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Undertake study on ecological damage caused due to the reported activity.
1.0 Preamble
M/s. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd has set up a LPG bottling plant i.e., Tirunelveli Bottling Plant with a LPG bottling capacity of 1, 20,000 MTPA at SIPCOT Industrial Growth Centre, Gangaikondan village in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu State.
Proposed bulk LPG storage & bottling facility (Indane LPG bottling plant) comprise bulk LPG storage (1800 MT) and LPG throughput of 1,20,000 MTPA through 2 LPG Filling carousels and is located on B37/pt to B43/pt, B50/pt, B51/pt, C30 to C41 in SIPCOT Industrial Growth Centre, Gangaikondan Village, Tirunelveli Taluka & District Tamil Nadu.
IOCL has applied for post facto Environmental Clearance for the proposed bulk LPG storage & bottling facility from Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MOEF&CC) during 44th Reconstituted Expert Appraisal Committee (Industry-2) meeting held during 20-21st July, 2015. The EIA Report was prepared on the basis of the specific and additional TOR in addition to generic TOR issued by MoEFCC.
M/s Indian Oil Corporation Limited at above location has been established and not yet commissioned/operated as Environmental Clearance not yet issued. Hence the project has been notified under violation. In this regard, as per the Ministry of Environmental Forest and Climate Change Notification, 14-15 march 2017, a detailed study on assessment of Ecological damage, remediation plan, natural and community resource management plan has been prepared by M/s ABC Techno Labs India Pvt. Ltd. (accredited by NABL, MoEF). A professional team consisting of Scientists and Engineers have undertaken a detailed study for an Ecological damage, remediation plan and community resource management plan.
1.1 Introduction
The LPG Bottling plant was proposed in 42 acres of land of SIPCOT Industrial Growth Centre, Gangaikondan village, Tirunelveli Dist. There are number of other Industries operating in the SIPCOT Industrial Area. LPG Bottling plant has valid Consent to Establish (CTE) under water and Air Act obtained from TNPCB vide consent order No. 6045 & 5985 dated 18.09.2012 and other Licenses
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CCOE Licenses (Chief Controller of Explosives)
Description of Item License Details Validity
License to Store Compressed S/HO/TN/03/1034(S51373) 31.03.2018 Gas in Pressure Vessels Dt:12.05.2015 License to fill Compressed Gas G/HO/TN/05/387(G29929) 30.09.2017 in Cylinders Dt.12.05.2015 License to Store Compressed G/HO/TN/06/363(G29929) 30.09.2017 Gas in Cylinders Dt.12.05.2015 Storage of HSD inside P/HQ/TN/15/5144(P378315) Dt. 31.12.2018 premises for Own Use 13.04.2016
The unit has obtained Consent for Operation from Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. However, Indian Oil Corporation is awaiting Environmental Clearance for commencement of operation. The Design and Construction of the mounded bullets and other Bottling facility was done as per OSID 150 and OSID 144. As the Gangaikondan Spotted Deer Sanctuary is located within a distance of 1 Km from the project site, The NBWL clearance under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 is also under process. Application submitted online on 13.10.2015 and currently the NBWL Clearance proposal is under scrutiny by the Chief Wild Life Warden, Tamil Nadu. However, the plant is well designed and equipped with all necessary safety, Fire prevention and very effective firefighting system.
1.2 Need for the Project
Presently, there is no IOCL bottling plants in down south of Madurai, i.e. in the districts of Tirunelveli, Tuticorin and Kanyakumari. Tirunelveli LPG BP shall be feeding this essential commodity (domestic LPG) not only to the above Districts in Tamil Nadu but also the neighboring Trivandrum and other areas of Kerala State. Decreased movement of trucks conveying LPG cylinders from Madurai to southern district will have a direct positive impact on the ambient air quality (i.e. improvement in air quality as fugitive emissions will be reduced) & the existing traffic scenario will also be reduced. In view of this, LPG Bottling Plant has been established in SIPCOT Industrial Growth Center at Gangaikondan, Tirunelveli.
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1.3 Location & Connectivity
IOCL’s Indane Bottling Plant is located at S.F Nos. B37/pt to B43/pt, B50/pt, B51/pt, C30 to C41, C24/pt to C27/pt at SIPCOT Industrial Growth Centre, Gangaikondan village, Tirunelveli Taluk & District, Tamil Nadu between the latitude 8°49'50.10"N and 77°44'41.27"E longitude.
The project site is well connected by road and rail network. The project site is located adjacent to NH 7 which connects Varanasi & Kanyakumari. Gangaikondan Railway Station is located at the distance of 4 km (E). Tuticorin Airport is located at the distance of 33.55km (SW). Co-ordinates of all four corners of the site.
