1) Describe about environmental monitoring plan for various natural factors.

Introduction:

An Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP) is a systematic approach to observe, record, and analyze
environmental parameters to ensure sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations.
Natural factors such as air, water, soil, noise, and biodiversity are crucial elements that must be
continuously monitored to detect pollution levels, assess ecological health, and guide mitigation efforts.

Activity / Environmental Environment Management Measures Action Carried

Aspects impacts By
Manufacturing • Air • Regular maintenance of Project
of Product • Land records for production, raw Proponent / EHS
• Water material consumption, power Manager / Shift
• Occupational consumption, water In Charge
Health consumption
• Submitting regularly to
Pollution control Board
Operation of • Air • Ensure the effective operation
Boiler • Noise of air pollution control Project
equipment. Proponent / EHS
• Generated used oil reuse for Manager / Shift
lubrication. In Charge /
• Ensure the management of Environmental
boiler ash. Agency
Operation • Land / soil • Regular monitoring of Project
ofETP System • Water wastewater and performance Proponent / EHS
• Noise ofETPsystem. Manager / Shift
• Air • Monitoring reports will be In Charge /
reviewed and corrective Environmental
measures will be taken as Agency / GPCB
required. officers
Operation of • Water • Regular monitoring of water EHS Manager
Domestic consumption optimum use of
Utilities water will be ensured.
• Proper discharge of sewage to
soak pit through septic tank.
Risk & Safety • Water • Risk Assessment study for Management to
Management • Air proposed project will be ensure the same
• Land carried out
• Socio Economic
OBJECTIVE OF ENVIRONMENT MANANGEMENT PLAN

The objective of Environment Management Plan is given below:

• Mitigation measures for each of the activities causing the environmental impacts.
• Role responsibilities and resource allocation for monitoring.
• To promote further forestation in the surrounding areas of the plant.
• To reduce fire and accidental hazards.
 • To adopt cleaner production technology

Monitoring of Major Natural Factors

1. Air Quality Monitoring

• Importance: Human health, visibility, and climate regulation.

• Pollutants Monitored: PM2.5, PM10, SO₂, NOx, CO, O₃, VOCs.

• Techniques:

o Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS).

o Diffusion tubes and gravimetric samplers.

• Standards Referenced: CPCB/NAAQS (India), EPA (USA).

• Example: Delhi's real-time AQI network monitors over 40+ air stations.

2. Water Quality Monitoring

• Importance: Safe drinking water, irrigation, and aquatic ecosystem health.

• Parameters Monitored: pH, DO, BOD, COD, turbidity, nitrates, phosphates, E. coli, heavy
metals.

• Techniques:

o Grab and composite sampling.

o Online sensors (SCADA systems in STPs).

o Remote sensing for large water bodies.

• Standards: BIS 10500 (Drinking), CPCB Class A to E classification.

• Example: Ganga River water monitoring under National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).

3. Soil Quality Monitoring

• Importance: Agriculture, forestry, and urban development.

• Parameters: pH, salinity, NPK levels, organic carbon, heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As).

• Techniques:

o Grid-based soil sampling.

o X-ray fluorescence and ICP-MS for metal detection.

• Frequency: Seasonal or annual.

• Example: Soil Health Card Scheme (India) for farmers.

4. Noise Pollution Monitoring

• Importance: Impacts human health, wildlife, and urban livability.

• Parameters: Leq (day/night), Lmax, Lmin, L90, L10.

 • Techniques:

o Portable sound level meters.

o Fixed noise monitoring terminals in cities.

• Standards: CPCB noise limits (e.g., 55 dB daytime in residential zones).

• Example: Mumbai and Delhi use real-time noise monitors at traffic intersections.

Implementation Components of EMP:

• Baseline Studies: Establish current environmental status.

• Monitoring Schedule: Fixed intervals based on environmental impact.

• Responsibility Assignment: Appointing qualified agencies or internal EHS teams.

• Data Management: Use of software and GIS for data analysis.

