EIA Report_Khoraghat (1)

8/12/2019 EIA Report_Khoraghat (1)

1/211

EIA for developmentdrilling of hydrocarbonsat Khoraghat Extension

ML BlockDraft EIA Report

Prepared for:

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited

Prepared by:

SENES Consultants India Pvt. Ltd.

December 2013


2/211

EIA for development drilling of hydrocarbons at Khoraghat Extension ML Block

SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 b ONGC

DRAFT REPORT

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited

EIA for development drilling ofhydrocarbons at Khoraghat Extension ML

Block

For on and behalf of SENES Consultants India Ltd

Approved by Mr. Salil Das

Signed by

Position held NABET-QCI Accredited EIA Coordinatorfor Offshore & Onshore Oil and GasExploration Development and Production

Date December 10 t 2013

The EIA report preparation have been undertaken in compliance with the approved ToRissued by MoEF vide letter no. ToR vide letter J-11011/563/2011-IA II (I) dated 28 th May,2012.Information and content provided in the report is factually correct for the purpose and

objective for such study undertaken.


3/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 c ONGC

Abbreviation

ALARP As Low As Reasonably Practicable

BOD Biological Oxygen Demand

BOP Blow out Preventor

Block Khoraghat Extension ML Block

Cd Cadmium

CGWB Central Ground Water Board

COD Chemical Oxygen Demand

CPCB Central Pollution Control Board

Cr Chromium

CSR Corporate Social Responsibility

Cu Copper

DG Diesel Generator

DGH Directorate General of Hydrocarbons

DMP Disaster Management Plan

DO Dissolved Oxygen

EC Environmental Clearance

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMP Environment Management Plan

ETP Effluent Treatment Plant

FC Forest Clearance

GGS Group Gathering Station

GLC Ground Level Concentrations

GoI Government of India

HC Hydrocarbon

HDPE High Density Polyethylene

HSD High Speed Diesel

HSE Health, Safety and Environmental

IMD Indian Meteorological Department

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature & Natural Resources

KLD Kilo Liter per Day


4/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 d ONGC

KW Kilo Watt

MoEF Ministry of Environment and Forests

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NABET National Accreditation Board for Education and Training

NABL National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

NELP New Exploration Licensing Policy

NH National Highway

NOx Oxides of Nitrogen

OCS Oil Collection Station

O&G Oil & Gas

ONGC Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Pb Lead

PEL Petroleum Exploration License

PM Particulate Matter

PPE Personnel Protective Equipments

PSC Production Sharing ContractPUCC Pollution Under Control Certificate

QCI Quality Council of India

QRA Quantitative Risk Assessment

RF Reserved Forest

SO 2 Sulphur Dioxide

SPCB State Pollution Control Board

SPL Sound Pressure Level

TDS Total Dissolved Solid

TG Tea Garden

TSS Total Suspended Solids

VOC Volatile Organic Compound

WBM Water Based Mud

WLS Wild Life Sanctuary


5/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 i ONGC

Executive Summary

INTRODUCTION

The Khoraghat Extension ML Block part of Assam-Arakan Basin is located in Golaghat

District of Assam. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) plans to drills twodevelopment wells in Khoraghat Extension ML Area. ONGC already has existing facilitieslike production wells, two Group Gathering Stations (GGS) and interconnecting pipelines inthe Block.

SENES Consultants India Pvt. Ltd. (SENES) a NABET-QCI Accredited firm has beenentrusted to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed activitiesin the Khoraghat Extension ML Block. The EIA study comprised of initial scoping & sitevisit, environmental monitoring & surveys, preparation of draft EIA-EMP report for PublicHearing (PH).

P ROJECT DESCRIPTION

Block Location & Accessibility

Khoraghat Extension ML area is 83 square kilometer and located in Golaghat District,Assam, close to Nagaland Hills. The Block is flanked by Dayang River flowing in the Eastand Rengma River through the central part of the Block. The confluence of Dayang andRengma lies at the north of the Block. The Block is topographically represented in Survey ofIndias 83 M/3, 83 M/7 and 83 M/11 toposheets. Three wells (KHDD, KHDE and KHDF) are

proposed to be located in Haldhibari village. KHDD and KHDE will be drilled at newlocations in agricultural fields and KHDF is proposed to be drilled at an existing facility ofKhoraghat GGS-1 of ONGC.

The Khoraghat ML Block can be accessed by road from the district town of Golaghat. Theroute is via NH-36 till Shilanijan and then via. rural roads through Barpathar, Sarupathar,Uriamghat and finally to the site. Sarupathar is the nearest railway station (approx. 24 km)and is part of North-East Frontier Railways connecting Guwahati with Dibrugarh. The closestAirport is at Dimapur, Nagaland, approximately 60 km from the Block.

Land Lease

The Khoraghat ML Block is located on forest lands of Dayang Reserve Forest and RengmaReserve Forest. Approximately 2.25 hectare of land will be required per drill sites and anapproximate 0.02 ha is required for approach road for KHDD and KHDE. Both the proposeddevelopment wells are located at Rengma Reserve Forest. Entire forest land in the block isencroached and presently used for agricultural practices. As per Forest (Conservation) Act1980, ONGC will take forest clearance from Center/State for diversion of forest land. ONGChas already obtained permission for the conversion of Forest land for KHDF drill site, whichis located within existing Khoraghat GGS-1. Applications for the conversion of forest land

for the new development well sites KHDD and KHDE has already been submitted to theForest Department.


6/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 ii ONGC

Since the forest land is used for agricultural purpose, ONGC will give the crop compensationas ONGCs policy of leasing land. On the culmin ation of the activities, the land will berestored to its original state and returned to their previous users.

Project Activities

This activity involves

well site preparation, construction of access roads,

Well drilling and testing.

Site closure and decommissioning of wells not indicative of potential hydrocarbonreserves.

Constru ction Dri ll site

Both the drill sites are connected with site access road. A small approach road needs to beconstructed for KHDE drill site. The construction of drill site will involve top soil scrapingand storage for future use, elevating the drill platform by locally available fill material,construction of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) lined pits for storage of drill cutting,waste mud and drilling wash water, construction of suitable storm water drainage system withoil trap.

Dri lli ng & Testing

The drilling of the wells is expected to be up to a depth of 2500 meters. Standard Land Rigor Mobile Land Rig with standard water based drilling fluid treatment system will be used fordrilling. Drill cuttings generated will be collected and separated using a solid control systemand temporarily stored on-site in HDPE lined pits. Drilling and wash wastewater generatedwill also be stored at an onsite HDPE lined pit. The water will be adequately treated in amobile Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) to ensure conformance to the CPCB onshore oil andgas extraction industry effluent standards before disposal.

Site closur e and decommissioni ng

The drill sites will be properly reclaimed and rehabilitated if no commercial reserve has beenestablished. This process will involve decommissioning of rigs and all machineries; disposal

of drilling waste as per CPCB guidelines, disposal of fill materials, top soil restoration.

Project Utilities and Resource Requirements

PowerThe power requirement for each drill sites will be met through the DG sets. One DG set of750 KW will be used during site construction. Two DG sets of 750 KW will besimultaneously operable and one will be kept as standby during drilling operation and one forlighting and other power requirements. It is estimated that 6 KLD of diesel will be requiredduring drilling phase alone. Reserve Fuel will be stored as per Petroleum Rules 2002.


7/211


8/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 iv ONGC

Physical Environment

Climate and MeteorologyThe study area experiences a humid and warm sub-tropical climate throughout the yearexcept for a cold winter in December till February. Hourly micro-meteorological datacollected during the pre-monsoon reveals that the pre-dominant wind direction is from South-East with an average speed of 0.80 m/s.

