Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, District, Chapter-1 Introduction

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) proposes to carryout exploratory drilling in PML areas of South Assam Shelf (SAS) block in Sarupathar tehsil, , Assam.

This chapter describes the purpose of the report, identification of project and proponent, brief description of nature, size, location of the project and importance to the region and country. The chapter also describes the scope of the study, details of regulatory scoping carried out as per Terms of Reference (TOR) issued by Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), New Delhi.

1.1 Purpose of the Report

As per Environmental Impact Assessment EIA Notification dated 14th September, 2006, exploration of oil & gas falls under category ‘A’ of project activity 1(b) requires prior Environmental Clearance (EC) to be obtained from MoEF&CC before the commencement of ground activity.

The application for prior EC (Form-1 and Pre-feasibility Report) for the proposed project has been submitted to MoEF&CC on 20th February, 2015 and same was reviewed by 40th reconstituted Expert Appraisal Committee (Industry II) held during 18th – 19th May 2015 in New Delhi to prescribe Terms of Reference (TORs) for the preparation of EIA/EMP report. TOR has been issued by MoEF&CC vide letter F.No. J-11011/111/2015-IA II (I) dated 6th July, 2015. A copy of the ToR letter, along with its compliance is enclosed as Annexure-I.

This EIA Report is prepared inline with the ToR issued by MoEF&CC and addresses the anticipated environmental impacts of the proposed project and proposes the mitigation measures for the same for obtaining Environmental Clearance (EC) from MoEF&CC, New Delhi. The report covers the primary data collected during 15th January 2016 to 8th April 2016 representing partly winter and pre monsoon season.

Based on the TOR conditions stipulated by MoEF&CC vide letter mentioned above, draft EIA/EMP has been prepared for conducting Environmental Public Hearing and submitting the final EIA report to MoEF&CC for obtaining Environmental Clearance from MOEF&CC, New Delhi.

1.2 Identification of Project and Project Proponent

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) of the Government of , under the administrative control of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It is India's largest oil and gas exploration and production company. It produces around 70% of India's crude oil (equivalent to around 25% of the country's total demand) and around 60% of its natural gas. With a market capitalization of over INR 2 trillion, it is one of India's most valuable publicly-traded companies.

ONGC has been ranked 357th in the Fortune Global 500 list of the world's biggest corporations for the year 2012. It is also among the Top 250 Global Energy Company by PLATTS. ONGC was founded on 14th August 1956 by the Indian state, which currently holds a 69.23% equity stake. It is involved in exploring

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-1 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

hydrocarbons in 26 sedimentary basins of India and owns and operates over 11,000 kilometers of pipelines in the country. Its international subsidiary, ONGC Videsh currently has projects in 15 countries.

1.3 Brief Description of the Project

1.3.1 Nature of the Project

As per the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification dated 14th September, 2006, the proposed exploratory drilling project falls under ‘Category A’ of activity type 1(b).

The proposed project intends to identify the presence of hydrocarbon prospects through exploratory drilling and to delineate and quantify hydrocarbon pools in discovered fields through appraisal drilling. The proposed project will basically involve drilling of 15 exploratory wells in the SAS block.

1.3.2 Size of the Project

ONGC has identified 15 well locations i.e., NL-1(KHBG), NL-2, NL-3, NL-4(NRAH), NL-5(KHBE), NL-6 NL-7, NL-8, NL-9(KHBD), NL-10, NL-11, URAA, NL-12, NL-13 and NL-14 are included in present EIA study. It is proposed to drill 15 exploratory wells for the fulfillment of Minimum Work Program (MWP) and also to evaluate potential of the entire block.

1.3.3 Project Site Details

1.3.3.1 Location of the Block

The South Assam Shelf is a part of Assam & Assam-Arakan basin and situated in the Dhansiri valley separated from North Assam shelf by a major E-W trending Jorhat fault. The area represents a part of foreland basin flanked by NE-SW trending Naga Schuppen belt on the East & Southeast and Mikir Massif in the West. The area is sparsely exhibiting intra-cratonic graben filling sediments from Permian age to basaltic flows of Early Cretaceous age. The extensive Late Cretaceous-Oligocene sequence deposited in Passive margin setting witnessed differential erosion at places and overlain by a thick pile of Miocene to Recent sediments deposited in a foreland setting. The total sedimentary thickness in the area is of the order of 3500 m. Reservoirs in different stratigraphic levels starting from fractured Basement to Sylhet, Kopili, Barail, Bokabil, Tipam and Namsang have been charged in different parts of the basin depending on entrapment and are required to be probed for hydrocarbons. The proposed area covering the Khoraghat Extn ML, Khoraghat ML, Nambar ML Golaghat Dist. PEL, Golaghat Extn-II. A PML falls within Golaghat district of Assam state. The area has an average elevation of about 100 metres above mean sea level. It is bounded by the state of Nagaland to the east. The proposed area lies between 26°02’19.53” and 26°17’47.34” north latitude and between 93°49’23.43” and 94° 02'43.07” east longitude.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-2 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

I) Nambar ML

The Nambar ML Block covering an area of 26 Sq.Km is located in the South Assam shelf part (Dhansiri valley) of A&AA Basin. The validity of ML is from 05.09.1999 to 04.09.2019. Five new locations are proposed for exploration and extraction of hydrocarbon in the area.

II) Khoraghat Extn ML

The Khoraghat Extn ML Block covering an area of 83 Sq.km is located in the South Assam shelf part (Dhansiri valley) of A&AA Basin. The ML for Khoraghat Extn block was granted on 17.01.2000 and expires on 16.07.2020. Six new locations are proposed for exploration of hydrocarbon in the area. III) Golaghat Extn II A PML

Golaghat Extn II A PML covering an area of 61+24 sq.km is located in the South Assam shelf part (Dhansiri valley) of A&AA Basin. The PML for Golaghat Extn II A block grant is awaited by state government (7 years PML Block). Two new locations are proposed for exploration of hydrocarbon in the area. The area is highly prospective for hydrocarbon point of view.

