Biodiversity Impact assessment if the project involves 50 ha of ...

Biodiversity Impact assessment if the project involves 50 ha of NP /WLS area

The project is located outside the protected area . The nearest well Location from

Sakkarkotai Bird Sanctuary is W8 which is at a distance of 0.4km, and from Theeretengal

Bird Sanctuary W17 is 7.52 km & Gulf of Mannar National Park is W2 at a distance of

6.5km.

Hence this point is not applicable .

However we have proposed a Wildlife Management Plan

Wildlife Management Plan

for Exploratory Drilling, at

Ramanathpuram Onshore

PML, Ramanathpuram

District, Tamil Nadu

Wildlife Management Plan

Prepared for:

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited

Prepared by:

SENES Consultants India Pvt. Ltd.

January, 2015

Contents

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

1.1 Block Details .................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 Objective ........................................................................................................................ 2

1.3 Scope of the Wildlife Management Plan ....................................................................... 2

1.3.1 Study Area ........................................................................................................... 2

1.3.2 Approach of the Study ......................................................................................... 2

2 Regulatory Framework ..................................................................................................3

2.1 National Forest Policy 1998 .......................................................................................... 3

2.2 Forest Conservation Act, 1980 (amended in 1988) ....................................................... 3

2.3 The Wildlife Protection (WLP) Act 1972(as amended in 2002 and 2006) ................... 3

2.3.1 Eco-Sensitive Zone Demarcation under Environment Protection Act ................ 3

3 Project Details ................................................................................................................4

3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 4

3.2 Location of Proposed Exploratory Wells ....................................................................... 4

3.3 Accessibility ................................................................................................................... 7

3.4 Development Drilling .................................................................................................... 7

3.4.1 Land ..................................................................................................................... 7

3.4.2 Project Activities & Schedule .............................................................................. 7

3.4.3 Drill Site & Access Road Development .............................................................. 7

3.4.4 Drilling & Testing ................................................................................................ 8

3.4.5 General Requirements of Drilling ...................................................................... 10

3.5 Waste & Disposal ........................................................................................................ 11

3.5.1 Solid and Hazardous Waste Streams ................................................................. 11

3.5.2 Liquid wastes ..................................................................................................... 12

3.5.3 Drilling Hazards ................................................................................................. 13

3.6 Project Investment ....................................................................................................... 13

4 Description of Wildlife Habitat & Wildlife .................................................................14

4.1 Wildlife Habitat ........................................................................................................... 14

4.1.1 Forest Habitat ..................................................................................................... 14

4.1.2 Inland Wetland Habitats .................................................................................... 14

4.1.3 Coastal and Marine Habitat ............................................................................... 15

4.2 Sensitive Ecological Habitat ........................................................................................ 15

4.2.1 Birds Sanctuary .................................................................................................. 15

4.2.2 Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park ............................................................... 18

4.3 Marine Ecosystem: Gulf of Mannar ............................................................................ 21

4.3.1 Off shore islands and coral reefs ........................................................................ 21

4.3.2 Mangrove Habitat .............................................................................................. 22

4.3.3 Sea Grass & Sea-weed habitat ........................................................................... 23

4.4 Biodiversity Profile of Study Area .............................................................................. 24

4.4.1 Vegetation in the ML area ................................................................................. 24

4.4.2 Faunal Diversity in ML area .............................................................................. 25

4.4.3 Biodiversity Profile in GOMMNP ..................................................................... 25

4.4.4 Biodiversity Profile in Palk Bay ........................................................................ 29

5 Potential Impacts on Habitat & Wildlife .....................................................................30

5.1 Potential Impact of Site Preparation on Wildlife Habitat and Wildlife ....................... 30

5.1.1 Vegetation Clearance ......................................................................................... 30

5.1.2 Sourcing of Fill Material .................................................................................... 30

5.1.3 Transport of Construction Material ................................................................... 30

5.1.4 Surface Runoff ................................................................................................... 30

5.2 Potential Impact of Operation of Drilling Rig on Wildlife Habitat & Wildlife........... 31

5.2.1 Noise .................................................................................................................. 31

5.3 Potential Impact of Illumination on Wildlife ............................................................... 31

5.4 Potential Impact of Disposal of Waste on Wildlife Habitat and Wildlife ................... 32

5.4.1 Disposal of solid waste ...................................................................................... 32

5.4.2 Discharge of waste water ................................................................................... 32

5.5 Surface Runoff ............................................................................................................. 32

5.6 Oil Spill Impact on Ecosystem and Biodiversity ......................................................... 33

6 Wildlife Mitigation & Management Plan ....................................................................34

6.1 Noise and Vibration Control Plan ................................................................................ 34

6.2 Waste Management Plan ............................................................................................. 35

6.3 Spill Management ........................................................................................................ 40

6.4 Storm Water Management Plan ................................................................................... 40

6.5 Flare & Illumination Reduction Plan ........................................................................... 42

6.6 Oil Spill Management Plan .......................................................................................... 42

6.7 Wildlife Management Cell ........................................................................................... 43

6.8 Employee Education and Awareness ........................................................................... 43

6.9 Responsibility .............................................................................................................. 43

6.9.1 Capacity Building .............................................................................................. 44

6.9.2 Monitoring and Auditing ................................................................................... 44

6.9.3 Reporting and Review........................................................................................ 45

6.9.4 Financial Allocation ........................................................................................... 45

List of Tables

Table 3.1: Location of Drill Sites and GGS ...............................................................................4

Table 3.2: Waste Streams and Disposal ...................................................................................11

Table 3.3: Liquid Wastes Generated during Drilling and their Disposal ................................13

Table 4.1: Birds Sanctuaries in the Ramanathapuram District ................................................16

Annexure 1.1: Approved ToR for EIA Study ..........................................................................47

Annexure 4.1: Checklist of Plant Species in Ramanathapuram ML Area ...............................51

Annexure 4.2: Checklist of Birds in Study Area .....................................................................53

List of Figures

Figure 3.1: ML and Drill Sites Location Map on Toposheet .....................................................6

Figure 4.1: Bird Sanctuaries in Ramanathapuram District ......................................................17

Figure 4.2: Gulf of Mannar ......................................................................................................18

Figure 4.3: Ecological Sensitivity Map ...................................................................................20

Figure 4.4: Turtle Nesting Sites in Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar ..........................................28

Figure 6-1: Environment Management Measures at Drill Site ................................................39

List of Annexure

Annexure 1.1: Approved ToR for EIA Study ..........................................................................47

Annexure 4.1: Checklist of Plant Species in Ramanathapuram ML Area ...............................51

Annexure 4.2: Checklist of Birds in Study Area .....................................................................53

The page has been intentionally left blank

Wildlife Management Plan for Exploratory Wells in Ramanathapuram PML

SENES/H-ESM-20084 1 ONGC

1 Introduction

The Ramanathapuram ML area (493.21 sq. km) is located in Ramanathapuram, district of

Tamil Nadu, in the southern part of India (Figure 1.1). The exploratory block lies between

Latitude 9°29'12.05'' to 9°19'1.63'' N and Longitude 78°53'54.25'' to 78°40'15.01'' E. The

Block is bounded in the north by Paramkudi and Nayinar Kovil, in south by Gulf of Mannar,

in the east by Palk Bay and in the west by Uttarkosamangi and Sikkal.

MoPNG, GOI, vide O.O F.No 12012/52/2003-ONG-II has approved Mining license for

Ramanathapuram PML (493.21SKM) for a period of seven years with effect from the date of

grant by Government of Tamil Nadu. Application for grant of PML has been submitted to

Government of Tamil Nadu.

Gas is being produced commercially from Upper Cretaceous reservoirs by ONGC in

Ramanathapuram district from Kanjirangudi (KJ), Periyapattinam (PP), Ramanavalasi (RV),

Perungulam (PE) & Palk bay Shallow (PBS) fields from the established reserve base of about

29.75 MMt (O+OEG) IIP.

1.1 BLOCK DETAILS

Ramanathapuram PML is in Ramnad sub-basin which is in the southern part of Cauvery

Basin. Ramnad sub-basin and its continuation into Palk Bay-Gulf of Mannar is bounded in

the northwest by Pattukottai-Mannargudi ridge and in the southeast by Mandapam-Delft

ridge. The sub basin holds sediments over 6000 m in thickness, ranging in age from Lower

Cretaceous and older(?) to Recent. The synrift sedimentary column comprises mainly of

shale and sandstone in the Andimadam Formation. Sag phase sedimentation represented in

the upper Cretaceous Bhuvanagiri, Kudavasal Shale, Nannilam and Portonovo shale is

predominantly sand shale alternations with minor limestone development.

The hydrocarbon potential of Upper Cretaceous reservoirs ranging in age from Turonian to

Campanian (Bhuvanagiri & Nannilam formations) is well established while the efforts to

establish hydrocarbon prospectivity of Lower Cretaceous & older sequences are still at the

nascent stage. About 55 exploratory & development wells were drilled in Ramanathapuram

PML, out of which 29 are gas bearing in Nannilam, Bhuvanagiri and Lower Kamalapuram

formations. The Lower Cretaceous being the source rocks, there is a fair chance of

hydrocarbon accumulation in these sequences at favourable places.

Based on detailed G&G studies, 22 prospects have been identified in Ramanathapuram PML

area to test the prospectivity of Nannilam, Bhuvanagiri and Andimadam formations. Twenty

two wells are planned to be drilled in the area demarcated by the ML boundary of

Ramanathapuram PML.

ONGC had already received approved Terms of Reference (ToR) from MoEF vide F.No. J-

11011/207/2013-IA II (I) dated 5th November 2013 for conducting EIA study (Annexure

1.1).



1.2 OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the Wildlife Management Plan is to ensure that the effects of the Oil and Gas

development on wildlife and wildlife habitats within the project area are minimized. As a part

of that, the Wildlife Management Plan provides the guidelines aimed at preventing,

minimizing or mitigating potential adverse impacts of the project on wildlife and wildlife

habitat.

1.3 SCOPE OF THE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN

1.3.1 Study Area

A study area is the entire ML area and nearby ecologically sensitive area i.e. Gulf of Mannar

Marine National Park and Biosphere Reserve. This delineation has been done based on the

nature of the project and also after gaining understanding of the surrounding areas through

the initial reconnaissance surveys.

1.3.2 Approach of the Study

The study involves the systematic process of identifying, predicting and evaluating the

potential impacts on wildlife and wildlife habitat resulting from the proposed oil and gas

activity. Our approach to the wildlife study for the proposed oil and gas activity will be

largely based upon the project related information from project feasibility report (PFR), study

of wildlife management plan, study of various research reports, stakeholder consultations and

interpretation of Toposheet and Satellite imagery. Based on the results of the review, primary

study, consultations, the wildlife management Plan has been prepared. The wildlife

management Plan may be altered to better protect local wildlife and wildlife habitat;

therefore, is not a static design but will continuously evolve based on the results of future

data collection as well as input from the authority.



2 Regulatory Framework

2.1 NATIONAL FOREST POLICY 1998

One of the basic objectives of the forest policy is to safeguard forest land or land with tree

cover for providing sustained benefits to the entire community. The policy does allow

diversion of forest land for any non-forestry purpose but subject to the most careful

examinations by specialists from the standpoint of social and environmental costs and

benefits. Projects which involve such diversion should at least provide in their investment

budget, funds for regeneration/compensatory afforestation.

2.2 FOREST CONSERVATION ACT, 1980 (AMENDED IN 1988)

The act deals with regulatory framework for the protection of the forest areas, resources,

diversion of forestry land for non-forestry purposes. The Act requires the state government in

question to get approval from the central government before de-gazetting or de-notifying

reserved forests, leasing reserved forest lands to private persons or corporations or clearing

land for reforestation.

