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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF IMPACT ASSESSMENT

NUCLEAR POWER PLANT AT MITHIVIRDI, BHAVNAGAR, GUJARAT

REPORT NO. A100

NUCLEAR POWER CORPOR

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT


REPORT NO. A100 – EI-1741-1201

DECEMBER 2012

NUCLEAR POWER CORPORATION OF INDIA LIMIT

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT FOR


1201

ATION OF INDIA LIMIT ED

iathd`r dk;kZy; % bathfu;lZ bafM;k Hkou] 1] Hkhdk,th dkek Iysl] ubZ fnYyh&110066 Regd. Office : Engineers India Bhawan, 1, Bhikaiji Cama Place , New Delhi – 110066

Template No. 5-0000-0001-T2 Rev. 1 Copyrights EIL – All rights reserved

1Document No.

A100-EI-1741-1201 Rev. No. F

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR NUCLEAR POWER PARK AT

MITHIVIRDI, BHAVNAGAR, GUJARAT

CONTENTS

Item No. Particulars Page No. 1 Introduction II 1.1 Nuclear power programme – present scenario III

1.2 Development of nuclear power in the country III 2.0 Site selection IV 3.0 Nuclear power plants approved for implementation IV 4.0 Project Profile V 5.0 Environmental impact assessment under coastal regulation zone VI 5.1 CRZ categorisation and HTL/LTL demarcation VI 5.2 Applicable provision of CRZ to projects proposed by department of

atomic energy VI

5.3 Assessment of impact on CRZ around NPP at Mithivirdi VII 5.4 Marine impact assessment VII 5.4.1 Marine ecological studies VIII 5.5 Thermal dispersion studies VIII 6.0 Resettlement and rehabilitation of project affected families IX 7.0 Water requirement and water balance X 8.0 Plant description XI 8.1 Inherent safety features XII 8.2 Engineered safety features XII 8.3 Radioactive waste management systems XII 8.3.1 Gaseous radioactive waste management system XII 8.3.2 Liquid radioactive waste management system XIII 8.3.3 Solid radioactive waste management system XIV 8.4 Radiation dose limits for NPP workers/public XIV 8.4.1 Workers of NPP XIV 8.4.2 Public XIV 8.4.3 Radiation protection XIV 8.4.4 Pre-operational radiological survey XV 8.5 Dose apportionment study XVI 9.0 Emergency planning XVII 9.1 Emergency planning zones XVIII 9.2 Frequency /periodicity of emergency exercises XVIII 9.3 Standard of quality in nuclear power plants XVIII 10.0 Description of environment & anticipated environmental impacts XIX 10.1 Air environment XIX 10.2 Water environment XX 10.3 Land environment XX 10.4 Biological environment XXI 10.5 Noise environment XXI 10.6 Socio-economic environment XXII 11.0 Environmental management plan XXII 12.0 Environmental monitoring programme XXIV 13.0 Additional studies XXIV 14.0 Benefits of NPP at Mithivirdi XXV 14.1 Economics of nuclear power XXV 14.2 Environment sustainability of the project XXV 14.3 Social up-liftment of the region XXV


Document No. A100-EI-1741-1201

Rev. No. E

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR NUCLEAR POWER PARK AT

MITHIVIRDI, BHAVNAGAR, GUJARAT

TABLE CONTENTS

Sl No

Item No. Particulars

Page No.

1 Table 1 Land use statistics of NPP at Mithivirdi V 2 Table 2 Break-up of Land in different villages – to be acquired V 3 Table 3 Classification of land in the proposed site at Mithivirdi,

Bhavnagar district VI

4 Table 4 Sea Water Requirement Estimate X 5 Table 5 Fresh Water Consumption X 6 Table 6 Requirement of water for Plant and Township area XI

FIGURE CONTENTS

Sl No

Item No. Particulars

Page No.

1 Figure 1 Public Dose at Exclusion Zone from NPPs (2006-2010) (AERB Prescribed Annual Limit is 1000 micro-Sievert)

XV

I



Rev. No. F Page I

SUMMARY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR NUCLEAR

POWER PLANT AT MITHIVIRDI, BHAVNAGAR, GUJARAT

SUMMARY

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT



Rev. No. F Page II



1.0 INTRODUCTION

The demand of electricity is growing day by day with increase in industrial growth and

improvements in living standards of people of our country. In order to meet the demand,

Government of India has aimed to achieve the energy security in the country. The fast

depleting natural resources in the country has been foreseen by the Government of

India and this has lead to think of augmenting share of alternatives like nuclear power in

fast manner.

In October 2009, Government of India has accorded in principle approval for five more

new sites, two for indigenous 700 MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors and three

for imported Light Water Reactors of 1000 MWe or more capacity LWRs planned to be

set up with international cooperation. Mithivirdi is one of the sites recommended by site

selection committee in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat state, where 6 reactors of 1000

MWe each are to be established.

To obtain the Environment Clearance to set up Nuclear Power Plants in the above

location from Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Government of India, Nuclear

Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) entrusted the work of “Environmental Impact

Assessment” Study to “Engineers India Limited” (EIL), New Delhi in August, 2010, with a

view to establish the baseline status with respect to various environmental components

viz. air, noise, water, land, biological, radiological, socioeconomic and to evaluate &

predict the potential impacts due to the proposed activities, including their Environmental

Management Plan.

The EIL has collected the baseline data for three seasons (summer, post monsoon and

winter) within a radius of 10 km from December 2010 to November 2011 for analysis of

present baseline status and its environmental impact. Baseline data was collected

around 10 km radius of the plant site and its impact was evaluated. A comprehensive

marine impact assessment was done for evaluating the present scenario and impact on

marine ecosystem for the proposed nuclear plant. Coastal Regulation Zone mapping

was carried out to delineate High Tide Line and Low Tide Line along the proposed site

as per CRZ notification 2011 by MoEF. An Environmental management Plan

incorporating control measures has been included in the report for minimising the

adverse impact.



