EIA REPORT

CHAPTER NO. 01

INTRODUCTON

1.1 INTRODUCTION OF OGDCL

Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) is the largest petroleum

exploration and production (E&P) company in Pakistan oil and gas sector, and is

currently 95% owned by the Government of Pakistan (GOP). A strategic sale of 51%

shareholding along with transfer of management control is envisaged by the GOP.

The Government of Pakistan established Oil and Gas Development Corporation (OGDC)

in 1961 as a statutory corporation to undertake exploration and development of oil and

gas resources. In October 1997 OGDC was converted into a public limited company and

renamed as Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL).

In November 2003, on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, the Privatization

Commission divested 5% of the GOP’s shareholding in OGDCL by way of an Offer for

Sale through an Initial Public Offering at the domestic stock exchanges.

OGDCL’s annual sales for the year 2005 are 39,130 barrels of oil per day, 919 million

cubic feet per day of gas, 334 metric tons per day of LPG and 71 metric tons per day of

sulphur. OGDCL’s share in the total oil and gas production has been 47% and 23%

respectively during the year 2004-05.

OGDCL holds the largest share of oil and gas reserves in the country, being 37% of total

oil and 32% of total gas reserves, amounting to 115 million barrels of oil and 10.5 trillion

cubic feet of gas as of July 1, 2005.

OGDCL’s major oil and gas fields are located at Kunnar, Pasakhi, Bobi, Tando Alam,

Thora, Lashari, Sono, Fimkassar, Kal, Sadqal, Rajian, Missakeswal, Dhodhak, Dhakhni,

Chanda, Chak, Naurang, Qadirpur, Uch, Pirkoh, Loti, Nandpur/Panjpir and Hundi/Sari.

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OGDCL has so far completed major development projects like Dhodak Development

Project, Dhaki Development Project, Pirkoh Development Project, Nandpur/Panjpir

Development Project, Sadqal Gas Compression Project, Uch Development Project and

Bobi Development Project.

OGDCL carries out exploration and development activities on its own as well as in joint

ventures with other oil companies. OGDCL presently holds the largest acreage position

in Pakistan and as on 30 June, 2005 was operating in 25 concessions covering an area of

59,968 Sq Km which constitutes 30% of total exploration area granted to various E&P

companies in Pakistan. OCDCL also holds working interest in another three exploration

concessions which are operated by other Joint Venture Partners. OGDCL has 39

Development and Production / Mining Lease which are operated by working interest

ownership in 29 non-operated leases.

OGDCL’s equipment base includes 7 drilling rigs, 2 work over rigs, a geological field

party, 4 seismic parties, 4 engineering field parties, a gas gathering and pipeline

construction party , seismic data processing centre, geological analysis laboratory, wire

line logging unit, cementing units and data logging unit.

The company’s head office is located in Islamabad. As on 1st August 2005 OGDCL has

total manpower strength of 11,624 out of which 1,868 are officers. The company

possesses the largest professional/technical human resource base in the country's oil

industry.

1.2 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF PROJECT

1.2.1 LOCATION

Qadirpur gas field/plant is located at a distance of about 8km from Ghotki and around 60

km northeast of Rohri in the Sindh province. It lies within the flood plain of River Indus.

The field is accessible by road from Sukkur through the National Highway. Pakistan

Railways also passes close to the site. OGDCL operates its own aircraft between

Islamabad and Qadirpur site periodically; however, generally the Sukkur airport is used

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for air travel.

1.2.2 TOPOGRAPHY OF THE PROJECT

The Qadirpur gas field/plant is situated in one of the most sensitive riches of the River

Indus. The project area lies within natural flood plain of River Indus. The area is

characterized by alluvial soils deposited by River Indus. The alluvium consists of a

succession of layers of clay and send. Underlying deep below the alluvial deposits is a

thick bed of sandstone with intercalations of clay and siltstone layers known as Siwalik

formation.

1.2.3 CLIMATE

The project area faces extreme temperature, very hot during the summer and cold during

the winter. The maximum and minimum temperatures generally range between 40 and 3

degree Celsius. The coldest and hottest months of the year are January and June

respectively. The area receives much of the precipitation during the monsoons season.

During the summer, the wind direction is mostly southeasterly and in winter it is

northeasterly. Flood season starts in June and continues up to September; however,

during July and August the flood discharges are at their peak flows.

1.2.4 ECOLOGY AND LANDUSE

The gas wells mostly lie in the katcha area of the river Indus. In the vicinity of Qadirpur

Gas field/plant, a few natural wetland forests exist in the katcha area, which is a protected

asset. Majority of the area comprises forests, cultivated land, swamp areas and fallow

land. The terrestrial wildlife of the area consists of mammals such as hog dear, porcupine

etc. and birds like partridge, waterfowl, lark, gully, tawny eagle etc. The Indus River

contains various types of fish and aquatic life. Indus Blue Dolphin (Platanista minor) is a

blind dolphin, which is unique to this reach of the Indus and is not found anywhere else

in the world. Initially, Indus Dolphin was reported to occur throughout the Indus river,

but due to excessive hunting, consturction of barrages, and non availability of fish for her

survival, her population has now dwindled to the stage of an endangered species, whose

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only habitat limited to the stretch between Sukkur and Guddu Barrage i.e. the Qadirpur

area.

This area was declared as the Indus Dolphin Reserve in 1974 by the Sindh Government.

It is feared that due to the proposed construction of flood protection bunds, the ecosystem

for this species may be affected badly.

Land within the Indus flood plain consists of fertile alluvial soils deposited over the

centuries by the river. Within the gas field and plant area, land use includes agriculture,

paved areas, residential (camps) areas, plant area and the land that has been utilized for

other ancillary works. A few villages are also located within the gas field area.

Agriculture mostly comprises cultivation of crops like wheat, cotton; sugar-cane,

sunflowers etc. vegetables and fruit are also grown. Farmers use Ghotki feeder canal

water for irrigating their seasonal crops and orchards. The area is quite famous for mango

production of different varieties. A significant portion of the area is covered with plants

and vegetation.

1.2.5 SURFACE WATER

Qadirpur Gas Field is situated within the flood plain of River Indus. Ghotki Canal runs

from the northeastern to the southeastern direction of the gas field. These are two main

sources of surface water in the area. During the high flood season (monsoon), the surface

water from the river over spills and inundates the gas areas. To counter this risk; local

flood protection embankments namely lundi mirpur (LM) bund, Qadirpur bund and

OGDCL bund have been constructed in order to protect the field from flooding. For the

protection of the individual gas wells in the katcha areas, elevated platforms with

adequate stone pitching have been provided.

1.2.6 GROUND WATER

The groundwater depth below the ground surface has gone down from 4-5m in 1995-96

to 8-9m at present due to the prolonged drought and the lack of flood in the Indus River.

Water level may become shallower with normalization of floods in the Indus in the

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future. The quality of ground water is good.

1.2.7 HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

Large communities are established in the pucca area, close to the Qadirpur plant. Other

small communities are also present within the Katcha area. In the small communities, the

houses are usually built on elevated platforms, which rise above the normal inundation

watermark. Agriculture is the main vocation in the project area. Agriculture based cottage

industry, plying of transport and shop keeping are the other main sources of employment

in the area.

1.2.8 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A total of 29 wells have been planned to be drilled in Qadirpur field. The field is planned

to be developed in three phases and it is expected to achieve production capacity of 500

MMSCFD. Development drilling at Qadirpur is a continuity effort to maintain the gas

supply to Southern Natural Gas PL.

1.3 Socioeconomic Environment

For the socioeconomic study, the project area includes an area lying within 3 km radius

of the proposed site for the combined cycle power plant. Administratively, the project

area falls in Ghotki taluka of the Ghotki district of Sindh province, Fig: 1.1.

As per the survey conducted for the EIA, there are 16 villages or settlements in the

project area. The size of the villages ranges from 8 to 1,300 houses. The average

household size in the study area is 6.1 as compared to the average household size of 5.5

in the Ghotki district (Population Census Organization, 2000).

The total population of the villages surveyed numbers is about 15,000. According to the

data collected, there is currently a potential workforce of 3,860 men in the project area.

There are about 8,000 persons in the project area above the age of 15 and about 7,000

below. While the census results for the Ghotki district reports 46.72 % of total population

are below the age of 15.

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The data collected indicates that the male-female ratio is around 111:100, i.e., the males

in the project area outnumber the females. While the 1998 population census report for

the Ghotki district indicates the male-female ratio as 111:100. This implies that the

population pattern of the project area is similar to that of the Ghotki district.

The field survey reveals that there are approximately 2,433 houses in the project area.

Out of which about 1,464 (60%) are pakka while 969 (40%) are kacha (made of clay).

Most residents of the study area speak Sindhi and Siraiki. The major tribes of the area are

Bhutto, Samejo, Soomroo, Shaikh, Buraro, Senghar, Lakhan, Sawand, Jiskan, Drigh,

Khoso, Kolachi, Sangi, Baloch, Arain, and Syed.

The survey of the project area revealed that 50% of the workforce is involved in

agriculture and related activities; 40% are involved in labor in Ghotki, Hyderabad, and

other cities of the country; 5% are government servants and 5% have their own

businesses. Majority of the people are engaged in agriculture. Their condition on the

whole is not very encouraging. Only a few persons own big holdings. The rest are either

landless haris or petty khatedars who live from hand to mouth. The principal crops of the

district are sugarcane, wheat, cotton, rice, maize, jawar, bajra, gram, barley, tobacco etc.

Cultivation always depend on canal flows. In the district main source of irrigation is

Ghotki feeder which flows from river Indus at Guddu Barrage and radiates several small

canals irrigating the agriculture lands. The other means of irrigation are a few wells and

dug wells. The agricultural land in the project area is irrigated by both irrigation channels

and tube wells.

Groundwater is an important source of drinking water in the project area. Almost every

house in the area has a hand pump. It was observed that drinking water from most of

these sources is sweet and of good quality.

Major health problems in the area are gastroenteritis, acute respiratory infection (ARI),

malnutrition, anemia, eczema, fever, and general aches and pains. There is one Basic

Health Units (BHU) and one dispensary in the project area. Due to the proximity of the

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project area to the city of Ghotki, the residents of the study area have access to public as

well as private health care.

The field survey revealed that the male literacy rate is 24% and the female literacy rate is

6% in the project area, compared to Ghotki where 44.21% of the men and 11.85% of the

women are educated (Population Census Organization, 2000).

All the villages in the project area have electricity and are accessible by blacktop roads.

Vans, pickups, and buses provide regular transport service in the area. Telephone

facilities are available in all the villages, but there is no gas supply except few villages.

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Fig: 1.1 LOCATION MAP OF THE QADIRPUR GAS FIELD

8

1.3 INTRODUCTION TO EIA

9

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is considering as a project management tool for

collecting and analyzing information on the environmental effects of any development

project.

Submission of an IEE or EIA report to the Environmental Protection Agency is

mandatory, according to the section 12 of Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997

and IEE/EIA Guidelines 2000. PEPA 1997 requires that every new project in Pakistan

has to be receded by Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) or Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) depending upon the size and severity of impact anticipated during

construction and commissioning of the project.

