Building construction and townships - Environmental Clearance

ANTICIPATED IMPACT AND MITIGATION MEASURES44.0 IntroductionImpacts can be classified in the presentation as direct, indirect and cumulative impacts. Thesecan be further subdivided for convenience and clarity to positive and negative impacts, randomand predictable impacts, local and widespread impacts, temporary and permanent impacts, longterm and short term impacts. The report should preferable cover the impacts as discussed above.Identification and assessment of environmental liability of earlier use of the project site, especiallyif there had been an industrial unit at that site is to be clearly mentioned.4Suitable avoidance / mitigation methods can be given for each of the alternatives provided. Themost feasible one can be chosen by the project proponent. The list of critically polluted areasidentified by CPCB is given in Annexure 9.Prediction of Impact During Construction PhasesThe activities that take place during construction phases of the project are leveling of site,construction and erection of buildings etc., and associated equipments in operation. The potentialprimary and secondary impacts on the environment, their prediction, significance and mitigationare to be discussed. Dismantling of unwanted existing structures, site clearance, storage andhaulage of construction materials, and disposal of surplus earth, debris and refuse is to mentionedclearly in the report.Prediction of Impact During Operational PhasesThe potential significant impacts are on topography, land use, soil quality, ambient air quality,noise levels, traffic densities, water resources, water quality, biological environment, demographyand socio-economics. During construction and operational phase of the project, various activitiesmay have impact on some or other environmental parameters. Various environmental attributesare to be studied during these phases for their overall impact on the surrounding environment.4.1 Land EnvironmentAnticipated ImpactImpacts caused due to activity have to be identified and mentioned clearly in the EIA report.Some of the impacts could beCompaction of soils by earth moving equipmentErosion and modification of surfaceOver exploitation of agricultural soils due to future development in a zone sensitiveto erosionIrreversible salinization and acidification of mangrove swamp soils