Guidelines For Environmental Impact Assessment For Small Hydropower Projects

STANDARDS / MANUALS / GUIDELINES FOR
SMALL HYDRO DEVELOPMENT

SPONSOR:
MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
GENERAL
GUIDELINES FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
FOR SMALL HYDROPOWER PROJECTS
LEAD ORGANIZATION:
ALTERNATE HYDRO ENERGY CENTRE
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, ROORKEE
CONTENTS
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Item
Page No.
Guidelines on Environmental Impacts and Need for Small

Hydropower Projects
1.1
Small Hydro Potential and Prospects
1.2
Environmental
Impacts
of
Small
Hydropower
Projects
1.3
Positive Impacts
1.4
Meaning of EIA
1.5
Need of Guidelines for EIA of Small Hydropower
Projects
Environmental Acts and Procedures for Clearance of

Hydropower Projects in India
2.1
Environmental Acts
2.2
Procedure for Obtaining Environmental Clearance
2.2.1 Requirements for Environmental Clearance
2.2.2 General Conditions
2.2.3 Documents Required with the Project Proposal
2.2.4 Stages in Environmental Clearance
1
1
3
5
6
8
10
10
10
11
11
Baseline Data
3.1
Land Environment
3.1.1 Land Use
3.1.2 Drainage Pattern
3.1.3 Soils
3.1.4 Catchment Profile (Directly Draining)
3.1.5 Geomorphology/Geology
3.2
Air and Water Environment
3.2.1 Water Quality Parameters
3.2.2 Hydrological Data
3.2.3 Meteorology
3.2.3.1 Seasonal-monitored data (monthly basis)
3.2.4 Air Quality
3.2.5 Noise
3.3
Biological Environment
3.3.1 Aquatic
3.3.2 Terrestrial
3.3.2.1 Flora
3.3.2.2 Fauna
3.4
Socioeconomic Environment
3.4.1 Demographic Profile (gender based
details of the population)
3.4.2 Details of Villages to be Affected
3.4.3 Village wise Land Details
3.4.4 Details of Families to be Displaced
3.4.5 Infra Structure Development
3.4.6 Cultural Sites
3.4.7 Health Profile
16
16
16
17
18
18
18
18
18
19
19
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
Environmental Impact Assessment Methodology

4.1
Levels of EIA
4.2
EIA Procedure
4.2.1 Screening
4.2.1.1 Thresholds
4.2.1.2 Locational criteria
22
22
22
23
23
23
20
21
21
21
21
21
Item
4.3
4.4
Section 5
Section 6
Section 7
Page No.
24
24
25
26
26
26
28
28
29
4.2.1.3 Positive and negative lists

4.2.1.4 Initial environmental evaluation
4.2.2 Scoping (Depth of Analysis)
Methods for Impact Identification and Assessment
4.3.1 Checklists
4.3.2 Interaction matrices
4.3.3 Network
4.3.4 Overlays
Socio-economic Assessment
Water Quality Monitoring Program

5.1
Effects on Water Quality
5.1.1 Water Quality Effects During Construction
5.1.2 Water Quality Effects During Operation
5.1.2.1 Water quality effects upstream of the
project site
5.1.2.2 Water quality effects downstream of the
project site
5.2
Purpose of Water Quality Monitoring
5.3
Sampling Design
5.3.1 Duration
5.3.2 Sampling frequency
5.3.3 Sampling Locations
5.3.4 Sample and Data Analysis
5.3.5 Identification of Water Quality Laboratory
5.3.6 Quality Control
5.3.7 Reporting
5.4
Regulatory Audit
5.5
Interpretation of Monitoring Results
32
32
32
33
33
Stake Holders in EIA Process

6.1
Ways
to
Identify
Stakeholders
Representatives
6.2
Involving Stakeholders
6.2.1 Memoranda of Understanding
6.2.2 Training
6.2.3 User Groups
6.3
Public Consultation
42
42
and
Group
Principles and Procedures of an Environmental Management

Plan
7.1
Environmental Monitoring
7.1.1 Principles of Monitoring
7.1.2 Types of Monitoring
7.1.3 Intensity of Monitoring
7.1.4 Development of Monitoring Indicators
7.2
Environmental Auditing
7.2.1 Types of Audit
7.3
Implementation of Environmental Management Plan
7.3.1 Activities Concerning Impact Monitoring
7.3.2 Formulation of Monitoring Plan/Schedule
7.3.3 Information
Required
for
Environmental
Auditing
7.3.4 Formulation of Auditing Plan/ Schedule
33
34
34
35
35
36
36
37
37
38
38
39
43
44
45
45
45
47
47
47
47
48
49
49
49
49
50
50
51
52
Item
Page No.
Preparation of Terms of References

8.1
Basic Objectives and Purpose
8.1.1 Appropriate time for developing TOR
8.1.2 Responsibility for developing TOR
8.2
Good Practice Criteria for the Preparation of TOR
8.2.1 Name and Address of the Person/Institution
Preparing the Report
8.2.2 General Introduction of the Proposal
8.2.3 Data Required for Preparation of EIA Report
and Methodology of Data Collection
8.2.4 Policies, Laws, Rules, and Directives
8.2.5 Report Preparation Requirements
8.2.5.1 Time
8.2.5.2 Estimated budget
8.2.5.3 Specialists/Experts
8.2.6 Approved Scope for the Preparation of the Report
8.2.7 Likely Environmental Consequences
8.2.8 Alternatives for Executing the Proposal
8.2.9 Mitigation Measures, Environmental Management
Plan and Auditing Plan
8.2.10 Costs and Benefits
8.2.11 Monitoring Plan
8.2.12 Relevant Information
58
58
59
59
59
59
Annexure I
Useful References
64
Annexure II
Definition of Terms Related to Soil, Air and Water Environment of

a Hydropower Project
Environmental Standards Prescribed by Central Pollution Control
Board
Format of Environmental Impact Assessment Document
66
Section 8
Annexure III
Annexure IV
Annexure V
Environmental Appraisal Questionnaire as Prescribed in Appendix

I Form I of EIA Notification (MoEF, 2006)
59
60
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
62
62
62
63
63
72
75
77
SECTION 1
GUIDELINES ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND NEED FOR
SMALL HYDROPOWER PROJECTS
Developing countries need increased energy supplies in order to bring about
improvement in the quality of life of their people. Sustainable and environmentally sound
progress towards energy self reliance is probably best achieved through development of
renewable energy sources as these will eventually be the only sources available to sustain the
societies. Out of various renewable energy sources, small hydropower is the only source which
has sufficient potential to accommodate remote area needs. Although the adverse
environmental impacts of individual small hydropower project (SHP) may not be significant and
yet, the aggregate impact of several such projects in vicinity could be of a magnitude to cause
significant damage to the environment.
1.1
SMALL HYDRO DEFINITION

Small hydro is a renewable, non-polluting and environmentally benign source of energy.
In India, depending on the capacities, small hydropower projects are categorized as Micro, Mini
and Small hydro projects as under.
Pico
: upto 5 kW
Micro : upto 100 kW

Mini
: upto 2000 kW
Small : upto 25,000 kW

Depending on the head, SHPs may be further classified as low head (below 3 meters),
medium head (from 30 75 meters) and high head (above 75 meters).
1.2
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF SMALL HYDROPOWER PROJECTS

A hydropower scheme entails change in use of land and water. Magnitude of such
change depends on the selected site configuration. An illustrative site configuration is shown
below. The environmental impacts of SHPs are positive (favourable) and negative (undesirable)
in nature.
AHEC/MNRE/SHPStandards/E&MWorksGuidelinesforEnvironmentalImpactAssessmentforSmallHydropowerProjects
Figure 1.1: Physical components of small hydropower project

The environmental impacts of small hydropower project may be summarized as follows:
Table 1.1: Environmental impacts of small hydropower projects
Activity
Adverse Impact
Construction of road,
1. Reservoir sedimentation and deterioration of water quality
dam,
2. Air and noise pollution and disturbance to flora and fauna
power
house
and switch yard
by work force
3. Visual intrusion caused by construction activity
4. Disturbance of recreational spots (e.g. waterfalls) and
activities
Construction
of
transmission line
1. Damaging flora due to right of way clearing

2. Endangering the lives of fauna
3. Visual intrusion
Stream
diversion
1. Loss of habitat of fish and other aquatic flora and fauna
through channel and
2. Decrease in dilution capacity of stream
conduit
3. Depletion in ground water recharge where diversion is

taken off from effluent stream
4. Loss of waterfalls and other recreational activities
Ponding
1. Flow disruption
2. Channel degradation during generation or spilling and
flushing of silt from dam
3. Trapped nutrients and sediments, eutrophication

4. Changed water temperature
5. Changes in land uses: (a) submergence of agricultural and
forest land (b) submergence of human settlement and
displacement
of
population
(c)
submergence
of
monuments/sites of historic importance (d) loss of

whitewater recreation
6. Change in aquatic plant life and fish species
7. High evaporation rate
8. Sedimentation adversely affects fish spawning areas by
burying them
9. Provides increased habitat for mosquitoes and snails
which are vectors of diseases like malaria, yellow fever,
dengue, encephalitis and schistosomiasis
Operation
of
1. Increase in pollution concentration in the downstream due
hydropower station
to release of pollutants from residential areas, hydropower

plant
2. Released water containing low dissolved oxygen
3. Fish mortality from turbine passage
Peaking operation of
1. Damage to fish spawning ground and nesting ground for
power station
water fowls and other aquatic birds

2. Erosion of banks
3. Transport of nutrients from the shallow water to deeper
water in pond
4. Affects recreational facilities due to fluctuating water level
5. Exposure of drawdown zone creates visual intrusion
1.3
POSITIVE IMPACTS
Positive environmental impacts of hydropower projects are somehow ignored as a
routine probably due to the fact that these projects are conveniently considered as demanding
an environmental price. It is equally important to highlight and quantify (to the extent possible)
positive environmental impacts of SHPs.
Positive Socio-Economic Impacts
1. Most convenient energy source commercially available at the door steps
2. Multiplier effect of electricity on economy of the area especially in remote areas
3. Development of agro-industrial units in remote areas
4. Improvement of agricultural produce
5. Net improvement in community health

6. Improvement in living standard of local people
7. Generation of employment opportunities locally
8. Motivation of higher literacy
9. Check on migration from villages to towns, thereby checking urban concentration of
population
10. Increasing tourism potential water sports, boating, fishing etc.
11. It helps in checking deforestation which is taking place to meet food, fodder and fuel
demands in rural, remote areas.
12. It is significant for off-grid, rural, remote area applications in far flung isolated
communities having no chances of grid extension for years to come. It is operationally
flexible, suitable for peaking support to the local grid as well as for stand alone
applications in isolated remote areas.
13. Small hydro does not require much expertise to build and operate. Components of small
hydro projects are simple and fairly visible at site. They can become centre of education.
Positive Ecological/Environmental Impacts
1. Clean and renewable source of energy
2. It is benign source of power generation, harnessing only gravitational potential of water
to make it yield energy in a continuum
3. Decrease of pollution in the area (hydro replacing diesel generation, electricity replacing
polluting energy sources)
4. Fisheries development in the pondage/reservoir
5. Improved ground water table enhancing greenery all around
6. Improvement
towards
vegetation
and
plantation
associated
with
the
project
(compensatory afforestation)
7. Improved habitat
8. Lake shore environment in otherwise dry areas
9. Modification of micro climate due to storage and regulation of water to a more or less
uniform pattern. This also leads to a somewhat stabilizing impact on local environment
influencing flora and fauna aquatic as well as terrestrial.
10. SHPs are environmentally more friendlier than conventional large hydro plants:
a. Non-involvement of setting up of large dams and thus not associated with
problems of deforestation, submergence or rehabilitation
b. Non-polluting and environmentally benign. It is one of the least CO2 emission
responsible power sources, even by considering full energy chain right from the
impact of production of plant equipment etc.
c. Least impact on flora and fauna (aquatic and terrestrial) and biodiversity.
Example: Positive Impacts of Tidong Hydropower Project

Clean and Renewable Source of Energy : On completion, the project would provide 100 MW of electricity
which is a non polluting and renewable source of energy.
Employment Opportunities : About 1500 people are likely to work during peak period of activity (equivalent
to 1500 people x 240 working days/year x 5 years of construction = 18.00 lakhs mandays). In operation
phase, about 70 people will be stationed for operation and maintenance of the project (equivalent to 70
people x 240 working days per year = 16,800 mandays/ year). Thus the project would provide substantial
direct employment and in addition to these, more people would be indirectly employed for allied activities.
Catchment Area Treatment : One of the major beneficial impacts of hydropower projects is the treatment of
degraded catchment area of the project to control the soil erosion. This results in regeneration of natural
forests and other ecosystems significantly benefiting to the environment.
Recreation and Tourism Potential : The proposed barrage will be located on river Tidong near village
Lumber, a tributary of Satlej. Kinnaur is called Dev Bhumi and is located in the tottering heights of
Himalayas, having passes that remain inaccessible almost for six months was a forbidden land till now and
only open to a chosen few. Now the secret beauty of this place is open to all who like to witness what had
been hidden for centuries together. Due to above features of district and natural beauty of the project area,
it can be considered as a tourist attraction by developing adequate infrastructure in and around the project
area.
Additional Habitat for Aquatic Life /Wetland Species :The creation of reservoir (capacity 23700 cum with
1.98 ha surface area) provides a habitat to wetland species, especially water birds. The increased water
surface will create additional habitat for aquatic life in or near the reservoir. Receding waters will create
dry mudflats and shall provide suitable feeding sites for migratory birds in autumn and spring. This will also
provide breeding habitat for resident species and can be a significant environmental benefit.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Potential : Efforts to stock commercially valuable fish in the reservoir will lead
to the increase in fisheries (catch and income) in the reservoir. Creation of reservoir will develop potential
for fish and fisheries farming. No fish is observed at the barrage site in Tidong being the steep slope of river
bed and cold climate but it can be developed in the reservoir.
Benefits to Economy : Development of infrastructure and availability of reliable power supply as a result of
the project realisation would contribute to the stimulation of economic activities like small scale industry in
the area. The project will benefit the economy at both local and national level.
Less Fuel Consumption :The project capacity is 100MW and it would generate 301.10 GWh power
annually on 90% dependability. In no project scenario, in order to generate this power by thermal power
plant, about 0.32 million tones of coal would be utilized. With the implementation of this project equal
amount of coal is saved. Specific fuel consumption has been taken as 1.06Kg/ Kwh. This will directly benefit
to the tune of Rs. 640 million per year.
Reduction in Air Pollution : Hydropower produces no air pollution/greenhouse gases as compared to
Thermal/coal power stations. It is very efficient, reliable, and - once installed inexpensive. Hydropower
systems can provide both base load and peaking power.
Reduction in Greenhouse Gas (Carbon Dioxide) Emission : About 0.30 million ton of CO2 will be emitted
from 100MW coal fired thermal power plant. This will reduce 0.30 million tones of green house gas
contribution to the global environment every year. The cumulative reduction in Green House gas (CO2) in
the taking 70 years lifetime of the project thus works out to 21.0 million tones.
Increased Infrastructure : Present infrastructure is either likely to be upgraded or new infrastructure is set
up with the implementation of the new project. Basic infrastructures required to be developed are roads,
health facilities, educational facilities etc. The project affected people shall be benefited due to development
of better infrastructure in the project area.
1.4
MEANING OF EIA
EIA is an activity designed to identify, predict and describe in appropriate terms the
primary and secondary changes due to a proposed action. Such actions may include policies,
plans, programmes and projects. EIA covers the biophysical environment, mans health, the
quality of life and social environment, and communicates results in a form which is
understandable by the community and decision makers. Thus, EIA is required not only for a
particular hydropower project but also for a set of projects (existing and proposed) under a plan
or a programme.
The EIA should contain descriptions of both the likely beneficial and adverse impacts
(short
and
long-term).
The
EIA
approach
should
be
inter-disciplinary,
systematic,
comprehensive and capable of presenting results that are understandable to non-experts.

