EIA For Exploration Activities

OMV (PAKISTAN) EXPLORATION GmbH
OMV
EIA for Exploration Activities

in Latif Block
FINAL REPORT
January 2004
OMV (Pakistan) Exploration GmbH
Environmental Impact Assessment for
Exploration Activities in Latif Block
Final Report
January 2004
Halcrow Pakistan (Pvt) Limited

1-B Mezzanine Floor Awan Arcade Jinnah Avenue Blue Area Islamabad Pakistan
Tel +92 51 2870 223//2870 224 Fax +92 51 2870 222
[email protected], www.halcrow.com
Halcrow Pakistan has prepared this report in accordance with the instructions of
OMV Pakistan for their sole and specific use. Any other persons who use any
information contained herein do so at their own risk.
© Halcrow Group Limited 2003
EIA for Exploration Activities in Latif Block
ES. Executive Summary
ES.1 Introduction
OMV Exploration Pakistan G.m.b.H (OMV Pakistan) intends to undertake exploration
activities in the Latif Block (hereafter referred as the project area). The project area
covers a total area of approximately 1496 sq. km and lies in the Khairpur districts of the
Sindh Province. The project area covers two protected areas including Nara Desert
Wildlife Sanctuary (NDWS) and the Nara Game Reserve (NGR). These areas are
protected under the Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance SWPO. Approximately 88% of
the project area lies within the NDWS, 7% within the NGR and the remaining 5% in the
non-protected area. The location of the project area including boundaries of the two
protected areas is shown in Figure ES-1 and ES-2.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997

(PEPA 1997), OMV Pakistan commissioned Halcrow Pakistan to carry out an
independent Environmental Impact Assessment study for the proposed exploration
activities. The EIA report has been prepared in conformance with the requirements of
PEPA 97 and the Pakistan Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental
Impact Assessment Review Regulations 2000, and in line with the guidelines of the
Pakistan Environmental Assessment Procedures, 1997.
The proposed exploration activities include the acquisition of approximately 500 km of

2D and 500 sq km of 3D seismic data, through structured seismic surveys; and drilling of
three exploration wells in the project area over a period of three years. The seismic data
acquisition will be carried out using a combination of vibroseis, dynamite and upholes
technologies. The objective of the seismic survey is explore the subsurface in the area to
identify hydrocarbon laden formations. Both types of surveys will entail similar activities,
the difference being in the spacing of seismic lines, which will be closer together in the
3D survey, multiple receivers are used around the same shot point to obtain a 3-D image
of the subsurface. For each seismic survey a base camp with fly camps will be established
to house the seismic crew.
The exploration wells will be drilled using a conventional drilling rig. A specialized waste
management system using Hi-G dryers will be installed for better management and
disposal of drilling wastes. This will also help in reducing the water requirement during
drilling and the size of the waste pits at the well location.
i JANUARY 2004
Executive Summary EIA for Exploration Activities in Latif Block
ES.2 The Proponent

OMV Pakistan is a subsidiary of OMV-AG, one of the largest industrial corporations in
Austria. OMV Pakistan commenced oil and gas exploration in Pakistan. Presently, OMV
is operating three exploration licenses the South West Miano-II, Gambat and Latif
Concessions and two Development and Production Leases i.e., Miano and Sawan.
ES.3 The EIA Methodology

The various steps undertaken in the EIA preparation included understanding of the
proposed operations; review of alternatives; review of policy, legislation and guidelines;
collection and review of secondary data including the physical, biological, socio-
economic and cultural environments of the area; field data collection; community
consultation; impact identification; recommendations for mitigation and monitoring
measures; development of a project specific Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
and reporting of all findings in an Environmental Impact Assessment Report.
ES.4 Public Consultation

Public consultation is an integral part of the EIA process and a regulatory requirement.
Public Consultation is essentially a tool used for the purpose of information
dissemination, exchange of views, and soliciting feedback and suggestions of key
stakeholders about the project and the EIA. During the EIA process, meetings were held
with various stakeholders to solicit and record their views and concerns for inclusion in
project design at the project-planning phase. The stakeholders consulted primarily
included communities residing in the project area. Their views and concerns were
enquired through different consultation techniques and were incorporated into the EIA
mitigation measures.
ES.5 Project Alternatives

To ensure implementation of best available management and technology options, an
analysis of alternatives to the proposed operation was undertaken. Alternatives
considered included:
Management options including no project option, alternative site option, and

alternative timing.
Technological options including options for use of different energy sources during
seismic surveys, drilling techniques, waste management options and alternatives to
sourcing water
The ‘no project option’ and ‘alternative site option’ were considered not feasible. The
alternatives to different technology options have formed the basis for recommendations
related to drilling waste management and sourcing of water.
ii JANUARY 2004
ES.6 Impacts and Mitigation

The EIA covers potential effects of the proposed exploration activities in the project
area. Potential impacts on the physical, biological, socio-economic, archaeological and
cultural environments that may arise from project activities and the mitigation measures
that will be adopted to reduce or minimize all impacts have been assessed and are
summarised in Table ES-1. The exploration activities will also have positive impacts on
the local communities, these may include: increased turnover of local businesses and
shops due to an increased demand from project contractors and their employees; and
increased income of local residents due to employment in the project.
ES.7 Environmental Management Plan

For the effective implementation and management of mitigation measures, an
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been prepared which meets the
requirements of the Pakistan Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental
Impact Assessment Review Procedures, 2000.
It is aimed at achieving the following objectives:
A mitigation and monitoring plan;
Definition of roles and responsibilities of the proponent, contractors and

monitoring teams;
Requirements for communication, documentation and training during the project;
Restrictions on design, timing and conduct of the project; and
Change Management Plan to cover unforeseen events/environmental conditions

during the project.
ES.8 Conclusion
The EIA has fully examined the project activities, the background environmental
conditions of the project area and the impacts likely to arise from the project activities.
Mitigation measures to help minimize potential identified impacts have been
recommended and an EMP has been provided for implementation of these mitigation
measures.
On the basis of the above, the EIA concludes that if mitigation measures for all impacts
identified in the EIA are affected as per the prescriptions of the EIA no significant
unacceptable change in the baseline environment conditions will occur.
iii JANUARY 2004

Table ES-1: Summary of impacts and mitigation
Potential Impact Sources Recommended Mitigation Measures

Soil Erosion Land clearing Minimize disturbance to natural topography and soils
Off road travel Limit the width of seismic lines
Over-speeding Minimise clearing of vegetation and disturbance to soil
Cuttings of trees to be avoided.
Use of existing clearings and levelled land for project facilities
Minimize land area requirements.
Use existing tracks and minimise number of routes.
Minimise preparation of new access tracks.
Watering and compaction of access tracks during project activities.
Monitor vehicle speeds and restrict movement of vehicle within the work areas.
Avoid off road travel
Training of drivers.
Photographs will be taken at intervals throughout the survey to monitor any changes and soil
conditions
Soil and Water Domestic wastes Disposal of sewage in septic tank system.
Contamination Medical Waste Disposal of grey wastewater in separate soak pits.
Oily wastes Construction of soak pits in absorbent soil and 300m away from water source.
Drilling Waste Construction of soak pits in such a way that surface runoff cannot enter the pits
Uphole/Deep hole waste Design soak pits to accommodate wastewater generated during the total duration of
(bentonite mud) operation
Sprinkle grey water on access tracks if soak pits get filled during the operation
Dispose off all solid wastes generated in waste bins provided within the camp area
Burn combustible material in burn pits within or near the campsites. Locate burn pit at a
place from where emissions do not travel towards the camp or any nearby settlement(s).
iv JANUARY 2004
...Table ES-1, Continued

Temporarily store non-combustible waste on site, which will be later collected by
waste/recycling contractor for recycling purposes
Restore septic tanks and soak pits as specified in EIA.
Ensure clean restoration of campsite(s).
Remove and burry concrete structures at the campsite(s) as specified in EIA.
Remove all pin flags, signs, and refuse from seismic lines at the time of restoration.
Washing of vehicles in designated areas within campsite.
Checking of vehicles and fuel tanks for fuel or oil leaks.
Concrete pad, bunded area and proper marking for all fuel tanks.
Proper fuel and oil transfer operations.
Daily check fuel tanks for leaks, if detected then plug immediately
Burn soil contaminated with moderate and minor spill in a burn pit.
Specialized treatment (Incineration or Bioremediation) for soil contaminated from major
spills.
Prepare spill prevention and contingency plan.
Spill control measures to control minor and moderate spills near fuel/oil storage or handling
areas
Transport used oil and vehicle related waste to local contractors for recycling
Earthern pits for bentonite mud for uphole and deep hole drilling.
Incineration of medical wastes at nearest facility
v JANUARY 2004

Air Pollution Air emissions Maintenance of generators and vehicles in good condition.
Regulation and monitoring of vehicle speeds.
Locate campsite(s), burn pit and flare pit 500m away from the community.
Minimise dust emissions due to road travel by regulating vehicle speeds and watering of the
access track (where required).
While selecting routes of access track maintain a reasonable distance from communities.
Manage quantity of waste burnt at one time in the burn pit and visually monitor the smoke.
Water based mud system will be used for drilling.
Waste pit at well site will be lined with HDPE liner.
Drill cutting and mud will be disposaed off in a lined waste pit and is required to
accommodate overflows. Restore waste pit according to the requirements of the EIA.
Flaring of produced formation fluids or collection inside the lined waste pit.
Noise Pollution Equipment, machinery and Use good working equipment including generators, vehicles and other potentially noisy
vehicles equipment.
Locate campsite(s) 500m from community.
Minimise use of horns by project vehicles.
Restrict movement of project vehicles and personnel within work area.
Water Abstraction All activities requiring water Surface water resources will not be used
The quantity of water used during project activities will be kept to the minimum required by
taking prudent water conservation measures on site
Record water consumption for each project activity
Water abstraction from sources specified in EIA.
Install new water well if drilled 300m from existing local wells and designed to abstract water
from deep aquifer
Abstract only that amount of water from local community wells, which is in excess of the
requirements of the local users.
For all water obtained from local wells, the owner will be paid for the water abstracted at the
market rate
vi JANUARY 2004

Loss of vegetation Land clearing Minimise land uptake.
Off road travel Camps and well site will be located in existing clearings and avoid areas of dense vegetation.
Minimise the width of the vibroseis & access tracks tracks, Minimise preparation of new access
tracks.
Avoid clearing of trees.
Prohibit use of local vegetation/wood as fuel.
Restrict speed limits to 40 km/hr.
Concentrate working along seismic lines within a corridor of 3m.
Earthen pits for preparation and disposal of bentonite mud and drill cuttings will be located in an
area where minimum vegetation clearing is involved.
Campsite(s) and access tracks will avoid areas of dense vegetation as much as possible
Avoid clearing of dense patches of vegetation in the desert .
Disturbance to Noise generated from Prohibit hunting or harassment of wildlife.
Wildlife project activities Minimize vegetation clearing and land uptake.
Movement of personnel and Adhere to the minimum distances from dhands, wetlands and Nara canal listed in the EIA.
vehicles Complete the seismic operation in shortest possible time within the habitats of key species identified
Lights used at the project in the EIA.
facilities Prohibit drilling of well within the habitats of key species identified in the EIA
Clearing of vegetation Minimise development of new access tracks and keep the width of new tracks to 3m.
Improper disposal of wastes Select routes for new tracks involving minimum clearing of vegetation.
Data acquisition techniques Avoid disturbing live bird nests and small mammal and reptile holes for seismic deep holes and
upholes.
Do not dispose off food waste in the open.
Minimize night travelling.
Maintenance of vehicles and compressors in good condition and provide muffles to reduce noise.
Minimize time period of disturbance to birds species near dhands by good planning and efficient
working.
Use good working equipment including generators, vehicles and other potentially noisy equipment.
Minimise time period of operation near shands and Nara canal to minimise disturbance to bird
species.
Monitoring of impacts of individual project activities on wildlife by IMC teams.
vii JANUARY 2004


Disturbance to Acquisition of productive lands Maintain and record all community grievances in a Community Complaints Register.
communities for project facilities Pay timely land compensation in an equitable and transparent manner with considerations
Exploitation of local water indicated in EIA.
sources Management of wastes, noise and dust emissions according to mitigation measures suggested
Improper disposal of wastes in the EIA.
Dust and exhaust emissions Employ unskilled local labour during project activities
Noise from project facilities Equitable recruitment/employment amongst various tribes.
Movement of vehicles on access Priority in employment to local residents living close to the project location.
tracks close to the communities Use local water sources only after complying with the relevant EIA requirements.
Avoid impediment of flow of water in canal and water crossing.
Repair/compensate any damage to canal, water channels roads or other infrastructure.
Observe strict compliance to OMV HSE guidelines.
Train drivers in responsible and safe driving practices.
Maintain communication channels between local spiritual leaders, community elders and
OMV Pakistan.
Respect cultural norms.
Maintain appropriate offsets from sites of religious, cultural or archaeological significance.
viii JANUARY 2004

ER SARDARGARH
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KATHORE ADAN
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26°
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KHAIRPUR
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69° 30' 69° 45'
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CHINA
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68° 30' 68° 45' 69° 00' 69° 15' H
A
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PUNJAB
LEGEND
LATIF BLOCK NARA CANAL
INDIA
BALOCHISTAN
INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY ROADS / TRACKS IRAN LATIF
BLOCK
DISTRICT BOUNDARY CITY / TOWN SINDH
INDUS RIVER
ARABIAN SEA
Project Client
EIA FOR EXPLORATION

OMV EXPLORATION PAKISTAN GmbH
Revision By Checked Approved Date Description
ACTIVITIES IN LATIF BLOCK
Drawn by : AQ Date: 08-01-2004
Checked by : AG Date: 08-01-2004 Drawing

Halcrow Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
Authorised by : AH Date: 08-01-2004
Drawing No. Revision
ES - 1 KEY MAP
Drawing Scale: See Above
CAD Filename: PROJECTS/PKOMVS400 Plot Scale:

SUK
KUR
KHA
IRP
UR
CHUNDKO
SORAH
NARA GATE
MITHRAU
GOTH
27°
00' KATHORE
ADAN
LATIF BLOCK
NAWAB KHAN
RAJAR
I N D I A
TAJJAL
DINGRI
PIARO GAHO
26°
45'
NAR
A CANAL
RAJAR
KHA
NAW
IRP
ABS
UR
HAH
26°
30'
JAMRAO HEAD
69° 00' 69° 15' 69° 20'
LEGEND
LATIF BLOCK/ PROJECT AREA NARA GAME RESERVE
INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY NARA CANAL
DISTRICT BOUNDARY ROADS / TRACKS

NARA DESERT WILDLIFE CITY / TOWN
SANCTUARY
Project Client
EIA FOR EXPLORATION


ES - 2 PROJECT AREA MAP

Contents
1 Introduction 1-1
1.1 The EIA 1-1
1.2 The Proponent 1-1
1.3 The Proposed Exploration Activities 1-1
1.4 Proposed Environmental Approval and Management System 1-2
1.5 Contact Details 1-3
2 EIA Scope and Methodology 2-1

2.1 Scope of the EIA 2-1
2.2 EIA Team 2-1
2.3 EIA Methodology 2-1
3 Policy, Legislation and Guidelines 3-1

3.1 Introduction 3-1
3.2 Corporate Policy of OMV 3-1
3.3 National Environmental Policy, Legislation and Guidelines 3-1
3.4 International Treaties and Guidelines 3-7
4 Proposed Project 4-1

4.1 The Proposed Project 4-1
4.2 Seismic Operation 4-1
4.3 Drilling Operation 4-5
5 Analysis of Alternatives 5-1

5.1 Introduction 5-1
5.2 Management Options 5-1
5.3 Technology Options 5-2
6 Physical Environment 6-1

6.1 Topography, Geology and Soils 6-1
6.2 Ambient Air Quality 6-6
6.3 Soil and Water Contamination 6-8
6.4 Use of Water 6-12
6.5 Noise Pollution 6-17
7 Biological Environment 7-1
xi JANUARY 2004
Contents EIA for Exploration Activities in Latif Block
7.1 General 7-1

7.2 Flora 7-5
7.3 Fauna 7-8
8 Socioeconomic Environment 8-1

8.1 Background 8-1
8.2 Social Organization 8-6
8.3 Government and Non-Governmental Organisations 8-11
8.4 Impacts on the Socio-economic Cultural and Archaeological
Environment 8-13
9 Public Consultation 9-1

9.1 Objectives of Public Consultation 9-1
9.2 Community Consultations 9-1
9.3 Communities Consulted 9-2
9.4 Community’s Concerns 9-2
10 Conclusion 10-1
References 1
Appendices
Appendix A Environmental Management Plan A-1
Appendix B Environmental Aspects Register B-1
xii JANUARY 2004

List of Tables
Table 3-1: NEQS for municipal and industrial effluents 3-12
Table 3-2: NEQS for selected gaseous pollutants from
industrial sources 3-14
Table 3-3: NEQS for motor vehicle exhaust and noise 3-16
Table 3-4: International standards for on-site burial of
E&P wastes in unlined pits 3-16
Table 6-1: Meteorological Data For Padidan Station 6-19
Table 7-1: List of vegetation species found in the
project area 7-18
Table 7-2: List of vegetation species with medicinal and
economical use found in the project area 7-21
Table 7-3: List of birds observed in/near the project area 7-23
Table 7-4: List of mammals observed in the project area 7-29
Table 7-5: List of reptiles observed in the project area 7-30
Table 8-1: Villages surveyed in the Project Area 8-18
Table 8-2: Age-wise distribution of population 8-18
Table 8-3: Archeological Findings 8-19
Table 9-1: Names of communities consulted 9-3
List of Figures
Figure 1.1: Key map 1-4
Figure 1.2: Project area map 1-5
Figure 4.1: Anatomy of a rotary drilling rig 4-11
Figure 6.1: Habitat map 6-21
Figure 6.2: A typical lithological representation of the area 6-22
Figure 6.3: Mean monthly temperature
between years 1991-1998 6-23
Figure 6.4: Mean monthly relative humidity
between years 1991-1998 6-23
Figure 6.5: Water resources map 6-24
Figure 6.6: Nara canal discharge (1990-2000) 6-25
Figure 6.7: Interpreted lithological column at Tajjal 6-26
Figure 6.8: Interpreted lithological column at Sorah
(Closs-section along Nara Canal, Sorah) 6-27
Figure 7.1: Key species map 7-31
Figure 8.1: Communities and local infrastructure map 8-21
xiii JANUARY 2004

List of Photographs EIA for Exploration Activities in Latif Block
List of Photographs
Photograph 2-1: Wildlife survey – plot search being conducted 2-4
Photograph 2-2: Vegetation survey being conducted in the
project area 2-4
Photograph 2-3: Consultation with local communities in the
desert area 2-4
Photograph 2-4: Archeologist at work 2-4
Photograph 4-1: Seismic line being cleared by a bulldozer 4-12
Photograph 4-2: Flush drilling in progress (HPK library) 4-12
Photograph 4-3: Recording truck (HPK Library) 4-12
Photograph 4-4: Vibroseis operating in a desert environment
(HPK Library) 4-12
Photograph 4-5: An uphole rig in operation (HPK library) 4-12
Photograph 4-6: Drilling in progress- Sawan (HPK library) 4-12
Photograph 6-1: Typical desert habitat occupying
approximately 90% of the project area 6-28
Photograph 6-2: An aerial view of typical dry tar in the
project area 6-28
Photograph 6-3: A view of soft sand dunes with zones of
probable quick sand 6-28
Photograph 6-4: Marshy area along Nara canal which
flanks the western portion of the project area 6-28
Photograph 6-5: A view of Nara Canal located in the western
portion of the project area 6-28
Photograph 6-6: Agriculture fields only found near the
Nara canal 6-28
Photograph 6-7: A tube well in located in the close vicinity
of the Nara Canal 6-29
Photograph 6-8: Hand pump-A source of drinking water
in the desert habitat 6-29
Photograph 6-9: Dodewari channel -To irrigate agriculture land 6-29
Photograph 6-10: An open dug well in the Desert habitat 6-29
Photograph 6-11: Tanka-Used to store water in the desert area 6-29
Photograph 6-12: Transportation of sweet water from far
away wells to be used for domestic used
in the desert area 6-29
Photograph 7-1: View of forest within Manijiaro Tar 7-32
Photograph 7-2: Population of Prosopis cineraria 7-32
xiv JANUARY 2004

Photograph 7-3: Salvadora oleoides 7-32

Photograph 7-4: Calligonium polygonoides 7-32
Photograph 7-5: Cyperus arenarius 7-32
Photograph 7-6: Tribulus longipetalus 7-32
Photograph 7-7: An active fox den in the desert habitat 7-33
Photograph 7-8: Marsh crocodile in Nara Canal 7-33
Photograph 7-9: Droppings of Chinkara in the desert habitat 7-33
Photograph 7-10: Afghan agama 7-33
Photograph 7-11: Foot prints of Houbara bustard 7-33
Photograph 7-12: Tracks of Indian Sand Swimmer 7-33
Photograph 7-13: Foot prints of Desert Cat 7-34
Photograph 7-14: Indian Desert Jird 7-34
Photograph 7-15: An active Rodent hole 7-34
Photograph 7-16: Grey Partridge 7-34
Photograph 7-17: Indian Crow Pheasant 7-34
Photograph 7-18: Red Wattled Lapwing 7-34
Photograph 8-1: Agricultural field in the project area 8-22
Photograph 8-2: An Otak 8-22
Photograph 8-3: A local community in the desert zone 8-22
Photograph 8-4: Typical hut in the desert 8-22
Photograph 8-5: A primary school under construction at
Adan Goth 8-22
Photograph 8-6: An access track in the project area. 8-22
Photograph 8-7: A track built by Arab sheikhs in the
project area 8-23
Photograph 8-8: Live stock-drinking water from a
local open well 8-23
Photograph 8-9: Two Tankas in the desert area. 8-23
Photograph 8-10: Thresher being used by local farmers 8-23
Photograph 8-11: A view of the Nara canal 8-23
Photograph 8-12: Water channel in the project area 8-23
Photograph 8-13: Live stock grazing in the desert area 8-24
Photograph 8-14: Shrine of Khalifo Raaj Muhammad Mullah 8-24
Photograph 8-15: Miran jo kot: Fort of Mirs 8-25
Photograph 8-16: Scattered artifacts in the area 8-25
xv JANUARY 2004
Photograph 8-17: A few items from the cultural remains found

at Pyaro 8-25
Photograph 8-18: Some samples from cultural remains found at
Miran jo kot-khararo 8-25
Photograph 8-19: Articles from cultural scatter found at Boh 8-25
Photograph 8-20: Pieces from cultural scatter found at Kinihri 8-25
Photograph 9-1: Public consultation session with locals 9-4
Photograph 9-2: Meeting with Tehsildar 9-4
Photograph 9-3: The socio team collecting information
from locals 9-4
Photograph 9-4: Public consultation at Ghanewari Goth 9-4
Photograph 9-5: Locals gathered for community consultation 9-4
Photograph 9-6: Community Consultation in session 9-4
xvi JANUARY 2004

