Summary record of the 30thMeeting of

state level ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT AUTHORITY, Chhattisgarh

The 30thmeeting of State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Chhattisgarh was held on 29/10/2013 at 3:00 PMonwards at Conference Hall, SEIAA, Secretariat, Commercial Complex, Chhattisgarh Housing Board Colony, Kabir Nagar, Raipur. Shri N.S. Bhadauria, Chairman, SEIAA, Chhattisgarh chaired the meeting. The following members of SEIAA were present in the meeting: -

  1. Dr. M.L. Naik, Member, SEIAA
  2. Shri P.V. Narsinga Rao, Member Secretary, SEIAA

At the outset, the Member Secretary, SEIAA, Chhattisgarh welcomed the Chairman and member of Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Chhattisgarh. 29th meeting of SEIAA, Chhattisgarh was held on 24/09/2013. The minutes of 28thmeeting has already been approved / signed by the Chairman and all the Members of the SEIAA, Chhattisgarh.

Agenda wise discussions were carried out as follows: -

Agenda Item No. 1: -Discussion on the proposals received after recommendation of SEAC, Chhattisgarh

(1)M/s Spectrum Coal & Power Limited, Village – Ratija, Tehsil – Katghora, District – Korba (C.G.)

The project proponent submitted application (Form-I and Pre-feasibility Report) for prescribing Terms of Reference (TOR) for preparation of draft EIA report for obtaining Environment Clearance on 13/01/2009. The project proponent has proposed expansion project for setting up of Coal washery reject based power plant of capacity 1x50 MW at Village – Ratija, Tehsil- Katghora, District – Korba (C.G.). The case was discussed in the 22nd meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 31st January 2009. After deliberation, the Committee then decided to ask the project proponent to submit the additional information/documents and present the case. After detailed deliberation, the Committee then decided to ask the project proponent to present the case in 26th meeting of SEAC Chhattisgarh on 13/03/09.

The brief of the project is as follows:-

Proposed Site / Village–Ratija, Tehsil-Katghora, District – Korba (C.G.)
Capacity / Existing - TPP of 1X50 MW Phase – I (Environmental Clearance granted by MoEF vide letter dated 31/12/2007)
Expansion- Coal Washery Reject Based Power Plant 1x50 MW Phase- II, Total (after expansion) – 100 MW.
Proposed Cost / Rs. 212.4 Crore

Project proponent made presentation along with the desired information in the 26th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh on 13/03/2009. After deliberation committee decided that project proponent should be asked to submit the additional information/documents. Project proponent submitted the information on 04/04/09 and 07/05/09.

Project proponent informed that:

  1. Transport of raw material from SECL mines to Power Plant is planned by closed conveyor from April 2011 before coal firing scheduled in June 2011. Till that time coal will be transported by road in covered trucks. The Railway siding and rapid loading system (RLS) of clean coal and reprocessed reject coal meant for coal washery is planned for which consultant is appointed.
  2. The prevailing wind direction, windrose diagram, short term maximum incremental concentration of pollutants and prevailing ambient air quality monitored /predicted for 1st unit of 50 MW capacity - submitted.
  3. Emission of air pollutant calculation – submitted (considering 0.4% sulphur content in coal/ washery reject)

The proposal was reconsidered in 34th meeting on 19/06/2009 of SEAC, Chhattisgarh and recommended for prescribing TOR. TOR was issued on dated 13/07/2009. Public Hearing was conducted on 23/06/2010. The public hearing proceedings were submitted before SEIAA, Chhattisgarh vide letter dated 27/07/2010. Project proponent submitted final draft EIA report vide letter dated 12/12/2010.

The Proposal was discussed in 71th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 10/01/2011. After deliberation, the Committee decided to ask the project proponent to submit the requisite additional informations. Project proponent submitted the desired additional information vide letter dated 28/01/2011. The case was reconsidered in 74th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 29/09/2011. After deliberation, the Committee decided to call for final presentation after having compliance status from Regional Office, MoEF, Bhopal. Required compliance status was received from RO, MoEF, Bhopal vide letter dated 19/03/2012. SEAC, Chhattisgarh perused the compliance status in 100th meeting held on 27/04/2013. After deliberation, the Committee decided to call for final presentation by the project proponent.

Committee then decided to ask the project proponent to present the case with some information/documents. Project proponent was informed vide letter dated 11/06/2013. Project proponent presented the case in 108th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 29/06/2013.

