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Environmental Impact Report

for

Changeover of Feedstock and Fuel from Naphtha to Mixed feed stock (Natural gas and Naphtha)

By

M/s. Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Ltd

In

SPIC Nagar, District Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu

628005

Submitted by:

EQMS INDIA PVT. LTD. INDIA

304-305, 3rd Floor, Plot No. 16, Rishabh Corporate Tower,

Community Centre, Karkardooma, Delhi – 110092 Phone: 011-30003200, 30003219; Fax: 011-22374775

Website: www.eqmsindia.com ; E-mail – [email protected]

http://www.eqmsindia.com/

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Changeover of Feedstock and Fuel from Naphtha to Mixed Feed (Naphtha + Natural Gas)

EQMS India Pvt. Ltd.

Document No. SPIC/EIA/01 Issue No. 01 R 02 i

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 16

1.1. Project Proponent ...................................................................................................................................... 16

1.2. Project Justification: Urea Market – National Scenario ............................................................................. 16

1.3. Purpose of the Study .................................................................................................................................. 17

1.4. Project Location .......................................................................................................................................... 18

1.5. Scope and Methodology of the Study ........................................................................................................ 22

1.6. Approved TOR for EIA Study by MOEF&CC ................................................................................................. 22

1.7. Structure of the Report ............................................................................................................................... 24

2. Project Description ...................................................................................................................................... 26

2.1. About the Project ....................................................................................................................................... 26

2.2. Land Use Pattern ........................................................................................................................................ 28

2.3. Process Description .................................................................................................................................... 29

2.4. Ammonia Plant ........................................................................................................................................... 29

2.5. Urea Plant .................................................................................................................................................. 34

2.6. Utilities and Off Site Facilities ..................................................................................................................... 36

2.7. Water Requirement .................................................................................................................................... 39

2.8. Power ......................................................................................................................................................... 40

2.9. Boiler .......................................................................................................................................................... 40

2.10. BulkStorages (Others) ................................................................................................................................ 42

2.11. FireProtection System at Spic ..................................................................................................................... 43

2.12. Environment / Pollution Control System .................................................................................................... 49

2.13. Plant Landscape and Green Belt Development .......................................................................................... 49

2.14. Emission ..................................................................................................................................................... 50

2.15. Effluent Control .......................................................................................................................................... 52

2.16. Solid & Hazardous waste Management ..................................................................................................... 54

2.17. Noise Level Management ........................................................................................................................... 55

2.18. Corporate Responsibility for Environment Protection (CREP) Guidelines ................................................... 55

2.19. Township and Other Infrastructure ............................................................................................................ 58

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................................... 61

3.1. Prelude ....................................................................................................................................................... 61

3.2. Geomorphology, Hydrogeology and Geology ............................................................................................ 66



Document No. SPIC/EIA/01 Issue No. 01 R 02 ii

3.3. Land use ..................................................................................................................................................... 75

3.4. Meteorology ............................................................................................................................................... 78

3.5. Ambient Air Quality .................................................................................................................................... 81

3.6. Noise Environment ..................................................................................................................................... 86

3.7. Water Quality ............................................................................................................................................. 88

3.8. Soil Environement....................................................................................................................................... 93

3.9. Biological Environment ............................................................................................................................ 101

3.10. Socio-Economic Environment ................................................................................................................... 107

4. IMpact assessment and prediction ............................................................................................................ 118

4.1.......................................................................................................................................................................... 118

4.2. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 118

4.3. Potential Impacts during Project Implementation ................................................................................... 118

4.4. Potential Impacts during Project Operation ............................................................................................. 122

4.5. Corporate Social Responsibility ................................................................................................................ 136

5. Environment Management Plan& Environmental Monitoring program .................................................... 139

5.1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 139

5.2. Environment Management Plan .............................................................................................................. 140

5.3. GREEN BELT DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................................................... 143

6. Hazards Evaluation & Risk Assessment ...................................................................................................... 149

6.1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 149

6.2. Hazard Identification ................................................................................................................................ 149

6.3. Methodology, Approach and Damage Criteria for Risk Assessment ........................................................ 152

6.4. Selected Failure Cases .............................................................................................................................. 154

6.5. General Control Measures........................................................................................................................ 159

6.6. Recommendations .................................................................................................................................... 160

6.7. Occupational Exposure Mitigation Planning ............................................................................................ 161

6.8. Other Recommended Measures for Safe Operation of the Plant ............................................................. 162

7. On site emergency plan ............................................................................................................................. 166

7.1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 166

7.2. Probable Hazards & Risk .......................................................................................................................... 166

7.3. Objectives ................................................................................................................................................. 167

7.4. Emergency Preparedness Plan ................................................................................................................. 167

7.5. Responsibilities & Role of Key Personnel .................................................................................................. 168



Document No. SPIC/EIA/01 Issue No. 01 R 02 iii

7.6. Outside Organizations if involved in assisting during On-site Emergency ............................................... 179

8. Summary and Conclusions ......................................................................................................................... 183

8.1. Prelude ..................................................................................................................................................... 183

8.2. Regulatory Compliance ............................................................................................................................ 183

8.3. Baseline Conditions .................................................................................................................................. 183

8.4. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures ................................................................................... 183

8.5. Recommendations .................................................................................................................................... 184

9. Disclosure of Consultants Engaged ............................................................................................................ 185

9.1. Prelude ..................................................................................................................................................... 185



Document No. SPIC/EIA/01 Issue No. 01 R 02 iv

LIST OF TABLES Table 1.1 : TOR Compliance .....................................................................................................22 Table 2.1 : Surrounding Area Profile .........................................................................................27 Table 2.2 Existing Land Use Pattern at SPIC Site .....................................................................28 Table 2.3 :Overall Material balance with Naphtha .....................................................................33 Table 2.4 Overall Material balance – With NG...........................................................................33 Table 2.5 Overall Energy balance with Napth and With Natural Gas .........................................34 Table 2.6 Raw Material consumption ........................................................................................36 Table 2.7 Raw Material consumption after gas conversion of Plant ...........................................37 Table 2.8 Fuel Consumption: (Existing) ....................................................................................37 Table 2.9 Fuel for Boilers (Existing) ..........................................................................................41 Table 2.10 Fuel for Boilers (After NG conversion) .....................................................................41 Table 2.11 : Stack Emission Details (Existing) (continuous Stacks only) ...................................50 Table 2.12 Stack Emission Details(Existing) .............................................................................50 Table 2.13 :StackEmission Load (Existing) ...............................................................................51 Table 2.14 :Stack Emission Details (after modernisation) (continuous Stacks only) ..................51 Table 2.15 : Stack Emission Load (after modernisation) (continuous Stacks only) ....................52 Table 2.16 Hazardous – Non Hazardous Wastes ......................................................................54 Table 2.17 CREP Compliance ..................................................................................................56 Table 3.1 : Summary of Methodology for Primary Baseline Data Collection ..............................61 Table 3.2 :Environmental Setting around the Project site ..........................................................63 Table 3.3 : Detail of Geological succession ...............................................................................66 Table 3.4 :Aquifer Parameter ....................................................................................................67 Table 3.5 :Blockwise Ground Water Resource Potential ...........................................................68 Table 3.6 : Land Use Distribution of the Study Area (10 km Radius) .........................................75 Table 3.7 :Meteorological Data of Tuticorin ...............................................................................78 Table 3.8 :Site Specific Meteorological Data .............................................................................80 Table 3.9 : Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations ...............................................................83 Table 3.10 : Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Results (24-hour average) ....................................83 Table 3.11 : Ambient Noise Quality Monitoring Locations .........................................................86 Table 3.12 : Ambient Noise Quality in the Study Area ...............................................................87 Table 3.13 : Ground Water Sampling Locations ........................................................................88 Table 3.14 : Surface Water Sampling Locations ........................................................................88 Table 3.15 : Ground Water Quality in the Study Area ................................................................90 Table 3.16 : Surface Water Quality in the Study Area ...............................................................91 Table 3.17 : Soil Classification, 2011-12 ...................................................................................94 Table 3.18 : Major Soils of the District .......................................................................................94 Table 3.19 : Area under Major Field Crops & Horticulture .........................................................95 Table 3.20 : Soil Sampling Locations ........................................................................................97 Table 3.21 :Physicochemical Characteristics of Soil .................................................................97 Table 3.22 : List of the Flora .................................................................................................... 103 Table 3.23 : List of Mammals in Study Area ............................................................................ 105 Table 3.24 : List of Reptiles And Amphibians Observed In The Study Area ............................ 105 Table 3.25 : List of Birds observed in the Study Area .............................................................. 106 Table 3.26 : List of Butterflies observed in the Study Area ...................................................... 106 Table 3.27 : Administrative Setup............................................................................................ 107 Table 3.28 : District at a Glance .............................................................................................. 108 Table 3.29 : Tehsil-wise breakup of Population of study area .................................................. 109 Table 3.30 Area under major field crops & horticulture ............................................................ 116 Table 3.31 : Productivity of Principal Crops ............................................................................. 116



Document No. SPIC/EIA/01 Issue No. 01 R 02 v

Table 3.32 : Crop Calendar of Major Crops ............................................................................. 117 Table 4.1 : Details of Gaseous Emissions – Proposed Modernisation ..................................... 123 Table 4.2 : Summary of Maximum 24-hour GLC due to the Existing Facility ........................... 124 Table 4.3 Summary of Maximum 24-hour GLC (After modernization) ..................................... 124 Table 4.4 : Summary of Maximum GLC at Monitoring Locations ............................................. 126 Table 4.5 : Projected cost for CSR activities ........................................................................... 137 Table 5.1 : List of Plant species to be planted ......................................................................... 146 Table 5.2 : Environmental Monitoring Program ....................................................................... 147 Table 5.3 : Capital Cost and Recurring Expenditure on Environmental Protection .................. 148 Table 6.1 : Bulk Storage Details .............................................................................................. 150 Table 6.2 : Hazardous Materials (MSIHC Rules, 1989) ........................................................... 150 Table 6.3 : Effects due to Incident Radiation Intensity ............................................................. 153 Table 6.4 : Thermal Radiation Impact to Human ..................................................................... 153 Table 6.5 : Likely Accident Scenario ....................................................................................... 154 Table 1.1 : Probable Hazards .................................................................................................. 166



Document No. SPIC/EIA/01 Issue No. 01 R 02 vi

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.1 : Location of the Project site .....................................................................................19 Figure 1.2 : Google image of Project site ..................................................................................20 Figure 1.3 : Site layout with Project location ..............................................................................21 Figure 2.1 : Schematic Flow diagram of Ammonia Process.......................................................33 Figure 2.2 : Schematic Flow Diagram of Urea process ..............................................................36 Figure 2.3 Water Balance .........................................................................................................40 Figure 3.1 : Location Map of Study area ...................................................................................65 Figure 3.2 : Hydrogeology Map of the District ...........................................................................67 Figure 3.3 : Depth of water level in Thoothukudi ......................................................................70 Figure 3.4 : Depth of water level in Thoothukudi .......................................................................70 Figure 3.5 : Seismic Zones of India ...........................................................................................71 Figure 3.6 : Digital Elevation Map of Study area ........................................................................73 Figure 3.7 : Contour map of Study Area ....................................................................................74 Figure 3.8 : Graph Showing Land Use of the Study Area (10 km Radius) .................................76 Figure 3.9 Land Use Map of the Study Area (10 km Radial Zone).............................................77 Figure 3.10 : Wind Rose and Frequency Distribution (Study Period-Summer Season) .............80 Figure 3.11 : Environment Monitoring Location Map .................................................................82 Figure 3.12 :Soil Map of Thoothukudi District ............................................................................95 Figure 4.1 : Isopleth for SOx (Existing Facility) ........................................................................ 128 Figure 4.2 :Isopleth for SOx (After Modernisation) .................................................................. 129 Figure 4.3 : Isopleth For NOx (After Modernisation) ................................................................ 130 Figure 4.4 : Isopleth For SPM ................................................................................................. 131 Figure 4.5 : Isopleth For NH3 .................................................................................................. 132 Figure 6.1 : Rupture in NG Line .............................................................................................. 156 Figure 6.2 : Failure in Ammonia Line ....................................................................................... 157 Figure 6.3 : Chlorine Cylinder Leakage ................................................................................... 158 Figure 8.1 : Existing Organizational Structure at SPIC Facility ................................................ 167



Document No. SPIC/EIA/01 Issue No. 01 R 02 vii

LIST OF ANNEXURE

Annexure I : Accreditation Certificate of Consultant

Annexure II : ToR Letter

Annexure III : Analysis report of ETP Effluent (Inlet/Outlet)

Annexure IV : Copy of Earlier EC along with latest Environmental Compliance Report-2016

Annexure V : Spic Mock Drill Report-2016

Annexure VI : Analysis report of Ambient Air/Stack/Noise

Annexure VII : Consent Order -2016 along with Compliance

Annexure VIII : Water Allocation Letter from Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage Board

Annexure IX : ISO Certificate

Annexure X : Baseline Monitoring Results

Annexure XI : Agreement with Industrial Waste management Authority



Document No. SPIC/EIA/01 Issue No. 01 R 02 viii

LIST OF ABBRIVATION

AAQM Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

BIS Bureau of Indian Standards

BSI Botanical Survey of India

CEC Cation Exchange Capacity

CGWP Central Ground Water Board

CPCB Central Pollution Control Board

CREP Corporate Responsibility for Environment Protection

CSD Coastal Sand Dunes

DCP Dry Chemical Powder

DEM Digital Elevation Model

DG Diesel Generator

EAC Expert Appraisal Committee

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EIAA Environmental Impact Assessment Authority

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EMP Emergency Management Plan

ETP Effluent Treatment Plant

FAI Fertilizer Association of India

GLC Ground Level Concentration

GSFL Green Star Fertilizer Limited

IARI Indian Agricultural Research Institute

IMD Indian Metrological Department

IOCL Indian Oil Corporation Limited

ISCST3 Industrial Source Complex Short-term

KLD Kilo Litre per Day

KVA Kilo Volt Ampere

LDAR Leak Detection & Repair

MINAS Minimal National Standards

MMT Million Metric Ton

MoEF&CC Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change

MTD Metric Ton per Day

NAAQMS National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations

NABL National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

OHC Occupational Health Center

OHS Occupational Health & Safety

ONGC Oil and Natural Gas Corporation

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

QRA Quality Risk Assessment

RSPM Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter

SCBA Self contained Breathing Apparatus



Document No. SPIC/EIA/01 Issue No. 01 R 02 ix

SPIC Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Ltd.

SPM Suspended Particulate Matter

SRTM Shuttle Radar Topography Mission

TNPCB Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board

TOR Terms of Reference

TSDF Treatment Storage & Disposal Facilities

USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency

WHC Water Holding Capacity

ZSI Zoological Survey of India



Document No. SPIC/EIA/01 Issue No. 01 R 02 1

Executive Summary

Introduction and Background Project Highlight

Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Ltd., or SPIC, (BSE: 590030, NSE: SPIC) is

an Indian company that makes petrochemicals. Its core competency is in fertilizer products.

Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Ltd, headquartered in Chennai, was

incorporated on 18 December 1969 and became a joint venture between the M. A.

Chidambaram Group and TIDCO (a part of the Government of Tamil Nadu) in 1975.The

company's biggest client has been the government of Tamil Nadu, which purchases agro-

products for subsidized distribution through its Public Distribution System.

Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Limited, Tuticorin, (SPIC LTD) proposes in

Ammonia plant for changeover of feedstock and fuel from Naphtha to mixed feed (Natural gas

and Naphtha) in its existing plant in SPIC Nagar, District Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu without any

change in the Production capacity of Urea at 6,20,400 MT per Annum

Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Limited, Tuticorin is not acquiring any land for

this project.

It is brown field project and plant will use existing utility services after the modernization.

Project Categorization

As per the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of

India EIA Notification 2006 and as amended on December 1, 2009, the proposed manufacturing

unit has toobtainenvironmental clearance prior to commissioning of the plant. The proposed

project is covered under Category 'A' as per the Schedule of EIA Notification and hence

requires environmental clearance from Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (EIAA) of

MoEF&CC, New Delhi.

Project Location

The existing plant situated on industrial Land in SPIC Nagar, Post Office Muthiahpuram S.O

Taluka-Tuticorin, District Tuticorin, State of Tamil Nadu - 628005.The Plant site is located at

about 8.0 km from Municipal Office of Tuticorin City on Thoothukudi- Tiruchendur Road,

KanyakumariRoad.The proposed site lies between 08° 45ʾ 24‖ N latitude and 78° 13ʾ 36‖E

longitudes.




change in the Production capacity of Urea at 6,20,400 MT per Annum.

Project activities will start after the environmental clearance.

Process Description (Key Steps)

Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Limited, Tuticorin, (SPIC LTD) proposes to

Modernization of Ammonia plant(Changeover of feedstock from Naphtha to mixed feed) of its

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Stock_Exchange_of_India

http://www.nseindia.com/marketinfo/companyinfo/companysearch.jsp?cons=SPIC&section=7

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Core_competency

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fertiliser




existing plant in SPIC Nagar, District Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu without any change in the

Production capacity of Urea at 6,20,400 MT per Annum.

Presently SPIC is using the Naphtha as a feed stock and fuel. Naphtha to Mixed Feed Naphtha

+ Natural Gas) will be used after the modernization. Estimated consumption of Natural Gas is

378000 MT/Annum on 100% Natural gas as feed stock & fuel (Approximately).

Ammonia plant was designed on the "Total Energy Concept" with Naphtha as the feedstock.

The plant is to be converted to utilize Mixed feed stock (naphtha and natural gas) as feedstock

by M/s HaldorTopsoe. The plant comprises the following process schemes:

Naphtha Hydro-Desulphurisation based on IIP/IFP Process.

Pre-Reforming

Primary reforming based on Steam-Naphtha reforming process

Secondary Reforming

Co-conversion and Methanation

Bulk CO2 removal based on Glycine/DEA system (M/s. GiammarcoVetrocoke

Process)

Compression - Centrifugal compressors are used for process air, synthesis gas and

refrigeration system.

Ammonia Synthesis

Ammonia recovery and storage to store 3000 tonnes of ammonia.

Resources Requirement

Land: The proposed land terrain is near coast (~ 4.3 MSL), flat and developed. Total land area

under possession of SPIC is 461341 Sq. m with 152643 Sq. m for greenbelt which includes

Developed Green Belt Area94143 sqm. & Proposed Area for Green Belt Development-

58500sqm.There is sufficient land for the proposed expansion project.

Raw Material:SPIC is using Naphtha as a feed stock and fuel. Naphtha/Natural gas will be

used after the modernization. Natural gas is available fromONGC/IOC/other sources through

pipeline. Estimated consumption of Natural Gas is378000 MT/Annum (Approximately. TheRaw

material and fuel consumption pattern existing and after modernization is given below:

Raw Material Consumption(existing)

Raw Material Consumption(MT/Annum) Source Mode of Transport

Naphtha (Fuel &

Feed stock )

Naphtha = 262180 MT

(approx)

IOCL &

Import

By ship and Pipe line from

port to plant

Furnace oil Fuel = 122530 MT

(approx)P

IOCL &

Import


port to plant

(Source: Spic) Raw Material consumption after gas conversion of Plant




Raw Material Consumption

(MT/Annum)

Source Mode of

Transport

Natural Gas (Fuel

& Feed stock)**

378000 MT/Annum MT

(approx)

ONGC/IOC/Other

Sources

By pipeline

** Note – Till the plant is supplied with full gas requirement, the plant will operate with mixed

feed stock of Naphtha/Natural gas.

Water:Existing plant is taking water from Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board

through dedicated water supply pipe line. There is no additional water requirement after the

modernization of plant (i.e. 15186 KLD of fresh water).Water is supplied by Tamil Nadu Water

Supply and Drainage Board through their dedicated water line.

Power: Existing Site has 110 KVA Electrical Sub Station connected with 230 KVA Auto

Substation of Tamil Nadu Electric Board. Existing urea plant is getting the electrical power from

Tamil Nadu Electrical Board. Existing urea plant has 18.4 MWH Captive Power Plant. A 2760

KVA DG set (HSD as fuel) is there as standby power supply source. There is no additional

power requirement after the modernization of plant.

Fuel: FO/HSD and Naphtha is being used as fuel in existing plant while in the proposed project

Naphtha will be replaced by combined mixture of Naphtha& Natural gases Fuels (details given

in Table 2.6.)

Manpower: SPIC, Tuticorin has proposed to give preference to local people for requirement in

semi skilled and unskilled category. Manpower required during the construction/ modernization

phase is about 100 people while in operation phase the manpower requirement remains the

same.

Environmental Aspects

Air Pollution

The emission from SPIC proposed modernization project shall be mainly from the various

stacks (in Ammonia plant, Urea plant, and Power plant). Fugitive emissions while handling

prilled urea will be recovered and recycled (as SPIC has experience of dust collection and

recovery system in bagging plant) or leakages in the plant. Following measures are

recommended:

The control measures (through proper up keep / maintenance) and good

housekeeping will considerably reduce the fugitive emission.

Regular dust suppression through water spray at solid storages Materials should be

transported in covered trucks.

AAQ monitoring of air pollutants SOx, NOx, ammonia, and SPM should be regularly

carried out.

Regular monitoring of shop floor environment is to be carried out to control the

fugitive emission as well as shop floor safety.




Leakages {of gases / liquids/ dust} should be checked and promptly attended.

Water Pollution

Water requirement for Existing as well as after modernization will remain same. SPICPlant

water requirement is 15186 m3/day including 456m3/day for domestic and horticulture purpose.

The total water consumption after proposed modernization project will remain same.

SPIC is having modern integrated ETP ensuring nearly total recycle of treated effluent. Treated

water from integrated effluent Treatment Plant is used in sister concern Green Star Fertilizer

Limited Tuticorin for reuse in process and some portion of treated water use in green belt

development in various locations inside the plant premises. The remaining quantity is

discharged into sea through a well-designed submerged marine out fall system.

There will not be any adverse impact on land or any water body.

SPIC plant should take ample precautions to reduce water consumptions and tackle effluents

problem. The SPIC proposes to follow philosophy of segregation of effluent streams and

treatment near the source and recycle back to the system. Efforts should continue and new

efforts should be directed to:

SPIC issending treated effluents to its adjoining sister concern Greenstar Fertilizers

Limited for use in process.

Possibility of increased use of treated effluents in horticulture and green belt

developments.

Recycle of treated effluents in the system as far as possible.

The treated sewage should be effectively utilized in the plant or for irrigation in green

belt.

The use of any chemical to check microbial activity should be avoided, as it would

harm the human health and fauna.

Use of pesticide and herbicide should be avoided as they can cause ground water

contamination.

Water is a precious commodity and it should be conserved.

Noise Pollution

The plant will have various rotating machines including blowers, vacuum pumps, process

pumps, etc. along with DG sets, which will generate noise and noise levels are within limits.

During operation/construction phase minor noise is envisaged. The statutory national standards

for noise levels at the plant boundary and at residential areas near the plant are being

monitored and shall be met.

Waste Generation




There is no major source of hazardous waste generation due to the proposedSPIC project that

would be causing harm to the environment. The hazardous wastes will be similar to existing

plant namely catalyst, used oil, ETP sludge etc. The wastes will be stored in well-

designedgodowns and disposed off to approved buyers or sent to authorized disposal site.The

Hazardous waste will not have any adverse impact on soil, land or water bodies.

Environmental Status of Plant Site and Study Area

Site Characteristics

Proposed project is to be set-up in existing premises of the SPIC located on industrial land in

Tutocorin. Geographically the proposed site is located Coastal area at Latitude- 08°44‘ 26.65‖

N, Longitude- 78° 08‘ 18.9‖ N. The study area has been defined as an area covering the buffer

study zone of 10-km radius around project site. Figure 2.1 shows the 10-km radius Google map

and Figure 3.1 shows location map of study area.

Topography and Geology

SPIC proposed expansion site is situated in Mullakadu Village, Taluka& district Tuticorin of

Tamil Nadu State. Approximately 8 kms from Tuticorintown on Thoothukudi-Trichendur-

Kanyakumari road (NH-7A).

Climate

The climate of the humid (coastal climate).December and January constitutes winter months

with daily mean minimum temperature around 21.30C and daily mean maximum temperature

around 29.00C. June is the hottest month with daily mean maximum temperature around 35.8oC

and daily mean minimum temperature around 26.10C.

The annual total rainfall is 640.7 mm. Over 80% of the total annual rainfall is received during the

Post monsoon period between June to September.

Seismicity

According to the seismic-zoning map of India, the project area falls in Zone II of seismicity. It

thus lies among the Low-risk earthquake areas. For pockets with high rise buildings, specific

consideration of earthquake resistance shall be incorporated.IS 4326:1993 ‗Earthquake

Resistant Design and Construction of Buildings – Code of Practice‘ and IS 13920:1993 ‗Ductile

Detailing of Reinforced Concrete Structures subjected to Seismic Forces – Code of Practice‘

shall be followed as per the requirement.

Micro-meteorology:

Meteorological study exerts a critical influence on air quality as it is an important factor in

governing the ambient air quality. The meteorological data recorded during the study period is

used for interpretation of the baseline information as well as input for air quality simulation

models. Meteorological data was collected for the summer season of April to June 2015. Utmost

care was taken to ensure that the stations were free from obstructions to free flow of winds.

Wind speed, wind direction, temperature and relative humidity data was collected daily on an

hourly basis during the study period. The summary of the climatic conditions collected during




the study period are tabulated in Table 3.8.

Soil:

The soil samples collected from seven locations. Soil study reveals that the soil is made-up of

two main parts:

Tiny bits of mineral particles which come from larger rocks, and humus, which is dark

brown in color and consists of decaying remains of plants and animals.

Soil also contains water, air and living organisms, such as fungi, bacteria, earthworms,

roundworms, insects, etc. Actually more living organisms live in the soil than above it.

Landuse:

Land use/land cover map of 10 km study area has been show in Figure 3.9. The agricultural

area represents around 7.8%. Open shrub land & vegetation is about 23.35% & 4.72%

respectively. Barren land is 2.17% and 35.96% water bodieswithin 10 km. area of project site.

Figure 3.9 shows the land use categories with the respective percentage in the study area.

Water:

Ground water quality was monitored as per drinking water norms (IS 10500) at 6 locations

within the 10 km study area. The groundwater of the study area is saline in nature to the tune of

high salinity to slightly saline. The salinity depends upon proximity to sea or sea channel. High

conductivity and hardness has been observed in the ground water samples near the sea, which

may be due to coastal aquifer. Overall the parameters in ground water sample were well within

the desirable limit of Indian Standard IS: 10500-2012 except total hardness which is slightly high

with respect to the permissible limit of Indian Standard IS: 10500-2012.

Surface water quality of the pond near Periyanyagapuram, Pond near Ramson nagar, Pond

near Sivagananpuram was found to meet the Best Designated Use – ‗C‘ Criteria of CPCB. No

metallic contamination was found in pond water. The other surface water shows high TDS,

Hardness, chloride and alkanity that may be due to the sea back water contamination. Metallic

contents in the surface water of the study area are within the standard.

Air Quality:

Ambient air quality was monitored for PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx, CO and NH3, at 8 locations within

the study area. The existing PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx, CO and NH3 concentrations (monthly

average) at all eight (8) monitoring locations are given as Table 3.9 All the criteria pollutants

concentrations were observed well within National Ambient Air Quality Standards for industrial,

residential and rural areas at all 8 locations.

Noise:

The noise levels at the plant site were found within industrial limit. At other locations (nearby

villages) it was also found within limit.

Flora & Fauna:




There are no National Parks/wildlife sanctuaries in the 10 km radius of the study area. With

reference to the list of endangered species prepared by Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India,

none of the species present in the study area belonged to the 'endangered' category.

Demography:

The study area of 10 km radial zone mainly falls in two tehsils Srivaikuntam and Thoothukkudi

of Thoothukkudi District. There are total 20 villages in the study area. 5 villages namely

Iruvappapuram, Palayakkayal, Manjanirkayal, Agaram&Mukkani and 15 villages namely

Kumaragiri, Thoothukudi, Ayyanadaippu, Muthuswamipuram, Terkusilukkanpatti,

Maravanmatam, Korampallam (Part), Sendilampannai, Kuttudankadu, Servaikaranmadam,

Kuliyankarisal, Mullakadu (Part), Sankaraperi (CT), Mappilaiurani (CT), Milavittan (CT) falls

under Srivaikuntam and Thoothudi Tehsils respectively.As per the Census of India 2011, the

Total Population of the Study area is 167442 with the total number of Household being 42663.

Total Male Population of the Study area is 83997 and total Female Population of the Study Area

is 83445. Tehsil-wise details of population are given in Table 3.29.

Literacy Level

Literacy level is quantifiable indicator to assess the development status of any area or region.

The literate male and female in the study area are 67994 and 62038 which implies that the

literacy rate is 77.65% with male and female percentage being 40 % and 37% respectively. The

illiterates are 22.34% of the total population of which male and female illiterates are 16003

(10%) and 21407 (13%) respectively.

Health facilities

In many villages, medical facilities, primary health centres and dispensaries are away to a

distance of 5 km or more.

Drinking Water facilities

Hand pump, tap water, bore wells are prime source of drinking water in villages.

Communication Facilities

Communication facilities are adequate in the study area. Transportation facilities are poor, as

bus services are available only to those villages having an approach of pucca roads.

Electricity

Adequate electric power supply is available for industries and domestic purposes.

Environmental Impact Assessment

The activities involved in site preparation will be site clearance of the project site, cutting and

uprooting of shrubs, earthwork excavation etc. The development of site will also involve the

removal of top soil, removal of shrubs, soils, etc. As the topography of the land is almost flat,

there will be very minimum cutting and filling required for setting up of the plant and no filling

material from outside is required. Hence, there will be very limited impact on the land




environment due to the proposed project.

Air Quality

The proposed modernization of SPIC plant (for changeover of feedstock from Naphtha to Mixed

feed stock (natural gas and Naphtha) will require limited construction activities. The potential

impacts on air quality due to the construction for proposed modernization project will be

temporary rise in SPM and RSPM levels likely to result from:

1. Fugitive dust emissions at the construction site

2. Use of unpaved roads and truck tracks by the construction vehicles

3. Operation of the concrete, asphalt and hot mix plants

Besides, SPM and RSPM levels, the air quality impacts will also be due to increase in gaseous

emissions like NOx, SO2, and HC. Bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and welding machines etc

will contribute to gaseous emissions through use of diesel as fuel. Gaseous emissions viz. NOx,

SO2, hydrocarbons are envisaged from these equipment during construction.

For the proposed project, computations of 24-hour average ground level concentrations were

carried out using ISCST3 model, which is a recommended model by USEPA for prediction of air

quality from point area and line sources.

Summary of Maximum 24-hour GLC due to the Existing Facility

Description Concentration (g/m3)

SOx NOx SPM NH3

Maximum Rise in GLC 86.1 7.55 5.1 3.50

Distance of occurrence (km) 2.7 2.5 2.2 2.1

Direction of Occurrence NE NE NE NE

Maximum Baseline Concentration reported 19.5 30.0 87.1 110.9

Total Concentration 105.6 37.7 92.2 114.4

Prescribed Standards 80 80 200 400

Summary of Maximum 24-hour GLC due to the Existing and Proposed Expansion

Description Concentration (g/m3)

SOx NOx SPM NH3







The above tables show that in the worst case scenario, the maximum ground level

concentration due to the existing facility and proposed project will be in the predominant NE

direction. In the post-project scenario, the 24-hour average concentration for all the criteria

pollutants are well within the ambient air quality standards for industrial, residential, rural and




other areas in the worst case.

Noise

The sources of noise during the operational phase of the plant are mainly turbines compressors,

blowers, pumps and reformer furnaces. The other sources of noise are the movement of

vehicles along the road. The proposed modernization project will be similar but will have

advanced technology and improved equipment both in terms of energy efficiency and less

noisy.

Water Resources and Water Quality

Water during operational phase is normally required for:

• Cooling Water

• Boiler Feed Water

• Process Water

• Domestic and Green Belt

Water requirement for Existing as well as after modernization will remain same. SPICPlant

water requirement is 15186 m3/day including 456m3/day for domestic and horticulture purpose.

The total water consumption after proposed modernisation project will remain same. Water is

supplied by Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board through their dedicated water line.







Land Use

No additional land is to be acquired. No significant impact on land environment has been

envisaged during the operation phase. Thereis no major source of hazardous waste generation

due to the proposed SPIC project that would be causing harm to the environment. The

hazardous wastes will be similar to existing plant namely catalyst, used oil, ETP sludge etc. The

wastes will be stored in well-designedgodowns and disposed off to approved buyers or sent to

authorized disposal site.

Biological Environment

Total land area under possession of SPIC is 461341 Sq. m with 152643 Sq. m for greenbelt

which includes Developed Green Belt Area of 94143 sqm. andProposed Area for Green Belt

Development- 58500 sqm. The proposed greenbelt will help in reducing the air and noise

pollution as well as will enhance the biological and aesthetic environment in and around the

project site. The development of green belt provides habitat, food and breeding areas to birds,

small animals and insects. No rare or endangered species of fauna are reported to exist in the




area. Thus, no impacts on rare or endangered species are envisaged due to normal operations.

Indigenous tree plantation will be preferred in greenbelt development. Hence, no impact on

biological environment is envisaged.

Demographic and Socio-economic

Proposed project will generate direct/indirect employment. People will be engaged in raw

material and final products transportation, contractual manpower / retail for non-critical activities

at the plant. The industrial growth of the region will help in infrastructure development in the

area. It will also generate income for government through taxes. Overall the project will have

positive impacts on socio-economic environment.

Infrastructure

SPIC is using Naphtha as a feed stock and fuel. Naphtha/Natural gas will be used after the

modernization. Natural gas is available from ONGC/IOC/other sources through pipeline.

Estimated consumption of Natural Gas is 378000 MT/Annum.

Environmental Management Plan

Air Environment





recommended:

The control measures (through proper up keep / maintenance) and good housekeeping

will considerably reduce the fugitive emission.

Regular dust suppression through water spray at solid storages.

Materials should be transported in covered trucks,.


carried out.

Regular monitoring of shop floor environment is to be carried out to control the fugitive

emission as well as shop floor safety.


Noise Environment

The statutory national standards for noise levels at the plant boundary and at residential areas

near the plant are being and are to be met. The following mitigation measures are proposed to

meet the objectives:

The selection of any new plant equipment is to be made with specification of low noise

levels. Noise suppression measures such as acoustic enclosures / cabins, buffers and /

or protective measures are be provided (wherever noise level is around +80 dB (A) and

exposure limits to workers is likely to be more than 8 hours a day) to limit noise levels




within occupational exposure limits. Areas with high noise levels are to be identified and

segregated where possible and will include prominently displayed caution boards.

However, in areas where noise levels are high and exposure time is less, employees will

be provided with ear protection measures like earplugs or earmuffs. Earplug should be

provided to all workers where exposure level is > 85 dB (A). The exposure of employees

working in the noisy area should be monitored regularly to ensure compliance with the

regulatory requirements.

The existing practice of regularly monitoring of noise levels is essential to assess the

efficacy of maintenance schedules undertaken to reduce noise levels and noise

protection measures.

The green belt around the plant to attenuate the noise level but instead of block

plantation there should be variability in tree height and shape, as this would disperse the

sound waves more efficiently. Plant that attenuate should be planted at the noise zone.

Water Environment

SPIC plant should take ample precautions to reduce water consumptions and tackle effluents

problem. The SPIC propose to follow philosophy of segregation of effluent streams and

treatment near the source and recycle back to the system. Efforts should continue and new

efforts should be directed to:

SPIC is sending treated effluents to its adjoining sister concern Greenstar Fertilizers

Limited for use in process.


developments.



belt.

The use of any chemical to check microbial activity should be avoided, as it would harm

the human health and fauna.


contamination.


Biological Environment

Greenbelt area of about 94143 Sq. m which constitutes more than ~21% and is in the process

of developing further ~ 50,000 Sq. m taking to ~ 31% of the total area of 461341 Sq. m.

SPIC is near Coastal areas where saltpans are in abundance. Green cover is lacking. SPIC has

allocated adequate land for greenbelt and lawn which is equal to ~ 31% of the total land. This

green belt need further thickening. These activities will help in reducing the air and noise






small animals and insects. No rare or endangered species of fauna are reported to exist in the




Corporate Social Responsibility

As a Corporate of having well understood the value of Society, so to say, the importance of

Corporate Social Responsibilities, SPIC is committing by itself a lot for social activities.

SPIC in association with its Service Clubs like Lions, Rotary, Junior Chamber etc.

hitherto organized a number of Free Medical Camps meant for treatment of Eyes,

General Health, Diabetic, Polio, Measles, Children Health, Leprosy, etc. More than 150

camps were conducted hitherto for the benefit of downtrodden dwellers of the villages

located in and around Tuticorin. Approximately a lakh of patients so far benefited out of

these camps.

SPIC contribution to the rural schools in and around Tuticorin for their Educational and

Sports development is a significant one. Through its Service Clubs, SPIC contributed

huge sum for construction of additional class rooms, improvement of sanitary measures,

adding up of playing materials, augmentation of lab facilities etc. in schools. R.C.

Middle School of Xavierpuram, K.T.Kosalram High School at Muthiahpuram, Lions

adopted Pottalkadu School are some of the beneficiaries of this social activity.

On Sports side, SPIC contribute a lot in the form of sponsoring prizes to the sports

events of rural schools which involves an expenditure of Rs.1,00,000/- a year. Through

its Central Sports Council, every year organizing a number of District & State level

invitation tournaments both in-door (Carrom, Table Tennis, Chess, Bridge, etc.) and out-

door (Basket Ball, Hockey, Football, Cricket, Tennis, Kabadi and Volley Ball) Games.

Company shall allocate adequate cost towards implementation of corporate social responsibility

initiatives, over ten years from the commencement of project.

Occupational Exposure Mitigation Planning

To control any occupational health and safety impact a detailed planning for mitigation

measures has been done in the design stage of the project. Apart from the occupational

exposure mitigation plans for various activities and work areas of hazards, following

administrative control measures will be followed:

All the employees will be trained for EHS policies.