The proposed exploratory wells would not involve any forest land. Therefore diversion of

forest land would not require for this project.

2.3 THE WILDLIFE PROTECTION (WLP) ACT 1972(AS AMENDED IN 2002 AND 2006)

The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, provides for protection to listed species of flora and fauna

and establishes a network of ecologically-important protected areas. There is a blanket ban on

carrying out any industrial activity inside these protected areas. In case forest land within the

protected areas network is to be diverted for any non-wildlife use, a no objection has to be

obtained from the Indian Board of Wildlife and the State Legislature, before the final

consideration by MoEF.

The WLPA provides for protection of species listed in Schedules I, II, III and IV, regardless

of its location, and the protection of all species in designated protected areas.

The proposed activity, i.e. all the exploratory wells is not falling in the Gulf of Mannar

Marine National Park.

2.3.1 Eco-Sensitive Zone Demarcation under Environment Protection Act

The State Govt./Union Territory is responsible to declaring the ESZ around National Park,

Wildlife Sanctuary. After declaring the ESZ, State Govt. has to prepare master plan to

prohibit/regulate/permit activities within the ESZ. In case where ESZ was not notified an area

of 10 km surrounding the protected area will be treated as eco-sensitive zone. Government of

Tamil Nadu has not notified the eco-sensitive for Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

(GOMMNP); therefore, the 10 km around the national park will be treated as ESZ. 6 wells

(W1, W2, W3, W6, W21 and W22) are located within 10 km of the Gulf of Mannar Marine

National Park. ONGC will prepare the wildlife management plan and would take approval

from Standing Committee of National Board of Wildlife (NBWL).



3 Project Details

3.1 INTRODUCTION

ONGC have drilled about 55 exploratory & development wells in Ramanathapuram PML,

out of which 29 are gas bearing in Nannilam, Bhuvanagiri and Lower Kamalapuram

formations. ONGC now planned to drill 22 exploratory wells in Ramanathapurma ML area.

3.2 LOCATION OF PROPOSED EXPLORATORY WELLS

The proposed 22 exploratory wells are located in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil

Nadu. The coordinates of these sites is presented in Table 3.1.

TABLE 3.1: LOCATION OF DRILL SITES AND GGS

S.No Well No Approximate of

Final Location

distance from

Gulf Of

Mannar

Marine

National Park

Approximate

distance of Final

Location from

Therthangali

Bird Sanctuary

Approximate

distance of Final

Location from

Sakkarkottai

Bird Sanctuary

1 W1 9°16'41.67"N 78°49'7.38"E 8.7km >10km 6.1km

2 W2 9°16'40.92"N 78°54'27.78"E 6.5km >10km 9.6km

3 W3* 9°18'14.01"N 78°55'11.24"E 9.01km >10km 9.4km

4 W4* 9°22'4.77"N 78°56'16.44"E >10km >10km >10km

5 W5 9°17'28.10"N 78°47'16.90"E >10km >10km 5.0km

6 W6 9°14'37.67"N 78°43'27.85"E 8.11km >10km >10km

7 W7* 9°17'21.03"N 78°47'3.10"E >10km >10km 5.1km

8 W8* 9°21'3.47"N 78°48'15.16"E >10km >10km 0.4km

9 W9 9°18'34.43"N 78°47'48.74"E >10km >10km 2.9km

10 W10 9°18'44.24"N 78°44'24.88"E >10km >10km 5.5km

11 W11 9°18'55.57"N 78°49'49.55"E >10km >10km 2.4km

12 W12 9°20'14.98"N 78°52'24.98"E >10km >10km 3.5km

13 W13 9°21'16.79"N 78°52'3.12"E >10km >10km 2.6km

14 W14* 9°24'17.54"N 78°52'7.16"E >10km >10km 6.20km

15 W15* 9°26'51.62"N 78°53'45.86"E >10km >10km >10km

16 W16 9°27'10.58"N 78°53'1.76"E >10km >10km >10km

17 W17 9°28'25.26"N 78°51'41.43"E >10km 7.52km >10km

18 W18 9°24'39.49"N 78°55'19.31"E >10km >10km >10km

19 W19* 9°19'15.25"N 78°58'33.01"E >10km >10km >10km

20 W20* 9°18'46.69"N 78°59'31.12"E >10km >10km >10km



21 W21* 9°18'21.96"N 79° 2'32.24"E 8.9km >10km >10km

22 W22 9°17'31.38"N 79° 4'18.14"E 6.74km >10km >10km

[9 WELL LOCATIONS MARKED WITH (*) WERE CHANGED FROM THEIR PREVIOUS LOCATION]

The proposed wells are not located within the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park,

however, 6 wells (W1, W2, W3, W6, W21 and W22) are located within 10 km of the

National Park.

The proposed wells are not located within the Gulf of Sakkarkottai Bird Sanctuary,

however, 12 wells (W1, W2, W3, W5, W7, W8, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13 and W14)

are located within 10 km of the Bird Sanctuary.

The proposed wells are not located within the Gulf of Therthangali Bird Sanctuary,

however, 1 wells (W17) are located within 10 km of the Bird Sanctuary.

The well location map is presented in Figure 3.1.



FIGURE 3.1: ML AND DRILL SITES LOCATION MAP ON TOPOSHEET



3.3 ACCESSIBILITY

The proposed drill sites falls within Ramanathapur district of Tamil Nadu and well connected

with other districts of Tamil Nadu through NH-49 and NH 210. Ramanathapuram is also wel

connected through railway. Madurai Airport is the nearest airport located at distance of 125

km from Ramanathapurm. The ML area is well connected with MDR.

3.4 DEVELOPMENT DRILLING

3.4.1 Land

All the proposed drill sites are located in non-forest land mostly privately owned. About 2.5

hectares (approx) of land for each drilling will be taken on short-term lease from land

owners. No forest land is involved for the proposed drilling wells.

3.4.2 Project Activities & Schedule

The drilling for the ONGC project is planned to commence during 2015 with an estimated

drilling period of 40-50 days, testing period of 15 days and a possible additional contingency

period of 15 days per well. Site preparation and construction is estimated to take about 2

months with another one month being allotted for decommissioning and site closure.

3.4.3 Drill Site & Access Road Development

Access Road Development

Site preparation will involve all activities required to facilitate the operation of the drilling rig

and associated equipments and machineries. Most of the drill sites is connected with existing

road network, if required new approach road will be constructed/widen by a contractor

appointed by ONGC. It will be ensured that the land fill material and gravel for this purpose

is obtained from government approved borrow areas and quarries.

Site Development

Once the approach road to the site is developed, the drilling site will be elevated to a required

height. The top soil which primarily comprises of 150 mm loose top soil will be removed

using mechanical means like dozer and saved at a nearby place for later use during site

restoration. Leveling and compaction will be done with the help of graders and mechanical

rollers. Earth and fill material and rubble will be required for land filling and site preparation.

All such materials will be procured from government approved borrows and quarries. A

backhoe will be used for all excavation and cutting activities (for construction of pits) on site.

Subsequently, the proposed well site & campsite will be duly fenced using chain link and

barbed wires.

Disposal of drilling waste in the form of spent drilling mud and cuttings will be disposed on-

site in specially designed pits provided with an impervious HDPE liner of 1-1.5 mm

thickness. There will be a cuttings pit of 28m X 24m for disposal of drill cuttings and two

waste pits of 17m X 12m for disposal of drilling mud and rig wash water.



Platforms for drill pad and all other heavy equipment systems or machinery, cast in-situ

Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) will be used for the construction of foundation system.

The rig foundation will be of size 20m X 20m and will have an elevation 0.6 m from rest of

the site. For making the foundations of main rig structure cast in-situ bored under- reamed

piles of specified lengths will also be used. The elevated structures will have proper storm

water drains with sufficient gradient, made of brick masonry, to take care of surface runoff

water.

Transportation of Rig & Machineries

The transport of the Rig including auxiliary equipments & Camp facilities to the site is

expected to comprise around 100 truck loads. Though the rig and related equipments will be

directly brought to site, spares, chemicals and other materials will be received at the staging

point and will be used for intermediate storage of materials. The rig equipment will however

be transported directly to the drilling site during mobilisation and will be de-mobilised

directly from the site. The materials will be intermittently supplied from warehouse to the

drilling site, during the operations with some stock at the drilling site itself.

Given the sensitivity of the site from the noise emission viewpoint, it has been decided that

all construction activities and transportation of goods and equipments related to such

activities will be restricted to the extent possible to day time.

3.4.4 Drilling & Testing

Drilling operations will be carried out using an Onshore Mobile Drilling unit. The major

components of drilling unit are Hoisting system, Rotating Equipment, Circulating System,

Tubular Goods, Pressure Control, Derrick and Substructure.

The hoisting system consists of draw works an assembly of a rotating drum, a series of shafts,

clutches, chains and gears for changing speed and for reversing. A crown block located at top

of derrick. The crown block provides a means of taking the drilling line from the hoisting

drum to the traveling block. The crown block is stationary and is firmly fastened to the top of

the derrick. The Hook connects the Kelly or top drive (top drive is equivalent to Kelly &

rotary table) with the traveling block.

A Kelly drive refers to a type of well drilling device on an oil or gas drilling rig that employs

a section of pipe with a polygonal (three-, four-, six-, or eight-sided) or splinted outer surface,

which passes through the matching polygonal or splinted kelly bushing and rotary table. This

bushing is rotated via the rotary table and thus the pipe and the attached drill string turn while

the polygonal pipe is free to slide vertically in the bushing as the bit digs the well deeper.

When drilling, the drill bit is attached at the end of the drill string and thus the kelly drive

provides the means to turn the bit.

The Kelly is the polygonal tubing and the Kelly bushing is the mechanical device that turns

the Kelly when rotated by the rotary table. Together they are referred to as a Kelly drive. The

upper end of the Kelly is screwed into the swivel, using a left-hand thread to preclude

loosening from the right-hand torque applied below. The Kelly typically is about 10 ft (3 m)

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

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

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_table_(drilling_rig)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drill_bit_(well)

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

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_table_(drilling_rig)



longer than the drill pipe segments, thus leaving a portion of newly drilled hole open below

the bit after a new length of pipe has been added and the drill string has been lowered until

the Kelly bushing engages again in the rotary table.

The rotary table receives the power to drive it from an electric motor. The electric motor

rotates the rotary table which passes through the Kelly bushing and the rotations are

transmitted to the bit as the drilling progresses, the drill pipe in singles are added to continue

the drilling process. At the end of the bit life, the drill pipes are pulled out in stands and

stacked on the derrick platform. A stand normally has 3 single drill pipes. After changing the

bit, the drill string is run back into the hole and further drilling is continued. This process

continues till the target depth is reached.

Mud System & Cuttings

During the course of drilling, cuttings are generated due to crushing action of the bit. These

cuttings are removed by flushing the well with duplex/triplex mud pumps. The mud from the

pump discharge through the rotary hose connected to stationary part of the swivel, the drill

string and bit nozzles. The mud coming out of the bit nozzles pushes the cuttings up hole and

transports them to the surface through the annular space between the drill string and the hole.

The mud not only carries away crushed rock from the bottom of the hole but it also cools the

bit as it gets heated due to friction with formation while rotating. The mud also helps in

balancing subsurface formation pressures and by forming a cake on the walls of the well

diminishes the possibility of crumbling or caving of the well bore.