Assessments should indicate the possible need for pollution control measures, health care
programmes and environmental monitoring on the basis of an understanding of the affected
environment. The EIA process does not stop at the production of an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) or the granting of project authorisation, but continues throughout the life of a
project.
The potential advantages of EIA are more efficient use of resources and improved
quality of life. If the probable environmental, social and health consequences of proposed
development are known from an early stage, attempts can be made to minimise adverse
impacts and maximize beneficial impacts.
1.5
NEED OF GUIDELINES FOR EIA OF SMALL HYDROPOWER PROJECTS

A series of standards, guidelines and manuals have been brought out by various
agencies dealing with environmental impact assessment of large river valley/hydropower

projects. However, such literature for small hydropower projects is not available. There is an
urgent need to develop and adopt simplified guidelines for SHPs.
Guidelines have been issued by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) for
diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes and for EIA of river valley projects. These
guidelines are exhaustive covering wide range of environmental subjects. Small hydropower
projects may not require same type of scrutiny as that required by large projects. Further, in
depth study of some of environmental aspects may not be necessary.
Basic physical character of SHP and the local factors influencing the environment are to
some extent similar to those of large projects; the only difference is in terms of magnitude of
change in the use of land, water and other resources. Further there are certain positive impacts
(socio-economic and environmental) unique to small hydropower. Several of the positive socioeconomic impacts are intangible in nature (i.e. not quantifiable) and yet could be significant.
Intangibility does not imply insignificance.
There is an urgency to accelerate development of small hydro and remove regional
imbalances in economic development. Private sector has a big role to play in development of
SHPs. Standards and guidelines are required to help concerned agencies in carrying out EIA in
a systematic and scientific manner and thus avoiding delay in clearance of the projects.
Keeping the above in view, these guidelines have been prepared to address needs of
SHPs. The following aspects are covered in this manual:
various acts and decision making process as followed in India for obtaining
environmental clearance.
baseline data required as per environmental indicators
the EIA methodology
procedure for water quality monitoring and auditing
methods and procedures for engaging stake holders
principles and procedures of environmental management plan
the preparation of terms of references and good practice criteria
some terms related to environment
standards of environmental parameters used in India
prescribed format of EIA document
Environmental Appraisal Questionnaire as prescribed in Appendix V Form I of EIA

notification (MOEF, 2006)
Useful references
SECTION 2
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTS AND PROCEDURES FOR CLEARANCE OF
HYDROPOWER PROJECTS IN INDIA
2.1
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTS
Adequate provisions for protection of environment and forests are made in the
Constitution of India. Article 47 provides for protection and improvement of health. Article 48(A)
is directed towards protection and improvement of environment and protection of forest and
wildlife. Article 51(A) says it is the duty of every citizen to protect and improve natural
environment. Following the UN Conference on Human Environment (Stockholm, 1972), a
constitutional amendment (42, 1976) inserted relevant provisions for environment protection in
Constitution in Part IV Directive Principles and Part IVA Fundamental Duties.
In order to ensure sustainable development from water resources angle the Government
of India has enacted various Acts and Legislations. Prominent among these is the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 through which the Government has acquired wide powers for protecting
the environment. Some other acts related to Water and Environment are Water (Prevention and
Control of Pollution) (Cess) Act, 1977 (amended in 1991), Forest Conservation Act, 1980,
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification of MOEF 2006 and the Ministry of
Environment and Forests Notification of January 1977 constituting the Central Ground Water
Authority (CGWA).
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 seeks to maintain or restore
wholeness of water and the Central and State Pollution Control Boards have been established
under this Act. According to the Water Cess Act, 1997, both Central and State Governments
have to provide funds to the Boards for implementing this Act. The Forest Conservation Act,
1980 provides for compensatory afforestation to make up for the diversion of forestland to nonforest use. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 was enacted in 1986 for the protection and
improvement of human environment.
Recently, Government of India has constituted Water Quality Assessment Authority
(WQAA) vide MoEF/Nc. J-15011/8/2000-NRCD dated 29th May, 2001 under the chairmanship
of Secretary, MOEF, exercising the powers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. This
authority exercises the powers and functions under the said Act for several functions. Some of
these relevant to hydropower projects are given below:
To direct various agencies to standardize methods for water quality monitoring
To ensure quality of data generation of utilization thereof
To make measures so as to ensure proper treatment of waste water with a view to restoring
the water quality of the river water bodies to meet the designated best uses
To maintain minimum discharge for sustenance of aquatic life forms in riverine system
To promote rain water harvesting
To utilize self assimilation capacities at the critical river stretches
To constitute/set up state level Water Quality Review Committees (WQRCs) to coordinate

the works to be assigned to such committees
To deal with any environmental issues concerning surface and ground water quality referred
to it by central Government or the State Government relating to the respective areas, for
maintaining and/or restoration of quality to sustain designated best-uses.
TABLE 2.1: Key Environmental Legislations and Guidelines
Name
Scope and objective
To provide for the

prevention
and
Water Prevention and
control
Control of Pollution
of water pollution and
Act, 1974, 1988
enhancing the quality
of water
Air Prevention and To provide for the
Control of Pollution prevention
and
Act 1981, 1987
control of air pollution
To
consolidate
acquisition
of
common
property
such as forests; halt
Forest Conservation
Indias
rapid
Act, 1980, 1988
deforestation
and
resulting
Environmental
degradation
Wildlife
Act, 1980
Protection
Environment
Protection Act, 1986
Environmental
Clearance
Notification, 2006 OF
MoEF (GOI)
National Policy on
R&R, 2003 of Min. of
Rural Development,
GOI
Key areas
Controls sewage and

industrial effluent
discharges
Operational
agencies/key
players
Central and State
Pollution Control
Boards
Central and State

Controls emissions of
Pollution
Control
air pollutants
Boards
Regulates access to
natural
resources,
state has a monopoly
government
right
over
land; State
Central
categorize
forests And
Restriction on de- government
reservation and using
forest for non-forest
purpose
Creates
protected
advisory
areas
(national Wildlife
boards; Central Zoo
To protect wildlife
parks/sanctuaries)
categorize
wildlife Authorities
which are protected
Central government
umbrella
To provide for the An
nodal agency MoEF;
protection
and legislation;
can delegate powers
improvement
of supplements pollution
to state department of
laws
Environment
Environment
Environmental Impact
Project
Developer,
Assessment
of Environmental
State and Central
Projects; Environment Protection
Governments.
Management Plans
Resettlement
and
Rehabilitation
of
Social Issues
State Government
project
affected
people
2.2
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE

Before January, 1994, it was an administrative requirement for the mega projects to
obtain environmental clearance from the MOEF, Government of India. However, in order to
assess the impacts of the developmental projects/activities on the environment, MOEF issued a
gazette notification on the EIA on January 27, 1994 (as amended on May 04, 1994) and made
environmental clearance statutory for all the projects located in ecologically sensitive/fragile
areas as notified by the Government of India from time to time, besides various categories of
the projects as specified in the schedule of the notification. These also include water resource
development (WRD) project. MOEF has issued a revised gazette notification on 14th
September, 2006 suppressing the earlier notification of January 27, 1994. The new gazette
notification is based on National Environment Policy which was approved by Union Cabinet on
18th May, 2006. Flow chart depicting procedure of environmental clearance is given in Figure
2.1. Flow chart depicting appraisal procedure is shown in Figure 2.2.
2.2.1
Requirements for Environmental Clearance

The gazette notification dated 14th September, 2006 stipulates two regulatory authorities
to deal with environmental clearance for all new project and expansion/modernization of
existing projects.
Central Government in Ministry
of Environment and Forests
for Category A projects 50 MW
for category B projects if located wholly or partially

within 10 km from boundary of notified protected
area/critically polluted area/ecosensitive area
State Environmental
Assessment Authority (SEIAA)
for category B projects 25 MW and <50 MW
The Regulatory Authority (RA) will provide environmental clearance based on

recommendation of expert appraisal committee (EAC). In the absence of a duly constituted
SEIAA or state level EAC, a category B project shall be treated as a category A project.
2.2.2
General Conditions
Any project or activity specified in category B will be treated as category A if located in
whole or in part within 10km from the boundary of (i) protected area notified under Wild Life
(Protection) Act, 1972 (ii) critically polluted areas as notified by Central Pollution Control Board
from time to time, (iii) notified ecosensitive area, (iv) interstate boundaries and international
boundaries
10
All kinds of projects located in ecologically sensitive/fragile area (e.g. Doon Valley in
Uttaranchal and Aravali range in Rajasthan etc.) as notified by the Government of India from
time to time have to obtain environmental clearance compulsorily irrespective of the size, cost
and whether they are listed in the schedule of the EIA notification or not. All the projects located
in/near wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, wetlands, mangroves, biosphere reserve also need
environmental clearance.
Therefore, even a small hydropower project (<25 MW) will require environmental
clearance from competent authority if:
(i)
it is located in ecologically sensitive fragile area
(ii)
the project in conjunction with existing or proposed hydropower projects may have
cumulative adverse impacts.
2.2.3
Documents Required with the Project Proposal

It is mandatory to submit the following documents alongwith project proposal before
starting any activity at the project site:

a) Environmental Appraisal Questionnaire as prescribed in Appendix I Form I of EIA
notification (MOEF, 2006)
b) Feasibility/project report (1 copy)
c) Final EIA report (20 hard copies and one soft copy)
d) Final layout plan (20 copies)
e) Video tape or CD of the public hearing proceedings
2.2.4
Stages in Environmental Clearance

Figure 2.1 depicts procedure for environmental clearance. Any person who desires to
establish a project of any category (A or B) shall submit an application to the Department of

Environment (MOEF)/State Government dealing with the environment. The application shall be
made in prescribed form.
The environmental clearance process for new projects will comprise of a maximum of
four stages, all of which may not apply to particular cases as set forth below in this notification.
These four stages in sequential order are:Stage (I) Screening
It is only for category B projects and activities. In case of Category B projects or
activities, this stage will entail the scrutiny of an application seeking prior environmental
clearance by the concerned State level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) for determining
whether or not the project or activity requires further environmental studies for preparation of an
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its appraisal prior to the grant of environmental
clearance depending up on the nature and location specificity of the project. Purpose is to
11
determine whether or not project requires EIA report (termed B1 type project). If EIA is not
required then it is B2 type project. MOEF will issue guidelines from time to time for
categorization as B1 and B2. For categorization of projects into B1 or B2, the Ministry of
Environment and Forests shall issue appropriate guidelines from time to time.
Stage (II) Scoping
Scoping refers to the process by which the Expert Appraisal Committee in the case of
Category A projects or activities, and State level Expert Appraisal Committee in the case of
Category B1 projects or activities, including applications for expansion and/or modernization
and/or change in product mix of existing projects or activities, determine detailed and
comprehensive Terms Of Reference (TOR) addressing all relevant environmental concerns for
the preparation of an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Report in respect of the project or
activity for which prior environmental clearance is sought. The Expert Appraisal Committee or
State level Expert Appraisal Committee concerned shall determine the Terms of Reference on
the basis of the information furnished in the prescribed application form including Terns of
Reference proposed by the applicant, a site visit by a sub- group of Expert Appraisal
Committee or State level Expert Appraisal Committee concerned only if considered necessary
by the Expert Appraisal Committee or State Level Expert Appraisal Committee concerned,
Terms of Reference suggested by the applicant if furnished and other information that may be
available with the Expert Appraisal Committee or State Level Expert Appraisal Committee
concerned. All projects and activities listed as Category B shall not require Scoping and will be
appraised on the basis of application form and the conceptual plan.
It is required for category A and B1 projects. Purpose is to determine detailed and
comprehensive terms of reference for preparation of EIA report.
For category A, hydroelectric project item 1(c) (i) of schedule of TOR shall be conveyed
along with clearance for preconstruction activities.
Stage (III) Public consultation
Public Consultation refers to the process by which the concerns of local affected
persons and others who have plausible stake in the environmental impacts of the project or
activity are ascertained with a view to taking into account all the material concerns in the project
or activity design as appropriate.
It is required for category A and B1 project with some exceptions e.g. modernization of
irrigation projects, expansion of roads and B2 type and projects, projects concerning national
defence and security. MOEF (2006) has specified procedure for conduct of public hearing.
Purpose is to take into account concerns of local affected persons and others who have
plausible stake in environmental impacts. Based on this, appropriate changes in the draft EIA
12
and EMP shall be made. Applicant may submit a supplementary report to draft EIA for
appraisal.
The detailed methodology for public consultation is explained in SECTION 6.
Stage (IV) Appraisal

Figure 2.2 depicts the procedure for project appraisal. Appraisal means the detailed
scrutiny by the Expert Appraisal Committee or State Level Expert Appraisal Committee of the
application and other documents like the Final EIA report, outcome of the public consultations
including public hearing proceedings, submitted by the applicant to the regulatory authority
concerned for grant of environmental clearance. This appraisal shall be made by Expert
Appraisal Committee or State Level Expert Appraisal Committee concerned in a transparent
manner in a proceeding to which the applicant shall be invited for furnishing necessary
clarifications in person or through an authorized representative. On conclusion of this
proceeding, the Expert Appraisal Committee or State Level Expert Appraisal Committee
concerned shall make categorical recommendations to the regulatory authority concerned
either for grant of prior environmental clearance on stipulated terms and conditions, or rejection
of the application for prior environmental clearance, together with reasons for the same.
13
Figure 2.1: Flow chart describing procedure of environmental clearance

14
APPRAISAL
Documents: Final EIA or Draft EIA reports and

supplementary reports, video tape/CD of
public hearing, layout plan, project
feasibility report and Form 1
Scrutiny by RA office with respect to

TOR (30 days)
EAC/SEAC completes approval (60 days)
EAC/SEAC meeting
Applicant makes presentation
Minutes displayed on website (5 days)
Clearance given, environmental safeguards

and conditions specified or reasons for
rejection are explicitly stated
Figure 2.2: Flow chart describing Appraisal procedure by Regulatory Authority (RA)
15
SECTION 3
BASELINE DATA
Baseline data is required to describe environmental and socio-economic status of

project site and project impact area for pre-project condition. It consists of primary data (field
tests, surveys, measurements) and secondary data (published information, unpublished
information available with various agencies). Much of the required secondary data/information
is often available within the various government agencies. Major difficulty with the unpublished
information is determining which of it is important and then correctly interpreting it while
eliminating all the unimportant data.
The data is compiled for: Land Environment, Water Environment, Air Environment,
Noise Environment and Socio-economic Environment. Primary data related to the
environmental attributes like air, noise level, water quality and soil are collected from field
studies. A structured questionnaire is used for collection of primary information on socioeconomic aspects. Ecological information is collected from field studies as well as secondary
sources. A summary of environmental attributes related parameters and source of information
is given in Table 3.1.
3.1
LAND ENVIRONMENT
3.1.1
Land Use
Land use and land cover patterns are important in environmental impact assessment
study from the point of view that land use describes the present use such as agriculture,
settlement etc. and land cover describes the material on it such as forest, vegetation, rocks or
building etc. Land cover of the 10 km radius study area with reference to the site can be derived
using latest cloud free satellite imageries. The data is geo-referenced using SOI 1:50000 scale
toposheets with the help of standard data preparation techniques in GIS software such as
ERDAS IMAGINE. Interpretation of the geo-referenced data is done using standard
enhancement techniques and ground truthing. The land use is explained in terms of type and
areal extent i.e. dense vegetation, medium vegetation and sparse vegetation which refers to the
crown cover density of >40%, 10-40% and <10% respectively. The major components may be
as follows:
(a) Land details for various project components (in ha)
(b) Agriculture:
(i) Irrigated
(ii) Un-irrigated
(c) Forest type (with density of vegetation)
(iii) Cropping pattern
16
Table 3.1: Environmental attributes, parameters and source of information

S. No.
Attribute
Parameter
Land Use
LAND ENVIRONMENT
Land use pattern
Soil
Geology
Soil Characteristics Soil

erosivity in catchment area
Geological Status
Seismology
Seismic Hazard
5
6
Water Resources
Water Quality
Hydrology
Ambient Air Quality
Meteorology
10
Noise
11
Ecology
12
Aquatic Ecology
13
Socio-economic
aspects
WATER ENVIRONMENT
Catchment Area, Flow, Design
Physical, Chemical and
Biological parameters
Drainage area and pattern
SPM, RPM, SO2, NOx and
CO
Temperature and Relative
humidity
Temperature, Relative
humidity, Rainfall, Wind Speed
and Wind Direction
Noise levels in dB (A)
BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
Flora & Fauna Diversity
Density & diversity of aquatic
species
SCIO-ECONOMIC
Socio-economic characteristic
of the affected area
Source
District Planning Map
Field studies, GIS based
information
Project Pre-Feasibility Report
Pre-Feasibility Report
Field studies
Field Studies
Field Studies
India Meteorological
Department
Field Studies
Field Studies, Information
from Forest department and
Literature Study
Field studies, Fisheries
Department, Literature review
Field Studies, Literature
review.
(d) Homestead land

(e) Grazing land
(f) Fallow
(g) Marshes
(h) Water bodies
(i) Road
(j) Railway
(k) Bridges
(l) Airport
3.1.2
Drainage Pattern
(a) Data regarding flash floods, frequency of occurrence
(b) Ground water strata
(c) Springs
3.1.3
Soils
17
The locations for collection of soil samples should be well distributed to represent the
spatial variation in project area. The soil samples are to be analysed for the following
parameters:
(a) Land capability classification (for agricultural land)
(i) Physical properties of soil (soil texture, porosity, particle size distribution)
(ii) Chemical properties of soil (pH, electrical conductivity, cations, anions)
(iii) N, P, K content
3.1.4
Catchment Profile (Directly Draining)

(a) Drainage pattern
(b) Watershed characteristics
(i) Size
(ii) Shape
(iii) Relief
(iv) Slope
(v) Drainage
(vi) Pattern and density
(c) Ground water potential and runoff behaviour
(d) Sediment/silt yield data
(e) Existing cropping pattern
(f) Migrant behaviour of human and livestock population
3.1.5
Geomorphology/Geology
(a) Data with reference to the entire project area (rock type, slopes, strata, minerals etc.)
(b) Seismic zones/classification
(c) Data pertaining to occurrence of earthquakes
3.2
AIR AND WATER ENVIRONMENT
3.2.1
Water Quality Parameters

To generate baseline data for existing water quality in the project area, water samples
(composite) should be collected and analysed for examination of water and wastewater as per
the standard procedure such as given in Protocol
for Water Quality Monitoring
(http://www.cwc.nic.in/main/HP/download/ProtocolforWaterQualityMonitoring.pdf)
or
the
relevant code of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The details for conducting water quality
assessment are given in Section 5. These water samples are to be assessed for the following
parameters:
(a)
Physico-chemical pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, TDS and

TSF, turbidity, total alkalinity, total hardness, chloride, iron, nitrate, phosphate,
BOD, COD
(b)
Bacteriological E coli, coliform
(c)
Depending upon the pollution source concerned heavy metals namely
mercury, arsenic etc. also to be analysed
(d) Base line data:
(i)
Pre-construction: Two season data i.e. high flow and lean flow
(ii)
Post-construction: Water quality parameters upstream of the project site
to be compared with the quality downstream of the project site
3.2.2
Hydrological Data
18
(a) Monthly discharge data at dam site

(b) Lean season flow (cumec)
(i) upstream of project site
(ii) downstream of the project site
(c) Water required for (cumec)
(i) power generation
(ii) irrigation
(iii) domestic/industrial use
(d) Ground water profile pre-monsoon/post-monsoon
3.2.3 Meteorology
3.2.3.1 Seasonal-monitored data (monthly basis)
(i) Temperature (in 0C)
(a) Maximum
(b) Minimum
(c) Mean
(ii) Mean rainfall (in mm)
(iii) Wind speed (km/h)
(a) Maximum
(b) Minimum
(c) Mean
(iv) Windrose diagram for winter, summer, rainy season and annual
(iv) Humidity (mean monthly)
(v) Evaporation (observed class A pan evaporation or estimated using appropriate
method)
3.2.4
Air Quality
(a) Season wire/air quality (SPM, NOX, SO2, CO)
(b) Construction material required (Table 3.2)
(c) Dust emissions
(i) Quarry sites
(ii) Haulage roads
(iii) Construction activity
(iv) Stone crusher
Table 3.2: Construction material required (clause 3.2.4 b)