A fully fledged occupational health centre exists at site having adequate infrastructure

and under the supervision of the qualified medical practitioner.

On-site 24 x 7 ambulance support.

Pre - employment medical check-up at the time of employment.

Annual Health check-up for all Employees.




Monitoring of occupational hazards like noise and chemical exposure (of working areas)

at regular intervals and record the data,

Engineering controls, wherever possible, to reduce workplace hazards.

All the OHS peoples have been trained for Basic life support, first aid, Basic fire safety

and emergency preparedness.

Ambient air quality monitoring every month at 3 locations

Monthly monitoring of environmental parameters.

Safety display boards provided throughout the plant.

Monthly fire extinguisher audit.

Work permit system

PPE adherence

Waste management and hazardous waste handling

Safe lifting operation

Industrial hygiene

Environment Monitoring Plan

A detailed environmental monitoring plan for the proposed project during construction and

operation phases of the project has been outlined. The same will be adhered during the

project execution. In addition to that all the conditions being imposed in the consent to

establish/ operate and environmental clearance shall be adhered.

General Safety Measures

All the personnel at the plant will be made aware about the manufacturing processes

and details of the products, their proximity of its exposure and risks associated with

them.

Based on which a through awareness of storage of these substances, associated risks

and safe operational conditions its maintenance inside the plant would be taken care

and also making the workers aware of hazards with manual handling of chemicals.

Personnel engaged in handling of hazardous chemicals (Ammonia / chlorine/acids) will

be trained to respond in an unlikely event of emergencies.

Safe work practices will be developed to provide for the control of hazards during

operation and maintenance.

Handling of hazardous chemical as per hazardous chemical rules 1989 and its

amendment.

There are adequate fire fighting facilities is provided at the plant, including, dry chemical

powder type, water CO2 type, mechanical foam type, CO2 type of Fire Extinguishers and

sand buckets etc. Personnel will be trained to combat the fire in various hazardous




chemicals.

The fire fighting system and equipment will be tested and maintained as per relevant

standards.

Safety measures in the form of DO and Don‘t will be displayed at every strategic

locations especially in local language and in pictorial form.

The required PPEs for each area/operation should be identified and the necessary

PPEs, like, helmets, goggles, hand gloves, mask, PVC suit, Self Containing Breathing

Apparatus, safety belts, ear muff and plug, etc. will be provided to the personnel.

The plant will check and ensure that all instruments provided in the plant are in good

condition and documented.

Adequate ventilation will be provided. Local exhaust ventilation will be effective in

controlling the dust and fumes in the work environment.

All equipment and storage tanks/containers of flammable chemicals should be bounded

and earthed.

Good house keeping will be maintained in the plant and First aid box will be provided

within the plant.

List of important telephone numbers will be displayed at each and every location in the

plant.

All the accidents and incidents will be recorded, investigated and analysed in the

proposed plant.

Safety awareness program and training of the worker will be carried out to motivate the

workers to increase the safety level at personal level.

Occupational Health Aspect: As per govt. standard all facilities will be provided.

Salient features of the project– Changeover of feed stock and fuel from Naphtha to mixed

feed (Natural gas+Naphtha)

SPIC proposes to convert the feedstock/fuel from Naphtha to Mixed Feedstock (Natural

Gas & Naphtha) in Ammonia Plant.

The production capacity of urea plant will remain the same after the gas conversion at 6,

20,400 MT per year.

Existing Plant has sufficient land and other necessary facilities for successful

establishment and operation of plant after gas conversion. There are no addition land is

acquired by Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Limited.

Natural gas has been the preferred feedstock for the manufacture of urea over other

feed stocks viz. naphtha and FO/LSHS, firstly, because it is clean and efficient source of

energy and secondly, it is considerably cheaper and more cost effective in terms of

manufacturing cost of urea which also has a direct impact on the quantum of subsidy on

urea.




NG is a clean fuel with nearly zero sulphur content; hence no sulphur dioxide emissions

from fuel burning after conversion from Naphtha to Natural gas.

Carbon di oxide emission from stacks will also be reduced after changing the feed stock

from naphtha to natural gas.

Existing plant is taking water from Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board

through dedicated water supply pipe line. There is no additional water requirement after

the modernization of plant.

Existing plant is getting the electrical power from Tamil Nadu Electrical Board. There is

no additional power requirement after the modernization of plant.

Since there is no additional requirement of water and power, natural resources is

conserved.

Cost towards Environmental Protection

The capital cost of equipments for environmental system proposed is around Rs 50.6 Crores

and recurring cost will be around Rs. 11.735 Crores.




1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Project Proponent

Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Ltd., or SPIC, (BSE: 590030, NSE: SPIC) is

an Indian company that makes Fertilizers. Its core competency is in fertilizer products. It has

operations in power, oil and natural gas, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology applications in

agriculture.

The company, headquartered in Chennai, was incorporated on 18 December 1969 and became

a joint venture between the M. A. Chidambaram Group and TIDCO (a part of the Government

of Tamil Nadu) in 1975.The company's biggest client has been the government of Tamil Nadu,

which purchases agro-products for subsidized distribution through its Public Distribution

System.




change in the Production capacity of Urea at 6,20,400 MT per Annum

Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Limited, Tuticorin is not acquiring any land for

this project.

It is brown field project and plant will use existing utility services after the modernization.

1.2. Project Justification: Urea Market – National Scenario

India‘s consumption of Urea reached to approximately 30 MMTPA in 2014-15. Enhanced

fertiliser production will reduce demand-supply gap, help to achieve food security, and also to

reduce dependency on imports. The salient benefits to the country, the region & the society at

large are:

Reduced dependency on urea imports

Savings of Foreign Exchange

Saving on freight cost for finished goods due to proximity to the market

Direct and indirect employment in the region

Vital role in ensuring food security in the country

This chapter provides background information of the project, urea market scenario in the target region, location of the proposed project, the scope of EIA study as per approved terms of reference from Expert Appraisal Committee (Industry), Ministry of Environment and Forests, methodology adopted for EIA study and structure of the report.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombay_Stock_Exchange

http://www.bseindia.com/bseplus/StockReach/AdvanceStockReach.aspx?scripcode=590030

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Stock_Exchange_of_India

http://www.nseindia.com/marketinfo/companyinfo/companysearch.jsp?cons=SPIC&section=7

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Core_competency

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fertiliser

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biotechnology

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chennai

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TIDCO

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Nadu

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Distribution_System






Proximity to the markets in the eastern region reducing vehicular traffic from long

distances.

Keeping in view the vital role played by chemical fertilizers in the success of India‘s green

revolution and consequent self-reliance in food-grain production, the Government of India has

been consistently pursuing policies conducive to increased availability and consumption of

fertilizers in the country. As a result, the annual consumption of fertilizers in nutrient terms (N, P

& K), has increased from 0.7 lakh MT in 1951-52 to 264.86 lakh MT 2009-10, while per hectare

consumption of fertilizers, which was less than 1 Kg in 1951-52 has risen to the level of 131.6

Kg in 2014- 15.

As of now, the country has achieved near self-sufficiency in production capacity of urea with the

result that India could substantially manage its requirement of nitrogenous fertilizers through the

indigenous industry. Similarly, adequate indigenous capacity has been developed in respect of

phosphatic fertilizers to meet domestic requirements.

However the raw materials and intermediates for the same are largely imported. As for potash

(K) since there are no viable sources/ reserves in the country, its entire requirement is met

through imports.

Out of three main nutrients namely nitrogen, phosphate and potash, (N,P&K) required for

various crops, indigenous raw materials are available mainly for nitrogenous fertilizers.

The Government‘s policy has hence aimed at achieving the maximum possible degree of self-

sufficiency in the production of nitrogenous fertilizers based on utilisation of indigenous

feedstock. Prior to 1980, nitrogenous fertilizer plants were mainly based on naphtha as

feedstock. A number of fuel oil/LSHS based ammonia-urea plants were also set up during 1978

to 1982.

At present, natural gas based plants account for more than 83% of urea capacity, naphtha is

used for less than 17% urea production and the balance capacity is based on fuel oil and LSHS

as feedstock. Natural gas has been the preferred feedstock for the manufacture of urea over

other feed stocks viz. naphtha and FO/LSHS, firstly, because it is clean and efficient source of

energy and secondly, it is considerably cheaper and more cost effective in terms of

manufacturing cost of urea which also has a direct impact on the quantum of subsidy on urea.

The gap in demand and supply of Urea is projected to rise to 11 million tonnes (MT) by the

2016-17 fiscal, industry body Fertilizer Association of India (FAI) has said. The country produces

around 22 MMT of the important nitrogenous fertilizer, while consumption is around 28 MMT.

The shortfall of 6 MMT covered through imports.

"There is an urgent need for construction of new urea projects and modernization of existing

urea production plant to fill the projected consumption and production gap of 11 million tonnes

by the year 2016-17,"

1.3. Purpose of the Study

As per the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of

India EIA Notification 2006 and as amended on December 1, 2009, the proposed manufacturing

http://www.business-standard.com/search?type=news&q=Urea




unit has to take environmental clearance prior to commissioning of the plant. The proposed

project is covered under Category 'A' as per the Schedule of EIA Notification and hence

requires environmental clearance from Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (EIAA) of

MoEF&CC, New Delhi.

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study undertaken is mainly focused on

identification of existing environmental conditions of the project, its impact on pre and post

commissioning. A detailed prediction of all environmental impacts associated with the various

activities during the construction and operation phases of the proposed modernisation

(feedstock and fuel change) project and suggesting suitable measures to navigate the observed

adverse environmental impacts. The study also aims at reflecting the acceptability of the project

to different stakeholders and at incorporating the concerns raised by them into impact

assessment and of the subsequent Environmental Management Plan (EMP). These all

mentioned above are part of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) project Study.

1.4. Project Location

The existing plant situated on industrial Land in SPIC Nagar, Post Office Muthiahpuram S.O

Taluka-Tuticorin, District Tuticorin, State of Tamil Nadu - 628005.The Plant site is located at

about 8.0 km from Municipal Office of Tuticorin City on Thoothukudi- Tiruchendur Road,

Kanyakumari Road. The proposed site lies between 08° 45ʾ 24‖ N latitude and 78° 13ʾ 36‖E

longitudes and is well connected by Road (NH-7), Rail and Tuticorin port.

Tuticorin city headquarter is located at a distance of 10 KM from the site. Nearest railway

station Tuticorin is located at a distance of 10 KM from the site. The location of the project

shown in district map, the Google image of the project site and FCC of the project site is given

in Figure 1.1, Figure 1.2 and Figure 1.3 respectively




Figure 1.1 : Location of the Project site

Source: SPIC




Figure 1.2 : Google image of Project site

(Source: Google earth)




(Source: Technical details from PFR of SPIC)

Figure 1.3 : Site layout with Project location




1.5. Scope and Methodology of the Study

Presently the proposed project is in the Basic design stage. For the purpose of environmental

assessment, areas within 10 km radial zone of the project have been studied and classified as

Study Area. The Following methodology has been adopted for the EIA study:

Identification of sources of pollution during construction and operation phases of the

project at the proposed site

Utilisation of resources obtained during construction and operation phases of the

project

Assessment of extent of pollution and resource utilisation in the proposed area

Recommending measures to optimise resource utilisation

Developing an environmental monitoring plan to ensure effective implementation of

the environmental management plan

1.6. Approved TOR for EIA Study by MOEF&CC

The application for the scoping of the said project has been submitted to the Reconstituted

Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), MoEF&CC, New Delhi. The project was considered for

Terms of Reference (TOR) by Expert Appraisal Committee (Industry of MoEF&CC in its

40thmeeting held on 18th– 19thMay 2015 and the TOR was granted on 30th June 2015 enclosed

in Annexure IV.

The EIA study has been conducted in accordance with the TORapproved by Expert Appraisal

Committee (Industry) and taking into consideration the structure of the report given in the EIA

Notification 20061. The point wise compliance to the approved TOR is presented in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1 : TOR Compliance

Sl.No ToR Points Remarks

1 Separate Layout Map of each unit

and composite layout map of all

units indicating different colour

Layout is enclosed as Figure 1.3

2 Plot area of each unit Existing Land Use Pattern at SPIC Sites given in Table 2.2

3 Layout map of greenbelt Green Belt Development Layout is attached as Figure 5.1.

4 Power requirement of each units

along with source

Total power requirement along with power backup is given

in Section 2.8

5 Details of Utilities Details of utilities is detailed in Section 2.6

6 Status of Construction of units The construction will commence only after getting all

statuary clearances. The rest is detailed under Section

2.4.

1 Appendix III (Generic Structure of Environmental Impact Assessment Document) of EIA Notification, 2006

(http://envfor.nic.in/divisions/iass/notif/notif.htm) – S.O. 1533, dated 14th September 2006, as published in the Gazette of India,

Extraordinary, Part II, and Section 3, Sub-section (ii), Ministry of Environment and Forests.

http://envfor.nic.in/divisions/iass/notif/notif.htm





7 Complete process flow diagram

describing each units, its capacity

along with material and energy

balance

The proposed project does not involve any change in

process. It deals with the change in fuel from Naphtha to

mix feed.

8 Details of Intermediate product,

their storages and final products to

be manufactured

Not applicable as the project deals with the change in fuel

from Naphtha to mix feed.

9 Details of proposed source specific

pollution control schemes and

equipments to meet the national

standards for petroleum refinery

The main pollutants from stack are SPM, SO2, NOX, NH3

Chapter 5.2.1

10 Details of Emissions from all the

stacks including Volumetric flow

rate

Elaborated under section 4.3 Potential Impacts during

Project Operation.

11 Details of availability of raw

materials (crude oil, natural gas,

chemicals etc), its source and

storage at the plant

SPIC is using Naphtha as a feed stock and fuel.

Naphtha/Natural gas will be used after the modernization.

Natural gas is available fromONGC/IOC/other sources

through pipeline. Estimated consumption of Natural Gas

is378000 MT/Annum (Approximately). Details of the

availability of raw material along with its source and

storage in section 2.6.2.

12 Details of Mode of Transportation

of Crude and products.

Natural gas &Naphtha are available fromONGC/IOC/other

sources through pipeline.

13 Details of storage capacity of

crude and products

Details of store capacity is detailed in section 2.6.2

14 Latest Ambient air quality data

should include PM10, PM2.5, SO2,

Nox, CO, NH3, Urea,

Hydrocarbon, (Methane and Non

Methane) VOC, etc.

Ambient air quality data is described in the Chapter 3,

section 3.5 Ambient Air quality.

15 Trend analysis of latest baseline

data with initial data

The baseline data is elaborated under Chapter 3.

16 Details of water consumption and

effluent generation and disposal

methods

Existing plant is taking water from Tamil Nadu Water

Supply and Drainage Board through dedicated water

supply pipe line. There is no additional water requirement

after the modernization of plant. Detail of water

requirement is given under section 2.7 while detail of

effluent is mentioned under section 2.15 effluent control.





17 Details of effluent treatment plant,

inlet and treated water quality with

specific efficiency of each

treatment unit in reduction in

respect of all concerned/regulated

environmental parameters. Also

include treatment details such as

primary (physio-chemical),

secondary (biological) and tertiary

(activated carbon filters) treatment

systems.

Details of effluent along with its management are given

under section 2.15.

18 Solid waste management plan There is no major source of hazardous waste generation

due to the proposed SPIC project that would be causing

harm to the environment. The hazardous wastes will be

similar to existing plant namely catalyst, used oil, ETP

sludge etc. The wastes will be stored in well-designed

godowns and disposed off to approved buyers or sent

authorized disposal site. The Hazardous waste will not

have any adverse impact on soil, land or water bodies.

19 Risk Assessment and Disaster

Management Plan

Risk Assessment and Disaster Management Plan is

elaborated under Chapter 6

i Identification of Hazards QRA Report of Plant

ii Consequence Analysis

iii Risk Assessment should also

include leakage and location near

to Ammonia as well as natural as

& proposed measures for risk

reduction

1.7. Structure of the Report

This EIA report has been prepared on the basis of available on-site primary data (survey/

monitoring) and secondary data/literature data. The EIA report contains project features,

baseline environmental setup, assessment of environmental impacts, and formulation of

mitigation measures along with environmental management and monitoring plan.

The report contains an Executive Summary of EIA report and the following chapters:

Chapter 1: Introduction

This chapter provides background information on the need of project, need of EIA study and

brief of the project. The scope and EIA methodology adopted in preparation of EIA report have

also been described




Chapter 2: Project Description

This chapter deals with the details of the proposed fertiliser project including technical details of

raw material quality and quantity etc.

Chapter 3: Description of the - Environment

This chapter presents the existing environmental status of the study area around the proposed

project including topography, drainage pattern, water environment, geological, climate, transport

system, land use,

Flora& fauna, socio-economic aspects, basic amenities and other environmental components.

Environmental assessment of the proposed project site with respect to itsenvironmental

capability to integrate the proposed new development and sustainability is also discussed.

Chapter 4: Anticipated Environmental Impacts

This chapter describes the overall impacts of the proposed project activities on air,water,land,

noise, biological and socio economic environment underscores the areas of concern, which

need mitigation measures. Predication of ground level concentrations of stack emissions have

been done with the help of dispersion modelling of the pollutants likely to be released for the

proposed project.

Chapter 5 Environmental Management Plan

This chapter details the inferences drawn from the environmental impact assessment exercise.

It describes the overall impacts of the proposed activities during construction and operation

phases and underscores the areas of concern, which need mitigation measures. It also provides

mitigation and control measures for environmental management plan (EMP) for minimizing the

negative environmental impacts and to strengthening the positive environmental impacts of the

proposed project.

Chapter6: Environmental Monitoring Program

This chapter details the environmental monitoring programme of the proposed project to access

the quality of environmental parameters during the construction and operation phases of the

proposed project.

Chapter 7: Additional Studies Risk Assessment

This chapter details the quantitative risk assessment associated with the activities related to

power generation in the proposed project.

Chapter 8: Disaster Management Plan

The on-site and off-site emergency plan has been presented in this chapter.

Chapter 9: Summary and Conclusions

This chapter provides the summary and conclusions of the EIA study of the proposed project.

Chapter 10: Disclosure of Consultants Engaged

This chapter provides the disclosure of consultants engaged to carry out the EIA study for this

project.




2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1. About the Project

Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Limited, Tuticorin, (SPIC LTD) proposes

toModernization of Ammonia plant(Changeover of feedstock from Naphtha to mixed feed) of its

existing plant in SPIC Nagar, District Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu without any change in the

Production capacity of Urea at 6,20,400 MT per Annum.

Presently SPIC is using the Naphtha as a feed stock and fuel. Naphtha to Mixed Feed Naphtha

+ Natural Gas)will be used after the modernization. Estimated consumption of Natural Gas is

378000 MT/Annum (Approximately).

There is no addition land is required for the project.

S. No Product Existing Capacity Capacity after modernization

1 Urea 6,20,400 MT per year 6,20,400 MT per year

(no Change)

(Source:Technical details from PFR of SPIC )

Existing Plant has sufficient land and other necessary facilities for successful establishment and

operation of plant after modernization. There are no additional land is acquired by Southern

Petrochemical Industries Corporation Limited.Emission from stacks will be reduced after the

modernization.

Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Limited, Tuticorin has estimated that the cost of

implementation of the proposed modernization and expansion will involve huge capital

investment.

Existing Plant is situated on industrial land declared by Tehsildar Tuticorin in year 1968.

Existing land is using as Industrial land since 1972. Southern Petrochemical Industries

Corporation Limited, Tuticorin is having full ownership of this land.

North:HarborConstruction road is lying adjacent to the boundary wall of existing plant.

East:Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals and Fertilizer Ltd., is at the East of SPIC.

South: Heavy Water Plant (Under Ministry of Atomic Energy, GOI) make boundary wall with

existing plant.

West:Township of Green star fertilizer Limited, Tuticorin make boundary wall with existing plant

M/s Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Ltd, Tuticorin proposed unit profile that

This chapter deals with the details of the proposed Phase II Ammonia/ Urea plant; Location Consideration, Technology Description, Raw material Requirement and its source, Process flow diagram, Environmental Pollution Control measures etc.




includes location of the site is given in the following Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 : Surrounding Area Profile

S. No Feature Details

1. Plant Location Muthiahpuram village, Taluka - Tuticorin,

District - Tuticorin, State- Tamil Nadu Pin

Code-628005

2. Plant site Latitude and Longitude Latitude 80 45‘ North

Longitude 780 13‘ East

3. Climatic conditions at Site Coastal

4. Temperature 19 0C to 410C

5. Predominant wind directions Towards west followed by SW and NE

6. Plant site Elevation above MSL Ave (+) 4.3 meters

7. Plant site Elevation above MSL Ave (+) 4.3 meters

8. Plant site Topography Generally flat

9. Present land use at the site Industrial land

10. Nearest highway NH 7A (6 KM from site)

11. Nearest railway station Tuticorin (8 Kms from the site)

12. Nearest Airport Tuticorin (18 Kms from the site)

13. Nearest River Tamiraparani river ( 20 Kms from the site)

14. Water source for the site North main channel of the Tamiraparani river

system at Peikula

15. Nearest town/City Tuticorin

16. Nearest village Mullakadu

17. Hills/valleys No hills and valleys within 10-km radius

18. Archaeologically important places 461. Marine National park in Gulf of Mannar

19. Protected areas as per Wildlife None in 15-km radius

20. Protection Act,1972 (Tiger reserve) None in 15-km radius

21. Elephant reserve None in 15-km radius

22. Biospheres, National parks, None in 15-km radius

23. Wildlife sanctuaries, community-

reserves and conservation reserves)

None in 15-km radius

24. Reserved / Protected Forests None in 15-km radius

25. Defence Installations None in 15-km radius area

26. Major industries in 15-km radius 1. Sterlite Industries

2. Tuticorin Thermal Plant

3. Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals

4. Heavy Water Plant

5. Ammonia Importation Terminal

6. Indian Oil Corporation

7. Super Gas Industries

8. Bharat Petroleum Industries




S. No Feature Details

9. Kilburn Chemicals

27. Socio Economic Factors Backward Area now developing with industrial

activities and through port

Source: Technical details from PFR of SPIC

2.2. Land Use Pattern

It is modernisation of existing plant and some of the existing process equipment will be replaced

according to technology.Existing land use distribution at project site is give below:

Table 2.2 Existing Land Use Pattern at SPIC Site

S.No Description Area in Sq.M~ Remark

Total Area

1 Total SPIC Factory Area 461341

Buildings / Road Area

1 Buildings 36667

2 Road 105740

Total 142407

Green Belt Area

1 Developed Green Belt Area 94143

2 Proposed Area for Green Belt

Development

58500

Total Green Belt Area 152643

Area Split-up details as per the requirement

1 Process Area 63924 Process Area Building

also included

3 Material Storage (Urea Silo) 5992 Included in the

building area

4 Utility Area - WTP / CPP / OSB / MSS 24398 Process Area Building

also included

5 Bagging Plant & Bagged Storage 1111 Included in the

building area

6 IETP Area 16694 Process Area Building

also included

7 Tank Farm Area 29134

9 Railway Siding Area 13212

10 Parking Area 660




S.No Description Area in Sq.M~ Remark

11 Water Reservoir 5453

12 Stores Open Yard 8416

13 Workshop / Canteen / QCL / Inspection /

Instruments shop / Fire / Stores

19102 Included in the

building area

14 Project area for Gas Conversion 200 Included in the

Process Area


2.3. Process Description

Brief process description of main plants is as below:

2.4. Ammonia Plant

Process Description:

Ammonia plant was designed on the "Total Energy Concept" with Naphtha as the feedstock.

The plant is to be converted to utilize Mixed feed stock (naphtha and natural gas) as feedstock

by M/s HaldorTopsoe. The plant comprises the following process schemes:

Naphtha Hydro-Desulphurisation based on IIP/IFP Process.

Pre-Reforming

Primary reforming based on Steam-Naphtha reforming process

Secondary Reforming

Co-conversion and Methanation

Bulk CO2 removal based on Glycine/DEA system (M/s. Giammarco Vetrocoke

Process)

Compression - Centrifugal compressors are used for process air, synthesis gas and

refrigeration system.

Ammonia Synthesis

Ammonia recovery and storage to store 3000 tonnes of ammonia.

Desulphurization:

The feedstock of the Reforming catalyst should contain less than 0.5 ppm of sulphur. This is

necessary as the Sulphur reduces the activity of the reforming catalyst. The feedstock is mixed

with a stream of synthesis gas and is heated to approximately 355°C. The mixture is passed

through the hydro finer catalyst bed where the sulphur in the naphtha is reduced to H2S. The

naphtha is then condensed by cooling and the H2S is removed in a stripping column. Sweet

naphtha from Stripper is cooled and sent to Sweet Naphtha Tank.

Secondary Desulphurization:




Naphtha/Natural gas is supplied into NG pre-heater 1435 at 30°C and 41 Kg/cm²g. Natural

gas/Naphtha is mixed along with recycle gas and pre-heated to 360°C. Sweet Naphtha from the

Sweet Naphtha storage Tank is mixed with a recycle stream of synthesis gas and heated to

approximately 400°C in the Process Naphtha Vaporizer. Naphtha feedstock and Natural Gas is

mixed and passed into Desulphurization vessel at 360°C and 37.8 Kg/cm²g. The gas mixture

passed through a bed of CoMox catalyst, where unconverted sulphur remaining in the Naphtha

& Natural gas is reduced to H2S. This H2S is then absorbed in the zinc oxide bed, which is

located in the lower part of the vessel. The sulphur content of the feedstock is thus reduced to

below the limits imposed by the reforming catalyst manufacturer i.e. to less than 0.5 ppm (by

weight).

Pre - Reforming:

The Desulphurized feedstock is then mixed with the Process steam and Recycle hydrogen gas

before entering the Feedstock Pre-heater. In the feedstock pre-heater, the inlet temperature to

the pre-reformer is raised to 490°C. In pre-reformer all hydrocarbons constituting the naphtha

are decomposed to methane. This is an exothermic reaction and pre-reformer outlet

temperature is 500°C. The Pre-reformer outlet is mixed with process steam and mixed feed

temperature at Primary Reformer inlet is 480°C.

Primary Reforming:

The reforming reaction is basically the reaction between hydrocarbon and steam to produce

carbon monoxide and hydrogen. This reaction is carried out at a pressure of 29 kg/cm² and at a

temperature of 780°C. The reforming reactions are endothermic and the necessary heat is

supplied to the reaction by:

Preheating the reactants;

Carrying out the reactions in externally heated tubes. The heat supply is from flue

gas produced by the combustion of Natural gas/naphtha in the reforming furnace.

The reforming furnace is of the Power Gas standard "Modular" design, which is

bricklined rectangular box like structure in which the tubes are suspended vertically.

The furnace consists of 90 top fired burners and 264 tubes arranged in eight rows,

each row containing 33 tubes. Steam reforming of naphtha/NG in the presence of

catalyst produces reformed gas consisting of methane, carbon di-oxide, carbon

monoxide, hydrogen and excess steam.

Secondary Reforming:

Calculated quantity of preheated Nitrogen required for ammonia synthesis is fixed in Secondary

Reformer. Air is added to the hot gas from the primary reformer. The oxygen in the air reacts

with part of the gas raising the temperature. The heated mixture then flows through a bed of

catalyst and the methane present in the gas from the primary reformer reacts with excess steam

to produce further hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon di oxide. The methane steam

reaction is endothermic and therefore the temperature of the gas mixture, after initial sharp

increase, falls as the gas pass through the catalyst bed and the reformed gas leaves secondary

reformer at 970°C.




CO Conversion:

The gas from the Secondary Reformer normally contains about 14 % carbon monoxide. This is

cooled to 360°C at reformed gas boiler and the gas enters the first stage of the CO conversion

section. CO shift conversion takes place in two stages. Stage I is at relatively high temperature

between 360 and 430°C. This stage employs the copper promoted iron oxide - chromium based

catalyst and the carbon monoxide content is reduced to approx. 2 % by volume.

Stage 2 employs the low temperature catalyst made of a mixture of zinc and copper oxide,

which operates between 200°C to 220°C. Advantage of favourable equilibrium of shift reaction

is taken into consideration at lower temperature to reduce the carbon monoxide to 0.2 % by

volume of dry gas

CO2 Removal and methanation:

CO2 in the gas is absorbed using Glycine and DEA activated Vetrocoke solution. Then the

Vetrocoke solution is regenerated in two stage regenerators operating at two different

pressures. After CO2 removal, the gas is passed to the methanator. Methanation is the Catalytic

conversion of the oxides of carbon to methane by reaction with hydrogen at elevated

temperatures over nickel based catalyst, both reactions are exothermic. The gases are

preheated prior to the reaction to 315°C by heat exchange with the hot gas from the high

temperature stage of the CO conversion.

Heat Recovery:

The heat recovery from the flue gas involves steam raising, steam superheating and

preheating of the air to the burners.

Heat in the product stream is used for the following purposes

Boiler feed water preheating.

Steam raising.

Regeneration of the vetrocoke solution.

Production of ammonia synthesis gas by the route described is normally

characterized by almost complete heat recovery and utilization. Only a very small

proportion of the heat is rejected to the atmosphere in the flue gases from the

furnace and to the process cooling water system.

Boiler Systems:

Two auxiliary boilers and one Additional Steam generation unit capable of operating

independently, form part of Ammonia Plant. Auxiliary boilers are having a capacity of 90 tons of

steam per hour each and Additional Steam generation unit having a capacity of 120 tons of

steam per hour supply steam at 106kg/cm² pressure and 482°C to meet steam requirements of

process and steam drives. The fuel for these boilers is the fuel oil / Natural gas and is supplied

with all equipment necessary for automatic operation.




Ammonia Synthesis:

Ammonia is produced at a rate of 1200 MTD in a single train. The main compressors are

centrifugal, in line with current practice for large tonnage ammonia plants, and are driven by

steam turbines to ensure maximum reliability in operation. The converter exit gases are water

cooled before refrigeration. Refrigeration is provided by liquid ammonia vaporization.

Process Description of Loop:

Make-up gas from the compressor is mixed with the converted gases from the interchanger and

the mixture pass through two refrigerated coolers in series. The refrigerated coolers condense

ammonia, which is collected in the catch pot. Uncondensed gases from the catch pot are

recycled through the interchanger where the gases are heated. The heated gases then enter

the circulator before being fed into the converter in four streams - three 'shot' streams and one

main feed stream. Converter exit gases are cooled first in the boiler feed water heater, and then

in the water cooler. Further cooling occurs in the loop interchanger after which the loop purge is

taken off and the make-up gas stream is added.

Anhydrous Ammonia Recovery:

Liquid ammonia from the primary catch pot is let down to 17.5 kg/cm² in the letdown vessel,

inert gases flashed off in the letdown vessel and purge gas from synloop fed to an ammonia

absorber where the ammonia is absorbed by water. The liquor is sent to a still for recovery of

ammonia. Liquid ammonia from the ammonia still overhead receiver is pumped into the letdown

vessel. Anhydrous ammonia from the letdown vessel is sent to Urea Plant.

Hydrogen Recovery:

After removal of ammonia and moisture, the temperature of purge gas is reduced to -193°C and

hydrogen of 94 % purity is recovered and recycled back to Syn gas compressor. The liquid,

which has condensed at -193°C containing methane, argon and Nitrogen and traces of

Hydrogen, is flashed and used as a fuel in Reformer.

Instrument Air:

Three instrument air compressors, each having a capacity of 800 NM³/hour of air at 7 kg/cm²

abs, are provided. Automatic drying system, capable of drying 2000 NM³/hour air to a dew point

of minus 40°C are included. A normal requirement of Instrument air is fed from the process air

system.

The schematic flow diagram of Ammonia process is shown in Figure 2.1.




(Source:Technical details from PFR of SPIC)

Figure 2.1 : Schematic Flow diagram of Ammonia Process

Table 2.3 :Overall Material balance with Naphtha

Ammonia:

Input MT/Annum Output MT/Annum

Naphtha for process 185809 Ammonia 358591

Steam 765969 Carbondioxide 569890

Air 422817 Purge gas as fuel/Export steam 167286

Condensate (Recycled to the system)

278828

1374595 1374595

(Source:Technical details from SPIC )

Table 2.4 Overall Material balance – With NG

Ammonia:


NG for process 188520 Ammonia 395995

Steam 657392 Carbondioxide 490153

Air 459954 Purge gas as fuel/Export steam 150256




Ammonia:


Condensate (Recycled to the system)

269462

1305865 1305865

(Source: Technical details from SPIC)

Table 2.5 Overall Energy balance with Napth and With Natural Gas

AMMONIA ENERGY BALANCE

With Naphtha With NG

Input Output Input Output

Feed Gcal/MT 5.47 Feed Gcal/MT 5.39

Fuel Gcal/MT 2.24 Fuel Gcal/MT 2.12

HP steam Import Gcal/MT 2.66 HP steam Import Gcal/MT 2.66

MP Steam Import Gcal/MT 0.31 MP Steam Import Gcal/MT 0.20

LP Steam Import Gcal/MT 0.05 LP Steam Import Gcal/MT 0.00

HP Steam export Gcal/MT 0.26 HP Steam export Gcal/MT 0.27

12 kscg steam to BL Gcal/MT 0.31

12 kscg steam to

BL Gcal/MT 0.25

12kscg service steam

to BL Gcal/MT 0.11

12kscg service

steam to BL Gcal/MT 0.11

Balance MP steam to

BL Gcal/MT 0.00

Balance MP

steam to BL Gcal/MT 0.21

Service steam to BL Gcal/MT 0.05

Service steam to

BL Gcal/MT 0.05

LP steam to Urea Gcal/MT 0.03 LP steam to Urea Gcal/MT 0.03

Balance LP steam to

BL Gcal/MT 0.30

Balance LP steam

to BL Gcal/MT 0.16

Gcal/MT 10.73 1.06 Gcal/MT 10.37 1.08

Net consumption Gcal/MT 9.67 Net consumption Gcal/MT 9.29


Note : Based on Availability of natural gas the feed proportion of Naphtha/Natural gas will

change in Mixed feed stock .However the material and energy balance will be with in the range

between pure naphtha case and pure Natural gas gas.

2.5. Urea Plant

Process Description:

The Urea Plant is based on ―Mitsui-Toatsu total recycle improved - C process― and is designed

to produce fertilizer grade urea. The plant is divided into four sections namely:

1. Synthesis Section

2. Decomposition

3. Crystal separation, Drying and Prilling Section

4. Recovery Section




Ammonium carbamate is formed when CO2 and ammonia are reacting under high pressure and

temperature in a reactor. Urea is formed subsequently by the dehydration of ammonium

carbamate. The reactor operates at a pressure of 225 kg/cm²g and temperature of 200°C to get

equilibrium conversion of 72%.

Synthesis Section:CO2 gas from ammonia plant is pressurised to 14.5 kg/cm²g using a

centrifugal compressor driven by steam turbine. The pressure is then raised to reactor pressure

with two reciprocating compressors. The liquid ammonia is also pressurised to 250 kg/cm²g

using reciprocating pumps and fed to reactor in excess along with CO2 gas and recycle solution

from recovery section. The temperature of urea reactor is controlled by the preheating of

ammonia fed to reactor.

Decomposition: The reactor outlet solution containing urea, excess ammonia, unconverted

ammonium carbamate & water is letdown and is decomposed. The decomposition is carried out

in several stages to control water content in the off gases from decomposer to recovery section.

This is to optimize the water recycled back to the reactor, as higher the water content in recycle

solution reduces the conversion in the reactor. The high pressure decomposer operates at 17.5

kg/cm²g and 165°C. The major portion of unconverted carbamate and excess ammonia in the

reactor outlet solution are recovered in this section. Then the outlet solution from high pressure

decomposer is let down to low pressure decomposer operating at 2.5 kg/cm²g, CO2 gas is used

here for stripping. Finally the solution of low pressure decomposer is flashed at 0.3 kg/cm²g in

the upper portion of Gas separator and then to atmospheric pressure in the Gas separator

bottom. Urea solution with 72% concentration thus produced is fed to crystalliser section.

Crystal Separation, Drying & Prilling Section:

The urea solution is further concentrated in the upper part of crystalliser operating under

vacuum. It flows down to crystalliser bottom where urea is crystallised. The urea crystals are

separated by using centrifuges, then it is dried and conveyed to the top of prill tower through a

pneumatic duct. The dried crystals are melted and prilled. The urea prills are cooled in the

fluidising cooler at the prill tower bottom and sent to Bagging plant. .

Recovery Section:

The off gases from Gas separator are absorbed in off gas absorber provided with packed beds.

The lean solution thus generated is used in low pressure absorber to recover ammonia and CO2

in the gas outlet of lower pressure decomposer. This ammonium carbamate from low pressure

absorber along with reflux ammonia is used as absorbent in high pressure absorber to recover

ammonia and CO2 gases from high pressure decomposer. The heat of absorption from this

section is used as heat input for evaporating water from urea solution in the crystalliser section

and to preheat the ammonia feed to reactor. The carbamate solution from high pressure

absorber is recycled back to reactor. The excess ammonia from high pressure absorber top is

condensed as pure ammonia and recycled to reactor as feed.





Figure 2.2 : Schematic Flow Diagram of Urea process

2.6. Utilities and Off Site Facilities

2.6.1. Raw materials and Fuel

SPIC is using Naphtha as a feed stock and fuel. Naphtha/Natural gas will be used after the

modernization. Natural gas is available fromONGC/IOC/other sources through pipeline.

Estimated consumption of Natural Gas is378000 MT/Annum (Approximately).Raw material and

fuel consumption pattern existing and after modernisation is given below:

Table 2.6 Raw Material consumption

Raw Material Consumption(MT/Annum) Source Mode of Transport

Naphtha (Fuel &

Feed stock )

Naphtha = 262180 MT

(approx)

IOCL &

Import


port to plant

Furnace oil

Fuel = 122530 MT

(approx)P

IOCL &

Import


port to plant





Table 2.7 Raw Material consumption after gas conversion of Plant

Raw Material Consumption

(MT/Annum) Source

Mode of

Transport

Natural Gas (Fuel

& Feed stock)**

378000 MT/Annum MT

(approx)

ONGC/IOC/Other

Sources By pipeline


** Note – Till the plant is supplied with full gas requirement, the plant will operate with Mixed

feed stock of Naphtha/Natural gas.

