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Q.

1 A thermal power plant is proposed to be constructed along the banks of


the Narmada River. The project includes the following activities-
1. Laying of pipelines
2. Transportation of raw material from Place X to the proposed site
3. Cementing the pavements
4. Diversion of tributary Y to serve as a source of water for the
construction and operation of the proposed plant

Highlight the possible impacts of the proposed activities as well as


measures that may be taken to mitigate its adverse consequences on the
following factors-
1. Air
2. Noise
3. Soil
4. Water

Impact on Air and its Mitigation Measures

The main sources of emission during the construction period are the
movement of equipment at site and dust emitted during the excavation,
leveling, earthworks, foundation works and other construction related
activities as well as during the transportation of raw materials to the site.
Providing suitable surface treatment to ease the traffic flow and regular
sprinkling of water will reduce the uncontrolled dust generation.

Prediction of impacts on air environment during operation phase will carried


out using statistical and mathematical model based on point sources of the
emission. Enclosed storage yard for coal, unloading of coal in a enclosed unit
with dust suction device and closed conveyor belt for transportation of raw
materials are some of the measures to be taken for Dust control. Burning of
coal will produce fly ash which should be managed by designing proper
disposal site and with construction of green barrier all around the disposal
site.

To control air pollution from boiler stacks, coal crushers and coal mill,
installation of ESP/ Bag house and Bag filter Coal is recommended. SOx
emission can be controlled by the use of alternative Low sulphur containing
fuel or Lime dosing during the respective operation process, while for NOx
emission control can be done by using low NOx burner and by Flue gas
recirculation. High length stack should be preferred.

Impact on Noise and its Mitigation Measures


Noise generation will be mainly from earth moving equipment and material
handling traffic. Construction equipment are likely to produce maximum
noise levels, between 70-80. To keep the noise pollution in check routine
preventive maintenance should be planned at regular intervals. Any
machinery or equipment generating excessive noise levels (above 80 dB) will
be considered for maintenance. The noise generation during operation phase
will be confined within the surrounding areas of the site by installation of
noise barrier along the border. However, workers within the construction area
and plant area, may be affected due to high noise levels. Adequate
protective measures in the form of ear-muffs, ear plugs and masks shall be
provided to such persons, which will minimize such impacts. Provision of
green belt and afforestation will help in reducing the noise levels.

Impact on Soil and its Mitigation Measures

Constructional activities like leveling, excavation and removal of existing


vegetation would disturb the soil texture of the area. Diversion of the
tributary will cause soil erosion along the bank of the river. The impacts on
soil during construction phase shall be mainly due to loss of topsoil in the
construction areas and contamination of the soils of surrounding area due to
construction materials such as cement, sand, oils, etc. The disturbances
would be more visible during the monsoon seasons with strong rains.
However, it shall be temporary and shall be confined to the areas of
construction only. Removed top soil may be utilized for landscaping and land
improvement in other areas, which are not under construction.

Impact on Water and its Mitigation Measures

Due to diversion of tributary for the construction and operation phase, there
are many chances of downstream river bed becoming dry, which may cause
the river change its course over a period of time. As a result the population
of the species may be affected. The ground water table in the downstream
areas decreases. The irregular release of water on the main course river bed
increases soil erosion in the downstream. Which causes salt water invasion in
the downstream. The impact on water quality during construction phase will
be mainly due to run off from the construction area. Adequate arrangements
for proper drainage and disposal of waste water and routing of the effluents
from construction area through sedimentation basins and provision of proper
sanitary facilities with treatment will eliminate problems of water pollution
during construction phase. The impacts of the project during operation phase
could result from discharge of hot cooling water, discharge of main plant
effluents and sanitary effluents and discharge of ash pond overflow. These
effluents will be treated adequately to conform to the regulatory standards to
minimize the impacts.
Q.2 The project proponent proposes to construct a Greenfield port at Z. This
project involves the following activities-

