EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

FOR PANDALGUDI LIMESTONE MINE AND CRUSHING PLANT OF

M/S. MADRAS CEMENTS LTD.

1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION :
M/s. Madras Cements Ltd., commissioned a cement plant with a
capacity of 200 tonnes per day during 1961 and added a second plant
with a capacity of 350 tonnes per day in 1963. Later in 1977, it
scrapped the old wet plants and installed a dry plant of 1200 tonnes
per day capacity, thus increasing the capacity. During 1992, one more
kiln was commissioned with a capacity of 650 tonnes per day. The
prime raw material i.e., limestone is supplied from its captive mines,
which are under valid mining leases, located around the plant.
The capacity of the plant has been increased to 1850 tonnes per
day from 1992 and subsequently to 2400 tonnes per day. The annual
requirement of limestone for the plant is 1.136 million tones. Hence to
meet the requirement of limestone pandalgudi limestone mine intends
expand the production of limestone @ 4,77,225 tpa.
PANDALGUDI mining lease is located in Pandalgudi,
Velauthapuram and Chettipatti villages of Aruppukottai taluk,
Virudhunagar district, of Tamilnadu over an extent of 203.655 Ha. The
area comprises of agricultural dry lands and Govt waste land.
Pandalgudi limestone deposit is narrow and covered by three leases
G.O.Ms. No. 434-189.45 Ha, G.O.Ms.No 590-4.745 Ha &
RC.No.3415/MM4/98 dated 12.9.2000 (old G.O.192, dated
26.7.94- 9.46 Ha), which are contiguous. The total area of
Pandalgudi mine covered by the three leases is 203.655 Ha (503.22
acres). The Pandalgudi limestone deposit is located between Latitude
9020’ N and 9025’N and Longitude 7800’E and 780 10’ E.
Pandalgudi Limestone mine is an existing captive limestone
mine, seeking environmental clearance for producing limestone @
4,77,225 tpa also seeks environmental clearance for crushing plant of
capacity 2.0million tonnes/annum for manufacture of cement. As per
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EIA notification 2006, an Environmental Clearance is to be
obtained, for any projects intending to expand production, from
Ministry of Environment & Forest (MOEF), GOI, New Delhi.
2.0 GEOLOGY AND ORE RESERVES :
a) Physiography :
The mining lease falls in Private and revenue land and no forest
area is involved. The area applied is devoid of agricultural lands and
has scanty vegetation and rock exposures. The mining lease area
surrounding the limestone deposit is contoured and the highest
elevation of the area is 70m above MSL.
Geology :
Local Geology:

The Pandalgudi limestone deposit as a whole has a lot of

intrusions and inclusions of Charnockite, pyroxene granulite, mica
granulite, pegmatite and quartz specks. Though the quality of pure
limestone is good, the contaminants mentioned above substantially
dilute the quality of limestone produced. This varies from 74 to 76%
total carbonate. The mineable reserve is 7.51 million tonnes.
c) Exploration & Reserves:
The pandalgudi limestone mine deposit has been fully explored and
reserves are estimated by means of 174 nos. of diamond drill holes
with a total meterage of 6608.8 meters and 227 nos. of DTH holes
with a total meterage of 2258 meters. Only a narrow band (North-
West end) has to be prospected in detail with 11 nos of diamond drill
holes.
Based on the geological exploration carried out so far the total
geological reserves after depletion of 10, 72, 203 tonnes, the residual
reserves work out to be 7.67 million tonnes.
Mine Details
Ore reserves - 7.67 million tones
Life of the mine - 16 years
Ultimate Pit Slope - 450
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d) Mining :
Open cast method of mining with a system of deep hole drilling,
blasting, loading, hauling and transportation implemented by fully
mechanized operations with heavy earth moving equipments. A
maximum bench height of 9 meters will be maintained to match the
maximum reach of the loading machines. It is planned to keep a bench
width of about 10m. An overall pit slope has been planned to be
maintained around 45 degrees.

Pandalgudi deposit is a marginally above cement grade deposit, the

reserves have to be augmented to the maximum extent possible.
Considering these aspects, it has been planned to mine the deposit up
to a level of around 85 meter (-20 RL).

3. DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT :
For assessing the anticipated Environmental Impact caused due
to Pandalgudi Limestone mines and crushing plant an area of 10 kms
radius was selected. The 10 kms radius was split into two zones viz.,
Core and buffer zones. The core zone represents the mining lease
area, which is a potential source of pollution. The buffer zone consists
of the balance of 10 kms radius area.The baseline data was collected
during pre-monsoon season 2005.
The max. and min. temperatures and relative humidity were found to
be 24 0C to 38.5 0C and 33.5% to 92% respectively. The Max wind
speed was found to be 18.1 Kms/Hr, the predominant wind direction
was found to be SWW direction.
a) Ambient Air Quality:
Units : µg/cu.m.
SPM RPM SO2 NOx CO
Core Zone 40-410 11-185 6-16 8-20 BDL
Vaduvarpatti village 20-136 8-45 7-15 8-20 BDL
Sennamareddipatti 19-78 10-36 6-14 6-16 BDL
village
Andipatti village 18-96 7-38 7-20 8-27 BDL
Pandalgudi village 16-149 8-73 7-18 8-20 BDL
Chettipatti village 14-58 7-34 8-18 9-25 BDL
200 100 80 80 2000ppm
500 150 120 120 2000ppm
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The SPM, RPM, SO2, NOx and CO are well within the permissible
limits.
b) Water Quality :
Totally ten water samples were collected, out of which one
samples represent the surface water and remaining nine samples
represent ground water quality. The results show that the surface
water is within the permissible limits of IS:10500 . In the ground
water samples few samples were hard in nature due to nature of rock
formations.
c) Noise Quality :
Seven stations were monitored including two core zone (lease
area) and five bufferzone villages viz., Vaduvarpatti,
Sennamaredddipatti, Andipatti, Pandalgudi and Chettipatti villages.
From the monitored data, the Leq noise level during day time at core
zone station was 35.3 & 44 dB (A) and during night time Leq was 32.6 &
36.2 dB (A). The Leq during day time at buffer zone villages range from
40.7 to 50.4 dB (A) and Leq during night time ranged from 34.5 to 39.8
dB (A).

These are well within the CPCB norms.

d) Soil Quality :
Six stations were fixed for soil sampling. Out of which one stations
represent the corezone and remaining five stations represent
bufferzone villages. As per the soil classification, the soils were
alkaline; the electrical conductivity is average and normal in organic
carbon percentage. Other parameters like potash and phosphorous
are on the lower side requiring some additions for good results.
However, the nitrogen level is normal.
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e) Land Use Pattern :
The lease area of 203.655 Ha shall be used as under

Sl. NO. Landuse Category Ultimate

1 Mining 35.155 Ha

2 Overburden Dumps 25.67

3 Roads 8.10

4 Statutory buildings 0.50

5 Green belt/A forestation 3.32

6 Area for Backfilling 7.60

7 Area for future Exploration 123.31

Total 203.655 Ha
f) Flora & Fauna :

The mine leases are located in the non forest zones. There are small
scrubs and trees in the area.

The flora found within the buffrzone are Seemaikaruvel,Majanathi,

Velvelam, Vagai, Panamaram, Kakka Odai, Karuvelam ,Avaram,
Pirendai etc are commonly found in the area.

The fauna noticed are mostly domestic and local. The fauna species
are Patridge, Parrot, Koel, Owl, Common Bee-Eater, Dove, Sparrow,
Hawk, Jungle Fowl, Peacock, house Crow, etc

The reptiles found are also of common variety like Viper, Krait, Monitor
Lizard, Cobra, Chamelon, etc.

The insects are HonyBee, Grasshopper, Wasp, Termites, Bugs,

Scorpion, Spiders, etc.

The fauna is of common varieties without having any endangered

species. The lease area does not have any hiding place for wild life and
hence are not spotted in the area.
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g) Socio-Economics :
Number of villages in buffer zone - 23
Total population (2001 census) - 41341
Literacy - 65.92 %

Population S.C. S.T.

Male Female Total
Male Female Male Female
20314 21027 41341 2704 2749 2 5

Occupational structure : Nos.

Main Workers - 18574
Marginal workers - 3745
Non-workers - 19022
4. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION
MEASURES :
(a) Air environment -
Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and Respirable Particulate Matter
(RPM), SO2 and NOx shall increase in the core zone as the operations
involve breaking and handling of insitu rock using diesel operated
equipment. The ISCST3 Modelling were conducted to know the
Predicted Ground Level Concentrations

Table No. 1: PREDICTED INCREMENTAL CONCENTRATIONS

Mitigation measures :
Sl. Location Max. Background Predicted Post Project
No. Concentration Incremental Concentration
(µg/m3) Concentration (µg/m3)
(µg/m3)
SPM SPM SPM
1 Vaduvarpatti village 136 NIL 136

2 Sennamareddipatti 78 NIL 78
village
3 Andipatti village 96 NIL 96
4 Pandalgudi village 149 4 153
5 Chettipatti village 58 NIL 58

