Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Final Environmental Impact Assessment

Project Proposal

M/s. Smt. SINGAM BHAVANI (35.84 Hectares Laterite Mining) UN-SURVEYED AREA, ASANAGIRI (V), NATHAVARAM (M), VISAKHAPATNAM Dt., ANDHRA PRADESH.

Environmental Consultant

H.O: Enviro House, Block-B, B-1, IDA, Autonagar, Visakhapatnam – 530 012 Ph: 0891-2755528, Tel/Fax: 0891-2755529, E-mail: [email protected] Recognized by MoE&F and QCI No - 147

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

S.No. PARTICULARS PAGE NO. CHAPTER-I INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Introduction 8 1.2 The Objectives of study 9 1.3 Environmental Parameters in the study area 10 1.4 Details about the project site 11 1.5 Generic Structure of Environmental Impact Assessment document 16

CHAPTER-II PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.1 Introduction 18 2.2 Geology & Exploration 19 2.3 Mining Technology 21 2.4 Extent of Mechanization 23 2.5 Blasting 23 2.6 Nature of Waste 23 2.7 Employment Potential 24 2.8 Uses 24 2.9 Site Services 24 2.10 Water requirement and Effluent Generation 24

CHAPTER-III ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 3.0 Analysis of Alternative (Technology & Site) 27

CHAPTER-IV DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 4.0 Introduction 29 4.1 Micro metrological data 29 4.2 Air Environment 34 4.3 Water Environment 43 4.4 Noise Environment 54 4.5 Land Environment 57 4.6 Terrestrial 66 4.7 Socio- economic Environment 77

CHAPTER-V ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 5.0 Introduction 86 5.1 Ambient air quality 89 5.2 Air quality predictions 94 5.3 Occupational Health Hazards due to dust pollution 99 5.4 Noise Environment 101 5.5 Water Environment 105 5.6 Land use 107 5.7 Solid waste disposal 110 5.8 Ecological Impacts 110 5.9 Socio-Economic Impacts 110

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

CHAPTER-VI ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME 6.1 Environmental Monitoring 113 6.2 Monitoring around the Mine site 113 6.3 Post Project Monitoring programme 114 6.4 Monitoring schedule for environmental parameters 115 6.5 Infrastructure for environmental protection & socio- economic 115 6.6 Monitoring equipment & consumables 116

CHAPTER-VII ADDITIONAL STUDIES 7.0 Disaster Management Plan 118 7.1 Risk Assessment 118 7.2 Identification of Hazards 118 7.3 Preparedness plan 119 7.4 Training 120 7.5 Implementation of EMP & Monitoring system 120 7.6 Implementation 122 7.7 Activities to be monitored /inspected by EMC 122 7.8 Suggested Environmental Monitoring Programme 123

CHAPTER-VIII PROJECT BENEFITS 8.1 Employment Potential 126 8.2 Green belt Development 126 8.3 Water Environment 126 8.4 Revenue 126

CHAPTER-IX ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 9.1 Introduction 128 9.2 Socio-economic environment & safety 139 9.3 Management of Over Burden 140 9.4 Biological Management Plan 141 9.5 Green belt development/ Afforestation plan 141 9.6 Criteria for selection of species 141 9.7 Design of Green belt development 142 9.8 Recommended species for plantation 142 9.9 Greenbelt development 143 9.10 Infrastructure for Environmental protection 144

CHAPTER-X SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 10.0 Conclusions 146

CHAPTER-XI DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANTS 11.1 Services offered by SV Enviro 148 ANNEXURES Public Hearing Minutes & compliance ToR Copy Route Map Mining Plan along with Drawings 3

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

LIST OF FIGURES Chapter -1 Introduction 1.1 Topo map of 10 km Radius 13 1.2 Base map – 10km Radius 14 Chapter -4 Description Of The Environment 4.1 Wind rose diagram of Mine for the month of March-13 to June- 31 13 4.2 Site Specific Windrose for the month of May’14 33 4.3 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations 36 4.3.1 98 Percentile concentration of PM10 39 4.3.2 98 Percentile concentration of PM2.5 39 4.3.3 98 Percentile concentration of SO2 39 4.3.4 98 Percentile concentration of NOx 39 4.4 Drainage Map 45 4.5 Water Sampling Locations 46 4.6 Noise Monitoring Stations 55 4.7 Land use and Land cover map 58 4.8 Forest Map 59 4.9 Soil Map 62 4.10 Soil Monitoring Stations 63 4.11 Trilinear Triangle 65 Chapter -5 Anticipated Environmental Impacts And Mitigation Measures 5.1 SPM Ground Level Concentrations 96 5.2 PM10 Ground Level Concentrations 97 5.3 PM2.5 Ground Level Concentrations 98 Chapter -7 Additional Studies 7.1 Organizational setup of EMC 121 Chapter -9 Environmental Management Plan 9.1 Drainage Map – 10km radius 133 9.2 Typical Proposed Check dam across the nallah to arrest silt 137 carry over 9.3 Typical proposed retaining wall at dump site 137

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

LIST OF TABLES Chapter-1 Introduction 1.1 Details about Project Site 12 1.2 Terms of Reference - Compliances 15 Chapter -2 Project Description 2.1 Details of the Lease Area 18 2.2 Land use pattern of the Mine Lease Area 19 2.3 Proves Reserves (UNFC:111) 21 2.4 a Year wise production for five years 22 2.4 b Year wise production for five years 22 2.5 Employment Potential 24 2.6 Water Requirement 25 Chapter -4 Description Of The Environment 4.1 Frequency Distribution of wind speeds and wind directions 30 4.2 Techniques and Detectable limits for Ambient Air Quality 35 Monitoring 4.3 Analysis of Ambient air quality in the study period 37 4.4 Analysis of Ambient Air quality in the study period – May’ 42 2014 4.5 Water Quality Parameters 47 4.6 Details of Water Sampling Locations 49 4.7 Analysis data of ground water in the study area 50 4.8 Analysis data of surface water in the study area 52 4.9 Equivalent Noise Levels in the study area 54 4.10 Noise (Ambient Standards) 56 4.11 Ambient Noise Levels in the Study area 56 4.12 Comparative list of trees and shrubs encountered in the core 67 area and the buffer zone of the mine lease area during the pre‐monsoon season of 2013 4.13 List of vertebrate species either seen or reported to occur in 71 and around the site 4.14 Avian fauna of the MLA and its surroundings 72 4.15 Butterflies, Moths and Honey Bees found in the surroundings 74 of the mine lease area. The status is based on frequency and abudance, where C means Common; VC means Very Common and R means locally Rare. 4.16 Population Distribution –Study Area 78 4.17 Literacy –Study Area 78 4.18 Employments-Study Area 79 4.19 Main workers-Study area 80 4.20 Land Utilization Pattern 83 Chapter -5 Anticipated Environmental Impacts And Mitigation Measures 5.1 Effects of Air Pollutants on Plants and Animals 90 5.2 Salient Features of the ISCST3 Model 92 5.3 Emission Details of Pollutants 93 5.4 Predicted GLC’s at Monitoring Locations 94 5

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

5.5 Cumulative Concentration at Various Villages 95 5.6 Summary of Impact assessment: Air Quality 100 5.7 Noise Exposure Levels & its effects 103 5.8 Ground Particle Velocities (V) 105 5.9 Summary of Impact assessment: Water Resources 109 5.10 Summary of Impact Assessment: Soil and Land-use 111 Chapter -6 Environmental Monitoring Programme 6.1 Budget allocated for EMP 114 Chapter -7 Additional Studies 7.1 Suggested Environmental Monitoring Programme 124 Chapter -11 Disclosure Of Consultants 11.1 List of experts involved 149

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

CHAPTER – I INTRODUCTION

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Introduction

Mineral resources of any country contribute maximum for the economic growth of the nation. Mining industry is associated and is solely responsible for the exploration and excavation of these resources. Even though mining industry is one of the essential activities for the growth of any country, this activity is associated with the creation of many environmental problems and hence mining industry is considered as a necessary evil. Many of these problems can be avoided, if during conceptual stage of the mining project, adequate environmental control considerations are thought of and executed during the working of the mine. Once the mining activities are set up, it becomes very costly to install pollution control measures and implement other environmental control measures, if the same is not considered in the conceptual stage. Mining industry expects both positive and negative environmental impacts. Negative impacts cause environmental degradation. It is the responsibility of Mining Engineers and Environmentalists to document these impacts separately so that these can be identified and attempts may be made to minimize negative impacts and maximize the positive impacts for better development with least environmental degradation.

Smt. Singam Bhavani, Mine lease holder, the mining plan was approved by the Department of Mines and Govt. Memo No over an extent of 35.84 Hectares spread over in Un-surveyed area, Asanagiri (V), Hamlet of Sarugudu Panchayat, Nathavaram Mandal, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh. Govt. Memo No. 4485/M.III(2)/2010-2 dated 09.09.2011, Govt. of A.P, Industries & Commerce (M-III) Department for a period of 20 years.

The lease proposed to raise about production of 2, 73,600 Tons of Laterite per year on average in 300 working days from this area.

In order to fulfill the further necessary requirements for obtaining the Environmental Clearance for this mining activity, the proponent has initiated steps to carryout required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study in and around the proposed mine lease area. This assessment is performed to identify the likely environmental impacts and based on the findings; an effective environmental management plan will be put in place as per the EIA

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Notification 2006 general guidelines and the revised Model TORs outlined for Mining projects.

The standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) will be met and adhered to. This study covers an area surrounding the project site with a radial distance of 10 km from the proposed mining lease area. The baseline monitoring was carried out during the month of 20th March-13 to 19th June-13 and secondary data is available for the one month environmental base line data May, 2014 in compliance with CPCB guidelines.

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) project is aimed to identify and analyze the aspects that affect the Environmental conditions both, within the mine lease area and surrounding areas within the 10km radius from its epicenter. The project scope includes detailed characterization of various Environmental components like air, noise, water, land and socio-economics within this project study area of 10 km radius around the proposed mine site. 1.2 THE OBJECTIVES OF STUDY 1. To characterize the pre project status of the Environment around the proposed project location for major Environmental attributes, i.e. Air, Water, Noise, Land, Biological and Socio –economic Environment etc., 2. To identify and quantify the significance of impacts of various plant operations in

Environmental attributes.

3. To evaluate the impacts as Environmental quality scale.

4. To evaluate the proposed pollution and safety control measures and prepare EMP out lining additional control measures to be adopted for mitigation of adverse impacts. 5. To prepare a post project Environmental quality monitoring programme and

emergency plan to be pursued.

The study area covers an area of 10 km radius around the proposed mining operations.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS IN THE STUDY AREA

Collection of Base line data is an integral aspect of the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment report. Base line data reflects the present status of Environment before the initiation of any activity of the proposed project. The possible effects due to the proposed laterite mining are estimated and superimposed on the compiled baseline data subsequently to asses Environmental impacts.

Pre Project Environment Assessment was conducted in the study area during 20th March-13 to 19th June-13 and secondary data is available for the one month environmental base line data May, 2014. Studies were under taken to generate base line data of the following:-

1. MICROMETEOROLOGICAL DATA 2. AIR QUALITY – EXISTING AMBIENT AIR QUALITY 3. WATER ANALYSIS - (a) GROUND WATER -SHALLOW WELLS, DEEPWELLS (b) SURFACE WATER -STREAMS/ CANALS 4. NOISE LEVELS 5. FLORA AND FAUNA 6. LAND ENVIRONMENT 7. LAND USE / LAND COVER 8. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS and 9. SOCIO – ECONOMIC STATUS SURROUNDING THE PROJECT SITE.

Micrometeorological data collected simultaneously with the ambient air quality. Meteorological station installed at project site.

AIR ENVIRONMENT The prevailing ambient air quality status of the study region was assessed through a network of six (6) ambient air-monitoring stations during 20th March-13 to 19th June-13 and secondary data is available for the one month environmental base line data May, 2014. Different pollution parameters viz. Particulate Matter-10 (PM10), Particulate Matter-2.5 (PM2.5),

Sulphur-di-oxide (SO2), Oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and Silica are identified for representing

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

the baseline status of ambient air quality within the study region. Respirable Dust Samplers and PM 2.5 machines have been used for continuous monitoring. Micro-meteorological parameters like temperature, wind speed, wind direction, and relative humidity were continuously recorded using an automatic weather station during study period. The recorded data was used to determine predominant meteorological conditions, which are useful in characterizing the baseline air quality status and in prediction of impacts on the environment.

WATER ENVIRONMENT The project site is far away from sea and creeks. Primary and secondary information on water resources (ground/surface) was collected. The parameters of prime importance selected under physio-chemical characteristics were estimated to describe the baseline environmental status of the water resources during the study period.

NOISE ENVIRONMENT Noise is generated by many activities associated with production. Noise level measurement survey has been carried out in the study area to assess the impacts of the production activities. Noise level surveys were carried out at six (6) monitoring locations in and around the project study area. Noise levels (A-weighted) were recorded using a Portable Noise Level Meter.

LAND ENVIRONMENT Soil samples were collected from different locations of the project study area during the study period and were analyzed.

SOCIO ECONOMIC STATUS Socio-economic information such as, demographic pattern, population density, literacy levels, gender ratio, educational facilities, agriculture, income, medical facilities, etc., was collected through basic surveys and from few reliable secondary sources.

1.4 DETAILS ABOUT THE PROJECT SITE Smt Sigham Bhavani, W/o. Satyanarayana, The lease proposed to raise about production of 2,73,600 Tons of Laterite per year on average of 300 working days from this area using

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

heavy earth moving machines and installing the crushing and screening plants. The proponent status is “Individual”. The Mineral for which applicant intends to mine is: Laterite. The Power Supply, Post Office and Telephone Communications are available at Asanagiri Village. Amenities like Market, Hospitals and Police Station are available at Nathavaram. Table: 1.1 Details about Project Site

District & State Visakhapatnam District, A.P. Mandal Nathavaram Village Asanagiri Land Availability 35.84Ha Nature of the area Mine are with undulations

Toposheet No. 65/K/6 Latitude 17° 32’ 32.5” - 17° 33’ 14” N Longitude 82° 19’ 43.7” - 82° 20’ 10.6” E General climatic conditions Maximum Temperature 440C Minimum Temperature 180C Annual average rain fall 1000 mm Predominant wind direction SE Nearest habitation Asanagiri at 0.35 km from the proposed project site Nearest railway station None within 10 km radius Nearest High way NH5 Archaeological/Historically important site None within 10 km radius Sensitive places None within 10 km radius Sanctuaries/National parks None within 10 km radius Nearest Forest Sarugudu and Loddodi Nearest Reservoir Vokigedda Reservoir at 9.0Km

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Fig: 1.1 Smt. SINGAM BHAVANI LATERITE MINING TOPO MAP OF 10 KM RADIUS

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Fig: 1.2: Base Map – 10 Km Radius

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Terms of Reference State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Andhra Pradesh, Government of India, has provided the Terms of Reference for carrying the EIA study and preparation of EIA/EMP report for the proposed project through vide letter no SEIAA/AP/VSP-59/2011-2906 Dt: 08.08.2013. Point by point ToR detailed note has been present in the below.

Table: 1.2 S.No. TOR POINTS DETAILED NOTE 1. Plan and commitment for improving The access for ML area shall be from the road, education and medical Asanagiri Village to Sundarikota Village facilities as a part of the CSR, keeping which is connected to Sarugudu Village in view of the specific needs of the by Kutcha road. Sarugudu village is locals. connected to Natavaram Mandal by BT road. It is proposed to provide connecting road from Sundarikota village to ML area via Asanagiri village in consultation with revenue authorities. The project proponent has earmarked an amount of Rs. 15 Lakhs for road development, social welfare activities like education, health and communication facility to the surrounding villages. 2. Sketch plan showing a separate route Sketch enclosed as Annexure -3. bypassing the village for transportation of materials.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

1.5 Generic Structure of Environmental Impact Assessment document In terms of the EIA notification of the Moef dated 14th September 2006 as amended Dec 2009, the generic structure of the EIA document should be as under: 1. Introduction

2. Project Description

3. Analysis of alternatives (Technology and site)

4. Description of the Environment

5. Anticipated environmental Impact & Mitigation Measures

6. Environmental Monitoring Programme

7. Additional Studies

8. Project Benefits

9. Enviornmental Management Plan

10. Summary & Conclusion

11. Disclosure of Consultants engaged

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

CHAPTER – II PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.1 Introduction

Smt. Singam Bhavani is a private entrepreneur and an independent lease holder of Laterite

Mine located at Un‐surveyed area of Asanagiri Village, Hamlet of Sarugudu Panchayat,

Nathavaram Mandal, Visakhapatnam District over an extent of 35.84 Ha. Industries and

Commerce (M‐III) Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh granted mining lease vide memo no. 4485/M.III (2)/2010‐2 dated 9‐9‐2011 for a period of 20 years. The proposed mine lease area is a government land with hilly terrain. It is proposed to extract Laterite by open cast semi mechanized method with average production of 2, 73,600 TPA. The capital cost of the project is Rs. 50 Lakhs. Mining plan of the proposed mine lease area along with the Progressive mine closure plan is approved by Zonal Joint Director of Mines and Geology, Visakhapatnam,

Govt. of A.P. The details of the land area are presented in Table 2.1

Table: 2.1 Details of the Lease Area

District and State Mandal Village Lease Ownership of Area In land Visakhapatnam, Nathavaram Asanagiri Hamlet 35.84ha Govt.within of the A.P. lease area Andhra Pradesh of Sarugudu Panchayat

Land use pattern of the mine lease area

Total land of the lease area is 35.84 ha, the area proposed to be used is 6.6428 ha for mining, dumping, green belt and etc. details are given in table 2.2.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Table 2.2 Land use pattern of the Mine Lease Area S. No Description Plan period (Ha) 1 Mining area 5.1808 2 Overburden dump 0.96 3 Site services 0.01 4 Road 0.192 5 Green belt 0.3 Total 6.6428

2.2 Geology & Exploration Topography The applied M.L. area belongs to hilly terrain consisting of two hills tops, located on northern & southern sides and these two hill tops are connected by the narrow valley portion in the center. The area is consists of stony outcrops with moderate vegetation. In general the northern block of the area is elevated in the center and sloping on all sides. There is about 70 m (660‐730m) relief from center of the hill towards west direction. Whereas the southern block is elevated on western side and sloping towards north, east and south direction and there is about 90m (730‐ 640m) towards north, east and south. Regional Geology: The area forms as part of the granulites belt of the Eastern Ghats constituted of Khondaiite and Charnockites of the Archaeans. These rocks were subjected to granolithic faces of metamorphism owing to the repeated folding and shearing and traversed by pegmatite and Quartz veins of different periods. They make up the hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats. The rock trend in a general NW‐SE direction with steep dips to SW, the strike varies from NW‐ SE to E‐W or as a result of the folding. At places the hill tops are capped by crusts of Laterite. Local Geology The rock types exposed in the subject areas are: Soil : Recent : 0.5m – 1.0m Thickness Laterite : Tertiary : 3m to 12m Ferruginous, Kaolinized, Khondalite : Archaean : >3 (exposed on N side) The applied Mining Lease area is formed by the well know geomorphic province ‐ Coastal plains along the East Coast. The Archaean meta‐sedimentary sequence comprising the

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Khondalite and its faces variants occur per force on all the hills. Laterite is the economical litho‐unit available as a capping on top of the hill over a length of 280 km and to a maximum width of 75m (maximum); whereas the base rock of Khondalite is exposed at the peripheral of Laterite formation and the Khondalite is covered by the soil and screen at lower levels of the area. The Laterite is exposed to the surface on top of the hill as a scarp (vertical wall) to a thickness of 12m to 3m without any overburden and it is observed from the out crops that the Lateralization is continuing further depth from bottom of the scarp faces. Laterite: It is a residual deposit formed under specific climatic conditions in tropical regions. It is formed on top of the hills at higher altitudes. It is soft in nature and composed of moderate amount of Gibbsite and it shows brown Colour on the surface due to weathering. But the fresh surface of the mineral shows reddish brown colour. The alumina content of the Laterite varies from 30% to 32%. There are chances for occurrence of high grade Laterite (Bauxite) at some places. Such type of mineral (Bauxite) will be separated and stacked separately. Such occurrence will be reported to the authorities concerned and accordingly the applicant is given an assurance in declaration of mining plan for not dispatch the Bauxite in the guise of Laterite. Soil: The slope of the applied M.L. area is covered by the soil and Laterite Float to a thickness of 0.5 to 1.5m and it is followed by the base rock i.e. Khondalite at lower levels. Exploration It is proposed to drill 17 DTH holes in mineralized area to a depth of 10m to 30m depend up on mineral availability. The proposed bore holes will be drilled during fourth year after the lease is granted. Reserves The Laterite reserves were estimated based on the geological data collected from the surface out crops, exposed in the area. The Laterite is exposed to the surface of the applied M.L. area at higher altitudes without any overburden to a thickness of 3m to 12m and the same beds of Laterite is continuing further depth. The Laterite samples collected from outcrops of the area shows that the material has an economical value and feasible in cement manufacture. The mineral is exposed to the surface without any over burden; the mineral can be excavated economically. So, all the three accesses i.e. geological, economical and feasibility are feasible for the Laterite available up to 12m, the mineral reserves are classified as proved mineral reserves of UNFC: 111. Based on the data collected from surface features, the mineralized zone

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

is demarcated on geological plan. By making use of the geological plan, the geological sections are prepared. Based on geological sections, the minerals reserves are estimated by cross sectional method. Laterite reserves are estimated by multiplying the cross sectional area with the influence distance of section, tonnage factor and recovery factor of saleable Laterite. The tonnage factor of Laterite and the recovery factor of saleable Laterite are taken as 2.4 tons/m3 and 0.95 respectively. Proved mineral reserves are presented in table 2.3.

Table 2.3 Proves Reserves (UNFC: 111) Section Distance (m) Area (m2) Volume (m3) Laterite (t) Waste (m3) A ‐ A' 94 132 12408 28290 620 B ‐ B' 100 2000 200000 456000 10000 C ‐ C' 100 2064 206400 470592 10320 D ‐ D' 70 252 17640 40219 882 E ‐ E' 140 168 23520 53625 1176 F‐F’ 88 2976 261888 597105 13094 G‐G’ 100 3720 372000 848160 18600 H‐H’ 100 2880 288000 656640 14400 I‐I’ 90 1356 122040 278251 6102 Total 342888260 75194

Non‐Mineable reserves: The Laterite will be blocked in part of the 7.5m barrier on western sides of the area. Non mineable reserves : Length x Width x Thickness x T.F. x R. F. = 380m x 7.5m x 12m x 2.4 x 0.95 = 77976 tons. Mineable reserves = Total Reserves – Non mineable reserves 3428882 – 77976 = 3350906 tons.