• Reporting and Compliance: Periodic submission to regulatory bodies like MoEF&CC,

CPCB, SPCBs.

• Corrective Actions: In case of non-compliance or threshold breaches.

Conclusion:

An effective Environmental Monitoring Plan plays a vital role in identifying environmental issues
early, ensuring regulatory compliance, and guiding sustainable development. Continuous monitoring of
natural factors like air, water, soil, noise, and biodiversity helps in protecting ecosystems and public
health, especially in an era of rapid industrialization and climate change.

2) Explain about EIA report preparation, reviewing an EIA report and environmental clearance
in detail.

1.Introduction to EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process used to evaluate the likely environmental effects
of a proposed project or development before decisions are made. It aims to ensure that potential adverse
impacts are identified and addressed early in the planning stage, thereby promoting sustainable
development. This ensures that development proceeds in a way that minimizes harm to the environment.

2. EIA Report Preparation

1. Screening
The very first step of the EIA process is Screening. Its main goal is to determine whether a project
requires an EIA. Not all projects need a full assessment; some might be too small or have minimal
impact.

How is it done? Some projects are automatically required to undergo an EIA due to their size or nature,
like large industrial facilities or major infrastructure works. For other projects, the local or national
environmental authority decides if an EIA is needed based on the project’s potential impacts.
2. Scoping
Scoping defines the scope of the EIA. It identifies which environmental issues are most important and
need to be studied in detail.

How is it done? Scoping can be done by consulting experts, stakeholders, and the public to identify key
environmental concerns. There can be such significant issues e.g., air quality, wildlife, water resources,
etc. These issues will be studied deeply.

3. Impact Assessment
Impact analysis in the EIA process assesses the potential effects of the project on the environment. This
includes both positive and negative impacts.

How is it done? Gather data on how the project will affect various environmental aspects. Then use
tools and models to predict impacts, such as air and water quality models. Make sure to determine the
significance of these impacts, including short-term and long-term effects.

4. Mitigation
Mitigation involves the strategies and such actions taken to reduce or manage negative environmental
impacts found during the assessment.

How is it done? Mitigation can be done in three actions. First, the types of project designs that harm the
environment should be avoided. The second action is to minimize the impact of using advanced
technologies. And, the third most important action includes, affected areas should be restored or new
habitats should be created to offset losses.

5. Public Participation
Public participation involves engaging with the community and other stakeholders to gather their input
on the project.

How is it done? Do hold meetings or hearings to discuss the project and its potential impacts. Then
collect and consider feedback from residents, local groups, and other interested parties. Use this
feedback to refine the project and address concerns raised by the community.

6. Reporting
Reporting involves compiling all the findings from the EIA into a document known as the
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

How is it done? Write the EIS, detailing the project’s potential impacts, proposed mitigation measures,
and how public input was addressed. The EIS is reviewed by regulatory authorities and made available
to the public for further comments.

7. Decision Making
Decision-making in EIA is the process where authorities decide whether to approve, modify, or reject
the project based on the EIS.
How is it done? Authorities review the EIS and consider all the information provided. They make a
decision on whether the project can proceed and under what conditions. The project is either approved
with conditions, modified to address concerns, or rejected if it is deemed too harmful.

8. Monitoring and Compliance

Monitoring ensures that the project follows the approved plans and mitigation measures. Compliance
checks that environmental standards are being met.

How is it done? Conduct regular inspections and monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental
regulations. And document the actual impacts and how they compare with predictions. Make
adjustments to the project or mitigation measures as needed to address any unforeseen issues.

3.Review of EIA Report

Once the draft EIA report is submitted, it undergoes the review process:

a. Public Consultation

• Organized by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).

• Involves a public hearing where local communities and stakeholders can express concerns.

• Their feedback must be incorporated into the final report.

b. Appraisal by Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC)

• The committee of subject experts evaluates the report.

• Ensures scientific accuracy, feasibility of mitigation, and compliance with ToR.

