EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
FOR
SMT V. VIJAYA LAKSHMI
(Formerly Sri V. Soma Naidu Mine) (MINING OF Quartz & QUARTZITE)
Lessee: Smt. V. Vijaya Lakshmi Ramalingapuram Village Devada Post, Kothavalasa Mandal
Vizianagaram District Andhra Pradesh - 535183
Site Address Extent: 16.19 Ha
Sy. No. 562, Gavarapalem Village, K. Kotapadu Mandal
Visakhapatnam District Andhra Pradesh - 531022
Production capacity
Quartzite – 2,02,500 MTPA
Baseline data collected: February 2022 to April 2022 Sector: 01 – Mining of minerals, Cat –B1 (Violation)
Approved ToR Lr. No: SEIAA/AP/VSP/VIO/MIN/11/2020/2695-1145 Dated: 12.04.2022
PREPARED BY
H.O:Block-B, B-1, IDA, Autonagar -12, Vishakapatnam
Ph: 0891-2755528, Fax: 0891-2755529, E-mail: [email protected] Ph: 9440338628
QCI NABET & NABL Accredited & Recognized by MOEF&CC, New Delhi.
2022
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Smt. V. Vijaya Lakshmi has applied for 1st renewal of quarry lease of Quartz and Quartzite deposit over an extent of 16.19 Ha which is located in Survey No:562 of Gavarapalem Village, K.Kotapadu Mandal, Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh.
First renewal of Quarry lease has been granted by Director of Mines & Geology, Ibrahimpatnam, in favour of Smt. V.Vijaya Lakshmi, vide Notice no. 2844/R1-3/2019, dated: 28.06.2019 for a period of 20 years.
Previously, the Government of Andhra Pradesh Industries and Commerce Department has granted mining lease in favour of Sri V. Soma Naidu at Sy.No. 562 of Gavarapalem Village, K. Kotapadu Mandal, Visakhapatnam District for Quartz over an extent of 16.19 Ha in Sy.No. 562 of Gavarapalem Village, K. Kotapadu Mandal of Visakhapatnam District with vide G.O.M.S No 139 Industries & Commerce (MIII) date 30.04.1998.
Further the Assistant Director of Mines and Geology, Visakhapatnam has declared Smt.
V. Vijaya Lakhsmi is the name of successor for the above said quarry lease, subsequently Smt. V. Vijaya Lakshmi has applied first renewal mining lease for Quartz and Quartzite over an extent of 16.19 Ha in Sy.No. 562 of Gavarapalem Village of K. Kotapadu Mandal, Visakhapatnam District accordingly the Director of Mines and Geology Ibrahimpatnam has granted Letter of Intent (LoI) to Smt. V. Vijaya Lakshmi in the above said area vide Notice No: 2844/R1-3/2019; Dated 28.06.2019 and subject to submission of Approved Mining Plan, Environmental Clearance, Consent for Establishment and Consent for Operation before re-commencement of mining of mining operations.
Sri V. Soma Naidu previously filed the mine under violation for their mine in the name of Sri V. Soma Naidu. Credible action has been processed against the proponent in the name of V. Soma Naidu for commencement of mining operation without prior EC under Section 19 of E(P) Act vide CC No: 463/2017 and judgement has been issued on 09.09.2017. The mine management was cleared of all charges with the payment of penalty. However, the lease was transferred to Smt. V. Vijaya Lakshmi.
The present proposal comes under category ‘B1’ project as per Amendment in Environmental Impact Assessment notification 2006, S.O.804 (E), dated 14.03.2017.
However, the project falls under category B1 that attracts Public Hearing and necessitates obtaining the Environmental Clearance from State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) under violation category.
Presentation of TOR under violation has been made before the SEAC, Andhra Pradesh committee and the TOR has been issued by SEIAA, AP vide order no:
SEIAA/AP/VSP/VIO/MIN/11/2020/2695-1145 Dated: 12.04.2022.