Air Quality

The ambient air quality representing Particulate Matter (PM 10), Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2) was monitored at eight different locations for 24 hours twice a weekduring April-June, 2013.Volatile Organic Carbons (VOCs), Methane (CH 4), non-methanehydrocarbons (NMHCs) were monitored once a week for the same period. All the parameters

were found to be below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), 2009. Theaverage 24 hourly PM 10 at the monitoring locations ranged between 50.21-70.07g/m

3

(NAAQS-100 g/m 3). The average 24 hourly NO 2 at the monitoring locations ranged between 19.79-24.21 g/m 3 (NAAQS-80 g/m 3). The average 24 hourly SO 2 at themonitoring locations were found to below 4g/m 3 (NAAQS-80 g/m 3). Mean values formethane and non-methane hydrocarbon ranged between 1.29-2.9 ppm and 0.2-0.7 ppm,respectively. Mean values of VOC varied between 0.55-2.9 ppm.

Noise Quality

The noise quality was monitored for 24 hours at eight locations close to the drill sites. Theambient noise quality at day and night was in compliance to the Noise Limits set for theresidential area as per Noise Pollution (Control and Regulations), 2000. The maximumdaytime noise level was detected at 46dBA and the maximum nighttime noise level wasdetected at 37dBA.

Physiography

The Khoraghat Block lies in the Brahmputra Valley, drained by Dayang and Rengma rivers.The Block comprises of alluvial deposits of the rivers that flows down from Naga Patkoirange. The land slopes from South to North. A continuous belt of piedmont and foothillsextends all along the southern margin of the study area that is undulating in nature.

Geology

The Block lies on different formations of Neogene (Moran, Tipam and Bokabil) andPaleogene (Barails, Kopili, Sylhet and Tura) sequences. The pay sands are mainly confined

between Barial top conformity and an erosional surface above lower Bokabil.

Hydrogeology

The unconsolidated formations of the sandstone, shale, limestone including conglomerate ofthe Coenozoic, Mesozoic and Upper Paleozoic era in the Brahmaputra Basin are significant


9/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 v ONGC

ground water reservoirs. The cumulative thickness of aquifer zones has the tendency toincrease towards the North and southeastern parts. The potential yield of groundwater fromtubewell extending to a depth of 30-50m ranges from 30 to 35m3/hr. and the yield from thedeep tubewell varies from place to place depending on the aquifer. As calculated by Central

Ground Water Board, the total annual groundwater draft is 22143 of which 19751ham isexpended for irrigation and 2391ham for domestic and industrial purposes.

Groundwater Quality

Groundwater was collected and analysed as per IS: 10500 from four locations in the studyarea. All the parameters analysed was under the acceptable and permissible limit of IS: 10500except turbidity and iron that was found to be high in all the samples. Heavy metals werefound to be below detection limit. Faecal coliform was detected in the two samples collectedfrom dug wells.

Watershed and Drainage

The Block lies in the watershed of Dhansiri River. River Dayang (tributary of Dhansiri River)and Rengma (tributary of Dayang River) are the Principle Rivers that drains the Block.

Surface Water Quality

Surface water was sampled from upstream and downstream of Dayang and Rengma Rivers.The water samples were analysed and compared with the Designated Best Use Classificationof Surface Waters as per CPCB. The quality of Dayang River (upstream and downstream)was found suitable for Class A as the total coliform ranged between 9-14 MPN/100ml, pHranged between 6.8-7.4, DO ranged between 3.5 and 6.7 mg/l and BOD was less than 2mg/lexcept for 1 sample of Rengma river. The water quality of River Rengma upstream is suitablefor Class B as DO is less than 5.4 and total coliform count is 80 MPN/100ml whereas waterquality at downstream is suitable for Class E as pH is 6.8, EC is 137.75 micromhos/cm, SARis 0.64 and Boron is less than 1mg/l.

Land Use

The Khoraghat ML Block is included under the Dayang Reserve Forest and Rengma ReserveForest. Currently the forested areas are deforested and used for agricultural activities and

human habitation.

The Block land cover data showed majority of the land (about 64%) in the area is used foragriculture purpose with paddy as the primary produce. Settlements comprise about 33% ofthe total area of the Block. River Rengma and Dayang comprise of 1.3% of the total Blockarea. Drill pads, GGS etc. facilities of ONGC comprise 0.05% of the total area.

Soil Quality

Primarily two types of soil Inceptisol (Old alluvial) and Entisols (Recent Alluviums) can be

seen in Golaghat District. The primary analyses of the soil sampled from agricultural field at5 locations in the study area shows that the soils are acidic in nature, either sandy loam or


10/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 vi ONGC

clayey, high in available nitrogen content. The micronutrient levels observed in the soilsamples do not indicate any extraordinary enrichment of metals or contamination from anyexternal sources.

Natural Hazards

The study area lies in Zone V of the Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) 2000 which mightencounter earthquakes of maximum intensity. Floods are common in the few parts of theKhoraghat Extension ML Block but not at locations proximal to the proposed activities.

Biological Environment

The Khoraghat Extension ML Block lies in the Rengma, Dayang and Nambor Reserve Forestareas. The reserve forests within the Khoraghat Extension ML Block have totally lost its tree

cover due to extensive deforestation. Presently the whole area is under cultivation and not asingle tree will be felled for the proposed activities. However, Golaghat district is rich in

biodiversity and has a number of ecologically sensitive areas like wildlife sanctuaries, National Parks and Elephant Reserves. None of these ecological habitats lie within the studyarea and hence will not be impacted by the Project.

Socioeconomic Environment

Golaghat District in Assam has 1125 villages under eight administrative Blocks. As per 2011Census, the total population of the district is 1,058,674 with a percent decadal growth rate of

11.88. The sex ratio of is 961 and the population density is 305.

Socioeconomic profile

Twenty three villages within the study area were selected for developing the socioeconomic profile of the area. It was seen from the Census Data of 2001, Bidyapur Village has thehighest population (1555 persons). The overall demography shows that the 0.02% and14.65% of the population of the study area villages belongs to Scheduled Caste andScheduled Tribe, respectively. The highest literacy rate (74.68%) was observed in Majgaon

and the least was found in Madhupur No.2 (14.31%). The total working population variesfrom 15.60% (Chetiagon No.2 Village) to 69.77% (Majhgaon Village). Mono-cropping is practiced in the study area where 74% of the population depends on agriculture.

Socioeconomic Infrastructure

The socioeconomic infrastructures of the Golaghat district as per 2011 District Handbookhave been outlined here. There is 1 Civil Hospital, 1 sub-divisional hospital, 38 Primaryhealth Centers, 1 first Referral Units, 5 Community Health Center and 144 sub centers. Thereare 864 Primary, 194 Middle and 173 Secondary and 23 Senior Secondary Schools. Drinking

water facility exists in the premises of 46.1% of households. Power supply is present in36.6% of households.


11/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 vii ONGC

On consultation with the local people, the following facts were revealed

Primary schools are present in almost all the villages in the study area

Majority of the people are farmers, the area is mostly monocropped and paddy is the

major crop Electrical connection is present in all the villages though frequent power failure has

been reported

Dugwell forms the major source of groundwater

Villagers are not satisfied with the health facility as the tertiary referral center is lessin this District

E NVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The potential impacts of the project on different components of the environment wassystematically identified and evaluated for significance. The principal concerns that emergedare:

Impact on Air Quality

The operation of DG sets, movement of vehicles and machineries during construction anddrilling at drill sites will result in the generation of air pollutants viz. PM, NO x and SO x whichmay affect the ambient air quality temporarily. Air pollutants like NOx will also be generatedas a result of flaring of natural gas.