Rev. No. F Page III



1.1 NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAMME – PRESENT SCENARIO

As on 31st July, 2012, the total installed capacity in the country for generating electricity

from all the available sources is about 2,06,456 MWe, which includes about 66.54%

thermal, 19.03% hydro, 2.31% nuclear power and 8.38% renewable power sources.

NPCIL has an installed capacity of 4780 MWe with 20 nuclear power reactors (as on

November 2012) at 6 operating plant sites across the nation. Currently, 2 reactors at

Kudankulam site are in advanced stage of commissioning, 4 more reactors are under

construction, which will add another 4800 MWe of electrical power. In addition, a 500

MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is being constructed at Kalpakkam. By

the end of XIIth National Plan, the total nuclear power generating capacity is planned to

reach 23,000 MWe and is expected to contribute around 10% of the total power

requirements of the country.

In October 2009, Government of India has accorded In-principle approval for five new

sites, two for indigenous PHWRs and three for imported LWRs for setting up future

nuclear power stations for their full potential. Thus huge requirement of power for the

country could be met by setting-up of more number of Nuclear Power Plants from above

category. In this context, Mithivirdi Nuclear Power Plant assumes importance, which is

planned to have a capacity of 6,000 MWe or more.

1.2 DEVELOPMENT OF NUCLEAR POWER IN THE COUNTRY

A three stage program for generation of nuclear power was propounded, envisaged and

adopted for execution by the Government of India (GoI). The first stage program

envisaged utilization of available resources of natural Uranium in the country for

generation of nuclear power by the home grown Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor

(PHWR) technology. Accordingly, in the bygone four decades, the Department of Atomic

Energy (DAE) through the Project Proponent, NPCIL has installed operating successfully

and safely 18 PHWRs and 2 BWRs. Having acquired proficiency in all the frontiers of

technology, viz. design, construction, commissioning and operation of the NPPs, NPCIL

built power reactor units have logged more than 360 reactor years of successful and

safe operation so far.



Rev. No. F Page IV



The Second Stage program involves the application of Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR)

technology using plutonium extracted from the reprocessed spent fuel obtained from first

stage PHWR units and converting Thorium (held as blankets) into Uranium (U-233).

Thorium is available in abundance in India.

The Third Stage involves use of uranium (U-233) obtained from second stage and

thorium as blanket thereby producing uranium for long term energy generation.

2.0 SITE SELECTION

The site selection committee appointed by Govt. of India comprising members from

MoEF, AERB, CEA, BARC, DAE, and NPCIL have recommended Mithivirdi as the

suitable site for establishing the nuclear power plant (6 X 1000 MWe capacity Light

Water Reactor (LWR). The site selection committee has considered various site

selection criteria as specified by AERB/MoEF such as location, land availability,

transportation accessibility, source of cooling water, meteorology, population, seismic

zones, flood analysis, sustainability of the project, other environmental aspects etc.

before recommending the suitability of the site for establishing NPP.

There is a requirement of 777 ha for project area for setting up nuclear plants and

buildings. A total of 603 ha area falls under agricultural land (both kharif and rabi) and

the remaining land includes waste land, forest, scrub land, water body etc. The soil type

is a mixture of sand gravel with intermediate golden colour laterite with clay as a binder.

The proposed Mithivirdi nuclear power plant project will be executed in three stages.

The Stage-I will complete in 2019-20 followed by Stage-II in 2021-2022 and Stage-III in

2023-24. The cost of the proposed project is under negotiation.

3.0 NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS APPROVED FOR IMPLEMENTATION

The Government of India accorded In-principle approval in October 2009 for setting up

additional nuclear power plants viz. 4X700 MWe at Kumharia (Haryana), 2X700 MWe at

Bargi (Madhya Pradesh), 6X1000 MWe at Mithivirdi (Gujarat), 6X1000 MWe at Haripur

(West Bengal), 6X1000 MWe at Kovvada (Andhra Pradesh), 2X1000 MWe at

Kudankulam (Tamil Nadu), and 6X1650 MWe at Jaitapur, (Maharashtra). Accordingly,

permission for starting the pre - project activities also has been accorded for these

projects sites.



Rev. No. F Page V



4.0 PROJECT PROFILE

The proposed NPP at Mithivirdi will be set up in Talaja Taluka, Bhavnagar district,

Gujarat which is 40 km from Bhavnagar. The site is located on sea coast on west side of

the Gulf of Khambhat. The total project area is 777 ha. The land use and land cover

statistics of the study area is given in Table 1.

Table 1 Land use statistics of NPP at Mithivirdi

Land use % of distribution

(Project area = 777

ha)

% of distribution

(10 km)

% of distribution

(30 km)

Agriculture 78.05 69.24 71.97

Built-up - 1.74 2.80

Forest 2.70 2.43 3.34

Waste land 19.25 23.89 16.58

Water body - 0.99 0.84

Wetland - 0.01 1.07

Others - 1.70 3.40

A land measuring 777.80 ha in the coastal area is available and being acquired for

Mithivirdi plant site to set-up all the planned LWR units of proposed Nuclear Power Plant

of 6000 MWe in the location. The brief details of present land use of the proposed plant

site to be acquired are presented in Table 2. The land use in terms of agricultural and

non-agricultural land for the proposed site is given in Table 3.