2.3 Mining Technology Proposed mining activity will be carried out with the help of semi‐mechanized method by using an excavator without drilling and blasting. Laterite is formed and exposed to surface on the top of the hill without any overburden. Since it is soft to moderately hard it can either be excavated from its in‐situ position with the help of an excavator or with the use of low strength blasting. For Laterite excavations occasionally jackhammer drilling and blasting will be carried out. The excavated Laterite will be loaded directly into tippers of 10 tons capacity without any segregation or separation of mineral. This mineral will be transported by tippers to the mineral stock yard/railway loading point at Tuni. It is proposed for formation of an approach road for

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

transportation of mineral. In the plan period it is proposed to raise about 2,73,600 tons of Laterite per year of 300 working days on average. It is propose to start the working from both northern and southern side blocks in two benches of 6m height each and later these two benches will be advanced towards east & south respectively in each year. The year wise production and waste generation for next five years are presented in tables 2.4a and 2.4b Table 2.4a Year wise production for five years Year Bench No. Working Bench Volume (m3) Production (T)=V x T.F x R.F & RLS area (m2) Height (m) = A x H Laterite@95% Waste@5% m3 A H Northern Block (T) I 1st 725‐719 104 x 32=3328 6 19968 45527 998 2nd 719‐713 98 x 28=2744 6 16464 37538 823 Total 83065 1821 II 1st 730‐724 104 x 30=3120 6 18720 42682 936 2nd 724‐718 98 x 30=2940 6 17640 40219 882 Total 82901 1818 III 1st 730‐724 104 x 30=3120 6 18720 42682 936 2nd 724‐718 98 x 30=2940 6 17640 40219 882 Total 82901 1818 IV 1st 730‐724 104 x 30=3120 6 18720 42682 936 2nd 724‐718 98 x 30=2940 6 17640 40219 882 Total 82901 1818 V 1st 730‐724 104 x 30=3120 6 18720 42682 936 2nd 724‐718 98 x 30=2940 6 17640 40219 882 Total 82901 1818 T.F.: Tonnage Factor @ 2.4t/m3, R.F.: Recovery Factor is 0.95.

Table 2.4b Year wise production for five years Year Bench No. Working Bench Volume (m3) Production (T)=V x T.F x R.F & RLS area (m2) Height (m) = A x H Laterite@95% Waste@5% m3 A H Southern Block (T) I 1st 712‐706 180 x 40=7200 6 43200 98496 2160 2nd 706‐700 172 x 36=6192 6 37152 84706 1857 Total 183202 4017 II 1st 730‐724 180 x 40=7200 6 43200 98496 2160 2nd 724‐718 172 x 40=6880 6 41280 94118 2064 Total 192614 4224 III 1st 730‐724 180 x 40=7200 6 43200 98496 2160 2nd 724‐718 172 x 40=6880 6 41280 94118 2064 Total 192614 4224 IV 1st 730‐724 180 x 40=7200 6 43200 98496 2160 2nd 724‐718 172 x 40=6880 6 41280 94118 2064

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Total 192614 4224 V 1st 730‐724 180 x 40=7200 6 43200 98496 2160 2nd 724‐718 172 x 40=6880 6 41280 94118 2064 Total 192614 4224 T.F.: Tonnage Factor @ 2.4t/m3, R.F.: Recovery Factor is 0.95.

Life of Mine Total Laterite mineable reserves are 33, 50,906 tons. Annual average production proposed is 2, 73,600 Tons. At this rate of production life of mine will be around 12.24 or say 12 years. Conceptual Plan Based on the present estimated reserves, the life of the mine is around 12 years. After completion of the proposed exploration the quantity of reserves may increase. If the additional reserves are proved, the existing method of mining will be carried out in balance of the life period. By the end of the life of the mine, the final pit will cover an area of 17.5ha with a depth of 12m. In this life period, about 60,012m3 of waste will generate from this mine and the waste will be used for backfilling the worked out pit portion over an extent of 5000 m2. The back filled area will be planted and the balance pit portion will be used for rain water harvesting.

2.4 Extent of Mechanization Laterite will be excavated by using jackhammer drilling and blasting. The mineral will be loaded into tippers by using excavator. Transportation of the mineral will be carried out by the tippers from working pit to the stock yard. From stock yard the mineral will be supplied to the user industries by hired trucks.

2.5 Blasting Jackhammer drilling and blasting is used to excavate the Laterite from this area. Production of Laterite = 2,73,600 tons/year or 912ton/day. Yield of Laterite from each blast hole: 1.5m (spacing) x 1.5m (burden) x 1.5 (depth) x 2.4 = 8.1 tons. Requirement of blast holes per day: 912ton/8.1ton = 112.59 holes of 1.5m depth. Requirement of explosives @ 0.5kg/hole = 56.29 or 56kgs of slurry based explosives.

2.6 Nature of Waste No separate topsoil will generate from the mining and it is mixed with gravel and it will be treated as waste. The un‐saleable material consisting of gravel or fine material will be

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

treated as waste. About 5% of waste i.e. 9093m3 of waste will generate from northern block and 20913m3 of waste will generate from southern block. These wastes will be stacked in waste dump areas of 900m2 in Northern block and 1600m2 in southern block by the side of workings in non‐mineralized area to a height of 3m. The waste dumps will be stabilized by constructing a retaining wall around the toe of the dump to a width of 2m and to a height of 2m. Every year about 60m & 50m length of the wall will be constructed along the toe of the proposed dumps. 2.7 Employment Potential To achieve the production of 2,73,600 TPA or 912 TPD production in 300 working days per year at the rate of 10 ton OMS, the man power requirement at mine would be around 107 for maneuvering the machinery and handling the mineral excavation, breaking, loading etc. Table 2.5 Employment Potential S. No. Employ No. 1. Mining Engineer (Full Time) 1 2. Tipper & Excavator Operator 10 3. Semi Skilled 4 4. Un‐skilled Workers 92 Total 107

2.8 Uses Laterite will be used for cement manufacturing as an additive for lowering the clinkerization temperature and supplementing aluminous and iron contents required in the manufacture of cement. Other uses like road metal, as a stone for culverts and buildings.

2.9 Site Services Temporary sheds with cement plastered brick walls and G.I. sheet or grass roofing will be constructed including the area for mining office, first aid, rest shed, store, fuel shed and toilets covering an area of 100 m2.

2.10 Water Requirement and Effluent Generation Water requirement for the project is mainly for maintaining the green belt, for sprinkling on the haulage roads to mitigate dust emissions and for domestic purposes. The total water requirement is 12 KLD. The required water is drawn from the nearby villages through tankers.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Table 2.6 Water requirement S. No Water Usage Quantity KL/day 1 For wet drilling operation 1 2 For water sprinkling on mine haulage roads 4 3 Domestic 5 4 Green Belt 2 Total 12

Effluent generation and ground water The required water of 12 KLD for drinking and other purposes shall be met from nearby villages through tankers. The generation of wastewater from domestic source only, it is expected to be approximately 3.5 KLD, which will be sent to septic tank followed by soak pit. The mining lease applied area is a part of hill. The ground water is at 10 m depth at the foot hill outside the lease area. Workings will be carried out on top of the hill at a height of more than 140m from ground water table. The rain water accumulating at pit bottom in rainy seasons will be diverted to foot hills by making a drain and settling tanks. A low head diesel pump unit will be deployed to dewatering the working mine pit if such conditions arise.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

CHAPTER – III ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

3.0 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE (TECHNOLOGY & SITE):

During the scoping period, no necessity for the alternative analysis of the technology was observed as the technology/process mentioned for mining of the proposed product is best suitable. Moreover the unit is already completed public hearing for the existing activity has enough space so the proposed site is best suitable for the mining of the proposed mineral.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

CHAPTER – IV DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

4.0 INTRODUCTION Collection of base line data is an integral aspect of the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment report. Base line data reflects the present status of Environment before the initiation of any activity. The possible effects due to the proposed Laterite Mining are estimated and superimposed on the compiled baseline data subsequently to asses Environmental impacts.

Pre project Environment Assessment was conducted in the study area during March 20th, 2013 – June 19th, 2013 and secondary data available for the month of May’ 2014. Studies were under taken to generate base line data of the following:-

MICROMETEOROLOGICAL DATA AIR QUALITY – EXISTING AMBIENT AIR QUALITY ATER ANALYSIS - (a) GROUND WATER -SHALLOW WELLS, DEEPWELLS (b) SURFACE WATER -STREAMS/ CANALS NOISE LEVELS FLORA AND FAUNA LAND ENVIRONMENT LAND USE / LAND COVER SOIL CHARACTERISTICS and SOCIO – ECONOMIC STATUS SURROUNDING THE PROJECT SITE.

4.1 MICRO METEOROLOGICAL DATA The micro meteorological data at the project site is collected simultaneously with the ambient air quality monitoring. The station was installed at height of 10 meters above the ground level and the same is located in such a way that there are no obstructions facilitating free flow of wind. Wind speed, wind direction, humidity and temperature are recorded on hourly basis during the study period. Salient features of micro meteorological data collected are as follows:

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

1. Wind Direction and Speed: The hourly wind speed and wind direction observations are computed during various seasons of study period (March ‐ June 2013) and the same are presented in Table 4.5 and the wind rose diagrams are presented in Figure 4.8 and also secondary data available fo the month of May’2014. The following observations can be made from the collected data;

1 Calm period is observed to be 8.15% during the time of monitoring.

2 The predominant wind direction is southwest.

3 Other than predominant wind directions wind was blowing in south and southwest.

4 Mostly the wind speeds are observed to be in the range of 1‐5 kmph and 5‐10 kmph.

The salient features are discussed in brief as follows.

2. Temperature

(a) Maximum: 40.4 0C (b) Minimum: 16.4 0C (c) Average: 28.03 0C

3. Humidity The daily relative humidity values are observed to range between 35 to 78% 4. Rain Fall (a) Maximum: 5 mm (b) Minimum: 0 mm

Table 4.1 Frequency Distribution of Wind Speeds and Wind Directions

Wind Speed in kmph Calm 1‐5 5‐10 10‐15 >15 TOTAL N 0.05 0.05 0.09 NNE 0.09 0.00 0.09 NE 0.23 0.05 0.27 ENE 0.68 0.09 0.05 0.82 E 1.63 0.14 1.77 ESE 0.91 0.14 1.04 SE 1.63 0.14 0.05 1.81 SSE 5.25 0.59 5.84 S 0.95 13.04 1.54 0.59 16.12 SSW 11.01 1.18 0.59 12.77 SW 20.29 6.66 2.99 1.49 31.43 WSW 5.21 0.59 0.32 6.11

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

W 6.20 0.68 0.32 7.20 WNW 2.81 0.36 0.18 3.35 NW 1.45 0.09 0.05 1.59 NNW 1.27 0.18 0.09 1.54 CALM 8.15 8.15 Total 8.15 32.25 47.10 8.79 3.71 100.00

Fig: 4.1 WINDROSE DIAGRAM FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH-13 TO JUNE-13

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Meteorological Data Recorded at Proposed Project site (During 1st May’ 2014 – 31st May’ 2014):

An auto weather monitoring station was installed during the study period to record various meteorological parameters on hourly bases to understand the wind pattern, Temperature variation, solar insulation and relative humidity variation etc. Percentage frequencies of wind in 16 directions have been computed from the recorded data during the study period (1st May’ 2014 – 31st May’ 2014) for 24 hourly intervals to plot wind rose. Wind Pattern during the study period: The predominant wind direction during this period is observed to be blowing from SW to NE and S to N, Wind speeds during this period average 0.80m/s. Calm wind during this period 26.75%. the summary of the wind pattern is given below: S.No Wind direction 0.5-2.1 speed m/s >=3.6 speed m/s. Total 1 N 49 0 49 2 NNE 32 2 34 3 NE 13 1 14 4 ENE 6 0 6 5 E 11 1 12 6 ESE 9 2 11 7 SE 6 1 7 8 SSE 31 0 31 9 S 72 7 79 10 SSW 75 3 78 11 SW 135 4 139 12 WSW 20 3 23 13 W 10 1 11 14 WNW 7 0 7 15 NW 17 1 18 16 NNW 25 1 26 Sub total 518 27 545 Calms 199

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Missing/Incomplete 0 Total 744

Fig: 4.2 Site Specific Windrose for the month of May’14

The recorded meteorological data for the study period at project site is presented in below Table:

Summary of the Meteorological Data Generated at Site:

Month Temperature (°C) Relative Humidity (%) Rainfall Max Min Max Min Total (mm) May’ 2014 42 23 94 30 660

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

4.2 AIR ENVIRONMENT

The baseline status of the existing ambient air quality within the study region has been assessed through a monitoring network of 6 ambient air quality-sampling stations. Air quality monitoring was carried out during Pre-Monsoon season (i.e. March’13 – June’13) and secondary data is available during the month of May’ 2014 with 10km radius of the mine site.

Selection of Sampling Locations: The monitoring network has been established depending on the available climatologically norms of predominant wind speeds of the study region. The monitoring sites have been established keeping in view the available climatologically norms of predominant wind direction and wind speed of this particular region. The following points were also taken into consideration in designing the network of sampling station:

a. Topography /terrain of the study area b. Populated areas within the study area residential and sensitive areas within the study area. c. Magnitude of the surrounding industries d. Representation of regional background levels e. Representations of cross sectional distribution in downward direction.

Methodology of Sampling and Analysis: The baseline status of air environment was monitored for Particulate Matter-10 (PM10), Particulate Matter-2.5 (PM2.5) and gaseous pollutants like

Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Oxides of nitrogen (NOX) as per MoEF guidelines. The sampling and analysis of ambient air quality parameters was carried out as per the procedures detailed in relevant parts of IS: 5182 (Indian Standards for Ambient Air Quality Test Methods). The methods used for determining the above mentioned parameters and furnished in the Table: 4.1 The meteorological data has been used for interpretation of the existing baseline air quality pollution concentrations and the same has been used for prediction purposes.

Frequency of Sampling: 24 hrly samples for PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx, were collected from each station, at a frequency of twice a week for the non-monsoon season.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Table: 4.2 Techniques and Detectable limits for Ambient Air Quality Monitoring S. No. Parameter Technique Technical Minimum Detectable Protocol Limit (g/m3) Respirable Dust 1 PM10 Sampler (Gravimetric IS-5182 (Part-23) 5.0 method) Fine Particulate 2 PM2.5 Sampler (Gravimetric 40 CFR USEPA 5.0 method) Modified West and 3 Sulphur dioxide IS-5182 (Part-II) 4.0 Gaeke Oxides of 4 Jacob & Hochheiser IS-5182 (Part-VI) 4.0 Nitrogen Visible Absorption 5. Free Silica NIOSH -7601 - Spectrophotomer

4.2.1 AMBIENT AIR QUALITY SAMPLING STATIONS

Location Station Direction from Mine location Distance in Kms A1 Asangiri NE 0.3 A2 Kotturu NE 1.7 A3 Amirekula NW 2.6 A4 Puddedu SW 3.9 A5 Siripuram S 4.8 A6 Sarugudu SW 6.5

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Fig: 4.3 AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Table: 4.3 ANALYSIS OF AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN THE STUDY PERIOD

3 3 3 3 Parameter PM10(g/m ) PM2.5(g/m ) SO2(g/m ) NOx(g/m )

Monitoring Station

th th th th 8 No.of No.of samples Maximum Minimum Mean 98 percentile No.of samples Maximum Minimum Mean 9 percentile No.of samples Maximum Minimum Mean 98 percentile No.of samples Maximum Minimum Mean 98 percentile

Asanagiri 26 38 24 32.62 37 26 19 11 14.73 18 26 9 5 6.88 9 26 9 6 7.58 9

Kotturu 26 36 21 28.54 35 26 16 12 12.73 15 26 9 5 7.61 9 26 9 6 7.62 9

Amirekula 26 38 19 26.62 37 26 21 12 16.19 20 26 8 5 6.73 8 26 9 6 7.04 9

Puddedu 26 37 21 26.46 36 26 18 13 14.65 17 26 9 5 6.85 9 26 10 6 7.27 9

Siripuram 26 36 19 27.23 36 26 18 12 13.85 17 26 9 5 6.54 8 26 9 6 7.58 9

Sarugudu 26 38 21 29.77 38 26 16 13 13.81 16 26 9 5 6.88 9 26 9 6 7.77 9

CPCB 100 60 80 80 STANDARDS

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Summary of Analysis Data

On the perusal of above summary of analysis of ambient air quality in the study are it is evident that all monitored values in various locations are well within the specified limits of CPCB. The results are summarized below:

3 PM10: The highest PM10 concentration 38.0 µg/m was observed in the ambient air was recorded at station A1, A3 and A6 while the lowest PM10 concentration was found to be 19.0 3 th µg/m at A3 and A5. Average PM10 and 98 percentile values monitored in study area varied from 26.46 µg/m3 to 36.62 µg/m3 and 35.0 µg/m3 to 38.0 µg/m3 respectively. All 3 the monitored values of PM10 are well below the specified limit of 100 µg/m .

3 PM2.5 : The highest PM2.5 concentration 21.0 µg/m was observed in the ambient air was 3 recorded at station A3 while the lowest PM2.5 concentration was found to be 11.0 µg/m at th A1. Average PM2.5 and 98 percentile values monitored in study area varied from12.73 µg/m3 to 14.73 µg/m3 and 15.0 µg/m3 to 20.0 µg/m3 respectively. All the monitored values of 3 PM2.5 are well below the specified limit of 60 µg/m .

3 SO2 : The highest SO2 concentration 9.0 µg/m was observed in the ambient air while the 3 th lowest SO2 concentration was found to be 5.0 µg/m . . Average SO2 and 98 percentile values monitored in study area varied from 6.54 µg/m3 to 7.61 µg/m3 and 8.0 µg/m3 to 9.0 3 µg/m respectively. All the monitored values of SO2 are well below the specified limit of 80 µg/m3 .

3 NOx : The highest NOx concentration 10.0 µg/m was observed in the ambient air was 3 recorded at station A4 while the lowest NOx concentration was found to be 6.0 µg/m . th 3 Average NOx and 98 percentile values monitored in study area varied from 7.04 µg/m to 3 3 7.77 µg/m and 9.0 µg/m respectively. All the monitored values of NOx are well below the specified limit of 80 µg/m3 .

Note: Silica as a percent of PM10 is <2%

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Fig.No: 4.3.1

98 percentile concentration of PM10 100

60 37 37 36 36 38 40 35

0 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6

PM10 (ug/m3) NAAQS

Fig.No:4.3.2

98 percentile concentration of PM2.5 60 50 40 30 18 20 20 15 17 17 16 10 0 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6

PM2.5(ug/m3) NAAQS

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Fig.No:4.3.3

98 percentile concentration of SO2 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 9 9 8 9 8 9 10 0 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6

SO2(ug/m3) NAAQS

Fig.No:4.3.4

98 percentile concentration of NOx 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 0 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6

NOx(ug/m3) NAAQS

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Ambient Air Quality sampling carried out During May’ 2014: This section describes the selection of sampling locations, methodology adopted for sampling, analytical techniques and frequency of sampling. The results of monitoring carried out for study period May’ 2014 is presented below:

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Table: 4.4 ANALYSIS OF AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN THE STUDY PERIOD

3 3 3 3 Parameter PM10(g/m ) PM2.5(g/m ) SO2(g/m ) NOx(g/m )

Monitoring Station

ximum th th th th No.of No.of samples Ma Minimum Mean 98 percentile No.of samples Maximum Minimum Mean 98 percentile No.of samples Maximum Minimum Mean 98 percentile No.of samples Maximum Minimum Mean 98 percentile

Asanagiri 09 36.5 22.6 32.2 36.4 09 24.3 15.1 21.5 24.2 09 10.2 6.3 9.0 10.2 09 10.3 6.4 9.1 10.3

Kotturu 09 34.8 25.3 30.1 34.4 09 23.2 16.9 20.0 23.0 09 9.7 7.0 8.3 9.6 09 10.5 7.7 9.1 10.4

Amirekula 09 33.7 28.3 30.9 33.6 09 22.5 18.9 20.6 22.4 09 9.6 8.1 8.8 9.6 09 10.5 8.8 9.7 10.5

Puddedu 09 36.0 28.3 32.7 35.9 09 24.0 18.9 21.8 23.9 09 10.5 8.3 9.5 10.5 09 10.8 8.5 9.8 10.8

Siripuram 09 36.3 22.6 29.8 35.7 09 24.2 15.1 19.9 23.8 09 10.0 6.2 8.2 9.9 09 11.3 7.0 9.3 11.1

Sarugudu 09 39.2 24.2 31.9 38.6 09 26.1 16.1 21.3 25.7 09 10.8 6.7 8.8 10.6 09 11.3 7.0 9.2 11.1

CPCB 100 60 80 80 STANDARDS

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

4.3 WATER ENVIRONMENT

Information on water resources was collected during the study period. The parameters of prime importance were selected under physical, chemical inorganic, chemical organic and heavy metal groups. Water samples from ground and surface water sources were collected from seven locations within ten kilometers radius around the existing. The water samples were collected in pretreated sampling cans and transported to laboratory for analysis. Due care was taken during sampling & transportation of these samples.

4.3.1 SURFACE WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT

In order to have an idea of quality of water flowing in the region, representative water samples were collected during summer season in the study period; however this season the tanks are found to be dry. The drainage flow pattern is shown in Figure 4.5.

4.3.2 GROUND WATER DATA

Ground Water Resources:

Ground water is the accumulation of water below the ground surface, caused by rainfall and its subsequent percolation through pores and crevices. Percolated water accumulates till it reaches impervious strata consisting of confined clay or confined rocks. Occurrence of ground water is controlled by land form, structure and lithology. Ground water resources are ample in the study area. Every village has a number of traditional wells large and small. The state authorities have also provided tube wells fitted with hand pump for the drinking water requirement of villages in the study area. Presently the drinking water needs are mostly met from the ground water resources.

