Draft EIA Report For Exploratory Drilling Oil India LTD PDF

Draft
Environmental Impact Assessment Report

For
Exploratory Drilling
In
Block MZ-ONN-2004/1 (Mizoram)
Oil India Limited

Duliajan, Assam
GREEN TECH ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER & CONSULTANTS

Guwahati-28
Assam
www.greentecheec.org
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
The On-Shore NELP VI BLOCK: MZ-ONN-2004/1 located in the Aizwal, Lunglei, and Mamit
and Serchhip districts of Mizoram has been allotted by Government of India to Oil India Limited
(OIL) and M/S ShivVani Oil & Gas Exploration Services Ltd. for exploration and production of
hydrocarbons. OIL is the Operator of the onshore block.
The area of the block MZ-ONN-2004/1 is 3213 sq. km. and has the following coordinates:
Point
A
B
C
D
A
Latitude, N
0
23 4000.00
2300000.00
2300000.00
2304000.00
2304000.00
Longitude, E
9203254.85
9203558.00
9300000.00
9300000.00
9203254.85
The Block map is enclosed.
As per the Minimum Work Program (MWP) of the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) signed with
the Government of India, OIL is required to Drill 06 (Six) wells .Three locations have been identified
for drilling. The other three locations will be selected after further geo scientific studies and results
of the drilled wells.
Each drilling location is finalized based on analysis of the seismic and other geo scientific data.
Sequential drilling of 06 (six) wells is planned. Tentative time of commencement of drilling is 2012.
Drilling and testing of each well is expected to be completed in about 150 days.
In order to obtain the Environmental Clearance (EC) from the Ministry of Environment and Forests
(MoEF), OIL is required to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study in the block
to establish present baseline environmental scenario and the likely impact on the same as a result of
proposed exploratory drilling and testing of the wells.
EIA report is prepared using primary baseline data collected at the site for nearly 5 weeks in nonmonsoon season (March and April, 2011) and secondary data collected from various sources in
public domain as well as the project information provided by OIL.
Drilling rig and associated system will be used for drilling of the exploratory wells. Water Based
Mud (WBM) will be used as drilling fluid which is intrinsically safe and causes minimum
environmental disturbances. Facilities for production testing will be created within each exploratory
well site.
The block and adjoining areas belong to warm per-humid eco-region of North-Eastern Hills in
Mizoram with red and laterite soils.
II
Tuirial, Mat, Tuikum, Tut and Tuichang rivers flow through and close to the block area. The block
area is tortuous undulated forested terrain along with some thinly populated villages/towns and some
agricultural fields in the plains portion of the block.
Pollution Sources
Use of WBM for drilling is very eco-friendly and will cause minimum environmental disturbances.
Major liquid effluents during exploratory drilling and testing will be drilling discharges, drainage
discharges, used/wasted WBM and domestic waste water.
Drilling discharges will have rock cuttings of sandstone, shale, etc. Wasted WBM will have
bentonite clay, barite and other nontoxic ingredients.
Liquid effluents from effluent pits before discharge will be treated in Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)
to meet on-shore discharge limits and treated effluents will be discharged in nearby river/nullah at a
controlled rate, if required.
Gaseous emissions will be primarily exhaust gases produced from diesel driven power generators for
drilling rig operation and for other uses as well as diesel driven vehicles. These exhaust emissions
will primarily contain SO2, NOx, CO, unburnt hydrocarbons etc. Dust will also be generated from
vehicular movement on unpaved roads in the block area.
Formation fluids (Oil/Gas) generated from the exploratory wells will be tested at site for 3 to 4 days
to establish the hydrocarbon production potential.
Pollution Control
Liquid effluents will be stored in HDPE lined shallow pits constructed within the exploratory drilling
location to prevent contamination of ground aquifers.
On well completion, effluent pits will be filled with drill cuttings and solid debris, covered with
HDPE sheet and thick layer of soil to form a small mound with proper slope for rain water drainage.
Organic solid wastes including sewage and food leftovers generated at temporary camp facilities at
the exploratory well site will be disposed off as per approved procedure.
Exhaust gases from various power generators will be discharged from stacks of appropriate heights
for dispersion in a wider area by atmospheric dispersion process and will result in extremely low
incremental ground level concentrations of pollutants in nearby area only.
Formation water (if any) produced with oil during exploratory production testing of oil/gas will be
treated in a clarification system and treated effluents meeting the on-shore discharge standards will
be discharged in nearby river/nullah at a controlled rate, if necessary.
Associated gas produced with oil during testing shall be separated and flared.
III
Project Benefits
Oil and gas production, if commercially viable, will result in additional revenue generation for the
State and Central Governments and will assist in providing energy security to the country. It will also
generate some employment potential and lead to infrastructure development of the block area.
BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Physiography and Topography
The block and surrounding area is a undulated forested terrain. Tuirial, Mat Tuikum, Tut and
Tuichang rivers flow through or close to the block area. Some agricultural fields are observed in the
plains section of the block area along with some thinly populated villages/towns.
Wild life Sanctuaries
Dampa Tiger Reserve forest is outside the block boundary and more than 20km away from the
proposed location of OIL 4 & 5.
Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary is about 15 km from the proposed location OIL 2.
Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary is more than 40 Km away from the proposed location OIL 8.
Soils
Area has soils derived from siltstones, shales and sandstones having sufficient water holding capacity
with relatively low fertility.
Water Resources and Water Quality
Surface water is a perennial source of fresh water. The Tuirial, Mat, Tuikum, Tut and Tuichang
rivers flow through the block area.
The monitored water quality indicates that surface water (rivers,streams) and ground water
(handpump and spring) samples meet desirable limits for potable water and is fit for drinking.
Climatology and Meteorology
April is the hottest month and January is the coldest month with monthly mean maximum and
minimum daily temperatures of nearly 27.2 and 17.90C, and 20.4 and 11.40C, respectively.
Average annual rainfall is 2244.7 mm. June month alone accounts for nearly 21.3% and December to
January months together account for only 0.6% of annual rainfall at Aizawl.
Ambient Air Quality
National ambient air quality standards for residential rural and other area are always met for PM10,
PM2.5, SO2 NOx, VOC and Methane at all the locations.
IV
Land Use
The land use pattern indicates the presence of open forest.

Terrestrial Flora
Warm per-humid climate with moderate to heavy rainfall support a wide range of vegetation in the
study area. Different types of orchids are also present.
Terrestrial Fauna
Existence of extensive forest ranges support fairly large variety of wildlife.

Agricultural Crops
Paddy, maize, oil seeds, pulses, vegetables, etc. are grown to limited extent in the block area.
Demographic and Socio-Economic
As per Census 2001, the sex ratio is 958 and literacy rate is 72.29%.
The study area has 47.06% main workers out of which 78.74% are cultivators, 1.94% are agricultural
labourers, 1.70% are household industry workers and rest 17.62% are other workers. It is pertinent to
note that agricultural activities are the main occupation in the block area.
There is essentially negligible industrial or commercial activity in the block.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Topography and Physiography
Exploratory drilling and testing of the 06 (Six) wells for oil and gas will have negligible impact on
topography and physiography of the area.
Soils
There will be no impact on soils of the area except for the collection of rock cuttings, bentonite
clay and other non-toxic ingredients of wasted WBM in HDPE lined effluents pits due to drilling
of the wells.
Water Resources and Quality
Tuirial, Mat Tuikum, Tut and Tuichang rivers are perennial rivers flowing in and close to the block
area. Water requirement is expected to be about 40 m3/d to meet drilling operations and 10 m3/d
during testing operation at each well for a limited period. Further, recycling of treated water is likely
to reduce the water requirement by about 10 m3/day.
The construction of HDPE lined shallow effluents pits will ensure that there is no adverse impact on
ground water or surface water quality of the block area. The discharge, if required, of treated effluents
meeting on-shore discharge standards at a controlled rate will ensure that there is no perceptible
adverse impact on surface water quality of nearby nullah/river.
Ambient Air Quality
Discharge of exhaust gas emissions from the DG Sets of the drilling rig and due to ground flaring of
gaseous hydrocarbons produced during exploratory testing for 3 to 4 days at each of the wells using
a properly designed flare pit will ensure that the impact of gaseous pollutants in exhaust emissions is
insignificant in surrounding area.
Dust generated due to vehicular movement on unpaved roads will settle quickly and will not cause
any dust problem in the area.
Noise
Suitable Acoustic enclosure will ensure that the noise levels at the boundary of well site operational
area does not exceed 75 dB(A) during exploratory drilling and testing of the wells and this will ensure
that there is insignificant impact of drilling on noise levels during day- and night-time in the
surrounding village areas, if any .
Land Use
There will be negligible impact on land use of the area because total land requirement for each
drilling location is expected to be only about 1.65 hectares. However, some additional land would
also be required for making approach road to the drilling site.
Terrestrial Flora and Fauna
There will not be any perceptible adverse impact on the terrestrial flora and fauna of the area due to
exploratory drilling and testing activities.
Demographic and Socio-Economic
The demography of the area will not be affected by temporary presence of nearly 40 to 50 persons
during drilling and testing operations for about 150 days at each location.
No adverse impact can be expected on socio-economic conditions of the area during exploratory
drilling and testing operations. Slight beneficial impact on job opportunity may be expected because
some local persons may get temporary employment as unskilled or semi-skilled workers during the
drilling phase.
VI
Conclusions
The impact due to exploratory drilling and testing of the wells on various attributes of environment is
summarized below:
PROJECT ACTIVITY
IMPACT
Proposed access
Some cutting of trees

and
excavation/filling may be inevitable.
Clearing and timber salvage
Cutting of some trees and salvage of timber

may be involved for preparation of the drill
site and approach road.
Wild life and habitat protection
MoEF guidelines will be followed
Fuel storage and handling
Insignificant impact.
Camps and staging
Temporary mobile camp facilities will be

used for drilling operations.
Liquid and solid waste disposal
Insignificant temporary localized impact
Cultural
sites
and
earth
archaeological Not applicable
Selection of drilling sites
The exploratory well sites will be selected

after analysis of seismic & other Geo
Scientific data.
Terrain stabilization
Not applicable
Protection
horizons
of
fresh
water Not applicable since drilling effluents will be

stored in HDPE lined shallow pits and well
casing will protect deeper fresh water
horizons.
Blowout prevention plan
Necessary care will be taken during drilling

and blowout preventors (BOP) will be
installed at well mouth for any emergency
Flaring during completion and Separated gases will be flared in suitably

production testing
designed ground flare pit to minimize
adverse impact.
Abandonment of wells
Will be applicable only if commercial

production of oil/gas is unviable from the
exploratory well.
Reclamation for abandonment
Not applicable at present
Noise control
Necessary measures will be adopted
Debris disposal
Insignificant localized impact
Protection of natural drainage Natural drainage will be protected

and water flow
VII
RISK ANALYSIS AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Occurrence of blowout is the major hazard during drilling. However, Blow out preventer (BOP) shall
be installed on well head to prevent the same.
Since only sweet oil and gas is expected in the block area, hazard due to occurrence of H2S is not
likely.
Adequate fire fighting facilities will be deployed and suitable personal protective equipments
including breathing masks will be available at the drilling site.
Doctor and First aid facility will be available at drilling site and a 24 hour standby vehicle
(ambulance) will also be available at the site for transport of injured persons to nearest hospital.
Quantitative risk assessment indicates that three phase separator during exploratory well testing and
HSD storage tanks will have light fire and explosion hazard potential and low toxicity hazard
potential.
On-site disaster management plan is suggested for quick and efficient emergency handling even
though OIL already has well formulated on-site and off-site emergency plans.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
Use of Water Base Mud (WBM) is very eco-friendly as a drilling fluid and does not require any
elaborate environmental management plan. Production testing for oil and gas at the exploratory wells
will also not require any specific management plan.
Effluents pits will be shallow and HDPE lined to avoid contamination of ground aquifers.
Cutting of some trees and earth cutting/filling, if considered necessary, should be minimized as far as
possible for exploratory drilling operational area and for making approach road for the movement of
vehicles.
Personal protective equipments for dust and noise should be used whenever required.
Efforts should be made by OIL and its contractors to employ local persons for unskilled and semiskilled jobs and support activities.
An appropriate environmental monitoring programme during drilling and testing of wells is

recommended.
************
INDEX
CHAPTER
CONTENT
PAGE
NO.
1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
INTRODUCTION
1-1
1.2
OIL INDIA. LTD.
1-1
1.2.1
CORPORATE OBJECTIVES OF OIL
1-2
1.2.2
ACTIVITIES OF OIL
1-2
1.3
OBJECTIVE OF EIA STUDY
1-3
1.4
SCOPE OF EIA STUDY
1-4
1.4.1
INTRODUCTION
1-4
1.5
BLOCK AREA/STUDY AREA
1-4
2.
POLICY FRAMEWORK
2.1
INTRODUCTION
2-1
2.2
2-1
2.3
PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT UNDER NELP / NOMINATION
2-2
2.4
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE PROCEDURE UNDER EIA 2006
2-3
2.5
STANDARDS
FOR
EMISSIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS
2-5
2.5.1
LIQUID EFFLUENTS
2-5
2.5.2
GASEOUS EMISSIONS
2-6
2.5.2.1
DG SETS
2-6
2.5.2.2
ELEVATED / GROUND FLARES
2-6
2.5.3
DISPOSAL OF DRILL CUTTING AND DRILLING FLUIDS
2-6
3.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
3.1
INTRODUCTION
3-1
3.2
BLOCK MZ-ONN-2004/1
3-1
3.3
JUSTIFICATION AND BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT
3-2
3.4
BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT
3-2
3.5
DRILLING OF EXPLORATORY WELLS
3-3
3.6
OIL WELL DRILLING ACTIVITIES
3-4
3.7
RIG SELECTION
3-5
3.8
DRILLING OF OIL/GAS WELL
3-9
3.9
WELL EVALUATION
3-17
3.10
COMPLETION OF DRILLING
3-18
AND
DISCHARGE
OF
3.11
RIG DEMOBILIZATION
3-19
3.12
MANPOWER AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
3-19
3.13
EXPLORATORY DRILLING POLLUTION SOURCES
3-22
3.14
TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL STRATEGY FOR POLLUTANTS
3-24
3.15
ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES
3-26
4.
BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: PHYSICAL, BIOLIGICAL,

DEMOGRAPHIC AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC
4.1
INTRODUCTION
4-1
4.2
SAMPLING/MONITORING LOCATIONS
4-1
4.3
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
4-1
4.3.1
TOPOGRAPHY AND PHYSIOGRAPHY
4-1
4.3.2
SOILS
4-2
4.3.3
WATER RESOURCES AND WATER QUALITY
4-4
4.3.3.1
WATER RESOURCES
4-4
4.3.3.2
RAINFALL IN THE STUDY AREA
4-4
4.3.3.3
SURFACE AND GROUND WATER RESOURCES
4-4
4.3.3.4
WATER QUALITY IN STUDY AREA
4-6
4.3.4
CLIMATOLOGY AND METEOROLOGY
4-7
4.3.4.1
INTRODUCTION
4-7
4.3.5
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY
4-8
4.3.5.1
INTRODUCTION
4-8
4.3.5.2
METHODOLOGY OF MONITORING AND ANALYSIS
4-8
4.3.5.3
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY
4-9
4.3.5.4
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STATUS
4-9
4.3.6
AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS
4-11
4.3.6.1
INTRODUCTION
4-11
4.3.6.2
METHODOLOGY
4-11
4.3.6.3
EQUIVALENT SOUND ENERGY LEVEL OR LEQ
4-12
4.3.6.4
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS IN RESPECT OF NOISE
4-12
4.3.6.5
LAND USE
4-13
4.3.6.6
LAND USE: SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
4-13
4.4
BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
4-23
4.4.1
INTRODUCTION
4-23
4.4.2
TERRESTRIAL FLORA
4-24
4.4.3
TERRESTRIAL FAUNA
4-31
4.4.4
AGRICULTURAL CROPS IN THE STUDY AREA
4-39
4.5
DEMOGRAPHIC ENVIRONMENT
4-40
4.5.1
INTRODUCTION
4-40
4.5.2
POPULATION
4-40
4.5.3
POPULATION DENSITY
4-41
4.5.4
SEX RATIO
4-41
4.5.5
SCHEDULED CASTES AND SCHEDULED TRIBES
4-42
4.5.6
LITERACY
4-42
4.6
SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
4-43
4.6.1
INTRODUCTION
4-43
4.6.2
EMPLOYMENT PATTERN
4-43
4.6.3.1
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
4-45
4.6.3.2
MEDICAL FACILITIES
4-45
4.6.5
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES
4-45
5.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
5.1
INTRODUCTION
5-1
5.2
5-1
5.3
SOILS
5-1
5.4
WATER RESOURCE AND WATER QUALITY
5-2
5.5
5-2
5.6
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY
5-3
5.7
NOISE AND VIBRATIONS
5-4
5.8
LAND USE
5-4
5.9
5-5
5.9.1
TERRESTRIAL FLORA
5-5
5.9.2
TERRESTRIAL FAUNA
5-6
5.10
DEMOGRAPHIC AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
5-7
5.11
CONCLUSIONS
5-7
6.
RISK ASSESSMENT AND CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS
6.1
RISK
ASSESSMENT,
CONSEQUENCE
ANALYSIS
AND
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY DURING DRILLING AND PRODUCTION
TESTING
6-1
6.1.1
INTRODUCTION
6-1
6.1.2
IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARDS IN DRILLING AND PRODUCTION

TESTING
6-2
6.1.2.1
MINOR OIL SPILL
6-2
6.1.2.2
MAJOR OIL SPILL
6-2
6.1.2.3
BLOWOUT
6-3
6.1.2.4
HYDROGEN SULPHIDE (H2S)
6-3
6.1.3
CONTROL MEASURES FOR MAJOR HAZARDS
6-4
6.1.3.1
BLOWOUT
6-4
6.1.3.2
CONTROL MEASURES FOR H2S DURING DRILLING
6-7
6.1.3.3
CONTROL MEASURES FOR H2S DURING PRODUCTION TESTING
6-9
6.1.4
FIRE FIGHTING FACILITY
6-9
6.1.4.1
FIRE WATER SYSTEM
6-9
6.1.4.2
FIRST AID FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENTS AT DRILLING RIG
6-9
6.2
FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENTS FOR PRODUCTION TESTING

FACILITIES
6-11
6.3
MEDICAL FACILITIES
6-12
6.4
QUANTATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT
6-12
6.4.1
FIRE AND EXPLOSION INDEX & TOXICITY INDEX
6-12
6.4.1.1
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION METHODOLOGY
6-13
6.4.1.2
F&EI COMPUTATION
6-14
6.4.1.3
TOXICITY INDEX (TI)
6-14
6.4.1.4
HAZARDS RANKING
6-14
6.4.2
CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS
6-14
6.4.2.1
CONCLUSIONS
6-15
6.4.2.2
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RISK REDUCTION
6-15
DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
7.1
INTRODUCTION
7-1
7.2
CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAM OF OIL
7-2
7.3
EMERGENCY CLASSIFICATION
7-2
7.3.1
LEVEL 1 EMERGENCY
7-2
7.3.2
LEVEL 2 EMERGENCY
7-3
7.3.3
LEVEL 3 EMERGENCY
7-3
7.4
METHODOLOGY OF DMP PREPARATION
7-3
7.5
ON-SITE DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
7-4
7.5.1
SITE MAIN CONTROLLER
7-4
7.5.2
THE SITE INCIDENT CONTROLLER TEAM
7-4
7.5.3
THE AUXILIARY TEAM
7-4
7.5.4
RESPONSIBILITIES OF SITE MAIN CONTROLLER (SMC)
7-4
7.5.5
RESPONSIBILITIES OF SITE INCIDENT CONTROLLER (SIC)
7-5
7.5.6
RESPONSIBILITIES OF AUXILIARY TEAM CONTROLLER (ATC)
7-5
7.5.7
RESPONSIBILITIES OF SIC SUPERVISORS
7-6
7.5.8
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ATC SUPERVISORS
7-6
7.5.9
WARNING SYSTEM
7-6
7.5.10
EMERGENCY PLAN INITIATION
7-7
7.5.11
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
7-7
7.5.11.1
LEVEL 1 EMERGENCIES
7-7
7.5.11.2
LEVEL 2 EMERGENCIES
7-7
7.5.11.3
LEVEL 3 EMERGENCIES
7-7
7.5.12
ACCIDENT SITE CLEAN UP
7-8
7.5.13
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL SAFETY
7-8
7.6
ALL CLEAR SIGNAL AND PUBLIC STATEMENT
7-8
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
8.1
INTRODUCTION
8-1
8.2
MITIGATIVE MEASURES FOR MINIMISING ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPACTS
8-1
8.2.1
GENERAL MEASURES REQUIRED DURING DRILLING AND

TESTING
8-1
8.2.2
SPECIFIC MEASURES REQUIRED DURING DRILLING AND

PRODUCTION TESTING
8-2
8.2.3
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
8-4
8.2.4
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME
8-4
CONSULTANTS ENGAGED
9-1
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 4.1
SOIL CHARACTERISTICS IN STUDY AREA
4-3
TABLE 4.2
DISTRICT WISE MONTHLY AVERAGE RAINFALL
4-2
TABLE 4.3
WATER QUALITY AT STUDY AREA
4-7
TABLE 4.4
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN MIZORAM BLOCK
4-10
TABLE 4.5
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN MIZORAM BLOCK( VOC)
4.11
TABLE 4.5
AMBIENT STANDARDS IN RESPECT OF NOISE
4-12
TABLE 4.6(a)
LIST OF FLORA IN STUDY AREA
4-24
TABLE 4.6(b)
LIST OF FAUNA STUDY AREA
4-31
TABLE 4.7(a)
POPULATION OF STUDY AREA (2001)
4-40
TABLE 4.7(b)
HOUSEHOLD AND HOUSEHOLD SIZE OF STUDY AREA (2001)
4-41
TABLE 4.8
EDUCATION LEVEL AND WORK STATUS
4-42
TABLE 4.9
EMPLOYMENT PATTERN
4.43
TABLE 6.1
CHARACTERISTICS OF H2S GAS
6-17
TABLE 6.2
DETERMINATION OF THE FIRE AND EXPLOSION INDEX AND

OF THE TOXICITY INDEX
6-18
TABLE 6.3
HAZARD RANKING
6-20
TABLE 6.4
TOLERABLE RADIATION INTENSITIES FOR VARIOUS OBJECTS
6-20
TABLE 6.5
DAMAGE DUE TO INCIDENT RADIATION INTENSITY
6-21
LIST OF FIGURES
FIG 1.1
LOCATION MAP OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT SITE WITH ROAD

NETWORK
1-6
FIG 1.2
LAYOUT MAP OF BLOCK MZ-ONN-2004/1
1-7
FIG 3.1
DRILLING RIG AND ALLIED EQUIPMENTS
3-5
FIG 3.2
DRILLING RIG
3-8
FIG 3.3
WELL BORE DIAGRAM
3-10
FIG 3.4
A TYPICAL BOP STACK
3-16
FIG 4.1
LOCATION MAP OF PROPOSED SITE
4-14
FIG 4.2
ETM
4-15
FIG 4.3
LAND USE CLASSES AROUND THE PROPOSED PROJECT
4-16
FIG 4.4
LOCATION MAP OF LOCATION 4 AND 5
4-17
FIG 4.5
ETM OF LOCATION 4 AND 5
4-18
FIG 4.6
LAND USE CLASSES AROUND LOCATION 4 AND 5
4-19
FIG 4.7
LOCATION MAP OF LOCATION 8
4-20
FIG 4.8
ETM OF LOCATION 8
4-21
FIG 4.9
LAND USE CLASSES AROUND LOCATION 8
4-22
LIST OF PLATES
PLATE 4.1
CARRYING OF WATER IN CART
4-5
PLATE 4.2
HUMAN SETTLEMENT
4-23
PLATE 4.3
OPEN FOREST
4-23
EIA for Exploratory Drilling & Testing in Block MZ-ONN-2004/1 (Mizoram)

1-1
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1
INTRODUCTION
A consortium of Oil India Ltd. (OIL) with 75% participating interest (PI), Shiv-Vani
Oil & Gas Exploration Services with 15% PI and Suntera Resources Ltd. with 10% PI
has signed a production sharing contract (PSC) with the Government of India for the
exploration and production of hydrocarbons in the Exploration Block MZ-ONN-2004/1
falling in Lunglei, Serchhip, Aizawl and Mamit districts in Mizoram under NELP-VI.
PSC designates OIL as the Operator of the block. The block is located in central part of
Mizoram primarily within Lunglei, Serchhip and Aizawl districts eventhough a small
portion falls in Mamit district. The total area of the block is 3213 sq. km and lies
towards south of Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram. To best of our knowledge,
exploratory drilling has not been carried at any place in the block so far.
Acquisition, processing and interpretation of 2-D and 3-D Seismic Survey, Gravity
Magnetic Survey, Geochemical Survey are in progress for the block MZ-ONN-2004/1.
Based on seismic data analysis, OIL is planning to carry out exploratory drilling and
testing at 5 promising locations in Phase I within 2007-2012 and at 1 location in Phase
II during 2012-15 period within the block area as per the minimum work programme
(MWP) outlined in PSC to establish the techno-economic viability for production of
hydrocarbons in the block area within a period of 8 years, that is, 2007-15. In addition
to these exploratory wells, as per PSC requirement, additional appraisal/delineation
wells need to be drilled for commercial production in case of discovery of oil/gas. The
location of block MZ-ONN-2004/1 in administrative map of Mizoram, capital city
Aizawl and other important town/villages are shown in Fig. 1.1. The Capital city
Aizawl is nearly 5 km north of the northern boundary of the block.
1.2
OIL INDIA LTD.