North west North East South West South East
8°49'54.91"N 8°49'54.93"N 8°49‘47.02"N 8°49'43.35"N
77°44‘32.28"E 77°44‘50.30"E 77°44‘32.59"E 77°44‘49.49"E
Figure 1.1 Site Location
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Figure 1.2 TOPO Map of 10 km radius of the project site
Figure 1.3: Geographical Location of the Project Site & Gangaikondan Spotted Deer Sanctuary
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Environmental Quality
As part of Environmental Impact assessment, baseline environmental monitoring studies were conducted during the period from February 2015 to April 2015 and details are as follows: 1 Meteorology
The maximum and minimum temperature recorded during the study period is 34°C and 23°C. The relative humidity is found varying from 60 to 83%. The predominant winds are mostly from Northwest, Northeast and Southeast directions. Maximum 63mm rainfall was recorded during study period. 2 Air Environment
To establish the baseline status of the ambient air quality in the study area, the air quality was monitored at eight (8) locations. The maximum and minimum values of Ambient Air Quality monitoring are given in the following table:
Figure 1: Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations
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Table 1: Summary of Ambient Air Quality Result
3 3 3 3 PM10, µg/m PM 2.5, µg/m SO2, µg/m NO2, µg/m 98 98 98 98 Code Location Min Max Avg Per Min Max Avg Per Min Max Avg Per Min Max Avg Per AAQ1 Project Site 39 54 47.2 53.6 17.5 24.2 20.8 24 5.1 6.2 5.6 6.1 9.7 12.2 10.9 12.1
AAQ2 Gangaikondan 43 57 50.1 56.7 20.4 26.5 23.4 26.3 6.7 8.3 7.5 8.2 11.8 16.4 14.1 16.2
AAQ3 Venkatasalapuram 37 48 42.6 47.7 18.5 23.8 21.1 23.5 BDL(<5) 10.1 13.4 11.6 13.2
AAQ4 Alavanthankulam 45 55 45.8 54.7 21.2 25.3 23.3 25.1 5.4 6.1 5.7 6.0 11.5 14.2 12.8 14
AAQ5 Kattalai 35 46 40.4 45.5 17 22.8 19.9 22.6 BDL(<5) 9.1 11.9 10.4 11.7
AAQ6 Thalaiyuthu 51 66 57.5 65.6 24.9 35.7 30.2 35.4 6.3 8.5 6.8 8.4 13.5 17.2 15.3 17
AAQ7 Nanjankulam 40 53 46.4 52.8 18.8 23.9 21.4 23.7 BDL(<5) 10.2 12.6 11.3 12.4
AAQ8 Thathanuthu 48 59 54.5 58.6 19.7 27.6 23.2 27.5 5.6 6.8 6.1 6.7 13.3 16.2 14.4 16
CPCB / MoEF&CC Standards
Industrial /Residential /Rural 100 60 80 80 and Other Area
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Ozone CO, mg/m3 Ammonia 3 Code Location µg/m Lead µg/m3 µg/m3 Min Max Avg 98 Per Min Max Avg 98 Per
AAQ1 Project Site BDL(<5) 8.4 13.3 10.9 13.1 BDL(<0.1) BDL(<0.1)
AAQ2 Gangaikondan BDL(<5) 9.2 14.6 11.8 14.4 0.11 0.16 0.13 0.15 BDL(<0.1)
AAQ3 Venkatasalapuram BDL(<5) 7.7 11.3 9.5 11.2 BDL(<0.1) BDL(<0.1)
AAQ4 Alavanthankulam BDL(<5) 8.8 12.8 10.9 12.6 BDL(<0.1) BDL(<0.1)
AAQ5 Kattalai BDL(<5) 6.7 10.5 8.3 10.3 BDL(<0.1) BDL(<0.1)
AAQ6 Thalaiyuthu BDL(<5) 10.7 18.4 14.8 18.2 0.17 0.25 0.20 0.24 BDL(<0.1)
AAQ7 Nanjankulam BDL(<5) 8.2 13.2 10.7 13 BDL(<0.1) BDL(<0.1)
AAQ8 Thathanuthu BDL(<5) 9.7 14.6 12.1 14.4 BDL(<0.1) BDL(<0.1)
CPCB / MoEF&CC Standards
Industrial /Residential / Rural and 400 100 2 1 Other Area
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Benzene, Benzo[a]pyrene Arsenic Nickel Code Location 3 µg/m3 ng/m3 ng/m3 ng/m AAQ1 Project Site BDL (<0.1) BDL (<0.01) BDL (<1) BDL (<1)
AAQ2 Gangaikondan BDL (<0.1) BDL (<0.01) BDL (<1) BDL (<1)
AAQ3 Venkatasalapuram BDL (<0.1) BDL (<0.01) BDL (<1) BDL (<1)
AAQ4 Alavanthankulam BDL (<0.1) BDL (<0.01) BDL (<1) BDL (<1)
AAQ5 Kattalai BDL (<0.1) BDL (<0.01) BDL (<1) BDL (<1) AAQ6 Thalaiyuthu BDL (<0.1) BDL (<0.01) BDL (<1) BDL (<1)
AAQ7 Nanjankulam BDL (<0.1) BDL (<0.01) BDL (<1) BDL (<1)
AAQ8 Thathanuthu BDL (<0.1) BDL (<0.01) BDL (<1) BDL (<1) CPCB Standards Industrial/ 20 Residential/Rural and 5 1 6 Other Area
Table 2: AAQ Monitoring Stations
Air Direction with Distance with sampling the respect to Environmental location respect to Location project site (km) Setting code project site
AAQ1 Project Site - - Industrial Area
AAQ2 Gangaikondan NE 5.29 Residential Area Residential & AAQ3 Venkatasalapuram N 5.16 Rural Area Residential & AAQ4 Alavanthankulam NW 6.21 Rural Area Residential & AAQ5 Kattalai SE 4.32 Rural Area Residential & AAQ6 Thalaiyuthu SSW 5.76 Industrial Residential & AAQ7 Nanjankulam WSW 7.24 Rural Area Residential & AAQ8 Thathanuthu S 3.11 Rural Area
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2.1 Observations PM10: The maximum and minimum concentrations for PM10 were recorded as 66µg/m3 and 35µg/m3 respectively. The maximum concentration was recorded at Thalaiyuthu and the minimum concentration was recorded at Kattalai. The average concentrations were ranged between 40.4 and 57.5µg/m3.
PM2.5: The maximum and minimum concentrations for PM2.5 were recorded as 35.7µg/m3 and 17µg/m3 respectively. The maximum concentration was recorded at Thalaiyuthu and the minimum concentration was recorded at Kattalai. The average values were observed to be in the range of 19.9 and 30.2 µg/m3.
SO2: The maximum and minimum SO2 concentrations were recorded as 8.5µg/m3 and BDL respectively. The maximum concentration was recorded at Thalaiyuthu. The average values were observed to be in the range of BDL and 7.5µg/m3.