List of construction
Quantity
Source of
materials to be used at all
(tonnes/month)
material
stages of construction
Peak Average
Cement
Stone
Steel
Sand
Other
3.2.5
Means of transportation
(source to storage site)
with justification
Noise
(a) Major sources of noise in the project area (stationary and mobile)
(b) Level at source (dB)
(c) Level at project boundary (dB)
19
3.3
BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
3.3.1
Aquatic
Aquatic ecosystem to be studied over an area atleast between 2km upstream of the
project site and atleast 2 km downstream of the project site. The study should include the
following:
(a) Fish species of commercial value
(b) Resident species
(c) Migratory species, their spawning ground, fish morphology, anatomy, feeding
pattern, breeding pattern etc.
Aquatic ecological analysis may be made following the methods outlined in Wetzel and
Likens (1991) and APHA (1998). Periphyton, phytoplankton, macrobenthos and zooplankton
should be studied for frequency, density, abundance and diversity indices.
3.3.2
Terrestrial
An inventory of flora, listing of rare, endangered, economically important and medicinal
plant species should be prepared and their frequency, abundance and density should be
determined. Quadrate method is generally used for sampling.
3.3.2.1 Flora
(a) Major forest products and dependability of the local communities on these such as
fuel wood, edible species, construction material etc.
(b) Forest type
(c) Trees, shrubs, herbs
(d) Rare and endangered species
(e) Endemic species
(f) Economically important species
3.3.2.2 Fauna
(a) Aerial distance of National Park/Sancturay/Biosphere Reserve etc., if any in the
vicinity, from the project site
(b) Rare and endangered species
(c) Endemic species
(d) Species of special interest to local population and tourists
(e) Migratory route of animals, if any, in the project area
3.4
SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
3.4.1
Demographic Profile (gender based details of the population)

(a) Rural/urban
(b) Population density
(c) SC/ST and others
(d) Literacy
(e) Employment and occupation
(f) Economic status (land holding/house holding)
3.4.2
Details of Villages to be Affected

(a) Total no. of villages
20
(b) Total no. of families

(i) Tribal
(ii) Others
(c) Total population
(i) Tribal
(ii) Others
3.4.3
Village wise Land Details

(a) Name of village
(b) Total land
(c) Land coming under project area
(d) Main occupation of villagers
(i) Agriculture
(ii) Service
(iii) Labourers
(iv) Business
3.4.4
Details of Families to be Displaced
Name of
village
Land oustees only

Tribal
Others
Population
Homestead oustees only
Tribal
Others
Land and homestead oustees

Tribal
Others
3.4.5
Infra Structure Development

(a) Education
(b) Industrial development
(c) Drinking water
(d) Communication
(e) Roads
(f) Electricity
(g) Sanitation
3.4.6
Cultural Sites
(a) Places of worship
(b) Archeological sites/monuments
(c) Anthropological sites
3.4.7
Health Profile
(a) Existing health
(b) Screening of the facilities urgent labour
(i) No. of persons to be employed for construction (average and during peak
period)
(ii) No. of persons to be employed from the affected population
(iii) Details of temporary labour colonies
(c) Disease surveillance
(i) Endemic health problem
(ii) Epidemic prevention and control
(iii) Probability of the occurrence of malaria etc.
21
SECTION 4
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
This Section aims at description of environmental impact assessment (EIA)

methodology with reference to water resource projects.
4.1
LEVELS OF EIA
The potential scope of a comprehensive EIA system is considerable and can include
appraisal of policies, plans, programmes and projects. Even if policies were not environmental
in nature, they might still have severe environmental implications.
The top tier of EIA application would be a Policy EIA which attempts to assess the
environmental and health implications of national policies. For example, agricultural policies
may cause severe ecological impacts or energy policies will influence the demand for natural
resources and affect industrial development. At a lower level a Plan EIA would seek to identify
key environmental factors affecting land use such as agricultural land quality and resources
exploitation.
EIAs could assist in the identification of preferred areas where certain types of
development might be encouraged. A Programme EIA would be prepared for a series of like
projects, such as in a river basin development scheme in which different hydropower projects
including SHPs may be constructed at different times. A Project EIA would be undertaken when
local environmental issues are particularly important for individual projects. It should be
recognised that EIA is not a universal panacea, it may have restricted use in certain areas of
decision-making. Most EIA experience is related to projects (Project EIA); very few plan EIAs
have been undertaken.
4.2
EIA PROCEDURE
The key activities are screening, scoping and assessment which will be discussed in
detail in following sections. These steps require intensive interaction between the human
resources and information resources available for a proposed project.
Finally, an EIA has to be organized to address certain specific topics. Most EIAs cover
the following features:
Description of the proposed project,
Description of the proposed location or study area, including information about physical
resources, ecological resources, human and economic development and existing quality of
life
Alternatives considered (including no-action),
22
Potential impacts and benefits including evaluation of each alternative considered,
Mitigation of adverse effects,
Irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources,
Identification of temporary, short-term and long-term effects,
Disposition of reviews comments,
Summary, conclusions and recommendations,
Monitoring,
Addition of other features or topics particular to the proposed project.
4.2.1
Screening
Screening is a procedure which aims to identify, as early as possible, those projects with
potentially significant impacts, that should therefore be subject to EIA. Projects can be
investigated and, if no significant impacts are anticipated, they can then be exempted from
further environmental analysis. According to MoEF guidelines, Category B projects or activities
(see section 2) are subjected to scrutiny by concerned State Level Expert Appraisal Committee
for determining whether or not the project or activity requires an EIA. Those requiring EIA are
termed as B1 project and those not requiring EIA are termed as B2 project. For categorization
of projects into B1 or B2, the MoEF shall issue appropriate guidelines from time to time. A
number of approaches to screening can be identified. These are listed and discussed below:
Project thresholds,
Locational criteria,
Positive and negative lists,
Initial Environmental Evaluations (IEEs),
4.2.1.1 Thresholds
Thresholds may be developed on the basis of size, cost or pollution levels. For example,
in India, a policy has been established (MoEF, 2006) that all hydropower projects with installed
capacity less than 25 MW would not be subject to prior environmental clearance by competent
authority. This approach, unfortunately, neglects the implications of several small hydropower
developments in vicinity, each below the threshold, but which in combination may cause
significant adverse impacts and thus should be subject to EIA.
4.2.1.2 Locational criteria
Locational criteria usually involve designation of sensitive areas, for example nature
preserves, national parks, historical/religious sites and biospheres. Thus any project or activity
23
in category B will be treated as category A if located in whole or part within 10 km from the
boundary of protected areas/critically polluted areas/notified ecosensitive areas etc.
4.2.1.3 Positive and negative lists
The approach is based upon a list of proposed projects for which an EIA is always
required (positive list) and a list for which no EIS is required (negative list). Initially, some work
is needed to justify the inclusion of one project and the exclusion of another.
Example: individual industries located in notified ecosensitive zone (positive list)/biotech parks
(negative list)
4.2.1.4 Initial environmental evaluation
An initial environmental evaluation (IEE) approach requires considerably more
understanding of a project and its environs than the approaches described previously. IEEs
operate on a project-by-project basis and consequently it is impossible to make generalizations
as to which project will be subject to an EIA. However, the RA is an essential precursor to an
IEE since it provides sufficient information on pollution loads and levels to allow decision to be
made on the need for an EIA.
An IEE-approach is presented in the UNEP guidelines (United Nations Environment
Programme, 1980) for the assessment and siting of industry. This approach requires a
systematic identification of possible interactions between the characteristics of the proposed
development, and those of the size and surroundings. Both an interactions matrix and
screening tests may be needed for this approach.
There are several general criteria that can be used when making a decision as to the
environmental effect of an activity. These criteria are not mutually exclusive but are very much
interrelated.
Magnitude : This is defined as the probable severity of each potential impact. Will the impact
be irreversible? If reversible, what will be the rate of recovery or adaptability of an impact area?
Will the activity preclude the use of the impact area for other purpose?
Prevalence : This is defined as the extent to which the impact may eventually extend as in the
cumulative effects of a number of stream crossings. Each one taken separately might represent
a localized impact of small importance and magnitude but a number of such crossing could
result in a widespread effect. Coupled with the determination of cumulative effective is the
remoteness of an effect from the activity causing it. The deterioration of fish production resulting
for access roads could affect sport fishing in an area many miles away and for months or years
after project completion.
24
Duration and Frequency : The significance of duration and 1frequency can be explained as
follows. Will the activity be long-term or short-term? If the activity is intermittent, will it allow for
recovery during inactive periods?
Risks : This is defined as the probability of serious environmental effects. The accuracy of
assessing risk is dependent upon the knowledge and understanding of the activities and the
potential impact areas.
Importance : This is defined as the value that is attached to a specific area in its present state.
For example, a local community may value a short stretch of beach for bathing or a small
marsh for hunting. Alternatively, the impact area may be of a regional, provincial or even
national importance.
Mitigation : Are solutions to problems available? Existing technology may provide a solution to a
silting problem expected during construction of an access road or bank erosion resulting form a
new stream configuration.
While single screening approaches may be applied, they may also be used in
conjunction with each other. Screening techniques can, therefore, vary in sophistication, but
there is considerable merit in keeping this activity as simple as possible. A simple approach
such as a positive and negative list approach, will allow both the development proponent and
the authorizing agency to clearly understand EIA requirements in advance. This approach may
need to be reinforced with an IEE approach in order to accommodate non-listed projects.
Alternatively, a simple questionnaire approach may be acceptable.
4.2.2
Scoping (Depth of Analysis)

Scoping is the procedure used to determine the "terms of reference" of an EIA and
concentrates on identifying those issues which require in-depth analysis. Scoping has the
following specific objectives:
To identify the major environmental issues that must be assessed in the EIA.
To determine the range of alternatives to the project which should be examined.
To determine the boundary for the study in a geographical context.
To establish a procedure for the preparation of an EIS and its format.

Scoping often involves contact between those proposing a development and the public,
and it is a procedure that allows interested persons to state their concerns before an EIA is
undertaken. Participation of the public in scoping is important because it may help identify
people who have useful knowledge about the proposed site. It also allows them to propose
alternatives and suggest the kind of study that should be undertaken. Scoping is the first stage
in creating public confidence in EIA and the decision-making process (US Council on
Environmental Quality, 1981).
It is helpful in providing participants with a report from the
25
developer which contains the preliminary information. This may allow any serious issue
associated with a proposal to be identified early on.
4.3
METHODS FOR IMPACT IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT

Although there are many types of EIA methods, this section will only discuss checklists,
matrices, network and overlays manuals. These represent the most widely used methods.
Before discussing these methods, it should be noted that evidence for their partial utility is often
limited. Whenever possible evidence relating to this important aspect of methods will be
considered.
4.3.1
Checklists
The checklists method lists local environmental factors, which are likely to be affected
where a development is planned. This list can contain broad categories of factors, for example,
flora, fauna, hydrological regimes, surface water bodies and the atmosphere. Conversely, it can
be extensive and detailed. An example of checklist is given Table 4.
Another useful type of checklist is the "questionnaire", which presents a series of
questions relating to the impact of a project. Checklists are used to provide answers to specific
questions relating to the particular project being assessed. Once an initial question has been
answered in the affirmative, additional questions investigate the nature of particular impacts in
detail.
There have been many attempts to develop checklists by the use of weighing and
scaling. Numerical weights are assigned to items of a checklist in accordance with the relative
importance of each item. Scaling is a procedure for reducing impacts on all items to a common
arbitrary scale. These methods have not been widely used because of their complexity, cost
and extensive data requirements. Also, they can be politically controversial due to the need to
assign weights for relative importance to environmental components.
4.3.2
Interaction matrices
A development of basic checklists is the interaction matrix. The most well known is the
Leopold matrix development for the U.S. Geological Survey (Leopold et al, 1971). The matrix
consists of a horizontal list of development activities displayed against a vertical list of
environmental factors. The matrix is used to identify impacts by systematically checking each
development activity against each environmental parameter. If it were thought that a particular
development activity were to affect an environmental component, a mark is placed in the cell
which occurs at the intersection of the activity and the environmental component. It should be
noted that the matrix can be expanded to cover the construction and operational phases of
various components on horizontal scale or more than one alternative can be represented on the
horizontal scale.
26
Table 4.1: Example: checklist of impacts of Tidong Hydropower Project

S.
NO
PROJECT PHASE /
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
A.
1
2
Impacts due to Project Location

Displacement of People
Loss of Land / Change in Land
Use
Encroachment into Forest Land /
Loss of Forest Produce
Encroachment into Nature
Reserves & Wildlife
Loss of Historical/Cultural
Monuments
Loss of Infrastructure
Erosion and Silt Risks
Disruption of Hydrological
Balance
Impacts due to Project
Construction
Soil Erosion at Construction Sites
Muck Generation
Transportation of muck and
construction material
Deforestation
Human Health
Water Quality
Cultural Hazards
Air and Noise Pollution
Impacts due to Project
Operation
Reservoir Evaporation Losses
Deforestation
Effect on Wildlife
Change in Water Quality & Risk
of Eutrophication
Increased Incidences of Water
Borne Diseases
Impact on Fish and Aquatic Life
Public Health
Drainage
Positive Impacts
Clean and renewable source of
energy
Employment Opportunities
Catchment Area Treatment
Recreation and Tourism Potential
Additional Habitat for Aquatic
Wildlife / Wetland Species
Fisheries & Aquaculture potential
Benefits to Economy
Reduction in Air Pollution
Reduction in Greenhouse gas
Emissions
Increased Infrastructure
IMPACT
POSITIVE
3
4
5
6
7
8
B.
9
10
11
12
13
14
C.
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
D.
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
NO
CHANGE
SHORT
TERM
LONG
TERM
NEGATIVE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
27
After the initial identification of impacts, it is possible to use the same matrix to indicate
those impacts considered to be the most important. In the original Leopold matrix, scores from
a 1-10 scale can be assigned to describe the importance and magnitude of individual impacts.
Importance refers to the significance of an impact and magnitude to its scale and extent.
Leopold-type matrices are easy to use and perhaps the most widely employed and successful
of all EIA methods.
4.3.3
Network
This method, although widely discussed in the EIA literature, has not been used as
extensively as matrices and simple checklists. It was developed to explicitly consider the
secondary, tertiary and higher order impacts that can arise from an initial impact. Checklists
and matrices structure thinking towards impacts on single environmental entities. When using a
matrix the effects of vegetation clearance, for example, are considered in relation to all listed
environmental components. With this approach to impact identification, there is a danger that
linked impacts are omitted. In this case, vegetation clearance can have an initial or primary
impact on both soils and animal and bird life. However, the impact on soils can result in erosion
and this can increase the sediment load in rivers. This sediment load can, in turn, affect life of
reservoir and various forms of aquatic life. Should the river support a commercial or
recreational fishery, then any changes in aquatic structure might have economic repercussions.
4.3.4
Overlays
The overlays approach to impact assessment involves the use of a series of
transparencies. The study area is subdivided into convenient geographical units, based on
uniformly spaced grid points, topographic features or differing land uses. Within each unit, the
assessor collects information on environmental factors and human concerns, through various
sources/techniques. The concerns are assembled into a set of factors, each having a common
basis and regional maps (overlays) are drawn for each factor. The degree of impact or
importance of each factor is represented by varying the degree of shading with light shading
indicating low impact and heavy shading the highest impact. The overlays are then stacked one
on the other using the same reference points and the total degree of shading is visually
observed. Those areas on the maps with the highest shading are thus the most acceptable
alternatives. Because of the reduction in light transparency with each overlay, only about 10
maps or overlays can be used.
This method is easily adaptable for use with a computer which may be programmed to
perform the tasks of aggregating the predicted impacts for each geographical subdivision and
of searching for the area least affected. Automated procedure can be used for selecting
sequence of unit areas for routing highways, canal network, pipelines, and other corridors. The
28
computer method is more flexible, an advantage whenever the reviewer suggests that the
system of weights be changed.
The overlay approach can accommodate both qualitative and quantitative data. For
example, water is often shaded blue while land elevation can be shown by contour lines. There
are, however, limits to the number of different types of data that can be comprehended in one
display. A computerized version thus has greater flexibility. Although in this case, too, the
individual cartographic displays may be too complex to follow in sequence, the final maps
(optimum corridors for each alternative, and comparisons amongst alternative) are readily
prepared and understood.
When using overlays, the burden of ensuring comprehensiveness is largely on the
analyst. Also, the approach is selective because there is a limit to the number of transparencies
that can be viewed together. Finally, extreme impacts with small probabilities of occurrence are
not considered. A skilled assessor may indicate in a footnote or on a supplementary map,
however, those areas near proposed corridors where there is a possibility of landslides, floods,
or other unacceptable risks. Overlays do have some strong features too. For example, overlays
may be mutually exclusive provided that checklists of concerns, effects, and impacts are
prepared at the outset and a simplified matrix-type analysis is undertaken. Also, the objectivity
of the overlay method is very good with respect to the spatial positioning of effects and impacts
(e.g., area of land to be flooded), but is otherwise low. Overlays are not effective in estimating
or displaying uncertainty and interactions.
4.4
SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT
A hydropower project generally requires construction of the diversion barrage, headrace
tunnel, powerhouse etc. Construction of the project facilities would require acquisition of land,
out of which part may be the government/forest land and the remaining private land owned by
the individuals. Expropriation of private lands may cause social disruption and economic loss
for the project affected families/people. The workers, which will be migrating in the project area
during construction, would also cause certain demographic and social changes, since the
project is normally situated in remote area.
A survey should be undertaken to study and understand the socio economic conditions
of these project-affected households and to examine the impact of the proposed project
thereupon.
Socio-Economic Profile of Project Affected People (PAP):
It should cover analysis of the following:
Sex and Age
Educational Attainment:
29
Religion and Caste
Occupation\
Family Income
Marital Status
Family Pattern and Size
Enlistment
Family Assets and Acquisition
Infrastructure Facilities
Social Impact Analysis