Impact on Noise Quality

Operation of heavy machinery/equipments and vehicular movement during site preparatoryand road strengthening/construction activities may result in the generation of increased noiselevels. Operational phase noise impacts are anticipated from operation of drilling rig andancillary equipment viz. shale shakers, mud pumps and diesel generators.

Impact on Soil Quality

Stripping of top soil will affect the soil fertility of the well sites. Potential impact on soilquality may result from storage and handling of fuel, lubricants and from storage and

handling of drilling mud and drill cuttings.

Impact on Topography and drainage

Elevating the land to about 1 m from the ground level during site preparation may lead toalteration of onsite micro-drainage pattern. This might lead to the flow of untreated wastewater and excess rain water to the adjoining agricultural land thereby adversely impacting thefertility of the soil.

Impact on Water Quality and Hydrology

The surface run off from drilling waste (cuttings and drilling mud), hazardous waste (wasteoil, used oil etc) and chemical storage facilities on open soil is likely to contaminate if


12/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 viii ONGC

allowed to flow into nearby water bodies viz. natural drainage channels, ponds etc. Possibilityof contamination of subsurface and unconfined aquifers may exist if the casing andcementing of the well is not carried out properly leading to infiltration or seeping of drillingchemicals or mud into porous aquifer region.

Impact on Biological EnvironmentThere is no demarcated and sensitive wildlife habitat or Schedule I species within the Blockor its adjacent area. The area is free from any migratory route or corridors (daily and seasonalmovement) for animals. However, noise generated from drilling activities, lighting at wellsite, traffic movement will cause of disturbance to local fauna.

Impact on Socio economic Environment

The proposed well site KHDD and KHDE is located in land currently used for agricultural(monocropped) purpose. ONGC will take this land through private negotiation. Necessary

payments will be made against purchase and crop compensation to concerned land owners.As the proposed well KHDF will be located within the existing GGS land procurement wouldnot take place. The proposed project would not require any displacement of villagers.

The project will benefit the people living in the neighboring villages by giving preference tothem in relation to direct & indirect employment associated with the various project activitiesand boosts the local economy. The proposed project will therefore involve the improvementof existing road and/or bridge condition thereby enabling the transportation of drilling rig andancillary equipment.

Quantitative Risk Assessment

The quantitative risk assessment has been done to provide a systematic analysis of the majorrisks associated with onshore development drilling activities in Khoraghat Extension MLBlock. Oil spills, loss of well control/blow-out and process leaks constitute the major

potential hazards of onshore drilling. Based on Frequency Analysis Method, it has beenestimated that the likelihood of a blowout is Occasional/Rare at a rate of 2.25X10 -2.

Even on blowout, the probability of ignition is approximately 0.0015% i.e. negligible. Theconsequence analysis of Blowout assessed by using ALOHA shows settlements likeChetanapur and part of Haldhibari that are close to KHDE and KHDF might be impacted by

pool fire and natural gas release.

E NVIRONMENTAL M ANAGEMENT PLAN

Site-specific Environment Management Plans (EMP) has been developed to prevent andmitigate significant adverse impacts and accentuate beneficial impacts will be implemented

by ONGC for the proposed project. The key mitigation measures specific for eachmanagement plan have been discussed in the Table below:


13/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 ix ONGC

Sl.No

EnvironmentManagement

PlanKey Mitigation Measures

1 PollutionPrevention andAbatement Plan

The top soil generated from site clearance activities will be stored indesignated area and stabilized to prevent fugitive dust emissions

Preventive maintenance of DG sets to be undertaken as permanufacturers schedule to ensure compliance with Sl No 95 GSR371(E) dated 17.5.2002.

All vehicles, equipment and machinery used for construction will besubjected to preventive maintenance as per manufacturer norms.

Flaring will be undertaken in accordance with the CPCB GuidelinesS No. 72 B. for Discharge of Gaseous Emissions for Oil & Gas

Extraction Industry. High combustion efficiency, smokeless flare/burner will be used. Installation of acoustic enclosures and mufflers on engine exhaust of

DG sets to ensure compliance with generator noise limits specified by Sl No 94 GSR 371(E) dated 17.5.2002.

Effective noise barrier at the fence-line of the sites. Install and maintain effective run-off controls, including silt traps,

straw barriers etc so as to minimize erosion. Fuel and chemical storage areas will be paved and properly bunded. Proper casing and cementing of drilling well will be done to prevent

contamination of sub-surface aquifers. Water based mud to be used as a drilling fluid or else eco-friendly

synthetic based mud in necessary conditions

2 WasteManagement Plan

Use of low toxicity chemicals for the preparation of drilling fluid. Management of drill cuttings, waste drilling mud, waste oil and

domestic waste will be made in accordance with S No. 72 C.1.aSchedule I Standards for Emission or Discharge of EnvironmentalPollutants from Oil Drilling and Gas Extraction Industry of CPCB asmodified in 2005Necessary spill prevention measures viz. spill kitwill be made available at the hazardous material storage area

The hazardous waste (waste and used oil) will be managed inaccordance with Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling &

Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008 The hazardous waste so stored (not more than 3 months) to be

periodically sent to ASPCB registered used and/or waste oilrecyclers/ facilities.

Proper manifest as per HWMH Rules, 2008 to be maintained duringstorage

The kitchen waste will be disposed in nearest municipal dumpingsite on a daily basis through approved waste handling contractors

The sewage generated will be treated in a combination of septic tankand soak pit.

Used batteries will be recycled through the vendors supplying leadacid batteries as required under the Batteries (Management &


14/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 x ONGC

Sl.No



Handling) Rules, 2001. Recyclables will be periodically sold to local waste recyclers.

3 Wild LifeManagement Plan

The drill site will be properly fenced (chain-linked) to avoid strayingof any outsider as well as wildlife;

No temporary electric supply connection line from the grid will belaid for the proposed project activity. All electric requirements will

be supplied from the internal DG sets. Noise Levels at the drill site will be controlled through selection of

low noise generating equipment and installation of sufficientengineering controls viz. mufflers, silencers etc.

Movement of heavy vehicles will be restricted at night time

4 Road Safety &TrafficManagement Plan

Project vehicular movement involved in sourcing and transportationof borrow material will be restricted to defined access routes.

Precautions will be taken to avoid damage to the public access routesincluding highways during vehicular movement.

Clear signs, flagmen & signal will be set up at major traffic junctionsand near sensitive receptors viz. primary schools in discussion withGram Panchayat and local villagers.

Movement of vehicles during night time will be restricted. Speedlimits will be maintained by vehicles involved in transportation ofraw material and drilling rig.

A Traffic Management Plan will be formulated and implemented bythe contractor to control construction and operational phase traffic. Routine maintenance of project vehicles will be ensured to prevent

any abnormal emissions and high noise generation. Adequate training on traffic and road safety operations will be

imparted to the drivers of project vehicles. Road safety awareness programs will be organized in coordination with concernedauthorities to sensitize target groups viz. school children, commuterson traffic safety rules and signage.

5 Occupational

Health & SafetyManagement Plan

All machines to be used in the construction will conform to the

relevant Indian Standards (IS) codes, will be kept in good workingorder, will be regularly inspected and properly maintained as per IS

provisions and to the satisfaction of the site Engineer. Contractor workers involved in the handling of construction

materials viz. borrow material, cement etc. will be provided with proper PPEs viz. safety boots, nose masks etc.

No employee will be exposed to a noise level greater than 85 dB(A)for a duration of more than 8 hours per day. Provision of ear plugs,ear muffs etc. and rotation of workers operating near high noisegenerating areas.

