EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The proposed Raghunathpur Thermal Power Project has been planned for
implementation of a coal based Thermal Power Plant with a capacity of 2 X 600 MW
Stage-II at Raghunathpur in Purulia District of West Bengal.

In order to assess the likely impacts on various environmental components which may
be affected due to the proposed project, a Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment
(REIA) Study was carried out. The REIA Report consists of field data generated during
the premonsoon season of 2006. An Environmental Management Plan, including
proposed pollution control systems, Disaster Management Plan (DMP) and an
Environmental Monitoring Plan have also been included in the EIA Report.

1.1 Need of the Project

The present power shortage at national level is 7-8% and peak shortage is 11%. The
demand of the power in the country is growing at a rate of 7.43% per annum whereas
the average growth in the capacity addition during the decade has been around 4.4%
only. The present power shortage may not appear to be so acute because of the present
rate of subdued growth. As soon as the industrial growth gains momentum, the impact
would have cascading effect on economy of the country. Considering 8% growth of GDP
per annum the rate of growth of power needs to be raised to more than 10% per annum.

In conclusion, the factors justifying the proposed project at Raghunathpur could be

summarized below :

1. Established power demand both within DVC licensed area & at national level.
2. Location of plant near source of coal rendering obvious advantages.
3. Ready availability of land.
4. Availability of transmission facility.
5. Availability of water.
6. Infrastructural back up from the existing facilities in the command area of DVC.

2.0 THE SITE AND THE SURROUNDINGS

The proposed Thermal Power Project would be located in Raghunathpur, Purulia District
of the State of West Bengal. The proposed project is situated about 7 km away from
the state highway. The project is 11 km away from the Sanka RS on Adra-Bujudih Broad
Gauge line of S.E. Railway.

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The study covers all areas within a radius of 10 km around the plant site.

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 There are no wildlife sanctuaries or national parks within a 10 km radius of the project
site. The Panchet Dam is located on the river Damodar within 15 km from the area.
The river Damodar flows within 5 km of the project site.

3.0 THE PROJECT

3.1 The Power Plant

The proposed project would be located in a barren land.

The principal features or highlights of the proposed Thermal Power Project at

Raghunathpur are as follows :

Location : Raghunathpur, District Purulia , West Bengal

Capacity : Stage-I : 2 x 600 MW

Stage-II : 2 x 600 MW

Land Requirement : 736 hectares (1,820 acres)

Mode of Operation : Base Load

Main Fuel : Coal

Cooling System : Recirculating type with natural draft cooling towers.

Source of Water : From Damodar River.

3.2 Land Requirement

The land required for setting up the plant is 736 hectares (1,820 acres).

3.3 Fuel

The fuel for the power plant would be coal. Considering an average GCV of 3500
KCal/Kg, the annual requirement of coal for Stage-I of the proposed power project at
100% PLF is 6.26 M.t per year. However, considering a PLF of 80% the requirement
would be 5.008 M.t.y.

The annual requirement of coal for Stage-II is 7.12 Mt per year considering 100% PLF.

3.4 Stack Emissions

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The combustion gases from Stage-I units would be dedusted through an ESP and then
discharged through one twin flue stack of 275 m height. The internal diameter of the flue
would be 7.0 m at emission point.

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 The operation of the Stage-I units would result in stack emissions into the atmosphere
consisting of particulates and gases like sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) of 98-99% efficiency would be installed, that would
reduce the SPM emission through the stack to 50 mg/Nm3. SO2 and NOx emissions
would be released through a 275 m tall stack to effect wide dispersal of pollutants. SO2
and NOx emissions of Stage-I would be 5676 kg/h and 430 ppm respectively. The
emissions would be released at a velocity of 23.0 m/sec at a temperature of 140oC and
density of 0.85 kg/Nm3.

The stack and emission parameters for Stage-II are identical.

3.5 Water Requirement and Effluent Quantity

The water requirement of the proposed power plant would be met from Damodar River.
The consumptive water requirement of the proposed project is 8,000 m3/hr and would
be met by drawal of water through pump houses.

Liquid effluent will be generated from different sources of the plant and necessary
treatment would be ensured to satisfy the norms of EPA, 1986/IS2490. The treatment
scheme would be developed on the basis of zero discharge concept with the effluent
being reused in the plant for gardening and greenbelt development following treatment.

3.6 Noise Pollution

The major noise generating sources are turbines, generators, compressors, pumps,
fans, coal handling plant, etc. Acoustic enclosures would be provided to control the
noise levels below 90 dB(A). Personnel protective equipments would be provided to the
persons working in the high noise areas.

