CHAPTER -VIII

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Power wheels industrial and agricultural growth of the country. It adds to the
economic development and improves the quality of life. Electricity is a clean form
of energy at the point of consumption. However its generation in a coal fired
power station has some adverse impact on the environment. A number of
safeguards should be built-in during the design phase itself to minimise these
adverse impacts. After the plant has become operational, effective planning is
required to prevent any adverse impact on the surrounding environment.

2. The chapter deals with the Environmental Management Plan for construction and
operational phase of the proposed 2000 MW coal based power plant of EPMPL
near Mahan Coal Block of Singrauli coal field, Waidhan in Sidhi district of Madhya
Pradesh. The construction and operation phase environmental management plan
has been aimed to achieve the following objectives:

To ensure that the environmental control systems installed at the plant and
are operating satisfactorily.
To ensure that quality of pollutants discharged from the plant is within the
stipulated standards.
To ensure that pollutants concentration in the surrounding area does not
exceed the NAAQS.
To monitor impacts on the surrounding environment and the effectiveness of
mitigation measures during the construction and operation.

CONSTRUCTION PHASE ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

3. The following construction engineering practices are recommended to minimise

construction phase environment impacts :

Proper disposal of construction wastes.

Adequate erosion control plan to minimise soil erosion.
Minimise noise by using appropriate noise control measures.
Spraying of dust suppressants at regular intervals.
Sedimentation pond and peripheral drains for the runoff water from the
construction site.

OPERATION PHASE ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

4. Important features of the Environment Management Plan are the following :

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 Environment management cell
Ambient air quality monitoring
Noise Monitoring
Water quality monitoring
Meteorological data collection
Afforestation program
Periodic preventive maintenance
Occupational safety and health
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CELL

5. The major environmental considerations involved in the construction and

operation of the thermal power station will be taken up by a full-fledged multi
disciplinary Environmental Management Division (EMD) with key functions of
environmental, safety and occupational health for management of the entire plant
and surrounding environment.

6. The EMD will comprise a team of environmental engineers, chemists,

horticulturists, safety specialists and well-trained staff for operation and
maintenance of pollution control equipment. Staff training programmes in the
areas of environment, ambient air, water quality monitoring, solid waste
management, noise abatement, safety and health aspects would be conducted.
The pollution control equipment would be provided with spares and maintenance
facilities. Staff would be trained to operate ESP and other pollution control
equipment at optimum efficiency. EPMPL has Environmental Management
Division (EMD) headed by a very senior manager and is assisted by a team of
engineers, chemists, operating staff etc. This EMD will take up additional
responsibility of environmental functions related to proposed mega power plant.

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

7. An environmental monitoring programme is required to provide scientifically

defensible information for determining the status of the environmental quality of
the surrounding area of the power station and to check whether the levels of
critical pollutants are within the environmentally acceptable limits. This will help to
obtain an early warning of unacceptable environmental conditions so that control
measures can be taken immediately. It also helps to determine in a timely
fashion, changes in the local environmental quality.

AIR MONITORING

8. The air quality-monitoring programme consists of ambient air quality monitoring,

stack gas emission monitoring, occupational exposure and meteorological
investigations. The schedule of monitoring programme is given in Table - VII.1.
(a) Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

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 An ambient air quality monitoring programme for ground level
concentrations of SO2, NOx and SPM will be carried out on a regular
basis throughout the year at selected monitoring stations.
(b) Stack Emission Monitoring
Continuous stationary monitors will be installed to measure opacity, SO2 ,
NOx and SPM concentrations in the flue gas discharged through the
stack. Suitable sampling ports will be provided at the stack for in-situ
monitoring of these parameters.
(c) Occupational Exposure Monitoring
Worker exposure to dust from ash and coal, to toxic gases (e.g. SPM,
SO2, and NOx) leaking from boilers and to excessive noise levels will be
monitored around the work place by spot detection instruments.
(d) Meteorology
The wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity, solar radiation and
rainfall will be monitored continuously using respective meteorological
instruments installed at suitable location. The data will be continuously
recorded as well as processed for further action.
9. The meteorology, stack emission and ambient air quality monitoring will be
conducted considering the mega power plant while optimising the number of
monitoring stations and equipment.
Table - VIII.1
Air Monitoring Schedule

Parameters Purpose Frequency Equipment

SPM Ambient Air Twice in a week for Respirable dust
quality monitoring 24 hours each at Sampler (RDS)
each station
SO2 Ambient Air Twice in a week for Respirable dust
quality monitoring 24 hours each at Sampler (RDS)
each station
NOx Ambient Air Twice in a week for Respirable dust
quality monitoring 24 hours each at Sampler (RDS)
each station
SPM, SO2, NOx, Stack emission Continuous In-situ continuous
monitors
SPM, SO2, NOx Occupational Once in a month Portable spot
exposure detectors
Noise level Noise Once in a week Noise level meter
Wind speed & Meteorological Continuous on Anemometer with
wind direction investigation hourly basis data logger and