Table 2.8 Fuel Consumption: (Existing)

Stack Attached to Capacity Stack

Nos.

Type of

Fuel used

Fuel

consumption

Aux. Boiler I & II -Flue Gas stack

(Ammonia)

180MT/Hr

(90 MT/Hr each) 1

Furnace

Oil 14 KL/Hr

Aux. Boiler III Flue gas stack (CPP) 120MT/Hr 1 Furnace

Oil 8KL/Hr

Off site Boiler Flue Gas stack 170 MT/Hr 1

Furnace

Oil

14KL/Hr

1100 KVA DG* set in Main Sub-

station 1100 KVA 1 HSD 160 liter/Hr

830 KVA DG* set in Main Sub-

station 830 KVA 1 HSD 140 liter/Hr

830 KVA DG* set in Captive Power

Plant 830 KVA 1 HSD 140 liter/Hr

500 KVA DG* set in Water

Treatment Plant 500 KVA 1 HSD 75 liter/Hr


*Note 1: DG Sets will be used only during Power failure.

2.6.2. Storages

Existing raw material and other materials storages at the site are as below:




S. No.

Material Consumption

(Annual) State

Storage

[Capacity MT or Kl; Tank size etc.]

Control measures provided

Total Tank details

Ammonia plant

1 Naphtha 262180 MT Liquid 38550 KL

8750 KL X 3 No =26250

6150KL X2No =12300

Dyke wall,

Fire Protection

System, Level sensor

2 FO 122530 MT Liquid 7600 KL 3800 KL X 2No

=7600 KL

Dyke wall,

Fire

Protection

System,

Level sensor

Urea plant

3 Ammonia 358591 MT Liquid

/Gas

3000 MT at

3.5 bar zero

degree

centigrade

3000 MT

Dyke wall,

Fire

Protection

System,

Level sensor

4 Urea Silo 620400 MT Urea Silo -25000

MT






Details of storages after Natural Gas conversion

2.7. Water Requirement

Existing plant is taking water from Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board through

dedicated water supply pipe line. There is no additional water requirement after the

modernization of plant.

S. No. Area of Consumption Fresh Water

Quantity, KLD

Waste Water

Generation, KLD

Treatment /

Disposal

1 Process 1690 120 Treated in

Integrated Effluent

Treatment Plant 2 Cooling 13040 2040

3 Domestic & gardening 456 120 Treated in Sewage

Treatment Plant

Total 15186 2280


S.

No.

Material Consumption

(Annual)

State Storage

[Capacity MT or Kl; Tank

size etc.]

Control measures

provided

Total Tank details

Ammonia plant

1 Naphtha 262180 MT Liquid 38550 KL

8750 KL X 3

No =26250

6150KL X2No

=12300

Dyke wall,

Fire Protection

System, Level

sensor

2 FO 122530 MT Liquid 7600 KL 3800 KL X 2No

=7600 KL

Dyke wall,

Fire Protection

System, Level

sensor

3 Natural

Gas 378000 MT Gas NA

Link with

Natural Gas

Pipe line

Control Measures

will be provided as

per OISD Standard

Urea plant

5 Ammoni

a 358591 MT

Liquid

/Gas

3000 MT

at 3.5 bar

zero

degree

centigrade

3000 MT

Dyke wall,

Fire Protection

System, Level

sensor

6 Urea Silo 620400 MT Solid Urea Silo -

25000 MT




Water storage tank of 8.2 MG capacity is there to store water.


Figure 2.3 Water Balance

2.8. Power

Existing Site has 110 KVA Electrical Sub Station connected with 230 KVA Auto Substation of

Tamil Nadu Electric Board.Existing urea plant is getting the electrical power from Tamil Nadu

Electrical Board. Existing urea plant has 18.4 MWH Captive Power Plant. A 2760 KVA DG set

(HSD as fuel) is there as standby power supply source. There is no additional power

requirement after the modernization of plant.

2.9. Boiler

Two auxiliary boilers and one Additional Steam generation unit capable of operating

independently, form part of Ammonia Plant. Auxiliary boilers are having a capacity of 90 tons of

steam per hour each and Additional Steam generation unit having a capacity of 120 tons of

steam per hour supply steam at 106kg/cm² pressure and 482°C to meet steam requirements of

process and steam drives. The fuel for these boilers is the fuel oil / Natural gas and is supplied

with all equipment necessary for automatic operation.




Table 2.9 Fuel for Boilers (Existing)

S.

No. Stack Attached to Capacity

Stack

Nos.

Type of

Fuel used

Fuel

consumption

MT/Day

Fuel

consumption

MT/Annum

1

Aux. Boiler I Flue

Gas stack

(Ammonia)

90MT/Hr 1 Furnace Oil 120.6

39798

2

Aux. Boiler II -Flue

Gas stack

(Ammonia)

90 MT/Hr 1 Furnace Oil 120.6 39798

3 Aux. Boiler III Flue

gas stack (CPP) 120MT/Hr 1 Furnace Oil 168.8 55704

4 Off site Boiler Flue

Gas stack 85 MT/Hr 1

Furnace Oil

112.5 37145

5 Offsite Boiler Flue

Gas stack 85 MT/Hr 1 Furnace oil 112.5 37145

(Source:Technical details from SPIC)

Table 2.10 Fuel for Boilers (After NG conversion)

S.

No. Stack Attached to Capacity

Stack

Nos.

Type of

Fuel used

Fuel consumption

NM3/Day

1 Aux. Boiler IFlue Gas stack

(Ammonia) 90MT/Hr 1 Natural gas 136211

2 Aux. Boiler II -Flue Gas stack

(Ammonia) 90MT/Hr 1 Natural gas 136211

3 Aux. Boiler III Flue gas stack

(CPP) 120MT/Hr 1 Natural gas 190695

4 Off site Boiler Flue Gas stack 85 MT/Hr 1 Natural gas

127130

5 Offsite Boiler Flue Gas stack 85 MT/Hr 1 Natural gas 127130





2.10. BulkStorages (Others)

The plant has bulk storages for raw materials, chemicals, intermediate products and fuels as

given below: given in

S.

No

material Storage

Capacity

Dimensions/

specifications

Remarks/

Safety Measures

1 FO (for OSB

Boiler) 245 KL

7m Dia x 6.5 M

length

Dyke wall,

Fire Protection


2 Chlorine 6 numbers of

tonners -

Leak arresting Kit, dedicated

handling and storage facility.

3 HCL 2 x 50 m3 3.0 m Dia x 7.0 m

length Dyke wall available

4 Caustic lye 2 x 24 m3 2.4 m Dia x 5.6 m

length Dyke wall available

5 LDO 60 KL 3.0 m dia x 8.5 m

length

Dyke wall,

Fire Protection






2.11. FireProtection System at Spic

Taking into consideration the Compliance of Tariff Advisory Committee Regulations, SPIC is

having well established Fire Prevention and Protection System. As per TAC, SPIC is in ―High

Hazard B ―Category. The system is well maintained and updated based on continuous

monitoring, survey and risk assessment.

A. PROACTIVE MEASURES:

1. Safety Permit System:

A well-laid safety permit system is in operation. Any hot work such as welding, cutting, grinding

is carried out with Class I permit system. The permits are audited for compliance of safety

procedures.

2. Safety management system:

Naphtha is being stored in floating roof tanks.

Storage tanks are provided with dyke walls with slope in floors.

Tank farm is provided with ring road for the free movement of Fire Tenders.

Unauthorized entry is prohibited.

Manned round the clock by Security personnel.

Electrical appliances provided as per Hazardous zone classification.

Non-sparking tools only are used.

Fenced on all the sides and provided with gates with lock & key.

―NO Smoking‖is strictly enforced inside the factory.

One Fireman will be on stand by duty in Ammonia plant.

3. Fire Emergency Plan:

A well-knitted ―Fire Emergency Plan‖ is in operation. The roles and responsibilities of key

personnel have been clearly defined. To familiarize with the plan and to find out any deviation

thereby to review the plan, Fire Emergency Drills are conducted twice in every month.

4. Fire Drill (Wet drill):

Fire drill – wet drill is done weekly once to improve the confidence level and to exercise.

5. Fire Survey / Fire Risk Assessment:

Fire survey and fire risk assessments are carried out periodically using well defined fire survey

check list and Fire risk assessment procedure. The teams identified in work areas specifically

for this purpose do fire risk assessment. These teams are specially trained in the Fire risk

assessment methodology.

A detailed study has been done for the entire complex, to identify the major fire hazards, to

evaluate the adequacy of the control measures by using the ―Dow and Monde Index




methodology.

Complete Risk analysis was done by M/S EIL, Delhi and the recommendations are

implemented. Risk Survey was done by M/S Llyods Register and the recommendations are

also implemented. Fire Protection Systems was audited by M/s British Safety Council, UK

and improvements suggested were implemented.

6. Fire Training / Fire Demonstration:

During the basic training to the new recruits and during Refresher Training Programme, classes

are conducted about ―Fire Protection & Prevention System‖. Demonstration classes are also

conducted. During the ―On the Spot Training‖ to contractors, demonstrations are arranged.

7. Mutual aid:

We have mutual aid agreement with MAH Industries at Tuticorin and MAH industries meeting is

being conducted once in three months in presence of Factory directorate officials.Apart from this

we have Mutual aid agreementwith nearby Heavy Water Plant, Tuticorin. Mutual Aid meetings

are conducted every month. As a familiarization programme, our fire crews are trained in HWP

and vice versa.

B. REACTIVE MEASURES:

1. MANUAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS:

Manual fire alarm push buttons have been provided in various locations of Ammonia Plant as

detailed below:

1. Naphtha Tank Farm

2. Hydro fining Section

3. Auxiliary Boiler

4. Reforming Section

5. Compressor House

6. Conversion and Methanation Section

7. Synthesis Section

8. CO2Removal Section

Apart from the above, Manual fire alarm push button has been provided one in Urea Plant and

one in Offsite.

On initiation, the fire alarm will sound both in Ammonia Control room and Fire Station. A control

panel located in the Fire Station will indicate, with a flickering lamp, from where the alarm has

been initiated. This will reduce the time lapse in communicating the location of fire and will

enable quick action. The system is tested at regular intervals for its availability.

2. SMOKE DETECTOR SYSTEM:

Smoke detectors have been provided in the following areas:




1. Captive Power Plant

2. Urea Substation

3. Central Stores

4. Empty Bags Godown

5. Ammonia Substation

6. Main Substation

7. Acid Plant Substation

8. Technical Office

9. Admin. Building

10. R&D

11. Ammonia Importation Terminal

All detectors are tested at specific intervals and maintained in order.

3. HYDRANT AND MONITOR SYSTEM:

We have provided underground pipeline fire hydrant system, meeting the requirements of Tariff

Advisory Committee regulations. Our system is a wet type. For Ammonia and Urea Plants, the

hydrant system has been installed as per Petrochemical Tariff. The water pressure at the

discharge head is maintained at 8.8 KSC and at any remote area 5.5 KSC is maintained.

The capacity of the pumps is given below:

1. Electrical driven 1 No 1500 gpm/ 410 m3 per hour

2. Diesel pump 1 No 1500 gpm / 410 m3per hour

3. Electrical driven 1 No 1836 gpm / 500 m3 per hour

4. Jockey pump 1 No. 44 gpm / 12 m3 per hour

5. M.V. Water spray 1 No 1000 gpm/ 273 m3 per hour

Diesel pump has been provided as power-back up facility.

Auto Start / off facility:

The pumps are having auto start facility and the jockey pump is having auto start and auto off

facility.

Auto Start (KSC) Auto Off (KSC)

Jockey 6.0 8.8

Diesel Pump 5.0

Electrical driven pump (150KV) 4.0

Electrical driven Pump) 3.3.KV) 2.5

Jockey pump starts automatically when the system pressure drops

to 6.0 KSC and when the pressure rises to 8.8 KSC it gets switched off

automatically.




Number of Hydrants:

Single Hydrants : 90

Double Hydrants : 19

Escape Hydrants : 18

Hydrant Monitors : 12

Mobile Monitors : 7

Water back up facility:

For an uninterrupted water supply we have a separate water storage exclusively for firewater

having a capacity of 0.6 million gallons. (2730 m3)

Apart from this, we are having water back up facility as follows:

Raw water Reservoir (inside the Factory) - 8.2 million gallons

Additional Storage Reservoir I (Outside the Factory) - 78.0 million gallons

Additional Storage Reservoir II (Outside the Factory) - 90.0 million gallons

The fire hydrant system was revamped in the year 1997 at the cost of more than 1 crore.

4. FIRE TENDERS:

SPIC is possessing 2 Fire Tenders with the following facilities:

Fire Tender I Fire Tender II

Capacity of Water Tank 1800 3600 litres

Capacity of foam Tank 1300 1800 litres

Capacity of Pump 2250 4000 litres/min.

Pump discharge pressure 7 10.0 KSC

Apart from the above, CO2Foam and DCP extinguishers have been provided. The tenders are

equipped with all safety appliances such as fire suit, self-contained breathing apparatus, safety

belt, PVC suit, gloves, gumboots, etc. The fire tenders are road tested at the beginning of every

shift and maintained in good condition.

5. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:

Variety of fire extinguishers are available at strategic locations of the plant and are checked

frequently for availability.

Sl. No. Name Capacity Numbers

1 Water CO2 Extr. 9 lit 1

2 AFFF 9 lit 9

3 AFFF Trolley 45 lit 2

4 DCP 10 kg 26




5 DCP 5 kg 123

6 DCP Trolley 68 kg 9

7 CO2 4.5 kg 62

8 CO2 45 kg 6

9 DCP Trolley 22.5 kg 7

10 CO2 22.5 kg 21

The extinguishers are hydraulically tested once in 3 years and those do not pass the test are

discarded. As per Tariff Advisory Committee recommendations, a Kardex system is in

operation for maintenance of fire extinguishers.

6. SPRINKLER SYSTEMS:

Any device that can detect a fire automatically and help to extinguish with minimum fire loss is

of great value. Automatic sprinkler system using water as an extinguishing medium is

universally adopted for this purpose. Where there is a rise in temperature to a predetermined

value, the sprinkler head opens by bursting the quartzoid bulb and water is discharged in the

form of spray. The area covered by each sprinkler overlaps that sprayed by the neighbour.

In our plant sprinkler system has been provided to the following:

1. Urea Conveyors -CU1 & CU4

2. DAP I & II Conveyors - CD1, CD5, CN6 & CN7

3. N2 receiver in IG Plant

4. Naphtha Pumps in Tank Farm

5. Flare - knock out drum

6. MSS transformer- High Velocity water spray

When the sprinkler head opens, the pressure on the header falls and makes the control valve to

open. When the pressure drops to 1.5 KSC, the conveyor also trips. The sprinkler systems are

checked periodically for their availability and effectiveness.

7. WATER SPRAY SYSTEM:

When fire occurs, the water sprayer applies water in finely divided droplets traveling at a given

velocity and gives protection to the tanks, structures in 3 ways:

i) By cooling

ii) By controlled burning and

iii) By dilution of flammable gas.

The medium velocity water spray system has been provided for all the naphtha tanks in the tank

farm. This spray system makes use of the fact that 740 kcals of eat are absorbed when 1 litre

of water at 10oC is vapourised to steam at 100oC. The application rate is 10 lits/min/m2area.

High velocity water spray system has been provided in Main Substation transformer area.




8. FOAM POURER SYSTEM:

Foam is the primary extinguishing media for flammable liquid and oil fires. Foam is a

homogenous mass of tiny air blanket obtained by mixing proper amounts of water, foam

concentrate and air. Foam smothers fire by isolating fuel from air, separates flame from fuel

source, suppresses the flammable vapours, and prevents their release.

All the 5 naphtha tanks in our Tank Farm have been provided with swivel type foam pourer

system. In the larger diameter tank (35 metre) 5 Nos. of foam pourers have been installed

whereas in medium diameter (28 m) tanks 4 Nos. have been provided. For better application of

the foam, a foam dam of 500 mm width, 600 mm height with 10 mm weir hole to release the

excess water have been provided. Entrained solution will drain through the roof drain.

Capacity of each foam pourer: 1500 litres/min.

We are using 3% concentrate of protein/AFFF foam solution. The following facilities are

available in Tank Farm to make the foam:

A skid mounted on line induction to mix the foam solution and water proportionately.

A foam tank of 630 litres capacity made of mild steel.

Pump with back up power facility to boost water pressure from 3.5 KSC to 7.5 KSC -

capacity 1050 lit/min.

Manifold connection with isolation valves to divert the foam to various tanks.

Auxiliary foam connection (2 Nos.) for fire tender.

Totally, 18,000 litres of foam concentrate is available at our site.

9. CO2 FLOODING SYSTEM:

In the Captive Power Plant, TGI & TGII (Turbo Generators) have been provided with CO2

flooding system

10. MAN POWER:

a) Fire Brigade: In SPIC we have a well-trained fire crew (25 Nos.) and one Fire

Officer (Fire fighting). To familiarise with their roles, fire drills are conducted

regularly. The fire crew works in all the Shifts and provides round the clock

coverage

b) Other Department personnel: We can mobilise manpower from other

departments whenever the situation warrants.

Auxiliary Infrastructural Facilities

Workshop

A mechanical and an electrical workshop is there to take care of regular maintenance/ repair

jobs in the plant.




Machinery stores

A store building needs is being constructed for storing tools, spare parts, consumables, etc.

Open area to be earmarked for storing machinery and construction materials for the proposed

plant.

2.12. Environment / Pollution Control System

2.12.1.1 Details of Air Pollution Control Measures

In Urea Plant, prilling tower is the gaseous emission source containing particulate matter and

ammonia. The air pollution control equipments have been installed at the top of prilling tower to

reduce the concentration of the pollutants. The fluidizing dryer hot air used for carrying of urea

crystals to the top of prilling tower is sent to a set of cyclones, consisting of dry cyclones (4

Nos.) and wet cyclones(2 Nos.) Since the dry cyclones are operated under negative pressure by

an induced draft fan, urea crystals and the dust particles are effectively separated by centrifugal

action in cyclones. The hot air is then sent to wet cyclones, where a lean solution is circulated to

absorb fine dust particles and ammonia. After removing the pollutants, the air is finally

discharged at the top of prilling Tower.

The fluidizing cooler air, which is used for cooling of urea prills is sent through 4 Nos. of dust

chambers, where the dust particles settle down and water spray header is also provided to

absorb ammonia and dust particle in dust chamber. The exhaust gas carries water Vapour

along with the particulate matter and is finally discharged from the top of prilling tower

2.13. Plant Landscape and Green Belt Development

Due care has been taken to keep-up the natural settings/ greenery in and around the plant. 32.9

% (143536 sq m.) of the total land will be covered under green belt. Species selected according

to CPCB guidelines and consulting with DFO.




2.14. Emission

The major source of air pollution is emissions from fuel burning in reformers, Prilling Tower and

Captive Power Plant. NG is a clean fuel with nearly zero sulphur content; hence no sulphur

dioxide emissions from fuel burning. Existing and expected emission from Flare stacks of

suitable height to flare gases would be constructed.The details of the continuous stacks are as

below Table 2.11:

Table 2.11 : Stack Emission Details (Existing) (continuous Stacks only)

S.No Source

Control measures

Stack Details

1.Point sources of Emission

Materials of Construction

Diameter in meter

Height above GL in

Meters

Exit gas

velocity in m/s

Exit temp in oC

Maximum discharge in M3/hr

1)

Aux. Boiler

I & II

Flue Gas

stack

(Ammonia)

Refer

Annexure

RCC with

fire brick

lining 2.5 50 15 210 150200

2)

Aux. Boiler

III

Flue gas

stack (CPP)

do RCC with

fire brick

lining 2.5 50 9.7 160 108000

3

Reformer

stack (Flue

gas stack)

do RCC with

fire brick

lining

2.75 36.6 11 150 152340

3)

Urea plant

dust

chamber

do SS-304 ID 14.9

OD 22.7 52 1.1 60 600000

Source: Technical details from SPIC

* All these DG setsare operated only in case of total power failure to ensure safety of the plant

and machinery

** Normally this Gas is used in Fuel and Burnt in Raw Naphtha Vaporiser/Pre Heater (1431). It

will be flared in case of Plant Shut down.

The emission load due to above process emissions is as below in Tables-- 2.12,2.13,2.14&

2.15:

Table 2.12 Stack Emission Details(Existing)

Stack Stack (m) **SOx

Mg/Nm3

NOx

Mg/nm3

SPM

Mg/Nm3

NH3

Mg/Nm3

Remark

Flow

Nm3/hr Height Dia. Temp0C




Stack Stack (m) **SOx

Mg/Nm3

NOx

Mg/nm3

SPM

Mg/Nm3

NH3

Mg/Nm3

Remark

Flow

Nm3/hr Height Dia. Temp0C

Primary

Reformer

36.6 2.75 150 50 - - - 152340

Auxiliary

Boiler

50 2.5 210 277.33 2.02 - - 150200

Auxiliary

boiler III

(CPP)

50 2.5 160 277.33 2.02 - - 108000

Prilling

Tower

52 ID

14.9

OD

22.7

60 - - 36.4 0.971 600000

(Source:)Note: Stack Emission data as per TNPCB ROA

Table 2.13 :StackEmission Load (Existing)

Stack Stacks Pollutant Concentration Emission load Kg/hr Remark

SOX

mg/Nm3

NOX

mg/Nm3

SPM

mg/Nm3

NH3

mg/Nm3

Sox Nox SPM NH3

Auxiliary boiler I

& II

277.33 2.02 - - 41.65 0.303 - - 150200

Auxiliary boiler

III (CPP)

277.33 2.02 - - 29.95 0.22 - - 108000

Primary

Reformer

50 - - - 4.9 - - -

Prilling Tower - - 36.4 0.971 - - 21.84 5.83 600000


Table 2.14 :Stack Emission Details (after modernisation) (continuous Stacks only)

Stack SOx

Mg/nm³

NOx

mg/Nm3

SPM

mg/Nm3

NH3

Ppm

Primary Reformer <10* - - -

Auxiliary Boiler <10 <2.02 - -

CPP <10 <2.02

Prilling Tower - - 50 50





Table 2.15 : Stack Emission Load (after modernisation) (continuous Stacks only)

Stack Stacks Pollutant Concentration Emission load Kg/hr Remark

**SOX

mg/Nm3

NOX

mg/Nm3

SPM

mg/Nm3

NH3

mg/Nm3

**Sox Nox SPM NH3

Auxiliary boiler I &

II

<10 - - 0.85 - - -

Auxiliary boiler III

(CPP)

<10 - - 0.68 - - -

Primary Reformer <10 - - - 0.98 - - -

Prilling Tower - - 36.4 0.971 - - 21.84 5.83


Note:*After NG conversion there will not be any emission of SO2 in reformer stack .Incase of

Mixed feed stock is used it is assumed that it will be less than zero.

Note: ** Based on 10 ppm (max.) sulphur.

Fugitive Dust: Dust emanated due to the following movement of vehicles and equipment running

is generally suppressed by the following ways:

Dust emission in prilling area, Civilconstruction/maintenance activity Movement of vehicles,

Surfacing of internal roads. Dust suppression by water sprays and plantation, Rows of trees

would be planted

2.15. Effluent Control

Details of ETP

Details of effluent generated.

a) The unit generated effluent from following sources

Cooling Tower blow from Ammonia Plant : 1320 KLD

Cooling Tower blow down from Urea Plant : 480 KLD

Cooling Tower blow down from Captive power Plant : 120 KLD

Water treatment plant effluent : 240 KLD

---------------

TOTAL : 2160 KLD

The effluents generated from Ammonia, CPP and Urea cooling tower blow down water and

ammonia plant pump gland cooling water are collected in ammonia effluent sump and then

pumped to integrated effluent Treatment Plant for treatment. In mixing pond, the effluent is

mixed with the alkaline regeneration effluent from water treatment Plant. By using milk of lime,

the effluent pH is raised in Hydro-treater to 11.0 to 11.5.

Subsequently, Ammonia is removed by stripping with air in Ammonia Stripper. The acidic




regeneration effluent from Water Treatment Plant is further integrated for pH correction. The

final treated effluent conforms the Minimal National Standards (MINAS) Prescribed by the

Central Pollution Control Board as well as the tolerance limits prescribed by the Tami

Nadu Pollution Board.

Treated water from integrated effluent Treatment Plant is using in Green Star Fertilizer Limited

Tuticorin for reuse in process and some portion of treated water use in green belt development

in various locations inside the plant premises. The remaining quantity is discharged into sea

through a well-designed submerged marine out fall system.

B) DETAILS OF INTEGRATED ETP

The various unit of the integrated Effluent Treatment Plant are as follows.

S. No Unit Dimension Nos.

1 Mixing pond 80M x 25M x 1.5M 1

2 Hydro tractor 13.7M(dia) x 4.9M 1

3 Ammonia stripper (Spargers system) 6.5Mx 4.9M x 1.5M 4 Spargers

4 Guard pond 53M x 25M x 1.5M 1

5 Stripper exit sump 12.8 x 16.5 x 1.1M 1

6 Emergency pond 107M x 25M 1.5M 1





2.16. Solid & Hazardous waste Management

Generated waste has been categorized in below categories

Domestic waste

Solid waste (Non hazardous)

Hazardous waste

Domestic waste generated from canteen and offices is disposing through land fill. Hazardous

waste is sending to authorized recyclers.

The Existing plant is generating the approximate 14M3/Year of Spent Nickel Catalyst, 3 M3/Year

of Spent COMO Spent Catalyst, 20 M3/Year of Spent Iron Catalyst, 4 M3/Year of Spent ZnO

Catalyst, 15 KL/Year Used Oil and 350 Used Batteries.

Hazardous wastes are disposing through authorized disposal site. Recyclable waste is recycling

through register recyclers. (Table 2.16).

Table 2.16 Hazardous – Non Hazardous Wastes

S. Type of Waste Hazardous Hazardous Treatment /




No. Waste

Category

Waste

Generation

Disposal

1

Spent catalyst from Nitrogenous

fertilizer Plant containing Nickel

Nickel content - 10 to 20% W/W

18.1

28 Cubic

Meter/once in 2

years

Disposed to

TNPCB

authorized

recycler

2

Spent catalyst from (Nitrogenous

fertilizer Plant)

Spent catalyst (Cobalt &

Molybdenum) from primary and

secondary desulphurization vessel.

18.1

5 Cubic

Meter/once in 5

years

Disposed to

TNPCB

authorized

recycler

3


fertilizer Plant) low temperature shift

conversion vessel.

18.1

80 Cubic

Meter/once in 5

years

Disposed to

TNPCB

authorized

recycler

4


fertilizer Plant) Zinc Oxide spent

catalyst from secondary

desulphurization vessel.

18.1

18 Cubic

Meter/once in

12 years

Disposed to

TNPCB

authorized

recycler

5 Used oil 5.1 15,000

Liters/years

Disposed to

TNPCB

authorized

recycler

6 Used Lead Acid Batteries 350 Nos per

years

Return to

Manufacturers

Source: Technical details from PFR of SPIC

2.17. Noise Level Management

The major sources of noise in fertilizer plant are the compressor/ turbines/pumps/ generators

and other plant machineries. Adequate measures for noise control, at the design stage shall be

followed in terms of:

Noise level specification of the various rotating equipment as per the applicable codes and

standards.

As a whole the overall noise levels in and around the plant area shall be kept well within the

standards and exposure will be minimized to the employees through rotation and providing

the PPE.

Silencers will be provided for all the vents, venting exhaust gases (during start-up&

shutdown) to effectively curb the noise pollution.]

2.18. Corporate Responsibility for Environment Protection (CREP) Guidelines

SPIC will adhere to CREP points as applicable to it. The details are as given below:




Table 2.17 CREP Compliance

No. Guidelines SPIC Compliance

Waste WaterManagement

1.

Efforts will be made for conservation of water ,particularly with a

target to have consumption less than 8, 12 & 15 m3/tonne of urea

produced for plant based on gas, naphtha and fuel oil,

respectively In case of plants using naphtha and gas both as feed

stocks, water consumption target of less than 10 m3/tonne will be

achieved.

SPIC will comply to have

consumption less than 8 m3

/

ton of Urea.

2 Use of Arsenic for CO2 absorption in Ammonia Plant and

Chromate based Chemicals for cooling systems, which is still

continuing in some industries, will be phased out and replaced

with non – arsenic and non- chromate systems by Dec-2003. In

this regard, action plan will be submitted by Jun-2003.

SPIC do not have Arsenic

based CO2 absorber in

Ammonia Plant.

SPIChave selected Non

Chromate Treatment for our

Cooling water system.

3 Adequate treatment for removal of oil, chromium (till non-

chromate based cooling system is in place) and fluoride will be

provided to meet the prescribed standards at the source (end of

respective process unit) itself. Action plan will be firmed up by

Jun-2003for compliance by Mar-2004.

SPIC has provided oil skimmer

for the removal of oil in waste

water. Since we do not have

chromate based treatment for

our cooling water, no chromate

removal system is required.

4 Proper and complete nitrification and de-nitrification will be

ensured, whenever such process is used for effluent treatment by

Sep-2003.

Not Applicable

5 Ground Water monitoring around the storage facilities and

beyond the factory premises will be carried out at regular

intervals particularly for pH, fluoride.

Ground water monitoring

around the storage facilities

and beyond the factory

premises are being carried

out at a regular interval of 3

months (particularly for pH ,

fluoride etc.)

6 No effluent arising from process plants and associated facilities

will be discharged to the storm water drain. The quality of storm

water will be regularly monitored by all the industries.

SPIC have segregation

scheme for effluents generate.

SPIC have independent storm

water drain around the

complex which does not

intermingle with any type of

effluent.

The quality of storm water is

being monitored regularly.

7 The industries where waste water/ effluent flows through the

storm water drains even during dry season will install continuous

systems for monitoring the storm water quality for pH,

NH3&fluoride. If required, storm water will be routed through

effluent treatment before discharging.

SPIC have segregation

scheme for effluents generate.

SPIC have independent storm

water drain around the

complex which does not





intermingle with any type of

effluent.

The quality of storm water is

being monitored regularly.

Air Pollution Management

1 All the upcoming urea plants will have urea prilling towers based

on natural draft so as to minimize urea dust emissions

Not Applicable

2 The existing urea plants particularly the plants having forced draft

prilling towers will install appropriate systems (for example

scrubber etc.) for achieving existing norms of urea dust

emissions. In this regard, industries will submit action plan by

Jun-2003 and completion of necessary action by June-2004.

Appropriate systems have

already been installed to

achieve exiting Norms of Urea

dust emissions.

3. The Sulphuric Acid plants having SCSA system will switch over

DCDA system by Mar-2004. To meet the emission standard for

SO2 as 2.0 kg/tonne of H2SO4 produced. An action plan for this

will be submitted by June-2003.

Not Applicable.

4. Sulphuric Acid plants having DCDA system will improve the

conversion and absorption efficiencies of the system as well as

the scrubbers to achieve SO2 emission of 2.0 kg/tonne of Acid

produced, in case of plants having capacity above 300tpd &

2.5 kg/tone, in case of plants having capacity up to 300tpd. An

action plan will be submitted by Jun-2003and emission levels will

be complied by Sep-2004.

Not Applicable

5 Stack height for Sulphuric plants will be provided as per the

guidelines and on the basis of normal plant operations (and not

when the scrubbers are in use) by June-2003. The scrubbed

gases are to be let out at the same height of the stack.

Not Applicable

6 An action plan for providing proper dust control systems at rock

phosphate grinding unit in phosphoric acid plants/single super

phosphate plants, so as to achieve particulate emission levels of

150mg/nm3 will be submitted by Sep-2003 and complied with by

Mar-2004.

Not Applicable

7 Particulate as well as gaseous fluoride will be monitored and

adequate control systems will be installed by Jun-2004to achieve

the norms on total fluoride emissions (25mg/nm3).

Not Applicable

8 Continuous SO2 emission monitoring systems will be installed in

sulphuric acid plants (having capacity 200tpd and above) by Mar-

2004. Action plan for this will be submitted by Jun-2003.

Not Applicable

9 Regular monitoring of ambient air quality with regard to SO2,

NOx, and PM, SO3, fluoride and acid mist will be carried out.

Ambient air quality is monitored

regularly for applicable

parameter like PM, SO2, NOx,

& NH3. There is no source of

SO3, fluoride and acid mist in





the process scheme adopted in

SPIC

Solid Waste Management

1

Gypsum will be effectively managed by providing proper lining,

dykes with approach roads and monitoring of ground water

quality around storage facilities. Accumulated gypsum will be

properly capped. In this regard, action plan will be submitted by

June-2003& for compliance by Dec-2003.

Not Applicable.

2

An action plan for proper handling, storage and disposal of spent

catalyst having toxic metals will be submitted by Jun-2003 and

implemented by Sep-2003. The industry will also explore

recovery /by- back of spent catalyst by Sep-2003.

Spent catalyst is being sold to

venders approved by CPCB /

MoEF&CC/SPCB as per

Hazardous Waste Rule and If

there is no such approved

parties are available, same

shall be given to approve

TSDF.

3 Carbon slurry, sulphur muck and chalk will be properly managed

and disposed of in properly designed landfill either with in

premises or in common facility. Action plan on this will be

submitted by June-2003 & implemented by Mar-2004.

Not Applicable

4 Existing stock of chromium and arsenic bearing sludge will be

properly disposed by Dec-2003. Industries will also explore

recovery of chromium from the sludge. CPCB will provide

guidelines for the proper disposal of the sludge.

Not Applicable


2.19. Township and Other Infrastructure

Existing plant having more than 450 employees, those are living in SPIC Nagar Township.

Nearby area is well developed and needful facilities are available in short distance like School,

Hospitals, Parks.

There are numerous Educational Institutions, Polytechnic Colleges, Schools in and around

Tuticorin giving Quality Education.

Educational Institution

There are numerous Educational Institutions, Polytechnic Colleges, Schools in and around

Tuticorin giving Quality Education. The Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam

was established in 1984 – 85 as the third constituent College of Tamil Nadu Agricultural

University. At the beginning, the College started functioning in rented building of MDT Hindu

College, Pettai in Tirunelveli. Subsequently, after the acquisition of lands and buildings from the

State Seed Farm, Killikulam, a part of the educational activities was shifted to Killikulam during

1986–'87. Consequent on the completion of hostel buildings, entire academic activities were

shifted to Killikulam campus from 01.11.1989.The institution was upgraded as Agricultural

College and Research Institute in 1989. The college was also upgraded as a Post-graduate




teaching institute from November 1990. The first batch of B.Sc. (Ag.), graduates passed out in

1988. The institution was made into a co-education institution from 1990–'91. V.O.C College is

one of the few Colleges in Tamil Nadu offering course in Geology.

There are 31 schools in Thoothukudi city, of which 10 are operated by the municipal

corporation. There are five arts and science colleges,three polytechnics in the city.It also has a

Fisheries college in the outskirts.There is an Government Engineering college affiliated to Anna

University on the highway to Tirunelveli, and many private engineering colleges on Tiruchedur

road,Palayamkottai road.There is also a Government Medical college and Hospital. The

colleges are affiliated to the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli. There are

three Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) and about 50 computer training centres also.The city has

Government Medical College Hospital and new ESI Hospital is being constructed at the Bypass

road.

Industrial profile

Salt pans in and around the city contribute majorly to the economy of the city. The salt pans

produce 1.2 million tonnes of salt every year, contributing to 90% of the salt produced in the

state and 50% needed by the chemical industries of the state.The other major industries are

shipping, fishing, agricultural, power and chemical industries.Fishing is one of the largest

contributor to the local economy. Tuticorin Fishing Harbour is one of the oldest and largest in

Tamil Nadu. The Tuticorin Thermal Power Station has five 210 megawatt generators. The first

generator was commissioned in July 1979. The thermal power plants under construction include

the coal-based 1000 MW NLC TNEB Power Plant.In addition to this there are several private

power plants like Ind Barath Power Limited, Coastal Energen,Sterlite Industries Captive power

plant. Greenstar Fertilizers Limited, Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals, Heavy Water BoardPlant, Sterlite

Industries, Venus Home Appliances,Madura Coats and Mills,Dhrangadhra Chemical

works,Kilburn Chemicals, Nila Sea foods,Diamond Sea foods. Maris Associates, VVD Coconut

oil mill,AVM oil mill, Ramesh flowers,Agsar Paints, Tuticorin Spinning Mills Ltd and KSPS Salts

are some of the small scale and large scale industries in the city.

The city also has a research institute set up by Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute and

a Spices laboratory set up by Spices Board of India.

Tuticorin also has a State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Industrial Estate and

SIDCO's Industrial Estatewhich comprises several Small scale and Medium scale Industries.

Tuticorin Port

To cope with the increasing trade through Thoothukudi, the Government of India sanctioned the

construction of an all-weather Port at Thoothukudi. On 11 July 1974, the newly

constructed Thoothukudi port was declared the tenth major port in India Second only to JN Port

(Mumbai) in size.

The Port also has a dedicated Container terminal operated by PSA International.The Port

recently Commenced the operation of 2nd Container Terminal by ABG(DBGIT) Pvt Ltd.The port

is also a significant port due to the fact that it is located close to East-West International Sea

Route.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirunelveli




The port has direct cargo and container vessel connectivity to all major ports in the world like

Colombo, Singapore, JNPT(Mumbai), Mundra, Jebel Ali, Salalah, Rotterdam, Karachi, Hong

Kong and much more.This is the third international port in Tamil Nadu and its second all-

weather




3. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

3.1. Prelude

The environmental status around the proposed Plant site is analysed for valued environmental

components viz., air, water, land, noise, soil, ecology and socio-economic in a 10 km radius

around the site. The baseline data provides the basis for assessment of impact (Changes/

variationslikely to occur in the baseline conditions) due to the proposed Project located at

Muthiahpuram village, Taluka; Tuticorin, district; Tuticorin, Tamilnadu.