It should cover analysis of the following:
Pressure on existing infrastructure/resources : Creation of the project infrastructure like
roads, electric supply would also be available for the project affected people.
Incidence of water related diseases: The aggregation of labour, discharge of uncontrolled
wastewater and formation of stagnant water would result in occurrence/spread of diseases like
malaria, cholera etc.
Cultural conflicts: People in the project area have distinct habits of food and clothing along
with deep religious faiths celebrating their festivals with great enthusiasm. Hence, chances of
cultural conflicts may take place with that of migratory population.
Cost of living and inflation: Minor increase in cost of living and inflation may be experienced
in the project area as a result of increased commercial activities.
Resettlement, Rehabilitation and Social Response Program (SRP) of the Project
Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India have published the National Policy
on Resettlement and Rehabilitation for Project Affected Families (NPRR-2003) in February,
2004 which gives guidelines for resettlement and rehabilitation of project affected families.
Family to be displaced due to the project are to be identified. Only partial acquisition of
agricultural land from the only four families of Lumber village would be necessitated for the
project. If the number of affected families is much less than 250, then the NPRR-2003 is not
compulsorily applicable.
The affected families should be compensated for acquisition of their land in accordance
with the local norms applicable for such acquisition. It is also obvious that such compensation
would never render sufficient to compensate the indirect losses to the local people. The local
population of the project area deserves certain incentives towards their social upliftment, so that
they feel themselves an integral part of the overall development. With this principal objective in
view, the project proponent should prepare a Social Response Program (SRP) for the project.
The SRP should be carried out with active involvement of the affected people. It provides for
30
livelihood support, infrastructure development, education assistance, public health facility,

gender support, water conservation and harvesting and creation of employment opportunities.
A separate body comprising of representatives from project management & public
representatives should be formed for monitoring and concerted evaluation of the SRP.
31
SECTION 5
WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM
Assessment of potential impacts of a hydropower development to water quality first
requires an effective plan to acquire sufficient baseline information to make the assessments.
At the time of construction activities begin, a modified monitoring program is necessary to
evaluate the effectiveness of measures to prevent adverse effects to water quality. Ultimately,
additional modifications to the monitoring plan are needed to evaluate the actual effects of the
project on water quality and to enable identification of unanticipated effects and/or ineffective
protection measures. The first monitoring plan, to develop a baseline of the information, should
be a component of the Terms of References (TOR) developed within the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) process. The second and third modifications to the baseline monitoring
program are to be presented in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) which is a part of
the EIA report.
5.1
EFFECTS ON WATER QUALITY
5.1.1
Water Quality Effects During Construction

Generally, effects of construction on water quality in a river system stem primarily from
the discharge of wastewater (both construction waste water and sanitary waste water from
workforce housing areas) to the adjacent river and runoff from quarries and construction areas.
Discharge of wastewater from construction areas that may affect water quality include
discharge of water used to wash concrete mixing and hauling equipment, wash water used to
prepare concrete aggregate, and other minor on-site discharges of water to the river system.
Generally, the effect is an increase in suspended sediment loads and an increase in alkalinity of
the water due to discharge of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), a component of concrete. However,
dissolved solids may also increase significantly as a consequence of runoff from the
construction area. If excavated material is deposited in or adjacent to the river channel,
suspended solids concentrations and dissolved solids concentrations may increase further. Of
particular concern with deposition of spoil materials is the potential for increasing
concentrations of heavy metals such as iron, manganese, copper, lead, and other heavy
metals.
Deposition of suspended solids in the river channel downstream from the construction
area may cause changes in the river channel if significant amounts of sediment is contributed to
the river, and may cause problems with spawning areas of fish in the downstream reach of the
river.
Discharge of sanitary waste from work camps and other human sanitary facilities can
affect Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in the river as well as increasing fecal coliform
32
bacteria concentrations, an indicator of potential disease risk to to downstream users. Suitable

handling and treatment of sanitary wastes will significantly reduce the potential for adverse
effects to water quality from this source.
Runoff from construction areas constitutes a more problematic situation. Potential water
quality effects on runoff from construction sites include increases in sediment emanating from
erosion from disturbed areas (construction staging areas, excavated areas, quarries, access
road construction, spoil disposal areas), flushing of oils, greases and other hydrocarbon
lubricants from maintenance areas, and potential flushing of other hazardous materials used at
the project site for construction purposes. Containment of such materials and installation of
erosion barriers will significantly reduce the potential effects to water quality. Maintenance of
the erosion control measures and containment facilities must be accomplished throughout the
construction period.
5.1.2
Water Quality Effects During Operation

Most of the significant water quality effects are realized only after the project begins
operation. At this time the affected river has been partitioned into two major components:
Upstream of the project site and Downstream of the project site.
5.1.2.1 Water quality effects upstream of the project site
In general, a hydropower project can not and should not directly affect water quality
conditions upstream of the project site. Any realized changes in water quality are generally
attributable to changes in land use patterns, changes in population distributions and changes in
industrial or commercial installations in the upper river basin. Consequently, any changes in
water quality conditions upstream will be reflected in changes in water quality downstream.
Management of land use, population distribution and industrial development upstream is
basically the only option available to minimize these impacts.
5.1.2.2 Water quality effects downstream of the project site
The more significant effects of a hydropower development on water quality, at least from
the perspective of ecological characteristics and human use, are generally realized in the river
downstream of the project site. The magnitude of the changes in water quality parameters
realized downstream from the project are attributable to the operating regime of the project
which defines the hydrologic regime. Aside from the alteration of the hydrologic regime, two of
the more common water quality parameters that are affected by a small hydropower
development in the downstream reach are water temperature and dissolved oxygen.
While the temperature regime in the river is not necessarily considered an adverse
condition, it is the changes in the biological community that are affected by those changes that
can become significant. The temperature regime of a river may affect the types of organisms
33
that are able to survive in the affected reach, the biological productivity within the reach
(generally, biological production is positively correlated with temperature in aquatic systems),
and the reproductive cycles of aquatic organisms downstream from the project. It should be
noted that although some species may cue reproductive cycles on water temperature, other
species cue their cycles on changing hydrologic regimes that may or may not be correlated with
seasonal changes in water temperature. Therefore, the significance of predicted changes in
water temperature must be framed in reference to the biological requirements of the organisms
inhabiting the river downstream of the project.
5.2
PURPOSE OF WATER QUALITY MONITORING

Generally, the statement of purpose for a water quality monitoring program is fairly
straight forward. Though the development cycle, three basic monitoring programs will be
designed and implemented corresponding to the baseline description period (EIA), construction
period, and operation period.
The primary purpose of the baseline monitoring program are twofold: First, the baseline
monitoring program should provide sufficient information to enable accurate (justifiable)
predictions of potential effects of the hydropower project on water quality parameters; second,
the baseline data set will provide the standard against which project effects and/or mitigation
effectiveness can be determined. Obviously, it is necessary to determine the starting point
condition to determine if changes occur.
The purpose of the water quality monitoring program for the construction period,
likewise, can serve two purposes: First, the program should be designed to enable evaluation
of the effect of various construction activities and construction related facilities on water quality;
second, certain components of the program can provide further baseline information for
determining the effect of project operation on water quality.
The purpose of the final water quality monitoring program to be implemented during
operation also has two purposes: First, data collected during the operational period are
compared with the baseline data to determine if projections made in the EIA are accurate and
mitigation or avoidance measures are effective; second, the monitoring program can be used to
determine if changes occur during the operation period and might require attention and can be
used as a basis to determine the sources of any pollutants.
5.3
SAMPLING DESIGN
Design of the water quality monitoring program is key to obtaining a useful set of
information for describing baseline conditions and measuring the effects of construction and
operation on those conditions. Thus, the sampling design presented in the monitoring plans is
the most important part of the plan.
34
5.3.1
Duration
The duration of the water quality monitoring programs will vary according to the stage in
project development.
For baseline monitoring, the minimum length of time necessary for basic understanding
of cycles in water quality parameters is one year. The baseline monitoring program should
provide sufficient information on all parameters included in the monitoring program to
demonstrate annual cycles in concentrations or conditions. While the data set should provide at
least one full year of sampling, continuing monitoring for longer periods would facilitate
understanding of year-to-year variation in those parameters. Consequently, the baseline
monitoring program should be implemented for as long as possible given the schedule for
project construction and completion.
Determination of the duration of the construction period monitoring program should
correspond to the construction period, including preparatory period. In addition to monitoring
the effects of construction, continuation of monitoring parameters included in the baseline
program will provide additional foundation for measuring the effects of the project once it
becomes operational.
The duration of the monitoring program to be implemented during operation of the
project will depend upon specific conditions at the project. For some parameters, the monitoring
program could extend throughout the life of the project. For other parameters, sampling for a
period of up to 5 years will provide an adequate basis for evaluating the effect of the project.
5.3.2
Sampling frequency
As defined above, recommended parameters for inclusion in the baseline, construction
period, and operational period include two groups: Those for general monitoring and those for
assessment monitoring.
During the baseline period (EIA preparation), parameters included in general monitoring
should be measured on at least a biweekly basis, preferably on a weekly basis for one full year.
Parameters included for the assessment monitoring include some parameters that should be
measured on a monthly basis, with the remainder measured on a quarterly or seasonal basis
through the planning phase of the project.
The sampling frequency during the construction period, particularly for parameters that
may be affected by construction activities should be measured at least on a monthly basis
throughout the construction period. Parameters that are included in the general monitoring
program and contribute to the baseline descriptions should be measured at the same frequency
as determined for the planning (EIA) phase.
The sampling frequency of parameters during the operational phase may be divided into
two periods: Initial effects and long-term effects. The basic operational monitoring program
35
should include sampling of the various parameters on at least a monthly basis for a period of up
to 5 years after initial operation of the project. Once the initial period expires, the monitoring
program may be reduced to include the only a few basic, indicative parameters. If significant
changes in one or more of the basic monitoring parameters occur, expansion of the monitoring
program for a specified period of time may be necessary to identify the cause of those changes.
In general, during the long-term monitoring phase, the basic set of parameters should be
sampled on a monthly basis.
5.3.3
Sampling Locations
The number of sampling locations for water quality will depend on the particular project
configuration. For single projects (located on a single river), a minimum of three sampling
locations is needed for both baseline monitoring and construction and operation monitoring.
For construction monitoring, additional locations may be included to enable evaluation
of possible pollutants from various areas of the construction facilities. For example, an
additional location might be downstream from construction staging areas or downstream from
labour camps. If some of these facilities are located on the tributaries of the main river, the
samples should be collected upstream and downstream from those facilities.
5.3.4
Sample and Data Analysis

To the extent possible, parameters recommended for the monitoring program,
particularly those included in the general monitoring group, may be measured in the field with
appropriate instrumentation and/or field kits. The remaining parameters generally require
transport of water samples to a laboratory for analysis. For parameters that require laboratory
analysis, sample bottles and containers with appropriate preservatives, if necessary, can
normally be obtained from the laboratory. A preliminary list of water quality laboratories (private,
governmental and non-governmental) is presented in Annexure 1. A list of possible field
equipments to conduct the monitoring program is included in Annexure 2. As with any field or
laboratory instrumentation, it is necessary to standardize the equipment according to
manufacturer specifications throughout the field effort.
All samples should be clearly labeled with an identifying number and all pertinent
information regarding the sample recorded on separate data sheets for each location and
sampling time. A sample data sheet for use in the field should be presented as part of the
proposed monitoring plan. In addition to the field data sheets, it is highly recommended that a
Chain of Custody form also be used to document delivery of the samples from the field to the
laboratory. Samples collected for analysis in the field should be taken to the laboratory as soon
as possible. The length of time a sample may be held prior to analysis can be determined in
consultation with the laboratory.
36
The water quality monitoring plans should include a section on the logistics of data
collection and sample handling. Information to be included in the water quality monitoring plans
should include the field and laboratory procedures that will be used to analyze the samples.
There are a number of Standard Methods for analysis of water quality. The particular methods
that are to be used should be cited in the monitoring plan.
Statistical analysis of the results of the water quality analysis will generally vary from
phase to phase and project to project. For baseline monitoring, particular attention should be
given to identifying seasonal cycles and longitudinal trends. The data may then be used to
estimate how the project will affect each parameter. In some cases, it will be appropriate to use
the data for calibration of one or more water quality simulation models. Relatively simple
models are available to determine the effect of a project on water temperature and dissolved
oxygen in the river.
The most important component of the data analysis during the construction and
operating periods is comparison of the pre-project condition or baseline condition with the
construction and operating conditions. Such analysis will determine if and by how much impacts
to water quality have occurred and are used as determinants of the effectiveness of any
mitigation measures that have been incorporated into the project configuration. As construction
and operating data are acquired over the duration of the monitoring program, additional
analysis of trends in water quality changes may be identified from the monitoring data. Such
trend analysis might include seasonal changes as well as changes that occur gradually through
the years.
5.3.5
Identification of Water Quality Laboratory

An important component of the water quality monitoring plans is the identification of the
institutions responsible for collecting the samples and for conducting the analysis of those
samples. Measurements of water quality parameters in the field and collection of the water
quality samples for analysis in the laboratory may be performed by trained field technicians
employed by the environmental consultant. Samples collected for laboratory analysis should be
conveyed to the laboratory according to the protocol furnished by the selected water quality
laboratory.
5.3.6
Quality Control
An issue that should be addressed in the water quality monitoring plans relates to
quality assurance that the data presented are accurate and reliable. An acceptable quality
assurance program will consist of both external and internal controls by the laboratory providing
the analytical evaluations of samples.
37
First, the developer and/or the environmental consultant should implement an external
quality control procedure. The procedure should at least include submittal of duplicate samples
from one or more locations on each sampling data. These samples should be blind samples
such that the water quality laboratory is unaware of which samples are duplicated. A second
possible component of an external quality control procedure could consist of periodic submittal
of duplicate samples to a second laboratory, one not responsible for the routine analysis
process.
Second, the quality control procedures adopted by the water quality laboratory should
be presented in the plans. An acceptable procedure should include duplication of samples by
the quality control officer of the laboratory after submittal of the sample to the laboratory but
prior to delivery to the laboratory technicians. The procedure should also include submittal of
blank samples and spiked samples (samples with known concentrations of a parameter) to
the laboratory technicians for analysis. Reports from the laboratory should include results of the
internal quality control procedure for review by the developer/environmental consultant and the
reviewing agencies.
5.3.7
Reporting
Reporting of water quality data will be dependent upon the phase of the water quality
monitoring program. Data and analysis of those data obtained during the pre-construction
phase are to be presented in the EIA. As appropriate raw water quality data should be
presented with the EIA to enable independent evaluation of results. A condition of the TOR may
include a requirement for submittal of the water quality data in a standardized format for
incorporation into a country wide data base. The water quality data should be submitted with
the EIA.
Reporting of results of the construction and operation monitoring program will also be
submitted to the concerned agencies for review. The schedule for reporting the data will be
negotiated as part of the approval of the EMP and will likely become conditions of the license to
construct and operate the project. An appropriate schedule for reporting of results from the
monitoring of construction activities would be on a quarterly basis. This will depend on the
monitoring program itself and the frequency with which samples are being collected.
Reporting of results of operation monitoring will likely be divided into two phases: an
initial phase for a period up to five years with reporting on a semiannual basis and a second
period following the initial period with reporting on an annual basis.
5.4
REGULATORY AUDIT
In developing the regulatory audit procedure for a given hydropower project, the
following areas should specified:
38
1. Purpose
The comprehensive audit will cover all aspects of engineering, environmental and social
considerations regarding the project. With respect to water quality, the regulatory audit will seek
to determine if projections of the EIA are accurate and whether or not measures to mitigate
anticipated adverse effects are effective. Thus, the objective of the regulatory audit of the water
quality monitoring program is to confirm the results of the monitoring program are accurate.
2. Acquisition of information and sampling design
The regulatory audit of water quality monitoring will consist of two components: first, the
audit will consist of a detailed review of data reported by the developer and construction
contractor, including a review of the water quality control procedures and results implemented
by the developer; second, the audit consist of an independent analysis of water quality
conditions at the project site. This will consist of acquisition of measurements and samples in
the same manner and location defined in the EMP. An independent laboratory, one not involved
in the continuing monitoring program, should be selected to analyze the samples. Selection of
the laboratory may consist either of using the governmental laboratory or another laboratory.
3. Analysis
Analysis of results of the regulatory audit will consist of two factors: first, the data will be
compared with available water quality standards established for hydropower projects; second,
the data will be compared with results of the monitoring program submitted by the developer.
4. Presentation and reporting
Results of the water quality component of the environmental audit are to be included in
the environmental audit report submitted to the government.
5.5
INTERPRETATION OF MONITORING RESULTS
Pre-construction phase
The basic presentation and interpretation of water quality information obtained during
the pre-construction, EIA phase of project development is primarily the responsibility of the
developer/environmental contractor. The interpretation will focus on two primary components:
water quality conditions in the river in its current condition (i.e. description of the baseline
condition) and projections of any anticipated changes in water quality conditions through
construction and operation of the project.
When reviewing water quality analysis presented in the EIA, the following questions
should be considered:
Do the results comply with the specifications defined in the TOR for monitoring water quality
parameters ?
Do the results adequately describe existing water quality conditions in the river prior to
project construction ?
39
Do the results demonstrate seasonal and annual variation in water quality conditions ?
What are the potential effects of construction activities on water quality ?
If adverse water quality impacts are expected, are the proposed mitigation measures and
water quality management programs appropriate and what is the probability that the
measures will be effective ?
What are the potential effects of operation on water quality in the reservoir and downstream
from the reservoir ?
If adverse water quality impacts are expected, what are the proposed mitigation measures
and will they be effective ?
If there is some uncertainty pertaining to potential water quality impacts or the effectiveness
of a mitigation measure, what mechanism is available to remedy any unforeseen impacts or
failures in the mitigation measures ?
Construction phase
The developer/environmental consultant is required to conduct a water quality
monitoring program during the construction phase. As discussed previously, some parameters
may be monitored primarily to extend the baseline data to describe water quality conditions in
the river prior to operation of the project. However, the more important component of the
construction phase monitoring program will focus on the effectiveness of measure to manage
contamination of water in the river resulting from various construction activities.
Review of the reports of the water quality monitoring program should consider the
following questions:
Are results for all parameters defined in the water quality monitoring plan for the
construction phase presented in the report ?
For each parameter measured, is there evidence that construction activities have led to
changes in water quality in the river downstream from the construction site(s) ?
Based on the results presented, is the management of runoff from the construction sites
effective ?
Are any of the results unexpected in that they indicate deviations from previous
measurements; are significantly different from baseline data, or are significantly different
from expected results ?
If deviations from previous measurements are detected or significant differences are