List of Acronyms
2D 2 Dimensional
3D 3 Dimensional
BAP Biodiversity Action Plan

BLS Baseline Study
BOD Biological Oxygen Demand

BOP Blow Out Preventor
CBO Community Based Organization

CC Civil Contractor
CCA Cultivated Command Area

CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild
fauna and flora
CMS Convention on the conservation of Migratory Species of wild animals
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand
DC Drilling Contractor
DCR Drilling Census Report
DGPC Director General Petroleum Concessions
E&P Exploration and Production

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EMP Environmental Management Plan

EPA Environmental Protection Agency
GCA Gross Command Area
GoP Government of Pakistan

H2 S Hydrogen Sulfide
HDPE High Density Polyethylene
HPK Halcrow Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd

HSE Health, Safety, and Environment
HSEQ Health Safety and Environment Quality
xvii JANUARY 2004

List of Acronyms EIA for Exploration Activities in Latif Block
IAGC International Association of Geophysical Contractors

IEE Initial Environmental Examination
IMC Independent Monitoring Consultant

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
MBAS Modified Benzene Alkyl Sulphate

NCS National Conservation Strategy
NDWS Nara Desert Wildlife Sanctuary

NEAP National Environmental Action Plan
NEAP-SP National Environmental Action Plan Support Program

NEQS National Environment Quality Standards
NGO Non Government Organization

NGR Nara Game Reserve
NOC No Objection Certificate
O&G Oil and Gas
PEPA 97 Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997
PVC Poly Vinyl Chloride
SC Seismic Contractor
SWD Sindh Wildlife Department
SWPO Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance
TSS Total suspended solids

TDS Total dissolved solids
UNDP United Nations Development Program
UNEP United Nations Environment Program
xviii JANUARY 2004

List of Units
cusecs cubic feet per second

db Decibels
gph gallons per hour

ha hectares
hr hour
km kilometers
m meter
mg/l milligram per litre
mg/Nm3 milligram per Normal Cubic meter
mm millimeter
m/s meter/second
°C Degree Celsius
% Percent
ppb parts per billion

ppm parts per million
sq square
xix JANUARY 2004

1 Introduction
1.1 The EIA

This report presents the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
carried out by Halcrow Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, on behalf of OMV (Pakistan) Exploration
G.m.b.H (OMV Pakistan) for proposed exploration activities in the Latif concession.
The exploration activities proposed to be undertaken within the Latif block (hereafter
referred as the project area) include: seismic operations of 500 km 2D, 500 sq km 3D,
and drilling three exploration wells over a period of three years.
The block is located across two declared Protected Areas1, namely the Nara Desert
Wildlife Sanctuary (NDWS) and the Nara Game Reserve (NGR). Approximately 88%
of the project area lies within the NDWS, 7% within the NGR and the remaining 5% in
non protected area. The location of the project area including boundaries of NDWS and
NGR is shown in Figure 1-1 and 1-2.
The EIA has been prepared to conform to the requirements of the Pakistan
Environmental Protection Act 1997 (PEPA), the Pakistan Initial Environmental
Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment Review Regulations 2000 and the
guidelines provided in the Pakistan Environmental Assessment Procedures, 1997.
1.2 The Proponent

OMV Pakistan is a subsidiary of OMV-AG, one of the largest industrial corporations in
Austria. OMV Pakistan commenced oil and gas exploration in Pakistan. Presently, OMV
is operating three exploration licenses South West Miano-II, Gambat and Latif
Concession and two development and production leases i.e., Miano and Sawan.
1.3 The Proposed Exploration Activities

The government of Pakistan granted exploratory rights to OMV Pakistan in 2003 for the
purpose of conducting oil and gas exploration activities in the Latif block. The block
covers a total area of approximately 1496 sq. km and lies across the Khairpur district of
the Sindh Province. The location of the Block is shown in Figure 1-1.
The proposed exploration activities include acquisition of 500 km 2D and 500 sq. km
3D seismic data and drilling 3 exploration wells over a period of three years.
1 Protected under the Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance SWPO
1-1 JANUARY 2004

Introduction EIA for Exploration Activities in Latif Block
Seismic surveying will be carried out using a combination of vibroseis, dynamite and
upholes. For each seismic survey a single base camp with accompanying fly camps will
be established to house the seismic crew.
The exploration wells will be drilled using a conventional drilling rig. A specialized waste
management system using Hi-G dryers will be installed for better management and
disposal of drilling wastes. This will also help in reducing the requirements for water
during drilling and the size of the waste pits at the well location.
1.4 Proposed Environmental Approval and Management System

Preparation and approval of environmental assessments that covers more than one
exploration or production activity is not a new precedence, however, the following needs
to be ensured in such assessments:
Sufficient data collection and assessment of impacts to cover all environmental

sensitivities
A mechanism that would require a site specific short study prior to start of each
activity to incorporate any additional impacts and mitigation measures that were not
addressed in the EIA.
A mechanism by which the relevant EPA can continue to exercise its control over
the proponent’s activities and follow up on the environmental performance of the
operations.
OMV and Halcrow have been fully cognizant of the above listed issues and have
addressed them in the EIA by undertaking or proposing the following:
The EIA is based on primary as well as secondary data. Primary data is collected on
all physical, biological and socio-economic aspects.
Assessment of all generic potentially significant impacts on the physical, biological

and socio-economic receptors due to the drilling and seismic activities has been
addressed in the EIA. Relevant mitigation measures have also been discussed in
detail; however, following methodology shall be adopted to consider the project
specific impacts, since at this conceptual design stage exact locations for seismic
lines and drilling activity are not available.
In order to ensure that SEPA continues to regulate and oversee the environmental
performance of activities within the concession, the EIA has recommended the
following environmental approval, monitoring and management protocol.
X Prior to any project activity OMV will prepare and submit to the SEPA a
Project Initiation Report (PIR). The report will be submitted at least fifteen days
prior to initiation of any physical work related to that particular activity. The PIR
1-2 JANUARY 2004

Introduction EIA for Exploration Activities in Latif Block
will provide details on the proposed activity; site specific information on the
physical, biological and socio-economic environment; waste management
procedures; and any environmental issues and mitigation measures additional to
the EIA.
X If required, SEPA can forward any comments that it might have on the PIR
within fifteen days of the submissions of the PIR after which the activity will
automatically stand as approved.
X Once any activity is initiated, OMV will undertake environmental monitoring

according to the requirements of the project specific EMP, and any additional
requirements specified by the SEPA.
X OMV will accommodate any visits by SEPA official for the purpose of external
audits or on-site inspections.
1.5 Contact Details

In case of further details or clarifications regarding this EIA please do not hesitate to
contact the proponent or the consultant at the addresses provided below:
Proponent Consultant
Bilal Mustafa Syed Junaid Hassan
Manager HSEQ Manager Environment
OMV (Pakistan) Exploration G.m.b.H Halcrow Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd
7th Floor, UBL Building 1-B Mezzanine Floor
Jinnah Avenue, F-6/1, P.O. Box 2653 Awan Arcade, Blue Area
Islamabad, Pakistan. Islamabad
Tel: 92-51-111-668-668 ext 365 Tel: 051-2870223 and 2870224
Fax: 92-51-2273643 – 44 Fax: 051-2870222
Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
1-3 JANUARY 2004

ER SARDARGARH
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LATIF BLOCK NARA CANAL
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INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY ROADS / TRACKS IRAN LATIF
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DISTRICT BOUNDARY CITY / TOWN SINDH
INDUS RIVER
ARABIAN SEA
Project Client
EIA FOR EXPLORATION


FIGURE 1-1 KEY MAP

SUK
KUR
KHA
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UR
CHUNDKO
SORAH
NARA GATE
MITHRAU
GOTH
27°
00' KATHORE
ADAN
LATIF BLOCK
NAWAB KHAN
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I N D I A
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26°
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NAR
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26°
30'
JAMRAO HEAD
69° 00' 69° 15' 69° 20'
LEGEND
LATIF BLOCK/ PROJECT AREA NARA GAME RESERVE
INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY NARA CANAL
DISTRICT BOUNDARY ROADS / TRACKS

NARA DESERT WILDLIFE CITY / TOWN
SANCTUARY
Project Client
EIA FOR EXPLORATION


FIGURE 1-2 PROJECT AREA MAP

2 EIA Scope and Methodology
2.1 Scope of the EIA

This EIA investigates the impacts likely to arise from the seismic and drilling operations
proposed by OMV Pakistan and covers the following exploration activities within the
project area:
Seismic surveys including approximately 500 km of 2D seismic and 500 sq km of

3D;
Drilling 3 exploration wells.
These activities have been further discussed in length in Chapter 4 of this report. Any
exploration or production activity carried out by OMV Pakistan, other than those
specified in this report will be the subject of a separate Environmental Assessment study.
2.2 EIA Team

The EIA has been prepared by a team of environmental specialists and engineers;
wildlife specialist, botanist, sociologist, archaeologist and water resource specialist.
Project specific details and particulars were provided to the consultant by OMV
Pakistan.
2.3 EIA Methodology
2.3.1 Approvals
Halcrow obtained formal approval from the Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD) for
undertaking studies for baseline data collection within the NGR and NDWS.
Understanding the Proposed Operation and Review of Alternatives

Details of the proposed project activities were collected from OMV Pakistan and
understood by the EIA consultant. All alternatives to the proposed operations were
reviewed including: the no project option, alternative site, timing, and alternative
technologies to establish the environmental soundness of the operations. Details of the
proposed project and a review of alternatives have been provided in Chapter 4 and 5 of
this EIA.
2.3.2 Review of Policy, Legislation and Guidelines

The national legislation, international agreements, environmental guidelines, best
industry practices and OMV's corporate environmental policy were reviewed to set
2-1 JANUARY 2004

EIA Scope and Methodology EIA for Exploration Activities in Latif Block
environmental standards that OMV Pakistan would be required to adhere to during the
project. A synopsis of these is provided in Chapter 3 of the EIA.
2.3.3 Review of Secondary Data

Previous environmental assessments for exploration projects in the area and other
published and un-published information was collected in order to gain a complete
understanding of existing environmental conditions in the area including the following:
Physical environment - topography, geology, geomorphology, soils, surface and

groundwater resources and climate;
Biological environment – habitat types, flora and fauna (particularly rare or

endangered species), critical habitats, and vegetation communities within the park;
Socio-economic environment–settlements, socio-economic conditions,

infrastructure and land use; and
Heritage aspects –sites of cultural, archaeological or historical significance.
2.3.4 Field Data Collection

A team comprising of environmental specialists, wildlife specialists, botanist, sociologist,
water resources specialist, and archaeologist collected area specific primary data. Where
required, the secondary data collected was also ground-truth by the experts.
A description of baseline physical, biological and socio-economic conditions of the

project area is provided in Chapters 6,7 and 8 of the EIA report respectively.
The project area contains five major habitats. The sampling locations were randomly
selected, ensuring that sufficient locations are sampled for each habitat.
2.3.5 Community Consultation

The communities within the project area were consulted with during the fieldwork. The
objectives of the consultation were to brief the communities about the proposed
development and to collect their views and concerns regarding the same. The outcomes
of the consultation are detailed in Chapter 9 of the EIA report.
2.3.6 Identification and Assessment of Impacts

Potential impacts arising from each phase of the proposed project were identified. These
include effects of the proposed project activities on the physical, biological, socio-
economic, archaeological and cultural environments of the area. These are detailed in
Chapter 6,7 and 8 of the EIA. Impacts were identified and assessed on the basis of field
data, secondary data, expert opinion, and monitoring results of previous oil and gas
exploration projects in Pakistan.
2-2 JANUARY 2004

2.3.7 Recommendations for Mitigation and Monitoring Measures

Mitigation measures to help prevent or minimize all potential adverse environmental
impacts of the project were identified based on a range of options including management
and monitoring practices, alternative technologies, physical controls, or compensation.
The proposed mitigation measures are based on an appreciation of the sensitivity and
behaviour of environmental receptors within the project area, past experience, case
studies, legislative controls, environmental guidelines, and expert advice.
Monitoring measures have been recommended for residual impacts (impacts remaining
after applying the recommended mitigation measures) or for impacts that cannot be
accurately predicted at the EIA stage. In such cases advice on requisite monitoring
measures was sought from experts involved in the EIA and case studies of similar
monitoring exercises carried out in protected areas elsewhere.
2.3.8 Development of Environmental Management Plan

An environmental management plan (EMP) for the proposed project activities was
prepared. The EMP provides a framework for implementing and managing the
mitigation and monitoring measures recommended in the EIA. The EMP includes the
following:
A mitigation and monitoring plan;
Definition of roles and responsibilities of the proponent, contractors and

monitoring teams;
Requirements for communication, documentation and training during the project;
Restrictions on design, timing and conduct of the project; and
Change Management Plan to cover unforeseen events/environmental conditions

during the project.
2-3 JANUARY 2004

Photograph 2-1: Wildlife survey – plot search being Photograph 2-2: Vegetation survey being conducted in
conducted the project area
Photograph 2-3: Consultation with local communities Photograph 2-4: Archeologist at work
in the desert area
2-4 JANUARY 2004

3 Policy, Legislation and Guidelines
3.1 Introduction
This chapter provides a synopsis of environmental policies, legislation, and guidelines
that may be of relevance to the proposed project. These include OMV’s corporate policy
on health, safety and environment; national environmental policy, legislation and
guidelines; and international conventions and guidelines. OMV Pakistan will be required
to adhere to the relevant requirements of the policies and legislation and
recommendations of the guidelines throughout the proposed seismic and drilling
operations; which have also been incorporated in the mitigation measures and the EMP
provided in the EIA.
3.2 Corporate Policy of OMV

OMV has a corporate environmental policy in place, under which OMV Pakistan is
committed to use the best available and economically viable technologies during
operations; conserve natural resources, consult with stakeholders, and provide training to
staff in health, safety and environment (HSE) related matters.
3.3 National Environmental Policy, Legislation and Guidelines

The enactment of comprehensive legislation on the environment, covering multiple areas
of concern, is a relatively new and ongoing phenomenon in Pakistan. Whereas, a basic
policy and legislative framework for the protection of the environment and overall
biodiversity in the country is now in place, detailed rules, regulations and guidelines
required for the implementation of the policies and enforcement of legislation are still in
various stages of formulation and discussion. The following section presents a brief
overview of the existing national policies, legislation and guidelines.
3.3.1 National Environmental Policy

The National Conservation Strategy (NCS) is the primary policy document of the
Government of Pakistan on national environmental issues. The policy was approved by
the Federal Cabinet in March 1992. The Strategy also attained recognition by
international donor agencies, principally the World Bank. The NCS identifies 14 core
areas including conservation of biodiversity, pollution prevention and abatement, soil
and water conservation and preservation of cultural heritage and recommends immediate
attention to these core areas in order to preserve the country’s environment.
A mid term review of the achievements of the NCS in 2000 concluded that
achievements under the NCS have been primarily awareness raising and institutional
3-1 JANUARY 2004

Policy, Legislation and Guidelines EIA for Exploration Activities in Latif Block
building rather than actual improvement to environment and natural resources and that
the NCS was not designed and is not adequately focused as a national sustainable
development strategy (GoP, November 2000). The need therefore arose for a more
focused National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) required to bring about actual
improvements in the state of the national environment with greater emphasis on poverty
reduction and economic development in addition to environmental sustainability.
The National Environmental Action Plan was approved by the Pakistan Environmental
Protection Council under the chairmanship of the President/ Chief Executive of
Pakistan in February 2001. NEAP now constitutes the national environmental agenda
and its core objective is to initiate actions that safeguard public health, promote
sustainable livelihoods, and enhance the quality of life of the people of Pakistan.
The Government of Pakistan and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have
jointly initiated an umbrella support program called the National Environmental Action
Plan-Support Program signed in October 2001 and implemented in 2002. The
development objective supported by NEAP-SP is environmental sustainability and
poverty reduction in the context of economic growth.
3.3.2 The Biodiversity Action Plan

Pakistan is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, and is thereby
obligated to develop a national strategy for the conservation of biodiversity. The
Government of Pakistan has constituted a Biodiversity Working Group under the
auspices of the Ministry of Environment, Local Government and Rural Development to
develop a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for the country. After an extensive
consultative exercise, a draft Action Plan has been developed, which is presently under
review.
The Plan, which has been designed to complement the NCS and the proposed provincial
conservation strategies, identifies the causes of biodiversity loss in Pakistan and suggests
a series of proposals for action to conserve biodiversity in the country. Since the Plan is
yet to be reviewed by the Cabinet, its provisions have not been finalised.
The BAP recognises that an EIA is used as a tool at a project level to identify
environmental effects of a proposed project and to plan for reducing adverse effects.
The BAP further stipulates that an EIA needs to be initiated at an early stage of project
development and that public participation in the review of potential effects is important.
3.3.3 National Environmental Legislation

a. Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 (PEPA) is the basic legislative tool
empowering the government to frame regulations for the protection of the environment.
The PEPA is broadly applicable to air, water, soil, marine and noise pollution, as well as
3-2 JANUARY 2004

the handling of hazardous waste. Penalties have been prescribed for those contravening
the provisions of the Act. The powers of the federal and provincial Environmental
Protection Agencies (EPAs) were also considerably enhanced under this legislation and
they have been given the power to conduct inquiries into possible breaches of
environmental law either of their own accord, or upon the registration of a complaint.
Under section 12 of PEPA, no project involving construction activities or any change in

the physical environment can be taken unless an IEE or EIA as required is conducted
and a report submitted to the federal or provincial EPA.
b. Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of IEE and EIA Regulations,
2000
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of IEE and EIA Regulations,
2000 (the ‘Regulations’), prepared by the Pak-EPA under the powers conferred upon it
by the PEPA, provide the necessary details on the preparation, submission, and review
of the initial environmental examination (IEE) and the environmental impact assessment
(EIA).
The Regulation classifies projects on the basis of expected degree of adverse
environmental impacts and lists them in two separate schedules. Schedule I lists projects
that may not have significant environmental impacts and therefore require an IEE. Oil
and gas exploration and production activities are included in Schedule I. Schedule II lists
projects of potentially significant environmental impacts requiring preparation of an
EIA. The Regulations also require that all projects located in environmentally sensitive
areas require preparation of an EIA.
c. National Environmental Quality Standards
The NEQS were first promulgated in 1993 and were last revised in 2000. The NEQS
specify standards for industrial and municipal effluents, gaseous emissions, vehicular
emissions, and noise levels (provided in Tables 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3). The PEPA specifies
the imposition of a pollution charge in case of non-compliance with the NEQS.
Standards for disposal of solid waste have not been promulgated as yet.
d. Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972 and Amendments 2001
This ordinance provides for the preservation, protection, and conservation of wildlife by
the formation and management of protected areas and prohibition of hunting of wildlife
species declared protected under the ordinance.
The ordinance also specifies three broad classifications of the protected areas: national
parks, wildlife sanctuaries and game reserves. Activities such as hunting and breaking of
land for mining are prohibited in national parks, as are removing vegetation or polluting
water flowing through the park. Wildlife sanctuaries are areas that have been set aside as
undisturbed breeding grounds and cultivation and grazing is prohibited in the
3-3 JANUARY 2004

demarcated areas. Nobody is allowed to reside in a wildlife sanctuary and entrance for
the general public is by special dispensation. However, these restrictions may be relaxed
for scientific purpose or betterment of the respective area on the discretion of the
governing authority in exceptional circumstances. Game reserves are designated as areas
where hunting or shooting is not allowed except under special permits.
Two amendments to the Ordinance were issued in January and June 2001 respectively
pertaining to oil and gas activities within national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The first
amendment allowed the Government to authorise the laying of an underground pipeline
through protected areas. The second amendment allowed exploration and production
activities within national parks and wildlife sanctuaries for which an EIA study had been
duly prepared by the proponent and approved by the concerned regulatory departments
in accordance with the PEPA.
The proposed seismic and drilling operations will cover parts of the Nara Desert Wildlife
Sanctuary and the Nara game reserve. Under Amendment II to the SWPO, OMV
Pakistan can undertake the proposed seismic and drilling operations within the protected
areas, provided approval of the EIA is granted by the regulatory agencies.
e. The Sindh Irrigation Act (1879) and the Canal and Drainage Act (1873)
This Sindh Irrigation Act covers the construction, maintenance and regulation of canals
for the supply of water and for the levy of rates of water supplied in the Province of
Sindh. Canals are defined as channels, pipes and reservoirs constructed and maintained
by the Government for the supply for storage of water. Under section 27 of the Act a
person desiring to have a supply of water from a canal for purposes other than irrigation
shall submit a written application to a Canal Officer who may, with the sanction of the
Provincial Government give permission under special conditions. The Act under section
61 also prohibits the damaging, altering, enlarging or obstructing the canals without
proper authority.
The Canal and Drainage Act (1873) prohibits corruption or fouling of water in canals
(defined to include channels, tube wells, reservoirs and watercourses), or obstruction of
drainage.
These acts have relevance to the study due to the presence of Nara Canal. All project
activities near the canal will have to be implemented such that no physical damage to the
canal or alteration in water quality occurs. Any discharge of waste into the canal shall
also be prohibited. Any abstraction of water from the canal shall be only after approval
from the concerned irrigation department.
f. The Forest Act 1927
The act empowers the provincial forest departments to declare any forest area as
reserved or protected. There is no notified reserved forest within the project area.
3-4 JANUARY 2004

g. Antiquities Act 1975

The protection of cultural resources in Pakistan is ensured by the Antiquities Act of
1975. Antiquities have been defined in the Act as ancient products of human activity,
historical sites, or sites of anthropological or cultural interest, national monuments etc.
The act is designed to protect antiquities from destruction, theft, negligence, unlawful
excavation, trade and export. The law prohibits new construction in the proximity of a
protected antiquity and empowers the Government of Pakistan to prohibit excavation in
any area which may contain articles of archaeological significance. During the recent EIA
visit any historical or cultural sites protected under the Antiquities Act 1975 were not
identified.
h. Legislation on Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
The various regulations related to oil and gas exploration include:
The Regulation of Mines and Oilfields and Mineral Development (Government

Control) Act 1948
The Pakistan Petroleum (Production) Rules 1949
The Pakistan Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Rules 1986
The Model Petroleum Concessions Agreement 1994

The Mines Act 1923
The Oil and Gas (Safety in Drilling and Production) Regulations, 1974
The Regulation of Mines and Oilfields and Mineral Development (Government Control)
Act, 1948 and the Pakistan Petroleum (Production) Rules, 1949 and Pakistan Petroleum
(Exploration and Production) Rules, 1986 empowers the Ministry of Petroleum to
oversee the petroleum exploration, development and production operations. The 1986
Exploration and Production Rules address environmental concerns, and require
operators to “prevent pollution, avoid accumulation of trash and prevent damage to the
environment and surroundings.”
As for safety, the Model petroleum Concession Agreement (July1994) implementing the
1986 Exploration and Production Rules, specifically requires observance of the 1974
Safety regulations. The penalties imposed in the 1986 Exploration and production Rules
allow the Director General Petroleum Concessions to revoke a license if the rules are not
satisfied by the operator. The Mines and Oil fields Act also specifies penalties including
imposition of fines and/or imprisonment.
The 1923 Mines Act through the Oil and Gas (Safety in Drilling and Production)
Regulations, 1974 controls the full range of safety issues in exploration and production
from seismic operation to drilling and production.
3-5 JANUARY 2004