All chemicals and hazardous materials storage container will be properly labeled and marked according to national and


15/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 xi ONGC

Sl.No



internationally recognized requirements and standards. MaterialsSafety Data Sheets (MSDS) or equivalent data/information in an

easily understood language must be readily available to exposedworkers and first-aid personnel. The workplace must be equipped with fire detectors, alarm systems

and fire-fighting equipments. Equipments shall be periodicallyinspected and maintained to keep good working condition.

Adequate sanitation facilities will be provided onsite for theoperational workforce both during construction and operational

phase of the project. Training programs will be organized for the operational workforce

regarding proper usage of PPEs, handling and storage of fuels and

chemicals etc.6 Management of

Social issues andconcerns

People from adjoining areas especially given job preference throughlocal contractors according to the skill sets possessed.

Prior to the commencement of the proposed activity, a consultation program will be conducted by ONGC with the target groups andlocal authorities. The primary objective of such consultation will beto share with the concerned villagers/stakeholders the objective ofthe proposed project associated impacts and their mitigation.

ONGC will give more emphasis and priority on peripherydevelopment, development of health facilities and provision for

drinking water facility as per Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)Plan. During the drilling phase and for the rest of the project activities

proper safety measures will be undertaken both for transportation aswell as the other operations.

The drill site would be fenced and gates would be constructed so thatthe children are refrained from straying into the site.

7 EmergencyResponse Plan

Drilling rig and related equipments to be used for developmentdrilling will be conformed to international standards specified forsuch equipment.

Blow-out preventers and related well control equipment shall beinstalled, operated, maintained and tested generally in accordancewith internationally recognized standards.

Appropriate gas and leak detection system will be made available ateach of the drilling location.

Adequate fire-fighting equipment shall be provided at each drillingsite

Sl.No



1 PollutionPrevention and

The top soil generated from site clearance activities will be stored indesignated area and stabilized to prevent fugitive dust emissions.


16/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 xii ONGC

Sl.No



Abatement Plan Preventive maintenance of DG sets to be undertaken as permanufacturers schedule to ensure compliance with CPCB specified

generator exhaust. All vehicles, equipment and machinery used for construction will be

subjected to preventive maintenance as per manufacturer norms. Flaring will be undertaken in accordance with the CPCB Guidelines

for Discharge of Gaseous Emissions for Oil & Gas Extraction Industry.

High combustion efficiency, smokeless flare/burner will be used. Installation of acoustic enclosures and mufflers on engine exhaust of

DG sets to ensure compliance with generator noise limits specified by CPCB.

Setup effective noise barrier at the fence-line of the site. Install and maintain effective run-off controls, including silt traps,

straw barriers etc so as to minimize erosion. Fuel and chemical storage areas will be paved and properly bunded. Run-off discharges to natural drainage channels/water bodies to

conform to CPCB Inland Water Discharge Standards. Proper casing and cementing of drilling well will be done to prevent

contamination of sub-surface aquifers. Water based mud to be used as a drilling fluid

2 WasteManagement Plan

Use of low toxicity chemicals for the preparation of drilling fluid. Storage of drill cuttings in impervious HDPE lined pits Disposal of drilling wastewater will be achieved either through solar

evaporation or necessary treatment to comply with the CPCBonshore effluent discharge standard for oil and gas industry.

Necessary spill prevention measures viz. spill kit will be madeavailable at the hazardous material storage area

The hazardous waste (waste and used oil) will be managed inaccordance with Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling &Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008

The hazardous waste so stored (not more than 3 months) to be periodically sent to ASPCB registered used and/or waste oilrecyclers/ facilities.

Proper manifest as per HWMH rules to be maintained during storage The kitchen waste will be disposed in nearest municipal dumping

site on a daily basis through approved waste handling contractors The sewage generated will be treated in a combination of septic tank

and soak pit. Used batteries will be recycled through the vendors supplying lead

acid batteries as required under the Batteries (Management &Handling) Rules, 2001.


17/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 xiii ONGC

Sl.No



Recyclables will be periodically sold to local waste recyclers.

3 Wild LifeManagement Plan

The drill site will be properly fenced (chain-linked) to avoid strayingof any outsider as well as wildlife;

No temporary electric supply connection line from the grid will belaid for the proposed project activity. All electric requirements will

be supplied from the internal DG sets. Noise Levels at the drill site will be controlled through selection of

low noise generating equipment and installation of sufficientengineering controls viz. mufflers, silencers etc.

Movement of heavy vehicles will be restricted at night time In case of any accidental injuries to any wild animal by any project

related activity, a Veterinary Doctors help will be taken

4 Road Safety &TrafficManagement Plan

Project vehicular movement involved in sourcing and transportationof borrow material will be restricted to defined access routes.

Precautions will be taken to avoid damage to the public access routesincluding highways during vehicular movement.

Clear signs, flagmen & signal will be set up at major traffic junctionsand near sensitive receptors viz. primary schools in discussion withGram Panchayat and local villagers.

Movement of vehicles during night time will be restricted. Speedlimits will be maintained by vehicles involved in transportation of

raw material and drilling rig. A Journey Management Plan will be formulated and implemented bythe contractor to control construction and operational phase traffic.

Routine maintenance of project vehicles will be ensured to preventany abnormal emissions and high noise generation.

Adequate training on traffic and road safety operations will beimparted to the drivers of project vehicles. Road safety awareness

programs will be organized in coordination with concernedauthorities to sensitize target groups viz. school children, commuterson traffic safety rules and signage.

5 OccupationalHealth & SafetyManagement Plan

All machines to be used in the construction will conform to therelevant Indian Standards (IS) codes, will be kept in good workingorder, will be regularly inspected and properly maintained as per IS

provisions and to the satisfaction of the site Engineer. Contractor workers involved in the handling of construction

materials viz. borrow material, cement etc. will be provided with proper PPEs viz. safety boots, nose masks etc.

No employee will be exposed to a noise level greater than 85 dB(A)for a duration of more than 8 hours per day. Provision of ear plugs,ear muffs etc. and rotation of workers operating near high noise

generating areas. All chemicals and hazardous materials storage container will be


18/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 xiv ONGC

Sl.No



properly labeled and marked according to national andinternationally recognized requirements and standards. Materials

Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or equivalent data/information in aneasily understood language must be readily available to exposedworkers and first-aid personnel.

The workplace must be equipped with fire detectors, alarm systemsand fire-fighting equipments. Equipments shall be periodicallyinspected and maintained to keep good working condition.

Adequate sanitation facilities will be provided onsite for theoperational workforce both during construction and operational

phase of the project. Training programs will be organized for the operational workforce

regarding proper usage of PPEs, handling and storage of fuels andchemicals etc.

6 Management ofSocial issues andconcerns

People from adjoining areas especially given job preference throughlocal contractors according to the skill sets possessed.

Prior to the commencement of the proposed activity, a consultation program will be conducted by ONGC with the target groups andlocal authorities. The primary objective of such consultation will beto share with the concerned villagers/stakeholders the objective ofthe proposed project associated impacts and their mitigation.

ONGC will give more emphasis and priority on periphery

development, development of health facilities and provision fordrinking water facility as per Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) Plan.

During the drilling phase and for the rest of the project activities proper safety measures will be undertaken both for transportation aswell as the other operations.

The drill site would be fenced and gates would be constructed so thatthe children are refrained from straying into the site.

7 EmergencyResponse Plan

Drilling rig and related equipments to be used for developmentdrilling will be conformed to international standards specified forsuch equipment.

Blow-out preventers and related well control equipment shall beinstalled, operated, maintained and tested generally in accordancewith internationally recognized standards.