3.1.1. Study Area, Period and Methodology

The baseline environmental quality has been collected during the period of 1st April 2015 to 30th

June 2015 (Summer Season) within a study area of 10 km radial distance around the plant site.

The ToR presention was held in the month of March 2015 and Base line data collection was

initiated in the month of April 2015 and completed by June 2015 because as per IMD data for last

10 years June receives very less to no rainfall refer the table below. Primary data collection and

analysis is carried by EQMS team along with M/s Eco Tech Labs Pvt. Ltd. (NABL accredited

Lab). The study period and methodology for primary data collection is done as per the CPCB

guidelines and TOR prescribed by MOEF&CC. Methodology for primary data collection is

summarised in Table 3.1. Location map is provided in Figure 3.1. Map showing site and

surrounding environment features around the project is provided in Figure 3.2.

Table 3.1 : Summary of Methodology for Primary Baseline Data Collection

Field/parameters No. Of sampling

locations Frequency Remark

Ambient Air Quality

This Chapter describes the baseline environmental conditions around the project site for various environmental attributes, viz., physical, biological and socio-economic, within the 10 km radial zone, which is termed as the study area. Topography, soil, water, meteorology, air, noise, and land constitute the physical environment, whereas flora and fauna constitute the biological environment. Demographic details and occupational pattern in the study area constitute socio-economic environment. Baseline environmental conditions are based on the field studies carried out during April through June, 2015, in and around the Plant site and through secondary data collected from published sources.






PM (10), PM(2.5),SO2 , NOx,

CO, NH3, Urea dust, F

and HC

8

(Eight)

Twice a

Week

AAQ monitoring was done at 8

locations in upwind, downwind

and crosswind directions of

the plant. 24 hours sampling

at each location has been

done as per Gazette

notification dated 18.11.2009

on AAQ.

Meteorology

Temperature, Humidity,

Wind speed Rainfall etc.

1

(one)

Continuous

(averaging

time of 1

hour)

A permanent automatic

weather station was

established at site for

monitoring the meteorological

parameters.

Surface & Ground Water Quality

Physical, Chemical and

Biological Parameters

(6+6=6) Once in

season

6 sampleseach of surface and

ground water were taken.

Samples were preserved and

analysed for different

parameters by following APHA

method.

Soil

pH, conductivity, cation

exchange capacity, Total

N,P,K, Hg, sand, silt and

clay, etc.

7

(Seven)

Once in

season

As per IARI method.

Noise

Leq 8

(Six)

Once in

season

24 hourly sampling was done

using integrated sound level

meter, as per CPCB method.

Ecology

Flora & Fauna Study area Once in

season

Secondary Data collected

from authenticated sources

and checked during field

surveys.

Land use






Land use analysis Study area

(10 km Area)

Study period Latest Satellite Imagery (IRS

P6, LISS-III) was used and

analysed for land use cover

Socioeconomics

Socioeconomic scenario Study area

(10 km Area)

Study period Secondary Data was collected

from Primary Census of India

2011 and district profile.

(Source:study by EQMS)

Table showing the IMD data for last 10 years

Month Temperature

(deg C) daily

Relative Humidity, % Rainfall

Max Min Max Min In mm

March 31.2 24.2 77 72 36.5

April 32.9 25.6 74 72 56.6

May 34.9 26.5 66 66 20.9

June 35.8 26.1 63 55 3.1

Source-Climatological Normal (1961-1990), IMD

3.1.2. Site and Surrounding

Existing plant is located at Mullakadu village, Taluka;Tuticorin, district; Tuticorin, Tamilnadu. The

existing plant is located at about 8.0 km Tuticorin town on Thoothukudi-Trichendur-

Kanyakumari road (NH-7A).

Nearest railway station is Tuticorin located about 10 km from plant site. Nearest city is also

Tuticoring located about 8 km from plant site. Nearest village is Mullakadu. There is no reserved

and protected forest present within the study area. No national park, wildlife sanctuary and

biosphere reserve is present in the study area. The study area considered as 10 KM radius

around the Plant site. The project activity areas are considered as core area and remaining

study area as buffer zone. Map showing environment features around 10 km radius area of

plant site is given in Figure 3.1. Environmental profile of area is provided in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2 :Environmental Setting around the Project site

Particulars Particulars within 10 km radius

Location Mallakadu village, Taluka; Thoothukudi, district; Tuticorin,

Tamilnadu

Connectivity National Highway (NH-7A about 8.0 km West)

Topography Generally flat

Site Elevation Mainly flat with elevation of 5 m amsl

Land use of site Industrial




Particulars Particulars within 10 km radius

Cordinates Latitude- 08

0 44‘ 26.65‖ N

Longitude- 780 08‘ 18.9‖ N

Water Body Sea along north eastern, eastern and south eastern side of site

Hills None within 10 km area

Nearest Railway Station Tuticorin Station (about 10 km)

Nearest Airport Tuticorin 18 km from site

Seismic Zone Zone –III

Reserved Forest (RF)

and Protected Forests

(PF)

None within 10 km study area

National Park, Wildlife

Sanctuary, Biosphere

Reserve

None within 10 km area

Archeologically

important places None within 10 km area

Densely populated or

built-up area Tuticonin town at a distance of about 8 Km.

Water Bodies Nearest River- Tamiraparamirani River about 20 km away from site

Sea (Gulf of Manar) – about 2.7 km from site

Water source for site North main channel of Tamiraparamirani River system at Peikula

Defense Installation None within 10 km area

Industries in study area

Following industries are operating in the study area

Greenstar Fertilizers limited.

Sterile Industries

Tuticorin Thermal Plant

Heavy Water Plant

Ammonia Importation Terminal

Indian Oil Corporation

SHV LPG India (P) Limited

Bharat Petroleum Industries

Kilburn Chemicals

(Source:Technical details from PFR of SPIC)




Figure 3.1 : Location Map of Study area




3.2. Geomorphology, Hydrogeology and Geology

3.2.1. Geology

Geologically Thoothukudi district is comprised of hard crystalline rocks of Archean group

composed of Charnockites, Hrornblende Biotite Gneiess, Quartzite etc., and the remaining area

is covered by sedimentary rocks ranging in age from tertiary to recent and made up of

sandstone and alluvium. The geological succession details of the Thoothukudi district is givenin

the Table3.3

Table 3.3 : Detail of Geological succession

Age Formation Litho Unit

Quarternary Holocene to

Recent

Red soils, Coastal sands, River alluvium, Laterite, Red TeriSand,

Kankar Shell limestone Calcareous sandstone.

Tertiary Mio-pliocene Hard compact calcarious sandstone, Limestone

Archaeans Precambrian Pink granites, Quartzites Calcgranulites, Peninsular gneiss

3.2.2. Geomorphology

Following geomorphic units found in the district.

1) Fluvial

2) Marine

3) Fluvio-marine

4) Aeolian

5) Erosional landforms depending on the environment of formation.

Taruvaikulam- Tuticorin surface, Kulattur surface, Vaippar surface, Nagalapuram-Vedanattham

surface and Volinokkam-Vembar surface are some of the erosional geomorphic units in the

northern part of the district. Karamaniyar surface, Tambraparni surface, Tiruchendur-

Kayapattinam surface and Vallanadu surface are the geomorphic units in the southern part of

the district. The number of red sandy tracts formed of the sand dunes locally known as Teri

sand complex are the important feature in the coast. These Teri sands extend in width from 6 to

8 km from the coast. Adaippanvilai Teri, Kudiraimozhi teri and Vaippar-Vembar Teri are some of

the important Teri areas, which are having elevation in the range of 15 to 62m above MSL.

3.2.3. Hydrogeology

The district is underlain by both porous and fissured formations.The important aquifer systems

in the district are constituted by i) unconsolidated & semiconsolidated formations and ii)

weathered and fractured crystalline rocks.

The porous formations in the district include sandstones, clays and gravels are confined to

major drainage courses in the district. Ground water occurs under water table and confined

conditions in these formations and is being developed by means of dug wells and filter points.

The water-bearing properties of crystalline formations which lack primary porosity depend on




the extent of development of secondary intergranular porosity. The occurrence and movement

of ground water in these rocks are under unconfined conditions in the joints & fissures and

dependent on the nature and extent of pores and interconnection of fractures

zones.Hydrogeological map of Thoothukudi district was given in Figure 3.2. Storavity,

transmissivity and specific yield of formations is given in Table 3.4.

Table 3.4 :Aquifer Parameter

Formation Storativity Transmissivity Specific yield

Weathered crystalline -- -- < 20%

Fractured crystalline 7-135 1.32 x 10-3 to 1.88 x 10-3 --

Porous formation 20-610 -- 1-8%

Source : District Ground Water Voucher, Thoothukudi district,(CGWB 2009)

The depth of the wells drilled in crystalline rocks ranged from 26 to 200 m bgl. and the yield of

the wells ranged from 10 to 250 lpm. The yield of successful bore wells drilled down to a depth

of 750 m bgl is ranges from 3 to 10 lpm.

Figure 3.2 : Hydrogeology Map of the District

(Source: CGWB-March 2009)




3.2.4. Depth to Ground Water

The average depth to water level in the district varied between 1.20 – 12.12 m bgl during

premonsoon seasonand varied between 0.33 – 9.24 m bgl during post monsoon. The seasonal

fluctuation shows a rise in water level, which ranges from 0.20 to 8.41 m bgl. The piezometric

head varied between 2.40 to 11.00 bgl during pre monsoon and 0.33 to 9.24 m bgl during post

monsoon. Depth to water level in the study area varied between 5 – 10 m bgl during

premonsoon season and varied between 2 – 5 m bgl during post monsoon. Map showing pre

and post monsoon water level in the district is given in Figure 3.3 andFigure 3.4.

3.2.5.1 Long term Water Level Fluctuation (1998 -2007)

As per the District Groundwater voucher the long term water level fluctuation in the district for

the period 1998-2007 indicates rise in water level in the area 0.0153 – 2.8106 m/year and fall in

water level ranging between 0.0123 - 0.3996 m/year

3.2.5. Ground Water Resources

The estimation of groundwater resources for the district has categorized the blocks as Over

Exploited, Critical, Semi Crtical, Safe. As per the CGWB report the Thoothukkudi District has

been categorized over exploited zone. Blockwise ground water resources of the district are

given in Table 3.5.

Table 3.5 :Blockwise Ground Water Resource Potential

Blo

ck

NetG

rou

nd

Wate

r

Avail

ab

ilit

y(M

.cu

.m)

Exis

tin

g G

ross G

rou

nd

Wate

r

Dra

ft f

orI

rrig

ati

on

(M.c

u.m

)

Exis

tin

g G

ross G

rou

nd

Wate

r

Dra

ft f

or

do

mesti

c

an

dIn

du

str

ial

wate

rSu

pp

ly(M

.cu

.m)

Exis

tin

gG

ross G

rou

nd

Wate

rDra

ft f

ora

ll u

sers

Allo

cati

on

fo

r d

om

esti

c

an

d

Ind

ustr

ial

req

uir

em

en

t su

pp

ly

up

to

next

25 y

ea

rs (

2029)

Net

Gro

un

d w

ate

r ava

ilab

ilit

y

for

futu

re irr

igati

on

develo

pm

en

t

(M.c

u.m

)

Sta

ge o

fgro

un

d

wate

rdev

elo

pm

en

t%

Cate

go

ry

Alwarthirunagari 33.64 0.00 2.19 2.19 2.24 31.40 7 Safe

Karungulam 28.70 22.90 1.35 24.25 1.38 4.42 84 Semi

Critical

Ellayapuram 26.04 31.76 2.04 33.80 2.09 NIL 130 Over

exploited

Kovipatti 14.02 14.81 2.01 16.82 2.06 NIL 120 Over

exploited

Ottapidaram 20.03 27.81 0.81 28.29 0.83 NIL 141 Over

exploited

Pudur 7.58 6.49 0.71 7.20 0.72 0.37 95 critical

Sathankulam 10.82 15.29 0.85 16.11 0.87 NIL 149 Over

exploited




Blo

ck

NetG

rou

nd

Wate

r

Avail

ab

ilit

y(M

.cu

.m)

Exis

tin

g G

ross G

rou

nd

Wate

r

Dra

ft f

orI

rrig

ati

on

(M.c

u.m

)

Exis

tin

g G

ross G

rou

nd

Wate

r

Dra

ft f

or

do

mesti

c

an

dIn

du

str

ial

wate

rSu

pp

ly(M

.cu

.m)

Exis

tin

gG

ross G

rou

nd

Wate

rDra

ft f

ora

ll u

sers

Allo

cati

on

fo

r d

om

esti

c

an

d

Ind

ustr

ial

req

uir

em

en

t su

pp

ly

up

to

next

25 y

ea

rs (

2029)

Net

Gro

un

d w

ate

r ava

ilab

ilit

y

for

futu

re irr

igati

on

develo

pm

en

t

(M.c

u.m

)

Sta

ge o

fgro

un

d

wate

rdev

elo

pm

en

t%

Cate

go

ry

Srivaikundan 35.44 4.88 1.80 6.69 1.85 28.70 19 Safe

Tiruchendur 16.73 10.21 1.65 11.86 1.69 4.83 71 Semi

critical

Thoothukkudi 15.42 16.50 1.10 17.60 1.13 NIL 114 Over

exploited

Udangudi 12.65 22.81 1.12 23.93 1.14 NIL 189 Over

exploited

Vilttikulam 4.15 5.74 0.82 6.56 0.84 NIL 158 Over

exploited

Total 225.23 178.86 16.45 195.3

0

16.85 29.52 87 Semi

critical

Source: CGWB-March 2009




Figure 3.3 : Depth of water level in Thoothukudi

(Pre Monsoon 2006) Source: CGWB-March 2009

Figure 3.4 : Depth of water level in Thoothukudi

(Post Monsoon 2007)Source: CGWB-March 2009




3.2.6. Seismicity of the Study Area

Based on tectonic features and records of past earthquakes, the seismic hazard map of India

was updated in 2000 (6) by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The state of Tamil Nadu falls

mostly in a region of low seismic hazard with the exception of western border areas that lie in a

low to moderate hazard zone.

According to the seismic-zoning map of India, the project area falls in Zone II of seismicity. It

thus lies among the Low-risk earthquake areas. For pockets with high rise buildings, specific

consideration of earthquake resistance shall be incorporated. IS 4326:1993 ‗Earthquake

Resistant Design and Construction of Buildings – Code of Practice‘ and IS 13920:1993 ‗Ductile

Detailing of Reinforced Concrete Structures subjected to Seismic Forces – Code of Practice‘

shall be followed as per the requirement. The seismic zone Map of India showing location of the

proposed site is given in Figure 3.5.

(Source: http://asc-india.org/maps/hazard/haz-tamil-nadu.htm)

Figure 3.5 : Seismic Zones of India

3.2.7. Digital Elevation Model (DEM)

Based on the contour map, the Digital Elevation Model has been prepared. The Nearest

Neighbour method has been used to interpolate the elevation data to develop the elevation

model. Digital Elevation Model for the area in 10 km radius from the proposed site is shown in

Figure 3.6.

http://asc-india.org/seismi/seis-west-bengal.htm#6




3.2.8. Topography & Drainage

The topography of the site is almost flat. The contours in Toposheet have been digitized in the

GIS environment and assigned the respective elevation values in meters with reference to the

mean sea level. Using the SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) data, the elevation

values has been verified. Thereafter final contour map has been prepared with combination of

Toposheet and SRTM with contour interval of 5 m. The DEM map and contour map of study

area is provided in Figure 3.6 and Figure 3.7.




Figure 3.6 : Digital Elevation Map of Study area




Figure 3.7 : Contour map of Study Area




3.3. Land use

The basic purpose of land use pattern and classification in an EIA study is to identify the

manner in which different parts of land in an area are being utilized or not utilized. Remote

sensing data provides reliable accurate baseline information for land use mapping, as it is a

rapid method of acquiring up-to-date information of over a large geological area.

A systematic digital image interpretation approach was used to delineate the land use classes.

The present study was focused on demarcating boundaries of different land use/land cover

units from an analysis of different types of colour registrations of land use/land cover units from

satellite imagery. Data Used in the land use map preparation is the satellite Imagery of Indian

Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS- ID , sensor P6, LISS III) of 24 m resolution. The Swath of the

imagery is 141 Km x 141 Km. Band used are 2, 3 4 and 5. LANDSAT imagery of 30 meter

resolution and 185 x 185 km swath is also used for the comparative and overall analysis of the

area. LISS III imagery and LANDSAT 4-5 TM imagery were used for the complete coverage of

the study area. Band used are 2, 3 and 4.

As per the land use based on satellite image about 35.96 % of the land is under water body.

About 10% of the land is under settlement and 23.35% is covered by open scrub and grass

land, about 13.16% land is under saltpan. and rest of the land is under other uses like

vegetation, barren land. Land use / land cover map of 10 km study area has been show in

Figure 3.8, Figure 3.9 and Table 3.6.

Table 3.6 : Land Use Distribution of the Study Area (10 km Radius)

Land use Category Area( sq km) Percentage

Agricultural land 24.88 7.8

Agri fallow land 7.09 2.25

Waterbody 113.28 35.96

Settlement 33.00 10.47

Barren land 6.83 2.17

Vegetation 14.89 4.72

Open scrub and grass land 73.55 23.35

Salt fields 41.46 13.16

Total 314.98 100

Source: Interpretation of Satellite image





Figure 3.8 : Graph Showing Land Use of the Study Area (10 km Radius)

Agricultural land, 7.8

Agri fallow land, 2.25

Waterbody, 35.96

Settlement, 10.47Barren land, 2.17

Vegetation, 4.72

Open scrub and grass land, 23.35

Salt fields, 13.16

Percentage




Figure 3.9 Land Use Map of the Study Area (10 km Radial Zone)





3.4. Meteorology

Historical meteorological data were obtained from climatological tables pertaining to nearest

representative IMD station located at Kolkata and is presented in Table 3.7.

Table 3.7 :Meteorological Data of Tuticorin

Month

Temperature

(deg C) daily

Relative

Humidity, % Rainfall

Wind

speed

Pre-dominant

wind direction

Cloud

cover

Max Min Max Min In mm Kmph From Octas

January 28.6 21.3 79 75 14.9 19.0 N, NE 3.2

February 29.5 22.3 78 74 17.6 17.9 N, NE 3.1

March 31.2 24.2 77 72 36.5 15.2 E, N 3.0

April 32.9 25.6 74 72 56.6 12.6 S,SE 3.5

May 34.9 26.5 66 66 20.9 13.4 W,SW 3.9

June 35.8 26.1 63 55 3.1 16.7 W,SW 4.3

July 35.2 25.8 62 56 10.8 17.1 W,SW 4.6

August 35.0 25.8 62 57 7.3 16.8 W,SW 4.2

September 34.1 25.3 64 62 17.7 14.6 W,SW 3.8

October 32.1 24.2 74 72 157.1 11.7 W,SW 4.5

November 30.0 23.2 80 76 206.0 13.2 N,NE 4.8

December 29.0 22.1 81 77 92.2 16.7 N,NE 4.3

(Source-IMD Tuticorin)

Observation on Meteorology: The meteorological parameters play a vital role in transport and

dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere.

Temperature– December and January constitutes winter months with daily mean minimum

temperature around 21.30C and daily mean maximum temperature around 29.00C. June is the

hottest month with daily mean maximum temperature around 35.8oC and daily mean minimum

temperature around 26.10C.

Relative Humidity – The air is generally dry in during monsoon Season. June and July are

driest with relative humidity between 62-56%. The maximum humidity during winter season is

81% and minimum was 77%. High humidity is found during daytime and low humidity values

during nighttime in all the months.

Rainfall – The annual total rainfall is 640.7 mm. Over 80% of the total annual rainfall is received

during the Post monsoon period between June to September.

Wind Speed– The wind speed was mostly between 11.7 to 19.0 km/hour for all the months.

The wind speed during summer season was mostly between 12.6– 16.7 km/hr while during

rainy season, it was between 17.1 to 14.6 km/hr and in winter months wind speed ranges

between 13.2 to 19.0 km/hr.




Wind Direction – The predominant wind direction during winter and summer season is from

West and North direction. During Monsoon season the wind flows from West and Southwest

direction.

Calm Periods – The calm period constitute an important factor in the dispersion of air pollution.

The calm period is more during daytime compared to nighttime. The maximum calm period

occur during September to November. Monthly calm is shown below.

Monthly Percentages of Calm Periods (IMD Tuticorin)

Calm Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Day 0 0 1 3 2 0 1 0 1 1 1 0

Night 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0


Cloud Cover – In the study area, clear weather prevails in most of the time during monsoon

and post monsoon. Only during winter and summer season months of January, moderate to

heavy clouds are observed. Relevant details about the number of days with zero oktas of cloud

cover (all clouds) for all months are shown below.

No. of Days with Zero Oktas of Cloud Cover (IMD Tuticorin)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Day 4 3 3 4 3 2 1 1 2 2 1 2

Night 6 7 7 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2


Special Weather Phenomena: The occurrence of thunderstorm is 6 days per year, mostly

spread across the months of October to November. On an annual average basis, 1 day have

visibility in the range of 1 - 4 km, 7 days have visibility in the range of 4 -10 km, 55 days

between 10 - 20 km ,302 days have visibility above 20 km and 9 days up to 0 km.

Met Data Generated at Site

Met data were generated from April to June month was generated at site. An automatic weather

monitoring station was installed at Project site, keeping the sensors free exposed to the

atmosphere and with minimum interference with the nearby structures. The micro-

meteorological data like wind speed, wind direction, temperature, relative humidity and

atmospheric pressure were collected using the weather stationed cloud cover was recorded

manually for the study period.

The wind directions, wind speed, temperature, rainfall and humidity recorded at site during study

period are presented in Table 3.8. Site specific wind rose diagram for study period (March to

May-2015) is presented in Figure 3.10.




Table 3.8 :Site Specific Meteorological Data

Month

Temperature

(deg C)

Relative

Humidity,

%

Wind

speed

Predominant wind

Direction Calm Period

Min Max Max Min m/s (from ) %

April 15 36 94 36

5.6 NW 13.2 May 18 42 100 21

June 11 45 100 59

(Source: Field Survey)

Temperature – During the study period daily mean minimum temperature was 11.0ºC and daily

mean maximum temperature was 45.0ºC.

Relative Humidity –The maximum humidity during study period was 100.0 % and minimum

was 21.0 %. High humidity is found during daytime and low humidity values during night time.

Wind Speed– The wind speed ranges between 0.5 to 5.7 m/s during study period. Most of the

time wind speed ranges between 2.1 to 3.6 m/s.

Wind Direction – The predominant wind direction at site is from southwest and west direction.

Wind frequency distribution during the study period is presented in Figure 3.10.

Calm Periods – Calm period is more during nighttime than daytime. Monthly percentage calm

periods are shown in Figure 3.10.

Figure 3.10 : Wind Rose and Frequency Distribution (Study Period-Summer Season)




3.5. Ambient Air Quality

CPCB guidelines were applied for selecting the appropriateness of monitoring locations. The

location and height of the stations were so selected (>5 m from base) to avoid the capture of re-

suspended road dust and fugitive domestic emissions due to burning. All the ambient air

analysis with respect to each parameter were analysed as per CPCB guidelines. AAQ

monitoring was done at eight locations within the study area considering dominant wind

direction, populated area and sensitive receptors. Details of monitoring locations are shown in

Table 3.9. Monitoring Location map is shown in Figure 3.11. The summary of Ambient Air

quality results is presented in Table 3.10.




Figure 3.11 : Environment Monitoring Location Map




Table 3.9 : Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Locations

Location

Code

Name of

Location

Distance&

Direction

from site

Terrain Features Coordinates

AAQ-1 Project Site Site Existing unit, Industrial 080 44‘ 26.67‖ N

780 08‘ 18.97‖ E

AAQ-2 Thoothukudi 2.57 km

NNW

Mixed use, flat terrain,

populated located in

crosswind direction.

080 45‘ 51.64‖ N

780 08‘ 05.61‖ E

AAQ-3 Balathandayutham 4 km NW Residential, flat terrain,

populated located in

crosswind direction.

080 46‘ 22.66‖ N

780 72‘ 23.84‖ E

AAQ-4 Veppalodai 1.81 km W Rural, flat terrain, close to

highway, located in upwind

direction.

080 44‘ 36.87‖ N

780 07‘ 21.32‖ E

AAQ-5 Anthimaropatti 2.30 km SW Rural, flat terrain, located

in upwind direction

080 44‘ 20.38‖ N

780 06‘ 49.98‖ E

AAQ-6 Mulkadu 4.8 km

WNW

Rural, close to the plant

site, flat terrain, located in

upwind direction.

080 43‘ 13.58‖ N

780 07‘ 40.72‖ E

AAQ-7 Muttayapuram 3 km NE Residential, located in

downwind direction

080 45‘ 14.66‖ N

780 09‘ 44.17‖ E

AAQ-8 Jameen Nalla

Malai

7.96 km W Residential, flat terrain,

located in upwind direction

080 45‘ 17.11‖ N

780 40‘ 6.6‖ E

Table 3.10 : Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Results (24-hour average)

Location PM2.5, (g/m3 ) PM10 (g/m

3) SO2 (g/m

3) NOx(g/m

3)

Max Min Mean Max Min Mean Max Min Mean Max Min Mean

Project Site 42 30 35.6 84 62 71.6 19.5 12 16.21 30 17 23.7

Thoothukudi 43 23 29.7 81 48 59.17 9.5 5 7.07 18 9.5 13.8

Balathandayut

ham

34 24 29.3 63 55 55.8 9.8 5.1 7.1 24.1 18.8 21.4

Veppailodai 42 29 34.5 87.1 60 70.4 7.8 5.7 6.6 18.9 15 17.1

Anthimarapatti 42 30 34.5 84 60 71.2 15.2 10.9 13.7 27 20 23.9

Mulkadu 31 24.5 27.3 62 48 54.5 7.5 5 6.1 13.1 7.5 11.2

Muttayapurra 42 30.1 35.26 81.2 58 70.2 8.2 5.5 6.8 14.6 10.4 12.8

Jameen Nalla

Malai

30 21 24.8 58 45 52.3 9.5 5.1 7.2 18 10 14.6

Source: Primery Data Collection and analysis during study period by Laboratory

Table 3.10 continued…. Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Results




Location CO, (mg/m3 ) NH3(g/m3 )

HF,ppm Max Min Mean Max Min Mean

Project Site 0.09 0.01 0.04 110.9 70 87.82 BOL(LOQ:1)

Thoothukudi 0.09 0.02 0.05 110 65 84.1 BOL(LOQ:1)

Balathandayutham 0.09 0.01 0.05 16.3 9.6 13.2 BOL(LOQ:1)

Veppailodai 0.4 0.04 0.21 38 24.5 30.9 BOL(LOQ:1)

Anthimarapatti 0.7 0.1 0.44 33 25 29.5 BOL(LOQ:1)

Mulkadu 0.25 0.14 0.19 86.8 62.4 70.18 BOL(LOQ:1)

Muttayapurra 0.95 0.05 0.49 38 19 28.3 BOL(LOQ:1)

Jameen Nalla Malai 0.06 0.01 0.018 BOL

(LOQ:5/)

BOL

(LOQ:5/)

BOL

(LOQ:5/)

BOL(LOQ:1)

Source: Primery Data Collection and analysis during study period by Laboratory

3.5.2. Observations on Ambient Air Quality:

Particulate Matter (PM10): PM10 levels were ranging from 48 to 87.1 µg/m³. The highest PM10

level were found at Veppailodai (87.1 µg/m3) and lowest PM10 level were observed at

Thoothukudi. The PM10 level in all the monitoring locations is within permissible limit i.e.

NAAQMS level 100 µg/m3

Particulate Matter (PM2.5): PM2.5 levels were ranging from 21 to 43 µg/m³. The highest PM2.5

level were found at Thoothukudi (43 µg/m³) and lowest PM2.5 level were observed at Jameen

Nalla Malai. The PM2.5 level in all the monitoring locations is within permissible limit i.e.

NAAQMS level 60 µg/m³

Project Site

Thoothukudi

Balathandayutha

m

Veppailodai

Anthimarapatti

MulkaduMuttayap

urra

Jameen Nalla Malai

Max 84 81 63 87.1 84 62 81.2 58

Min 62 48 55 60 60 48 58 45

Mean 71.6 59.17 55.8 70.4 71.2 54.5 70.2 52.3

NAAQMS 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

020406080

100120

PM

10

(µg/

m3 )

AAQ Monitoring Location

Concentration of PM10 in Study Area




Sulphur Dioxide (SO2): SO2 levels were ranging from 5 to19.5 µg/m³. The highest SO2 level

were found at Project side (19.5 µg/m³) and lowest SO2 level is (5 µg/m³) were observed at

Thoothukudi and Mulkadu. The SO2 level in all the monitoring locations is within permissible limit

i.e. NAAQMS level 80µg/m³

Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx): NOx levels were found ranging from 7.5 to 30 µg/m³. The highest

NOx level were found at Project side (7.5 µg/m³) and lowest NOx level were observed Mulkadu.

The NOx level in all monitoring location are under permissible limit i.e. NAAQMS level 80 µg/m3

Project Site

Thoothukudi

Balathandayutha

m

Veppailodai

Anthimarapatti

MulkaduMuttayap

urra

Jameen Nalla Malai

Max 42 43 34 42 42 31 42 30

Min 30 23 24 29 30 24.5 30.1 21

Mean 35.6 29.7 29.3 34.5 34.5 27.3 35.26 24.8

NAAQMS 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

PM

2.5

(µg/

m3

AAQ Monitoring Location

Concentration of PM 2.5 in Study Area

Project Site

Thoothukudi

Balathandayutham

Veppailodai

Anthimarapatti

MulkaduMuttayap

urra

Jameen Nalla Malai

Max 19.5 9.5 9.8 7.8 15.2 7.5 8.2 9.5

Min 12 5 5.1 5.7 10.9 5 5.5 5.1

Mean 16.21 7.07 7.1 6.6 13.7 6.1 6.8 7.2

0

5

10

15

20

25

so2

,(µ

g/m

3 )

AAQ Monitoring Locations

National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Standard 80µg/m3

Concentration of SO2in Study Area




Carbon Monoxide (CO): CO levels were found ranging from 0.01 to 0.95 mg/m³. The highest

CO level were found at Muttayapurra (7.5 mg/m³) and lowest COx level were observed at

Jameen Nalla Malai and Balathandayutham

Ammonia (NH3): NH3 levels were found ranging from BDL to 87.82 g/m³. The highest NH3

level were found at Project Site (87.82 g/m³) and lowest level were observed at Jameen Nalla

Malai.

The ambient air quality of the study area is meeting the prescribed National Ambient Air Quality

Standard at all locations. No abnormal values of dust have been observed in the ambient air

during study period. The concentration of PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, were also within norm and no

abnormal values regarding HC/ VOC; NH3 and HF has been observed in ambient air of the

study area.

3.6. Noise Environment

Noise after a certain level can have a very disturbing effect on the people and animals exposed

to it. Hence, it is important to assess the present noise quality of the area in order to predict the

potential impact of future noise levels due to the proposed project. Ambient noise

measurements were taken at 8 locations, represented in Table 3.11. Location wise result for

day time and night time is presented in Table 3.12.

The monitored levels were compared against the The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control)

Rules 2000, as amended through the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Amendment

Rules 2010 dated 11th January 2010. The project site falls in designated industrial area and the

noise levels at all the locations were found within the ambient noise standards.

Table 3.11 : Ambient Noise Quality Monitoring Locations

Project Site

Thoothukudi

Balathandayutha

m

Veppailodai

Anthimarapatti

MulkaduMuttaya

purra

Jameen Nalla Malai

Max 30 18 24.1 18.9 27 13.1 14.6 18

Min 17 9.5 18.8 15 20 7.5 10.4 10

Mean 23.7 13.8 21.4 17.1 23.9 11.2 12.8 14.6

05

101520253035

NO

X (

µg/

m3 )

AAQ Monitoring LocationsNational Ambient Air Quality Standard 80µg/m3

Concentration of NOxin Study Area




Location

Code Name of Location Category

Distance & Direction

from site Coordinates

N-1 Project site Industrial Close Site 080 44‘ 26.67‖ N

780 08‘ 18.97‖ E

N-2 Thoothukudi Commercial 2.57 km NNW 080 45‘ 51.64‖ N

780 08‘ 05.61‖ E

N-3 Balathandayutham Residential 4 km NW 080 46‘ 22.66‖ N

780 72‘ 23.84‖ E

N-4 Veppalodai Residential 1.81 km W 080 44‘ 36.87‖ N

780 07‘ 21.32‖ E

N-5 Athimarapatti Residential 2.30 km W 080 44‘ 20.38‖ N

780 06‘ 49.98‖ E

N-6 Mulakadu Residential 4.8 km WNW 080 43‘ 13.58‖ N

780 07‘ 40.72‖ E

N-7 Muttayyapuram Residential 3 km NE 080 45‘ 14.66‖ N

780 09‘ 44.17‖ E

N-8 Jameen Nalla

Malai

Residential 7.96 km W 080 45‘ 17.11‖ N

780 40‘ 06.60‖ E

Table 3.12 : Ambient Noise Quality in the Study Area

Location

Day Time

{Leq dB(A)}

National

Standard

Day Time

Time

Night Time {Leq

dB(A)}

National

Standard

Night Time

Max Min Leq {Leq dB(A)} Max Min Leq {Leq dB(A)}

Project site 68.9 59.2 62.6 75 62.5 55.4 59.8 65

Thoothukudi 64.5 52.3 59.8 65 54.8 44.5 53.6 55

Balathandayutham 55.9 45.2 50.3 55 44.1 38.1 40.1 45

Veppalodai 54.9 47.9 51.0 55 44.1 38.1 40.9 45

Athimarapatti 57.9 45.9 52.1 55 44.1 38.1 42.7 45

Mulakadu 53.2 41.8 47.9 55 44.1 38.1 39.3 45

Muttayyapuram 53.8 41.6 49.2 55 44.1 38.1 40.6 45

Jameen Nalla

Malai 55.4 43.2 50.1 55 44.1 38.1 41.4 45

Source: Analysis during study period, EQMS

Observation on Ambient Noise Quality: The sources of noise in study area are vehicle

movement. The ambient noise level of the study area is within the prescribed National Ambient

Noise Quality Standards for residential and industrial categoty.




3.7. Water Quality

Six samples each of surface and ground water were collected from different locations around

the site during study period. The water samples were examined for physico-chemical

parameters and bacteriological parameters. The samples were collected and analysed as per

the procedures specified in Standard Methods. Samples for chemical analyses were collected in

polyethylene carboys. Samples for bacteriological analyses were collected in sterilized bottles.

Temperature, pH, conductivity and dissolved oxygen were measured at site itself. Surface water

sample were analyzed for various parameters and assessed using the CPCB‘s BDU Criteria.

The name of sampling locations is presented in Table 3.13 and Table 3.14. The analysis results

of surface water and groundwater are presented in Table 3.15 and Table 3.16.

