VASCO
The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) accorded Environmental Clearance (EC) to the South West Port Ltd (SWPL) on January 11 for its proposed terminal capacity enhancement at Berths 5A and 6A at Mormugao Port.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
In its detailed presentation on the salient features of the project to the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), the project proponent and the accredited consultant M/s WAPCOS Limited had said the South West Port Ltd (SWPL) had proposed to deploy highly mechanised and efficient environment-friendly material handling systems so that the cargo handling capacity at the berth is increased consequentially, in the process reducing environmental pollution by retrofitting state-of-art latest dust entrapment systems to meet its demand.
“After modernisation, the consequential capacity enhancement shall be achieved by deploying highly mechanised and efficient environment-friendly material handling system, and by enhancing the existing conveyor speed, and improving the rake loading turnaround time through operational efficiency, thus, making the evacuation and despatch more efficient.”
“Consequentially the total cargo to be handled is expected to go up to 12 to 13 MTPA of bulk (consisting of coal, iron ore, limestone, dolomite, bauxite, mineral ores and other miscellaneous cargo), and about 2 MTPA of unitised cargo (consisting of steel bars, coils, flats and plates, and other steel products). The total cargo handling capacity hence is expected to increase to about 14 to 15 MTPA.”
The consultant claimed that the terminal modernisation by deploying efficient material handlings systems like Grab Ship Unloader (GSU), Stacker-cum-Reclaimer (SCR), Closed/Pipe Conveyor, In-motion Wagon Loading System, Silos, Wagon Loader and Gantry Cranes, covered shed for coal, steel sheds would lead to a consequential increase in terminal efficiency.
“With better utilization of existing resources and an overall net reduction in the pollution level due to retrofitting material handling systems with the latest dust entrapment systems and barriers, there will be an increase in capacity of the terminal, without change in the stockyard area and waterfront area.”
Stating that the Investment/Cost of the project is approximately Rs 300 crore, the consultant claimed that the expansion project is expected to generate employment opportunities.
Highlighting the benefits of the project, the consultant stated that the overall pollution level from the project will be reduced.
“Due to intensification in port area usage, more traffic will be possible from the same berth and backup infrastructure leading to better throughput of SWPL and MPT, and there will be an increase in efficiency of cargo handling. Locals will beneï¬t through company's CSR activities. The project will generate primary, secondary and tertiary employment. MPT will be benefited by means of an increase in revenue from SWPL.”
EC WITH CONDITIONS
Acting on recommendations of the EAC, the MoEF&CC accorded Environmental and CRZ Clearance to the project, subject to compliance with various speciï¬c and general conditions.
The specific conditions stipulate that the grant of Environmental and CRZ Clearance is subject to the ï¬nal outcome of the pending cases, a Civil Application in WP No. 2011/2018; PIL 24/2018 (Sherwyn Correia & Ors. Vs GSPCB and Ors); Pollution Appeal No. 9/18/Air and Pollution Appeal No. 10/18/Air.
The ministry stipulated that all recommendations and conditions specified by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority dated August 18, 2017, shall be complied with and that the project proponent shall ensure that no creeks or rivers are blocked due to any activities at the project site and free flow of water is maintained.
Insisting that dredging shall not be carried out during the fish breeding season and shall be carried out in a confined manner to reduce the impacts on the marine environment, the ministry stated that the shoreline should not be disturbed due to dumping.
“Periodical study on shoreline changes shall be conducted and mitigation carried out, if necessary. The details shall be submitted along with the six monthly monitoring report.”
“While carrying out dredging, an independent monitoring shall be carried out by Government Agency/Institute to check the impact and necessary measures shall be taken on priority basis if any adverse impact is observed."
“Marine ecology shall be monitored regularly in terms of all micro, macro and mega floral and fauna, components of marine biodiversity including seaweeds, sea grasses, mudflats, sand dunes, fisheries, echinoderms, shrimps, turtles, corals, coastal vegetation, mangroves and other marine biodiversity components as part of the management plan. The monitoring should also cover various physicochemical parameters coupled with biological indices such as microbes, plankton, benthos and fishes on a periodic basis during the construction and operation phase of the project.”
“The project proponents would also draw up and implement a management plan for the prevention of fires due to handling of coal spillage of fuel/engine oil and lubricants from the construction site are a source of organic pollution which impacts marine life, particularly benthos.”
The ministry has stipulated that measures should be taken to contain, control and recover the accidental spills of fuel and cargo handle, while necessary arrangements for the general safety and occupational health of people should be done in letter and spirit.
“The commitments made during the Public Hearing and recorded in the Minutes shall be complied with letter and spirit.”
“The project proponent shall conduct source apportionment study to identify and quantify sources of pollution from individual activities being carried out in the project and implement the ï¬ndings/recommendations of the study relevant for the protection of the environment in the area to the satisfaction of State Pollution Control Board.”