Appropriate gas and leak detection system will be made available ateach of the drilling location.

Adequate fire-fighting equipment shall be provided at each drillingsite


19/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 xv ONGC

The EMP has been designed with a flexibility so that it can be monitored and adapted to futurechanges in project design, scope, or the environment and be seamlessly integrated andimplemented by ONGC.

Project Cost

An estimated Rs.75 Crore INR will be expended for the drilling of three development wells.The budget for implementation of the Environment Management Plans is 0.34 crores.


20/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 i ONGC

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1

1.1 Background ....................................................................................................................1

1.2 Objective of the Study ...................................................................................................1 1.3 Scope of the Study .........................................................................................................2

1.4 Structure of the EIA report ............................................................................................2

2 Project Description.........................................................................................................7

2.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................7

2.2 Objectives and Benefits of Proposed Development Drilling Activities ........................7

2.3 Block Location ...............................................................................................................7

2.4 Accessibility ...................................................................................................................8

2.5 Khoraghat Extension ML Block ..................................................................................13

2.5.1 Environmental Settings of the Block ...........................................................................13

2.5.2 Salient Features ............................................................................................................13

2.5.3 Existing Activity in Oil Field .......................................................................................16

2.5.4 Environmental Compliance .........................................................................................16

2.6 Well Locations and Environmental Settings................................................................16

2.6.1 Location of Wells .........................................................................................................16

2.6.2 Environmental Settings ................................................................................................16 2.7 Project Activities and Schedule ...................................................................................21

2.7.1 Pre-drilling Activity .....................................................................................................21

2.7.2 Drilling Activity ...........................................................................................................24

2.7.3 Well Decommissioning ................................................................................................29

2.8 Utilities & Resource Requirements .............................................................................30

2.8.1 Power Supply ...............................................................................................................30

2.8.2 Fuel Consumption ........................................................................................................30

2.8.3 Water Consumption and Supply ..................................................................................31 2.8.4 Effluent Treatment .......................................................................................................32

2.8.5 Manpower / Employment ............................................................................................32

2.9 Pollution Sources and Characterization .......................................................................33

2.9.1 Noise and Vibrations....................................................................................................33

2.9.2 Air Emissions ...............................................................................................................34

2.9.3 Liquid Wastes ..............................................................................................................34

2.9.4 Solid and Hazardous Waste Streams ...........................................................................35

2.10 Drilling Hazards ...........................................................................................................35


21/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 ii ONGC

2.11 Project Cost ..................................................................................................................36

2.12 HSE Policy ...................................................................................................................36

3 Description of the Environment ...................................................................................37

3.1 Physical Environment ..................................................................................................37

3.1.1 Climate & Meteorology ...............................................................................................37

3.1.2 Ambient Air Quality ....................................................................................................40

3.1.3 Ambient Noise Quality ................................................................................................44

3.1.4 Physiography and Geology ..........................................................................................47

3.1.5 Hydrogeology ..............................................................................................................49

3.1.6 Ground Water Quality..................................................................................................49

3.1.7 Watershed and Drainage ..............................................................................................56

3.1.8 Surface Water Quality..................................................................................................58 3.1.9 Land-Use ......................................................................................................................60

3.1.10 Soil Quality ..................................................................................................................63

3.1.11 Natural Hazards ...........................................................................................................67

3.2 Biological Environment ...............................................................................................70

3.2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................70

3.2.2 Methodology ................................................................................................................70

3.2.3 Primary Survey ............................................................................................................71

3.2.4 Terrestrial Ecosystem...................................................................................................72

3.2.5 Floral Diversity ............................................................................................................73

3.2.6 Endemic, Threatened & Endangered Floral Species ...................................................73

3.2.7 Wildlife Habitat ...........................................................................................................74

3.2.8 Faunal Distribution ......................................................................................................79

3.2.9 Endemic, Endangered & Threatened Fauna ................................................................79

3.2.10 Aquatic Ecosystem.......................................................................................................80

3.3 Agricultural Diversity ..................................................................................................81

3.4 Livestock ......................................................................................................................81

3.5 Socioeconomic Environment .......................................................................................82

3.5.1 Methodology ................................................................................................................82

3.5.2 General Socioeconomic Profile ...................................................................................83

3.5.3 Demographic Profile ....................................................................................................84

3.5.4 Socioeconomic Infrastructure ......................................................................................86

3.6 Cultural and Historical Sites ........................................................................................88

4 Environmental Impact Assessment ..............................................................................89


22/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 iii ONGC

4.1 Impact Assessment Methodology ................................................................................89

4.1.1 Impact Criteria and Ranking ........................................................................................89

4.1.2 Impact Significance .....................................................................................................90

4.2 Impact Assessment.......................................................................................................93

4.2.1 Visual Impacts & Aesthetics ........................................................................................93

4.2.2 Impacts on Air Quality.................................................................................................94

4.2.3 Impact on Noise Quality ............................................................................................101

4.2.4 Potential Impact Transport and Traffic ......................................................................103

4.2.5 Potential Impact on Land Use ....................................................................................104

4.2.6 Impact on Soil Quality ...............................................................................................105

4.2.7 Impact on Topography & Drainage ...........................................................................107

4.2.8 Impact on Surface Water Quality ..............................................................................108 4.2.9 Impact on Hydrogeology & Ground Water Quality ..................................................109

4.2.10 Impact on Biological Environment ............................................................................110

4.2.11 Impact on Socioeconomic Environment ....................................................................111

4.2.12 Impact on Occupational Health and Safety ...............................................................114

5 Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) .......................................................................116

5.1 Objective of the QRA Study ......................................................................................116

5.2 Risk Assessment Methodology ..................................................................................117

5.2.1 Hazard Identification .................................................................................................118

5.2.2 Frequency Analysis ....................................................................................................119

5.2.3 Consequence Analysis ...............................................................................................120

5.2.4 Risk Evaluation ..........................................................................................................122

5.3 Risk Assessment of Identified Project Hazards .........................................................123

5.3.1 Blow Outs/Loss of Well Control ...............................................................................123

5.4 Disaster Management Plan ........................................................................................138

5.4.1 Objective ....................................................................................................................138

5.4.2 Purpose .......................................................................................................................139

5.4.3 Emergency Classification ..........................................................................................139

5.4.4 Level 1 - Emergency ..................................................................................................140

5.4.5 Level 2 - Emergency ..................................................................................................140

5.4.6 Level 3 - Emergency ..................................................................................................141

5.4.7 ONGC Disaster Management Plan ............................................................................141

6 Environmental Management Plan & Monitoring Framework ...................................151

6.1 Environment Management Plans ...............................................................................153


23/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 iv ONGC

6.1.1 Pollution Prevention and Abatement Plan (PPAP) ....................................................153

6.1.2 Waste Management Plan............................................................................................158

6.1.3 Site Closure Plan ........................................................................................................162

6.1.4 Storm Water Management Plan .................................................................................163

6.1.5 Wildlife Management Plan ........................................................................................164

6.1.6 Road Safety & Traffic Management Plan ..................................................................165

6.1.7 Occupational Health & Safety Management Plan .....................................................167

6.1.8 Management of Social Issues and Concerns ..............................................................168

6.2 EMP Budget ...............................................................................................................169

6.3 Environmental Monitoring Program ..........................................................................175

7 Disclosure of Consultants ..........................................................................................181


24/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 v ONGC

List of Tables

Table 1-1: Compliance to MoEF ToR .......................................................................................3

Table 2-1: Coordinates of the Khoraghat Extension ML Block ................................................8

Table 2-3: Coordinates of Tentative Well Locations ...............................................................16 Table 2-4: Power requirement Break Ups ...............................................................................30