PEPA Review of IEE and EIA Regulation 2000 categories projects in separate schedule

that may require either an IEE (schedule-I) or an EIA (schedule-II).

1.5 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1. To assess the existing environmental and socioeconomic conditions in the project area.

2. To assess the potential environmental or socioeconomic impacts of all project

activities.

3. Propose appropriate mitigation measures for overcoming the environmental impacts.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of EIA includes:

1. The adverse environmental impacts would come into the knowledge of the

decision makers.

2. The decision makers would learn about the appropriate mitigation measures to

control and minimize the environmental impacts.

CHAPTER NO: 02

10

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW

For an extensive and in-depth information various books, journals, periodicals, and

internet were referred some of the relevant information and work done by national and

international researchers in the field are given in the following section.

CHRISTINE HARRELL an oil and gas expert studied that; In terms of oil and gas

drilling, there are 4 primary types of well categories: exploratory wells, developmental

wells, production wells, and multi wells. Each type of well category has an inherently

different level of risk and potential return on investment. It is important for investors to

realize that each of these different well categories has different and associated risks and

rewards.

All oil and gas drilling has risk, and no matter what type of drilling is done, that risk

cannot be completely eliminated. Here, we'll look at each of these four types of wells in

order of least risk to highest risk. Generally, lower risk wells tend to have a lower return

on investment for oil and gas investing purposes while higher risk wells yield a higher

ROI. [1].

Commission on Geosciences, Environment and Resources (CGER) studied that; it is

essential to recognize that estimates of undiscovered oil and gas resources are just that:

estimates. They are an attempt to quantify something that cannot be accurately known

until the resource has been essentially depleted. For that reason, resource estimates

should be viewed as assessed at a point in time based on whatever data, information and

methodology were available at that time. Resource estimates therefore are subject to

continuing revision as undiscovered resources are converted to reserves and as

improvements in data and assessment methods occur.

Historically, estimates of the quantities of undiscovered oil and gas resources expected to

exist within a region or the nation have been prepared for a variety of purposes using

11

http://www7.nationalacademies.org/dels/

several different methods. To make effective use of such estimates, or to compare them

with others, one must develop an understanding of how and why they were prepared; the

extent and reliability of the data upon which they are based; the expertise of the

assessors; the implications and limitations of the methodology used; and the nature of any

geographic, economic, technologic, or time limitations and assumptions that may apply

[2].

Forbes et al. studied the cumulative environmental effects of oil and gas there are lot of

effects on organisms that are caused by changes in the physical environment some of

those effects are mentioned here as well. For example, small areas of vegetation have

been Contaminated by spills of oil, other petroleum products, and Saltwater, and road

dust; vegetation has also been damaged by bulldozers, off-road vehicles, and ice roads;

and it has been destroyed where it underlies gravel pads and roads, or where it has been

removed to make way for gravel mines, Jorgenson and). Alterations in vegetation can

affect other organisms on the North Slope. Physical disturbances can affect fish

migrations, the movements of caribou, and in the marine environment migration and

distribution of animals, especially bowhead whales and fish. Oil-field activities can affect

the number and distribution of predators, which can in turn affect the number and

distribution of birds and some mammals [3].

Dr. John Hunt of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution pointed out in a 1981 paper

that over 70% of the reserves in the world are associated with visible macroseepages, and

many oil fields are found due to natural seeps. Offshore exploration and extraction of oil

disturbs the surrounding marine environment [4].

Glasby and Geoffrey have studied that extensive research into the chemical structure of

kerosene has identified algae as the primary source of oil. The a biogenic origin

hypothesis fails to explain the presence of these markers in kerosene and oil, as well as

failing to explain how inorganic origin could be achieved at temperatures and pressures

sufficient to convert kerosene to graphite. It has not been successfully used in uncovering

oil deposits by geologists, as the hypothesis lacks any mechanism for determining where

the process may occur [5].

12

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

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

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

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hunt_(oceanographer)

James S. Robbins has argued that the advent of petroleum-refined kerosene saved some

species of great whales from extinction by providing an inexpensive substitute for whale

oil, thus eliminating the economic imperative for open-boat whaling [6].

Jean-Philippe Nicot studied that Carbon capture and storage, a subset of which

involves injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) into the subsurface in a process called geological

sequestration (GS), has received renewed interest lately. The decision by the Obama

administration to handle climate change and the request for legislation to cap CO2

emissions follows an ever increasing body of work performed by scientists and engineers

all around the world, including in the US. The US Department of Energy (DOE) has large

programmers in place involving billions of dollars to address this important issue. In

Texas, large independents such as Kinder-Morgan and Denbury Resources Inc. have been

active partners with scientific institutions, allowing researchers access to data and sites

where CO2 is currently injected. In addition, all majors have shown a strong interest in

supporting the US GS research community. It is safe to say that West Texas is the world

centre of excellence when it comes to CO2 injection. Consequently, Texas has the skilled

workers and the technology required to become a major player in this nascent industry

[7].

Ruslan Vagapov studied that; in the oil production industry, economic losses and

ecological damage caused by corrosion stem from the very large amounts of metal

equipment and structures that come into contact with highly aggressive media. The most

important tasks in the development of an oilfield are reliable operation and long life of

equipment and pipeline systems. The presence of corrosive components in transported

fluids negatively affects metal in oil production, refinery, transportation and processing

operations. The degree of corrosive damage to oil production equipment is determined by

the degree of heterogeneity of the extracted fluid, the content of corrosive gases (carbon

dioxide [CO2] and/or hydrogen sulphide [H2S), and the degree of mineralization in the

aqueous phase and the variability of the corrosion activity of technological media in the

course of exploration of a given deposit.

13

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

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

Under such conditions, a technically justified and efficient method of protection is the use

of inhibitors that adsorb as protective films on a metal to prevent its corrosion. At the

same time, inhibitor protection seems to be one of the most appropriate and cost-efficient

ways to address this problem. The inhibitors applied during the operation of oil

equipment and pipelines should satisfy a number of engineering requirements: they

should be soluble or dispersible in water or brine, they should pass to an organic phase in

insignificant amounts only, they should not create emulsions in water and condensates,

they should be easily separable, they should ensure a highly protective effect, they should

prevent the formation of pitting, they should prevent the hydrogenation of steel (in the

case of the presence of (H2S), they should be non-toxic and they should have strong after-

effects[8].

Speight, James G have mentioned that the hydrocarbons in crude oil are mostly alkanes,

cycloalkanes and various aromatic hydrocarbons while the other organic compounds

contain nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and trace amounts of metals such as iron, nickel,

copper and vanadium. The exact molecular composition varies widely from formation to

formation but the proportion of chemical elements vary over fairly narrow limits as

follows [9].

T. Ramjeawon and R. Beedassy studied that The Environment Protection Act (EPA) in

Mauritius provides for the application of an EIA license in respect of undertakings listed

in its first schedule. Following the promulgation of the Act in June 1993, the Department

of Environment (DOE) is issuing an average of 125 EIA licenses yearly. In general, the

review exercise of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is terminated once the

license has been granted. The aim of this project was to evaluate the EIA system in

Mauritius and to identify its weaknesses and strengths. One of the main weaknesses,

besides the lack of EIA audits, is the absence of EIA follow-up monitoring. It is

necessary to distinguish between monitoring done for regulatory purposes (compliance

monitoring) and environmental monitoring related to the EIA. With the growth of the

tourism industry on the island, coastal development projects have the potential to cause

significant environmental impacts. A sample of EIA reports pertaining to this sector was

assessed for its quality and follow-up mechanisms. Proposals for the contents of EIA

14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction Audits, Environmental Monitoring Plans (EMP) and the format for an EMP

report are made [10].

Tema Nord has studied that, the amount of various molecules in an oil sample can be

determined in laboratory. The molecules are typically extracted in a solvent, then

separated in a gas chromatograph, and finally determined with a suitable detector, such as

a flame ionization detector or a mass spectrometer[11].

Wen-Shyan Leu, et.al suggested environmental impact assessment (EIA) evaluation

model can be used to assess the completeness and effectiveness of EIA systems. This

model is based on a consideration of the fundamental components of an EIA. The EIA

system in Taiwan has been used as the case study to demonstrate how the proposed EIA

evaluation model can be applied. Taiwan is demonstrated to have a comprehensive EIA

system, which is clearly defined legally and with guidelines available to assist proponents

in implementing the system. A particular strength is the requirement for compliance and

enforcement monitoring. Important reservations are the lack of an appeals system and the

failure to require the consideration of no-action or alternative-action strategies and the

lack of public participation at some key points in the EIA process, particularly at the

decision-making stage. Training programs could be more comprehensively available to

expand national EIA capability. It is concluded that the proposed EIA evaluation model

provides a useful tool for the evaluation of EIA systems. National authorities can apply

this model to analyze strengths and weaknesses of their EIA systems. [12].

CHAPTER NO.03

METHODOLOGY

15

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

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

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

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

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

3.1 Identification of adverse impacts

This section describes the identification of potential adverse impacts. The Environmental

impacts are assessed in the following stages:

Identification of potential impacts

Evaluation and quantification (where possible) of potential impacts

Interpretation of the significance of potential impacts.

3.1.1 Identification of Impacts

Various studies and guidelines have identified typical impacts of oil and gas production

on the environment. For this study, the following guidelines have been used:

Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Pakistan Environmental Assessment

Procedure. Section on Oil and Gas Exploration and Production, December 1999.

The World Bank, Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook 1998. Section

on Oil and Gas Development (Onshore).

The World Bank, Environmental Assessment Sourcebook, Volume III: Guidelines

for Environmental Assessment of Energy and Industrial Projects. Section on Oil

and Gas Development—Onshore. 1991.

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Directorate General of Petroleum

Concessions, Guidelines for Operational Safety, Health and Environmental

Management, Petroleum Exploration and Production Sector, 1996.

These guidelines provide general information. More specific information on the

environmental impacts of oil and gas production was obtained from Hagler Bailly

Pakistan’s previous work on similar projects.

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3.1.2 Evaluation of Potential Impacts

This step refers to the evaluation and the quantification (where possible), or the

qualitative description, of the anticipated impacts of the proposed project on various

environmental factors

.3.1.3 Significance of Potential Impacts

The next step in impact assessment is determining significance of the potential impacts.

To determine the significance, both the consequence and the likelihood of occurrence of

the impact need to be considered. The consequence of the proposed activity is evaluated

on the basis of institutional recognition, public recognition, and technical recognition of

the issue or the environmental resource that is affected.

Institutional recognition means that the importance of the impact is recognized in laws,

development plans, and policy statements of the government. Public recognition means

that a segment of the public, especially the community directly affected by the project,

expresses concern about the impact. Technical recognition means that the importance is

based on scientific or technical knowledge, or on the judgment of critical resource

characteristics.