1. Placing special bouys to demarcate the approach channel


2. Laying the floating concrete caissons
3. Providing temporary construction and housing facilities
4. Construction of a breakwater

Highlight the possible impacts of the proposed activities as well as


measures that may be taken to mitigate its adverse consequences on the
following factors-
1. Marine water
2. Flora and fauna
3. Socio
4. Land use

Impact on Marine Water and its Mitigation Measures

The location of a port cause changes in current patterns and drifts due to
alteration of wave. This change in pattern and drift may lead to erosion or
augmentation in shore zones. Altered currents or reflected waves may
endanger small ships moving near structures. The creation of a port may
cause changes in flow and waterfront drainage. Strategic approach towards
site selection and port design could minimize changes in current patterns
and other coastal hydrology. Measures for erosion are construction of sea
walls, jetties, offshore breakwaters, and periodical beach nourishment.

Breakwaters may change current patterns and cause stagnation of water


behind the structures. Pile driving, deposition of rubble, dredging, sand
compaction and other construction work in water cause resuspension of
sediments and turbid water, which results in increase in the level of
suspended solids and in the concentration of organic matter to toxic or
harmful levels. It also reduces sunlight penetration. Work vessels are a
possible cause of oil spills, garbage discharge, and leakage of other
substances into water. Diffusion from concrete work in water and overflows
from landfills may be possible sources of water pollution. The adverse effects
of construction work could be minimized by appropriate selection of
equipment in pile driving or dredging, proper use of silt curtains, careful
planning of settling ponds and overflow weirs for landfills, and suitable
transport of construction materials and dredged material. Proper disposal of
excavated material is important in preserving the environment. Deposition in
landfills may offset problems being caused by dumping at sea.
Impact on Flora & Fauna and its Mitigation Measures

The location of a port affects fauna and flora through changes of water
quality, coastal hydrology and bottom contamination. Land reclamation from
the sea destroys bottom habitat and displaces fishery. Terrestrial fauna and
flora may also be altered by the location of a port. Decrease in bottom biota
leads to a reduction of fishery resources and increase of undesirable species.
Deterioration of water quality usually gives rise to changes in aquatic life
chain. Decrease in number of plants in a shore zone degrade its aeration
capability and worsen water pollution. Mangroves in wetlands play an
important role in providing habitat for terrestrial and aquatic biota and
indirectly recovering water quality. The rise in maritime traffic and
consequently the impacts from engine noise and anchoring will result in
higher levels of disturbance on ecosystems. At the same time it may
discourage marine fauna from occupying the area.

Careful survey of a fragile marine and coastal ecology is essential for


appropriate planning of construction work, dredging, and disposal of dredged
material. Selection of port site is the key to minimizing adverse effects.
Planting of green plants around a port may be an effective means to mitigate
adverse effects on terrestrial habitat.

Impact on Socio and its Mitigation Measures

Building or expanding a port often requires relocation of the local


community, sometimes causing ethnic, cultural, tribal, or religious conflicts
with local people. Industrialization and modernization may change the
cultural traditions of the local community. An appropriate resettlement plan
could minimize the disturbance to the local community and ensure smooth
transition to industrialization. Survey of archaeological heritage sites should
be undertaken well in advance and a preservation plan included in any port
development plan.

Impact on Land Use and its Mitigation Measures

Port projects involve changes in land terrain like cutting of high grounds and
hillocks, filling of low lying areas for creation huge extant of port
infrastructure. Such terrain changes affect the drainage patterns. Coastline
changes like erosion or augmentation is expected due to the establishment
of ports in as much as the and construction of breakwaters, floating concrete
caissons etc. Transportation of huge quantities of construction material for
the breakwater, operational, land filling, development etc., during the
construction phase and transport of cargoes to/from the port during the
operations phase of the port may result in excessive use of existing public
infrastructure like roads, railways and in-land waterways etc., resulting in
congestion and early ageing etc. Similarly public utilities such as water
supply, drainage, electrical power etc may also get undue demand.