Table 2 Break-up of Land in different villages – to be acquired

Sr. No Village Land (Hectares) Private Government Total

1 Jaspara 584.94 164.73 749.67 2 Mandva 10.59 10.59 3 Khadadpar 12.79 4.75 17.54

Total 608.32 169.48 777.80 Source: District Administration Bhavnagar



Rev. No. F Page VI



Table 3 Classification of land in the proposed site at Mithivirdi, Bhavnagar district

Sl.No Village Agriculture Land

Non-Agriculture

Land

Total Land

No. of Khatedars

R&R Issues

1 Jaspara 583.18 166.49 749.67 310 Land to be acquired through Government of Gujarat.

2 Mandva 10.55 0.04 10.59 19 3 Khadadpar 12.68 4.85 17.54 11

Total 606.41 171.39 777.80 340

Source: District Administration Bhavnagar

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT UNDER COASTAL REGULATION ZONE

5.1 CRZ CATEGORISATION AND HTL/LTL DEMARCATION

The proposed project is a coastal site project and thus falls under the purview of Coastal

Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification - 2011. Accordingly, a detailed CRZ demarcation

study has been carried out by Institute of Remote Sensing (IRS), Anna University,

Chennai. Based on above CRZ demarcation studies, the 200 m and 500 m from High

Tide Line (HTL) have been plotted on the revenue map of NPP at Mithivirdi by IRS,

Chennai. The NPP layout has been superimposed on this map. As per CRZ Notification,

the NPP at Mithivirdi site falls in CRZ – III category.

5.2 APPLICABLE PROVISION OF CRZ TO PROJECTS PROPOSED BY DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

Costal Regulation Zone Notification dated 6th January, 2011 issued by the Ministry of

Environment & Forests (MoEF) (under section 3 i (b) and Section 3 (2) (v) of the

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Section 5(3)(d) of Environment (Protection)

Rules, 1986) and amended as per the provisions of Para `2` of MOEF notification vide

S.O. 114 (E) in October 2001, the setting-up of new industries and expansion of existing

industries and other activities are prohibited in CRZ, except for (a) those directly related

to water front or directly need foreshore facilities and (b) Projects of Department of

Atomic Energy (DAE).

This is to further mention that all the facilities of the proposed “Nuclear Power Plant” at

Mithivirdi under DAE, also requires water front and foreshore facilities, are within the

CRZ as per above demarcation and considered as “Permissible Activities”, under Para

3.0 of CRZ notification. Accordingly NPCIL is in the process of obtaining no objection



Rev. No. F Page VII



certificate from state coastal zone management authority and clearance from MoEF in

line with requirements of the CRZ Notification 2011.

5.3 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT ON CRZ AROUND NPP AT MITHIVIRDI

There is no sensitive eco-system in the intertidal area and 500 m coastal zone beyond

HTL and also this area is not included in any national park or sanctuary. Therefore, the

proposed project activity will not affect any sensitive ecosystem. The above area is not

being used for salt pans by local people. Therefore, conversion of this stretch of land for

the construction of the essential facilities will not have any significant impact on flora,

fauna and human activities.

5.4 MARINE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

INDOMER Coastal Hydraulics (P) Limited, Chennai engaged by Engineers India Limited,

New Delhi carried out the marine impact assessment study due to foreshore activities of

the project including jetty on coastal diversity and the proposed nuclear power plant at

Mithivirdi with respect to plankton, fish and diversity of flora and fauna along the shore

line with physicochemical features of the coastal water during study period from

December 2011 to April 2012. INDOMER also carried out the thermal impact

assessment on coastal and marine flora and fauna.

The proposed marine facilities for the power plant will consist of:

i) Groyne type seawater intake,

ii) Return water outfall through six tunnels (at a distance varying from 2.5 Km to 3.5

Km from the coast) and

iii) Temporary material handling jetty.

The intake in the present case has been designed as the intake open channel with

groynes. This design will minimize the interference with currents and avoid any vortex

formation. The intake will have appropriate screens and trash bars with openings to

minimize the entry of marine organisms, fish larvae and fishes.

The quantity of dredging is estimated at 3 x 106 m3 and is proposed to be utilized

onshore to raise the level of the plant area.



Rev. No. F Page VIII



The baseline data collected from the project region and the review of the available

information indicate that the water quality parameters are within the acceptable limits for

the coastal waters. The coastal waters are well mixed and free from any major pollution.

5.4.1 MARINE ECOLOGICAL STUDIES

The ecological status of the region was assessed in order to establish the baseline of

marine ecology.

i) The diversity values (H) for phytoplankton and zooplankton were found to be

between 4 and 5 indicating the region as moderate to good.

ii) Mangrove in and around the project site is extremely poor and sparsely

distributed. Rhizophora sp. was seen in patches in between the rocks, Avicenia

sp. was found in good number on the river banks near Alang ship yard.

iii) No coral reefs/ coral patches were observed in the study area. Sea grass/ sea

weeds and algal communities were observed to be very scantly distributed.

iv) No Turtle nesting ground was noticed in the study/ project area.

v) Southern side of the project area near Alang ship yard has vast expanse of Tidal

flats/ Mud flats due to the presence of a river.

vi) There is no intensive fishing activity in the vicinity of the proposed site.

5.5 THERMAL DISPERSION STUDIES

The total Condenser Cooling Water (CCW) of 43220 MLD will be discharged through a

configuration of 6 tunnels each of 8m diameter, with 5 ports of 2m diameter in each

tunnel at discharge end with a spacing of 100m and each pair of tunnels extending into

sea by 2500 m, 3000 m and 3500 m. The outfall will be designed with multiple ports to

enhance the jet mixing. The tide induced flow field is simulated using MIKE 21 – HD

model and the mixing of the return water discharge is studied using MIKE 21 – AD

model. The modeling studies have been carried out for a discharge of 43220 MLD of

CCW with a discharge temperature not exceeding 7°C above the ambient level. The

CCW discharged will reach the ambient temperature within a shorter distance and time

on the basis of modeling study.