The 1974 safety regulations requires operators to send to the Chief Inspector of Mines,
Ministry of Labour and Manpower information on safety issues including provisions of
protective equipment and identification of safety personnel and emergency measures,
designation of safety personnel including a Welfare and Safety Officer, and accident
reporting.
3.3.4 National Environmental Guidelines

a. The Pakistan Environmental Assessment Procedures 1997
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency prepared the Pakistan Environmental
Assessment Procedures in 1997. The guidelines pertaining to the review process of
EIA’s have been recently given regulatory status in the Review of IEE and EIA
Regulations 2000. They are based on much of the existing work done by international
donor agencies and Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s). The package of
regulations prepared by PEPA includes:
Policy and Procedures for Filing, Review and Approval of Environmental

Assessments;
Guidelines for the Preparation and Review of Environmental Reports;
Guidelines for Public Consultation;
Guidelines for Sensitive and Critical Areas; and

Sectoral Guidelines-Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
The guidelines on policy and procedures define the policy context and the administrative
procedures that will govern the environmental assessment process, from the project pre-
feasibility stage, to the approval of the environmental report. According to the
procedures laid out in the policy guidelines, IEE’s or ElA’s are to be filed with the EPA
of the province where the project is to be implemented. The federal EPA has, however,
been given the right to review any environmental report at any time and the power to
revoke the decision of the provincial EPA, if it deems this to be necessary.
Projects have been classified in the policy guidelines by expected degree of adverse
environmental impacts. All projects proposed in environmentally sensitive areas
(including Game Reserves and Wildlife sanctuaries) require an EIA.
The Procedures require proponents to prepare terms of reference for the environmental
assessment reports. They require that all EIA studies should contain baseline data on the
area and must contain a detailed assessment of the potential environmental impacts and
the recommended mitigation measures. Consultations with the communities that are
most likely to be affected as well as relevant NGO’s are to be an integral part of the EIA
process.
3-6 JANUARY 2004

The guidelines on public consultation deals with possible approaches to public

consultation and techniques for designing an effective program of consultation that
reaches out to all major stakeholders and ensures the incorporation of their concerns in
any impact assessment study. The guidelines on sensitive areas are more specific in that
they identify the officially notified protected areas in Pakistan, including critical
ecosystems and archaeological sites.
Lastly, there are guidelines for oil and gas exploration and production. The guidelines
state that onshore exploration activities, including seismic surveys, can be carried out
without having to submit either an IEE or an E1A. This is subject to the project
proponents adherence to the provisions of the guidelines, and provided that such
exploration is not taking place within or adjacent to a sensitive or critical area. Possible
adverse impacts that may arise in a seismic survey include damage to flora and fauna, and
to crops and livestock as well as the production of waste. Project proponents are
required to take measures to mitigate such effects.
b. Guidelines for Operational Safety, health and Environmental Management,
December 1996
These guidelines are the outcome of a study commissioned by the Directorate General
Petroleum Concessions, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Government of
Pakistan. The guidelines list down the relevant laws related to the operational health,
safety and environment and also recommends environmental controls and management
practices to be adopted in O&G exploration projects.
3.4 International Treaties and Guidelines
3.4.1 International Treaties

Pakistan is a signatory to various international treaties and conventions on the
conservation of the environment and wildlife protection. The country is thus obliged to
adhere to the commitments specified in these treaties.
a. The Convention on Biological Diversity
The Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted during the Earth Summit of 1992
at Rio de Janeiro. The Convention requires parties to develop national plans for the
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and to integrate these plans into
national development programmes and policies. Parties are also required to identify
components of biodiversity that are important for conservation, and to develop systems
to monitor the use of such components with a view to promoting their sustainable use.
b. The Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, 1979
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS),
1979, requires countries to take action to avoid endangering migratory species. The term
‘migratory species’ refers to the species of wild animals, a significant proportion of
3-7 JANUARY 2004

whose members cyclically and predictably cross one or more national jurisdictional
boundaries. The parties are also required to promote or co-operate with other countries
in matters of research on migratory species.
The Convention contains two appendices. Appendix I contain the list of migratory
species that are endangered according to the best scientific evidence available. For these
species, the member states to the Convention are required endeavour to:
Conserve and restore their habitats.
Prohibit their hunting, fishing, capturing, harassing and deliberate killing.

Remove obstacles and minimise activities that seriously hinder their migration.
Control other factors that might endanger them, including control of introduced
exotic species.
Appendix II lists the migratory species, or groups of species, that have an unfavourable
conservation status as well as those that would benefit significantly from the
international co-operation that could be achieved through intergovernmental
agreements.
The Asian population of Houbara Bustard and the Central European population of the
Great Bustard have both been the subject of concerted action under the CMS.
c. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, Ramsar 1971
Pakistan is a signatory to the said Convention. The principal obligations of contracting
parties to the Convention are:
To designate wetlands for the List of Wetlands of International Importance.
To formulate and implement planning so as to promote wise use of wetlands, to

make EIA before transformations of wetlands, and to make national wetland
inventories.
To establish nature reserves on wetlands and provide adequately for their wardening
and through management to increase waterfowl populations on appropriate
wetlands.
To train personnel competent in wetland research, management and wardening.

To promote conservation of wetlands by combining far-sighted national policies
with coordinated international action, to consult with other contracting parties about
implementing obligations arising from the Convention, especially about shared
wetlands and water system.
To promote wetland conservation concerns with development aid agencies.
To encourage research and exchange of data.
3-8 JANUARY 2004

So far 18 sites in Pakistan have been declared as wetlands of International Importance or

Ramsar Sites. There is no Ramsar site located within the project area.
d. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES)
This convention came into effect on 03 March 1973 in Washington. In all 130 countries
are signatory to this convention with Pakistan signing the convention in 1976.
The convention requires the signatories to impose strict regulation (including
penalisation, confiscation of the specimen etc.) regarding trade of all species threatened
with extinction or that may become so, in order not to endanger further their survival.
The Convention contains three appendices. Appendix I includes all species threatened
with extinction which are or may be affected by trade. The Convention requires that
trade in these species should be subject to strict regulation. Appendix II includes species
that are not necessarily threatened presently but may become so unless trade in
specimens of these species is subject to strict regulation. Appendix III includes species
which any contracting party identifies as subject to regulations in trade and requires
other parties to co-operate in this matter.
e. IUCN Red List
The red list is published by IUCN and includes those species that are under potential
threat of extinction. These species have been categorised as
Endangered: species that are sent to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the
wild in the near future, reduction of 50% or more either in the last 10 years or over
the last three generations, survive only in small numbers, or have very small
populations.
Vulnerable in Decline: species that are seen to be facing a risk of extinction in the
wild, having apparent reductions of 20% or more in the last 10 years or three
generations.
Vulnerable: species that are seen to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild,
but not necessarily experiencing recent reductions in population size.
Lower Risk: species that are seen to be facing a risk of extinction that is lesser in
extent that for any of the above categories.
Data Deficient: species that may be at risk of extinction in the wild but at the present
time there is insufficient information available to make a firm decision about its
status.
3-9 JANUARY 2004

3.4.2 International Guidelines

a. World Bank Guidelines on Environment
The principal World Bank publications that contain environmental guidelines are listed
below.
Environmental Assessment-Operational Policy 4.01. Washington, DC, USA. World

Bank 1999.
Environmental Assessment Sourcebook, Volume I: Policies, Procedures, and Cross-

Sectoral Issues. World Bank Technical Paper Number 139, Environment
Department, the World Bank, 1991,
Environmental Assessment Sourcebook, Volume III: Guidelines for Environmental

Assessment of Energy and Industry Projects. World Bank Technical Paper No. 154,
Environment Department, the World Bank, 1991.
Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook: Towards Cleaner Production,

Environment Department, the World Bank, United Nations Industrial Development
Organisation and the United Nations Environment Program, 1998.
The first two publications listed here provide general guidelines for the conduct of an
EIA, and address the EIA practitioners themselves as well as project designers. While
the Sourcebook in particular has been designed with Bank projects in mind, and is
especially relevant for the impact assessment of large-scale infrastructure projects, it
contains a wealth of information which is useful to environmentalists and project
proponents.
The Sourcebook identifies a number of areas of concern, which should be addressed

during impact assessment. It sets out guidelines for the determination of impacts,
provides a checklist of tools to identify possible biodiversity issues and suggests possible
mitigation measures. Possible development project impacts on wild lands, wetlands,
forests etc. are also identified and mitigation measures suggested. The Sourcebook also
highlights concerns in social impact assessment, and emphasises the need to incorporate
socio-economic issues in EIA exercises.
The Sourcebook dealing with the assessment of industry and energy projects is more
specific. It contains a section on onshore development of O&G and identifies the
potential environmental impacts of E&P activities. These include surface disturbance
from the building of access roads in undisturbed areas, disturbance from explosive
charges and possible damage to cultural resources. Possible socio-cultural issues that may
arise as a result of an influx of non-locals are also identified in the Sourcebook.
The Pollution Hand book provides general waste management policies with specific
techniques for the prevention of air and water pollution. Project guidelines are presented
3-10 JANUARY 2004

for major pollutants as well as typical emissions from industry sector including oil and
gas.
b. Environmental Management in Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
This document provides an overview of environmental issues in the oil and gas
exploration and production processes and discusses potential environmental impacts on
the physical, biological and socio economic environment.
The document also recommends environmental management practices and
environmental protection measures such as waste treatment and disposal techniques,
pollution prevention and cleaner production, oil spill contingency planning,
decommissioning etc. for oil and gas exploration and production operations.
c. Environmental Guidelines for Worldwide Geophysical Operations, International
Association of Geophysical Contractors (IAGC), April 1995
The IAGC guidelines provide guidance for the management of impacts from geophysical
operations related to:
Physical Environment including water, air, and soil;
Biological Environment including vegetation and wildlife; and
Socio-economic Environment including archaeological sites, cultural practices and

commercial and recreational activities.
The guidelines require project operators to:
Plan and conduct operations in a manner that conserves the environment;
Train personnel in environmental matters;
Consult appropriate stakeholders at all stages of the operation; and
Evaluate environmental performance of operations and adopt restoration measures.
3-11 JANUARY 2004

Table 3-1: NEQS for municipal and industrial effluentsa
Parameters Into Inland Into Sewage

Water Treatmentb
Temperature or temperature increasec 30°C 30°C
pH 6-9 6-9
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) at 20oCd 80 250
Chemical oxygen demand (COD)d 150 400
Total suspended solids (TSS) 200 400
Total dissolved solids (TDS) 3,500 3,500
Grease and oil 10 10
Phenolic compounds (as phenol) 0.1 0.3
Chloride (as Cl–) 1,000 1,000
Fluoride (as F) 10 10
Total cyanide (as CN-) 1.0 1.0
An-ionic detergents (as MBAS)e 20 20
Sulphate (SO4) 600 600
Sulphide (S-) 1.0 1.0
Ammonia (NH3) 40 40
Pesticidesf 0.15 0.15
Cadmiumg 0.1 0.1
Chromium (trivalent & hexavalent)g 1.0 1.0
Copperg 1.0 1.0
Leadg 0.5 0.5
Mercuryg 0.01 0.01
Seleniumg 0.5 0.5
Nickelg 1.0 1.0
Silverg 1.0 1.0
Total Toxic metals 2.0 2.0
Zinc 5.0 5.0
Arsenicg 1.0 1.0
3-12 JANUARY 2004

…Table 3-1, Continued
Parameters Into Inland Into Sewage

Water Treatment b
Bariumg 1.5 1.5
Iron 8.0 8.0
Manganese 1.5 1.5
Borong 6.0 6.0
Chlorine 1.0 1.0
Source: Qadar (2003)
Notes:
a All values are in mg/l, unless otherwise defined
b Applicable only when and where sewage treatment is operational and BOD5=80 mg/L is achieved by the sewage
treatment system
c The effluent should not result in temperature increase of more than 30°C at the edge of zone where initial mixing and
dilution take place in the receiving body. In case zone is defined, use 100 meters from the point of discharge
d Assuming minimum dilution 1:10 on discharge, lower ratio would attract progressively stringent standards to be
determined by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency. By 1:10 dilution means, for example that for each one
cubic meter of treated effluent, the recipient water body should have 10 cubic meter of water for dilution of this
effluent
e Modified Benzene Alkyl Sulphate; assuming surfactant as biodegradable
f Pesticides include herbicide, fungicides and insecticides
g Subject to the total toxic metals discharge should not exceed level of total toxic metals
3-13 JANUARY 2004

Table 3-2: NEQS for selected gaseous pollutants from industrial sourcesa
Parameter Source of Emission Standard

Smoke Any 40% or 2 Ringlemann scale or
equivalent smoke number
Particulate matterb Boilers and furnaces:
Oil fired 300
Coal fired 500
Cement kilns 300
Grinding, crushing, clinker 500
coolers and related processes,
metallurgical processes,
converter blast furnaces and
cupolas
Hydrogen chloride Any 400
Chlorine Any 150
Hydrogen fluoride Any 150
Hydrogen sulfide Any 10
Sulfur oxidesc Sulfuric acid/Sulfonic acid 5,000
plants
Other plants except power 1,700
plants operating on oil and
coal
Carbon monoxide Any 800
Lead Any 50
Mercury Any 10
Cadmium Any 20
Arsenic Any 20
Copper Any 50
Antimony Any 20
Zinc Any 200
3-14 JANUARY 2004

…Table 3-2, Continued
Parameter Source of emission Standard

Oxides of nitrogend Nitric acid manufacturing unit 3,000
Other plants except power
plants operating on oil or coal:
Oil Fired 400
Coal fired 600
Cement kilns 1,200
Notes:
a All values are in mg/Nm3, unless otherwise defined
b Based on the assumption that the size of the particulates is 10 micron or more
c Based on 1% sulphur content in fuel oil. Higher content of sulphur will cause standards to be pro-rated
d In respect of the emissions of the sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, the power plants operating on oil or coal as fuel
shall, in addition to NEQS specified above, comply with the following standards
3-15 JANUARY 2004

Table 3-3: NEQS for motor vehicle exhaust and noise
Parameter Standard Measuring Method

Smoke 40% or 2 on the Ringlemann To be compared with
scale during engine Ringlemann Chart at a distance
acceleration mode of 6 meters or more
Carbon Monoxide New vehicles: 4.5% Under idling conditions, non-
Used vehicles: 6%1 dispersive infrared detection
through gas analyzer
Noise 85 dB (A) Sound-meter at 7.5 meters
from the source
Notes:
a 10 years or older
Table 3-4: International standards for on-site burial of E&P wastes in unlined pitsa, b, c
No Parameter Standard
1. pH 6-9
2. Oil and grease < 3%d
3. Arsenic 10
4. Barium 2,000
5. Cadmium 10
6. Chromium 500
7. Lead 500
8. Mercury 10
9. Selenium 10
10. Silver 200
11. Zinc 500
12. Electrical conductivity <12 mmho/cm
13. Moisture content <50%d
Source: API (1995)
Notes:
a All values in ppm unless otherwise stated
b Waste exceeding the following limits should be buried or land-filled in lined pits
c The standards also require that the top of the burial cell must be at least five feet below ground level and the
bottom of the burial cells must be five feet above seasonal high water table
d Dry weight.
3-16 JANUARY 2004

4 Proposed Project
4.1 The Proposed Project

OMV Pakistan was granted Latif Block by the Government of Pakistan in the year 2003
for the purpose of oil & gas exploration. The block with a total area of approximately
1496 sq. km lies in Khairpur district of the Sindh Province. The location of the block is
shown in Figure 1-1.
In pursuance to the requirements of the exploration license with the Government of

Pakistan, OMV Pakistan intends to carry out approximately 500 km of 2-D & 500 sq km
of 3-D seismic surveys and on the basis of the results of the seismic operation drill up to
three exploration wells within the block (referred as the project area) over a period of
three years.
The project area covers two protected areas, portions of the Nara Desert Wildlife
Sanctuary (NDWS) and the Nara Game Reserve (NGR). These areas are protected
under the SWPO. The boundaries of the protected areas are shown in Figure 1-2.
Approximately 7% of the project area lies within the NGR and 88% within the NDWS
and the remaining 5% in non-protected area.
4.2 Seismic Operation

Both 2-D and 3-D seismic surveys will be carried out in the project area. Both types of
surveys will entail similar activities – detailed below. Only the spacing of lines in 3-D
surveys will be closer to each other compared to 2-D surveys. 2-D seismic data
collection occurs along a line of receivers therefore, the resultant image represents only a
section below the line. A 3-D seismic survey utilizes multiple points of observation. This
is accomplished by deploying a grid of geophones and seismic source impact points
along the surface of the area being surveyed. The result is a volume or cube of seismic
data sampled from a range of different angles and distances.
Two techniques will be used for data acquisition; vibroseis in the desert area; dynamite
within agricultural lands and all other areas where access or working of the vibroseis will
be difficult. Upholes may be drilled at selected locations within the area of the seismic
survey. Each seismic operation will involve housing about 250 people in a camp site and
the use of water for domestic and operational purposes. Local labour will also be
employed during the operation. A description of activities involved in each seismic
programme is provided below.
4-1 JANUARY 2004

Proposed Project EIA for Exploration Activities in Latif Block
4.2.1 Line Permitting

Before commencement of work, a permitting team headed by a chief permit man will
arrive in the area. The team's early arrival will facilitate activities such as liaising with local
landowners and authorities to inform them of the operation and make necessary
arrangements. The permitting team will identify the ownership of the land areas over
which the seismic operation will be undertaken. In consultation with the district
administration and following agreed rates, compensation will be given to the landowners.
During the seismic survey the chief permit man will be the focal point for
communication between local inhabitants and seismic survey personnel.
4.2.2 Line Survey and Preparation

In this activity the seismic lines will be marked on the ground by survey teams, each team
comprising of 4 to 5 people. The survey teams will use a global positioning system to
mark shot points on the seismic lines at every 50 m interval with whitewashed stones or
wooden pegs.
Seismic lines lying in the desert will be cleared to a width of 3 m and a depth of a few
inches with a bulldozer (Photograph 4-1). This will allow the movement of vibroseis
over the cleared strip of land along the line. Clearing of trees and dense patches of
vegetation will be avoided. The material that is removed will be pushed to either side of
the line creating low windrows along the length of the line. Seismic lines lying in
agricultural fields will not be cleared, as dynamite will be used as the energy source in
these areas.
4.2.3 Data Acquisition - Dynamite

In this technique, 20 m deep and 10 cm diameter holes, called shot holes, will be drilled
every 50 m along sections of the seismic lines passing through agricultural lands or areas
where access or working of vibroseis will be difficult. These holes will be drilled using
portable hand driven drills. Each drill will be operated by a team of 4 drillers headed by a
foreman (Photograph 4-2). A total of 5 to 10 drilling teams will be employed on each
line. It is expected that each team will be able to drill 4 to 8 holes per day. If required
each drilled hole will be cased with a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe to prevent the hole
from collapsing. If a shot point cannot be drilled at a specified location because of any
environmental restriction, a replacement point will be located as close to the original
shot point as possible. Pop shots will also be drilled in between shot holes through hand
driven drill machines. The depth of the pop shots is usually 1.6m to 1.9m. About 6-9 of
holes will be drilled in 25m sections.
Due to loose sandy material expected in the area the holes during drilling will be flushed
with bentonite mud. The bentonite mud will be prepared near the shot point in a 2 m
square and 0.5 m deep earthen pit. Water required for the preparation of the mud will be
4-2 JANUARY 2004

transported by water tankers. These water tankers will travel only on existing tracks. In
case an existing track does not reach to a shot point, the tanker will stop on the track at a
position nearest to the shot point, from thereon water will be transported by means of
hose pipes connected to the tanker. The spent drilling mud and cuttings will be stored
inside a similar earthen pit. The spent mud and cuttings will be allowed to dry after
which the pit will be backfilled with at least 15 cm of top soil cover. The pits will be
clearly marked until restored. Since bentonite is a type of clay and a non-hazardous
material, burial of the mud and cuttings on site will not contaminate soil or groundwater.
After completion of drilling, each shot hole will be loaded with approximately 2 kg of
dynamite and 1 or 2 detonators. Explosives will be handled by a loading crew who will
be specially trained in the handling, storage, transportation, charging, firing and safety of
dynamite. The charges will be carefully inserted into each hole before the cylindrical
PVC casing is removed. Each hole will then be backfilled with sand.
Approximately 70 labourers divided into six teams including front crew, back crew,
shooting crew, recording crew and green crew will carry out shooting, recording and
restoration along the seismic lines. These teams will operate several days behind the
drilling team.
The front cable crew will layout the cables and plant geophones along the seismic line.
The cables and geophones will be symmetrically laid out 3 km along the seismic line on
either side of a shot point. The geophones connected together in groups of 12 or more
will be planted along the line at intervals of 1 to 5 meter. Each string of geophones will
be connected to a cable, which will be connected to a station unit. The station units will
be connected to a recording unit (power station unit) through the same cable and finally
to the recording truck (Photograph 4-3). The points along which cables and geophones
will be laid are termed receiver array.
The shooting crew will be responsible for the detonation of charges. Once the cables
and geophones have been symmetrically laid out along the line, the charge is detonated
by a crew comprising of 4 men. At the surface the sound of the detonation will be no
more than a muffled thud. The process is repeated along the line; cables and geophones
being removed from the back of the line and placed at the front of the line as the
shooting crew progresses.
The recording crew will monitor the recording equipment and recording of the seismic
data. The back cable crew will be responsible for picking up the cables, geophones and
station units. The green crew will follow the back cable crew and remove all wastes from
the seismic lines and restore the shot holes as close to their original condition as
possible.
4-3 JANUARY 2004

4.2.4 Data Acquisition - Vibroseis

This technique will make use of vibrators as an energy source. The vibrator consists of a
heavy mass (up to 50 tons) attached to a steel plate mounted on a truck (Photograph 4-
4). The truck will lower the steel plate to rest on the ground while suspending the body
of the truck in air by means of hydraulic jacks. The steel plate will be made to vibrate,
creating energy waves that will travel downwards into the earth’s' surface. The reflected
waves will be received on the ground by cables and geophones laid along the seismic
line.
The arrangement of cables, geophones and station units will be similar to the
arrangement adopted for dynamite. A series of 4 vibrators will follow each other along
the line. All 4 vibrators will stop at a point called vibroseis point, and produce energy
waves in the manner described above. With this technique approximately 5-8 km of line
can be recorded each day.
4.2.5 Upholes
Upholes will be drilled with the help of truck mounted drilling rigs (Photograph 4-5).
These holes will be drilled to a depth of up to 100 m and will be 150 mm in diameter. To
ensure stability of the borehole, a water based bentonite mud will be circulated through
the hole. It is estimated that for each hole approximately 8,000 litres of water will be
required for the preparation of the bentonite mud. The mud will be prepared in an
earthen pit near the hole. A similar pit will be used to store the used mud. After drying
the pits along with their contents (bentonite mud and cuttings) will be backfilled. Data
from upholes will be collected by a hammer source at the surface and a string of
geophones suspended inside the hole.
4.2.6 Camps, Staffing and Supplies