The overall assessment of significance is made using a standard risk assessment approach

that considers the potential consequences of the impact in conjunction with the

likelihood. [13]

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3.2 IDENTIFICATIN OF POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACTS

3.2.1 Potential Impacts on Physical Environment

The project’s potential impact on the area’s geomorphology, soil, water resources, and air

are discussed in physical environment and, where applicable, identifies mitigation easures

that will reduce, if not eliminate, its adverse impact. If all proposed mitigation measures

and monitoring mechanisms are incorporated into the project activities, their impact on

the area’s physical environment will be manageable and reversible.

3.2.2 Geology, Soil, and Topography

3.2.2.1 Potential Impacts

Impacts on geomorphology and soils may arise when following activities are carried out:

Clearing and leveling of land along seismic lines

Clearing of top soil and vegetation for up-holes drilling

Earthworks, paving and construction during camp site preparation

Vehicular and machinery mobilization

Storage of fuels, oils and chemicals at the camp. Inevitable spillage of fuels, oils

or chemicals in the course of work.

The likely impacts of these activities may include:

Physical scarring of the landscape

The loss of top-soil

Accelerated soil erosion

Soil contamination by accidental spillage or leakage from project vehicles and

machinery or during regular course of work at the campsite.

3.2.2.2 Assessment of Impact

Physical scarring caused by clearing and leveling for seismic lines, access tracks and up

holes drilling has the potential to be prominent on the topography of the area. However, it

18

would be more prominent in sand dunes area. Clearing and leveling may also increase

soil erosion.

The loss of top-soil is only likely to take place along the seismic lines and access tracks,

if needed, and at a few other locations, such as the landfill site, within the camp.

However, in view of the limited area covered by the seismic lines, access tracks and

campsites, this impact is expected to be insignificant. Approximately 30,000 m2 area will

be covered in base camp.

The spillage and leakage of fuels, oils and other chemicals may lead to soil

contamination. Possible contaminant sources include fuel, oil and chemical storage areas

at campsites, and vehicles and machinery used in the field.

3.2.2.3 Mitigation Measures

The proposed mitigation measures to reduce the impacts on geology, topography, and soil

during the proposed seismic survey are

3.2.2.4 General Measures

Thick vegetation clearing will be minimized and felling of trees will be avoided.

Unnecessary clearing of vegetation will be strictly prohibited.

Dozers will not be used to minimize drop damage.

3.2.2.5 Field Camps

Camps will be established in clearings that already exist.

If clearing for establishing a campsite is unavoidable, rootstock will be preserved

to minimize damage to topsoil.

No trees will be cut.

The movement of machinery will be restricted to the work corridor.

Roads, Vehicles and Seismic Lines

Existing routes will be used to access the survey lines as far as possible.

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The number of routes will be kept to a minimum

The width of seismic lines will be kept to a minimum

3.2.2.6 Residual Impact

If the mitigation measures are effectively implemented, the residual impact of the

proposed activities on the area’s geophysical environment is expected to be insignificant.

This is summarized below:

Nature of impact Direct

Timing Operation phase

Duration Short-to medium-term

Likelihood Low, as mitigation measures will ensure that there is no adverse

impact

Consequences Mild to moderate; the scarring of a small area of land will not have

a severe impact

Impact significance Low, resulting from low likelihood and mild to moderate

Consequences. [13]

.3.2.3 Water Resources

The total water requirement for the project is estimated to be approximately 10,000

liters/day during the proposed survey activities. Area’s groundwater from the project area

will be used to meet project requirements.

3.2.3.1 Potential Issues

Potential environmental issues associated with the use of the area’s groundwater

resources for the purposes of the project are as follows:

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Long-term impact groundwater extraction over and above the sustainable yield

will reduce the volume of groundwater available.

Short-term impact the yield of groundwater in the vicinity of the wells used for

project purposes may fall, along with a possible decline in the quality of water in

the surrounding wells.


The extraction of water for project activities can affect groundwater availability in the

short term, which implies that the groundwater immediately available to the communities

may fall. This should not however, affect the long-term availability of the area’s water

resources.

Short-term water extraction can affect the quantity and, indirectly, the quality of water

available to local communities. In this discussion, ‘short-term’ refers to a time period

ranging from a few hours to a few days.

OGDCL will not use existing groundwater wells. Water will be extracted from the area’s

deep, confined aquifer. It is therefore unlikely that the use of water for project needs will

affect the water table of other shallow community wells. The well which will be used by

OGDCL, will not be located closer than 100 m from any community resource.


Based on the discussion above, the following measures are proposed:

1. Water will be extracted only from the deep confined aquifer.

2. Given that water is to be extracted from a confined aquifer whose recharge rate. (Just

as the actual volume of water available or its rate of depletion) is not known, the

extraction will be monitored to ensure that it does not lead to irreversible environmental

damage.

21

3. As the magnitude of natural variation in water quality and water table depth is not

known, it is not possible to establish the trigger value to take corrective measures if a

drop in the values of these parameters is seen. A trigger value of 10% is suggested at the

moment. This trigger value will be utilized for water extraction wells as well as

community wells. In case the monitoring parameters fall below their respective trigger

values, the monitoring team will assess water extraction, the discharge rate, and duration

of tube well operation. As a response, the discharge will first be reduced progressively to

20% of the average weekly discharge, and the effects on the adjoining wells and aquifer

kept under observation. [13]


Post-mitigation residual impact on groundwater has been deemed acceptable if it meets

the following criteria:



Duration Long-term, depends on the rainfall pattern and recharge

regime of the deep aquifer

Reversibility Yes

Likelihood Moderate

Consequences Low, as monitoring and corrective action will ensure that

there is no adverse impact

Impact significance Medium

22

3.2.4 Contamination of Soil and Water

3.2.4.1 Potential Adverse Impact

Effluents released as a result of project activities, if not contained properly, may

contaminate the soil. Water quality may deteriorate if pollutants are mixed with surface

runoff during rain and carried to water resources in the vicinity, or if pollutants leach into

the ground. Potential sources of pollution in such cases may include:

Domestic waste (sanitary and kitchen discharge)

Oil and grease from vehicles and machinery

Sediments from altered land surfaces (campsite)

Stored fuel, oil, and other chemicals

Pollutants can also be transferred through the food chain, thereby affecting

community

Health and well-being.


All wastewater from the kitchens, showers, and laundry will be directed into a soak pit.

Gray water from the pit will be pumped out periodically and sprayed along the access

road, to reduce dust generation. Gray water from the pit will only pollute the area’s

surface water resources if the pit is allowed to fill up, and rain causes it to overflow into

the surrounding areas. Periodic emptying of the pit will ensure that this does not happen.

Also, the pits will be designed so that water from surrounding areas does not flow into

them. Sewage from the camp will go into a concrete septic tank, which will be emptied

whenever necessary. The concrete lining will prevent sewage from polluting

groundwater.

All pits will be larger than the required capacity, to prevent them from overflowing. The

pits will have dykes around them to prevent runoff from entering them. All pits will be

lined with impervious pit liner to prevent contaminants from seeping into groundwater.

Stored fuel, oil, and other chemicals may contaminate the area’s water resources if it

rains and they get washed into surrounding areas. The storage and handling of fuels and

23

lubricants may also contaminate surface and groundwater resources, if there are spillages

that wash into surrounding areas or seep into the ground. However, the built-in mitigation

measures in the project design should ensure that pollutant discharge through run-off is

minimal and it may not be necessary to quantitatively determine the deterioration in

surface water quality.


Mitigation measures to reduce the impact of waste effluents produced during project

activities are listed below.

1. The camps will be located at least 1 km away to avoid proximity with groundwater

wells, maintaining a minimum distance of 1 km from such natural resources.

2. Deep holes should not be located in the vicinity (i.e. within 100 m) of dug wells.

3. Tarpaulin sheets will be placed under generators, compressors, and oil cans in the field.

4. Vehicles and other equipment should not be serviced outside of the designated areas.

5. Vehicles and other equipment should not be repaired outside of the designated areas.

6. No contaminated effluents will be released into the environment without having been

treated.

7. Sewage and other waste effluents will be handled to avoid contaminating surface and

groundwater.

8. Water from washing areas and the kitchen will be released into sumps.

9. An appropriately designed septic tank will be used to treat sewage and outlets will

release treated effluent into sumps. The integrity of the entire system will be maintained

and monitored.

24

10. Septic tanks and sumps will be built at a safe distance from any water hole, stream, or

dry streambed, to prevent the entry of surface water, and the bottom of the sump will be

kept above groundwater level.

11. Sumps will be located in a position such that they are:

a. Fixed in absorbent soil

b. Down-slope and away from the camp (and downwind, if practical)

c. Downstream from the camp water source and above the high-water mark of

any nearby water body (if any).

12. When abandoning sumps, an extra cap of soil will be placed over them to allow for

compaction.

13. Solid waste (including food waste) will be segregated and disposed of as follows:

a. Materials suitable for recycling will be stored separately and sold to approved

recycling contractors

b. Combustible waste will be disposed of at a burn pit.

c. Non-combustible, non-recyclable rubbish will be disposed of properly

d. Medical waste will be transported to the any nearby facility for incineration.

e. Solid residue from the septic tanks will be transported to municipal sewage treatment

facilities in any near by city.

14. Vehicle and equipment maintenance, including washing, will be allowed only in

designated areas underlain with concrete slabs and a system to catch runoff.

15. Fuels, oils, and other hazardous substances will be handled and stored according to

standard safety practices.

16. Fuel tanks will be appropriately marked by content and, along with oils and

chemicals, will be stored in dyked areas lined with an impervious base.

25

17. Precautions, such as drip pans, will be used to avoid any spills that may occur during

fuel and oil transfer operations.

18. Fuels, oil, and chemical storage facilities will be checked daily for any signs of

leakage.

19. Precautionary materials, including shovels, plastic bags, and absorbent materials, will

be kept available near fuel and oil storage areas.

20. Vehicles will be refueled daily in order to minimize travel and chances of spills, all

operating vehicles will be checked regularly for signs of fuel, oil, or battery fluid leakage.

21. A leak/spill record will be maintained for each vehicle and repairs effected at the

earliest opportunity. Vehicles with suspected leaks will not be used until repaired.

22. Soil contaminated by minor spills or leaks (defined as contaminated soil covering an

area of up to 0.1 m2 and 75 mm deep) will be collected and sent to burn pit for disposal.

23. Soil contaminated by moderate spills or leaks (defined as the spill or leakage with a

volume of up to 200 liters) will be contained using shovels, sand, and soil. The

contaminated soil will be removed from the site and disposed of as appropriate.

24. Soil contaminated as a result of a major spill (defined as a volume of more than 200

liters,) will also be removed from the site and may require special treatment, such as

bioremediation.[13]


The residual impact of project activities on the soil and water quality of the area is

expected to be insignificant once the suggested mitigation measures are put into effect.

The residual effects are summarized below:

Nature of impact Indirect

26

Timing Operation Phase

Duration Medium to long term

Timing Construction and Operation

Reversibility Yes

Likelihood Low, as the proposed mitigation measures will ensure that

soil and water are not contaminated.

Consequences Mild to moderate, as the effluents released into the

environment will have been adequately treated

Impact significance Low to medium, based upon low likelihood and mild to

moderate consequence.