The model studies reveal that the mixing rate is slightly on the lower side during neap

tide and spread of water with temperature difference of 1°C was observed to be up to a

distance of 3.5 km or even less from the centre of outfall system parallel to coast on the



Rev. No. F Page IX



southern side of the outfalls. CCW discharged at the outfall has a tendency to spread

more towards south during the tidal cycles. This happens perhaps due to stronger ebb

currents expected along the western boundary of a water body during the ebb tidal cycle.

During the flood and ebb cycles of tidal flow, the spread of CCW is observed to extend to

a greater distance on the southern side compared to those observed on the northern

side.

Hence, as per the model study, the intake channel will be located on the north side of

the outfall system. The quality of CCW discharged into the sea shall be in conformity

with the stipulated standards of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board.

6.0 RESETTLEMENT AND REHABILITATION OF PROJECT AFFECTED FAMILIES

Preparation of a detailed Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R & R) plan is taken up for

compensation to the Project Affected People (PAP) in line with the National Rehabilitation

& Resettlement (R & R) Policy -2007 and in consultation with Gujarat State Government for

the project affected people.

Discussions are being held with District Collector / Commissioner of the concerned area

for compensation for land & landed properties.

The NPCIL policy envisages a special focus on the creation and up-gradation of skill

sets of landless persons and other project affected persons (PAPs), who are dependent

upon agricultural operations over the acquired land, and for the rural artisans e.g.

blacksmiths, carpenters, potters, masons etc., who contribute to the society together, to

improve their employability.

With the help of District Administration, the essential inputs containing lists of land losers

and project affected persons are being prepared.

NPCIL is committed to establish requisite system for organizing vocational and formal

training and education for all such identified persons and extend full assistance to them

to become eligible for seeking employment with the project proponent or any other

organized sector.



Rev. No. F Page X



NPCIL is committed to implement the R & R package as per the mutual agreement with

the State Government.

7.0 WATER REQUIREMENT AND WATER BALANCE

Water requirement of the project for condenser cooling system would be met from sea

water (Table 4). Special measures would be taken in designing the sea water based

condenser cooling system. The fresh water for plant site is proposed to be met from

Desalination Plant of appropriate capacity to be installed at Plant Site (Table 5).

Table 4 Sea Water Requirement Estimate

System Paramete r

Required Value

Condenser System(CDS)

Circulating water to/from main condenser

282,960 M3/hr (approx.) per unit

Turbine Close Loop Cooling System (TCS)

Circulating water to/from three (3) TCS heat exchangers

7,040 M3/hr (approx.) per unit

Total 290,000 M3/hr (approx.) per unit

Total ( for six unit s) 17,40,000 M3/hr (approx.) 18,00,000 M3/hr (rounded) 43200 MLD (approx.)

The rise in temperature of the receiving water body due to condenser cooling water at

the point of discharge will not be more than 7oC in line with requirements of the statutory

requirement notified by MoEF.

Table 5 Fresh Water Consumption

System Monthly average M3/hr

Potable Water 7.95 Fire Protection System 1.14 Demineralized Water System 5.68 Service Water System 79.5 Total (per unit) 100 (approx.) Total (6 units) Approximately 15 MLD

A desalination plant based on Mechanical Vapour Compression (MVC) technology of

capacity 45 MLD will be setup to cater the needs of the project including township as

given in Table 6.



Rev. No. F Page XI



Table 6 Requirement of water for Plant and Township area

Sl. No

DEMAND TOTAL QUANTITY OF SEA WATER

1 Water for plant requirements 15 MLD 40 MLD

2 Township 3 MLD 5 MLD

Total 18 MLD 45 MLD

In MVC process, the incoming sea water is pre-heated with minute dose of scale

inhibiting additive and passed through a heat exchanger, where the heat in the

discharged brine and product water is recovered. The sea water is then re-circulated

and sprayed on the outside of a bundle of horizontal heat transfer tubes at a rate just

sufficient to create thin continuous liquid films.

Product water generated by this technology is very close to DM water quality, and

requires minimum further treatment to be used for plant DM water make up requirement.

The effluents of DM plant will be neutralized and discharged into sea as per the Gujarat

Pollution Control Board norms

8.0 PLANT DESCRIPTION

The nuclear island structures include the containment (the steel containment vessel and

the containment internal structure), and the shield and auxiliary buildings. The

containment, shield and auxiliary buildings are structurally integrated on a common

basement which is embedded below the finished plant grade level.

The Advance Passive Reactor Plant (pressurized water reactor) consists of two heat

transfer circuits, each with a steam generator, two reactor coolant pumps, a single hot

leg and two cold legs, for circulating reactor coolant. In addition the system includes a

pressurizer, interconnecting piping, valves and instrumentation necessary for operational

control and safeguards actuation. All system equipment is located in the reactor

containment. The Fuel Assemblies (FA) are arranged in a lattice in the Reactor. The

In/Out movements of the Control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) control the nuclear

fission energy generated in the Reactor. The forced circulation of Primary Coolant by

Reactor Coolant Pump (RCP) transfers the heat energy in the reactor to the Steam

Generator (SG). The Primary coolant flows through the tube side of the SG and after



Rev. No. F Page XII



transferring the heat energy to the Secondary side water on the shell side of the SG,

returns to the RCP suction.

The water in the shell side of the SG, called Secondary side is evaporated and the

steam is fed to the Turbo-Generator to generate electricity. Of the thermal power output

of 3415 Mwt, a nominal net electrical output of 1000 MWe will be produced. The Steam

works on the blades of the turbine, thereby rotating the Turbo-Generator shaft, expands

and enters the Condenser. Condenser cooling water system condenses the low

enthalpy Steam that enters the condenser to water.

8.1 INHERENT SAFETY FEATURES

The passive safety design is based on the natural principles of gravity flows, natural

circulation, heat transfer, condensation and expansion of gasses. Reactivity coefficients

characterizing the reactor core reactivity change in response to variations in parameters

of the fuel, coolant and boron concentration are negative under normal operation,

anticipated operational occurrence and design basis accidents. Thus, any fast changes

in power are self-terminating.