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 printer facility
Relative Meteorological Continuous on Thermohygrograph
humidity and investigation hourly basis
temperature
Rain fall Meteorological Continuous on Rain gauge
investigation hourly basis

Water Quality Monitoring

10. The water quality monitoring programme consists of treated wastewater

parameters monitoring prior to discharge, water quality monitoring of River and
ground water will also be covered. The monitoring schedule for treated water
generated from various sources and the parameters to be analysed are shown in
Table - VII.2.
Table - VIII.2
Wastewater Monitoring Schedule

Waste Water Frequency of Parameter of Examination

Sources Analysis
Boiler blow down Weekly Temperature suspended solids, oil &
grease, dissolved solids, copper, iron etc.
Water treatment Daily pH, suspended solids COD, BOD,
plant effluent dissolved solids
Ash pond effluent Weekly pH, suspended solids, oil & grease,
dissolved solids, heavy metals like
chromium, zinc, iron, manganese,
aluminium, nickel, phosphate etc.
11. The assessment of surface and ground water quality (e.g.) drinking and irrigation
wells, ponds, tube wells etc.) of surrounding areas will be carried out at different
locations, within 5 km radius of the proposed power plant once in a month. The
parameters to be monitored will include dissolved solids, oxygen level, bacterial
contamination and heavy metals.

LABORATORY

12. An environmental laboratory for routine analysis of air and water monitoring
should be equipped with the following:

Respirable dust Sampler (RDS) with RPM assemblies

Continuous stack emission monitoring instrument
Photo opacity monitor
Wind anemometer
Sound level meter

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 Temperature recorder
Thermo-hydrograph
Spectro photometer
CO analyser with detector tubes
Semi micro balance
Incubator
Hot air oven
Flame photometer
Chemicals & glass wares
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY

13. In a power plant, the main safety hazards involve burns, slips and falls. Fire and
explosions may occur from flame out. Electrical hazards and electrocution
constitute another serious safety problem in power plants due to the high voltage
in the electrical lines. Excessive noise from generators can also be a serious
problem. Heat and humidity can contribute to heat stress among boiler works. The
following safety measures are proposed to prevent and reduce accidents among
employees.
(a) All elevated platforms, walkways, stairways and ramps will be equipped
with handrails, toe-boards and non-slip surfaces.
(b) Steam pipes will be provided with thermal insulation.
(c) Shield guards and guard railings will be provided where belts, pulleys,
shafting, gears or other moving parts are located.
(d) Electrical equipment will be grounded and checked for defective
insulation.
(e) Workers responsible for cleaning boilers will be provided with special
footwear, masks and dust-proof clothing. The cleaning of boilers may
require the use of corrosive acids such as sulphuric acid and hydrochloric
acid as well as caustic chemicals. The workers using these chemicals will
wear protective clothing and goggles. Emergency eyewash and showers
will be available in the working area.
(f) Maintenance workers and cleaners, who enter enclosed areas for
cleaning fuel, oil residues or coal ash dust will wear self-contained air
respirators.
(g) A programme for fire safety will be regularly carried out. This is important
to establish a safety programme and in case of fires due to flame out.
(h) Good housekeeping practices will include keeping all walkways clear of
debris, cleaning up oil spots and excess water as soon as they are
noticed, and regular inspecting and maintaining of all machinery.

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 (i) Rigid procedures for de-energizing and checking the electrical equipment
will be followed before any maintenance and repair work can begin. Some
work may have to be done on energized equipment. A supervisor will be
present during the entire period of work and will make sure that all safety
measures are taken to prevent any accidents. Revival techniques after
electrocution will be part of any first aid course taught to the employees.
(j) The temperatures can go as high as 130ºF in boiler rooms and this can
result in heat stress. General ventilation and frequent work breaks to the
employees will be provided to reduce these problems.
(k) The noise level around the generators or other equipment would be kept
lower than 90 decibels (dBA). If impossible, those working near the
equipment will have an insulated room where the noise level is below 75
dBA. Personnel will be supplied with ear protection to be worn when
working around the equipment. Good maintenance of equipment will also
help to reduce noise.
TRAINING

14. The education and training of employees in good safety practices will be the
responsibility of management. Employees will be instructed in proper use of all
equipment operated, safe lifting practices, location and handling of fire
extinguishers, and the use of personal protective equipment.