3.7 Transmission System

A LILO line from Maithon-RB-Ranchi 400 kV line is planned to connect the station to
DVC Grid.

4.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL SCENARIO

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The baseline environmental status for various environmental attributes within the study
area of 10 km radius around the plant site (Refer Exhibit-1) has been generated through
primary and secondary sources. The major environmental disciplines studied include
geology, hydrology, meteorology, landuse, air quality, water quality, soils, ecological
environment, socioeconomic conditions and noise.

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4.1 Meteorology

The climate of the area is humid and tropical with three distinct seasons as hot and dry
summer/premonsoon (March-May), monsoon (June-September), and winter (October-
February). Mean maximum temperatures reach about 35.8oC in April-May, while mean
minimum temperatures of about 16.3oC occur in December-January. The annual rainfall
is about 1330 mm, which peaks in the months of July and August.

Relative humidity is high almost throughout the year and varies between 35.5-42.8%.
The mean annual wind speed is around 4.44 km/hr. The prevalent wind corridor is from
north-northwest and south-southeast during a major part of the year.

4.2 Landuse

The project site of about 736 hectares is located in the western part of West Bengal at
Raghunathpur. The study area (Refer Exhibit-1) falls under two administrative areas :

1. Purulia District, West Bengal

2. Jharkhand

The landuse of the area has been spatially depicted in Exhibit-2. The map has been
based on the landuse map of District Planning Map Series of the above mentioned
areas by the National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation. The map has been
updated in some areas through reconnaissance survey. The total study area has been
classified under four different landuse categories.

a) Cultivated Land/arable land : 81.73%

b) Settlement : 3.14%
c) Water body : 3.90%
d) Dry River Embankment : 11.23%

4.3 Air Quality

Ambient air quality was monitored at 4 locations around the project site. The results
indicate that while the concentration of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) is below the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards for industrial areas, the Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) concentrations in the area are below the National Ambient
Air Quality Standards for residential and rural areas. The 98 percentile pollutant levels
observed covering the 4 stations are presented in Table-1 below :

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 Table-1

Ambient Air Quality in the Study Area

P-98 AAQ levels AAQ Standards for AAQ Standards for

Parameters
(µg/m3) residential/rural areas (µg/m3) Industrial areas (µg/m3)
SPM 274.0 200 500
SO2 10.7 80 120
NOx 31.2 80 120

4.4 Water Quality

To assess the physical, chemical and bacteriological properties of water in the region,
water samples were drawn from 3 stations located on Damodar river representing
surface water quality and 2 stations covering tubewells for determination of
groundwater quality. The analysis results indicate that pH of the surface water varies
between 7.47-7.96, TDS varied between 142-1396 mg/l, TSS ranged between 4-120
mg/l, DO is consistently high and BOD levels ranged between 1-1.4 mg/l. Comparison
of water quality between the 3 stations does not reveal significant spatial variation in
the monitoring stretch.

The analysis results of groundwater indicate that the pH varies between 6.96-7.61,
hardness ranges from 420-608 mg/l, chloride ranges from 253-341 mg/l, while coliforms
in the tubewell water are found to be absent. The groundwater quality is generally
good.

4.5 Soil Quality

5 stations were selected within the study area for determination of soil quality. The
sampling sites are S1 (near Nanduka village), S2 (near Desaha village), S3 (near
Naragariya village), S4 (near Raybandh village) and S5 (near Ranipur village). Both S1
and S2 sites are located in and around the proposed ash pond area and S3, S4 and S5
are located close to the air quality monitoring station. Samples were collected from the
above sites and analysed for physical and chemical constituents. The soils can be
classified as sandy in nature. The soils are slightly acidic in character (avg pH:5.76).
The organic content is moderate (0.174-0.682%).

4.6 Ecology

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There are no reserve forests, national park, wildlife sanctuary, wetland under Ramsar
site situated within 10 km radius of the proposed project site. Few stagnant water
bodies (lentic ecosystem) and flowing water body i.e. river Damodar (lotic ecosystem)
are found within the 10 km radius. The project area where the proposed Thermal Power

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 Plant will be commissioned mainly consists of barren lands. In case of terrestrial flora,
very few herbs, shrubs and trees are found scatteredly distributed in the project site but
no wild fauna were observed.

4.7 Socioeconomic Environment

The total population in the study area was 72,242 in 2001, with a household size of
about 5.88. The literacy rate was about 45.89%. Main workers comprised 21.00% of
the total population, while the percentage of non-workers was about 60.14%. The
percentage of Scheduled Caste (SC) to the overall population was 31.52, while the
Scheduled Tribe (ST) population percentage was 15.42.