The story of Oil India Limited (OIL) symbolizes and traces the development and
growth of Indias petroleum industry. From the first commercial discovery of crude oil
in the far east of India at Digboi (Assam) to becoming a fully integrated upstream
petroleum company, OIL has traversed a great distance. In the process, it has crossed
many a milestone.
In 1889, crude oil was first discovered in the fields of Digboi. On 18th February, 1959,
Oil India Private Limited was incorporated to expand and develop the newly discovered
oil fields of Naharkatiya and Moran in the North East of India. In 1961, OIL became a
GREEN TECH Environmental Engineer & Consultants

1-2
joint venture company between the Government of India and Burmah Oil Company
Limited, UK.
Two decades later, in 1981, Oil India Limited became a wholly owned Government of
India enterprise. Today, Oil India Limited (OIL) is a premier Indian National Oil
Company engaged in the business of Exploration, Development and Production of
Crude Oil and Natural Gas, Transportation of Crude Oil and Production of LPG. The
Company also provides various E&P related services to the industry and holds 26%
equity in Numaligarh Refinery Ltd.
1.2.1 Corporate Objectives of OIL
Exploration for new oil and gas reserves.
Development of discovered oil fields and increased recovery from matured and
developed fields.
Acquisition of new exploration acreage and oil and gas producing properties.
Venturing into oil fields service sector and participation in mainstream activities.
Enhanced implementation of EHS measures in operations.
Sustain and promote environmental protection.
Optimum utilization of human resources.
Engage in Corporate Social Responsibility activities in operational areas.
Ensure reasonable return on capital and optimize cost of production.
1.2.2 Activities of OIL

OIL is operating in 53 blocks and has participating interest in another 16 blocks with a
total of over 1,00,000 sq. km of licensed areas. It produces 70,000 bbls/day of crude oil
and 260 MMSCFD of natural gas, with a total production of oil and oil equivalent of
1,11,000 bbls/day.
To achieve its vision to be the fastest growing company, the company has realized the
need to look beyond the shores of India. Aggressively seeking for overseas business
opportunity is one of the strategic goals of OIL. Within a short span of 4-5 years, OIL is
already present in 6 countries like Iran, Libya, Gabon, Sudan, Yemen and Nigeria. The
focus is also on West Africa, CIS countries, Middle-East countries, etc. With the
discovery of heavy oil in Farsi Block in Iran, OIL already has tasted its first success
overseas.

1-3
1.3

It is recognized that the petroleum operations, such as, exploration for oil and gas and
their production, transportation and storage will cause some impact on the environment
of the block area and its surrounding area. It is, therefore, expected that the petroleum
operations shall be carried out with proper regard to concerns with respect to protection
of the environment and conservation of natural resources in the contract and
surrounding areas. Accordingly, the Government of India issued guidelines to the
contractor of exploration block for execution of environmental work as a part of the
production sharing contract (PSC). Briefly these are as follows:
use of advanced techniques, practices and methods of operation to prevent

environmental damage;
take measures, in consultation with the Government to minimize adverse impact on

the environment where some adverse impact on the environment is unavoidable;
prepare contingency plan for oil spills, fires and other emergencies before
commencement of drilling operations; and
remove installation and restore site after the expiry of contract.
OIL desires that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) study should not be limited
to areas close to 6 exploratory wells where drilling is likely to commence in the year
2011 but should also include other block area because exact locations are not yet
identified and will be finalized only after completion of seismic, gravity magnetic and
geochemical data acquisition, processing and interpretation well before the tentative
commencement of exploratory drilling in the year 2011. Furthermore, the selection of
promising locations is a dynamic process resulting in changes in coordinates of drilling
locations on the basis of results of testing of wells already drilled as well as further
analysis of seismic and other data. Drilling operation is planned sequentially. EIA study
related to exploration drilling and testing operations is required to be completed before
commencement of drilling operations under E&P programme and shall be submitted by
the Operator and specific approval, that is, environmental clearance (EC) from Ministry
of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Government of India, and consent to establish
(NOC) and consent to operate under Air and Water Acts from MSPCB will be required
as per EIA notification dated 14th September 2006 (EIA 2006).

1-4
1.4
SCOPE OF EIA STUDY
1.4.1 Introduction
The purpose of REIA is to identify and evaluate the potential impacts (beneficial and
adverse) of proposed drilling of 8 exploratory wells within 2012 in Phase I and 1 more
exploratory well during 2012-15 period in Phase II as a part of proposed E&P
programme in the block MZ-ONN-2004/1.The EIA Study to be carried out as per TORs
F.No.J-11011/877/2007-IA II (I) dated 24th Dec, 2007
1.5
BLOCK AREA/STUDY AREA

Fig. 1.1 shows the administrative map of Mizoram and the location of block MZ-ONN2004/1 in Mamit, Aizawl, Serchhip and Lunglei districts.
The block lies in the central part of Mizoram. Mizoram has Bangladesh towards west
and Myanmar towards south and east. The block area is well connected by NH-54 and a
network of other all weather roads though journey time is quite large due to tortuous
undulated forested terrain. The nearest railhead is Silchar in Assam. National Highway
(NH-54) runs north-to-south connecting Silchar to Aizawl, Serchhip, Lunglei,
Lawngtlai, Saiha and Tuipang V. Aizawl is the capital city of Mizoram and is nearly 5
km north of northern boundary A-D of the block. Aizawl is linked by air to the rest of
India and the nearest international airport is located at Kolkata in West Bengal.
Fig. 1.2 shows the lay out map of the block MZ-ONN-2004/1.
The block has a trapezium shape and lies between 2300000 to 2304000 N latitude
and 9203254.85 to 9300000.00 E longitude and is located on Survey of India
toposheets 84 A/10, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 16 (all restricted). The block coordinates are as
follows:
Point
Latitude, N
0
Longitude, E
23 4000.00
9203254.85
2300000.00
9203558.00
2300000.00
9300000.00
2304000.00
9300000.00
2304000.00
9203254.85
Agro-ecologically the block area is North-eastern Hills (Purvanchal), warm, perhumid

ecoregion, with red and lateritic soils. Soils have been derived from siltstones,

1-5
sandstones and shales. The climate is tropical warm and per-humid with an average
annual rainfall of nearly 2400 to 3500 mm. However, due to complexity of
physiography various microclimates prevail from high elevation to low elevation.
Since 2-D and 3-D seismic survey, gravity magnetic survey and geochemical survey are
likely to cover the entire block area except area under wildlife sanctuary/national park,
if any, the entire block area of 3213 sq. km is considered as the study area. The area
is thinly populated undulating forested terrain interspersed with rivers/nullahs with
some agricultural fields existing in plains section of the block area.

1-6
FIG 1.1: LOCATION MAP OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT SITE WITH
ROAD NETWORK

1-7
FIG 1.2: LAY OUT MAP OF THE BLOCK MZ-ONN-2004/1

1-8

2-1
CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
2.1
INTRODUCTION
In India, Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) was made mandatory as per
Environmental Impact Assessment notification dated 27.01.1994 (EIA 1994).
Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) issued a new EIA notification
on 14.09.2006 (EIA 2006) which supersedes EIA 1994 under the purview of
Environmental (Protection) Act of 1986 with the following objectives:
Identify and predict likely impacts based on activities of those components

of project which directly interact with the environment.
Find ways and means to reduce adverse impacts.
Shape the projects to suit local environment.
Present the predictions and options to the decision-makers or statutory

bodies, such as, State Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment &
Forests (MoEF), Government of India, Director General of Hydrocarbons
(DGH), etc.
2.2

The EIA study is expected to cover at least the following matters:
Description of the proposed activities including likely waste generation

and measures incorporated to meet environmental standards.
Description of the base environmental and climatic conditions.
Analysis of land use pattern, water consumption (and water balance),

power consumption, etc. along with the social and health impacts.
An assessment of likely or potential environmental impacts of the

proposed activity (like air, water and soil pollution, noise generation) and
the alternatives, including the direct or indirect, cumulative, short-term and
long-term effects.
An environmental management plan to mitigate or ameliorate negative

effects on environment including post implementation monitoring
programme.
The EIA report for all offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration,
development and production projects shall be submitted to MoEF for

2-2
environmental clearance following the procedure prescribed in EIA 2006. The
EIA report shall also be submitted to DGH for approval.
2.3
PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT UNDER NELP/NOMINATION

In early 1990s, Government of India (GOI) formulated a New Exploration
Licensing Policy (NELP) under Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
(MoP&NG) to encourage private sector participation for exploration and
production (E&P) of oil and gas both by Indian and foreign E&P operators on
Production Sharing Contract (PSC) basis to meet ever rising demand of
petroleum products in India. The PSC is a mutual agreement between GOI and
an Operator. Article 14 on Protection of Environment is now also applicable to
old blocks/areas which were awarded prior to the formulation of NELP for
exploration and production of oil and gas and are not under PSC.
As per Article 14 on Protection of Environment, the Government and the
Contactor (OIL) recognize that the petroleum operations will cause some
impact on the environment in the contract or license area. Accordingly in
performance of the contract the operator shall conduct its petroleum operations
with due regard to concerns with respect to protection of the environment and
conservation of natural resources.
Environmental clearance is now necessary from the regulatory authority
(MoEF) for exploratory surveys and drilling as well as production to be
undertaken by the Operator. Conditions as applicable under such
environmental clearance based on the Environmental Impact Assessment
reports are required to be followed by the Operator. GOI monitors the
implementation of these conditions. Some of the conditions include:
1. No survey or drilling or production activity can be conducted in national
parks, sanctuaries, mangroves, wetlands of national importance, biossphere reserves and other biologically sensitive areas.
2. Passage through national parks, sanctuaries, mangroves and wetlands of
national importance and biosphere reserves would not be permitted.
However, if there is no passage other than through these places to reach a
particular point of survey or drilling or production beyond, then the

2-3
Operator may obtain the permission of the concerned authorities (Chief
Wildlife Warden/ Director of the Biosphere Reserve)
3. In case cutting of trees being involved for survey or drilling or production
purpose, compensatory afforestation would be done within a time frame.
4. Approval for diversification of forest land involved, if any, would have to
be obtained specifically in each case.
5. Advanced techniques, practices and methods are to be used to prevent
environmental damage.
6. Measures are to be taken in consultation with the Government to minimize
adverse impact on the environment where some adverse impact on the
environment is unavoidable.
7. Three EIA studies are to be carried out as under:
First EIA study is to be carried out before any field work relating to
seismic or other survey;
Second EIA study is to be carried out before commencement of
exploration drilling operations; and
Third EIA study is to be carried out before commencement of
production operations.
8. Contingency plan for oil spills, fires and other emergencies is to be
prepared before commencement of drilling and production operations.
9. Installation is to be removed and site is to be restored after the expiry of
contract.
10. The Government may revoke clearance if implementation of the above
conditions is not satisfactory.
11. The above conditions will be enforced inter alia under the provisions of the
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, Air (Prevention and
Control of pollution) Act 1981 and the Environment (Protection) Act,
1986 and the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 along with their
amendments and rules.
2.4
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE PROCEDURE UNDER EIA 2006

EIA 2006 categorizes all oil and gas exploration, development and production
projects under category A, except for seismic and other exploratory surveys,

2-4
and require project proponents to apply on prescribed Form 1 for prior
environmental clearance (EC) to MoEF before commencing any construction
activity or preparation of land at the site. EC process will involve three stages,
namely, Scoping, Public Consultation and Appraisal. Scoping involves
finalization of comprehensive terms of reference (ToR) for the preparation of
draft EIA report by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of MoEF. Public
Consultation, except for seismic and other exploratory, survey will be carried
out by the State Pollution Control Board to ascertain the concerns of local
affected persons and others who have plausible stake in the environmental
impact of the project by making available the Summary of EIA Report and
holding a Public Hearing as per the prescribed procedure. EAC will then carry
out the appraisal of the application including final EIA report and outcome of
public consultation including public hearing proceedings for grant of EC.
Environment Impact Assessment Authority (EIAA), that is, MoEF will then
consider the recommendation of EAC for the grant of EC. Prescribed time
frame for various stages for EC are: 60 days by EAC for finalization of TOR
after submission of application on Form 1, 45 days for public consultation
after receiving request for the same from project proponent along with EIA
report and summary of the EIA report, 60 days by EAC for appraisal after
receipt of final EIA report and proceeding of public hearing, and 45 days by
MoEF for considering the recommendation of EAC for the grant of EC. It is
presumed that the baseline data collection will start after finalization of ToR
and time required for the same and for the preparation of draft EIA report as
well as that required for preparation of final EIA report after considering
material environmental concerns expressed during public consultation will be
in addition to the prescribed time frame specified above.
2.5
STANDARDS
FOR
EMISSIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS
AND
DISCHARGE
OF
For the purposes of protecting and improving the quality of the environment
and preventing and abating environmental pollution, the standards for
emissions and discharge of environmental pollutants from Oil Drilling and
Gas Extraction Industry situated on land and away from saline water sink
specified by MoEF are as follows

2-5
2.5.1 Liquid Effluents
Industry may opt either for disposal of treated water by on-shore disposal or
by re-injection in abandoned well, which is allowed only below a depth of
1000 metres from the ground level. In case of re-injection in abandoned well
the effluent have to comply only with respect to suspended solids and oil and
grease at 100 mg/l and 10 mg/l, respectively. For on-shore disposal, the
permissible limits are given below:
Sl.
Parameter
No.
On-shore discharge standards

(Not to Exceed)
1.
pH
5.5 - 9.0
2.
Temperature
400C
3.
Suspended Solids
100 mg/l
4.
Zinc
2 mg /l
5.
BOD
30 mg/l
6.
COD
100 mg/l
7.
Chlorides
600 mg/l
8.
Sulphates
1000 mg/l
9.
TDS
2100 mg/l
10.
% Sodium
60 mg/l
11.
Oil and Grease
10 mg/l
12.
Phenolics
1.2 mg/l
13.
Cyanides
0.2 mg/l
14.
Fluorides
1.5 mg/l
15.
Sulphides
2.0 mg/l
16.
Chromium (Cr+6)
0.1 mg/l
17.
Chromium (Total)
1.0 mg/l
18.
Copper
0.2 mg/l
19.
Lead
0.1 mg/l
20.
Mercury
0.01 mg/l
21.
Nickel
3.0 mg/l

2-6
2.5.2 Gaseous Emissions
2.5.2.1 DG Sets
DG sets at drill site as well as production station shall conform with the norm
notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2.5.2.2 Elevated/Ground Flares
A. Cold Venting of gases shall never be resorted to and all the gaseous
emissions are to be flared.
B. All flaring shall be done by elevated flares except where there is any effect
on crop production in adjoining areas due to the flaring. In such cases, one
may adopt ground flaring.
C. In case of ground flare, to minimize the effects of flaring, the flare pit at
Group Gathering Station (GGS), Oil Collecting Station (OCS) and Group
Collection Station (GCS) shall be made of RCC surrounded by a
permanent wall (made of refractory brick) of minimum 5 m height to
reduce the radiation and glaring effects in the adjoining areas.
D. A green belt of 100 m width may be developed around the flare after the
refractory wall in case of ground flaring.
E. If the ground flaring with provision of green belt is not feasible, enclosed
ground flare system shall be adopted, and be designed with proper
enclosure height, to meet the ground level concentration (GLC)
requirement.
F. In case of elevated flaring, the minimum stack height shall be 30 m.
Height of the stack shall be such that the maximum GLC never exceeds
the prescribed ambient air quality limit.
G. Burning of effluent in the pits shall not be carried out at any stage.
2.5.3 Disposal of Drill Cutting and Drilling Fluids
A. Drill Cuttings (DC) originating from on-shore or locations close to shore
line and separated from Water Base Mud (WBM) should be properly
washed and unusable drilling fluids (DF) such as WBM, Oil Base Mud
(OBM), Synthetic Base Mud (SBM) should be disposed off in a well
designed pit lined with impervious liner located off-site or on-site. The

2-7
disposal pit should be provided additionally with leachate collection
system.
Design aspects of the impervious waste disposal pit; capping of disposal
pit should be informed by the oil industry to State Pollution Control Board
(SPCB) at the time of obtaining consent.
B. Use of diesel base mud is prohibited. Only WBM should be used for onshore oil drilling operations.
C. In case of any problem due to geological formation for drilling, low
toxicity OBM having aromatic content <1% should be used. If the
operators intend to use such OBM to mitigate specific well problem/SBM
it should be intimated to Ministry of Environment and Forests/State
Pollution Control Board.
D. The chemical additives used for the preparation of DF should have low
toxicity i.e. 96 hr LC50 > 30, 000 mg/l as per mysid toxicity or toxicity test
conducted on locally available sensitive fish species. The chemicals used
(mainly organic constituents) should be biodegradable.
E. DC separated from OBM after washing should have oil content at < 10
gm/kg for disposal into disposal pit.
F. The waste pit after it is filled up shall be covered with impervious liner,
over which, a thick layer of native soil with proper top slope is provided.
G. Low toxicity OBM should be made available at installation during drilling
operation.
H. Drilling wastewater including DC wash water should be collected in the
disposal pit evaporated or treated and should comply with the notified
standards for on-shore disposal.
I. Barite used in preparation of DF shall not contain Hg >1 mg/kg and Cd > 3
mg/kg.
J. Total material acquired for preparation of drill site must be restored after
completion of drilling operation leaving no waste material at site. SPCB
should be informed about the restoration work.
K. In case, environmentally acceptable methods for disposal of drill waste
such as (a) injection to a formation through casing annuals, if conditions
allow (b) land farming at suitable location (c) bio-remediation (d)

2-8
incineration or (e) solidification can be considered, in such cases oil
industry is required to submit proposal to Ministry of Environment and
Forests/State Pollution Control Board (MoEF/SPCB) for approval.
EIA for Exploratory Drilling in MZ-ONN-2004/1 NELP Block

3-1
CHAPTER 3: PROJECT DESCRIPTION
3.1
INTRODUCTION
The On-Shore NELP VI BLOCK: MZ-ONN-2004/1 located in the Aizwal,

Lunglei, Mamit and Serchhip districts of Mizoram has been allotted by Government of
India to Oil India Limited (OIL) and M/S ShivVani Oil & Gas Exploration Services
Ltd. for exploration and production of hydrocarbons. OIL is the Operator of the block.
As per the Minimum Work Program (MWP) of the Production Sharing Contract (PSC)
signed with the Government of India, OIL is required to Drill 06 (Six) wells .Three
locations have been identified for drilling. The other three locations will be selected
after further geo scientific studies and data gathered from the drilled wells.
Salient features of the project :

Five (05) Nos. in phase I
Number of wells
One (01) No. in phase
II
The above is as per MWP

Name and area of Block
District(s)
MZ-ONN-2004/1 and 3213 Km2

Aizawl, Mamit, Serchhip and Lunglei
Districts.
State
Mizoram
Depth
4000 - 5500m ( tentative)
Estimated drilling Period
150 days (approx) for each well
Type of Hydrocarbon expected
Oil/Gas
Cost of Project
INR 300 crores (approx) for Six Wells
3.2
BLOCK MZ-ONN-2004/1 AREA
The block covers an area of 3213 km2 in the central part of the state. It starts from
about 5 kms South of Aizawl and ends 6 kms. East of Hnahthial Town, covering four
districts, viz. Aizawl. Sechhip, Mamit and Lunglei Districts. The coordinates are given
below.

3-2
POINTS
A
B
C
D
A
DEG
23
23
23
23
23
LATITUDE
MIN
40
00
00
40
40
SEC
00
00
00
00
00
DEG
92
92
93
93
92
LONGITUDE
MIN
32
35
00
00
32
SEC
54.85
58
00
00
54.85
Drilling Locations
Coordinates of the drilling locations which have been released are as follows:
Sl. No.
1
2
3
4
3.3
LOCATIO
N
OIL 2
OIL 4
OIL 5
OIL 8
Easting
3034138
3009334
3008350
3027949
CO-ORDINATES
Northing
Longitude
650176
92o5106.49
638426
92o3623.21
635893
92o3546.75
618948
92o4704.69
Latitude
23 3500.87
23o2855.71
23o2733.99
23o1810.04
o
JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT
To determine the presence of hydrocarbons and to evaluate the recoverable reserves in

the Mizoram Block, 2D seismic surveys and other Geo-scientific studies have been
carried out. OIL is now planning to drill six (6) exploratory wells for obtaining more
precise estimate of expected total reserves of hydrocarbon and techno-economic
viability of Oil/gas production.
3.4
BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT
Commercially viable production of Oil / Gas from the block is likely to render the
following benefits
i)
Economic assistance to the Govt. of Mizoram from more royalty.
ii)
Employment potential for local people.
iii)
Overall infrastructure development.
iv)
Increase in business opportunities.
v)
More assistance from OIL towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
vi)
More cess to central Govt.
vii)
Overall societal benefit.