3.2.5 Air Quality

3.2.5.1 Potential Impact

Air emissions from project-related activities are likely to include:

Dust emissions produced during earthworks and construction for campsite

Dust raised on dirt tracks by project-related vehicles

Dust from drilling of deep holes

Combustion products (nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, carbon

monoxide, and volatile organic compounds) from diesel engine used in the camps

to generate electric power

Combustion products from vehicles used for project-related activities

Emissions from the burn pit

These are discussed in detail below. The potential sources of air pollution are shown in

Table no: 01[13]

27


a) Dust Emissions

Dust emissions caused by vehicular traffic on dirt track are an important concern,

primarily when such traffic passes nearby community settlements. It is not uncommon to

see a huge cloud of dust following vehicles traveling on unpaved roads. Where these

roads are paved, the problem is usually not as serious. The exception is when two

vehicles coming from opposite directions cross on a single-lane paved road two to three

meters wide. In such situations, usually one or both the vehicles are partially forced off

the paved surface, producing dust emissions since the road shoulder is generally unpaved.

Dust emissions cause the amount of particulate matter in the air to increase, and thus

become a health concern. Dust clouds also reduce road visibility, creating a traffic

hazard.

b) Generator Emissions

Four generators of approximately 250 KVA capacities will be used during the proposed

seismic program. The exhaust emissions produced by the generators was previously been

monitored and found to meet the NEQS. Similarly, the ambient air quality was also

monitored and was found to have a minimal impact on the air quality.

c) Exhaust Fumes from Vehicles and Construction Machinery

Emissions produced by vehicles and equipment will be similar to those produced by

diesel generators in terms of the resulting pollutants (SO2, NOX, PM, etc.). However, the

extent to which they are produced will be considerably lower, since much smaller diesel

engines are used in vehicles and construction machinery.

28

d) Emissions from Burn Pit

The emissions produced by the burn pit will be composed of combustion products

including CO2, CO, and PM. Not much NOX or SO2 is expected to be present because

of the low combustion temperature and the absence of any sulfur or its compounds in the

combustible waste, respectively.


None of the potential effects discussed above are expected to exceed acceptable limits.

The mitigation measures given below will further reduce their impact, and ensure that

they remain within acceptable limits.

1. The campsites will be located at least 200 m from any settlements.

2. All equipment, generators, and vehicles used during the project will be properly tuned

and maintained in good working condition in order to minimize exhaust emissions.

3. Vehicle speed will be reduced on track passing through or close to settlements.

4. Imposing speed limits and encouraging more efficient journey management will reduce

the dust emissions produced by vehicular traffic. Water will be sprinkled where necessary

to contain dust emissions.

5. All project vehicles will be checked regularly to ensure that engines are in sound

working condition and are not emitting smoke. [13]


After implementing the mitigation measures listed above, the residual impact of the

proposed activities on ambient air quality is expected to be insignificant, as shown below:


29

Duration Short term

Timing Seismic operation

Reversibility Not applicable

Likelihood Low (unlikely) as mitigation measures will ensure

that air pollution remains within acceptable limits.

Consequences Mild, as pollutant levels in the ambient air will be

well within acceptable limits.

Impact significance Low, based upon low likelihood and mild to

moderate consequence.

3.3 Impact on Biological Environment

3.3.1 Potential Issues of natural vegetation

Project activities that may affect the area’s natural vegetation include the establishment of

camps, and access roads, and clearing of vegetation for the seismic lines.


A significant impact will be interpreted if unnecessary or excessive removal and burning

of plants for fuel wood is observed. The vegetation on of the area is facing increasing

pressure from live stock. Signs of habitat degradation caused low rain fall and by grazing

are visible. Woody species are being exploited for fuel and fodder purposes. No rare,

sensitive or vulnerable species are recorded or reported in the project area. Most of the

plants present in the area have the properties to grow in more than one habitat and have

populations large enough to ensure their genetic diversity. The removal of a small portion

of vegetation is not likely to harm the overall diversity of plant communities and the

genetic diversity of species.

30


The following mitigation measures will reduce any adverse impact on vegetation:

1. The clearing of vegetation along the seismic lines and campsite will be minimized as

far as possible.

2. Dense vegetation and tree clusters will be avoided.

3. Open fires will not be allowed anywhere outside the campsites.

4. Fuel-wood and shrubs will not be used as fuel during project activities.

5. Unnecessary damage to vegetation in will strictly be avoided.

6. When clearing a campsite, disturbance to topsoil and vegetation rootstock will be

avoided to the greatest possible extent.


Given the current state of the vegetation, and proper implementation of the proposed

mitigation measures, no significant residual impact on the natural vegetation of the area is

anticipated, as shown below:


Duration Short-to medium-term


Reversibility Possible

Likelihood Low (unlikely), as the mitigation measures will

ensure that vegetation clearing is minimized

31

Consequences Mild, as no rare plant species are present in the

areas where vegetation will be cleared

Impact significance Low, based upon low likelihood and mild

consequence

3.3.2 Wildlife

3.3.2.1 Potential Impact

The project activities that may affect the wildlife of the area include the improvement and

construction of the access road, clearing of vegetation for seismic lines, and campsite

preparation. The following aspects of these activities are expected to disturb the wildlife

during these activities:

Presence of people in the area

Noise and movement of seismic vehicles and machinery

Physical damage to the habitat

Displacement of wildlife for a short period.

3.3.2.2 Assessment of Impacts on mammals

Mammals

The large mammals of the area include hyena, wolf, and Chinkara. These animals are

counted as species of special significance of the area. Most carnivores, including hyena

and wolf, are nocturnal; hence, barring direct damage to their dens, project impact on

these species is expected to be insignificant. Chinkara, though not nocturnal, will

temporarily leave the specific area of the project activity, and will come back once the

activity level decreases.

None of the area’s small mammals are included in the species of concern discussed in

Though areas with dense vegetation will be avoided while clearing the seismic lines and

32

explosions, there will however be some impact on the small mammals of the area, such as

damage to their burrows and dens that cannot be mitigated.

3.3.2.3 Assessment of impacts on Birds

Birds, being highly mobile and therefore capable of avoiding project activity areas, are

generally the least susceptible of an area’s wildlife to the long-term impacts of such

temporary activities as seismic surveys.

Two avian species, the houbara bustard and the partridge are included in the project area's

species of special significance. The houbara bustard is a winter visitor, whereas the

partridge is a resident of the area, will also have adverse effects on the avian species of

the area, particularly the bustard, as it is dependent upon the vegetation for nesting and

feeding. Although steering clear of large bushes and areas of dense vegetation will reduce

the impact of the project on these avian species; there will nonetheless be some residual

impact which cannot be completely avoided.

3.3.2.4 Assessment of impacts on Reptiles and Amphibians

The project activities’ impacts on the reptiles and amphibians of the project area will be

similar to those on the small mammals discussed earlier. The leveling and explosions

may destroy the burrows of these animals. Though avoiding areas of dense vegetation

will reduce this impact, a certain degree of residual effects are expected. However, in

view of the abundance of these species in the area, the unmitigated residual impacts are

considered insignificant.


The following mitigation measures will reduce the adverse impact of the project

activities:

1. Areas with concentrated colonies of active burrows and dens will be avoided.

2. Discharging firearms will be explicitly prohibited.

33

3. Waste of any kind will not be discharged in open areas.

4. A ‘no-hunting, no-trapping, no-harassing’ policy will be strictly enforced.

5. The project staff’s movement will be strictly restricted to the work area.

6. The project staff will be educated and instructed to avoid killing or chasing wild

animals.

7. Safe driving practices will be observed to minimize the accidental killing of reptiles or

small mammals crossing the road.

8. Camp waste will be disposed of in such a manner that animals are not attracted to it.

9. Off-road driving will not be allowed.

10. Unnecessary damage to the natural topography and landscape will be kept to a

minimum to the extent possible.

11. As dolphins are more active at night (Pilleri, 1971), the project activities will be

restricted to diurnal hours only so that the operation may not interfere in their peak

activity hours.

12. The explosive activity will be restricted to a distance of 25 m away from the river

banks.

13. There will be no equipment movement across the river through boats. River crossings

through boats will be minimized. [13]


Due to the proper implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, no significant

residual impact on birds, mammals, reptiles, or amphibians are anticipated, as shown

below:

34


Duration Short- to medium-term


Reversibility Possible

Likelihood Low (unlikely)

Consequences Mild, as the project area does not fall in any more

sensitive habitat

Impact significance Low, based upon low likelihood and mild

consequences

3.4 Impact on Social and Cultural Environment

3.4.1 Assessment of Impact

Conducting seismic activity in the QADIRPUR GAS FIELD and subsequent project-

elated activities have several implications. Seismic activities are bound to utilize

community resources including land, labor, water, and common property, such as

traditional grazing areas when constructing access routes. This section discusses the

framework in which the seismic activities proposed in this project affect the community’s

utilization of resources.

a) Community Well-being Parameters

In the course of this study, a set of parameters for the assessment of the well-being of the

affected poor (World Bank, 2000) was used to assess the social, economic, and cultural

impacts of the project. The surveyors used a nonlinear and multidimensional model of

analysis to assess the current status of community well being. This model allows for the

recognition of non economic factors in determination of the well being of the affected

35

communities. Thus the model was strengthened by integrating gender, economic welfare,

and other sociocultural factors.

b) Primary Health: Health indicators, such as infant mortality rates, access to community

health services (public and private), and the general life expectancy in a region represent

the sate of general well-being of a certain community. Health is also closely correlated

with labor productivity and efficiency. Improving the overall health of a community

enhances its income-earning potential.

c) Primary Education: Education is also directly related to income-level; the higher the

income level, the more likely the presence of educational facilities. People below the

poverty line, on the other hand, are less likely to have access to education. In general,

education strengthens human and social capital and enhances gender equality. In the long

run, access to education is instrumental in enhancing the level of awareness that provides

the intellectual tools to analyze evaluate and adapt to new situation with exit

opportunities. It gives empowerment, increased political participation, and reduced

birthrates, addressing the long-term needs of an entire community and particularly its

women.

d) Availability of Drinking Water: Groundwater is used in the area for irrigation as well as

for drinking and sanitary purposes. Availability of fresh water for these purposes is

important for the wellbeing of the primary stakeholders i.e. the villagers in the project

area. The effect of project on the area’s water resources is important in measuring the

impact of the project on the socioeconomic environment of the area.

e) Land Use: land in project area is used for irrigation and wood collection. As in most

pastoral societies, loosely defined communal ownership of cultivated areas plays a major

role in defining individual social status and tribal power dynamics.

f) Employment: Employment is largely restricted to the urban centers like Sukkur and

GHOTKI .Men from the project area migrate seasonally and in the years of drought to

avail unskilled labor. Most of these men come from the poorest strata of the local society.