Quality of Ground Water The quality of ground water occurring in the geological formations in the study area is generally good in most of the areas. The representative samples are collected from various dug wells and bore wells in the study area. The analytical results of water samples drawn from various locations in the study area during various seasons during the study period are presented in Table 4.3. The map showing the location of sample collection (Figure 4.6) is also presented.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Water Quality Assessment

Assessment of water quality in the study area includes the quality assessment of following parameters as per the IS. 1. Ground water quality --- IS 10500-1992 2. Surface water quality --- IS 2296

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Fig: 4.4 DRAINAGE MAP

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Fig: 4.5 WATER SAMPLING STATIONS

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Table 4.5 Water Quality Parameters Parameters GW‐1 GW‐2 GW‐3 GW‐4 GW‐5 GW‐6 SW‐1 Units Method of Analysis IS 10500:2012 Standard o Temperature 30 27 29 26 27 27 30 C IS:3025 part 09:2002 Colour 2 5 30 1 3 2 25 Hazen IS:3025 part 04:1983 5 Turbidity 2.2 13.8 185 0.1 Nil 1.6 45.8 NTU IS:3025 part 10:1984 5 pH 6.05 7.48 6.38 7.25 7.11 7.29 7.35 IS:3025 part 11:1983 6.5‐8.5 Total Solids 122 259 227 817 813 814 165 mg/l IS:3025 part 15:2003 Ns Total Dissolved Solids 117 250 207 811 808 804 140 mg/l IS:3025 part 16:2006 500 Total Suspended Solids 5.0 9.0 20 6.0 5.0 10 25 mg/l IS:3025 part 17:1999 100 Total Hardness (as CaCO3) 60 185 155 245 475 281 75 mg/l IS:3025 part 21:2002 200 2+ 10 48 34 23 91 25 10 mg/l IS:3025 part 40:2004 75 Calcium (as Ca ) 2+ 9 16 17 46 60 53 12 mg/l IS:3025 part 46:2003 30 Magnesium (as Mg ) Sodium (as Na) 20 15 14 213 116 200 21 mg/l IS:3025 part 45:2003 Ns Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) 1.3 0.53 0.6 7.53 2.7 6.6 1.3 100 + 1.3 2.7 1.4 1.0 4.0 2.5 2.1 mg/l IS:3025 part 45:2003 Ns Potassium (as K ) Carbonate (as CO3) Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil mg/l IS:3025 part 51:2001 Ns ‐ 49 195 146 400 458 275 79 mg/l IS:3025 part 51:2001 Ns Bi carbonate (as HCO3 ) Alkalinity (as CaCo3) 49 195 146 400 458 275 79 mg/l IS:3025 part 23:2006 200 ‐ 43 43 35 213 206 323 28 mg/l IS:3025 part 32:1988 250 Chloride (as Cl ) 2‐ 2.2 5.4 14 76 50 34 8.3 mg/l IS:3025 part 24:1986 200 Sulphate (as SO4 ) ‐ 1.5 1.7 1.4 1.0 6.5 1.3 1.6 mg/l IS:3025 part 34:1999 45 Nitrate Nitrogen (as NO3 ) Silica (as SiO2) 0.5 0.7 1.0 0.02 0.07 0.12 2.5 mg/l IS:3025 part 35:2003 Ns ‐ 0.15 0.27 0.36 0.20 0.15 0.13 0.22 mg/l IS:3025 part 60:2008 1.0 Fluoride (as F ) Residual, Free Chlorine Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil mg/l IS:3025 part 26:2004 0.20 Mineral Oil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil mg/l G.C Method 0.50 Cyanide (as CN) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 mg/l IS:3025 part 27:1998 0.05 Aluminium (as Al) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 mg/l APHA, 3500‐Al 0.03 Arsenic (as As) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 mg/l IS:3025 part 37:1999 0.01 Boron (as B) <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 mg/l IS:3025 part 57:2005 0.50 Cadmium (as Cd) 0.04 0.04 0.04 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 0.02 mg/l IS:3025 part 41:2003 0.003 Total Chromium (as Cr) 0.03 0.12 0.07 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.13 mg/l IS:3025 part 52:2003 0.05 6+ <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 mg/l IS:3025 part 52:2003 0.05 Hexavalent Chromium (as Cr )

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Copper (as Cu) 0.05 0.06 0.08 0.04 0.03 1.4 0.06 mg/l IS:3025 part 42:2004 0.05 Iron (as Fe) 2.4 3.0 9.1 0.27 0.21 0.22 6.8 mg/l IS:3025 part 53:2003 0.30 Lead (as Pb) 0.08 0.03 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.06 mg/l IS:3025 part 47:2003 0.01 Manganese (as Mn) <0.02 <0.02 0.25 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.09 mg/l APHA, 3500‐Mn 0.10 Mercury (as Hg) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 mg/l IS:3025 part 48:2003 0.001 Nickel (as Ni) 0.04 0.00 0.08 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.01 mg/l IS:3025 part 54:2003 0.02 Selenium (as Se) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 mg/l IS:3025 part 56:2003 0.01 Zinc (as Zn) 0.07 0.09 0.81 1.75 1.30 0.82 0.06 mg/l IS:3025 part 49:2003 5.0 GW1‐Asangiri, GW2‐Kotturu, GW3‐Amirekula, GW4‐Puddedu, GW5‐Siripuram, GW6‐Sarugudu and SW1‐Sarugudu

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Water Sampling Locations during the study period of May’ 2014: One surface and six ground water samples were collected as grab samples and were analyzed for various parameters. The analyzed results were compared with the standards for drinking water as per IS: 10500. Table: 4.6 DETAILS OF WATER SAMPLING LOCATIONS Location code Location Distance from the project Direction boundary (km) GW-1 Mine site 0 -- GW-2 Lodaddi 3.0 SW GW-3 Sundarkota 3.0 NE GW-4 Siripuram 4.8 S GW-5 Kesavaram 4.0 W SW-1 Vokigedda Reservoir 9.0 NW

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Table: 4.7 ANALYSIS DATA OF GROUND WATER IN THE STUDY AREA Permissible Units Requirement Limits in the S.No. PARAMETER (Desirable absence of GW-1 GW-2 GW-3 GW-4 GW-5 Limits) Alternate source Physical parameters 1. Appearance when analysed -- Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable 2. Appearance when filtered -- Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable 3. Odour Agreeable Agreeable -- Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable 4. Color 5 15 Hazen < 2 < 2 <2 < 2 <2 5. Temperature of Water - - 0C 27.5 27.0 26.5 27.0 27.0 6. pH 6.5 -8.5 6.5 – 8.5 - 7.07 7.15 7.21 7.35 7.22 7. Turbidity 1.0 5.0 NTU 1.5 2.8 2.0 2.0 1.4 8. Total Suspended Solids - - mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 9. Total Dissolved Solids 500 2000 mg/l 769 745 812 886 901 10. Conductivity - - mhos/cm 1240 1205 1309 1333 1406 Chemical parameters

1. Total alkalinity as CaCO3 200 600 mg/l 545 520 580 628 639 2. Alkalinity as Phenolphthalein - - mg/l Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 3. Alkalinity as Methyl orange - - mg/l 545 520 580 628 639

4. Total Hardness as CaCO3 300 600 mg/l 388 374 408 445 450

5. Calcium Hardness as CaCO3 - - mg/l 228 220 217 260 265

6. Magnesium Hardness as CaCO3 - - mg/l 160 154 191 185 185

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

7. Chlorides as Cl 250 1000 mg/l 113 119 132 145 140

8. Residual chlorine as Cl2 0.2 1.0 mg/l Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 9. Fluoride as F 1.0 1.5 mg/l 0.82 0.83 0.81 0.88 0.85

10. Nitrates as NO3 45 45 mg/l 3.6 3.9 3.2 4.0 4.1

11. Sulphates as SO4 200 400 mg/l 20.8 15.3 14.6 22.3 23.0 12. Arsenic as As 0.01 0.05 mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 13. Cadmium as Cd 0.003 0.003 mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 14. Copper as Cu 0.05 1.5 mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 15. Lead as Pb 0.01 0.01 mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 16. Iron as Fe 0.3 0.3 mg/l 0.09 0.09 0.10 0.10 0.08 17. Manganese as Mn 0.1 0.3 mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 18. Zinc as Zn 5.0 15.0 mg/l 0.35 0.41 0.38 0.26 0.20 19. Dissolved Oxygen - - mg/l 6.52 6.61 6.38 6.42 6.25 20. BOD (3 days @ 270C) - - mg/l BDL BDL BDL <2 BDL 21. COD - - mg/l BDL BDL BDL <2 <2 <222. Kjheldal Nitrogen - - mg/l 2.6 3.8 3.2 4.0 3.5 23. Free Ammonia 0.5 0.5 mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL 24. Dissolved phosphates - - mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL

25. Phenolic Compounds as C6H5OH 0.001 0.002 mg/l BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL Microbiological Parameters 1. Faecal Coliforms Absent Absent MPN/100ml Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent 2. Faecal Streptococci Absent Absent MPN/100ml Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Note :- BDL denotes below detectable level

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Table: 4.8 ANALYSIS DATA OF SURFACE WATER IN THE STUDY AREA Permissible Units Requirement Limits in the S.No. PARAMETER (Desirable absence of SW-1 Limits) Alternate source Physical parameters 1. Appearance when analysed -- Acceptabl e 2. Appearance when filtered -- Acceptabl e 3. Odour Agreeable Agreeable -- Agreeable 4. Color 5 15 Hazen < 2 5. Temperature of Water - - 0C 26.0 6. pH 6.5 -8.5 6.5 – 8.5 - 7.33 7. Turbidity 1.0 5.0 NTU 2.2 8. Total Suspended Solids - - mg/l BDL 9. Total Dissolved Solids 500 2000 mg/l 158 10. Conductivity - - mhos/cm 263 Chemical parameters

1. Total alkalinity as CaCO3 200 600 mg/l 112 2. Alkalinity as Phenolphthalein - - mg/l Nil 3. Alkalinity as Methyl orange - - mg/l 112

4. Total Hardness as CaCO3 300 600 mg/l 60.0

5. Calcium Hardness as CaCO3 - - mg/l 40.5

6. Magnesium Hardness as CaCO3 - - mg/l 19.5 7. Chlorides as Cl 250 1000 mg/l 42.5

8. Residual chlorine as Cl2 0.2 1.0 mg/l Nil 9. Fluoride as F 1.0 1.5 mg/l 0.51

10. Nitrates as NO3 45 45 mg/l 0.08

11. Sulphates as SO4 200 400 mg/l 4.8 12. Arsenic as As 0.01 0.05 mg/l BDL 13. Cadmium as Cd 0.003 0.003 mg/l BDL 14. Copper as Cu 0.05 1.5 mg/l BDL 15. Lead as Pb 0.01 0.01 mg/l BDL 16. Iron as Fe 0.3 0.3 mg/l 0.03 17. Manganese as Mn 0.1 0.3 mg/l BDL 18. Zinc as Zn 5.0 15.0 mg/l 0.09

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

19. Dissolved Oxygen - - mg/l 6.89 20. BOD (3 days @ 270C) - - mg/l <2 21. COD - - mg/l <3 22. Kjheldal Nitrogen - - mg/l 1.0 23. Free Ammonia 0.5 0.5 mg/l BDL 24. Dissolved phosphates - - mg/l BDL

25. Phenolic Compounds as C6H5OH 0.001 0.002 mg/l BDL Microbiological Parameters 1. Faecal Coliforms Absent Absent MPN/100ml 10 2. Faecal Streptococci Absent Absent MPN/100ml 2 Note :- BDL denotes below detectable level

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

4.4 NOISE ENVIRONMENT A detailed survey on noise environment was carried out in and around the project site to study the levels of noise, as the high dB(A) levels may cause adverse effect on human beings and associated environment, including structures, domestic animals and natural ecological systems. Spot noise levels were measured using a precision noise level meter at residential areas, schools, hospitals, bus stands and commercial centers etc., in all seven locations were covered with in study zone. The following are the noise monitoring stations and noise levels Table: 4.9 EQUIVALENT NOISE LEVELS IN THE STUDY AREA

Equivalent Noise Levels S. No Location Leq Day Leq Night N‐1 Mine Site 44 35 N‐2 Asangiri 46 36 N‐3 Kotturu 48 37 N‐4 Amirekula 46 34 N‐5 Puddedu 47 35 N‐6 Siripuram 48 36 N‐7 Sarugudu 46 37

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Fig: 4.6 NOISE MONITORING STATIONS

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

The assessment of noise pollution on neighborhood environment due to the industry was carried out keeping in view, all the considerations mentioned above. The existing status of noise levels is measured at six locations at various villages within the study area. Figure 4.10 shows noise level measured locations. The measured noise values are shown in Table 4.11. Noise levels are high at the traffic junctions compared to the village areas. The highest noise levels are observed at Kotturu and Siripuram i.e., 48 dB (A) during day time and extremely low at Amirekula i.e., 34 dB (A) during night time in the study area at the time of measurement. Table 4.10 Noise: (Ambient Standards)

Area code Category of Area Limit in dB (A) Leq Day Time Night Time A Industrial area 75 70 B Commercial area 65 55 C Residential area 55 45 D Silence zone 50 40

Note-1 Day time is reckoned in between 6 AM., and 9 PM, Night time is reckoned in between 9 PM. and 6 AM. Note-1 Silence zone is defined as areas up to 100 meters around such premises as hospitals, educational institutions and courts. The silence zones are to be declared by the Competent Authority.

Ambient Noise Levels sampling carried out During May’ 2014:

The noise monitoring has been conducted for determination of noise levels at 7 locations covering both core and buffer zones in the study area. The noise levels at each location were recorded for 24-hrs.

Table: 4.11 Ambient Noise Levels in the Study area Location Noise Level dB(A) Day Equivalent Night Equivalent Mine Site 48.5 38.7 Asangiri 51.2 42.6

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Kotturu 51.2 42.6 Amirekula 46.8 34.8 Pudedu 53.7 44.7 Siripuram 53.3 44.3 Sarugudu 52.2 43.6

4.5 LAND ENVIRONMENT

The M.L. area is covered with Laterite Mine in area of 35.84 Hectares. The mine is located in Un-surveyed area, Asanagiri (V), Hamlet of Sarugudu Panchayat, Nathavaram (M), Visakhapatnam district. There is no perennial watercourse in and around the applied area.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Fig: 4.7 Smt. SINGAM BHAVANI LATERITE MINING LAND USE LAND COVER MAP

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Fig: 4.8 FOREST MAP

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

4.5.1 GEOLOGY

The area forms as part of the granulites belt of the Eastern Ghats constituted of Khondalite and Charnockites of the Archaeans. These rocks were subjected to granolithic facies of metamorphism owing to the repeated folding and shearing and traversed by pegmalite and Quartz veins of different periods. They make up the hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats. The rock trend in a general NE-SW direction with steep dips to SE. The strike varies to NW-SE to E-W or as a result of the folding. At places the hill tops are capped by crusts of laterite.

LATERITE: It is a residual deposit formed under specific climatic conditions in tropical regions. It is formed on top of the hills at higher altitudes. It is soft in nature and composed of moderate amount of Gibbsite and it shows reddish brown colour on the surface due to weathering. But the fresh surface of the mineral shows reddish brown colour. It has high alumina (>25%) and less silica (>20%).

RESERVES: The Laterite reserves were estimated based on the geological data collected from the surface out crops, exposed in the area. The Laterite is exposed to the surface of the applied M.L area at higher altitudes without any overburden to a thickness of 3m to 12m and the same beds of Laterite is continuing further depth. The chemical analysis of the Laterite samples collected from outcrops of the area shows that the material has an economical value and feasible in cement manufacture. The mineral is exposed to the surface without any overburden, the mineral can be excavated economically. So, all the three access, i.e., geologica, economical and feasibility are feasible for the Laterite available upto 12m, the mineral reserves are classified as proved mineral reserves of UNFC: 111. Based on the data collected from surface features, the mineralized zone is demarcated on geological plan. By making use of the geological plan, the geological sections are prepared. Based on geological sections, the minerals reserves are estimated by corss sectional method. Laterite reserves are estimated by multiplying the cross sectional aea with the influence distance of section, tonnage factor and recovery factor of saleable Laterite.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

4.5.2 SOILS – CROPS AND CATEGORIES The important soil crops of the zone are deltaic alluium (association of Entisols and vertisols), red soils with clay base (alfisols) black cotton soils which are heavy and deep to very deep (vertisols), red loamy soil also deep to very deep (Alfisols), coastal sands (Entisols) and saline soils (association of Aridisols). Alluvial soils occur in the deltas while in the uplands, red and black soils are found. Along the cost, the coastal sands are formed. Besides the irrigated alluvial delta, which occurs in the eastern part of the reserved zone, there is considerable area of uplands of both red and black soils where dry or irrigated dry crops are grown under canal and well irrigation. The cultivated area in the reserved zone may be ground under four major categories. Type of land % of total land Wet land 20 Garden land 38 Upland 35 Lanka land 7 The soil in general is rich in nitrogen and potash and the availability status of all the macro and micronutrients are satisfactory. The percentage of area under different soil types prevalent at the proposed mine is given.

Soil types prevalent at the mining zone S.No. Soil type % of area 1 Black clay loam 28 2 Alluvial 21 3 Garden lands(loamy soil) 18 4 Sandy loam 5 5 Red loam 13 6 Black cotton soils 15

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Fig: 4.9 SMT. SINGAM BHAVANI LATERITE MINING SOIL MAP of 10 Km Radius

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Fig: 4.10 SOIL MONITORING STATIONS

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Parameter Unit S‐1 S‐2 S‐3 S‐4 S‐5 S‐6 S‐7 pH 3.18 5.56 7.1 6.49 4.08 6.25 4.37 Electrical Conductivity (EC) mmhos/cm 4430 408 1353 469 441 340 432 Bulk Density g/cc 1.67 1.54 1.33 1.82 1.67 1.82 1.67 Cation‐Exchange Capacity (CEC) meq/100 gm 59 225 130 67 114 120 142 Infiltration rate mm/hour 18 27 23 16 25 26 19 Porosity % 37 42 50 31 37 31 37 Water Holding Capacity (W.H.C) % 4.8 12.4 15.9 12 12 13 12.0 Moisture % 4.6 11.0 13.7 11 11 11 10.7 Organic Matter % 0.2 4.9 4.3 2.5 3.0 3.6 1.6 Carbonates % Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Sand % 42 57 55 44 62 73 44 Silt % 49 32 32 43 23 22 40 Clay % 9 11 13 13 15 5 16 Organic Carbon % 0.14 2.84 2.48 1.5 1.7 2.1 0.92 Nitrogen (as N) % 0.003 0.018 0.016 0.003 0.01 0.01 0.013 Carbon / Nitrogen Ration (C/N) 54 160 159 510 123 185 69 Phosphorus (as P) mg/kg 266 340 801 647 612 1034 230 Potassium (as K+) mg/kg 247 363 2000 1218 190 271 385 Sodium (as Na+) mg/kg 167 65 856 126 62 591 1338 Calcium (as Ca2+) mg/kg 580 240 140 80 100 120 580 Magnesium (as Mg2+) mg/kg 97 49 535 170 267 36 85 Calcium/Magnesium ratio 5.97 4.94 0.26 0.47 0.37 3.29 6.82 Base Saturation 78 12 90 71 21 33 71 Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) 1.8 1.1 9.8 2.3 1.0 13.3 14.5 Chlorides (as Cl‐) mg/kg 1985 142 425 355 284 142 213 Sulphates (as SO42‐) mg/kg 136 206 351 105 151 166 194 Sand Sand Sand Loam Sandy Loam Loam Loam Texture y y y S1‐Site, S2‐Asangiri, S3‐Kotturu, S4‐AmirekulaLoa S5‐Puddedu, S6‐Siripuram & S7‐SaruguduLoa Loa

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

The test results of soil samples collected in the impact area are interpreted referring to the book; “Interpreting soil test results”. The pH of soil samples ranges from Extremely Acidic to slightly acid. The cation exchange capacity of the soils is very high in all samples, contributed mainly by sodium exchangeable ions. The level of nitrogen of the all samples is very low while the potassium levels are high. The base saturation of the samples is predominantly very weakly Leached. The calcium magnesium ratio of the samples reflects calcium is low. Bulk density of Loam varies between 1.67 to 1.82g/cc. In the case of Sandy Loam soils the bulk density remains at about 1.33 g/cc to 1.82 g/cc. The porosity values of loam soils are 31 -37 percent. Similarly Sandy Loam soils porosity varies from 31 – 50 percent.

Fig: 4.11 Trilinear Triangle

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

4.6 TERRESTRIAL

Flora and Fauna of the Study area:

The total mine lease area is 35.84 Ha. It is located between 170 32’ 32.5” to 170 33’ 14” (N) Long and 820 19’ 43.7” to 820 20’ 10.6” (E) Lat in an Un-surveyed area of Asanagiri village, Hamlet of Sarugudu Panchayat, Nathavaram Mandal, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh. The mine lease area is located on the slopes of two adjacent hillocks separated by a shallow valley. The two blocks are connected by a narrow corridor towards the western side. It is a nonforest revenue wasteland. The mine lease area is located between Lododdi reserve forest and Sarugudu reserve forest, 30m away from Lododdi reserve forest boundary and 1.8km away from Sarugudu reserve forest boundary. Lododdi reserve forest falls within the boundary of Rajavommangi Mandal of East Godavari District. Sarlanka reserve forest is located at a distance of 5.0km in south direction. There are also tall hills like Gundlakamma Konda, Errakonda, Pandu konda, Perantla kond, Purugurali Konda, Nalla Konda, Penu Konda and others with a maximum altitude of 827 m in Gundlakamma Konda. The hills and reserve forests are covered by dense mixed dry deciduous to semi evergreen type of forests. Plantations of Casuarina and Teak are very common all along the foot hills. Cashew nut is also fairly common along the slopes of the hills. There are no ecologically sensitive areas such as Biosphere reserves, Wildlife sanctuaries or National Parks or wetland or important bird areas within a radius of 10 Km from the MLA. There are no rare or endangered or endemic or threatened wild animals in the core area but Wolf, Sloth Bear, Python and Cobra are most likely to occur in the hill forests but not in the mine lease area which is very close to human habitation.