3-3
3.5
DRILLING OF EXPLORATORY WELL
Introduction
To establish the presence of hydrocarbon and evaluate its commercial viability Oil/Gas
has to be flown from the underground hydrocarbon bearing reservoir to the surface.
This is achieved by drilling an oil well. OIL is planning to drill six (6) wells to
determine the hydrocarbon prospects and reserves. Drilling operations will be carried
out up to a depth range of 4000m to 5000m (approx). The lithological details at the
proposed drilling locations are expected to be as follows:
Tentative Stratigraphy of Mizoram area
Age
Group
Formation
Surma
Barail
Oligocene
Miocene
Upper
Bhuban
Thin bedded to massive

s.st.
Grossly
s.st
with
interlaminated silt st &
shale.
1200-3200
Lower
Bhuban
3200-4200
Thin bedded shales, s.st &

silt st.
Renji
4200-5000
Predominantly shale with

thin beds of s.st & silt st.
Jenam
5000-6200
Dominantly carbonaceous
shales, silt st & s.st.
Disang Up. Disang

Group
Lr. Disang
Precambrian
Lithology
Middle
Buhban
Laisong
PalaeoceneEocene
Intervals
(m)
Surface1200
6200-7700
770011000
Thin bedded s.st, silt st,

shales & carbonaceous
shale.
Predominantly thick unit
of dark, indurated shale
interbedded
with
occasional bands of s.st &
L.st.
Basement

3-4
3.6 OIL WELL DRILLING ACTIVITIES

Planning and execution of an exploratory drilling well involves the following activities:
Geo scientific data acquisition, processing, interpretation / analysis and release of
drilling location by Geo-science team.
Site survey and access road alignment (if any) - will be undertaken through
consultants/contractors.
Land acquisition and removal of vegetation- Necessary approvals and compensatory
afforestation etc through concerned forest department.
Access road and well site preparation by civil contractors.
Well design & Planning
Rig Selection
Oil well Drilling.
Production Testing.
Well site restoration.
Rig movement
SITE SELECTION
The location of the exploratory wells have been released by Geo-science department of
OIL based on the geo-scientific survey/studies. Thereafter, the site survey was carried
out by approved consultant/contractor and site was finalized considering the following
environmental factors:
At a reasonable distance (minimum 500m) from any river or stream.
Minimise cutting of trees and alteration of natural contours.
Avoid National Park/ Wild Life Sanctuary/ Eco-sensitive area.
Without affecting drainage
Avoid or minimize detrimental effects on the surrounding environment
The exploratory oil well drilling would be a short duration (about150days) activity at
each location.
SITE ACQUISITION AND SITE PREPARATION

3-5
A flat drilling site of about 2.781 hectares of land which is almost rectangular in
shape (175mX140m) would be required to accommodate the drilling rig and allied
equipment, effluent pit, flare pit, boiler, office bunk houses etc.Some additional land
would also be required for preparation of approach road.
WELL DESIGN & PLANNING
Before commencing drilling operations the following need to be designed and planned
taking into consideration the vital geo-scientific information
Type of well- (Vertical or deviated) & Total depth.
Well bore sizes & Casing setting depths, sizes and grades.
Drill string confugaration.
Drilling fluid (mud) and Hydraulics programme.
Cementing programme
Wire line logging programme.
Well testing programme.
Procurement of various consumables like bits, casing pipes, chemicals, cements etc.
3.7
RIG SELECTION
The Drilling Rig and allied equipment are selected as a package on the basis of total
depth of the wells to be drilled, geological formations, downhole pressures and
complications that are likely to be encountered. OIL is planning to deploy a suitable
2000HP Diesel- Electric AC SCR Rig. Schematic diagram of rig operation is given
below:

3-6
The Rig to be deployed would be required to have the following equipment and rating/
specification.
DRAW WORKS
-
Input horse power (HP) rating - 2000 HP (minimum) with nominal depth rating
5500 m (minimum) with 5 OD drill pipes.
Draw works will be operated by minimum two DC motors of GE-752 make or

equivalent.
MAST & SUB-STRUCTURE

Swing lift cantilever type self elevating mast & substructure with minimum clear
height of 147 feet. It will have a hook load capacity (derrick capacity) of 1,000,000
lbs (1000 KPS).Casing capacity 800,000lbs(apprx) simultaneously with 550,000lbs
of racked pipes. Substructure to have a clearance of minimum25 feet from ground
level to underneath of the rotary table beam.
ROTARY SWIVEL
Rotary Swivel to have a minimum API dead load rating of 500 Tons with 5000 Psi
working pressure (minimum).
TRAVELLING BLOCK
Unitized traveling block and hook assembly of 500 Tons capacity with 6 sheaves
grooved suitable for drill line and with minimum 12 lines operation.
POWER PACK
Engines minimum 4 (four) numbers turbocharged, after cooled, air start, diesel
driven, 1010 hp@1500 rpm. Generators 1500 kVA (each), 600 V, 1500 rpm, 0.7
PF, 50 Hz.
SCR SYSTEM
One RIGHILL electrical SCR system
MUD PUMP

3-7
Two nos of triplex single acting mud pumps with input horse power rating of 1600
(minimum) each driven by 2 DC motors of matching HP rating or equivalent.
DRILL PIPES
A minimum of 6000 m of 5 OD drill pipe consisting of 19.5 PPF Grade G
flash/friction welded, tapered or square shoulder, in range 2 length.
DRILL COLLARS
Suitable size and numbers of Drill Collars to be used.
BOP CONTROL UNIT

Proper BOP (Blow Out Preventer) stack and associated Well Control Equipment (as
per applicable API specification) will be used for the drilling operation to contain
any unexpected pressures from the well.
TOTAL TANK VOLUME

A mud system having an active capacity of 220 m3 and gross capacity of about 400
m3, including reserve capacity will be used for drilling operation.
Emergency Systems this includes fire & other hazard detection and protection
equipment. MBBS Doctor and an ambulance
will be available at site for
emergency medical attention, round the clock.
Safety/protective appliances all the personnel working in the drill site will be
provided with safety & protective appliances like helmet,safety boots,hand gloves
,goggles , etc. as per the OMR and other Govt. regulations.
Environmental Protection Blow Out Prevention (BOP) system, drill cuttings

handling equipment, effluent pit with recycling arrangement and other facilities
which may be required for protection of environment will be in place.
SUPPORT SYSTEM
-
Portable Living Quarters to house essential personnel on site on a 24 hour

basis. These units are provided with Bath/Washroom.
Crane-age cranes for loading/off loading equipment and supplies.
Vehicle requirement for inter location movement (ILM)- The Drilling rig
components including associated equipment etc comprise of about 90
truck/trailer loads.

3-8

3-9
TYPICAL DRILLING RIG AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM
3.8 DRILLING OF OIL/GAS WELL
Well construction: Drilling wells are drilled in sections, with the diameter of each
section decreasing with increasing depth. The lengths and diameters of each section of
the well are determined prior to drilling through well design. The profile of a typical
well ( 5000m) is given below.
Hole Size
Casing Size
Depth of Shoe
(Inch)
(Inch)
(meters below rotary table)
20
0- 150
26
17-1/2
13
0 - 900
12 -1/4
0-3000
8-1/2
5-7/8
3000- 4200
4-1/2
4200-5000
Well spudding is the start of drilling activity. Top-hole section will be drilled to a
desired depth based on well design. After drilling top-hole section, it will be cased with
a pipe called "Casing". The casing provides support to the drill hole wall and secures
the hole-section. Other than this, it isolates problematic hole-sections such as loose
zones, shale sections, over pressurized formations, etc. After running casing, the space
between hole wall and casing (annulus) will be cemented. This process of drilling and
casing the hole-sections as per the well design until the final well depth ( target) is
achieved.

3-10

3-11
Drilling Fluid Plan
During drilling operations a fluid known as drilling fluid (mud) is pumped through the
drill string down to the drilling bit and returns between the drill pipe and hole / casing
annulus up to surface back into the circulation system after separation of drill cuttings /
solids through solids control equipment.
Drilling fluid is essential to the drilling
operation and performs the following functions:
Cleans the bottom of the hole by removing the cuttings and carrying them to
surface.
Cools and lubricates drill bit and string.
Continuously builds a wall around the inside of the hole which prevents the hole
from caving in.
Counters natural formation pressures, preventing the uncontrolled flow of

oil, gas, or water into the borehole.
Holds cuttings and weight material in suspension, when circulation is stopped.
Supports part of the weight of drill pipes, casing ,tubing,etc.
Transmits hydraulic horse power to the bit.
Acts as medium for electrical well logging.
Ensures maximum information about the formations penetrated.
Prevents corrosion of tubulars
TYPE OF DRILLING FLUID (MUD)

An environment-friendly Water-Based Mud (WBM) system will be used for drilling
of the proposed wells.It may be noted that a typical WBM may contain nearly 80%
water and 20% clay plus chemicals by weight.
Some of the typical chemicals including several bio-degradable chemicals which are
planned to be used for the drilling campaign are as follows:

3-12
Chemicals
Chemical Characteristics
- Barytes
Inert
- Bentonite
Clay
- CMC (H)
Bio-degradable
- Guar Gum
Bio-degradable
- PAC (SL)
Bio-degradable
- CMC (SL)
Bio-degradable
- CMC (L)
Bio-degradable
- PAC (R)
Bio-degradable
- XC-Polymer
Bio-degradable
- Linseed Oil
Bio-degradable
- EP-Lube
veg-oil lubricant
- Drilling Det
Bio Degradable
The above list of drilling fluid chemical requirements may vary considering situations
encountered during drilling. During the operation phase however, chemical usage will
be monitored and efforts will be made to conserve or reuse chemicals as much as
technically possible.

3-13
Mud Circulation & Solid Control System

The drilling fluid circulation system consists of several items of equipment as given
below:
The mud pumps take drilling fluid from tanks and pump the same to the bit through
drill pipes. The mud leaves the well bore through annulus and finally falls over the
shale shaker. The mud used during the operation will flush out formation cuttings from
the well bore which will be separated from the fluid using solids control system. This
will include shale shakers, desanders and. desilters. The process of reusing the drilling
fluid during drilling operation is commonly known as closed loop system. The
system is ideal for drilling operations in sensitive environments as it cuts down
immensely on the total water consumption for the formulation of drilling mud and also
saves on the consumption of the chemicals.
Special applications of Drilling Fluid
To overcome various types of well problems, specific components are added to the
mud to adjust the properties to ensure that following functions are met:

3-14
Fluid loss control: Bentonite as well as naturally occurring additives such as

starch and cellulose are added to the drilling mud to retard fluid loss to the
formation.
Lost circulation: Naturally occurring fibrous, granular or flaky materials are used
to stop lost circulation when the drill bit enters a highly porous or fractured
formation. Typical materials include sawdust, groundnut shells, mica etc.
Lubricity: Normally the drilling fluid is sufficient to lubricate and cool the bit.
However, under extreme loading, other lubricants such as EP lube, Linseed oil etc
are added to prevent the drill string from becoming stuck.
Shale Control: To control caving, sloughing etc of the well bore shale stabilizer
(e.g magcoasphasol) is used.
pH control: Caustic Soda is used to control the alkalinity of the drilling fluid in the
range of pH of 9 to 10. This ensures the optimum performance of the polymers in
the fluid and controls bacterial activity.
Pressure control: Barite is generally used as a weighting material to control downhole formation pressure and to prevent the ingress of formation fluid into well bore.
The essential ingredients of the WBM are all low toxicity materials, rated either as
Grade E products (according to the new OCNS grading system), or Grade O (according
to the former OCNS system). These are the two lowest toxicity categories. A variety of
other products will be available for various contingencies. Thinners such as chrome free
ligno-sulphonates (CFLS) and lignin compounds may be used to control rheology.
CEMENTING PROGRAM
Oilwell cementing is the process of preparing a slurry of API Class G cement with
water and various additives in required quantities as accelerators/ retarders, density
adjusters, dispersants, fluid loss additives, anti gas migration additives, etc. This slurry
is pumped down through steel casing to cover the critical points in the annulus around
the casing in the open hole.
Functions of the cementing process
Bond and support the casing strings
Isolate oil, gas and water bearing zones.
Protect fresh water bearing zone from contamination.

3-15
Prevent Blowouts by quickly forming a seal.
Seal off zones of lost circulation or thief zones.
Protect casing from corrosion.
Protect casing from shock loads.
DRILLING RIG & EQUIPMENT LAYOUT
Suitable Diesel- Electrical 2000HP Rig will be used for drilling the proposed well.
Cellar of the rig will occupy nearly 2m x 2m and overall exploratory well plinth will be
nearly 2.781 hectares. Close to the rig, tanks for recycling of the drilling mud,
appropriate waste disposal facilities, suitable storage facilities for chemicals and diesel
fuel, office bunk houses etc will be arranged. A typical layout plan of OIL drilling rig
and associated facilities is enclosed.
WELL CONTROL - BLOWOUT PREVENTION
Well control procedures will be conducted as per API 6A and API RP 53 standards.
Well control occurs in two forms, namely, primary and secondary.
Primary: The influx of formation fluids is prevented by maintaining sufficient down
hole pressure with drilling mud of appropriate weight.
Secondary: This is applied when primary control has failed and fluids have entered the
well bore from a formation. The aim of secondary control is to safely discharge the
fluids at the surface while preventing further influx down the hole. This is achieved by
using blow out preventors (BOPs). A BOP stack is usually formed of three or more
separate hydraulically operated preventors, of which there are two main types:
Annular; and
Ram type.
The BOP stack arrangement is selected depending on the expected well pressure. Once
assembled, the stack is placed on the well mouth and pressure tested before
commencement of drilling.

3-16
DERRICK FLOOR
A TYPICAL BOP STACK

3-17
3.9
WELL EVALUATION
Conventional Coring
Conventional cores of sub-surface formations are taken on selective basis to carry out
Petrophysical and Geoscientific studies.
Well Logging
Wireline logging operations are undertaken with specialisd equipment mounted on
custom built trucks to provide information on the potential type and quantities of
hydrocarbons present in the prospective formations.
There are different well logging techniques including electric, electronic, sonic,
radioactive logging etc. Logging instruments (sensors) are attached to the bottom of a
wire line and lowered to the bottom of the well. They are then slowly brought back, the
devices reading different geoscientific parameters as they pass each formation and
recording the corresponding data on graphs, which can be interpreted by the exploration
team. There are no emissions to the environment associated with wire line logging
operations. The radioactive sources required for well logging operations will be kept in
specially designed containers, if used.
Well Testing
In the event that presence of hydrocarbons is detected in reasonable quantities, as
determined by wire line logs and other geoscientific techniques production testing of
well is undertaken. During testing, pressure control Christmas tree at well head is
installed and other well testing equipment are lined up to test the well in a controlled
manner. The main purpose of testing the exploratory well is to determine the quality,
quantity and commercial viability of oil/gas production. This is done by bringing a
controlled flow of well fluids (oil,gas,water) to the surface through a nozzle (called
Bean) of appropriate diameter in the flowline of the well.
Then the recovered oil/gas along with formation water will be flowed through the
piping system to the Separator and other production testing equipment. Hydrocarbon
gases will be flared in a suitably designed Flare Pit.

3-18
3.10 COMPLETION OF DRILLING
On completion of exploratory drilling activities wellsite restoration plan will be
prepared for the following two scenarios:
i)
Commercially viable Hydrocarbons are discovered
In the event that economic quantities of hydrocarbons are found, the well will be shut in
with a wellhead / X-mas tree in place, but all other equipment and materials will be
removed from present location to the next drilling site. At the end of well testing at
each drilling site, the HDPE Lined Secured Pits for Drill Cuttings and Drilling Mud
will be covered with a top HDPE lining. The pit will then be backfilled with minimum
300 mm layer of soil.
ii) Economic Quantities of Hydrocarbons are not Found
In the event that economic quantities of hydrocarbons are not found an abandonment
plan will be implemented for the drilling sites in accordance with the applicable Indian
regulations, OISD , Oil Mines Regulation(OMR) etc. Plugging requirement of
abandoned wells as per Oil Mines Regulation, 1984 are as follows: When it is intended
to abandon a well.
1. All permeable formations shall be isolated with cement
2. A cement plug of minimum length of 50 m shall be placed at the bottom of the well
3. A cement plug of a minimum length of 50 m shall be placed across the shoe of
surface casing
4. The cellar pit around the well shall be filled up and the land shall be restored to the
original level
5. Cased wells may be abandoned by placing a bridge-plug above the top of
perforations capped with three-metre cement plug.
6. Every abandoned well shall be clearly identified at site.
In addition to the above, guidelines as advised by MoEF, New Delhi and SPCB,
Mizoram shall also be followed.
The overriding principle is that the environment should, with time be reinstated broadly
to its original condition. Until such time as this is achieved, OIL would actively manage
the reinstatement process.

3-19
3.11
RIG DEMOBILIZATION
Demobilisation would involve dismantling of the drilling rig, all associated equipments,
campsite etc and transporting it out of the last drilling location. Demobilisation process
is expected to take about 20 to 30days (Approx) and would require about 90
truck/trailer loads.
3.12
MANPOWER AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Manpower Requirement
Under normal operation, the project work force will consist of nearly 65 persons
distributed as follows:
Location
Manpower
Total
Technical
Non-Technical
5
-5
Base Office
20
10
30
Camp Office
20
10
30
Well Site
Total
45
20
65
Workers will be required to work in 2 shifts on 12-hour basis. At any one time there
will be nearly 30 persons at the well site and will be accommodated at the temporary
camp/area facilities near the well site. A catering company will be contracted to provide
the messing facilities.
Vehicles Requirement
The following type of vehicles will be required during drilling and testing operations
for movement of men and material as detailed below:
Sl. No.
Vehicle
Number Purpose
1.
Ambulance
2.
TATA Sumo or 1
equivalent
For meeting domestic requirements of

the camp site personnel.
3.
Truck
For transporting cement, chemicals,

etc to well site as and when required
from base camp godown.
4.
Trailer
For transporting casing pipes,

tubulars, other heavy equipment to
well site from base camp godown.
Standby at site for emergency.

3-20
Time Requirement
Time required for actual drilling and completion of one well upto a depth range of 4000
m to 4500m will be nearly five months (150 days).In addition, about 15 to 20 days may
be required at each well site for rig & equipment assembling before commencement of
drilling and dismantling after completion of drilling..
Water Requirement and Water Balance
The water requirement during drilling of exploratory well will be small and is likely to
range from 30 to 50 klpd with an average of 40 klpd. Water usage and water balance
are as follows:
Item
Inflow
Amount Basis
Loss
Outflow
klpd Amount Disposal
klpd
klpd
WBM Make-up
10.0 Assumed
5.0
5.0 Effluent Pit
Fire Water Make-
20.0 Assumed
7.5
12.5 Effluent Pit
4.0 For 40
1.5
up/Equipment/Floor
Washing and Other
Uses
Domestic
2.5 Waste
Water
&
persons
Sewage
Disposal
@ 100
Facilities/Soak Pit
lpd per
person
Storage and Other
6.0 Assumed
Losses
6.0
-- --
@ 15%
Total
40.0
20.0
20.0
Water requirement during production testing period will be very small and may not
exceed 10 klpd

3-21
Source of water
Water for drilling and testing will be supplied by road tankers from nearest sources to
drilling site without affecting competitive users.
Power Requirement
Drilling rig and associated systems will have 4 DG sets, each of 1000 hp (or 750 kW)
to meet the total power requirement including drill site & campsite requirement during
drilling. A 50 kw DG set will be used to meet power requirement during well testing
operations.
Fuel Requirement
High speed diesel (HSD) requirement will be nearly 3 to 5 klpd during drilling and 1 to
2 klpd during well testing for the operation of drilling rig and to meet other power
requirements at drilling site as well as for vehicles used for transport of personnel and
material. Diesel will be stored at drilling site in covered MS tanks of 20 to 30 kl
capacity. Only low sulphur (<0.05%) HSD will be used.
Chemical Requirement
Various chemicals that are likely to be used have been listed in Drilling Fluid Plan
section. At the planning stage, an estimate of the potential usage for every chemical
will be made. During the operation phase chemical usage will be monitored and efforts
will be made to reduce or conserve chemical consumption as much as technically
possible. Bentonite and barite will be stored in sheds while expensive chemicals
required in smaller quantities will be stored in godowns.
Storage of Supplies
The supplies during well drilling and testing include all fuels and oils, chemicals for
drilling mud, spare parts for the rig and vehicles, and food and other supplies for the
camp site. Fuels, oils, and chemicals will be unloaded in designated areas with
impermeable floors (either concrete or covered with an impermeable material) and
lined by dykes or walls to prevent soil and water contamination from spills.
Material Supply System
Supply of materials, such as, diesel fuel, drilling chemicals, provisions and other
supplies to the drilling site will be made by road transport. Road tankers will be used

3-22
for supply of diesel fuel to storage facilities at drilling site. Provisions and other
supplies to drilling site will be made by light vehicle. Road transport will also be used
for supply of materials and transport of personnel to drilling sites.
3.13
EXPLORATORY DRILLING POLLUTION SOURCES
During drilling and testing of oil/gas at exploratory locations it is unavoidable that there
will be requirement for the discharge of waste materials to the environment. The
sources and types of wastes that may be generated are noted in the following subsections.
Waste generation during drilling operation
Solid waste - Nearly 130-150m3 of drill cuttings comprising of clay, sandstone shale,
etc. are expected to be generated in the course of drilling of the well. The drill cuttings
will be retained in the cuttings retainer pit
Liquid waste- Nearly 50 to 75 m3 of wasted WBM is expected to be generated during
drilling operation. The same will be disposed in the HDPE lined effluent pit within the
drill site area.
Drainage Discharges
Drainage discharges will occur from a variety of sources .These include:
Cleaning at derrick floor area
Machine area floor drains;
Cleaning of shale shaker screens
General washing/cleaning in the labs, offices, etc.
Domestic Waste Water

Domestic wastewater will be generated by general use by work force during drilling
and testing operations at the exploratory well site. As part of the site preparation stage,
a drainage and sewerage system will be constructed for the camp and the rig. The
sewerage system will consist of soak pits for the collection and treatment of wastewater
from the camp kitchen, laundry, and showers. Soak pits will be constructed in such a
manner so as to avoid any seepage in any surface or ground water source.
Gaseous Emissions
Emissions generated in a drilling site will consist of the following:

3-23
Exhaust gases from the diesel driven power generators - will include SPM, CO2,
NOx, SO2, CO and unburnt hydrocarbons (UHC). HSD with low sulphur content
(<0.05%) will be consumed during drilling operation. Exhaust emissions will be
discharged from stacks of appropriate heights (5 m or more) for adequate natural
dispersion from DG sets.
Emissions from flaring of hydrocarbons during well testing - will release NOx,
CO2, and SO2. Flare gas quantity will depend upon the extent of gaseous hydrocarbons
generated during approximately 5 to 10 days period of testing of oil and gas at each
exploratory location. About 10000 m3/d of associated gas is likely to be flared for about
3 to 4 days at one well.
Exhaust fumes & dust emission from vehicles movement of about 3 to 4 passenger
and heavy vehicles in a day is not likely to have any adverse impact on the
environment.
Miscellaneous Emissions - Minor gaseous releases may occur from venting of the
tanks, such as, test tank & oil storage tank. Small methane releases may also occur in
association with water based mud sediments and it will be released to the atmosphere.
Unless significant quantity of methane is released, even on a calm day, it will not
constitute a viable combustion hazard because lower flammability limit for methane in
air is 5%.
Noise
Sources of noise at the drilling site include :
- Diesel powered generators
- Rig pumps
- Rotating equipment such as electric motors, mud tank agitators, rotary table, draw
works, etc.
Noise level at the periphery of the drilling well plinth will not exceed 75 dB (A) and
will decrease rapidly on moving away from the well site. . Vehicular traffic on access
road is expected to generate temporary noise level of less than 70 dB (A) at about 10 m
distance.

3-24
Heat Generation
The drilling work will generate heat which will be dissipated to the WBM (about 500C
at surface) and then to the atmosphere. Hence it is unlikely to have any noticeable
effect in the area surrounding the drilling rig.
3.14
TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL STRATEGY FOR POLLUTANTS
Drilling Discharges
Drill Cuttings
The accumulation of drilled cuttings at the drilling site is unavoidable in any drilling
operation. Rock/drill cuttings generated during drilling will be carried to surface with
drilling mud where they will be separated from the drilling fluid and cleaned followed
by Solar drying. On completion of drilling approximately 130 to 150 m3 will be
generated. Attempt is always made to use these cuttings for well plinth/road
maintenance, landfill etc. The remaining quantity of cuttings will be placed in HDPE
lined impervious effluent pit, covered with HDPE sheet and then with compacted
cover of soil and capped as per regulatory pit closure protocol.
Wasted WBM
About 50 to 75 m3 of WBM is likely to be wasted at each drilling site. Due to moderate
to heavy rainfall and humid climate solar drying may not be always possible. Since it is
non-toxic, it will be diluted with water and disposed off in HDPE lined mud pit. Pits
will be constructed of sufficient capacity to provide safe storage and prevent
contamination of surface and ground water. Subsequently, the diluted mud will be
treated in the ETP and treated water shall be disposed off suitably.
Waste Water Recycling
Wastewater from drilling rig drainage discharges and rainwater will be sent to a settling
pit, where suspended solids in wastewater will settle. The supernatant will be drained to
the second pit for further settling of suspended solids. Subsequently, the supernatant of
the second pit will be drained into the third pit. Most of this water will then be reused in
washing, process operations, dust suppression, etc.