It is noted that SCPL is proposing to expand the existing 50 MW power plant by establishing another 50 MW (2nd unit) Thermal Power Plant. CFBC type of boiler is proposed. Air cooled condenser type of cooling system is proposed. Total land available for 2 x 50 MW is 79.0 ha. Total green belt area of 26.0 ha is proposed. High concentrated slurry disposal system will be provided for disposal of ash. Total ash disposal area will be 15.0 ha. Land for railway siding and coal stock will be 10.0 ha.

The plant 50 MW (1st unit) is started in Nov 2012. The expansion of 50 MW (unit 2) is proposed on the land which is already in possession of the company and no additional land acquisition is envisaged. There is no homestead land involved in the project area. The water requirement has been optimized by incorporating air cooled condensers for the proposed expansion and the water allocated for the existing 50 MW (2.0 MCM) shall be sufficient for running both the units. The coal benefication unit is in the close proximity of the proposed project site avoiding the transportation of washery rejects to larger distances for utilization. No protected areas as per Wildlife Protection Act,1972 in study area. No archaeological and defense installations in study area. Proposed efficiency of ESP is 99.98% approximate. Dust concentration at outlet of ESP is designed for < 50mg/Nm3 (max). The total quantity of blended coal required for proposed 50 MW power generation would be 0.48 MTPA and the quantity of ash generation 657 TPD would be 0.24 MTPA. Ash would be supplied to competent users such as to be used in the manufacture of fly ash bricks, construction of roads and filling low lying areas. All efforts will be made to utilize fly ash for various purposes. Unused fly ash will be disposed off in the ash pond through HCSD system. To control fugitive dust emission from the ash pond area water sprinkling would be done. After the ash pond is abandoned, its area will be reclaimed through tree plantation. Ash would be put to 100% utilization from the fourth year of the operation of the Units.

There are no migratory bird paths or wild life corridors in the study area. There are no endangered species in the study area. The study area has sparse vegetation which includes timber, fruit, ornamental trees and shrubs Herbaceous vegetation includes pulses, millets, oil seeds and grasses of economic importance. The vegetation in settlement area is heterogeneous in nature. There is no national park or sanctuary in the study area. Wild animals are not reported in the study area.

Environment Impact Assessment was conducted during the period March to May 2009 and base line data was revalidated during the period March to May 2013. As per the MoEF circular F.No. J-11011/618/2010-IA-II(I) dated 30-5-2012, the existing unit 50 MW has been inspected by the Director of Regional office of MoEF, Bhopal on 21-12-12 to check upon the compliance of the unit and has found the compliance satisfactory. A fund of Rs.100 lakhs and Rs. 5.0 lakhs shall be allocated towards capital and recurring expenditure respectively.

The proposed project does not fulfill the criteria as mentioned in general condition of Schedule of EIA Notification, 2006, hence falls under Category ‘B’. Based on the consideration of the documents submitted, the presentation made by the project proponent, discussion held, the Committee recommended for grant of Prior Environmental Clearance under expansion for proposed Coal Washery Reject Based Power Plant 1x50 MW Phase- II, Total (after expansion) – 100 MW. Subject to the fulfillment of the terms and conditions mentioned in the minutes of the meeting.

SEIAA, Chhattisgarh perused the application submitted by the project proponent and minutes of the meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh in the 30th meeting held on 29/10/2013. After deliberation, SEIAA, Chhattisgarh unanimously accepted the recommendation of SEAC, Chhattisgarh and decided to grant environmental clearance under expansion for proposed Coal Washery Reject Based Power Plant 1x50 MW Phase- II, Total - 100 MW (after expansion)subject to the fulfillment of the terms and conditions mentioned in the minutes of the meeting.

Project proponent should be intimated accordingly.

(2)M/s Hi-Tech Power & Steel Limited, Village-Parsada, Tehsil–Tilda, District – Raipur

The Project proponent submitted application (Form-I and Pre-feasibility Report) for prescribing Terms of Reference (TOR) / obtaining Environment Clearance on 29/09/2012 for expansion in existing Induction Furnace Unit (2 x 8 Tons) – 48,000 tonnes per year by installing induction furnace (3 nos. x 10 Tons) of capacity 90,000 TPA. Making total production capacity 1,38,000 tonnes per year. Proposed Electric Arc Furnace (3x3 MVA)- 12000 TPA and Proposed Rolling Mill (1x500 Tons) - 150000 TPA at Village – Parsada, Tehsil – Tilda, District – Raipur. The proposed cost of expansion project is Rs. 15 Crores.