4.8 Noise

Ambient noise levels were measured at 6 locations around the project site. It is
observed that the day and nighttime noise levels varies between 43.86-50.79 dB(A)
and 33.30-48.04 dB(A).

As normal, the nighttime noise levels are lower compared to the daytime values. The
average difference between day and nighttime levels in the area is of the order of 8.14
dB(A).

5.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION AND

MANAGEMENT PLAN

The impact analysis results and the mitigation measures adopted in the cardinal
environmental disciplines are discussed in the following sections.

5.1 Landuse

Land to the tune of 736 hectares would be used for the proposed project, which is
barren.

5.2 Air Quality

The fuel for the project would be coal, resulting in emissions to ambient air from its
combustion. The point source emissions would consist of particulates, sulphur dioxide
and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). The prediction of the atmospheric dispersion of the stack
emissions and estimation of the incremental and resultant ground level concentrations
of SPM, SO2 and NOx have been done with the Industrial Source Complex (ISC) Model.

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 Based on the emissions from the power plant, the maximum 24 hourly incremental
concentrations of SPM, SO2 and NOx are predicted to be 3.29, 56.14 and 50.12 µg/m3
respectively at the project site. The 98 percentile ambient air concentration of SPM,
SO2 and NOx being 274.0, 10.70 and 31.2 µg/m3 during the premonsoon season, the
maximum resultant concentration of SPM, SO2 and NOx would be about 277.29, 66.84
and 81.32 µg/m3 (Refer Table-2), which are much lower than the National Ambient Air
Quality Standard for industrial areas.

Table-2

Maximum Resultant Concentration Due to Incremental GLCs

Pollutant Overall 98-percentile Incremental Resultant

AAQ Concentrations Concentration due to Concentration
Recorded (µg/m3) operations of the Power (µg/m3)
Plant (µg/m3)
SO2 10.70 56.14 66.84
NOx 31.2 50.12 81.32
SPM 274.0 3.29 277.29

The following mitigation measures are proposed to be adopted to minimize the impact
on air quality :

1. 1 No., 275 m twin flue stack to emit flue gas for each stage.

2. High Efficiency ESPs (Electrostatic Precipitators) to limit particulate emission to

50 mg/Nm3 from each stage.

3. Space provision for retrofitting FGD (Flue Gas Desulphurisation) systems.

4. Dust suppression and extraction system at CHP (Coal Handling Plant) area to
control fugitive emission.

5. Plantation and afforestation in the available spaces.

5.3 Surface Water Quality

The effluent of the plant would be treated as per guidelines of the statutory authorities.
There would not be any change in the water quality characteristics of river Damodar
due to the wastewater discharges from the plant operations because the plant is based
on zero discharge concept. As such, it may be concluded that no adverse effects
leading to the depletion of growth of the existing aquatic biota are envisaged due to the
discharges from the project operation.

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 Various effluent treatment measures proposed to be installed in the plant are as
follows :

1, Cooling towers to cool down the recirculating cooling water.

2. Neutralisation pit for pH adjustment of the DM plant regeneration waste.
3. Oil and grease separators to arrest oil from different operations.
4. Recirculation of ash water in the system.
5. Sludge treatment and disposal systems.

5.4 Ground Water Quality

The soil being sandy, there is a possibility of leaching from the ash pond. Hence the ash
pond should be lined to prevent the contamination of groundwater by leachates.

5.5 Ecology

The impact of the construction activities would be primarily confined to the project site.
As stated in Section-5.1, about 736 hectares of land would be converted to industrial
use, which is barren. The plant, township and the ash disposal area would be
extensively landscaped with development of green belts and afforestation, consisting of
a variety of species. Such plantation activities would enrich the ecology and improve the
aesthetics of the area.

The resultant ambient air quality is well within the applicable standards and much below
the threshold limit for damage to terrestrial flora. As such, the impact on the terrestrial
ecosystem would be negligible due to this phenomena.

5.6 Social Environment

The peak labour strength during construction would be about two thousand persons.
Raghunathpur TPS officials and supervisors may constitute another few hundred
persons.

Construction of any major industrial project invariably results in socioeconomic changes.

The influx of material and money tends to change the economic status of the
community. The change in socioeconomic status almost always causes humility &
discontent to the related people. Proper publicity of the beneficial aspects of the project
would largely defuse the social discontent.

The land requirement for the project, of the order of 736 hectares does not have any
homestead.