3-25
Domestic Waste Water
Domestic waste water disposal for residential facilities at the well site will be handled
in a well designed drainage and sewerage system.
Used Oil
Spent oil generated from oil changes or leakage from equipment or diesel storage tanks,
used lubricating oil (from engine oil changes) is designated as hazardous and shall be
disposed as per approved guidelines of MOEF.
Medical Waste
Small amounts of medical waste like used syringes, bandages, empty medicinal bottles,
etc. This waste will be treated as per CPCB Guidelines.
Camp and Sewage Waste
All biodegradable waste (food, kitchen waste etc) will be disposed off into small humus
pits in campsite area away from use by rig crew members. The pits are to be covered to
avoid any odour nuisance and check contact with flies or insects. The sewerage system
will consist of soak pits for collection of waste water from the camp kitchen, laundry
and showers .Sewage from toilets will go into septic tanks.
Gaseous Emissions
The exhaust gases from diesel driven power generators and diesel-powered equipment
on the rig will be discharged through stacks of appropriate heights (5 m or more) to
achieve adequate natural dispersion. Only low sulphur (<0.05%) HSD will be used.
Gaseous hydrocarbons produced during testing will be flared in a multiheader flare pit
at a distance of about 90m from well centre. Ground flare will be properly designed and
will be surrounded by heat resistant wall as shown in figure enclosed.
Small methane releases from drill cuttings and mud sediments at the WBM
recirculation tank will rise to surface and will readily transfer to the atmosphere without
constituting a viable combustion hazard.
Noise
Noise level at the periphery of drilling location plinth does not exceed 75 dB.

3-26
Heat Generation
Natural heat losses from recirculating WBM will rapidly dissipate the heat generated
due to drilling operation to a large mass of WBM and to the atmosphere.
Potential Accidental Events
Due to observation of necessary safety requirements as per OMR,OISD and other
regulations chances of accident occurring are negligible. However, in all aspects of
hydrocarbon exploration, there is always a risk of non-routine or accidental events such
as
Occurrence of blow out
Occurrence of sour gas (H2S)
Blow out followed by ignition can be extremely hazardous. Sour gas (H2S) may also be
released from the well along with gaseous hydrocarbons.. However, it is known that
crude oil/gas in this region is sweet in nature, i.e there is no presence of H2S in
produced oil/gas.
Spillage of diesel fuel is neglibile from storage facilities at the drilling site.
A brief account of these hazards and general safety measures likely to be adopted
during drilling and initial testing of the exploratory well is presented in Chapter 6 of
this report.
3.15
ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES
Site Alternative
The precise location of a vertical well is dependent upon the characteristics of the
underlying geological formations on complete analysis of seismic survey data and other
relevant information by OIL.
However, in case of logistic problems and other reasons the area from which the
prospect can be drilled is restricted to a radius of about 500 m.
Technical Alternatives
The approach followed in executing the exploratory drilling and testing programme has
been to adopt cost effective and environment friendly drilling and testing programmes
and equipment.

4-1
CHAPTER 4: BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
PHYSICAL, BIOLOGICAL, DEMOGRAPHIC AND
SOCIO-ECONOMIC
4.1
INTRODUCTION
The field studies were carried out in and around the block MZ-ONN-2004/1
for a period of nearly 5 weeks from 24th March2011 to 30th April2011 for
the Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment (REIA) studies to get necessary
baseline data for the present environmental scenario in the study area.
4.2
SAMPLING/MONITORING LOCATIONS
Baseline primary data collection was carried out within the block area as
indicated
in
Sub-section
1.4.3.2
(I)
in
Chapter
1.
Baseline
sampling/monitoring was carried out as tabulated below:

Baseline sampling/monitoring was carried out as tabulated below:
Parameter
Location
Soil
Serchhip, Khwalailung, Buarpui, Thenzawl, Chhingchhip,

Tlungvel, Aibawk and Sialsuk Fig-4.1
Tap: Aibawk and Serchhip
Water
River: Turial, Tlawng GPS Map in Fig-4.3

Ground Water : GPS Map in Fig-4.3
Ambient Air
10 location GPS Location Map in Fig-4.2
Noise
10 location GPS Location Map in Fig- 4.3
4.3
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
4.3.1 Topography and Physiography

The block MZ-ONN-2004/1 falling in Mamit, Aizawl, Serchhip and Lunglei
districts of Mizoram having a total area of 3213 sq. km is covered with hilly
terrain and is forested. Most of the area falls under reserve forests. The rivers
Mat, Tuirial, Tuikum, Tut, Tlawng and Tuichang flow through the block area
and are perennial. The area is interspersed with nullahs which are dry in winter
and have fordable rain water during monsoon. The area is undulating with
topographic lows and highs with elevations reaching approximately upto 1500
m above mean sea level. Some agricultural fields can be found in plains

4-2
section of the block area and the population is thinly dispersed in small towns
and villages across the area generally close to roads. The Khawanglung
Wildlife Sanctuary having an area of 35 sq. km is located in south-eastern part
of the block. The proposed area is well connected by a network of all weather
roads which generally run from north to south.
4.3.2 Soils
The block area has soils derived from siltstones, shales and sandstones of the
Surma and Barail groups. Soils which are derived from sandstone are usually
coarse textured, deep and permeable while those derived from shales and
siltstones are medium to heavy-textured, moderately deep or shallow and are
moderately to slowly permeable. Soils are non-calcareous, acidic and rich in
organic carbon. The available phosphate content is usually low. The content of
available potash is medium.
To understand the soil quality in the study area, soil samples were collected
from 8 villages/towns of the block. The soil sampling locations are shown in
Fig. 4.1. Composite soil sampling (10-15 cm depth) was carried out at each
location.
The value of important physical and chemical parameters of these soil samples
are given in Table 4.1. From the tabulated values, the following conclusions
can be made about the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil
samples.
A.
Physical Parameters
The important physical characteristics of soils are bulk density, moisture

content, water holding capacity and texture. The results of analysis are given
in Table 4.1 and brief summary of physical characteristics are given below:
Moisture Content: Moisture content of soils of the study area ranges from 2.4
to 3.1%.
Bulk Density: Bulk Density of soils in the study area is found to be in the
range from 1.14 to 1.36 g/cm3.
Water Holding Capacity (WHC): Water holding capacity (WHC) of soil
samples of the study area ranges between 31.4 to 33.6 percent and these soils
are capable of retaining sufficient water quantity during rainfall for facilitation
of plant growth.

4-3
Texture: Soil samples from all locations are loam to sandy loam in texture.
B.
Chemical Parameters
The results of important chemical parameters of soils of the block and

surrounding areas are also given in Table 4.1 (annexure II) and a brief
summary of chemical characteristics are given below:
pH: pH was determined by taking 1:5 ratio of soil and distilled water. pH of
soils in the study area is found to be slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5) to neutral
(pH 6.5 to 7.5) in the range of 6.4 to 6.9.
Calcium: Soluble calcium is a highly essential nutrient to plants and affects

the activities of certain enzymes. The soluble calcium content as Ca in the soil
samples of study area is found to be in the range of 11.2 to 20.0 mg/100g.
Magnesium: Soluble magnesium is used in plant growth in appreciable

amount. It is also active in enzyme system and has a vital part in
photosynthetic process. Soluble magnesium content as Mg in the soil samples
of study area ranges from 3.9 to 6.3 mg/100g.
Chloride: The role of chloride in plant metabolism is not established but the
presence of minute amount of chloride ion is essential. Soluble chloride
content in soils of the study area is found to be in the range of 15.6 to 19.9
mg/100g.
Alkalinity: Total alkalinity as CaCO3 of soil samples of the study area ranges
from 110 to 150 mg/100g.
Available Phosphorous: Available phosphorous as PO4 of soil samples of the

study area is high (>2.99 mg/100g) and ranges from 3.6 to 7.8 mg/100g.
Phosphate is an essential nutrient for agricultural production.

4-4
Sulphate: Soluble sulphate content in soil samples of the study area as SO4 is
found in the range of 4.5 to 7.7 mg/100g.
Potassium: Potassium content as K in soil samples varies from 11.7 to 29.7
mg/100g and soil can be categorized to have high K (>11.12 mg/100g).
Availability of potassium in soil is essential for agricultural production.
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN): TKN concentration in soil samples varies in
the range of 0.075 to 0.118%. Availability of nitrogen in soils is one of the
main factor in agricultural production.
Total Organic Carbon (TOC): Total organic carbon content in soil samples
of the study area is found to be low (<0.5%) in the range from 0.20 to 0.23%.
Total Organic Matter (TOM): Total organic matter content in soil samples
of the study area is found to be in the range of 0.34 to 0.40%. It may be noted
that higher organic carbon content in soil shows higher microbial activities
and higher availability of nutrients to crop.
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC): CEC value in soil samples is found to be
in a range of 9.25 to 15.54 meq/100g and indicates very low (CEC <10
meq/100g) to low (10 to 20 meq/100g CEC) productivity.
Conclusions: Soils of the study area have low fertility but are suitable for
cultivation.
4.3.3 Water Resources And Water Quality
4.3.3.1 Water Resources
Water resource of the study area is classified into following categories:
a) Surface Water Resources: River, nadi, nullah, ponds, etc.
b) Ground Water Resources: Accumulation of water in deeper strata of
ground.
The only source of recharging for surface water and ground water is from the
atmospheric precipitation, which is in the form of rainfall.
4.3.3.2 Rainfall in the Study Area
The monthly rainfall data from 2007 to 2009 are given for Aizawl, Mamit and
Lunglei and Serchhip in Table 4.2.Tabulated data shows that the annual
average rainfall for the period was as high as 3429.2.5 mm at Lunglei and as
low as 1486.52 mm at Serchhip. The study area generally receives maximum

4-5
rainfall during June and July (nearly 30 to 41% of annual rainfall) from southwest monsoon, but it may be observed that rainfall is fairly good throughout
the year except for three months of winter season from December to February
which account for only about 0.07 to 1.7% of annual rainfall. The study area
can be categorized as heavy rainfall area.
Table 4.2:DISTRICTSWISE MONTHLY AVERAGE RAINFALL DURING 2007-2009 (in mm)
Sl.
No.
District
Aizawl
Lunglei
Mamit
Serchhip
Year
Jan
Feb
Mar
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
2007
0.0
73.37
18.50
283.25
321.97
508.03
341.47
376.80
605.30
130.80
107.45
10.00
2008
36.65
44.75
30.78
107.53
248.46
256.18
262.98
343.78
327.25
101.40
30.50
0.0
2009
0.0
1.38
26.78
152.47
169.65
219.50
279.05
426.25
223.53
168.53
9.50
0.0
2007
0.0
47.10
28.33
160.93
378.00
558.83
548.86
584.86
813.43
229.10
86.03
0.0
2008
61. 67
9.43
19.00
19.00
186.00
256.37
393.00
498.37
328.70
88.77
16.77
0.06
2009
0.0
0.0
0.0
86.80
102.37
398.63
502.67
539.33
431.13
163.73
89.33
0.0
2007
0.0
37.33
76.50
266.66
348.50
425.33
349.36
411.16
605.66
207.83
67.00
0.0
2008
48.25
13.50
105.00
279.50
242.00
223.75
647.25
216.00
285.50
257.00
0.0
0.0
2009
2.33
0.17
48.50
297.67
206.50
379.67
289.47
577.53
549.33
252.91
58.00
0.0
2007
0.0
58.50
12.50
270.00
348.00
524.50
446.00
372.50
485.50
303.55
121.50
0.0
2008
94.50
7.50
27.00
27.00
194.50
219.00
330.52
478.02
346.35
131.95
31.00
0.0
2009
0.0
0.0
13.00
66.40
147.00
258.04
292.06
420.40
120.40
126.00
34.02
0.0
SOURCE: Meteorological Data of Mizoram for the Year 2009 published by the Directorate of Economics & Statistics,Mizoram.
4.3.3.3 Surface and Ground Water Resources
Plate:4:1 Women carrying water in Cart

In Mizoram Life revolves around availability of Water. The Tuirial, Mat,
Tuikum, Tut, Tlawng and Tuichang rivers along with many nullahs are the
major surface water sources in the block and study area. All of them are north

4-6
flowing river having high gradient in bed rock channel without alluvial
development and virtually nonexistent of flood plain which leads to none
retaining of water around river. There is Surface water in the river in the rainy
season and they are virtually dry in the lean seasons.
Ground water availability in the study area is scares due to
1. Due to High relief ,the surface runoff is not retained
2. Deep topographic gradient facilitate quick and fast transfer of surface
runoff.
These factors inhabit retaining and replenishment of ground water.
There is shortage of water in the region. The People in the region rely on water
harvesting and water supply by the government agencies.
Tap water supply (river water) is available in the villages/locality for few
hours in a day through common taps. In the absence of tap water supply
villagers commonly use water from spring and river for drinking and other
domestic use.
4.3.3.4 Water Quality In Study Area
A.
Introduction
Under natural conditions, surface water quality reflects environmental

conditions to a great extent. Hydro-geochemical factors influence color, odour,
taste, temperature and the degree of mineralization of water derived from
surface run off, springs, etc. Besides, human settlements, overall land use,
morphology of the basin area, seasonal distribution of rainfall and winds,
disposal of industrial effluents and sewage, etc. contribute a great deal in
determining the quality of water.
The quality of ground water is influenced by surface and sub-surface
environmental conditions. The quantity and quality of water entering the
underground regime is another important parameter which influences
underground water quality. Rainfall absorbs atmospheric pollutants during its
descent through the atmosphere.
B.
Characteristics of Water Samples
The collected water samples were analyzed for selected physical and chemical
parameters. Table 4.3 (annexure III) gives the results of water quality
analysis.

4-7
D.
Conclusion
Water, both surface and ground, quality in the block and surrounding area is
extremely good because all parameter values for all water samples meet
desirable limits wherever specified.
4.3.4 Climatology and Meteorology
4.3.4.1 Introduction
The meteorological parameters play a vital role in transport and dispersion of

pollutants in the atmosphere. The collection and analysis of meteorological
data, therefore, is an essential component of environmental impact assessment
studies. The long-term and short-term impact assessments could be made
through utilization and interpretation of meteorological data collected over
long and short periods.
Since the meteorological parameters exhibit significant variation in time and

space, meaningful interpretation can only be drawn through a careful analysis
of reliable data collected very close to the site.
Climatological (long-term) data is obtained from the closest India

Meteorological Department (IMD) station or from any other nearby station
which has been collecting meteorological data.
Aizawl meteorological station is the closest IMD station and is located at a
distance of nearly 5 km in northern direction from the northern boundary of
the block MZ-ONN-2004/1. Aizawl IMD station is collecting meteorological
data since December 1937. Climatological data of Mizoram is sourced from

4-8
Meteorological Data of Mizoram for the Year 2009 published by the
Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Mizoram
4.3.5 Ambient Air Quality

To get an idea of baseline air quality scenario in the study areas eight ambient
air quality monitoring (AAQM) stations were selected as described in Section
4.2. AAQM locations were largely based on settlement population in different
direction and distance to cover the entire block area.
Fig. 4.1(Annexure IV) indicates the locations of AAQM stations.
4.3.5.2 Methodology of Monitoring and Analysis
Polltech PM2.5 & PM10 Fine Dust Sampler was deployed for ambient air
quality monitoring and monitoring was carried out for three days at each
AAQM station in view of topography of the area and distances involved. The
Fine Dust Sampler has been located at ground levels where suitable concrete
slab roof top was not available at any location in the study area. The VOC and
the Methane was collected with hand held portable equipments.
Bureau of Indian Standards codes 1S-5182, parts 2, 4, 6 and 14 were used for
collection and analysis of samples.

4-9
4.3.5.3 Ambient Air Quality
The results of 24-hourly SO2, NOx, PM2.5 and PM10 concentration
measurements during the study period are presented in Table 4.4. On the basis
of tabulated data following observations can be made.
4.3.5.4
Particulate Matter (Size less than 10 m) PM10
The 24-hourly PM10 concentration at all AAQM locations is fairly low and
varies in a range from 29 to 42 g/m3. Highest 24-hourly concentration of 42
g/m3 is observed at Keifang town. Average 24-houly PM10 concentration is
highest at Keifang town (35 g/m3)
B.
Particulate Matter (Size less than 2.5 m) PM2.5
The PM2.5 24-hourly concentration at all AAQM locations is fairly low and
varies in a range from 22 to 32 g/m3. Highest 24-hourly PM2.5 concentration
of 32 g/m3 is observed at Thiak.
C.
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
The 24-hourly concentration of SO2 at all AAQM locations is quite low and
varies in a range of 7 to 15 g/m3. Highest average SO2 value of 15 g/m3 is
observed at Tlungvel.
D.
Nitrogen Oxide (Nox)
The 24-hourly concentration of Nox at all AAQM locations is quite low and
varies in a range of 7 to 12.0 g/m3. Highest 24-hourly average Nox value of
12 g/m3 is observed at Tlungvel.
G.
Methane (CH4)
Concentration of grab sample of CH4 for all AAQM locations is BDL in all
the locations
E.
VOC (Volatile Organic Carbon)
The concentration of Volatile Organic Carbon in the study area varies in a

range of BDL to 2 ppm.
4.3.5.5 Ambient Air Quality Status

4-10
National ambient air quality standards for PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and Nox are
given in Table 4.4 and the Hydrocarbon and VOCs in Table 4.5
TABLE 4.4: AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN MIZORAM BLOCK

Observed Value in g/m3
Sl. No.
1
2
10
11
SAMPLING
LOCATION
KEIFANG (A1)
N 230 40 8
E 920 57 46
KEIFANG (A2)
N230 40 26
E920 5744
KEIFANG(A 3)
N230 3945
E920 57 38
TLUNGVEL (A 4)
N230 3624
E920 51 13
TLUNGVEL (A 5)
N230 36 47
E920 51 18.6
DARLUNG (A 6)
N230 27 47
E 920 36 20
DARLUNG (A 7)
N230 27 46
E92036 20
S SABUAL (A8),
N 230 26 59
E 920 3557
THIAK (A 9)
N230 2830
E920 4245
SIALSUK(A 10)
N230 2410
E920 44 52
THENZAWL
N 230 17 24"
E 920 46 59"
PM10
PM2.5
SO2
NOx
Mean
Max
Mean
Max
Mean
Max
Mean
35
42
24
28
10
13
34
36
23
26
11
12
32
34
22
24
11
14
11
31
33
24
26
12
15
10
30
32
26
28
11
12
28
31
24
27
10
12
11
27
29
22
28
11
11
11
26
32
23
29
12
12
28
34
26
32
10
11
11
32
36
22
26
11
12
32
35
21
24
12
11
Max
10

4-11
TABLE 4.5: AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN MIZORAM BLOCK

Observed Value in ppm
Sl. No.
SAMPLING
LOCATION
KEIFANG (A1)
N 230 40 8"
E 920 57 46"
TLUNGVEL (A
4)
N230 3624"
E920 51 13"
DARLUNG
(A 7)
N230 27 46"
E92036 20"
S SABUAL
(A8),
N 230 26 59" E
920 3557"
THIAK (A 9)
N230 2830"
E920 4245"
SIALSUK(A
10)
N230 2410"
E920 44 52"
VOC
CH4
BDL
BDL
BDL
BDL
BDL
BDL
BDL
BDL
BDL
BDL
4.3.6 Ambient Noise Levels

Noise can be defined as an unwanted sound. It interferes with speech and
hearing and if intense enough can damage hearing or is otherwise annoying.
The definition of noise as unwanted sound implies that it has an adverse effect
on human beings and their environment. Noise can also disturb natural
wildlife and ecological system.
4.3.6.2 Methodology
To understand the noise environment in the study area, a noise survey was
conducted using Sound Level Meter 100 manufactured by Envirotech , New
Delhi. Noise measurements were carried out at eight locations as described in
Section 4.1.2.

4-12
4.3.6.3 Equivalent Sound Energy Level or Leq

In most of the acoustic environments, the sound pressure level fluctuates with
time due to changes in noise generation sources. The fluctuating noise levels
are reported as equivalent sound energy level or Leq. It is defined as the
steady sound pressure levels which would have given the same total energy as
the actual time varying sound pressure level over the given time period.
4.3.6.4 Ambient Air Quality Standards in Respect of Noise
Ministry of Environment and Forest has notified the ambient standards in
respect of noise and these standards are given in Table 4.5.
Table 4.5 Ambient Standards In Respect Of Noise

Area
Code
Category of Area
Leq. Limits in dB(A)

Day Time
Night Time
Industrial Area
75
70
Commercial Area
65
55
Residential Area
55
45
Silence Zone
50
40
Note: 1.
Day time is reckoned in between 6:00 a.m and 10:00 p.m.
2.
Night time is reckoned is between 10:00 p.m and 6.00 a.m.
3.
Silence Zone is defined as areas upto 100 m around such

premises as hospitals, educational, institutions and Courts. The
Silence Zones are to be declared by the competent authority.
Source: Pollution Control Acts, Rules and Notifications Issued Thereunder,

Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi, May 1998.
Ambient standards in respect of noise both for Lday and Lnight with respect to
noise applicable for residential area during day-time [55 dB(A)] and nighttime [45.0 dB(A)] are met at all locations.

4-13
TABLE 4.5 (a) NOISE LEVELS IN STUDY AREA

Sl.
No.
1
2
3
8
9
10
11
Location
KEIFANG (A1)
N 230 40 8"
E 920 57 46"
KEIFANG (A2)
N230 40 26" E920
5744"
KEIFANG(A 3)
N230 3945" E920
57 38"
TLUNGVEL (A
4)
N230 3624"
E920 51 13"
TLUNGVEL (A
5)
N230 36 47" E920
51 18.6"
DARLUNG
(A 6)
N230 27 47"
E 920 36 20"
DARLUNG
(A 7)
N230 27 46"
E92036 20"
S SABUAL (A8),
N 230 26 59" E
920 3557"
THIAK (A 9)
N230 2830" E920
4245"
SIALSUK(A 10)
N230 2410"
E920 44 52"
THENZAWL
N 230 17 24"
E 920 46 59"
Leq in dBA
(Day time)
(0600 to 2100 hrs)
Leq in dBA
(Night time)
(2100 to 0600 hrs)
43.8
40.2
50.9
38.8
48.9
37.2
42.5
39.6
52.4
39.5
46.2
38.1
44.6
38.9
42.6
40
43.8
41
45
38
54
42
4.3.6.5 Land Use

4.3.6.6 Land Use: Scope And Limitations
The land use pattern indicates the manner in which parts of land in an area is
being utilized or non-utilized. It is an important indicator of environmental
health, human activity and a degree of interplay between these two. Even
though the soil quality, water availability and climate have strong influence on

4-14
the state of agriculture and vegetation, but the human activity may alter the
natural environment to large extent to suit human needs. Unsuitable land use
often triggers rapid environmental deterioration and disturbs ecological
balance.
FIG 4.1: LOCATION MAP OF PROPOSED LOCATION E

925106.49 N 23 3500.87

4-15
FIG 4.2: ETM E 925106.49 N 23 3500.87

4-16
FIG 4.3: LANDUSE CLASSES AROUND THE PROPOSED

PROJECT SITE AS INTERPRETED FROM SATELLITE DATA

4-17
FIG 4.4 : LOCATION MAP OF PROPOSED LOCATION 3

E 924220.01 N 232917.12

4-18
FIG 4.5 :
ETM 4 AROUND 10 KM RADIUS PROPOSED

LOCATION 3 E 924220.01 N 232917.12

4-19
FIG 4.6: LOCATION MAP OF PROPOSED LOCATION 4 (E

923623.21 N 232855.71) AND LOCATION 5 (E 923546.75
N 232733.99)

4-20
FIG 4.7: ETM 4 LOCATION 4 (E 923623.21 N 232855.71)

AND LOCATION 5 (E 923546.75 N 232733.99)

4-21
FIG 4.8: LANDUSE CLASSES AROUND THE PROPOSED PROJECT

SITE
AS INTERPRETED FROM SATELLITE DATA
AT
LOCATION 4 (E 923623.21 N 232855.71) AND LOCATION 5 (E

923546.75 N 232733.99)

4-22
FIG 4.9: LOCATION MAP OF PROPOSED LOCATION 8 E

924704.69 N 231810.04

4-23
FIG 4.10: ETM 4 AROUND 10 KM RADIUS PROPOSED

LOCATION 8 E 924704.69
N 231810.04

4-24
FIG 4.11: LANDUSE CLASSES AROUND THE PROPOSED PROJECT

SITE
AS INTERPRETED FROM SATELLITE DATA AT E
924704.69 N 231810.04

4-25
Plate 4.2 Human settlement (Built Up)
Plate 4.3 Open Forest
4.4
4.4.1
Introduction
The structure and type of vegetation depends on climatic conditions and

physiography as well as the requirements of the local inhabitants of an area.
The study area is warm per-humid ecoregion with large area under tropical
semi-evergreen forests and montane sub-tropical forests. Earlier forests were
dense but due to traditional practice of jhumming cultivation from time
immemorial, large areas of forests are being converted into barren land.
However, forest department is taking steps to regenerate the forest area either
naturally and/or artificially through plantation.

