperature observed may be less important in this system than in other systems because temperatures are generally within the accepted optimum range for aquatic organisms.

3.4.3.2 PH

pH also did not exhibit insignificant variation and ranged from 7.78 – 8.14 and was within range prescribed by CPCB (pH 6.5 ‐9.0). The pH range is in line with the reported values from other areas in the Bay of Bengal.

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3.4.3.3 Dissolved oxygen & Total suspended solids

Dissolved oxygen is a measure of the ability of surface waters to support aquatic life. Dissolved oxygen values were observed to be 6.1 & 6.2 mg/L in the collected samples, which is an indicative of good coastal water. Dissolved oxygen is the most important factor regulating microbiological processes in estuarine waters and sediments, processes which alter the physico chemical nature of the near shore waters. Total Suspended solids values recorded a minimum of 50 mg/L to a maximum of 132 mg/L.

Table 3.22‐LAB ANALYSIS OF WATER SAMPLES Results Sl. No. Test Parameters Protocol WQ1 WQ2 Physical Parameters: 01 Atmospheric APHA 21st EDN 2550 B 30°C 29°C Temperature 02 Water APHA 21st EDN 2550 B 29°C 28°C Temperature 03 pH at 25°C APHA 21st EDN 4500 H+ B 8.14 7.78 04 Total Suspended APHA 21st EDN 2540 D 50 mg/l 132 mg/l Solids 05 Salinity Argentometric Titration 0.49 ppt 34.33 ppt Chemical Parameters: 06 Dissolved APHA 21st EDN 4500 O B,C 6.1 mg/l 6.2 mg/l Oxygen 07 Inorganic APHA 21st EDN 4500 P B,D 0.06 mg/l 0.05 mg/l Phosphates st 08 Nitrite Nitrogen APHA 21 EDN 4500 NO2 B BDL (DL:0.01 mg/l) BDL (DL:0.01 mg/l) as N st 09 Nitrate Nitrogen APHA 21 EDN 4500 NO3 B 0.97 mg/l 0.95 mg/l as N st 10 Ammonical APHA 21 EDN 4500 NH3 Less than 1 mg/l Less than 1 mg/l Nitrogen as N B,C 11 Petroleum Hydro By GC/MS 2.50 µg/l 2.09 µg/l

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Results Sl. No. Test Parameters Protocol WQ1 WQ2 Carbon Trace Metals: 12 Cadmium as Cd APHA 21st EDN 3111 B 0.01 mg/l 0.13 mg/l 13 Copper as Cu APHA 21st EDN 3111 B BDL (DL:0.03mg/l) BDL (DL:0.03mg/l) 14 Zinc as Zn APHA 21st EDN 3111 B 0.019 mg/l 0.107 mg/l 15 Total Chromium APHA 21st EDN 3111 B BDL (DL:0.03 mg/l) BDL (DL:0.03 mg/l) as Cr 16 Lead as Pb APHA 21st EDN 3111B 0.36 mg/l 0.37 mg/l 17 Nickel as Ni APHA 21st EDN 3111 B 0.53 mg/l 0.53 mg/l 18 Aluminium as Al APHA 21st EDN 3111 D 0.21 mg/l BDL (DL:0.03 mg/l) 19 Barium as Ba APHA 21st EDN 3111 D BDL (DL:0.2 mg/l) BDL (DL:0.2 mg/l) 20 Manganese as APHA 21st EDN 3111 B 0.23 mg/l 0.23 mg/l Mn 21 Cobalt APHA 21st EDN 3111 B 0.41 mg/l 0.48 mg/l Microbiology: 22 Faecal Coli Forms IS 1622‐1981 (Reaff:1996) Present Present 22 MPN /100 ml 7 MPN /100 ml 23 Chlorophyll AOAC METHOD 100 mg/Kg 100 mg/Kg

3.4.3.4 Nutrients

The elements, which are essential for biota, are classified as nutrients. Under this category, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate are included. Ammonia Nitrogen was recorded as less than 1.0 mg/L in both the samples. Inorganic Phosphates as phosphorus were observed to be 0.05 & 0.06 mg/L which show that the coastal water available is unpolluted.

3.4.3.5 Petroleum Hydrocarbon

Petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations varied between 2.09 µg/L to 2.50 µg/L.

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3.4.3.6 Microbiology

Faecal coliforms were present in the observed samples but the count is very much less to have an effect in the environment. The counts are found to be 7 MPN/100mL & 22 MPN/100mL which indicate clean water with minimal wastewater discharges.

3.4.3.7 Heavy Metals in water column

Data in the above table shows that the values are very low and do not show any trend spatially indicating clean waters.

3.4.3.8 Marine Biology:

The samples analysed for the marine environment and it is observed that marine benthos & planktons are presnt in the area. The Chlorophyll‐A concentrations by AOAC method was 100 mg/kg indicating clean waters without excessive nutrient inputs / eutrophication. There are no marine flora and fauna found at the dredging location. Table 3.23 S.No. Test Parameters WQ1 ‐ Results WQ2 ‐ Results 01. Phytoplankton Present Present 02. Zooplankton Present Present 03. Benthos Present Present

All the above discussed parameters indicate that the site is free of pollution. As the fishing activity already exists in this village, it infers that the site is not affected by the local activity.

3.4.4 Socio‐Economic Environment

As per the socio economic study conducted as part of the study indicates that about 42 % of the fishermen population is below 18 years, 40 % of them 18 – 40 years of age and the remaining 18% are above 40 years. There is no deficiency for active fishermen or for crew since forty percentage of the fishermen are in the age group of 18 – 40. At the proposed project area 57 % of the fisher folk are literates while 66 % of them are studied up to

Mahindra Consulting Engineers Limited III - 19 Client : Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Tamilnadu Project : Fish Landing Centre at Nagore

primary level whereas 31 % are studied in high school and the remaining three percent has got higher secondary or college education.