present in the results, is there an explanation of why those differences have occurred ?
Has the developer/ environmental consultant proposed remedial measures to correct the
deviations or differences if it is clear that the differences are due to actions of the
construction contractor ?
40
Operation phase
Results of the water quality monitoring program implemented once a project becomes
operational are to be reviewed based on the baseline conditions, the effectiveness of any
mitigation measures and comparison with what conditions were expected as set forth in the
EIA. In conducting the review, the reviewer must consider whether or not any changes in
observed water quality conditions constitute a significant degradation or improvement in water
quality of the river. If some water quality parameters differ from exceptions, the reviewer must
also consider whether or not those changes are acceptable based on the analytic procedures
used in making those predictions. This consideration must be made because many analytic
processes may not be able to accurately predict future conditions because of the inherent
variability of environmental conditions.
When reviewing results of the monitoring program conducted during the operational
phase of the project, the following questions should be considered:
Are the results presented in the report complete ?
Are the results compatible with base conditions and predictions of water quality conditions
presented in the EIA ?
Do seasonal changes observed in the results consistent with anticipated seasonal changes
as described in base conditions and anticipated conditions ?
Are there significant changes in one or more parameters from reporting period to reporting
period ?
Has the developer provided explanations of why have any observed changes occurred ?
Are the changes due to the facilities and/or operation of them ?
If after several reporting period, certain water quality parameters indicate a gradual change,
has the developer explained why is that trend(s) occurring ?
If significant, unexpected changes in water quality conditions have occurred that are
attributable to facilities and/or operation, has the developer suggested any measures to
adjust facilities or operating regimes to remedy the problem ?
41
SECTION 6
STAKE HOLDERS IN EIA PROCESS
A stake holder in the hydropower development is any individual, group, agency or

organization affected by a project and/or with concern or interest in a development project and
its outcomes, or in common resources impacted by a development project. A stake holder
should be treated as a Partner in Development and not as opponent of the project.
There are many potential stake holders/partners in hydropower development projects.
Some like the local public, are involved at all stages, throughout the life of a project. And, they
are often affected by it for years afterwards. Others become more or less important during
various stages of the project development and implementation.
The effects of a project on stake holders can be adverse or beneficial, direct or indirect,
sooner or later. The identity of the stake holders, the timing of their involvement and the
activities they may be encouraged and enabled to undertake depend largely on the type, size
and location of a project as well as on the insightfulness, creativity, sensitivity and dedication to
public involvement of the developer and the members of the Public Involvement Facilitation
Team.
The list of prospective stakeholders for hydropower projects includes some or all of the
following. In every category gender must be considered; both women and men should be
represented in activities, preferably in equal numbers. Stakeholders may be identified in terms
of one or several of the following categories:
affected local individuals, communities or households;
government agencies and their representatives at various levels (center, district, local), from
concerned ministries and departments;
elected officials of concerned Gram Panchayats, municipalities, or constituencies;
concerned business people and entrepreneurs;
concerned NGOs, CBOs and user groups;
political party representatives and local parliamentarians
local influentials from affected area, such as informal or traditional community heads, school
teachers, healers, social and religious leaders, and other notable women and men;
health workers;
social workers and marginal group workers (such associations or organizations dedicated to
the upliftment of the poor, the landless, women, children and other vulnerable groups); and
the project developers/proponents, themselves.
42
Generally speaking, those most directly affected by a project are clearly among the key
stakeholders they are at the greatest risk, they feel the impacts most intensely, they benefit
the most from opportunities; hence, they should be the first to be involved. The poor, landless,
vulnerable and marginalized people are among these stakeholders, and it is they who are often
the most difficult to get involved.
Since local people will be stakeholders over most of the life of a project, their
involvement and participation from the beginning is crucial to project success. The clearer the
terms of public engagement and the more meaningful their involvement, the smoother and
more sustainable and less conflicted the outcome will be.
6.1
WAYS TO IDENTIFY STAKEHOLDERS AND GROUP REPRESENTATIVES

Stakeholders must be identified carefully. Since it may not be possible to involve each
stakeholder, therefore, Stakeholder Committees should be formed that are representative of the
affected public. Committee formation must proceed with the full involvement of the potential
stakeholders. To create stakeholder committees that are truly representative of affected
communities and groups requires that the process be participatory and transparent. Committee
membership and representation should not be dictated by outsiders and to give more people an
opportunity to vote and participate as representatives of the people, committee membership
can rotate annually.
There may be difficulty at first in identifying local groups, in selecting stakeholder
representatives and stakeholder committees and in empowering and engaging them in
meaningful ways. Discussing the purpose of such committees with public is important.
Sensitizing them to their rights and to how they can participate is critically important. They
should have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of stakeholder committees, the sorts
of issues committee members may have to deal with and the seriousness of the decisions they
may be called upon to make on behalf of their constituents. If there is difficulty in determining
whom to select and how to organize a committee, it may help to discuss with the people of the
community how they have dealt in the past with other activities requiring representative
decision-making.
Example on a set of questions which proponents may use to identify project
stakeholders is given in the box below.
6.2
INVOLVING STAKEHOLDERS
Stakeholder involvement begins with the identification of affected communities and
groups, followed by the formation of representative committees, followed by identifying the core
issues arising and followed, in turn, by a concerned effort to involve them easily and equitably
in dealing with the issues, making suggestions and decisions, and taking action. Stakeholder
43
involvement in planning the mitigation of project impacts, and in monitoring, is especially

important.
Who might be affected, adversely or beneficially, directly or indirectly, sooner or later, by the project
development?
Who are the most vulnerable, the typically voiceless, for whom special efforts may have to be
made?
Who best represents those most likely to be affected?
Who is responsible for what is intended by the project?
Who is likely to mobilize for or against the project?
Who can make what is intended by the project more effective through their participation and support,
or less effective by their non-participation or opposition?
Who must be fully informed and convinced for the project to proceed smoothly and conflict-free?
Who can contribute financial, social and technical resources?
In addition, the following questions should be answered affirmatively:
Have the local communities, households, families, individuals or institutions most seriously affected
by project activities been identified?
Are the members of each community or stakeholder group able to select committee members to
represent them, whom they respect and trust?
Have conflict situations, and persons involved in serious local conflict, been avoided in the selection
process?
Are all sections of the community represented? Is there representative equity? Are the most
vulnerable groups and women involved or well represented?
Are stakeholders satisfied with the selection of their representatives to the stakeholder committees?
Two most intense periods of local stakeholder involvement are at scoping and during
the EIA study. Public inputs during scoping inform the writing of the TOR for EIA. The combined
EIA study should be well informed through public participation. It leads to an EIA report which
guides the impact mitigation process.
6.2.1
Memoranda of Understanding
Experience shows that overlooking commitments made to local people and communities
by developers has created unnecessary misunderstandings leading to conflict and delays in

project works. Where misunderstandings arise, strikes typically follow. Strikes hinder project
activities in both the short and long term. One pro-active way of heading off conflicts over
misunderstandings is to assure that all involved have a clear idea of their roles and
responsibilities proponent, local government agencies and stakeholders, alike as well as
NGOs/CBOs, where appropriate. To accomplish this, two things must be done:
Make no promises, commitments nor suggest courses of action without authority to do so;
and
Where commitments are realistic, appropriate and authorized, draw up and sign MOUs in
each case, specifying the roles and responsibilities of all concerned and affected parties.
44
6.2.2
Training
Some projects have demonstrated that training programmes for technical and economic
skills development and partnership are quite useful in reducing stakeholder frustrations in the
face of changes which development inevitably bring to project-impacted communities. Priority
should be given to preparing community members by enabling them to take up local
employment opportunities. Training in skill-upgrading and other specialized employment pay off
for proponent and local people alike by helping to meet the increased skilled manpower needs
created by hydropower and other development projects. Similarly, training in other economic
opportunities (e.g. fruit and vegetable production, poultry farming, animal husbandry) are also
highly useful to farmers. Some of these activities should be the responsibility of local service
agencies of the government working in close association with the proponent/developer.
NGOs/CBOs can also help in this regard.
The training of project affected people, women and men, in new skills is an effective
strategy only if accompanied by actual employment resulting from firm market demand for new
skills, or from new investments. The market for skills development should be carefully assessed
before setting up training programmes. It is recommended that as new jobs open up that at
least one person per household be employed by the project, to increase and spread local
benefits and to enhance local support and well-being.
6.2.3
User Groups
Stakeholders will inevitably include members of existing community resource user
groups. In fact, the stakeholder group is, itself, a kind of user group focussed on both
environmental and human resource impacts associated with hydropower projects.
It is important to aid stakeholders in the formation or strengthening of user groups, to
assume their smooth functioning and sustainability. It is equally important to encourage local
government services agencies and NGOs, in their rural development roles. Key points about
user groups development traditions and experiences can be learned by examining longstanding forest user groups, water user groups, and other pre-existing resource management
groups.
6.3
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
MoEF (Govt. of India) has specified guidelines for public consultation. Purpose is to
ascertain the concerns of local affected persons and other persons who have plausible stake in
the environmental impacts of the project. Public consultation is required for all Category A and
Category B1 projects (see section 2). Public consultation has two components:
(a) a public hearing at the site or in its close proximity for ascertaining concerns of local
affected persons
45
(b) obtain responses in writing from other concerned persons having a plausible stake in
environmental impacts of the project or activity.
A notice for environmental public hearing is issued by the State Pollution Control Board
(SPCB) in at least two newspapers widely circulated in the region around the project, one of
which shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned. Date, time and place of
public hearing shall be mentioned clearly by the State Pollution Control Board. Public can
submit its suggestions, views, comments and objections within 30 days from the date of
publication of the notification.
The participation in public hearing is open to the bonafide residents, environmental
groups
and
other
located
at
the
project
sites
likely
to
be
affected.
Written
suggestions/representations can also be made by the public to the concerned State Pollution
Control Board. SPCB shall arrange to video film the entire proceedings
The composition of Public Hearing Panel consists of the following:
(i) District Magistrate or his nominee (not below rank of ADM) Chairman
(ii) Representative of the State Pollution Control Board
The concerned persons are provided access to the draft EIA report and summary EIA
report at the following places. Summary EIA report shall also be placed on website of SPCB.
i.
District Magistrate Office
ii.
District Industry Centre
iii.
Office of the Zila Parishad/Local body as the case may be
iv.
Office of the concerned State Pollution Control Board and its concerned regional office
v.
Regional office of MOEF

The project proponent is required to make appropriate changes in EIA and EMP
addressing all the material environmental concerns expressed by stakeholders.
46
SECTION 7
PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT PLAN
There are two components of an environmental management plan (EMP):

1. Environmental Monitoring
2. Environmental Auditing
7.1
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
Environmental monitoring is one of the most important components of an EIA. It is
essential for:
Ensuring that impacts do not exceed the established legal standards;
Checking the implementation of mitigation measures in the manner described in the EIA
report;
Providing early warning of potential environmental damage.
7.1.1
Principles of Monitoring
Certain principles of EIA monitoring should be considered, and not overlooked. If the
EIA monitoring process is to generate meaningful information and improve implementation of

mitigation measures, it is desirable to accomplish the following activities:
Carefully determine the indicators to be used in monitoring activities;
Collect meaningful and relevant information;
Apply measurable criteria in relation to chosen indicators;
Pass objective judgements on the information collected;
Draw tangible conclusions based on the processing of information;
Make rational decisions based on the conclusions drawn;
Recommend improved mitigation measures to be undertaken by the developer.
7.1.2
Types of Monitoring
Various types of monitoring activities are currently in practice, each of which is relevant
to an EIA study. The main types are:

(a)
Baseline monitoring
A survey should be conducted on basic environmental parameters in the area
surrounding the proposed project before construction begins (Pre-Audit Study). Subsequent
monitoring can assess the changes in those parameters over time, against the baseline.
47
(b)
Impact monitoring
Impact monitoring is designed to identify and measure changes in environmental
variables. Environmental noise should be separated from trend as shown in Figure 7.1.
The physical, biological and socio-economic and cultural parameters within the project
area must be measured during the period of project construction and operation in order to
detect environmental changes which may have occurred as a result of project implementation.
Figure 7.1: Representation of a change in trend of a dynamic variable

(c)
Compliance monitoring
This form of monitoring employs a periodic sampling method, or a continuous recording
of specific environmental quality indicators or pollution levels, to ensure project compliance with
recommended environmental protection standards.
Monitoring should be regular and performed long-term. Interruptions in monitoring may
result in having insufficient data to draw accurate conclusions concerning project impacts.
The main aim of EIA compliance monitoring is to provide the information required to
ensure that project implementation has the least possible negative environmental impacts, and
all possible positive impacts, in the project affected area.
7.1.3
Intensity of Monitoring
It is not possible to monitor every single one of parameters that were investigated during
the impact identification process. Therefore, a selection of Scoping Out should therefore be
made of the most important and critical parameters that will best reflect the impacts of the
project on its surrounding environment.
The level or intensity of monitoring is to be determined on the basis of the known
variability of each parameter, together with the potential severity of the environmental impacts
that are being monitored.
48
7.1.4
Development of Monitoring Indicators

For each of the impacts and corresponding mitigation measure indicators to be
measured during project construction should be developed. The indicators selected should
reflect the condition of that particular component upon the measurement.
7.2
ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING
The term Audit is usually associated with the professional of finance and accounting.
Auditing refers to the examination and assessment of a certain type of performance. In the case
of an EIA, an audit should assess the actual environmental impact, the accuracy of prediction,
the effectiveness of environmental impact mitigation and enhancement measures, and the
functioning of monitoring mechanisms.
7.2.1
Types of Audit
The following types of audit are recommended for different aspects of the EIA process:
(a)
Decision point audit: It examines the effectiveness of EIA as a decision making tool.
(b)
Implementation audit: It ensures that consent conditions have been met.
(c)
Performance audit: It examines the effectiveness of project implementation and

management.
(d)
Project impact audit: It examines environmental changes arising from project

implementation.
(e)
Predictive technique audit: It examines the accuracy and utility of predictive techniques by
comprising actual against predicted environmental effects.
(f)
EIA procedures audit: It critically examines the methods and approach adopted during the
EIA study
Audits are not required in all cases. At the project approval stage, however, both the
project proponent and the authorizing agency should consider whether the application of a
particular auditing technique is likely to result in new information or an improvement in
management practices. Particular attention should be given to the cost-effectiveness of any
proposed audit and to the technical difficulties likely to be encountered.
Environmental auditing should compare monitoring results with data generated during
the pre-project period. Comparisons can be made with similar projects or against standard
norms. Relating actual impacts with predicted impacts will help in evaluating the accuracy and
adequacy of EIA.
7.3
IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

An EMP is a document to be developed during EIA preparation. An EMP refers to the
document pertaining to project management, monitoring and auditing of the implementation of

49
mitigation measures and the verification of predicted impacts in the project cycle. The following
are general procedures for the implementation of monitoring and auditing plans on
development projects.
7.3.1
Activities Concerning Impact Monitoring

The actual impacts caused by the project implementations should be closely monitored
during the construction and operation of the project to examine the effectiveness of the
mitigation measures. The following activities need to be concluded for impact monitoring:
(a) Hold regular meetings with the local people and listen to their concerns to assess the
impacts of the project on the community and the environment
(b) During construction, regularly assess the stability of disrupted slopes. This is particularly
necessary during the monsoon season.
(c) During construction, inspect the levels of air, noise and water and land pollution at regular
intervals and compare with national standards and baseline data.
(d) During and after construction, conduct regular fish sampling to assess impact of the project
on the fish population and their spawning and migratory behaviour.
(e) With the help of the forest user groups, regularly monitor the condition of the local forest,
and the use and trafficking of forest products.
(f) Monitor the spoil disposal practices.
(g) Monitor storage techniques for fuel and explosives kept in the project area to ensure safety
to people and the environment.
(h) Check the water supply and sanitation situation in the labour camps and the construction
areas, and regularly test the quality of water being supplied to the construction workers.
(i) Regularly check the health of the workers to ensure that there is no spread of
communicable diseases. Also, regularly check the construction safely, ensuring the
maintained health of the workers.
(j) With the help of the local police, monitor, monitor the occurrence of criminal and socially
undesirable activities.
(k) Monitor the gender issues related to the project to ensure that neither males nor females
bear an unfare share of negative impacts.
(l) For at least three years following land acquisition, regularly survey the social and economic
conditions of displaced families whose land and properties have been acquired by the
project.
7.3.2
Formulation of Monitoring Plan/Schedule
50
The monitoring plan includes the description of types of monitoring, the parameters to
be monitored and methods to be used and schedules for operating monitoring activities. The
following example (Table 7.1) illustrates the formulation of monitoring plan.
Table 7.1: Environmental monitoring plan: Impact monitoring

