Panaji: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has granted approval to establish the mineral block of Vedanta Limited at Bicholim, subject to conditions. These include the setting up of five ambient air quality monitoring stations at Mulgao, Lamgao, Pilgao, Shirgao and Bicholim.
“The project proponent shall install a minimum of three continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations in consultation with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) or GSPCB, with one in upwind and two in downwind direction based on long-term climatological data about wind direction,” GSPCB stated.
It has also asked the mining unit to install online noise and dust monitoring stations at the transportation route near Sarmanas and to connect it to the GSPCB server within a month. The mining unit will also have to submit a compliance report to the board
Besides, they have been asked to install CCTV cameras at the exit gate of the mine towards the jetty to monitor if the trucks are covered before exit. They too should be connected online to GSPCB within one month, the Board said.
“The trucks engaged in transportation of ore shall have at least six inches of freeboard after filling the cargo box to avoid spillage. All trucks shall be covered with tarpaulin and this shall be fastened to the cargo box to ensure the ore does not get airborne or spill on the road. In an event of breakdown of loaded trucks, unloading of ore at the roadside shall be strictly avoided. The roads in the mining areas shall be sprinkled with water to suppress dust pollution,” GSPCB stated.
It added that the mining unit shall provide a wheel washing facility for the ore transport vehicles at the exit point of the mine.
“The mining unit should also maintain the filter beds, check dams, garland drains, arrestor wall, toe wall and take up afforestation on and around the reject dumps located outside the lease area. Spillage of ore on the public roads shall be removed immediately on occurrence,” the board stated.
“The project proponent shall install a minimum of three continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations in consultation with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) or GSPCB, with one in upwind and two in downwind direction based on long-term climatological data about wind direction,” GSPCB stated.
It has also asked the mining unit to install online noise and dust monitoring stations at the transportation route near Sarmanas and to connect it to the GSPCB server within a month. The mining unit will also have to submit a compliance report to the board
Besides, they have been asked to install CCTV cameras at the exit gate of the mine towards the jetty to monitor if the trucks are covered before exit. They too should be connected online to GSPCB within one month, the Board said.
“The trucks engaged in transportation of ore shall have at least six inches of freeboard after filling the cargo box to avoid spillage. All trucks shall be covered with tarpaulin and this shall be fastened to the cargo box to ensure the ore does not get airborne or spill on the road. In an event of breakdown of loaded trucks, unloading of ore at the roadside shall be strictly avoided. The roads in the mining areas shall be sprinkled with water to suppress dust pollution,” GSPCB stated.
It added that the mining unit shall provide a wheel washing facility for the ore transport vehicles at the exit point of the mine.
“The mining unit should also maintain the filter beds, check dams, garland drains, arrestor wall, toe wall and take up afforestation on and around the reject dumps located outside the lease area. Spillage of ore on the public roads shall be removed immediately on occurrence,” the board stated.