NO2: The maximum and minimum NO2 concentrations were recorded as 17.2µg/m3 and 9.1µg/m3. The maximum concentration was recorded at Thalaiyuthu and the minimum concentration was recorded at Kattalai. The average values were observed to be in the range of 10.4 and 15.3 µg/m3.
3 O 3 : The maximum and minimum O3 concentrations were recorded as 18.4µg/m and 6.7µg/m3. The maximum concentration was recorded at Thalaiyuthu and the minimum concentration was recorded at Kattalai. The average values were observed to be in the range of
8.3 and 14.8µg/m3. The concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NO2, are observed to be well within the standards prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for Industrial, Rural, Residential and Other area. All the values of NH3, heavy metals (Pb, Ar, Ni & Hg), CO, Benzene and BaP were found to be below detection limit. The results of the monitored data indicate that the ambient air quality of the region in general is in conformity with respect to the norms of National Ambient Air Quality standards (NAAQS) of CPCB, with present level of activities.
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3 Noise Environment The noise monitoring has been conducted at seven (7) locations in the study area. Project site recorded highest value of 52.1 dB (A) during day time. The lowest noise level was found to be 40.9 dB (A) during night time. However the noise levels are found to be well within the CPCB standards.
Figure 2: Noise Monitoring Locations
Table 3: Noise Monitoring Stations
Location Code Sample location Leq day [dB(A)] Leq Night [dB(A)] Leq [dB(A)] N1 Project Site 50.7 42.8 49.2 N2 Gangaikondan 51.8 43.6 50.3 N3 Pallikottai 48.2 41.6 46.8 N4 Thalaiyuthu 52.1 44.2 50.6 N5 Alangaraperi 47.2 40.9 45.9 N6 Thenkalam 48.4 41.7 47 N7 Palamadai 49.2 42.5 47.8
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3.1 Observations
Day time Noise Levels Noise levels during day time were found to be in the range 47.2 to 52.1dB (A). The maximum noise level was observed to be 52.1dB (A) at Thalaiyuthu and a minimum of 47.2dB (A) was observed at Alangaraperi.
Night time Noise Levels Noise levels observed to fall in the range 40.9 to 44.2dB (A) during the night time. A maximum of 40.9dB (A) was observed at Thalaiyuthu and a minimum of 44.2dB (A) was observed at Alangaraperi. Measured noise levels are observed to be in compliance with prescribed standards for ambient noise for the respective applicable categories.
4 Water Environment Six (6) groundwater samples and two (2) surface water samples within the study area were considered for assessment. The water samples were collected and analysed during 2015. The pH of ground water in the study area varies between 6.66 and 7.82, Conductivity varies from 1012 to 2450 cm, TDS values were found to be from 588 to1327mg/L and Total Hardness varied frμS/om 135 – 570 mg/L. Total alkalinity also varies from 125 to 410 mg/L. The concentration of sodium in the studied samples varied from 97 to 265 mg/L. The potassium content ranged from 1 to 4.6 mg/L. The chloride content in the studied area ranged from 139 - 478 mg/L. The sulphate, nitrate and fluoride content in the ground water are found to be within the IS in all the samples.
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Figure 3: Water Quality Monitoring Stations GROUND WATER (W1, W2, W3) Table 4: Water Quality
Limit as per S. No Parameters Unit W1 W2 W3 IS 10500 : 2012
1 Colour Hazen 5 Nil Nil Nil No Odour No Odour No Odour 2 Odour Unobjectionable - Observed Observed Observed 3 pH at 25°C - 6.5-8.5 7.09 7.41 7.82 Electrical cm Not Specified 1086 1320 2450 4 Conductivity, 5 Turbidity μS/NTU 1 BDL (<0.5) 0.6 BDL (<0.5) 6 Total Dissolved mg/l 500 633 726 1327 Solids Total Hardness as mg/l 200 135 420 570 7 CaCO3 Total Alkalinity as mg/l 200 170 362 400 8 CaCO3 9 Chloride as Cl mg/l 250 175 164 478 10 Sulphate as SO4 mg/l 200 48 72 47
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11 Fluoride as F mg/l 1.0 0.59 0.68 1.17 12 Nitrate as NO3 mg/l 45 2 12 15 13 Ammonia as N mg/l 0.5 BDL(<0.05) BDL(<0.05) 0.20 14 Phosphate as PO4 mg/l Not Specified 0.11 0.12 0.18 15 Sodium as Na mg/l Not Specified 126 97 265 16 Potassium as K mg/l Not Specified 46 2.2 3.9 17 Calcium as Ca mg/l 75 30 118 160 18 Magnesium as Mg mg/l 30 15 30 41 19 Iron as Fe mg/l 0.3 BDL (<0.05) 0.13 BDL (<0.05) Chemical Oxygen 20 Demand mg/l Not Specified 4.7 BDL(<4) 8.3