• Use of sharp bucket teeth for loaders and hydraulic equipment

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• Use of Optimum charge per delay
• Blasting carried out by m.s.delay detonators
• Dust suppression by sprinkling of water on the mine roads,
benches and haul roads
• Good maintenance of roads free from dust
• Development of green barriers using tall trees with good leaf
density
• Use of tarpaulins and avoiding over loading and prohibiting over
speeding of tippers.
• Optimum maintenance of diesel operated equipment to reduce
SO2 and NOx levels.
• Use of personal protective equipment
(b) Noise environment -
Use of machinery in the mechanized opencast mining shall
generate high noise levels from ripping, loading, hauling and dumping
operations.
To keep the noise levels under permissible levels, the following
mitigative measures shall be taken.
• Use of well maintained equipment
• Use of m.s.delay detonators
• using optimum charge/delay
• Good maintenance of roads
• Green belt
• Use of personal protective ear muffs / ear plugs by the
operators and drivers
• Avoding Drilling and Blasting.
• Working confined to day shift
• Regular noise level monitoring
•
(c) Impact on Water Quality :
About 70 KLD of water is required for dust suppression , afforestation
and drinking water requirements which shall be drawn from the pit
water accumulated due to rainfall .During rainy season water quality
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is likely to have adverse impact as it carries the silt along with the
surface runoff due to erosion.
Following measures are proposed to mitigate the negative impact.
• Creation of water garland to drain and divert the water flowing
through the mine workings and dumps.
• Dump is designed to have a reverse slope to avoid water flowing
on the dump slope
• Construction of suitable retention wall at the bottom of the
dump to avoid siltation.
• Use of grass species and plantation on the dump slopes to
consolidate the dumps.
• Construction of check dams along the water courses

• Provision of settling tanks and use of flocculents to allow silt to

settle before clear water is let into natural course.
• Water Quality tested periodically including parameters like E-coli
and Heavy Metals as per IS:10500 standards.
d) Land Environment :
Excavated area -
A majority of the excavated area shall be backfilled with the
waste generated concurrent to mining. The same shall be afforested.
A part of the excavated area shall be left as pond to store rainwater in
the conceptual stage which shall act as water harvesting structure.
The excavated benches also shall be afforested.
Dumped areas -
The dumped areas shall be consolidated by using hamatagrass
legumes and afforested with local tree species. Conceptually around
36420 saplings will be planted covering an area of 36.59 Ha.
5. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME :
For environmental monitoring a separate cell shall be created
involving the top management. The General Manager shall be
incharge who shall report to the Mine owner regarding environmental
matters. He will be assisted by Mines Manager and Environment
Engineer, Afforestation supervisor shall look after plantation and
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maintenance of plants by manuring, deweeding and watering.
Asst. Manger will look after engineering construction of water garlands,
retention walls and settling tanks.Funds shall be earmarked for the
above works separately. Environmental parameters shall be
monitored by an outside agency having MOEF/CPCB recognition. The
frequency of monitoring shall be as per the guidelines of MOEF.
Environmental cost at Pandalgudi Limestone Mine
Rs In Lakhs
Annual recurring
Capital cost
Sl. cost
Particulars
No.
Existing Proposed Existing Proposed
1 Pollution Control
(Separately provide break-
-- 15.00 --
up)
-- -- -- 3.00
Water spraying -600
1.00
Retention walls
2 Pollution Monitoring
(Separately provide break-
up)
-- -- -- 3.00
Air quality, water quality,
noise, vibration and soil
quality
3 Occupational Health -- -- -- 1.00
4 Green Belt
-- -- -- 0.50
• Mine
-- -- -- --
• Township
5 Reclamation / Rehabilitation
-- -- -- 2.00
of mined out area
6 Others – Check dams and
-- -- -- --
rubble walls
Total -- 15.00 -- 10.50
6 PROJECT BENEFITS :
The project shall create employment opportunities for 219
direct and besides provide indirect employment . A majority of them
shall be from nearby villages. The womenfolk shall be employed in
afforestation works both in the mine as well as in villages. As a part
of peripheral development, the project authorities shall contribute
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liberally for improving education, health, sanitation,
drinking water and afforestation in the nearby villages. Village women
are trained in the traditional skills and facilitate creation of self help
groups to augment their incomes. The proposed budget for peripheral
development is as under :
Community Development Works within Buffer zone
Rs in Lakhs
1. School uniform & books 1.00
2. Provision of ambulance 4.00
3. Construction and maintenance of temples
1.00

4. Water supply, sanitation, plantation in 1.00

villages
5. Health camps 2.00

6. Laying and renovation of village roads 1.50

7. Construction of houses to the villagers 0.50
8 .Maintenance of School and hospital building 1.00

Total 12.00

There shall be marked improvement in employment generation

and contribute to improve the socio-economic indices.
7. ADDITONAL STUDIES :
Risk assessment and Disaster Management Plan :
In the proposed mining the risks are due to slope failure, fire
accidents, inundation and health hazards.Management shall have
regular bench geometry to keep pit slope at less than 430. Daily
inspection shall be done for signs of ground movement. Only in case
of cloud bursts the mine shall be inundated but there shall not be any
disasters. To avoid fires, the equipment shall be better maintained,
fire lines are cut to avoid forest fires spreading into the mine,
personnel are imparted training in fire fighting & first aid.