IV) Golaghat Dist. PEL

Golaghat Dist. PEL covering an area of 54.4 Sq.km comprises of two parts-one to the north of Khoraghat and another to west of it. The date of re-grant of PEL is 14.09.2014 and the two Year completion is 13.09.2016. Two exploratory locations are proposed for exploration and extraction of hydrocarbon in the area.

Index Map is shown in Figure-1.1. The block coordinates are given in Table-1.1. Tentative well coordinates are as given in Table-1.2.

TABLE-1.1 BLOCK COORDINATES

Sr. Boundary Block Coordinates (WGS-84) PEL / MLs Name No. Name Latitude Longitude 1. Golaghat Extn IIA PML, A 26° 17’ 47.341”N 093° 55’ 47.030”E Golaghat Dist PEL, B 26° 15’ 25.173”N 094° 02’ 43.077”E Khoraghat Extn ML, C 26° 02’ 19.539”N 093° 57’ 59.380”E Nambar ML D 26° 02’ 37.246”N 093° 49’ 23.436”E

The study area map showing the block location and proposed 15 exploratory drilling well locations are shown in Figure-1.2. Google map showing block area with well locations are shown in Figure-1.3. The environmental setting of the block area falling in SAS Block is given in Table-1.3 to Table-1.17.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-3 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

TABLE-1.2 TENTATIVE EXPLORATORY DRILLING WELL LOCATIONS

To be drilled from Well Coordinates (WGS-84) Sr. Name of existing wells or Forest clearance file no. Land District Tehsil Village No location Latitude Longitude common point NAMBAR ML NL-1 KH-35, 3-AS B 014.2012-SHI ONGC Land 1 26° 03' 14.72" 93° 55' 30.64” Golaghat Sarupathar Lachit gaon (KHBG) (KHAS) CP 2 NL-2 KH-7, (KHF) CP 26° 02' 40.708" 93° 55' 40.324" 8-23/91-FC ONGC Land Golaghat Sarupathar Lachit gaon 3 NL-3 KH-9, NR-2 CP 26° 03' 18.537" 93° 54' 37.439" 8012-37/2000/RONE AS ONGC Land Golaghat Sarupathar Tokshi 4 NL-4 (NRAH) New Point 26° 03' 42.325" 93° 52' 42.549" - Forest Land Golaghat Sarupathar Pvito 5 NL-5 (KHBE) KH-30 (KHAT) CP 26° 05' 17.539" 93° 53' 20.996" 3-AS B 116/2008-SHI ONGC Land Golaghat Sarupathar Sonowal KHORAGHAT EXT.ML KH-23 8-12-112/2001/R ONE-AS ONGC Land 6 NL-6 26° 06' 18.760" 93° 57' 52.699" Golaghat Sarupathar 1 no. Azarguri (KHAF) CP 7 NL-7 KH-16 (KHAB) CP 26° 05' 42.163" 93° 56' 22.399" 8-12/11/97/RO-NE-AS ONGC Land Golaghat Sarupathar Haldibari 8 NL-8 KH-13 (KHD) CP 26° 06' 13.243" 93° 55' 22.512" 8-23/91-FC ONGC Land Golaghat Sarupathar Nikihe NL-9 New Point - Forest Land 9 26° 06' 19.961" 93° 54' 20.513" Golaghat Sarupathar Dhupguri (KHBD) 10 NL-10 KH-4 (KGA) CP 26° 05’ 03.33” 93° 54’ 36.70” 8-562/89-FC ONGC Land Golaghat Sarupathar Dhupguri 11 NL-11 KH-27 (KHAQ) CP 26° 07' 01.771" 93° 54' 15.008" 8-12-21/2004/RO NE-AS ONGC Land Golaghat Sarupathar Sonali nagar Golaghat Dist. PEL 12 URAA New Point 26° 09' 46.207" 93° 57' 12.736" - Forest Land Golaghat Sarupathar Lakhi Pathar 13 NL-12 URRA/CP 26° 09’ 49.331” 93° 57’ 17.530” - Forest Land Golaghat Sarupathar Lakhi Pathar Golaghat Ext. IIA PML New Point - Non-forest Baramukhia 14 NL-13 26° 16' 41.590" 93° 56' 40.078" Golaghat Sarupathar land New Point - Non-forest Langta 15 NL-14 26° 14' 54.876" 93° 56' 02.584" Golaghat Sarupathar land

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-4 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

ONGC SAS Block

FIGURE-1.1 INDEX MAP

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-5 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

FIGURE-1.2 TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OF SAS BLOCK IN GOLAGHAT DISTRICT

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-6 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

N

SAS Block Boundary

FIGURE-1.3 GOOGLE MAP SHOWING WELL LOCATIONS IN SAS BLOCK

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-7 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

TABLE-1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF WELL NL-1/KHBG (1 KM RADIUS)

Sr. No. Particulars Details 1 Well NL-1 (KHBG) Location Village Lachit Gaon Tehsil Sarupathar District Golaghat State Assam 2 Well site Coordinates Latitude: 26° 03' 14.72" Longitude: 93° 55' 30.64” 3 Well Site Elevation above MSL 381 m above MSL 4 Geographical location in toposheet 83 F/16 5 Nearest representative IMD station IMD Golaghat (50.3 km, N)

6 India Meteorological Dept. (IMD), Data Annual Mean Max 36.00C Temp Annual Mean Min 6.80C Temp Annual Average 146 mm Rainfall Predominant wind NW and SE directions direction followed by NE direction

Study Period – Site specific Mean Max Temp 35.40C

Mean Min Temp 8.90C Average Rainfall 21.8 mm Predominant wind Mostly from NW direction followed by SE, Next predominant are NE & W direction