4-26
4.4.2 Terrestrial Flora
The study areas are charactorized as warm per-humid eco-region with red and
laterite soils with heavy rainfall and is generally suitable for growth of all
types of forest vegetation. Table 4.14 gives the list of trees found in the study
area as obtained from the Divisional Forest Office, Aizawl.
TABLE 4.6: LIST OF FLORA IN STUDY AREA

SL. NO. ENGLISH OR COMMON MIZO NAME
NAME
1.
Australian Wattle
Kalsiamthing
BOTANICAL NAME
2.
--
Vawkpui-ruangruh
Acacia caesia
3.
Catechu or Khair
Lawi-thing
Acacia spp.
4.
Soap pod/Shikakai
Khang-thur
Acacia sinuate
5.
Indian Acalypha
Thing-thei-hmu-par
Acalypha indica
6.
Putli
Thing-khim
Acer laevigatum
7.
--
Thing-phing-phi-hlip
Acer oblongum
8.
--
Tu-khau
Acer thomsoni
9.
Chaff-flower
Ui-hlo/Ui-ze-hlo
Achyranthes aspera
10.
--
Vang-vat-tur/Vang-vat-hlo
Achyranthes bidentata
11.
Mundani or Shingle
Nganbawm
Acrocarpus fraxinifolius
12.
--
Rah-var/Par-arsi
Acronychia pedunculata
13.
--
14.
Red wood
Pem-hlek damdawi/Telenga- Actephila excelsa

mai
Senmaltet
Adenanthera pavonina
15.
Forest Ghost Flower
Sa-nghar-vai-bel
Aeginetia indica
16.
Bael tree or Golden apple
Bel-thei
Aegle marmelos
17.
Century Plant
Kumza-pal/Sai-dai
Agave americana
18.
Goat-weed
Vai(h)len-hlo
Ageratum conyzoides
19.
Aglaia or Amari
Sa-ha-tah
Aglaia pervirides
20.
Gokul
21.
Siris
Phuan-berh-pui/Thing-arthau
Vang
Ailanthus integrifolia spp.

calycina
Albizzia chinensis
22.
Siris or Kokko
Thing-chawk-e
Albizzia lebbeck
23.
Allamanda
Hrui-pang-par
Allamanda cathartica
24.
Shallot
Kawl-pu-run/Pu-run-var-sen Allium cepa var. aggregatum
25.
Onion
Purun-sen
Acacia auriculiformis
Allium cepa var. cepa

4-27
26.
Garlic
Pu-run-var
Allium sativum
27.
--
Arhrik-bona
Allophylus zeylanicus
28.
Alder or Utis
Hriangpui
Alnus nepalensis
29.
Gaint taro
Sai-dawl/Vandawl
Alocasia macrorhiza
30.
Java galangal
Ai-chal
Alpina galangal
31.
Scholar or Devil tree
Thuamriat
Alstonia scholaris
32.
Tangle Mat
An-ngha-ril/Nghate-ril
Alternanthera sessilis
33.
Prickly Amaranth
Len-hling
Amaranthus spinosus
34.
--
Ai-du
Amomum dealbatum
35.
--
The-hlei-khak
Amoora chittagonga
36.
Whitespot arum
Ba-tel-hawng/Tel-hawngbal Amorphophallus paeonifolius
37.
Cashew-nut tree
Sa-zu-pum-pui-thei
Anacardium occidentale
38.
Pineapple
La-khuih-thei
Ananas comosus
39.
Castard apple
Thei-ar-bawm
Annona squamosa
40.
--
Thei-kel-ki-suak
Anodendron paniculatum
41.
Jewel Orchid
Hnah-mawi
Anoectochilus luteus
42.
Kadam
Banphar
Anthocephalus chinensis
43.
Amti
Thurte-an
Antidesma acidium
44.
Chinese laurel
Tuai-tit
Antidesma bunius
45.
--
Thei-she-ret
Aphananthe cuspidata
46.
Agarwood
Thingrai
Aquilaria malaccensis
47.
Groundnut or Peanut
Badam
Arachis hypogaea
48.
--
Va-hrit-thei
Ardisia macrocarpa
49.
--
Nau-nuar
Ardisia paniculata
50.
Betel-nut-palm
Kuhva-kung
Areca catechu
51.
Malay Sago Palm
Thangtung
Arenga pinnata
52.
--
Phel-phek
Argyreia splendens
53.
Indian Worm-wood or
Sai
Artemisia vulgaris
54.
Chaplash
Tat-kawng
Artocarpus chama
55.
Jack fruit tree
Lamkhuang/La-ui
Artocarpus integrifolia
56.
Monkey Jack or Lakooch
Thei-tat
Artocarpus lakoocha
57.
Gaint reed
Pum-phir
Arundo donax
58.
Blood-flower
Dingdi
Asclepias curassavica
59.
Spiny Asparagus or Satawar Ar-ke-bawk
Asparagus racemosus
60.
Wild-lime
Atalantia monophylla
Ram-ser

4-28
61.
Carambola tree
Thei-her-awt
Averrhoa carambola
62.
Neem or Margosa tree
Nim-thing
Azadirachta indica
63.
Lutqua or Bhooby tree
Pang-kai
Baccaurea ramiflora
64.
Spiny or Thorny Bamboo
Vai-rua
Bambusa bambos
65.
Tulda
Raw-lak
Bambusa tulda
66.
Butterfly tree
Vau-fa-vang
Bauhinia purpurea
67.
Snake climber
Zawng-a-lei-lawn
Bauhinia scandens
68.
Kanchan
Vau-be
Bauhinia variegata
69.
--
Lalruanga-dar-nawhna
Begonia lusshaiensis (Rare)
70.
Begonia
71.
--
Khuang-hlang
Begonia wengeri
(Intermediate)
Beilschmiedia gammieana
72.
--
Khuang-hlang
Beilschmiedia roxburghii
73.
Ash gourd or Ash Pumpkin Mai-pawl
74.
Stone crusher plant
75.
Alder birch
Kham-dam-dawi/Pan-dam- Bergenia ciliata

dawi
Hriang
Betula alnoides
76.
Darjeeling birch
Hriang-zau
Betula cylindrostachys
77.
Bishop wood or Uriam
Khuang-thli
Bischofia javanica
78.
Silk cotton tree or Semul
Phun-chawng
Bombax malabaricum
79.
Didu
Pang
Bombax insigne
80.
Palmyra or Toddy Palm
Sial-lu
Borassus flabellifer
81.
Bougainvillea
Sa-rawn
Bougainvillea spectabilis
82.
Mustard
An-tam
Brassica juncea
83.
Cauliflower
Par-bawr
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
84.
Cabbage
Zik-hlum
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
85.
Knol-kohl or Kohlrabi
Bul-bawk
86.
Broccoli
Brokoli
Brassica oleracea var.

gongylodes
Brassica oleracea var. italica
87.
Mustard or Chinese Cabbage An tam
Brassica rapa
88.
Kasi
Thing-phak-tel
Bridelia squamosa
89.
Trumpet flower
Tawtawrawt par
Brugmansia suaveolens
90.
--
Thual-thu
Butea buteiformis
91.
--
Za-thoh/Ngawi-hrui
Butea parviflora
92.
--
Hling-khang
Caesalpinia spp.
93.
Lentil or Pigeon pea
Be-hliang
Cajanus cajan
94.
Gouri bet
Mit-perh
Calamus acanthospathus
Benincasa hispida

4-29
95.
--
Mawt
Calamus andamanicus
96.
Kadam bet
Hrui-pui
Calamus erectus
97.
Sundi bet
Tai-te/Tai-rua
Calamus guruba
98.
Jali or Jalla bet
Thil-te
Calamus tenuis
99.
--
Hnah-kiah
Callicarpa arborea
100.
Bottle-brush tree
Botol-bras
Callistemon citrinus
101.
Madar or Crown plant
Hnah-pawl
Calotropis gigantea
102.
Kissi
Lal-lai
Camellia kissi
103.
Tea-plant
Thing-pui
Camellia sinensis
104.
Chilli or Red pepper
Hmar-cha
Capsicum annum
105.
Sweet pepper
Hmarchapui
Capsicum frutescens
106.
Carallia or Maniawga
Thei-ria
Carallia brachiata
107.
Payaya or Papaw-tree
Thing-fang-hma/Nu-hnun
Carica papaya
108.
--
Lalruang-beh-thi
Caryopteris paniculata
109.
Palm tree
Mei-hle
Caryota mitis
110.
Fishtail-palm
Tum
Caryota urens
111.
Ringworm shrub
Da-du-hlo/Kel-be-bui/
Cassia alata
112.
Indian Laburnum or Amaltas Ngai-ngaw/Phung-ril
Cassia fistula
113.
Pink and White shower
Mak-pa-zang-kang
Cassia nodosa
114.
Coffee senna
Reng-an
Cassia occidentalis
115.
--
Mitthi-zawng-tah/Se-behliang
Cassia timoriensis
116.
Cassia floribunda
117.
Foetid cassia
Kel-be
Cassia tora
118.
--
Then-ngo/Then-mm
Castanopsis echinocarpa
119.
--
Rem-te
Cayratia mollis
120.
--
Puar-peng
Cayratia obovata
121.
White cotton tree or Kapok Japan-pang
Ceiba pentandra
122.
Cocks comb
Zo-ar-chhuang
Celosia argentea fa. cristata
123.
Nettle tree or Caltis
An-ku/Vai-bawng-chaw
Celtis australis
124.
Pennywort
Lam-bak/Dar-beng-bur
Centella asiatica
125.
Plum-yew
Tu-far/Leh-ngo-far
Cephalotaxus griffithii
126.
Labshi
Thei-khuang-chawm
Choerospondias axillaris
127.
Common Floss Flower
Tlang-sam/Pho-leng
Chromolaena odorata
128.
Chrysanthemum
October-par
Chrysanthemum indicum
129.
Bay leaf or Tejpat
Tespata/Hnah-rimtui
Cinnamomum tamala

4-30
130.
True cinnamon or Dalchini
Thak-thing
Cinnamomum verum
131.
--
Len-hling/Zo-len-hling
Cirsium chinense
132.
Water melon
Dawn-fawh
Citrullus lanatus
133.
Acid lime
Ser-tui-bur/Ser-sawr
Citrus acida
134.
Sour lime or Kagzinebu
Serte/Champara
Citrus aurantifolia
135.
Pumelo or Shaddock
Ser-tawk/Sai-ser/Sa-hawk
Citrus grandis
136.
Wild Orange
Ser
Citrus indica
137.
Lemon or Bara Nimbu
Ser (Ser-fang)
Citrus limon
138.
Acid or Sour Lime or Nimbu Limbu
Citrus medica var. acida
139.
Orange or Kamala
Serthlum
Citrus reticulata
140.
--
Phui-hnam
Clerodendrum colebrookianum
141.
Bharangi
Lei-dum-suak
Clerodendrum serratum
142.
--
Lei-dum
Clerodendrum venosum
143.
Hill clerodendrum
Phui-hnam-chhia
Clerodendrum viscosum
144.
--
--
Clerodendrum wallichii
145.
Coconut palm
Na-rial-thing
Cocos nucifera
146.
Orchid
147.
Coffee
Coffee-thing
Coelogyne rossiana
(Vulnerable)
Coffea arabica
148.
--
Chep-ngul
Coffea khasiana
149.
Taro
Bal/Dawl
Colocasia esculenta
150.
Sebestens
Muk-fang
Cordia dichotoma
151.
Kew
Sum-bul
Costus speciosus
152.
Sunn hemp
Tum-thang
Crotalaria juncea
153.
--
Ba-pui-ken-hnah-hlai
Croton roxburghii
154.
Japanese cedar or Suji
Japan-far
Cryptomeria japonica
155.
Sweet or Honey-dew melon Hma-zil
Cucumis melo var. saccharinus
156.
Cucumber
Fang-hma
Cucumis sativus
157.
Pumpkin or Winter squash
Mai/Mai-an
Cucurbita maxima
158.
Black zedoary or Kalahaldi Ai-lai-dum
Curcuma caesia
159.
Turmeric plant or Haldi
Ai-eng
Curcuma longa
160.
--
Ai-thur
Curcumorpha longiflora
161.
Dodder plant
Bawirai ral
Cuscuta reflexa
162.
Java citronella
Di-rim-tui/Di-leng-ser
Cymbopogon winterianus
163.
Dog grass or Dub-grass
Phai-tual-hlo
Cynodon dactylon
164.
Tree tomato
Thing-tomato/Thing-be-ra
Cyphomandra betacea

4-31
165.
Gola bet
Raichhawk
Daemonorops jenkinsianus
166.
Burma rosewood
Khum
Dalbergia oliveri
167.
Carrot
Carrot
Daucus carota
168.
Gulmohur
April-par
Delonix regia
169.
Orchid
Dang-hang/Lik-dum-dial
Dendrobium spp.
170.
Giant Bamboo
Vai-mau
Dendrocalamus giganteus
171.
Rhino bamboo
Phul-rua
Dendrocalamus hamiltonii
172.
Male Bamboo
An-kuang & Tur-sing
Dendrocalamus strictus
173.
Devil or fever nettle
Thak-pui
Dendrocnide sinuata
174.
Telegraph Plant
Tuan-i-them-tang
Desmodium motorium
175.
Elephant apple
Kawr-thin-deng
Dillenia indica
176.
White or Winged Yam
Ba-chhim & Rambachhim
Dioscorea alata
177.
Chinese Yam
Hra-kai
Dioscorea belophylla
178.
Bulb bearing yam
Vawkpui-ba-hra
Dioscorea bulbifera
179.
Ebony
Thei-kum
Diospyros spp.
180.
Wood oil tree or Gurjan
Lawng-thing
Dipterocarpus indicus
181.
Hollong
Thing-sen
Dipterocarpus retusus
182.
Indian Crab Apple
Sun-hlu-pui
Docynia indica
183.
Lampati
Zuang
Duabanga grandiflora
184.
--
Vai-thei-hmu/Lei-thei-hmu Duchesnea indica
185.
Sky flower
Hling-dai/Kawl-dai-hling
Duranta repens
186.
Devdam
Sa-ha-tah
Dysoxylum binectariferum
187.
Cardamom or Elaichi
Alaichi
Elettaria cardamomum
188.
Amla
Sun-hlu
Emblica officinalis
189.
Gaints Rattle
Kawi-hrui
Entada scandens
190.
--
Nghal-chhun
Eriobotrya bengalensis
191.
--
Kal
Eriolaena spectabilis
192.
Wild Coriander
Bah-khawr/Ba-chi-khawm
Eryngium foetidum
193.
Coral Tree
Far-tuah
Erythrina variegata
194.
Lemon-scented gum
Naw-alh-thing
Eucalyptus citriodora
195.
Blue gum
Naw-alh-thing
Eucalyptus globulus
196.
Lal dhudi or Common
Hnute-tui-tam-na
Euphorbia hirta
spurge
197.
Poinsettia
Mas-par/Hnah-sen
Euphorbia pulcherrima
198.
Banyan tree
Bung
Ficus benghalensis

4-32
199.
Java fig
Za-man-hmawng
Ficus benjamina
200.
Indian rubber
Thel-ret/Thial-ret
Ficus elastica
201.
Cluster fig
Thei-chek & Chho-he
Ficus racemosa
202.
Pipal
Hmawng
Ficus religiosa
203.
Gamboge tree
Kawr-vawm-va
Garcinia morella
204.
Soyabean
Be-kang
Glycine max
205.
Gmelina or Gamari
Thlan-vawng
Gmelina arborea
206.
--
Pelh
Gnetum gnemon
207.
--
Thal-ping
Gnetum montanum
208.
Tree cotton
La
Gossypium arboreum
209.
Silver Oak
Silver Oak
Grevillea robusta
210.
Chaulmurga
Sai-thei
Gynocardia odorata
211.
Haldu
Lung-khup
Haldina cordifolia
212.
Butterfly Lily
Ai-nawn
Hedychium coronarium
213.
Spiked Ginger Lily
Ai-thur
Hedychium spicatum
214.
--
Kel-hnam-tur
Hedyotis scandens
215.
Sunflower
Ni-hawi
Helianthus annuus
216.
Bird of Paradise
Chang-el-par
Heliconia angustiflolia
217.
China Rose
Hibiscus spp.
218.
Chalmoogra
Hydnocarpus kurzii
219.
Chameli
Jasminum scandens
220.
Flame of forest
Lagerstroemia flosreginae
221.
Champa
Magnolia spp.
222.
Mango
Mangifera indica
223.
Jungli neem
224.
Neem thing
Melia azedarach
Sairil
Melocalamus compactiflorus
225.
Ironwood
Mesua ferrea
226.
Champa
Michelia champaka
227.
Mulberry
Morus indica
228.
--
229.
Mussaenda
Mussaenda spp.
230.
Patabahar
Paederia foetida
231.
Orchid
232.
Orchid
Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum
(Rare)
Paphiopedilum villosom
(Vulnerable)
Saisu
Musa superba

4-33
233.
Amla
Phyllanthus spp.
234.
Pepper
Piper bettleiodes
235.
Orchid
236.
Sal
Renanthera imschootiana
(Endangered)
Shorea robusta
237.
Amra
Spondiais pinnata
238.
Hogplum tree
239.
Teak
Tectona grandis
240.
Vanda orchid
Vanda coerulea
241.
242.
Taitaw
Sondia pinnata
Lalruanga Dawi bur

Ginger
Zanonia spp.
Zingiber officinale
4.4.3 TERRESTRIAL FAUNA

Since the study area has extensive forests, the area can support fairly large
variety of wild life. Table 4.6 gives the list of wild animals and birds
commonly found in the forests of the study area as obtained from the
Divisional Forest Office, Aizawl.
TABLE 4.6 FAUNA IN STUDY AREA
SL. NO.
COMMON NAME
MIZO NAME
SCIENTIFIC NAME
ANIMALS
1.
Clawless Otter
Sa-hram (Hram-te)
Aonix cinerea
2.
Binturong or Bear-cat
Zam-phu
Arctictis binturong
3.
Hog-badger
Phi-vawk
Arctoryx collaris
4.
Indian Mole-rat
Sa-zu (Zu-pawl)
Bandicota bengalensis
5.
Large Bandicoot Rat
Tam-pui
Bandicota indica
6.
Bison or Gaur
Ram-sial
Bos gaurus
7.
Red-bellied Pallas
Squirrel
Himalayan Striped
Squirrel
Himalayan Hoary
bellied Squirrel
Jackal
Hlei-kap-sen
Callosciurus erythraeus
8.
9.
10.
Hlei-mual-rang/Hlei-te Callosciurus macclellandi

Hlei-zawng
Callosciurus pygerythrus
Si-hal
Canis aureus

4-34
11.
Bui-sen
Cannomys badius
12.
Bay Bamboo Rat or

Lesser Bamboo Rat
Sero
Sa-za
Capricornis sumatraensis
13.
Sambar
Sa-zuk
Cervus unicolor
14.
Dhole or Wild Dog
Ching-hnia
Cuon alpinus
15.
Hlei-lu-bial
Dremomys lokriah
16.
Orange-bellied
Himalayan Squirrel
Leopard Cat
Sa-nghar
Felis bengalensis (SCARCE)
17.
Jungle Cat
Nghar-bawr/sa-uak
Felis chaus
18.
Golden Cat
Kei-sen
Felis temmincki
19.
Fishing Cat
Nghar-buang
Felis viverrina
20.
Small Indian Mongoose --
21.
Crab-eating Mongoose Sa-phai-ruang
Herpestes auropunctatus
(SCARCE)
Herpestes urva
22.
Hoolock Gibbon
Hau-huk
Hylobates hoolock
23.
Biang
Hylopetes alboniger
Sa-kuh
Hystrix brachyuran
25.
Particoloured Flying
Squirrel
Crestless Himalayan
Porcdupine or Chinese
Porcupine
Common Otter
Sa-hram (Hram-pui)
Lutra lutra
26.
Stump-tailed Macaque
Zawng-mawt
Macaca arctoides
27.
Assamese Macaque
Zozawng/Khamzawng
Macaca assamensis
28.
Rhesus Macaque
Phai-zawng
Macaca mulatta
29.
Pig-tailed Macaque
Macaca nemestrina
30.
Chinese Pangolin
Zawng-hmel-tha/
Zawng-bak-buk
Saphu
31.
Yellow-throated Marten Sa-fia/Sa-fe-tum-bung- Martes flavigula

rang
Chinese Ferret-badger Sa-hmai-tha
Melogale moschato
24.
32.
33.
Manis pentadactyla
Muntiacus muntjak
34.
Barking Deer or
Sa-khi
Muntjak
Yellow-bellied Weasel Sa-ri-vai-thun
35.
Stripedbacked Weasel
Sa-ri-vai-thun
Mustela strigidorsa
36.
Goral
Sa-thar
Nemorhaedus goral
37.
Clouded Leopard
Kel-ral/Zawng-ral
Neofelis nebulosa
Mustela kathiah

4-35
38.
Slow Loris
Sa-huai
39.
Himalayan Palm Civet
Sa-zaw (Zaw-buang)
Nycticebus coucang
(SCARCE)
Paguma larvata
40.
Leopard or Panther
Kei-te
Panthera pardus (SCARCE)
41.
Paradoxurus hermaphroditus
43.
Toddy Cat or Common Sa-zaw (Zaw-hang)

Palm Civet
Common Giant Flying Va-hluk
Squirrel Red Flying
Squirrel
Silvered Leaf Monkey Ngau
44.
Golden Langur
Ngau-sen/Ngau-ir-eng
Presbytis phayrei
45.
Capped Langur
Ngau-buang
Presbytis pileatus (SCARCE)
46.
Spotted Linsang or
Nghar-thing-awn
Prionodon pardicolor
Bak-sai
Pteropus giganteus
42.
Petaurista petaurista
Presbytis geei
Tiger-civet
47.
Indian Flying Fox
48.
White-tailed Wood Rat Zu-thel
Rattus blanfordi
49.
House Rat or Black Rat Sa-zu
Rattus rattus
50.
Malayan Giant Squirrel Awr-rang
Ratufa bicolor
51.
Bui-pui
Rhizomys erythrogenys
52.
Red-cheeked Bamboo
Rat
Hoary Bamboo Rat
Bui-luang-par
Rhizomys pruinosus
53.
Grey Musk Shrew
Chhim-tir
Suncus murinus
54.
Wild Boar or Wild Pig
Sa-nghal
Sus scrofa
55.
Short-tailed Mole
Bui-ke-lek
Talpa micrura
56.
Northern Tree-shrew
Che-pa
Tupaia belangeri
57.
Malayan Sun Bear
Mang-tir/Sa-mang
Ursus malayanus
58.
Himalayan Black Bear
Vawm-sai/Vawmkhang Ursus thibetanus
59.
Sloth Bear
Sa-vawm-bak-buk
60.
Longtailed Tree Mouse Chim-buang
Vandeleuria oleracea
61.
Large Indian Civet
Tlum-pui
Viverra zibetha (SCARCE)
62.
Small Indian Civet
Tlum-therh
Viverricula indica
(SCARCE)
Ursus ursinus
BIRDS
63.
Warbler
Va-te
Abroscopus spp.
64.
Shikra
Mu-te
Accipiter badius

4-36
65.
Besra
66.
Rufous-necked Hornbill Va-awk
67.
Common Myna
In-vai-va/Phai-vai-va
Acerois nipalensis
(ENDANGERED)
Acridotheres tristis
68.
Rusty-fronted Barwing
Zo-va-lu-buk
Actinodura egertoni
69.
Redheaded Tit
Ram-chawngzawng
Aegithalos concinnus
70.
Common Iora
Zai-rum-va
Aegithina tiphia
71.
Alcedo atthis
72.
Common or Small Blue Kai-kuang-ral-te-chi

Kingfisher
Rufous-winged Fulvetta Vate chi khat
73.
White-breasted Waterhen Tui-ar
Amaurornis phoenicurus
74.
Golden-crested Myna
Vai-va-bawi
Ampeliceps coronatus
75.
Common Pintail
Tui-va-rak
Anas acuta
76.
Oriental Darter
Va-ching-ring-
Anhinga melanogaster
Mu-te
Accipiter virgatus
Alcippe castaneceps
diau/Vara
77.
Indian Pied Hornbill
Va-hai
78.
Ruby-cheeked Sunbird
Va-te
Anthracoceros albirostris
(ENDANGERED)
Anthreptes singalensis
79.
Streaked Spiderhunter
Ki-reuh
Arachnothera magna
80.
Darkbacked Swift
Kham-va-mur
Apus acuticauda
81.
House Swift
Va-mur-ngum-var
Apus affinis
82.
White-cheeked Partridge Va-rung
83.
Heron
84.
Ashy Swallow-shrike
85.
Jerdons Baza
Ngawi-hup/Kawl-pui- Ardea spp.

sa-ruh-hak
Leng-der/MurArtamus fuscus
pawl/Len-thiam
Mu-chi-khat
Aviceda jerdoni
86.
Black Baza
Mu-kel-rang
87.
Chinese Babax
Arborophila spp.
Aviceda leuphotes
89.
Zova lei-sawt/Ngal-va- Babax ianceolatus

pual-nu
Assam Bamboo Partridge Va-hlah
Bambusicola fytchii
hopkinsoni
Hodgsons Frogmouth Va-bak-chi-khat
Batrachostomus hodgsoni
90.
Bay Woodpecker
Fang-hmir-thloh
Blythipicus pyrrhotis
91.
Lesser Shortwing
Hmun-chhe-ar-pui
Brachypteryx leucophrys
92.
Forest or Spot-bellied
Chhim-buk-pui
Bubo nipalensis
88.