The study also indicates that, all the respondents of the fishermen families own the houses and majority of them are thatched houses. Under the Tsunami rehabilitation programme more than fifty percent of the fishermen got RCC houses. More than Ninety percent of the fishing boats are owned by fishermen families or individuals and about 15 % of them are owned on share basis. As per the socio economic study conducted by MACE, about 45 % of the respondents own the fishing boats while 50 % of the fishermen respondents are not owning boats while engaged in fishing and allied activities and the remaining 5 % of respondents engaged in other activities.

Keeping in view, the nos. of boats belonging to Nagorepattinacherry and the existing level of fishery activities, the proposed Nagorepattinacherry Fish Landing Centre (FLC) has been designed to accommodate the fishing fleet of 200 numbers of 11 metre FRP boats and 100 nos of Mechanised boats. All the fishing villages in and around Nagorepattinacherry are well connected by all weather road and transport facilities are available to all the fishing villages from Nagorepattinacherry. All the infrastructure facilities such as electricity, water supply, road communication, transport etc. are available in the project area. The details of fish catch and other details like number of fishermen, etc at nagore are depicted below.

Sl. No Description UOM Quantity

1Prawns - Class 1 Kgs 160000 - Class 2 Kgs 200000 Sub - total 600000 2Fish

- Class 1 Kgs 200000 - Class 2 Kgs 400000 - Class 3 Kgs 800000 sub - total 1400000 Total - Fish and Prawn per Kgs 3 Annum 2000000 4Peak catch per day Kgs 10000 5 Gear lockers Nos 0 Carrying Vehicles per day Nos 6 entering FLC 5

Visitor Vehicles per day Nos 7 5 8 No of Fishers per Vessel Nos 3

Mahindra Consulting Engineers Limited III - 20 Client : Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Tamilnadu Project : Fish Landing Centre at Nagore

3.4.5 Land Environment

Visual observation of the region shows flat and sandy coastal stretch. The topography of the site is varies from 0.018 m to +3.385 M with slight undulations, gently sloping towards the river / sea. Levels mentioned above are with respect to the MEAN SEA LEVEL (MSL) at Bench Mark (+1.368 m) marked on the culvert in the main road. Topographical survey map is attached.

The topography of identified dumping site is varies from +1.1m to +1.7m with slight undulations. Levels mentioned above are with respect to the MEAN SEA LEVEL (MSL) at Bench Mark (+1.368 m) marked on the culvert in the main road.

3.4.6 Air Environment

The site is located in the less development area and hence Secondary data monitored for a coal based power plant at approximately 10 km from the proposed site is reproduced below The site is located in the less development area and hence no considerable air pollution sources are available in the nearby vicinity.

However Secondary data monitored for a coal based power plant at approximately 10 km from the proposed site is reproduced below, which will be similar and proportionate to the proposed site conditions. Table 3.24 Observed levels in Sl.No. Parameter μgm/Nm3

1 SO2 5‐30

2 NOX 10‐23 3 SPM 35‐142 4 RSPM 12‐42 5 CO <114.5 6 HC <65

The above values are found to be well within the limits. This power plant site which is having more vehicular traffic than the FLC site, hence the air quality will be far better than

Mahindra Consulting Engineers Limited III - 21 Client : Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Tamilnadu Project : Fish Landing Centre at Nagore

the above parameters. In addition to this, the site lies in a less traffic and population area, visual observation of the site itself clearly shows only negligible air pollution.

3.4.7 Noise Environment

There is no development except some vehicle movement is observed within the site area. Due to less movement of vehicles and no industry or processing areas located nearby to the proposed site, the environment is calm. Noise samples were taken at three nearby village and at the proposed FLC site. The results of the monitoring are tabulated in Table No 3.25

S.No Location Noise levels, dB(A) Day time (06:00‐22:00 hrs) Night time (22:00‐06:00 hrs) L min L max L eq L min L max L eq 1 At Project site 42.7 58.2 49.3 35.6 46.8 41.5 2 Nagore 41.9 62.4 53.6 31.3 49.1 42.2 3 Pannakudi 44.5 56.1 50.4 37.4 52.8 46.3 4 Nagapatinam 54.2 71.8 67.5 42.8 61.7 55.4 5 Thethi 48.3 63.7 59.1 39.1 58.2 47.6

3.4.8 Soil Environment:

The sub soil at the site consists of very very loose to dense sand / silty sand / clayey sand layers and very soft to hard sandy clay / clay layers up to the termination depths of 10 m as shown in the soil profile of the respective bore logs. The ground water level was observed at 1.0m & 0.75 depths from the existing ground levels at the time of investigation. Based on visual soil examination, laboratory and field test results, the subsoil layers are classified according to IS : 1498 and presented in the respective bore logs. The safe bearing capacity and settlement calculations were made according to the provisions laid down in IS : 6403, IS : 8009 (Part I) and IS : 2911 (Part1/Sec2). The soil characteristics in the project site are clearly specified in the Geo Technical Soil Investigation report and are given as Annexure – IV.

Mahindra Consulting Engineers Limited III - 22 Client : Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Tamilnadu Project : Fish Landing Centre at Nagore

3.4.9 Summary of Baseline

Baseline studies on water quality and biological characteristics and land environment reveals the following;

There are no endangered species of flora or fauna in and around the proposed environmental area Water indicates negligible anthropogenic pollution Analysis indicate clean environment and the area is found to be highly productive with good representation of fish eggs, larvae etc. Land environment is flat and sandy coastal stretch without any high polluting sources.

Mahindra Consulting Engineers Limited III - 23