S. Limit as per Parameters Unit W4 W5 W6 No IS 10500 : 2012 1 Colour Hazen 5 Nil Nil Nil No Odour No Odour No Odour 2 Odour Unobjectionable - Observed Observed Observed 3 pH at 25°C - 6.5-8.5 7.16 7.30 6.66 Electrical 4 cm Not Specified 1186 1390 1012 Conductivity 5 Turbidity NTμS/U 1 BDL(<0.5) 0.9 BDL(<0.5) Total Dissolved 6 mg/l 500 675 734 588 Solids Total Hardness 7 mg/l 200 320 405 235 as CaCO3 Total Alkalinity 8 mg/l 200 410 230 125 as CaCO3 9 Chloride as Cl mg/l 250 139 200 179 10 Sulphate as SO4 mg/l 200 24 80 30 11 Fluoride as F mg/l 1.0 1.41 0.50 0.49 12 Nitrate as NO3 mg/l 45 BDL(<1) 28 84 13 Ammonia as N mg/l 0.5 BDL(<0.05) BDL(<0.05 BDL(<0.05) Phosphate as ) 14 mg/l Not Specified 0.07 0.01 0.22 PO4 15 Sodium as Na mg/l Not Specified 140 110 108 16 Potassium as K mg/l Not Specified 2.9 1 4.5
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17 Calcium as Ca mg/l 75 76 88 60 18 Magnesium as mg/l 30 32 45 21 Mg 19 Iron as Fe mg/l 0.3 BDL(<0.05) 0.10 BDL(<0.05) Chemical Oxygen 20 mg/l Not Specified BDL(<4) BDL(<4) BDL(<4) Demand Surface Water S. No Parameters Unit SW1 SW2 1 Colour Hazen 11 4 2 Odour - No Odour Observed No Odour Observed 3 pH at 25°C - 7.12 7.17 4 Electrical Conductivity, cm 624 307 5 Turbidity NTU 9.2 2.2 μS/ 6 Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 358 163 7 Total Hardness as CaCO3 mg/l 180 106 8 Total Alkalinity as CaCO3 mg/l 312 126 9 Chloride as Cl mg/l 25 16.6 10 Sulphate as SO4 mg/l 8 3.4 11 Fluoride as F mg/l 1.07 0.44 12 Nitrate as NO3 mg/l 1.8 BDL(<1) 13 Ammonia as NH3 mg/l 0.31 0.06 14 Phosphate as PO4 mg/l 0.39 0.02 15 Sodium as Na mg/l 76 22 16 Potassium as K mg/l 2.3 BDL(<1) 17 Calcium as Ca mg/l 14.4 26 18 Magnesium as Mg mg/l 35 10 19 Iron as Fe mg/l 0.41 0.23 20 Anionic Surfactants as MBAS mg/l BDL(<0.025) BDL(<0.025) 21 Total Suspended Solids mg/l 16 8 22 Dissolved Oxygen as O2 mg/l 6.1 6.7 23 Chemical Oxygen Demand mg/l 52 22 24 Bio-Chemical Oxygen Demand mg/l 6.8 2.6 at 27°C for 3 days 25 Total Coliforms MPN/10 >1600/100ml 546/100ml 26 Faecal Coliforms MPN /10 >1600/100ml 35 /100ml
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4.1 Observations Ground Water The analysis of ground water results indicate that the average pH ranges in between 6.66- 7.82, TDS ranges from 588 mg/l - 1327mg/l, total hardness ranges from 135mg/l - 570mg/l, iron content ranges from BDL – 0.13mg/l, nitrate content ranges from BDL – 84mg/l was observed. Surface Water The analysis of surface water results indicate that the average pH ranges in between 7.12 – 7.17 , TDS ranges from 163mg/l - 358mg/l, total hardness ranges from 106mg/l – 180 mg/l, DO ranges from 6.1 mg/l – 6.7 mg/l was observed.
5 Soil Environment Seven locations within the study area were selected for soil sampling. It has been observed that the pH of the soil was ranging from 1.62 to 7.78, Conductivity of the soil ranges from 0.096 to 0.411 mS/cm. Since the EC value is less than 2mS/cm, the soil is said to be non-saline in nature. Soil organic content varied from 0.56 to 1.02% which indicates the low level of organic matter.
Figure 4: Soil Sampling Stations
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Table 5: Soil Quality
S. Parameters S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 No 1 pH 7.78 8.41 8.25 8.01 8.62 7.81 8.14 2 Electrical conductivity, 0.096 0.174 0.245 0.336 0.411 0.112 0.246 mS/cm 3 Available Nitrogen, mg/kg 274 302 414 526 374 465 370 Available Phosphorous, 4 45.8 63.4 112.3 63.7 85.6 95.4 62.4 mg/kg 5 Available Potassium, mg/kg 205 311 252 275 302 172 227
6 Exchangeable Calcium as Ca, 4.78 6.78 7.05 8.08/ 6.65 5.84 6.17 meq / 100g Exchangeable Magnesium 7 as Mg, meq/100g 3.36 3.11 4.36 3.03 3.58 3.25 3.76 8 Exchangeable Sodium as Na, 0.42 0.74 0.93 0.81 1.22 0.57 1.01 meq / 100g 9 Organic Matter (%) 0.68 0.91 0.83 1.02 0.74 0.56 0.77 Sandy Sandy Sandy Sandy 10 Texture Classification Clay Clay Clay Clay Clay Clay Clay Loam Loam 11 Sand (%) 53.7 36.2 39.2 28.8 51.7 56.8 42.3 12 Clay (%) 23.8 44.7 41.3 45.6 37.2 27.5 36.4 13 Silt (%) 22.5 19.1 19.5 25.6 11.1 15.7 21.3
5.1 Observation
o The soil results were compared with soil standards. It has been observed that the pH of the soil was ranging from 7.78 to 8.62 indicating the soils are basic in nature. Conductivity of the soil ranges from 0.096 to 0.411 mS/cm. Since the EC value is less than 2000 µS/cm, the soil is said to be Non saline in nature.
o Texture of the soil sample is predominantly loam. Soil organic content varied from 0.56 to 1.02% which indicates the very low level of organic matter.
o The available nitrogen content ranges between 274 to 465 mg/kg in the locality and the value of phosphorus content varies between 45.8 to 112.3 mg/kg. This indicates that the
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soil have very high quantities of Nitrogen and Phosphorus.
o The potassium content varies from 172 to 311 mg/kg which indicates that the soils have high quantities of potassium.