4-37
Eagle-owl
(ENDANGERED)
93.
Brown Fish Owl
Tui-tu
Bubo zeylonensis
94.
Great Hornbill
Va-pual
95.
Common Buzzard
Mu
Buceros bicornis
(ENDANGERED)
Buteo buteo
96.
Plaintive Cuckoo
Mawntaipirtliak
Cacomantis merulinus
97.
Nightjar
Va-lam-bawk/Va-bak
Caprimulgus spp.
98.
Cardeulis spinoides
99.
Yellow-breasted Green- Tep

finch
Common Rosefinch
Va-suih
100.
Lesser Coucal
Centropus bengalensis
101.
Greater Coucal
Va-darkhuang/Lalruang-sehnawt-te-chi
Lalruanga-se-hnawt
102.
Va-lim-chho
Certhia discolor
103.
Brown-throated Treecreeper
Crested Kingfisher
Kai-kuang-ral
104.
Leafbird
Chhawl-hring
Ceryle lugubris
(ENDANGERED)
Chloropsis spp.
105.
Violet Cuckoo
--
Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus
106.
Thloh-pui
Chrysocolaptes lucidus
107.
Large Goldenbacked
Woodpecker
Whitetailed Blue Robin
Ka-pi-tui-bur-kei-ve
Cinclidium leucurum
108.
Green Magpie
Dawn-tliang
Cissa chinensis
109.
--
Clamator coromandus
110.
Redwinged Crested
Cuckoo
Green Cochoa
Zo-va-chan
Cochoa viridis
111.
Himalayan Swiftlet
Ram-va-mur
Collocalia brevirostris
112.
Speckled Wood Pigeon
Zo-bul-lut/Bul-lut-tial Columba hodgsonii
113.
Magpie Robin
Copsychus saularis
114.
Indian Roller
Chang-er/Khawmualchinrang
Va-pui
115.
Jungle Crow
Cho-ak
Corvus macrorhynchos
116.
White-throated Bulbul
Daw-kek
Criniger flaveolus
117.
Common Cuckoo
Riak-maw
Cuculus canorus
118.
Nepal Cutia
--
Cutia nipalensis
Carpodacus erythrinus
Centropus sinensis
Coracia benghalensis

4-38
119.
Palm Swift
120.
Common-House-Martin Fuanhawr
Delichon urbica
121.
Grey Tree-Pie
Bem-kawng
Dendrocitta formosae
122.
Flower pecker
Dicaem spp.
123.
Drongo
Va-te-awm-tial/Tektek-awm-tial
Kul-herh
124.
Green Imperial Pigeon
Phai-bul-lut
125.
Imperial Pigeon
Bul-lut
126.
Little Bunting
Chip-te
Ducula aenea
(ENDANGERED)
Ducula badia
(ENDANGERED)
Emberiza pusilla
127.
Forktail
Chin-rang
Enicurus spp.
128.
Siberian Rubythroat
Tawk-tawk-awr-sen
Erithacus calliope
129.
Great Eared Nightjar
Va-lam-bawk/Va-bak
Eurostopodus macrotis
130.
Broad-billed Roller
Eurystomus orientalis
131.
Falcon
Va-kek/Va-pui-hmuisen
Mu-ngek
132.
Flycatcher
Ficedula spp.
133.
Common Moorhen
Va-dum-de-leng-chikhat
Dil-ar/Tui-va-rung
134.
Snipe
Chirh-dawt
Gallinago gallinago
135.
Red Junglefowl
Ram-ar
Gallus gallus
136.
White-headed Shrikebabbler
East Himalayan
Redcrowned Jay
Phai-ko-ro
Gampsorhynchus rufulus
Va-far
Garrulus glandarius
137.
In-va-mur
Cypsiurus parvus infumatus
Dicrurus hottentottus
Falco peregrines
Gallinula chloropus
interstinctus
138.
Pale-headed Woodpecker Fang-hmir-thloh
139.
Owlet
140.
Barred Owlet
141.
Tiger Bittern
Hrang-kir/PhawngGlaucidium brodiei
phaw-dawt
Chhim-buk-te (Vawk- Glaucidium cuculoides
chhuk)
-Gorsachius melanolophus
142.
Hill Myna
Vai-va/Ram-vai-va
Gracula religiosa
143.
White-rumped Vulture
Mu-lu-kawlh
Gyps bengalensis
144.
Scarlet Finch
Suipui/Va-suiphi
Haematospiza sipahi
145.
Bar-winged Flycatcher- -shrike
Gecinulus grantia
Hemipus picatus

4-39
146.
Sibia
147.
Eagle
Sir-bial/Sir-lu-bial/Sir- Heterophasia spp.

bawl
Mu-ar-la
Hieraaetus kienerii
148.
Needletail
Mur-pui
Hirundapus spp.
149.
Red-rumped Swallow
Va-mur-ngum-sen
Hirundo daurica
150.
Black-naped Flycatcher Va pawl
151.
Bulbul
152.
Black Eagle
153.
Tep-Va-te-ngum-eng
Indicator xanthonotus
154.
Yellow-rumped
Honeyguide
Fairly Bluebird
Va-dar-tle
Irena peulla
155.
Black Headed Shrike
Chhem-hur
Lanius schach tricolor
156.
Assam Silver-eared
Mesia
Thlangvaharbeh/Dawk- Leiothrix argentauris

vel
aureigularis
157.
Munia
Pit-sen/Pit-lu-dum
Lonchura spp.
158.
Yellow-breasted Babbler Va-te-chi-khat
Macronous gularis
159.
Blue throated Barbet
Tuk-lo
Megalaima asiatica
160.
Sultan Tit
Va-kel-chal
Melanochlora sultanea
161.
Crested Bunting
Phai-tep
Melophus lathami
162.
Tlak-awrh-lu-sen
Merops spp.
163.
Chestnutheaded Beeeater
Rufous Woodpecker
Thloh-kawr-ha
Micropternus brachyurus
164.
Bluewinged Siva
Milna cyanouroptera
165.
166.
Blackeared or Large
Indian Kite
White Wagtail
Chang-rual/Darhnawk/Saivate
Mu-chhia
Lailen
Motacilla spp.
167.
Great Slaty Woodpecker Thloh-sai
Mulleripicus pulverulentus
168.
Large Niltava
Niltava grandis
169.
Night Heron
170.
Slender-billed Oriole
171.
Blacknecked Tailor-bird Hnah-khawr/Hnahfun/Che-de-de

Owl
Chhim-buk
172.
Hypothymis azurea
Va-rit/Lian-doHypsipetes spp.
rit/Hmui-sen/ Vachiap
Lung-dup
Ictinaetus malayensis
Va-pawl/Va-dum-deleng
Tui-sa-va-var-zanghang
Va-mai-tai/Bawngpui
Milvus migrans
Nycticorax nycticorax
Oriolus tenuirostris
Orthotomus atrogularis
Otus spilocephalus

4-40
173.
Grey-headed Parrotbill
Va-hnang-hlai
Paradoxornis gularis
174.
Zo-va-kel-chal
Parus spilonotus subviridis
175.
Burmese Black-spotted
Yellow Tit
House Sparrow
Chawngzawng
Passer domesticus
176.
Minivet
Bawng
Pericrocotus spp.
177.
Green-billed Malkoha
Va-zun/Va-uk
Phaenicophaeus tristis
178.
Bay-owl
Tah-ngai-beng-nei
Phodilus badius
179.
Woodpecker
Thloh-kawr-ha
Picoides atratus
180.
Speckled Piculet
Thloh-kawr-ha
181.
Woodpecker
Thloh-lu-par
Picumnus innominatus
malayorum
Picus spp.
182.
Humes Pheasant
Va-ri-haw
183.
Mizo Coral-billed
Ngal-va-pual
Scimitar-babbler
Polyplectron bicalcaratum
bakeri (ENDANGERED)
Pomatorhinus ferruginosus
phayrei
184.
Purple Moorhen
185.
187.
Assam Blackthroated Hill Zir-ziak

Warbler
Assam Brown Hill
Chang-dawt
Warbler
Longtailed Broadbill
Thi-zil
188.
Alexandrine Parakeet
Va-ki
189.
Va-khaw-pui/Va-ngai Ptiloaemus tickelli
190.
White Throated Brown

Hornbill
Bulbul
Tlai-berh/Se-tawt
Pycnonotus spp.
191.
Wreathed Hornbill
Kawl-hawk
Rhyticeros undulates
192.
Longbilled Wren-babbler Hmun-chhe-ar-pui
Rikmator malacoptilus
193.
Rufous Piculet
Sasia ochracea reichenowi
194.
Woodcock
195.
Silver-breasted Broadbill Thi-zil-chi-khat
Serilophus lunatus
196.
Eastern Chestnut-bellied Suk-let

Nuthatch
Chin Hills Long tailed
Valeisawt
Wren-babbler
Sitta castanea cinnamoventris
Crested Serpent Eagle
Spilornis cheela
186.
197.
198.
Dum-sava
Luang-tu-bek/Mauthloh
Chirh-dawt-lian-chi
Mu-van-lai
Porphyrio porphyrio
poliocephalus
Prinia atroigularis khasiana
Prinia criniger catharia
Psarisomus dalhousiae
Psittacula spp.
Scolopax rusticola
Spelaeornis chocolatinus
oatesi

4-41
(ENDANGERED)
Stachyris chrysaea
199.
Golden Babbler
Va-te-chi-khat
200.
Burmese Spotted Dove
201.
Rufous Turtle Dove
202.
Himalayan Wood Owl
Thu-ro-nghawngStreptopelia chinensis tigrina

tial/Chuk-chu-ru-kurinu
Mim-siri-kut
Streptopelia orientalis
agricola
Ching-pi-ri-nu-chi-khat Strix aluco nivicola
203.
Myna
Vai-va
Sturnus spp.
204.
Drongo Cuckoo
Tui-mal-far-fep-fep
Surniculus lugubris
205.
Bhutan Peacock Pheasant Va-vu
206.
Large Wood-shrike
207.
208.
East Himalayan Paradise Thleh-hniar

Flycatcher
Tesia
Va-te-mei tawi
209.
River Chat
210.
Red-capped Babbler
211.
212.
Blyths or Greybellied
Tragopan
Wedge-tailed Pigeon
213.
Grey-winged Blackbird
214.
Burmese Yellowlegged
Buttonquail
Barn Owl
215.
216.
217.
Assam Slender-billed
Scimitar-babbler
Smallbilled Mountain
Thrush
Thlek-bur
Syrmaticus humiae humiae

(ENDANGERED)
Tephrodornis virgatus
Terpsiphone paradise
saturatior
Tesia castaneocoronata
Va-tui-heng khum/ Va- Thamnolaea leucocephala

chal-de
Tek-tek
Timalia pileata
Va-nga/Va-ngai/Vungar
Va-hui-(Hui-pui-thlaki-sen)
Va-dar-tle/ Chip-puithla-rang
Va-hmim
Tragopan blythii
(ENDANGERED)
Treron sphenura
Tah-ngai
Tyto alba stertens
Ngalvapual
Xiphirhynchus superciliaris
Ar-chham
Zoothera dauma
Turdus boulboul
Turnix tanki blanfordii
4.4.4 AGRICULTURAL CROPS IN THE STUDY AREA

Jhumming and shifting cultivation is the principal method of cultivation and
about 80% of the rural population is engaged in cultivation. Paddy, maize,
wheat, oil seeds, pulses, peas, groundnut and some cash crops like cotton,
sugarcane, potato and pioca and vegetables are grown to some extent in the
study area.

4-42
4.5
DEMOGRAPHIC ENVIRONMENT
4.5.1 Introduction
Baseline environmental scenario in the study area with respect to demographic
and socio-economic conditions has been discussed in the subsequent sections
of this chapter.
Data on number of villages, number of households, population, schedule
castes and scheduled tribe population and literacy rate in each village in the
block/study area has been obtained from Soft Copy (CD) of Primary Census of
Mamit, Aizawl, Serchhip and Lunglei Districts (2001). Demographic details of
105 villages and 2 notified towns, namely, Serchhip and Thenzawl falling in
the study area are given in Table 4.7 (a) & (b)
4.5.2 Population
Table 4.7 (a) & (b)
gives the data on village/town name, number of households and population
distribution by sex as per 2001 census records for all villages/towns in the
study area.
The study area sustains a total population of 95,698 as per 2001 census
records. Urban population in 2 notified towns is 22,603 (23.62%) and rural
population in 105 villages is 73,095 (76.38%). The male population
constitutes nearly 51.08% while female population is 48.92% of the total
population in the study area.
TABLE 4.7 (a) : POPULATION OF THE STUDY AREA

Sl.
No.
District
TRU
Persons
Males
Females
ST
SC
Population Population
1.
Aizawl
Total
325,676
166,877
158,799
303,641
182
2.
Aizawl
Rural
77,531
40,333
37,198
75,024
28
3.
Aizawl
Urban
248,145
126,544
121,601
228,617
154
4.
Lunglei
Total
137,223
71,402
65,821
130,768
33
5.
Lunglei
Rural
79,267
41,283
37,984
76,971
6.
Lunglei
Urban
57,956
30,119
27,837
53,797
28

4-43
7.
Mamit
Total
62,785
33,114
29,671
58,950
18
8.
Mamit
Rural
52,132
27,603
24,529
49,465
16
9.
Mamit
Urban
10,653
5,511
5,142
9,485
10. Serchhip
Total
53,861
27,380
26,481
52,830
11. Serchhip
Rural
27,983
14,369
13,614
27,398
12. Serchhip
Urban
25,878
13,011
12,867
25,432
TABLE 4.7 (b) : NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS AND AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD

SIZE OF THE STUDY AREA
Sl. No.
District
TRU
No. of households
Average household size
1.
Aizawl
Total
64,395
5.0
2.
Aizawl
Rural
15,546
5.0
3.
Aizawl
Urban
48,849
5.0
4.
Lunglei
Total
27,832
4.9
5.
Lunglei
Rural
15,516
5.1
6.
Lunglei
Urban
12,316
4.6
7.
Mamit
Total
12,201
5.1
8.
Mamit
Rural
10,060
5.1
9.
Mamit
Urban
2,141
5.0
10.
Serchhip
Total
10,102
5.3
11.
Serchhip
Rural
5,205
5.4
12.
Serchhip
Urban
4,897
5.3
4.5.3 Population Density

Since village land area data is not available, population density in inhabited
villages cannot be determined. However, on the basis of total block area of
3213 sq. km, the population density is found to be only 29.8 persons/sq. km.
4.5.4 Sex Ratio
As per 2001 census records, sex ratio defined as the number of females per

4-44
1000 males for the study area is nearly 958.
4.5.5 Scheduled Castes/Tribes
As per 2001 census records, scheduled castes population is merely 0.03%
(0.06% males and 0.00% females) while scheduled tribes population is
98.43% (97.63% males and 99.25% females).
4.5.6 Literacy
As per 2001 census records, 79.29% population of the study area of is literate,
80.44% males and 78.09% females.
TABLE 4.8 : EDUCATIONAL LEVEL AND WORK STATUS OF MIZORAM

SL.
NO.
TRU
EDUCATIONAL LEVEL
PERSONS MALES FEMALES
Total Total
362,450 225,428
137,022
Rural Total
201,599 120,662
80,937
Urban Total
160,851 104,766
56,085
Total Illiterate
39,474
20,609
18,865
Rural Illiterate
33,783
16,782
17,001
Urban Illiterate
5,691
3,827
1,864
Total Literate
322,976 204,819
118,157
Rural Literate
167,816 103,880
63,936
Urban Literate
155,160 100,939
54,221
10 Total Literate but below matric/secondary
251,695 155,864
95,831
11 Rural Literate but below matric/secondary
143,427
86,210
57,217
12 Urban Literate but below matric/secondary
108,268
69,654
38,614
13 Total Matric/secondary but below graduate
42,932
29,372
13,560
14 Rural Matric/secondary but below graduate
14,123
10,512
3,611
15 Urban Matric/secondary but below graduate
28,809
18,860
9,949
834
682
152
16 Total Technical diploma or certificate not

equal to degree

4-45
17 Rural Technical diploma or certificate not
equal to degree
180
166
14
18 Urban Technical diploma or certificate not

equal to degree
654
516
138
19 Total Graduate and above other than technical

degree
15,802
11,091
4,711
20 Rural Graduate and above other than technical

degree
3,143
2,575
568
21 Urban Graduate and above other than technical

degree
12,659
8,516
4,143
22 Total Technical degree or diploma equal to

degree or post-graduate degree
3,212
2,549
663
23 Rural Technical degree or diploma equal to

834
751
83
24 Urban Technical degree or diploma equal to

2,378
1,798
580
4.6
SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
4.6.1 Introduction
Data on employment pattern and infrastructure facilities in each of the
villages/towns of the study area has been obtained from of Census of Mamit,
Aizawl, Serchhip and Lunglei districts (2001).
4.6.2 Employment Pattern
The employment pattern in the study area is an indicator of number of persons
employed in various sectors. It also indicates the various categories of
employment flourishing in the area. The employment pattern in the study area
is presented in Table 4.9 as per Census 2001.
TABLE: 4.9 EMPLOYMENT PATTERN

EMPLOYMENT
PATTERN
DISTRICT
Aizawl
Lunglei
TOTAL WORKERRS
Mamit
Serchhip
PERSONS
162,961
71,792
35,165
32,523
MALES
94,481
40,907
19,404
17,104
FEMALES
68,480
30,885
15,761
15,419

4-46
Aizawl
Lunglei
Mamit
Serchhip
Aizawl
TOTAL MARGINAL Lunglei
WORKERS
Mamit
Serchhip
Aizawl
TOTAL NON Lunglei
WORKERS
Mamit
Serchhip
Aizawl
WORK
PARTICIPATION Lunglei
RATE
Mamit
Serchhip
Aizawl
NO. OF
Lunglei
CULTIVATORS
Mamit
Serchhip
Aizawl
NO. OF
AGRICULTURAL Lunglei
LABOURERS
Mamit
Serchhip
Aizawl
HOUSEHOLD
Lunglei
INDUSTRY
WORKER
Mamit
Serchhip
Aizawl
NO. OF OTHER Lunglei
WORKERS
Mamit
Serchhip
TOTAL MAIN
WORKERS
125,328
60,870
27,428
24,783
37,633
10,922
7,737
7,740
162,715
65,431
27,620
21,338
50.0
52.3
56.0
60.4
50,447
45,813
26,777
23,700
6,751
2,781
2,229
1,420
3,029
597
315
893
102,734
22,601
5,844
6,510
79,579
37,079
17,398
13,971
14,902
3,828
2,006
3,133
72,396
30,495
13,710
10,276
56.6
57.3
58.6
62.5
25,496
23,289
14,050
11,745
3,260
1,307
1,075
725
1,460
325
204
357
64,265
15,986
4,075
4,277
45,749
23,791
10,030
10,812
22,731
7,094
5,731
4,607
90,319
34,936
13,910
11,062
43.1
46.9
53.1
58.2
24,951
22,524
12,727
11,955
3,491
1,474
1,154
695
1,569
272
111
536
38,469
6,615
1,769
2,233
In the study area, total main workers account for 47.06% (53.00% male and
40.86% female) and whereas marginal workers and non-workers respectively
account for 14.12% (10.30% males and 18.11% females) and 38.82% (36.70%
males and 41.03% females).