At the surface, the mud coming out from well along with the cuttings falls in a trough, passes

through the solids control equipments i.e. shale shaker, de-sander and de-silter. These

equipments remove the solids of different sizes which get mixed with the mud during the

course of drilling. The cleaned mud flows back to the suction tanks to be again pumped into

the well. The drilling mud/fluid circulation is thus a continuous cyclic operation. The most

suitable clay for mud preparation is bentonite which is capable of forming highly dispersed

colloidal solutions. Various other chemicals are also used in mud preparation as per

requirements dictated by the temperature/pressure conditions of the wells. The mud is

continuously tested for its density, viscosity, yield point, water loss, pH value etc. to ensure

that the drilling operations can be sustained without any down hole complications.

Testing

Testing facilities will be available at drilling rig for separation of liquid phase and burning of

all hydrocarbons during testing. The test flare boom will be located at a distance from the

drilling rig.



3.4.5 General Requirements of Drilling

Drilling programme requires the following common facilities:

Drilling mud

Drilling of wells requires specially formulated mud which basically comprises inert earth

materials like bentonite, barite in water with several additives to give mud weight, fluidity

and filter cake characteristics while drilling. The drilling mud have several functions like

lubrication and cooling of the drill bit, balancing subsurface formation, bringing out the drill

cuttings from the well bore thixotropic property to hold cuttings during non-operations,

formation of thin cake to prevent liquid loss along well bore etc. Several additives are mixed

into the mud system to give the required properties. Water based mud will be used to the

possible extent in development drilling

Power Supply

The power requirements at the site preparation and construction phase will be met by DG

Sets. Although the drilling operations will be continuous, the power requirement will vary

depending on the activities being carried out. It is anticipated that four diesel-engine

generators, each with a capacity of 750 kW, will be sufficient for rig operations. Three

generators will be used at a time and one will be kept on standby. A 134 kW generator will be

made available for lighting and other emergency requirements.

Water Consumption and Supply

The total water requirement for the site preparation and construction phase of the project is

estimated to be about 1200 KL per well. With average time requirement for site preparation

being about 60 days, it means about 20 KLD of water will be consumed on an average every

day for each well.

The total projected average consumption of water during the drilling phase will be about 900-

1200 KL with a maximum of 25 KLD being utilized to run the drilling rig continuously,

24hrs a day. Surface water near the site will be sourced through vendors to meet the demand

of non-potable water for drilling activity and camp site. Potable water requirement at site will

be met through filtered bore well water and packaged drinking water.

Fuel Consumption

The fuel consumed will mainly be diesel used by rig, various equipments, and vehicles

operating to transport goods and supplies to the site. During the drilling phase, the

consumption of diesel is estimated to be about 4.5-5 KLD. Out of this, a major part

comprising about 85 % will be consumed by the rig (also including the DG sets) and about 15

% will be required for the Campsite. There will be provision for storing about 7-9 days of

fuel which means storage of about 35 KL. The fuel will be provided by the drilling contractor

and transported to site in tanker lorries.



Manpower / Employment

The project will be employing considerable manpower for all the phases. The Site preparation

phase of 60 days will employ on an average about 45 to 50 workmen, preferably from local

settlements.

The total number of personnel involved in the drilling activities is expected to be about 50 to

60. At any one time there will be 25-30 staff and security personnel on the well site thus a

Camp Site will be set up to provide boarding & lodging. Rest of the staff will be housed in

Digboi and will continue on 12hrs shift basis to the well-site.

3.5 WASTE & DISPOSAL

3.5.1 Solid and Hazardous Waste Streams

The different solid and hazardous waste streams generated during drilling and their disposal

methodology has been presented in Table 3.2.

TABLE 3.2: WASTE STREAMS AND DISPOSAL

Waste Type Quantity Characteristics Disposal

Kitchen Waste 10 – 20 kg

per day

Organic waste

(Non HW)

Will be stored in compost pits on

daily basis.

Drill Cuttings 300-400

m3/ well

Mainly Inert material

Consisting of shales,

sands and clay; about

1% of drilling mud.

(Non HW)

Drill cuttings will be disposed off in

a well designed pit lined with

impervious liner located on site as

per S No. 72 C.1.a Schedule I

Standards for Emission or Discharge

of Environmental Pollutants from

Oil Drilling and Gas Extraction

Industry of CPCB as modified in

2005.

Waste Drilling

Mud (Fluid)

15-20 m3/

day

Barite, Bentonite and

Traces of

Heavy metals (HW)

The mud will be tested for

hazardous contaminants and will be

disposed as per S No. 72 C.1.a

Schedule I Standards for Emission

or Discharge of Environmental

Pollutants from Oil Drilling and Gas

Extraction Industry of CPCB as

modified in 2005

Acid – Lead

Batteries

2 – 3

Batteries

per

drilling of

well

Lead – Acid (HW) Will be recycled through the

vendors supplying acid – lead

batteries as required under the

Batteries (Management & Handling)

Rules, 2001.

Oily waste-

used oil & spent

Oil and loose

0.3 m3

5-10 Kg

Used & Waste oil Will be collected in metal drums

kept in secured dyked area &

disposed as per Used Oil rules in

approved used oil recycling facility



Waste Type Quantity Characteristics Disposal

Recyclables viz.

packaging

wastes, paper,

plastic,

packaging wastes

Depending

on usage

- Proper segregation and storage of

recyclable waste in designated bins

onsite. Recyclables will be

periodically sold to local waste

recyclers.

Drill Cuttings and Waste Residual Mud

During drilling operations, approx 300-400 cum per well of wet drill cuttings are expected to

be generated from each well depending on the type of formation and depth of drilling. In

addition to the cuttings 15-20 cum/day of wastewater is likely to be generated during well

drilling. The waste residual mud and drill cuttings which contain clay, sand etc. will be

disposed into the waste pit.

The drill cuttings may be contaminated with the proposed water based drilling fluid with

which it comes out. The drilling fluid with which drill cuttings come out will be recycled and

maintained in good condition throughout the operation. The drill cuttings will be separated in

the drilling rig solids control system through shale-shakers and centrifuge and then conveyed

through a conveyor system to a solid discharge pit from which the cuttings will emerge as a

disposable state. The cuttings will then be disposed on-site in a specially designed pit lined

with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) liners. This lined pit after being filled up will be

covered with an impervious liner, over which a thick layer of native top soil with proper top

slope shall be provided.

3.5.2 Liquid wastes

During the drilling operations, drilling wastewater generated (approximately 15- 20 m3 per

day) as a result of rig wash and dewatering of spent mud and washing of drill cuttings will be

treated and reused and recycled. Effluents from, floor washings, pump, seal leakages,

spillages will comprise of chemical ingredients of drilling fluid thereby rendering effluent to

be polluted. The characteristics of drilling and wash wastewater will be primarily dependent

on type and composition of drilling fluid used for drilling. As ONGC is proposing the use of

water-based drilling mud, the potential for contamination of such waste water is significantly

lower. The drilling wastewater will contain spent drilling fluid generated as a result of

washings. The rig wash water and drilling wastewater generated is proposed to be collected

in a wastewater pit (constructed at the drilling site. Domestic waste water generated (about

2.4 m3 per day for the drilling camp) will be treated through a soak pit/septic tank

arrangement. The quantities of the liquid wastes, their characteristics and anticipated disposal

methods are given in Table 3.3.



TABLE 3.3: LIQUID WASTES GENERATED DURING DRILLING AND THEIR DISPOSAL

Waste Type Quantity Disposal

Drilling and Wash

wastewater 15- 20 m3 per day

The water will be adequately treated in an ETP

to ensure conformance to the CPCB onshore oil

and gas extraction industry effluent standards

Domestic

wastewater

2.4 m3 per day from

drilling site Septic tank followed by soak pit

Effluent Generation, Treatment and Disposal

The drilling waste water around 1000 -1200 m3 will be generated during the entire drilling

period from rig wash and dewatering of spent drilling mud. ONGC will ensure that effluent

from the project comply with the waste water discharge standards as mentioned in the S No.

72 A (ii) Schedule I Standards for Emission or Discharge of Environmental Pollutants from

Oil Drilling and Gas Extraction Industry of CPCB, a mobile Effluent Treatment Plant will be

installed.. Domestic waste water generated (about 2.4m3 for the drilling camp) will be treated

through a soak pit/septic tank arrangement

3.5.3 Drilling Hazards

Loss of well control / blow-out, fire, explosion and oil spills are the major potential hazards

associated with drilling for oil and gas. Primary well control will be achieved by providing

sufficient hydrostatic pressure by means of drilling fluid column in the hole to prevent the

influx of formation fluid into the well bore. In addition to careful monitoring and control of

the fluid system and installation of casing in each section of the well, a blowout preventor

stack consisting of a series of individual preventors will be installed on the wellhead in the

cellar pit. The design will ensure that zone of abnormal pressure, if any, can be

accommodated and the BOP will be rated for pressures well in excess of those expected to be

present

3.6 PROJECT INVESTMENT

The anticipated cost of drilling of each well (which stacking of the location, land acquisition,

site preparation and drilling activity works out to Rs.20.00 crores for one well and the total

project cost is Rs 440Crores.



4 Description of Wildlife Habitat & Wildlife

The Ramanathapuram district is rich in biodiversity and has a number of sensitive ecosystems

comprising both terrestrial and coastal & marine components. In the study area important

wildlife habitat is Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and Biosphere Reserve.

4.1 WILDLIFE HABITAT

The study area has important wildlife habitat – Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and

Biosphere Reserve. The sanctuary and its adjoining areas are very rich in diversity. The

district has Important Bird Area (IBA) and Bird Sanctuary.

4.1.1 Forest Habitat

Forest Resources

The district has only 273 sq km forest cover, i.e. 6.4% of the total geographical area of the

district. The Forest Department has declared certain lands as reserved lands, under the

provision of rule 5 of general rules for the management of reserved and unreserved lands

under section 26 of the Tamil Nadu Forest Act. The mangrove blocks are situated in

Ramanathapuram and Thiruvadanai talukas; most of the blocks in north of Ramanathapurma

district one in the south of Ramanathapuram district.

The ML area has one mangrove block, near Koraikuttam village. However, none of the wells

are located in the forest land. There some scrub land in the ML area. In the study area has

four types of habitat –forests (mostly scrub land), inland wetlands, coastal habitat and

agricultural land.

Habitat

When Tropical dry-mixed evergreen forests are destroyed, often, tropical thorn forests

(scrublands) grow in their place. The scrub land is dominated by Prosopis juliflora; other

species are Acacia nilotica, Tamarindus indica, Azadirachita indica, Ficus spp., Borassus

flabellifer, Moringa oleifera, Albizzia spp., etc.

The forests in the ML area provides the habitat of small mammals like Jackals, Todd cat,

Mongoose, Rodents, Hares; reptiles like Common cobra, Krait, Rat snake, Green snake, Tree

snake, Skink, Garden Lizard, etc; and birds like Doves, Eagles, Parakeets, Koels, Owls,

Wood peckers, Drongo, Crows, Mynas, Babblers, Peacocks.

4.1.2 Inland Wetland Habitats

Several streams and rivers drain into the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar. Rivers and streams

are bodies of water that move continuously in one direction. At the beginning of the stream

the channel is narrow and the water is pure and carries less sediment than downstream, as

well as only a few minerals. Many such streams (tributaries of a river) join together to form a

larger river.



The Vaigai river is the main river in the ML area, drain into the Palk Strait. Few creeks area

also recorded in the ML area from Gulf of Mannar side. There are number of seasonal

wetlands are recorded in the ML area. Some of major wetlands are Chittur Muttunal,

Sakkerekottai, Kalari Kanmoi Tanks.