• May ask for clarification or further studies.

c. Submission of Final EIA Report

• Includes:

o Responses to public consultation

o Revised EMP

o Additional data (if any)

4. Environmental Clearance (EC)

Environmental Clearance is the final decision on whether the project can proceed.

a. Granting Authority

• Category A projects: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

• Category B projects: SEIAA.

b. Conditions Imposed

• EC is granted with specific conditions to ensure environmental protection.

• Compliance reports must be submitted periodically.

c. Post-Clearance Monitoring

• Includes environmental audits and regular monitoring.

• Non-compliance can lead to penalties or revocation of clearance.

5. Importance of EIA and Clearance

• Protects the environment and human health.

• Helps in sustainable development.

• Reduces conflicts with local communities.

• Promotes transparency and public participation.

6. Conclusion

EIA is a critical tool for integrating environmental concerns into developmental planning. A well-
prepared EIA report and its thorough review ensure that projects proceed without causing irreversible
damage to the environment. The environmental clearance process enforces accountability and ensures
compliance with environmental norms.

UNIT 4

1)Explain about the baseline monitoring of socioeconomic environment with neat sketches.

1. Introduction

Baseline monitoring refers to the process of collecting pre-project information about the existing social
and economic conditions in an area. This is a crucial part of an Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA). It helps to:

• Understand the current socio-economic status of local communities.

• Predict and measure the impact of future projects (like roads, industries, power plants).

• Plan for mitigation, compensation, and rehabilitation of affected people.

2. Objectives of Baseline Socio-Economic Monitoring

• To collect accurate data on population and social structure.

• To assess employment, income, education, and health levels.

• To understand access to infrastructure and government services.

• To identify vulnerable groups (tribals, women, elderly, poor).

• To support Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) plans.

• To provide a reference point for post-project comparison.

3. Key Parameters Monitored

Category Parameters

Demographic Population, age distribution, gender ratio, family size

Category Parameters

Economic Occupation, income levels, poverty index, asset ownership

Social Caste, religion, literacy, language, family structure

Health & Education Availability of hospitals, health centers, schools, literacy rates

Infrastructure Roads, electricity, water supply, drainage, internet access

Land Use & Ownership Type of land (agriculture, forest), ownership pattern

Cultural Festivals, traditions, heritage sites

4, Methods of data collection:

A. Primary Data Collection

• Household Surveys – Structured questionnaires about income, health, etc.

• Focus Group Discussions (FGD) – Group conversations to gather local perspectives.

• Key Informant Interviews – Local leaders, panchayat heads, teachers, health workers.

• Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) – Tools like social mapping, resource mapping.

B. Secondary Data Collection

• Census Reports

• District Statistical Handbooks

• Health & Education Department Records

• Land Revenue and Village Maps

5. Process of Socio-Economic Baseline Monitoring

Step 1: Identify project-affected villages/regions
Step 2: Collect secondary data (Census, Reports)
Step 3: Design surveys and questionnaires
Step 4: Conduct field visits and interviews
Step 5: Record data using GPS and mobile tools
Step 6: Analyze and map data using GIS tools
Step 7: Prepare Baseline Socio-Economic Report

6. Importance in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

• Predicting Impacts: Helps assess how a project (e.g., mining, highway) might displace
people or affect jobs.
• Mitigation Planning: Informs the development of R&R plans and CSR initiatives.
• Policy Decisions: Helps governments plan infrastructure upgrades to reduce negative
impacts.
• Legal Compliance: Required under laws like EIA Notification 2006 in India.
7. Challenges in Socio-Economic Monitoring

• Data Accuracy: People may provide false information due to fear or expectations.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Need for trained personnel who understand local customs.
• Dynamic Nature: Social and economic conditions change rapidly.
• Remote Access: Difficulty in reaching tribal or isolated areas.

8. Modern Tools Used

• GIS Mapping – For mapping households, land use, and public utilities.
• Mobile Survey Apps – Like ODK, Survey123 for real-time data capture.
• Data Analytics Tools – For analyzing large sets of socio-economic data.