4-47
In the study area, out of main workers, cultivators account for 78.74%
(74.65% males and 84.27% females) followed by agricultural labourers at
1.94% (1.97% males and 1.90% females), household industry workers at
1.70% (1.48% males and 2.00% females) and the rest 17.62% are other
workers (21.90% males and 11.83% females). It is, therefore, clear that most
of the main workers are engaged in agricultural activities as cultivators.
In may be noted that the definition of non-workers in census records includes
person engaged in household duties or an infant, or is a student, or a
dependent, or a retired person, or a beggar, or engaged in other non-productive
economic activity.
4.6.3.1 Educational Facilities
As per 2001 Census, out of 105 inhabited villages, 101 villages have one or
more primary schools, 88 villages have one or more middle schools, 47
villages have one or more secondary schools and 1 village has senior
secondary schools. Only 4 villages do not have any educational facility and
can have access to primary school at a distance of 5 to 10 /10+ km.
4.6.3.2 Medical Facilities
As per 2001 census records, only 3 villages have health centres, 14 villages
have primary health centres and 49 villages have primary health sub-centres.
Other villages in the study area can have access to these facilities at a distance
of 5 to 10 /+ 10 km.
4.6.5 INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES
The study area does not have any important industrial or commercial activity.
EIA for Exploratory Drilling & Testing in Block MZ-ONN-2004/1(Mizoram)

5-1
CHAPTER 5: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
5.1
INTRODUCTION
For proper assessment of impact it becomes essential to understand various

activities which may result in environmental pollution during drilling and
testing at the promising locations for hydrocarbons availability of the block
area.
It may be noted that drilling and testing of the exploratory wells are proposed
to be carried out within the block area having forested hilly terrain along with
valleys of many rivers and some thinly populated villages/towns close to
major roads in the block area. Locations of proposed wells are not finalized so
far and, therefore, the entire area of the block has been covered in this study.
Normal operational pollution sources during drilling and testing are: drilling
discharges, drainage discharges, gaseous emissions due to operation of DG
sets and movement of vehicles, domestic wastewater, noise and heat
generation as well as formation water and gaseous emissions from flare
generated during assessment testing for oil and gas. The use of relatively ecofriendly water based mud (WBM) as a drilling fluid and adoption of
appropriate strategy for abatement and control of pollution by OIL are
expected to minimize the impact of drilling and exploratory testing operations
on the surrounding environment of drilling sites. An objective assessment is
made in the following sections both for adverse and beneficial impacts on
various environmental parameters in the study area due to drilling and testing
operations.
5.2
There will be no impact of drilling at the exploratory locations and assessment

testing for oil and gas on topography and physiography of the study area.
5.3
SOILS
Mast cellar of the rig will occupy nearly 5 m x 5 m area and overall
operational area at one exploratory drilling site will be nearly 110 m x 150 m
(1.65 ha). Therefore, alluvium derived soils of only 1.65 hectare are likely to

5-2
be affected around each of the exploratory drilling locations due to site
preparation for drilling and assessment testing activities.
Drilling discharges, drainage discharges and wasted WBM will be collected in
shallow pits to be located close to the exploratory drilling locations. These
shallow effluent pits will have HDPE lining to prevent seepage of effluents
into ground aquifers. Clarified water at the top of effluent pits will partly
evaporate especially in non-rainy period and remaining treated effluents
meeting the discharge limits for on-shore discharge will be discharged in
nearby nullah/river at controlled rate, if required. Domestic waste water
generated at temporary camp facility in the block will be disposed in septic
tank and soak pits. Therefore, soils of the study area may not undergo any
adverse impact due to discharge and storage in HDPE lined pits and also if any
treated effluents meeting on-shore discharge standards are discharged in
nearby nullah/river or by discharge of treated domestic waste water in soak
pits near drilling sites.
5.4
WATER RESOURCE AND WATER QUALITY
Total water need of 40 m3/d during drilling for nearly 150 days and only 10
m3/d during assessment testing of 5 to 10 days. Therefore, water resources of
the area will not have any adverse impact due to temporary additional water
requirement during drilling and assessment testing operations of the wells in
during 2011-15 periods.
Since the effluents generated during drilling will be stored in shallow HDPE
lined effluent pits, no seepage to ground aquifers can occur. Furthermore,
treated effluents meeting on-shore discharge limits from drilling sites will be
discharged at a low rate in nearby nullah/river, if required. Therefore, no
adverse impact either on ground or surface water quality is likely in the study
area in view of heavy rainfall and perennial rivers with large flow in the block
area.

5-3
5.5
There will be no impact of exploratory drilling and assessment testing

operations on climatology and meteorology of the study area.
5.6
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY
Major sources of gaseous pollution from drilling operations will be the

exhaust gases from diesel driven power generators. Major sources of the
gaseous pollution from exploratory testing for oil and gas from the exploratory
wells will be the exhaust gases from flaring of associated gases produced
along with oil for nearly 3 to 4 days at each well. Major pollutants in exhaust
gases from these sources will be SO2 and NOx with some CO, unburnt
hydrocarbons and soot. These will be discharged from stacks of appropriate
heights meeting the statutory requirements. Dispersion and transport of
pollutants discharged in exhaust gases from stacks of appropriate heights
through ambient air in a largely forested area far away from populated area of
villages/towns having an overall population density of only 47.7 persons/km2
are unlikely to have any perceptible adverse impact on the ambient air quality
at a distance beyond 500 m from the emission sources. Since the monitored
24-hourly average concentrations of PM10, PM2.5 ,SO2 and NOx
in most
populated villages/towns in the block area are relatively quite low (refer Subsection 4.3.5.3 in Chapter 4) and wells are proposed to be drilled away from
populated areas, therefore, some temporary increase in ground level
concentration due to emission of pollutants from stacks of appropriate heights
in a forested hilly area away from populated places due to proposed drilling
and testing operations will have essentially insignificant adverse impact on
ambient air quality in the study area.
Use of few diesel driven vehicles for transport of drilling equipments,
personnel and material will also generate exhaust gases as well as some dust
from unpaved roads. Gaseous pollutants in vehicular exhausts will disperse
quickly. Dust generated due to vehicular movement on unpaved roads will be
relatively coarse and will settle quickly. The impact of vehicular movement is

5-4
likely to be confined to a distance of nearly 100 m from the source. Therefore,
PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx, CO and hydrocarbons emissions due to vehicular
movement during drilling and testing operations will have essentially no
adverse impact in the study area.
Furthermore, existence of appreciable number of trees with extensive leaf area
in the block area will act as a sink for gaseous and particulate pollutants from
vehicular movement as well as drilling and assessment testing operations.
Since crude oil and/or natural gas likely to be found in the area is expected to
be sweet with essentially no sulphur content, there will be no emission of toxic
H2S to cause any hazard in the drilling area of the exploratory wells.
5.7
NOISE AND VIBRATIONS
Ambient noise levels are likely to increase temporarily over localized area due
to movement of trucks and other vehicles.
The built-in shock absorbing system in rig will reduce vibration and noise
from rotating equipment to ensure that noise level at the periphery of the
drilling well operational area does not exceed 75 dB (A). Noise levels
generated by the operation of DG sets for power supply at drilling site will
also attenuate to about 75 dB(A) at the periphery of the drilling
site/operational area. Assuming that the drilling well site operational area
periphery is at a minimum distance of 20 m from noise sources and noting that
the noise level decreases by nearly 6 dB (A) with each doubling of distance
with no excess attenuation, the noise levels at different distances from a free
field noise level of 75 dB (A) at a distance of 20 m from the source are given
below:
Distance, m
40
80
160
320
640
Noise Level, dB (A)
69
63
57
51
45
1280 2560
39
33
Day-time (Lday) monitored ambient noise levels at populated locations in block

area varies from to 42.5 to 54 (refer Sub-section 4.3.6.4 in Chapter 4).
Therefore, during exploratory drilling and testing, noise levels in populated

5-5
areas lying beyond 475 m from drilling site operational area boundary will
remain unaffected during day-time, if baseline noise levels at that position is
43.8 dB(A) or more due to masking effect. Night-time noise levels (Lnight)
monitored in the area varies from 37.2 to 42
dB (A). Therefore, only
populated areas lying much beyond 2637 m from drilling site are expected to
remain unaffected during night-time as a result of drilling operations due to
masking effect. Therefore, only those populated village areas lying within 475
m distance are likely to experience some increase in noise levels during daytime due to drilling operations if baseline noise levels are less than 47.5
dB(A). However, Lday noise levels in villages will be within the residential
area limit of 55 dB(A) at day-time at a distance beyond 200 m from drilling
site periphery if baseline Lday value is 55 dB(A) or less. Furthermore, Lnight
noise level in village area will be within the residential area limit of 45 dB(A)
at night-time at a distance beyond 640 m if baseline Lnight value is 45 dB(A)
or less at that position.
5.8
LAND USE
Since the land requirement for the drilling is only about 110 m x 150 m (1.65
hectare) at each of the exploratory locations the impact on land use in the
study area is expected to be insignificant since exploratory drilling is likely to
be carried out in non-populated areas only. For drilling location and access
roads falling within the forest area, then necessary permission will be obtained
from District Forest Officer for diversion of forest land for industrial activity
before commencing any drilling activity. It is, however, recommended that the
alignment of access roads and lay-out of drilling site area be so chosen that the
cutting of trees may be minimized to the extent possible.
If any area chosen for exploratory drilling has agricultural crops, the crops
may be affected to some extent due to drilling/testing activities and movement
of vehicles, etc. in the area. In all such cases, OIL will adequately compensate
owners of damaged crops.

5-6
5.9
5.9.1 Terrestrial Flora

The movement of trucks and other vehicles carrying men and material may
require access cutting and clearing of trees in the block area and may,
therefore, require timber salvage. These trucks/vehicles can be easily
maneuvered and removal of tree/shrub/tall grass lying in path can be avoided
to some extent.
Some damage of existing crops at some locations in cultivated area may
become inevitable for carrying out drilling. However, adequate compensation
will be paid to the cultivator by OIL for all such cases depending upon the
extent of crop loss or loss of opportunity of cultivation.
The drilling of the exploratory wells in during 2011-15 period is not likely to
have any significant adverse impact on the flora of the block/study area
because only very few trees are likely to be cut in the block area of drilling
location for the preparation of the drilling sites and for making suitable
passage for the movement of heavy vehicles through the block area to drilling
sites. It is, however, recommended that the lay-out plan of drilling sites and
alignment of passage for vehicle movement at each drilling location should be
so chosen so as to reduce the cutting of trees to bare minimum. OIL will,
however, carry out compensatory plantation through Forest Department of
Aizawl near each drilling site or at other appropriate locations on completion
of drilling and testing, if considered necessary.
Flaring of gas produced during assessment testing will be minimized because
exploratory testing will be carried out only for about 3 to 4 days at each site
and quantity of natural gas likely to be flared will be nearly 10000 m3/d in a
properly designed flare pit.
5.9.2 Terrestrial Fauna
Drilling activities will generate some noise in an area at least upto 500 m from
drilling site. Flaring of gas in a flare during exploratory testing will be fairly
small. Noise due to drilling activity may have some adverse impact on

5-7
terrestrial fauna at least upto 500 m from drilling site for the duration of
drilling. However, heat radiation and glare effect, if any, will be significantly
moderated due to existence of dense vegetation cover in forested area around
drilling location.
5.10
DEMOGRAPHIC AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
Temporary presence of nearly 60 persons in the study area during drilling for a
limited period of nearly 150 days at each site is unlikely to have any adverse
impact on the demographic environment of the thinly populated villages in the
block and surrounding area. No adverse impact can be expected on socioeconomic conditions of the area during the drilling and testing operations. It is,
however, possible that some local persons may find temporary direct
employment as unskilled labour and some more may find indirect employment
for transportation of material and personnel during drilling and testing period
at each location which will be of significant economic support to residents in
the study area having limited job opportunity.
5.11
CONCLUSIONS
The detailed discussions of impact on various attributes of environment due to

drilling and testing operations in previous sections clearly indicate that these
activities will not cause any perceptible damage to environment of the study
area, as delineated below:
No soil erosion;
Insignificant temporary localized air pollution due to exhaust emissions

from the diesel driven power generators needed for drilling rig operation at
the exploratory locations and DG sets for supplying electric power to meet
other project requirements as well as from vehicular movement resulting in
some localized SO2, NOx and dust generation;
No contamination of soils because drilling discharges with nontoxic

materials will be collected in HDPE lined effluent pits;
Insignificant temporary localized generation of small amount of domestic

effluents and solid wastes due to establishment of temporary mobile camp
facilities in the block/area;

5-8
Insignificant temporary localized generation of noise due to operation of

power generators, drilling rig and other machines as well as from vehicular
movement;
Insignificant surface or ground water pollution since drilling and testing

effluents will be treated to meet on-shore discharge standards before their
discharge, if any, in nearby nullah/river at controlled rate;
No disruption of water supply or natural drainage;
No impact on local water availability;
No damage to archaeological, cultural or paleontological sites; and
Only small minor temporary impact on flora and fauna in a limited

forested area close to drilling location is anticipated.
Some cutting of trees for site preparation in a maximum land area of nearly
1.65 hectare around each exploratory drilling location as well as in the area
required for making suitable access routes for movement of heavy vehicles
may take place for which adequate compensatory plantation is proposed to be
arranged by OIL through Forest Department, Aizawl. Temporary employment
of some local persons directly as unskilled labour for project activities and
indirect employment for project related work may benefit the local population.
The impact due to drilling of the exploratory wells for exploratory
hydrocarbons production in the block area is summarized below in a tabular
form:
Impact
Environmental
Attribute/ Project
Activity
Proposed access cutting
Clearing
salvage
Wild life
protection
and
and
Some cutting of trees may be inevitable.
timber Cutting of some trees and timber salvage may be

necessary.
habitat Minor adverse impact upto 500 m from drilling
site in forested area is likely.
Fuel storage and handling
Insignificant impact.
Camps and staging
Insignificant impact since temporary mobile camp

facilities in block area will be used. However,

5-9
cutting of some trees may be necessary.
Liquid and solid wastes Insignificant temporary localized impact is likely.
disposal
Cultural
archaeological sites
and Not applicable.
Selection of sites
Two numbers Exploratory drilling sites are

identified. The remaining four sites are yet
selected.
Terrain stabilization
Not applicable.
Protection of fresh water Not applicable since effluents will be stored in

horizons
HDPE lined shallow pits and well casing will
protect water horizons in the drilled well.
Blowout prevention plan
Necessary care will be taken during drilling and

blowout preventors will be installed before drilling
to take care of any emergency.
Flaring during drilling and Ground flare will be used with appropriate control
production
measures.
Abandonment of well
Will be applicable only if commercial production

of oil and/or gas is unviable from any exploratory
well.
Rig dismantling and site Insignificant localized impact in 5 m x 5 m rig

completion
area.
Reclamation for
abandonment
Not applicable at present.
Noise
Insignificant temporary localized impact.
Debris disposal
Insignificant localized impact.
Protection of natural Natural drainage and water flow will be protected.

drainage and water flow

6-1
CHAPTER 6: RISK ASSESSMENT AND CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS
6.1
RISK ASSESSMENT, CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS AND
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY DURING DRILLING AND PRODUCTION
TESTING
6.1.1 INTRODUCTION
Hydrocarbon operations are generally hazardous in nature by virtue of
intrinsic chemical properties of hydrocarbons or their temperature or pressure
of operation or a combination of these. Fire, explosion, hazardous release or a
combination of these are the hazards associated with hydrocarbon operations.
These have resulted in the development of more comprehensive, systematic
and sophisticated methods of Safety Engineering, such as, Hazard Analysis
and Risk Assessment to improve upon the integrity, reliability and safety of
hydrocarbon operations.
The primary emphasis in safety engineering is to reduce risk to human life and
environment. The broad tools attempt to minimize the chances of accidents
occurring. Yet, there always exists, no matter how remote, that small
probability of a major accident occurring. If the accident involves
hydrocarbons in sufficient large quantities, the consequences may be serious
to the project, to surrounding area and the population therein.
Derrick floor is the center stage of all the drilling operations and it is most
susceptible to accidents. Safety precautions with utmost care are required to be
taken during drilling as per the prevailing regulations and practices so that
accidents can be avoided. Due to advancement in technology, a number of
equipments have been developed over a period of time to cater the need of
smooth operation on derrick floor. Various standards are required to be
referred to cover the variety of equipments used for safe operation in drilling
and it is desirable to use a properly prepared manual for occupational safety
while working or drilling over a rig. Since drilling of wells is to be carried out
by an expert external agency, safety system for drilling rigs and safe working
conditions and practices to be adopted during drilling operations and those

6-2
related to drill stem test, well completion by perforation and well testing and
activation are not discussed in this section. Safety systems for exploratory
production testing are discussed only briefly in this section because the same
will be carried out at each exploratory drilling location. It may, however, be
noted that well testing and exploratory production of hydrocarbons require
proper analysis of hazards involved in production testing operations and
preparation of an appropriate emergency control plan.
6.1.2 IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARDS
PRODUCTION TESTING OPERATIONS
IN
DRILLING
AND
Various hazards associated with drilling and testing operations of

hydrocarbons are briefly described in following sub-sections.
6.1.2.1 Minor Oil Spill
A minor oil spill is confined within the well site area. The conditions which
can result in minor oil spill are as follows:
Diesel Fuel Storage System: Oil spillage from tanker unloading, leaking
valves, lines and storage tank.
Exploration or Testing Well Site: Drill stem testing leading to an oil

spillage from lines, valves, separator and tank failure.
During the well testing operation, there exists a possibility of hydrocarbon

gases being released from a failure upstream of crude stabilization facilities at
the exploratory drilling location. Once the flow of oil from well is stopped,
then on-site access for clean-up is possible. If flow from well can not be
stopped, a blowout situation exists.
6.1.2.2 Major Oil Spill
Significant hydrocarbon inventories will not be maintained at a well site since
only exploratory production testing is involved at present for 5 to 10 days at
each well site. A major spill can, therefore, only arise as a result of an
uncontrolled flow from a well either during drilling or exploratory production
test resulting from a failure of the surface equipment.
For this to occur would require a combination of mechanical damage, such as,
ruptured flow line coupled with failure of the emergency shut down (ESD)
system. Oil is produced with some associated gas, therefore, an oil spill arising

6-3
from a failure of the surface equipment upstream of the crude stabilization
facilities will result in the release to atmosphere of hydrocarbon vapours
together with oil droplets in the form of a mist.
Provided that ignition does not take place and the well head is not obstructed
the well can be shut in manually at the wellhead. If ignition occurs or other
damage prevents access to the wellhead then a blowout situation exists and
appropriate measures must be implemented.
6.1.2.3 Blowout
Blowout means uncontrolled violent escape of hydrocarbon fluids from a well.
Blowout followed by ignition which prevents access to the wellhead is a major
hazard. Contributors to blowout are:
Primary
Failure to keep the hole full;
Mud weight too low;
Swabbing during trips;
Lost circulation; and
Failure of differential fill-up equipment.
Secondary
Failure to detect and control a kick as quickly as possible;
Mechanical failure of BOP;
Failure to test BOP equipment properly;
Damage to or failure of wellhead equipment;
Failure of casing; and
Failure of formation or cement bond around casing.
If the hydrostatic head exerted by the column of drilling fluid is allowed to

drop below the formation pressure then formation fluids will enter the
wellbore (this is known as a kick) and a potential blowout situation has
developed.
Fast and efficient action by operating personnel in recognizing the above
situations and taking precautionary measure can avert a blowout.
6.1.2.4 Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)

6-4
Hydrogen sulphide gas (H2S) is extremely toxic, even very low concentrations
can be lethal depending upon the duration of exposure. Without any warning,
H2S may render victims unconscious and death can follow shortly afterwards.
In addition, it is corrosive and can lead to failure of the drill string or other
tubular components in a well. Fortunately, crude oil and natural gas is likely to
be sweet, that is, without any sulphur compounds including H2S in the block
area. However, following safety measures may become necessary as and when
H2S is detected while drilling and testing the exploratory wells in the block
area and these are presented.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA regulations) has set a 10 ppm
ceiling for an eight hourly continuous exposure (TWA limit), a 15 ppm
concentration for short term exposure limit for 15 minutes (STEL) and a peak
exposure of 50 ppm for 10 minutes for H2S.
Important characteristics of H2S gas are given in the Table 6.1.
6.1.3 CONTROL MEASURES FOR MAJOR HAZARDS
Out of four hazards described in Sub-sections 6.1.2.1 to 6.1.2.4, occurrence of
(a) blowout and (b) sour gas (H2S) are the two major hazards. Occurrence of
H2S along with oil and gas, if detected in any well, is the major hazard during
exploratory production testing of the well. Control measures for occurrence of
blowout and H2S gas are discussed in following sub-sections:
6.1.3.1 Blowout
The precautionary and control measures used for blowout prevention are
discussed below:
A.
Precaution Against Blowout
1. The following control equipments for drilling mud system shall
be
installed and kept in use during drilling operations to prevent the blowout:
A pit level indicator registering increase or reduction in the drilling

mud volume and shall include a visual and audio warning device near
the driller stand.
A device to accurately measure the volume of mud required to keep the

well filled at all times.

6-5
A gas detector or explosimeter at the primary shale shaker and

connected to audible or visual alarm near the driller stand.
A device to ensure filling of well with mud when the string is being
pulled out.
A control device near driller stand to close the mud pump when well
kicks.
2. Blowout prevention drill shall be carried out once every week near the
well during drilling.
3. Suitable control valves shall be kept available near the well which can be
used in case of emergency to control the well.
4. When running in or pulling out tubing, gate valve and tubing hanger shall
be pre- assembled and kept readily available at the well.
B.
Precaution after Blowout
On appearance of any sign indicating the blowout of well, all persons, other
than those whose presence is deemed necessary for controlling blowout, shall
be withdrawn from the well.
During the whole time while any work of controlling a blowout is in progress,
the following precautions shall be taken:
1. A competent person shall be present on the spot throughout.
2. An area within the 500 meters of the well in the down wind direction shall
be demarcated as danger zone.
All electrical installations shall be de-energized.
Approved safety lamps or torches shall only be used within the danger
zone.
No naked light or vehicular traffic shall be permitted within the danger

zone.
3. A competent person shall ascertain the condition of ventilation and

presence of gases with an approved instrument as far as safety of persons
is concerned.

6-6
4. There shall be available at or near the place, two approved type of self
containing breathing apparatus or any other breathing apparatus of
approved type for use in an emergency.
5. Adequate fire fighting equipment shall be kept readily available for
immediate use.
C.
Blowout Preventor Assembly
To prevent the blow out during drilling operations following steps are taken:
1. After the surface casing is set in a well no drilling shall be carried out
unless blowout preventor assembly is securely installed and maintained.
2. Blowout preventor assembly shall consist of :
On bag type of preventor for closing regardless whether drilling

equipment is in the hole or not.
One blind ram preventor closing against an open hole.
One pipe ram preventor closing against drill pipe in use in the hole.
3. In blow out preventor assembly, there shall be provided two seamless steel
pipes at least 50 mm of diameter connected below each set of blow out
preventor one for bleeding off pressure and the other for killing the well.
These pipes shall be straight and lead directly in the well.
4. Each pipeline shall consist of component having a working pressure equal
to that of the blowout preventor.
D.
Blowout Preventor (BOP) Control Units: Location and Conditions
1. BOP control units should be located at a distance of nearly 30 m from well

center.
2. Status of following should be checked and maintained in good condition:
E.
Pressure Gauges;
Pressure steel lines/fire resistant hoses;
Level of hydraulic oil;
Charging of unit; and
Availability of sufficient number of charged bottles.

Control System for Blowout Preventors

6-7
1. All manual control for manually operated blowout preventor shall be
located at least 0.60 meters out side the derrick substructures. Instructions
for operating the controls shall be posted prominently near the control
wheel.
2. A control of power operated blowout preventor shall be located within
easy reach of driller floor:
3. A remote control panel for blowout preventors shall also be installed
around floor level at a safe distance from the derrick floor.
4. All control for blow out preventors shall be clearly identified with suitable
markers.
6.1.3.2 Control Measures for H2S During Drilling
The following control measures for H2S will become necessary if presence of
H2S is detected at an exploratory well.
A.
H2S Detection System Presence
A four channels H2S gas detection system should be provided. Sensors should
be positioned at optimum points for detection, actual locations being decided
on site but are likely to be:
Well Nipple
Rig Floor
Shaker header tank
Substructure cellar
The detection system should be connected to an audio visual (siren and lights)
alarm system. This system should be set to be activated at a concentration of
15 ppm H2S.
The mud logging will have a completely independent detection system which
is connected to an alarm in the cabin. This system will be adjusted to sound an
alarm at a concentration level of 10 ppm H2S as suggested in the Drilling and
Production Safety Code for Onshore Operators issued by The Institute of
Petroleum.
A stock of H2S scavenger will be kept ready at drilling site for emergency use.