Flora and vegetation of the study area

A comparative list of plants found in the mine lease area and its buffer zone is given in Table 4.12.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Table 4.12 Comparative list of trees and shrubs encountered in the core area and the buffer zone of the mine lease area during the pre‐monsoon season of 2013

A denotes absence and P denotes presence Botanical name Family Found in MLA Buffer zone Acacia farnesiana Mimosaceae Deciduous forests P P Acacia catechu Mimosaceae Deciduous forests P P Acacia leucophloea Mimosaceae Deciduous forests P P Acacia nilotica Mimosaceae Naturalized P P Acacia tomentosa Mimosaceae Deciduous forests A P Acacia torta Mimosaceae Thorn forests A P Aegle marmelos Rutaceae Cultivated and in forests P P Ailanthus excelsa Simaroubaceae Cultivated & in forests A P Alangium chinense Alangiaceae Thorn scrub A P Alangium hexapetalum Alangiaceae Thorn scrub P P Alangium salvifolium Alangiaceae Thorn scrub P P Albizia procera Mimosaceae Deciduous forests P P Albizia amara Mimosaceae Deciduous forests P P Albizia lebbeck Mimosaceae Deciduous forests P P Alstonia scholaris Apocynaceae Forests & avenue P P Anacardium occidentale Anacardiaceae Cultivated P P Anthocephalus chinensis Rubiaceae Avenue tree A P Azadirachta indica Meliaceae Naturalized P P Azima tetracantha Salvadoraceae Thorn forests P P Balanitis aegyptica Balanitaceae Thorn forests A P Barleria montana Acanthaceae Thorn scrub P P Barleria prionitis Acanthaceae Thorn scrub P P Bauhinia purpurea Caesalpiniaceae Deciduous forests P P Bauhinia racemosa Caesalpiniaceae Deciduous forests P P Bauhinia tomentosa Caesalpiniaceae Deciduous forests P P Bauhinia variegata Caesalpiniaceae Deciduous forests A P Benkera malabarica Rubiaceae Deciduous forests P P Borassus flabellifer Arecaeae Deciduous / thorn forests P P Boswellia serrata Burseraceae Deciduous forests P P Breynia vitis‐idaea Euphorbiaceae Deciduous forests P P Bridelia retusa Euphorbiaceae Deciduous forests P P Buchanania lanzan Anacardiaceae Deciduous forests P P Butea monosperma Papilionaceae Disturbed forests & P P wastelands Cadaba fruticosa Capparaceae Thorn forest & hedges A P Caesalpinia pulcherrima Caesalpiniaceae Naturalized A P Canthium parviflorum Rubiaceae Thorn forests P P Capparis brevispina Capparaceae Thorn forest & hedges P P Capparis divaricata Capparaceae Thorn forest & hedges P P 67

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Cassia fistula Caesalpiniaceae Deciduous / thorn forests A P Catunaregam spinosa Rubiaceae Thorn forests P P

Ceiba pentandra Bombacaeae Dry forests & cultivated A P Ceriscoides turgida Rubiaceae Thorn forests P P Chloroxylon swietenia Flindersiaceae Deciduous forests P P Cissus quadrangularis Vitaceae Very widespread climber P P Citrus medica Rutaceae Cultivated P P

Botanical name Family Found in MLA Buffer zone Cleistanthus collinus Euphorbiaceae Deciduous forests A P Clerodedron phlomides Verbenaceae Hedge plant P P

Commiphora caudata Burseraceae Deciduous forests A P Cordia dichotoma Cordiaceae Deciduous forests P P Crateva magna Capparaceae River banks A P Delonix regia Caesalpiniaceae Naturalized P P Delonix elata Caesalpiniaceae Naturalized A P Dendrocalamus strictus Poaceae Deciduous forests P P Dichrostachys cinerea Mimosaceae Thorn forests A P Diospyros chloroxylon Ebenaceae Thorn forests P P Diospyros melanoxylon Ebenaceae Deciduous forests P P Dodonaea viscosa Sapindaceae Open scrub forests P P Dolichandrone falcata Bignoniaceae Deciduous forests A P Erythrina suberosa Papilionaceae Deciduous forests A P Erythrina variegata Papilionaceae Cultivated A P Erythroxylum Erythroxylaceae Deciduous forests P P monogynum Euphorbia antiquorum Euphorbiaceae Deciduous forests A P Euphorbia tirucalli Euphorbiaceae Deciduous forests A P Ficus benghalensis Moraceae Deciduous forests P P Ficus hispida Moraceae Deciduous forests A P Ficus microcarpa Moraceae Deciduous forests A P Ficus racemosa Moraceae Deciduous forests P P Ficus religiosa Moraceae Deciduous forests P P Gardenia gummifera Rubiaceae Deciduous forest A P Gardenia latifolia Rubiaceae Deciduous forest A P Gardenia resinifera Rubiaceae Deciduous forest A P Givotia rottleriformis Euphorbiaceae Deciduous forests A P Gmelina arborea Verbenaceae Moist Deciduous forests P P Gmelina asiatica Verbenaceae Thorn forests P P Grewia abutifolia Tiliaceae Deciduous forests P P Grewia damine Tiliaceae Deciduous forests P P Grewia flavescens Tiliaceae Deciduous forests P P Grewia orientalis Tiliaceae Deciduous forests P P 68

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Grewia rothii Tiliaceae Deciduous forests P P Grewia tenax Tiliaceae Deciduous forests P P Grewia tiliifolia Tiliaceae Deciduous forests A P Grewia villosa Tiliaceae Deciduous forests P P Gyrocarpus americanus Hernandiaceae Hill & thorn forests A P Hardwickia binata Caesalpiniaceae Deciduous forests P P Holarrhena pubescens Apocynaceae Deciduous forests A P (H.antidysenterica) Holoptelia integrifolia Ulmaceae Deciduous forests P P Homonia riparia Euphorbiaceae Rocky crevices A P Hymenodictyon orixense Rubiaceae Deciduous forest A P Ixora arborea Rubiaceae Deciduous forest A P Jatropha curcas Euphorbiaceae Hedge A P Lawsonia inermis Lythraceae Naturalized A P Leucaena leucocephala Mimosaceae Naturalized P P Botanical name Family Found in MLA Buffer zone Limonia acidissima Rutaceae Cultivated and in forests P P Ludwigia parviflora Lythraceae Deciduous forests A P Madhuca indica Sapotaceae Deciduous forests P P Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae Deciduous forests / P P Cultivated Manilkara hexandra Sapotaceae Deciduous forests P P Maytenus emerginata Celastraceae Thorn forest & hedges P P Melia azedarach Meliaceae Naturalized A P Memecylon umbellatum Melastomacaceae Open scrub and deciduous P P forests Michelia champaca Magnoliaceae Naturalized A P Miliusa tomentosa Anacardiaceae Deciduous forests A P Millingtoina hortensis Bignoniaceae Naturalized A P Mimusops elengi Sapotaceae Deciduous forests A P Mitragyna parviflora Rubiaceae Deciduous forest A P Morinda pubescens Rubiaceae Deciduous forest P P Moringa perigosperma Moringaceae Naturalized P P Mundelia suberosa Fabaceae Deciduous forests P P Murraya koenigii Rutaceae Cultivated and in forests P P Nyctanthes arbor‐tristis Nyctanthaceae Naturalized A P Oroxylon indicum Bignoniaceae Deciduous forests A P Pavetta indica Rubiaceae Deciduous forest A P Phoenix robusta Arecaeae Deciduous / thorn forests A P Phoenix sylvestris Arecaeae Deciduous / thorn forests P P Phyllanthus emblica Euphorbiaceae Naturalized P P Phyllanthus reticulatus Euphorbiaceae Deciduous forests A P Pithecellobium dulce Mimosaceae Naturalized P P Pongamia pinnata Papilionaceae Naturalized P P Prosopis cineria Mimosaceae Thorn forests P P 69

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Prosopis juliflora Mimosaceae Thorn forests P P Pterocarpus marsupium Papilionaceae Deciduous forests A P Salvadora persica Salvadoraceae Deciduous forests P P Sapindus emerginatus Sapindaceae Cultivated & in forests P P Schleichera oleosa Sapindaceae Deciduous forests A P Scutia myrtina Rhamnaceae Deciduous forests A P Securinega leucopyrus Euphorbiaceae Deciduous forests A P Securinega virosa Euphorbiaceae Thorn forests A P Semecarpus anacardium Anacardiaceae Deciduous forests P P Soymida febrifuga Meliaceae Deciduous forests A P Spondias pinnata Anacardiaceae Deciduous forests A P Sterculia urens Sterculiaceae Deciduous forests A P Stereospermum Bignoniaceae All types of forests A P personatum Stereospermum Bignoniaceae All types of forests A P suaveolens Strebulus asper Moraceae Moist river/ road sides P P Strychnos nux‐vomica Loganiaceae Deciduous forests A P Strychnos potatorum Loganiaceae Deciduous forests P P Syzygium cumini Myrtaceae Naturalized P P Tamarindus indica Caesalpiniaceae Naturalized P P Botanical name Family Found in MLA Buffer zone Tectona grandis Verbenaceae Deciduous forests & P P cultivated Terenna asiatica Rubiaceae Thorn forest P P (Chomella asiatica) Terminalia arjuna Combretaceae River banks & avenue P P plantations Terminalia bellirica Combretaceae Deciduous forests P P Terminalia catappa Combretaceae Naturalized A P Thespecia populnea Malvaceae Naturalized P P Uvaria hamiltonii Anacardiaceae Deciduous forests & Hills P P Vitex altissima Verbenaceae Deciduous forests A P Vitex negundo Verbenaceae Hedges & road sides. P P Vitex trifolia Verbenaceae Moist Deciduous forests P P Wendlandia tinctoria Rubiaceae Deciduous forest A P Woodfordia fruticosa Lythraceae Thorn forests A P Wrightia arborea Apocynaceae Deciduous forests A P Wrightia tinctoria Apocynaceae Deciduous / thorn forests P P Xylia xylocarpa Mimosaceae Deciduous forests A P Ziziphus marutiana Rhamnaceae Thorn forests P P Ziziphus oenoplia Rhamnaceae Thorn forests P P Ziziphus rugosa Rhamnaceae Thorn forests P P Ziziphus xylopyrus Rhamnaceae Thorn forests P P

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

A list of vertebrates other than birds either found or reported from the study area is given in Table 4.13.

Table: 4.13 List of vertebrate species either seen or reported to occur in and around the site. Those found in the MLA are indicted by * Common name Latin name IUCN / WPA Status MAMMALS Blackbuck Antelope cervicapra LC/II Spotted deer Axis axis LC/III Lesser bandicoot Rat* Bandicota bengalensis LC / IV Greater Bandicoot Rat* Bandicota indica LC / IV Jackal Canis aureus LC / IV Sambar Cervus unicolor LC / III Short nosed fruit bat Cynopterus sphinx LC / IV Three striped Squirrel* Funambulus palmarum LC / IV Bengal Mongoose* Herpestes palustris LC / IV Indian Brown Mongoose Herpestes fuscus LC / IV Porcupine Hystrix indica LC / IV Hare* Lepus nigricollis LC / IV Hanuman Langur Presbytes entellus LC/II Brown Rat* Rattus rattus LC / IV Wild boar * Sus scrofa LC / III Fox Vulpes bengalensis LC / IV Reptiles

Common name Latin name IUCN / WPA Status Chameleon Chameleon zeylanicus LC / IV Common Indian Krait Bungarus caeruleus LC / IV Common Indian Monitor Varanus bengalensis LC / IV Garden lizard Calotes versicolor LC / IV Giant Blind Snake Typhlops diardii LC / IV Indian Day Gecko Cnemaspis indica LC / IV Indian Rock Lizard Psammophilus dorsalis LC / IV Indian star tortoise Geochelone elegans LC / IV Marbled tree gecko Hemidactylus leschenaultii LC / IV Rat snake Ptyas mucosa LC / IV Russell’s viper Vipera russseli LC / IV Sand boa Eryx johni LC / IV Saw scaled viper Echis carinatus LC / IV Slender Blind Snake Typhlops porrectus LC / IV 71

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Indian wall lizard Hemidactylus flaviviridis LC / IV Tree Snake Chrysopelea taprobanica LC / IV Whip Snake Dryphis nasutus LC / IV Amphibians Indian Burrowing frog Sphaerotheca breviceps LC / IV Green Pond Frog Rana hexadactyla. LC / IV Common Indian Toad* Bufo melonosticatus LC / IV Tiger Frog Hoplobatrachus tigerinus LC / IV Tree Frog Hyla arboria LC / IV

Birds either spotted or reported from the study area are given in Table 4.14.

Table 4.14 Avian fauna of the MLA and its surroundings. The species spotted in the MLA (Core area) are indicted by * Common name Latin name IUCN /WPA Myna, common Acridothers trists LC / IV Common kingfisher Alcedo atthis * LC / IV Common teal Anas crecca LC / IV Spot‐billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha LC / IV Bar‐headed goose Anser indicus LC / IV Swift, house Apus affinis * LC / IV Indian pond heron Ardeola grayii LC / IV Owl, spotted Athene brama LC / IV Common pochard Aythya ferina LC / IV Tufted duck Aythya fuligula LC / IV Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis * LC / IV Crow pheasant Centrpus sinesis LC / IV Pied kingfisher Ceryle rudis LC / IV Pigeon, blue rock Columbia livia* LC / IV Indian roller Coracias benghalensis* LC / IV Common name Latin name IUCN /WPA Common Raven Corvus corax LC / IV Jungle crow Corvus macrohyuchos LC / IV House Crow Corvus splendens * LC / V Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus* LC / IV Common hawk Cuculus varus * LC / IV Lesser whistling‐duck Dendrocygna javanica LC / IV Wood pecker, Golden backed Dinopium bengalensis LC / IV White‐bellied woodpecker Dryocopus javensis LC / IV Egret, little Egretta garetta * LC / IV 72

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Asian koel Eudynamys scolopacea LC / IV Brown Falcon Falco berigora LC / IV Partridge, grey Francolinus pondicerianus LC / IV Painted spur fowl Galloperdix lunulata LC / IV Grey jungle fowl Gallus sonneratii LC / IV Barred jungle Owlet Galuciddum radiatuum, LC / IV White‐Throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis LC / IV Heart‐spotted woodpecker Hemicircus canente LC / IV Common hawk cuckoo Hierococcyx varius* LC / IV Swallow, common Hirando rustica, LC / IV Rufous‐tailed Weaver Histurgops ruficaudus LC / IV Munia, white‐throated Lonchura malabarica LC / IV Munia, spotted Lonchura striata LC / IV Crested kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris LC / IV Golden‐throated barbet Megalaima franklinii LC / IV Coppersmith barbet Megalaima haemacephala LC / IV White‐cheeked barbet Megalaima viridis LC / IV Brown‐headed barbet Megalaima zeylanica LC / IV Green bee‐eater Merops orientalis LC / IV Cotton pygmy‐goose Nettapus coromandelianus LC / IV House Sparrow Passer domesticus* LC / IV Jungle bush quail Perdicula asiatica LC / IV Cormorant Phalacrocorax higher LC / IV Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus* LC / IV Parakeet large Indian Psittacula eupatria LC / IV Rose‐ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri * LC / IV Duck, comb Sarkediornis melanothus LC / IV Indian robin Saxicoloides fulicata * LC / IV River tern Stema aurantia LC / IV Ring dove Streptopelia decactao LC / IV Myna, Black‐headed Sturnus pagodarun* LC / IV Pigeon, common Green Treron pheoenicoptera* LC / IV Barred button quail Turnix suscitator LC / IV

Butterflies, Moths and Honey bees found in the study area are given in Table 4.20.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Table 4.15 Butterflies, Moths and Honey Bees found in the surroundings of the mine lease area. The status is based on frequency and abudance, where C means Common; VC means Very Common and R means locally Rare.

Scientific Name Common Name Status Acrea violae Tawny Coster VC Anaphaeis aurota Pioneer VC Ariadne merione merione Common Castor R Borbo bevani Bevan's Swift R Caprona ransonnetti potiphera Golden Angle R Castalius rosimon rosimon Common Pierrot VC Catopsilia crocale Common Emigrant Catopsilia pomona Lemon Emigrant VC Catopsilia pyranthe Mottled Emigrant VC Cepora nerissa nerissa Common Gull C Chilades laius Lime Blue C Colias fieldii Dark Clouded Yellow C Colotis danae danae Crimson Tip VC Colotis etrida Small or Little Orange Tip VC Colotis eucharis eucharis Plain Orange Tip VC Danaus chrysippus chrysippus Plain Tiger VC Danaus genutia genutia Striped Tiger Delias encharis Common Jezebel VC Euploea core core Common Crow VC Eurema blanda silhetana Three Spot Grass Yellow C Eurema hecabe simulata Common Grass Yellow VC Euthalia aconthea meridionalis Baron R Evers lacturnus syntala Indian Cupid R Hasora chromus chromus Common Banded Awl C Ixias pyrene sesia Yellow Orange Tip VC Jamides celeno aelianus Common Cerulean VC Melanitis leda leda Common Evening Brown VC Pachiliopta aristolochiae aristolochiae Common Rose VC Papilio demoleus Lime Butterfly VC Papilio polytes polytes Common Mormon VC Papilio polytes romulus Common Mormon R Papilio polytes stichius Common Mormon R Pareronia valeria hippia Common Wanderer C Pelopidas mathias mathias Small Branded Swift R Phalanta phalantha phalantha Common Leopard C Precis hierta hierta Yellow Pansy VC Precis lemonias lemoninias Lemon Pansy VC 74

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Preis iphita iphita Chocolate Pansy C Spindasis elima elima Scarce shot Silver Line R Spindasis vulcanus vulcanus Common Silver Line R Suastus gremius gremius Indian Palm Bob R Tarucus nara Rounded Pierrot C

Scientific Name Common Name Status Tirumala limniace exoticus Blue Tiger C Zizina otis Lesser Grass Blue C Moths Achaea janata Noctuidae C Anisoneura hypocyanea Noctuidae C Nyctipao crepuscularis Noctuidae C Nyctipao heiroglyphica Noctuidae R Nyctipao macrops Noctuidae C Ophiusa algira Noctuidae C Euproctis scintillans Lymantriidae C Eupterote mollifera Eupterotidae C Eupterote undata Eupterotidae C Deopia pulchella Arctiidae C Hypsa alciphron Arctiidae C Pericallia ricini Arctiidae C Acherontia lachesis Sphingidae C Acherontia styx Sphingidae C Celerio lineata livornica Sphingidae C Cephonodes hylas hylas Sphingidae VC Polyptychus spectabilis Sphingidae R Protoparce convolvuli Sphingidae VC Honey Bees Apis dorsata Fab. Apidae VC Apis florea Fab. Apidae C Apis indica Fab. Apidae C

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Aquatic flora and Fauna It is a hilly terrain. There are no perennial water bodies. Hence the mine lease area and its buffer zone is not suitable for any aquatic life and fisheries. Predicted impacts Laterite mining does not require drilling and blasting since the rock is porous. Hence, there shall be no major noise and vibrations. The adverse impacts of the mine will be mainly due to transport and traffic related fugitive dust emissions particularly during the dry period. It can be easily suppressed by spraying water. Ground water is locally available. Laterite soils support the growth of trees and hence suitable for development of greenbelt.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

4.7 SOCIO - ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

Base line data for socio economic and cultural environment plays an important role in conducting EIA studies. Any development activity will bring about changes to socio- economic pattern.

Data on demographic pattern, population characteristics, employment, land use pattern, transport and recreation facilities were collected from Revenue offices and other Govt. agencies. Test check survey was also conducted in some of the villages.

All the above said environmental parameters will be used for identification, prediction and evaluation of significant impacts. Modeling of air quality using the baseline data has also been under taken to predict impacts of the project and for subsequent evaluation step.

4.7.1 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS

Demographic characteristics of the study area falling within 10 km radius of the project site have been compiled to assess the pre-project socio-economic status. Secondary data has been collected from various government agencies i.e., chief planning officer and other government departments of forestry, irrigation etc., and Mandal Development Offices of the relevant government departments.

Demography

The study area falls under the following Mandals of Visakhapatnam district; Munagapaka, Mulakalacheruvu Koyyuru, Paravada, Anakapalle, Butchayyapeta, Kasimkota and Atchutapuram. Mandals in East Godavari District are Rowthulapudi and Rajavommangi. Study area comprises of 63 revenue villages and 8 hamlets apart.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Population Distribution

The population distribution of the study area is presented in Table 4.16. The population density of this area is less. The total population of the area is 34688 consisting of 16920 males and 17768 females.

The total population of the scheduled castes is 1126 consisting of 566 males and 560 females, while the total scheduled tribe population is 16936 consisting of 8349 males and 8587 females, which is 3.24 and 48.83 % of the total population respectively.

Table 4.16 Population Distribution – Study Area Description Population Total Population 34688 Males 16920 Females 17768 Population < 6 Years 3602 Males 1826 Females 1776 Scheduled Castes 1126 Males 566 Females 560 Scheduled Tribes 16936 Males 8349 Females 8587 Literacy

Census operations consider a literate as a person who is above six years old and who can write and read as per the census. Table 4.17 presents the literacy levels in the study area.

The total population below six years old is 3602 consisting of 1826 males and 1776 females, which is 10.38 % of the study area population.

Table 4.17 Literacy ‐ Study Area Description Population Total Population 34688 Males 16920 Females 17768 78

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Population < 6 Years 3602 Males 1826 Females 1776 Literates 16187 Males 8672 Females 7515 Illiterates 18501 Males 8248 Females 10253

The percentage of literacy level in the study area among males is 27.9 and 24.17 among females. It may be observed that the literacy level among females is comparatively less than males.

Employment/Occupation

Work is defined as participation in any economically productive activity - Physical/mental. The work force is classified into three categories: a) main workers, b) marginal workers and c) non-workers. Main workers are those who work for a substantial part of the year for a living such as salaried employees, agricultural labor etc. Marginal workers are those who worked the previous year but have not worked for a substantial part of this year. Non- workers constitute students, housewives, dependents, pensioners etc. Table 4.18 presents the population distribution for employment. It may be observed that a majority of the study area population 39.80 % falls in the non- worker category and the marginal workers from about 19.92 % of the total population. The male female difference is also significant in all the regions and in all the categories. There are few females among the workers where as there are more non- workers and marginal workers among females. Table 4.18 Employments ‐ Study Area Category Population Total Population 34688 Males 16920 Females 17768 79

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Total Workers 20881 Male 11324 Female 9557 Total Main Workers 13946 Male 8299 Female 5647 Total Marginal Workers 6935 Male 3025 Female 3910 Total Non‐workers 13807 Male 5596 Female 8211

The main workers are further classified into; Total cultivators: those who engage a single worker or his family member to cultivate land for payment in money, kind or share; Agricultural labor: those who work in other’s lands for wages; Livestock, forestry, fishing and allied activities; Workers involved in manufacturing and processing industries in the house hold industries; non house hold industries; construction workers; workers in trade and commerce; workers involved in transport, storage and communication ; and other services: government employees, teachers, priests, artists etc. Table 4.19 presents the main workers distribution among the study area population.