From the above observations it was found that the soil in the Study area shows moderate fertility. Similar plants established in Tamil Nadu do not cause any impact on Air, Water, Soil and Noise Environment as there is no process involved except storage filing and dispatch. The fugitive emissions if any during filling cylinders will be collected through hood, duct and discharge into the atmosphere.
6 Ecological Environment Ecosystem shows complex inter-relationships between biotic and abiotic components leading to dependence, competition and mutualism. Biotic components comprise both plant and animal communities, interacting not only within and between themselves but also with the abiotic components of the environment. The map showing the bio-geographic provinces of India is shown in Figure 5.
Generally, biological communities are good indicators of climatic and edaphic factors because of their strong relationships with them. The studies on the biological aspects of the ecosystem are important in Environment Impact Assessment studies for the suitability of natural flora & fauna. Information on the impact of environment stress on the community structure serves as an inexpensive and efficient early warning system to check the damage on a particular ecosystem. The biological environment includes mainly terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem.
A change in the composition of biotic communities under stress is reflected through a change in the distribution pattern, density, diversity, frequency, dominance and abundance of natural species of fauna and flora existing in the ecosystem. These changes over a span of times can be quantified and related to the existing environment.
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Objectives
The objectives of ecological study during the study period of EIA study period may be outlined as follows:
• To characterize the environmental components like land, water, flora and fauna;
• To understand their present status;
• To understand carrying capacity of the ecosystem;
• To assess present bio-diversity; and
• To identify susceptible and sensitive areas.
Figure 5: Map Showing Biogeographic Classification of India: Provinces
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The detailed ecological assessment of the study area has been carried out with the following objectives:
• To establish the present status of ecological conditions surrounding the project location;
• To study the existing anthropogenic stresses on the prevailing ecosystem.
• To identify and predict the likely impacts on the local ecosystem from the proposed activities;
• To list out floral species, terrestrial vertebrate and aquatic flora and fauna present within the study area, and significance status under The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• To define ecological/conservation status of each species as per IUCN categories (Red Data List).
• To formulate mitigation measures and a sustainable Environmental Management Plan (EMP) basing upon the likely impacts.
During survey, following aspects were considered for ecological studies:
• Assessment of present status of flora and fauna;
• Identification of rare and endangered species of plants and animals (if any);
• Identification of ecologically sensitive areas within the study area;
• Assessment of migratory route of wildlife (if any); and
• Assessment of Aquatic Ecology with specific reference to aquatic birds and fishery resources.
6.1 Methodology Terrestrial investigations for flora and fauna records were collected by random field survey and a checklist was prepared. During field survey, discussions with the local people were
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• Primary field surveys to establish primary baseline of the study area;
• Compilation of secondary information available in published literatures/ working plan was referred from State Forest Department. • Site Verification and finalization in consultation with Project proponent, local inhabitants. • Vegetation analysis through quadrate method using sampling plots of 10m x 10m.
10m X 10m for tree species (record trees >25 cm in GBHOB /species);
5m X 5m [four plots] was laid along diagonals wherein all the shrubs recorded.
1m X 1m [five plots], one at the centre and four at one per quadrate] was laid and herbs, grasses in five plots to be noted.
6.2 Protocol for Sampling through Quadrate Method The standard method chosen for the assessment of plant diversity involves the use of square vegetation quadrates (‘plots’). These quadrates were used to measure most vegetation attributes in most vegetation types. Quadrate locations marked by pegs or sometimes by grid system.
The study area is demarcated as 10 km from the periphery of project area based on the MoEF&CC guidelines. After demarcation, the study area is divided into sampling units, i.e. the areas which are approximately true representative of the whole area, and were sampled for the identification of plant and animal species.
A. Floral Study
The assessment of the flora of the study area is done by an extensive field survey of the area.
• Plants species were identified based on their specific diagnostics characters of family, genus and species using available floral, other related literature and herbarium Botanical Survey of India (BSI).
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• Besides the identification of plant species, information was collected on the vernacular names and uses of plants made by local inhabitants. • Qualitative analysis of vegetation is made by two different methods such as floristic (by simple studying various genera and species of various plant groups i.e. herbs, shrubs, trees etc).
B. Phyto-sociology
A nested quadrates technique was used for sampling the vegetation. All the plots sampled were representative of most common types, sampling 10m x 10m for trees and 5m x 5m for shrubs, 1m x 1m for herbs square meter quadrates were laid. Selection of sites for sampling of vegetation is done by random sampling procedure. However, in general to study the phytosociological attributes, quadrates of 10 m × 10 m size for tree species are randomly laid out at each site at different elevations. Then the observation on the following parameters is recorded:
1. Name of the species.
2. Number of the occurrence of each species in each quadrate.
The field data for phytosociological studies was collected in the study area. Vegetation data was quantitatively analyzed for frequency, density and dominance using standard methodologies. The relative values of frequency, density, and dominance of all the recorded species was summed up to represent Importance Value Index (IVI). Not only IVI facilitates comparison between species of a community, but also the data collected on dispersion, number and cover can be profitably used in comparing the vegetation structure of two or more stands or of the same stand over a period of time. Vegetation structure with respect of varying environmental factors can also be studied through such studies in sets of varying environmental conditions. The IVI was determined as the sum of the relative frequency, relative density and relative dominance. It thus incorporate three important parameters that measures of productivity and diversity of every species therefore. IVI = Relative frequency + Relative density + Relative dominance
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C. Faunal Study
Ground surveys are carried out by trekking the study area for identification of important animal groups such as birds, mammals and reptiles for sampling of animals through the following methods.
• For sampling birds/ avifauna ‘point sampling’ along the fixed transects (foot trails) were done to record all the species of birds with the help of binoculars; field guides and photography for more than 1 hour on each transect (n=4).
• For sampling mammals, ‘direct count on open width (20 m) transect’ were used on the same transects. Besides, information on recent sightings/records of mammals by the locals are also collected from the study areas.