These wetlands, provides habitat for aquatic birds-like Pelicans, Painted storks, Ducks, Teals,

Gulls, Terns, Cormorants, Egret, Kingfishers, etc; variety of fishes; turtles like Pond turtles,

Flap shell turtles and Amphibians.

4.1.3 Coastal and Marine Habitat

In this region there are also many coastal and marine habitats. They are

Mangroves,

Salt marshes,

Sand dunes and beaches (including seashore vegetation),

Mud flats,

Sea grass meadows, and

Coral Reefs.

The eastern part of the ML area has Palk Strait and southern part of ML area has Gulf of

Mamman. The coastal and marine habitat is described in the Gulf of Mammanr Marine

National Park and Biosphere Reserve section.

4.2 SENSITIVE ECOLOGICAL HABITAT

The sensitive ecological habitat in the study area is Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and

Bird Sanctuary.

4.2.1 Birds Sanctuary

The Ramanathapuram is known for water starved district, when compared to other districts of

Tamil Nadu. However, this district if full of tanks, ponds and lakes of various sizes. During

the good north-east monsoon all the water bodies are filled up with water. This water is being

used for irrigation and drinking purposes. These water bodies are harbouring variety of

micro-organisms like phyto-plankton, zoo plankton and vertebrates like fishes, turtles, etc.

These wetlands attract large number of migratory birds. In 1980’s, the Forest Department has

undertaken planting Babul (Acacia planifrons) trees as foreshore planting. This plantation

latter supported the migratory birds as roosting sites. The major tanks in the district provides

habitat for migratory birds; considering this Forest Department has declared these tanks as

Birds Sanctuary.

Ramanathapuram district has five bird sanctuaries, namely Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary,

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary, Melaselvanur - Kilaselvanur Bird Sanctuary, Therthangal

Bird Sanctuary and Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary.

The location and details of bird sanctuaries in the district is shown in Table 4.1. and Figure

4.1

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

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



TABLE 4.1: BIRDS SANCTUARIES IN THE RAMANATHAPURAM DISTRICT

Sanctuary Area of the

Sanctuary (sq. km)

Location Distance from

ML area

Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary 0.48 9°19′48″N 78°29′23″E 22.5

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary 1.04 .9°20′N 78°29′E. 23.4

Melaselvanur - Kilaselvanur

Bird Sanctuary

5.93 9°13’47” & 9°12’27” N

and 78°32’29” &

78°34’28” E

10.8

Therthangal Bird Sanctuary 0.29 9°28'15.09"N &

78°47'15.19"E

4.0

Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary 16.50 09°22'00"N, 78°

52'00"E

Within the ML

area

The Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary is located with the ML area. All other bird sanctuaries are

more than 10 km from the ML area.

Sakkarakottai bird sanctuary

The Sakkarakottai Kanmai (Non-system Tank) of 1,650 ha was initially built to provide

irrigation and drinking water. Sakkarakottai Kanmai is rainfed. This wetland is located

adjacent to the district headquarters at Ramanathapuram.

The tank lies between latitude 9°20'5.54"N and 9°21'11.69"N and longtitude 78°50'19.93"E

and 78°49'22.49"E in Ramanathapuram taluk of Ramanathapuram District in Tamil Nadu.

The flora of the area is dominated by species like Acacia nilotica, Prosopis juliflora,

Tamarindus indica, Azadirachita indica, Albizzia amara, Ficus bengalensis, Ficus religiosa,

Morinda tinctoria, Borassus flabellifer, Syzygium cumuni, Acacia planifons, etc. The wetland

is rich in aquatic flora, especially Scirpus, Cyperus pygmaeus, Cyperus difformis and

Cynodon dactylon, Ipomea carnea can be seen in dense stands on the periphery.

This site has been selected as an IBA

based on the large numbers of

congregatory waterfowl, and especially as

a nesting site for the globally threatened

Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus

philippensis). Significant numbers of

heron species such as the Grey Heron

(Ardea cinerea), Purple Heron (Ardea

purpurea), cormorants (Phalacrocorax

spp.), Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), Little

Egret (Egretta garzetta) and Large or

Great Egret (Casmerodius albus) nest

there. Coot (Fulica atra) are also reported and breeding on these wetland. A small numbers

of Spot-billed Pelican were found breeding.

Sakkarakottai bird sanctuary

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

http://tools.wmflabs.org/geohack/geohack.php?pagename=Protected_areas_of_Tamil_Nadu&params=9_19_48_N_78_29_23_E_

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

http://tools.wmflabs.org/geohack/geohack.php?pagename=Kanjirankulam_Bird_Sanctuary&params=9_20_N_78_29_E_



FIGURE 4.1: BIRD SANCTUARIES IN RAMANATHAPURAM DISTRICT



Wells located ESZ of Bird Sanctuary

The Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) for Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary has not been notified by the

Government. No well falling in this bird sanctuary; however, 12 wells (W1, W2, W3, W5, W7, W8,

W9, W10, W11, W12, W13 and W14) are located within 10 km of the Bird Sanctuary. 1 wells (W17) is located

within 10 km of the Therthangali Bird Sanctuary.

(Refer Figure 4.3).

4.2.2 Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

The Gulf of Mannar lies between India and Sri Lanka. It encompasses the territorial waters of

the southeast coast of India, from Dhanushkodi in the north to Kanyakumari in the south

(Figure 4.1). It has a chain of 21 islands covering an area of 623 ha, with each island having

an area of 0.5 ha minimum and 129 ha maximum. They are located 2 to 10 km from the

mainland along the 140 km stretch between Tuticorin and Rameswaram (Lat 8°55'-9°15’N

and Long 78°0'-79°16’E). The islands are occurring in 4 groups namely Mandapam group,

Keezhakarai group, Vembar group and Tuticorin group. There are no permanent inhabitants

in these islands and temporary camping by forest officials and fishermen for a few days is

common in some of the islands.

FIGURE 4.2: GULF OF MANNAR

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

The government of Tamil Nadu in G.O. M.S. No 962 dated 10th September 1986 notified

under section 35(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 the intention to declare the 21



islands as Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (GOMMNP) for the purpose of protecting

marine wildlife and its environment including depths of 3.5 fathoms on the bay side to 5

fathoms on the seaward side.

The primary objective of the establishment of the GOMMNP is to conserve the rich marine

biodiversity of the Gulf of Mannar region by providing protection and through management

and restoration of the degraded marine coral reef system, which have been historically mined

and exploited to an unsustainable level.

Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve

The GOMBR was set up as part of the UNESCO-MAB programme in 1989 through a

notification issued by the MoEF, following acceptance by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

The GOMBR was set up with the broad objectives of conserving representative samples of

ecosystems, providing long-term conservation of genetic diversity in situ, promoting basic

and applied research work and its monitoring, and disseminating experiences for education

and training. The GOMBR is the first marine biosphere reserve not only in India but also in

all of South and Southeast Asia.

According to the notification, the area of the GOMBR is 10,500 sq km, running southwards

and parallel to the mainland coastline to a distance of about 170 nautical miles. It includes the

national park as the core area. The original notification includes the 21 islands, starting from

the northern-most Pamban island to Tuticorin (the pearl banks near and away from Tuticorin,

and between Tuticorin and Kanyakumari). The buffer zone includes the immediate sea

between Keezhakarai and Mukairyur, Valimunai, Poovarsanpatti, Van, Kasuwar, Karaichalli

and Vallanguchali islands and the remaining waters in the Tuticorin– Kanyakumari belt.

Recent reports from the GOMBRT office show that the reserve has a coastline of about 300

km and a 10-km wide buffer zone on either side of the coastline (Melkani et al., 2006). The

buffer zone comprises Gulf waters to the south and an inhabited coastline to the north,

according to the draft management plan prepared by the WII and submitted to the GOI.

The broad guidelines and principle of this biosphere reserve is to safeguard the traditional and

eco-friendly nature based livelihood practices of local communities as well as the

ecologically fragile Marine habitat within the GOMBR.

Wells located ESZ in GOMMNP

The Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) for Gulf of Mnnar Marine National Park has not been notified

by the Government. The proposed wells are not located within the Gulf of Mannar Marine

National Park, however, 6 wells (W1, W2, W3, W6, W21 and W22) are located within 10 km

of the National Park. (Refer Figure 4.3).



FIGURE 4.3: ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY MAP



4.3 MARINE ECOSYSTEM: GULF OF MANNAR

The national park was declared to protect wildlife and its environment, because of its

ecological, faunal, floral and zoological association and importance. The GOM has coral reefs,

and mangrove and seaweed ecosystems, apart from rocky shores, sandy beaches, mud flats

and estuaries.

These ecosystems support a wide variety of fauna and flora including rare cowries, cones,

volutes, murices, whelks, strombids, chanks, tonnids, prawns, lobsters, pearl oysters,

seahorses, seacucumbers, etc. The biosphere reserve and particularly the Marine National

Park of the Gulf of Mannar also gains more importance because of the alarmingly declining

population of the endangered Dugongs.

4.3.1 Off shore islands and coral reefs

A chain of 21 low islands has been observed along the offshore region of GOM. All islands

are made up of a calcareous framework of dead reef and sand. They have a low and narrow

sandy coast and some of them have rocky coast. Around all offshore islands, well-developed

coral reefs have been noticed. Geomorphologically, coral reefs in this area are of fringing

type, though some patchy corals are also observed in between Appa Island and Pilliyarmuni

Island, and in some areas like Bharathinagar coast and southeast coast of Kariya Shuli Island.

Two islands namely Velanguchalli and Poovarasanpatti are now submerged in the seascape.

Based on biodiversity assessments made by the recent survey in 2013 conducted by

Zoological survey of India the fauna and flora known so far from our Indian reefs comprises

1097 species under 254 families and 567 genera which includes 85 species of corals, 15

gorgonids,16 sea anemones, 24 prawns, 3 lobsters, 21 crabs, 88 molluscs, 106 echinoderms, 2

hemichordates, 2 cephalochordates, 78 tunicates, 553 fishes, 6 reptiles, 63 birds, 6 mammals

(Venkataraman et al., 2002). Endemic Hemichordata Phycodera fluva flagship species such

as Dugong, 3 species of dolphins, 2 species of whales, at least 5 species of turtles and 68

elasmobranchs (Venkataraman et al., 2002).

Threats

The anthropogenic factors such as industrialization, pollution and discharge of large

quantities of sewage into coastal areas, in addition to the over exploitation of reef resources

and illegal mining of corals by the local population are the major threat to coral reefs.

Coral mining: The majority of damage to coral reefs in the Gulf of Manar has been through

direct anthropogenic stress The human activity such as coastal development, destructive

fishing, over exploitation, marine pollution, runoff from deforestation and toxic discharge

from industrial and agricultural chemicals. Some of the factors affecting coral reefs growth

are regression of coral growth due to silt laden water with greater load of suspended matter

during monsoon flow, wind blown sandy deposition, cyclone, quarrying for limestone, effect

of current, etc.



Seaweed collection: Seaweed collection was carried out around the islands as a source of

alternate livelihood for fishermen communities. Seaweed collections over coral reefs severely

threaten and destroy coral reefs causing the release of bottom sediments and smothering

affect, increase of turbidity and reducing the intensity of light; breaking and killing of coral.

Destructive Fishing Practices: Bottom trawlers and trap nets for crab and lobster are two of

the major destructive fishing practices in the region. This fishing practices churn up the sea

bottom releasing the sediments and casing turbidity, these silt laden waters are carried by

currents and wave action over reefs causing stress to the corals by reducing light penetration

or smothering the corals with sediment. These fishing activities are also destroying the corals.