It may be observed that over 13.68 % of the study area population is involved in cultivation or agriculture labor, It may also be observed that the people involved in non- household industry especially agro based industries in the area is reflected in the population distribution of main workers. Significant differences are observed among the male and female workers, Female workers are found to be more in agricultural activity largely due to more percentage of females being agricultural labor. Table 4.19 Main Workers ‐ Study Area Description Population Total Population 34688

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Males 16920 Females 17768 Total Main Workers 13946 Males 8299 Females 5647 Cultivators 2431 Males 1645 Females 786 Agriculture Labor 10025 Males 5636 Females 4389 Livestock, forestry, Fishing and allied activities 205 Males 146 Females 59 Other services 1285 Males 872 Females 413

Living Standards and Infrastructure Sustainable development of any area is dependent not only the population but also on the availability of infrastructure which leads to better living standards. The infrastructure facilities are essential in providing education, awareness, health, communication, potable water, transport etc. The standards of living are the sum of the availability of the infrastructure to the subject community, wide variations in terms of income, economic conditions and patterns of spending.

The infrastructure facilities available in the impact zone are reflecting the rural nature of the entire study area. I. Educational Facilities The educational facilities available in the rural areas are meager, despite the proximity to urban area of Visakhapatnam, Tuni and Kakinada. There are 8 middle schools and 2 high schools in the study area. There are No junior colleges in the area. The higher educational need of the population is met by Visakhapatnam, Tuni and Kakinada.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

II. Health facilities The medical and health facilities available in the impact zone are inadequate; there is 6 PHC, 12 PHS and seven child welfare centers. The health needs of the population in this area are met by quacks and other semi qualified persons.

III. Availability of Potable Water The entire population in this area is dependent on ground water for drinking purposes.

IV. Transport and Communication Transport is essentially provided by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC). Most of the study area has excellent road network in all the villages except in one village, which has kacha roads. APSRTC bus facility is available for the all the villages. However it is observed that a number of private transport vehicles are observed in the area connecting them to Visakhapatnam, Tuni and Kakinada.

V. Sources of Energy and Availability The primary source of energy in the study area is electricity, and the entire study area has electricity for agriculture and domestic purpose. The urban areas have LPG facility for their cooking purpose. A significant number of people in the urban area are also dependent on Kerosene for cooking purposes, which is contingent on the vagaries of public distribution system. A majority of the rural area is mostly dependent on Kerosene, dried cow dung cakes, wood from roadside trees for their domestic energy needs.

VI. Post and Telegraph facilities There are 9 post offices in the area and 1 post and Telegraph office in the study area. Phone facilities however are extended to some of the villages.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

VII. Housing Census defines the house hold as a group of persons living together and sharing their meals from a common kitchen. The number of households in the impact zone is 8589 while the number of the houses is 9716. The density of the households is approximately four. The traditional houses made up of mud walls and covered by dry common grass and leaves of bourses are commonly found in the rural area, which are not considered puce houses. The government has been augmenting the housing standards by constructing housing colonies for various weaker sections of the society.

Land Utilization Land use patterns can be prepared on the basis of revenue records though it is not an exact indicator of the actual use of the land at a given time. The impact zone has a large area in the forest land; Land use is presented under the heads of area under forest cover irrigated land, area under cultivation and cultivable wasteland in Table 4.20. Table 4.20 Land Utilization Pattern

Category Area in Hectares Total irrigated land 870.53 Area Not Available for Irrigation 2526.23 Culturable waste land 8126.98 Un irrigated 9749.17 Forest land 19560.09 Total 40833.00 It may be observed that a majority of the study area is forest land, followed by other Un irrigated land and Culturable waste land.

Project Economy The total mine lease area is 35.84 Ha. It is located between 170 32’ 32.5” to 170 33’ 14” (N) Long and 820 19’ 43.7” to 820 20’ 10.6” (E) Lat at Un-surveyed area of Asanagiri village, Hamlet of Sarugudu Panchayat, Nathavaram Mandal, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh. It is providing employment to 107 people. It is spending approximately

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

10 lakhs of rupees every month on salaries. The employers will contribute to the provident fund, ESI and provide facilities as per the relevant labor act.

The proximity of Tuni town will provide access to the extensive medical facilities available apart from the ESI medical facilities to the employees and their families.

It may be concluded that satisfactory amenities are available for the population of the impact zone, while the amenities are available either within the village or at a minimum distance of 7 km.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

CHAPTER – V ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 5.0 INTRODUCTION In this section, the potential impacts of the proposed mining and allied activities, which could cause significant environmental concerns, are identified and discussed. This discussion will form the basis for environmental management planning and will lead to designing of an EMP for the Laterite mine project located at Un Surveyed area, Asanagiri Village, Hamlet of Sarugudu Panchayat, Nathavaram Mandal, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh.

Based on the field study, the villages and hamlets located within 2 km distance from the mine site is considered to be the villages located within potential impacts zone. The village is Asangiri Hamlet located at a distance of 0.35 km in east direction.

Environmental impacts from mining & associated infrastructure

The project activities that are likely to cause potential impacts on environment are as follows: ➢ Mining operations; ➢ Associated Infrastructure A brief description of these activities and associated environmental impacts are discussed below.

Mining Operations

Mining operations involve development of benches, approach roads, haul roads, drilling, blasting, excavation and handling & transportation of Laterite and waste materials. The likely effects of these activities are:

➢ Land degradation; ➢ Visual intrusion of land; ➢ Fugitive dust generation; 86

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

➢ Higher run-off during rains; ➢ Higher noise and vibration levels; and ➢ Human health risks. The haulage of Laterite within the mining area etc will lead to emissions of fugitive dust and higher noise levels in the mining area. These operations generally result in generation of dust and higher noise levels and there by pose health hazards. However, it is proposed to provide water sprinkling on haul roads to reduce the fugitive dust emissions.

Proposed open cast mine will result in disturbance of the land use pattern of the Area and cutting of benches will result in higher chance of erosion effects due to surface run-off during heavy rainfall. The proposed Laterite mining area is devoid of persistent soil cover due to which one can anticipate that the overburden (OB) resulting from the proposed mining operation will be marginal.

It is proposed to maintain the mining floor level at a gradient of 1 in 20 to divert the mine surface run-off water during rainy season into the garland drains, which are proposed to be made in the periphery of the mining benches and haul roads. The water collected in the garland drains will be discharged to natural drain.

Associated Infrastructure

The associated infrastructure facilities for the proposed open cast mining project include

➢ Storage & Handling facilities (for fuel oil, lubricating oils and explosives) ➢ Mine office ➢ Water supply ➢ Power supply; and The environmental impacts associated with these infrastructural facilities are described in the following sub- sections.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Storage & Handling

Storage and handling of fuel oils, lubricating oil and grease, and explosives, are areas of concern from environmental, health and safety point of view. Vehicle and equipment maintenance would generate waste oils; oil and grease and suspended particles, which may also find their way into the wastewater streams.

Magazine area is another important area where safety precautions are to be adhered strictly in terms of procedures for handling and storage of explosives as they pose serious safety risks.

Mine Office

Mine office will mainly contribute towards solid waste and sanitary wastewater. A proper collection, transportation and disposal system will have to be developed for solid waste management.

Water Supply

Water requirement for the mine and its infrastructure will be met through the nearby village supply. Outlet points for water in the proposed mining lease area will be provided at various places inside the mine office. One water sprinkler is also proposed for dust suppression as well as for supply of water to any off-site work. The raw water will also be treated to comply with the drinking water quality requirements before being supplied to the mine office.

Climate

Micro-climatic conditions such as temperature, rainfall, wind-speed and relative humidity etc are regional phenomenon and are affected only if there are significant variations in the environmental set up. The proposed project is a small area development of mine and may not have a significant impact.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

5.1 Ambient Air Quality

The open cast mining operations will generate particulate matter (PM) and to a very limited extent SO2, NOx, and CO due to blasting (using explosives), fuel oil combustion etc.

The above systems necessitate mine workers and others directly involved in the mining/ field activity to wear dust mask as a safety precaution. Particulate Matter is the main cause of lung diseases and other respiratory disorders amongst the workers.

The ambient air quality monitoring results shows that in the villages around the mine area, particulate matter concentrations are within the prescribed limits (CPCB standards) during the monitoring period. At present the only source of pollution is the domestic activities and some small scale mining activities. Once the mining operation takes place, it is anticipated that marginal increase will occur in the SPM level of the core and the buffer zones. Dust suppression measures are, therefore, of utmost importance.

Vehicular movements within the mine site will add marginally to SO2 and NOx concentration. Monitored values of SO2 and NOx in the ambient air are reported to be very low. It is proposed that industry ensures regular maintenance and engine tuning of vehicles used within the mine area so that the emission levels remain within the stipulated norms.

The prevailing wind direction during the monitoring period was predominant mainly from Southwest direction. If adequate dust suppression measures are not provided, the dust particles and Particulate Matter will be transported to villages in the impact area in the eastern side as mining will be in an elevated area while most of the villages are located within valleys

PM levels will be higher within the active operational areas (mine area) due to blasting, transportation however, in the buffer zone it is not likely to be affected with dust problems, if proper dust suppression measures are taken.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Probable impacts of air pollutants on plants and animals are listed in the following Table 5.1.

Table 5.1 Effects of Air Pollutants on Plants and Animals

Pollutan Principal Anthropogenic Sources Effects Carbt Fuel combustion for No direct effect on people, however, on heating, transport, may lead to increase in global warming Carbo Incomplete fuel Deprives tissues of oxygen. n combustion (as in People with respiratory diseases. Sulp Burning of sulphur Combined with smoke, increases hur containing fuels like risk and effects of respiratory Diox HSD Causes suffocation, irritation of throat and ide eyes. Combines with atmospheric water vapor to produce acid rain. Reduces crop yield. Leads to acidification of soils. Corrodes buildings. Particul Smoke from domestic Possible toxic effects depend on ate and vehicular sources specific composition. Matter Aggravates effects of SO2 Reduce Sunlight

Details of Mathematical Modeling

A large number of different mathematical models for dispersion calculations are in practice in many parts of the world. Most of the models for prediction of downwind concentrations are based on Gaussian dispersion. The principle behind the Gaussian dispersion models is Gaussian probability distribution of concentration in both vertical and horizontal cross wind directions about the plume central line.

Predictions of ground level concentrations of the pollutants were carried out based on site meteorological data collected during the study period. For calculation of predicted ground level concentrations, ISCST3 model of Lakes Environmental based on USEPA, ISCST3 algorithms, was used; as it’s based on more sophisticated algorithm incorporating deposition, better algorithm for area sources etc.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Brief History of the ISC Models

The ISC3 models are based on revisions to the algorithms contained in the ISC2 models. The latter came about as a result of a major effort to restructure and reprogram the ISC models that began in April 1989, and was completed in March 1992. The reprogramming effort was largely motivated by the need to improve the quality, reliability, and maintainability of the code when numerous "bugs" were discovered after the implementation of the revised downwash algorithms for shorter stacks. However, the goals of the reprogramming effort also included improving the user interface by modifying the input file structure and the output products.

Overview of New Features in the ISC3 Models

The ISC3 models include several new features. A revised area source algorithm and revised dry deposition algorithm have been incorporated in the models. The ISC3 models also include an algorithm for modeling impacts of particulate emissions from open pit sources, such as surface coalmines. The Short Term model includes a new wet deposition algorithm, and also incorporates the COMPLEX1 screening model algorithms for use with complex and intermediate terrain. When both simple and complex terrain algorithms are included in a Short Term model run, the model will select the higher impact from the two algorithms on an hour-by-hour, source-by- source, and receptor- by- receptor basis for receptors located on intermediate terrain, i.e., terrain located between the release height and the plume height.

Some of the model inputs options have changed and never input options have been added as a result of the new features contained in the ISC3 models. The source deposition parameters have changed somewhat with the new dry deposition algorithm, and there are new source parameters needed for the wet deposition algorithm in the Short Term model. There are also new meteorology input requirements for use of the new deposition algorithms. The option for specifying elevation units has been extended to source elevations and terrain grid elevations, in addition to receptor elevations. 91

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

The utility programs, STOLDNEW, BINTOASC, and METLIST have not been updated. While they may continue to be used as before, they are not applicable to the new deposition algorithms in the ISC3 models.

The salient features of the ISCST3 model are presented below Table 5.2. The air quality predictions have been made using the model evaluation protocol for fugitive dust impact modeling for surface coal mining operations (EPA 1995, EPA 1994).

Table 5.2 Salient Features of the ISCST3 Model S.No Item Details 1 Model name ISCST3 (Based on USEPA algorithm) 2 Source Types Point, Area, Volume, Open Pits 3 Dispersion Equation Steady State Gaussion Plume Equation 4 Diffusion Parameters Pasquill Gifford Co‐efficients 5 Plume Rise Briggs Equation 6 Time Average 1 hr to Annual/Period Has Short Term and Long Term modeling options 7 Deposition Both Dry and Wet Deposition 8 Application Input Data: (i) Source Data mine coordinates, base elevation, emission rates of pollutants (ii) Receptor Data Grid interval, number of receptors, receptor elevations (iii) Meteorological Data Hourly meteorological data i.e. wind speed, direction, ambient temperature, stability and mixing heights

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Emissions from the Site The emission rates of SPM from these mines are presented in Table 5.3.

Table 5.3 Emission Details of Pollutants Excavation of waste material Quantity, m3/year 30006.00 Operations Hours Per Year 2160 Activity Rate, m3/Hr 13.89 3 Emission of Dust, gm/m 0.10 Emission of Dust, gm/hr 1.39 2 Area of Influence, m 4.80 2 Uncontrolled Emission Rate, g/s/m 0.00008 2 Controlled Emission Rate, g/s/m 0.00000008

Excavation of Laterite Quantity, M3/year 273600.0 Operations Hours Per Year 2160 Activity Rate, m3/hr 126.67 3 Emission of Dust, gm/m 0.1 Emission of Dust, gm/hr 12.7 2 Area of Influence, m 4.8 2 Uncontrolled Emission Rate, g/s/m 0.00073 2 Controlled Emission Rate, g/s/m 0.00000073

Transport of waste material Quantity, M3/year 30006 Operations Hours Per Year 2160 Capacity of Each Damper 10 Total Number of Dumpers Per Year 3001 Lead Length Per Trip 0.7 Total VKT Per Year 2100 Emission Kg/VKT 1 Total Emission Kg/Year 2100 Uncontrolled Emission Rate, g/s/m 9.3 2 Controlled Emission Rate, g/s/m 0.0093

Transport of Laterite Quantity, M3/year 273600 Operations Hours Per Year 2160 Capacity of Each Damper 10 Total Number of Dumpers Per Year 27360 Lead Length Per Trip 0.1 Total VKT Per Year 2736 Emission Kg/VKT 1 Total Emission Kg/Year 2736 Uncontrolled Emission Rate, g/s/m 84.4 2 Controlled Emission Rate, g/s/m 0.08444

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

The emission details are arrived at using the emission factors mentioned in air chief AP-42 published by USEPA. The size distribution is also considered from air chief.

5.2 Air Quality Predictions

Predictions of ground level concentrations of the pollutants were carried out based on site meteorological data collected during the study period. For calculation of ground level concentrations a grid of 1 km X 1 km with a receptor interval of 200 meters is considered.

It may be observed that the annual predicted maximum 24 hourly GLC’s of 3 SPM, PM10 & PM2.5 are 1.11, 0.44 and 0.20 g/m respectively and the maximum values are observed at center of site. The predicted ground level concentration is graphically displayed in Figure 5.1 to 5.3.

Table 5.4 Predicted GLC’s at Monitoring Locations Distance Direction S.No Location Name From Site PM (g/m3) PM (g/m3) Form site 10 2.5 (Km) Buffer Zone A‐01. Asangiri 0.35 NE 0.378 0.170 A‐02. Kotturu 1.7 NE 0.130 0.058 A‐03. Amirekula 2.6 NW 0.001 0.000 A‐04. Puddedu 3.9 SW 0.002 0.001 A‐05. Siripuram 4.8 S 0.001 0.000 A‐06. Sarugudu 6.5 SW 0.003 0.001 Reserve Forest 01. Lododdi RF 0.03 W 0.378 0.170 02. Bardanapalle RF 6.2 NW 0.000 0.000 03. Rajavommangi RF 4.2 NW 0.000 0.000 04. Vatangi RF 5.5 SW 0.002 0.001 05. Srlanka RF 5.0 S 0.002 0.001 06. Sarugudu RF 1.8 SE 0.002 0.001

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Table 5.5 Cumulative Concentration at Various Villages

Cumulative Distance Concentration Predicted GLC Direction Concentration S.No Location Name From Site (g/m3) (g/m3) Form site (g/m3) (Km) PM10 PM2.5 PM10 PM2.5 PM10 PM2.5 Buffer Zone A‐01. Asangiri 0.35 NE 38 19 0.378 0.170 38.95 19.38 A‐02. Kotturu 1.7 NE 36 16 0.130 0.058 36.32 16.13 A‐03. Amirekula 2.6 NW 38 21 0.001 0.000 38.00 21.00 A‐04. Puddedu 3.9 SW 37 18 0.002 0.001 37.00 18.00 A‐05. Siripuram 4.8 S 36 18 0.001 0.000 36.00 18.00 A‐06. Sarugudu 6.5 SW 38 16 0.003 0.001 38.01 16.00 Reserve Forest 01. Lododdi RF 0.03 W 0.378 0.170 0.378 0.170 02. Bardanapalle RF 6.2 NW 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 03. Rajavdamangi RF 4.2 NW 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 04. Vatangi RF 5.5 SW 0.002 0.001 0.002 0.001 05. Srlanka RF 5.0 S 0.002 0.001 0.002 0.001 06. Sarugudu RF 1.8 SE 0.002 0.001 0.002 0.001

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Figure 5.1 SPM Ground Level Concentrations

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Figure 5.2 PM10 Ground Level Concentrations

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Figure 5.3 PM2.5 Ground Level Concentrations

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

5.3 Occupational Health Hazards Due to Dust Pollution

Progressive disintegration of suspended solid particles or dust results in major health problems. Smaller the particle size (less than 10) higher is the chemical and biological reactivity, resulting in increased toxicity than the parent lump. This micron sized particles, once air-borne, are extremely difficult to be collected or trapped. Due to the minute size of the particles, the ambient environment remains clear giving a deceptive sense of security to the workers and the management.

This dust has serious impact on the health of the workers. Lung functions are impaired due to both respirable and non-respirable dust particles. Chronic exposure leads to respiratory illnesses like asthma, emphysema, severe dyspnea (shortness of breath), and bronchitis and in extreme cases pneumoconiosis or the black-lung disease of miners. There may be several components of Laterite dust. The effect of dust may be harmful to the human health.

The summary of likely impacts on the ambient air quality of the study area is given n Table 5.6.

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Table 5.6 Summary of Impact Assessment: Air Quality

Impact area Nature of Impact Targets/Interests Magnitude and Extent Overall Significance For the duration of the project However, impacts Generally would largely be reversible. Local/Regional Degradation Emissions Interests of PM Nearby villages. Working people. Impact. Dust emission * * Major significance. of Air (dust) and to a smaller No sensitive receptors. should be quickly Quality extent SO2, NOx, would suppressed to occur during all stages of the insignificant levels. project. Deposition of Potentially long‐term impact Potential effect on human health Localized adverse * Moderate (In case of human Pollutants, due to accumulation of SPM, due to SPM deposition in the effect. Magnitude health, as immediate (SPM) dust SO2 deposition lungs; Potential effect on land dependent on consequences of dust will be in human and soil quality of nearby emissions and on human beings) 0 Minor/ beings and in agricultural fields; Marginal management of dust moderate significance, in case mine area effect on flora and fauna, control. of land, flora and fauna. because of degraded vegetation. However, should the control measures fail; the potential impact could be of major significance). 1. Description; short or long term; reversible or permanent; associated with construction, operation, decommissioning; cumulative, accidental, etc. 2. Targets and interests potentially affected. 3. Adverse or beneficial; small, large, etc; very localized (mine site only), local, regional national. 4. Overall significance against criteria (O minor; * moderate, some significance; ** major).

100

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

5.4 Noise Environment

Once the mine becomes operational, there would be various sources of noise in the area. These sources would be:

➢ Drilling; ➢ Blasting; ➢ Vehicular Movement; Mining operations would be the main sources of noise pollution. Noise due to vehicular movement will be intermittent, but will also add to the background noise level. It has been observed that mechanization of mining technology generally leads to higher noise levels if not properly controlled. Operation of drills, dumpers, pay loaders and dozers involve noise generation above 90 dB (A), which is the prescribed Threshold Limit Value (TLV). The monitoring values for noise levels are within the prescribed levels of CPCB.

It is anticipated that at the mine site where heavy earth moving machinery is in operation, noise level is more than the stipulated 90 dB (A) per DGMS Circular, No 18 (Tech) of 1975. The noise level is within the tolerance limit at a distance of 15 to 20 m or so.

The sound pressure level generated by a noise source decreases with increasing distance from the source due to wave divergence. Noise attenuation with respect to distance in all directions over horizontal distance can be given by the following equation:

Sound level dB (A) = LW - 20 log10 R-8

Where LW = Sound level of source, dB A) &

R = Source distance, m

For an approximate estimation of dispersion of noise in the ambient air from the source point, a standard mathematical model for sound wave propagation is used by considering 95 dB (A) as the resultant noise level generated from mining 101

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operation and the results show that the attenuated noise levels shall be 45 dB (A) at a distance of 250 m from the site. The impact of the activity on the noise levels shall be minimal as there is no residential area within 350 m of the site and the mining activity is conducted only during daytime. The noise produced by blasting would be for extremely short duration of around 0.5 seconds, though with high intensity. The impacts over the surrounding habitat can be minimized by adopting adequate precautions during blasting and also by properly scheduling it as indicated in the management plan. While considering proper noise prevention and control measures have been included, the effect of increased noise levels due to mining over villages such as Asangiri in the immediate vicinity also needs to be considered.