7 Present land use at the site 8 Nearest highway NH-39 (14.6 km, WNW) 9 Nearest railway station Chonganjan Railway Station (11km, W) 10 Nearest airport Jorhat (77.7 km, NNE) 11 Nearest river Rengma River (0.3 km, NW) 12 Nearest town Golaghat (50.3 km, N) 13 Nearest major town with 2,00,000 Jorhat (77.7 km, NNE) population 14 Villages within 1 km radius Lachitgaon (0.7 km, W) 15 Hills/valleys NIL 16 Nearest tourist place NIL 17 Archaeologically important places NIL 18 Protected areas as per Wildlife Protection 1) Nambar Doigrung WLS (31.0 km, NNW) Act,1972 (Tiger reserve, Elephant 2) Garampani WLS (36.4 km, NNW) reserve, Biospheres, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves and conservation reserves) 19 Reserved / Protected Forests Renga Reserve Forest 20 Seismicity Zone-V as per IS 1983 (Part-1) 2002 Note: All distances mentioned above are aerial distances Source: Topo sheet No: 83 F/16, Google image and field visits.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-8 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

TABLE-1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF WELL NL-2 (1 KM RADIUS)

Sr. No. Particulars Details 1 Well NL-2 Location Village Lachit Gaon Mouza Sarupathar District Golaghat State Assam 2 Well site Coordinates Latitude: 26o02’40.708’ N Longitude: 93o55’40.324” E 3 Well Site Elevation above MSL 381 m above MSL 4 Geographical location in toposheet 83 F/16 5 Nearest representative IMD station Golaghat 6 India Meteorological Dept. (IMD), Annual Mean Max 36.00C Data Temp Annual Mean Min 6.80C Temp Annual Average 146 mm Rainfall Predominant wind NW and SE directions direction followed by NE direction

Study Period - Site specific Mean Max Temp 35.40C

Mean Min Temp 8.90C Average Rainfall 21.8 mm Predominant wind Mostly from NW followed direction by SE, Next predominant are NE & W direction

7 Present land use at the site 8 Nearest highway NH-39 (15.1 km, WNW) 9 Nearest railway station Chonganjan Railway Station (11.2 km, W) 10 Nearest airport Jorhat (78.3 km, NNE) 11 Nearest rivers Rengma River (1.4 km, W) 12 Nearest town Golaghat (51.4 km, W) 13 Nearest major town with 2,00,000 Jorhat (78.3 km, NE) population 14 Villages within 1 km radius Lachitgaon (1.3 km, W) 15 Hills/valleys NIL 16 Nearest tourist place NIL 17 Archaeologically important places NIL 18 Protected areas as per Wildlife 1) Nambar WLS (32.1 km, NNW) Protection Act,1972 (Tiger reserve, 2) Garampani WLS (37.5 km, NNW) Elephant reserve, Biospheres, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves and conservation reserves) 19 Reserved / Protected Forests Renga Reserve Forest 20 Seismicity Zone-V as per IS 1983 (Part-1) 2002 Note: All distances mentioned above are aerial distances Source: Topo sheet No: 83 F/16, Google image and field visits.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-9 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

TABLE-1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF WELL NL-3 (1 KM RADIUS)

Sr. No. Particulars Details 1 Well NL-3 Location Village Tokshi Mouza Sarupathar District Golaghat State Assam 2 Well site Coordinates Latitude : 26° 03' 18.537" longitude : 93° 54' 37.439" 3 Well Site Elevation above MSL 381 m above MSL 4 Geographical location in toposheet 83 F/16 5 Nearest representative IMD station Golaghat

6 India Meteorological Dept. (IMD), Data Annual Mean Max 36.00C Temp Annual Mean Min 6.80C Temp Annual Average 146 mm Rainfall Predominant wind NW and SE directions direction followed by NE direction

Study Period – Site specific Mean Max Temp 35.40C

Mean Min Temp 8.90C Average Rainfall 21.8 mm Predominant wind Mostly from NW direction followed by SE, Next predominant are NE & W direction

7 Present land use at the site 8 Nearest highway NH-39 (12.9 km, WNW) 9 Nearest railway station Chonganjan Railway station (9.4 km, W) 10 Nearest airport Jorhat (77.8 km, NNE) 11 Nearest river Rengma River (0.3 km, NW) 12 Nearest town Golaghat (50.3 km, N) 13 Nearest major town with 2,00,000 Jorhat (77.8 km, NNE) population 14 Villages within 1 km radius Tokshi (0.4 km, NE) 15 Hills/valleys NIL 16 Nearest tourist place NIL 17 Archaeologically important places NIL 18 Protected areas as per Wildlife 1) Nambar Doigrung WLS (30.6 km, NNW) Protection Act,1972 (Tiger reserve, 2) Garampani WLS 36.1 km, Elephant reserve, Biospheres, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves and conservation reserves) 19 Reserved / Protected Forests Nambar Reserve Forest 20 Seismicity Zone-V as per IS 1983 (Part-1) 2002 Note: All distances mentioned above are aerial distances Source: Topo sheet No: 83 F/16, Google image and field visits.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-10 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

TABLE-1.6 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF WELL NL-4/NRAH (1 KM RADIUS)

Sr. No. Particulars Details 1 Well NL-4 (NRAH) Location Village Pvito Mouza Sarupathar District Golaghat State Assam 2 Well site Coordinates Latitude : 26° 03' 42.325" longitude : 93° 52' 42.549" 3 Well Site Elevation above MSL 382 m above MSL 4 Geographical location in toposheet 83 F/16 5 Nearest representative IMD station Golaghat (50.2 km, N) 6 India Meteorological Dept. (IMD), Annual Mean 36.00C Data Max Temp Annual Mean 6.80C Min Temp Annual Average 146 mm Rainfall Predominant NW and SE directions wind direction followed by NE direction

Study Period - Site specific Mean Max 35.40C Temp Mean Min 8.90C Temp Average 21.8 mm Rainfall Predominant Mostly from NW wind direction followed by SE. Next predominant are NE & W direction