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5.7 Noise

The major noise generating sources of the power plant are the turbines, FD & PA fans,
compressors, ash handling plants and cooling towers. The noise dispersion model
shows that the noise levels from these sources decrease to about 40 dB(A) within the
plant boundary. As such, the ambient noise levels presented in Section-4.8 would
remain unaffected and no disturbances would be caused to the community.

The following mitigation measures to curb noise impacts would be provided in the plant :

1. Turbine generators would be provided with acoustic enclosures.

2. Silencers would be provided for the air intake system and the exhaust stacks.

3. Workers would be provided with protection equipments as helmets, earplugs etc.

4. A green belt would be implemented along the plant periphery to dampen noise
effects.

6.0 RAIN WATER HARVESTING PLAN

Rain water harvesting scheme would be implemented including principally, the power
house. The rainwater would be collected from the roof top through pipes and drained
into a pond from where the water would be recycled for gardening and horticulture
purposes.

7.0 DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN

The major areas in the project which could be potential hazard zones are the main plant,
coal & fuel oil handling plant, hydrogen generation plant, switchyard, cable galleries etc.
The hazards could be due to fire or explosions. A comprehensive fire detection and
protection system has been envisaged for the complete power plant.

The following fire detection systems would be provided :

i) Gas sensors/UVIR detectors in the gas compressor building, GT and auxiliaries.

ii) Multi sensor type, liner heat sensing cables in the cable gallery.

iii) Multi sensor types in the switchgear rooms and the control rooms.

iv) Quartzite bulbs in the oil filled transformers.

v) Smoke detectors in the office buildings and other general areas.

The following fire protection systems have been envisaged :

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i) Hydrant system for complete power plant covering main plant building, turbine and
its auxiliaries, all pump houses and miscellaneous buildings of the plant.

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 ii) Automatic high velocity water spray system for all transformers.

iii) Automatic medium velocity water spray system for cable vaults and cable galleries
of main plant and switchyard control room.

iv) For protection of control room, equipment room, computer room and other
electrical and electronic equipment rooms, suitable “Halon substitutes” such as
“INERGEN” or “FM-200” or “ARGONITE” system would be opted.

An appropriate Disaster Management Plan (DMP) would be followed to protect the

workforce, the public and sophisticated equipments in the event of accidents in the
plant. A disaster would be principally managed by the Works Incident Controller
(WIC), Chief Incident Controller (CIC) and the Emergency Communication Officer
(ECO), or senior officials with equivalent designation supported by other key personnel.

8.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN

The post project environmental monitoring will be conducted by a designated group.
Various environmental parameters will be monitored on a routine basis. The
environmental monitoring programme is presented in Table-3.

Table-3

Environmental Monitoring Programme

Sl. Area of Number and Location Frequency of Parameters to be

No. Monitoring of Sampling Stations Sampling analysed

1. Meteorology One observatory in the plant Hourly and Daily Wind Speed Hourly
Basis, depending Wind Direction basis
on the parameter Temperature for
each
day

Relative 2
Humidity and obser-
Atmospheric vations
Pressure daily

Rainfall Daily

2. Ambient Air 3 Stations viz : Twice a week; each SPM, RPM, SO2 and NOx.
Quality for 24 hour period.
i) Surrounding villages
ii) Township

3. Stack One Once a month SPM, SO2 & NOx .

Emission

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4. Surface Water 3 stations, on the Damodar Once a month Physical and chemical
Quality river parameters.

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Sl. Area of Number and Location Frequency of Parameters to be
No. Monitoring of Sampling Stations Sampling analysed

5. Ground Water 2 stations, close to the ash Once a month. Physical and chemical
Quality and disposal site. parameters
depth of
Water Table

6. Plant & From the plant and ash pond Once a month. In accordance with EPA,
Townships effluent discharge channels 1986.
Effluents and outlet of sewage treatment
plant

7. Soils 2 stations around the ash Once in three years Physical and chemical
disposal areas and 2 stations parameters, organic
close to the air quality content and heavy
monitoring stations. metals.

8 Terrestrial 3 stations, close to the ambient Once in three years Symptoms of injuries on
Ecology air monitoring stations plants.

9. Aquatic 3 stations – same as surface Once in three years Densities and diversities
Ecology water quality of fish, plankton and
macro-invertebrates.

10. Noise 6 Stations viz : Once every season. Ambient Equivalent

i) Plant Industrial continuous Sound
boundary Zone Pressure Levels (Leq) at
- 2 locations Day and Night Times.

ii) Any Market Commer-

cial area

iii) Township Residen-

tial area

iv) Any village Residen-

tial area

v) Hospital Silence
zone

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