Sedimentation: Sedimentation affects corals in three ways, photo-synthetically, physically

and chemically. Sedimentation is caused my many sources, both natural and anthropogenic.

The anthropogenic causes are through seaweed collection and by coral mining; the other

sources of sedimentation are from afforestation and removal of vegetation on sand dunes and

coast increases erosion by waves, wind and rainfall increases the sediment load in the water

Eutrophication: The release of sewage has resulted in heavy load of organics and low

primary production, which in turn would drastically affect the growth of the coral habitat

Industrial pollutants: The release of heated water and fly ash from thermal plant has an affect

the coral reefs.

Natural threats: During cyclones heavy wave actions uproots and break corals.

4.3.2 Mangrove Habitat

Islands Mangrove

The Gulf of Mannar islands possess some unique type of mangrove vegetation. A total of 10

true mangrove species were reported belonging to 6 families of 6 order1. Mangrove species

was reported in 16 islands. The island Manoli ranks high in having 9 mangrove species and is

followed by Krusadai, Pullivasal, Poomarichan and Hare Island respectively. The mangrove

vegetation in Manoli is striking for its luxuriant growth and diversity. The islands Valai,

Pullimunai, Nallathanni, Upputhanni and Van islands have only one mangrove species each.

About 24 mangrove associated species were recorded from all the islands. The species

Salvadora persica and Sesuvium portulacastrum were the dominant associate flora found in

about 15 islands. Similarly, the species like Thespesia populnea and Scaevola taccada have

been recorded in 13 islands. Caesalpenia, Dalbergia, Pandanus, Pongamia, Salvadora and

Thespesia were found distributed well away from the upper reaches of high tide. The grass

species like Aleuropus, Fimbristylis, Spinifex and Tamarix were recorded at or near the upper

reaches whereas halophytes Salicornia, Scaevola, Sesuvium, Suaeda occupies the gaps

1 A study was conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India, National Institute for Coastal and Marine

Biodiversity Centre in 2006



between the mangroves and in exposed areas in the mudflats. Clerodendrum, Ipomoea, and

Spinifex covers the periphery of the islands.

About 61 species belong to trees, herbs, shrubs etc. (other than mangroves and mangrove

associates), were identified at all islands of the Gulf of Mannar. Three alien invasive species

(Acacia eburnean, Acacia nilotica and Prosopis juliflora) were reported from these islands.

On-shore Mangroves

About 13 typical riverine-estuarine and canal have been recorded along coastline of the

Biosphere Reserve in the four coastal districts. Among them only Kanjirangudi of

Ramnathapuram; Vaipar, Buckil odai,

Punakayal-Pazhayakayal complex of

Tuticorin and Manakudi of Kanyakumari

district have mangrove distribution.

The Kanjirangudi estuary falls in the oil

and gas block. The estuarine waters have

largely been utilized for aquaculture

practice nearby. Avicennia marina is the

only mangrove species found along the

muddy shoreline of the estuary and its

distribution extents upto a1.5 km distance

from the coast.

Threats

There is no direct profound threat to mangrove ecosystem in the off-shore Islands.However,

the activities such as docking of small boats, cooking adjacent to the vegetation were pose

very little damage. Natural degradation of mangroves has been reported in few islands due to

increased anaerobic conditions, hyper salinity and sulfide stress at water-logged area over a

period of time has killed mangroves.

4.3.3 Sea Grass & Sea-weed habitat

Sea-Grass

Sea-grasses occur in the intertidal and mid-tidal zones of shallow and sheltered areas of sea,

gulf, bays, backwaters and lagoons. They form a dense meadow on sandy and coral rubble

bottom and sometimes in the crevices under water.

The Gulf of Mannar is well known for its rich diversity of sea grasses along with dugong.

Various fishes, molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms form the predominant associated

fauna of the sea grass habitats. Under normal conditions, seagrasses maintain water clarity by

trapping silt, dirt, and other sediments suspended in the water column. These materials are

then incorporated into the benthic substratum, where they are stabilized by seagrass roots.

However, when sediment loading becomes excessive, turbidity in the water column increases

Mangrove Patch at near Koraikuttam village



and the penetration of sunlight is inhibited. In extreme cases, excessive sediment loading can

actually smother seagrasses.

It was estimated that the total extent of seagrass beds around all islands of the Gulf of Mannar

Biosphere Reserve was 80.7 sq. km. The species composition of seagrass community in the

Gulf of Mannar region include Enhalus acoraides, Halophila ovalis, Halophila ovata,

Halophila beccari, Halophila stipulacea, Thalassia lemprichii, Cymadocea serrulata,

Cymadocea rotundata, Halodule uninervis and Syringodium isoetifolium etc .

Threats

The major threats which present in this region are mentioned below

Since the seagrass productivity is highly dependent on ideal salinity, water temperature,

and turbidity, which are getting polluted by industrial and domestic wastes, which comes

from the near by coastal areas of the GOMMNP

Port and dredging related activities in the region churns up seagrass beds, increasing

turbidity and suspended sediments in the water column, which would have a long-term

impacts on seagrasses of this region.

Use of indiscriminate fishing technology especially trawling on these beds is also

expected to harm this habitat.

With increased agricultural activity on the nearby landscape is also posing a threat to the

sea grass beds because of its pollution.

Fishing in the seagrass beds and increase use of fishing vessels on the habitat are also

threatening this habitat.

Collection of sea grasses for fodder and fertilizers.

Sea-weeds

Seaweeds are marine plants belonging to lower Cryptogams. They occur in the intertidal,

shallow and deep waters of the sea upto 150m depth and also in estuaries 49 and backwaters.

These are large and diversified groups with size ranging from single cell such as

Chlamydomonas to several meters in length (Macrocystis). The four classes of seaweeds are

Chlorophyta (green algae), Phaeophyta (brown algae),

A total number of 147 species of algae comprising 42 species of green algae, 31 species of

brown algae, 69 species of red algae and 5 species of blue green algae distributed in Gulf of

Mannar islands.

4.4 BIODIVERSITY PROFILE OF STUDY AREA

4.4.1 Vegetation in the ML area

Forest types occurring in this region are Tropical dry-mixed evergreen forests and Tropical

thorn forests (scrublands). It was observed that Prosopis juliflora are most dominated species

in the scrub land, village road side, besides creek, bank of the ponds. Coconut plantation



(Cocus nucifera) was also recorded in the area towards the sea side. The Borassus flabellifer

is also dominant species in this area.

The other dominated flora of the area are Acacia nilotica, Tamarindus indica, Azadirachita

indica, Albizzia amara, Ficus bengalensis, Ficus religiosa, Morinda tinctoria, Syzygium

cumuni, Acacia planifons, etc. About 61 plant species belong to trees, shrubs and herbs were

reported from this area. The checklist of floral species in the study area is provided in

Annexure-4.1.

4.4.2 Faunal Diversity in ML area

The Ramanathapuram ML area has no natural forest. The predominant land uses in the ML

area are scrub land, block plantation (coconut, Borassus) and tanks. No major mammals were

reported from the study area. However, Toddy cat, Jungle cat, Mongoose, Jackals, Hares and

Rodents are reported from this area. The reptiles like Common cobra, Krait, Rat snake, Green

snake, Tree snake, Garden lizard, Monitor lizard, water snakes are also reported from this

area. The tanks, ponds and creeks in the ML area provides habitat for large number of

migratory birds.

4.4.3 Biodiversity Profile in GOMMNP

About 3600 species of fauna and flora have been identified in the GOMBR by the Central

Marine Fisheries Research Institutes and other organizations. The fauna is said to be one of

the richest in the whole of Indo-west pacific region.

About 126 species of phytoplankton, 360 species of zooplankton, 51 species (2 endemic) of

foraminiferans, 275 species (31 endemic) of sponges, 128 species (42 endemic), 14 species of

Gorgonids, 75 species of Polychaeta, 9 species of Nematoda, 41 species Penaeid and Non-

Penaeid shrimps, 7 specise Lobster, 210 species of Crabs, 25 species of Stomatopod, 731

species of Molluscs (Bivalvia, Gastropods and Cephalopods), 264 species of Echinodermata

were reported from GOMMBR.

Corals

128 species (42 endemic) were recorded (Pillai, 1986, CMFRI, 1998). The dominant genera

were Pocillopora, Acropora, Montipora, Favia, Favites, Goniopora, Goniastrea, Platygyra,

Echinopora, Galaxea, Porites, Turbinaria, Leptoria, Pavona and Pachyseris.

Crabs and economically important

A total of 38 crab species belong to 21 genera and five families occur in the Gulf of Mannar

Biosphere Reserve, which is 5.6% of Indian crab germ plasm. Of the 11 important

commercial crabs in India, six crab species occur in this region. Several species are

considered to be becoming rare and threatened, or having reduced over all size because of

over exploitation and their habitat destruction. Inter-tidal zone of Gulf of Mannar Marine

National Park and the Biosphere Reserve are considered to be good habitats for these crabs in

this region.



Shrimps

Shrimps are abundant in the Gulf of Mannar. Penaeus semisulcatus, P. indicus and P.

monodon are commonly available. There are 18 species of shrimps of which 10 are heavily

exploited. The lobsters Panulirus homarus, P.ornatus, P. logipes and P. versicolor are

abundant, of the 7 species of spiny and sand lobsters. The crabs Scylla serrata, Portunus

pelagicus, and P. sanguinolentus are the three commercially important species. The sacred

chunk, Xancus pyrum, forms an important fishery in the Gulf of Mannar. About 1,000 km2

area of inshore waters of Gulf of Mannar have been identified as chunk grounds.

Fishes

A large number of finfish species are available in the Gulf of Mannar. This includes nearly

125 species of reef fishes. The common finfishes of Gulf of Mannar belong to Leiognathids,

Sardines, Lethrinids, Perches, Carangids, Anchovies, Seer fishes, Red mullets, Half beaks,

Needle fishes and Elasmobranchs such as sharks and rays. There are 15 species of silver

bellies in this region of which four species of Leiognathus are common. They are L.equulus,

L.bindus, L.dussumieri and L. splendens. As many as 20 species of lethrinids have been

reported. The commonly available species of Lethrinus are L. ornatus, L. varigatus, L. hark,

L. lentjan, L. nebulosus and L. microdon. The other major contributors to the fishery are

Perches, Nemipterids Haemulids, Serranids, Lutjanids and Epinephelids.

Avi-fauna

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is also an Important Bird Area. About 187 species

of aquatic and terrestrial birds have been identified from this IBA (Balachandran 1990,

1995), which is famous for waders and seabirds. Sometimes >50,000 water birds are found

here. Pelagic birds are also recorded (Balachandran 1990).

A total of 187 species of shore birds including wadors, terns and gulls were recorded in the

Gulf of Mannar, of which 84 were of aquatic species and the remaining terrestrial. The birds

reported, mainly in the winter season (Balachandran, 1995).

Sea turtles

Four of the seven species of sea turtles found worldwide are reported to occur in the Gulf of

Mannar Biosphere Reseves (Kar & Bhaskar, 1982; Bhupathy & Saravanan, 2003). These are

the olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys

mbricate) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea. All the four species of sea turtles that

occur in these coastal waters are protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection

Act (1972), as well as listed in Appendix I of Convention of International Trade in

Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which prohibits trade in turtle

products by signatory countries.