Table 2-5: Water Requirement Per Well .................................................................................31

Table 2-6: Typical Noise Emissions from Construction Machinery .......................................33

Table 2-7: Drilling Rig & Equipment Noise Levels ................................................................33

Table 2-8: Liquid Wastes Generated during Drilling and their Disposal ................................34

Table 2-9: Waste Streams Generated during Drilling and Their Disposal ..............................35

Table 3-1: Average Hydrocarbon and VOC Monitoring Data ................................................43

Table 3-2: Groundwater monitoring Results ...........................................................................53

Table 3-3: Surface Water Quality Results ...............................................................................59

Table 3-4: Soil Analysis Results ..............................................................................................65

Table 3-5: Significant Earthquakes in Assam ..........................................................................67

Table 3-6: Flood history of Assam ..........................................................................................68

Table 3-7: Scheduled Animal Species in the Study Area ........................................................80

Table 3-8: List of the Study Area Villages in the Block ..........................................................85

Table 3-9: Educational Facilities of Golaghat District ............................................................87

Table 4-1: Impact Prediction Criteria ......................................................................................90

Table 4-2: Criteria based Significance of Impacts ...................................................................91

Table 4-3: Impact Identification Matrix ..................................................................................92

Table 4-4: Input Parameters Considered for Monitoring .........................................................95

Table 4-5: Predicted GLCs for Air Pollutants .........................................................................96

Table 4-6: Impact Significance Matrix (with mitigation) ......................................................115

Table 5-1: Frequency Categories And Criteria ......................................................................120

Table 5-2: Severity Categories and Criteria ...........................................................................121 Table 5-3: Risk Matrix ...........................................................................................................122

Table 5-4: Risk Criteria and Action Requirements................................................................122

Table 5-5: Blow Out Cause Distribution for Failures during Drilling Operations ................125

Table 5-6: Pool Fire Modeling Scenarios ..............................................................................128

Table 5-7: Pool Fire Diameter & Steady State Burning Area ...............................................129

Table 5-8: Distance to Thermal Radiation Threshold Levels ................................................132

Table 5-9: Natural Gas Release Modeling Scenarios ............................................................133

Table 5-10: Zone of Flammable Vapour Cloud Natural Gas Release Scenarios ...............136


25/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 vi ONGC

Table 5-11: Pool Diameter for Oil Spill Risk Scenarios........................................................137

Table 5-12: ONGC On-Site Disaster Management Team Profile ........................................143

Table 6-1: Tentative Budget for EMP Implementation .........................................................169

Table 6-2: Environmental Management Matrix ....................................................................172

Table 6-3: Proposed Monitoring Requirements of the Project ..............................................176

List of Figures

Figure 2-1: Regional Setting Map of Khoraghat Extension ML Block .....................................9

Figure 2-2: Khoraghat Extension ML Block on Toposheet .....................................................10

Figure 2-3: Khoraghat Extension ML Block on Satellite Imagery ..........................................11

Figure 2-4: Khoraghat Extension ML Block Accessibility Map .............................................12

Figure 2-5: Environmental Settings of Khoraghat Extension ML Block ...............................15

Figure 2-6: Location of Proposed Wells ..................................................................................20

Figure 2-7: Typical Drilling Rig Configuration.......................................................................25

Figure 2-8: Typical Drilling Fluid Circulation System ............................................................27

Figure 2-9: Drilling Waste Management .................................................................................28

Figure 2-10: Water Balance Diagram ......................................................................................32

Figure 3-1: Wind Rose Diagram for Pre-Monsoon Season .....................................................39

Figure 3-2: Wind Class Frequency Distribution ......................................................................39 Figure 3-3: Average NO2 Values at the Monitoring Locations ..............................................42

Figure 3-4: Average NO 2 Values at the Monitoring Locations ...............................................43

Figure 3-5: Day and Night Time Equivalent Noise Levels .....................................................45

Figure 3-6: Location of Air, Noise, Meteorology and Traffic Monitoring Locations withinthe Khoraghat Extension ML Block ............................................................................46

Figure 3-7: Topographic Map of Khoraghat Extension ML Block .........................................48

Figure 3-8: Location of Groundwater, Surface Water and Soil Monitoring Locations

within the Khoraghat Extension ML Block .................................................................55

Figure 3-9: Drainage map ........................................................................................................57

Figure 3-10: Percentage Land Cover Distribution of the Block ..............................................61

Figure 3-11: Percentage Land Cover Distribution of the Study area (10 km around theBlock) ...........................................................................................................................61

Figure 3-12: Land Use-Land Cover Map of Khoraghat Extension ML Block ........................62

Figure 3-13: Seismic Zone Map of India .................................................................................67

Figure 3-14: Flood Prone Areas of Khoraghat Extension ML Block ......................................69

Figure 3-15: Ecological Sensitivity Map .................................................................................76


26/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 vii ONGC

Figure 3-16: Showing three Herds of Elephant in Golaghat District and the Block ...............77

Figure 3-17: Elephant Corridors of Golaghat District .............................................................78

Figure 4-1: Predicted NO X Concentration Plot (2 X 750 KW DG Set) ...................................97

Figure 4-2: Predicted PM Concentration Plot (2 X 750 KW DG Sets) ...................................98

Figure 4-3: Predicted SO 2 Concentration Plot (2 X 750 KW DG Sets) ..................................99

Figure 4-4: Predicted HC Concentration Plot (2 X 750 KW DG Sets) .................................100

Figure 4-5: Noise Attenuation Plot ........................................................................................103

Figure 5-1: Risk Assessment Methodology ...........................................................................118

Figure 5-2: Blow Out Frequencies in Oil & Gas Industry .....................................................126

Figure 5-3: Ignition Probability Vs Release Rate ..................................................................127

Figure 5-4: KHDE Well Site - Pool Fire Risk Contour Map .................................................130

Figure 5-5: KHDF Well Site - Pool Fire Risk Contour Map .................................................131 Figure 5-6: KHDE Well Site Risk Contour Map for Natural Gas Release ........................134

Figure 5-7: KHDF Well Site Risk Contour Map for Natural Gas Release .........................135

Figure 5- 8: Emergency Classification Decision Tree ........................................................140

Figure 5-9: Emergency Response Levels .............................................................................141

List of PhotosPhoto 2.1: Agricultural lands within the Block .......................................................................14

Photo 2.2: Degraded forest areas in the Block .........................................................................14

Photo 2.3:Rengma River ..........................................................................................................14

Photo 2.4:Dayang River ...........................................................................................................14

Photo 2.5: Khoraghat GGS 1 ...................................................................................................14

Photo 2.6: Khoraghat GGS 2 ...................................................................................................14

Photo 2.7: Proposed well side KHDE ......................................................................................17

Photo 2.8: Approach Road to KHDE well ...............................................................................17

Photo 2.9: Location of KHDF well- inside Khoraghat GGS1 .................................................18

Photo 2.10: Approach Road to KHDF well .............................................................................18

Photo 3.1: Meteorological Monitoring at Uriamghat ..............................................................40

Photo 3.2: Air Monitoring at Gholapani ..................................................................................43

Photo 3.3: Groundwater sampling at Haldhibari .....................................................................52

Photo 3.4: Groundwater sampling from Chetanapur ...............................................................52

Photo 3.5: Groundwater sampling at Gholapani ......................................................................52 Photo 3.6: Groundwater sampling from Haldhibari Bamchuk Primary School ......................52


27/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 viii ONGC

Photo 3.7: Surface water sampling at Dayang River ...............................................................60

Photo 3.8: Surface water sampling at Rengma River ..............................................................60

Photo 3.9: Soil sampling near KHDE well site........................................................................66

Photo 3.10: Soil sampling near KHDF well site ......................................................................66

Photo 3.11: Consultation at Haldhibari Village .......................................................................88

Photo 3.12: Consultation at Gholapani ....................................................................................88


28/211


SENES/K-20199/ December 2013 1 ONGC

1 Introduction

1.1 BACKGROUND

The Khoraghat Extension ML Block part of the oil rich Assam-Arakan Basin is located in theSarupathar Circle of Golaghat District in Assam. The Block is included under thehydrocarbon production areas of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC). ONGCalready has existing facilities like exploratory wells, production wells, Group GatheringStations (GGS) and interconnecting pipelines in the Block.