7 Present land use at the site 8 Nearest highway NH-39 (10.1 km, W) 9 Nearest railway station Chonganjan Railway station (6.3 km, W) 10 Nearest airport Jorhat (78.1 km, NNE) 11 Nearest rivers Haru Langta River (1.7 km, E) 12 Nearest town Golaghat (50.2 km, NNE) 13 Nearest major town with 2,00,000 Jorhat (78.1 km, NNE) population 14 Villages within 1 km radius Khehoj (0.9 km, NNW) 15 Hills/valleys NIL 16 Nearest tourist place NIL 17 Archaeologically important places NIL 18 Protected areas as per Wildlife NIL Protection Act,1972 (Tiger reserve, Elephant reserve, Biospheres, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves and conservation reserves) 19 Reserved / Protected Forests Nambar Reserve Forest (----) 20 Seismicity Zone-V as per IS 1983 (Part-1) 2002 Note: All distances mentioned above are aerial distances Source: Topo sheet No: 83 F/16, Google image and field visits.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-11 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

TABLE-1.7 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF WELL NL-5 KHBE (1 KM RADIUS)

Sr. No. Particulars Details 1 Well NL-5 (KHBE) Location Village Sonowal Mouza Sarupathar District Golaghat State Assam 2 Well site Coordinates Latitude : 26° 05' 17.539" Longitude : 93° 53' 20.996" 3 Well Site Elevation above MSL 382 m above MSL 4 Geographical location in toposheet 83 F/16 5 Nearest representative IMD station Golaghat (47 km, N) 6 India Meteorological Dept. (IMD), Annual Mean Max 36.00C Data Temp Annual Mean Min Temp 6.80C Annual Average 146 mm Rainfall Predominant wind NW and SE direction directions followed by NE direction

Study Period - Site specific Mean Max Temp 35.4

Mean Min Temp 8.9 Average Rainfall 21.8 mm Predominant wind Mostly from NW direction followed by SE. Next predominant are NE & W direction

7 Present land use at the site 8 Nearest highway NH-39 (10.6 km, WNW) 9 Nearest railway station Naojan Railway station (5.9 km, NW) 10 Nearest airport Jorhat (75 km, NNE) 11 Nearest rivers Haru Langta River (1.1 km, SE) 12 Nearest town Golaghat (47 km, N) 13 Nearest major town with 2,00,000 Jorhat (75 km, NNE) population 14 Villages within 1 km radius Sonowal (1 km, SW) 15 Hills/valleys NIL 16 Nearest tourist place NIL 17 Archaeologically important places NIL 18 Protected areas as per Wildlife 1) Nambar Doigrung WLS (26.7 km, NNW) Protection Act,1972 (Tiger reserve, 2) Garampani WLS (32.4 km, N)s Elephant reserve, Biospheres, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves and conservation reserves) 19 Reserved / Protected Forests Nambar Reserve Forest (---) 20 Seismicity Zone-V as per IS 1983 (Part-1) 2002 Note: All distances mentioned above are aerial distances Source: Topo sheet No: 83 F/16, Google image and field visits.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-12 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

TABLE-1.8 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF WELL NL-6 (1 KM RADIUS)

Sr. No. Particulars Details 1 Well NL-6 Location Village 1 no. Azarguri Mouza Sarupathar District Golaghat State Assam 2 Well site Coordinates Latitude : 26° 06' 18.760" N longitude : 093° 57' 52.699" E 3 Well Site Elevation above MSL 354 m above MSL 4 Geographical location in toposheet 83 F/16 5 Nearest representative IMD station Golaghat (44.1 km, N) 6 India Meteorological Dept. (IMD), Data Annual Mean Max 36.00C Temp Annual Mean Min 6.80C Temp Annual Average 146 mm Rainfall Predominant wind NW and SE direction directions followed by NE direction

Study Period – Site specific Mean Max Temp 35.4

Mean Min Temp 8.9 Average Rainfall 21.8 mm Predominant wind Mostly from NW direction followed by SE. Next predominant are NE & W direction

7 Present land use at the site 8 Nearest highway NH-39 (17.9 km, WNW) 9 Nearest railway station Naojan Railway station (12.3 km, WNW) 10 Nearest airport Jorhat (71 km, NNE) 11 Nearest river Diyang River (1.8 km, ENE) 12 Nearest town Golaghat (44.6 km, N) 13 Nearest major town with 2,00,000 Jorhat (71 km, NNE) population 14 Villages within 1 km radius Majgaon (0.8 km, SW) 15 Hills/valleys NIL 16 Nearest tourist place NIL 17 Archaeologically important places NIL 18 Protected areas as per Wildlife 1) Nambar Doigrung WLS (27.0 km, NNW) Protection Act,1972 (Tiger reserve, 2) Garampani WLS (31.7 km, NNW) Elephant reserve, Biospheres, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves and conservation reserves) 19 Reserved / Protected Forests Renga Reserve Forest (---) 20 Seismicity Zone-V as per IS 1983 (Part-1) 2002 Note: All distances mentioned above are aerial distances Source: Topo sheet No: 83 F/16, Google image and field visits.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-13 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

TABLE-1.9 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF WELL NL-7(1 KM RADIUS)

Sr. No. Particulars Details 1 Well NL-7 Location Village Haldibari Mouza Sarupathar District Golaghat State Assam 2 Well site Coordinates Latitude : 26° 05' 42.163"N longitude : 093° 56' 22.399" 3 Well Site Elevation above MSL 354 m above MSL 4 Geographical location in toposheet 83 F/16 5 Nearest representative IMD station Golaghat (45.7 km, N) 6 India Meteorological Dept. (IMD), Annual Mean 36.00C Data Max Temp Annual Mean 6.80C Min Temp Annual Average 146 mm Rainfall Predominant NW and SE directions wind direction followed by NE direction

Study Period - Site specific Mean Max 35.4 Temp Mean Min 8.9 Temp Average 21.8 mm Rainfall Predominant Mostly from NW wind direction followed by SE. Next predominant are NE & W direction