36

g) Gender Equity: Gender equity, or the lack of it, reflects women’s access to and control

of natural resources, public health, and education services, their participation in decision-

making and political processes, and their ownership of productive assets in comparison

with men. Gender roles in the project area are largely determined by the social relations

prevalent between men and women in the area. After marriage, a woman’s assets are

transferred to her husband’s and cannot be disposed of without his permission.

h) Social Institutions: Tribal social institutions flourish when the presence of the state is

minimal, as in this case. It is therefore imperative to include these institutions in any

analysis of community well-being in the project area. The kinship based structure of

traditional tribal institution can potentially stifle the freedom of less influential and

marginalized groups including women and poorest people. Civil society institutions if

allowed to flourish will increase the possibilities of gender equity and inclusion of

marginalized in the mainstream social life.

i) Conflict-Resolution Mechanisms: The indigenous conflict-resolution mechanism of the

project area is completely patriarchal and hierarchical. This mechanism helps to

demarcate tribal zones of influence, water-sharing arrangements, and has recently been

used to determine political representation as well. Any project activity challenging the

local system of conflict-resolution and decision-making could result in conflicts between

the major tribes and OGDCL. Presence of civil law and modern institutions of conflict

resolution will reduce the monopoly of tribal institutions.

j) Vulnerability: Vulnerability was viewed in two dimensions sensitivity (the magnitude

of a system’s response to an external event) and resilience (the ease and rapidity of a

system’s recovery from stress). In the project area, ‘vulnerability’ implies the ability of

the population to deal with natural disasters such as droughts. It also determines the

percentage of migrants and the proportion of people in the study area living below the

poverty line before and after the occurrence of such natural shocks. If the issues cited

above that impede the well being of the communities are not properly addressed, the level

of vulnerability will automatically increase.

37

k) Assessment Methodology

The positive and negative effects of the project were analyzed based on their intensity

and permanence, as well as in light of the well-being parameters set out above. Mitigation

measures were then identified through a consultative process that involved a team of

social analyst, ethnographers and anthropologists, as well as community respondents.

The short-term effects of project activities, along with relevant mitigation measures, reset

as the use of groundwater have been addressed in this document. In general the project

activities will not have long term adverse impacts on the lives of locals. The following

two methodologies were used to assess the livelihood and vulnerability of the

communities visited:

Stakeholder consultation

Qualitative studies and focus groups

3.4.2 Potential Impact

After screening all potential issues through the scoping process it is concluded that the

following issues merit detailed assessments:

Community conflicts

Land use and acquisition of productive land

Livelihood

Gender issues and interaction with local communities

Community disturbance

Community health and safety

Local employment

3.4.2.1 Community Conflict and Management

The likelihood and the possibilities of a multitude of conflicts was assessed in order to

identify the most effective patterns of interaction, management and resolution of the

38

conflict to increase the effectiveness of the project in addressing the needs of the poorest

of the poor. Conflict analysis was conducted in consultation with primary stakeholders.

The following criteria were used:

The relative power and interest of each stakeholder (Freeman, 1984)

Their importance and influence (Grumbler and Willard, 1996)

Their various roles

The networks and coalitions to which they belong (Freeman and Gilbert, 1987). In

conflict assessment, four types of stakeholders are expected to emerge: those with

claims to legal protection, those with political clout, those with power to block

negotiated agreements, and those who command respect and have the public

sympathizes (Susskind and Cruikshank, 1987).

3.4.2.2 Impact

According to the field survey, one of the reasons for conflict could be unrealistic

expectation on the part of local communities in terms of the benefits they could derive

frm the project. Conflicts could arise on the following issues:

Local employment

Land and other natural resource acquisition, utilization and compensation.Based

on the assessment of conflict over natural resources and the tribal distribution of

the area, it becomes evident that due to numerical strength of their respective

tribes the elderly of Mahar and Lund tribe enjoy slightly higher influence than the

rest of the tribal leaders who can potentially influence the decision making in a

conflict situation. Although this does not automatically translate into a conflict

situation between tribes, it does show that some of these tribes are better placed in

terms of access and utilization of resources. As a result of their stronger presence,

these relatively influential tribes could manipulate the situation to unilaterally

usurp the potential benefits from the project.

39

In this specific case, the key players in the resolution of potential conflicts are the leaders

of Mahar tribes. They hold the power1 and influence to negotiate agreements with the

tribes of the project area.


Conflict mitigation can be addressed through:

1. Joint decision-making

2. Negotiation

3. Mediation

Given the possibility that the project activities can potentially trigger a conflict situation

worsening the relationship between the proponents and tribal leadership, it is vital for the

proponents to adopt a joint decision-making approach. To help build trust and confidence

between tribal leaders, and OGDCL it is crucial to recognize the proportionate

representation of all interest groups in the process of the dialogue between community

and the project proponents. Furthermore in compliance with the policy of information

disclosure enshrined in international conventions on responsible business OGDCL will

share information with the concerned tribal leaders and communities regarding:

Project activities, especially the usage of the access track

Information on and verification of land claims if any and issues of tribal

ownership of water sources and pastoral areas.

Planned community development programs in the area

OGDCL has to evolve a social cultural and economic cost mitigation policy that

is acceptable to the locals.

40

OGDCL will ensure that it establishes contact and dialogue with local communities and

the local and tribal leadership of the area before commencing project activities. This

strategy will develop consensus, avoid conflict, and evolve a positive long-term

relationship between the community and the project proponent.

3.4.3.1 Land use and acquisition of productive land

Land use in the project area is categorized as fertile alluvial land. Most of the land is

being used for irrigation. The area gets flooded through part of the year and is cultivated

only when flood waters recede. Only one wheat crop is planted through the year.

3.4.3.2 Impact

No agricultural, settled, or historically significant land will be appropriated for this

project during the seismic survey. OGDCL will establish the campsites on land affected

by water logging and salinity just outside the seismic block. Upgrading the access track is

not expected to have a significant impact because the road that will be utilized during the

project is the main access road to project area from GHOTKI and is already in use by the

local community. This is a carpeted road constructed to facilitate the access between

QADIRPUR AND GHOTKI For the seismic survey, each category of land use may be

utilized for short periods. In cases where land is covered by settlements, whether large

villages or hamlets, the seismic survey will be diverted to maintain a minimum

acceptable distance.


OGDCL is likely to face the grievances over compensation payments because the land is

owned by the private owners. To avoid such circumstances it is advised that OGDCL acts

in concert with the local land owner and Chief Sardar of the Mahar Tribe Sardar Ghulam

Muhammad Mahar. OGDCL’s Party Chief will ensure that complaints regarding

perceived threat to cultivated parts of project area are addressed in a timely manner.[13]

41

a) Impact on Livelihood

Community livelihood is primarily dependent on Irrigation and Land Cultivation. The

impact of project activities on community livelihood is discussed below.

b) Impacts on Agriculture

Although no grazing land will be appropriated for the project (campsites and widening of

access track), seismic lines may be aligned such that they, on occasion, traverse pastoral

areas near the wells. In order to minimize the impact of project activity on pastoral land

he seismic survey can be conducted after the crop has been cut. The permitting team will

survey the damage after the project with local representatives and compensate the grieved

parties accordingly.

c) Local Economy

There is likely to be significant demand for goods and services to supply the daily needs

of the crew. Because of the size, scale, and nature of these goods and services, most of

these goods, including food items, will be procured in city centers and transported to the

field camps on a regular basis. In order to undertake this activity the company will have

to employ local manual labor thus creating employment opportunity. As a result short

term disposable income of the community will increase.

d) Use of Local Resources

The influx of a large group of people in an area with scarce natural resources could have

significant repercussions on the local ecology. The most significant impacts are likely to

be on the use of fuel-wood and water. The management of the campsite itself, which will

accommodate a large number of people, will have to ensure that unsustainable resource

exploitation does not occur.

42

e) Fuel Wood

No vegetation clearing will be required to conduct the seismic survey. Moreover, the use

of fuel-wood at campsites will be prohibited, and all fuel requirements will be met

through natural gas cylinders.

f) Water

Water is a common resource that is communally owned by tribes in the project area.

People or groups of people own many of the existing water sources, all of which are

operated according to local community norms, especially water for drinking purposes.

With the onset of project deviation from established customs on the use of water should

be avoided and the pattern of local water distribution should be recognized as an

established law governed by community needs.

OGDCL will install their own wells just outside the project area. These wells will be

deeper than the 40 ft. deep community wells. Water from the community tube wells and

hand pumps will not be used for the project.

e) Employment

Employment by OGDCL is clearly in high demand among the local communities since

people are often forced to migrate to areas outside the project area to find employment.

However, the seismic survey requires the employment of skilled labor, almost all of

which will come from outside the project area. Opportunities for employment of the local

population are likely to be restricted to unskilled labor only such as watchmen at the

campsites. Some unskilled labor may be required during road leveling operations, but this

will probably be very short-term.

f) Gender Issues and Interaction with Local Communities

Gender roles are strictly defined in rural, tribal societies. The women of the areas visited

during the survey do not observe strict purdah, and are mobile to the extent of traveling

43

within village limits or even outside the settlement area to fetch fuel wood or water.

However, they are generally not exposed to strangers, particularly when their men-folk

are not present. The seismic survey will, in all probability, lead to some additional

restrictions on female mobility in areas where the survey is being carried out within a

radius of 1 km from settlements. This will hold particularly true when the survey is being

conducted in areas adjoining main water sources or areas where fuel-wood is collected.

Gender roles are strictly defined in rural feudal and tribal societies. Women in the project

area perform traditional activities like fetching water, and collecting fuel wood. The

mobility of women in the project area may be hampered due to the presence of men

during the proposed seismic survey. However, as explained above, the survey team’s

presence in an area will be for a short span of time, ie, one to two days. Interaction

between locals and OGDCL employees who do not belong to the project area will be

strictly reduced to project specific needs. The impact on the mobility of women therefore,

is not expected to be significant. There will be no impact on gender roles and

responsibilities relating to collection of fuel wood given that:

The alignment of the proposed access track is such that it will not increase the

workload of women because of detours to access wood collection areas.

Alternative fuel wood collection options are available for the community near

their homes.

To avoid gender issues the following measures will be adopted:

It will be ensured during the seismic survey that field crews do not enter

settlement areas unless accompanied by local men-folk.

Field crews will avoid going near springs and hand pumps.

A minimum distance (approximately 300 m) from settlements, water points, and

culturally significant areas will be maintained during the seismic survey.

A locale should accompany the project team during their trips to the settlements,

watering points, and culturally significant areas.

The seismic permitting staff will inform village leaders of the location and time of

all major activities.

44

There is expected to be very little interaction between seismic crews and local

communities, except for the local people who are hired for the project. However, the

influx of outsiders may affect the mobility of local women. As the seismic survey

workers will not remain in one area for more than a few days, so the impact will be

temporary. Seismic workers will be instructed to avoid interacting with local people

when outside the enclosure.

g) Community Disturbance

Community disturbance is likely to become an issue if seismic work is conducted close to

the scattered settlements. Various field activities, such as transportation of heavy

machinery, materials, equipment and personnel will cause noise and vibration along the

roads and the seismic lines, which may disturb people in nearby houses. Access roads

passing close to villages will also result in disturbance. Shooting and recording will not

result in disturbance, since only a single, muffled thud is heard on the surface when the

explosive is detonated.