Marine Turtle Nesting Sites

The coastline of Tamil Nadu extends from Pulicat Lake in the north to Cape Comorin in

Kanyakumari district in the south. The coastline (1076 km) of the state spreads across 13

coastal districts along the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. The coastline of

Tamil Nadu has been divided into the Coromandal coast (extending from Chennai to Point

Calimere about 357 km), Palk Bay (extending from Point Calimere to Pamban about 294

km), Gulf of Mannar (extending from Pamban to Kanyakumari about 365 km) and West

Coast Arabian Sea (about 60 km). The coastline is characterized by sandy beaches, mudflats,

rocky outcrops, spits, coastal dunes, estuaries, lagoons and mangrove vegetation across the

state. The Palk Bay (Devipatnam to Pamban and Gulf of Mannar (from Pamban to

Kanjirangudi) area falls under ML area; however, no drill has been proposed in the Gulf of

Mannar Coastal area.

The turtle nesting beaches in the Palk Bay are Pondicherry, Cuddolore, Pazhaiyar,

Poombhuhar, Tarangambadi and Karikal. Turtle nesting beaches in Gulf of Mannar are

Vembar, Vipar, Taravaikulam, Uvari, Kootapuli and Kanyakumari. The nesting period of the

marine turtle is December to March.

None of these turtle nesting sites are located in the coastal area of Ramanathapuram ML area.

The discussion with Wildlife Warden reveals that the sandy beaches in the Park Bay and Gulf

of Mannar is also potential for turtle nesting sites.

Sea snakes

Sea snakes are considered to be the most successful marine reptiles in the world. 12 species

of sea snakes have been reported in the Gulf of Mannar region. Of which, nine species are

true sea snakes i.e. belong to the family Hydrophiinae. Studies shows that the sea snake

population in Indian seas are declining. It is understood that, incidentally captured sea snakes

are released back into sea but in several occasions the incidentally captured sea snakes are

killed by the fishermen due to fear.

Marine Mammals

11 species have been recorded (James and Lal Mohan, 1987, CMFRI, 1998) including 6

species of whales, 4 species of dolphins and 1 species of Dugong. All are endangered species

and placed under schedule 1 of "The Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972



FIGURE 4.4: TURTLE NESTING SITES IN PALK BAY AND GULF OF MANNAR



Dugong

The Dugong (Dugong dugong) is one of the four surviving species in the Order Sirenia and it

is the only existing species of herbivorous mammal that lives exclusively in the sea

(Heinsohn, 1972). The Dugong ranges along the coast of east Africa into the Red Sea, along

the coast of southern Asia to as far east as the Solomon Islands, and along the northern coasts

of Australia from southern Queensland to subtropical Western Australia (Marsh et al. 1999).

In India, the dugong occurs in the Gulf of Mannar and Gulf of Kutch, the Palk Bay and in the

Andaman and Nicobar Islands. All these areas have sea grass beds, which are good foraging

ground for the Dugongs.

The Gulf of Mannar had a good population of dugong but due to illegal off take of this

species caused the species to be threatened with local extinction.. However, since from 1988

the Tamil Nadu Forest Department initiated awareness campaign to safeguard this species.

Though, the illegal off take of this species drastically reduced their population, information

on current status and distribution is not known in detail.

Dolphins and Whales

The dolphins found in the Gulf of Mannar are oceanic and roam about in the area. It is most

likely that only the frail and the infirm whales move towards this area as known from

standings of whales. So far no mass standing of whales has been reported in the area. The

dolphins reported in Gulf of Mannar are Dolphinus delphis,Stenella longirostris,Sousa

chinensis and Tursiops truncates.

4.4.4 Biodiversity Profile in Palk Bay

The Palk Bay lies between India and Sri Lanka. It encompasses on the South by the Pamban

Strait, the islands of Rameswaram and Adams Bridge, a series of coral reef and sandy islets

also called Ramasethu that connects to Mannar Island of Sri Lanka, on the East by the Sri

Lanka coast and on the North East by an open passage accessing the Bay of Bengal.

The bay is a shallow and flat basin with the average depth hardly exceeds 9 meters. The

waters of the bay is generally void of upwelling, major ocean currents, turbid, confined and

remains calm during most of the months however, turbulent conditions prevail during

northeast monsoon period.

The area is rich in biological diversity, contain diversified and productive ecosystems such as

estuaries, salt marshes, coral reefs, sea grass beds, mangroves and sandy beaches.

About 3288 species of fauna and flora have been identified in the Palk BayOceanography and

Marine Geology University of Ruhuna , Matara, Sri Lanka.

About 51 species of Foraminifera, 12 species of Tintinnids, 143 species of flora, 275 species

of Sponges, 123 species of Coelentrates other than corals, 128 species of Stony corals, 100

species of Polyzoa,75 species of Polychaeta, 651 species of Crustaces, 733 species of

Mollusca,274 species of Echinodermata, 66 species of Protochordata, 580 species of Fishes, 5

species of Turtles, 61 species of Birds 61, and 11 species of Mammals.



5 Potential Impacts on Habitat & Wildlife

The information collected with regard to the protected areas and critical habitats through

surveys and discussions with the officials Forest Department was analyzed and potential

impacts on wildlife habitat and wildlife were predicted at all the stages of the project.

Potential impact on wildlife and wildlife habitat may arise due to the project activities like

site construction, drilling activity and disposal of waste material.

5.1 POTENTIAL IMPACT OF SITE PREPARATION ON WILDLIFE HABITAT AND WILDLIFE

The construction drill sites will involve following activities:

Clearing of vegetation

Raising of drill sites

Transportation of fill material, construction material, Rig and associate machineries.

Surface runoff

5.1.1 Vegetation Clearance

The proposed drill sites are located in the non-forest land/ open scrub land. The drill sites

located in the scrub land have some vegetation, which need to clear during site development.

Therefore, degradation of forest vegetation and wildlife habitat is not anticipated from the

proposed oil and gas activity. The vegetation clearance in the scrub land may have impact on

local ecology.

5.1.2 Sourcing of Fill Material

Numbers of drill sites are located in the low laying areas. Rising of drill sites would be

required, cut material will be utilized for filling, the required fill material will be sourced

from Govt. approved borrow areas and quarries. The required fill material will not be sourced

from National Park or Biosphere Reserve. Therefore sourcing of fill material and other

construction material from authorized sources may not have direct impact on wildlife habitat.

5.1.3 Transport of Construction Material

All the proposed drill sites are well connected through NH, MDR and village roads. Same

will be utilized for transportation of construction material, drilling rig and associate

machineries and equipments. During the site preparation & decommissioning phase, increase

in traffic (NH, MRD and village roads), noise and human activity may result in temporary

disturbance of faunal habitat adjacent to the approach road and drill site. However, giving to

the intermittent nature of the project lasting for a period of few months no long term

significant impacts on the fauna of the Sanctuary are anticipated.

5.1.4 Surface Runoff

The site clearance and stripping of top soil during site construction will result in an increase

in soil erosion potential leading to an increased sediment load in the surface run-off during

monsoon. Also, surface run off from drilling waste, hazardous waste (waste oil, used oil etc)



and chemical storage areas on open soil is likely to be contaminated leading to the pollution

of receiving water bodies viz. natural drainage channels, coastal water, etc. This situation is

likely to be more pronounced considering rainfall records of Ramanathapuram district.

However, taking into account the provision of onsite drainage system and sediment control

measures to be implemented by the proponent in compliance with the S No. 72 A.1.a

Schedule I Standards for Emission or Discharge of Environmental Pollutants from Oil

Drilling and Gas Extraction Industry of CPCB as modified in 2005, the impact is considered

to be of low significance.

5.2 POTENTIAL IMPACT OF OPERATION OF DRILLING RIG ON WILDLIFE HABITAT &

WILDLIFE

5.2.1 Noise

Noises generated from drilling are less intense compared to other oil and gas activities like

blasting during seismic survey but are more stationary and persistent. The sound produced by

the drilling operation consists of loud mechanical noises emitted over a range of frequencies

and intensities.

Noise generated from drilling operations and vehicular movement within the drill site is also

likely to affect the faunal habitat leading them to move away from the project area and its

immediate vicinity. Such disturbance may be impacted approximately 0.5 km. And in the

vicinity only few small mammalian species and birds are likely to be inhabited and those

animals can adapt the changed environment for temporarily.

The 13 drill sites are located within the Biosphere Reserve and few of them are closure to

coast and swamp, those are suitable habitat for migratory birds. Therefore noise generated

from these drill sites would have adverse impact on migratory birds adjacent to these drill

sites.

5.3 POTENTIAL IMPACT OF ILLUMINATION ON WILDLIFE

The physical presence of drilling rig is also to be felt at night because of the illuminated at

night by lighting arrangements. Other possible sources of illumination will be flaring

conducted for a short period of time during well testing phase. Artificial lighting and well

testing flares may result in the attraction of some wildlife leading to their disorientation and

confusion behaviour.

The 13 drill sites are located within the Biosphere Reserve and few of them are closure to

coast and swamp, those are suitable habitat for migratory birds. Therefore, impact of

illumination of all the drill sites will be anticipated from the proposed drilling activity.



5.4 POTENTIAL IMPACT OF DISPOSAL OF WASTE ON WILDLIFE HABITAT AND

WILDLIFE

5.4.1 Disposal of solid waste

It is estimated that nearly about 300-400 m3 of drill cuttings and waste drilling mud is likely

to be generated from each well during drilling operation. Improper storage and disposal of

such process waste on open soil or unlined areas may therefore lead to the contamination of

soil onsite, ground water, surface water and abutting land if not properly managed.

Construction of a HDPE lined impervious pits for temporary storage of drill cuttings and

drilling mud respectively and their disposal in accordance with S No. 72 C.1.a Schedule I

Standards for Emission or Discharge of Environmental Pollutants from Oil Drilling and Gas

Extraction Industry of CPCB as modified in 2005 will be ensured by ONGC. Further with the

proponent catering to the use of water based mud the drill cuttings and waste drilling mud

generated are likely to be non-hazardous in nature and is not anticipated to pose any potential

threat to the soil environment. No waste will be disposed in the existing wildlife habitat.The

impact is therefore considered to be of low significance.

5.4.2 Discharge of waste water

The drill sites will primarily generate effluent because of discharges of sanitary (black water)

and domestic waste water (grey water) which will be stored in septic tank/soak pits. Some

waste water, from the process comprising of drain out from rig wash, cement preparation, and

other sources which will be generated intermittently and subsequently treated in batches. This

waste water along with spill over mud will be diverted to waste water mud pit whose bottom

would be lined with HDPE sheet so as to avoid percolation of water contaminants in the soil

It is expected that waste water in the form of washings shall be generated at an average rate

of around 5 KLD during the drilling operations from a single well. The wash water would

contain variable quantities of mineral salts, solids, suspended and dissolved hydrocarbons,

and other organic and inorganic components in very minor quantities, which on discharge to

nearby natural drainage channels and/or rivers may lead to possible surface water

contamination. However considering usage of water based mud for the proposed project,

temporarily storage of drilling waste in an HDPE lined pit and subsequent treatment to ensure

conformance with CPCB Industry Specific Standards for Oil Drilling & Gas Extraction

Industry and guidelines provided by the MoEF under the Hazardous Wastes (Management,

Handling & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008 the impact is not considered to be of

significance

5.5 SURFACE RUNOFF

As the area experiences considerable rainfall, the site will generate considerable volume of

runoffs during such rainy periods. The storm water generally contains high concentration of

suspended matter eroded from the soil by the runoff. There is also a potential for

contamination of the storm-water if the runoff picks up contaminants in the form of

chemicals, oil and lubricants, etc. that have been spilled or even if material is stored in open



areas (uncovered) in any particular area like the fuel storage or the chemical storage areas.

This may result in a potential impact to the receiving water body.

In event of heavy rainfall chances of chemical contaminants (heavy metals, hydrocarbons,

other toxic chemicals) along with wastewater from the site creating harmful long term

impacts, if not properly managed during the monsoon period, cannot be ruled out.