Parameter
Indicators
Method
Location
Schedule
Physical environment
Slopes
Degree of slopes, stability of Site observation
Near
unstable Continuously
slopes, changes from the
slope areas
during
baseline data
construction
Water quality Temperature, pH, turbidity, Water sampling and See: Water Quality See: Water Quality
TSS,
DSS,
hardness, testing,
and Aspects
Aspects
chloride, sodium, oil and comparison to ambient
grease, coliform, DO, BOD, standards
COD, P, S, Chlorophyll
Air quality
Total
suspended
solid Low-volume sampler, In and around Continuous
particulate, SO2, CO2, NO2, visual
inspection, construction sites observation
and
PbO2, dust accumulation measurement,
and and along access sampling
during
from construction activities comparison of data roads
construction
with ambient standards
Biological environment
Fisheries
Size of fish population, Fish sampling and Upstream
and At
least
three
changes in spawning and discussions with local downstream
of times
a
year:
migratory habits
fisherman
project site
before, during and
after monsoon
Forest
and Number of trees, health of Discussions with user In/around
Twice
a
year
vegetation
trees, presence of ground groups, local people construction
during
cover
and the District Forest sites/camps,
construction
Office, field observation access
roads,
markets
Socio-Economic and Cultural Environment
Water supply Presence and quality of Site observation, water Affected
VDCs Continuously
and sanitation water supply in local homes testing and interviews and construction during
in the project and construction areas, with local people
camps
construction
area
adequacy
of
sewerage
system
Public health Types of diseases and Discussions with the Affected
VDCs Monthly
during
amount of disease in the local people and the and construction construction
project area and local health professionals at camps
community
the
local
health
post/hospital
Resettlement Social
and
economic Discussions with the Resettlement
Regularly for at
and
conditions of the displaced displaced
people, site(s)
least three years
Rehabilitation people
observation
following
land
acquisition
Economy
Number of local people Records kept by project Project site
Twice
a
year
employed by project
management
during and after
construction
Infrastructure Number
of
households Records kept by project Affected VDCs
Two years after
included
in
rural management
project completion
electrification by project
51
7.3.3
Information Required for Environmental Auditing

An environmental audit should be carried out after two years of project operation.
Information from monitoring output should also be utilized for carrying out the environmental
audit. In general terms the environmental audit should gather information on the following
areas:
The condition of natural/social/economic resources prior to project implementation and after

project construction is completed
Whether the impacts forecast by the EIA occurred and, if so, the extent of these impacts
Whether or not mitigation measures implemented are effective to control adverse impacts or
enhance beneficial impacts
Whether or not all landscapes degraded due to project implementation have been restored
to their original (or better) conditions
What are the impacts of boom-bust scenario among the workforce involved in project
implementation and the local economy
The overall effect on the local economy of project implementation

Specifically, the following activities, and others as deemed necessary, need to be
addressed for environmental auditing:
How have the environmental conditions changed from the baseline conditions?
Are there any problems relating to slope stability in the project area?
Have slope stability and erosion control measures adopted by the project been effective in
minimizing slope instability, erosion and landslides?
What is the quality of water in the river and its tributaries? Did it change significantly from
the baseline condition?
Are there any bare or degraded areas around the project? What is the condition of the
quarry sites, borrow areas and the spoil disposal areas?
How are the local forest user groups functioning?
What is the condition of the local forests?
How are the families resettled by the project adapting to their new host communities?
How have the local construction workers adapted to the loss of their jobs following the end
of construction activities?
What is attitude of the local people towards the project?
What has been the impact of the project on local and national economy?
7.3.4
Formulation of Auditing Plan/Schedule

This is illustrated by an example in Table 7.2 below.
52
Table 7.2: Environmental auditing plan

(A) Physical Environment
(i) Air Quality
Parameter
Indicators
Quality of Total suspended solid
air
particulate, SO2, CO2,
NO2,
PbO2,
dust
accumulation
from
construction activities
in houses, vegetation,
surrounding areas
Location
Weir,
access
road,
power
house
and
construction
plant areas
Methods
Low-volume
sampler,
visual
inspection,
measurement and
their comparison
with
ambient
standards
(ii) Noise and vibrations

Parameter
Indicators
Location
Noise
Noise levels and their Weir, access road,
comparison
with power
house,
ambient standards
construction
plant
areas and nearby
villages
Vibration of Any case of hearing Construction sites,
structures
impairment,
cracks locations of cracked
existed in houses and buildings
compensation
(iii) Water quality
Parameter
Indicators
Location
Water
Temperature,
pH, Headworks
power
quality
turbidity, TSS, DSS, and
hardness,
chloride, house sites
sodium, oil and grease,
coliform, DO, BOD,
COD, P, S, chlorophyll,
NO2, CO2, SO2
Sources
Analysis
of
data,
information
from
local
people,
observation
Methods
Decibel
meter
Sources
Measurement
and information
from local people
Interview,
observation
Local
people,
observation
Methods
Sources
Water
samples Analytical
collected
from data
different source and
comparisons
with
baseline data and
ambient water quality
(iv) Disposal of spoils and construction wastes

Parameter
Indicators
Location
Methods
Designated sites
Observation/interview
Disposal
of Initiated
construction
erosion,
spoils
affected
the
aesthetic
value, affected
forest
and
agriculture
Side casting of Initiated land Intake,
adits, Observation/interview
excavated soils erosion, local power
house
and wastes
drainage
sites,
access
roads
Sources
Local
people
and
observation
Local
people
and
observation
(v) Erosion and slope stability

Parameter
Indicators
Location
Methods
Erosion
and Eroded
and Intake, road and Observation,
slope stability
unstable areas on power house sites
measurement
Sources
Local
information,
54
Plantation
disrupted
slopes
natural
slopes,
collected data
Adequate drainage
facilities such as
catch
drains,
herringbone drains,
side
drains,
number
of
disturbed
areas
due to the lack of
drainage
of Revegetation
of
disturbed slopes
Power
house, Observation
intake, roads and and
mostly in unstable photographs
areas
Cut slopes and area Visual

and area where observation,
vegetation
was photographs
cleared
photographs,
observation
Local
information,
observation
Local
information,
observation
(B) Biological Environment

(i) Forest and vegetation
Parameter
Loss of timber
Alternative energy
for cooking for
labour force
Harvesting
and
trade of medicinal
plants
Indicators
Number of new
houses
in
the
project
area,
number of tea stalls
and
restaurants
established during
construction
Volume
of
fuel
wood
trade,
location of timber
depots and fire
wood sale in the
project construction
area
Number of stumps
of cut trees in
nearby forest
Volume and type of
fuel used in the
project area
Sales of medical
herbs increased
Location
Methods
Project
site, Counting,
roadside
and observation
the vicinity of and record
project area
Sources
Local
people
and,
observation
Project
site, Records,
markets
and observation
settlement
areas
Local people,
available
information,
observation
Forest
nearby
Local people,
observation
area Examination
of forest
Project sites
Records from
the
contractors
Project
sites Information
and markets
from
local
people
and
market
Physical condition General condition Forest
near Observation
of forest
of forest nearby
project site
Local people,
observation
Local people
Information
and available
local people
(ii) Wildlife
Parameter
Wildlife
Indicators
Location
Methods
Sources
Wildlife hunting, trapping Forest
area Interview with Local people,
and poaching by workforce
near
the local people observation
project site
and
55
photographs
Trading of wildlife products Project
site Observation,
Local people,
(dried meat, hides, furs)
and markets
interview and observation
photographs
Frequency of the birds and Project area
Observation,
Local people
mammals seen in the
interview
project site before and after
the project
(iii) Fisheries
Parameter
Indicators
Fisheries
Species
of
fish
occurrence
as
compared with preproject levels
Fishing activities of
workforce
Use of explosives,
electric rod and nets
Location
Methods
Sampling stations at Sampling
the project sites
Sources
Local
fisherman
Project site
Interview
Local people
Project site
Interview
Local people
(C) Socio-Economic and Cultural Environment

(i) Employment opportunities
Parameter
Employment
opportunities
Indicators
Location
Number
of
local Project site
labourers employed in
the
Project
Construction
Number of women in Project sites
workforce
(ii) Trade, Commerce and Industry

Parameter
Indicators
Trade,
Number
of
shops
commerce and increased/decreased
industry
during construction
Number of shops still in
operation
Establishment of industry
in vicinity of project site
Methods
Sources
Analysis of Records
from
records,
contractor and local
interview
people
Records
Local
people,
records of contractor
Location
Methods
Roadsides and Records,
in project sites
interview
Sources
Records, local
people
Project sites and Records,

surroundings
interview
Observation
and
local
people
Local people
Effects on already existing Local area

local
and
traditional
industries
Rentals of houses and Local area
land space, before, during
and after the project
Records,
interview
Inquiries,
interview
Local tenants
and
local
people
(iii) Compensation
Parameter
Compensation
Indicators
Location
Methods
Sources
Use of compensation Local area/out Survey
and Local people
received
of the area
interview
56
(iv) Occupational and Safety Hazards

Parameter
Indicators
Occupational and Types
and
Safety Hazards
numbers
of
accidents occurred
during construction
Adequacy
of
occupational
safety measures
provided by the
project
Facility of first aid
emergency
services provided
Compensation to
the loss of life or
disability
(v) Damages and Complaints

Parameter
Indicators
Damages
Types of damages on
and
personal properties
Complaints
Damages
to
local
infrastructure such as
roads,
irrigation
and
bridges
Compensation
for
maintenance
and
rehabilitation
of
infrastructure
Losses
caused
by
blasting, vibration and
noise and compensation
paid
(vi) Economic Condition
Parameter
Indicators
SocioChanges in land use
economic
patterns
change
Changes
in
local
economy (standards
of living)
Price rise
Location
Project sites
Methods
Records,
interview
Sources
Records
from
contractors and
local people
Project sites
Records,
interview
Records
from
contractors and
local people
Project sites
Records,
interview
Records of office
and local people
Project sites
Records,
interview
Records
of
contractors, office
of
project
management and
local people
Location
Project
sites
and
its
vicinities
Within the
periphery of
project area
Methods
Survey,
interview and
observation
Survey,
interview and
observation
Sources
Local
people,
observation,
records
Concerned
agencies,
local
people
Project area
Records,
interview
Project sites
and its
vicinities
Records,
interview
Concerned
agencies, project
management office
and local people
Local people and
project
management office
Location
Project
area/VDCs
Methods
Interview/survey,
observation
Project
area/VDCs
Interview/survey,
observation
Rise in price in Local market

essential commodities
as compared to the
prices of these goods
before
construction
and
adjusted
for
inflation
Market survey
Sources
Farmers and local
entrepreneurs,
observation
Local
people,
business
community,
observation
Local
people,
shop keepers
57
SECTION 8
PREPARATION OF TERMS OF REFERENCES
As per guidelines of MoEF, Govt. of India, terms of references for EIA are required for
B1 and A category of projects. The TOR are to be submitted along with information in Form 1.
These are finalized by Environmental Appraisal Committee and conveyed to the project
proponent. In case the TOR are not finalized and conveyed within 60 days, the TOR suggested
by proponent shall be deemed as final.
8.1
BASIC OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE

Terms of reference (TOR) is a document to be prepared by the project proponent, and
submitted to the authorizing agency for approval. The basic objectives of the TOR are to:
define what types of information are to be presented in the Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA),
delineate the relevant issues to be discussed,
define what studies will be performed,
explain who will conduct the studies,
state when the studies will be conducted, and
outline the basic structure of the EIA.

The purpose of preparing the TOR for understanding an EIA of a proposed project is to
ensure that the resulting EIA will be suitable for review and evaluation by the concerned
governmental agencies. The TOR provides specific guidelines, including:
identification and description of the issues to be investigated,
systematization of the working procedures,
delineation of the specific activities to be undertaken,
fitting the EIA study into the context of existing policies, rules and administrative
procedures,
clarification of the responsibilities of the different institutional actors involved in the project
cycle,
setting out a time frame, with the required expert manpower for carrying out the EIA study,
together with the estimated budget required
accomplishment of the works within the specified time
special emphasis to the most significant aspects of the study, and
technical guidance relating to the main aspects of the environment which will require
delineation during the EIA study.
58
8.1.1
Appropriate time for developing TOR

Following the completion of scoping, a TOR should be developed based entirely on the
results of scoping. The most appropriate time for preparation of TOR is at the feasibility stage of
the project cycle.
8.1.2
Responsibility for developing TOR

The TOR evolves from the Scoping process in EIA. The critical issues identified during
the scoping exercise, to be carried out in EIA study, should be included in the TOR. The project
proponent should prepare a TOR that both delineates the scope of the EIA and provides
complete guidance for undertaking the EIA study. After approval from the authorizing agencies
the TOR becomes an official document. In the EIA report review process, the TOR serves as a
standard document against which the subject matter covered in the EIA report will be
evaluated.
8.2
GOOD PRACTICE CRITERIA FOR THE PREPARATION OF TOR

The TOR must follow the prescribed TOR format in order to produce an EIA which
follows the EIA format. The proponent should always bear in mind that the purpose of the TOR
is to answer the following questions:
Why will it be done?
How will it be done?
When will it be done?
Who will do it?
How much will it cost?
8.2.1
Name and Address of the Person/Institution Preparing the Report

This section of the TOR should provide a concise description (corporate overview) of the
organization that will be responsible for carrying out the EIA. The information given will be used
by the concerned agencies to evaluate the institutional capabilities for carrying out the EIA. The
information should at least include:
the name of organization, address and contact numbers (telephone, fax, e-mail, website);
the year the organization was established; and
the approximate number of full-time professional staff.
8.2.2
General Introduction of the Proposal

This section must clearly state the objectives of the EIA, and the relationship of its
results to project planning, design and implementation. It should highlight critical points in the
decision making process linking environmental and social assessment and project execution.
59
The concerned agencies will require descriptions of the construction and operational
phases of the proposed project. Based on the information already provided in the scoping
document, these should include the projects:
location and accessibility,
design and layout,
size and capacity,
land requirements,
raw materials,
construction activities,
energy and power source for construction,
schedule,
staffing,
support facility services,
labour requirements, and
operation and maintenance activities.

A map with the salient features of the project design should show the proposed project
construction facilities at a glance.

8.2.3
Data Required for Preparation of EIA Report and Methodology of Data Collection
The evaluation of the effects of hydropower on the environment and socio-economy
requires adequate knowledge of the ecosystems, including the human communities, which exist
within the area under influence of the project. Keep the data collection well focused. Based on
the issues identified in the scoping document, this section should summarize what baseline
data and information are needed, describe how they will be gathered, and explain how they will
be used. The study goals must be clearly defined.
The methodologies to be used for data collection should be briefly described, together
with an explanation of how precise the information needs to be for decision-making. Predictive,
quantitative models and standards should be proposed wherever possible to avoid vague and
subjective predictions. In addition, public involvement to focus the analysis on locally important
concerns and issues, and to ensure peoples participation, should be employed.
8.2.4
Policies, Laws, Rules, and Directives

The purpose of this section is to establish that the organization responsible for carrying
out the EIA is familiar with all of the relevant legislation of India. A summary should be made of
the guidelines, procedural aspects, acts, rules, regulations and policies. Particular emphasis
should be given to the policies and legal framework for sensitive issues such as pollution
60
standards, protected areas, endangered species, criteria for impact evaluation and relocation
and compensation for project affected people.
8.2.5
Report Preparation Requirements
8.2.5.1 Time
By means of appropriate bar graph and simple critical path chart, the proposed plan for
carrying out the EIA study should be indicated so that the project will be completed within a
realistic time period. The graph or chart should indicate which studies are seasonally
dependent, and the time frame must match the activities to be carried out.
8.2.5.2 Estimated budget
The total cost of the proposed EIA study should be given, together with estimates of the
probable costs for any resulting Resettlement Plan, Mitigation Plan, Monitoring Plan, Auditing
Plan, and Environmental Management Plan. Roughly, total cost for environmental integration in
the project implementation can be expected to be in the range of 1% to 5% of the total cost of
project construction which should be borne by the project proponent.
Also to be included in the budget are the costs required for public involvement during
EIA at sites, public hearings at project site, notices in newspapers and logistic support required
for conducting public hearings.
8.2.5.3 Specialists/Experts
Starting with the team leader, a list of EIA project staff should be given, together with
their key qualifications and affiliations.
A description of proposed team staff should be presented including bio-data for all key
personnel. A single individual should be designated as the EIA Team Leader, to be assigned
full time for the duration of the project. It is most important that the expertise of the project staff
is shown to cover all of the major issues identified in the scoping document. A hydropower
engineer should be involved in the EIA study, as should a social scientist and/or socioeconomist familiar with India.
8.2.6
Approved Scope for the Preparation of the Report

In this section, all impacts/issues determined and approved in the scoping document
shall be incorporated.
8.2.7
Likely Environmental Consequences

This section should consist of impacts identified in the scoping document and these
impacts should be grouped into three basic categories as follows:
Physical
61
Biological
Socio-economic
The potential impacts to be investigated by the EIA should be classified in terms of
whether they are direct or indirect, and the methods by which the evaluations of their effects will
be made should consider the extent, duration and magnitude of each impact, including
cumulative and residual impacts.
8.2.8
Alternatives for Executing the Proposal

This section should outline how the No Action Option will be compared with the option
of implementing variations in the design of the proposed project. The proposed methods will be
expected to be capable of evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of both options in
terms of economy and environment. The No Action Option is the existing scenario and
describes status quo condition; whereas, under the condition with proposed project
implementation, some changes are bound to take place.
It is very important to explain here how different stakeholder groups will be incorporated
into the consideration of alternatives such as:
design;
project site;
technology and operational methods, schedule, required raw materials;
acceptability or otherwise of the risks likely to emerge while implementing the proposal;
and
8.2.9
other relevant points.