To minimize the disturbance and noise impacts, the following mitigation measures will

be implemented for conducting work close to settlements:

1. Communities will be informed about the project activities and possible disturbance in

advance.

2. All project drivers will adopt safe driving practices and special care will be taken while

passing through the settlements, and speed will be reduced as required.

3. Any new tracks, if required, will be aligned a minimum of 500 m from the settlements,

if possible. If this is not possible, the tracks will be restored after completion of work in

the area.

4. If alternative routes exist, existing tracks passing close to settlements will not be used.

45

5. No activity will be undertaken at night.

6. Use of horns will be prohibited.

h)Community Health and Safety

i) Health

People from the project area regularly travel to other cities, and thus cannot be considered

isolated from the rest of the country. They are regularly exposed to illnesses common to

urban populations, and have similar levels of immunity. The seismic crew will undergo

medical examinations before being hired, and will be screened for communicable

diseases. The project is therefore very unlikely to lead to an epidemic of any sort among

local communities.

ii) Safety

Project activities, such as the handling of explosives, could become a hazard if conducted

in populated areas where local people, especially children, are likely to gather around to

watch the activity. The other safety issue is that of traffic, especially along access roads

close to settlements. To reduce the hazards, the following mitigation measures will be

implemented:

1. Local people will be informed in advance when work is about to start in an area. This

may result in people keeping young children away from work areas. Seismic contractor

will also be responsible to ensure that any person not related to the survey is not allowed

to come close to the work area without permission of the seismic crew.

2. Compressors and other machinery will never be left unattended.

3. Safe driving practices will be adopted, particularly while passing through settlements.

3.4.4.1 Non-Local Labor and Local Employment

46

Skilled or unskilled labor brought in from outside the project area is likely to cause

resentment among local communities. This may cause dismay and resentment among

locals against the non local labor. The presence of a large number of non-local men in the

project area may impact the mobility of women who need to leave their homes to fetch

water and collect fuel wood. During the seismic activity, expectations of opportunities for

paid work will increase sharply. Employment not fairly distributed between the tribes of

the project area will cause inter-tribe conflict resulting in project delays. Moreover,

assuming the potential engagement of men in project-related activities, the role of male

family members in irrigation and household activities is expected to decline further and

the pressure of work on women to increase accordingly. Although limited, one positive

impact of the seismic survey will be a marginal improvement in the income level of the

local people.


Although the seismic activity is not expected to generate many jobs, OGDCL will ensure,

that maximum of the unskilled jobs (watchmen), local guards, manual laborers, and the

‘green team’ utilized for restoration activities) are reserved for locals. The locals will be

hired through labor contractors. Based on data collected during the field survey, there is

currently a potential workforce of more than 1,000 males in the project area. Where

possible, semi-skilled jobs will also be provided to individuals from the project area.

For this project, the term ‘local’ will be defined as ‘individuals living in the project area,

with preference given to people directly affected by the project activities. In order not to

raise expectations, the proponent will maintain regular contact with locals through its

Party Chief, who will provide realistic numbers and categories of employment

opportunities.

Interaction between non-local employees and locals not employed by OGDCL will be

discouraged. Project staff will be instructed to stay away from areas frequented by

women. Village elders will be informed at least two weeks prior to the commencement of

project activities in an area.

47

OGDCL will do the local hiring through contractors. Semi skilled tasks—tanker drivers

for the transport of water to campsites can also be distributed among local if such skills

are found.

In a typical seismic operation, regardless of the gender relations in the project area, it is

practically impossible to employ women from the project area. However, the major

beneficiaries of OGDCL’s community development projects in the area are expected to

be women and children. Cause inter-tribe conflict resulting in project delays. Moreover,

assuming the potential engagement of men in project-related activities, the role of male

family members in irrigation and household activities is expected to decline further and

the pressure of work on women to increase accordingly. Although limited, one positive

impact of the seismic survey will be a marginal improvement in the income level of the

local people.

3.5 Stack Gaseous Emission

From the environmental monitoring data, as reported in TABLE 3.10, it is evident that

CO and NOx stack emissions from both the generators (one diesel fired & one gas fired),

stack emissions of NOx from turbine No 1, emission of CO from gas heater, flare and

water pump emission of SO2 from main Flare, and stack emission of NOx from fire water

pump are in violation of the NEQS.

H2S Emission from the turbine stacks as measured by the plant in October 2008 was

found to be almost nil. Emission of stack particulate matter, as reported in table are in

compliance with the NEQS limiting value.

3.5.1 Assessment Of Impact

All the six stack emission show that they emit one or the other gaseous emissions in

excess of the NEQS limiting values.

3.5.2 Mitigation Measure

48

For Air Emissions a double chamber-four electrostatic precipitator (ESP) may be

employed for treatment of flue gas from each boiler. The de-dusting efficiency of ESP

will be 99.52%. The flue gas would be desulphurised by passing it through the flue gas

desulphurization efficiency of above 90%. The level of dust emission would be 90

mg/Nm3, and the total emission 164.473 t/h. The SO2 emission concentration would be

750 mg/Nm3, while the total SO2 emission would be 1367.118 kg/h, which will be well

within the NEQS limits of 500 tons/day.[13]

3.6 NOISE LEVEL

Noise levels monitored data reported in Table-3.2 and 3.3 show that the noise levels at

reference point No 6 near Turbine-1, Reference point No 7 Fin Fan Coolers Train-1,

Reference point No 11 Compressor near plant operator room and Reference point No13

inside Gas Field Generator Room are in violation of the NEQS limiting value.


It assess that during the monitoring data that at the boundary level the noise level is right

and less than 85 (db) at showing in the Table. But at the plant boundary some areas where

the noise level is greater than the Required NEQS. It showing at the Table No.3.3


In areas identified with high noise levels within the plant site entry of the people should

be restricted to those attending to the job staff to work at these places should use proper

safety gears/apparels along with ear muffs/plugs as the case may be.

However, it is recommended that proper high noise level control techniques such as the

use of noise mufflers, sound absorbing materials, vibration damping materials etc, should

be adopted. Since the matter requires detailed study and investigations, hence a separate

proposal can be submitted by NESPAK to OGDCL, if desired.

49

At the same time, possibilities to reduce the noise levels from the primary plant sources

should also be explored, such as proper lubrication of the machine parts and also suitable

covering of the noisy parts can be helpful in reducing the noise level. [13]

50

3.7 WASTEWATER ANALYSIS

The wastewater laboratory test data as shown in TABLE 3.8 and 3.9 indicate that two

sewage samples one each collected from workers plus Assistant-2 Mess and Assistant-1

and officers Camp are in violation of the NEQS with respect to COD, BOD5 and oil and

Grease.

The wastewater samples from the produced water Tank are in gross violation of the

NEQS limiting values of TDS, COD, BOD5, Oil and Grease with minor violation of

sulphides while the wastewater samples from Retention Pond are in violation of COD,

BOD5, Oil and Grease and Sulphides.


It is recommended that wastewater from the entire source. Sewage (two source),

Produced water and plant Waste water ( retention Pond Water ) should be treated in a

treatment plant and than either it should be discharged into the canal or be used for

irrigation outside the plant area by farmers and / or on site as the case may be.


“Raw sewage” generated from the plant/camp area could be used for

irrigation/cultivation of vegetables. It would be responsible for pollution/bacterial

contamination specially of leafy vegetables consumption of such contaminated

vegetables can cause viral/bacterial diseases among their consumers this tendency should

therefore, be avoided at all costs. Sewage from the plant site is pumped into an open drain

wherefrom it evaporates into the environment under the Sun. This could spread bacteria

in the environment around thus slowly polluting the air and such polluted air being

inhaled by the people around can cause a variety of diseases. This practice should be

discontinued.[13]

51

3.8 Wastewater from scavenger

Waste generated from the scavenger after reaction with H2S is an aqueous solution of

Amine complex, which is pale white in color and has a pungent odor. Average quantity

of scavenger waste generated is 2300-2600 liters/day. The waste contains acid and stable

organic sulphur compounds as well as a little quantity of liquid hydrocarbons. This liquid

waste is then passed through a corrugated plate interceptor (CPI) to absorb the liquid

hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons free liquid waste thus generated is transferred into the

produced well storage from where it is injected into the disposal well.

This practice can seriously deteriorate the quality of groundwater.

Therefore, it is recommended that the disposal of scavenger waste into the ground should

be stopped immediately. Proper chemical treatment of the scavenger waste should be

carried out through usually the chemical treatment proves expensive. After removal of

the toxic chemicals, it can be disposal of suitability.

An alternative to the chemical treatment can, therefore, be to incinerate the waste in a

specially designed incinerator.

“Produced water”, exceeding permissible units of some parameters as per NEQS, is being

pumped into a deep well on plant site without any treatment. At a later stage, this water

can cause pollution of the underground sweet water being used for irrigation and drinking

by human beings and animals. In such a case, it will be a great loss to the national

resources. Pakistan is already hard hit for fresh water and as such cannot afford to allow

this practice, which needs to be discontinued.

According to the staff at the plant, “plant wastewater (Retention pond water)” after only

CPI treatment is being discharged into the nearby feeder canal through about 6km long

R.C.C pipe line. This water like other wastewaters being generated at the plant is also

highly polluted. As such, it should not be discharged into the canal or any other water

52

body. This is an illegal practice and is in violation of the Pakistan Environment

Protection Act-1997

3.9 Assessment of Impacts of Ambient Air Quality within Plant Boundary

The results of CO, NOx, SO2 and H2S monitoring are given in TABLE-3.7 and 10 when

compared with OSHA standards, these values are within the acceptable limits for ambient

air within the plant area.

The results of PM monitoring are given in TABLE-3.6. The values range between 10 to

58 mg/NM3 . None of the documents referred in the Terms of Reference of the OGDCL

provides standards for ambient air quality assessment with regard to PM inside the plant

boundary. Additionally, it is not conclusive to consider, one time grab monitoring as in

the present case, for assessing the quality of ambient air in the plant or to look for the

environmental adverse effects of PM emissions from the plant. The result can not be

conclusive about the true state of environment until annual mean basis is carried out.

However, the results can be considered as acceptable for preliminary evaluation and can

be compared with WHO Guidelines for Air Quality. It is seen that the results are within

the permissible limits.

3.9.1 Mitigation Measures

Ambient Air Quality within Plant Boundary

Spot monitoring as carried out in the present study, though shows the level of pollutants

are OK with regard to OSHA, yet it cannot be considered as conclusive and it is

suggested that the pollution levels can turn out to be high if comprehensive time targeted

monitoring is done. It is therefore, extremely important that monitoring on hourly basis

for 24 hours and yearly mean basis should be carried out to determine the real picture of

the ambient air vis a vis State of the Environment (SoE). Based on these findings, actions

to manage the environment should be chalked out.

53

3.10 Assessment Of Impact

3.10.1 Ambient Air Quality within Three Kilometers around the Plant Boundary

The ambient air monitoring values within 3km around the plant are shown in TABLE-5.