5.4.1 Occupational Health Hazards of Noise Pollution

The noise levels in many situations would be above TLV. Exposure to noise levels, above TLV, has been found to have detrimental effect on the workers' health. Mineworkers working for more than 4 to 4.5 hours per shift will be greatly affected, unless suitable mitigatory measures are taken. The adverse effects of high noise levels on exposed workers may result in:

➢ Annoyance;

➢ Fatigue;

➢ Temporary shift of threshold limit of hearing;

➢ Permanent loss of hearing; and

➢ Hypertension and high blood cholesterol, etc.

Noise pollution poses a major health risk to the mineworkers. When noise in the form of waves impinges the eardrum, it begins to vibrate, stimulating other delicate tissues and organs in the ear. If the magnitude of noise exceeds the tolerance limits, it is manifested in the form of discomfort leading to annoyance and in extreme cases to loss of hearing. Detrimental effects of noise pollution are not only related to sound pressure level and frequency, but also on the total

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duration of exposure and the age of the person. Table 5.7 below gives frequency levels and associated mental and physical response of humans.

Table 5.7 Noise Exposure Levels & Its Effects

S.No Noise Level dB (A) Exposure Time Effects 1 85 Continuous Safe 2 85‐90 Continuous Annoyance and irritation 3 90‐100 Short term Temporary shift in hearing threshold, generally with complete recovery. 4 Above 100 Continuous Permanent loss of hearing Short Term Permanent hearing loss can be avoided

5 100‐110 Several years Permanent deafness 6 110‐120 Few months Permanent deafness 7 120 Short term Extreme discomfort 8 140 Short term Discomfort with actual pain 9 150 and above Single exposure Mechanical damage to the ear

Ground Vibrations

Due to blasting, the vibrations can cause damage to the nearby structures if appropriate control measures are not adopted. Therefore, the control measures suggested in management plan should be adhered to.

Blasting will also result in fly rocks. The factors, which influence fly rock production, are long explosive column with little stemming column, improper burden, loose material or pebbles near the holes and long water column in the hole. The actual blasts at the mines are to be closely monitored for any fly rocks and precautions against fly rock are to be taken.

When an explosive charge is fired in a hole, stress waves propagate radically in all directions and cause the rock particles to oscillate. This oscillation is felt as ground vibration. The existing mining operations using deep hole drilling and blasting using delay detonators are bound to produce ground vibrations. The total explosive consumption is proposed to be 56 kg/day.

Blasting, in addition to easing the hard strata, generates ground vibrations and instantaneous noise. Ground vibrations from mine blasting may be expressed by 103

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amplitude, frequency and duration of blast. The variables, which influence ground vibrations, are controllable and non-controllable. The non-controllable variables include:

➢ General surface terrain; ➢ Type and depth of overburden; and ➢ Wind. Similarly, the controllable variations include:

➢ Type of explosives; ➢ Charge per delay; ➢ Delay interval; ➢ Direction of blast progression; ➢ Burden; ➢ Spacing; and ➢ Specific charge and coupling ratio. The vibrations are measured as per the assessment criteria given under Bureau of Indian Standard Criteria for Safety and Design Structures Subject to Underground Blasts – IS : 6922 – 1973 (Reaffirmed 1995). The value of ground particle velocity may be computed from the following expression for assessment:

2/3 1.25 V = K1 [Q /R] Where

V = Ground particle velocity in mm/sec

K1 = Constant which may be normally taken as 880 for soft rocks and soil and 1400 for hard rocks Q = Charge per delay (kg), and R = Distance (m) from blast point. Based on the above equation, the ground particle velocities at different distances are calculated considering K1 are being considered 800 for soft rocks 104

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and 1400 for hard rocks. The standard prescribes, for safety of structures from threshold damage, the ground particle velocity should not exceed the following: Soil, Weathered or Soft rock 50 mm/sec

Hard Rock 70 mm/sec

The results are presented in the Table 5.8 below for the maximum charge

Table 5.8 Ground Particle Velocities (V) Ground Particle Velocity (V) mm/second Constant Charge S.No Distance from the Blasting (K1) Per Delay 3 5 10 20 50 70 100 150 200 1 800 Q= 0.5Kg 113.72 60.05 25.25 10.62 3.38 2.22 1.42 0.86 0.6 2 1400 Q= 0.5Kg 199.01 105.09 44.18 18.58 5.91 3.88 2.48 1.5 1.04

It is clear that with Q = 0.5 kg charge per delay shall result in ground particle velocity of 3.38 mm/sec in soft rock within a distance of 50 m while in the hard rock the ground particle velocity of 3.88 mm/sec shall be within 70 m. There shall not be any structure with in 50 m of the mine area, and it may be, concluded that the ground vibrations generated by blasting during the mining operations will not likely to effect the structures proposed in the vicinity of > 50 m from the point of blast. Concrete structures like office, store etc should not be proposed within the core mine area. These structures otherwise will be affected by the ground vibrations.

5.5 Water Environment

The area applied for mining lease hilly; water will be flowing in monsoon. No springs are found in the vicinity. Water table is found at a depth of 10 mts (bgl) from ground level in the surroundings. Drinking water will be supplied from nearest village water source.

Impacts on Surface Water

The potential impact on the surface water quality is likely to be due to higher load of suspended solids. Sources of suspended solids would be:

 Mine runoff and Wash off from waste dumps and waste rock stock piles during 105

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rainy season;

 Oil spillage from vehicle maintenance; and

 Domestic Effluent

Oil Spillage from Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance

Oil spillage from vehicle and equipment maintenance will add to the pollution load resulting in oil and grease contamination of surface water from mine infrastructural facilities. Treatment of the wastewater will lead to pass through a bar screen followed by oil trap where oil content of wastewater will be recovered. Once oil is removed, it will have negligible impact on the environment.

Domestic Effluent

Sanitary wastewater generated from office and the toilet facilities provided for the employees shall be sent to a septic tank followed by soak pit.

Regular monitoring of mine water quality is essential to prevent and control the pollution of surface water sources. Monitoring results will also form the basis for adoption of appropriate treatment process and upgradation of treatment facilities developed in due course of time.

Impact of Polluted Water

The polluted water generally contains objectionable odour and colour. It may also be acidic, toxic and highly turbid. Such water is unfit for drinking or any other use. In some cases these may also contain pathogenic microorganisms, which pose potential health hazard. The impact of polluted water would be as follows:

This water may cause various water-borne diseases;

 The polluted water may not be useful for animal husbandry, re-vegetation and human or animal consumption; and

 High turbidity, oils and grease film on water may not allow proper oxygenation of the surface water. Further, high turbidity may prevent sunlight to enter into

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the water body to promote photosynthesis of aquatic plants. So polluted water may affect the aquatic life.

As the proposed daily quantity of water used is small, and the water consumed for domestic purpose is sent to septic tank, the impact is marginal. Water used for sprinkling shall ensure reduction of dust levels. There are no natural drains in the proposed mine lease area. Hence, open cast mining operation will not disturb the natural drainage pattern of the core and buffer area both upstream and downstream. There shall not be any impact on the drinking water sources in the surrounding areas as surface water is scarce and is not a source of drinking water.

Impacts of Mining on Ground Water

The potential impact of mining would have negligible impact on the ground water, as the site is on a hillock and the ground water levels are 10m below ground level, and the mining activity does not extend below 20 m of hillock. The likely chances of the contaminants reaching the groundwater are very rare. The summary of impact assessment on water resources is given in the Table 5.9.

5.6 Land use

The proposed mining operation will change the topography and the landscape of the area and its immediate vicinity in the core zone only. The core area of 35.84 ha consists of 5.1808 ha for mining, 0.96 ha for over burden area, 0.192 ha for roads, 0.3 ha for Green belt development and 0.01ha for site services like mine office etc. The opening of the mine is proposed to be from the north and south side and appropriate location of dumps will give definite advantage in terms of keeping the land disturbance at the minimum.

No adverse impacts are anticipated on land use of buffer zone due to the proposed mining operations, as all the mining activities will be confined to core zone only. The total land area is revenue land with hillocks and has no agricultural crops.

Soil

Impact on soil will be localised i.e around the mine site. Generally soil in the area is found on the top mixed with laterite. So likelihood of any adverse impact from

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soil erosion and disturbance in quality is remote. However, the impacts that will occur are reversible, as the impacts will be felt in the initial stages of mine operation, i.e., till the vegetative cover is developed. The summary of impact assessment on soil and land use is given in the Table 5.10.

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Table 5.9 Summary of Impact Assessment: Water Resources

Targets/ Interests Impact area Nature of Impact Magnitude and Extent Overall Significance Effected Surface Water Physical Long term modification to the distribution of Local inhabitants depending on Local O Minor Impact rain water catchments surface water Increase in siltation load of the adjoining Regional O Minor water bodies Chemical Short term contamination of surface water Water bodies, springs and sink Local, small scale O Minor Impact flows due to mine effluent, run‐off, etc holes

Failure of tailings impoundment Increase in siltation load in the Local/Regional but risk of O Minor, but would have major rivers occurrence very low impact if occurred Ground Water Ground Long term, medium reduction Aquifers along the river beds in Local/Regional O Minor Water the plain land Quantity Resource Management Resource Long term, medium reduction Judicious abstraction of water Regional ** Moderate/Major Management for usage 1. Description; short or long term; reversible or permanent; associated with construction, operation, decommissioning; cumulative, accidental, etc. 2. Targets and interests potentially affected. 3. Adverse or beneficial; small, large, etc; very localized (mine site only), local, regional national. 4. Overall significance against criteria (O minor; * moderate, some significance; ** major).

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5.7 Solid Waste Disposal

The nature of the waste is soil. The quantity of waste generated from this mine and the waste is used for backfilling the worked out pit portion over an extent of 2500 m2. About 0.96ha of area selected for waste dump yard in nonmineralised portion of the lease area to a height of 3m. The waste dumps will be stabilized by constructing a retaining wall around the toe of the dump to a width of 2m and to a height of 2m. Every year about 60m & 50m length of the wall will be constructed along the toe of the proposed dumps. 5.8 Ecological Impacts

The applied mining lease area falls in Un-surveyed area. The area mainly has greenery containing shrubs and bushes due to anthropogenic pressures.

5.9 Socio-Economic Impacts

In terms of the major socio-economic impacts, the project will provide direct and indirect job opportunities and better economic standards to the project affected people and others, through improved infrastructural, community facilities, etc.

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Table 5.10 Summary of Impact Assessment: Soil and Land‐use

Targets/ Overall Impact area Nature of Impact Magnitude and Extent Interests 3 Significance Land Use Change in original land use, land Reduction of degraded Mine lease area only, small scale; loss of * Moderate degradation, vegetation, top soil, visual beneficial effect in terms of compensatory reversible (partially) intrusion. afforestation with higher success percentage expected. Derogation of soil Cumulative contamination with Soil quality, flora and fauna, Localised near sources; small contribution to O Minor quality dust, surface run‐off; reversible including grazing livestock existing background levels, provided dust control and overburden is managed Physical effects on soils due to Soil quality, flora Site areas only * Moderate topsoil removal, nutrient loss; irreversible 1. Description; short or long term; reversible or permanent; associated with construction, operation, decommissioning; cumulative, accidental, etc. 2. Targets and interests potentially affected. 3. Adverse or beneficial; small, large, etc; very localized (mine site only), local, regional national. 4. Overall significance against criteria (O minor; * moderate, some significance; ** major).

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CHAPTER – VI ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

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ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING Monitoring of various Environmental parameters is carried out on a regular basis to ascertain the following:  State of pollution within the mine site and in its vicinity.  Generate data for predictive or corrective purpose in respect of pollution.  Examine the efficiency of Pollution Control Systems installed in the complex.  To assess and monitor environmental impacts. The following monitoring programme has been proposed to monitor various environmental components.

6.2 MONITORING AROUND THE MINE SITE

A. METEOROLOGY The Management will monitor the weather conditions of the mine site and the surroundings as per the schedule and will maintain the log books.

B. AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING The Management will monitor ambient air regularly in mine site and in the surrounding villages through a third party as per the guidelines.

C. GROUND WATER MONITORIG Ground water levels will be monitored in and around the mine site premises during the pre and post monsoon seasons.

D. WASTEWATER SAMPLING The domestic wastewater sample will be collected regularly and will be routed to septic tank followed by soak pit.

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6.3 POST PROJECT MONITORING PROGRAMME In order to maintain the Environmental quality within the standards, regular monitoring of various Environmental components is necessary. The proponent will allocate Rs. 24.5 lakhs annual budget towards Environmental protection initiatives Table: 6.1 Budget allocated for EMP S.No. PARTICULARS Capital Cost (Rs. In Lakhs) 1. Pollution Control Provisions in 3.0 Mines/Miscellaneous Services 2. Water Management and Quality 1.5 including water sprinklers 3. Noise Control measures 0.5 4. Waste Management 1.0 5. Environmental Monitoring 1.0 6. Protection work/Medical checkup 1.5 7. Greenbelt Development/Afforestation 1.0 8. CSR Activities 15.0 TOTAL 24.5

6.3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING Regular monitoring of various environmental parameters shall be carried out to ascertain the following points,  Status of air, noise, water, land pollution within the mine site and in its vicinity;  Generate data for predictive or corrective purpose in respect of pollution; and  To assess and monitor environmental impacts periodically.

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6.4 MONITORING SCHEDULE FOR ENVIORNMENTAL PARAMETERS

S.No. Particulars Monitoring IMP. Monitoring Frequency Parameters 1. Water and Waste Water Quality a. Sanitary Effluents Once in a month pH,TDS,BOD,COD b. Ground Water Quality Once in a month pH,TDS,BOD,COD 2. Air Quality a. Ambient Air Quality Once in a month PM10, PM2.5, SO2, Monitoring at mine site & NOX, Si. other sampling locations given in the report 3. Noise levels Mine site Once in a month Noise level in dB(A)

6.5 INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION & SOCIO ECONOMIC Man Power The project proponent shall provide a physical laboratory to carry out the analysis. The following manpower shall be provided on regular basis.

1. Environmental Engineer / safety officer He should be a graduate engineer with adequate experience. He will be responsible implementing and monitoring the environmental impacts and all the safety aspects. He should be a liasioning officer between the proposed mining and with regulatory agencies like APPCB, CPCB etc.

2. Chemist He should be a qualified chemist to carry out the analysis of various samples. Around 106 people are beneficiated directly and 105 people indirectly due to the project. The management will take up the welfare and development of surrounding area by contributing rising towards to gram panchayat and involves in development of connectivity roads, deputing specialized.

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6.6 Monitoring Equipment and Consumables 1. Handy samplers 2. High Volume Air sampler 3. Meteorological station 4. Single pan Balance 5. Noise Meter 6. pH Meter 7. Oven 8. Distilled water Equipment 9. D.O. analysis 10. Chemicals 11. Glass ware 12. Safety glouses, etc.,

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CHAPTER – VII ADDITIONAL STUDIES

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ADDITIONAL STUDIES

7.0 DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN It is presumed that the proposed mining process would be designed and engineered with all possible safety measures and standard code of practices. In spite of this, there may be some design deficiency or due to operations and maintenance faults wich may lead to accidental events causing damage of life and property. This chapter presents an over view of environmental risk associated with various mining operations, suggested remedial measures and on outline of the emergency preparedness plan.

7.1 Risk Assessment The objectives of environmental risk assessment are governed by the following, which excludes natural calamites. a. To identify the potential hazardous areas so that necessary design safety measures can be adopted to minimize the probability of accidents. b. To identify the potential areas of environmental disaster, which can be prevented by proper design of the installations and their control operations. c. To manage emergency situations or a disastrous event, if any, from the mining operations.

7.2 Identification of Hazards During the proposed operations of the open-cast mine, the following risks have been expected. 1. Filling up the mine pit due to excessive rains. 2. Failure of slope in the pit. 3. Failure of slope of external dump 4. Accidents of heavy machinery 5. Surface fire (Electrical and Oil)

7.2.1 Filling up the mine pit due to excessive rains Filling up the mine pit due to excessive rains in the worked out area is a remote possibility. Normally there will be sufficient warning time before such an incident takes place, harming

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equipment and human life. However, as a precautionary measure, interceptor ditches along the outer boundary of the pit area constructed to control inflow of runoff into the mine pits. Water that collects in the mine pit from rainfall will be coursed out from the pits, through garland drains.

7.2.2 Failure of slope in the pit The mine benches shall be only 6m in height and no slope failure is anticipated.

7.2.3 Failure of slope of external dump The slope of external dumps have been initially planned at the angle of repose of dump material. However, as they attain final position, the slopes will be terraced and proer vegetation will be laid which will cause lowering of the slope as well as binding of the soil, preventing any slope failure.

7.2.4 Accidents of heavy machinery Most of the accidents during transfer of dumpers, trucks and other vehicles are often attributed to mechanical failures. Regular maintenance and testing of all mine equipment as per manufacturers guide lines can largely eliminate accidents of heavy machinery.

7.2.5 Surface fire Spillage of HSD and resultant fire constitutes a potential risk. The quantity of the maximum oil, which can spill, is not much can be easily controlled. Sufficient numbers of portable fire extinguishers has been provided at strategic locations to take care of any eventuality.

7.3 Preparedness Plan In order to take care of above hazards/disasters the following measures have been envisaged.  Checking and regular maintenance of garland drains will be taken to avoid any in flow of surface water into the mine pit.  Provision of high capacity pumps for pumping out water from mining pit.  Regulation 1961 will be strictly followed during all mine operations.  Entry to unauthorized persons will be prohibited.  Training and refresher courses for all employees working in hazardous places.

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 Working of mine, as per approved plans and regularly updated.  Clearing of mine faces will be regularly done.  Warning notice boards indicating the time of blasting and NOT TO TRESS PASS are displayed prominently.  Regular maintenance and testing of all mining equipment as per manufacturer’s guidelines.  Suppression of dust on haulage roads.  Increasing the awareness of safety and disaster through competitions, posters and other similar drives. As a part of disaster management, a rescue team is formed by imparting specialized training to select mining staff.

7.4 TRAINING The training of mine personnel is conducted regularly with respect to environmental protection. Training facilities are also extended to equipment maintenance and operations also to the operators. Training will cover the following fields.  Awareness regarding pollution control and environmental protection  Operations and maintenance of pollution control equipment.  Afforestation / plantation and post care of plants.  Field monitoring, maintenance and calibration of pollution monitoring instruments.  Chemical analysis of various environmental parameters at laboratory.  Repair of pollution monitoring instruments.  Knowledge of norms, regulations and procedures.  Occupational health and safety.  Risk assessment and disaster management plan.

7.5 IMPLEMENTATION OF EMP AND MONITORING SYSTEM 7.5.1 General Various measures have been proposed to implement for mitigating the adverse impacts due to mining on the environment in the area. A separate wing “Environmental Management Cell (EMC)” will be formed to look after the inspection / monitoring requirements. The mine management will undertake the control measures in coordination with the State Forest

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Department, Regional APPCB and Environmental consultant. The management of environmental shall be made an integral part of the major activities of mining.

Mines Manager

Geologist (Incharge of Mining Engineer/ monitoring and Asst. Manager Supervision Foreman

Dust Suppression Supervisor

Helpers

Fig.7.1 Organizational setup of EMC

Important records to be maintained by EMC are:  Field monitoring results for air, water, meteorology  Inspection records of slope failure, land erosion, drainage, socio-economic development.  Format to record / monitor plantation measures.  Nursery records  Environmental and related standards / norms  Records pertaining to statutory consents, approvals  Periodic medical examination (PME) records.  Records pertaining to laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration.  Complaint register (environmental pollution)  Records on water and electricity consumption  Periodic progress records  Environmental audit records  Records of annual budgetary requirement and allocation for pollution control. 121

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7.6 IMPLEMENTATION The following system shall be followed to see that the environmental scheme is implemented as per schedule. a) A separate wing will be created to see that the engineering measures such as construction of check dams and retention walls are taken up, wherever necessary. b) A crew attends for afforestation measures on a regular basis for culturing, manuring and watering. c) On an annual/Quarterly basis, the quality of air, water, noise and soil will be monitored to understand the status vis-à-vis the baseline data. This will enable the management for taking up any corrective measures, if required. The frequency of sampling will be as prescribed by the MOEF guidelines issued in this regard.

7.7 ACTIVITIES TO BE MONITORED / INSPECTED BY EMC 7.7.1 Land erosion Regular observations during the rainy season for checking land erosion will be made in back filled areas / hill slopes.

7.7.2 Drainage The effectiveness of drainage system depends upon proper cleaning of all drains and sumps. Any blockage due to silting or accumulation of loose materials will be checked on regular basis. Stone pitching, brick mounds etc on drains shall also be monitored.

7.7.3 Revegetation and green belt development Planned schedule for green belt development will be checked after every year and improvement required will be implemented. Post plantation status will be regularly checked in every season. Phase wise development in the areas of plantation including rate of growth, survival rate etc. will be recorded systematically

7.7.4 Air quality monitoring

PM10, PM2.5, NOX, SO2 and Silica will be monitored every month in both core and buffer zones as per the APPCB directions.

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7.7.5 Water Quality Monitoring Surface runoff during rainy season will be monitored for pH, TDS, SS, Alumina and Mn and

SS, Fe and Mn and SO4¯ ² contents. Ground water quality is monitored seasonally for the above parameters also.

7.7.6 Occupational health Each group of mine workers undergo regular medical checkup at regular intervals by specialist doctors.

7.7.7 Socio-economic development As a part of the social responsibilities, the project proponent will take up the following peripheral developmental works.  Encouraging entrepreneurship among locals by vocational training.  Upgrading one primary school.  Health camps  Distribution of school uniforms and books to needy students  Cultural activities in the villages  Provision or free Transportation of patients  Preferential employment to the local people depending upon their qualification and suitability of post.

7.8 SUGGESTED ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME No management plan would give the desired results unless it is monitored regularly, analysed and corrective actions taken accordingly. It may be noted that environmental management plan document should not be considered as a conclusive one. It shall be updated regularly for the purpose of having an effective management of the environment. This can be achieved by conducting regular environmental audits and planned targets. A monitoring programme is suggested, which is presented in table 7.1 to check the efficiency of the environmental measures adopted in the proposed Laterite Mine.