However, taking into account the provision of onsite drainage system and sediment control

measures to be implemented by the proponent in compliance with the S No. 72 A.1.a

Schedule I Standards for Emission or Discharge of Environmental Pollutants from Oil

Drilling and Gas Extraction Industry of CPCB as modified in 2005, the impact is considered

to be of low significance.

5.6 OIL SPILL IMPACT ON ECOSYSTEM AND BIODIVERSITY

The chronic oil spills can arise from loading of oil from oil tanker to onsite storage facility,

drilling operation and storage area. Acute pollution- oil spills can arise from the accidents

from ‘blowouts’ of wells. Oil spill pose a considerable threat to estuarine ecosystem and

biodiversity of this region.

The Ramanathapuram ML area is primarily gas bearing block. However, some associate oil

may be produced from these wells. Some wells are located adjacent to coast and estuarine

river. Major blowouts from these wells may release the oil into estuarine water can

When oil is released into sea waters, the fate of oil in the environment depends on many

factors, such as the source and composition of the oil, as well as its persistence. Once oil

enters the environment, it begins to change through physical, chemical, and biological

weathering processes (National Research Council 2003). These processes may interact and

affect the properties and persistence of the oil through: evaporation (volatilization),

emulsification (the formation of a mousse), dissolution, oxidation, and transport processes.

When oil is released into coastal waters, it often deposits on surface exposed during regular

fluctuations of tides. This can affect the mangrove vegetation, benthos, marine

microorganisms, fish, coastal birds, marine mammals, corals.



6 Wildlife Mitigation & Management Plan

The proposed oil and gas activities may not have any significant impact on wildlife habitat

and wildlife. However, the likely impacts of the project activities on the ecological habitat

have been addressed in a Management Plan prepared to safeguard the sanctuary and

biosphere reserve and their characteristic floral and faunal components. The Management

Plan details out the mitigation measures and strategies to be adopted by ONGC and the

contractors during each phase of the project, at the same time establishing a monitoring

network to oversee the effective implementation of the Management Plan. The following

measures and strategies needs to be adopted to safeguard the natural habitat from the possible

impacts resulting from the project and its related activities.

The following measures and strategies needs to be adopted to safeguard the natural habitat

from the possible impacts resulting from the project and its related activities

6.1 NOISE AND VIBRATION CONTROL PLAN

Scope

The noise and vibration control plan is applicable for all the three phases- construction of

drill sites, drilling of wells and decommissioning of drill sites. The major noise and vibration

will be generated from drilling activities.

Purpose

The noise and vibration control plan to ensure specific measures to minimize noise level in

the drill site 75 dB(A) as per CPCB Noise rules. The plan also outlines roles and

responsibilities of both ONGC and the contractors involved in the implementation of the

plan.

Mitigation Measures

ONGC has planned to restrict their proposed oil and drilling activities in the sensitive bird’s

habitat like Birds sanctuary and large water bodies by locating these wells at least 2.0 km

from this area.

ONGC will also restrict the oil and drilling activities during migration period of birds

(November to January) around identified bird’s habitat (Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary,

Ramanthapuram Tank and Kalari Kanmai)

The following mitigation measures will be adopted and implemented by ONGC and its

contractors for all the drill sites.

Project Phase Mitigation measures

Construction Selection and use of low noise generating equipment equipped with

engineering controls viz. mufflers, silencers etc

All vehicles utilized in transportation of raw material and personnel will




have valid Pollution under Control Certificate (PUC)

All high noise generating equipments will be identified and subjected to

periodic preventive maintenance.

No night time operation of vehicles and construction activities will be

undertaken in the sensitive area like migratory birds habitat.

Engines of vehicles and construction equipment will be turned off when

not in use for long periods.

Drilling Installing acoustic enclosures and muffler on engine exhaust of DG sets to

ensure compliance with generator noise limits specified by CPCB in

accordance with Sl No 94 GSR 371(E) dated 17.5.2002.

Setup effective noise barrier at the fence-line of the site, in case of

sensitive wildlife sites; i.e. birds habitat;

Restrict all noise generating operations ,except drilling, to daytime;

Periodic monitoring of noise levels on site and nearby receptors to ensure

compliance with Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules 2000.

The drilling activities will be restricted during bird migration period in

around these habitats.

Decommissioning/

Site Closure

Management measures to address noise impacts with respect to operation of

heavy equipments/machinery and movement of vehicles during

decommissioning/site closure phase are similar to those discussed in the

“Construction Phase” of this section

The Drill site in charge at drill site would be responsible for implementing the plan during the

site construction, drilling and decommissioning in consultation with Area In charge under

guidance of Head Drilling Services/Assest manager.

6.2 WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Scope

The Waste Management Plan (WMP) is applicable for all process and non-process waste

streams which are generated during various phases of ONGC’s proposed exploratory drilling

of hydrocarbons. The major waste streams covered under this plan includes drill cuttings,

waste drilling mud, wash water, domestic waste and sewage. In addition, waste oil and lead

acid batteries generated from the proposed project operations have also been dealt in this

plan.

Purpose

The WMP establishes specific measures to ensure proper collection, storage, treatment and

disposal of the identified process and non-process waste streams in accordance with the



applicable national regulations and guidelines2 and also to ensure compliance with ONGC’s

corporate HSE Policy. The plan also outlines roles and responsibilities of both ONGC and the

contractors involved in the implementation of the plan.

Mitigation Measures

The following mitigation measures need to be adopted and implemented by ONGC and its

contractors for the major waste streams identified in the plan.

Waste Quantity Mitigation Measure

Drill Cuttings 400 m3/well Drill cuttings separated from drilling fluid will be

adequately washed and temporarily stored and

disposed in an impervious pit lined by HDPE.

The drilling cuttings pit will be bunded and kept

covered using tarpaulin sheets during monsoon

Periodic monitoring and analysis of drill cuttings will

be undertaken to establish its nature and

characteristics. Earlier test reports of drill cuttings

from ML area has shown the absence of hazardous

nature of the soil

The waste pit after it is filled up will be covered with

impervious liner over which a thick layer of native top

soil with proper top slope will be provided.

Feasibility study for use of drill cuttings for lining or

capping of landfill sites, or as a road construction

material in consultation with nodal authorities

Drilling Mud and

wash water

12 m3/day Use of water based mud as the drilling fluid.

Use of low toxicity chemicals for the preparation of

drilling fluid.

Barite used in the preparation of drilling fluid shall not

contain Hg>1mg/kg and Cd>3mg/kg

Recycling of drilling mud will be ensured to the

maximum extent possible.

Temporary storage of drilling fluid and wash waste

water will be done in an impervious pit lined with

HDPE.

The drilling fluid pit will be bunded to prevent water

overflow during heavy monsoon.

Drilling wash water will be treated through onsite

2 “Guidelines for Disposal of Waste – CPCB Oil & Gas Extraction Industry Standard” – EPA Notification

[GSR 176(E), April 1996]

“Guidelines for disposal of Solid Waste, Drill Cuttings and Drilling Fluids for Offshore & Onshore Drilling

Operation” –MoEF Notification, 30th August 2005




Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) to comply with the S

No.72 A(ii) Standard for Liquid effluents of CPCB

effluent discharge standard for oil drilling and gas

extraction industry for reuse and recycling purpose.

Domestic Waste 10-20 kg/day The waste will be segregated and stored in designated

waste bins.

All such waste bins will be properly labeled and

covered.

The kitchen waste will be disposed in nearest

municipal dumping site on a daily basis through

approved waste handling contractors

Waste oil

Used oil

As generated The hazardous waste (waste and used oil) will be

managed in accordance with Hazardous Waste

(Management, Handling & Transboundary Movement)

Rules, 2008.

The hazardous waste will be stored in properly labeled

and covered bins located in paved and bunded area.

Necessary spill prevention measures viz. spill kit will

be made available at the hazardous material storage

area

Storage details of onsite hazardous waste generated

will be maintained and periodically updated.

Adequate care will be taken during storage and

handling of such waste viz. use of proper PPEs by

personnel

The hazardous waste so stored (not more than 3

months) to be periodically sent to TNPCB registered

user and/or waste oil recyclers/ facilities.

Proper manifest as per HWMH rules to be maintained

during storage, transportation and disposal of

hazardous waste.

Sewage 8 m3/day per

well

The sewage generated will be treated in a combination

of septic tank and soak pit.

Regular supervision will be undertaken for the

domestic waste treatment system to report any

overflows, leakage, foul odour etc.

Lead Acid Batteries 2-3 batteries

per well

Will be recycled through the vendors supplying lead

acid batteries as required under the Batteries

(Management & Handling) Rules, 2001.

Proper logbook will be maintained as per Batteries

(Management & Handling) Rules, 2001.

Recyclables viz. paper,

plastic, packaging

Depending

on usage

Proper segregation and storage of recyclable waste in

designated bins onsite.




waste etc. Recyclables will be periodically sold to local waste

recyclers.

In addition to the management measures specified for the major waste stream, ONGC will

prepare and update periodically a waste management inventory of all waste streams identified

for the proposed project. Necessary measure will also be taken by ONGC to incorporate

appropriate waste management and handling procedures in the contractor work document and

conduct periodic training of personnel involved in waste handling onsite to ensure proper

implementation of the WMP. In this regard, necessary inspection, record keeping, training

program and monitoring procedures will be established by ONGC and made operational to

achieve proper management of all wastes generated on site.

A typical layout of the environment management plans in a well site is given in Figure 6.1.

The salient features of measures taken to safeguard the environment are given below:

The drill pad will be elevated and concretized

The top soils will be heaped and bounded by a retaining wall

The Waste pits will be bunded to prevent the overflow of wastewater

ETP will be installed

Oil spill kits will be available near Drill pad and Oil storage area

Fluid and chemicals will be stored in enclosed houses with restricted access

The Hazardous waste will be separated from Non-hazardous waste and stored

separately in enclosed area

Recyclable and non-recyclable waste will be collected and stored separately

A garland drain will be constructed within the external boundary of the site that will

have a sedimentation tank with oil and water separator

The Drill site in charge at drill site would be responsible for implementing the plan during

the site construction, drilling and decommissioning in consultation with Area In charge

under guidance of Head Drilling Services/Assest manager.



FIGURE 6-1: ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT MEASURES AT DRILL SITE

Wildlife Management Plan for Development of oil and gas in Dirok


6.3 SPILL MANAGEMENT

A number of chemicals and oil (diesel) will be stored on site, improper handling or accidents

are likely to result in spills which have a potential for contaminating the environment. ONGC

would develop and educate the Contractors/personnel working to prevent such spills and also

develop a proper spill response and management plan.

As best practices to avoid/contain any spill ONGC would ensure:

All chemicals are stored within the designated area. To an extent possible all such areas

would away from drainage channels

The flooring of the area should be impervious (paved or HDPE lining) and bunding to be

provide on all sides of the chemical storage areas

The chemical storage area to be covered to ensure it has the minimum runoff.

All transfers of chemicals to be done with proper care and under the supervision of the

store supervisor, fuelling will take place in designated areas

No oil transfers will occur, unless adequate protection is in place

ONGC’s spill management plan would aim to control the spill to a limited area and take

necessary mitigative actions. The following additional measures will be implemented for spill

management:

Once a spill incident has occurred, identify the chemical involved and check hazardous

property of the chemical from the Material Safety Datasheet (MSDS);

Person wearing required PPE will apply necessary absorbent like saw dust for a liquid

spill to ensure that the spill does not spread over a wide area or reach any surface water

body or drainage channels;

Thereafter, the substance will be properly collected and stored in a separate labeled

container marked “hazardous waste – do not burn”;

Truck it away to the hazardous waste pit site and dispose it.