None of the documents referred in the Terms of Reference of the OGDCL, provides

standards for the ambient air quality assessment outside the plant boundary. Additionally,

it is not conclusive to consider, one time grab monitoring as in the present case, for

assessing the quality of ambient air around the plant or to look for the environmental

adverse effects of the emissions from the plant. Ambient air profile should be prepared on

the basis of hourly monitoring for 24 hours (hourly mean for 24 hours) or annual mean

basis. Therefore, assessment of the ambient air quality on the basis of one time grab

monitoring can be considered as preliminary. As compared to WHO Guidelines for Air

Quality, the ambient air condition is considered as satisfactory for preliminary evaluation.

3.10.2 Mitigation Measures

Ambient Air Profile within Three Kilometers around the Plant Boundary

It is not conclusive to consider, one time grab monitoring, as in the present case, for

assessing the quality of the ambient air around the plant or to look for the environmental

adverse effects of the emissions from the plant. However, based on WHO Guidelines for

Air Quality, the results can be treated as satisfactory for preliminary evaluation.

Ambient air profile should be prepared on the basis of hourly monitoring for 24 hours or

annual mean basis. Therefore, assessment of the ambient air quality on the basis of one

time grab monitoring can be considered as preliminary.

Accordingly, it is recommended that following the proper methods of ambient air quality

monitoring. Environment profile should be prepared based on which the required

environmental management should be carried out.[13]

54

Table No.3.1 AIR POLLUTION SOURCES

Class Source Classification

Nature of Pollutant

Period and Nature of

Emission

Period and Nature of

Emission

1 Dust from earthwork and clearing

Particulate matter

ranging in size from5

micron to 50 micron

Periodically

throughout the day

during project period

(30-90) days

2

Vehicle exhaust fumes on roads

near communities Periodically

throughout the day during project

period (60-90) days

SO2, NOX, CO, and

Unburned

Periodically

throughout the day


(60-90) days

3Dust from traffic on unpaved

loads near communities clearing

Particulate matter

ranging in size from 5

micron to 50 micron

Hydrocarbons

Periodically

throughout the day


(30-90)days clearing

REFERENCE

POINTDATE LOCATION

Average

dB

1 14.11.2009 COMMON POINT 54.16

2 14.11.2009 BOUNDARY WALL A 64.20

55

3 14.11.2009 COMMON POINT BOUNDARY WALL 65.41

4 14.11.2009 BOUNDARY WALL B 64.15

5 14.11.2009 COMMON POINT BOUNDARY WALL 53.12

6 15.11.2009 BOUNDARY WALL C 67.6

7 15.11.2009 COMMON POINT BOUNDARY WALL C+D 60.10

Table No. 3.2 NOISE LEVEL AT BOUNDARY LEVEL

56

Table No. 3.3 NOISE LEVEL MONITORING DATA WITHIN PLANT BOUNDARY

REFERENCE

POINTDATE LOCATION

AVG:

dB

1 14.11.2009 OUTSIDE CONTROL ROOM 83

2 14.11.2009 MAINTAENANCE SITE OFFICE 79.30

3 14.11.2009 OUT SIDE WARE HOUSE 81.55

4 14.11.2009 INSIDE CONTROL ROOM 67.15

5 14.11.2009 INSIDE LABORATORY 69.60

6 15.11.2009 NEAR TURBINE 94.20

7 15.11.2009 FIN FAN COOLERS TRAIN 1 96.50

8 15.11.2009 SLUG CATCHER 73.00

9 15.11.2009 RETENTION POND 75.70

10 15.11.2009 COMPRESSOR NEAR PLANT OPERATOR 89.00

11 15.11.2009 PLANT OPERATOR ROOM 66.85

12 15.11.2009 INSIDE GAS FIRED GENERATOR 95.40

13 15.11.2009 SAFETY SITE OFFICE 65.05

57

Table NO: 3.4 Socioeconomic Impact, Potential Mitigation Options, and Monitoring

Indicators

Impact ParameterLink to Project

ActivitiesPotential Impact

Potential

Mitigation

Options

Monitoring

Indicators

1- Appropriation of

privately-owned

land.

2-Influx of non

local migrant labor.

Construction of

access routes,

campsites and

well site.

Skilled labor

Required for the

project.

Dissatisfaction with

level of

compensation paid.

Dissatisfaction

among local

Communities over

Loss of income

opportunities

Intercultural

tensions

Dissatisfaction with

project proponent

Payment of agreed

compensation

Minimize use of

private land for

project activities

Company

compensation

policy to include

Compensation for

The use of

Community

property

Community

consultation.

Balanced

employment to

Local communities.

Hiring of locals for

semi-skilled jobs,

where available.

Sensitization of

non-local labor to

Local culture and

Compensation and

lease payments

paid by OGDCL

and

The bases of

payments received

by affectes.

List of people paid

full and fair

compensation

If damage to

Community

property takes

place.

Percentage of non

Local labor in

unskilled,

semi-skilled jobs

Number and

origin of laborers

Employed Wages

Paid Number of

58

3- Inequitable

distribution of

employment.

4- Noise and dust

Generated by

Project activities.

Unskilled labor

required by project.

Access road

construction

Civil works

Seismic operation

Vehicular traffic

Generators

Gender mobility

issues.

Inter-tribal tensions.

Disturbance caused

to nearby

settlements

Disturbance to

Livestock Negative

health impact.

norms.

Consultation with

tribal leaders of the

area Balanced

employment among

tribal groups

Balanced

distribution of

Semiskilled and

Unskilled jobs as

Per local human

resources available.

Noise barriers

Prior and timely

dissemination of

project information

Watering of access

Track Maintenance

of vehicles and

equipment.

Training sessions

held on local

norms.

Proportion of local

labor employed.

Tribal affiliation

of labor employed

Proportion of

semi-skilled and

Unskilled jobs.

Grievances of

local

Population voiced

And addressed

Sprinkling of

water

on access tracks.

59

Table No: 3.5

60

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING WITHIN 3 KM AROUND PLANT BOUNDARY REFERENCE POINT H2O

(ppm) SO2

(ppm) NOx (ppm)

CO (ppm)

East side monitored location. 1.Dargah salim shah Bokhari 2.Ayub Lakhar village 3.Abdullah Lakhar village 4.Panj Plat village South West monitored location 1.Goth Choudhry Abdul Rasheed 2. Goth Suleman & Abbas Sanghar 3.Goth Sardar Hussain Khan Sanghar North West monitored location 1.Balouch sangar 2.ALLAH Waraioh sanghar Goth 3. Goth Bahardar Allah/ Goth Nazar mohammad Talai 4.Well # 10 North monitored location

1. Qadirpur 2. Well # 10 3. Piral Sanghar

Goth

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 0.00 2.00 0.00

1.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 4.00 0.00 0.00 1.00

1.00 1.00 1.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 0.00 1.00 1.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 9.00 10.00 0.00 0.00 6.00

Table No: 3.6

61

AMBIENT PARTICULATE MATTER MONITORING WITHIN PLANT BOUNDARY S.NO REFERENCE POINT PARTICULATE MATTER

Mg/Nm3 1 2 3

BETWEEN TURBINE AND LABORATORY RECYCLE MEMBRANE CONSTRUCTION AREA

10.0 18.0 58.0

Table No: 3.7

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING WITHIN PLANT BOUNDARY

REFERENCE POINT

CO

SO2

NOx

H2O

1.BETWEEN TURBINE & OFFICE 2.NEAR WARE HOUSE 3.RECYCLE MEMBRANE#1 4.INSIDE THE PLANT 5. NEAR SLUG CATCHER

N.D N.D N.D N.D N.D

N.D N.D N.D N.D N.D

1.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00

N.D N.D N.D N.D N.D

N.D = Not Detected

Table No: 3.8

62

WASTEWATER TEST RESULT

Sample Reference

pH TSS (ppm)

TDS (ppm)

COD (ppm) BOD5 Oil & Grease (ppm)

1.Sewage from officers camp and Assistant 2.Sewage from Assistant Camp 1 and officers camp 3.Produced water 4.Retention pond

7.70 7.10 8.05 8.00

17.0 12.0 126.0 28.0

620.0 470.0 7,740 2,4000.0

514.0 470.0 4036.0 824.0

313.50 497.0 2,625.0 575.5

15..0 22.5 840.0 355.0

63

Table No: 3.9 WASTEWATER PARAMETER

REFERENCE PARAMETERLAB.TEST

RESULT

NEQS

LIMITING

VALUES

Produced Water

sample

1.pH

2.Total Suspended Solids(ppm)

3.Total Dissolved solid (ppm)

4.Chemical Oxygen Demand

(ppm)

5.Biochemical Oxygen

Demand (ppm)

6.Zinc(ppm)

7.Oil & Grease(ppm)

8.Copper(ppm)

9.Chromium(ppm)

10.Iron(ppm)

11.Cadmium(ppm)

12.Lead(ppm)

13.Mercury(ppm)

14.Nickel(ppm)

15.Selenium

16.Arsenic (ppm)

17.Mangenese(ppm)

18.Barium(ppm)

19.Phenolic Compound as

Phenol(ppm)

20.Sulphides(ppm)

8.25

147

7,119

3,995

3,995

2,512

0.01

855.0

0.87

0.04

1.56

N.D

N.D

N.D

0.3

N.D

N.D

00.5

0.2

0.09

2.5

80.0

6-9

200

3500

150

80.0

5.0

10.0

1.0

1.0

8.0

8.0

0.1

0.5

0.01

1.0

00.5

1.0

1.5

1.5

0.1

1.0

600

64

Table No: 3.10 STACKS GASEOUS EMISSION MONITORING DATA

Reference pointSO2

mg/Nm2

CO

mg/Nm2

NOx

mg/Nm2O2 % CO2 %

Excess

air %

Efficiency

%

Generator(diesel

fired)0.0 1963.75 1760.80 17.80 2.26 595.3 70.60

Generator (gas

fired)0.0 3798.75 >2255.00 8.19 7.26 60.0 71.20

Turbine NO.1 451.88 378.75 826.16 18.50 2.34 558.6 70.0

Gas heater 923.78 >50000.0 420.15 1.05 11.30 4.90 69.30

Flare 4066.92 45566.26 104.55 12.60 4.70 100.30 73.10

Fire water pump 0.0 2306.25 >2255.00 10.70 7.38 104.40 84.00

65

Table No: 3.11 STACKS PARTICULATE MATTER EMISSIONS DATA

STACK REFERENCE Particulate Matter mg/Nm2

Generator (gas fired)

Generator (diesel fired)

Fire water pump (diesel fired)

Heater (gas fired)

Flare

11.11

80.10

22.22

280.00

55.65

66

CHAPTER NO: 04

MITIGATION PLAN

The mitigation plan is a key component of the EIA. It ensures that the project is designed,

constructed, maintained and implemented in the manner described in the EIA. The

mitigation plan for the activities proposed for the seismic activity in the OGDCL

Qadirpur Gas Field are shown in the table .In this all the project components and their

associated mitigation measures identified in the EIA. For each component, the following

information is presented in the plan:

A comprehensive listing of mitigation measures (actions)

The person(s) responsible for ensuring the full implementation of the action

The person(s) responsible for monitoring the action

The parameters to be monitored in order to ensure the effective implementation

of the action

A timescale for the implementation of the action to ensure that the objectives of

mitigation are fully met.[14]

67

a) Construction phase

Identification of adverse

Potential impact

Criteria for

determining

significance

Mitigation measures

Environmental Issues

Construction Noise

Disturbance to surrounding

communities of the

proposed

combined cycle power plant

due to

operation of construction

machinery on the plant site

Noise Pre-construction noise

survey

Reduce noise at source.