Mitigation Measures, Environmental Management Plan and Auditing Plan
Based on the issues identified in the scoping document, the probable mitigation
measures should be summarized and their budgetary requirements should be estimated. The
roles and responsibilities of concerned agencies at the central and local levels of administration
in the implementation of mitigation measures proposed must also be included.
The Environmental Management Plan and Auditing Plan should also be described.
8.2.10 Costs and Benefits
This section must summarize the basic development issues or the problems that will
addressed by the proposed activities. If possible, it should characterize the issues or the
problems in a broader national context. The way in which the proposed project is expeted to
address and resolve issues, or solve or alleviate problems, should be explained, with emphasis
on sustainability. The critical requirements for the proposed activity to be successful in the longterm should be described, with emphasis on the major risks and benefits involved.
62
8.2.11 Monitoring Plan

This section of TOR must outline how the monitoring plan of project construction and
operation will be elaborated. Using the results from scoping, the list of indicators for each of the
potential parameters to be monitored, together with the probable roles and responsibilities of
the concerned agencies, should be listed. This information can be presented in a chart. A
monitoring schedule should also be included. The cost required for conducting monitoring
activities should also be indicated.
8.2.12 Relevant Information
This section is related to the Appendices of the EIA report. It should provide preliminary
list of the supporting information that it is expected will be used in the preparation of the EIA
report. The list should include all relevant documents, maps, photographs, tables, charts,
graphs and any questionnaires to be used for preparing the report.
63
ANNEXURE I
USEFUL REFERENCES
Manuals
MoEF. 2001. Environmental Impact Assessment A Manual, Impact Assessment Division,
Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.
DOED. 2002. Manual for Preparing Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for Hydropower
Projects. Department of Electricity Development, Kathmandu.
DOED. 2002. Manual for Preparing Scoping Document for Environmental Impact Assessment
of Hydropower Projects. Department of Electricity Development, Kathmandu.
DOED. 2002. Manual for Preparing Terms of References (TOR) for Environmental Impact
Assessment of Hydropower Projects, with Notes on EIA Report Preparation. Department
of Electricity Development, Kathmandu.
DOED. 2002. Manual for Reviewing Scoping Document, Terms of References (TOR) and
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports for Hydropower Projects. Department of
Electricity Development, Kathmandu.
DOED. 2002. Manual for Preparing Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Report for
Hydropower Projects. Department of Electricity Development, Kathmandu.
DOED. 2002. Manual for Public Involvement in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Process of Hydropower Projects. Department of Electricity Development, Kathmandu.
DOED. 2002. Manual for Developing and Reviewing Water Quality Monitoring Plans and
Results for Hydropower Projects. Department of Electricity Development, Kathmandu.
DOED. 2002. Manual for Predicting, Rating, Ranking and Determination of Significant Impacts
in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Hydropower Projects. Department of
Electricity Development, Kathmandu.
Acts
MoEF. 1996. Environmental Protection Act, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government
of India.
MoEF. 1974 (amended in 1978 & 1988. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 amended in 1988.
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 amended in 1988.
Notifications
MoEF. 2006. Environmental Impact Assessment Notification 2006 of Ministry of Environment
and Forests (MoEF), Government of India.
64
Guidelines
MoEF. 1981. Guidelines for River Valley Projects, Ministry of Environmental & Forests,
Government of India.
Guidelines for Sustainable Water Resources Development and Management, 1992, CWC
National Guidance Manual on Environmental Impact Assessment, 2003, NEERI on behalf of
MoEF
65
ANNEXURE II
DEFINITION OF TERMS RELATED TO SOIL, AIR AND WATER
ENVIRONMENT OF A HYDROPOWER PROJECT
Abatement
A reduction in the degree or intensity
Accretion
The process of growth whereby material is added to the outside of non-living matter,
the gradual increase in flow of stream due to influent seepage.
Acid
Capable of donating hydrogen ions. Solutions of acids have a sour taste. Changes
the colour of litmus paper from blue to red, and neutralizes bases.
Acid rain
Rain that has become a weak acid solution because it has combined with sulphur
dioxide from coal fired generating stations, non ferrous ore smelters and with nitrous
oxide emissions from vehicles and fuel combustion.
Acidity of Water
Amount of acids, given as milli-equivalent of a strong base per litre of water,

necessary to titrate the sample to a pH value of 7.
Adaption
Adjustment to environmental conditions.
Aeration
The process of adding oxygen to water by physical or biological means to aid in

purification.
Aerobic
(Oxybiotic)
Living only in the presence of free oxygen
Aerosol
Particulate matter in the form of dust, fumes or mist that can remain suspended in the
air for long periods of time; usually under 1 micron in diameter.
Afforestation
To establish a forest by artificial means on an area from which forest vegetation has
always or long been absent.
Aqua
Water related
Air Pollution
The presence of substances in the air that adversely affect humans, animals,
vegetation or materials.
Algae
Simple, aquatic plants containing chlorophyll.
Alkaline Water
Water which is high in sodium percentage but relatively low in total dissolved salts.
Ambient
The natural conditions (or environment) in a given place and time.
Anaerobe
An organism having ability to grow in the absence of free oxygen.
Annual Flood
The highest peak discharge during a water year in a stream.
Aquaculture
The use of artificial means to increase the production of aquatic organisms in fresh or
salt water.
Aquatic
Growing in water, not terrestrial.
Arable
Land suitable for cultivation by ploughing or tillage, does not require clearing or other
modification
Artificial Recharge Augmenting of the natural replenishment of ground water storage by some method
Base Flow
The sustained or dry weather flow of streams resulting from the outflow of permanent
or perched groundwater and that draining from the V large lakes and swamps. Also,
water from glaciers, snow and all other possible sources not resulting from direct
runoff.
Bedload
The load of bed material layer where suspension is impossible for fluid dynamic
66
reasons.
Benthos
Organisms living in or on the bottom of a water body. Littoral organisms live between
0 to 200 m deep, and deep water organisms at 200+ m deep.
Biochemical
Represents the amount of dissolved oxygen that will be required from water during
the bacterial assimilation of organic pollutants. The difference in oxygen
concentration of a water sample after five days of incubation at 200C/3 days of
incubation at 270C.
Demand (BOD)
Biodegradable
Can be broken down to simple inorganic substances by the action of bacteria or fungi
Biological diversity The number of kinds of organisms per unit area or volume; the composition of
species in a given area at a given time.
Biological
Indicator
A species or organisms use to grade environmental quality or change
Biological Waste
Waste derived from living organisms.
Biota
The plant and animal life of a region
Catchment Area
The drainage area of a river basin
Channel
A natural or artificial watercourse of perceptible extent with a definite bed and banks
to confine and conduct continuously or periodically flowing water
Check dam
A small dam designed to retard the flow of water and sediment in a channel used
especially to control soil erosion.
Chemical Oxygen A measure of the oxygen equivalent which is required for the oxidation of an
Demand (COD)
organically polluted water supply.
Coliform,
Coliform
Faecal Bacteria found in human and animal faeces. A high coliform count indicates potential
contamination of a water supply by human waste and the potential to cause disease.
Conjunctive use
Conjunctive use involves the coordinated and planned use of both surface water and
ground water resources to meet water requirements.
Consumptive use The quantity of water used by vegetative growth of a given area in transpiration and
or
building of plant tissue and that evaporated from the adjacent soil or from intercepted
Evapotranspiration precipitation on the area in any specified time. It is expressed in water depths units or
depths area units per unit area and for specified periods such as days, months and
seasons.
Dam
A barrier constructed across a river or natural water course for the purpose of:
(a) Impounding water or creating reservoir
(b) Diverting water there from into a conduit or channel fro power generation
(c) Creating a head which can be used for power generation
(d) Improving river navigability
(e) Retention of debris
(f) Flood control
(g) Domestic, municipal and industrial uses
(h) Preservation of wildlife and pisciculture
(i) Recreation
Dead Storage
Storage of reservoir not susceptible to release by the inbuilt outlet means
Deforestation
The permanent removal of forest and undergrowth
67
Detention Dam
A dam built to store streamflow or surface runoff and to control the release of such
stored water.
Dissolved Oxygen Amount of oxygen needed for the respiration of the microorganisms responsible for
(DO)
aerobic decomposition of organic matter and for plants that are engaged in
resynthesizing organic matter
Dissolved Solids
The total amount of dissolved material, organic and inorganic, contained in water and
waste water
Drawdown
The reduction in static head within the aquifer resulting from abstraction
Ecology
That branch of the biological sciences which deals with the relationship between
organisms and their environment
Ecosystem
A complex system composed of a community of fauna and flora taking into account
the chemical and physical environment with which the system is interrelated.
Environmental
Auditor
A professional who approves legal environmental compliance for an organization,

often a corporation, its directors and stakeholders. It parallels a financial audit. The
need for such audits resulted from large court settlements for pollution damage.
Environmental
Criteria
Standards of physical, chemical and biological components that define a given quality
of an environment.
Environmental
Impact
(a) An effect on an environmental resources or value resulting from human

activities
(b) An effect of any kind of any components or the whole of the environment.
Assessment of the impact generally involves two major elements a
quantitative measure of magnitude and a qualitative measure of importance
Environmental
Impact
Assessment
Document describing a proposed project, its probable environmental impacts and

alternatives to the proposed project and associated environmental impacts.
Environmental
Parameters
Physical, chemical or biological components and their interactions that can be stated
in quantitative terms.
Environmental
Standards
Standards set to protect mans health and well being, to protect human health,
environmental sustainability and aesthetics, and the well being of plant and animal
life.
Eutrophication
(a) Eutrophication of any aquatic ecosystem is a multifaceted term associated with

increased productivity, simplification of biotic communities and a reduction in the
ability of the metabolism of the organisms to adapt to the imposed loading of
nutrients.
(b) Nutrient enrichment of lakes, ponds and other such waters that stimulates the
growth of aquatic organisms that tends to a deficiency of oxygen in water body.
Fallow
Cropland left idle in order to restore productivity mainly through accumulation of

nutrients, water and organic matter.
Fauna
All animal life associated with a given habitat, country, area or period.
Flood Plain
(a) It includes the water channel, the flood channel and that area of nearby low land
susceptible to flood by inundation.
(b) Adjoining land at the bottom of a valley of a stream flooded only when the stream
flow exceeds the bankful discharge.
Flora
All plant life associated with a given habitat, country or period. Bacteria are
considered flora.
Flow
The volume of water passing a given point per unit of time.
Baseflow
The portion of the stream discharge that is derived from natural storage.
Enhancement
An improvement of flow that results in better stream conditions for aquatic, terrestrial
68
Flow
and other resources.
Interstitial Flow
The portion of surface water that infiltrates the stream bed and moves through pores
in the subsurface.
Minimum Flow
Negotiated lowest flow in a regulated stream that will sustain an aquatic population of
agreed upon levels. This flow may vary seasonally.
Return Flow
That portion of water previously diverted from a stream and subsequently returned to
that stream or to another body of ground or surface water.
Fossil Fuels
Coal, oil and natural gas. Remains of ancient plant and animal life consumed to
produce energy.
Greenhouse Effect The increase in concentration of carbon dioxide and other gases in the earths
atmosphere, causing a change in the ration of incoming solar energy to ongoing
radiations, potentially warming the earth.
Habitat
The natural environment in which a plant or animal lives.
Heavy Metals
Metals with a density greater than 5 g/cc are known as heavy metals.
Hydroelectric
Plant
An electric power plant using falling water as its motive force.
Hydrograph
A graph showing for a given point in a stream the discharge, stage, velocity or other
property of water with respect of time.
Hydrologic Cycle
(a) The cycle of water movement from the atmosphere to the earth by precipitation
and its return to the atmosphere by interception, evaporation, runoff, infiltration,
percolation, storage and transpiration.
(b) The continuous circulation of water from the atmosphere through soil to ocean
(inter-relationships between precipitation, evaporation, ground water supplies,
and water in general)
In situ
In its original position or place.
Interception
The process by which precipitation is retained by vegetation before the moisture

reaches the ground
Invertebrates
Literally, all animals without a vertebral column.
Irrigation
The supply of water by artificial means for raising crops
Land Drainage
Removal of excess, superfluous or gravitational water from land surface to prevent or

to relieve water logging, the accumulation of harmful amounts of salts and
deterioration of soil structure.
Land Reclamation Making land capable of more intensive use by changing its general characters, as by
drainage of excessively wet land; irrigation of arid or semi arid land; or recovery of
submergence land from seas, lakes, and rivers.
Limnology
(a) The study of freshwater lakes

(b) The study of the physical, chemical, meteorological and biological aspects of
freshwater
Macrophytes
Large forms of vegetation
Mitigate
To render or become mild or milder; to modify. To moderate or make or become less

severe, violent fierce, cruel, intense, harsh rigorous, painful etc. to soften, appease,
meliorate, diminish, lessen, temper.
Monitoring
Programme
A programme designed to measure, quantitatively or qualitatively, the level of a

substance over a period of time.
Non-point
Pollution
Pollutants whose sources can not be pinpointed. Pollutants from a widespread area.
Oligotrophic
Referring to a water body low in nutrient supplies. Such water bodies contain little
organic matter, have a high dissolved oxygen level and low numbers of aquatic
69
organisms.
Particulate Matter
(a) The most prevalent atmospheric pollutant is suspended particulate matter. Most
particulate measuring devices are designed to measure the range between 1 to
10 micrometres. Large particles settle out of the air. However, the smaller
particles (less than 1 micrometre) are readily respirable contributing significantly
to respiratory disease and reducing visibility.
(b) Any material, except water in uncombined form, that is or has been airborne and
exists as a liquid or a solid at standard conditions.
Pediments
Areas along the face of the uplifted mountain ranges which are relatively gently
sloping and which have been formed by several factors including sheet erosion and
deposition, stream braiding etc. The general slope of these areas is governed by the
slope and erodibility of the underlying bedrock formations.
pH
(a) At a given temperature the intensity of the acidic or basic character of a solution.
(b) pH is defined as coefficient extinction of hydrogen ions at a given temperature.
(c) Negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration in solution.
Pollution
(a) The alteration of the physical, chemical or biological properties of the

atmosphere or any water supply including change in temperature, taste. Colour,
turbidity or odour or the discharge of unnatural liquid, gas, solid, radioactive or
any other substance which is likely to create nuisance problem or render the air
and/or water supply injurious to public health or safety or render the air and/or
water supply detrimental to wild animals, birds and fish or other aquatic life. The
classical definition is the introduction of viable organisms to a body water. This
definition precludes all forms of contamination.
(b) The presence of matter or energy whose nature, location or quantity produces
undesirable environmental effects. Any substance that is likely to create a
nuisance problem or render the air and/or water supply injurious or detrimental
to living organisms.
Potential
The amount of water that could pass into the atmosphere by evapotranspiration if the
Evapotranspiration amount of soil water were not a limiting factor.
Pristine State
An animal hunted or killed and used as a food source by another animal.
Rain Forest
A tropical forest having an annual rainfall of at least 2540 mm.
Remote Sensing
A method for determining the characteristics of an object, organism or community

from afar.
Resource
A tangible product of the earth or biosphere capable of serving, supplying or

supporting some human purpose or need.
Resource
Conservation
Reduction of the amounts of solid waste that are generated, reduction of overall
resource consumption and utilization of recovered resources.
Resource
Management
The introduction and enforcement of restraints, including specified technical

practices, to safeguard the future of renewable resources and uphold the principle of
sustained yield.
Retention Dams
Small earthen dams designed to retain water for only short periods of time to prevent
excessively rapid runoff and erosion.
Riverine
Riparian; pertaining to a river bank
Salinisation
Excess accumulation of salt
Sanctuary
An area usually set aside by legislation or deed to observe restriction for the
preservation and protection of organisms.
Sediment
Usually finely divided organic and/or mineral matter deposited by air or water in nonturbulent areas.
Soil Texture
Refers to the relative proportions of the various size groups (sand, silt and clay) of
70
the individual soil grains in a mass of soil.

Species
The basic category of biological classification intended to designate a single kind of

animal or plant. Any variation among the individuals may be regarded as not
affecting the essential sameness which distinguishes them from all organisms.
Spillway
A waterway in a dam or other hydraulic structures for the escape of flood/excess

water. It may be located either within the body of the dam or at one end of it or
entirely away from it, independently in a saddle.
Spring
A localized site where ground water emerges from the soil.
Stability
(Ecological)
The tendency of systems, especially ecosystems, to persist relatively unchanged

through time; also, persistence of a component of a system.
Stream
Restoration
Various techniques used to replicate the hydrological, morphological and ecological

features that have been lost in a stream due to urbanization farming or other
disturbance.
Undergrowth
Collectively, the shrubs, sprouts, seedlings and sapling trees and all herbaceous
plants in a forest.
Water
Criteria
Quality Upper limits on dissolved or suspended constituents of water as set by a regulatory

agency that governs the water sustainability for a designated use. The constituents
might include dissolved solids, turbidity, pesticides, micro-organisms etc.
Watershed
The entire drainage area that contributes water to a system; the line of separation
between adjacent water catchment areas.
Wildlife
Undomesticated animals; often hunted or at least noticed by man and, therefore,

consisting mainly of mammals, birds and a few lower vertebrates and insects.
Wildlife Habitat
Suitable upland or wetland areas promoting survival of wildlife.
Zooplankton
Free swimming or floating animal plankton
71
ANNEXURE III
ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS PRESCRIBED BY CENTRAL
POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS

Pollutant
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

Oxides of Nitrogen as NO2
Time
Concentration in
g/m3
Industrial
Residential,
area
rural & other
areas
Annual Avg.
24 Hours
Annual Avg.
24 Hours
Annual Avg.
24 Hours
Suspended Particulate Matter

(SPM)
Respirable
Matter
Annual Avg.
Particulate (RPM)
24 Hours
size<10m
Lead (Pb)
Annual Avg.
24 Hours
Carbon Monoxide
8 Hours 1
(CO)
Hour
Sensitive
area
80 120
60 80
15 30
80 120
60 80
15 30
360 500
140 200
70 100
120 150
60 100
50 75
1.0 1.5
0.75 1.00
0.50 0.75
5000 10000
2000 4000
1000 2000
NATIONAL AMBIENT NOISE STANDARDS

Category of zones
Industrial
Commercial
Residential
Silence Zone **
Day *
75
65
55
50
LEQ in db(a)
Night
70
55
45
40
* Day Time is from 6.00 AM to 9.00 PM.