A base camp and fly camps will be prepared to house a maximum of 250 crew members.
The camps will be located and constructed such that minimum clearing of vegetation or
land is involved. The approximate area for the base camp will be approximately 30,000
sq m and will include accommodation area including tents and portacabins; senior and
junior kitchens and mess; laundry area; toilets; workshops; vehicle parking area;
equipment storage areas; fuel and oil storage area; generator area, septic tanks and soak
pits; and a garbage pit. The camps will be fenced for security reasons. An advance party
will prepare the base camp. Survey work will start only after satisfactory set up of the
base camp. Most camp supplies will be transported from Chundko, Khairpur or Sukkur.
Water will be required during the operation for domestic and drilling purposes. The
required quantity of water will be obtained from existing local tube wells in the area
(after taking mitigation measures proposed in the mitigation matrix), OMV Pakistan tube
wells in Sawan, or by a new tube well installed by OMV Pakistan for the operation, if
required.
4-4 JANUARY 2004

A bulk stock of dynamite will be transported to the project area. This will be stored in a
purpose built explosive storage area located at a safe distance from communities and the
seismic camps. The explosives will be stored in an excavated pit lined with concrete
blocks and covered with tarpaulins. The area will be fenced and guarded for security
reasons.
4.2.7 Access and Transport

Access to seismic lines will mostly be through existing tracks. As 4WD vehicles will be
used by the project, these tracks can be used without any improvement. Short reaches of
new tracks may have to be prepared in areas where there is no existing access, however,
the preparation of new tracks will be minimised.
4.2.8 Restoration
After completion of the seismic operation, the camp sites will be restored to as close to
its original condition as possible. For reference purposes a photographic record of the
camp sites prior to set-up will be taken. The following activities will be carried out for
site restoration:
Demobilisation of all equipment and machinery;
Disposal of any waste material remaining at the time of completion of the operation;
Backfilling of all soak pits and septic tanks;
Dismantling and removal of fence or barriers surrounding the camp area;

General restoration of the site area including landscaping and restoration of drainage
where required.
Restoration of seismic lines will include removal of all cables, geophones, station units,
flags, stakes and wastes from the lines and back filling of all mud pits. For reference
purposes a photographic record of selected sections of seismic lines will be taken before
and after the operation. Lines cleared in the desert for the operation of vibroseis will not
be restored, and will temporarily appear as a scar on the desert surface.
4.3 Drilling Operation

Based on the results of the seismic operation, up to three exploration wells will be drilled
in the project area. Activities for each well will include construction of a well site, camp
site, and an access track; drilling of the exploration/appraisal well; possible well testing in
case of a discovery; abandonment, completion or suspension of the well depending on
the success or failure of the well and site restoration. A detailed description of these
activities has been provided in the following sections.
4-5 JANUARY 2004

4.3.1 Schedule
The drilling operation of each well, from civil works to plugging and abandonment is
expected to take 4-5 months. The tentative duration of key activities is provided below.
Mobilization 30 days.
Civil works 40-60 days.
Drilling 40 days.
Testing 23 days.
4.3.2 Construction
In this phase of the operation a well site, rig camp and access track will be developed for
the drilling of the exploration well. The construction contractor will develop their own
camp for construction purposes. The camp will house a maximum of 40 people. The
contractor will also hire local people for unskilled jobs. The construction works will take
approximately 2 months.
The well site and rig camp site will cover an area of approximately 10-12 acres.
Construction works to develop a well location will involve the following.
Clearing of vegetation;
Leveling of the area using bulldozers, tractors and graders;
Construction of the drilling rig pad;

Construction of lined drilling mud pit, lined water pit, flare pit, septic tanks and soak
pits;
Installation of a fence around the well site.
The rig camp will consist of portable cabins, kitchens, mess rooms, bathrooms, laundry
area, etc. for which limited construction works including levelling, grading, filling and
compaction will be required.
An existing track will be used as much as possible to access the selected drilling location.
Due to the network of existing tracks in the area, development of new tracks may be
limited to short reaches of a few kilometers. The access road will be upgraded/built to a
standard that is suitable for movement of 40-foot flat bed trucks. The road will be 5.5m
wide and compacted with gravel.
Water required during construction will be obtained from either local tube wells, existing
water wells installed by OMV Pakistan in the Sawan Concession or new water wells
installed by OMV Pakistan in the area of operation.
4-6 JANUARY 2004

After completion of construction activities, all except for a few machinery, equipment
and personnel required for maintenance of the access road will be demobilised from the
area.
4.3.3 Rig Mobilisation

Following the construction of the well site, camp site and access road mobilisation of the
rig and related machinery and equipment will commence. Mobilisation will involve the
transportation of the following to the designated drilling location.
The drilling rig.

Ancillary equipment such as power generators, mud pumps, mud tanks, shale
shakers, cementing unit, drill pipe and collars.
Portacabin style camp, complete with all catering, power generation, laundry and
other facilities.
Drilling and other necessary support personnel.
Drilling materials such as casing and associated accessories, wellheads, drill bits,
drilling fluid chemicals, liner hanger equipment.
The drilling rig will be transported to the site using 40 ft long trailers. Depending on the
type of rig, approximately 80 to 150 truckloads of equipment will be transported during
mobilisation. The rig will be assembled and erected over the well location.
4.3.4 Drilling
Drilling will be carried out using conventional equipment, techniques and practices for
hydrocarbon exploration. A rotary drilling rig will be used in this operation. The derrick
will be mounted on a steel platform known as the rig floor. The rig floor will provide
working area for the drilling operations and personnel. A hoisting drum called draw
works will be mounted on the rig floor at the base of the derrick. A wire rope called the
drilling line will pass from the draw works to the top of the derrick through a system of
pulleys called the crown block and will be attached to a further system of pulleys known
as the hook and block. The whole system of wire rope and pulleys will operate like a
crane. A drill string made up of uniform lengths of hollow steel pipes will be suspended
from the hooks. Suspended from the drill string will be the drill bit. The drill bit will drill
through the formations by the combined effect of the weight of the drill collar and the
rotary action provided to the bit by a rotary table mounted on the rig floor. Rotation of
the drilling bit and string is achieved by means of powerful electric motors on the
surface. Photograph 4-6 shows the rig working in Sawan gas field.
Based on the sections of the well, drill bits with diameter 26Þ, 17-1/2Þ, 12-1/4Þ and 8-
1/2Þ inches are expected to be used. As drilling progresses in a given section of the well
the length of the drill string will be increased by the addition of new lengths of pipes.
4-7 JANUARY 2004

Steel pipes known as casing will be lowered into the hole to line the sides of the well and
prevent the hole from collapsing. At the end of drilling each section, these steel casings
will be cemented into place by pumping cement into the space between the casing and
the surrounding strata. The sections of the well will be drilled in this manner until the
desired target depth is achieved. Anatomy of a generic rotary drilling rig is shown in
Figure 4-1.
The drilling operation will be undertaken on a round-the-clock basis with two 12-hour
shifts.
4.3.5 Drilling Mud

A water based drilling mud will be used during the operation to serve the following
functions.
Flushing out drilled solids from the bottom of the hole and their transport to the
surface.
Lubrication and cooling of the drill bit and string.
Deposition of an impermeable layer on the wall of the well-bore so as to seal the

drilled formations.
Countering the natural formation pressures and preventing uncontrolled flow of

fluid from the formations.
The drilling mud will consist of slurry of formation cuttings suspended in a liquid phase.
Certain additives such as bentonite, barite and salts will be used for initial mud
formulation and subsequent changes as required during the operation. The exact
constituents and concentrations will be finalised before the drilling operation. The
quantity of drilling mud used and the cuttings generated will depend upon the well
geology, depth of the well, and other operating factors. After completion of drilling the
cuttings remaining in the waste pit will be allowed to dry out. The cuttings will be then
encapsulated within the HDPE liner and the waste pit will be backfilled leaving a top soil
cover over the pit.
4.3.6 Coring and Well Logging

In the potential reservoir section, cores of rock will be taken from the borehole, and a
number of well logs performed. Cores and well logs will be used to confirm the geology
of the structures being bored through and assess the accuracy of the seismic survey data
interpretation done before drilling. Coring and well logging will also help identify
possible hydrocarbons.
4-8 JANUARY 2004

4.3.7 Well Evaluation

After having drilled to the specified depth, a number of logs for hydrocarbon bearing
strata will be taken to accurately measure the pressure and fluid content of the zone. The
main objectives of the logs will be to determine the fluid composition (gas, oil, or water),
whether or not it will flow, and its pressure regime.
If test results show that gas has been encountered, it becomes necessary to conduct
further tests to determine whether it is feasible to develop the well. Tests are conducted
to determine the gas composition and the reservoir's permeability.
Once the temporary or permanent valves are in place, it is ensured that the mud column
is more than adequate to counteract any formation pressures that could be released.
After that, a mechanical plug is used to plug off the area of the formation being tested,
and tubing is run through the plug. A Blow Out Preventor (BOP) is kept in place
throughout the test.
Once these steps have been taken, gas is allowed to flow to the surface, and is passed
through a 3-phase separator that segregates the fluid into water, gas, and oil (if present)
or condensate. Metering devices and valves are used to estimate the gas production rate,
after which the gas and associated condensate are flared, and water discharged into the
mud pit.
4.3.8 Well Completion

If data collected from coring, logging and well testing shows that the well can be used as
a producing well then a completion string together with a few items of subsurface
equipment (such as a down hole plug) to enable production from the well will be
installed just above the producing formation. The mud in the well will be displaced by
completion fluid, which is expected to consist of potassium chloride brine, containing
small volumes of chemicals designed to protect the well. These chemicals will include a
corrosion inhibitor, an oxygen scavenger, biocide, and a chemical for pH control. The
final design of the completion equipment will depend on the sub-surface geology.
4.3.9 Well Control and Blow Out Prevention

In addition to careful monitoring and control of the mud system and the installation of
casing in each section of the well, a surface wellhead consisting of a series of BOPs’ will
be installed at the top of the casing. The function of the BOP is to prevent uncontrolled
flow from the well by positively closing in the well bore as and when required. The BOP
is made up of a series of hydraulically operated rams, and is designed to withstand
pressures well in excess of those expected to be encountered.
4-9 JANUARY 2004

4.3.10 Staffing and Supplies

It is expected that around 70 to 100 people will be required for each drilling operation.
Local people will be hired for unskilled jobs. During the drilling program, the supplies,
with the exception of casing, will be transported to the rig in smaller trucks. Casing will
be carried to the rig in 40-foot flatbed trucks. General supplies transported will include
camp supplies (food, etc), fuels, oils and chemicals, and equipment maintenance parts.
Project personnel will travel to and from the rig in smaller vehicles, mostly four-wheel
drive pickups.
Water required during drilling operation will be obtained from either local tube wells,
existing water wells installed by OMV Pakistan in the Sawan Concession or new water
wells installed by OMV Pakistan in the area of operation. A maximum of 29,000 litres
(around 200 barrels) of water will be required per day during the drilling operation.
4.3.11 Demobilisation and Site Restoration

After completion of the drilling and testing operations, the rig will be dismantled and
demobilised off the site. The wellhead will remain in situ, but all other equipment and
materials including empty drums used and unused chemicals, fuels and lubricants will be
removed from the well site by their respective suppliers.
After well evaluation, a decision on whether to abandon or further develop the well will
be taken. If it is decided that the well is to be abandoned, the site will be restored, as far
as possible, to its original condition. All the concrete will be broken up and removed, the
fencing will be removed, and the area levelled. The access roads may be left intact if local
people desire to use them. If not, they too will be restored and the land returned to its
original use.
4-10 JANUARY 2004

Figure 4.1: Anatomy of a rotary drilling rig
4-11 JANUARY 2004

Photograph 4-1: Seismic line being cleared by a Photograph 4-2: Flush drilling in progress (HPK
bulldozer library)
Photograph 4-3: Recording truck (HPK Library) Photograph 4-4: Vibroseis operating in a desert
environment (HPK Library)
Photograph 4-5: An uphole rig in operation (HPK Photograph 4-6: Drilling in progress- Sawan (HPK
library) library)
4-12 JANUARY 2004

5 Analysis of Alternatives
5.1 Introduction
An analysis of available alternatives to the proposed seismic and drilling operations has
been carried out in this section to ensure that the best possible management and
technology options will be employed during project implementation. The analysis of
alternatives has been discussed under two headings, management alternatives and
technological alternatives.
5.2 Management Options
5.2.1 No Project Option

The energy sector plays a key role in the development and growth of Pakistan's
economy. Because of its importance, the energy sector has been selected by the present
government as one of the four drivers of economic growth. In 2001-2002, Pakistan
imported 7.1 million tones of crude oil and 9.3 million tonnes of petroleum products,
costing US$ 1,229 million and US$ 1,029.9 million respectively. To reduce this loss of
foreign exchange the government is committed to maximum replacement of imported
furnace oil and diesel oil with indigenous natural gas.
In view of Pakistan's current balance of payments difficulties, it has become imperative

for the country to explore indigenous resources in the energy sector, as a reliable supply
of energy is crucial to the achievement of national development targets in the
commodity producing sectors. Natural gas is a particularly attractive option as the
environmental effects associated with its usage are also minimal in comparison to other
fossil fuels.
Due to the presence of gas fields like Sawan, Miano, and Kadanwari in the vicinity of the
project area there is a high probability of finding gas reserves in the area. A gas discovery
in the area of operation will augment the present gas supplies of the country and reduce
Pakistan's reliance on imported fuel. In view of the above the No Project Option seems
to be a highly unfavourable option.
5.2.2 Alternative Site Option

Several concession areas and exploration sites exist on Pakistan's map, and a number of
international companies are actively engaged in oil and gas exploration in the country in
addition to the public sector agencies.
As exploration activities involve large investments, the area of the operation is carefully
selected after assessing that the geological characteristics conducive to the presence of
5-1 JANUARY 2004

Analysis of Alternatives EIA for Exploration Activities in Latif Block
gas reserves are present in the area. The block seems to be an attractive area for gas
exploration in Pakistan due to the presence of Sawan, Miano, and Kadanwari gas fields
close to the project area. Operation in any other area may not be fruitful. Furthermore
strict adherence to the mitigation measures proposed by the EIA will ensure that any
residual impacts on the protected areas are reversible, short term and insignificant.
5.2.3 Timing
The proposed seismic and drilling operations have to follow strict timing schedules
imposed on OMV Pakistan under the license agreement with the DGPC. Restrictions on
the timing of the proposed operations may be necessary if the operations significantly
affect the breeding of key wildlife species in the area. On the basis of assessment of the
impacts done in the EIA any restrictions on timing are not considered necessary.
However, the EIA has recommended measures to minimise the duration of activities
within key wildlife areas.
5.3 Technology Options
5.3.1 Seismic Data Acquisition Technologies

Seismic data can be acquired using the following methods:
Upholes;
Deep shot hole survey;
Shallow shot hole survey;
Surface shots;
Vibrating energy sources.
The selection of any of these sources is dependent on the quality of data, time, cost, land
type and environmental sensitivity of the area. Care has to be exercised in selecting the
method to ensure that geophysical data of the highest possible quality is collected with
least possible impacts on the environment.
The project area under consideration includes five types of terrain desert; Nara canal,
associated wetlands/marshy lands; forests, wetlands/dhands and agricultural lands. No
seismic activity will be carried out in dhands and marshy areas along the Nara Canal. For
the desert and undulating sandy plains the technological option is limited only to the use
of Vibroseis as it is practically impossible to drill the holes required for a dynamite
survey in sandy terrain. Therefore for the sandy terrain no alternative to Vibroseis exists.
In agricultural lands there is a choice between the use of dynamite and vibroseis as an
energy source.
The use of vibroseis in agricultural lands was not considered as a preferred option as it
would involve land clearing along the seismic lines. Whereas upholes provide highest
data quality, they may pose greater environmental impacts if used as the only technology
5-2 JANUARY 2004

due to operation of heavy drilling rigs, use of water and the need to develop access track.
Deep holes and shallow holes required for dynamite acquisition have comparable
environmental acceptability, though deep holes outrank shallow holes in terms of quality
of data obtained, staffing requirements, and the total time required to complete the
operation. In order to obtain high quality data keeping due regard for the environment, a
combination of vibroseis and dynamite has been selected for the operation. The location
of upholes will be carefully selected to minimise the preparation of new tracks and the
location of deep holes has been set at every 50 m to minimise the amount of drilling in
the area. Combination of vibroseis and dynamite sources will enable OMV Pakistan to
obtain the desired quality of data with the least possible impacts on the environment.
5.3.2 Drilling Technique

Conventional rotary drilling proposed by OMV Pakistan has been historically used for
the drilling of oil and gas wells. Other drilling techniques include coiled tubing and slim
holes. Despite some environmental gains in the use of coiled tubing and slim holes
(reduced well site area, reduced waste volumes etc) both techniques seem to share a
number of technical disadvantages and operational limitations. Moreover, the rigs are
not available in Pakistan and in case of a breakdown required back-up and service
facilities may not be available as readily as for conventional rigs. Advantages of the two
techniques therefore do not out weigh their disadvantages. Conventional drilling
technique proposed by OMV Pakistan is therefore evaluated to be the best alternative.
5.3.3 Drilling Mud

Generally two broad categories of mud are used for drilling of oil or gas wells; oil based
and water based. Oil based mud is formulated by mixing chemicals with diesel. This mud
is not considered to be environment friendly due to the risk of contamination of sub-
surface formations during drilling and the generation of oily drilled cuttings which
require specialized handling and treatment. A water based mud system will be used
which due to the above-mentioned reasons has environmental preference over oil based
mud and is therefore considered to be the preferred alternative.
5.3.4 Disposal of Drilling Wastes

Conventional drilling waste management involves discharging the mud and cuttings into
a lined waste pit. OMV Pakistan after a review of various waste management alternatives
has started using a cuttings segregation and fluid recovery unit in which the cuttings
segregated by the shakers are processed through a Hi-G dryer. This allows.
Additional drying of the cuttings making their disposal into the lined waste pit easier.
Recovery of the excess mud associated with the cuttings. The mud can be re-used
thereby reducing the overall water consumption and chemical usage for mud
formulation.
5-3 JANUARY 2004

Reduction in the size of the waste pit due to the reduction in the mud content
associated with the cuttings and due to less water consumption and mud
formulation.
The waste management system is considered to be technologically and environmentally
the most preferred option. The drill cuttings and mud will be disposed off at the well site
within lined waste pits. Other options such as bioremediation, incineration, re-injection
or landfill are either not applicable to the type of waste or their cost or technical and
management disadvantages outweigh the little benefits that they may have.
5.3.5 Water Abstraction

The two primary options for obtaining water for project needs are:
Surface water.
Groundwater.
The Nara canal is the only source of surface water in the area and its use will not be
feasible as the water is not potable; hauling the water only for operational use would
mean increased logistics management, as potable water would still have to be supplied
from water wells for domestic use. Groundwater availability is maximum in areas close
to the Nara canal. Other parts of the protected areas and adjoining areas are desert where
availability of groundwater is limited. The use of local water wells in areas located close
to the Nara canal is considered to be the feasible alternative provided the local wells are
used after ensuring that water in excess of the local demand is abstracted. In case there is
a high water demand during construction and drilling this can be met from the existing
deep OMV Pakistan’s wells in the adjacent Sawan concession or by new well(s) installed
by OMV in the project area.
5-4 JANUARY 2004

6 Physical Environment
In this section potential impacts on the physical environment that may arise from the
seismic and drilling operation are discussed. For each impact a detailed assessment of
the environmental issues is done. Mitigation measures that will be adopted to reduce or
minimize the impact have been listed at the end each section. The mitigation measures
have been derived from the Pakistan EPA and IAGC guidelines for onshore geophysical
operations, and professional judgement and experience. Environmental Management
Plan for the proposed project is provided in Appendix A of the report. Environmental
Impacts and aspects register for the proposed seismic and drilling operation and
associated activities is provided in Appendix B.
6.1 Topography, Geology and Soils
6.1.1 Baseline Condition

a. Topography
The proposed exploration activities will be carried out within the Nara Taluka of
Khairpur District. The location of the project area is shown in Figure 1-1. The project
area can be divided into three types of topographic regimes:
The Agricultural Lands lying within the command area of the Nara Canal
Sandy Desert lying to the east and west of the canal command area
Nara Canal, Associated Dhands (local name for the surface water impoundments)
and Waste Lands (areas within the CCA which do not have a potential for
agriculture due to high water table or high soil salinity).
Most of the project area approximately 90% lies in desert. The desert is a typical stable
sand desert covered with sand dunes. Mean elevation within the desert is 70 m. The sand
dunes rise to a mean elevation of 30m with a slope of 10-15%. In areas close to the Nara
canal the height and slope of the sand dunes reduces to 10m and 2-10% respectively.
There are typical flat-bottomed valleys between the dunes locally referred to as ‘Tars’ or
‘Tals’.
Some of the valleys contain perennial/non-perennial lakes locally referred to as
‘Dhands’. These lakes are recharged by either surfacing of ground water or collection of
rain water in low lying areas. The desert surface is stabilised by vegetation and although
there are well developed dune forms, active windblown sand are seen only on the
leeward side of dunes.
6-1 JANUARY 2004

Physical Environment EIA for Exploration Activities in Latif Block
Agricultural lands, lie in the same topographical regime, however, they have been
physically modified by agricultural activities possible due to the presence of the Nara
Canal. Agricultural lands flank the left and right banks of the canal extending 4 to 5km
on either side of the canal. This part of the area can be clearly differentiated from
surrounding desert environment. The land has been levelled to allow for cultivation of
crops and flow of irrigation water. Mean elevation in the area is 70 m.
The Nara Canal meanders through the area, supplying water to the agricultural lands.
The canal is flanked by riverian vegetation on both sides. Dhands are formed on either
side of the canal that are recharged by canal seepage and rainwater.
The different habitats within the project area are shown in Figure 6-1.
b. Geology and Soils
The project area forms a part of the vast Indo-Genetic Plain formed by the gradual
filling up of the trough lying between the foothills of Himalayas and the central core of
the subcontinent. The different parts of the plain have been deposited in different
geological periods ranging from recent to sub-recent and early Holocene era.
On regional scale the area is a part of the Indus basin and is composed of alluvial
sediments deposited by ancestral and present rivers and their tributaries crossing the
alluvial plain. The alluvium brought by the river Indus lies over the basement of tertiary
shale’s and limestone. The other contributing rocks are granites, schist’s, gneisses and
slates. The alluvium is quite rich in weathered minerals with soils deep and calcareous.
The rocks belong to Paleozoic, Mezozoic and Terriary geological timescale (HPK
2002A2). A typical lithological representation of the area is shown in Figure 6-2.
Soils of the study area were formed in aeolian sands originally deposited in Pleistocene
age, but reworked by wind until recently to take the form of sand dunes. A minor extent
of soils has been formed in a narrow alluvial plain of Nara canal, which has its origin as a
small inundation river.
Two types of soil classes exist in the area, sandy soils in the desert and sand to loamy
fine sand, but rarely very fine sandy loam to even clay loam in areas along Nara Canal.
The soils are generally brown to greyish brown in colour with CaCO3% content between
5 to 15%. Soils in the desert are generally non-saline, non-sodic and deficient in organic
matter with a pH of 7.8 to 8.4 and are excessively drained. The desert area is underlain
by an estimated 30 m of dune sands and river alluvium. The alluvial deposits date back
to the time when Indus River flowed through this area. The Nara Canal now follows its
abandoned course. Salinity and water logging are common in irrigated areas particularly
near the canal.
2 Baseline Environmental Study for Nara Game Reserve, 2002
6-2 JANUARY 2004