Take noise levels in

consideration during

detailed design and

construction planning;

Reduce traffic noise; Use

of noise abatement

devices where ever

practicable

Dust Emission

Particulate

matter emitted during

construction activities can

result in

deterioration of ambient air

quality

in the vicinity of the source,

and be a

nuisance to the community.

An increase in visible

dust beyond the

boundaries of the

construction site; or

adverse impact on

community assets, or

community complaints;

or Concentration of

PM10 in excess of 150

µg/m3

Sprinkling of water on

unsealed surfaces.

Use of wind shield

around stockpiles.

Vehicle speed

restrictions;

transportation of

material in covered

trucks.

Minimizing

constructional activities

68

near the settlements;

ensuring that no

stockpile is within 250

m of the community

Vegetation Loss

Loss of vegetation as a

result of land

clearance for the combined

cycle power plant

Unnecessary or

excessive removal of

trees and shrubs

Preparation of a

Reinstatement Plan.

Minimization of the

felling of trees and

clearing of vegetation;

and avoidance of the

use of fuel wood

Water Resources

The extraction of water for

the

plant construction activities

can affect the groundwater

availability for the project

area

Water extracted for the

project has to directly

affect the ability of

the community to meet

their water needs

Use of dedicated deep

wells Initiation of a

water conservation

program.

The water can also be

supplied from the

nearby canal

Soil Contamination

Oil and chemical spills can

contaminate

Presence of visible

amount of OIL & lubes

in soil

Provision of spill

prevention and control

kits.

Use of impermeable

surfaces in workshops,

and storage areas.

Contaminated soil will

be collected and

69

incinerated.

Hazardous and Non-

Hazardous Waste

Improper waste

management may problems

lead to health and aesthetic

Exposure to potentially

hazardous waste;

Generation of excessive

waste; Recyclable waste

and reusable waste is

discarded; Littering

Development of a waste

management Plan.

Separation at source of

the recyclable material.

Regular audits.

Maintenance of a Waste

Tracking

Register; Separation

hazardous waste

from non-hazardous

waste.

On-site storage facility

for hazardous waste.

Recyclable waste to be

disposed via

approved waste

contractors; Dumping

of non-hazardous, non

recyclable waste

either to landfill or

municipal disposal.

Emergency response

plan, Trainings,

Labeling and avoidance

use of asbestos,

polychlorinated

70

biphenyls

(PCBs), and ozone

depleting substances

(ODSs)

Socioeconomic Issues

Community Safety

Safety hazards associated

with the construction

activity, particularly with

The increase in traffic on

the project access road.

No specific guidelines

exist. A significant

impact will be

interpreted if there are

complaints from the

community or

the occurrence of any

injury

Speed limit of 10 km/h

will be maintained on

the access road.

Traffic controller will be

stationed on the access

road night driving will

be kept to a minimum

Employment Conflicts

The project will create a

small job opportunity

Compared to potentially

vailable labor. This is likely

to create onflicts between

the locals‘ and non-locals

and also within the

community regarding the

distribution.

Maximum unskilled

jobs to the locals

Maximum number of

unskilled and semi-

skilled jobs for the local

communities Nearest

communities to be

given the first

preference for jobs.

71

b) Operation Phase

Potential impact

Criteria for

determining

significance

Mitigation measures

Environmental Issues

Plant Noise

Disturbance due to plant noise Noise Turbines will be acoustically

shielded and then placed

inside a concrete building.

Design will ensure

maximum possible distance

is kept from the community.

Probation will be kept for

noise abatement devices such

as noise walls and mufflers if

required

Stack gaseous Emission

Emission from the plant can

potentially affect air quality.

NEQS and World Banks

ambient air quality

guidelines

No specific mitigation

measures required

Release of H2S

The release of gas from the

pipeline containing H2S can

be a major health and safety

risk for the nearby community

Acceptable Eight-Hour

Time Weighted

Average(TWA), Short

Term Exposure Limit

(STEL),and the

AcceptableCeiling

Emergency Response Plan

for H2S release will be

developed.

The community will be

educated and trained towards

the risk of a release and to

react in line with the

72

Concentration as per the

physiological responses to

H2S

response plan.

Cutoff valves will be

installed at the EEL plant,

Gas plant, and in between on

the pipeline

Wind direction indicators

will be installed, no

cultivation will be allowed

on the right-of-way, no

traffic

Groundwater

The increased withdrawal of

groundwater for the combined

cycle power plant operation

will affect the groundwater

resources of the project

Project has directly

affected the ability of

the community to meet

Water requirements of the

project; Use of designated

deep well(s) only during the

annual canal closure period.

Initiation of a water

conservation program. No

impact on the Community

groundwater needs is

envisaged as a result of the

project.

Air Quality Dust emissions

produced using

earthworks and

construction for

campsite

Emissions from the

burn pit

Vehicular

The campsites will be

located at least 200 m from

any settlements.

All equipment, generators,

and vehicles used during the

project will be properly

tuned and maintained in

good working condition in

order to minimize exhaust

73

emissions emissions.

Vehicle speed will be

reduced on track passing

through or close settlements.

All project vehicles will be

checked regularly to ensure

that engines are in sound

working condition and are

not emitting smoke.

Wildlife Presence of people

in the area

Physical damage

to the habitat

Displacement of

wildlife for a short

period.

Noise and

movement of

seismic vehicles

and machinery

The explosive activity will

be restricted to a distance of

25 m away from the river

banks.

There will be no equipment

movement across the river

through boats. River

crossings through boats will

be minimized.

Due to the proper

implementation of the

proposed mitigation

measures, no significant

residual impact on birds,

mammals, reptiles, or

amphibians are anticipated.

Areas with concentrated

colonies of active burrows

74

and dens will be avoided.

A ‘no-hunting, no-trapping,

no-harassing’ policy will be

strictly enforced.

The project staff will be

educated and instructed to

avoid killing or chasing wild

animals.

Off-road driving will not be

allowed.

Waste of any kind will not be

discharged in open areas.

75

CHAPTER NO: 05

CONCLUSION & SUGGESTION

7.1 CONCLUSION

In this study, all the impacts which may occur either during construction activities (such

as earthwork and erection of buildings) or during the post- construction phase have been

critically assessed. The probable environmental and social impacts of the project have

been presented in this EIA report along with appropriate mitigation measures- the

implementation of which shall effectively minimize the environmental concerns related

to the project. The study was conducted so as to cover all the aspects of the project (such

as project’s location, construction and post construction phase) and their anticipated

impacts. As such, the study was comprehensive and was carried out in accordance with

national legislative requirements.

The case study concludes with the main findings of the Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) conducted to evaluate the environmental and social impacts as under.

1. This research study for the thesis project is of at QADIRPUR gas field which is

located at a distance of 8 Km from Ghotki. The proponent is required to strictly adhere to

the mitigation and monitoring measures outlined in the EIA in order to avoid, reduce or

compensate for the identified environmental and social impacts of the project. The

management should therefore adopt all environmental management processes and

mitigations as defined in this report as well as other relevant guidelines by Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA).

2. The identified significant impacts relate to transportation, solid waste

management and disposal of sewage during both construction and post- construction

phases.

3. Proper solid waste handling mechanism and storage facilities should be developed

followed at the premises.

4. The construction activity shall emit out dust and result in dust pollution.

76

5. Vegetation loss is suspected with the project related activities. The vegetation loss

will result in disturbance to natural aesthetics and prevailing ecosystem in the area. The

emerged health and safety related problems may cause various types of injuries and lead

to temporary or permanent disability to the injured persons.

6. Hazardous waste is suspected to be generated by the project related activities.

7. Health and safety related threats may pose risk to the human population.

8. Air emissions and high noise intensity during the construction work, will pose

danger to the local residents and their peaceful living would be disturbed.

77

7.2 SUGGESTION

Keeping in view the findings of the study, it is suggested that:

1. For Noise and vibration it is expected to reduce the noise level at the

boundary wall within 70 db (A), which meets the requirements of category III standard of

China GB12348_90, and Ambient Noise Limits (Industry) of World Bank Environmental

Guidelines for Oil and Gas plant. Incidentally Pakistan does not have NEQS for Ambient

Noise level for industrial units. Carry out noise monitoring on the regular basis especially

during heavy machinery operation. Make it mandatory for site labor working in high

noise area > 90 dB (A) to wear earplugs.

2. For Air Emissions a double chamber-four electrostatic precipitator (ESP)

may be employed for treatment of flue gas from each boiler. The flue gas should be

desulphurised by passing it through the flue gas desulphurization having efficiency above

90%. The level of dust emission should be less than 90 mg/Nm3.

3. For Soil and Water Pollution Septic tanks and soak pits with appropriate

design and capacity may be constructed at each work and campsite for the disposal of

domestic liquid waste. Untreated effluent from any works shall not be released into the

environment. Water used before commissioning the power plant shall be received in a

separate system at site and shall be disposed off after meeting the NEQS limits.

4. For Impacts on Hydrology Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) may be

constructed in the down flow line of the workshop as well as mine discharges so that

pollution parameters in the effluents remain within acceptable limits.

The sewage generated during power plant operations includes the effluent from the

toilets, canteen and other washing wastewater. The total amount of sewage and

wastewater from the plant area is expected to be 45m3/day. The sewage and other waster

in the plant area shall be treated at the sewage treatment plant to meet the first grade

standards of comprehensive sewage treatment standard. The treated water will be used

for horticulture purposes.

78

5. For Biological Environment general awareness for crew for construction

work may be increased regarding the biological resources. A ‘no-hunting, no-trapping,

no-harassment’ policy should be strictly enforced at the project sites. Damage to natural

vegetation should be minimized. Firewood, woody plants and shrubs should not be used

as fuel during construction. Personnel and vehicle movements should be restricted to the

construction site, camp and approved access roads.

6. For Socioeconomic Impacts, camps may be constructed at least 500 m away

from any settlement. Camps may be established at designated sites, without affecting

cultivation fields and existing routes. Any crop damaged by the project activities should

be fully compensated. All sites of archaeological, historical and religious significance

should be avoided.

7. The proponent should ensure environment friendly construction of the project

and as such, the mitigation measures should be adopted to avoid adverse impacts on

climate, hydrology, geology and ecology of the area during construction and post

construction phases.

79

EIA REPORT

Business

development of oil

day of gas

project area

gas production

pakistan oil

gas fields

gas wells

gas sector