8.2 ENGINEERED SAFETY FEATURES

Engineered safety features (ESF) are actuated in the event of an accidental release of

radioactive fission products from the reactor coolant system. The engineered safety

features function to localize, control, mitigate, and terminate such accidents and to

maintain radiation exposure levels to the public below applicable limits and guidelines.

The task is accomplished by quickly shutting down the reactor and making it sub-critical,

fast cooling and maintaining water level in core, continued heat removal from core to

limit rise of fuel temperature, containing radioactivity release from the core and

safeguarding various systems from over pressure.

8.3 RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

8.3.1 GASEOUS RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The Gaseous Radwaste System is designed to perform the collection of gaseous wastes

that are radioactive or hydrogen bearing, process and discharge the emissions, keeping



Rev. No. F Page XIII



off-site releases of radioactivity within acceptable limits prescribed by the Atomic Energy

Regulatory Board (AERB).

The major source of input to the gaseous radwaste system is the fission gases which are

carried by hydrogen and nitrogen gas. The other major source of input is through the

tank vent or the liquid radwaste system de-gasifier discharge.

Releases from the gaseous radwaste system are continuously monitored by a radiation

detector in the discharge line. This instrument provides an alarm signal at a high level

set point to alert operators of rising radiation levels. The monitor is also interlocked with

an isolation valve in the discharge line; the valve closes at a higher level set point. In

addition, the system includes provisions for taking grab samples of the discharge flow

stream for analysis.

8.3.2 LIQUID RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The liquid radwaste system is designed to control, collect, process, handle, store, and

dispose of liquid radioactive waste generated as the result of normal operation, including

anticipated operational occurrences.

The liquid radwaste system processes waste with an upstream filter followed by ion

exchange resin vessels in series. The top of the first vessel is normally charged with

activated carbon, to act as a deep-bed filter and remove oil from floor drain wastes.

Moderate amounts of other wastes can also be routed through this vessel. After

deionization, the water passes through an after-filter where radioactive particulates and

resin fines are removed. The processed water then enters one of three monitor tanks.

When one of the monitor tanks is full, the system is automatically realigned to route

processed water to another tank. The contents of the monitor tank are re-circulated and

sampled. In the unlikely event of high radioactivity, the tank contents are returned to a

waste holdup tank for additional processing.

Normally, however, the radioactivity will be well below the discharge limits. Detection of

high radiation in the discharge stream stops the discharge flow and operator action is

required to re-establish discharge. The radioactive level will be regularly monitored and

ensured that they are well below the discharged limit as stipulated by the Atomic energy

regulatory board (AERB).



Rev. No. F Page XIV



8.3.3 SOLID RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The solid waste management system is designed to collect and accumulate spent ion

exchange resins and deep bed filtration media, spent filter cartridges, dry active wastes,

and mixed wastes generated as a result of normal plant operation, including anticipated

operational occurrences.

The dry solid radwaste comprising of compactable and non-compactable waste are

packed into boxes and drums. Drums are used for higher activity compactable and non-

compactable wastes Compaction is performed by mobile equipment or is performed

offsite. The volume of radioactive waste will be regularly monitored and ensured that

they are well below limit as stipulated by the Atomic energy regulatory board (AERB).

8.4 RADIATION DOSE LIMITS FOR NPP WORKERS/PUBLIC

8.4.1 WORKERS OF NPP

For workers of NPP, individual dose of 100 mSv over 5 years with less than 30 mSv in

any year is imposed as effective maximum dose as per AERB requirements. The design

of proposed reactor at NPP at Mithivirdi is aimed at providing low dose rates work places

and suitable ergonomics. This design can be described as “passive protection” ensures

that further optimization of individual dose can be achieved during plant operation.

8.4.2 PUBLIC

For members of public the upper limit of radiation exposure is 1 mSv/year

(0.001Sv/year) of effective dose, during normal operation of all the NPPs at the site.

8.4.3 RADIATION PROTECTION

The design of the project will be such that the radiation dose to the members of public

from all the routes are within AERB limits. The AERB permitted dose to the members of

public is 1.0 mSv/y from all the routes and units at the site. For highlighting the

experiences of the existing NPP units in India, the radiation dose to the members of

public from all the operating stations of NPCIL is presented in Fig. 1. It is clear from the

figure that the radiation dose to public due to NPCIL’s nuclear power plants is observed

to lesser than the stipulated dose limit of 1 mSv/y and also lesser than natural



Rev. No. F Page XV



background radiation of 2.4 mSv/y. Therefore, nuclear power plants do not pose any

hazard to human and other life forms.

Fig. 1 Public Dose at Exlusion Zone from NPPs (2006-2010) (AERB Prescribed Annual Limit is 1000 micro-Sievert) 8.4.4 PRE-OPERATIONAL RADIOLOGICAL SURVEY

The pre-operational environmental monitoring was carried out by Environmental Survey

Laboratory of Health Physics Division, BARC during November 2010 and the

observations are as follows.

• Direct radiation exposure measurements

Gamma radiation level at various locations around Mithivirdi is observed in the

range of 0.022-0.182 µSv/h. with an average value 0.088 µSv/h. The gamma

radiation levels around the site are of normal background.

• Radioactivity Levels in various environmental Matrices

The environmental samples show the existence of various radionuclides of natural

(238U, 232Th, 40K) and fallout (137Cs and 90Sr) origin.

• Tritium ( 3H) in water samples

Tritium in water has been found less than the detection level of 10 Bq/l in all water

samples.

• Radioactivity levels in water samples ( 137Cs and 90Sr)

The 90Sr activity in all the water samples is below detectable level of 1.5 mBq/l.