Table 3.13 : Ground Water Sampling Locations

Location Code Name of Location Distance & Direction

from site Coordinates

GW -1 Thoothukudi 2.57 km NNW 080 45‘ 51.64‖ N

780 08‘ 05.61‖ E

GW -2 Balathandayutham 4 km NW 080 46‘ 22.66‖ N

780 72‘ 23.84‖ E

GW -3 Veppalodai 1.81 km W 080 44‘ 36.87‖ N

780 07‘ 21.32‖ E

GW -4 Atthimarapatti 2.30 km W 080 44‘ 20.38‖ N

780 06‘ 49.98‖ E

GW -5 Mulkadu 4.8 km WNW 080 43‘ 13.58‖ N

780 07‘ 40.72‖ E

GW -6 Maittayyapuram 0.2 km 080 44‘ 22.57‖ N

780 08‘ 11.31‖ E

Table 3.14 : Surface Water Sampling Locations

Location

Code

Name of Location Distance &

Direction from site

Source Coordinates

SW -1 Koram Pallam

Channel

2 km NW Channel 080 44‘41.55‖N

780 5‘ 55.92‖ E

SW -2 Thamirabarani river

channel

8.2 km S Stream 080 40‘1.19‖N

780 7‘ 21.4‖ E

SW -3 Sea Back Water 2.73 km SE Sea

Backwater

080 43‘17.5‖N

780 9‘ 11.3‖ E

SW -4 Pond near

Periyanyagapuram

5.4 km NW Pond 080 45‘ 59.70‖N

780 5‘48.1‖ E

SW -5 Pond near Ramson

nagar

9.49 km NW Pond 080 44‘9.4‖N

780 3 1‘.22‖ E




Location

Code

Name of Location Distance &

Direction from site

Source Coordinates

SW -6 Pond near

Sivagananpuram

9.16km WNW Pond 080 15‘55.89‖N

780 3‘ 57.23‖ E




Table 3.15 : Ground Water Quality in the Study Area

S.No Parameters Units GW1

(Thoothukudi)

GW2 (Balathandayutham)

GW3 (Veppalodai)

GW4 (Atthimarapatti)

GW5 (Mulkadu)

GW6 (Muttayyapuram)

1 pH (at 25°C) - 7.8 7.6 8.1 7.9 7.2 7.5

3 Electrical

Conductivity µS/cm 647 3163 862 2860 3420 2370

5 Turbidity NTU 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.6 1.1 0.9

6 Total Dissolved

Solids mg/L 384 2190 552 1889 2040 1517

7 Total Hardness as

CaCO3 mg/L 243 940 397 827 762 590

8 Calcium as Ca mg/L 44.1 135 98 124 102 46

9 Magnesium as Mg mg/L 32.2 146 37 125 123 115

10 Chloride as Cl mg/L 84.4 546 106 468 496 454

11 Sulphate as SO4 mg/L 24.2 146 42.7 134 142 128

12 Manganese as Mn mg/L 0.76 0.87 0.85 1.2 1.1 0.066

13 Total Alkalinity as

CaCO3 mg/L 112 560 138 470 623 416

14 Nitrate as NO3 mg/L 2.3 5.9 2.4 4.6 5.7 3.9

15 Fluoride as F mg/L 0.64 1.2 0.87 1.1 1.0 1.0

16 Sodium as Na mg/L 28 46 42 67 72 56

17 Potassium as K mg/L 12.5 23.4 18.8 45 48 38

18 Mercury as Hg mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001

19 Cadmium as Cd mg/L <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

20 Arsenic as As mg/L 0.002 0.0025 0.003 0.004 0.006 0.004

21 Lead as pb mg/L <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01




S.No Parameters Units GW1

(Thoothukudi)

GW2 (Balathandayutham)

GW3 (Veppalodai)

GW4 (Atthimarapatti)

GW5 (Mulkadu)

GW6 (Muttayyapuram)

22 Zinc as Zn mg/L <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

23 Chromium as Cr6+ mg/L <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

24 Iron as Fe mg/L 0.65 0.88 0.58 0.89 0.88 0.67

25 Copper as Cu mg/L <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

Source: Water Analysis during study period

Table 3.16 : Surface Water Quality in the Study Area

S.No Parameters Units SW1 SW2 SW3 SW-4 SW-5 SW6 Test Protocol

1 pH (at 25°C) - 8.4 7.9 7.0 9.05 8.3 7.5 IS:3025 Part-11

3 Conductivity µS/cm 14610 36900 44100 330 291 416 IS:3025 Part-14

5 Turbidity NTU 6.3 18.1 126 2 170 1.2 IS:3025 Part-10

6 TDS mg/L 10068 24740 30090 220 196 275 IS:3025 Part-16

7 Temperature oC 32.8 35.3 35.1 35 36.6 34.3 --

8 Total Hardness as CaCO3 mg/L 4915 9528 6419 138 156 150 IS:3025 Part-21

9 Calcium as Ca mg/L 241 481 321 22 21 22 IS:3025 Part-40

10 Magnesium as Mg mg/L 1048 2023 1365 20 25 23 IS:3025 Part-46

11 Chloride as Cl mg/L 3862 9780 14076 67 17 74 IS:3025 Part-32

12 Phosphorous mg/L 1.68 2.11 2.98 0.526 2.69 0.527 IS:3025 Part-31

13 Sulphate as SO4 mg/L 1069 2317 1207 11 75 17.8 IS:3025 Part-24

14 Manganese as Mn mg/L < 0.01 0.28 0.27 0.011 0.75 0.052 IS:3025 Part-59

15 Total Alkalinity as CaCO3 mg/L 36 40 93 26 26 32 IS:3025 Part-23

16 Nitrate as NO3 mg/L 0.79 1.31 0.88 0.356 0.62 0.107 IS:3025 Part-34

17 Fluoride as F mg/L 14.1 6.6 6.4 1.4 <0.1 2.2 IS:3025 Part-60




S.No Parameters Units SW1 SW2 SW3 SW-4 SW-5 SW6 Test Protocol

18 Sodium as Na mg/L 3880 9800 14070 63 20 75.5 IS:3025 Part-31

19 Potassium as K mg/L 350 750 500 8 7.1 9 IS:3025 Part-45

20 COD mg/L 1070 545 1075 40 86 63 IS 3025 : Part 58

21 BOD mg/L 295 120 320 15 24 18 IS 3025 : Part 44

22 Dissolved Oxygen mg/L <2 <2 <2 4.4 3.7 3.9 IS:3025 Part-38

23 Mercury as Hg mg/L < 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 < 0.001 <0.001 < 0.001 IS:3025 Part-48

24 Cadmium as Cd mg/L <0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 IS:3025 Part-54

25 Arsenic as As mg/L < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 IS:3025 Part-37

26 Copper as Cu mg/L < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 IS:3025 Part-42

27 Lead as pb mg/L <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 IS:3025 Part-47

28 Zinc as Zn mg/L <0.01 <0.01 0.075 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 IS:3025 Part-49

29 Chromium as Cr6+ mg/L < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 IS:3025 Part-52

30 Iron as Fe mg/L 1.4 9.9 2 0.2 6.2 0.6 IS:3025 Part-53

31 Oil & Grease mg/L Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil IS:3025 Part-39

32 Total Coliforms MPN/1

00ml

1600 1600 900 280 500 1600 IS:1622




Observation on Ground water Quality:

The pH value of drinking water is an important index of acidity or alkalinity. pH value of

the sample vary from 7.6 to 8.1 in all locations, which is well within the specified

standard of 6.5 to 8.5. The pH of all the sampling site is slightly neutral in natue.

Electric Conductivity levels vary from 647 to 3420 µmho/cm. Total dissolved solids

ranges from 384 to 2190 mg/l.

The total hardness is an important parameter of water quality. The hardness values in

ground water of the study area ranges between 243 to 940 mg/l which is above the

permissible limit. The calcium and magnesium values in ground water of the study area

are well within the specified deserible limit of Indian drinking water standard.

The chloride values in ground water of the study area ranges between 84.4 to 546 mg/l

which is well within the deserible limit.

No biological and metallic contamination has been found in any of the ground water

sample of the study area.

The groundwater of the study area is saline in nature to the tune of high salinity to

slightly saline. The salinity depends upon proximity to sea or sea channel. High

conductivity and hardness has been observed in the ground water samples near the

sea , that may be due to coastal aquifer. Overall the parameters in ground water

sample were well within the desirable limit of Indian Standard IS: 10500-2012 except

total hardeness which is slightly high with respect to the permissible limit of Indian

Standard IS: 10500-2012.

Observation on Surface water Quality:

Surface water quality of the pond near Periyanyagapuram, Pond near Ramson nagar, Pond

near Sivagananpuram was found to meet the Best Designated Use – ‗C‘ Criteria of CPCB. No

metallic contamination was found in pond water. The other surface water shows high TDS,

Hardness, chloride and alkanity that may be due to the sea back water contamination. Metallic

contents in the surface water of the study area are with in the standard.

3.8. Soil Environement

Soil is our most important natural resource and a natural resource is anything that comes from

the earth and is used by us. We depend on the soil for food, clothing, shelter, minerals, clay &

water. Soil is the seat of many macro and micro flora like algae, fungi, earthworms, bacteria etc.

These are very beneficial in promoting soil reactions and decomposing the organic matter by

which essential nutrients for plants are liberated. Most of the soil is made-up of two main parts:

Tiny bits of mineral particles which come from larger rocks, and humus, which is dark

brown in color and consists of decaying remains of plants and animals.

Soil also contains water, air and living organisms, such as fungi, bacteria,

earthworms, roundworms, insects, etc. Actually more living organisms live in the soil

than above it.




For general characterization of soil a few random samples from the study area to the

depth of about 15-cm may sufficient. Deeper soil samples may be needed only for

the study of soil profile.

3.8.1. General Characteristics of the Soil in the District

The district is covered by Black Cotton soil in the west with isolated red soil patches in high

ground. The sandy soil is present in the coastal tract. Alluvial soil is restricted to river flood plain

and coastal part. Alkaline & Saline soils are also noticed at few places.(Source-

http://cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/TamilNadu/Thoothukudi.pdf).

Soil classification and Major soil of the District are presented as follows by Table3.17 andTable

3.18 respectively; Soil map of the district is given as (Figure 3.12) follows;

Table 3.17 : Soil Classification, 2011-12

S. No. Type of Soil Places in District

1. Red Loam Soil Udangudy, Kayatar, Sattankulam

2. Lateritic Soil Srivaikuntam,Tiruchendur

3. Black Soil Kovilpatti, Kayatar, Vilathikulam, Thoothukudi and

Ottapidaram

4. Sandy Coastal Alluvium Tiruchendur,

5. Red Sandy Soil Udangudi, Sattankulam, Srivaikuntam, Karungulam,

Ottapidaram,Vembar

Source: Department of Economics and Statistics, Chennai.-6

Source-http://www.thoothukudi.tn.nic.in/files/tutshb2011-2012.pdf

Table 3.18 : Major Soils of the District

Major Soils Area

(000’ ha)

Percent (%)

to the Total

Deep black soils 209.6 53.7

Very deep black soils 88.7 22.7

Moderately deep black soils 35.2 9.0

Moderately deep red soils 30.3 7.7

Deep red soils 26.9 6.9

TOTAL 390.7 100

Source-http://agricoop.nic.in/Agriculture%20contingency%20Plan/TN/TN13-Thoothukudi3.2.2011.pdf




Source http://agricoop.nic.in/Agriculture%20contingency%20Plan/TN/TN13-Thoothukudi3.2.2011.pdf

Figure 3.12 :Soil Map of Thoothukudi District

3.8.2. Cropping Pattern of the District

Agriculture is the main occupation on which about 70 % of the people depend on it .The main

staple food crop of the district is paddy. Out of the total area of 470724-ha, about 38 % (178623-

ha), area brought under the cultivation of different crops. The major food crops in the district are

paddy, cholam, cumbu, ragi, varagu, samai and commercial crops like cotton, chilly, sugarcane

and groundnut. The district has a coastal line of 163.5-kms and territorial waters covering

thousands of hectares. The different sources of irrigation are channels, tanks and wells which

covers 40618-ha in the district. Out of this, 18727-ha area was covered by wells.(Source-

http://www.thoothukudi.tn.nic.in/files/tutshb2011-2012.pdf)

Cropping Pattern and Productivity of Major cultivated crops of the District for Kharif and Rabi

season are presented in Table 3.19. This is given as follows;

Table 3.19 : Area under Major Field Crops & Horticulture

Major Cultivated

Crops

Area (000’ha)*

Kharif Rabi

Summer Total Irrigated

Rain

fed Irrigated

Rain

fed

1 Paddy 6.0 nil 8.6 nil 3.3 17.9

2 Black Gram Nil 1.3 0.06 34.1 nil 35.5

http://www.thoothukudi.tn.nic.in/files/tutshb2011-2012.pdf




Major Cultivated

Crops

Area (000’ha)*

Kharif Rabi

Summer Total Irrigated

Rain

fed Irrigated

Rain

fed

3 Green Gram 0.01 nil 0.08 30.4 nil 30.5

4 Pearl Millet Nil nil 0.1 11.0 nil 11.1

5 Maize Nil 0.04 1.1 6.2 nil 7.34

6 Sorghum Nil nil 0.1 7.4 nil 7.5

Horticulture Crops-

Fruits Total Area Irrigated Rain fed

1 Banana 10.2 10.2 Nil

Horticultural Crops-Vegetables

1 Chilies 15.2 2.5 12.7

2 Coriander 4.7 nil 4.7

3 Onion 1.0 0.1 0.9

4 Drumstick 2.0 1.5 0.5

Plantation Crops

1 Coconut 6384.7 6374.6 10.1

2 Palmarah 3282.3 2.5 3279.8

Fodder Crops

1 Sorghum 8.1 0.1 8.0

Source-http://agricoop.nic.in/Agriculture%20contingency%20Plan/TN/TN13-Thoothukudi3.2.2011.pdf

Soil sampling Methodology

The soil samples were collected from Seven (07) selected locations based on the local land use

conditions and the agricultural practices. The samples collected were homogeneous

representative of each sampling location. At random five sub-locations were identified at each

location and soil samples were collected from 5 to 15-cm below the surface. It was uniformly

mixed before homogenizing the soil samples. The samples about 500-gms were packed in

polythene bags labeled in the field with location, number and sent to the laboratory for the

analysis of physicochemical parameters.

Soil Sampling Locations

Soil sampling was conducted once during the study period of Pre-monsoon season. Seven (07)

soil samples were collected from selected locations in the vicinity of the proposed project. For

studying soil quality environment in the study area, sampling locations were selected to assess

the existing soil conditions in and around the existing plant area representing various land use

conditions. The homogenized samples were analyzed for physicochemical characteristics. Soil

sampling locations with their distance & directions with respect to the project site, are presented

in Table 3.20and analysis result given in Table3.21




Table 3.20 : Soil Sampling Locations

Sample Code Sampling Locations Distance from Site, km Direction from Site, km

S-1 Thoothukudi 2.5 NNW

S-2 Balathandayutham 4.0 NW

S-3 Veppalodai 1.8 W

S-4 Atthimarapatti 2.3 W

S-5 Mulkadu 4.8 WNW

S-6 Jameen Nallamalai 7.9 W

S-7 Muttayyapuram 3.0 NE

Table 3.21 :Physicochemical Characteristics of Soil

S.N. Parameters Unit S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 S-5 S-6 S-7

Physical Characteristics

1 Colour - Grey Dark

Grey Grey Black

Light

Brown

Dark

Brown Brown

2 Texture USDA

System Clayey Clayey

Sandy

Clay

Sandy

Clay Sandy

Sandy

Clay

Sandy

Clay

3 Porosity % 50.6 56.6 44.5 52.5 42.6 47.9 48.7

4 Bulk Density (BD) gm/cc 1.31 1.15 1.47 1.26 1.52 1.38 1.36

5 Water Holding

Capacity (WHC) % 33.5 32.2 28.4 30.6 29.8 28.8 31.2

6 Particle Size Distribution

7 Sand (0.02 to 0.20

mm) % 16 34 62 54 66 58 64

8 Silt (0.002 to 0.02

mm) % 36 21 16 15 13 16 12

9 Clay (< 0.002 mm) % 48 45 22 31 21 26 24

10 Moisture % 10.5 17.8 12.6 6.8 5.4 14.2 8.7

11 Permeability cm/hr 2.3 2.2 2.8 2.6 3.8 2.9 3.0

Chemical Characteristic

12 pH (at 250 C)

@ 10%

Solution 8.12 7.82 35 8.06 8.26 8.24 8.42

13 Conductivity (EC) mS/cm 0.112 0.188 0.109 0.099 0.159 0.255 0.106

14 Cation Exchange

Capacity (CEC) meq/100g 32.3 36.1 6.6 8.5 3.7 5.7 8.7

15 Calcium as Ca mg/Kg 12.1 49.7 11.8 28.5 27.2 46.8 17.5

16 Magnesium as Mg mg/Kg 22.9 46.8 21.6 20.8 16.5 29.9 15.7




S.N. Parameters Unit S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 S-5 S-6 S-7

17 Sodium as Na mg/Kg 10.9 25.4 17.2 16.9 21.8 22.1 16.3

18 Organic Carbon % 0.91 0.69 0.43 0.89 0.93 1.52 1.32

Available Nutrients

19 Nitrogen as N kg/ha 256.4 237.2 266.8 235.5 242.3 247.5 238.6

20 Phosphorus as P kg/ha 11.8 9.1 10.6 7.0 9.2 19.3 7.5

21 Potassium as K kg/ha 285.5 290.2 284.7 295.4 288.5 297.3 285.2

22 Manganese as Mn mg/kg 2.8 1.6 1.4 2.1 1.5 1.8 2.4

23 Zinc as Zn mg/kg 0.43 0.16 0.33 0.03 0.52 0.43 0.16

24 Boron as B mg/kg 2.5 1.5 1.9 3.4 1.4 2.2 1.0

25 Iron as Fe mg/kg 0.9 0.3 0.2 0.7 3.8 0.8 0.2

26 SAR % 1.85 2.55 2.22 2.41 2.16 2.25 1.80

Source-Eco Tech Labs (P) Ltd. Chennai-TN

3.8.3. Interpretation of Analytical Results & Conclusions

Interpretation of Soil Characteristic has been dwelled in following sub-sections;

3.8.4. Physical characteristics of soil

Physical characteristics of soil greatly influence its use and behavior towards plant growth.

Soil Texture

The mineral components of soil are sand, silt and clay, and their relative proportions determine

a soil's texture. Properties that are influenced by soil texture, include porosity, permeability,

infiltration, shrink-swell, water-holding capacity, and susceptibility to erosion. The soil in which

neither sand & silt nor clay predominates is called "loam". The mineral constituents of a loam

soil might be 40% sand, 40% silt and the balance 20% clay by weight. Soil texture affects soil

behavior, in particular its retention capacity for nutrients and water. Texturally the soils of study

area are observed as Clayey,Sandy and Sandy Clay Soils.

Bulk density

Bulk density of soil relates to the combined volumes of the solids and pore spaces. Soil with a

high pore space with loose solid particles will have lower bulk density than those that are more

compact and have less pore space. This is directly related to the movement of air and water

through soil thus affecting the productivity. The bulk density of the soils was found in the range

of 1.15 to 1.52-gm/cm3

Water Holding Capacity

Water-holding capacity is usually defined as the amount of water that soil can hold. Soil that

have fine particles are able to hold more water than coarse soils while rock fragments cannot

hold any water and contribute negatively to soil water-holding capacity. The type and

composition of soil are the controlling factors in this case. Water holding capacity of study area

soils was observed as 28.4 to 33.5%.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecohydrology#Soil_moisture_dynamics




Permeability

Permeability is the measure of the ability of a soil to transmit water under a unit hydraulic

gradient. For a particular soil, it represents its average water transmitting properties, which

depends mainly on the number and the diameter of the pores present. The results show

Permeability values were found to vary from 2.2 to 3.8-cm/hr under Clayey, Sandy and Sandy

Clay textured soil in the study area.

3.8.5. Chemical Characteristics of Soil

Soil Reaction Classes and Critical Limits for Macro and Micro Nutrients in Soil

According to Soil Survey Manual (IARI, 1970), the soils are grouped under different soil reaction

classes viz; extremely acidic (pH<4.5), very strongly acidic (pH 4.5-5.0 ), strongly acidic (pH 5.1-

5.5), moderately acidic (pH 5.6-6.0), slightly acidic (pH 6.1-6.5), neutral (pH 6.6-7.3), slightly

alkaline (pH 7.4-7.8), moderately alkaline (pH 7.9-8.4), strongly alkaline (pH 8.5-9.0).The soils

are rated as low (below 0.50 %), medium (0.50-0.75 %) and high (above 0.75 %) in case of

organic carbon, low (<280-kg/ha-1), medium (280 to 560-kg/ha-1) and high (>560-kg/ha-1) in

case of available Nitrogen, low (<10-kg/ha-1), medium (10 to 25-kg/ha-1) and high (>25-kg/ha-

1) for available Phosphorus, low (<108-kg/ha-1), medium (108 to 280-kg/ha-1) and high (>280-

kg/ha-1) for available Potassium and low (<10-mg/kg-1), medium (10-20-mg/kg-1) and high

(>20-mg/kg-1) for available Sulphur (Singh et. al. 2004, Mehta et. al.1988). Critical limits of Fe,

Mn, Zn, Cu and B, which separate deficient from non-deficient soils followed in India, are 4.5,

2.0, 0.5, 0.2 and 0.5-mg/kg-1 respectively. (Follet & Lindsay-1970 and Berger & Truog-1940)

Soil Reaction

Soil pH is an important soil property, which affects the availability of several plant nutrients. It is

a measure of acidity and alkalinity and reflects the status of base saturation. The soil pH ranges

from 7.82 to 8.42, thereby indicating the soils are slightly alkaline to moderately alkaline in

nature.

Organic Carbon and Organic Matter

The effect of soil organic matter on soil properties is well recognized. Soil organic matter plays a

vital role in supplying plant nutrients, cation exchange capacity, improving soil aggregation and

hence water retention and soil biological activity. The Organic Carbon content of soil varied from

0.43 to 1.52 %( 0.74 to 2.62 % as Organic Matter), thereby implying that soils are low to high in

organic content.

3.8.6. Macronutrients

Nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are considered as primary

nutrients and sulphur (S) as secondary nutrient. These nutrients help in proper growth,

development and yield differentiation of plants and are generally required by plants in large

quantity.

Available Nitrogen

Nitrogen is an integral component of many compounds including chlorophyll and enzyme




essential for plant growth. It is an essential constituent for amino acids which is building blocks

for plant tissue, cell nuclei and protoplasm. It encourages aboveground vegetative growth and

deep green color to leaves. Deficiency of nitrogen decreases rate and extent of protein

synthesis and results into stunted growth and develop chlorosis. Available nitrogen content in

the surface soils ranges between 235.5 & 266.8-kg/ha thereby indicates that soils are low in

available nitrogen content.

Available Phosphorus

Phosphorus is an important component of adenosine di-phosphate (ADP) and adenosine tri-

phosphate (ATP), which involves in energy transformation in plant. It is essential component of

deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the seat of genetic inheritance in plant and animal. Phosphorous

take part in important functions like photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, crop maturation, root

development, strengthening straw in cereal crops etc. The availability of phosphorous is

restricted under acidic and alkaline soil reaction mainly due to P-fixation. In acidic condition it

gets fixed with aluminum and iron and in alkaline condition with calcium. Available phosphorus

content ranges between 7.0 & 19.3- kg/ha) thereby indicating that soils are having low to

medium level of available phosphorous.

Available Potassium

Potassium is an activator of various enzymes responsible for plant processes like energy

metabolism, starch synthesis, nitrate reduction and sugar degradation. It is extremely mobile in

plant and help to regulate opening and closing of stomata in the leaves and uptake of water by

root cells. It is important in grain formation and tuber development and encourages crop

resistance for certain fungal and bacterial diseases. Available potassium content in these soils

ranges between 284.7 & 297.3-kg/ha thereby is indicating that the soils are high in potassium

content.

3.8.7. Micronutrients

Proper understanding of micronutrients availability in soils and extent of their deficiencies is the

pre-requisite for efficient management of micronutrient fertilizer to sustain crop productivity.

Therefore, it is essential to know the micronutrients status of soil before introducing any type of

land use.

Available Manganese

Manganese is essential in photosynthesis and nitrogen transformations in plants. It activates

decarboxylase, dehydrogenize, and oxides enzymes. The available manganese content in

surface soils ranges between 1.4 & 2.8-mg/kg-1. As per the critical limit of available manganese

(2.0-mg/kg-1), most of the study area soils are sufficient in available manganese in the vicinity

of existing / proposed project.

Available Zinc

Zinc plays role in protein synthesis, reproductive process of certain plants and in the formation

of starch and some growth hormones. It promotes seed maturation and production. The

available zinc in surface soils of the study area ranges between 0.03 & 0.52-mg/kg-1. As per the




critical limit of available zinc (0.5-mg/kg-1), most of the study area soils are sufficient in available

zinc in the study area.

Available Boron

Boron increases solubility and mobility of calcium in the plant and it act as regulator of K/Ca

ratio in the plant. It is required for development of new meristematic tissue and also necessary

for proper pollination, fruit and seed setting and translocation of sugar, starch and phosphorous

etc. It has role in synthesis of amino acid and protein and regulates carbohydrate metabolism.

The available boron content in the soils ranges from 1.0 to 3.4-mg/kg-1. The critical limit for

deficiency of the available boron is 0.5-mg/ kg-1.

3.9. Biological Environment

An ecosystem is composed of plant and animal populations, and it differs from natural

community designation in that it involves the total nutrient and energy economics of the system

as well as the organisms involved. Ecosystems are self maintained and self contained. Natural

ecosystems are invariably richer in speciesand more stable than those of artificially developed,

due to their many interdependencies and interrelationships. The plant and animal populations in

an area from recognizable associations called Natural communities. These are characterized by

a few species called dominants.

3.9.1. Description of vegetation in study area

Most of the land within the 10 km area is under sea, settlement, industrial use and saltpans. The

study area is located in Thoothukudi district of Tamilnadu state. Thoothukudi is located on the

south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu. The coastal border has a length of 20 km and a breadth

ranging from 3 to 500m. Superficially, the coast is flat and sandy.

Coastal environment play a vital role in nation‘s economy by virtue of their resources, productive

habitats and rich flora and fauna. The coastal part of this district is least concerned and has

variety of ecosystems from mangroves, dune vegetation and inland vegetation. The coastal

environment is under continuous pressure from natural and anthropogenic factors. The

vegetation type found in the study area is discussed in following sections:

Scrub jungle inland vegetation

The scrub jungles are made up of tree height up to 10 m tall and often armed with spines. Most

of the plants including climbers, xerophytic character like succulent, stunted growth, thorniness

etc.The whole study area is covered by low vegetation scrub. The scattered patch of Prosopis

juliflora along with Calotropis procera has been observed. Predominant herbs and shrubs are:

Lantana camera, Euphorbia antiquorum Calotropis gigantean, Zizyphus oenopolia, Achyranthes

aspera, Croton bonplandianum, Solanum trilobatum, Leucas aspera, Mimosa pudica,

Gomphrena serrata, Clitoria ternatea, Parthenium histrophorus, and Cleome viscosa etc.




Scrub vegetation in study area

Mangrove vegetation

Mangrove vegetation is typically a closed evergreen forest of moderate height, composed of

species specially adapted to survive on tidal mud, which is partially submerged with salt water

or brackish water. Mangroves has been observed along the sea coast (Thoothukudi port trust)

of the study area. Avicennia marriana (Avicenniaceae), A. officinalis(Avicenniaceae),

Rhizophora apiculata Blume(Rhizophoraceae) and Rhizophora mucoronata Lam

(Rhizophoraceae) occupies a major portion of the Thoothukudi port trust A.alba occur as a pure

community found on the fringes to the seaward side. A. marriana occurs along the creeks.

Mangroove Vegetation along the sea coast of study area (near Tuticorin Port Trust area)

Coastal Sand Dunes:

Coastal sand dunes (CSD) are natural structures protecting the coast from high waves and

saltwater intrusions (Corre 1991). The plants living in sand dunes are called Psammophytes.

These psammophytic species play a vital role in protecting the coast from erosion and floods

(Desai 2000). There are different types of vegetation on the coast of Thoothukudi, this includes

mangroves and their associates—scrub jungles, aquatic vegetation, and coastal sand dune




vegetation. A sand dune is a mound, hill or ridge of sand that lies behind the part of the beach

affected by tides. They are formed over many years when windblown sand is trapped by beach

grasses. Dune grasses anchor the dunes with their roots, holding them temporarily in place,

while their leaves trap sand, promoting dune expansion. The sand dune is maintained with the

help of sand dune vegetation as wind traps, sand binders and dune stabilizers (Wagner 1964).

CSD comprise a variety of flora and fauna, which play a vital role in provisioning ecological and

economical services to the coastal communities. Study area is composed of herbaceous

species like Leucas aspera, Gisekia pharnaceoides, Tephrosia purpurea, coastal tree species

like Borassus flabellifer and the introduced Casuarina equisitifolia.

Medicinal Plants:

The study area shows sparse occurrence of medicinal plants. The common medicinal flora of

the study area consists of Aegle marmelos (bel), Azadirachta indica (neem), Calotropis procera,

Moringa oleifera (Drumstick), Ficus benghalensis, Mangifera indica Commelina benghalensis,

Datura metal; Euphorbia species and, the other medicinal trees observed are Casuarina

equisetifolia (Suru), Ficus benghalensis (Bad), Ficus religiosa (Pipal), Phoenix sylvestris

(Khajur), Ricinus communis, Tamarindus indica (Imli), Ocimum sanctum were observed. List of

the flora observed in the study area is given in Table 3.22.

Table 3.22 : List of the Flora

S. N. Scientifice name Family Habit Tamil Name

1. Abutilon indicum(L.) Sweet. Malvaceae Shrub Thuthi

2. Acalypha indicaL. Euphorbiaceae Herb Kuppaimeni

3. Acanthospermum hispidumDC. Asteraceae Herb Kombu mull

4. Achyranthus aspera Amaranthaceae Herb Apamarg

5. Aerva persica(Burm.f.) Amaranthaceae Shrub Perumpulai

6. Aristida setaceaRetz. Poaceae Herb -

7. Arthrocnemumindicum(Wild)Moq Chenopodiaceae Shrub -

8. Atriplex repens Roth. Chenopodiaceae Herb -

9. Azadirachta indicaA. Juss. Meliaceae Tree Veppamaram

10. Boerhavia diffusaL. Nyctaginaceae Herb Mukurattai

11. Borassus flabelliferL. Arecaceae Tree Panai maram

12. Bulbostylis barbata(Rottb.) Cyperaceae Herb -

13. Calotropis gigantean (L.) R.Br. Asclepiadaceae Shrub Erukku

14. Carica papayaL. Caricaceae Small

Tree

Pappali

15. Cassia italic (Mill.) Lam. Caesalpiniaceae Herb Nilavahai

16. Casuarina litoreaL. Casuarinaceae Tree Chavuku

17. Catharanthus roseus(L.) Apocynaceae Herb Nithyakalyani

18. Cenchrus ciliarisL. Poaceae Herb Kolukattaipul

19. Citrullus colocynthis(L.) Schrad. Cucurbitaceae Herb Peykkumatti




S. N. Scientifice name Family Habit Tamil Name

20. Cocos nucifera Arecaceae Tree Thennai maram

21. Croton bonplandianus Baill. Euphorbiaceae Herb Mannannai chedi

22. Datura metelL. Solanaceae Herb Oomathai

23. Euphorbia hirtaL. Euphorbiaceae Herb Amampatchaiarisi

24. Euphorbia tortilisRottler Euphorbiaceae Shrub Tirukukalli

25. Fimbristylis cymosaR.Br. Cyperaceae Herb -

26. Ficus religiosa Moracea Tree Arsa maram

27. Ficus benghlensis Moracea Tree Ala maram

28. Gisekia pharnaceoidesL Aizoaceae Herb Manalkeerai

29. Gomphrena serrataL. Amaranthaceae Herb -

30. Heliotropium Curassavicum L. Boraginaceae Herb -

31. Hibiscus tiliaceusL. Malvaceae Tree Neerparuthi

32. Launaea intybacea(Jacq.) Asteraceae Herb -

33. Launaea sarmentosa(Willd.) Asteraceae Herb -

34. Leucas aspera(Willd.) Link. Lamiaceae Herb Thumbai

35. Opuntia stricta(Haw.) Haw. Cactaceae Shrub Sappathikalli

36. Panicum repensL. Poaceae Herb -

37. Passiflora foetidaL. Passifloraceae Climber Sirupunaikali

38. Pedalium murexL. Pedaliaceae Herb Perunerunji

39. Parthenium hysterophorus Asteraceae Herb White top weed

40. Phyla nodiflora(L.) Greene. Verbenacee Herb Koduppai

41. Prosopis juliflora(Sw.) DC. Mimosaceae Tree Veelikkaruvai

42. Pycreus polystachyos Poaceae Herb -

43. Salicornia bractiata Roxb. Chenopodiaceae Herb -

44. Sesuvium portulacastrum L. Aizoaceae Herb -

45. Sida cordifolia(L.) Malvacece Herb Nilathuthi

46. Spinifex littoreus(Burm.f.) Poaceae Herb Ravanan meesai

47. Suaeda maritime (L.) Dumort Chenopodiaceae Herb -

48. Suaeda monoica Forsk.Ex.Gmel Chenopodiaceae Shrub -

49. Suaeda nudiflora (Wild.)Moq. Chenopodiaceae Herb -

50. Tephrosia purpurea(L.) Pers. Fabaceae Under

Shrub

Kolingi

51. Thespesia populnea(L.) Sol. ex Malvaceae Tree Poovarasu

52. Tribulus terrestrisL. Zygophyllaceae Herb Nerinji

53. Vernonia cinerea(L.) Less. Asteraceae Herb Mukuttipundu




Terrestrial Fauna-Mammals

There are several minor herbivorus and carnivorous wild animals in the study area.The

commonly observed or reported mammals are presented in Table 3.23.Species of mammals

recorded or reported from study area.

Table 3.23 : List of Mammals in Study Area

Zoological Name Local Name Conservation status as per Wild life

Protection Act(1972)

Herpestes edwardsinyula Common Mangoose Schedule-IV

Lapus nigricollis Indian Hare Schedule-IV

Rousettus leschenaultia Fruit Bat Schedule-IV

Bandicota benghalensis Bandicoot Schedule-IV

Bandicota indica Rat Schedule-IV

Funumbus Palmarum Squirrel Schedule-IV

Mus rattus Indian rat Schedule-IV

Hystrix indica Porcupine Schedule-IV

Mus Musculus Common Mouse Schedule-VI

Amphibians and Reptiles

Amphibians are noticed mainly restricted to open waste land and marshy areas.Frogs and toads

were present in this area. No tailed amphibians were cited in the survey. Reptilian fauna is

comparatively rich; however Table3.24 gives the details odifferent amphibians and reptiles in

the study area. 5 reptiles and 2 amphibians are recorded from study area.

Table 3.24 : List of Reptiles And Amphibians Observed In The Study Area

Sr.

No.

Zoological Name Local Name Conservation status as per Wild

life Protection Act(1972)

Reptiles

1. Hemidactylus sp. House Lizard Schedule-IV

2. Calotes Vescicolor Common garden lizard Schedule-IV

3. Chameleon Zeylanicus Indian chameleon Schedule-IV

4. Bangarus sp. Krait Schedule-IV

5. Naja naja Indian Cobria Schedule-IV

Amphibians

6. Rana tigrina Common Frog Schedule-IV

7. Bufo melanosticus Toad Schedule-IV

Avifauana

22 species of birds observed/recorded in the study area is presented in Table3.25.All species

are local migrants only and falls under schedule-IV of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.




Table 3.25 : List of Birds observed in the Study Area

Sr.No. Technical Name Local Name Conservation status as

per Wild life Protection

Act(1972)

1. Phalacrocorax niger Little Cormorant Schedule-IV

2. Ardea Purpurea manilensis Eastern Purple heron Schedule-IV

3. Nicticorax nycticorax Night heron Schedule-IV

4. Ardea grayii grayii Paddy bird Schedule-IV

5. Egretta garzetta Little Egret Schedule-IV

6. Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret Schedule-IV

7. Haliastur Indus Brahmny kite Schedule-IV

8. Milvus migrans Parian kite Schedule-IV

9. Eudynamis scolopaceus Koel Schedule-IV

10. Coracias benghalensis indica Southern Indian roller Schedule-IV

11. Acridotheres tristis tristis Common Myna Schedule-IV

12. Corvus spelndens portugatus Ceylon house crow Schedule-IV

13. Passer domesticus indicus Indian house sparrow Schedule-IV

14. Orthotomus sutorius Tailor bird Schedule-IV

15. Aythra farina Common pochard Schedule-IV

16. Nettapus cormanadalincicus Common teal Schedule-IV

17. Peridu asiatica Jungle bush quail Schedule-IV

18. Burhinus oedicuenus Staone curlew Schedule-IV

19. Strentopelia chinensis Spotted dove Schedule-IV

20. Psittacula cyanocephala Parakeet Schedule-IV

21. Contropus sinensis Crow pheasant Schedule-IV

22. Passer domesticus House sparrow Schedule-IV

Butterflies

A total of 4 species of butterflies are recorded in the study area. The lists of identified butterflies

from study area are presented in Table3.26.

Table 3.26 : List of Butterflies observed in the Study Area

Sr.No. Technical Name Local Name Conservation status as

per Wild life Protection

Act(1972)

1. Euploca cora --- Schedule-IV

2. Euploca crassa --- Schedule-IV

3. Euploca dicciotianua --- Schedule-IV

4. Graphium agramemnos Tailed agamemnos Schedule-IV




Endangered Animals

A comprehensive Central Legislation namely Wild Life (Protection) Act was enforced in 1972 to

provide protection to wild animals. Schedule-I of this act contains the list of rare and

endangered species, which are completely protected throughout the country. Tthere are no

endangered, threatened wild animal species in study area.

3.10. Socio-Economic Environment

The development projects are invariably planned based on the availability of exploitable natural

resources. These projects attract flow of finances, investments, jobs and other livelihood

opportunities, which brings in people from different cultural and social background. Such

planned activities not only provide impetus to the local economy but also bring about a multi-

dimensional economic, social and cultural change. Most often it has been observed that such

development projects are commissioned in economically and socially backward areas, which

are inhabited by some of the indigenous populations.

The present socio-economic assessment involves review of secondary data, such as District

Census Statistical Handbooks - 2011 and the records of National Informatics Center data, for

the parameters of demography, occupational structure of people within the study area which

mainly comprises of the villages, where the project area is located as per revenue records. The

information in this context was gathered on the following socio-economic parameters viz.

o Demographic profile

o Educational levels

o Occupational Profile

o Cropping pattern

o Other socio-economic parameters

District at a Glance

The etymology of the word ―Thoothukudi‖ can be traced back to the period when the locals used

to tap drinking water by digging small ponds (oothu in Tamil). Oothukudi, meaning to dig and

drink, later came to be known as Thoothukudi. District is located in extreme Southern Parts of

Tamil Nadu and it was carved out of Tirunelveli District on 20th October 1986. The district is

located lies between 0.8 and 45 of the northern latitude and 78 and 11 of the eastern longitudes.

The district is roughly triangular in shape and is bounded by Virudhunagar and

Ramanathapuram districts in the north, Gulf of Mannar in the east and Tirunelveli District in

south and west. The total geographical area of the district is 4621 sq. kms. and Constituting

about 3.5 percent of the state. It has coastal line of 121 kms. The total geographical area of the

district is 4, 63,601 Ha. River Thamirabarani passes through the district. The major basin is

Thamirabarani. The details on taluks, blocks, village panchayats and town panchayats are

illustrated in Table 3.27 and the demographic & other statistical data of the district is given and

Table 3.28.

Table 3.27 : Administrative Setup




I Taluks Tiruchendur, Srivaikundam, Sathankulam, Ottapidaram,

Thoothukudi, Kovilpatti, Vilathikulam and Ettayapuram

II Blocks Thoothukudi, Ottapidaram, Srivaikundam,

Karungulam,Tiruchendur, Alwarthirunagarai,Udangudi,

Sathankulam, Kovilpatti, Kayathar, Vilathikulam and Pudur

III Revenue Village 480

IV Village Panchayats 408

V Town Panchayas 19

In 2011, Thoothukkudi had population of 1,750,176 of which male and female were 865,021 and

885,155 respectively. In 2001 census, Thoothukkudi had a population of 1,572,273 of which

males were 766,823 and remaining 805,450 were females. Thoothukkudi District population

constituted 2.43 percent of total Maharashtra population. In 2001 census, this figure for

Thoothukkudi District was at 2.52 percent of Maharashtra population.