ONGC is planning to drill two development wells in the Khoraghat Extension ML area IGolaghat District, Assam. The development and testing of hydrocarbons proposed inKhoraghat Extension ML Block is included under activities specified in Schedule (Activity1b) of the new EIA Notification dated 14 th September 2006. It requires Environmental

Clearance (EC) from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF)..ONGC has submitted Form-1 of the EIA Notification, along with a draft Terms of Reference(ToR) for EIA study to MoEF. MoEF has issued approved ToR vide letter J-11011/563/2011-IA II (I) dated 28 th May, 2012. The approved ToR is attached as Annex 1.1 and is incompliance as per ToR is presented in Table 1.1 .

SENES India has been entrusted by ONGC to undertake an Environmental ImpactAssessment (EIA) for the proposed project. Additionally, as a part of ONGC s CorporateHSE Policy, an EIA study will play an important role in formulating appropriateenvironmental management response for the proposed development drilling project. In this

perspective SENES has strived to fulfill the project objectives delineated in the section below.

1.2 O BJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the EIA study are as follows:

To establish the prevailing environmental and socio-economic condition of theKasomarigaon Block and its surroundings along with the needs for environmentalapprovals to carry out development wells for extraction of hydrocarbons;

To assess environmental and socioeconomic impacts arising out of the proposeddevelopment testing activities;

To recommend appropriate preventive and mitigation measures to eliminate orminimize pollution, environmental and social disturbances during the life-cycle of the

project, ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulation as applicable;

To identify and propose alternative action in terms of good practices that may help inabating environmental or socio-economic impacts due to the project;


29/211



1.3 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The basic scope for this study involves conducting an EIA study to understand theenvironmental and social impacts of the Project and recommend suitable

preventive/mitigative actions through the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The

scope for the study finalized in ToR has been summarized below:

Undertake site visits for collection of primary and secondary information onenvironmental and social setting;

Formulate environmental monitoring plan and supervision of the onsite monitoring program as per plan;

Conduct public consultation;

Assess environmental and social impacts; and

Formulate EMP

1.4 STRUCTURE OF THE EIA REPORT

The EIA report documents results and findings of the EIA study conducted by SENES. Thesubsequent sections of the report present description of project activities, environmental andsocial baseline scenario, impact and risk assessment that might arise during the lifecycle ofthe Project. Consequently, the environmental management plan along with mitigationmeasures has been put forth to combat the adverse impacts on the environment. The contentof the report is structured as follows:

Executive Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Description of the Environment

Chapter 3: Description of the Environment

Chapter 4 : Impact Assessment

Chapter 5 : Quantitative Risk Assessment

Chapter 6 : Environmental Management PlanChapter 7 : EIA Preparers

List of annexure provided below forms a part of the draft EIA report and has beenincorporated at the end of the report as an easy cross-reference.


30/211



T ABLE 1-1: C OMPLIANCE TO M O EF T O R

Sl.No ToR Points Issued Addressed at EIA

1. Executive summary of a project Will be provided after finalization of the report

2. Project description, project objectives and project benefits.

Refer Chapter 2 of the EIA Report. Projectobjectives and benefits provided at Section 2.2

3. Site details within 1 km of the each proposedwell, any habitation, any otherinstallation/activity, flora and fauna,approachability to site, other activitiesincluding agriculture/land, satellite imageryfor 10 km area.

Refer Section 2.6

4. Details of forest land involved in the proposed project. A copy of forest clearanceletter, if applicable.

The project is located in forest land; ForestClearance for KHDF already obtained.Application of forest clearance of KHDEsubmitted to Assam Forest Department (ReferSection 2.7.1)

5. A copy of forest clearance for the KHDF. Forest clearance for KHDF already obtained by ONGC (Refer Section 2.7.1)

6. Status of land acquisition for the locationKHDE

Application of forest clearance of KHDEsubmitted to Assam Forest Department (ReferSection 2.7.1)

7. Permission from the State Forest Departmentregarding the impact of the proposed plant onthe surrounding National Park/Wild life

Sanctuary/Reserve Forest/Eco sensitive area,if any. Approval obtained from theState/Central Government under Forest(Conservation Act, 1980 for the forestlandshall be submitted.

The Block is located at a distance more than20 km from any Wildlife Sanctuary or anyEco-sensitive Areas. ONGC has already

obtained Forest Clearance from the StateForest Department for KHDF well and appliedfor Forest Clearance for KHDE Well (ReferSection 2.7.1).

8. Distance from nearby critically/severely polluted area as per Notification dated 13 th January, 2010, if applicable.

Not Critically Polluted area located within 10km of the Block (Refer Section 2.5.1)

9. Details of all the environmental clearanceobtained for the block alongwith

pointwise compliance report.

Refer Section 2.1 for EC obtained for theBlock. Point wise EC compliance reports aresubmitted twice a year to Assam Pollution

Control Board10. Details of facilities (GGS, OCS, disposal

of produced water, treatment facility etc)to be developed/has been developed forthe project.

GGS at Khoraghat already exists. Drill pad forall the development wells will be prepared.

11. Does proposal involves rehabilitation andresettlement? If yes, details thereof.

The project will not require resettlement ofany household (Refer Section 2.7.1)

12. Details of project cost. Refer Section 2.1113. Environmental considerations in the

selection of the drilling locations for whichenvironmental clearance is being sought.

Refer Section 2.6.2


31/211




Present any analysis suggested forminimizing the foot print giving details ofdrilling and development options considered.

14. Baseline data collection for air, water andsoil for one season leaving the monsoonseason in an area of 10 km radius with centreof Oil Field as its centre covering the area ofall proposed drilling wells.

Refer Chapter 3 Baseline EnvironmentAir Quality: Section 3.1.2Water Quality: Sections 3.1.6 and 3.1.8

(i) Topography of the project site. Section 3.1.4

(ii) Ambient Air Quality monitoring at 8locations for PM 10, SO 2, NOx, VOCs,Methane and non-methane HC.

Refer Section 3.1.2

(iii) Soil sample analysis (physical and

chemical properties) at the areas located at 5locations.

Refer Section 3.1.10

(iv) Ground and surface water quality in thevicinity of the proposed wells site.

Refer Sections 3.1.6 and 3.1.8

(v) Climatology and Meteorologyincluding wind speed, wind direction,temperature rainfall relative humidity etc.

Refer Section 3.1.1

(vi) Measurement of Noise levels within 1km radius of the proposed wells.

Refer Section 3.1.2

(vii) Vegetation and land use; Animalresources

Refer Section 3.1.9 for Land use. Refer

Section 3.4 for animal resources 15. Incremental GLC as a result of DG set

operation.Refer Table 4.6 Predicted GLC for air

pollutants

16. Potential environmental impact envisagesduring various stages of project activitiessuch as site activation, development,operation/ maintenance anddecommissioning.

Refer Chapter 4 Impact Assessment

17. Actual source of w ater and Permission forthe drawl of water from the CompetentAuthority. Detailed water balance, wasterwater generation and discharge.