This study covers an area surrounding the project site with a radial distance of 10 km from the mining lease area. The baseline monitoring was carried out during the period of October’ 2021 to December’ 2021.
1.1 SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROJECT SITE
The mining area is located in Sy.No. 562 of Gavarapalem Village, K. Kotapadu Mandal, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh.The index map is depicted in the Fig.1.1. The area is located at a distance of 32.18km from the district headquarters.
Topo sheet No. : 65 O /1
Latitude : 17°54'26.17"N to 17°54'32.29"N Longitude : 83°05’14.22"E to 83°05'12.47"E Details about Project site
Nature of the project Smt. V. Vijaya Lakshmi Mining of Quartzite Size of the Project Maximum Production:
Quartzite– 202500 MTPA LOCATION OF PROJECT
District & State Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Village &Mandal Gavarapalem Village, K. Kotapadu Mandal, Land Availability 16.19 Ha.
Nearest Village Deekshitula Agraharam at a distance of 0.26 km
Ownership Government Land
Toposheet No. 65 O/1
Longitude Latitude
BP Latitude Longitude
P1 17°54'26.17"N 83°05’14.22"E P2 17°54'24.88"N 83°05'10.59"E P3 17°54'23.53"N 83°05'07.25"E P4 17°54'21.94"N 83°05'05.04"E P5 17°54'22.83"N 83°05'00.61"E P6 17°54'22.06"N 83°04'58.42"E P7 17°54'20.21"N 83°04'54.65"E P8 17°54'24.91"N 83°04'52.48"E P9 17°54'28.82"N 83°04'54.57"E P10 17°54'31.62"N 83°04'57.98" E P11 17°54'32.84"N 83°05'04.47"E P12 17°54'32.29"N 83°05'12.47"E GENERAL CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Annual rainfall 1097 mm Min and max temp. 28 C and 47 C Min and Max relative
humidity
68% and 84 % Avg. wind speed 7-8 KMPH Predominant wind
direction
NE - NW
HISTORICAL / IMPORTANT PLACES Nearest human
settlement Deekshitula Agraharam at a distance of 0.26 km Nearest town Kothavalasa at a distance of 10.2 km
Nearest Railway
Station Kothavalasa Railway Station at a distance of 10.55 km Nearest Seaport Visakhapatnam Port at a distance of 89.2 km
Nearest Airport VisakhapatnamInternational Airport at a distance of 24.5 km Archaeological
/Historically Important Site
No historical movements exist in and around the quarry lease area.
Infrastructure Facilities
Hospitals, schools and community facilities are available at K.
Kotapadu Mandal and Kothavalasa town.
Water Bodies Two first order streams originating in the mine lease area in North.
Raivada Canal – 0.44 km - W Raju Cheruvu – 7.70 km - SW
Narayanapatruni Cheruvu – 7.73 km - SW Mangamma Cheruvu – 6.35 km - SW Nagarayudu Cheruvu – 7.99 km - NW Errunayudu Cheruvu – 6.09 km - NW Tamara Gedda – 6.22 km SW
Gundlavani Cheruvu – 7.84 km - SW Sruranaouram weir – 8.16 km – NW Pudivanipalem pond – 8.87 km - NE BhudeviCheruvu – 4.99 km - SE Reserve Forest Nallakonda RF – 5.64 km -SW
Elappi RF – 5.06 - SE
1.2 DETAILS OF PRODUCTION FOR ENSUING FIVE YEARS PERIOD
The firm envisages the Quartzite production to the tune of 202500 MT per annum during the plan period. For first five years, the production of Quartzite will be obtained by excavating two benches of 5m height each on top of the area. The excavation activity will be started in central portion of the lease area and continue to below the previous year.