Table 3.28 : District at a Glance

Description 2011 Description 2011

Actual Population 1,750,176 Female Literacy 81.33

Male 865,021 Total Child Population (0-6 Age) 183,763

Female 885,155 Male Population (0-6 Age) 93,605

Population Growth 11.32% Female Population (0-6 Age) 90,158

Area Sq. Km 4,594 Literates 1,349,697

Density/km2 369 Male Literates 703,106

Proportion to Tamil Nadu

Population

2.43% Female Literates 646,591

Sex Ratio (Per 1000) 1023 Child Proportion (0-6 Age) 10.50%

Child Sex Ratio (0-6 Age) 963 Boys Proportion (0-6 Age) 10.82%

Average Literacy 86.16 Girls Proportion (0-6 Age) 10.19%

Male Literacy 91.14

Source: http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/49-thoothukkudi.html

Demographic Profile of the Study Area

The study area of 10 km radial zone mainly falls in two tehsils Srivaikuntam and Thoothudi of

Thoothukkudi District. There are total 20 villages in the study area. 5 villages namely

Iruvappapuram, Palayakkayal, Manjanirkayal, Agaram & Mukkani and 15 villages namely

Kumaragiri, Thoothukudi, Ayyanadaippu, Muthuswamipuram, Terkusilukkanpatti,

Maravanmatam, Korampallam (Part), Sendilampannai, Kuttudankadu, Servaikaranmadam,

Kuliyankarisal, Mullakadu (Part), Sankaraperi (CT), Mappilaiurani (CT), Milavittan (CT) falls

under Srivaikuntam and Thoothudi Tehsils respectively.

3.10.2. Population




As per the Census of India 2011, the Total Population of the Study area is 167442 with the total

number of Household being 42663. Total Male Population of the Study area is 83997 and total

Female Population of the Study Area is 83445. Tehsil-wise details of population are given in

Table 3.29.

Table 3.29 : Tehsil-wise breakup of Population of study area

Tehsil Village Name

To

tal

Ho

useh

old

s

To

tal

Po

pu

lati

on

To

tal M

ale

Po

pu

lati

on

To

tal F

em

ale

Po

pu

lati

on

SC

Male

SC

Fem

ale

ST

Ma

le

ST

Fem

ale

Thooth

ukkudi

Kumaragiri 387 1227 586 641 61 61 0 0

Thoothukudi 3516 14159 7145 7014 1174 1115 2 4

Ayyanadaippu 1168 4693 2380 2313 1346 1315 10 11

Muthuswamipuram 244 886 421 465 180 197 0 0

Terkusilukkanpatti 187 681 327 354 189 208 0 0

Maravanmatam 661 2664 1312 1352 68 68 0 0

Korampallam (Part) 1276 4912 2486 2426 854 757 0 0

Sendilampannai 30 103 53 50 5 7 0 0

Kuttudankadu 1334 5065 2528 2537 762 753 10 6

Servaikaranmadam 1148 4473 2221 2252 147 142 0 0

Kuliyankarisal 982 3951 1984 1967 279 281 3 1

Mullakadu (Part) 550 2191 1086 1105 194 200 0 0

Sankaraperi (CT) 5057 19844 10001 9843 1534 1552 27 24

Mappilaiurani (CT) 10116 40035 19853 20182 4004 3986 176 169

Milavittan (CT) 11811 45863 23167 22696 5279 5166 46 44

Sub Total 38467 150747 75550 75197 16076 15808 274 259

Srivaik

unta

m

Iruvappapuram 453 1753 863 890 137 139 0 0

Palayakkayal 1214 5024 2519 2505 857 865 0 0

Manjanirkayal 299 1143 575 568 160 181 0 0

Agaram 462 1924 983 941 114 122 0 0

Mukkani 1768 6851 3507 3344 481 466 3 8

Sub Total 4196 16695 8447 8248 1749 1773 3 8

Total 42663 167442 83997 83445 17825 17581 277 267

3.10.3. Sex Ratio




The Sex Ratio of the Study area is a numeric relationship between female and male of the area.

In the present case the study area has a sex ratio of 1006 females per thousand males. The

Tehsil-wise distribution of male and female population in the villages covered under study area

is depicted by graphical representation.

3.10.4. SC / ST Population

On the basis of the cast break-up of the scheduled caste population consisting of 17825 males

and 17581 females in the study area accounts for 21.14% of the total population. The scheduled

tribe population consist of 277 males and 267 females respectively, thus accounts for 0.32% of

the total population. It implies that 78.54% of total population belong to the general category.

Tehsil-wise break-up of scheduled caste and scheduled tribe male and female in the study area

is graphically represented.

3.10.5. Literacy Rate

Literacy level is quantifiable indicator to assess the development status of any area or region.

The literate male and female in the study area are 67994 and 62038 which implies that the

16695

150747167442

8447

75550 83997

8248

75197 83445

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

Srivaikuntam Thoothukkudi Total

Thoothukkudi

Total Population Male Population Female Population

1749 1773

16076 15808

3 8 274 2590

5000100001500020000

Male Female Male Female

Srivaikuntam Thoothukkudi

Thoothukkudi

SC ST




literacy rate is 77.65% with male and female percentage being 40 % and 37% respectively. The

illiterates are 22.34% of the total population of which male and female illiterates are 16003

(10%) and 21407 (13%) respectively. The graphical presentation of both sexes of literates and

illiterates in study area is given below.

Economic Structure

The majority of people in rural sector are cultivators & agricultural labours which indicates

dominant agricultural economy. A small section of people is engaged as workers in household

industries. But in urban sector the existing scenario is completely reversed as most of the

people there are engaged in non-agricultural activity especially in local hotels/restaurants and

as drivers some people also operates their vans/jeeps/cars as tourist vehicle.

Annual income helps in identifying families below poverty line. During the survey income of a

household through all possible sources was recorded. Agriculture and allied activities was

reported to be the major source of income followed by non-farm wage labour, business,

government service and private service. The other important sources of income include

government pension and income from selling of fodder.

Workers Scenario

Occupational pattern of the concerned study area is recorded to assess skills of people.

Occupational pattern also helps in identifying dominating economic activity in the area. In the

study area the main and marginal workers are 57426 (34%) and 5806 (4%) respectively of the

total population while the remaining 104210 (62%) constitutes non-workers. Thus it implies that

in study area the semi-skilled and non-skilled work-force required for the project is aplenty.

6905 6094

6108955944

1542 2154

1446119253

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

Male Female Male Female

Srivaikuntam Thoothukkudi

Literates Illiterates




Main Workers:

The main workers, which constitutes of 34% of the total population, comprises of casual labours

(3%), agricultural workers (6%), household workers (2%) and other workers (89%) respectively.

57426

44647

127795806 3613 2193

104210

35737

68473

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

Total Male Female

Main Workers Marginal Workers Non Workers

Main Workers5742634%

Marginal Workers58064%

Non Workers104210

62%

Main Workers Marginal Workers Non Workers




Marginal Workers:

The marginal workers, which constitute 4% of the total population, comprise of casual Labour

(3%), agricultural labour (10%), households (4%) and other workers (83%) of the total marginal

worker respectively.

Casual Labour3%

Agricultural Labour

6%

Household Workers

2%

Other Workers89%

Casual Labour Agricultural Labour Household Workers Other Workers

Casual Labour3%

Agricultural Labour

10%Household

Workers4%

Other Workers83%

Casual Labour Agricultural Labour Household Workers Other Workers




Ethnographic Profile

Forming part of the Pandian kingdom between 7th and 9th Century A.D., Thoothukudi remained

in the hands of the Cholas during the period between 9th and 12th century. Emergence of

Thoothukudi as a maritime port attracted travelers, adventures, and eventually colonizers. The

Portuguese were the first to arrive in Thoothukudi in 1932 A.D., followed by the Dutch in 1658

A.D. The English Captured Thoothukudi from the Dutch in 1782 and the East India Company

established their control over Thoothukudi in the same year. Thoothukudi became the citadel of

freedom struggle in the early of the 20thcentury. It was in Thoothukudi that the illustrious patriot,

V.O.Chidambaram established the first swadesi Stream Navigation Company, sailing the first

steamer S.S.Gaelia to Thoothukudi on 1st June 1907.

Religion

Tuticorin consists of people following Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Other religions making it

a religiously diverse state. Hinduism is major religion of the state. A major part of the Hindu

population follows Vaishnavism. Muslims are the biggest minority in the state.

Cultural and Aesthetic Sites

SankaraRameswarar Temple: This temple dedicated to Lord Siva, is a popular religious

center. The pilgrims travelling to Tiruchendur, takes a dip at the holy tank called

VanchaPushkarani in this temple.

Hare Island: This Island is located near the port. Both locals and tourists from outside visit this

island for leisure. PONGAL festival [January] holidays attracts thousands of Tourists to this

Island. Special transport facilities are arranged for the tourists.

One famous Church named as ―PANIMAYA MATHA" (Lady Snow) is here. It was built by

Portugese in 1714.

Ettaiyapuram(Palace): During the region of Pandyas at Madurai people from Chadragiri near

Chittoor of Andhra Pradesh were brought and posted as "watch keepers (DhisaiKavalars) of

Ilasanadu. This was later called Ettayapuram. When the local chiefs refused to pay the taxes to

the Pandyakingdom, Ettappar at Ilasanadu collected the taxes with the help of his army. Later

Pandya king appointed Ettappar as a ruler of the place. After the rule of 150 years Ettayapuram

was formed in 1565 in this place.

Bharathiar Mani Mandapam: In memory of the National poet SubramaniaBharatiar, a memorial

was built by Kalki Krishna Moorthy in 1945 and Mahatma Gandhi showered his blessings on the

occasion of opening. In 1981 the centenary year of Bharatiar was celebrated. This was taken

over by the Public Relations Department on 11-12-81.

Panchalankurichi: Panchalankurichi, a small but historic village, is 3 Kms. from Ottapidaram

and 18 km from Tuticorin. From here the great warrior KattaBomman Known as

"VeerapandiyaKattabomman‖ raised his voice against the British regime in the 17th Century

A.D.

The existing memorial fort was constructed by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 1974. Sri Devi

Jakkammal Temple, the hereditary Goddess of Kattabomman, is located near the fort. The




cemetery of British soldiers are seen near the fort. Within the memorial Hall, there are beautiful

paintings on the walls depicting the heroic deeds of the saga. The remnants of the old fort is

protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. At Kayatar, very near to Tirunelveli , there is

another memorial for Kattabomman. It is the place where he was hanged.

Korkai Port: Korkai, the ancient Port City of the Pandya Kings of the Sangam period, now

identified with the village Korkai (Srivaikundamtaluk of Thoothukudi Dt.) has attracted the

attention of scholars, historians and archaeologists for more than a century. Although Korkai is

recognised as an ancient Port City, its precise location is still a point of conjecture. Korkai is

now remote village, situated 5 km inland. In this article, an attempt is made to locate the port

based on field exploration, folk beliefs, and coastal geology and geomorphology.

Athichanallur: In Archaeological point of view, this place has a glorious past and it is located on

the bank of the river Tamirabarani. It is assumed that, in ancient times, a civilised habitation

was well flourished here. Some monuments i.e., Urns (burnt-clay vessels which were used for

burying the dead bodies of the very old people), small mud vessels were found near the river

Tamirabarani and they are supportive evidences for the civilisation. This place is now under the

supervision of Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department.

Thiruchendur: Thiruchendur is situated on the coast of Mannar. It is 40 Kms from

ThoothukudiTiruchendur is very popular for the seashore temple of Lord Subramanya. The

temple tower and the sculptures of the temple are worth seeing. It is also ideal for see bathing.

The temple is one among the six abodes. Lord Subramanya, after defeating Soorapadma came

to this place offered his prayers to Lord Siva. That victory is still celebrated by the pilgrims here

during the Tamil Month 'Aippasi' as a festival.

Manapad: This is also located on the sea-shore at the Bay of Bengal about 18 Km, from

Tiruchendur. An ancient Roman Catholic Church is here where the Cross is said to have been

brought from Jerusalem. This Church is also associated with St. Xavier, the famous missionary

from West. Since there are other small temples here this place is called as "Chinna Jerusalem"

(Small Jerusalem)

KazhuguMalai: This place is famous for the Jain cave temple and jain architecture. There is

also a Murugan Temple called KalugasalamoorthyKovil which belongs to the 18th century..

Agricultural Crops – Area, Production and Crop Calendar

As per agro climate zone (NARP), the district has been categorized as Southern Zone and is

covered under East Coast Plains and Hills Region (XI) (Planning Commission). The climate of

the district very largely depends on altitude. The winter and summer season is from about

January to March and April to May respectively. The rainfall being heaviest in the monsoon from

June to September.

In the study area of 10 km radial zone around the project site, important commodities traded

are: Paddy, Blackgram, Green gram, Pearl millet, Maize, Sorghum.The total area under Kharif

and Rabi crops in the district is shown in Table 3.30 and productivity of principal crop is shown

in Table3.31. The crop calendar of Kharif and Rabi major crops rainfed and un-irrigated is

shown in Table 3.32.




Table 3.30 Area under major field crops & horticulture

Major field crops

cultivated

Area (‘000 ha)

Kharif Rabi Summer Grand total

Irrigated Rain fed Irrigated Rain fed

Paddy 6.0 - 8.6 - 3.3 18.0

Blackgram - 1.3 0.06 34.1 35.5

Green gram 0.01 - 0.08 30.4 30.5

Pearl millet - - 0.1 11.0 0.8 11.1

Maize - 0.04 1.1 6.2 7.4

Sorghum - - 0.1 7.4 7.5

Horticulture crops - Fruits Total (‗000 ha)

Banana 10.2

Horticulture crops - Vegetables Total (‗000 ha)

Chillies 15.2

Coriander 4.7

Onion 1.0

Drumstick 1.6

Source: Agriculture Contingency Plan for District: Tuticorin

Table 3.31 : Productivity of Principal Crops

Name of

Crops

Kharif Rabi Summer Total

Prod('000

t)

Prod

(kg/ha)

Prod

('000 t)

Productivity

(kg/ha)

Prod

('000 t)

Prod

(kg/ha)

Prod Prod

(kg/ha)

Paddy - 4127 - 4147 - 2802 73192 3692

Black

gram

- - - - - - 12768 533

Green

gram

- - - - - - 11595 522

Pearl

millet

- - - - - - 29988 3749

Maize - - - - - - 22498 3749





Table 3.32 : Crop Calendar of Major Crops

Sowing window

for 5 major field

crops (start and

end of normal

sowing period)

Paddy Blackgram Green gram Pearl millet Maize

Kharif- Rain fed - - - - -

Kharif-Irrigated 1st week of

June to 1st

week of July

- - - -

Rabi- Rain fed - 4th week of

October to

2nd week of

November

4th week of

October to

2nd week of

November

4th week of

October

to 2nd week

of November

4th week of

October to

2nd week of

November

Rabi-Irrigated 4th week of

October to

3rd week of

November

- - - 4th week of

October to

2nd week of

November


Education facilities

Most of the villages have primary schools, secondary schools and colleges are very few in

numbers..

Health facilities

In many villages, medical facilities, primary health centres and dispensaries are away to a

distance of 5 km or more.

Drinking Water facilities

Hand pump, tap water, bore wells are prime source of drinking water in villages.

Communication Facilities

Communication facilities are adequate in the study area.

Transportation facilities are poor, as bus services are available only to those villages having an

approach of pucca roads.

Electricity

Adequate electric power supply is available for industries and domestic purposes.

Resettlement and Rehabilitation Plan




Since the proposed project site is well within the notified industrial area, which is not inhabited

and hence does not involve rehabilitation or resettlement of people

4. IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND PREDICTION

4.1.

4.2. Introduction

The possible impact on various components of environment due to the proposed

modernisationof plant can be assessed in terms of:

Physical and Biological Environment and

Demographic and Socio-economic Environment

For proper assessment of significance and magnitude of environmental changes due to

construction and operational phases of the plant, the impacts are analyzed on the 10 km radius

study area around the proposed modernisation project for each environmental parameter.

Impact assessment study for the modernization of existing SPIC unit is carried out by predicting

net contribution of pollutants (qualitative as well as quantitative) on overall qualitative

assessment of various environmental indicators. Prediction of impacts is an important

component in environmental impact assessment process. Several techniques and

methodologies are in vogue for predicting the impacts due to existing and proposed industrial

development on physico-ecological and socio-economic components of environment. Such

predictions delineate contribution in existing baseline data for the operational project and

superimpose over the baseline (pre-project) status of environmental quality to derive the

ultimate (post-project) scenario of the environmental conditions due to the proposed project.

The quantitative prediction of impacts lead to delineation of suitable environmental management

plan needed for implementation during the construction, commissioning and operational phases

of the proposed project in order to mitigate the adverse impacts on environmental quality.

Mathematical models are the best tools to quantitatively describe the cause- effect relationship

betweensource of pollution and different components of environment.

4.3. Potential Impacts during Project Implementation

4.3.1. Impact on Air Environment

The proposed modernization of SPIC plant (for changeover of feedstock from Napth to Mixed

feed stock (natural gas and Naphtha) will require limited construction activities. The potential

impacts on air quality due to the construction forproposed modernization project will be

temporary rise in SPM and RSPM levels likely to result from:

1. Fugitive dust emissions at the construction site

2. Use of unpaved roads and truck tracks by the construction vehicles

3. Operation of the concrete, asphalt and hot mix plants

Besides, SPM and RSPM levels, the air quality impacts will also be due to increase in gaseous

emissions like NOx, SO2, and HC. Bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and welding machines etc




will contribute to gaseous emissions through use of diesel as fuel. Gaseous emissions viz. NOx,

SO2, hydrocarbons are envisaged from these equipment during construction.

Construction activity is limited only to the project site and hence unlikely to cause any change in

the ambient air quality around the proposed project. As the emission level is very low and

intermittent, quantitative predictions are not possible due to limitations of the dispersion model.

Therefore, considering all the air pollutants, it is not expected that air emissions due to

construction will exceed air quality standards (NAAQMS).

Sprinkling water on the deposited earth material shall minimize emissions of particulate. The

rate of emission of dust, its predicted rates of deposition and the temporary nature of the dust

generating activities is expected to be well within acceptable limits. Also vehicles transporting

earth and other construction material to the site will be covered to ensure their dust particles do

not escape into the air. During construction all earth material will be kept covered to minimize

impact on the ambient air quality.

SPIC plant is surrounded with other industries/ sister units and no agriculture and forestland is

near by. There will be little and temporary impact on surrounding area due to project

implementation.

4.3.2. Impact on Land Environment

The activities of proposed modernisation program will be confined to the project site within the

boundary of Plant complex. During construction, top soil generated from various activities like

excavation etc. will be stored and preserved to use it during restoration period as far as

possible. There will be no disposal of wastewater on land. Hazardous wastes will be stored at

earmarked area with impervious flooring, shed and spillage/ leakage collection system to

eliminate rainwater contamination, chances of overflow / spillages going on to the land and thus

land/ soil contamination. Hazardous wastes will be disposed as per Hazardous Waste

(Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2009. The proposed

modernisationwill be in existing plant area. No additional land is required.

SPIC plant is surrounded with other industries and no agriculture and forest land is near by.

There will be little and temporary impact on surrounding area due to project implementation. No

impact is likely to occur on the land/ soil quality during construction and operation phase in view

of above mitigative measures.

4.3.3. Impact on Ambient Noise Level

Noise level of the project area will increase during construction phase due to heavy vehicles

movement and other construction activities. The workers will be provided ear plug/ ear muffs,

wherever required. The noise level will be localized and will be intermittent during construction

stage and hence no significant impact is envisaged. Although there is no specific noise-sensitive

fauna has been recorded near to project site but avifauna and small animals can be affected by

increased noise level. In such cases they can change their habitat (in SPIC case since it is near

coastal area, there will be little / temporary impact on surrounding).

4.3.4. Impact on Water Quality

During construction, water will be needed mainly for construction and domestic purpose i.e. for




drinking and sanitation. Drinking and sanitation facilities shall be provided to workers and staff

during construction. Water will also be needed for sprinkling to reduce dust emission, if any.

The water required in the above activities will be only a fraction of total water required.

Moreover, this requirement will be irregular and limited to construction phase only and hence no

impact is envisaged during construction phase. The domestic wastewater generated from the

sanitation facility will be led to the existing ETP and hence no impact is envisaged.

4.3.5. Impact on Soil Environment

During construction, top soil generated from various activities like excavation etc will be stored

and preserved to use it during restoration period as far as possible. There will be no disposal of

wastewater on land. Hazardous wastes will be stored at earmarked area with impervious

flooring, shed and spillage/ leakage collection system to eliminate rainwater contamination,

chances of overflow / spillages going on to the land and thus land/ soil contamination.

Hazardous wastes will be disposed as per the Hazardous Waste Rules.

No impact is likely to occur on the soil quality during construction and operation phase in view of

above mitigative measures.

4.3.6. Impact due to Solid Waste / Hazardous Waste

During construction, top soil generated from various activities like excavation etc. will be stored

and preserved to use it during restoration period as far as possible. Hazardous wastes (Used oil

and other materials) will be stored at earmarked area with impervious flooring, shed and

spillage/ leakage collection system to eliminate rainwater contamination, chances of overflow /

spillages going on to the land and thus land/ soil contamination are eliminated. Hazardous

wastes will be disposed as per the Hazardous Waste Rules. Disposal mechanism of Hazardous

wastes will be followed as per norms.

4.3.7. Impact on Terrestrial Ecology

As per the field investigation, the project site is barren area and does not have any vegetation

and within the existing plant complex (except the green belt developed). Hence, no impact on

terrestrial ecology is envisaged due to the construction activity at site. Also, the study zone does

not have any ecologically sensitive location and hence, the proposed activities are not expected

to have any major impact on the Flora and Fauna.

Dust Generation

Terrestrial flora can also be affected by the dusty environment to be created due to vehicular

movement during construction phase. Increment in the density of the dust particles (SPM) in the

atmosphere can affect the surrounding vegetation by blockage and damage to stomata,

reduction in chlorophyll content, abrasion of leaf surface or cuticle and all these disturbances

ultimately affect photosynthesis process and plant metabolism which leads to reduction in plant

growth up to some extent. Dust has an inhibiting growth on plants and creates allergy and

respiratory disorder in animals. The soil property and micro flora and fauna are also affected by

dust.




Noise Pollution

Noise level of the project area will be increased during construction phase by internal transport

system and operation of various machineries. Although there is no specific noise-sensitive

fauna has been recorded near to project site but avifauna and small animals can be affected by

increased noise level. In such cases they can change their habitat for save nesting and feeding.

Congregation of Labour

Construction activities often require a considerable workforce and associated support services.

Manpower required during the construction/ modernisation phase is about 100 people. The daily

life activities of this increased human population may contribute to local environmental impacts

especially on the biodiversity of the area. They can disturb local biodiversity by collecting

firewood and food as well as enhancing recreational activities.

In view of the above, the plant activities are not expected to have any adverse impact on the

ecology and biodiversity.

4.3.8. Impact on Socio-Economic Environment

Critical analysis of socio-economic profile of the area vis-à-vis its scenario with proposed project

activities indicate that the impacts of the project are expected to be of varying nature.

Very few direct and indirect job opportunities are expected to be created by the proposed

modernization during operation as well as the construction phases. In addition to direct

employment, indirect employment shall generate ancillary business to some extent for the local

population. There is a positive effect due to improved communication and health services, which

have lead to economic prosperity, better educational opportunities and access to better health

and family welfare facilities.

The local economy will receive a stimulus in the form of greater economic growth and avenues

for income generation with the arrival of the project. Local quality of life is expected to improve.

This factor combined with all other mitigation measures, like proper treatment of wastewater and

gaseous emissions and proper disposal of hazardous waste will minimized the adverse impact

on ecology and will have a beneficial impact on human settlement and employment

opportunities. There will be beneficial impact on the local socio-economic environment. There

shall be no displacement of any population in plant area.

4.3.9. Site Security & Safety

SPIC modernization is within the existing operational plant. SPIC is having a OHS department

and Security system. All possible security and safety measures will be taken to ensure safety

and security both during Construction and operation phases.

4.3.10. Health and Well being of Construction Workers

Construction activities often require a considerable workforce and associated support services.

SPIC is having a OHS department which will look after the safety and welfare of construction

workers through respective contractors. The workers will be provided with all basic amenities




i.e. Toilets, rest rooms, canteen etc. facilities. Since SPIC is adjoining to coastal area most of

the workers are likely to come from near by areas/ villages.

4.4. Potential Impacts during Project Operation

4.4.1. Impact on Air Environment

Prediction of impacts of the proposed de-bottlenecking on air environment i.e. ambient air

quality was carried out using computer based air quality simulation model known as ISCST3

View 6.2 model of Lakes Environment.

In the present study, the mathematical model that has been used for predictions on air quality

includes steady state Gaussian Plume Dispersion model designed for multiple point sources.

The impacts on air quality from any project depend on various factors like design capacity,

configuration, process technology, raw material, fuel to be used, air pollution control measures,

operation and maintenance. Apart from the above, other activities associated with any project

are Operation phase: transportation of raw materials and finished products, storage facilities

and material handling within the plant premises may also contribute to air pollution.

The major air pollutants expected to be emitted from SPIC proposed modernisation project are

Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Sulfur oxides (SOx), Ammonia (NH3), particulate matter less than 10

microns (PM10) and particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5). The major sources of

continuous emissions from the proposed project are stacks attached to Primary Reformer,

stacks attached to Process Air Natural Gas Heater, 2 stacks attached to CPP boiler and stacks

attached to the Prilling Tower.

4.4.1.1 Model Details

In the proposed project, prediction of impacts on air environment has been carried out

employing mathematical model based on a Steady State Gaussian Plume Dispersion Model

designed for multiple point sources for short term. In the present case, Industrial Source

Complex Short-term (ISCST3) dispersion model based on steady state Gaussian Plume

Dispersion, designed for multiple point sources for short term and developed by United States

Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has been used for simulations from point sources.

The hourly wind speed, solar insulation and total cloudiness during day time and wind speed

and total cloudiness during night time were used to determine the hourly atmospheric stability

classes (defined byPasquill and Gifford as A to F, A being most unstable and F being most

stable). The hourly stability classes were determined based on the technique suggested by

Turner.

The predictions for air quality during operation phase were carried out for particulate matter less

than 10 microns (PM10), particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), oxides of sulphur

(SOx), oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and ammonia (NH3) concentration using ISCST3.

The options used for short-term computations are:

The plume rise is estimated by Briggs formulae, but the final rise is always limited to

that of the mixing layer




Stack tip down-wash is not considered

Buoyancy induced dispersion is used to describe the increase in plume dispersion

during the ascension phase

Calms processing routine is used by default

Wind profile exponents is used by default

Flat terrain is used for computation

Pollutants do not undergo any physico-chemical transformation

No pollutant removal by dry deposition

Universal Transverse Meter (UTM) coordinates have been used for computation

A uniform polar grid was used for the computation and extended to 10 km from the

center of the proposed project. In addition to that, receptors were also placed at the

sampling locations.

4.4.1.2 Emissions

The emission rates and stack parameters for the proposed modernisation are listed in Table 4.1

and Table 4.2 respectively.

In order to estimate the worst-case scenario, the ground level concentration was computed

considering the plant emissions. 24-hourly average ground level concentrations of SOx, NOx,

PM10, PM2.5 and NH3 were computed for 24-hour mean meteorological data of summer season

(April to June, 2015).

Table 4.1 : Details of Gaseous Emissions – Proposed Modernisation

Stack

Stacks Pollutant Concentration Emission load Kg/hr Remark

SOX

mg/Nm3

NOX

mg/Nm3

SPM

mg/Nm3

NH3

mg/Nm3

Sox Nox SPM NH3

Auxiliary

boiler I & II

277.33 2.02 - - 41.65 0.303 - - 150200

Auxiliary

boiler III

(CPP)

277.33 2.02 - - 29.95 0.22 - - 108000

Primary

Reformer

50 - - - 4.9 - - -

Prilling

Tower

- - 36.4 0.971 - - 21.84 5.83 600000


4.4.1.3 Meteorological Data

The meteorological data consists of wind speed, direction, temperature, humidity, solar

radiation, cloud cover and rainfall recorded during the pre-monsoon months of April through




June, 2015, on an hourly basis. Wind speed, wind direction and temperature have been

processed to extract the 24–hourly mean meteorological data for application in ISCST3.

4.4.1.4 Receptor Locations

A total of about 365 receptors – 180 receptors of which were generated with a polar grid from

the center of the proposed project and extended to 10 km. Apart from these receptors, the

sampling locations were also taken into account to assess the incremental load on the baseline

environmental scenarioSummary of Predicted GLCs.

The summary of maximum ground level concentrations (GLCs) for the proposed modernisation

project and its impact on the study area under the worst meteorological scenario is listed in

Table 4.2.

Table 4.2 : Summary of Maximum 24-hour GLC due to the Existing Facility

Description Concentration (onc3)

SOx NOx SPM NH3







Table 4.3 Summary of Maximum 24-hour GLC (After modernization)

Description Concentration (onc3)

SOx NOx SPM NH3







The above tables show that in the worst case scenario, the maximum ground level

concentration due to the existing facility and proposed project will be in the predominant NE

direction. In the post-project scenario, the 24-hour average concentration for all the criteria

pollutants are well within the ambient air quality standards for industrial, residential, rural and

other areas in the worst case. The isopleths of the pollutant concentration due to the impacts




associated with the operation of the existing facility are shown in Figures as well as given in

respective Table.

The maximum concentration on air environment after modernization is within permissible limit.

The cumulative concentration of SPM, SO2, NOx and NH3 are 92.2, 36.6, 37.7, and 114.4,

(g/m3) respectively found within study area.

Additionally, the cumulative impact of the proposed project at the monitoring locations within 10

km radius is provided in Table 1.5.

As is evident from the Tables above, there will be no adverse impacts on the surrounding area.

Highly efficient air pollution control systems will be adopted to mitigate particulate matter as well

as gaseous emissions in the ambient environment.

Additionally, the cumulative impact of the proposed modernisation project at the monitoring

locations within 10 km radius is provided in Table 4.4.




Table 4.4 : Summary of Maximum GLC at Monitoring Locations

Location

PM10 (g/m3)

SO2 (g/m3)

(Existing)

SO2 (g/m3)

(After Modernization) NOx(g/m

3) NH3(g/m

3)

Max.

Conc. GLC

Impact

from

Project

Max.

Conc. GLC

Impact

from

Project

Max.

Conc. GLC

Impact

from

Project

Max.

Conc. GLC

Impact

from

Project

Max.

Conc. GLC

Impact

from

Project

Project Site 84.0 0.0 84.0 19.5 0.0 19.5 19.5 0.0 19.5 30 0.0 30 110.9 0.0 110.9

Thoothukudi 81.0 1.2 82.2 9.5 24.6 34.1 9.5 11.6 21.1 18 2.9 20.9 110.0 1.4 111.4

Balathandayutham 63.0 1.3 64.3 9.8 29.8 39.6 9.8 10.3 20.1 24.1 3.1 27.2 16.3 1.6 17.9

Veppailodai 87.1 1.6 88.6 7.8 33.2 41 7.8 8.9 16.7 18.9 3.4 22.3 38.0 0.9 38.9

Anthimarapatti 84.0 1.1 85.1 15.2 30.1 45.3 15.2 7.8 23 27 3.2 30.2 33.0 1.7 34.7

Mulkadu 62.0 1.0 63.0 7.5 60.6 68.1 7.5 6.0 13.5 13.1 3.0 16.1 86.8 1.9 88.7

Muttayapurra 81.2 3.5 84.6 8.2 80.4 88.6 8.2 16.4 24.6 14.6 6.8 21.4 38.0 2.7 40.7

JameenNallaMalai 58.0 0.7 58.7 9.5 10.5 20 9.5 4.7 14.2 18 1.2 19.2 BOL

(LOQ:5/) 0.7 0.7

(Source:Baseline Data Collection& Modeling Result Analysis )




As is evident from the table and discussion above, there will be no adverse impacts on the

surrounding area from just the proposed project. The ambient quality of the surrounding area

however has high PM10 and PM2.5. Highly efficient air pollution control systems with low NOx

burners with control efficiency of 70% are proposed to control NOx emissions from the proposed

modernisation project.

The isopleths for the pollutants are provided in Figure 4.1 through Figure 4.5.




Figure 4.1 : Isopleth for SOx (Existing Facility)




Figure 4.2 :Isopleth for SOx (After Modernisation)




Figure 4.3 : Isopleth For NOx (After Modernisation)




Figure 4.4 : Isopleth For SPM




Figure 4.5 : Isopleth For NH3




4.4.2. Impact on Land Environment

Essentially, the two major problems normally faced in impact on land environment due to any

development project are:

Diversion of land from designated use to the ‗project use‘.

Deterioration of land / soil in terms of soil fertility and toxicity.

4.4.2.1 Land Diversion

SPICmodernisation project is being located within the existing premises and as such no

additional land is required. Since there is no additional land required for SPICmodernisation

project, no soil erosion or diversion of land is involved.

4.4.2.2 Land Deterioration

Low soil fertility is attributable to either to low levels of nutrients {e.g. nitrogen, phosphorus,

potassium etc.} in the soil or their being made unavailable for plant intake in some way. High

levels of elements or compounds being present in the soil cause soil toxicity. Some elements,

which are essential and beneficial for crops at low concentrations, become toxic to crops at

higher concentrations. There can be slight increase in nitrogen content of the soil due to limited

plant emission from Urea plant and will have positive impact on the on the plant growing in the

area. Proposed modernisation project will improve the nitrogen availability in the area and

consequently better crop yield.

The plant operations after SPICmodernization project will be similar emission (but less in

quantity) and solid waste and as such not have any impact which is likely to affect soil, or

effluents release likely to affect soil. As such soil chemistry is not going to be affected with SPIC

proposed modernisation project.

4.4.3. Impact on Ambient Noise Level

The sources of noise during the operational phase of the plant are mainly turbines compressors,

blowers, pumps and reformer furnaces. The other sources of noise are the movement of

vehicles along the road. The proposed modernisationproject will be similar but will have

advanced technology and improved equipment both in terms of energy efficiency and less

noisy.

4.4.3.1 Impacts due to Transportation

Noise level contributed from light medium and heavy vehicles on the roads can be

considerabledepending upon the traffic density. The area around the employees and material

gates is the traffic- affected areas due to transportation activities. The light vehicles and two

wheelers pass at the shift hours only except vehicles of the visitors, which are limited only. The

heavy commercial vehicles traffic is limited depending upon the material receipt and dispatch of

fertiliser through road transport. The large quantity of fertiliser will be dispatched through railway

rakes also.




4.4.3.2 Impact on Community

Equivalent sound levels are often used to describe community exposures to noise. Noise survey

was also carried out at eight locations outside the plant but within the study area. Equivalent

noise levels were measured for residential area and also in other places in study areas (Chapter

- 3). The Leq (day time) for these residential areas is found to be well within the prescribed limit

of 55 dB(A) and similarly Leq (night time) for all residential locations was within the prescribed

limit of 45 dB(A).

The noise level norms in villages of study area are being met with respect to the norms of

‗Ambient Air quality Standards in Respect of Noise‘.

The operation of SPIC proposed modernisation project will have some noise level and as such

will not have any adverse impact on the human settlement around it. The noise will not be

audible beyond its boundary limit, particularly due to natural green belt and other measures.

4.4.4. Impact on Water Quality

Water during operational phase is normally required for:

Cooling Water

Boiler Feed Water

Process Water (acid dilution / granulation/ scrubbing/washing etc.)

Domestic and Green Belt

Water requirement for Existing as well as after modernisation will remain same. SPICPlant

water requirement is 15186 m3/day including 456m3/day for domestic and horticulture

purpose.The total water consumption after proposed modernisation project will remain same.

Water is supplied by Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board through their dedicated

water line.







4.4.4.1 Storm Water

SPIC is having well laid storm water drainage system to drain out rain water during rainy

season. No process drain / plant washing or domestic effluent goes to storm water drain.

4.4.5. Impact on Soil Environment

There will be no disposal of wastewater on land. Hazardous wastes will be stored at earmarked

area with impervious flooring, shed and spillage/ leakage collection system to eliminate

rainwater contamination, chances of overflow / spillages going on to the land and thus soil




contamination. Hazardous wastes will be disposed as per the Hazardous Waste Rules.

No impact is likely to occur on the soil quality during construction and operation phase in view of

above mitigative measures.

4.4.6. Impact due to Solid Waste/ Hazardous waste

There is no major source of hazardous waste generation due to the proposedSPIC project that

would be causing harm to the environment. The hazardous wastes will be similar to existing

plant namely catalyst, used oil, ETP sludge etc. The wastes will be stored in well-

designedgodowns and disposed off to approved buyers or sent authorized disposal site.The

Hazardous waste will not have any adverse impact on soil, land or water bodies.

4.4.7. Impact on Terrestrial Ecology

Based on study conducted for ecology in the study area, no rare or endangered terrestrial and

aquatic flora/fauna were noted in the study area. The developed greenbelt and green cover in

the project area would increase the flora and fauna density in the area at the project site.

The project activity does not require tree cutting during land clearing. Also, the study zone does

not have any ecologically sensitive location. Further, mitigative measures discussed in above for

air, water, land etc will be taken.

The impacts are summarized below:

Loss of species/habitat

Present primary study revealed the presence of few shrubs individuals along with some patches

of herbs like Cynodondactylon in the area. These shrub and herb species are more vigorously

present in the buffer area of project. Actually the present activity area is a vacant piece of land

within the existing premises of the SPICFertilizer Plant and being used for transportation and

open storage activity therefore, the project activities will not cause any significant loss of

important flora. Primary study also confirmed that core zone of project is not the habitat of any

significant faunal species i.e. nests, dens, corridor etc.

Dust Generation

Terrestrial flora can also be affected by the dusty environment to be created due to vehicular

movement during operation phase. Increment in the density of the dust particles (SPM) in the

atmosphere can affect the surrounding vegetation by blockage and damage to stomata,

reduction in chlorophyll content, abrasion of leaf surface or cuticle and all these disturbances

ultimately affect photosynthesis process and plant metabolism which leads to reduction in plant

growth up to some extent. Dust has an inhibiting growth on plants and creates allergy and

respiratory disorder in animals. The soil property and micro flora and fauna are also affected by

dust.