7 Present land use at the site 8 Nearest highway NH-39 (15.5 km, W) 9 Nearest railway station Naojan railway station (10.1 km, WNW) 10 Nearest airport Jorhat (72.7 km, NNE) 11 Nearest rivers Rengma River (0.3 km, W) 12 Nearest town Golaghat (45.7 km, N) 13 Nearest major town with 2,00,000 Jorhat (72.7 km, NNE) population 14 Villages within 1 km radius Hardibari (0.6 km, N) 15 Hills/valleys NIL 16 Nearest tourist place NIL 17 Archaeologically important places NIL 18 Protected areas as per Wildlife 1.) Nambar Doigrung WLS (27.1 km, NNW) Protection Act,1972 (Tiger reserve, 2.) Garampani WLS (32.2 km, NNW) Elephant reserve, Biospheres, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves and conservation reserves) 19 Reserved / Protected Forests Renga Reserve Forest 20 Seismicity Zone-V as per IS 1983 (Part-1) 2002 Note: All distances mentioned above are aerial distances Source: Topo sheet No: 83 F/16, Google image and field visits.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-14 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

TABLE-1.10 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF WELL NL-8 (1 KM RADIUS)

Sr. No. Particulars Details 1 Well NL-8 Location Village Nikihe Mouza Sarupathar District Golaghat State Assam 2 Well site Coordinates Latitude : 26° 06' 13.243" Longitude : 93° 55' 22.512" 3 Well Site Elevation above MSL 354 m above MSL 4 Geographical location in toposheet 83 F/16 5 Nearest representative IMD station Golaghat (44.9 km, N) 6 India Meteorological Dept. (IMD), Annual Mean 36.00C Data Max Temp Annual Mean 6.80C Min Temp Annual Average 146 mm Rainfall Predominant NW and SE directions wind direction followed by NE direction

Study Period - Site specific Mean Max 35.40C Temp Mean Min 8.90C Temp Average 21.8 mm Rainfall Predominant Mostly from NW wind direction followed by SE. Next predominant are NE & W direction

7 Present land use at the site 8 Nearest highway NH-39 (13.8 km, WNW) 9 Nearest railway station Naojan Railway station (8.3 km, WNW) 10 Nearest airport Jorhat (72.4 km, NNE) 11 Nearest rivers Rengma River (0.5 km, NE) 12 Nearest town Golaghat (44.9 km, N) 13 Nearest major town with 2,00,000 Jorhat (72.4 km, NNE) population 14 Villages within 1 km radius Dlmorujan Village (0.6 km, NW) 15 Hills/valleys NIL 16 Nearest tourist place NIL 17 Archaeologically important places NIL 18 Protected areas as per Wildlife NIL Protection Act, 1972 (Tiger reserve, Elephant reserve, Biospheres, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves and conservation reserves) 19 Reserved / Protected Forests Renga Reserve Forest 20 Seismicity Zone-V as per IS 1983 (Part-1) 2002 Note: All distances mentioned above are aerial distances Source: Topo sheet No: 83 F/16, Google image and field visits.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-15 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

TABLE-1.11 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF WELL NL-9/KHBD (1 KM RADIUS)

Sr. No. Particulars Details 1 Well NL-9 (KHBD) Location Village Dhupguri Mouza Sarupathar District Golaghat State Assam 2 Well site Coordinates Latitude : 26° 06' 19.961" Longitude : 93° 54' 20.513" 3 Well Site Elevation above MSL 354 m above MSL 4 Geographical location in toposheet 83 F/16 5 Nearest representative IMD station Golaghat (44.9 km, N) 6 India Meteorological Dept. (IMD), Annual Mean Max 36.00C Data Temp Annual Mean Min Temp 6.80C Annual Average 146 mm Rainfall Predominant wind NW and SE direction directions followed by NE direction

Study Period - Site specific Mean Max Temp 35.40C

Mean Min Temp 8.90C Average Rainfall 21.8 mm Predominant wind Mostly from NW direction followed by SE. Next predominant are NE & W direction

7 Present land use at the site 8 Nearest highway NH-39 (12.1 km, WNW) 9 Nearest railway station Naozan Railway station (6.5 km, WNW) 10 Nearest airport Jorhat (72.7 km, NNE) 11 Nearest river Harulangta River (1.0 km, SE) 12 Nearest town Golaghat (44.9 km, N) 13 Nearest major town with 2,00,000 Jorhat (72.7 km, NNE) population 14 Villages within 1 km radius 1) Dakawaliputhar no.1 (0.3 km, SW) 2) Benganabari Village (0.6 km, NE) 15 Hills/valleys NIL 16 Nearest tourist place NIL 17 Archaeologically important places NIL 18 Protected areas as per Wildlife 1) Nambar WLS (25.0 km, NNW) Protection Act,1972 (Tiger reserve, 2) Garampani WLS (30.6 km, NNW) Elephant reserve, Biospheres, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves and conservation reserves) 19 Reserved / Protected Forests Renga Reserve Forest (---) 20 Seismicity Zone-V as per IS 1983 (Part-1) 2002 Note: All distances mentioned above are aerial distances Source: Topo sheet No: 83 F/16, Google image and field visits.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-16 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

TABLE-1.12 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF WELL NL-10 (1 KM RADIUS)

Sr. No. Particulars Details 1 Well NL-10 Location Village Dhupguri Mouza Sarupathar District Golaghat State Assam 2 Well site Coordinates Latitude : 26° 06’ 19.145” longitude : 93° 54’ 14.574” 3 Well Site Elevation above MSL 354 m above MSL 4 Geographical location in toposheet 83 F/16 5 Nearest representative IMD station Golaghat (44.9 km, N) 6 India Meteorological Dept. (IMD), Annual Mean Max 36.00C Data Temp Annual Mean Min 6.80 Temp C Annual Average 146 mm Rainfall Predominant wind NW and SE directions direction followed by NE direction

Study Period - Site specific Mean Max Temp 35.40C

Mean Min Temp 8.90C Average Rainfall 21.8 mm Predominant wind Mostly from NW followed direction by SE. Next predominant are NE & W direction