The 137Cs activity in all the water samples is in the range of BDL-3.3 mBq/l.



Rev. No. F Page XVI



• Radioactivity levels in aquatic organism ( 137Cs and 40K)

Fish and crab samples were analysed. The 137Cs and 40K activities in the samples

are in the range of BDL-0.13 Bq/kg flesh wt. and 11.4-28.9 Bq.kg-1 flesh wt.

respectively.

• Radioactivity levels in soil and sand samples

Soil and sand samples were collected from various locations around the site and

analysed for natural and fallout activity 238U, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs are in the range of

3 – 45.5 Bq./kg wt., 10 – 56.3 Bq./kg wt, 25.6 – 331.3 Bq./kg wt and 0.73 – 3.62

Bq./kg wt. respectively.

• 137Cs and 40K Radioactivity levels

i) In vegetable and fruit samples

Radioactivity level in Vegetable and fruit samples are in the range of BDL - 0.18

Bq./kg wt. and 16.4 – 64.4 Bq./kg wt. respectively.

ii) In cereals and pulses

Radioactivity level in Cereals and pulses samples are in the range of BDL - 0.18

Bq/kg wt. and 85.2 – 364 Bq./kg wt. respectively.

iii) Radioactivity levels in leaf and grass samples

Radioactivity level in Leaf and grass samples are in the range of BDL – 1.52 Bq/kg

wt. and 70 – 986.4 Bq./kg wt. respectively.

8.5 DOSE APPORTIONMENT STUDY

The Dose Apportionment Study was carried out by Health Physics Division, BARC and

the observations are as follows

• Atmospheric and aquatic releases from the station are assessed to compute

the impact on public. The radioactive species considered are Fission Product

Noble Gases, 41Ar, tritiated water, 131I, and fission/ activation product

particulates. The pathways of exposure evaluated include (where applicable)

plume-shine, submersion, inhalation, ground-shine and ingestion. One year site

Meteorological data has been used to quantify the impact of releases. Dietary

data of the local population has also been used in this study. The gaseous

releases will take place from building top vent of height 80m. The radius of the

exclusion boundary is taken as 1.0 km.

• The impact of aqueous discharges is assessed by estimating dispersion of the



Rev. No. F Page XVII



effluents in the Gulf of Khambhat at 3.5 km from the coast, and conservatively

calculating doses arising from consumption of fish.

• The dose due to disposal of solid waste has been done as per accepted

practices in all nuclear power plant sites in India and a notional dose of 0.05

mSv/y has been allocated for dose through the terrestrial route. This

apportionment is applicable for the entire site, until further detailed evaluation

is carried out.

• As per assessment, a total adult dose of 0.0288 mSv/y is computed, 0.0288

mSv/y coming from the atmospheric route and 8.11x10-6 mSv/y from the water

route. The corresponding total dose for an infant is calculated as 0.0675 mSv/y,

with 0.0675 mSv/y being derived from the air route and 1.85 x 10-5 mSv/y from

the water route.

• Since an infant is considered to be a critical member of the population, it is

recommended that a dose of 0.41 mSv/y may be apportioned for a six-unit

AP-1000 nuclear power plant (6 x 1000 MWe) at Mithivirdi, Gujarat for

atmospheric and aquatic releases.

9.0 EMERGENCY PLANNING

Emergency planning is a part of the concept of defense in depth. Emergency measures

to be adopted NPP at Mithivirdi site is a mandatory requirement as per Atomic Energy

Regulatory Board. This emergency plan and the implementation methodology have to be

demonstrated before making the reactor critical with the close coordination of National

Disaster Management Authorities (NDMA), State District Authorities, DAE (crisis

management group), Environmental Survey Laboratory, BARC and NPCIL. The conduct

of mock exercise is a mandatory requirement prior to making the reactor critical.

Accordingly, a documented emergency planning and preparedness program as per the

guidelines/ code of AERB is to be prepared by project management and obtain approval

of District Authority.

9.1 EMERGENCY PLANNING ZONES



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The area around the plant site is divided into various zones as described below for

effective handling of the emergency situations:

As per AERB requirements, the exclusion zone covers a distance of about 1 km around

the plant site within which no habitation is permitted and is protected by security

personal from state /central government agency/Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

The sterilized zone covers a distance up to 5 km radius around the plant site within

which natural growth of population is permitted and industrial development is controlled

by state administration through administrative measures. The zone of 0 -16 km is termed

as emergency planning zone (EPZ).

9.2 FREQUENCY /PERIODICITY OF EMERGENCY EXERCISES The following exercises will be followed in NPP.

• Plant emergency Exercise – Quarterly

• Site emergency Exercise – Annually

• Off-Site emergency Exercise – Bi-annually

9.3 STANDARD OF QUALITY IN NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

High standards of quality are enforced in all activities related to designing, manufacturing

of equipment, construction, commissioning and operation of NPP. Elaborate step-by-

step quality assurance programs are formulated prior to undertaking of any activity. The

quality assurance control functions are performed by a third party, i.e. the party not

associated with the activity.

Activities at different stages of the project such as, site selection, designing,

manufacturing of equipment, construction, erection, commissioning, operation and

maintenance are governed by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) codes.

Continuous improvements in various areas of Quality Assurances were achieved by

NPCIL in its existing NPPs in line with policy and commitment included in ISO 9001

Document. Response times on various activities were improved with large success.

10.0 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT & ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS



Rev. No. F Page XIX



The various activities involved in both construction and operation of proposed project are

identified first, and then the likely impacts are identified.