Year Total Volume (M3)
Total Volume (MT)
Quartzite@90%
1st Year 90000 225000 202500
2nd Year 90000 225000 202500
3rd Year 90000 225000 202500
4th Year 90000 225000 202500
5th Year 90000 225000 202500
TOTAL 450000 1125000 1012500
AVERAGE 90000 225000 202500
Reserves:
The Quartzite reserves were estimated by cross sectional method under proved and probable categories for total of Quartzite vein exposed in this area. The Quartzite vein exposed on top of the hill to a thickness of 5 m along the strike direction between the RLs of 100 m – 193m. So the reseves of Quartzite which are exposed above the 100 RL are considered as proved category in these calculations.
Section Sectional area
Influence Volume m3 Saleable reserves @ 90 % MT
Waste/OB
@ 10 % MT
AA’ 11740 100 1174000 2641500 293500
BB’ 12850 100 1285000 2891250 321250
CC’ 14181 100 1418100 3190725 354525
DD’ 11565 100 1156500 2602125 289125
EE’ 6601 100 660100 1485225 165025
FF’ 3596 100 359600 809100 89900
TOTAL 6053300 13619925 1513325
Life of Quarry (Proved) : Proved reserves/Average production
= 13619925/202500
= 67.26 say 67 years 1.3 MINING PROCESS
The proposed method of working is by semi mechanized method of opencast quarrying.
The operations will involve drilling, control blasting, excavation by excavators, crushing and directly loads into the tippers/ tractors.
1.4 DETAILS OF MACHINERY
S. No. Machinery No. of
Units
Cost (Lakhs)
1. Excavator (Hire) 1 15.0
2. Tippers (Hire) 2 25.0
3. Air compressor 1 10.0
4. Jackhammers 4 2.0
5. Water Tanker/Tractor mound 1 6.0
6. Trucks 1 30.0
TOTAL 88.0
* Crushing unit of 40 TPH has already been installed at mine site with approved CFE & CFO.
1.5 PROPOSED MANPOWER
By this project many people will be benefited for their livelihood and get employment in this remote area.
Employment Details
S.No Category No. of Persons
1. Mines Manager 1
2. Site Supervisor 2
3. Compressor operators and Drillers 2
3. Skilled Workers 2
4. Unskilled Workers 20
TOTAL 27
1.6 WATER SUPPLY
Around 15.0 KLD of water will be required for the project activity. Water requirement will be met through water tankers. Water is required in the mine for spraying on the roads and working faces to suppress the dust and also for use in the garage. Also a small quantity of drinking water is required.
1.7 BASELINE DATA
The study area covers an area of 10km radius around the mining site. The study includes detailed characterization of various Environmental components such as Air, Water, noise, Land and Socio-Economic within the study area.
Objectives of study area
To assess the existing base line data of Air, Water, Noise, Land and Socio-economic environment.
To evaluate the beneficial and adverse impacts of the mining activity.
To prepare an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) detailing control technologies and measures to be adopted for minimizing the impacts and improving the Environmental Quality.
To predict the incremental levels of pollutants in the study area due to the mining activity.
To prepare post mining programme for monitoring and regulating Environmental parameters.
1.7.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTINGS:
Air Environment:
To know the existing ambient air quality, Eight sampling stations with in Core and buffer zone were identified and monitored for pollutants like, Particulate Matter – 10 (PM10), Particulate Matter – 2.5 (PM2.5), SO2, NOx and Free silica. For this sampling calibrated through samplers of PM2.5 & PM10 dust samplers.
The Ambient air quality measured at mine site and surrounding stations with in the study zone showed the following maximum and minimum concentrations of the pollutants- It may be seen that all the parameters i.e., PM 10, PM 2.5, SO2 and NOx, Free silica are well within the range of 24 hr average of National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
1.7.2 Noise Pollution:
The Ambient noise levels monitored within the study zone show levels varied from 48.8 to 71.6 Leq dB(A) during day time and 37.4 to 65.4 Leq dB(A) during night time.