Soil textural groups within the canal command area are as follows3
Coarse 3%
Loamy 62%
Clayey 33%
Miscellaneous 2%
Existing sources of soil erosion in the area are the numerous existing access tracks in the
area including those prepared for hunting, clearing of land for agricultural purposes and
settlements, and livestock grazing.
6.1.2 Environmental Issue and Related Activities

Potential sources of soil erosion can include clearing of 3 m wide seismic lines for the
operation of vibroseis; preparation of camp sites for seismic and drilling operations;
preparation of new tracks for seismic operations; preparation of well sites and access
tracks for drilling operations; and off road travel during seismic and drilling operations.
6.1.3 Impact Assessment

Clearing of seismic lines:
Within the protected areas of NGR and NDWS, the seismic lines will mainly lie in the
desert, which makes approximately 92% of the project area.
For seismic lines in the desert area, 3 m wide corridor along the lines will be cleared for
the movement of vibroseis wherever necessary. Clearing of seismic lines within the
desert will involve dozing off vegetation and undulations along the lines for the
movement of the vibroseis. Within the inter-dune valleys in the desert disturbance to soil
will be minimal due to the flat topography. During line clearance activities in sand dunes,
dozing will be done in a way that would minimize cutting and destabilizing the sand
dunes by keeping the seismic lines as straight as possible. Seismic lines would meander
through dense forest patches (if found to lie within the area of operation) provided that
the quality of data is not affected. Otherwise an alternative technique that would
minimize vegetation clearing through such areas will be adopted.
For seismic lines in agricultural lands deep holes will be drilled for which no line clearing
will be required. At selected location upholes will be done in which also no significant
land clearing will be required.
3 Drainage Sector Environmental Assessment, National Drainage Programme, Volume IV, June 1993
6-3 JANUARY 2004

Preparation of campsites for seismic operation: For seismic operation campsites will
be developed to house the seismic crew. The campsites will be located in levelled land
and existing clearing to avoid any disturbance to soil or vegetation.
Preparation of access tracks for seismic: Due to the presence of numerous existing
access tracks the need for preparation of new tracks will be minimal. Only limited
number of tracks might have to be prepared to access remote locations. The mitigation
measures listed at the end of the section will ensure that any impacts due to this activity
are kept to the minimum.
Preparation of well site, camp sites and access track: Up to three

exploration/appraisal wells will be drilled in the area of the seismic operation. The
location of the exploration/appraisal wells will be decided on the basis of the results
from the seismic operations. Considering the limited land area requirement for the
development of a well and rig camp site (8-10 acres for each well site and rig camp), no
significant impacts due to this activity will occur provided the mitigation measures listed
at the end of this section are adhered with. The alignment and length of the access track
to each well site will be selected to maximize use of existing tracks and minimize earth
works. The well sites, rig camps and construction camps should preferably be located in
existing clearing and levelled land and should avoid sand dunes. Construction should
follow good industry practices to avoid unnecessary clearing outside of the work
corridors and likelihood of soil erosion along or across natural drainage paths.
Off road travel – Off road travel during seismic and drilling operations should be
avoided by providing training to the drivers and monitoring road travel during the two
operations.
6.1.4 Mitigation Measures

a. General
Access tracks in the desert will follow natural contours to minimise disturbance to
natural topography and soils. Cutting along the sides of the sand dunes will be
minimised.
Clearing of vegetation will be kept to a minimum; especially dense patches of
vegetation in the desert and near the Nara canal and dhands.
The cutting of trees will be avoided.
Total land uptake by the camps, and access road will be kept to the minimum
required.
Vehicle speeds will be regulated and monitored to avoid excessive dust emissions.
Off-road travel should be avoided and observance of this should be monitored
during the operation.
6-4 JANUARY 2004

Periodic trainings will be provided to drivers on mitigation measures related to off-

road travel and speeds limits.
During construction movement of construction equipment will be restricted to work

areas only to avoid unnecessary disturbance to soils in the project area.
b. Seismic
Seismic lines in the undulating plains and sand dunes will follow natural contours
wherever possible. However, in areas where seismic line cutting is a requirement, the
activity will be carried out in a way that would minimize disturbance to natural
topography and soils.
The width of lines cleared for vibroseis will be limited to 3m to minimise clearing of
vegetation and disturbance to soil.
Construction and seismic camps will be located in existing clearings and on leveled
land.
During seismic operation the number of routes used will be kept to a minimum and
road travel will be minimized.
During seismic operation the preparation of new access tracks will be minimised.
Where improvement of existing tracks or development of short lengths of new
tracks is unavoidable the width of the access track will not exceed 3 m.
Photographs will be taken before any activity to record the conditions of campsite,
roads and seismic lines at locations that are likely to under go soil erosion. Similar
photographs will be taken at intervals throughout the survey to monitor any changes
and soil conditions.
c. Drilling
Total land uptake by the well site, camps, and access road to the well site will be kept
to the minimum required.
The access track to the well site will be selected to utilize existing tracks as much as
possible.
The access track will be properly compacted at the time of construction and
thereafter properly maintained by watering and compaction throughout the entire
construction and drilling operation.
Photographs will be taken before any activity to record the conditions of campsite,
roads and well site at locations that are likely to under go soil erosion. Similar
photographs will be taken at time intervals throughout the operation to monitor any
changes and soil conditions.
6-5 JANUARY 2004

6.2 Ambient Air Quality
6.2.1 Baseline Conditions

Climatic Classification
The climate of the project area is broadly described as hot and arid. Various
meteorologists have developed classification schemes to describe local climatic features
of Pakistan. Classification based on two of the schemes is described below.
Shamshad (1956) has classified the climate of Pakistan on the basis of characteristic
seasons found in the country. Taking into account topography, proximity to the sea,
rainfall, temperature, and winds, he has defined eleven climatic zones for Pakistan.
Under his scheme, the climate of the project area is classified as ‘Subtropical double
season hotland.’ The characteristic features of this climatic zone are low rainfall (less
than 250 millimeters per annum) and, thus, absence of a well-defined rainy season, and
high temperature that increase from east to west.
Kazi (1952) divides Pakistan into four major climatic regions, which are further
subdivided into 18 micro regions. Under this classification, the project area falls in the
sub-tropical Indus lowlands. The region is characterized by aridity with high summer
temperatures and late summer rains. Rainfall is less than 250 mm and concentration in
June to September. July and August are the hottest months and October and November
the driest. June and January are the hottest and coldest months, respectively.
There is no meteorological station within the project area. Meteorological data from the
nearest station i.e. Padidan shows that hottest months are May and June with mean
monthly temperature of 430C. Occasionally maximum temperature rises as high as 490C.
January is the coldest month with a low temperature of 60C.
The mean rainfall ranges from 88mm to 135mm. Most of the total rainfall is received
during the monsoon (mid July to end of August) as high intensity showers. Winter rains,
received during the months of December to March are of low intensity. The area
received moderate rainfall this year during the monsoon season after 2-3 years of
drought season.
Meteorological data for Padidan is given in Table 6-1 and Figure 6-3 and 6-4.
The project area is located in a sparsely populated area with no industrial or commercial
activity. The existing air quality in the area is generally good, with very few sources of
pollution that are due to use of existing tracks by locals, operation of generators, engines
and vehicles by locals. Vehicular traffic on the dirt roads causes some dust emissions
whose effect is fairly localized. It is reported that strong winds lead to high levels of
airborne dust and occasionally give rise to short-duration dust storms in the desert area.
6-6 JANUARY 2004

6.2.2 Environmental Issue

During the seismic operations potential sources of impact will include generation of dust
emission during road travel, exhaust emissions from generators and vehicles, and smoke
emissions from burning of combustible wastes. During drilling operations additional
sources will include dust emissions during construction, emissions during flaring and
possible H2S emissions in case of an emergency.

The sources of emissions during seismic, construction and drilling will not be significant
enough to alter the ambient air quality. Monitoring of air emissions from generators used
at typical well and camp sites shows that the emissions remain within the NEQS (HPK
20024). The emissions will disperse quickly with the prevalent wind currents. Seismic
lines and access tracks wherever possible will also be routed away from communities. All
generators, vehicles, equipment and machinery will be properly maintained during the
operation to minimize emissions. Emissions in the form of oxides of carbon, nitrogen
and sulphur will be produced during flaring. As the flare will be kept downwind of the
well site and at least 500 m away from any community no impacts on communities or
workers will occur. In the event of any release of hydrogen sulphide emissions,
emergency response procedures will be adopted.
Other factors that support the insignificant nature of the impact are:
The generators, compressors and vehicles will only be operated for a period of few
months
Emissions from garbage pit or generators at the well site and campsite will be of no
significance to workers or local communities as the pit will be placed down wind of
the camp and the camp will be located 500 m from communities.
Emissions from generators, compressors and vehicles will be easily dispersed with
local wind currents as there are no topographic or anthropogenic sources of
entrapment (such as closely spaced high rise buildings in cities).
Dust emissions on access tracks will be of significance only in areas near the
settlements and surface water channels/streams.

a. General
Campsites will be located at least 500 m away from communities.
During construction dust emissions due to road travel will be minimized by

regulating vehicle speeds and watering of the access track.
4 EIA for Benir Exploratory Well in SPA of Dumbar Block.
6-7 JANUARY 2004

The burn pit will be located at least 500 m away from any community.
The quantity of waste burnt at one time in the burn pit will be managed such that
excessive smoke does not arise during burning. For this purpose smoke from the
burn pit may be visually monitored and the quantity of wastes being burnt at one
time may be controlled accordingly.
b. Seismic
Generators, compressors and vehicles used during seismic operations will be
maintained in a good condition to ensure that emissions are kept to a minimum
level.
During seismic operations vehicle speeds will be regulated and monitored to

minimise dust emissions.
c. Drilling
Generators and vehicles used during construction and drilling operations will be
maintained in a good condition to ensure that emissions are kept to a minimum
level.
Well site and campsites will be located at least 500 m away from communities.
During drilling and construction dust emissions due to road travel will be minimised
by regulating and monitoring vehicle speeds and watering of the access track.
The access track selected to access the well location will maintain a reasonable
distance from communities.
Flare pit will be kept downwind of the well site and at least 500 m from the nearest
community. The duration of flaring during well testing will be kept to the minimum
required.
6.3 Soil and Water Contamination

Due to absence of any industrial activity in the area, soil and water quality is generally
good. At present, sources of soil and water contamination are agricultural pesticides and
un-controlled disposal of domestic and livestock wastes by local communities; however,
no quantitative analysis of the extent of this contamination is available.
6.3.2 Environmental Issues

During seismic operations potential sources of impact will include domestic wastes, fuel
or oil leakage or spill, bentonite mud used during drilling of shot holes and upholes.
During drilling operations potential sources may include domestic wastes, drilling mud
and cuttings, produced formation fluids, and spillage or leakage of fuel, oil or chemicals.
6-8 JANUARY 2004


a. Domestic Wastes During Seismic and Drilling
Domestic wastes generated during seismic and drilling operations will include sewage or
black water, grey water (from kitchen, laundry, and showers), kitchen wastes,
combustible wastes, and recyclable wastes. Sewage or black water will be treated and
disposed of by means of a septic tank and soak pit system. Grey water will also be
collected in soak pits. Soak pits will be designed to a ccommodate wastewater generated
during the total duration of the operation. In case the soak pits get filled during the
operation, grey water will be sprinkled over access tracks. Sprinkling of grey water will be
done in a manner such that ponding of water is avoided. The water sprinkled will
evaporate with time and will not contain any contaminant at a level that may be harmful
to either soil or water. If soak pits cannot be built in areas with high water table,
alternative sites will be used for this purpose.
Solid kitchen wastes (such as left over food) and other combustible material will be burnt
in a burn pit located within or close to the camps. All other non-combustible wastes
(such as glass and plastic) will be provided to local waste contractors.
b. Oil Stains and Spills
Fuel or oil stains, leakage or spill during seismic and drilling operations can result in
contamination of soil and water. From a management perspective these have been
categorized as minor, moderate or major and detailed below along with the
recommended mitigation measures.
Minor Spills: Leaks from vehicles, equipment, or storage containers at camp sites or work
areas outside the camp site or oil or fuel stains produced during handling and transfer
operations such that the area and depth of soil contaminated is less than 1 square meter
and 0.3 m respectively. The contaminated soil will be removed and burnt in the burn pit.
Moderate Spills: Oil spills during transfer or handling operations resulting in spillage of no
more than 200 litres of fuel or oil. The contaminated soil will be removed and burnt in
the burn pit in small volumes.
Major Spills: These may occur during transportation of oil to the camp sites or failure of
the oil containment arrangement at the camp sites resulting in spillage of oil significantly
more than 200 litres in volume. The contaminated soil may require specialized treatment
such as incineration or bioremediation.
c. Bentonite Mud
Bentonite mud will be used during seismic operations for drilling of upholes and deep
holes to avoid the holes from collapsing. The mud and the cuttings will be disposed off
into earthen pits backfilled after the mud and cuttings have dried. This mud is prepared
by mixing bentonite with water. Bentonite is a natural clay material and non-hazardous in
6-9 JANUARY 2004

nature. Bentonite mud is also used for tube wells that are drilled for supplying water for
drinking or irrigation purposes. The use of the mud and its preparation and disposal in
earthen pits will therefore have no impacts on groundwater or soil quality. The mud and
cuttings after drying will return to dust.
d. Drilling Mud and Cuttings
A water-based mud will be used to drill the proposed exploration/appraisal wells. The
drill cuttings and mud will be disposed into a pit lined with an impermeable geo-
membrane. The pit will be of larger than the required capacity to accommodate
overflows. At the time of restoration the pit will be backfilled with the cuttings
encapsulated within the liner and with a topsoil cover. Since the mud and cuttings will be
non-hazardous, no impacts on soil or groundwater will occur.
e. Produced Water
Produced formation fluids will be flared along with the gas or collected inside the lined
waste pit at the well site. In case the fluids discharge into the flare pit the soil at the sides
of the flare pit will be excavated and disposed off into the lined waste pit at the well site.

a. General
Sewage generated at the campsites will be disposed off in septic systems comprising
of septic tanks and soak pits.
Wastewater from laundry, kitchen washings, and showers will be disposed off into
separate soak pits.
Soak pits will be built in absorbent soil and located 300 m away from a surface water
source or a ground water well.
Soak pits will be constructed such that surface runoff cannot enter into the pits.
Soak pits will be designed to accommodate wastewater generated during the total
duration of the operation.
In case the soak pits get filled during the operation, grey water will be sprinkled over
access tracks. Sprinkling of grey water will be done in a manner such that ponding of
water is avoided.
No solid waste will be disposed off in the field. Within the camp areas all solid
wastes will be disposed off in waste bins provided within the camp area.
All combustible material will be burnt in burn pits located within or near the
campsites. The burn pit will be located such that emissions from the pit do not
travel in the direction of the camp or any nearby settlement.
6-10 JANUARY 2004

Non-combustible waste including plastic or glass bottles and cans will be temporarily
stored on site and sold/handed over to a waste/recycling contractor who will utilise
these wastes for recycling purposes.
At the time of restoration septic tanks will be dismantled in place and backfilled with
at least 1 m of soil cover above the surrounding natural surface level.
At the time of restoration soak pits will be backfilled with at least 1 m of soil cover
above the surrounding natural surface level.
It will be ensured that after restoration activities the campsites are clean and that no
refuse has been left behind.
All concrete structures at the campsites will be removed and buried in garbage or
soak pits and the pits backfilled with at least 1m of soil cover above the surrounding
natural surface level.
Vehicles will only be washed in designated areas within campsites.
Vehicles will be daily checked for fuel or oil leaks. Vehicles with leaks will not be
operated until repaired.
All fuel and oil storage areas will have a concrete pad underneath to prevent soil
contamination in case of leaks or spills.
All fuel tanks will be properly marked to highlight their contents.
Fuel and oil storage areas will have secondary containment in the form of concrete
or brick masonry bunds. The volume of the containment area should be equal to
120% of the total volume of fuel stored.
Fuels tanks will be daily checked for leaks and all such leaks will be plugged
immediately
The soil contaminated from minor and moderate spills will be removed and burnt in
the burn pit.
The soil contaminated from major spills may require specialized treatment such as
incineration or bioremediation.
A spill prevention and contingency plan will be prepared to deal with moderate and
major spills.
Shovels, plastic bags, and absorbent material should be present near fuel and oil
storage or handling areas to attend spills and leaks.
Used oil and vehicle related waste will be transported to local contractors for
recycling.
6-11 JANUARY 2004

Medical wastes will be temporarily stored onsite separately and incinerated at nearest
facility.
b. Seismic
At the time of restoration all pin flags, signs, and refuse from seismic lines will be
removed.
During fuel and oil transfer operations such as re-fuelling vibroseis/bulldozers

through a dedicated fuel vehicle, drips and spills will be avoided and drip pans will
be used.
Bentonite mud used for the purpose of uphole and deephole drilling will be
prepared in earthen pits. The used mud will be disposed of in the same pit and left
to dry. After the mud has dried the pit will be backfilled.
c. Drilling
A water based mud system will be used for drilling.
Waste pit at the well site will be lined with an HDPE liner.
The drill cuttings and mud will be disposed into a pit lined with an impermeable
geo-membrane. The pit will be larger than the required capacity to accommodate
overflows. At the time of restoration the pit will be backfilled with the cuttings
encapsulated within the liner and with a top soil cover.
Produced formation fluids will be flared along with the gas or collected inside the
lined waste pit at the well site. In case the fluids discharge into the flare pit the soil at
the sides of the flare pit will be excavated and disposed off into the lined waste pit at
the well site.
6.4 Use of Water
6.4.1 Baseline Condition

Water resources of the area are discussed under two broad headings, surface water
resources and groundwater resources.
a. Surface Water Resources
Surface Water Impoundments (dhands)
A few dhands (local term for surface impoundments) can be found along the Nara canal.
The source of dhands is seepage water from Nara canal and surfacing of shallow ground
water. Two such dhands near the outer periphery of the project area were identified
during the field visit. A few seasonal dhands located within project area found to be dry
at the time of the EIA site visit were identified, however the no perennial dhands within
the project area were recorded. Water resources in the area are shown in Figure 6-5.
6-12 JANUARY 2004

The Nara Canal

The only perennial surface water channel in the project area is the Nara canal. The Nara
Canal and its irrigation system is one of the Sindh's fourteen main canal systems. In
terms of CCA, the Nara Command is the largest system in Sindh. The canal originates
from Sukkur Barrage at Sukkur. The canal was built in 1932 as part of the establishment
of the Lower Indus Irrigation System. Some of the physical features of the canal are
given as follows.
Length 361.6 km
Width 90-135 m
Water Depth 7.5 m
Design Discharge 13,649 cusecs
Actual Discharge (in August 2001) 10,991 cusecs
GCA 2.73 million acres
CCA 2.46 million acres
Source: Irrigation Department (Sukkur Barrage)
The canal system comprises of the Upper Nara Canal which lies between the Sukkur
Barrage and Jamrao headworks (which is the first diversion structure at the canal) and
the Jamrao, Mithrao, Khipro, and Thar Canal systems that lie south of the Jamrao
headworks. The project area is located within the Upper Nara Canal system. The length
of the Nara Canal in this system is approximately 154 km and serves only 11% of the
GCA of the entire Nara Canal system. Within this system 63% of the area is irrigated by
government owned lift systems, 25% by private owned lift systems, and the rest 12% by
gravity system.
The canal is perennial except for a closure/maintenance period from 5-20 January.
Highest discharges in the Nara are recorded in May, June and July. Minimum discharge is
reported in the month of August. According to irrigation department approximately 2%
of the canal water is used by locals residing in the CCA for drinking and domestic
purposes, while the rest 98% is used for irrigation.
The recorded discharge of Nara canal from 1990 to 2000 is graphically shown in
Figure 6-6.
b. Groundwater
Sweet groundwater is found in ample quantity in areas along the Nara canal. These areas
being recharged by canal water have aquifer thickness of up to 76 m. The desert area,
however, owing to low rainfalls, high runoff potential and high evaporation rates has
limited supply of fresh groundwater.
6-13 JANUARY 2004

Due to continuous recharge from the canal water table in areas along the Nara canal
stands at 2.5 to 5 m, some areas along the canal are even water logged, especially area
between Khenwari and Jamrao head. With increasing distance from the canal water table
gradually increases, reaching depths of 10 to 18 m in the eastern and western desert
margins.
Water table also varies with the discharge in the canal and the amount of precipitation in
the area. In periods of high discharge in the Nara canal, water level in areas adjacent to
the canal rises; so does the water level in dhands along the canal. Precipitation being low
in the area does not significantly effects the water table. It only benefits the desert
dwellers, where rainwater on a limited scale recharges the dhands and the dug wells, only
to sustain their demands for a few months.
Aquifers in the area are generally located in sand deposits and are unconfined except at
some places where silt and clay horizons create partial confinement of groundwater. The
interpreted lithological columns in areas along Nara canal are shown in Figure 6-7 and
6- 8. The columns show sand as the dominant water bearing lithological unit up to
depths of about 100m. Sieve analysis conducted on soil samples collected from a test
well also show that the aquifer soil material consists of coarse tomedium sand (Zulfiqar
2001).
On the basis of published literature and electrical resistivity surveys done in previous
studies the transmissibility, specific yield and horizontal hydraulic conductivity of the
aquifer has been estimated at 0.012 m2/s, 15000 gallons per hour (gph), and 0.0004 m/s
respectively. These results have also been confirmed by 72-hours pumping tests done
within the Nara game reserve (Zulfiqar 2001).
Water quality in areas along and recharged by the Nara canal is generally sweet with total
dissolved solids (TDS) between 500 to 800 ppm. In the desert, groundwater is mostly
brackish with TDS between 10,000 to 28,000 ppm.
On the basis of electrical resistivity survey5, the fresh water lens in areas along the Nara
canal is estimated to vary in thickness from 22 to 92 m. The fresh water lens overlies
brackish water believed to be residual from the time when old river Hakra river used to
flow from this area.
In the desert the thin fresh water lense and perched fresh water aquifers are the only
source of water supply. The occupation of the desert by pastoralists is therefore, largely
dependent on the period for which this supply of water lasts. Water is extracted through
hand pumps or tars (open wells excavated in low lying depressions). Water table in the
area varies from 15-20 m depending upon the location and elevation of the settlement.
5 Baseline Environmental Study for Nara Game Reserve
6-14 JANUARY 2004

Water quality in most of the hand pumps is sweet only after recharge from a previous
rainfall, otherwise the hand pumps yield brackish water through most parts of the year.
Several community tube wells present in irrigated areas along the Nara canal and open
dug wells in the desert extract groundwater for agriculture and domestic uses. NGR
baseline study estimated a total of 126 tube wells and 4000 hand pumps in the game
reserve. During the EIA field visit 15 open dug wells, 3 tankas and 7 tube wells were
identified.
Most of the hand pumps in the agricultural lands produce sweet water. This water is
used by local people for domestic purposes as well as drinking water for animals. These
hand pumps are installed to a depth of 6-8 m. One hand pump can serve the daily needs
of approximately 10 people.
Tube wells are installed to a depth of 20 - 35 m and can typically yield a discharge of 0.5
cubic feet per second (cusecs). These tube wells are only used occasionally to irrigate
agricultural fields during periods of canal closure or during periods of water shortage in
the Nara canal. Some of them were reported to have been out of operation for the last
six to twelve months. Most of the tube wells are run on diesel, however, electricity where
available is the preferred energy source.
As the use of groundwater for irrigation is limited and highly un-predictable (in a year of
good flow in the Nara canal this may be practically zero), no credible estimate for neither
groundwater consumption as irrigation water nor loss through evapo-transpiration could
be made. However, it is believed that even with the most conservative figures on use of
groundwater for irrigation, the total use of groundwater in the area (domestic and
irrigation) of the game reserve is far less than the aquifer storage volume and even the
annual recharge from the Nara canal.
At present there is a high consumption of water in the area by local communities along
the Nara canal for agricultural production and domestic use. The water is mainly
obtained from the Nara Canal.