• ‘Reptiles’ mainly lizards were sampled by ‘direct count on open width transects’.
• Secondary information collected from local villagers, published government data etc.
List of the endangered and endemic species as per the schedule of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Emphasis is given to identify avifauna and mammals to determine the presence and absence of Schedule-1 species, listed in The Wildlife Protection Act 1972, as well as in Red List of IUCN. Various methods used for study animals are as follows:
A. Point Survey Method: Observations were made at each site for 15-20 min duration.
B. Road Side Counts: The observer travelled by motor vehicles from site to site and all sightings were recorded.
Code Locations Co-ordinates
EB1 Gangaikondan 8°51'30.11"N, 77°46'43.62"E
EB2 Aladipatti 8°50'3.96"N, 77°47'19.73"E
EB3 Rajavallipuram 8°47'19.50"N, 77°45'9.10"E
EB4 Thalaiyuthu 8°47'37.62"N, 77°43'40.96"E
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EB5 Thenkalam Pudur 8°50'4.35"N, 77°42'11.94"E
EB6 Alangaraperi 8°48'22.97"N, 77°46'36.46"E
Figure 6 Ecology & Biodiversity Monitoring Locations
7. Ecology and Biodiversity The area belongs to semi-arid rocky hilly region. The biodiversity survey was conducted in the month of March 2017 to study the richness of flora and fauna of the project area. The floral study was carried out using randomly placed quadrates of 10m x 10m for trees, 5m x 5m for shrubs and climbers and 1m x 1m for herbs.
7.1 Floral Composition The floral study in the 10 km radius of the proposed LPG bottling plant indicates that 62 plant species were observed. The list plants are given below.
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Table 6: Floral Composition S.No. Botanical Name Common Name 1. Azadiracta indica A. Juss Vembu 2. Boerhhavia diffusa L. Mukkurttaikkoti 3. Calotropis gigantean (L.) R.Br. Eruku 4. Borassus flabellifer L. Panai 5. Cassia siamea Lam. Manja Kondrai 6. Cissus quadrangularis L. Nanmuga pirandai 7. Clerodendrum inerme (L.) Gaertn Pampu-k-kanni 8. Cleome gynandra L. Naikkaduku 9. Cleome viscosa L. Naikaduku 10. Cocos nucifera L. Thenai 11. Commelina benghalensis L. Thankaipoo 12. Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Arukanpull 13. Cyperus rotundus L. korai 14. Cassia fistula L. Sarakonai 15. Nerium odorum nerium 16. Ficus benghalensis L. Alamaram 17. Ficus religiosa L. Arasamaram 18. Indigofera uniflora Buch. Avari 19. Moringa pterygosperma Goertn. Murunai 20. Jasminum angustifolium (L.) Willd. Malligai 21. Mangifera indica L. Mango 22. Ficus racemose Aththi 23. Delonix regia (Boj. ex Hook.) Raf. Myilkonrai 24. Carica papaya L. Pappali 25. Ocimum sanctum Tulsi 26. Pergularia daemia L Veliparuthi 27. Parthenium hysterophorus L. Parthenium 28. Abutilon indicum (Linn.) Sweet. Thuthi 29. Tribulus terrestris Linn Nerunji 30. Tamarindus indica L. Puli 31. Thespesia populanea (L.) Soland. Poovarasu 32. Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. Sodrukathalai 33. Ricinus communis L. Athalai 34. Croton sparsiflorus Morong Eliamanakku 35. Opuntia Kalli 36. Ziziphus Elantha Pazham
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37. Polyalthua longifolia (Sonner) Thw. Nedulingam 38. Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex. Sch. Kanupula sedi 39. Cassia auriculata L. Avarai 40. Morinda tinctoria Roxb Manchanathi 41. Cuscuta L. Verillankothan 42. Tectona grandis L. f. Thekku 43. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. Chembaruthi 44. Acacia planiformis Wight & Arn Odaimaram 45. Samanea samen (Jacq.) Marrill. Thungumungi maram 46. Millingtonia hortensis L. Pannerpoomaram 47. Tridax procumbens L kinatruppasan 48. Leucaena leucocephala (Lamk) Wit. Subapull 49. Agave americana L. Aanai katraalai 50. Albizzia lebbeck Benth. Vagai 51. Mimosa pudica Thottaccurungi 52. Terminalia catappa L. Vatham 53. Typha latifolia Sambu 54. Achyranthes aspera Nayuruvi 55. Jatropha gossifolia Seemayamanakku 56. Musa paradisiaca L. Vallai 57. Bougainvillea spectabilis Kakithapoo 58. Eucalyptus Thaila Maram 59. Prosopis julifera Karuvelam 60. Marsilea Aalai Keerai 61. Arundina Bamboo Orchid 62. Vinca rosea Nithya Kalyani
Among the 62 species of plants, Borassus flabellifer was found to be the dominant species, whereas Cyperus rotundus was observed to be having lower number of individuals. Cuscuta sp. was occurred as a parasitic species in the proposed site, invading the common tree species like Azadiracta indica. Table 7: Consolidated details on the floral diversity
Number of Species 62 Number of Individuals 972 Dominance 0.041 Shannon Diversity 3.33
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Simpson 0.95 Evenness 0.86 Menhinick 3.64 Margalef 7.23 Equitability index 0.95 Fisher alpha diversity 20.77
Berger-Parker 0.08 The Diversity index was calculated using standard methods and Shannon index was found to be 3.33.
7.3 Faunal Composition Primary data on the fauna was collected within 10km radius of the proposed LPG bottling plant in SIPCOT complex of Gangaikondan village. In each plot faunal species were identified based on direct sightings and indirect evidences such as call, foot prints if any, nesting, excreta etc. Based on identification the list animals is given below.