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Table 7.1: Suggested environmental monitoring programme S. No. Monitoring Frequency of Major parameters Activity Location Monitoring To be monitored 1. Micrometeorology At Mine office Weekly once Temp. R.H., rainfall wind speed and directions

2. Ambient air At least 3 fixed locations in Preferably PM10,PM2.5, SO2 ,

quality (AAQ) the ML area and 2 fixed Quarterly once for NOX and Silica stations at the foot hills/ 24 hours period near by villages (one down during dry seasons wind and the other at of the year. upwind direction 3. Dust fall rate At one of the AAQ stations Quarterly Total dust fall. in ML area. 4. Work zone noise Noise prone areas of ML Quarterly noise area. 5. Drinking water From drinking water Monthly once As per IS:10500(91) supplier source 6. Land erosion Core and relevant area of Rainy season Erosion potential buffer zones 7. Drainage Garland drains of dumps Post monsoon - sites, gullies 8. Inventory of flora Core zone Every year Plantation status, survival rate. 9. Soil quality Core zone Every Year Soil fertility for growth of plants 10. Socio-economic Local population of buffer Once in 2 years Per captia income, condition zone diseases, living conditions health campus.

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CHAPTER – VIII PROJECT BENEFITS

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8.0 PROJECT BENEFITS 8.1 EMPLOYMENT POTENTAIL Preferential employment to the local people depending upon their qualification and suitability of post. Smt Singam Bhavani Laterite mining will employ about 106 persons directly and 105 persons indirectly for carrying out the mining operations. Apart from the jobs, the company will provide medical and educational facilities to the employees which can also be availed by the people around the mining lease area. Adequate recreational facilities for the staff of the company and the local people will be created.

8.2 GREEN BELT DEVELOPMENT As the mining lease areas is barren land, thick green belt minimum 10 m thick will be developed all around the mine lease area.

8.3 WATER ENVIRONMENT Mining activity much above the ground water level doesn’t lead to any ground water contamination. The water will be discharge to the mine pit. The mine pit water collected due to rains will be utilized for the green belt development, underground water table recharging.

8.4 REVENUE Due to this mining activity the economic growth will be increased for the local panchayaths and Revenue Department. Smt Singam Bhavani Laterite mining will take up the rural development programmes in the vicinity of the mining lease area. The focus area will be:  Educational Facilities  Other community Services  Roads Development  Income generating schemes

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CHAPTER – IX ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

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ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

9.1 INTRODUCTION

Any type of development project exerts certain benefits and adverse impacts on the surroundings. The proposed site does not contain any vegetation. The site clearance will involve movement of sub standing quantities of soil producing little quantities of unusable material.

The major objective and benefit of utilizing Environmental Impact Assessment in project planning stage itself, is to prevent avoidable losses of environmental resources and values as a result of environmental management plan. Environmental management plan includes protection/mitigation/enhancement measures as well as suggesting post project monitoring programme. Environmental management plan may often suggest additional project operations that have to be incorporated in the conventional operation.

Any development in the study area needs to be with judicious utilization of non-renewable resources of the study area and 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 physio-chemical and biological processes. The Environment Management Plan (EMP) is required to ensure sustainable development in the study area of the proposed Mine Site, hence it needs to be all encompassive plan for which the proposed mining, Government, regulating agencies like Pollution Control Board etc working in the region.

It has been evaluated that the study area has not been affected adversely as there are no major polluting industries in the study area and likely to get economical fillip. The management action plan aims at controlling pollution at the source level to the possible extent with the available and affordable technology followed by treatment measures before they are discharged. Environmental management plan aims at the preservation of ecosystem by considering the pollution abatement facilities at the mine inception. In the upcoming modern

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plants, pollution abatement has become an integral part of planning and designs along with techno economic factors. Fully conscious towards environmental responsibility towards the Mining, the proponent mainly focuses, apart from other relevant concerns, on the following important aspects, a) Dust suppression measures by water sprinkling and b) Proper maintenance of vehicles and equipment. The different environmental components that are identified in the assessment chapter are dealt hereunder with necessary environmental management plan. Infrastructure for workers:- Proper sanitation, water, rest rooms will be provided for workers and staff.

9.1.1 AIR ENVIRONMENT The proposed mining activity would result in the increase of PM concentrations due to fugitive dust. Frequent water sprinkling in the vicinity would be undertaken and will be continued as there is possibility for dust generation due to truck mobility. It will be ensured that vehicles are properly maintained to comply with exhaust emission requirements.

Dust emissions and particulate emissions will be controlled by water spraying through sprinklers at all the sources of dust formation and corresponding mitigative measures are elaborated as follows:  Regular water sprinkling at dust emanating sources viz., drilling, blasting and transportation through haulage roads, etc will be carried out.  Periodic maintenance of transport vehicles and equipment will be carried out to check emission levels.  Greenbelt will be developed that will act as a pollution sink.  Overloading of trucks will be avoided and carrying the ore/mineral in covered trucks will be taken-up to minimize pollution levels.

9.1.2 NOISE ENVIRONMENT & GROUND VIBRATIONS There will be intermittent noise levels during blasting and while usage of jackhammer. No mining activities are planned during night time. A thick greenbelt will be developed all around the mine boundary to act as noise attenuator. The Management Plan for controlling noise pollution is envisaged as follows.  Selection of suitable machinery and equipment, 129

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 Proper mounting of equipment,  Providing noise insulation/padding wherever practicable and  Machinery will be fitted with properly designed noise acoustic silencers.  Proper maintenance and periodic lubrication of noise generating parts of the machines.  Provision of thick plantation in and around the mine is planned in order to reduce the noise and prevent it from reaching to surrounding habitation areas.

 Blasting will be made only to loosen the material at one bench at a time.  Sequential blasting machine will be utilized.  Delay between the circuits will be varied as per the requirement. All these points mentioned will be followed while blasting activity goes on.

9.1.3 WATER ENVIRONMENT Generally water environment would have adverse effects due to mine discharges and siltation due to storm water. As this is an open cast mining method it will not generate any wastewater as there is no mineral processing involved. The mining does not involve any treatment or beneficiation by using water, expect chipping and sizing to required size. Therefore, the question of disposal of water will not arise. Moreover, mining activity much above the ground water level doesn’t lead to any ground water contamination.

However, in order to mitigate any likely impacts the following management for control of water pollution is proposed.  In anticipation of seasonal streams and run-off in the core zone, channels and bunds would be constructed and maintained to avoid any erosion and contamination.  Garland drains will be constructed around the boundary of the mine lease area outside the boundary wall to divert rainwater away from the site.  The mine pit water collected due to rains will be utilized for water spraying on the haul roads and for watering plantation. This water will be harvested for utilization in plantation watering, spraying on the haulage roads and mineral and waste dumps.

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WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES: MINE DRAINAGE: Water table: The ground water table is available at a depth of 5m during rainy seasons and at a depth 10m in summer in the bore wells that were drilled for drinking water purposes in nearest village at foothills in outside the lease area. Since ML area is located at more than 140m height from the village, no ground level will be encountered. Encounter and discharge of mine water: There is no chance of groundwater likely to be encountered in the mine because the workings are located on the top of the hill. The rainwater accumulate at pit bottom in rainy seasons will be diverted to foot hills by making a drain and settling tanks. Water conservation A centralized drain system proposed all along the boundary wall and building of rain water diverted to water recharge pit. The excess runoff any will be routed to rain water harvesting pit for usage during non-raining days so as to minimize grand water. Total Available rain water – Area of run off – 12,000 m2 Rain fall – 4 cm considered Availability of runoff water – 300 m3

SURFACE DRAINAGE: 1. The hill identified for laterite mining is near the village Bamidika in Nathavaram mandal. As per the topo sheet 65k/6, the maximum elevated point is 691m with respect to msl. The hill extending in NNE – SSW direction and above 680m contour it is about 2.5km and in the perpendicular direction it is about 0.5km. Below 680m contour it is steep slope in all the directions till it reached 500m contour. 2. There is another hill on its west side named Gundalamma konda whose peak is around 820m. in between these hills there is steep valley portion. 3. The ore deposit hill is flat top hill and in general it has been noticed in the Eastern Ghats, that flat top hills are aluminium ore deposit hills with laterite capping. Thin or no vegetation over the top of the hills. Steep escarpments / slopes on all sides of the hills.

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4. Generally springs exists over the steep slopes indicating groundwater table, but there are no natural springs in and around the study area, probably water table may be absent with in the physiographic relief of the slope. 5. Surface drainage is noticed radially in all the directions from the deposit. The drains originate on the north and east slope flow east direction and finally join with the Thandava River near the village Kodavadapudi which is about 10km down stream of the Thandava reservoir. The drainage originate on the south and west of the hills flow towards south and finally join with Pampa river.

PROTECTION OF RAINWATER FROM THE MINING AREA

It is suggested to leave 5m width laterite deposit all around the deposit with out mining, so that it acts as barrier for rain water over the hill slopes. This barrier wall all around reduces dust, spillage of overburden material and rainwater runoff over the hill slopes to reduce the effect on the vegetation, flora and fauna. Rainwater stored in the mined out area can percolate into the weathered rock and fractured rock formations and improve groundwater potential in the surroundings.

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FIG: 9.1 SMT. SINGAM BHAVANI LATERITE MINING, DRAINAGE MAP, 10 KM RADIUS

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9.1.4 LAND ENVIRONMENT The mined out pit area will be back-filled and developed for stabilization and plantation of native species will be carried out. The top soil will be utilized for plantation of trees in the area. This would not only make the area aesthetically beautiful but also check on the soil and land erosion. As a programme for phased compensatory afforestation, the applied area, which does not come under Forest Zone, however, is proposed for afforstation plans. Every year initially for first five years about 1200 plants like Neem, Mango, Gulmohar, Eucalyptus and Scurvy will be planted.

9.1.4.1 AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION The mine lease area is surrounded by barren land. The availability of agriculture land within a radius of 1km from the mine is very less. However, agriculture is the main occupation of the surrounding villages. Agriculture in the buffer zone mainly depends on the ephemeral streams, ponds and bore wells. The major crops grown in the area are Jowar, Maize, Pulses and cotton.

9.1.4.2 ANTICIPATED IMPACTS ON LAND The mining area is hilly and undulating land. The topographical impact will be mainly one of colour contrast between the mined rock surfaces and surrounding vegetation (shrubs and grasses). However, the topographical impact will remain localized, as mining is restricted to the lease area only. The mining activity shall lower the topographical level by 6 to 8m only. As such, change in topography will not have appreciable impact on drainage and aesthetics. The topsoil in the mining area is scanty. Whatever is available will have to be excavated during the development of the mine pits. Most of the soil is rocky in nature and will get mixed with the over burden. Temporary storage of top soil over burden may cause some loss of nutrients and this cannot be avoided. The top soil will be subjected to water borne erosion during rainy season from reclamation areas when in unconsolidated state. A combustion of diversion ditches and garland drains will be constructed to minimize soil loss. A large amount of soil loss can be arrested in contour trenches, which will be collected and put back to the reclamation areas.There shall be no leachate from the lease area. There shall be soil erosion of the loose soil of mineral dumps which shall be contained. The adverse effect of the mining activity on the diversity shall be mitigated by employing proper mitigating measures.

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9.1.4.3 PROPOSED MITIGATING MEASURES The land management plays an important role in reducing the adverse impacts caused by surface mining operation. Land management is required in the key areas like land use scheme with the ML area, calendar plan, mine bench advancement to arrest indiscriminate degradation of landform, top soil preservation, over burden management, soil erosion control and the restoration of the mine pits. On each of these prime areas of land management, the following schemes are proposed.

Calendar plan A mining plan is prepared for every five year period which has to be approved by the department of mines and geology. The calendar plan for such surface mining operation depicts the excavation planning of overburden as against excavation of Laterite in each year upto a specific period of mining. It ensures the land form change in a planned manner, one of the essential tools for land management. The development of the mine would be in phases spread over a period of 5 to 20 years. The composite mine development plan would be development in the next stage of project planning showing the yearly advancement of land opening and its ultimate limit.

Mine bench planning The mining activity shall be manual with two meter high benches. This is again required for planned way of changing the land form and safety aspects for meeting the desired mine production level. Determination of bench height for exploitation of mineral deposit depends largely on topography of the land, geological characteristics, best practicable utilization of excavation equipment and the scale of operation. It is regulated by the provisions of Mines Act 1952 and the Metaliferrous Mines Regulations, 1961.

Mine roads Roads for haulage and access to different locations would be laid as per the statutory regulations stipulated in the Metaliferrous Mines Regulations, 1961. Some of the basic features of laying the haul roads at the mine site as required from environmental and safety against cover the following:

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 The road layout would be generally followed as per scheme shown in mine general layout. The main haul road and feeder roads would be generally of 12m wide keeping provisions for road side plantation.

 The corners and bends would be made in such a way as to offer the vehicle operator, a clear visibility of at least 30m along the road.

The alignment of haul roads and feeder roads may require alteration with the progress of mining work.

9.1.4.4 Storage and preservation of top soil: The soil in the mine site can be described as medium textured, rocky reddish brown in colour. The soil cover of the mineable areas with low nutrient level is devoid of any vegetation cover. While scrapping the top soil cover of the mineable area by a bulldozer prior to removal of overburden layer, the soil removed shall be stored and preserved in the earmarked dump areas for future use. The top soil will be stored separately in the area earmarked for waste dumps to be located at the southern portion of the lease area. It may be noted that once the in- situ soil is disturbed by scrapping, soil particles lose their coherence and tendency to stick to one another. The soil therefore needs to be graded and compacted at the dump site. The soil quality may be upgraded by the adding suitable amendments and organic manure to improve the nutrient levels. This soil stockpile height shall preferably be restricted to 3m and the surface vegetated with fast growing shrubs, creepers or grasses to prevent erosion and loss of nutrients. Topsoil thus stored and preserved would be utilized as early as possible by spreading the same over the overburden dump and during mine pit rehabilitation for the purpose of vegetation growth.

Soil erosion control: The soil erosion is expected to be very less due to the lease area being plain and undulating. The overburden and topsoil dumps would be provided with check dam/bund wall to prevent carryover of soil particles/silt to the drainage channels on the slopes during monsoon period. Typical proposed check dams (3no.) and retaining wall at dump sites are presented in the following figures.

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0.30

Loose Boulder

0.90 Tamped Filling

Loose Apron 0.30

0.90

0.5

0.15 1.00

Straw

Fig: 9.2 Typical Proposed Check Dam Across The Nallah To Arrest Silt Carry Overs

0.5m 0.5m

Fig: 9.3 Typical Proposed Retaining Wall At Dump Site

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Land restoration: During the course of mining, the original land form would get disturbed. In the initial stages of the mining operation, concomitant reclamation of the land may not be possible due to the following operational reasons:  Simultaneous opening of different benches at different levels for achieving the desired tonnage and grade of R.O.M.

 Irregular and heterogeneous nature of mineralization.

 Unfavorable topography limiting the total backfilling of the pits with overburden.

In consideration of the above constraints, it would l be preferable to take up the backfilling of the mined out block after exploitation of the mineral. The restoration of the degraded land would cover backfilling and terracing with the overburden/wastes and surfacing the same with top soil. Fast growing trees and other native shrubs would be planted to stabilize the reclaimed land and prevent wind erosion of solid particles. It is preferable to sow seeds of eco-friendly weeds which grow even in adverse conditions. These weeds stabilize the ground enhance the growth of the native species of trees that shall be planted over the dumps.

Post-mining land restoration is basically mine rehabilitation. it is estimated that at the end of the total exploitation of the deposit, about 60 to 70 percent of mine lease hold land would be degraded it would be necessary to plan and execute the post-mining restoration with an objective to recoup the lost vegetation so that the local communities are benefited to the extent practicable. The original land form should be brought back by back filling and terracing with the over burden /waste material and subsequent vegetation of the restored land. While reclaiming the mined out area, the original land form cannot be fully restored. There would be some left out pits and depressions of varying depth which can serve as a recharge pits by the impounding rain water. This would be beneficial in two aspects, namely (i) it may recharge the spring table by seepage of water through cracks and joints and (ii) the impounded water reservoir can be utilized for development of afforestation.

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9.2 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT & SAFETY The company management shall give preference to local people through both direct and indirect employment.

 It will provide ample opportunity to the locals to up-lift their living standards by organizing events that propagate mutual benefits to all, such as health camps, awareness campaigns, donations to poorer sections of society and downtrodden.  Educational needs of the region will be improved by encouraging the workers to allow their children to attend schools.  Sufficient funds shall be allocated for these and other emergency needs.  Adequate supply of potable water to the workers will be made during the working hrs.  The safety department will supervise the safe working of the contractor and their employees. The working personnel will be provided with face masks, ear plugs, safety helmets and goggles in order to reduce health hazards.  An explosive storage area will be suitably erected in order to avoid any contamination during rains. While blasting, the following safety measures will be undertaken,

The proponent will provide all necessary provisions stipulated under The Factories Act. In addition a Safety committee will be formed and manned by equal participants from Management and Workers.

Personnel Protection Equipment (PPE) will be issued to each worker. Other safety equipments shall be used according to the nature of job involved. An explosive storage area will be suitably erected in order to avoid any contamination during rains.

Adequate space will be provided for construction of temporary sheds for construction workers. The proponent will supply potable water for the workers.

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9.3 MANAGEMENT OF OVER BURDEN 9.3.1 STACKING a) Nature of Top Soil/Waste and Mineral Rejects: After recovery of the saleable mineral from ROM, the un-saleable material consisting of gravel or fine material will be treated as waste. About 5% of waste will generate from proposed mining. During this plan period about 9093M3 and 20913 m3 of waste will generate from northern & southern blocks b) Configuration & sequence of Build of Dumps: In every year about 30x30m and 50x32m area will be used for waste dumping on northern and southern blocks respectively. The waste will be stacked by the side of the workings in non-mineralized zone over an extent of 2500m2 in total per year to a height of 3m. In first five years the dump will cover an area of 2500m2. c) Storage & utilization of Topsoil: There is no separate topsoil generation from this mining. The side burden generated from mining will be stacked temporarily and it will be used for back filling of the pit from 2nd five years programme. d) Stabilization & Vegetation of Dumps: The waste will be dumped adjacent to the workings on southern side of the area for time being and it will be used for backfilling of the pit from 2nd year on wards.

2.5 m 6.0 m 2.5 m

SECTION OF WASTE DUMP SITE GARLAND DRAIN

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FRESH WATER REQUIREMENT Wet Drilling – 01 KLD Dust suppression – 04 KLD Domestic –5 KLD Total – 12 KLD WASTE WATER GENERATION Domestic – 3.5 KLD Disposal - To septic tank followed by soak pit

WATER AVAILABILITY Through tankers from nearby villages

9.4 BIOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT PLAN The mining activity is going to disturb the natural habitat of flora and fauna of the Mine lease area. In order to minimize the impacts it is proposed to reclaim the entire mined out area with indigenous plant species as early as possible. Plantation programme is proposed to be carried out in and around the mine lease area so that the natural habitat is restored.

9.5 GREEN BELT DEVELOPMENT/AFFORESTATION PLAN Green Belt has been recommended as one of the major component of Environmental Management Plan, which will improve ecology, environment and quality of the surrounding area.

Concepts of Green Belt Development The concepts of Green Belt Plantation scheme are 1. Nature of Pollutants 2. Emission Levels 3. Maximum Impact zone

9.6 CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF SPECIES Species to be selected should fulfill the following specific requirements of the area - Availability of seed material

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- Tolerance to specific conditions or alternatively wide adapts ability to eco- physiological conditions. - Rapid growth - Capacity to endure water stress and climatic extremes after initial establishment - Differences in height, growth habits - Pleasing appearance - Providing shade - Ability of fixing atmospheric Nitrogen - Improving waste lands.

9.7 DESIGN OF GREEN DEVELOPMENT The greenbelt shall be developed around the mine site to act as a sink for pollutants, attenuation of noise levels and improvement in aesthetic quality of the mine. The following criteria shall be adopted in the design of greenbelt: 1. Generally fast growing trees should be planted as otherwise it will take many years for other types of trees to attain their full height. 2. Trees will be planted along the road side in such a way that there is no direct line of sight when viewed from appoint outside the foliage perimeter. 3. Trees growing up to 10 m or more in height with thick perennial foliage should be planted around the mine. 4. Sensitive species such as magnifier indica should be planted in patches along the entire greenbelt to work as an indicator of pollution. 5. Trees shall be planted staggeredly in each row (minimum three rows encircling the perimeter of the mine). 6. Tree trunk being free foliage up to a height of 2 to 3 m, it is advisable to grow shrubs in front of trees to give coverage to the open portion. 7. Greenbelt will be developed all around the mine area with a width of 10 m. 8. Greenbelt will be developed around the mine site except wherever buildings and other structures. 9.8 RECOMMENDED SPECIES FOR PLANTATION Based on climate and soil characteristics of the study area, some species are recommended for plantation.

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Innermost belt: The innermost zone will be the one nearest to the emission source, where the ambient pollutant concentrations usually will remain higher than in other directions. The trees planted here will have dense spreading canopy. The suitable tree species for this zone are juliflora. The spacing between the trees will be 1.5 – 2.5m. The width of belt will be 3 m.

Middle belt: the trees planted here will be moderately tolerant to pollutants but are endowed with the fast growing, dense foliage. The suitable species for the are piteco lobium dulce and Alstonia scholaris.

Outermost belt: in the outermost zone on the peripheral boundary all along the mine site, a 4 m wide strip will be planted with trees which are tall and evergreen. This zone will act as a barrier and as for as possible check the pollutants from going outside the mine pollutants from going outside the mine site. The tree species to be planted in this one are Albizzia and polyalthia longifolia. The spacing of the trees shall be 1-2 m. in order to have a ground cover, some fast growing species, which do not require watering, have been recommended for plantation. 9.9 GREEN BELT DEVELOPMENT SCIENTIFIC NAME VERNACULAR NAME Large (L) Dalbergia sisso Shishum Casuarinas euisetifolia Jungali suru Polyakthia longifolia Mango Azadirachta indica Vepa Pongamia pinnata Karanj Excalyptus globuluse Eucalyptus Tamarindus indica Chinta Medium (M) Callistemon sp Bottlebrush Butea monosperma Dhak Tecoma stans -- Leucaena lucocephala Subabul Bauhinia purpurea Kachnar

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Cassia aurculata Rak Anacardium occidentale Jeedimamidi Cestrum diurnum Dinkaraja Hibiscus rosasinensis Mandara Biuganinvillea Kagitapu puvvu

9.10 INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Man Power It is proposed to appoint the following personnel for operations to look after the mining activity in this area.  Full time Mining Engineer - 1 No.  Tipper & Excavator Operators - 10 Nos.  Skilled Workers - 4 Nos.  Unskilled Workers - 92 Nos.