Noise Pollution

Noise level of the project area will increase during constructionphase only by internal transport

system and operation of variousconstruction equipments/ machineries.It si for short period.No

noise level change during operation phase. Although there is no specific noise-sensitive fauna




has been recorded near to project site but avifauna and small animals can be affected by

increased noise level. In such cases they can change their habitat for save nesting and feeding.

In view of the above, the plant activities are not expected to have any adverse impact on the

ecology and biodiversity.

4.4.8. Impact on Socio-Economic Environment

Direct and indirect job opportunities are expected to be created by the proposed modernization

project during the construction phase. In addition to direct employment, indirect employment

shall generate ancillary business to some extent for the local population. There is a positive

effect due to improved communication and health services, which have lead to economic

prosperity, better educational opportunities and access to better health and family welfare

facilities.

The local economy will receive a stimulus in the form of greater economic growth and avenues

for income generation with the arrival of the project. Local quality of life is expected to improve.

There will be some reduction in gaseous emissions (more specifically SOX) and proper disposal

of hazardous waste will minimized the adverse impact on ecology and will have a beneficial

impact on human settlement and employment opportunities. There will be beneficial impact on

the local socio-economic environment. There shall be no displacement of any population in

plant area.

4.5. Corporate Social Responsibility

The plant will have positive and beneficial impact on the status of employment generation. SPIC

has with a strong social conscience and this ideology seems out of the fact that we closely

linked to community. SPIC started its community devolvement program from the day of

operationand same shall be maintained in surrounding villages through community participation.

As a Corporate of having well understood the value of Society, so to say, the importance of

Corporate Social Responsibilities, SPIC is committing by itself a lot for social activities.

HEALTH

Keeping the dictum ‗‘Health is Wealth‘‘, SPIC in association with its Service Clubs like Lions,

Rotary, Junior Chamber etc. hitherto organized a number of Free Medical Camps meant for

treatment of Eyes, General Health, Diabetic, Polio, Measles, Children Health, Leprosy, etc.

More than 150 camps were conducted hitherto for the benefit of downtrodden dwellers of the

villages located in and around Tuticorin. Approximately a lakh of patients so far benefited out of

these camps.

EDUCATION

SPIC contribution to the rural schools in and around Tuticorin for their Educational and Sports

development is a significant one. Through its Service Clubs, SPIC contributed huge sum for

construction of additional class rooms, improvement of sanitary measures, adding up of playing

materials, augmentation of lab facilities etc. in schools. R.C. Middle School of Xavierpuram,

K.T.Kosalram High School at Muthiahpuram, Lions adopted Pottalkadu School are some of the

beneficiaries of this social activity.




SPORTS:

On Sports side, SPIC contribute a lot in the form of sponsoring prizes to the sports events of

rural schools which involves an expenditure of Rs.1,00,000/- a year.

Through its Central Sports Council, every year organizing a number of District & State level

invitation tournaments both in-door (Carrom, Table Tennis, Chess, Bridge, etc.) and out-door

(Basket Ball, Hockey, Football, Cricket, Tennis, Kabadi and Volley Ball) Games.

Company shall allocate adequatecost towards implementation of corporate social responsibility

initiatives, over ten years from the commencement of project.

CSR Activities by Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Limited

(Source: Details from SPIC)

Table 4.5 : Projected cost for CSR activities




S.

No. CSR Activity

Approx. Cost (Rs in Crores)

(For 10 Years)

1 Vocational training for local people employment for

ITI

5.0

2 Training for local people employment forDiploma /

Degree Engineers

2.0

3 Sponsoring national festival celebration ,sports meet

at nearby schools

1.0

4 Distribution of books to needy children atnearby

schools. Donation in eye surgery, blood

donation,and health checkup camps for local people

0.75

5 Assisting district authority for local meal,providing

drinking water to villagers

0.5

6 Tree plantation in nearby areas 0.25

7 Furniture donation to nearby schools 0.5

Total 10.0

(Source:Details from SPIC)

4.5.1.2 Positive Impacts

Proposed modernisation project of the plant would result in less emission of SOx.

4.5.1.3 Negative Impact

Increased traffic on road due to construction material (temporary phase).

However these can be handled and safety on roads can be ensured through increased

awareness and better management of resources.

Critical analysis of socio-economic profile of the area vis-à-vis its scenario with proposed project

activities indicate that the impacts of the project are expected to be of varying nature.

4.5.2. Foul Odour Problem

SPIC existing plant as well as proposed modernization project will have only one material with

odour i.e. Ammonia. Ammonia is toxic and stored in large tanks. Naphtha (earlier main raw

material) will be recquired in lesser quantity, after modernization with mixed feed of Naphtha

and Natural Gas.Hence, odour problem due to Naphtha will be minimized. SPIC is taking all

precautions to prevent any ammonia leakage as a safety measure. No odour problem is likely to

occur from the proposed project.




5. ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN& ENVIRONMENTAL

MONITORING PROGRAM

5.1. Introduction

Prediction of the potential adverse environmental and social impacts arising from development

interventions is at the technical heart of EIA process. An equally essential element of this

process is to develop measures to eliminate, offset, or reduce impacts to acceptable levels

during implementation and operation of projects. The integration of such measures into project

implementation and operation is supported by clearly defining the environmental requirements

within an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

Normally, potential impacts are identified early during the initiation of project, and measures to

avoid or minimize impacts are incorporated into the alternatives being considered. In this

respect, some of the most important measures to protect the environment and local

communities become integral to the project design, and may not be reflected in a formal EMP.

SPIC by way of EIA study propose to identify all the likely potential impacts, collect data

information and incorporate all the measures necessary to avoid or minimize impacts on

surrounding environment. Many of the mitigation measures are already in place as this is the

case of modernisation of the plant. It is desirable to collect even such information in the EMP to

facilitate better assessment and communication as well as improve the systems and

technologies to improve mitigation for environmental components having moderate residual

impacts.




5.2. Environment Management Plan

Overall objective of EMP:

Prevention: Measures aimed at impeding the occurrence of negative environmental

impacts and/or preventing such an occurrence having harmful environmental

impacts.

Preservation: Preventing any future actions that might adversely affect an

environmental resource or attribute.

Minimization: Limiting or reducing the degree, extent, magnitude, or duration of

adverse impacts.

EMP for SPIC to enhance thefertiliser production capacity through modernisation project

considers the following aspects:

Description of mitigation measures

Description of monitoring program

Institutional arrangements

Implementation schedule and reporting procedures




Institutional framework includes the responsibilities for environmental management as well as

responsibilities for implementing environmental measures.

5.2.1. Air Environment





recommended:

The control measures (through proper up keep / maintenance) and good

housekeeping will considerably reduce the fugitive emission.

Regular dust suppression through water spray at solid storages (coal yard/ ash pits).

Materials and ash should be transported in covered trucks,.


carried out.

Regular monitoring of shop floor environment is to be carried out to control the

fugitive emission as well as shop floor safety.


5.2.2. Water Environment

SPIC plant should take ample precautions to reduce water consumptions and tackle effluents problem. The SPIC propose to follow philosophy of segregation of effluent streams and treatment near the source and recycle back to the system. Efforts should continue and new efforts should be directed to:

SPIC issending treated effluents to its adjoining sister concern GSFL for use in

process.


developments.



belt.

The use of any chemical to check microbial activity should be avoided, as it would

harm the human health and fauna.


contamination.





5.2.3. Solid and Hazardous Waste Management

Used catalyst will be sold back to suppliers. However some wastes (oily sludge from machines/

empty bags/ paper/cotton wastes etc.) will be similar and the proposed handling philosophy for

the same is to continue. No additional measures are required.

5.2.4. Noise Environment

The statutory national standards for noise levels at the plant boundary and at residential areas

near the plant are being and are to be met. The following mitigation measures are proposed to

meet the objectives:

The selection of any new plant equipment is to be made with specification of low

noise levels. Noise suppression measures such as acoustic enclosures / cabins,

buffers and / or protective measures are be provided (wherever noise level is around

+80 dB (A) and exposure limits to workers is likely to be more than 8 hours a day) to

limit noise levels within occupational exposure limits. Areas with high noise levels are

to be identified and segregated where possible and will include prominently

displayed caution boards.

However, in areas where noise levels are high and exposure time is less, employees

will be provided with ear protection measures like earplugs or earmuffs. Earplug

should be provided to all workers where exposure level is > 85 dB (A). The exposure

of employees working in the noisy area should be monitored regularly to ensure

compliance with the regulatory requirements.

The existing practice of regularly monitoring of noise levels is essential to assess the

efficacy of maintenance schedules undertaken to reduce noise levels and noise

protection measures.

The green belt around the plant to attenuate the noise level but instead of block

plantation there should be variability in tree height and shape, as this would disperse

the sound waves more efficiently. Plant that attenuate should be planted at the noise

zone.

5.2.5. Occupational Health Program

There is a fully fledged Occupational Health Center (OHC), located within the premises. The

Factory Medical Officer (FMO) is on full-time employment, having an additional qualification in

Industrial Hygiene, as required under Rule 62-O of the TN Factories Rules, 1950The OHC

center generally fulfills the statutory provisions contained in the Factories Act & Rules.

Staffing arrangement of OHC

Sl. No. Designation Number of

persons

Qualification

1. Senior Medical Officer 1 M.B.B.S.

2. Medical Officer 1 M.B.B.S




Sl. No. Designation Number of

persons

Qualification

3. Staff Nurses 5 B.Sc (Nursing), Diploma in

Nursing.

4. X-Ray Technician 1 Diploma in X-ray

5. Lab Technician 1 Diploma in Lab Technician

course.

6. Pharmacist 1 D.Pharm

7. Sr.Dresser 1 First Aid Certificate from St.

John‘s Ambulance Association.

8. Attendees 3 First Aid Certificate from St.

John‘s Ambulance Association.

(Source:Details from SPIC)

Health surveillance

Pre medical and periodical medical examination is being carried out as per statutory

requirements and records are maintained

The annual medical examination of employees cover Biological Monitoring, X-ray, ECG,

Audiometric test, Ophthalmic test, Lung function test (Spiro ), Blood chemistry analysis etc.,

5.2.6. Biological Environment

Greenbelt area of about 94143 Sq. m which constitutes more than ~21% and is in the process

of developing further ~ 50,000 Sq. m taking to ~ 31% of the total area of 461341 Sq. m.

SPIC is near Coastal areas where saltpans are in abundance. Green cover is lacking. SPIC has

allocated adequate land for greenbelt and lawn which is equal to ~ 31% of the total land. This

green belt need further thickening. These activities will help in reducing the air and noise



small animals and insects. No rare or endangered specis of fauna are reported to exist in the




5.3. GREEN BELT DEVELOPMENT

SPIC has made it a social endeavour to develop and maintain a green belt in and around the

factory, right from the inception stage, to attenuate the effects of air pollution and to provide a

better environment. The factory is located in an area abounding in only saltpans. The soil is

generally sandy and saline in nature and only palm trees and thorny shrubs like Julia flora were

abundant at the time of inception of the company. The soil had to be excavated to a depth of

three feet for refilling with alluvial soil before plantation. This area has now been transformed to

a very rich green belt with a variety of trees and other green plants.

The Green Vegetation cleans the atmosphere by absorbing the gases and pollutants through




the leaves. Trees play an important role in improving total living of this planet. They maintain

balance between Oxygen and Carbon di –oxide, which is essential for the life of fauna and

human beings. It serves as natural air conditioner especially in hot and dry climates by

increasing humidity through transpiration and reduces atmospheric temperature. A well-

maintained green belt regulates the rainfall and prevents soil erosion.

The adopted villages nearby are also helped in tree plantation. The service clubs also visit the

villages and give them both physical and financial help to grow more trees around the village to

create a better environment. The saplings are provided from Nursery.

World Environment Day is celebrated every year on 5th June. One of the programmes

conducted is Green Belt Development in and around the Factory premises. The saplings

planted are Neem, Goldmohar, Delonix regia, Pungam, etc.

Future Plan

As a continuing programme, it is proposed to develop further green belt in the following

locations.

o Western side of Integrated Effluent Treatment Plant

o Western and Southern sides of Technical office.

o Northern side of the Ammonia Control room

Figure 5.1 Green Belt Development Layout




Greenbelt development at Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Limited

Greenbelt Development

A greenbelt will be developed under proposed project areas with the strip of plants along the

roadside and around power plant area. The goal of installation a greenbelt would be to

maximize both ecological functionality and scenic beauty of the area. The selected species will

be indigenous and should have dust & noise tolerant, enhance aesthetics and develop a habitat

for wildlife. A plantation of sound and dust receptor as well as aesthetically valuable species is

proposed which will help in reduction of pollution (both atmospheric & noise), reduction of stress

and beautification of the area. Hardiness, longevity, a minimum of wind through and breakage,

attractiveness and minimal maintenance requirement are some qualities of species which are to

be taken into consideration during selection. Municipal solid waste generated during

construction period & during operation period, as well as from STP will be vermi-composted and

used as manure for green belt development. Greenbelt would be developed in the form of

plantation around the Project area, Roadside plantation, and Avenue plantation in adjacent

vacant land. By reviewing the various literatures and Central Pollution Control Board guideline

for greenbelt development, following plant species has been chosen for greenbelt development

listed in Table 5.1.




Table 5.1 : List of Plant species to be planted

S. N. Scientific name Family Habit Tamil Name

1. Azadirachta indicaA. Juss. Meliaceae Tree Veppamaram

2. Boerhavia diffusaL. Nyctaginaceae Herb Mukurattai

3. Bulbostylis barbata(Rottb.) Cyperaceae Herb -

4. Carica papayaL. Caricaceae Small Tree Pappali

5. Casuarina litoreaL. Casuarinaceae Tree Chavuku

6. Cenchrus ciliarisL. Poaceae Herb Kolukattaipul

7. Cocos nucifera Arecaceae Tree Thennai maram

8. Euphorbia tortilisRottler Euphorbiaceae Shrub Tirukukalli

9. Ficus religiosa Moracea Tree Arsa maram

10. Ficus benghlensis Moracea Tree Ala maram

11. Hibiscus tiliaceusL. Malvaceae Tree Neerparuthi

12. Thespesia populnea(L.) Sol. ex Malvaceae Tree Poovarasu

13. Delonix regia Fabacea Tree -

14. Dalbergia sisso Fabacea Tree -

15. Palm Palmeae Tree -

5.3.2. Land Environment

The proposed modernisationproject will generatesome solid wastes. However some wastes (oily

sludge from machines/ empty bags/ paper/cotton wastes etc.) will be similar and the proposed

handling philosophy for the same is to continue. No additional measures are required.

5.3.3. Socio-economic Environment

As a good corporate citizen and major industry SPIC may consider adopting few

more selected villages in developing them as model villages.

Awareness program are to be initiated in immediate neighbouring villages about

SPIC plant activities and the various EHS measures undertaken to make the plant

safe and environment friendly.

SPIC should finalise the study and start carrying out CSR activities in coordination

with district authorities.

5.3.4. Charter on Corporate Responsibility for Environmental Protection (CREP)

SPIC has adopted the Charter on Corporate Responsibility for Environmental Protection

(CREP). The compliance of recommendation by charter for fertilizer industries has been

presented in detail in Chapter 2.

5.3.5. Environmental Management Cell

SPIC already have an environment management cell headed by a senior executive supported

by Manager (EC) and other supporting staff. Thelaboratory is equipped with necessary

sophisticated instruments including:




Gas Chromatographs

Spectrophotometers

pH Meter

Conductivity Meters

Turbidity Meters

Online ambient air monitoring stations – at three locations

Online effluent monitoring station at final discharge point for Ph, Ammonia, etc.

Online stack monitoring station at Reformer and NG/PA stacks for NOx and SOx etc.

Online meteorologoical station – at one location

Flame photometers

MSA meters

Loviband comparator

Oven

BOD incubator

Refrigerator

Furnace

Jar test apparatus

Distillation assembly for determination of COD

Gas flow meters

BOD bottles

A team of well-trained and experienced staff carries out tests in the laboratory.

5.3.6. Environmental Monitoring Plan

SPIC is carrying out environment monitoring and has necessary equipment and associated

facilities. However monitoring plan proposed is as follows:

Table 5.2 : Environmental Monitoring Program

Discipline Location Parameter Frequency Remarks

Meteorology one Temp. {max.; min.};

Relative humidity; Rain

fall; Wind speed and

direction.

Daily Shall be

complied

Ambient Air

Quality

Five PM10,PM2.5, SO2, NO2

and NH3

Twice a week Shall be

complied

Stack Emission All continuous

stacks

NOx&SO2 in Reformer,

stacks and NH3 & PM in

Prilling Tower

Fortnightly

Shall be

complied




Discipline Location Parameter Frequency Remarks

Effluents

Final effluents

(if any)

discharge point

pH, Free NH3, TAN;

TKN;NO3;TSS; PO4, Oil-

grease; COD; BOD

As & when

discharge or

utilized for

irrigation.

Shall be

complied

Sanitary TSS; BOD Weekly Shall be

complied

Ground Water

Quality

{Peizo metric

Wells / Hand

pumps}

pH, NO3, Urea& NH3 Monthly Shall be

complied

Surface Water

Quality (Ganga

Canal)

Two

pH, Free NH3, TAN;

TKN;NO3;TSS; PO4, Oil-

grease; COD; BOD

Monthly Shall be

complied

Noise Plant area

&neighbouring

villages

Day & Night time noise

level

Monthly

Shall be

complied

Health Check

Up

All Plant

Personnel

Occupational Health

diseases

Annually Shall be

complied

(Source:Technical Details from SPIC)

5.3.7. Project Cost &Environmental Budget

The total project of the proposed project is Rs 96 crores. The capital cost of equipments for

environmental system proposed is around Rs 50.6 Crores and recurring cost will be around Rs.

11.735 Crores.

Table 5.3 : Capital Cost and Recurring Expenditure on Environmental Protection

S No Activity Capital in Crores Recurring Cost/ Year

(Crores)

1 ETP 9.50 0.60

2 STP 2.00 0.12

3 ESP 12.50 0.875

4 Hold Up Tank & Hydrolyser Stripper 24.00 10.00

5 Environment Monitoring Stations 2.30 0.125

6 Green Belt Development 0.12 0.006

7 Miscellaneous 0.18 0.009

Total 50.60 11.735

(Source: Details fromSPIC




6. HAZARDS EVALUATION & RISK ASSESSMENT

6.1. Introduction

SPIC would be handling all materials at the proposed modernisation project. The storage of raw

material is planned at the site location itself, so, in an unlikely event of release emergencies,

there would be a potential risk to life and properties. Hence, the risk assessment study has been

conducted for various parameters that include identification of hazards, to calculate

consequence distances, to evaluate safety at the plant and to spell out risk mitigation measures

to enhance safety at the plant.

6.2. Hazard Identification

Hazard is defined as a chemical or physical conditions those have the potential for causing

damage to people, property or the environment. In this chapter the hazards associated with only

the proposed modernisation project have been discussed.

The primary step of the Hazard identification is the risk analysis and entails the process of

collecting information on:

the types and quantities of hazardous substances stored and handled at the plant,

the location of storage tanks & other facilities, and

potential hazards associated with the spillage and release of hazardous chemicals.

6.2.1. Hazardous Materials to be Stored at the Plant

The major hazardous chemical to be stored at the SPIC site will be Ammonia and Chlorine.

Though SPIC has large Naphtha / FO storages (as earlier feed stock)but they will be redundant

due to switch over to NG. Naphtha no more will be used after switch over to NG.(Subject to 100

% availability)

The bulk storages at SPIC are as given below:




Table 6.1 : Bulk Storage Details

S. No Material Storage Details Remarks

1 Product Urea Silo- 25000 MT

2 Ammonia 3000 MT at 3.5 bar zero degree centigrade

3 Chlorine 6X900 kg Cylinders

4 Naphtha 8750 KL X 3 No =26250

6150KL X2No =12300

5 FO 3800 KL X 2No =7600 KL

6 LDO 60 KL

7 HCl 2X50KL

8 Caustic Lye 2X24KL


6.2.2. Characteristics of Hazardous Materials

Important characteristics of the hazardous material (i.e. Ammonia, Chorine, etc.) has been

presented below:

SPIC will be using a number of materials but only few are stored in bulk and few chemicals are

listed under ―List of hazardous and Toxic Chemicals‖ category under MSIHC Rules, 1989. The

raw materials coming under hazardous category as specified by MSIHC Rules, 1989 (including

subsequent amendments) is given in Table below:

Table 6.2 : Hazardous Materials (MSIHC Rules, 1989)

S.

No

S. No & Threshold Quantity (TQ in

MT) as per MSHIC Rules

Chemical Hazards Remarks

Schedule-

1, Part-II

Schedule-

2, Part-I

Schedule-

3, Part-I

Hazards Toxic

1 Ammonia

CAS

No:7664-41-

7

UN

No:1005

31 2

TQ-1: 60

MT

TQ-2: 600

MT

105

TQ-1: 50

MT

TQ-2:

500 MT

Fire Hazards:

Mixing of ammonia

with several

chemicals can

cause severe fire

hazards and/or

explosions.

Ammonia in

container may

explode in heat of

fire. Health Hazards:

Vapors cause

irritation of eyes and

respiratory tract.

Liquid will burn skin

and eyes.

ERPG-1:

25 ppm

ERPG-2:

150 ppm

ERPG-3:

750 ppm

IDLH:

300 ppm




S.

No




Schedule-

1, Part-II

Schedule-

2, Part-I

Schedule-

3, Part-I

Hazards Toxic

Poisonous; may be

fatal if inhaled.

Contact may cause

burns to skin and

eyes. Contact with

liquid may cause

frostbite.

2 Chlorine

CAS

No:7782-50-

5

UN No:1017

A greenish

yellow gas

with a

pungent

suffocating

odour.

Toxic by

inhalation.

119 5

TQ-1:

10MT

TQ-2: 25

MT

108

TQ-1:

10MT

TQ-2: 25

MT

(Gas); Non

Combustible; May

ignite other

combustible

materials (wood,

paper, oil, etc.).

Mixture with fuels

may cause

explosion. Health

Hazards: Poisonous;

may be fatal if

inhaled. Contact

may cause burns to

skin and eyes.

Bronchitis or chronic

lung conditions

ERPG-1:

1.0 ppm

ERPG-2:

3.0 ppm

ERPG-3:

20 ppm

IDLH: 10

ppm

3 Hydrochloric

acid (Gas)

CAS No:

7647-01-0

UN No: 1789

313 Not Flammable;

Inhalation of fumes

results in coughing

and choking

sensation, and

irritation of nose and

lungs. Liquid causes

burns

ERPG-1:

3.0 ppm

ERPG-2:

20 ppm

ERPG-3:

150 ppm

IDLH: ----

ppm

4

Sodium

Hydroxide

CAS No:

1310-730-2

UN No: 1823

571 Not flammable;

Corrosive to metals

and tissue.

Hazardous.

ERPG-1:

0.5 ppm

ERPG-2:

5.0 ppm

ERPG-3:

50 ppm

IDLH: ----




S.

No




Schedule-

1, Part-II

Schedule-

2, Part-I

Schedule-

3, Part-I

Hazards Toxic

ppm

Item Physical Impact on Man, Animal &

Eco-System Physical Chemical

LSHS/FO

UN No.-1270

Flammable Liquid-Class-3

Hazardous Waste ID No.-17

Hazchem Code-3Y*E

NFPA HazardsSignals

Health-0

Flammability-2

Reactivity/ Stabilty-0

BP- 185 – 5000C

Vapour Pressure

(350C)- <1 mm

at 200C

Specific Gravity-

0.8 – 0.9 -- 1.05

at 15.50C

LEL - 1% (V/V)

UEL – 5% (V/V)

Flash Point > 660C

Auto ignition Temp.-

2630 C

Stable Compound

Entry through inhalation,

and skin;

Inhalation: Dizziness and

headache.

Ingestion: Nausea and

Vomiting

Contact: Irritation, Eyes:

Irritation. Dermatitis may

result from prolonged

contact.

Solubility in

water- Insoluble

in water

Incompatible with

oxidizing agents.

Vapour Density

(Air-1)-3 - 5

Naphtha/Motor Spirit

Flammable Liquid-Class-3

Hazardous Waste ID No.-17

Hazchem Code-3Y*E

NFPA Hazards Signals

Health-1

Flammability-3

Reactivity/ Stabilty-0

BP- 32 – 215°C

Vapour Pressure

(35°C)- 300 -

600 mm at 20°C

Specific Gravity-

0.66 – 0.77 at

15°C

LEL -1.3% (V/V)

UEL – 7.6% (V/V)

Flash Point -- 43°C

Auto ignition Temp.-

257°C

Stable Compound

Entry through inhalation,

ingestion and skin;

In high concentration

causes loss of

consciousness, coma, and

sudden death. In low

concentration causes

headache, nausea, mental

confusion and depression.

Moderately toxic by

inhalation

(Source:Details from SPIC

SPICis having storage of Ammonia more than threshold quantity and as such it comes under

MAH category as per MSIHC Rules, 1989.

6.3. Methodology, Approach and Damage Criteria for Risk Assessment

Consequence analysis is that part of risk analysis, which considers individual failure cases, and

the damage caused by the failure cases. It is done to predict the outcome of potentially serious




hazardous accidents to man and material in and around the plant boundary limits. The

advantages of carrying out consequence analysis are given below:

To improve plant layout

To meet statutory requirements

Protection of public in the nearby areas

Disaster management planning

Training tool

The findings of a consequence analysis provide information about hazardous effects resulting

from an accidental scenario. In addition, methods for dealing with possible catastrophic events

are also provided.

6.3.1. Damage Criteria

In order to understand the damages produced by various scenarios, it is appropriate to discuss

the physiological/physical effects of thermal radiation intensities. The thermal radiation due to

tank fire usually results in burn on the human body. Furthermore, inanimate objects like

equipment, piping, cables, etc. may also be affected and also need to be evaluated for

damages. Table 6.3 and Table 6.4, respectively give tolerable intensities of various objects and

desirable escape time for thermal radiation.

Table 6.3 : Effects due to Incident Radiation Intensity

Incident Radiation

kW/m2 Damage Type

0.7 Equivalent to Solar Radiation

1.6 No discomfort on long duration

4.0 Sufficient to cause pain within 20 sec. Blistering of skin (first degree

burn are likely).

9.5 Pain threshold reached after 8 sec. Second degree burn after 20 sec.

12.5 Minimum energy required for piloted ignition of wood, melting of plastic tubing

etc.

(Source: Study by EQMS)

Table 6.4 : Thermal Radiation Impact to Human

Exposure

Duration

Radiation Energy

{1% lethality;

kW/m2}

Radiation Energy for

2nd degree burns;

kW/m2

Radiation Energy for

1st degree burns;

kW/m2

10 sec 21.2 16 12.5

30 9.3 7.0 4.0

(Source:Study by EQMS)

6.3.2. Acid and Alkali Hazards




Acids and alkali are used in DM Plant, Cooling Tower etc. These chemicals are stored near user

points. Both Hydrochloric acid and caustic lye are harmful if comes in contact. Based on the

outcome of the risk assessment, following recommendation has been made to avoid any risk

associated with the storage and use of acids and alkali in the plant:

Double drain valve shall be provided to acid storage tank.

Full body protection shall be provided to operator.

Caution note and emergency first aid shall be displayed

All employees shall be trained for use of emergency first aid.

Safety shower and eye wash shall be provided in storage tank area and plant area.

Total close process will be adopted for acid handling.

Dyke wall shall be provided to storage tank

Tanker unloading procedure shall be prepared.

SOP shall be prepared for sulphuric acid handling.

Training programme shall be conducted for safe handling and emergency handling of

Acid.Precautions are to be taken to avoid such incident.

Hydrochloric Acid though non fammable but in contact with metal produces hydrogen

gas which is both highly inflammable and explosive.

In Storage Tank Area, reaction with water generating fumes shall be displayed and

avoided

Suitable extinguishing media-such as dry powder / sand shall be provided. Do not

use water.

Personal protective equipment-Fire fighter shall use SCBA and chemical protection

suit

Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing

apparatus.

Evacuate danger area do not absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents.

6.4. Selected Failure Cases

Few accidental scenarios have been considered and subjected to consequence analysis /

damage zone.

Table 6.5 : Likely Accident Scenario

Sl. No. Scenario Vulnerability

Zone

Remarks

1. Rupture in NG

line

Area close to

leak / release

Isolate the line / area; Cool / drench /

dilute the source point to prevent ignition.

2. Ammonia line Surrounding Isolate the line / area. Approach with gas




leakage and

spillage

Area mask / lifeline. Dissolve in water and store

and treat the water gradually.

3. Chlorine Tonner

Leakage

Surrounding

Area

Isolate the line / area. Approach with gas

mask / lifeline. Cover the cylinder with

hood, take a vent line from hood to caustic

scrubber.

4 Naphtha Tank

Heavy Leakage

Pool Fire

BLEVE

Suurounding

Area

Isolate the line / area; Cool / drench /

dilute the source point to prevent ignition.


6.4.2. Rupture in NG Line

NG consisting of 98 % methane is the main raw material (Balance higher hydro carbons and

other gases) and is used to generate hydrogen to fix atmospheric nitrogen as ammonia. Any

leakage in the pipe line {through flange joint / valve/ instrumentation fittings/ welding failure}

would result in hazardous situation. NG will be released at pressure (+ 30 kg/cm2) and also at

high temperature (depending upon the leakage point in the process).

Ambient Temperature : 350 C

Leak source size : ~ 50 mm

Burning Rate : 577 kg / min.

Incident : Flash fire





Figure 6.1 : Rupture in NG Line

Threat Zone:Threat is modeled for the thermal radiation from jet fire. The threat zones identified

are as follows:

Red: 14 meters --- (10.0 kW/(sq m) = potentially lethal within 60 sec)

Orange: 19 meters --- (5.0 kW/(sq m) = 2nd degree burns within 60 sec)

Yellow: 30 meters --- (2.0 kW/(sq m) = pain within 60 sec)

4.0 21 1st degree burn

2.0 31

1.1 40

6.4.3. Failure of Ammonia Line

Liquid ammonia is the main raw material for urea plant. In addition to process hold up in

ammonia and urea plant, there is a large ammonia atmospheric storage tank of capacity- 3000

mt. Ammonia has got odour and any leakage can be immediately noticed and calls for an action

taken.

Ambient Temperature : 35C

Ammonia IDLH : 300 ppm

STEL Value : 30 ppm or 24.3 mg/m3




Source Strength:

Puddle Diameter : 20 m

Puddle Volume : 100 m3

Total Ammount Released : 10,531 kg

Release Duration : 60 min

Threat Zone:Threat is modelled as Gaussian Model. The threat zones identified are as

follows:

Red: 1.1 km --- (300 ppm = IDLH)

Orange: 1.6 km --- (150 ppm = ERPG – 2)

Yellow: 4.4 km --- (25 ppm = ERPG – 1)


Figure 6.2 : Failure in Ammonia Line

6.4.4. Chlorine Cylinder Leakage

Chlorine is used as biocides in cooling water system and water purification Chlorine is highly

toxic (IDLH – 10 ppm) Any leakages in the system will cause toxic release which will spread in

down wind direction. The dispersion due to I cm (dia.) leakages are considered for modeling as

below:

Ambient Temperature : 35C




Chlorine IDLH Value : 10 ppm

Source Strength : ~ 2 kg/ min

Release Duration : 60 min

Threat Zone:Threat is modelled with heavy gas model. The threat zones identified are as

follows:

Red : 157 m --- (20 ppm = AEGL*-3 (60 min)2

Orange : 226 m --- (10 ppm = IDLH)

Yellow : 526 m --- (2 ppm = AEGL-2 (60 min))


Figure 6.3 : Chlorine Cylinder Leakage

6.4.5. Naphtha Tank Heavy Lreakage

Naphtha is the main feed stock and is stored in large tanks. It is highly flammable liquid and can

cause explosion also (in certain cases). Two cases considered are :

Pool Fire: Circular Pool Dia.: 40 m

Thermal Radiation Distance from edge of Pool

2AEGL – Acute Exposure Guideline Level




KW/m2 (m)


2.0 60

1.1 120

(Source:Study by EQMS)

BLEVE: Cloud Dia.:974.4 m; Fire Ball Duration: ~ 47 sec.

Thermal Radiation

KW/m2

Distance from edge of Pool

(m)


2.0 2436

1.1 3500


6.5. General Control Measures

Since some of the substances in use at SPIC are hazardous with severe fire and explosion

potential and also toxic in nature, it is necessary to use appropriate control measures

recommended for such substances:

6.5.1. Flammable Gas/ Naphtha Fires

Fire control generally consists of directing, diluting and dispersing the inflammable gas/vapor to

prevent contact with persons, to prevent it from infiltrating structures if the leak is out door, and

to avoid its contact with ignition sources while, if possible, simultaneously stopping the flow of

gas. NG is lighter than air it will go up in the atmosphere once its momentum due to pressure

gets dissipated. Gas direction, dilution and dispersion require the use of a carrier fluid, and air,

water and steam have proven to be practical carriers.Water in the form of spray, applied from

hoses or monitor nozzles or by fixed water spray system may act as a good carrier fluid for

inflammable vapors/gases.Naphtha/FO will be discarded after NG replaces them as feedstock

and fuel (Subject to 100% availability of NG). Limited amount may be stored for emergency.

6.5.2. Consequence Analysis

6.5.2.1 Toxic Hazards

Toxic hazards are mainly due to Ammonia and chlorine gases leakage and their impact can

cross the plant boundary (if not controlled in time). The impact due to these products will go up

to 1.1 km in worst case (Ammonia case) and 226 m (Chlorine case) and cross plant Boundary.

The other hazards in the plant include (but not limited to):

Other toxic hazards due to acids / other toxic spillages (mainly limited to spillage

area only.).

Mechanical hazards due to machines / equipment‘s.




Hazards due to individual soft spots like walking casually and noticing a pit and falling or

colliding/ stumbling or slipping (not noticing a wet place etc.).

Acid spillage-its impact will be limited to spillage area. The spillage if comes in contact with

metal parts will produce hydrogen which is highly flammable gas. Any person moving in area

and getting splash will get the injury. In addition the spillage will cause pollution problem. The

spillage is to be collected and neutralized for toxic contents before disposal.

6.5.2.2 Fire Hazards

Fire hazards in the proposed modernisation project are much less (Fuels-Naphtha FO, HSD

(limited storage only)). However process has fire hazards due to hydrogen.

6.6. Recommendations

Based on the outcome of the risk assessment, following recommendation has been made to

avoid any risk associated with the storage and use of hazardousmaterials in the plant:

6.6.1. LDAR program

Chemicals are manufactured in multi-stages in batch/continuous mode. In the manufacture of

chemicals, various unit processes/operations/equipment are used in industries.

The chemical industries are using pipelines, pumps, valves/ vessels and other fittings in the

transfer of materials from reactors and other ancillary facilities to other equipments. To reduce

fugitive emissions in the plant, proper Leak Detection &Repair (LDAR) program is required in

the industry.

The proposed LDAR program is as follows: --

Identification of sources: Valves, pipes, joints, pump seals, flanges etc.

Monitoring of gases/fluids is to be carried out regularly. Monitoring frequency

should be once in a quarter is required.

The industries handling small/large quantities of hazardous chemicals like

chlorine, Ammonia, Hydrogen, Carbon Monoxide, SOx/NOx etc. can use simpler

methods like gas/vapour sensors.

Focus should be for prevention of fugitive emissions by having preventive

maintenance of pumps, valves, pipelines etc. A preventive maintenance

schedule should be prepared and it should be strictly adhered to

When monitoring results indicate hazardous gases/vapors/VOC above permissible limit

repairing should be done immediately. The repair should be conducted in such a way that there

is no fugitive emission from the particular component.

6.6.2. Fugitive Emission Control Guidelines

The following guidelines will be strictly followed:

Fugitive emissions over reactors, formulation areas, rotary machines, chemical

loading, transfer areas etc. will be collected through hoods and ducts by induced




draft and controlled by scrubber/ dust collector.

Scrubbers installed for channelized emissions are used for fugitive emissions control

also and sometimes-dedicated scrubbers will be used.

Hazardous gaseous emissions (toxic and odorous) will be routed to activated carbon

beds or to incinerator, and for dust emissions cyclones/bag filters will be provided.

Enclosures to chemical storage area, collection of emissions from loading of raw

materials, in particular, solvents through hoods and ducts by induced draft, and

control by scrubber/ dust collector will be ensured.

Vapour balancing, nitrogen blanketing, iso tanks etc, will be provided. Special care

will be taken for odorous chemicals.

6.6.3. Hazardous Liquids Spillage

Full body protection will be provided to operator.

Caution note and emergency first aid will be displayed

All employees will be trained for use of emergency first aid.

Safety shower and eye wash will be provided in storage tank area and plant area.

Dyke wall will be provided to storage tank

Tanker unloading procedure will be prepared.

SOP will be prepared for Hazardous Liquids handling.

Training programme will be conducted for safe handling and emergency handling of

Hazardous Liquids

In Storage Tank Area, reaction with water generating fumes should be displayed and

avoided (if applicable)

Suitable extinguishing media-Extinguish with dry powder / sand. Do not use water.

Fire and explosion hazards-Not flammable. May evolve toxic fumes in fire (sulphur

oxides/CO).

Personal protective equipment-Fire fighter must use fresh-air helmet and chemical

protection suit

Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing

apparatus. Do not let this chemical enter the environment.

Evacuate danger area. Do not absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents.

6.7. Occupational Exposure Mitigation Planning

To control any occupational health and safety impact a detailed planning for mitigation

measures has been done in the design stage of the project. Apart from the occupational

exposure mitigation plans for various activities and work areas of hazards, following




administrative control measures will be followed:

All the employees will be trained for EHS policies.

Health check-up for OHS– Yearly

Health check-up for Employees- Yearly

All the OHS peoples have been trained for Basic life support, first aid, Basic fire

safety and emergency preparedness.

Ambient air quality monitoring in every month at 3 locations

Monthly monitoring of environmental parameters.

Safety display boards provided throughout the plant.

Monthly fire extinguisher audit.