HEALTH

15. The main health hazards due to working in coal handling areas, ash handling
areas, acid and alkali using areas, oil storage areas etc. are skin diseases and
chemical burns. The workers will be encouraged to wash frequently and good
sanitary and washing facilities shall be provided. A separate lunch room will be
provided outside the work area. This will help to reduce dermatitis among the
employees due to contact with acids, caustic chemicals, solvents, oils, as well as
coal ash and fuel oil residues. The work atmosphere will be monitored for SPM,
SO2, and NOx etc. to avoid excessive exposure.

AFFORESTATION PROGRAMME

16. Afforestation is a key element in environment conservation and protection. The

establishment of a vegetation covering land in and around the proposed thermal
power plant will result in many direct and indirect benefits as :
(a) Vegetation can absorb a wide variety of atmospheric pollutants emitted
from thermal power plant and attenuates the noise levels.
(b) Vegetation will be able to control the build-up of atmospheric green house
gases (e.g. CO2) that are emitted during power generation and thereby
will postpone global warming.
(c) Afforestation will help restore the eco dynamics around the plant. It
checks soil erosion and increases soil fertility.

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 (d) A green belt acts as a buffer zone and increases the aesthetic value of
the surrounding area by adding to the greenery and providing a visual
filter.
(e) A green belt will also compensate the vegetation loss during the
construction phase and will help in reclamation of land used for ash
disposal.
(f) Provision of one third land of the project area will help in complying with
the statutory requirements.
17. An appropriate afforestation programme is envisaged which will help in
establishing the harmony with the environment of the proposed mega power plant
and surrounding environment.

18. The above tree plantation program would consider the following:

Selected plant species would be native of the area. Introduction of

monocultures and alien plant species would be avoided to the maximum
possible extent.

Heterogeneous tree species will be selected and planted considering soil and
climate adaptability, flowering, growth characteristics, canopy structure and
resistance to pollution load.

19. A nursery will be maintained at site or sapling may be taken from local forest
nursery to develop good planting stock to meet the plantation requirements. A
horticulturist of EMD will supervise this and the entire plantation/afforestation
programme.

FLY ASH UTILISATION PLAN

20. Dry fly ash from the air pre-heater, economizer, stack and ESP hoppers would be
collected in the FA storage silos. The fly ash conveying air would be vented to the
atmosphere through vent bag filter to mitigate the environmental pollution.

21. Regular vigil shall be implemented for monitoring of rat holes along the Ash pond
area. Proper care shall be taken to avoid the infestation of rat in surrounding area.

Dust Particulates from Fly Ash in Flue Gas

22. As per the standard for particulate emission applicable is 100 mg / N cu.m. The
electrostatic precipitators (ESP) proposed to be installed in this project will be
designed to limit the emission level of the particulate matter to this limit.
23. The indigenous coal to be used in power plant contains 0.5 % of sulphur and
about 40% of ash. In order to mitigate and minimise the environmental impact of
fly ash disposal, EPMPL authorities have planned to utilise 100% ash in cement
and construction industries.

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24. EPMPL would plan to establish bench marks for mega power plants in various
aspects of energy, productivity and quality etc. apart from being ‘Environment
Conscious’. EPMPL has achieved the following:

25. Regular monitoring of ground water in and around the ash pond area shall be
carried out; record maintained and periodic report shall be furnished to the reginal
office of MOEF.

Essar Power Limited has an immaculate track record of safety. The Company
has been consistently winning safety awards from various institutions. This
award has been conferred on Essar Power Limited for maintaining excellent
record in safety and successfully maintaining the incident rate far lower than
that of national standards of U.K. and also striving for the continuous
improvement in Health and Safety standards. Essar Power is one of the few
recipients of the Sword of Honour' from the British Safety Council and has
power plants with the ISRS level-3 safety rating by DNV.

Rain Water harvesting system

26. It is planned to provide a properly designed rainwater harvesting scheme. In

order to conserve the rainwater and use the available rain water, a rainwater pond
is planned in the plant layout.

27. The collected water shall be used in the plant mainly for dust suppression of road,
& coal stockyard and remaining for gardening purpose.

28. This area has sufficient potential for rain fall which is favorable condition for rain
water harvesting.

29. The water tank & drainage line used for rain water harvesting purpose should be
dedicated which should not be used for any other purposes.

GREEN BELT

30. The green belt will consist of native evergreen and fast growing trees. Trees will
also be planted around the coal stock pile area and ash disposal area to minimise
the fugitive dust pollution.

31. Mix culture of trees species will be preferred over monocultures. Line and rows of
green belt will be break with the resistant tree species. This practise will help in
improving the life of green belt by improving the disease resistance.

32. The waste water after balancing of pH can be recycled for developing the green
belt area.

33. The survival rate of trees & plantation should be more than 95 %, and it can be
achieved by proper administration and good technical skill.

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