1.7.3 Water Environment:
Ground water samples are collected from eight locations and surface water from four locations. All these samples are free from colour and pollutants.
Summary of Ground water:
The pH limit for drinking water samples as per IS:10500:2012 Drinking Water Specifications is 6.5 to 8.5. During the study period, the pH of the groundwater was found to be varying between 7.0 and7.61. The pH values for all the samples collected
in the study area during study period were thus found to be within the acceptable limits.
The pH limit for drinking water samples as per IS:10500:2012 Drinking Water Specifications is 6.5 to 8.5. During the study period, the pH of the groundwater was found to be varying between 7.28 and7.77. The pH values for all the samples collected in the study area during study period were thus found to be within the acceptable limits.
The desirable limit for total dissolved solids as per IS: 10500:2012 Drinking water specifications is 500 milligrams per liter (mg/l) whereas the permissible limits in absence of alternate source is 2000 mg/l. In groundwater samples collected from the study area, the total dissolved solids (TDS) were found to be varying between 512 mg/l and 905 mg/l. The TDS of all the samples were below the permissible limit of 2000 mg/l.
The desirable limit for Chloride is 250mg/l as per IS: 10500:2012 Drinking water specifications whereas the permissible limit of the same is 1,000 mg/l. The Chloride levels in the groundwater samples collected in the study area were ranging from 110 – 328 mg/l
The desirable limit as per IS: 10500:2012 Drinking water specifications for hardness is 200 mg/l whereas the permissible limit for the same is 600 mg/l. In the groundwater samples collected from the study area, the hardness was found to be varying between279 mg/l to 531 mg/l.
Fluoride is the other important parameter, which has the desirable limit of 1 mg/l and permissible limit of 1.5 mg/l. However, the optimum content of fluoride in the drinking water is 0.6 to 1.5 mg/l. In the groundwater samples of study area, the fluoride values were found to be within a range of 0.39 mg/l to 0.80 mg/l.
All the heavy metals in all samples were found to be below the permissible limits.
An overview of the results obtained reveals that none of parameters were found above the permissible limits of IS: 10500 Drinking Water Standards.
Summary of surface water:
pH of the surface water collected was found to be neutral with pH ranging from 7.52 -7.76
TDS was found to be varying between190 mg/l to 248 mg/l. The tolerance limit is 1,500 mg/l as per IS:2296
Total Hardness was found to be ranging between 96.3 mg/l to 131 mg/l
Presence of Nitrate was recorded to be between 1.5 mg/l to 2.3 mg/l
DO was observed to be between 5.6 mg/l to 6.0 mg/l
Total coliform in water was found to be between 200 MPN/100ml to 400 MPN/100ml.
All the heavy metals were found to be within below detectable limits.
1.7.4 Land Environment:
Soil survey was carried out at 5 locations to assess the soil characteristics which include both physical and chemical details.
Summary of the soil characteristics
The pH of the soil is an important property; vegetation cannot grow in low and high pH value soils. The normal range of pH in the soils is 6.0 to 8.5. The pH values in the study area are varying from 7.61 to 7.86 indicating that the soils are falling in slightly alkalinecategory.
Based on the electrical conductivity, the soils are classified into four groups (Normal, Critical for germination, Critical for growth of the sensitive crops, Injurious to most crops). The electrical conductivity in the study area is varying from 138 to 212 micro-mhos per centimeter (µmhos/cm). This is good for germination
The other important parameters for characterization of soil for irrigation are the primary nutrients – Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (N, P, K) and the secondary nutrients—Calcium, Magnesium and Sulphur (Ca, Mg, S). The primary and secondary nutrient elements are known as major elements. This classification is based on their relative abundance, and not on their relative importance.
Nitrogen encourages the vegetative development of plants by imparting a healthy green color to the leaves. The available Nitrogen as N in the study area is varying from 102 to 126 kg/ha. This is good for crops when compared with soil standards.