Use of water from local surface or ground water resources for the project resulting in
decreased availability of water for local users.

Due to the high surface water demand for irrigation and the biological significance of all
surface water bodies, abstraction of surface water will not be done. The water
requirement during seismic and drilling operations may be met from the following
sources.
6-15 JANUARY 2004

a. Existing local wells

These may primarily be used during seismic in which the daily water requirement is not
high and can be met from local existing water wells. The use of local wells during seismic
operations is a common practice by all operators and in almost all areas of Sindh. The
required volume of water will only be available from areas close the Nara canal where
the wells receive recharge from canal seepage. There are no water wells within the desert
that can meet the project water requirement. Only those local wells will be used which
show an excess capacity of water above the local requirements (domestic and irrigation)
and flow rate from these wells will be monitored during the operation to monitor any
effect. Existing local wells may also be used during construction and drilling if they show
sufficient capacity to the meet the project water requirements.
b. Existing OMV wells in Sawan concession
OMV has installed tube wells within the adjacent Sawan concession. These tube wells
have been drilled considering the hydrogeology and local groundwater use in the area,
therefore abstraction of water from these water wells for construction and drilling of
three exploration/appraisal wells will not have any effects on local water aquifers or the
local communities.
c. New water well by OMV
There is also a possibility that depending on the requirement for construction and
drilling OMV may install new water wells in an area where availability of groundwater is
confirmed. However, this option will be considered if taking water from the existing
water wells in Sawan concession for construction and drilling is not feasible due to long
haul distance.

General
Water from dhands or the Nara canal will not be used.
If a new water well is to be installed, the well will be located 300 m from existing
local wells and will be designed to abstract water preferably from deep aquifer not
being used by local communities.
Water from a local well will only be used after ensuring that the available capacity at
the tube well (safe yield minus local demand) is at least 50% greater than the project
demand. Discharge from the tube well will be regularly monitored to monitor any
changes in the yield of the wells. If a single well fails to meet this requirement, water
will be obtained from multiple wells such that each well meets the above-mentioned
requirement.
For all water obtained from local wells, the owner will paid for the water abstracted
at the market rate.
6-16 JANUARY 2004

The quantity of water used during seismic, drilling and camps construction
operations will be kept to the minimum required by taking prudent water
conservation measures on site.
A complete record of water consumption during seismic, drilling and camps

construction operations will be maintained.
Water required for seismic, drilling and construction of camps operation may be
obtained from local wells (close to Nara canal), existing or new OMV water wells in
the area.
6.5 Noise Pollution

Due to the absence of any industrial activity in the project area there is no permanent
source of noise pollution. Existing sources of noise pollution in the project area are
tractors and vehicles.
6.5.2 Environmental Issue

Sources of noise during seismic, construction and drilling will be generators, vehicles,
drilling rig, and construction equipment and machinery.

Increased noise levels during seismic and drilling activities can be a source of nuisance
for locals and a source of disturbance to wildlife. Noise measurements during OMV’s
previous seismic operations in Miano show that the noise levels from bulldozers, camps,
and vibroseis will attenuate to ambient at 124m, 300m,and 400m respectively from the
source. As the seismic camps will be located at distances greater than 500 m from
communities noise above ambient levels from these areas will not reach communities.
Similarly effects of vehicle noise on communities will also not occur if the access tracks
maintain a reasonable distance from communities.
Similarly monitoring of actual noise levels from drilling rigs and camp sites has shown
that noise during construction and drilling attenuates to ambient levels6 after
approximately 300 m from the camp sites and well site. Noise levels monitored from
different vehicles under different conditions by Halcrow in other drilling operations
show that the noise levels from all vehicles comply with the NEQS level of 85db
@ 7.5 m from the source and reach the ambient noise level in the area at distances
ranging from 40 to 70 m from the source.
6 EIA for Benir Exploratory Well in SPA of Dumbar Block.
6-17 JANUARY 2004


General
The use of horns by project vehicles will be minimised. The use of pressure horns
will not be allowed.
Movement of all project vehicles and personnel will be restricted to within work
areas.
It will be ensured that generators, vehicles and other potentially noisy equipment
used during seismic, drilling and construction operations are in good condition.
Well site, rig camp, seismic camps and construction camps will be located 500 m
away from nearest communities.
6-18 JANUARY 2004

Table 6-1: Meteorological Data For Padidan Station

Months of Year
Details Year
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
Mean Daily Max. Temperature (oC )
1990 24.7 25.2 30.6 38.5 43.7 43.6 42.2 38.3 40.5 36.5 32.0 24.5 35.0
1991 42.3 45.4 41.9 40.5 31.3 25.1
1992 22.4 25.5 29.9 36.9 43.5 47.2 42.1 35.8 37.4 35.0 30.4 25.7 34.3
1993 23.0 28.2 30.6 38.0 44.2 44.2 40.9 39.0 39.3 36.4 25.9
1994 23.5 25.9 34.5 37.5 44.5 43.5 37.6 36.3 35.2 35.2 32.1 24.6 34.2
1995 22.6 26.5 30.5 36.3 43.3 44.3 38.7 38.3 37.7 35.7 31.2 23.8 34.1
1996 22.7 26.8 31.5 39.0 42.3 43.4 40.7 37.6 37.5 35.3 28.4 24.6 34.1
1997 22.5 27.7 24.5 36.1 41.0 41.3 40.6 38.8 38.1 32.7 28.2 23.0 32.9
1998 22.9 26.5 30.7 40.0 43.4 44.2 40.4 40.2 37.5 35.8 31.7 26.6 35.0
Mean 23.0 26.5 30.4 37.8 43.1 44.1 40.6 38.3 37.9 35.3 30.7 24.9 34.2
Mean Daily Min. Temperature (°C)
1990 9.3 9.7 14.5 20.4 25.4 25.4 25.0 24.1 21.9 13.5 9.1 4.6 16.9
1991 12.9 17.6 23.0 24.2 22.5 21.7
1992
1993 8.9 9.9 13.3 19.8 24.6 26.7 27.0 24.3 24.2 17.0 13.3 7.9 18.1
1994 6.1 8.3 14.7 19.3 24.3 26.0 26.9 26.1 23.7 17.4 14.4 8.7 18.0
1995 7.1 9.8 12.6 17.9 23.1 26.6 25.8 24.6 21.7 18.6 11.4 7.5 17.2
1996 4.4 8.4 16.2 20.1 23.2 25.9 26.9 26.1 24.6 18.1 10.8 5.7 17.5
1997 5.5 11.6 7.9
1998 6.2 7.2 13.9 20.8 24.2 28.2 27.9 26.7 24.8 20.3 11.2 7.8 18.3
Mean 6.8 8.9 14.0 19.4 24.0 26.1 26.0 24.8 23.5 17.5 11.7 7.2 17.7
6-19 JANUARY 2004

...Table 6-1, Continued
Months of Year
Details Year
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
Mean Monthly Relative Humidity at 1200 UTC (%)
1990 46.0 47.0 30.0 23.0 27.0 32.0 41.0 55.0 48.0 31.0 38.0 45.0 38.6
1991 37.0 33.0 30.0 26.0 26.0 28.0 39.0 43.0 45.0 32.0 37.0 46.0 35.2
1992 44.0 38.0 34.0 25.0 19.0 23.0 45.0 69.0 52.0 41.0 42.0 47.0 39.9
1993 48.0 42.0 32.0 29.0 27.0 31.0 47.0 53.0 50.0 44.0 49.0 50.0 41.8
1994 43.0 38.0 33.0 23.0 19.0 32.0 58.0 66.0 57.0 36.0 40.0 47.0 41.0
1995 50.0 41.0 30.0 29.0 16.0 25.0 54.0 55.0 52.0 49.0 42.0 50.0 41.1
1996 46.0 43.0 43.0 24.0 26.0 35.0 50.0 56.0 53.0 40.0 39.0 41.0 41.3
1997 41.0 34.0 45.0 32.0 30.0 40.0 46.0 54.0 55.0 57.0 52.0 49.0 44.6
1998 42.0 36.0 35.0 29.0 21.0 27.0 49.0 48.0 50.0 46.0 34.0 43.0 38.3
Mean 44.1 39.1 34.7 26.7 23.4 30.3 47.7 55.4 51.3 41.8 41.4 46.4 40.2
Source: Meteorological Department, Islamabad
6-20 JANUARY 2004

27° 10'
CHUNDKO LEGEND
LATIF BLOCK
SORAH
SU INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY
KK
UR DISTRICTS BOUNDARY
NARA GATE KH
AIR
PU NARA GAME RESERVE
R
NARA DESERT WILDLIFE
SANCTUARY
NARA CANAL
BRIDGES
MITHRAU
GOTH PERENNIAL DHANDS
DRY DHANDS
27°
00' KATHORE DHANDS - SURVEYED
SAKHRIUN SIM
CULTIVATED AREA
ADAN
THARI TAR
DESERT
PAKISTAN
KUKUWARI SIM
RESERVED FOREST
BONWARI SIM NAWAB KHAN
INDIA
RAJAR
KHARAHU TAR FOREST
SAND DUNES
BELHAT
COMMUNITIES
TOKNO
TAJJAL BOG
KHARO KOT TAR
L
NA
CA
RA
TITIHRO TAR
NA
26°
50'
RATANA TAR
DINGRI
TUTHAU TAR
KOR TAR PIARO GAHO
KHARORO TAR Client
MITHNI TAR
1-B Mezzanine Floor Awan Arcade Jinnah
Avenue Blue Area Islamabad.
Tel +92 51 2870223
DAPHRO TAR
Fax +92 51 2870222
26° www.halcrow.com
40'
Project
MAURA TAR EIA FOR EXPLORATION
CHATAHU TAR
SODARO TAR
Drawing
KHEWARI
RAJAR TOPOGRAPHY AND
HABITAT MAP
Drawn by AQ Date: 08-01-2004
Checked by AG Date: 08-01-2004
Authorised by AH Date: 08-01-2004
FIGURE 6-1
26°
30'
Drawing Scale: SEE ABOVE
68° 50' 69° 00' 69° 10' 69° 20' 69° 30' 69° 40'
Figure 6.2: A typical lithological representation of the area
Total
Age Lithology Formation Thickness
PLIO-
CENOZOIC
Siwalik Group
PLEISTOCENE
Total thickness of sediments over basement does not exceed 8,500 meters
Drazinda MB
Pirkoh MB
Kirthar Sirk i MB
EOCENE Hab ib Rah i MB
Sui Up per MB
Ghazij MB
Laki
Sui Mai n MB
Dunghan
PALEOCENE
Ranikot
Pab
Mughalkot
CRETACEOUS Parh
Lower & Upper Goru
MESOZOIC
Sembar
Chiltan
JURASSIC
Shirinab
Wulgai / Alozai
TRIASSIC Tredian
Mianwali
Salt Range - Chhidru

PALEOZOIC (Undifferentiated)
LEGEND
Sand Limestone Marl Salt - Gypsum
Shale / Clay Dolomite Gravel Unconformity
Generalized stratigraphic column of Sukkur Rift Zone.
6-22 JANUARY 2004

Figure 6.3: Mean monthly temperature between years 1991-1998
50
Mean Annual Maximum
45
Mean Annual Minimum
40
35
Temperature (ºC)
30
25
20
15
10
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Month
Figure 6.4: Mean monthly relative humidity between years 1991-1998
60
56
52
48
Humidity (%)
44
40
36
32
28
24
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
6-23 JANUARY 2004

27° 10'
CHUNDKO LEGEND
LATIF BLOCK
SORAH
SU INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY
R
NO
KK
MI
H
RA
UR
SO
NARA GATE KH NARA GAME RESERVE

AIR
PU NARA DESERT WILDLIFE
R SANCTUARY
NARA CANAL
MINOR
QADES
KIRCHAN
BRIDGES
DHAND
DODO DHAND PERENNIAL DHANDS
OR
MIN
AZ
DRY DHANDS
MT
MU
DANDI WARI
DHAND
DHANDS - SURVEYED
27°
00' ARI DRAINAGE & IRRIGATION
KATHORE LAIW
SAKHRIUN SIM
CHANELS
ADAN NULLAH
LAI WA
MINOR
TUBEWELLS - PRESENT
RI
THARI TAR
STUDY
PAKISTAN
BONWARI SIM
KUKUWARI SIM
TUBEWELLS
NAWAB KHAN
INDIA
RAJAR
KHARAHU TAR OPEN DUG WELLS
TANKAS
OR
L MIN
SIMNOWAHID JAGIR DHAND

HAND PUMPS
TAJJA
DHAND
TAJJAL
CULTIVATED AREA
KHARO KOT TAR
DESERT
SAND DUNES
TITIHRO TAR
26° COMMUNITIES
50'
RATANA TAR
DINGRI
TUTHAU TAR
PIARO GAHO
KOR TAR
CC-WW
KHARORO TAR Client
MITHNI TAR
1-B Mezzanine Floor Awan Arcade Jinnah
Avenue Blue Area Islamabad.
Tel +92 51 2870223
DAPHRO TAR
Fax +92 51 2870222
26° www.halcrow.com
40'
Project
MAURA TAR EIA FOR EXPLORATION
CHATAHU TAR
SODARO TAR
Drawing
KHEWARI
RAJAR WATER RESOURCES MAP
Drawn by AQ Date: 08-01-2004
Checked by AG Date: 08-01-2004
Authorised by AH Date: 08-01-2004
FIGURE 6-5
26°
30'
Drawing Scale: SEE ABOVE
68° 50' 69° 00' 69° 10' 69° 20' 69° 30' 69° 40'
Figure 6.6: Nara canal discharge (1990-2000)
450
1990-91
400
1991-92
350
1992-93
300
1993-94
250 1994-95
200 1995-96
Discharge (m3/s)
1996-97
150
1997-98
100
1998-99
50
1999-00
0
Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar
Period
Source: WRMD WAPDA
6-25 JANUARY 2004

Figure 6.7: Interpreted lithological column at Tajjal
0 Fine sand
Surficial material
-20
Medium sand
-40
-60
Sand with
brackish water Compact
---------DEPTH(m)-------->>
Limestone
-80
Compact Shale
-100
ERS-1 ERS-2 ERS-3 ERS-4
6-26 JANUARY 2004

Figure 6.8: Interpreted lithological column at Sorah

(Closs-section along Nara Canal, Sorah)
0
Fine sand
Surficial material
-20
Medium
sand
-40
Sand containing
saline groundwater
Sand with brackish water

-60
---------DEPTH (m)-------->>
-80
-100
ERS-5 ERS-6 ERS-7 ERS-8
6-27 JANUARY 2004

Typical habitats of the project area
Photograph 6-1: Typical desert habitat occupying Photograph 6-2: An aerial view of typical dry tar in the
approximately 90% of the project area project area
Photograph 6-3: A view of soft sand dunes with zones Photograph 6-4: Marshy area along Nara canal which flanks
of probable quick sand the western portion of the project area
Photograph 6-5:A view of Nara Canal located in the western Photograph 6-6: Agriculture fields only found near the Nara
portion of the project area canal
6-28 JANUARY 2004

Water resources in the project area
Photograph 6-7: A tube well in located in the close vicinity Photograph 6-8: Hand pump-A source of drinking water in
of the Nara Canal the desert habitat
Photograph 6-9: Dodewari channel -To irrigate agriculture Photograph 6-10: An open dug well in the Desert habitat
land
Photograph 6-11: Tanka-Used to store water in the desert Photograph 6-12: Transportation of sweet water from far
area away wells to be used for domestic used in the desert area
6-29 JANUARY 2004

7 Biological Environment
7.1 General
The project area lies within the Nara Game Reserve (NGR) and the Nara Desert Wildlife
Sanctuary (NDWS). These areas are protected under the Sindh Wildlife Ordinance, 1972.
The boundaries of the two protected areas are shown in Figure 1.2.
Nara Game Reserve (NGR)
The project area (approximately 7%) lies in the NGR. The game reserve was established
in 19627. The game reserve located in Khairpur district of Sindh province is a repository
to a number of wildlife species some of which are protected under SWPO and included
in the IUCN Red List. A variety of wetlands and associated waterfowls are a key feature
of the game reserve. Marsh Crocodiles and Hog Deer are the key species of the project
area that lies within the NGR. The game reserve occupies an area of approximately
109,966 hectares and extends approximately 4 to 5 km on either side of the Nara canal
from a village called Phariaro in the north to Jamrao headwork’s in the south. The
project area occupies approximately 10 % of the total area of the game reserve.
Nara Desert Wildlife Sanctuary (NDWS)
Major portion of the project area (approximately 88 %) lies in the NDWS. The
remaining portion of the project area (approximately 5%) is located outside the NGR
and NDWS boundaries. The NDWS was established in 19808. The sanctuary constitutes
part of the Thar Desert. The Thar covers an area of 368,000 km2, spanning a vast area
along the border between India and Pakistan (Chaudhry et al 1997). The habitats of local
fauna are greatly influenced by the proximity of the Thar and Rajasthan deserts. A variety
of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians have been reported from this region
(Roberts, 1997, 1991, and 1992; Minton, 1966; Mirza, 1998; PMNH, 1997). Up to 390
animal species have been identified in the Thar Desert (Khan, 1997). Key wildlife species
of the project area in NDWS are Chinkara and Houbara Bustard. Overgrazing by
livestock has adversely affected plant succession by altering species composition and
abundance. The transformation of the desert into irrigated agricultural fields due to an
expanding irrigation network has altered its biodiversity, and consequently, typical
desert-adapted, endemic mammals and birds are vanishing and being replaced by human-
dependent mesic species. The project area occupies approximately 18.6 % of the total
area of the NDWS.
7, 8 Protected Area Management Project: Pakistan Protected Area List, Guidelines for Sensitive and Critical Areas, Pakistan
Environmental Assessment Procedures, 1997.
7-1 JANUARY 2004

Biological Environment EIA for Exploration Activities in Latif Block
7.1.1 Data Sources

The EIA has gathered data from both secondary and primary sources. Primary field data
for this EIA was collected by a team of wildlife specialists and botanists. The faunal field
data collection included line transects, incidental sightings and plot searches for
ungulates, carnivores, birds, reptiles and small mammals. The vegetation surveys were
carried out by laying 30ft by 30 ft quadrates within the study area. The field survey
methodologies followed scientifically established and accepted wildlife and vegetation
survey techniques
Primary data for flora and fauna was collected at different sampling locations within the
project area. The sampling locations were randomly selected, ensuring that sufficient
locations are sampled for each habitat and the maximum number of species belonging to
each habitat is identified.
The secondary data was also collected which provides a detailed insight into the
biological environment of the area. These include works by Haglar Bailly Pakistan, and
Halcrow Pakistan in NDWS and NGR. Other studies include works of Roberts (1967)
and Schaller (1977). Information on other secondary data sources consulted during the
EIA study is provided in the references section of the EIA report.
7.1.2 Habitats
Five main habitats within the project area include the desert, Nara canal and marginal
marshlands, agricultural lands, wetlands / dhands, and forests.
Description of these habitats along with the floral and fauna attributes is provided
below.
a. Desert
This habitat constitutes approximately 90% of the total area that lies within Latif block.
The accumulation of sand in huge mass in the form of a hill is known as sand
dune/ridges. Dune has crest; the topmost portion, swale (flank); the middle portion and
foot; the base of the dune. The area between two successive dunes is called inter-dunal
valley. The dunes are of two major types either stabilized or un-stabilized one. The un-
stabilized dune is a movable heaps of sand, not really fixed on the ground but can be
moved with the wind direction. It lacks vegetation, whereas, the stabilized dunes are
characterized by some mixed population of plant species.
These sand dunes lie in the north-south direction with the interdunal valleys. The sand
dunes rise to a mean elevation of 30 m in the eastern and south eastern fringes of the
project area, where as in areas close to the Nara Canal the height reduces to 10 m.
Hummocks were observed at various locations of the project area. The hammocks are
formed when sand gets trapped around a perennial tree or shrub growing over the top of
the sand dunes (crest) or its sides (slopes).
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The vegetation in the area is typical of arid and semi-arid climate consisting of xerophytic
species adapted to high seasonal temperatures, low humidity, moisture fluctuations and a
wide variety of edaphic conditions. The vegetation also responds well to favourable
conditions (such as events of rainfalls) where a large number of ephemerals grow.
Due to long dry spells in the area herbaceous communities and ephemeral species do not
emerge every year. Such species respond quickly to rainfall and emerge with the first
shower, grow instantly, produce seeds and complete their life cycle in a span of 7 to 8
weeks. Otherwise, their seeds remain dormant throughout the dry period.
The vegetation in the area is sparse consisting mainly of stunted, thorny or prickly shrubs
and perennial herbs capable of drought resistance. Calligonium polygonoides, Aerva javanica,
Salvadora oleoides, Aristida adscensionis Crotalaria burhia, and Leptadenia pyrotechnica are the
common species in the area. Trees including Salvadora oleoides, Prosopis cineraria, Capparis
decidua are few and scattered. Vegetation within the valleys is distinctively different from
that on the sand dunes. Mixed community of trees such as Salvadora oleoides and Capparis
decidua can be found in the valleys besides patches of shrubs such as Aerva javanica and
Calligonium polygonoides.
The desert supports the livelihood of pastoralists that graze livestock. Small scattered
settlements of these pastoralists can be observed in the desert. Livestock grazing and
continual periods of prolonged drought effect the distribution and type of flora and
fauna within this habitat.
Indian gazelle or chinkara reported to be once common in the area is now almost extinct
due to increasing human interference and hunting. However fresh foot prints and faecal
pellets were observed at one location during the current survey. The area is also a
wintering ground for Houbara bustard and different raptor species. The habitat also
supports a fare population of Common red fox and Desert cat. Gerbils, jirds and a
variety of rodents, snakes and lizards are common in the area and provide food for
carnivores and raptor species.
b. Nara Canal and Marginal Marshlands
The Nara Canal meanders through the western fringes of the project area supplying
water to the agricultural lands. The canal is flanked by reed vegetation on both sides
within water logged areas or marshlands. The area has dense growth of hydrophytic
plants including Typha elephantine, Typha domingensis, Saccharum bengalensis, Desmostachya
bipinnata and Saccharum spontaneum. The Sacharum spp. and other reed vegetation like Typha
are used by locals for making mats and ropes.
This habitat is greatly influenced with the flow of Nara canal and marginal lands during
high flow, also become submerged under the seepage water of canal and covered with
similar thick vegetation. The avian species include Black partridge, Common myna, Bank
myna, Common babbler, Indian robin, Collared dove, Crow pheasant and White-
7-3 JANUARY 2004