The impact assessment has been carried out with respect to various environmental

components, taking into account, the existing status of environment and the changes

likely to occur due to the project activities. M/s Pragathi Labs and Consultant Private

Limited, Secunderabad which is MoEF and Quality Council of India (QCI) approved, was

entrusted the task of establishment of environmental data collection for three season

starting from December 2010 to December 2011 excluding the monsoon season. M/s

Salim Ali centre for Ornithology & Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore, an

autonomous organization under the MoEF did the intensive study on the flora and fauna

of the region and the project impact on the biological environment. Marine Impact

Assessment and CRZ mapping was carried out by INDOMER Coastal Hydraulics Private

Limited, Chennai and Institute of Remote Sensing, Anna University, Chennai

respectively. The environmental impacts for all components are described below.

10.1 AIR ENVIRONMENT

Suspended Particulate Matter, PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOx were monitored on 24 hourly

basis as per CPCB standards while Ozone was monitored on 8 hourly basis. There are 8

air quality monitoring stations spread across north, north west and south west direction

of the plant. The average SPM level is ranging between 135-176 µg/m3 followed by PM10

(51-67 µg/m3), PM2.5 (11.7-20.6 µg/m3), SO2 (13-19.3 µg/m3) and NOx (15.8-24.6 µg/m3).

98 percentile values at monitoring stations for parameters listed in National Ambient Air

Quality Standards (NAAQS) were recorded well within the limits.

The impact on air quality during the construction phase of the proposed project shall be

in terms of increased dust (SPM) concentration locally. There shall be minimal impact

due to SPM levels and shall be limited to construction phase only. As such, there will not

be any direct emissions of conventional pollutants from the project processes except

during construction phase. However, with the development of the project, associated

roads, and landscape lawns, the level of particulate matters will come down to normal

level and much below the permissible limits specified by CPCB/MoEF. Hence, the

impacts of the proposed nuclear power plant on ambient air quality due to conventional

air pollutants will be insignificant. There will be marginal increase in conventional air



Rev. No. F Page XX



pollutants levels due to increase in vehicular traffic and urbanization. However, these

concentrations shall be within the prescribed limits of CPCB / GPCB.

10.2 WATER ENVIRONMENT

For water quality assessment, water samples from 8 stations (3 surface water locations

and 5 sub-surface water locations) were collected and analysed for a period of one year.

The water from Mahi river pipeline will be used only for construction phase. The surface

water quality satisfies the Class C of surface water (Drinking water source with

conventional treatment followed by disinfection) (IS10500: 1991). The levels of total

coliform are present in some samples and faecal coliform are absent in the sampled

ground water.

The Condenser Cooling Water requirement for the proposed nuclear power project is

being planned to be met from Arabian Sea and fresh water requirement from

desalination plant proposed to be set up at the site of nuclear power project.

A packaged sewage treatment plant will be set up for treatment of sewage water

generated within the plant premises. The treated sewage is proposed to be reused for

development of greenbelt and plantations in and around the units of nuclear power plant.

Therefore, the impact of domestic effluents on water resources of the region would be

insignificant.

10.3 LAND ENVIRONMENT

The impact on land environment during construction phase shall be due to generation of

debris/construction material, which shall be properly collected and disposed off. There

will be no accumulation of drainage on the higher elevation side as the site will be

graded. A garland drain network is developed to collect and route the drain water

towards sea. No impact is envisaged due to the same.

All wastes generated are segregated as solid and hazardous wastes and collected

together for disposal. All such wastes will be transported to authorized disposal agency.

Accordingly, there shall be no additional load on land environment during operation

phase of the project.



Rev. No. F Page XXI



For establishing soil characteristics within the study area, soil samples from 10 locations

were collected and analysed for relevant parameters. The soil of the proposed site is

silty loam type. At present, most of the land is under cultivated and sparse scrub

vegetation also exists in the study area. However, with the introduction of the project, the

land use pattern of the area will improve with neat and clean project buildings, lawns and

gardens. The area in the exclusion zone around the project will be developed into a

green belt as per the requirements of AERB and Gujarat Pollution Control Board

(GPCB). This will further improve the aesthetic and land use environment at the

proposed project site.

10.4 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The marginal increase in the local gaseous pollutant levels due to the operation of

vehicle and equipment is short-term during construction phase and it is not expected to

have any notable impact on the faunal and floral components.

There is no discharge of conventional pollutants in the aquatic environment; so marine

fauna and flora would not be affected. The thermal discharges of condenser cooling

water would not exceed the stipulated standards and thus would not create stress on

aquatic flora and fauna.

The effluents shall be suitably treated and there shall be no significant impact on fresh

water ecology. There is no sanctuary/national park/ ecologically sensitive area within 10

kms radius of the proposed project. The biodiversity of the region would be enhanced

due to green belt programme of proposed NPP.

10.5 NOISE ENVIRONMENT

Noise levels were monitored at twenty locations in and around the proposed project site,

surrounding villages, commercial and sensitive places. Among twenty, ten locations for

noise and ten for traffic quality monitoring stations. Both daytime and night time noise

levels were observed closer to the respective ambient noise level standards.

The impact on noise environment during the construction phase of the project shall be

localized and marginal.



Rev. No. F Page XXII



However it is to be noted that due to project activities there will be limited increase in

vehicles during peak construction time of present project. All proper traffic management

measures will be adopted towards reduction in movement of vehicles.

As regards the impacts of vibrations generated due to the equipments in the proposed

power plant, there will be negligible impact on nearby human settlements and the effects

would be relatively local in nature. As new equipment and machinery to be installed will

be based on modern technologies, these will produce minimum noise and vibrations.

10.6 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

Effect of employment generation and additional transport requirements on local

infrastructural facilities are adequately addressed for the project construction activities.

Operational phase of the plant covers the entire life span of the plant. Hence the impacts

of the operational phase extend over a long period of time. The policy of NPCIL towards

social welfare & community development aims at strengthening the bond between

Project Authorities and local population in the vicinity of nuclear power plant. In line with

this policy, the positive impacts include opportunities for employment, improvement of

transport facilities, enhancement of basic facilities in the areas of education, health, and

infrastructure facilities.