Table 8: Faunal Composition
S.No. Botanical Name Common Name 1. Ovis aries Sheep 2. Capra aegagrus hircus Goat 3. Canis lupus familiaris Dog 4. Gecko Lizard 5. Felis catus Cat 6. Bos taurus Cow 7. Macaca radiate Monkey 8. Corvus splendens Crow 9. Acridotheres tristis Common Myna 10. Loriculus vernalis Parrot 11. Collocalia esculenta Glossy Swiftlet 12. Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret 13. Tyto alba Owl 14. Columba rupestris Pigeon 15. Passer domesticus House Sparrow 16. Milvus migrans Black Kite
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17. Dicrurus macrocercus Black Drongo 18. Naja naja oxiana Central Asian Cobra 19. Varanus sp. Monitor Lizard 20. Chamaeleo gracilis Graceful Chameleon 21. Bufo melanostictus Indian Toad 22. Duttaphrynus melanostictus Toad 23. Anopheles rufipes Mosquito 24. Anopheles coustani Mosquito 25. Culex annulioris Mosquito 26. Ficalbia splendens Mosquito 27. Musca domestica House fly 28. Anochetus Ant 29. Technomyrmex Ant 30. Acantholepis Ant 31. Ardea purpurea Peria vellai kokku 32. Ardea cinerea Sambal narai 33. Anaphaeis aurota The Pioneer butterfly 34. Papilio demoleus The Lime Butterfly 35. Pachliopta aristolochiae The common Rose Butterfly 36. Troides Minos The Southern Birdwing 37. Danaus chrysippus Plain tiger butterfly 38. Mycalesis anaxias Indian common butterfly
Table 9: Consolidated details on the fauna diversity
Number of species 35 Number of Individuals 504 Shannon index 2.70 Simpson index 0.92 Evenness 0.86
Menhinick 2.73
Margalef 4.46 Equitability index 0.94 Fisher alpha diversity 11.7 Berger-Parker 0.13125
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Totally 38 faunal species were identified in the project area. During public consultation it was informed by the locals that the wild life found in the spotted deer sanctuary constitute Deer, Rabbit, Wild boar etc. Domestic fauna constitute of sheep, goat, cow etc. are the integral part of rural livelihood.
7.4 Protected Area The proposed LPG bottling plant area does not have any National park, Biosphere reserve within 10 km radius except the recently declared spotted deer sanctuary, which is about 0.9 km away from the plant site.
The topography of the forest area is mainly rocky and Hilly terrain. As per the revised classification of forest types by Champion and Seth (1968), the existing forest is coming under Forest Types - 6A Southern tropical thorn forest and Sub types – 6A/C – Southern thorn forest
Details of the Sanctuary Name of Sanctuary Gangaikondan Spotted Deer Sanctuary
1 District Tirunelveli 2 Taluk Tirunelveli 3 Village/s Gangaikondan & Alankaraperi
4 Block Gangaikondan 5 Total Area 288.40 hectares
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7.5 Flora The entire area is a dry and the predominant species observed in the area are Prosopis juliflora and Acacia species (leucocephala and nilotica). In total 30 plant species consists of 6 trees, 5 shrubs, 19 herbs, were recorded from Gangaikondan Deer Sancturay. There is no endemic or endangered flora found in the study area. Primary and secondary data were collected and details of flora and fauna furnished below.
Table 10: List of Plants Recorded in Gangaikondan Spotted Deer Sanctuary S.No Name Family Herbs 1. Capparis zeylanica Capparaceae 2. Cissus quandrangulais Vitaceae 3. Hemidesmus indicus Periplocaceae 4. Tylophora indica Asclepiadaceae 5. Achyranthes aspera Amaranthaceae 6. Aerva javanica Amaranthaceae 7. Ageratum conyzoides Asteraceae 8. Aloe vera Liliaceae 9. Aristida setacea Poaceae 10. Argyreia nervosa Convolvulaceae 11. Barleria prionitis Acanthaceae 12. Boerhaavia diffusa Nyctaginaceae 13. Chloris barbata Poaceae 14. Cynodon dactylon Poaceae 15. Euphorbia resinifera Euphorbiaceae 16. Lepidagathis cristata Acanthaceae 17. Rostellularia prostrata Acanthaceae 18. Themeda triandra (kangaroo grass) Poaceae 19. Vernnonia cinerea Asteraceae Shrubs 20. Canthium parviflorum Rubiaceae 21. Catunaregam spinoa Rubiaceae 22. Dodonea viscosa Sapindaceae 23. Jatropha gladulifera Euphorbiaceae 24. Phyllanthus reticulatus Euphorbiaceae Trees 25. Acacia leucoceploea Mimosaceae 26. Acacia nilotica Mimosaceae 27. Borasus flabelifer Arecaceae
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28. Carissa carandus Apocynaceae 29. Leucaena leucocephala Mimosaceae 30. Prosopis juliflora Mimosaceae
7.6 Fauna In total 33 faunal species were recorded from the Gangaikondan Deer Sanctuary area that belong to 4 mammals, 12 birds, 3 reptiles and 11 butterflies. The detail list of fauna recorded from the study area is at below table.