cheeked bulbul, which are widespread in such areas. The thick vegetation provides
shelter to a number of mammalian species which include very thin scattered population
of Hog deer, very common Wild boar along the Nara canal. Marsh crocodile also
occupies this habitat but in very small number.
c. Wetlands/Dhands.
There are a number of perennial and non-perennial dhands in areas adjacent to the Nara
canal due to seepage from canal water. During recent EIA site visit only two perennial
wetlands/dhands namely Jagir Dhand and Dangi Wari Dhand located within 1km of the
project area boundary were surveyed. No perennial wetland/dhand located within the
project area was identified during recent surveys. However, the presence of
wetlands/dhands in the project area cannot be ruled out. Saccharum spontaneum, Tamarix
indica, Typha domingensis and Typha elephantine are common vegetation species in such
habitat.
The wetlands/ dhands located adjacent to the Nara Canal (located outside the project
area) support a good population of waterfowls. Some of these dhands are also known to
contain Marsh crocodiles and Smooth-coated otter. These dhands are wintering ground
for migratory waterfowl with variety of ducks and wader species. In addition to the
migratory birds, such areas are habitat for resident birds associated with wetlands. The
resident species of such areas are Indian moorhen, Purple moorhen, Crow pheasant,
Cattle egret, Red wattled lapwing and Little grebe.
d. Agricultural Lands
This habitat flanks the western side of the project area and at the outermost boundaries
intermingles with the desert habitat. Agricultural lands lie in the same topographical
regime; however, they have been physically modified by agricultural activities. This part
of the area can be clearly differentiated from surrounding desert environment. The land
has been levelled to allow for cultivation of crops and flow of irrigation water.
Mostly weed species are found in the cultivated fields in addition to cultivated crops.
Besides the weed species, anthropocor plant species like Acacia nilotica, Dalbergia sisso are
scattered around the edges of the agricultural fields, these species are introduced by the
farmers for their use in daily life. Common plant species of this habitat include Acacia
Senegal, Calotropis procera, Cynodon dactylon, Desmostachya bipinnata and Cyperus rotundus.
This habitat is least important from wildlife point of view. However wildlife species
associated with human settlement can be seen in such areas. Grey partridges can be seen
very close to dunes visiting agriculture areas for feeding. Similarly, Common Babbler and
Common myna are seen in abundance in addition to House crow and sparrows. Indian
roller, Collard dove and Little brown dove are also commonly seen roosting on power
lines close to human habitations. Asiatic jackal and foxes visit these areas during night
7-4 JANUARY 2004

for predation on domestic fowl and to feed on food refuse. Similarly Wild boar visits
agriculture areas during night and keeps hidden in thickets and Typha during day hours.
e. Forests
Rain irrigated plantation (forest) located in the north-western section of the project area
approximately 1 km from Manjiaro Goth in Manijiaro Tar was identified during recent
EIA site visit. This forest is located in an interdunal valley and covers an area of
approximately 1.2 sq km and is irrigated by rainwater. No other forests located within
the project area were identified during recent surveys however, the possibility of other
rain irrigated plantations in the project area cannot be ruled out.
Additionally, an irrigated plantation Balhat declared as reserved forest under the Forest
Act, 1927 is also located at approximately 0.9 km away from the south eastern boundary
of the project area. There is no notified reserved forest within the project area. Common
floral species found in this habitat include Prosopis cineraria, Tamarix spp, Dactyloctenium
aegyptium, Dipterygium glaucum, Capparis deciduas, Prosopis cineraria Salvadora oleoides and
Saccharum spp. Other than the above-mentioned forests, the existence of other forests in
the area cannot be ruled out. Some of the forest department land in the area along the
Nara canal has been encroached and occupied by the locals for agricultural purposes.
Faunal species common to this habitat are Common myna, Jungle babbler, Red-vented
bulbul, White cheeked bulbul and House crow. Wild boar also takes refuge in such areas
in addition to Asiatic jackal and Porcupine. The presence of very thin population of Hog
deer can also be expected as such dense vegetative areas which provide shelter to them.
7.2 Flora

A major portion of the project area lies within the Nara desert. The Nara desert is a part
of the Thar Desert, which spans a vast area along the Pakistan-India border. The rest of
the project area located in the western side of the block is occupied by the Nara canal
and agricultural land. Ecologically the area is a part of the tropical thorn forest ecozone.
The area is characterized by low rainfall, high summer temperatures, high velocity winds,
poor soil and low diversity of plant species. This type of climatic conditions hardly
supports any appreciable vegetation. Hence, the vegetation is sparse and mainly consists
of stunted or thorny shrubs and perennial herbs capable to sustain harsh climatic
conditions in both the seasons. Ephemeral vegetation appears during rainy season,
completing their life cycle before summer approaches.
Plant communities in the area are faced with the threats of livestock grazing in the
desert. In general the native vegetation is xerophytic and sparse. However there are few
patches of dense vegetation in flat areas between dunes. Most of the rainfall is confined
to the summer monsoon period and is also scanty and meagre. The area was in the grip
7-5 JANUARY 2004

of severe drought from 1997 to 2001. Consequently, plant growth is slow and recovery is
protracted. Due to climate factors most species complete their life cycle during the rainy
season. Most species of shrubs also flower and set seeds during the same period. Plant
shed there leaves in winter and remain leafless during most of the year. Most shrubs
branch profusely into dome shaped structures to reduce water losses and help maintain a
relatively lower temperature inside the domes.
Few publications exist on the vegetation of the Nara desert and other ecologically similar
areas and have been discussed in HBP February 2002. These include work by Arshad
and Rao (1994), Ansari et al (1993), Rajput et al (1991), and Bhatti et al (19989-2000).
Ansari et al (1993) reported a total of 80 plant species from 34 families and 35 medicinal
plants from 23 families from the Khairpur district.
During field work for the EIA, 44 plant species belonging to 20 families were identified
at 27 locations sampled in main habitats within the project area. Table 7.1 provides a list
of the floral species observed during recent EIA site visit in the five major habitats of the
project area.
The species found in the project area which are of importance in terms of medicinal and
economical use include Aerva javanica, Capparis deciduas, Desmostachya bipinnata, Salvadora
oleoides and Typha elephantine. Table 7.2 represents the plant species along with their
medicinal and economical use.
No endemic or rare species exist within the project area. All species have a wide range of
distribution. Prosopis cineraria, however, can be considered to be threatened due to illegal
cutting on a large scale. Some representative photographs of the flora in the project area
is shown in Photograph 7-1 to 7-6.

Loss of vegetation can occur during the seismic and drilling operations due to clearing of
land along seismic lines in the desert; well site and camp site area, and access tracks (new
tracks prepared during seismic operation and the track prepared to access the well site
locations).

Existing sources of disturbance to vegetation include clearing of land for agricultural
fields; livestock grazing; chopping of trees for fuel and construction material; and
encroachment into natural or planted forest by locals.
Since the well site and campsite for drilling operation occupy small areas, clearing of
vegetation for these facilities will only have minimal impacts on vegetation. Mitigation
measures recommended for selection of well and campsites and alignment of the access
road will further ensure that the impacts are minimized.
7-6 JANUARY 2004

During seismic vegetation clearing will only be done in the desert, which constitutes
approximately 90% of the project area for the movement of vibroseis. Due to sparse
vegetation cover significant clearing may not be involved, however, dense patches of
vegetation wherever encountered along the seismic line will be avoided to the extent
possible. In agricultural lands vegetation clearing will not be required. Camp site for
seismic operation will be located in existing clearings and development of new tracks will
be avoided as much as possible. Impacts on vegetation due to dust emissions arising
from road travel or movement of crew personnel on seismic lines where shot and deep
holes will be drilled will be minimised by adopting the mitigation measures
recommended in the EIA.

a. General
The camp site areas will be kept to the minimum required.
Camps will be located in existing clearings
Clearing of trees will be avoided.

Use of local vegetation/wood as fuel by crew personnel will be prohibited.
Dust emissions on access tracks will be reduced by keeping speed limits below 40
km/hr.
Camp site(s) will avoid areas of dense vegetation as much as possible.
Access tracks will be avoided from passing through patches of dense vegetation
Clearing of dense patches of vegetation in desert will be avoided.

b. Seismic
During seismic operation clearing of vegetation will be minimized by minimizing the
width of the vibroseis tracks, minimizing the preparation of new access tracks, and
keeping the width of new access tracks to the minimum required.
Crew personnel while working along seismic lines will concentrate within a corridor
of 3m.
Earthen pits for preparation and disposal of bentonite mud and drill cuttings will be
located in an area where minimum vegetation clearing is involved.
c. Drilling
The well site will be kept to the minimum required.
The well site location will avoid areas of dense vegetation as much as possible.
The access road to the well site will be aligned to minimize dense patches of
vegetation and will use existing tracks as much as possible.
7-7 JANUARY 2004

7.3 Fauna

a. Birds
The project area is a blend of different habitats and supports a variety of avifauna; both
resident and migratory. The seasonal / perennial wetlands (located within or close
vicinity of the project area) are habitat for a number of migratory birds in addition to
resident species. The desert area is supplemented with the migratory birds during the
winter season and with typical desert oriented species. The agricultural fields at the fringe
of desert habitat provide food and shelter to a number of species, which have adapted
with the human settlements. From the avian species, Houbara bustard is regarded as the
key specie of the project area.
In addition to above-mentioned species, three avian species; Black and Grey partridges,
Sindh pied woodpecker and Mallard may be categorized as species of interest. The
partridges are resident birds and are widely hunted both legally and illegally. Similarly the
Mallard, which is a migratory duck, is widely hunted by the game shooters. Because of
excessive hunting, status of the two is on decline and needs attention. Sindh pied
woodpecker, a resident bird although not hunted but facing habitat loss and affected by
the use of pesticides.
A total of 73 bird species were observed in and in close vicinity of the project area. Of
the total bird species observed, 33 are migratory while the rest 40 are resident. 30 species
are abundant to the area, 33 are common, 4 are less common and 6 are rare.
A list of birds observed in the project area is shown in Table 7.3.
The common birds of the project area are Black drongo, Blue rock pigeon, Cattle egret,
Common babbler, Common moorhen, Common and Bank myna, Crested lark, Desert
warbler, Great grey shrike, Hoopoe, House crow, House sparrow, Indian roller,
Common egret, White breasted kingfisher, Rose-ringed parakeet and Pond heron.
Less common and rare birds include, Common snipe, Eurasian sparrow hawk, redshank,
Hume’s wheatear, Common redstart, Dusky crag martin, Lesser Grey shrike, Black
partridge, Black kite, Indian nightjar, and Spotted little owl, while the rare species
observed are Houbara bustard and Merlin.
Migratory birds include different species of ducks including Mallard., Shoveler, Common
pochard, Common teal and Eurasian wigeon, and Coot, Blue throat, Ruff and Houbara
bustard.
In the desert area, the most important and ecologically important bird is Houbara
bustard. Houbara has an economical value as it is of great interest for the Arab falconers
who regularly visit these areas during winter season.
7-8 JANUARY 2004

Brief description of a few bird species that are of interest is provided below. Detailed
discussion on Houbara bustard, which is also key specie, is provided in section 7.3.3.
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Mallard is a large size migratory duck. Its male is handsomely patterned with dark bottle
green head and neck, and maroon breast divided from the dark green neck by a narrow
white ring. Body length is 50-65 cms while wingspan is 81-98 cms. The female is with
dark brown crown and line through the eye. It is widespread species form Great Lakes
region of Canada westward to Alaska and across Russia to Western Europe. It is a winter
migrant to Pakistan. The first arrival of migratory flocks has been noted in Balochistan
and reach Sindh in mid October. They are seen all over Pakistan but sometime in rather
patchy distribution. It is included in Appendix II of CMS. During fieldwork for this EIA,
8 Mallard were recorded from the Dangi Wari Dhand, which is located approximately
1km outside the western boundary of the project area.
Sindh Pied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos assimilis)
This is a slightly smaller woodpecker than the very similar Himalayan Pied Woodpecker.
The body length is 22 cms and wing length is 11-12 cms. In the male, the immediate
forecrown is white. The crown is crimson streaked. The hind neck, mantle, the upper-tail
coverts are black. The throat and breast is rather a dingy white. This is a resident species
occurring from extreme south-eastern Iran, through Balochistan and parts of Sindh and
Punjab. Breeding season is February-April and nesting is done in tree holes. The normal
clutch size is 3 to 4 eggs. Incubation lasts 15-16 days and done mostly by female. During
fieldwork for this EIA, this species was recorded only from one location within the
project area.
Grey Partridge or Grey Francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus)
Grey partridge is slightly smaller in size and its body length is 33-35 cms. Both sexes are
alike in plumage, being grey brown and chestnut on the upper parts of the body. The
breast and belly are buff with fine irregular cross barring. This species is much adapted
to arid conditions as compared to Black partridge. These are more widely and evenly
distributed throughout the Indus plains, penetrating into major desert tracts as well as
the arid broken foothill country to the west of Indus. It is distributed throughout Punjab,
Sindh and major parts of N.W.F.P and Balochistan but up to moderate heights. In spite
of constant pressure of hunting and netting, this hardy bird is surviving in the proximity
to man. They form monogamous pair bond and breeds during March to April. Few pairs
also nest during September and October after monsoon rains. Clutch size is up to 9 with
incubation period of 18-19 days. During fieldwork for the EIA, Grey partridges were
sighted at four different locations.
Black Partridge (Francolinus francolinus)
Black partridge is a famous game bird slightly larger than the Grey partridge. Its body
length is 33-36 cms. The males are handsomely patterned being jet black on the lower
7-9 JANUARY 2004

part of the head except for the white patch on the ear coverts and having the whole of
the breast black. The wings are rufous buff with darker cross barrings on the flight
feathers. The females are ten percent smaller and more cryptically coloured with crown
and back rufous buff. Juveniles are like females. Black partridge is a resident specie,
frequently found in Sindh and Punjab. Relict populations survive around irrigated forest
plantations in the Punjab (Lal Sohanran, Bahawalpur, Pirwala, Khanewal) and the
riverain forest regions in Sindh including Nara canal. Also found in Lasbela and Margalla
Hills. They can occur sympatric with the Grey partridges. The breeding season starts
with the spring when males start calling. Normal clutch size is 5 to 7 eggs with maximum
9. Incubation period is 18 to 19 days. During fieldwork for the EIA, no direct sighting of
Black partridge was made. However, the portion of Nara canal in the project area is
excellent habitat for it and its presence may be ascertained with the start of spring when
the males will start calling.
b. Mammals
In comparison, the status of mammalian species (in terms of presence and abundance) in
the project area is poor. Only 13 species have been observed during the EIA field visit,
out of which 10 are commonly found in the area. These include Asiatic jackal, Desert
cat, Five-striped palm squirrel, Indian desert jird, Indian fox, Indian gerbil, Long-eared
Hedgehog, Porcupine, Red fox, House mouse and Small Indian mongoose. Wild boar
and hog deer may also be present in areas close to Nara canal as the thick vegetation
along the Nara canal and plantations are their preferred habitat. Although, no direct
sighting of these two species was made during the recent field visit, their presence has
been reported during the baseline environmental study for Nara Game Reserve. Fresh
footprints and dropping of Chinkara were recorded in the desert (central part of the
project area). Chinkara is selected as key specie of the NDWS. Small mammals and
rodents are abundant as was noticed by their burrow system and as these species are a
main source of food for raptors and carnivore species. A complete list of the mammalian
species observed in the project area can be seen in Table 7.4.
Brief description of important mammal species and their distribution in the project area
is provided below. Detailed discussion on two key mammalian species, the Hog deer and
Chinkara is provided in section 7.3.3.
Asiatic Jackal
The Asiatic jackal is a common specie distributed throughout Pakistan (Roberts, 1997).
It is included in Appendix III of CITES. It is well adapted to dry, open country and
particularly frequents rural villages and smaller towns attracted by refuse and garbage
(Roberts, 1997). Bulk of their food comprises rodents (principally gerbils and jirds) and
reptiles supplemented by insects and refuse (Schaller, 1977). They normally hunt singly,
but are social in habits and invariably call to each other as they emerge in the evening.
They are not particularly afraid of man. Breeding usually occurs in the spring and
7-10 JANUARY 2004

summer months (Roberts, 1997). The gestation period is known to be normally sixty-
three days (Naaktgeboren, 1968). Male jackals regularly scent their territory by depositing
urine on conspicuous bushes and grass clumps (Roberts, 1997). During fieldwork for the
EIA, footprints and scats of this specie were recorded from 3 locations within the
project area.
Common Red Fox
The common red fox and its subspecies are widely distributed throughout Pakistan
found in any type of open country (Schaller, 1977; Roberts, 1997). This species lives
singly and is not social in its hunting habits (Roberts, 1997). They are largely nocturnal
and feed on hares, rodents, reptiles and occasionally small birds, insects and fruits
(Schaller, 1977; Roberts, 1997). They breed only once a year (Roberts, 1997). Male foxes
mark their territory by urinating on bushes (Roberts, 1997). They are hunted for their
skin and included in Appendix III of the CITES. During fieldwork for the EIA, 3 direct
sightings of 5 animals were made. Other than this footprints of Red fox were recorded
from 25 locations within the project area.
Indian Desert Cat
The Indian desert cat is comparatively rare and local in distribution in Pakistan, however,
relatively common in Thatta, Tharparkar, Dadu and Larkana districts of Sindh. It is
adapted to semi-desert regions and areas of barren low hills. It shelters by burrowing and
feeds on rodents, reptiles and insects. Dens are often excavated under bushes growing
on mounds and commonly have three openings. In Sindh they are capable of breeding
throughout the year. Females alone care and feed the young and are fiercely territorial
against other cats (Roberts, 1997). The Indian desert cat is included in Appendix II of
CITES. During fieldwork for this EIA, footprints were recorded from 2 locations within
the project area.
Black Napped Hare
The black napped hare is found mostly in croplands, sandy hilly deserts ascending into
low rocky hills, and uncultivated tracts of riverain zones with grassy habitats mostly
Sacchraum sp. It occurs through out Sindh, Lasbela and Sibi Plains and desert regions of
Cholistan. Intensive increase in agricultural cultivations has declined its population
during the past two to three decades. Major threats to this species include reduced
habitat and increased hunting pressure (Roberts, 1997). Breeding season is October to
February. Males were found to be in reproductive condition throughout the year but the
females produce young only during the spring and summer months (Roberts, 1997).
During fieldwork for this EIA, footprints and droppings of this species were recorded at
16 locations within the project area.
Indian Porcupine
The Indian porcupine is remarkably adaptable ecologically, and is found in most parts of
Pakistan. It is a serious pest of forests and agricultural crops. Nocturnal in habit and a
7-11 JANUARY 2004

very cautious and shy rodent. Porcupine, dig their own underground burrows which are
normally deep with numerous side entrances. Female normally excavate separate
burrows. Male often share the burrows with them when young are born. Breeds twice a
year between March to December (Roberts, 1997). During fieldwork for this EIA,
footprints and droppings of this species were recorded at 14 locations and one direct
sighting was made.
c. Reptiles and Amphibians
A total of 10 reptile species have been recorded from the project area. The desert
provides a favorable habitat for many reptile species especially the Indian sand swimmer.
The Fringe toed sand lizard, Indian sand swimmer and Common ground agama are
commonly found in the desert habitat. The desert monitor inhabits mostly the desert
areas while the Indian monitor was found abundantly in areas close to the Nara canal.
Indian spiny-tailed lizard inhabits the inter-dunal flats and is of medicinal value. This
reptile which has been included in CITES Appendix II and protected under the Sindh
Wildlife Ordinance is on decline due to excessive capturing for traditional medicinal use.
A list of reptiles observed during the field visit is mentioned in Table 7.5. The most
important snake species in the area is the Saw-scaled viper. This is a highly poisonous
snake and is distributed throughout Pakistan. The size reached by this species in the
Nara desert is larger than in other parts of Pakistan (HBP February, 2002). All of the
afore-mentioned reptile species have economical value in that they are hunted for their
skin or fat, which is used for medicinal purposes.
Marsh crocodile is a key specie of the area is wide spread along the Nara canal but very
thin in number. Marsh crocodile is discussed in section 7.3.3. Some representative
photographs of the fauna in the project area are shown in Photograph 7-7 to 7-18.