In addition to the compensation for acquired property, NPCIL proposes R & R Package

for the Project Affected Families (PAFs) of NPP at Mithivirdi in line with the best of the

provisions of National Rehabilitation & Resettlement Policy 2007.

11.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Based on the baseline data collected for three seasons for various environmental

components viz. air, noise, water, land, biological and socio-economic and prediction

and evaluation of impacts are carried out. Strategies and control measures have been

formulated for minimizing the potential adverse impacts due to proposed nuclear power

project. The component wise project activities, impacts and EMP measures are

delineated as follows.

The EMP lists out all these measures not only for both the construction and but also

operational phases of the proposed project. However, during construction phase, the

engine exhausts from construction vehicles and machines, dust and other sources of



Rev. No. F Page XXIII



emission can affect air quality. In order to keep a check on the emissions of NOx, SPM

and SO2 from all the point sources, the emissions will be monitored as per statutory

regulations.

The impact to the aquatic environment due to discharge of condenser cooling water into

the Arabian Sea will be minimized by constructing discharging through under sea bed

tunnels of length of 2.5 Km to 3.5 Km. Accordingly, the condensers will be designed in

such a way that the resultant temperature rise of the receiving water body will not be

more than 7 ºC in line with MoEF notification on CCW discharge temperature limits.

However, this would also be monitored on regular basis by NPCIL.

After the construction is over, landscaping and horticulture activities would be taken-up

and the area will be developed aesthetically. NPCIL has continually endeavored towards

Sustainable Development in their corporate philosophy. Green belt development

programme will be taken up to cover most of the area of exclusion zone suitably. Local

suitable species are to be planted to enhance the biodiversity. General awareness about

various ecological issues connected with the construction as well as operation of the

plant would be increased gradually. This will help the habitants to grow more ecologically

conscious as far as protection of the surrounding environment is concerned.

Major equipment and machineries, which are prone to generate high noise levels, will be

provided with enclosures / mufflers for low noise generation. The operators cabin would

be acoustically insulated with special doors and observation windows. The operators

working in high noise area would be provided with protective devices such as ear

muffs/ear plugs and they would be trained to use these devices.

Efforts will be made to promote harmony with the local population and further

consolidate their positive perceptions of industrialization by engaging in socially-friendly

activities such as maintaining roads, water conservation programmes, safety

management programs and supporting infrastructures in nearby schools in due course

of time. Sanitation facilities in labour colonies would be provided to ensure better

hygiene and health. Regular environmental awareness programs would be organised by

NPCIL to impress upon the surrounding population about the beneficial impacts of the

project and also about the measures being undertaken for environmental safety.

12.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME



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NPCIL will establish an Environmental Survey Laboratory (ESL) headed by a well

qualified and experienced technical person from the relevant field. The laboratory will

carry out number of activities related to analysis of ambient air quality, stack emissions,

and water quality. This laboratory will continue to monitor radioactivity in samples of

water, vegetation and food products in the entire area within a radius of 30 km around

the site, throughout the life of the NPPs to check for any variations and to check that the

environment is safe. The ESL will be set-up and managed by Health Physics Division,

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). Its findings will be reported to Atomic Energy

Regulatory Board (AERB) and other authorities.

13.0 ADDITIONAL STUDIES

In Addition, following special studies have been carried out by independent institutes /

agencies, organized by EIL and NPCIL for generation of important baseline data /

specific information required for the subject EIA study.

(i) Marine Impact Assessment (MIA) and study of thermal dispersion of condenser

cooling seawater discharges from proposed nuclear power project at Mithivirdi,

Gujarat by INDOMER Coastal Hydraulics Pvt. Ltd, Chennai.

(ii) High Tide Line/Low Tide Line and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) demarcation

of Mithivirdi coast by Institute of Remote Sensing (IRS), Anna University,

Chennai.

(iii) Baseline environmental data collection for flora and fauna for NPP at Mithivirdi,

Gujarat by Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History (SACON),

Coimbatore

(iv) Pre-operational radiological survey for Mithivirdi site by Health Physics

Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai.

(v) Provisional Public Dose apportionment study for Mithivirdi site by Health

Physics Division, BARC, Mumbai.

14.0 BENEFITS OF NPP AT MITHIVIRDI

The foregoing analysis and discussion indicates that the proposed project at Mithivirdi

for establishment of “Nuclear Power Plant” is environmentally benign and sustainable.



Rev. No. F Page XXV



14.1 ECONOMICS OF NUCLEAR POWER

The important factors affecting the operating economics of power generating

technologies are capital cost, debt equity pattern, and interest during construction,

discount rate and fuel choice. The analysis of economics of the technologies as on date

reveals that nuclear power, in the long term, is an economical option. Considering the

component of fuel cost is lower in case of nuclear power, the escalation impact on tariff

is also lower. Nuclear power in India has been established as safe, reliable, clean &

environment friendly and economically compatible with other sources of power

generation units in India. Therefore, establishment of NPP in the western coast of the

country assumes importance, as it will provide much needed electricity with minimal

environmental impact and with comparable cost of electricity generation.

14.2 ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABILITY OF THE PROJECT

Nuclear power plants emit fewer pollutants as compared to any other power plants. The

emissions of conventional pollutants like NOx, SO2 and SPM from nuclear power plant

are insignificant. The radiological emissions from a nuclear power plants are controlled

through a comprehensive radiological waste management and radiological protection

system and mechanism, which meets the requirement of AERB. Therefore, the radiation

dose to the environment due to operation of nuclear power plants in India is within the

limits specified by AERB.

14.3 SOCIAL UP-LIFTMENT OF THE REGION

NPCIL will contribute towards uplifting of the surrounding areas. Further, setting-up of

this project will be a boom to this region and will improve the living conditions of the

society.

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