ANNOUNCEMENTS
Environmental Impact Assessment is decision making instrument used for identifying & predicting the change in existing environmental and social baseline in planning stage of a project. In India, a legislative practice for the same is governed through EIA Notification 2006. A 21st century paradigm shift of carrying out expansion in brown field sites instead of acquiring green field sites has been observed in developing countries. Proponent is a pioneer in petrochemical sector, leads energy sector and has diversified in refining, manufacturing of petroleum & petroleum products. It proposes switching to environment friendly process and create flexibility to change product mix while increasing the production capacity through debottlenecking. The expansion is proposed to be carried out in the existing site itself which is located in notified state industrial development corporation zone. This study carries out EIA of proposed expansion through primary and secondary baseline data analysis (Quality of ground water, surface water quality, noise levels, Meterology, air quality & quality of soil), identification of impacts through qualitative and quantitative analysis, preparation of environment management plan with mitigation measures considering construction as well as operation phase. Alternative site analysis has been done for showcasing better feasibility of the project. The modelled air quality, quantified waste, expected water balance and digitized land use land cover map predict the significance on environment to be low. However, best available technology and measures have been identified and planned to implement with enactment of the project. The EIA study stands in favor of MoEF&CC granting Environmental Clearance to the proponent.
Key words: Environmental Impact assessment, Baseline Data, Environment management plan, EIA Notification 2006, Petrochemical Industry.