Among 33 faunal species recorded from the study area, Pavo cristatus (Cited) and comes under Schedule-I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
S.No Common Name Scientific name WLPA, 1972 Mammals 1. Indian Grey Mongoose Herpestes edwardsii Schedule II 2. Indian Palm squirrel Funambuus palmarum Schedule IV 3. Rabbit Lepus nigricollis Schedule IV 4. Spotted Deer Axis axix Schedule III Birds 5. Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus Schedule IV 6. Common Babbler Turdoides caudatus Schedule IV 7. Common Crow Corvus splendens Schedule V 8. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Schedule IV 9. Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis Schedule IV 10. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Schedule IV 11. Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus Schedule-I 12. Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata Schedule IV 13. Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus Schedule-IV 14. Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer Schedule IV 15. Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus Schedule IV 16. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Schedule IV Reptiles 17. Common skink Mabuya carinata - 18. Dhaman /Rat snake Ptyas mucosa Schedule II 19. Garden calotes Calotes versicolor - Insects-Butterflies 20. Blue tiger Tirumala limniacae - 21. Common emigrant Catopsilia pomona -
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22. Common grass yellow Eurema hecabe 23. Common tiger Danaus genutia 24. Common grass dart Taractrocera maevius - 25. Common jezebel Delias eucharis - 26. Common mormon Papilio polytes - 27. Common sailor Neptis hylas - 28. Dark grass blue Zizeera knysna - 29. Indian cabbage white Pieris canidae - 30. Lemon pansy Junonia lemonias - Insect-Odonates (dragon flies) 31. Common Club tail - Ictinogomphus rapax - 32. Green Marsh Hawk Orthetrum sabina - 33. Ground Skimmer Diplacodes trivialis -
Environmental Impact The proposed LPG bottling plant in the SIPCOT complex of Gangaikondan village is meant for transporting, storing and bottling LPG in a leak proof closed system with all precautions. Hence there is little possibility of pollution from the proposed plant and its impact on the environment especially fauna and flora. There is a possibility of dust and noise pollution during construction period, but the construction and the installation all infrastructure was over and hence that impact on flora and fauna is also ruled out at present. There is a possibility of noise and stalk emission from the gen sets, whenever they are in use. This may cause dislocation of small animals from the vicinity of the site. The establishment of the proposed plant may not have any impact on the animals in the spotted deer sanctuary, as the sanctuary is far away from the proposed plant. The movement of vehicles, especially the trucks which transport the LPG may create noise and dust pollution, which may have temporary impact on small animals as they may move away to safer place to avoid noise. To minimize dust while transport the roads are to be maintained without dust emission. The risk analysis and was carried out and given in the EIA report.
Mitigation To create greenery in the proposed plant site in the SIPCOT complex, establishment of greenbelt was initiated by planting about 1670 trees with Neem tree (230 nos.), Casia fistula
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(535 nos.), Sananea saman (100 nos.), Teak (105 nos.), Indian almond (150 nos.) and Pongamia pinnata (340 nos.). It is also proposed to plant 500 more trees of native species within the plant. This creates a green cover of the entire site, which will attract many bird species and provide shelter for them.
The DG sets stack heights were raised as per the norms stipulated by pollution control board and the emissions from exhaust will be dispersed and may not have any impact on the flora and fauna of the project site area. As the proposed plant is a leak proof closed system of LPG bottling plant, there is little possibility emission from the plant and it is no way going to have impact on the flora and fauna of the spotted deer sanctuary, which is far away the proposed plant.
1) Steps take to provide special care to protect flora & fauna.
• We have planted trees (native species) like Neem, Ashoka, inside the project site. • Green-belt is developed to the extent of 33%. • At present trees are grown to a height of 2m and are protected well. • Manure is added to all trees for growth periodically. • Water is supplied to all trees on regular basis. • Gardeners are employed for maintaining green belt. • Compound wall to a height of 3.0 m is provided all along the boundary to prevent unauthenticated entry & walk. • There are approx. 1700 trees inside our boundary.
1.2 Our Wild Protection Plan to protect flora & fauna are as follows 1. Adequate storm water drains are provided within our project site. Avenue trees are also provided. Rain water is channelized to storm water drains. 2. We have planned to set up 30KWp power panel which will produce 360 units of electricity. 3. Any endangered or threatened species is noticed, District forest officials will be contacted for their safe entry into nearest Reserve Forest. 4. In the event of any requirement for providing water storage ponds within the nearest
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Reserve Forest, Our unit will render financial assistance based on the District Forest Administration estimate. 5. A workers campaign will be conducted for protection of forests and to increase green cover among the employees and village community in the vicinity of our project area. 6. If any community forest is provided, our unit will be participating actively for supply of saplings. Total approximate financial cost under this would be:
Amount S.No. Name of Activity (in lakhs) 1. Water storage pond 3.0 Awareness campaign on wildlife 2. 1.0 protection act for the nearby villages Total 4.0
1.2.1 Safeguard Measures In addition to the various proposed plans, Project authorities are suggested to furnish appropriate guidelines to their workers as safeguard measures. Some of the measures to be followed are mentioned below:
1. Strict monitoring of contract labourers within our project site for any activity related to endangering the life or habitat of wild animals and birds.
2. Strict restrictions will be imposed on the workers at Project sites to ensure that they do not harvest any produce from the natural forests and cause any danger or harm to the animals and birds in wild.
3. The Project authorities will be bound by the rules and regulations of the Wildlife Protection Acts or any such agency of the State, for the preservation of habitats and protection of wild animals.
4. It is to be ensured that the noise levels do not go above 90 dB in the Project area. One of the measures that is proposed to be adopted is that trucks and Lorries under constant and strict surveillance for monitoring of noise levels. DG sets have been
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provided with acoustical enclosures to control noise. The suggested methodologies aim at reducing and mitigating noise so as to cause as little disturbance to the animals as possible.
The monitoring and evaluation of Biodiversity Management and Wildlife Conservation Plan for protection of Flora & Fauna within the Gangaikondan spotted deer sanctuary will be done in consultation with Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
1.2.2 Budget provided for Wildlife Conservation Plan
Total budget for the Wildlife Conservation Plan would be Rs. 11.0 Lakhs. The breakup of the budget is given below:
Table 4. 1: Wildlife Conservation Budget
Total Amount S.no Name of Activity (in lakhs) 1. Wildlife Conservation Plan 4.0 2. Biodiversity Monitoring 2.0 3. Afforestation 5.0 Total 11.0