Work permit system

PPE adherence

Waste management and hazardous waste handling

Safe lifting operation

Industrial hygiene

6.8. Other Recommended Measures for Safe Operation of the Plant

In addition to the specific recommendations made in the above section for storage and handling

of hazardous materials within the plant premises, for safe operation of the plant and risk

reduction, following suggestions and recommendations are made:

Personnel especially contractor workers at the plant should be made aware about

the hazardous substance stored at the plant and risk associated with them.

A written process safety information document may be compiled for general use.

The document compilation should include an assessment of the hazards presented

including (i) toxicity information (ii) permissible exposure limits. (iii) Physical data (iv)

thermal and chemical stability data (v) reactivity data (vi) corrosivity data (vii)

information on process and mechanical design.

The process design information in the process safety information compilation must

include P&IDs/PFDs; process chemistry; maximum intended inventory; acceptable

upper and lower limits, pressures, flows and compositions and process design and

energy balances.

The adequate numbers of heat, smoke detectors may be provided at strategic

locations in the plant and indication of detectors/sensors should be provided in main

control room.

Predictive and preventive maintenance schedule should be prepared for equipment,




piping, pumps, etc. and thickness survey should be done periodically as per standard

practices.

Safe work practices should be developed to provide for the control of hazards during

operation and maintenance.

Personnel engaged in handling of hazardous chemicals should be trained to respond

in an unlikely event of emergencies.

The plant should check and ensure that all instruments provided in the plant are in

good condition and documented.

Safety measures in the form of DO and Don‘t Do should be displayed at strategic

locations especially in Tamil and English language.

6.8.1. Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPEs) is devices that are fitted and issued to each worker

personally for his or her exclusive use. They are intended for temporary use and emergency

response action only. If a worker must enter a contaminated area, he must wear adequate

protective equipment. Employees should be taught when and how to use respiratory apparatus

(SCBA) provided, and how to recognize defects in the equipment. Without SCBA entry into the

contaminated area should not be attempted.

Keep personal protective equipment where it can be accessed quickly, outside the

hazardous material storage area and away from areas of likely contamination.

Each employee should maintain his personal protective equipment in clean, working

condition at all times.

All equipment should be used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer‘s

instructions.

Equipment installed for body and eye wash should be checked properly for round the

clock operation.

6.8.1.1 Handling of Hazards

Some of the measures employed in handling of hazards:

Personal protective equipment used by the workers during handling of hazardous

chemicals, should be replaced after getting defective.

If any spillage of hazardous chemicals, it should be cleaned and disposed as per

standard practiced.

Empty drums of hazardous chemicals should neutralize immediate.

Workers engaged in handling of hazardous chemicals should be made aware of

properties of hazardous chemicals.

6.8.1.2 General Working Conditions at the Proposed Plant




House Keeping

The House Keeping practices employed would be:

All the passages, floors and stairways should be maintained in good conditions.

The system should be available to deal with any spillage of dry or liquid chemical at

the plant.

Walkways should be always kept free from obstructions.

In the plant, precaution and instructions should be displayed at strategic locations in

Hindi and English Languages.

All pits, sumps should be properly covered or securely fenced.

Ventilation

The Ventilation measures that would be employed:

Adequate ventilation would be provided in the work floor environment.

The work environment would be assessed and monitored regularly as local

ventilation is most effective method for controlling dust and gaseous emissions at

work floor.

Safe Operating Procedures

Other operation procedures followed would be:

Safe operating procedures will be available for mostly all materials, operations and

equipment.

The workers will be informed of consequences of failure to observe the safe

operating procedures.

Work Permit System

Work permit system will be followed at the plant during maintenance.

Fire Protection

For fire protection the measures taken are:

The fire fighting system and equipment will be tested and maintained as per relevant

standards.

Smoke detectors will be provided at the plant and shall be calibrated and maintained

properly.

Static Electricity

The general instructions for working with static electric are:

All equipment and storage tanks/containers of flammable chemicals shall be

bounded and earthed properly.

Electrical pits shall be maintained clean and covered.




Electrical continuity for earthing circuits shall be maintained.

Periodic inspections shall be done for earth pits and record shall be maintained.

Material Handling

For material handling the regulatory measures that are taken for workers handling various

materials would include:

The workers shall be made aware about the hazards associated with manual

material handling.

The workers shall be made aware and trained about the use of personal protective

equipment (PPE) while handling hazardous chemicals.

Communication System

Communication facilities shall be checked periodically for its proper functioning.

Safety Inspections

The system shall be initiated for checklist based routine safety inspection and internal audit of

the plant. Safety inspection team shall be formed from various disciplines and departments.

Predictive and preventive maintenance schedule shall be followed in religious manner.

Electrical Safety

For electric safety provisions to be taken care of are:

Insulation pad at HT panels shall be replaced at regular interval.

Housekeeping in MCC room shall be kept proper for safe working conditions.

Colour Coding System

Colour coding for piping and utility lines shall be followed in accordance with IS: 2379:1990.




7. ON SITE EMERGENCY PLAN

7.1. Introduction

SPIC fertilizer plant at Tuticorinis in industrial area away from near habited town / city and also

from infrastructure facilities normally available there. All necessary facilities are available with

SPIC which shall be utilized for proposed modernisation project.

Admittedly, the best way of managing an emergency situation lies in its prevention. This is

sought to be achieved by good engineering design and construction, use of latest technology

and sophisticated equipment, reliable safety systems, careful personnel selection and training.

Adequate knowledge of dangers and appropriate safety training ensures that all hazardous

situations will be handled without any panic and controlled by rational actions. This is

supplemented with repeated practices through real time exercises (mock drills—a copy of mock

drill is attached as Annexure V and noting the weak spots and taking needful corrective actions.

Nevertheless, it is recognized that despite our best efforts, things can go wrong. Therefore, it is

essential to plan and develop the support system, required in case an emergency arises. An

‗EMP‘ guidelines are given below for the reviewing the existing EPP.

7.2. Probable Hazards & Risk

From the preliminary risk assessment study presented in Chapter 6 of this report, some of the

possible hazards have been identified. The most likely accident scenario identified is given

below:

Table 1.1 : Probable Hazards

S.

No.

Scenario Vulnerability

Zone

Remarks

1 Ammonia Storage

Tank heavy

spillage

Surrounding Area Hypothetical worst possible scenario; Approach with

gas mask / lifeline; transfer all possible ammonia to

adjoining tank; Dissolve in water and store and treat

the water gradually.

2 Chlorine Tonner

Leakage

Surrounding Area Isolate the line / area. Approach with gas mask /

lifeline. Cover the cylinder with hood, take a vent line

from hood to caustic scrubber.

3 NG Line Leakage

Area

Near by area Isolate the line / area. Approach with Fire Protection

Suit/ gas mask / lifeline.

4 Naphtha Tank

Failure

Near by area





Above mentioned hazard scenario can further aggravate into a much more serious incident if

not attended in time. The fire in one of the Naphtha tank in tank farm can spread to adjoining

tanks and may result in explosion. The vulnerability zone will be considerably enlarged. The

vapours of inflammable fluids if carried away by wind above LEL concentrations may further

enlarge the vulnerability zone.

7.3. Objectives

The Emergency Management Plan (EMP) is developed to make the best possible use of the

resources available at SPICand the nearby agencies to provide help/assistance in case of an

emergency in the plant. The activities will include:

Rescue the victims and give them the necessary medical attention in the shortest

possible time.

Safeguard other person (evacuate them to a safer place).

Contain the incident and control it with minimum damage to human and life and

property.

Provide necessary information to families/relatives of affected persons, outside

agencies including media and statutory bodies.

7.4. Emergency Preparedness Plan

The existing Organization structure of the Facility is depcted in Figure 7.1, which is set up for

ensuring safety and health.

(Source: Details from SPIC)

Figure 8.1 : Existing Organizational Structure at SPIC Facility




7.5. Responsibilities & Role of Key Personnel

Salient features of existing EMP are as given below. This will be updated as per Mock drills and

as per changes in modernization and modernisation.

RESPONSIBILITIES ASSIGNED TO PERSONS IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY:

First Hand Information:-

As per the emergency plan, any person at shop floor level/ Operation area who

possesses the first information of leakage of Toxic gas or Fire will communicate

about the emergency as under:-

By informing to concerned control room / Shift In charge immediately

In Fire Control Room Local telephone nos. 3331 /3332/3333

By shouting and informing to others working in nearby area.

Attempt to control fire / spillage with proper safety precautions, if there is a Fire

incident then try to extinguish immediately with available extinguisher in near by

area.

Direct rescue team to the site of incident on their arrival

APPOINTMENT OF KEY PERSONNEL:

Functions, duties & responsibilities of key persons are given below:

Some of the key persons have to move to ECR as per their assigned duty. It is

expected that all persons should take care of their safety while moving to plant. If it is

not safe to move, then they should wait till conditions become favorable for

movement.

However Plant Head/ DGM (Production), M (Ammonia), AGM (Urea) Sr. Manager

(off Site) are authorized to use emergency Vehicles to reach plant after wearing Self

contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) sets and other required PPEs.

Ambulance will be used as rescue vehicle. It will have Self contained Breathing

Apparatus (SCBA)kept inside in case it is required, before moving into toxic

atmosphere.

An Emergency vehicle may also be summoned to use as rescue vehicle. Person

using the rescue vehicle must use Self contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)sets

and other PPEs as required.

EMERGENCY CONTROLLER: PLANT HEAD/DESIGNATED SENIOR MOST PERSON

FROM PLANT OPERATION

On declaration of the Emergency the Plant Head shall proceed to ECR and take the charge of

the incident. He will be guiding various controllers in carrying out functions effectively for overall




control in handling the On-site emergency situation in the factory. He has to liaison with civic

authorities in handling Off-site emergency.

In absence of the Emergency Controller, Manager (Ammonia) AGM (Urea) Sr.Manager (Off

Site) shall act as Emergency Controller.Hewill:

Report at the Emergency Control Centre as soon as he gets information about the

emergency at site and take overall command of emergency management

Assume overall responsibility of taking decisions and directing actions as necessary

for mitigating the situation and managing the emergency effectively with due

consideration and priorities for personnel safety, safety to the Company‘s property

and the environment

Assess the magnitude of the situation in Coordination with the Works Incident

Controller and decide whether major emergency exists or is likely to develop,

requiring external assistance. Accordingly he will decide to inform District authorities

of Fire, Police and Factory Directorate for help and nature of the help required

including assistance from mutual aid members and declare on-site emergency

Ensure that non-essential personnel are safely moved to assembly point

Direct actions for safe shutdown of plant section(s) and evacuation of plant

personnel and other necessary actions in consultation with the Works Incident

Controller& Unit head of other plant /stream.

Exercise control over areas other than those affected in consultation with the

respective Unit head of other plant /stream.

Ensure that casualties are receiving attention and traffic movement within the works

is well regulated

Release authorized information to the Press, statement prepared by VP (HR,

Commercial)

Arrange for a log of the emergency to be maintained in the Emergency Control

Centre

Control rehabilitation of the affected persons and the affected areas after cessation

of the emergency.

Instruct for calling the Emergency over.

Order for inquiry into the incidence. On the inquiry report he would authorize the

implementation of remedial measures to avoid reoccurrence of such event.

WORKS INCIDENT CONTROLLER:

a. Manager (Ammonia Production) or AGM (Urea Production) Sr.Manager( Offsite)

b. Shift In-charge

On receiving, the EMERGENCY information the available Works Incident Controller in the




above order will be the In-charge of their respective plant (Ammonia/ Urea & Offsite/ CPP)

activities.

He will be responsible for handling/ controlling the emergency at their respective plants to bring

it under control in minimum time. He will apprise to the Emergency Controller on all aspects of

handling the emergency. He will:

Rush to the Incident Control Room /Spot of Incident, keeping himself safe and

ascertain all available information regarding the emergency such as:

Location & Wind direction

Nature -Fire, Explosion or Toxic release & Dimensions Casualties

Assess situation and declare ―On Site Emergency‖ as per situation in consultation

with Emergency Controller and inform Fire station for sounding siren.

Brief the Emergency Controller and keep him informed about all the development.

Inform Sr. Manager (Safety), Manager Fire to reach to site and also inform Sr.

Medical Officer and ask him to be ready for coming to site.

Direct plant operation / shut down operation as required controlling the emergency.

Stop all the work nearby, if required.

Ensure the use of Personal Protective Equipment by all concerned.

Ensure that injured persons are removed from the contaminated area and brought to

safe area.

Keep contact with the other Controllers and seek necessary assistance wherever

required.

Advise Material Controller to arrange & shift any material falling short of the required

quantity.

Arrange for chronological recording of the Emergency.

Preserve records and other evidence, which may be required for inquiry.

Make schedule and instruct the persons for continued operation in case of prolonged

emergency.

Ensure supply of safe drinking water.

Decide and initiate necessary evacuation measures and ensure evacuation of non-

essential workers, visitors and contractors to safe assembly points.

Take action to restore the situation back to normal in consultation with Emergency

Controller.

Give instruction for restart up of Plant only after satisfying him self about safety of the

plant, personnel and getting clearance from competent authority.

Note: Plant Head, DGM(Production), M(Ammonia),AGM (Urea), Sr. Manager (off Site) are




authorized to use emergency car to reach plant after wearing Self contained Breathing

Apparatus (SCBA) sets and other required PPEs.

After the arrival of Incident Controller the production department staff will work under his

guidance.He is authorized to coordinate various activities as per available resources under his

control.

SHIFT INCHARGE

He is the senior most person available amongst the operation group at site beyond general shift.

He will:

Assume the charge of Emergency Controller and the Incident Controller till arrival of

senior officials.

Ascertain the available information on emergency and declare On-site Emergency in

consultation with Director Incharge / VP (Production) / GM (Ammonia) / respective

Section Head.

Alert all sections in the plant on PA system / Telephone.

Ensure that message is sent to Fire Station/Safety Station.

Take action to shut down the plant /section, if required. Close valves and isolate

source of flammable /toxic material in the plant and pipelines. Cut off the flow of

material from the point of escape.

Inform other Shift Manager / Incharge regarding simultaneous action that are

required to be taken in respective Plants.

Direct fire fighting and rescue operations.

Call Medical help/ Ambulance, if necessary.

SECTION MANAGER / INCHARGE

Production Manager - Ammonia

Production Manager – Urea & Offsite

Production Manager – CPP

He is the senior most person available amongst the operation group at site in General shift. He

will:

Rush to the Incident Control Room and declare Emergency if not declared as yet

after assessing the situation in consultation with Plant Head / DGM(Production) /

Manager(Ammonia)

Take charge of Control Room operation.

Take safe plant shutdown to control hazardous situation.

Makes available necessary safety equipment /rescue apparatus.




Ask field people to assemble at specified area after doing necessary emergency

operations in the field.

Give call to Maintenance/ Engineering Managers i.e. Deputy Manager(Mechanical) /

AGM (Mechanical) D.M (Instrument), Manager (Electrical) as per the requirements

and inform them about the safe route to reach ICR.

Take roll call. Check that nobody is left behind.

Keep liaison with Sr. Manager (Safety) / Manager (Fire) and Sr. Medical Officer for

Rescue and Fire Fighting and Medical Care.

PROCESS OPERATORS /TECHNICIANS

In case of fire initiate fires call point/ or call to fire station on internal telephone – 333

1, 3332 ,3333.

Report matter to the Control Room or Shift In charge or Section Manager in their

respective control room.. Give exact location of fire.

In case of gas leak inform Control Room/ Shift In charge/ Shift Manager/ Plant

Manager over Tannoy, telephone, pager or in person. Give exact location of leak.

Take action to cut off supply of naphtha/gas to the point of fire/leakage keeping

himself safe in consultation with the Shift In charge/ Section Manager.

Wait for instructions from Control Room / Shift In charge. Keep ready for evacuation

if needed.

ROLE OF TECHNICAL, SAFETY, FIRE & RESCUE CONTROLLER

Sr. Manager Safety / Manager Fire

Hearing Emergency siren or on being told of emergency by Incident Controller / Security

Incharge, DO the following:

1. Obtain all necessary information regarding the emergency, particularly that

pertaining to the Fire Fighting, Safety, Emergency Rescue and Environmental

Pollution.

2. Whether the Plant Head has consented for communication of emergency and its

effects on environment to the Pollution Control Board.

3. Contact Sr. Manager Safety / Manager Fire & Safety Engineers and after passing on

relevant information instruct them to proceed to site.

4. Contact Pollution Control Board and convey as informed by Main Emergency

Controller or HR & Supply Controller

Contaminant released.

Environment Polluted; Air Or Water

Extent of release and the area affected.

5. Go to the site stopping en-route at Canal Pump House for checking safe approach

route outside and within factory.




6. Rush to Incident Control Room take necessary information, visit Scene of Incident,

and assess situation in consultation with Shift Incharge. Appraise situation to Main

Emergency Controller / Incident Controller.

7. Co-ordinate Firefighting and Rescue operation including sending of injured persons

to hospitals.

8. Ensure Hot Job and other work in the vicinity of the affected area have been

suspended and affected area is cordoned off.

9. Inform Main Emergency Controller the number of persons affected and its likely

impact in the surroundings. If situation warrants for evacuating plant persons, advise

Main Emergency Controller / Incident Controller for the same.

10. Instruct Lab Manager to be in touch with Incident Controller and do sampling for

environment monitoring inside factory premises as asked.

11. Keepliaison with Fire Station of nearby Fire Service at TTPSor the additional help

required for fire fighting.

12. Keep liaison with Representatives of neighbouring Industries; who have arrived for

help under Mutual Aid Scheme.

13. Ensure that Safety & Fire personnel have supplied required Safety and Firefighting

equipment.

14. Assess the situation and advise the Incident Controller and Emergency Controller to

evacuate the plant.

15. In consultation with Main Emergency Controller, instruct Lab Manager to collect

samples at least in the range of 1 ~ 2km in the wind direction to evaluate

concentration of toxic gases, if required.

Sr. Manager Safety/Fire:

He will be Controller for Safety, Fire Fighting, & Emergency Rescue operations.

Rush to the Incident Control Room/ Scene of Incident on receiving message.

Access the situation in case of gas leakage/ flammable material leakage.

Advise the Emergency Controller to evacuate plant if the situation warrants.

Appraise the situation to the Emergency Controller/ Incident Controller.

Co-ordinate fire fighting and rescue operations in the affected area.

Co-ordinate arrival of ambulance /vehicle to send the injured person to hospital co-

ordinate first-aid operation.

Inform to the Emergency Controller the number of persons affected and its likely

impact in the surrounding.

Ensure that hot work and other work in nearby areas have been suspended and the

affected area is cordoned off with the help of security personnel.




Ensure availability /issuance of safety required for plant Emergency controlling.

Keep liaison with Heavy water plant fire station/ Tuticorin Fire Servicesfor additional

help required for fire fighting.

Rush to the Incident Control Room and then spot of incident.

Assess the situation and inform to the Incident Controller / Emergency Controller.

Ensure availability /issuance of Fire fighting equipments required for plant

Emergency controlling.

Co-ordinate rescue and fire fighting operation.

Invalidate the Work Permits in the affected and nearby areas.

Get help if needed from Security department/ persons for cordoning off the area and

rescue and fire fighting in the plant.

Safety Engineer

Rush to the incident control room/ Site of Incident

Work accordingly the instruction given by Sr. Manager- Safety

Help people in wearing of BA set, Canister mask , Fire suit etc

Ensure availability of Personal protective equipments

Arrange to supply extra safety equipment required at site of Emergency

Ensure that hot work has been suspended in affected area.

Provide assistance in fire fighting & rescue operation.

Fire Supervisor / Fire Man

See the Fire alarm on the panel / Take proper message.

Direct fire tender immediately to the spot of emergency

Sound the siren of ―On site Emergency‖ depending upon the type of emergency as

instructed by Incident Controller.

Inform Manager (Fire), Sr. Manager (Safety) & Security at main gate.

Assess the situation and contact Shift In charge/Manager of the affected plant/area

Keep constant watch on fire brigade personnel so as not to endanger them while

rescuing or fire fighting.

Supply additional fire fighting appliance as required.

Keep in contact with Incident Controller and communicate about prevailing situation

from time to time.

Render any other help requested by Incident Controller.




SENIOR MANAGER (LABORATORY)

On hearing Emergency siren/ message in office, act as per advice /message from Incident

Controller/ Safety, Fire & Rescue Controller.

Alert laboratory staff and ensure their availability for taking emergency samples if

required.

Keep in touch with the Incident controller for taking samples and rendering help to

plant personnel.

Keep in touch with the Safety, Fire & Rescue Controller for taking samples for

analysis outside factory area.

Take samples at least in the range of 1-2 km in the wind direction to evaluate

concentration of toxic gases, if required.

Inform concentration of toxic gases to the, Emergency Controller and the Incident

Controller/ Safety, Fire & Rescue Controller.

SERVICE CONTROLLER:

Manager (Admin & Civil)

He will be the Service Controller for Welfare, Transport and Security.

Rush to the Emergency Control Room on receiving the message.

Arrange transport/Ambulance to shift injured persons to Hospital.

Alert all staff under his control and make them available at designated assembly

points to give welfare assistance.

Arrange for evacuation of the people from the affected area, if required.

Keep close liaison with the Employees Union and Association for getting their full

cooperation.

Arrange for External medical treatment through Sr. Medical Officer, if required.

Deal with the queries of Public and Relatives of employees.

Arrange communication with the relative of employees involved in the emergency

control operation and those got injured during controlling and combating operation.

Arrange to supply food, drinking water, shelter, clothing etc if required.

Arrange to replenish the stock of food and other essential items in the Canteen store.

Co-ordinate with all the outside agencies i.e. Government Authorities, Civil Defense

Officers, Press/ Media etc.

Release written and approved information to those agencies and the statutory bodies

in consultation with Emergency Controller.




Make all arrangement to take Press/ Media Persons and Administrative Officers to a

safer place close to the scene of emergency in order that the Officers, Media

Reporters and Photographers can get accurate information and details.

Prevent panic caused by false information.

PUBLIC RELATION OFFICER

Administrative officer

On hearing, Emergency siren/ message are available in office and act as per advice/

message from Emergency / Service Controller.

Make all arrangement for mass communication by announcement on a loudspeaker

fitted on a mobile van in the areas around factory in consultation with the Service and

Emergency Controller.

Prepare press note. Release approved handbills, and gives correct information

through Media (TV, AIR) and local area TV Net work in consultation with Service and

Emergency Controller.

Make arrangement for communication about the incident for general awareness of

the public in consultation with Service and Emergency Controller.

Make arrangement for publication in local Newspaper about the incident for general

awareness of the public.

SR. MEDICAL OFFICER

Rush to Hospital on getting information.

Depute one of the assistants with Ambulance/ Rescue Van at incident site for first-

aid treatment.

Get in touch with the Emergency Controller for the type of medical help required.

Ensure availability of adequate first aid medical help and co-ordinate for further

medical help in the Occupational health Centre / Hospitals/Nursing Homes, if

required.

Liaison with Supply Manager for the procurement of additional medicines. Make

arrangement for treating the affected persons.

In case of permanent, total, or partial disability of an injured person, assess the

extent of disability and inform the Head of the Department, Director In charge and

Manager (Fire & Safety).

In case Ambulance is required then Sr. Medical Officer will ask the safe route from

Incident Controller and instruct Pharmacists/ First aider accordingly.

MECHANICAL CONTROLLER:




I. AGM (Enginering and Maintenance)

II. Deputy Manager (Workshop)

He will ensure that maintenance personnel of Mechanical department are in a

position to undertake urgent maintenance jobs.

Rush to the Incident Control Room on receiving message.

Assess the situation from the angle of help that may be needed to tackle the

emergency in consultation with Incident and Emergency Controllers.

On specific request from key personnel if required get necessary equipment like

Cranes, Forklifts, Dozers, Trucks, Welding and Cutting Sets etc. as needed for

tackling the emergency and make available required personnel to operate above

facilities.

On specific request from key personnel if required keep workshop & Stores facilities

open with necessary personnel throughout emergency to cater any need for repairs

or supply of additional equipment.

Keep in constant touch with Emergency/Incident/Rescue/Mechanical Controller for

any assistance to them.

ELECTRICAL CONTROLLER:

I. Manager(Electrical)

He will be Controller of all activities pertaining to electricity and communication

system (Telephones).

Rush/ Contact the Emergency Control Room.

Ensure that electricity of the affected area is cut off, if required by the Incident

Controller.

Make arrangement for temporary lighting/emergency lighting to affected areas,

shelters and other places of assembly.

Arrange for isolation/ restoration of electric supply as necessary.

Ensure that all communication systems are in operation.

Keep in touch with Emergency/ Incident/ Rescue/ Maintenance Controllers.

Keep liaison with UPPCL and P&T Department for ensuring power supply and

operation of the communication system.

INSTRUMENT CONTROLLER:

I. Manager Instrument.

He will be Controller of all activities pertaining to instrumentation and communication

system (PA system & Pagers).




Rush/ Contact the Emergency Control Room.

Keep liaison with Emergency, Incident and Mechanical Controller and Coordinate

activities required in the field of instrumentation.

Ensure that all communication systems (Tannoy, pager etc) are in operation.

MANAGER- SECURITY & TRANSPORT:

Rush/Contact the Emergency Control Room.

Control movement/ entry of persons at main gate.

STOP vehicle movement at main gate, keep gate free from any obstruction for

emergency vehicles movement.

Control movement of traffic around the affected area with the help of security staff.

If required arrange vehicles from Contractors etc. for evacuation of the people.

ESSENTIAL WORKERS

In plant immediately affected or likely to be affected as decided by the Emergency Controller,

efforts will be needed to make shutdown and make process units safe. Plant Managers / Shift In

charges will carry out this work with the help of operators provided they could do it without

exposing themselves to undue risk.

Firemen, Medical & Security Personnel, Process Plant Operators, Riggers, Maintenance

Technicians and other persons who are trained in FIRST AID and / or RESCUE operation come

under the category of Essential Workers.

On direction from Incident Controller / Emergency Controller the essential workers shall,

Assist at Incident Control Room / Emergency Control Room to handle out-going and

incoming calls and to act Messengers in case of communication failure.

Assist at ‗Assembly‘ points to record the arrival of evacuated personnel.

Assist in conducting visitors and contractors to a place of safety.

Assist in moving lorries, tankers and other vehicles from the area of risk.

Trained First Aiders will, on hearing the announcement leave their place of work with

the permission of their supervisors and reach the location of emergency to deal with

affected persons and help in safe transporting them to medical centre.

Trained Rescuers should reach the site of the emergency after informing their

supervisor to rescue persons who may be trapped in Fire/Gas fumes etc.

Riggers who may be on site should reach the site of emergency to help in handling

heavy equipment and bring needed equipment from other areas of the factory.

Employees trained in the first aid firefighting must reach the place of emergency to

help the Fire Fighting Crew in fighting / controlling fire.




The Security personnel will reach the Site of emergency for:

Crowd control purpose

Barricading the area

Traffic diversion/Blocking in the plant area

Manned the entry gate

Control civic authorities inside the plant

Help in evacuation

The Occupational Health Centre Personnel will:

Prepare to receive the injured persons and treat them.

Inform the Factory‘s Sr. Medical Officer on the situation.

Alert the city hospitals/nursing homes to expect casualties if directed to do so by the

Emergency Controller

The Fire Fighting Crew will:

Reach the site of emergency to take appropriate actions

Ensure firewater pumps have started

Inform Tuticorin Fire Service, Fire Station to send additional help, if directed by the

Incident Controller

Inform Manager (Fire), Sr. Manager (Safety & Fire) about emergency.

DUTIES OF NON-ESSENTIAL WORKERS

Those workers whose duties/ responsibilities have not been described/assigned in

the On-site emergency organization chart or as above and the contractor workmen,

visitors, vendors etc. Come under the category of non-essential workers.

The Non-essential workers should remain at their work place, if it is safe; otherwise

as instructed, they should evacuate the area and report to the identified Assembly

Point.

If at office/ workroom, they should remain inside the office/ workroom. If in open, they

should either move to nearby office/ assembly point which ever is safe.

They should wait for instructions of their HOD, Incident Controller or Emergency Controller for

evacuation from the area not immediately affected.

7.6. Outside Organizations if involved in assisting during On-site Emergency

a. Type of accidents

The types of accident, where ―Onsite Emergency Plan‖ is to be involved, during the course of

manufacturing of Fertilizer grade Urea with the help of raw material such as Natural gas,




Ammonia, Naphtha, Chlorine & Gas cylinders storage shed may be considered as listed below:

Fire

Explosion

Release of Toxic material like Ammonia / Chlorine

Fire in Natural Gas (NG/RLNG) pipeline

Fire in Process gas (Hydrogen Rich) vessel / line due to leakage.

Fire/ Explosion in Gas cylinders storage shed

A combination of more than one

Sabotage

Act of war

Negligence

However, types of personnel injuries may include burn injury, cut/ blunt injuries, or fracture

injuries during the course of industrial activity.

b. Outside organizations (which are involved to get necessary help during ON-Site

emergency) & Responsibilities assigned, are as follows:-

SPIC is having mutual aid agreement with all MAH(Major Accident Hazard ) industries in

Tuticorin such as IOCL, BPCL, DCW, Sterlite etc. to get necessary help during onsite

emergency. At SPIC, regular mockdrill are being conducted to ensure preparedness for

handling emergency in which all the mutual aid members are participating as observers.

Besides this following District, Administrative Agencies and organizations shall be involved to

perform their respective activities to bring the emergency if the situation seems to beyond the

local management control.

a. Police Station

As soon as they are informed about an emergency, immediately they should rush to

the site with their team.

They should cordon off the area to avoid any inflow of nearby population.

If there are people in the surrounding area, who are susceptible to any injury, then to

warn them to move away to a safer place & to assist in evacuation.

To control traffic movements in the affected area, give priority to the movements of

Fire Brigade.

To assist fire brigade in fire fighting / emergency operation.

To protect life & property.

To help the injured people & medical agencies in providing first aid & further




treatment.

To deal with the casualties, to assist in their identification, inform media / relatives of

dead or injured people.

To take instruction from District Collector, who is the District Emergency Officer, & to

execute them.

b. Fire Brigade


the site with their team & fire fighting / emergency equipments.

They should cordon off the area to avoid any inflow of nearby population.



To carry out fire fighting / emergency operations.

To provide information about of the chemical & its hazards.

c. Civil Defence

To follow instructions from District Collectorate, Police Authorities.


d. District Collectorate

District Collector, who is District Emergency Officer, shall supervise & coordinate all

the emergency operations.

It is mandatory to conduct Mock Drill based on the OFF-Site emergency plan.

e. Factory Inspectorate

To provide information about the nature of the chemical & its hazards.

To provide technical expertise to carry out the emergency operations.

To assist District Collect orates in conducting the Mock Drill based on the Off-Site

Emergency Plan.

f. Voluntary Organizations



They should cordon off the area to avoid any inflow of near by population with the

help of Police.



To control traffic movements in the affected area, give priority to the movements of




Fire Brigade.


To protect life & property.

To help the injured people & medical agencies in providing first aid & further

treatment with Doctor‘s helped.



To provide support like arranging first aid center at the site, manpower, ambulance,

doctors, nurses, medicines, blood, snacks/ food, rehabilitation etc.

g. Nearby Industries


the site with their team and fire fighting / emergency equipments.

To carry out fire fighting / emergency operations like leak plugging, safe decanting.

To provide additional fire fighting / emergency equipments.

h. Nearest Hospital & Ambulance Services



To protect life of the injured people by providing first aid & further treatment.



Provide services like arranging first aid center at the site, ambulance, doctors, nurses,

medicines, blood etc.




8. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

8.1. Prelude

The present study was aimed at identifying the potential environmental impacts due to the

various project activities, assessment of impact with and without mitigation measures, and at

developing an environmental management and monitoring plans for proper mitigation of any

adverse environmental impact. In this study, the various activities likely to take place during the

construction and operation phases of the project have been analysed in relation to the baseline

condition of different environmental components. The mitigation measures proposed for the

contractors and the project proponent have also been reviewed and the potential residual

impacts discussed. The key points considered in this study are described in the following

sections:

8.2. Regulatory Compliance

The project is yet at its technical investigation stage. Prior to its implementation, it will be

necessary to acquire all the necessary clearance from the Government of India, as per the

applicable national regulations. Key clearances include obtaining the No Objection Certificate

from the TNPCB under The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Rules,

1975; The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Rules, 1982; and

Environmental Clearance from the MoEF, under the EIA Notification, 2006, The Environment

(Protection) Act, 1986 and Rules, 1986. In addition to that Authorization for Hazardous Waste

Management will also be required under the Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling and

Trans boundary Movement) Rules, 2008 from TNPCB.

8.3. Baseline Conditions

The monitoring of the existing environmental conditions of the proposed modernisationproject

site and of its close vicinity have been established with respect to physical, biological and

human environment. The air quality of the project site meets the prescribed National Ambient

Air Quality Standards applicable for the industrial, residential and rural Areas for NOx, SOx and

NH3. However, the ambient quality of the surrounding area has high PM10 and PM2.5. The

background noise levels were also found within the standards.

The water quality also meets all standards for use in domestic and industrial applications. The

geology of the project area is of varied nature; however it is not prone to floods. In addition to

that there is no sensitive ecosystem in the vicinity. No rehabilitation and resettlement issue is

emerging as modernisation is proposed within the existing premises of SPIC.

8.4. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

The project entails various impacts on the study area, some negative and some positive. The

impacts will be caused by the construction activities as well as by the other industrial activities

during the construction and operation phases, respectively. Various impacts identified during the

study have been provided mitigation measures for a better environmental management. In

addition to that the roles and responsibilities of the developers have also been given in the




Environmental Monitoring Programme to monitor the implementation of the environmental

management plan to ensure the mitigations of adverse impacts.

8.5. Recommendations

Based on the environmental impact assessment conducted, the following recommendations are

made:

Systems of periodic auditing and reporting shall be adopted during the construction

period to ensure that the contractors adhere to the Environmental Management Plan.

The project proponent and its team of consultants and contractors are urged to

develop a strategy for effective communication with local people.

The construction team/ developer should effectively follow the suggestions made in

the EMP and/ or any other environmental measures so as not to damage the

environment of the project area.

The industry shall have to adhere the conditions stipulated in the environmental

clearance as well as in consent/ authorization from TNPCB.

Since regulations are fast changing in India, the project proponent must keep himself

or herself updated with respect to applicable laws and take appropriate actions in

case the provisions in some regulations undergo change.




9. DISCLOSURE OF CONSULTANTS ENGAGED

9.1. Prelude

Declaration by Experts Contributing To the EIA Report for Changeover of Feedstock and Fuel

from Naphtha to Mixed feed stock (Natural gas and Naphtha) SPIC Nagar, District Tuticorin,

Tamil Nadu 628005 by M/s. Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Ltd. I, hereby,

certify that I was a part of the EIA team in the following capacity that developed the above EIA.

EIA Coordinator:

Name: P.K Srivastava

Signature & Date:

Period of involvement June 2015 to finalization of report

Contact Information: 011-30003200

Functional Area Experts

Functional

Areas

Name of

the

Expert

Involvement (Period and Task**)

June 2015 to finalization of report Signature

Air Pollution

Monitoring &

Control (AP)****

S K Jain

Air pollution monitoring.

Meteorological parameter

measurement.

Identification & assessment of

quantum of emission and its

Mitigation measures.

Air Quality

Modeling and

Prediction

(AQ)****

Sanjeev

Sharma

Ambient Air Quality monitoring

network designing.

Processing of micrometeorological

data for using in model.

Air quality modelling through ISC-

Aermod for proposed prediction of

impact

Noise and

Vibration*

Sanjeev

Sharma

Monitoring of noise levels of the

project site and surrounding area.

Assessment of noise level and

vibration potential due to proposed

project and its mitigation measures.

Water Pollution

(WP) S K Jain

Water Quality monitoring network

designing.

Sampling of water samples




Functional

Areas

Name of

the

Expert

Involvement (Period and Task**)

June 2015 to finalization of report Signature

(surface and ground water).

Monitoring of water quality.

Water Balance


quantum of water pollution and its

Mitigation measures.

ETP Suggestion.

Ecology and

Bio-diversity

Conservation

(EB)**

Ratnesh

Kotiyal

Conducted Ecological survey &

preparation of status report.

Application of taxonomy in

resource inventory (Flora & Fauna)

List of species animals and plants

report.


ecological impact due to proposed

project and its Mitigation measures.

Solid and

Hazardous

Waste

Management

(SHW)

S K Jain

Identification of hazardous and non

hazardous wastes.

Reuse and recycling of solid

wastes.

Handling and disposal of Non-

Hazardous solid waste &

Hazardous waste.

Socio-

Economics

(SE)***

T G

Ekande

Baseline socio economic

survey(Interviews, Questionnaires,

focused group discussion)

Evaluation of Socio economic

development status of the area.

Enterprise social commitment

provisions.

Risk and

Hazards (RH)

P K

Srivastava

Identification of hazards due to

proposed project.

Identification of hazardous

substances in the proposed

project.

Preparation of risk assessment

report and onsite emergency plan.

* Shweta have contributed forNoise and Vibration (NV) with concerned FAE.




** Dr. Alok Singh have contributed forEcology and Bio-diversity Conservation (EB) with

concerned FAE.

*** Anil Kumar have contributed forSocio-Economics (SE) with concerned FAE.

****Om Prakash have contributed for AP & AQ respectively with concerned FAE.

Declaration by the Head of the Accredited Consultant Organization/authorized person

I, S.K.Jain, hereby confirm that the above-mentioned experts the EIA Report for Changeover of

Feedstock and Fuel from Naphtha to Mixed feed stock (Natural gas and Naphtha) SPIC Nagar,

District Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu 628005 by M/s. Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation

Ltd. I also confirm that the consultant organization shall be fully accountable for any mis-leading

information mentioned in this statement.

Signature:

Name: S.K. Jain

Designation: Director, Technical

Name of the EIA Consultant organization EQMS India Pvt. Ltd.

NABET Certificate No. and date NABET/EIA/RA11/007, 19th May, 2014

environmental impact report - welcome to...

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