7 Present land use at the site 8 Nearest highway NH-39 (12 km, WNW) 9 Nearest railway station Naozan railway station (6.6 km,WNW) 10 Nearest airport Jorhat (72.7 km, NNE) 11 Nearest river Harmlangta River (1.1 km, SE) 12 Nearest town Golaghat (44.9 km, N) 13 Nearest major town with 2,00,000 Jorhat (72.7 km, NNE) population 14 Villages within 1 km radius 1) Dakawaliputhar no.1 (0.3 km, SW) 2) Benganabari Village (0.7 km, NE) 15 Hills/valleys NIL 16 Nearest tourist place NIL 17 Archaeologically important places NIL 18 Protected areas as per Wildlife 1) Nambar WLS (25.0 km, NNW) Protection Act,1972 (Tiger reserve, 2) Garampani WLS (30.5 km, NNW) Elephant reserve, Biospheres, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves and conservation reserves) 19 Reserved / Protected Forests Nambar Reserve Forest 20 Seismicity Zone-V as per IS 1983 (Part-1) 2002 Note: All distances mentioned above are aerial distances Source: Topo sheet No: 83 F/16, Google image and field visits.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-17 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

TABLE-1.13 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF WELL NL-11 (1 KM RADIUS)

Sr. No. Particulars Details 1 Well NL-11 Location Village Sonali nagar Mouza Sarupathar District Golaghat State Assam 2 Well site Coordinates Latitude : 26° 07' 01.771" longitude : 93° 54' 15.008" 3 Well Site Elevation above MSL 354 m above MSL 4 Geographical location in toposheet 83 F/16 5 Nearest representative IMD station Golaghat (43.6 km, N) 6 India Meteorological Dept. (IMD), Annual Mean Max 36.00C Data Temp Annual Mean Min Temp 6.80C Annual Average 146 mm Rainfall Predominant wind NW and SE direction directions followed by NE direction

Study Period - Site specific Mean Max Temp 35.40C

Mean Min Temp 8.90C Average Rainfall 21.8 mm Predominant wind Mostly from NW direction followed by SE. Next predominant are NE & W direction

7 Present land use at the site 8 Nearest highway NH-39 (11.7 km, WNW) 9 Nearest railway station Naojan Railway station (6.2 km, WNW) 10 Nearest airport Jorhat (71.6 km, NNE) 11 Nearest rivers Harulangta River (1.5 km, SE) 12 Nearest town Golaghat (43.6 km, N) 13 Nearest major town with 2,00,000 Jorhat (71.6 km NNE) population 14 Villages within 1 km radius Naojan forest village (0.5 km, N) 15 Hills/valleys NIL 16 Nearest tourist place NIL 17 Archaeologically important places NIL 18 Protected areas as per Wildlife 1) Nambar Doigrung WLS (23.7 km, WNW) Protection Act, 1972 (Tiger reserve, 2) Garampani WLS (29.3 km, NNW) Elephant reserve, Biospheres, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves and conservation reserves) 19 Reserved / Protected Forests Nambar Reserve Forest 20 Seismicity Zone-V as per IS 1983 (Part-1) 2002 Note: All distances mentioned above are aerial distances Source: Topo sheet No: 83 F/16, Google image and field visits.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-18 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

TABLE-1.14 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF WELL URAA (1 KM RADIUS)

Sr. No. Particulars Details 1 Well URAA Location Village Lakhi Pathar Mouza Sarupathar District Golaghat State Assam 2 Well site Coordinates Latitude : 26° 09' 46.207" Longitude : 93° 57' 12.736" 3 Well Site Elevation above MSL 354 m above MSL 4 Geographical location in toposheet 83 F/16 5 Nearest representative IMD station Golaghat (38.2 km, N) 6 India Meteorological Dept. (IMD), Annual Mean Max 36.00C Data Temp Annual Mean Min Temp 6.80C Annual Average 146 mm Rainfall Predominant wind NW and SE direction directions followed by NE direction

Study Period - Site specific Mean Max Temp 35.40C

Mean Min Temp 8.90C Average Rainfall 21.8 mm Predominant wind Mostly from NW direction followed by SE. Next predominant are NE & W direction

7 Present land use at the site 8 Nearest highway NH-39 (14.67 km, NW) 9 Nearest railway station Sarupathar railway station (9.7 km, NW) 10 Nearest airport Jorhat 11 Nearest river Rengma River 12 Nearest town Golaghat (38.2 km, N) 13 Nearest major town with 2,00,000 Jorhat (38.2 km, NNE) population 14 Villages within 1 km radius 1) Dolanipatha no.1 (0.7 km, SW) 2) Dolanipatha no.2 (0.4 km, SSE) 15 Hills/valleys NIL 16 Nearest tourist place NIL 17 Archaeologically important places NIL 18 Protected areas as per Wildlife 1) Nambar Doigrung WLS (20.7 km, NNW) Protection Act,1972 (Tiger reserve, 2) Garampani WLS (25.3 km, NNW) Elephant reserve, Biospheres, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves and conservation reserves) 19 Reserved / Protected Forests Dayang Reserve Forest 20 Seismicity Zone-V as per IS 1983 (Part-1) 2002 Note: All distances mentioned above are aerial distances Source: Topo sheet No: 83 F/16, Google image and field visits.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-19 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

TABLE-1.15 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF WELL NL-12 (1 KM RADIUS)

Sr. No. Particulars Details 1 Well NL-12 Location Village Lakhi Pathar Mouza Sarupathar District Golaghat State Assam 2 Well site Coordinates Latitude : 26° 09’ 49.331” longitude : 93° 57’ 17.530” 3 Well Site Elevation above MSL 354 m above MSL 4 Geographical location in toposheet 83 F/16 5 Nearest representative IMD station Golaghat (38 km, N) 6 India Meteorological Dept. (IMD), Annual Mean Max 36.00C Data Temp Annual Mean Min Temp 6.80C Annual Average 146 mm Rainfall Predominant wind NW and SE direction directions followed by NE direction