During the seismic and drilling operations there will be possible disturbance to
mammals, birds, and reptiles due to loss of habitat (food and forage), due to clearing for
seismic lines, access tracks, well site and camp sites. Wildlife may also be disturbed due
to sensory disturbance from drilling operation; movement of vehicles and crew
personnel; location and operation of camps; data acquisition activities for shot holes,
upholes and vibroseis (including drilling of deep holes and upholes, shooting and
recording, and site restoration). This can possibly result in changes in distribution and
abundance.

a. General
Existing sources of disturbance include agriculture in areas along the Nara canal, hunting
and livestock grazing in the desert.
7-12 JANUARY 2004

The project can have two types of impacts on habitat and wildlife within the NGR and
NDWS. The first is the loss of habitat due to clearing of land and vegetation and the
other is sensory disturbance to wildlife species due to the physical presence of people,
vehicles and equipment.
Since the well site and campsite for drilling operation occupy small areas, the loss of
habitat due to these facilities will not be significant. Mitigation measures recommended
for selection of well and campsites and alignment of the access road will further ensure
that the impacts are minimized.
Loss of habitat due to clearing of seismic lines within the desert will be minimized by
minimizing clearing of vegetation. Camp site/s for seismic will be located in existing
clearings and development of new tracks will be avoided as much as possible. No
significant clearing will be involved in agricultural lands and in areas along the Nara canal
and hence loss of habitat in these areas will be minimal.
During seismic operation, except for the seismic camp all other sources of disturbance
will be temporary at a given location and concentrated only along the seismic lines and
the access tracks. The activities on seismic lines and access tracks will be carried out in
series, one line after the other or at the most two lines at a time. This will provide relief
areas to wildlife species affected by noise or human presence. Within agricultural lands
and in areas close to the Nara canal where wildlife has habituated to human presence and
disturbance, impacts due to seismic operation will not be significant or long term. The
seismic camps will be selected in a wildlife non-sensitive area to minimize any impacts of
its operation on the wildlife.
The effect of the drilling operation on wildlife can be more prolonged but less wide
spread and concentrated only along a single track, the well site and the camp site. Past
monitoring has shown that zones of acoustic disturbance around the well site and camp
sites are no greater than 300 m in radius.
In terms of habitats, the agricultural lands and the Nara canal will be least affected. No
activity will be undertaken within the canal. Seismic activities in the agricultural lands will
be carried out through deephole technology. Impacts on Wetlands/dhands found in the
project area will be reduced by minimizing the duration of seismic activities in the
vicinity of the dhands, by locating well site at least 200 m from dhands, and camp sites at
least 500 m from dhands. In terms of wildlife species, previous studies have shown the
effect of sensory disturbance during oil and gas exploration projects on small mammals,
reptiles and birds to be insignificant. This statement may not be true for birds if the well
sites and camp sites located are close to main dhands for which reason it is
recommended that well site and camp sites should be located 200m and 500m from
nearest dhands. Carnivores have a large home range and therefore disturbance during
7-13 JANUARY 2004

seismic and drilling may only result in short term displacement from the immediate work
areas which will not having any impact on the survival of the species.
b. Impacts on Key Species
Hog deer - Hog deer (Axis porcinus) is a smaller sized deer in comparison to other
species of family Cervidae like Swamp deer and Kashmir stag. Hog Deer are confined to
riverain forests in the Indus plains especially in the districts Sukkur, Larkana, Nawabshah
and Hyderabad. In Punjab, it is found along the river Indus in districts of Layyah,
Muzaffargarh, D.G. Khan, Sialkot (Bajwat) and Rajanpur. Its habitat is being destroyed
due to control of floods, reduction in water flow and clearing of river bellas for
agriculture extension. Because of its declining trend, this species has been declared
protected by the provinces and also listed in 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
as lower risk but not threatened. Hog deer being a non social animal, is found in solitary
conditions. Due to its shyness it usually feed during the night. Hog Deer are excellent
swimmers and this ability saves them from floods and also helps them in their dispersal.
Like other true deer they shed their antlers from January till early April. Females are
comparatively smaller in size and lack horns. The rutting starts from August and extends
up to October. The female give birth to one or two fawns after a gestation period of
about eight months. The fawns are concealed in grass thickets for several days to save
them from jackals and other carnivores. During the field visit for the EIA direct sighting
or other signs of its presence was not reported. However this specie has been reported
(during the site survey for the baseline environmental study for NGR) from the project
area that lies within the NGR.
The main hog deer habitat within the within the project area runs along the Nara canal. .
It is possible that a few seismic lines may pass through this habitat. In this section shot
hole or deep hole using dynamite shall be planned for data acquisition. Provided that the
seismic operation does not overlap significantly with the rutting or lambing period of
Hog deer and that data acquisition within the 1 km width takes only a few days the
impacts of the seismic operations on Hog deer may not be significant. However,
development of a well site and access road will involve significant clearing the thick
vegetation in the area. Since the well drilling operation is a comparatively longer
operation and has a larger zone of acoustic disturbance, drilling of exploration/appraisal
wells in this area should be avoided as much as possible.
Marsh Crocodile - The Marsh crocodile is listed as vulnerable in the 2000 IUCN Red
List of Threatened Species. It is protected in all the provinces under the provincial
wildlife acts/ordinances. This species has a high demand throughout the world because
of its economic importance. Due to its over-exploitation in the past, and habitat loss it is
facing a threat of extinction. Very little information is available on the distribution and
status of marsh crocodile in the country. But it has definitely got extinct from Punjab
and North West Frontier Province (NWFP). In Sindh the districts of Nawabshah,
7-14 JANUARY 2004

Khairpur, and Sanghar and especially the Nara canal and Chotiari area are its last
stronghold. In Balochistan, Narri Nadi (Sibbi), Titian Nadi (Lasbella), Hingol and Dasht
rivers and Hub Dam are its habitat. The nesting season starts from March to April.
Incubation is about 41-45 days. Female (Dharmakumarsinji 1947) and at least a few
males (Lang et al. 1986) guard the nests during the incubation period. Both parents
defend the hatchling for a period of at least 6 months (Lang 1986, Lang et al. 1986).
Within the project area Marsh crocodile has been reported (HPK 2002). Direct sighting
of the specie was also made during the EIA field visit.
Marsh Crocodile habitat is also confined to the main Nara canal that lies within the
project area. A minimum distance of 100 meters (recomended by the EIA) will be
maintained between the project facilities and the Nara Canal to avoid any disturbance to
this specie.
Chinkara - Chinkara is a very adaptable animal and can be found in extensive sand dune
areas down to sea level as well as in stony plateaus and low hilly regions up to 1,500 m
elevation (Rahmani, 1990; Roberts, 1997). The chinkara is severely reduced in numbers
in the desert regions all along the eastern border of Pakistan, however, due to its
widespread distribution it is not in the danger of extinction in the country as a whole
(Roberts, 1997). In its wide roaming habits, tendency to keep to small groups of two to
three individuals is common. The chinkara is wholly nocturnal in foraging though it will
emerge to start feeding before sunset. They are adopted to browsing and not so
dependent on grasses (Roberts, 1997). Normally they can get all the water that they want
from grazing and browsing, especially in winter when there is dew over the plants. But
they seek water in summer and even throughout the year if it is accessible (Roberts,
1997). In Pakistan the rut appears to occur in two seasons, one lasting from the end of
the monsoon up to early October and again in the late spring from March to the end of
April. Young are born after gestation period of 5.5 months. The young are susceptible to
predation from jackals, wolves and caracal cats (Roberts, 1997).
During field visit for the EIA fresh foot prints and droppings were recorded in the
desert habitat of the project area.
About 90% of the project area lies within the desert habitat which provides a suitable
habitat for Chinkara. Because the specie is quite adaptable to varying conditions and has
a wide desert habitat, no significant impact due to seismic and drilling operation may
occur on this specie. However this assessment needs to be verified and monitored during
the individual operations and any additional mitigation measures required will be
adopted.
Houbara bustard - Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) is a hen sized migratory bird
which breeds in the cold steppes of central Asia and winters in Pakistan every year. Some
of the resident birds also breed in Nag Valley of District Kharan and in Chagai Hills of
7-15 JANUARY 2004

Balochistan. Houbara is a long-legged cursorial bird with rufous sandy plumage. Females
are smaller is size but same in colouration. A band of filamentous black feathers on each
side of the neck is a characteristic of this bird which are erected during display. The legs
have three very short cutioned toes which make its track very visible on sand dunes.
The Houbara bustard visits desert and semi-desert areas of Pakistan, which include
Cholistan, That, Thar and many desert areas of Balochistan. This bird starts reaching
Pakistan in early winter i.e, October and remains here till the end of March. Houbara
bustard is mercilessly sought after by the hunters for ill-conceived aphrodisiac substance
and by trappers because of its economic value. The Sheiks from Gulf visit Pakistan and
other parts of the world to hunt this species through falconry. Within the Concession the
Houbara can be seen in the desert areas.
During the EIA field visit two direct sighting were made, apart from this foot prints
were also recorded at two different locations with in the project area.
The Nara Desert that lies within the project area is the wintering habitat for Houbara
Bustard. This cursorial bird migrates from Mongolia, Russia and Central Asian States to
spend winter is Pakistan and other countries where its wintering habitat is available.
Keeping in view the wide desert habitat available to Houbara Bustard i.e. starting from
Cholistan area of Punjab up to the Runn of Kutch in south, the birds always have the
choice to shift to neighbouring safer habitats and therefore impacts of various project
activities on the specie will not be significant.
Key species present in the project area recorded during recent EIA survey and previous
environmental studies is shown in Figure 7-1.

a. General
Hunting or harassment of wildlife will be strictly prohibited
For preparation of access tracks, routes involving minimum clearing of vegetation
will be selected, clearing of dense patches of vegetation will be avoided
Food wastes will not be left in the open
Night traveling will be strictly prohibited
Compressors and vehicles will be maintained in good condition and provided with
muffles to reduce noise
The time period of operation near wetland/dhands and canals will be minimised by
good planning and efficient working to reduce the time period of disturbance to bird
species.
7-16 JANUARY 2004

Impacts of the individual projects on wildlife will be monitored by independent

monitoring teams.
b. Seismic
Vegetation clearing and land uptake during seismic operations will be minimized
Campsites for seismic will be located 300m from dhands and the Nara canal
Within Hog deer habitat operation will be completed within the shortest time
possible
Development of new access tracks during seismic will be minimised, where access
tracks are prepared their width will be kept to 3 m
Seismic deep holes and upholes will avoid disturbing live bird nests and small
mammal and reptile holes.
A distance of 50 m will be maintained from the Nara Canal and wetlands during data
acquisition and line clearing.
c. Drilling
Vegetation clearing and land uptake during drilling operation will be minimized
Locate well site & campsite 300m away from any dhand and the Nara canal.
The drilling of well within the habitat for hog deer where the presence is confirmed
shall be avoided as much as possible.
For preparation of access tracks, routes involving minimum clearing of vegetation

will be selected, clearing of dense patches of vegetation will be avoided
7-17 JANUARY 2004

Table 7-1: List of vegetation species found in the project area
Life Form Habitat Type

No. Scientific Name Family Name Nara canal
Grass/
Herb Shrub Tree Desert Agriculture Dhand /Marignal Forest
Sedge
Land
1 Acacia jacquemontii Mimosaceae x x
2 Acacia senegal Mimosaceae x x
3 Acacia nilotica Mimosaceae x x
4 Aerva javanica Amaranthaceae x x
5 Alhagi maurorum Fabaceae x x x x x
6 Aristida adscensionis Poaceae x x
7 Aristida funiculate Poaceae x x
8 Aristida mutabilis Poaceae x x
9 Calligonium polygonoides Polygonaceae x x
10 Calotropis procera Amaranthaceae x x x
11 Capparis decidua Capparidaceae x x
12 Cassia italica Caesalpiniaceae x x
13 Cenchrus biflorus Poaceae x x
14 Cenchrus ciliaris Poaceae x x
15 Citrulus colocynthis Cucurbitaceae x x
16 Crotalaria burhia Fabaceae x x
17 Cynodon dactylon Poaceae x x x x
7-18 JANUARY 2004


Grass/
Sedge
Land
18 Cyperus iria Cyperaceae x x
19 Cyperus arenarius Cyperaceae x x
20 Cyperus rotundus Cyperaceae x x x x
21 Dactyloctenium aegyptium Poaceae x x x
22 Dalbergia sisso Fabaceae x x
23 Desmostachya bipinnata Poaceae x x x x
24 Dipterygium glaucum Brassicaceae x x x
25 Ephedra ciliate Ephederaceae x x
26 Equisetum arvense Equisetaceae x x
27 Euphorbia prostrate Euphorbiaceae x x
28 Launaea procumbens Asteraceae x x x
29 Leptadenia pyrotechnica Amaranthaceae x x
30 Mollugo cerviana Molluginaceae x x
32 Phragmites karka Poaceae x
33 Phyla nodiflora Verbenaceae x x
34 Prosopis cineraria Mimosaceae x x x
35 Saccharum bengalensis Poaceae x x x x
36 Saccharum spontaneum Poaceae x x x x
7-19 JANUARY 2004


Grass/
Sedge
Land
37 Salvadora oleoides Salvadoraceae x x x
39 Tamarix aphylla Tamaricaceae x x
40 Tamarix dioica Tamaricaceae x x x
41 Tamarix indica Tamaricaceae x x x
42 Tribulus longipetalus Zygophyllaceae x x
43 Typha domingensis Typhaceae x x x
44 Typha elephantina Typhaceae x x x
7-20 JANUARY 2004

Table 7-2: List of vegetation species with medicinal and economical use found in the project area
No. Scientific Name Common Name Family Medicinal or Economical Use

1 Acacia nilotica Sindhi Babur Mimosaceae Trunk used as pillars in making huts and agricultural implements, leaves
and flowers/fruits used as a fodder, the tree is also used as a fuel
2 Acacia Senegal Angrezi Babur Mimosaceae Trunk used as pillars in making huts and agricultural implements, leaves
and flowers/fruits used as a fodder, the tree is also used as a fuel
3 Aerva javanica Booh Amaranthaceae Fodder and medicinal value
4 Alhagi maurorum Kandero Fabaceae Fencing around huts, medicinal value
5 Calligonium polygonoides Phog Polygonaceae Flowers are cooked as vegetables, leaves and flowers used as fodder for
cattles, trunk and branches used for fuel, root of the plant is used for
dyeing leather, medicinal value
6 Calotropis procera Ak Asclepiadaceae Medicinal value, silky floss of the seeds is used for stuffing pillows, the
smoke of the plant is used to keep away mosquitoes
7 Capparis decidua Kirar Capparidaceae Trunk is used for fuel, unripe fruit is used as vegetable, ripened food is
edible, youn twigs used as fodder
8 Cassia italica Ghorawal Caesalpiniaceae Medicinal value
9 Citrulus colocynthis Trooh Cucurbitaceae Medicinal value
10 Crotalaria burhia Chag Fabaceae Fodder, medicinal value, thatching of roof
11 Cynodon dactylon Chhabar Poaceae Fodder, medicine
12 Desmostachya bipinnata Drabh Poaceae Fodder, stalk used for brooms, leaves woven to make ropes
13 Euphorbia prostrate Kheer Wal Euphorbiaceae Fodder
14 Leptadenia pyrotechnica Khip Asclepiadaceae Branches used for thatching of roof, fodder, medicinal value
15 Mollugo cerviana Hazar Daani Molluginaceae Fodder
7-21 JANUARY 2004

No. Scientific Name Common Name Family Medicinal or Economical Use

16 Saccharum bengalensis Kanh, Booro Poaceae Stem used for making roof and chairs, leaves used for making mats, used
in a medicine for cattle
17 Saccharum spontaneum Booro Poaceae Stem used for making roof and chairs, leaves used for making mats, used
in a medicine for cattle
18 Salvadora oleoides Khabbar Salvadoraceae Trunk used as pillar is hunts, fruit eaten as wild fruit, leaves and
flowers/fruit are fodder for camel
19 Tribulus longipetalus Bakhro Zygophyllaceae Leaves used as vegetable, fodder and medicinal value
20 Typha elephantine Pan Typhaceae Used for making jute bags, leaves used for thatching of roof and making
mats
7-22 JANUARY 2004

Table 7-3: List of birds observed in/near the project area
Status Occurrence Listing
No. Common Name Scientific Name
Migratory
Resident
Common
Abundant
Less Common
Rare
WPO/Act
IUCN Red List
CMS Appendix
CITES Appendix
1 Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus x x

2 Black Drongo / King Crow Dicrurus macrocercus x x
3 Black Kite Milvus migrans x x x II
4 Black Partridge Francolinus francolinus x x
5 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros x x
6 Black-Crowned Finch Lark Eremopterix nigreceps x x
7 Black-Shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus/E.leucurus x x x II
8 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus x x II
9 Blue Rock Pigeon Columba livia x x III
10 Blyth's Reed warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum x x
11 Chiffchaff Phylloscopos collybita x x
12 Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto x x
13 Common Babbler Turdoides caudatus x x
7-23 JANUARY 2004

Migratory
Resident
Common
Abundant
Less Common
Rare
WPO/Act
IUCN Red List
CMS Appendix
CITES Appendix
14 Common Kestrel / Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus x x x II II

15 Common Pochard* Aythya ferina x x II
16 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus x x
17 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos x x
18 Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago x x II
19 Common Teal* Anas crecca x x II III
20 Coot* Fulica atra x x II
21 Crested Lark Galerida cristata x x
22 Desert Warbler Sylvia nana x x
23 Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti x x
24 Dusky Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne concolor x x
25 Eurasian Sparrow Hawk Accipiter nisus x x x II II
26 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus x x x II
27 Great Cormorant Phalacorcorax carbo x x x
7-24 JANUARY 2004

Migratory
Resident
Common
Abundant
Less Common
Rare
WPO/Act
IUCN Red List
CMS Appendix
CITES Appendix
28 Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor x x

29 Grey Partridge Francolinus pondicerianus x x
30 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea x x
31 Houbara bustard Chlamydotis undulata x x x LR/nt II I
32 House Sparrow Passer domesticus x x
33 Hume’s Wheatear Oenanthe alboniger x x
34 Imperial/Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis x x
35 Indian / Common Moorhen* Gallinula chloropus x x
36 Indian Crow Pheasant Centropus sinensis x x
37 Indian Myna/Common Myna Acridotheres tristis x x
38 Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata x x
39 Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis x x
40 Indian Sand Martin Riparia paludicola x x
41 Indian Tree-Pie Dendrocitta vagabunda x x
7-25 JANUARY 2004

Migratory
Resident
Common
Abundant
Less Common
Rare
WPO/Act
IUCN Red List
CMS Appendix
CITES Appendix
42 Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus x x

43 Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor x x
44 Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca x x
45 Little Brown Dove Streptopelia senegalensis x x III
46 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis x x
47 Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis x x
48 Little Stint Calidris minuta x x II
49 Little Tern Sterna albifrons x x II
50 Little/Indian Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus x x x
51 Long-tailed Grass Warbler Prinia burnesii x x LR/nt
52 Mallard* Anas platyrhynchos x x II
53 Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus x x x II
54 Merlin Falco columbarius x x x II II
55 Northern Pintail* Anas acuta x x II III
7-26 JANUARY 2004

Migratory
Resident
Common
Abundant
Less Common
Rare
WPO/Act
IUCN Red List
CMS Appendix
CITES Appendix
56 Paddy Bird/Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii x x x

57 Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata x x
58 Purple Moorhen Porphyrio porphyrio x x x
59 Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica x x
60 Redshank Tringa totanus x x II
61 Red-wattled Lapwing Hoplopterus indicus x x
62 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri x x III
63 Ruff Philomachus pugnax x x II
64 Shoveler* Anas clypeata x x II III
65 Sindh Nightjar Caprimulgus mahrattensis x x x
66 Sindh Pied Woodpecker Dendrocopos assimilis x x
67 Spotted Little Owl/Owlet Athene brama x x II
68 Tufted Duck* Aythya fuligula x x II
69 White / Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba x x
7-27 JANUARY 2004

Migratory
Resident
Common
Abundant
Less Common
Rare
WPO/Act
IUCN Red List
CMS Appendix
CITES Appendix
70 White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis x x

71 White-cheeked Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys x x
72 Wigeon* Anas penelope x x II III
73 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava x x
Note:
LR/nt: Low Risk near threatened
* Waterfowls recorded at the dhands outside project area but within 1Km radius
7-28 JANUARY 2004

Table 7-4: List of mammals observed in the project area
Occurrence Listing
Abundant
Common
Less Common
Rare
WPO/Act
IUCN Red list
CITES
Appendix
1 Asiatic jackal Canis aureus X III
2 Indian Desert Wild Cat Felis silverstris ornata X II
3 Five stripped-palm Squirrel Funambulus pennantii X
4 Chinkara/Indian Gazelle Gazalla bannettii X X
5 Long-eared Steppe/Afghan Hedgehog Hemiechinus auritus X
6 Small Indian Mongoose Herpestes javanicus X X III
7 Indian Crested Porcupine Hystrix indica X
8 Indian Hare/Black-naped Hare Lepus nigricollis X
9 Indian Desert Jird Meriones hurrianae X
10 Indian Gerbil Tatera indica X
11 Indian/Bengal Fox Vulpes bengalensis X DD III
12 Common Red Fox Vulpes vulpes X III
13 House Mouse Mus musculus X
Note: DD: Data Deficient
7-29 JANUARY 2004

Table 7-5: List of reptiles observed in the project area
Listing
WPO IUCN Cites
1 Brilliant Agama Trapelus agilus isolepis

2 Common Ground Agama Trapelus ruderata baluchiana
3 Common Spiny-tailed Lizard Uromastyx hardwickii x II
4 Indian desert monitor Varanus bengalensis I
5 Indian Fringe-toed Sand lizard Acanthodactylus cantoris cantoris
6 Indian glossy-bellied racer Coluber ventromaculatus
7 Indian or Bengal Monitor Varanus bengalensis x I
8 Indian sand swimmer Ophiomorus raithmai
9 Marsh Crocodile / Mugger Crocodylus palustris palustris x VU I
10 Saw scaled viper Echis carinatus pyramidum
Note: VU: Vulnerable
7-30 JANUARY 2004

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OMV (PAKISTAN) EXPLORATION GmbH

EIA for Exploration Activities

Halcrow Pakistan (Pvt) Limited

ES. Executive Summary

Pursuant to the requirements of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997

The proposed exploration activities include the acquisition of approximately 500 km of

ES.2 The Proponent

ES.3 The EIA Methodology

ES.4 Public Consultation

ES.5 Project Alternatives

 Management options including no project option, alternative site option, and

ES.6 Impacts and Mitigation

ES.7 Environmental Management Plan

It is aimed at achieving the following objectives:

 A mitigation and monitoring plan;

 Definition of roles and responsibilities of the proponent, contractors and

 Requirements for communication, documentation and training during the project;

 Restrictions on design, timing and conduct of the project; and

 Change Management Plan to cover unforeseen events/environmental conditions

iii JANUARY 2004

Table ES-1: Summary of impacts and mitigation

Potential Impact Sources Recommended Mitigation Measures

...Table ES-1, Continued

Potential Impact Sources Recommended Mitigation Measures

...Table ES-1, Continued

Potential Impact Sources Recommended Mitigation Measures

...Table ES-1, Continued

Potential Impact Sources Recommended Mitigation Measures

vii JANUARY 2004

...Table ES-1, Continued

Potential Impact Sources Recommended Mitigation Measures

viii JANUARY 2004

GAMBAT KOT DIJI

DINGRI PIARO GAHO

DISTRICT BOUNDARY CITY / TOWN SINDH

EIA FOR EXPLORATION

Drawn by : AQ Date: 08-01-2004

Checked by : AG Date: 08-01-2004 Drawing

Drawing No. Revision

Drawing Scale: See Above

CAD Filename: PROJECTS/PKOMVS400 Plot Scale:

69° 00' 69° 15' 69° 20'

INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY NARA CANAL

DISTRICT BOUNDARY ROADS / TRACKS

EIA FOR EXPLORATION

Drawn by : AQ Date: 08-01-2004

Checked by : AG Date: 08-01-2004 Drawing

Drawing No. Revision

ES - 2 PROJECT AREA MAP

Drawing Scale: See Above

CAD Filename: PROJECTS/PKOMVS400 Plot Scale:

2 EIA Scope and Methodology 2-1

3 Policy, Legislation and Guidelines 3-1

4 Proposed Project 4-1

5 Analysis of Alternatives 5-1

6 Physical Environment 6-1

7 Biological Environment 7-1

7.1 General 7-1

Management options including no project option, alternative site option, and

A mitigation and monitoring plan;

Definition of roles and responsibilities of the proponent, contractors and

Requirements for communication, documentation and training during the project;

Restrictions on design, timing and conduct of the project; and

Change Management Plan to cover unforeseen events/environmental conditions

Sufficient data collection and assessment of impacts to cover all environmental

Assessment of all generic potentially significant impacts on the physical, biological