** Silence Zone is defined as an area up to 100m around premises of Hospitals, Educational Institutions
and Courts. Use of vehicle horn, loudspeaker and bursting of crackers is banned in these zones.
72
EFFLUENT DISCHARGE STANDARDS (INLAND SURFACE WATER)

SR
PARAMETER
UNIT
STANDARD
NO.
1
Colour & Odor
-All efforts should be made to
remove colour and unpleasant odor
as far as practicable.
2
Suspended Solids, Max
mg/l
100
3
Particle size of Suspended Solids
-Shall pass 850 micron IS Sieve
4
pH value
-5.5 to 9.0
5
Temperature, Max
oC
Shall not exceed 5C above the
receiving water temperature
6
Oil and grease, Max
mg/l
10
7
Total residual chlorine, Max.
mg/l
1.0
8
Ammonical nitrogen (as N), Max.
mg/l
50
9
Total Kjeldah nitrogen (as N), Max
mg/l
100
10
Free ammonia (as NH3), Max.
mg/l
5
11
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5 days
mg/l
30
at 20C), Max
12
Chemical Oxygen Demand Max.
mg/l
250
13
Arsenic (as As), Max.
mg/l
0.2
14
Mercury (as Hg), Max.
mg/l
0.01
15
Lead (as Pb), Max.
mg/l
0.1
16
Cadmium (as Cd), Max.
mg/l
2.0
17
Hexavalent chromium (as Cr+6), Max.
mg/l
0.1
18
Total Chromium (as Cr) Max.
mg/l
2.0
19
Copper (as Cu), Max.
mg/l
3.0
20
Zinc (as Zn), Max.
mg/l
5.0
21
Selenium (as Se), Max.
mg/l
0.05
22
Nickel (as Ni), Max.
mg/l
3.0
23
Cyanide (as CN), Max.
mg/l
0.2
24
Fluorides as F, Max
mg/l
2.0
25
Dissolved phosphates (as P), Max.
mg/l
5.0
26
Sulphides (as S), Max.
mg/l
2.0
27
Phenolic compounds (as C6H5OH),
mg/l
1.0
Max.
28
Radioactive Materials Emitters,
curie/ml, Max. Emitters, curie/ml,
Max.
10-7 10-6
29
Bio-assay test
-90% survival of fish after 96 hours
in 100% effluent
30
Manganese (as Mn)
mg/l
2.0
31
Iron (as Fe)
mg/l
3.0
32
Vanadium (as V)
mg/l
0.2
33
Nitrate Nitrogen
mg/l
10.0
73
TOLERANCE LIMITS FOR INLAND SURFACE WATER QUALITY

CHARACTERISTIC
A
pH value
Dissolved Oxygen, mg/l, min
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
(5 days at 200C), mg/l
Total coliform organisms,
MPN/100 ml. Max
Colour Hazen units
Chlorides (as Cl), mg/l max
Sodium Adsorption ratio max
Boron (as B), mg/l. Max
Sulphates (as SO4), mg/ l
Nitrates (as NO), mg/l max
Free Ammonia (as NH3),
mg/l
Conductivity at 25o C
microhm/ cm Max
Arsenic (as As), mg/l. Max
Iron (as Fe), mg/l
Fluorides (as F), mg/l
Lead (as Pb), mg/l. Max
Copper (as Cu), mg/l
Zinc (as Zn) mg/l/ Max
Manganese (as Mn), mg/l
Total Dissolved Solids, mg/l
Total Hardness (CaCO3),
mg/l
Magnesium (as Mg), mg/l
Chlorides (as Cl), mg/l
Cyanides (as CN), mg/l
DESIGNATED USE CLASS OF INDIAN WATERS

B
C
D
E
6.5 to
6.5 to 8.5
6.5 to 8.5 6.5 to 8.5
6.0 to 8.5
8.5
6
5
4
4
2
3
3
50*
500*
5000*
10
250
400
20
300
-
300
600
400
50
600
26
2
1000
-
1.2
1000
2250
0.05
0.3
1.5
0.1
1.5
1.5
0.5
500
0.2
1.5
-
0.2
50
1.5
0.1
1.5
1.5
1500
2100
300
100
250
0.05
600
0.05
0.05
600
-
A: Drinking Water Source without conventional treatment but after disinfections;

B: Outdoor bathing organized;
C: drinking water source with conventional treatment followed by disinfections;
D: propagation of wildlife and fisheries;
E: irrigation, industrial cooling, controlled waste disposal.
74
ANNEXURE IV
FORMAT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSENT DOCUMENT
(Source: Environmental Impact Assessement Notification 2006 of MoEF, Govt. Of India)
S.NO
1.
EIA STRUCTURE
Introduction
CONTENTS
Purpose of the report
Identification of project & project proponent
Brief description of nature, size, location of the project and
its importance to the country, region
Scope of the study details of regulatory scoping carried out
(As per Terms of Reference)
2.
Project
Description
Condensed description of those aspects of the project (based

on project feasibility study), likely to cause environmental
effects. Details should be provided to give clear picture of the
following:
Type of project
Need for the project
Location (maps showing general location, specific location,
project boundary & project site layout)
Size or magnitude of operation (incl. Associated activities
required by or for the project
Proposed schedule for approval and implementation
(A)
Technology and process description
Project description. Including drawings showing project layout,
components of project etc. Schematic representations of the
feasibility drawings which give information important for EIA
purpose
Description of mitigation measures incorporated into the project
to meet environmental standards, environmental operating
conditions, or other EIA requirements (as required by the scope)
Assessment of New & untested technology for the risk of
technological failure
3.
4.
Description of the Study area, period, components & methodology

Environment
Establishment of baseline for valued environmental
components, as identified in the scope
Base maps of all environmental components

Anticipated
Details of Investigated Environmental impacts due to project
Environmental
location, possible accidents, project design, project construction,
Impacts &
regular operations, final decommissioning or rehabilitation of a
Mitigation
completed project
Measures
Measures for minimizing and / or offsetting adverse impacts
identified
Irreversible and Irretrievable commitments of environmental
components
Assessment of significance of impacts (Criteria for
determining significance, Assigning significance)
Mitigation measures
75
5.
Analysis
Alternatives
(Technology
& Site)
6.
Environmental
Monitoring
Program
7.
Additional Studies
8.
Project Benefits
9.
Environmental
Cost
Benefit
Analysis
EMP
Description of the administrative aspects of ensuring that
mitigative measures are implemented and their effectiveness
monitored, after approval of the EIA
Summary
& Overall justification for implementation of the project
Conclusion
Explanation of how, adverse effects have been mitigated
(This will constitute
the summary of the
EIA Report )
Disclosure
of The names of the Consultants engaged with their brief resume
Consultants
and nature of Consultancy rendered
engaged
10.
11
12.
of In case, the scoping exercise results in need for alternatives:

Description of each alternative
Summary of adverse impacts of each alternative
Mitigation measures proposed for each alternative and
Selection of alternative
Technical aspects of monitoring the effectiveness of mitigation
measures (incl. Measurement methodologies, frequency,
location, data analysis, reporting schedules, emergency
procedures, detailed budget & procurement schedules)
Public Consultation
Risk assessment
Social Impact Assessment. R&R Action Plans
Improvements in the physical infrastructure
Improvements in the social infrastructure
Employment potential skilled; semi-skilled and unskilled
Other tangible benefits
If recommended at the Scoping stage
76
ANNEXURE V
ENVIRONMENTAL APPRAISAL QUESTIONNAIRE AS PRESCRIBED IN
APPENDIX I FORM I OF EIA NOTIFICATION (MOEF, 2006)
Basic Information
Name of the Project:
Location / site alternatives under consideration:
Size of the Project: *
Expected cost of the project:
Contact Information:
Screening Category:
Capacity corresponding to sectoral activity (such as production capacity for
manufacturing, mining lease area and production capacity for mineral
production, area for mineral exploration, length for linear transport
infrastructure, generation capacity for power generation etc.,)
Activity
1. Construction, operation or decommissioning of the Project involving actions,
which will cause physical changes in the locality (topography, land use, changes
in water bodies, etc.)
S.No.
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10
1.11
1.12
1.13
1.14
1.15
1.16
1.17
1.18
1.19
1.20
Information/Checklist confirmation
Permanent or temporary change in land use, land cover or
topography including increase in intensity of land use (with
respect to local land use plan)
Clearance of existing land, vegetation and buildings?
Creation of new land uses?
Pre-construction investigations e.g. bore houses, soil testing?
Construction works?
Demolition works?
Temporary sites used for construction works or
housing of construction workers?
Above ground buildings, structures or earthworks including
linear structures, cut and fill or excavations
Underground works including mining or tunneling?
Reclamation works?
Dredging?
Offshore structures?
Production and manufacturing processes?
Facilities for storage of goods or materials?
Facilities for treatment or disposal of solid waste or liquid
effluents?
Facilities for long term housing of operational workers?
New road, rail or sea traffic during construction or operation?
New road, rail, air waterborne or other transport infrastructure
including new or altered routes and stations, ports, airports etc?
Closure or diversion of existing transport routes or infrastructure
leading to changes in traffic movements?
Details thereof (with approximate

quantities /rates, wherever possible)
Yes/No with source of information data
New or diverted transmission lines or pipelines?
77
1.21
1.22
1.23
1.24
1.25
1.26
1.27
1.28
1.29
1.30
1.31
Impoundment, damming, culverting, realignment or other

changes to the hydrology of watercourses or aquifers?
Stream crossings?
Abstraction or transfers of water form ground or surface waters?
Changes in water bodies or the land surface affecting drainage or
run-off?
Transport of personnel or materials for construction, operation or
decommissioning?
Long-term dismantling or decommissioning or restoration
works?
Ongoing activity during decommissioning which could have an
impact on the environment?
Influx of people to an area in either temporarily or permanently?
Introduction of alien species?
Loss of native species or genetic diversity?
Any other actions?
2. Use of Natural resources for construction or operation of the Project (such as land, water,
materials or energy, especially any resources which are non-renewable or in short supply):
Details thereof (with approximate
S.No.
Information/checklist confirmation
Yes/No
quantities /rates, wherever possible)

with source of information data
2.1
Land especially undeveloped or agricultural land (ha)
2.2
Water (expected source & competing users) unit: KLD
2.3
Minerals (MT)
2.4
Construction material stone, aggregates, sand / soil

(expected source MT)
2.5
Forests and timber (source MT)
2.6
Energy including electricity and fuels (source, competing

users) Unit: fuel (MT), energy (MW)
2.7
Any other natural resources (use appropriate standard

units)
3. Use, storage, transport, handling or production of substances or materials, which

could be harmful to human health or the environment or raise concerns about actual
or perceived risks to human health.
Details
thereof
approximate
S.No.
Yes/No
(with
quantities/rates,
wherever possible) with source

of information data
3.1
Use of substances or materials, which are hazardous (as per

MSIHC rules) to human health or the environment (flora, fauna,
and water supplies)
3.2
Changes in occurrence of disease or affect disease vectors (e.g.

insect or water borne diseases)
78
3.3
Affect the welfare of people e.g. by changing living conditions?
3.4
Vulnerable groups of people who could be affected by the project

e.g. hospital patients, children, the elderly etc.,
3.5
Any other causes
4. Production of solid wastes during construction or operation or decommissioning

(MT/month)
Details
thereof
approximate
S.No.
Yes/No
(with
quantities/rates,

of information data
4.1
Spoil, overburden or mine wastes
4.2
Municipal waste (domestic and or commercial
4.3
Hazardous wastes (as per Hazardous Waste
wastes)
Management
Rules)
4.4
Other industrial process wastes
4.5
Surplus product
4.6
Sewage sludge or other sludge from effluent
4.7
Construction or demolition wastes
4.8
Redundant machinery or equipment
4.9
treatment
Contaminated soils or other materials
4.10
Agricultural wastes
4.11
Other solid wastes
Release of pollutants or any hazardous, toxic or noxious substances to air (Kg/hr)
S.No.
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
Yes/No
Details
thereof
(with
approximate quantities/rates,
of information data
Emissions from combustion of fossil fuels from stationary or

mobile sources
Emissions from production processes
Emissions from materials handling including storage or transport
Emissions from construction activities including plant and
equipment
Dust or odours from handling of materials including construction
materials, sewage and waste
Emissions from incineration of waste
Emissions from burning of waste in open air (e.g. slash materials,
construction debris)
Emissions from any other sources
79
Generation of Noise and Vibration, and Emissions of Light and Heat:

Yes/No
S.No.
6.1
Details
thereof
(with
of information data with source
of information data
From operation of equipment e.g. engines, ventilation plant,

crushers
From industrial or similar processes
From construction or demolition
From blasting or piling
From construction or operational traffic
From lighting or cooling systems
From any other sources
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
7. Risks of contamination of land or water from releases of pollutants into the ground
or into sewers, surface waters, groundwater, coastal waters or the sea:
Details
thereof
approximate
S.No.
Yes/No
(with
quantities/rates,

of information data
7.1
From handling, storage, use or spillage of hazardous materials
7.2
From discharge of sewage or other effluents to water or the land

(expected mode and place of discharge)
7.3
By deposition of pollutants emitted to air into the land or into

water
7.4
From any other sources
7.5
Is there a risk of long term build up of pollutants in the

environment from these
8.
S.No.
8.1
8.2
8.3
sources?
Risk of accidents during construction or operation of the Project, which could

affect human health or the environment
Yes/No
Details
thereof
(with
of information data
From explosions, spillages, fires etc from storage, handling, use

or production of hazardous substances
From any other causes
Could the project be affected by natural disasters causing
environmental damage (e.g.
floods, earthquakes, landslides,
cloudburst etc)?
80
9. Factors which should be considered (such as consequential development) which

could lead to environmental effects or the potential for cumulative impacts with
other existing or planned activities in the locality
S. No.
9.1
Lead to development of supporting.

lities, ancillary development or development
stimulated by the project which could have impact on the
environment e.g.:
Supporting infrastructure (roads, power supply, waste or
waste water treatment, etc.)
housing development
extractive industries
supply industries
other
Lead to after-use of the site, which could havean impact on the
environment
Set a precedent for later developments
Have cumulative effects due to proximity to other existing or
planned projects with similar effect
9.2
9.3
9.4
Yes/No
Details
thereof
(with
of information data
Environmental Sensitivity
S.No.
1
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Areas
Name/
Identity
Aerial distance (within 15 km.)

Proposed
project
location
boundary
Areas protected under international conventions, national or

local legislation for their ecological,
landscape, cultural or
other related value
Areas which are important or sensitive for ecological reasons Wetlands, watercourses or other water bodies, coastal zone,
biospheres, mountains, forests
Areas used by protected, important or sensitive species of flora
or fauna for breeding, nesting, foraging, resting, over wintering,
migration
Inland, coastal, marine or underground waters
State, National boundaries
Routes or facilities used by the public for access
to recreation or other tourist, pilgrim areas
Defence installations
Densely populated or built-up area
Areas occupied by sensitive man-made land uses
(hospitals,
schools, places of worship, community facilities)
Areas containing important, high quality or scarce resources
(ground water resources, surface resources, forestry, agriculture,
fisheries, tourism, minerals)
Areas already subjected to pollution or
environmental damage.
(those where existing legal environmental standards
are
exceeded)
Areas susceptible to natural hazard which could
cause the
project to present environmental problems
(earthquakes, subsidence, landslides, erosion, flooding
or extreme or adverse climatic conditions)
(IV). Proposed Terms of Reference for EIA studies
81

Guidelines For Environmental Impact Assessment For Small Hydropower Projects

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Guidelines For Environmental Impact Assessment For Small Hydropower Projects

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

STANDARDS / MANUALS / GUIDELINES FOR

SMALL HYDRO DEVELOPMENT

Guidelines on Environmental Impacts and Need for Small

Environmental Acts and Procedures for Clearance of

Environmental Impact Assessment Methodology

4.2.1.3 Positive and negative lists

Water Quality Monitoring Program

Stake Holders in EIA Process

Principles and Procedures of an Environmental Management

Preparation of Terms of References

Definition of Terms Related to Soil, Air and Water Environment of

Environmental Appraisal Questionnaire as Prescribed in Appendix

SMALL HYDRO DEFINITION

Micro : upto 100 kW

Small : upto 25,000 kW

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF SMALL HYDROPOWER PROJECTS

Figure 1.1: Physical components of small hydropower project

1. Reservoir sedimentation and deterioration of water quality

2. Air and noise pollution and disturbance to flora and fauna

and switch yard

1. Damaging flora due to right of way clearing

1. Loss of habitat of fish and other aquatic flora and fauna

through channel and

2. Decrease in dilution capacity of stream

3. Depletion in ground water recharge where diversion is

3. Trapped nutrients and sediments, eutrophication

monuments/sites of historic importance (d) loss of

1. Increase in pollution concentration in the downstream due

to release of pollutants from residential areas, hydropower

1. Damage to fish spawning ground and nesting ground for

water fowls and other aquatic birds

5. Net improvement in community health

Example: Positive Impacts of Tidong Hydropower Project

comprehensive and capable of presenting results that are understandable to non-experts.

NEED OF GUIDELINES FOR EIA OF SMALL HYDROPOWER PROJECTS

agencies dealing with environmental impact assessment of large river valley/hydropower

baseline data required as per environmental indicators

the EIA methodology

procedure for water quality monitoring and auditing

methods and procedures for engaging stake holders

principles and procedures of environmental management plan

the preparation of terms of references and good practice criteria

some terms related to environment

standards of environmental parameters used in India

prescribed format of EIA document

Environmental Appraisal Questionnaire as prescribed in Appendix V Form I of EIA

To direct various agencies to standardize methods for water quality monitoring

To ensure quality of data generation of utilization thereof

To promote rain water harvesting

To utilize self assimilation capacities at the critical river stretches

To constitute/set up state level Water Quality Review Committees (WQRCs) to coordinate

TABLE 2.1: Key Environmental Legislations and Guidelines

Scope and objective

To provide for the

Controls sewage and

Central and State

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE

Requirements for Environmental Clearance

for Category A projects 50 MW

for category B projects if located wholly or partially

for category B projects 25 MW and <50 MW

The Regulatory Authority (RA) will provide environmental clearance based on

it is located in ecologically sensitive fragile area