Phosphorus influences the vigour of plants and improves the quality of crops. In the study area available, Phosphorus was found in varying quantities of 35.1 to 45.9 kg/ha. This is considered medium level when compared to soil standards.
Potassium enhances the ability of the plants to resist diseases, insect attacks, cold and other adverse conditions. The available potassium in the study area varies between 210 to 256mg/kg. This is considered medium to average level when compared to soil standards.
Organic Carbon in the study area ranges from 0.47 to 0.65%. This is an average sufficient level for crops.
Based on the above results, the soils in the region are average fertile enough for cultivation of crops.
1.7.5 FLORA & FAUNA:
No endangered species are found in the study area. No schedule – I species are found within 10km radius from the mine lease area.
1.7.6 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT:
The resumed operations of the mining activity could result in elevation of living standards of the people in nearby villages as it will generate work for the unemployed and further will result in the upliftment of their socio-economic status. The Management of Smt. V. Vijaya Lakshmi has proposed to give preference to local people for recruitment of personal for mining operation. Therefore the impact on socio-economic Environment could be beneficial.
1.8 RECLAMATION & REHABILITATION
Since it is envisaged that the quarry life is about 67 years, no back filling is proposed during the lease period. After removal of mineral the benches below the surface level
benches will be applied top soil and develop grass and plantation. Pit will be used as water reservoir/ponds.
1.9 PROJECT SCHEDULE AND COST ESTIMATES
The project cost is 88.0 Lakhs, the EMP budget is capital cost 9.8 Lakhs, and Recurring cost 6.2 per annum
1.10 ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Environment Management Plan envisaged for this mining activity is described hereunder with a strong commitment to follow best environmental practices to reduce the negative implication to make this project a sustainable development endeavor.
Environment Management Plan (EMP) is required to ensure sustainable development in the study area of the Mine Lease Area.
Air Environment:
Mitigation measures proposed to maintain the air quality are as follows:
Regular water sprinkling to suppress the dust on haul roads, service roads and mining face by truck mounted water tankers.
Grading of haul roads, service roads time to time, to remove the accumulated dusty material will be done.
Development of Green belt all within mining area.
Installation of closed conveyor belt and dust collector at crushing unit.
Periodical monitoring of air quality to take steps to control the pollutants.
Noise Environment
There will be intermittent noise levels due to vehicular movement and trucks loading.However the impact of noise on the surrounding area is likely to be minimal and appropriate mitigation measures will be adopted accordingly.
Control Measures
The Management Plan for controlling noise pollution is envisaged as follows.
Selection of suitable machinery and equipment,
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 area.
Water Environment
There will not be any waste water generation except domestic waste water, therefore no post waste water monitoring required.
Water Pollution Management
There are two seasonal streams and run-off in the core zone. Channels and bunds would be constructed and maintained to avoid any erosion and contamination.
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.
1.11 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY
The company management given preference to local people through both direct and indirect employment.
It is providing 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 are improving 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 during the working hrs.
The mines 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.
The proponent will provide all necessary provisions stipulated under the Mines Act.
In addition a Safety committee will be formed and manned by equal participants from Management and Workers.
Personnel Protection Equipment (PPE) issued to each worker. Other safety equipments shall be used according to the nature of job involved.
1.12 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 mining activity and in its vicinity;
Generate data for predictive or corrective purpose in respect of environmental; and
To assess and monitor Environmental impacts periodically.
1.1.3 SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT
The management firmly believes in the concept of safety and environmentally sustainable growth. The authorities and staff are very much concern in Environmental issues.
The management is going to develop scientifically designed green belt around the premises to mitigate air and noise pollution impacts on the surroundings.
The management proposed to monitor ambient air as per APPCB guidelines.
All the employees will be provided with personnel protective equipment
The management will provide safety training to all employees periodically and regularly.
1.14 CONCLUSION
The management of Smt. V. Vijaya Lakshmi mine is committed to meet all stringent norms and to safe guard environment.