The proposal was considered in 94th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 29/12/2012. Committee then decided to ask project proponent to submit some information/documents. Project proponent was informed vide letter dated 01/02/2013. Project proponent submitted information/document on 05/04/2013. The information document submitted by project proponent was placed in 100th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 27/04/2013. After deliberation, committee unanimously decided to ask the project proponent to present the case along with requisite information/ documents.

Committee then decided to ask the project proponent to present the case with some information/documents. Project proponent was informed vide letter dated 11/06/2013. Shir Vinod Agrawal and Shri Manish Agrawal Director of M/s Hi - Tech power & Steel Limited presented the case in 108th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 29/06/2013.

It is noted that expansion is proposed in the premises of existing sponge iron plant at Village - Parsada, Tehsil – Tilda, District – Raipur. Total area of the plant premises is 71.80 acres. Land use has been changed for industrial purpose. No additional land is required for proposed expansion. Nearest River Shivnath is about 7.5 km in the West. Nearest Railway station Tilda - 3.5 km in the East on Mumbai – Howrah Route. Nearest highway is NH 200 6.25 km West. Nearest Simga Kharora road 2.25 km in the East. Nearest Habitations Parsada and Sarora is about 1.50 km from the site. Nearest Reserved/ Protected Forest Bilari RF is about 0.80 km [N].Nearest Reserved/ Protected Forest Bilari Ghugua RF is about 3.75 km [NEE]. The raw materials for proposed rolling mill are M.S. Billets/ Ingots. Raw material is fed to the producer gas/ oil fired “pusher type” reheating furnace for heating up to the requisite temperature. The usual temperature range maintained in the Furnace is about 1150 – 1200ºC depending on the quality of steel and section of semis. The semis are heated as it moves through the furnace depending upon the section and rolling rate. Coal gasifier will be installed to produce producer gas. Sponge Iron, MS Scraps and Ferro Alloys are the raw material required for production of Steel Ingots/ Billets. Mill Scales/ Mill Jam from rolling mill, Dolochar & Back flow from Sponge Iron unit and Dolomite will be melted in Electric Arc Furnaces for manufacturing of Cast Iron. Total requirement of water is 360.0 KL/ Day. CGWA has granted permission to withdrawal ground water.

It is proposed to install fume extraction system with Bag Filters in Induction Furnaces. Proposed electric arc furnaces will be also be equipped with fume extraction system with bag filter. In proposed rolling mill producer gas will be used as primary fuel which is a cleaner fuel. All the Bag filters will be designed to achieve particulate matter emission level below 50 mg/ Nm3. Height of stacks attached to the IFD and EAF will be of 30 meters each. Proposed rolling mill will be equipped with stack having height of 54 meters. There will be no cooling tower blow down as closed channel cooling system will be installed. 8.5 acres is low lying area in the premises which will be used for disposal of cinders. Quantum of cinder is 38.25 tons/day. Gasifier will be installed close to re-heating furnace of rolling mill. Gasifier will be installed close to re-heating furnace of rolling mill. Pipeline conveying producer gas will be properly insulated to reduce thermal loss. Proposed pipelines will be provided with nozzles at its bottom so as to collect condensate tar. This TAR will be collected in drums placed below nozzles. Proper monitoring will be done to avoid leakages/ spillages of tar from drums. To take care of any spillage, these drums will be placed on concrete platforms. No heavy noise emission is expected from the whole operation. However D.G. sets will be procured with inbuilt enclosures/ silencer as per norms. Earplugs will be provided for the employees working near the noise prone areas. Extensive greenbelt will further mitigate the noise levels. Rain Water harvesting will be implemented in consultation with CGWB, NCCR, Raipur. Surface rain water harvesting structure has been developed over an area of 7.5 acres. Roof top rain water harvesting structure will also developed and collected with surface water harvesting structures. 23.70 acres of total green belt has been developed. 12800 nos. of trees and shrubs are planted within premises. It is proposed to allocate about 5% of total investment for CSR activity.

After deliberation, Committee unanimously decided to recommend for grant of Environmental Clearance for expansion in existing plant of Induction Furnace Unit (2 x 8 Tons) – 48,000 tonnes per year by installing induction furnace (3 nos. x 10 Tons) of capacity 90,000 TPA. Making total production capacity 1,38,000 tonnes per year. Proposed Electric Arc Furnace (3x3 MVA)- 12000 TPA and Proposed Rolling Mill (1x500 Tons) - 150000 TPA at Village - Parsada, Tehsil – Tilda, District – Raipur (C.G.) Subject to the fulfillment of the terms and conditions mentioned in the minutes of the meeting.