Study Period - Site specific Mean Max Temp 35.40C

Mean Min Temp 8.90C Average Rainfall 21.8 mm Predominant wind Mostly from NW direction followed by SE. Next predominant are NE & W direction

7 Present land use at the site 8 Nearest highway NH-39 (14.6 km, NW) 9 Nearest railway station Sarupathar Railway station (9.8 km, NW) 10 Nearest airport Jorhat (6.5 km, NNE) 11 Nearest rivers Rengma River (0.2 km, W) 12 Nearest town Golaghat (38 km, N) 13 Nearest major town with 2,00,000 Jorhat (65 km,NNE) population 14 Villages within 1 km radius 1) Dolanipatha no.1 (0.8 km, SW) 2) Dolanipatha no.2 (0.5 km, SSE) 15 Hills/valleys NIL 16 Nearest tourist place NIL 17 Archaeologically important places NIL 18 Protected areas as per Wildlife 1) Nambar Doigrung WLS (20.7 km, NNW) Protection Act, 1972 (Tiger reserve, 2) Garampani WLS (25.2 km, NNW) Elephant reserve, Biospheres, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves and conservation reserves) 19 Reserved / Protected Forests Dayang Reserve Forest 20 Seismicity Zone-V as per IS 1983 (Part-1) 2002 Note: All distances mentioned above are aerial distances Source: Topo sheet No: 83 F/16, Google image and field visits.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-20 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

TABLE-1.16 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF WELL NL-13 (1 KM RADIUS)

Sr. No. Particulars Details 1 Well NL-13 Location Village Baramukhia Mouza Sarupathar District Golaghat State Assam 2 Well site Coordinates Latitude : 26°16'41.590" longitude : 93°56'40.078" 3 Well Site Elevation above MSL 328 m above MSL 4 Geographical location in toposheet 83 F/16 5 Nearest representative IMD station Golaghat (25.4 km, N) 6 India Meteorological Dept. (IMD), Annual Mean Max 36.00C Data Temp Annual Mean Min Temp 6.80C Annual Average 146 mm Rainfall Predominant wind NW and SE direction directions followed by NE direction

Study Period - Site specific Mean Max Temp 35.40C

Mean Min Temp 8.90C Average Rainfall 21.8 mm Predominant wind Mostly from NW direction followed by SE. Next predominant are NE & W direction

7 Present land use at the site 8 Nearest highway NH-39 (8.6 km, WNW) 9 Nearest railway station Barapathar (11 km, WSW) 10 Nearest airport Jorhat (53.5 km, NNE) 11 Nearest rivers Langtajan River (1.7 km, SE) 12 Nearest town Golaghat (25.4 km, N) 13 Nearest major town with 2,00,000 Jorhat (53.5 km, NNE) population 14 Villages within 1 km radius 1) Dighat pathar (0.4 km, NNW) 2) Mirigaon (0.7 km, SW) 15 Hills/valleys NIL 16 Nearest tourist place NIL 17 Archaeologically important places NIL 18 Protected areas as per Wildlife 1) Nambar Doigrung WLS (10.3 km, NW) Protection Act, 1972 (Tiger reserve, 2) Garampani WLS (13.1 km, NNW) Elephant reserve, Biospheres, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves and conservation reserves) 19 Reserved / Protected Forests Dayang Reserve Forest 20 Seismicity Zone-V as per IS 1983 (Part-1) 2002 Note: All distances mentioned above are aerial distances Source: Topo sheet No: 83 F/16, Google image and field visits.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-21 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

TABLE-1.17 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF WELL NL-14 (1 KM RADIUS)

Sr. No. Particulars Details 1 Well NL-14 Location Village Langta Mouza Sarupathar District Golaghat State Assam 2 Well site Coordinates Latitude : 26° 14' 54.876" Longitude : 93° 56' 02.584" 3 Well Site Elevation above MSL 325 m above MSL 4 Geographical location in toposheet 83 F/16 5 Nearest representative IMD station Golaghat (28.8 km, N) 6 India Meteorological Dept. (IMD), Annual Mean Max 36.00C Data Temp Annual Mean Min Temp 6.80C Annual Average 146 mm Rainfall Predominant wind NW and SE direction directions followed by NE direction

Study Period - Site specific Mean Max Temp 35.40C

Mean Min Temp 8.90C Average Rainfall 21.8 mm Predominant wind Mostly from NW direction followed by SE. Next predominant are NE & W direction

7 Present land use at the site 8 Nearest highway NH-39 (8.6 km, NW) 9 Nearest railway station Barapathar Railway station (4.5 km, NW) 10 Nearest airport Jorhat (57 km, NNE) 11 Nearest rivers Langtajan River (0.4 km, SE) 12 Nearest town Golaghat (28.8 km, N) 13 Nearest major town with 2,00,000 Jorhat (57 km, NNE) population 14 Villages within 1 km radius Langta Basti (2.3 km, W) 15 Hills/valleys NIL 16 Nearest tourist place NIL 17 Archaeologically important places NIL 18 Protected areas as per Wildlife 1) Nambar Doigrung WLS (11.6 km, NW) Protection Act, 1972 (Tiger reserve, 2) Garampani WLS (15.6 km, NNW) Elephant reserve, Biospheres, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, community reserves and conservation reserves) 19 Reserved / Protected Forests Dayang Reserve Forest 20 Seismicity Zone-V as per IS 1983 (Part-1) 2002 Note: All distances mentioned above are aerial distances Source: Topo sheet No: 83 F/16, Google image and field visits.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-22 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

1.3.4 Importance of the Project

Total crude oil import for FY 2014-15 was 189.43 MMT almost same as the imports during FY 2013-14 (189.24 MMT; increase of 0.1%). However, import of petroleum products (20.28 MMT) increased by 21 percent, mainly on account of increase in import of LPG (26%), MS (58%), HSD (35%), Bitumen (80%), and other products like - Aviation gas, Pet Coke (33%), etc.