Surface water sourced from authorized dealerswill be used to meet the water demand. Tendernotice will be floated before thecommencement of the project.

18. Noise abatement measures and measures tominimize disturbance due to light and visualintrusions in case coastally located.

Block is not located in Coastal Area. Noiseabatement measures and measures due to lightand visual intrusion is given in Section 4.2.3

19. Treatment and disposal of waste water. Refer Waste Management Plan at Section6.1.2

20. Treatment and disposal of solid wastegeneration.

Refer Waste Management Plan at Section6.1.2

21. Disposal of spent oil and loose. The spent oil and loose will be sold toauthorized Vendors. Refer Waste Management


32/211




Plan at Section 6.1.2

22. Storage of chemicals and diesel at site. Refer Section 2.8.2 Fuel Consumption

23. Commitment for the use of WBM only Water based mud will only be used. But eco-friendly synthetic mud will also be used ifrequired. Refer Mud Systems and CuttingsSection 2.7.2

24. Mud make up and mud and cutting disposal all options considered shall be listed withselective option.

The mud will be made up partly with recycledwater from Rig wash and fresh water and mudcutting will be temporarily stored at HDPElined pits at the site. Later it will be disposedaccording to its hazardous and non-hazardousnature. Refer Waste Management Plan atSection 6.1.2

25. Hazardous material usage, storageaccounting and disposal.

Refer Waste Management Plan at Section6.1.2

26. Disposal of packaging waste from site. The packaging waste will be given to the localvendors. Refer Waste Management Plan atSection 6.1.2

27. Oil spill emergency plans in respect ofrecovery/ reclamation.

Refer Oil spill action plan in DisasterManagement Plan Section 5.4.7

28. H2S emissions control. Earlier exploration shows the absence of H2Sin these Blocks as given in Sec. 2.9.2. Thougha H2S contingency plan exists for ONGC that

will come into action on detecting H2S at anystage of drilling .

29. Produced oil handling and storage. Stored temporarily in Oil Pits and latertransferred through tankers to the nearest GGSRefer Well testing Section 2.7.2

30. Details of scheme for oil collection systemalongwith process flow diagram and itscapacity.

Stored temporarily in Oil Pits and latertransferred through tankers to the nearest GGSas given in Sec.2.7.2

31. Details of control of air, water and noise pollution in oil collection system.

Not Applicable

32. Disposal of produced/formation water. Refer Waste Management Plan at Section6.1.2

33. Whether any burn pits being utilized for welltest operations.

Burn pits will not be utilized for the project.

34. Restoration and decommissioning planswhich shall include mud pits and wastagerestoration also and documentation andmonitoring of site recovery.

Refer Section 6.1.3 Site Closure plan

35. Measures to protect ground water andshallow aquifers from contamination.

Refer Section 4.2.9 Impact on Hydrogeologyand Groundwater Quality

36. Risk assessment and disaster management plan for independent reviews of well

Refer Chapter 5 Quantitative Risk Assessment


33/211




designed construction etc. for prevention of blow out.

37. Environmental management plan. Refer Chapter 6 Environmental ManagementPlan and Monitoring Framework

38. Documentary proof of membership ofcommon disposal facilities, if any.

Not Available

39. Details of environmental and safety relateddocumentation within the company includingdocumentation and proposed occupationalhealth and safety Surveillance SafetyProgramme for all personnel at site. Thisshall also include monitoring programme forthe environmental.

Regular health check up of ONGC personnelconducted as per ONGC HSE Policy.Surveillance safety programs carried at regularintervals and documented.

40. Total capital and recurring cost forenvironmental control measures.

Refer Table 6.1; budget to be included afterdiscussion with ONGC

41. A copy of Corporate Environment Policy ofthe ONGC as per the Ministrys O.M. No. J -11013/41/2006-IA.II(I) dated 26 th April,2011 available on the Ministrys website.

Refer Box 6.1, Chapter 6

42. Any litigation pending against the projectand or any direction/order passed by anycourt of law against the project. If so detailsthereof.

No litigation is pending against the project.

43. Public hearing issues raised and

commitments made by the project proponenton the same shall be included separately inEIA/EMP Report in the form of tabular chartwith financial budget for complying with thecommitments made.

To be provided after Public Hearing

44. A tabular chart with index for point-wisecompliance of above TORs.

Provided in Chapter 1, Table 1.1


34/211



2 Project Description

2.1 O VERVIEW

Assam Arakan Valley situated in the North-eastern part of India is enriched with

hydrocarbon owing to its geological formations. Since the inception of ONGC in 1956, therehas been an extensive proliferation in exploration and development in the Assam Arakan

basin. The oil and gas fields in the Borholla (in Kasomarigaon), Khoraghat and Nambor inthe Dhansiri valley are situated on the south eastern slope of Brahmaputra arch and lie in a

belt bordering the Naga thrust. ONGC intends to drill new development wells in KhoraghatExtension ML Block. During the current program ONGC is planning for developmentdrilling in 2 onshore wells in Khoraghat Extension ML Block.

2.2 O BJECTIVES AND BENEFITS OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT DRILLING ACTIVITIES

After the analysis of geological formation of the Oil Fields, ONGC now plans fordevelopment drilling of 3 wells (KHDD, KHDF & KHDE) to determine the prospect of the

potential hydrocarbon sources.

Project Objectives

Objectives of the proposed drilling activities are summarized below:

To drill and evaluate hydrocarbons prospects safely

To decide optimum locations of next few wells to be drilled based on geologicalmodels and Geotechnical investigations and Geological mapping.

To construct facilities for hydrocarbon processing and transportation

Proj ect Benefi ts

The project will benefit in exploration and extraction of hydrocarbon resources which willsupport the national energy demand. The project will benefit people living in neighboringvillages in relation to direct & indirect employment associated with various project activitiesand will boost the local economy. The proposed project will also result in the improvement ofexisting infrastructure.

2.3 BLOCK L OCATION

Khoraghat Extension ML area lies in the Sarupathar Circle of Golaghat District of Assam.The Block encompasses an area of 83 sq. km. Regional setting of the Oil Field is shown inFigure 2.1. The geographic location of the Khoraghat Extension ML Block is includedwithin the Survey of Indias Topo - Sheet No. 83 M/3, 83 M/7 and 83 M/11. The eastern

boundary of the Block is located at immediate proximity (


35/211



map superimposed on toposheet (1:250000) and satellite imagery is shown in Figure 2.2 and 2.3 respectively.

T ABLE 2-1: C OORDINATES OF THE K HORAGHAT E XTENSION ML BLOCK

Points Latitude (North) Longitude (East)

Deg. Min. Sec. Deg. Min. Sec.

A 26 05 47.57 93 53 12.37

B 26 09 23.07 93 56 06.58

C 26 09 12.44 93 59 55.55

D 26 02 25.57 93 58 17.54

E 26 02 31.29 93 55 37.36

F 26 03 25.27 93 56 03.89

G 26 04 05.34 93 56 52.89

H 26 04 46.23 93 56 07.45

A 26 05 47.57 93 53 12.37

2.4 ACCESSIBILITY

The Block is approximately 310 km away from Guwahati, the state capital and 60 km awayfrom Golaghat town, the districts headquarter . The major roadway for accessing the site will

be through NH-36 from Guwahati till Shilanijan from where the rural roads offshoots andwinds through Barpathar, Sarupathar, Chukiapathar, Uriamghat and finally to the site. Thesite is approximately 60 km away from Dimapur town in Nagaland. From Dimapur the sitecould b

Documents

EIA Report_Khoraghat (1)