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CHAPTER –X SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

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10. CONCLUSIONS 1. Mining process will be carried out by open cast semi-mechanized involving drilling and blasting. 2. Adequate measures will be taken for control of noise at source. 3. Intensive green belt will be developed all around mining premises. 4. Mitigation measures will be implemented to Control of dust emissions.

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CHAPTER –XI DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANTS

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DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANTS

Baseline Data for Environmental Impact Assessment studies have been carried out by M/s. SV Enviro Labs & Consultants, Visakhapatnam and prepared the Final EIA report based on the Terms of Reference.

11.1 SERVICES OFFERED BY SV ENVIRO Environmental:  Environmental Impact Assessments  Environmental Management Plan  Environmental Audits preparation  Solid and hazardous waste management  Risk assessment and disaster management plans  Occupational health and safety studies  Socio-economic studies  Marine impact assessment  Rehabilitation and resettlement studies

Analysis:  Environmental monitoring for air, water, soil, noise, ecology, hazardous waste, etc  Industrial emission source monitoring  Offshore sampling and analysis of marine water and sediments  Analysis of water, wastewater, soil, solid waste, hazardous waste, lube oils, etc  Noise quality monitoring  Work zone source emission analysis

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11.2 EIA Team The professionals that were engaged for this study included in Table:

Table: 11.1 List of Experts Involved

S.No Name of the Expert Qualification Role 1 M. Murali Krishna M.Tech, DIS Coordinator 2 Shaik Kasim M.Tech Coordinator 3 Dr. Venkateswara Rao M.Sc, Ph.D Expert 4 Dr. Vijay Baskhara Bonam M.A, Ph.D Expert 5 Dr. Sundar Rao Duggaraju M.Sc. Expert 6 Prof. S. Rama Krishna Rao M.Sc PhD Expert 7 G. Madhav Murali Krishna M.Sc Expert 8 K. Anitha M.Sc Expert

9 Garuda Ramoji M.Sc, Ph.D Expert 10 M. Tarakeswara Naidu M.Sc, Ph.D Expert 11 B .Ravi Prasad B.Sc Lab In Charge 12 J. Srinivas M.Sc. Baseline data 13 Divya M.Sc. Microbiologist 14 V. Hema Latha B.Tech. Expert -Trainee 15 R.Sravana Sandhya B.Tech. Expert -Trainee

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M/s. Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining,

With reference to the above, it is here with communicated the public hearing minutes conducted on 25.03.2015 PUBLIC HEARING POINTS RAISED S.No Issue raised by the public Response/Commitment Suggestions made of Project Proponents by the Public Hearing Panel 1 -- -- Sri S.K.Anil,Technical Consultant :  Smt.Singam Bhavani proposed to carry out Laterite Mining Activity at Un-Surveyed Area of Asanagiri (V), Hamlet Of Sarugudu (P), Nathavaram (M), Visakhapatnam District over an extent of 35.84 Hectares with an estimated project cost of Rs.50.0Lakhs

 Total Laterite mineable reserves expected are 33, 50,906 tons .annual average production proposed is 2,73,600 tons and at this rate of production, life of mine will be about 12 years.

 By the end of the life of the mine, the final fit will cover an area of 17.5ha with a depth of 12m. In this life m3 of waste will generate from this mine and the waste will be used for backfilling the worked

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out pit portion over an extent of 5000m2. The back filled area will be planted and the balance pit portion will be used for rain water harvesting. The requirements of surly bases explosive are approximately 56 kg/day for the mining operation. the number of trips for the mining operation. The number of trips for transportation of minerals shall bb 60/day.

 Water requirements for thr project is mainly for wet drilling operation (1KLD) maintain the green belt (2KLD), for sprinkling on the haulage roads (4KLD) to mitigate dust emissions and for domestic purposes (5KLD). The total water requirements are 12KLD. The required water is drawn from the nearby villages through tankers

 It is proposed to provide adequate control measures which include water sprinkling in haul roads to reduce the fugitive dust emissions. Tractor mounted sprinkler will be deployed. Dust generated during occasional drilling and blasting

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will be suppressed by covering the drill rids by wet gunny cloth.

 The measures would be adopted to reduce noise levels are improve silencers, mufflers and closed noise generating parts, Regular and proper maintenance of noise generating machinery, Provision of protective devices like ear muffs/ ear plugs to workers who cannot be isolated from the source of high intensity noise, e.g. drilling; reducing the exposure time of workers to the higher noise level by shift management. It is proposed to adopt sequential blasting with delayed detonators to mitigate vibration.

 There are no settlements in the ML area .Hence no rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) is required.

 About 106 workers will be employed in mining operation directly and about 105 people will get benefited by indirect employment.

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 About 3000m2 area on western side barrier will be planted during first five years with 150 plants like teak, subabul and babul etc.

 The project proponent has earmarked an amount of Rs.15 Lakhs for road development, social welfare activities like education, health and communication facility to the surrounding villages.

 The capital budget of Rs.25.0 Lakhs has been allocated for EMP, with a recurring cost of Rs, 4.0 Lakhs per annum.

 The baseline data for ambient air quality, surface and ground water quality, noise and soil quality was collected and analyzed for various parameters to determine the existing quality and flora and fauna study of the impact area was conducted during period of March-June 2013.the air quality monitoring results show that the values are within the prescribed limits for National Ambient Air Quality standards prescribed by

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Ministry of Environment and Forests. The surface water quality analysis results show that the values are within the limits of IS: 2296-1982 for all parameters except copper. Ground water sample analysis results show that the values are above the limits for total dissolved solids, total hardness, chlorides and manganese at few locations compared to Indian Standard Drinking Water Specification of IS: 10500-1991. Noise quality parameters in the study area are within the prescribed limits of prescribed Ambient Noise Standards.

Finally he stated that the industry proposed all pollution control measures to mitigate the pollution problems and the there would not be any adverse impact on the surrounding environment.

2 Sri Battula Krishna Babu, S/o of Management also assured Appanna, PESA Secretary, Total Budget that there would be Sundarakota (V): allocated for socio  While welcoming the proposed development due to the economic development is Rs. project, expressed that if the mining project. 15.0 Lakhs (for road mining activity is allowed in the development, social welfare activities area, Sundarakota (V) and like education, health and 154

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surrounding villages of the communication facility to the proposed project would be surrounding economically developed. villages)

3 Sri M. Gangadhara Rao, s/o of Management also assured Somulu, Sundarakota (V): Total Budget that there would be While welcoming the proposed project, allocated for socio informed that the management of development due to the economic proposed mining project has already laid development is Rs. mining project. 15.0 Lakhs (for road roads on the top of the hill area up to development, social Sundarakota (V) and also expressed that welfare activities if the mining activity is allowed in the like education, area, Sundarakota (V) and surrounding health and villages of the proposed project would be communication economically developed. facility to the surrounding villages)

4 Sri Pandavaula Nookaraju, S/o of -- -- Rambabu, Asanagiri (V):  While opposing the proposed project, expressed that the area where the mining is proposed is a place where the historic person Sri Sitharamarajulu was taken shelter. He opined that the mining area would come under PESA act and demand that the Government Officials should Inspect the mining lease area once again and taken a decision on issuing permission for mining. 5 Sri Ravula Kasubabu, Secretary, Management also assured Total Budget PESA, Asanagiri (V): that there would be allocated for socio  While opposing the proposed development due to the economic development is Rs. project, expressed that the mining project. 15.0 Lakhs (for road development, social 155

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villagers of Asanigiri are not welfare activities like education, accepting the mining as the health and proposed mining is in the midst of communication facility to the two hills where historic caves and surrounding village goddess are existing. He villages)

demanded that the Government Officials should inspect the surroundings and then take a decision on issuing permissions to the mining. 6 Sri Challa Simhachalam, S/o of Management also assured Total Budget Balaraju, Sundarakota(V): that there would be allocated for socio  While welcoming the proposed development due to the economic project, expressed his happiness mining project. development is Rs. as roads are developed in 15.0 Lakhs (for road Sundarakota (V) due to the development, social mining project. He said that the welfare activities mine lease holder shall follow the like education, orders and guidelines of the health and Government and ensure that there communication shall not be any damage to the facility to the villagers &tribal. surrounding villages) 7 Sri Pattem Srinivas Rao, S/o Somulu, Management also assured Total Budget Sundarakota (V): that there would be allocated for socio  While welcoming the proposed development due to the economic project, expressed that if the mining project. development is Rs. mining activity is allowed in the 15.0 Lakhs (for road About 106 workers will be area, Sundarakota (V) and development, social surrounding villages of the employed directly and 105 welfare activities proposed project would be workers will be employed like education, economically developed and also indirectly health and the Govt. would get some communication revenue. He requested that there facility to the shall not be any damage to the surrounding tribal villagers and appropriate villages) justice to be done to them.

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8 Sri Pattem Chinabulli, S/o of Management assured to Total Budget Appalaraju, Sundrakota (V): provide the Road facility allocated for socio  While welcoming the proposed and medical facilities. economic project, said that earlier many development is Rs. people were died as there was no 15.0 Lakhs (for road timely medical assistance due to lack of proper road facility. He development, social expressed his happiness that the welfare activities management of the proposed like education, Laterite mining has provided road facility to Sundarakota village and health and also expressed that if the mining communication activity is allowed in the area, facility to the Sundarakota (V) and surrounding villages of the proposed project surrounding would be economically villages) developed.

9 Sri J.Venkataramana, S/o of Subbarao, Management assured to Total Budget Sundarakota (V): provide the Road facility allocated for socio Expressed that there is road facility for 8 and medical facilities. economic villages and no road for 8 villages. About development is Rs. 90% of the villages are illiterates. He 15.0 Lakhs (for road questioned that is there any assurance for welfare of the effected people. He also development, social said that, the Government is releasing welfare activities funds to develop smart cities but not like education, allocating any funds for drinking water and road facilities in tribal villages due to health and which earlier many of the Tribal were communication died due to lack of proper drinking water, facility to the road facilities. He questioned that the how the Government is leasing the surrounding Laterite mine to 3rd parities, instead of villages) handling by the Government itself? 10 Sri Ch. Kondababu S/o of Chinnaraju, Management assured to Total Budget Sarugudu (V): provide the Road facility allocated for socio While welcoming the proposed project, and medical facilities. economic said that the earlier many people were development is Rs. died as there was no timely medical 15.0 Lakhs (for road assistance due to lack of proper road 157

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

facility. But the Government has not development, social taken any action in this regard. He welfare activities expressed his happiness that the like education, management of the proposed Laterite mining has provided road facility to health and Sundarakota village and requested the communication management to provided education, facility to the medical and drinking water facility to the other 8 villages exiting on the hills. surrounding villages) 11 Sri Koindapalli Raja Babu, S/o of Management assured to Total Budget Manga Raju, R/o of K. Siripuram: provide the Road facility allocated for socio While welcoming the proposed project, and medical facilities. economic informed that the earlier many people development is Rs. were died as there was no medical 15.0 Lakhs (for road assistance due to lack of proper road facility. He expressed his happiness that development, social the management of the proposed Laterite welfare activities mining has provided road facility to like education, Sundarakota village and requested the management to provided education, health and medical and drinking water facility to the communication other 8 villages existing on the hills and facility to the expressed that the permissions to be granted duly abiding the rules & surrounding guidelines of Pollution control measures. villages)

12 Sri Kosuri Chinnabbai, S/o of Management assured that Total Budget Balaraju, Asanagiri (V): there will be no threat to allocated for socio While opposing the proposed project, the lives of the villagers. economic informed that the mining is proposed in development is Rs. the midst of two hills where in the village 15.0 Lakhs (for road goddesses are existing and expressed his development, social apprehension that there is threat to the welfare activities lives of the villagers, if the mining like education, activity is allowed in that hills. health and communication facility to the surrounding villages)

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13 Sri Y.Naga Satish, S/o of Somulu, Management also assured Total Budget Yerakannapalem (V): that there would be allocated for socio While welcoming the proposed project, development due to the economic informed that earlier many difficulties mining project. development is Rs. were faced due to lack of proper road 15.0 Lakhs (for road facility to Sundarakota village and also development, social opined that if the mining activity is welfare activities allowed in the area, Sundarakota (V and like education, surrounding villages of the proposed health and project would be economically communication developed. facility to the surrounding villages) 14 Smt.U.Sanyasamma, Sarugudu (V): Management assured to Total Budget  While welcoming the proposed provide the Road facility allocated for socio project, expressed her happiness and medical facilities. economic that the management of the development is Rs. proposed Laterite mining has 15.0 Lakhs (for road provided road facility to development, social Sundarakota village (V) and also welfare activities in the process of installation water like education, plant and opined that the health and surrounding backward villages communication would also be developed. facility to the surrounding villages) 15 Sri S. Nookaratham, Secretary, PISA, R/o of Sarugudu (V): While welcoming the proposed project, expressed that the management of the proposed Laterite mining has provide road facility to Sundarakota village (V) and opined that the surrounding backward villages would also be developed.He opined that the mining holder should give written assurance committed in the meeting for the development of 159

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

surrounding villages. 16 Smt.Kakuri Lakshmi, R/o of Management is assured Total Budget Sarugudu (V): for take up the allocated for socio While welcoming the proposed project, development of the area. economic informed that earlier many people were development is Rs. died as there was no timely medical 6.0 Lakhs. assistance dye to lack of proper road facility. But the Government has not taken any action in this regard. She expressed his happiness that the management of the proposed Laterite mining has provided road facility and assured for development of the surrounding. Hence the permission for the proposed mining may be accepted. 17 Sri Koduru Rambabu, Torada (V): Management assured for Infrastructure While welcoming the proposed project developing the facilities like road expressed that the management of the infrastructural facilities. development, proposed Laterite mining has provided medical facilities road facility to Sundarakota village (V) will be provided and and opined that the surrounding backward allocated an amount villages would also be developed of Rs. 7.0 Lakhs

18 Sri Dumpa Devera Vara Prasad Babu, Necessary measures will -- Sarugudu (V): be taken for water While welcoming the proposed project, resources and springs on expressed that there is no proper the hills. understanding among the villagers living on the hill top and down regarding the mining project. The villagers should respect the decision of the Government for permitting the mining .He appealed the mining holder to provide common amenities to the villagers. He also requested the villagers not to oppose the proposed mining project. 19 Sri K.Sundara Ro, S/o of Somaraju, Management assured to Facilities like road R/o of K. Duddugulu (V): While provide the Road facilities welcoming the proposed project, said that development, at neglected villages and medical facilities through the mining is proposed in the will be provided and 160

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

midst of two hills there is no objections also provide the basic allocated an amount of Rs. 7.0 Lakhs or problem for mining activity allowed in amenities. the area. 20 Sri. U. Rangarao, S/o of Chinnayya, Management will give -- R/o of Bhamidika (V): guarantee for not causing While welcoming the proposed project, any harm to the people. said that the earlier many people were died as there was no timely medical assistance due to lack of proper road facility. He expressed his happiness that the management of the proposed Laterite mining has provided road facility to Sundarakota village hence the permission to the proposed mining may be granted 21 Sri Pattem Raja babu, Ex-Sarpanch of Natural sources will be -- Sundarakota (V): While welcoming the belonging to the locals proposed project, informed that the only and mining project earlier many people were died as there was no medical assistance due to lack of will be carried out in legal proper road facility. He expressed his way. happiness that the management of the proposed Laterite mining has provided road facility to Sundarakota village. He also said that earlier favorable decision was taken in the Panchayath meeting on the proposed mining hence the permission to the proposed mining may be granted. 22 Sri Padamavathi, R/o of Asanagiri (V): -- -- While opposing the proposed Laterite mining project, expressed that environmental pollution would be occurred and diseases would be spread out due to the mining activity and hence the permission for the proposed mining may not be granted. 23 Mitigation measures and Total Budget Sri Lokanadham, CPI (M) Party, to maintain pollution allocated for Visakhapatnam: control standards. Environmental protection is Rs.  While opposing the proposed 10.0 Lakhs. 161

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Laterite mining project, expressed

that the permission to the proposed Laterite mining should be cancelled due to the following: o The EIA report was not proper and not considered the present situation. o Due to open mining, pollution would be increased. o The Government should protect the Nature and natural resources. o Out of total 16villages, about 600 people will lost their shelter. o NOC was issued earlier in the year 2011 and further PISA act is in force. o The mining permission is too given by the President of India. o The existence of 42 no. of village goddesses would be in trouble. o The place should be developed as Tourist place as the Freedom fighter Sri Alluri Sitharamaraju led the freedom agitation. o G.O.M.S.No.68 sha I be followed.

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o Better lively hood shall be provided. o Sufferers and suffering villages to be considered. o No common amenity to surrounding villages. 24 Management assured to Employment – 500 Sri Balepalli Venkata Ramana, provide employment to nos on direct basis. Secretary, CPI Party, Addakula: 500 people on direct basis. Training &  While opposing the proposed awareness for job Laterite mining project, facilities to unemployed questioned that the mining holder graduates & post shall inform what kind of graduates will allocate employment will be provided to 2.0Lakhs/annum. the local youth and how to cooperate with the proposed mining. The place should be developed as Tourist place as the Freedom fighter Alluri Sitharamaraju led the freedom agitation and took shelter in the caves located near to mining area .He opined that rival nature may be developed among the villagers and there would be lack of relationships among the villagers. He demanded that the Government should announce about Tribal freedom and the permission to the proposed mining to be cancelled . 25 Sri Viswaswara Rao, Girijana We will fulfill the Employment – 500 163

Final Environmental Impact Assessment of Smt. Singam Bhavani Laterite Mining

Chaitanya Ikya vedika, Boddupalli: commitments made to the nos on direct basis.

While opposing the proposed Laterite local Girijans by CSR activities like mining project, said that, the natural providing the perfect drinking water resources are being destroyed hence one supply, roads packages. and all should take responsibility to development, protect the same. The Tribal are supposed Education facility to be leaving the hills and there is very will be improved. possibility of spreading diseases if mining 2% of profit will be activity is allowed in the area. The Tribal utilized for CSR rights shall not be obstructed and opined activity that the permission to the proposed mining to be cancelled. 26 Sri J.Lakshmana Murthy, Sarpanch, Management assured to Employment – 500 Sarugudu (V): provide employment to nos on direct basis. Said that out of 16 villages, 8 villages are 500 people on direct basis supporting & remaining 8 villages are who were living near to Training & opposing the proposed mining activity, the site. awareness for job He said that the villagers who are earlier supported the proposed mining are now facilities to opposing damage to the tribal. He also unemployed said that the effect on the agriculture graduates & post cultivation was not mentioned in the EIA report due to proposed mining activity. graduates allocate He requested that the mining holder shall 2.0Lakhs/annum. give written assurance regarding

promises made in the public hearing. 27 Sri Lotha Ramarao, Sarpanch, -- -- Lododdi (V), Rajavommangal (M), East Godavri District: While opposing the proposed Laterite mining project, said that the natural resources are being destroyed. One natural water spring is coming to their village through the mining hills of Asanagiri (V) and due to the proposed mining activity, the spring may be constrained and 5 villages in Lododdi (P) might face the serve water crisis. He apprehended that if the mining is permitted by violating the G.Os and Acts

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and one side decision, the innocent people living in and around the mining area would lost their shelter and livelihood. Hence the permission to the mining may be cancelled. 28 Sri Gollapudi Pediraju, Sarpanch, Management assured to Rs. 5.0 Lakhs will Badadanamlalli (V), Rajaommangi provide the Road facility. be allocated for (M), East Godavari Dist: providing road While welcoming the proposed project, facility. said that, heir village is adjacent to the villages where the mining is proposed. If the mining activity is to be stopped, all the other mining activity permitted earlier would also be stopped. The mining holder shall give written assurance before starting the mining activity stating that how they are going to developed villages. He opined that the mining activity is to be carried out under the supervision of the official of pollution Control authorities 29 Sri Ganisetti Appalanaidu: Management assured for Facilities like road Opined that if mining permission would providing infrastructure development, be granted to the co-operative societies facilities and area Medical facilities rather than to the individuals, the villages development due to the will be provided and would be developed. He also opined that, it was reported that there is no human proposed project, so that allocated an amount habitation exists in the proposed mining the villages will be getting of Rs. 7.0 Lakhs. area in the EIA report which is to re- some recognition. Total Budget examined allocated for socio economic development is Rs. 6.0 Lakhs. 30 Management assured for -- Sri Lokula Gandhi, Paderu, BJP, State pollution mitigation Girijana Morcha Secretary: measures.  While opposing the project, informed that the most of the

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people are unaware of the contents of EIA Report. Some villagers are supporting and some people are opposing. The people who are supporting the project may apprehend that they would lose their royalties from the management of the mining project and hence they are supporting. He made an allegation that he examined the neighboring mining activities where the mining holder has not withstand on the assurance and not taking proper controlling measures on the dust emanating during mining activity. He expressed his unbelief that the proposed mining holder also will not withstand on their assurance. He also opined that secrete voting is to be conducted in 16 villages and accordingly, decision is to be taken based on the majority for of mining lease 31 -- -- Sri Venkata Reddy, Environmentalist, Hyderabad:  Opined that due to Laterite mining pollution in the Surrounding would be developed. 3 times more saplings are to be planted in place of removal plants. Ground water

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resources are to be prevented. 32 Management assured for Management Sri Vijaya Reddy, Leads (NGO), providing infrastructure assured to provide Hyderabad: facilities and area employment to 500  Opined that all the people think development due to the people on direct about the pre and post proposed project. basis who were environmental status of soil, Air, living near to the & Water in the area before and site. after mining is allowed in the The proponent gave area. The proponent should take the following precaution and measures to clarifications on the prevent the dust pollution being issues raised in the caused due to mining activity public consultation. prose to be carried out in the Employment will be extent of 90.acres. given to local people to about 500 Nos. As a Corporate Social Responsibility, drinking water, roads development, education facility will be improved in the surrounding villages. Nearly 2% of profit will be utilized for CSR activity. The product will be utilized for different manufacturing units

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apart from cement units. The typographical error in the draft EIA report will be rectified in the final EIA. All environmental management systems will be practiced to mitigate pollution and to improve green area.

33 Sri Rajendra, Srujana Voluntary Organization, Yeleswaram, East Godavari Dist. :  Opined that the employs are suspended due to the permission issued to the earlier mining units with out proper study at Vadanta village of East Godavari Dist. He also opines that a committee is to be formed and as per the recommendations of the committee, the decision should be taken on the mining lease.

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