Petroleum products export declined for the first time in last 15 years; registering a decline of 6.2 percent mainly on account of decline in export of Naphtha, Fuel oil, Bitumen, etc.

With total import (crude and petroleum products) combined with total products export of 63.66 MMT translates to net import volume of 146 MMT for FY 2014-15. Net import bill for crude oil during FY 2014-15 was 6,873.50 billion (US$ 112.75 billion) against 8,648.75 billion (US$ 142.96 billion) during FY 2013-14 – a decrease of 20.5 percent in terms of the Indian rupee and decrease of 21.13 percent in dollar value mainly on account of lower crude oil prices in the international market.

Energy security has become one of the top three goals of the Indian Government. The Indian Government is encouraging exploration and production of oil and gas to a great extent. This would primarily allow India to tap its own resources there by reducing its import bill.

Discovery of viable hydrocarbon reserves in the state can boost the state’s economic development to a great extent. It would also catalyse influx of industries in the state. The proposed exploration project is thus of immense significance for the country.

ONGC is engaged in the exploration of oil & gas in the SAS Block. Discovery of hydrocarbons in this block will substantially improve the socio-economic conditions of the region. The proposed exploration will also help to discover the geological past to create the economic future for the region as well as to the country.

1.4 Scope of the Study

With a view to assess the environmental impacts arising due to the proposed exploratory drilling in SAS block, ONGC has retained the services of M/s Vimta Labs Limited, Hyderabad to prepare EIA report for various environmental components including air, noise, water, land and biological components along with parameters of human interest which may be affected and to prepare an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for mitigating adverse impacts.

Environmental baseline monitoring has been carried out during 15th January, 2016 to 8th April, 2016 representing partly winter and pre monsoon season and used to identify potential significant impacts. The scope of the present study is inline with the ToR as recommended by MoEF&CC. The scope of study broadly includes:

 To conduct literature review and to collect data relevant to the study area;

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-23 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

 To undertake environmental monitoring so as to establish the baseline environmental status of the study area;  To identify various existing pollution activities in the ambient levels;  Establishing the relevant features of the proposed exploratory drilling that are likely to have an impact on the environment;  Predicting the impacts on the environment due to exploratory drilling;  To evaluate the predicted impacts on the various environmental attributes in the study area by using scientifically developed and widely accepted environmental impact assessment methodologies;  To prepare a Disaster Management Plan (DMP) based on Risk Assessment, studies;  To prepare an Environment Management Plan (EMP) outlining the measures for improving the environmental quality and scope for future drilling activities and Occupational Health and Safety for environmentally sustainable development; and  To identify critical environmental attributes required to be monitored.

The literature review includes identification of relevant articles from various publications, collection of data from various Government agencies and other sources.

1.4.1 Administrative and Legislative Background

The principal Environmental Regulatory Agency in India is the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), New Delhi. MoEF&CC formulates environmental policies and accords environmental clearance for the projects.

The applicable environmental standards for the project are given in Annexure- II.

1.4.2 Study Area for EIA

The study area for the EIA study is the entire SAS block. The total block area is considered as the study area.

1.4.3 Methodology of the Study

Vimta Labs Limited, Hyderabad along with ONGC officials had conducted a reconnaissance survey and sampling locations were identified on the basis of:

 Collection, collation and analysis of baseline data for various environmental attributes viz Ambient air quality, Water quality, Soil, Noise and Bio diversity etc.  Predominant wind directions in the study area as recorded by India Meteorological Department (IMD);  Existing topography, location of surface water bodies like ponds, canals and rivers;  Location of villages/towns/sensitive areas;  Accessibility, power availability and security of monitoring equipment, pollution pockets in the area;  Areas which represent baseline conditions; and

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-24 Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for the Proposed Drilling of 15 Exploratory Wells in PML Areas of SAS Block in Sarupathar Tehsil, Golaghat District, Assam Chapter-1 Introduction

Field studies have been conducted for a period of three months i.e., 15th January 2016 to 8th April 2016 representing partly winter and pre-monsoon season to determine existing conditions of various environmental attributes as outlined in Table-1.18.

TABLE-1.18 ENVIRONMENTAL ATTRIBUTES AND FREQUENCY OF MONITORING

Sr. No Environmental Sampling Sampling Total Sampling Sampling Component Locations Parameters Period Frequency 1 Meteorology One central Temperature, one non monsoon Continuous location Wind Speed, Wind season (Three hourly Direction, Relative months) recording Humidity, Cloud Cover, Rainfall 2 Ambient Air 10 Locations PM2.5, PM10, SO2, Two consecutive 24 hourly Quality NOx, VOC, CO, days per week for samples THC, CH4-HC and one non - non CH4-HC monsoon season 3 Water Quality 3 Locations of As per IS: 10500 Grab sampling Once during surface water & 5 study period locations of Ground water 4 Noise 10 Locations Sound Pressure Continuously for Once during Monitoring Levels 24 hours study period 5 Soil Analysis 10 Locations in Soil profile, Composite sample Once during Existing ecological Chemical study period resources within constituents study area 6 Ecology 8 Terrestrial Flora and fauna Field observations Once in study Ecological and secondary period Locations & 3 sources Aquatic location within Existing ecological resources within study area 7 Demography Total block area Demographic Based on District Census Handbook and Socio- profile (2011) economic aspects 8 Land Use Total block area Trend of land use Based on District Census Handbook change for (2001) and satellite images different categories 9 Geology - Geological history Data collected from secondary sources 10 Hydrology - Drainage area and Based on data collected from pattern, nature of secondary sources streams, aquifer characteristics, recharge and discharge rates.

Apart from the primary data on the existing baseline quality status of various environmental components, a summary of physical, natural, social and cultural environment has also been provided incorporating secondary data collected from various sources. The methodology of monitoring and analysis is given in Annexure-III.

VIMTA Labs Limited, Hyderabad C1-25