The Drill site in charge at drill site would be responsible for implementing the plan during

the site construction, drilling and decommissioning in consultation with Area In charge

under guidance of Head Drilling Services/Assest manager.

6.4 STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN

Scope

The Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) refers to the proper management of surface

run-off generated during monsoons for various phases of activities involved in the project.



Purpose

The purpose of Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) is to ensure prevent and control any

adverse impact of discharge of storm water from the well site and road

widening/strengthening areas to nearby natural drainage channels and community water

bodies. Proper management of storm water runoff will minimize damage to public and

private property, reduce effects of development on land, control stream channel erosion,

pollution and sediment deposition and also reduce local flooding.

Mitigation Measures

The following mitigation measures need to be adopted and implemented by ONGC and its

contractors for the identified in the plan.


Construction Minimize clearing and construction activities during monsoon season (as

far as practicable).

Construction work close to the streams or water bodies to be avoided

during monsoon

During site preparation and construction, surface water run-off will be

managed through implementation of proper drainage system and silt trap

and sedimentation tank onsite.

Sediment filters and oil-water interceptor will be installed by the

Contractor to intercept run-off and remove sediment before it enters water

courses.

Regular inspection of surface water drainage/diversion system and

sediment controls will be undertaken.

Drilling Run-off from vehicular wash and chemical storage areas will be limited to

closed drainage system provided with an oil-water separator prior to silt

trap and sedimentation tank to disposal to nearby drainage

channels/surface water bodies. Spill kits will be made available in these

areas.

Drip trays will be used during preventive maintenance of vehicles and

machinery.

Hazardous chemicals and fuel drum will be stored in bunded and lined

area equipped with proper spill control equipment.

Management of drill cuttings, waste drilling mud, waste oil and domestic

waste will be made in accordance with S No. 72 C.1.a Schedule I

Standards for Emission or Discharge of Environmental Pollutants from Oil

Drilling and Gas Extraction Industry of CPCB as modified in 2005

Decommissioning/

Site Closure No significant impact to surface water quality can be associated with activities

during decommissioning/site closure phase. Any possible impacts that may

arise due to surface run-off will be mitigated in manner similar to that discussed

during construction phase activities.






6.5 FLARE & ILLUMINATION REDUCTION PLAN

The glare from the flare and illumination not only cause visual impacts but also causes

ecological impacts These best practices can be adopted for reducing ecological impacts

especially when operating in the migratory birds habitat.

Enclosed Ground Flaring: Ground flaring can be used to reduce the glare and thus reduce

the impact of the glare on nocturnal and migratory birds.

Work Place Illuminations: The modification of the work place illumination can be used in

the wells sites located adjacent to coast and bird’s habitat to reduce the ecological impacts.

Restrict of Oil & gas Activities in the sensitive areas: ONGC will restrict of oil & gas

activities away from sandy coastal area, which is turtle nesting site and potential nesting site

and also restrict their operation nesting period of turtles (January to March) wells located

adjacent to coastal area.




6.6 OIL SPILL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Loss of well control / blow-out, fire, explosion and oil spills are the major potential hazards

associated with drilling for oil and gas. Effective response plans to foreseeable emergencies

will be developed by ONGC and communicated to the project teams. A risk assessment to be

carried out as part of this EIA will also contribute towards identification of hazards, risks and

formulating management plans for emergency response, blowout, oil spills.

ONGC has in place a Disaster Management Plan which has been developed to set up the

appropriate mechanism and course of action to mitigate the impact of an Emergency event

viz. blow out, fire, explosion etc. The plan provides a procedure allowing all those involved

in and outside ONGC to mobilize their resources in an orderly manner and react effectively

in time. The plan therefore, aims at immediate response to an Emergency event to prevent

escalation to a Disaster and also the response in the event of such escalation. The plan will be

updated as and when necessary, but at least once in every year by Basin HSE in consultation

with Surface Team, Sub surface Team, Drilling Services and Well Services Group. Also

ONGC has been accredited with ISO 9001:2008; 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001.






6.7 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT CELL

An Environment Management Cell (EMC) will be developed for implementation of

environmental mitigation & management plan. Wildlife Warden- Gulf of Mannar Marine

National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve Trust (GOMMBRT), village

marine conservation committees (VMCs). and eco-development committees (EDCs) will be

taken into the management cell for implementing the wildlife management plan. The

environment cell would look after the following measures:

Any wild animal species if trapped during site development or operation of drilling

would be released into the suitable habitat;

Proper monitoring of indicator species will be carried out and compared to baseline to

understand any negative impacts;

The committee will review the mitigation measures and management plan

implementation.

All sightings of sensitive species in and around the project site will be reported and adequate

steps will be taken with the help of forest personnel to reduce conflict between such animals

and project activities or people working at site.




6.8 EMPLOYEE EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

The following will be incorporated into an employee education and awareness program:

The Environment Compliance Officer will hold training program to all the ONGC

employees and sub-contractor on the applicable practice and mitigation measures

contained within the Wildlife Management Plan.

The ‘Vanmohotsav’ in monsoon and ‘Vanya Prani Saptah’ in October should also be

celebrated in the area to create awareness among the Site workers and local people and

the personnel and organization in respect of conservation of biodiversity and wildlife

conservation should be awarded.

The Environment Compliance Officer will provide all employees with Bird Conservation

Awareness -material and need for wildlife conservation.

6.9 RESPONSIBILITY

For the implementation of the Wildlife Management Plan assigning the roles and

responsibilities is important. It is however important that these roles are in sync with the

overall roles of exploratory drilling activities. The roles of the professional for each of the

plans have already been defines. This section defines the roles by activities.



Drill Site Planning and Construction

The HSE Head (ONGC) in consultation with Block Manager (Kaveri Basin) would be

responsible for the construction of drill sites and also ensure that infrastructure required for

protecting the environment has been developed.

The plans for the EMP implementation include the Siting of drill sites, considering the local

sensitivity, sourcing of resources especially fill material, storage of fuels, chemicals, etc. The

plans would be duly approved by the Block Manager. The Environment Compliance Officer,

under guidance of HSE Head and Block Manager would be responsible for implementing the

same on the ground.

Carrying out Exploratory Drilling & Testing

All activities including the i) transport of drilling chemicals and fuels, ii) drilling, iii)

treatment and disposal of waste, iv) testing of wells has been considered under this. The

Environment Compliance Officer would be primary responsibility of ensuring that the

measures as stated in the wildlife management plan are implemented. The Drilling In-Charge

would ensure these measures are implemented.

Decommissioning of Drill Sites

All activities including the i) demobilization rig and machineries, ii) transport of machinaries

and construction material, iii) site restoration and handover of sites has been considered under

this. The Environment Compliance Officer would be primary responsibility of ensuring that

the measures as stated in the wildlife management plan are implemented.

6.9.1 Capacity Building

The Environment Compliance Officer of ONGC under guidance of HSE Head (ONGC) along

with Drilling In-Charge would carry out induction training of all personnel irrespective

whoever he joins the project. In case non-conformance is observed during the periodic

reviews refresher training would be conducted.

The Induction training would focus on the measures which have been specified in the WMP

especially related to the activity the personnel is expected to perform during the

implementation of all phases under exploratory drilling.

6.9.2 Monitoring and Auditing

Weekly monitoring would be carried out to identify whether the measures suggested is being

adhered to. The monitoring would look into:

Implementation of the WMP measures;

Visible signs of habitat loss and disturbance to wildlife;

Grievance of the stakeholder.



Fortnightly audits would be carried out to ensure that the practices suggested is adhered to.

The audit would not only focus on the practices and management measures but would also

look into the record keeping and also into actions taken against previous non compliance.

6.9.3 Reporting and Review

The reporting and review mechanism is detailed in table below:

Reporting and Review Mechanism

Reporting Frequency Review

Monitoring Report Weekly HSE Head, Block Manager, Wildlife Management

Cell

Audits Fortnightly HSE Head, Block Manager, Wildlife Management

Cell

The review meeting would not only look into the problems but would also analyze whether

action has been taken to address the non-conformance which has been identified in the earlier

monitoring or audits. The resource required for implementation if any would also be

provided.

6.9.4 Financial Allocation

The financial resource required for the implementation of the WMP will be decided by

ONGC based on ground conditions.



ANNEXURE



ANNEXURE 1.1: APPROVED TOR FOR EIA STUDY



ANNEXURE 4.1: CHECKLIST OF PLANT SPECIES IN RAMANATHAPURAM ML AREA

Sl No. Plant Species Local Distribution

A. Trees

1. Acacia eburnean Sporadic

2. Acacia nilotica Common

3. Acacia planifrons Sporadic

4. Syzygium cumuni Sporadic

5. Moginga oleifera Sporadic

6. Thespesia populnea Sporadic

7. Albizia lebbeck Common

8. Azadiracta indica Common

9. Borasus flabilifer Abundant

10. Buchannania axillaris Sporadic

11. Caesalpenia coriasia Sporadic

12. Casuarina equisetifolia Sporadic

13. Cocus nucifera* Abundant

14. Ficus benghalensis Sporadic

15. Ficus religiosa Sporadic

16. Merope angulata Sporadic

17. Pongamia glabra Common

18. Olax scandens Sporadic

19. Phoenix lourerii Common

20. Pithicellobium dulce Sporadic

21. Peltophorum pterocarpum Sporadic

22. Prosopis juliflora Abundant

23. Psidium guajava Sporadic

24. Odian wadia Sporadic

25. Tamarind sp. Common

26. Terminala catppa Sporadic

27. Siaminea saman Sporadic

28. Terminalia arjuna Sporadic

29. Ziziphus mauritiana Common

30. Ziziphus xylophyrus Common

B. Shrubs

31. Azima tetracantha Common

32. Cassia auriculata Common

33. Euphorbia tirucalli Sporadic

34. Hoya parasitica Sporadic

35. Jasminum angustifolium Sporadic

36. Jatropa sp Common

37. Lumnitzera racemosa Common

38. Manilkara hexandra Common

39. Opuntia monocanthus Sporadic

40. Tephrosia perpurea Common



C. Herbs and climbers

41. Allotropis cimicina Common

42. Aloe vera Sporadic

43. Aristida adscensiones Common

44. Aspargaus racemosus Common

45. Bulbostylis densa Common

46. Canavelia virosa Common

47. Capparis divaricata Common

48. Cassis obtusa Common

49. Catharanthus roseus Common

50. Chloris barbata Common

51. Cissus quandrangularis Common

52. Citronella sp. Common

53. Cleome aspera Common

54. Coccinia grandis Common

55. Crotolaria laburnifolia Common

56. Crotolaria verucosa Common

57. Cymbophogon gibarba Common

58. Cynadaon dactylon Common

59. Cyperus arenarius Common

60. Cyperus cartaneus Common

61. Cyperus rubicundus Common

62. Emilia scabra Common

63. Eragros unioloides Common

64. Eragrostis altrovirens Common

65. Hydrophylax maritime Common

66. Leucas maritinicensis Common

67. Lophopogon tridentatus Common

68. Rottboellia exaltata Common

69. Sporobolus diander Common

70. Veronica albicans Common

71. Vigna trilobata Common

[Source: SENES Primary Survey, September 2014 and Integrated Management Plan for the Gulf of

Mannar Marine National Park and Biosphere Reserve (2007-2016)]



ANNEXURE 4.2: CHECKLIST OF BIRDS IN STUDY AREA



[Source: Integrated Management Plan for the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and Biosphere

Reserve (2007-2016)]

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