Land reclamation from the sea usually brings the problem of effluent of
turbid water in the landfill site. It is sometimes economical to reclaim the
land by dumping landfill material without any revetment or retention bunds.
In order to prevent turbid water from land reclamation retaining bunds are
usually built in advance of landfill. Settling ponds play an important role in
reducing the effluent of turbid water. The use of coagulants encourages the
settlement of fine materials but should be monitored at the outfall and
nearby points in the sea. Filtration of discharge water through sand layer is
also an effective method to reduce suspended solids and thereby turbidity.

Careful site selection and port design should be carried out, focusing on the
possibility of limiting the extent of land area requirement. The impacts of
such changes in the terrain is assessed in order to incorporate desired
methods in the EMP and monitor the same during the construction as well as
operational phases of the port
Q.3 List out the relevant legal mechanisms that have been adopted
by the Government of India in an attempt to control pollution.
(Atleast 8)

Almost all ministries of the Government of India are involved in


decision making for sustainable development. However, major
participation is by the Ministries of External Affairs, Environment
and Forests, Agriculture, Water Resources, Finance, Industries, Rural
Development, Commerce , Non Conventional Energy Sources,
Finance and the Planning Commission.
The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986: The Rules prescribe the
parameters for the Central Government, under which it can issue orders of
prohibition and restrictions on the location and operation of industries in
different areas.

Water

Water quality standards especially those for drinking water are set by the
Indian Council of Medical Research. These bear close resemblance to WHO
standards. Legislation to control water pollution are listed below:

1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted


in 1974 to provide for the prevention and control of water pollution,
and for the maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness of water in the
country. The Act was amended in 1988.
2. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act was
enacted in 1977, to provide for the levy and collection of a cess on
water consumed by persons operating and carrying on certain types of
industrial activities The Act was last amended in 2003.

Air

1. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in


1981 and amended in 1987 to provide for the prevention, control and
abatement of air pollution in India. The Act seeks to combat air
pollution by prohibiting the use of polluting fuels and substances, as
well as by regulating appliances that give rise to air pollution.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for major
pollutants were notified by the CPCB in April 1994.

Solid Waste
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF & CC)
recently notified the new Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM), 2016.
These will replace the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling)
Rules, 2000. The new rules have mandated the source segregation of waste
in order to channelise the waste to wealth by recovery, reuse and recycle

Hazardous Wastes: The Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India


has notified rules on 28th July '89, under title Hazardous Wastes
(Management & Handling) Rules, 1989 to deal with various
environmental aspects related with hazardous wastes. The Hazardous And
Other Wastes (Management and Trans boundary Movement) Rules, 2015,
were published by the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest
and Climate Change vide on dated the 24th July, 2015.

The Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2016 published vide
notification number S.O 249(E), dated 4th February, 2011 by the Government of
India in the erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forests, as amended from time to
time, provided a regulatory frame work for management of plastic waste generated
in the country.

The e-waste (Management) Rules, 2011, were published by the Government of


India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change dated the 10 th
June, 2015 in the Gazette of India for the management of e waste.

The Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 was


published on 20th July, 1998, by the Government of India in the erstwhile Ministry of
Environment and Forests, provided a regulatory frame work for management of bio-
medical waste generated in the country.

The Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000


published on dated the 25th September, 2000 by the Government of India in the
erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forests, provided a regulatory frame work for
management of Municipal Solid Waste generated in the urban area of the country.

As per the notification, the coastal land up to 500m from the High Tide Line
(HTL) and a stage of 100m along banks of creeks, estuaries, backwater and
rivers subject to tidal fluctuations, is called the Coastal Regulation
Zone(CRZ).

The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 is an Act of the Parliament of India for
preservation of biological diversity in India, and provides mechanism for
equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of traditional biological re
sources and knowledge.

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