SEIAA, Chhattisgarh perused the application submitted by the project proponent and minutes of the meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh in the 30th meeting held on 29/10/2013. After deliberation, SEIAA, Chhattisgarh unanimously accepted the recommendation of SEAC, Chhattisgarh and decided to grant environmental clearance for expansion in existing plant by installation of Induction Furnace Unit (3 x 10 Tons) 90,000 TPA, Electric Arc Furnace (3x3 MVA)- 12000 TPA and Rolling Mill (1x500 Tons) – 1,50,000 TPA at Village - Parsada, Tehsil – Tilda, District – Raipur (C.G.). Subject to the fulfillment of the terms and conditions mentioned in the minutes of the meeting.

Project proponent should be intimated accordingly

(3)M/s Garibnath Stone Crusher, Village – Dhourabhata, Tehsil – Magarlod, District – Dhamtari

Project proponent submitted application (Form-I and Project Report) for obtaining Environment Clearance on 23/02/2013 for mining of lime stone (minor mineral) of capacity 5,000 cum. per year and crusher at Khasra no. 447, 457/1, 457/2, 457/5 at Village – Dhourabhata, Tehsil – Magarlod, District – Dhamtari (C.G.). Mining lease area is 1.60 ha.

The case was discussed in the 97th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 09/03/2013. Committee then decided to ask the project proponent to submit some information / documents. Project proponent was informed vide letter date 18/04/2013. Project proponent submitted partial information / documents vide letter dated 07/05/2013. In the 98th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 21/03/2013, it was unanimously decided to ask the project proponents to present their case along with all relevant information/documents.

Project proponent was informed to present the case vide letter dated 18/07/2013. Project partner Shri Vikram Meghwani was present in the 109th meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh held on 25/07/2013. It is noted that this is a new limestone quarry. Project proponent has applied for quarry lease at Khasra no. 447, 457/1, 457/2, 457/5 at Village - Dhourabhata, Tehsil – Magarlod, District – Dhamtari (C.G.). Mining lease area is 1.60 ha. Nearest national highway is about 24 km away from the site. Nearest habitation is 1.5 km away from the site. Project proponent submitted NOC of the gram panchayat Dhourabhata. Project proponent has submitted NOC from forest department. Project proponent has submitted land documents. Minable reserve is 50000 cum. Life of mine is 10 years. Production capacity will be 12000 tonnes per year. Method of mining will be open cast mining. Thickness of over burden and top soil is 3 meter. Soil will be used for bund making. Ultimate depth of mining will be 6 m. There will be no blasting. Mined out limestone will be used for making gitti. Green belt will be developed around the mine area. There will be crusher in mining area. There are 02 mines within the 5 km radius. Total area of mining will be 2.56 ha in 05 km radius.

SEAC, Chhattisgarh considered the activity from the point of view of its location (in rural area), no involvement of forest land for mining, having small lease area of 1.60 ha and felt that no significant impact on the surrounding is anticipated. State level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) considered the proposal as ‘B2’ category and unanimously recommended to grant environmental clearance for Lime Stone Quarry (minor mineral) and stone crusher of capacity – 12,000 tonnes per year at Khasra no. 447, 457/1, 457/2, 457/5, total area is 1.60 ha, Village – Dhourabhata, Tehsil – Magarlod, District – Dhamtari (C.G.) Subject to the fulfillment of the terms and conditions mentioned in the minutes of the meeting.

SEIAA, Chhattisgarh perused the application submitted by the project proponent and minutes of the meeting of SEAC, Chhattisgarh in the 30th meeting held on 29/10/2013. After deliberation, SEIAA, Chhattisgarh unanimously accepted the recommendation of SEAC, Chhattisgarh and decided to grant environmental clearance for mining of Limestone (minor mineral) and stone crusher of capacity – 12,000 tonnes per year at Khasra no. 447, 457/1, 457/2, 457/5, total area is 1.60 ha, Village – Dhourabhata, Tehsil – Magarlod, District – Dhamtari (C.G.). Subject to the fulfillment of the terms and conditions mentioned in the minutes of the meeting.

Project proponent should be intimated accordingly

(4)M/s Ram Sharma, Village – Mirzapur, Tehsil – Pathalgaon, District - Jashpur

Project proponent submitted application (Form-I and Project Report) for obtaining Environment Clearance on 20/12/2012 for Mining of Stone (Minor Mineral) at Khasra no. 193 at Village – Mirzapur, Tehsil – Pathalgaon, District - Jashpur (C.G.). Mining lease area is 0.310 ha.