6-8
B.
Small Levels of H2S
Small levels of H2S (less than 10 ppm) will not activate the well site alarms.
Such levels do not create an immediate safety hazard but could be a first
indication of high levels of H2S to follow.
H2S will cause a sudden drop of mud pH. The mud man will, therefore,
organize and supervise continuous pH checks while drilling. Checks should be
as frequent as required depending on ROP and always made following a
formation change.
Following control measures will be taken in case of small level of detection:
Add H2S scavenger to mud.
Check H2S levels at regular intervals for possible increase.
Inform all personnel of the rig about the presence of H2S and current wind
direction.
Commence operations in pairs.
Render sub base and cellar out-of-bounds without further checking levels
in this area.
C.
High Levels of H2S
Higher levels of H2S (greater than 10 ppm) do not necessarily cause an

immediate safety hazard. However some risk does exist and, therefore, any
levels grater than 10 ppm should be treated in the same manner. Occurrence
of 10 ppm or greater H2S concentration will sound an alarm in the mud
logging unit.
If higher levels of H2S greater than 10 ppm are found, following steps will be
taken:
One pre-assigned roughneck will go to doghouse and put on breathing

apparatus. All other rig personnel will evacuate the rig and move in up-wind
direction to designated muster point.
Driller and roughneck will return to the rig floor and commence circulating
H2S scavenger slowly.

6-9
The level of H2S will be checked in all work areas. H2S scavenger will be
added to the mud and circulated. If H2S levels drop, drilling will be continued
with scavenger in the mud. Approximately 30 % of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
solution will neutralize H2S gas in the mud at 20 gallons of
H2O2 per 100
barrels of mud.
6.1.3.3 Control Measures for H2S During Production Testing
H2S scavenging chemicals (caustic soda solution, calcium hydroxide or iron
oxide slurry) are to be continuously injected in the recovered gas/oil/formation
water after pressure reduction through choke before sending the same to
separator, if H2S is detected during drilling of any exploratory well.
6.1.4 FIRE FIGHTING FACILITY
As per Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) Standard, August 2000, for the
drilling rigs and well testing following fire fighting system/equipments should
be provided:
Fire water system; and
First aid fire fighting system.
6.1.4.1 Fire Water System
One water tank/pit of minimum capacity of 50 kl should be located at the

approach of the drilling site.
For production testing, one additional tank/pit of 50 kl should be provided.
One diesel engine driven trailer fire pump of capacity 1800 lpm should be
placed at the approach area of drilling site.
One fire water distribution single line with minimum 4 size pipe/casing
should be installed at drilling site with a minimum distance of 15 m from
the well.
6.1.4.2 First Aid Fire Fighting Equipments at Drilling Rig

6-10
Portable fire extinguisher will be installed as per IS: 2190 on the drilling rig.
The minimum quantities of fire extinguishers at various locations should be
provided as per the following:
Sl.
Type of Area
Portable Fire Extinguisher
1.
Derrick floor
2 nos. 10 kg DCP type extinguisher
2.
Main Engine Area
1 no. 10 kg DCP type extinguisher for each

engine
3.
Electrical motor/pumps 1 no. 10 kg DCP type extinguisher

for water circulation
for mud pump
4.
Mud gunning pump
5.
Electrical
1 no.10 kg DCP type extinguisher
Control 1 no. 6.8 kg CO2 type extinguisher for each
Room
unit
6.
Mud mixing tank area
1 no. 10 kg DCP type extinguisher
7.
Diesel storage area
1 no. 50 lit mechanical foam

2 nos. 10 kg DCP type extinguisher
2 nos. sand bucket or sand drum with
spade
8.
Lube Storage Area

1 no. sand bucket
9.
Air Compressor area
10.
Fire pump area
11.
Near
Office
12.
Dill
In-charge One fire extinguisher/shed with 3 nos. 10 kg

DCP type extinguisher and 2 sand buckets
Fire bell near bunk 1 no. 10 kg DCP type extinguisher

house

6-11
6.2
FIRE
FIGHTING
EQUIPMENTS
FOR
PRODUCTION
TESTING FACILITIES
During production testing for an exploratory well, pressure control Christmas
tree at well head to test the well at a controlled rate is placed. A flare pit is to
be kept ready at a suitable place away from the exploration well at a safe
distance as per safety requirement for ground flaring of associated gas
especially in case of gas strike.
A temporary closed grid hydrant system with monitors, hydrant points and fire
hose boxes should be installed to cover the exploratory well as per the need.
Portable fire extinguishers of DCP, mechanical foam and CO2 types of
sufficient capacity and in sufficient numbers along with sand buckets should
be placed at strategic locations at the exploratory drilling location.
Electrical and manual siren systems should be provided close to the
exploratory production testing facility at the exploratory well. Electrically
operated siren of 2000 to 3000 m range along with push buttons at appropriate
location to operate the same should be installed and a manual siren of 1000 m
range should also be available at the exploratory well site for emergency use.
Adequate personal protective equipments including sufficient number of
breathing apparatus are to be kept ready in proper working condition.
It may be noted that the fire station may not be available anywhere near the
exploratory well site in the block area except at major towns, namely, Aizawl
and Serchhip. But these fire stations may require at least to 1 hour to reach
exploratory drilling well location to provide meaningful assistance. It is,
therefore, necessary that adequate fire fighting facilities are kept in operating
condition at the exploratory well site to take care of any emergency.
Assistance for fire fighting can also be taken, if required, from following fire
stations located within 100 km distance from Mizoram block MZ-ONN2004/1:
1. Serchhip Fire Station, Mizoram
2. Aizawl Fire Station, Mizoram
For further assistance in an emergency, General Manager (NEF Project) at
Duliajan can also be contacted on telephone No. 0374-2800405.

6-12
6.3
MEDICAL FACILITES
Eventhough negligible accident occurs during drilling and production testing

at the well site since observation of necessary safety requirements has to be
strictly followed. However, first aid should be made available at the drilling
site and a 24 hour standby vehicle (ambulance) should also be available at the
well site for quick transfer of any injured personnel to the nearest hospital, in
case an accident occurs and medical emergency arises.
6.4
QUANTATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT
Quantitative risk assessment (QRA) is a formal systemized approach for

hazards identification and ranking. The final rating number provides a relative
ranking of the hazards. Fire and Explosion Index (F&EI) is an important
technique employed for hazards identification process. Consequence analysis
then quantifies the vulnerable zone for a conceived incident. Once vulnerable
zone is identified for an incident, measures can be formulated to eliminate or
reduce damage to plant and potential injury to personnel.
6.4.1 FIRE AND EXPLOSION INDEX & TOXICITY INDEX
Rapid ranking of hazard of an entire installation, if it is small, or a portion of
it, if it is large, is often done to obtain a quick assessment of degree of the risk
involved. The Dow Fire and Explosion Index (F&EI) and Toxicity Index (TI)
are the most popular methods for Rapid Hazard Ranking. These are based on a
formal systematized approach, mostly independent of judgemental factors, for
determining the relative magnitude of the hazards in an installation using
hazardous (inflammable, explosive and toxic) materials.
The steps involved in the determination of the F&EI and TI are:
Selection of a pertinent process unit
Determination of the Material Factor (MF)
Determination of the Toxicity Factor (Th)
Determination of the Supplement to Maximum Allowable Concentration

(Ts)
Determination of the General Process Hazard Factor (GPH)

6-13
Determination of the Special Process Hazard Factor (SPH)
Determination of the F&EI value
Determination of the TI value
Determination of the Exposure Area
6.4.1.1 Hazardous Material Identification Methodology

From the preliminary appraisal of Material Safety Data Sheet, it is observed
that both crude oil and natural gas are inflammable and hazardous.
Furthermore, three phase separator (TPS) containing gas, oil and water may
operate at above atmospheric temperature and large quantity (20 kl) of HSD
will be stored at the drilling site. In view of hazards associated with TPS
operation and large storage inventory (20 kl) of HSD, F&EI and TI values
have been computed for these two units, TPS and HSD storage tanks.
In general, the higher is the value of material factor (MF), the more
inflammable and explosive is the material. Similarly, higher values of toxicity
factor (Th) and supplement to maximum allowable concentration (Ts) indicate
higher toxicity of the material. The tabulated values of MF, Th and Ts are
given in Dows Fire and Explosion Index Hazard Classification Guide. For
compounds not listed in Dow reference, MF can be computed from the
knowledge of flammability and reactivity classification, Th can be computed
from the knowledge of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Index
and Ts can be obtained from the knowledge of maximum allowable
concentration (MAC) values. The MF, Th and Ts values are respectively 16, 0
and 50 for crude oil, 21, 0 and 50 for natural gas, and 10, 0 and 50 for HSD.
General process hazards (GPH) are computed by adding the penalties applied
for the various process factor.
Special process hazards (SPH) are computed by adding the penalties applied
for the process and natural factors.
Both General process hazards and Special process hazards corresponding to
various process and natural factors are used with MF to compute F&EI value
and with Th and Ts to compute TI value.

6-14
6.4.1.2 F&EI Computation
F&EI value computed for TPS and CTT from GPH and SPH values using the
following formula are given in Table 6.1:
F&EI = MF x [1 + GPH (total)] x [1 + SPH (total)]
6.4.1.3 Toxicity Index (TI)

Toxicity index (TI) is computed from toxicity factor (Th) and supplement to
maximum allowable concentrations (Ts) using the following relationship:
TI = (Th + Ts) x [1 + GPH (total) + SPH (total)]/100
Table 6.2 also gives the toxicity index (TI) value for two units considered
most hazardous at drilling site operational area.
6.4.1.4 Hazards Ranking
Table 6.3 gives the hazard ranking based on F&EI values and also on toxicity
index values. Table 6.2 shows that for the two process units analyzed, the
largest F&EI (48.51) and TI value (1.48) are obtained respectively for TPS in
exploratory production testing area and HSD tank (20 kl) in fuel storage area.
Therefore, both areas have Light Hazard Potential based on F&EI and Low
Hazard Potential based on TI values.
In the present case since hazard potential is light/low, there is no cause for any
concern.
6.4.2
CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS
Consequence analysis quantifies vulnerable zone for a conceived incident and

once the vulnerable zone is identified for an incident, measures can be
proposed to eliminate damage to plant and potential injury to personnel. For
consequence analysis both units chosen for hazards analysis are considered.
The following likely scenarios considered for hazard analysis
1. Rupture of one of the nozzle of HSD storage tank in fuel storage area.

6-15
2. Bursting / catastrophic rupture of a three phase separator (TPS) at
exploratory production testing area.
indicates that these incidents have light/low hazards potential and also have
<10-6 per tank per year frequency of occurrence which will be reduced further
by OIL by ensuring safe design and operating procedures. Therefore, detailed
calculations for vulnerable zone analysis are not considered necessary. It may,
however, be noted that the vulnerable zones for these accident scenarios are
unlikely to extend beyond 40 m from HSD tank dyke or BLEVE fire ball
boundary and, therefore, may not extend much beyond the drilling area plinth
boundary for each of the exploratory well proposed for drilling and testing
during 2007-14 period. Furthermore, well testing is planned for a maximum of
5 to 10 days at each locations, therefore, chances of TPS rupture is further
reduced.
6.4.2.1 Conclusions
Quantitative risk analysis presented above leads to following conclusions:
Storage of HSD in 20 kl HSD storage tank area has a computed F&EI

value of 37.60 and TI value of 1.48 and, therefore, indicates light fire and
explosion hazard as well as low toxicity hazard.
Operation in three phase separator in testing area has a computed F&EI

value of 48.51 and TI value of 1.10 and, therefore, indicates light fire and
explosion hazard as well as low toxicity hazard.
6.4.2.2 Recommendations for Risk Reduction
Hydrocarbon vapour concentration detector should be installed at some

critical locations near three phase separator. Lower flammability limits
(LFL) and upper flammability limits (UFL) for some gaseous
hydrocarbons are as under:
Compound
LFL (% in air)
UFL (% in air)
Methane
5.0
15.0
Ethane
3.0
12.5
Propane
2.1
9.5
Butane
1.6
8.4

6-16
Smoke sensors and thermal detectors may be installed at HSD storage tank
area.
Proper fire fighting system (hydrant and fire extinguishers) must be

provided for drilling rig, exploratory testing and fuel storage area.
Proper deluge system should be provided to all critical units, such as, three
phase separator, HSD storage tank and crude oil storage test tank to avoid
cascading effect of fire.

6-17
Table 6.1: Characteristics of H2S Gas
1. H2S is a toxic colourless gas heavier than air.
2. It has an odour of rotten eggs but see point 6 below.
3. In concentrations greater than 100 ppm, it will cause loss of senses in 3 to 15
minutes and death within 48 hours.
4. In concentrations greater than 600 ppm death occurs in less than 2 minutes.
5. The safe concentration for a normal working period without protection is 10
ppm.
6. In concentration greater than 10 ppm, the oil factory sense to smell the gas is
lost, the need for detectors is apparent.
7. It attacks the body through the respiratory organs.
8. It dissolves in the blood and attacks through the nervous system.
9. It is very irritating for the eyes as it forms sulphurous acid together with water.
10. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) sets a 10 ppm ceiling for an
8 (eight) hour continuous exposure (TWA limit), a limit of 15 ppm for short
term exposure limit for 15 minutes (STEL) and a peak exposure concentration
of 50 ppm for 10 minutes.
11. The best protection is breathing apparatus, with mask covering the whole face
and a bottle containing breathing air.
12. It burns with a blue flame to sulphur dioxide which is almost as dangerous as
H2S.
13. It forms an explosive mixture with air at concentrations from 4% to 46%.
14. Short exposure of high tensile steel to as little as 1 ppm in aqueous solution
can cause failures.
15. Concentrations greater than 15 ppm can cause failure to steel harder than
Rockwell C-22. High stress levels and corrosive environments accelerate
failures.
16. When pH is above 9 and solubility is relatively high, it is readily soluble in
mud and especially in oil muds.
17. The compressibility factor (Z) is higher than that for natural gas and H2S will
thus expand at rather lower pressures; or further up in the bore hole than
natural gas.

6-18
18. A 35% hydrogen peroxide solution will neutralize H2S gas in the mud or 20
gallons of H2O2 per 100 barrels of mud.
19. It occurs together with natural gas in all oil provinces of the world.
20. In characteristic H2S gas areas concentration above 42% in natural gas have
been reported.
21. H2S may also be formed in significant amounts from the degradation of
modified lignosulphonates at temperatures exceeding 4000F or 2040C.
22. Coughing, eye burning and pain, throat irritation, and sleepiness are observed
from exposure to low concentrations of H2S.
23. Exposure to high concentrations of H2S produces systems such as panting,
pallor, cramps, paralysis of the pupil and loss of speech. This is generally
followed by immediate loss of consciousness. Death may occur quickly from
respiratory and cardiac paralysis.
Table 6.2: Determination of the Fire and Explosion Index and of the Toxicity
Index
Crude Oil/Natural
HSD
Gas in Three Phase Storage
Separator
Tanks
16/21
10
MATERIAL FACTOR (MF)
GENERAL PROCESS HAZARDS (GPH)
Exothermic Reactions (Condensation/Hydrolysis)
Endothermic Reactions
Material Handling and Transfer
0.50
Process Units within a Building
Centrifuging
Limited Access
Poor Drainage
0.10
0.10
Add: GPH(total)
0.10
0.60
[(1+GPH(total)] x Material Factor = sub-factor
23.1
16.0
0.25
0.25
SPECIAL PROCESS HAZARDS (SPH)

Process Temperature (use highest penalty only)
-
above flash point

6-19
-
above boiling point
above auto ignition
Low Pressure (atmospheric/sub-atmospheric)

-
Hazard of Peroxide Formation
Hydrogen Collection Systems
Vacuum Distillation at less than 0.67 bar abs.
Storage of Flammable Liquids and LPGs

outdoor
Reliance on Instrumentation and/or Air
Purging to stay out Flammable Range
Always in Flammable Range
0.50
Operating Pressure
Low Temperature
Between 0 and 30 deg. C
Below 30 deg. C
0.65
0.50
Corrosion and Erosion
0.10
--
Leakage joints and packing
0.10
0.10
Add: SPH
1.1
1.35
48.51
37.60
(Th)
(Ts)
50
50
1.10
1.48
Operation in or near Flammable Range

-
Quantity of Flammable Material

-
In Process
Storage
[(1+SPH(total)] x sub-factor = F&EI

TOXICITY INDEX TI
Toxicity
Factor
(Ts + Th)
---------- x [(1 + GPH(total) + SPH(total)] =
100
Toxicity Index TI
Note
1.
The term process includes handling as well as storage.
2.
For a number of process hazard the penalty to be used is fixed and can be taken
from the preceding column penalty.

6-20
Table 6.3: Hazard Ranking

I.
Based on Dow Fire and Explosion Index (F & EI)

F & EI Value
II.
Hazard Ranking
1-60
Light
61-96
Moderate
97-127
Intermediate
128-158
Heavy
159-up
Severe
Based on Toxicity Index (TI)

TI Value
Hazard Ranking
< 6
Low
6 10
Moderate
10 up
High
Table 6.4: Tolerable Radiation Intensities For Various Objects

Object
Drenched Tank
Tolerable Radiation
Intensity (kW/m2)
38
Special Buildings (No windows, fire

proof doors)
25
Normal Buildings
14
Vegetation
10-12
Escape Route
6 (upto 30 seconds)
Personnel in Emergencies
6 (upto 30 seconds)
Plastic Cables
Stationary Personnel
2
1.5

6-21
Table 6.5: Damage Due to Incident Radiation Intensity

Incident Radiation
Intensity (kW/m2)
Type of Damage
62
Spontaneous ignition of wood
38
Sufficient to cause damage to process equipment
25
Minimum energy required to ignite wood at infinitely long

exposure (non piloted)
12.5
Minimum energy required for piloted ignition of wood,

melting of plastic tubing, etc.
4.5
Sufficient to cause pain to personnel unable to reach cover

within 20 seconds, blistering of skin (1st degree burns) is
likely.
1.5
Will cause no discomfort for exposure upto 60 seconds.

7-1
CHAPTER 7: DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
7.1
INTRODUCTION
For meeting the emergencies caused by major accidents, planning response

strategies are termed as Disaster Management Plans (DMPs). DMPs cannot
be considered in isolation or act as a substitute for maintaining good safety
standards in a plant. The best way to protect against major accidents
occurrence is by maintaining very high levels of safety standards.
Generally, the following five phases are involved in an emergency:
Discovery and Notification: An event with an imminent threat of turning into
an accident must first be discovered and the discoverer quickly notifies the
same to the plant safety officer.
Evaluation and Accident Control Initiation: Based on the evaluation of

available information, the safety officer makes a rapid assessment of the
severity of the likely accident and initiates the best course of action.
Containment and Counter Measures: Action is first taken to contain

and control the accident by eliminating the causes which may lead to the
spread of accident. Measures are also taken to minimize the damage to
personnel, property and environment.
Cleanup and Disposal: After the accident is effectively contained and

controlled, the cleanup of the site of the accident and safe disposal of
waste generated due to the accident are undertaken.
Documentation: All aspects of accidents, including the way it started and

progressed as well as the steps taken to contain and the extent of the
damage and injury, must be documented for subsequent analysis of
accident for prevention in future, damage estimation, insurance recovery
and compensation payment. It may be noted that some aspects of
documentation, such as, photographs of the site of accident and main
objects involved in the accident, survey for damage estimation, etc. may
have to be carried out before the cleanup and disposal phase. However,
the effort in all cases is to recommence the operation as soon as possible.

7-2
7.2
CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAM OF OIL
OIL has developed on site and off site emergency plan. These plans will
consider linkages with local administration, local communities, Forest and
Wildlife Departments and other operators in the area to provide necessary
support to OIL to manage the emergency and also to disseminate information
on the hazards associated with the emergency.
OIL already has a competent and well trained Crisis Management Team
constituted at its NEF Project Office at Duliajan and the same can take control
of the situation at drilling site in Mizoram block, if necessary, soon after
receiving the information from drill site. Contact person and telephone number
at Duliajan for any emergency are:
General Manager (NEF Project), Duliajan
Telephone No.: 0374-2800405
Oil will set up emergency response team in Mizoram

Even though OIL follows well formulated safety guidelines and emergency
response procedures as per the detailed regulations given in the Oil Mines
Regulation 1984 and Oil Industry Safety Directorate Standard 2000, but it is
still considered appropriate to provide a brief outline of a desirable on-site
Disaster Management Plan (DMP) to augment the procedures followed by
OIL, if considered necessary. Proposed on site DMP is discussed in the
following sub-sections.
7.3
EMERGENCY CLASSIFICATION
Severity of accident and its likely impact area will determine the level of
emergency and the disaster management plan required for appropriate
handling of an emergency. Emergency levels and the action needed for each
level are indicated below:
7.3.1 Level 1 Emergency
A local accident with a likely impact only to immediate surroundings of
accident site, such as, local fires and limited release of inflammable material.
The impact distance may not be more than 15 m from the site of primary

7-3
accident and may require evacuation of the building/area where accident
occurred and utmost the adjacent building/area.
A major accident with potential threats to life and property upto 500 m
distance requiring the evacuation of all personnel from the threatened area
except the emergency response personnel. Larger fires, release of large
quantities of inflammable materials may belong to emergency level 2.
An accident involving a very serious hazard and with likely impact area
extending beyond 500 m from the operational area, that is, drilling area limits,
such as, major fire, very large release of inflammable material. Major fires
will usually have the triggering effect resulting in the propagation of
explosion. In a level 3 emergency, evacuation of population in villages, if any,
adjoining the operational area may sometime become necessary if threatened
area extend to populated village area adjoining the site of the primary accident
in a direction of maximum impact.
On-site Disaster Management Plan (DMP) will meet the hazards created due
to all Level 1 emergencies and most of the Level 2 emergencies. In addition to
on-site DMP, off-site DMP may also have to be put into operation for some
Level 2 and all Level 3 emergencies.
7.4
METHODOLOGY OF DMP PREPARATION
A DMP is usually prepared in two parts: On-site DMP and Off-site DMP. The
On-site DMP is administered by the owner or occupier of the hazardous
plant/installation, OIL in the present case. OIL management may seek the
assistance of other agencies, namely, fire brigade, police and health
authorities, if considered necessary. The Off-site DMP is normally
administered by the District Magistrate with the assistance of other relevant
authorities.
Luckily the maximum vulnerable zone may not extend much beyond
exploratory drilling and testing area due to BLEVE around TPS area and fire
around HSD storage area in a sparsely populated area around chosen drilling
locations. Therefore, Level 3 Emergency requiring evacuation of surrounding

7-4
village population is not applicable in case of drilling and testing area. Even
the Level 2 emergency is likely to be confined within a limited distance from
the TPS area and HSD storage area, the evacuation of personnel only from
affected area will be required. Even under the worst accident scenario,
evacuation of less than 30 persons may be involved and damage, if any, to
nearby installations is expected to remain confined within the operational area.
7.5
ON-SITE DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
7.5.1 Site Main Controller

Fig. 7.1 depicts the organizational setup for the on-site DMP. The Party Chief,
or the senior most officer in the absence of the Party Chief, will lead this
organization as the Site Main Controller (SMC). The SMC will have the
following two teams working under him:
Site Incident Controller Team
Auxiliary Team
7.5.2 The Site Incident Controller Team

This team will be lead by the Site Incident Controller (SIC) and will consist of
five supervisors and other supporting personnel. The Site Emergency
Controller, or in his absence the HSE Supervisor, will act as SIC. As far as
possible, the supervisors should be drawn from the unit in which the primary
accident has occurred.
7.5.3 The Auxiliary Team
This team will be lead by the Auxiliary Team Controller (ATC) and will
consist of five supervisors and other supporting personnel. The ManagerAdministration and Security, or in his absence Administrative Officer will act
as ATC.
7.5.4 Responsibilities of Site Main Controller (SMC)
The responsibilities of SMC will be as under:
Set up Emergency Control Centre (ECC) to direct emergency operations.
Determine the severity of an accident, declare appropriate emergency

level and changing the emergency level, if considered essential.
Exercise direct control of units not affected by accident.

7-5
Determine most probable course of events by continuously reviewing and

assessing the developments.
Direct the safe shutting down of the installations in consultation with SIC,
ATC and other important officers, if necessary.
Ensure proper evacuation and treatment to injured personnel.
Liaison with District Magistrate, Police, Fire Brigade and other agencies,
if necessary.
Maintain emergency logbook.
Issue authorized statements to media.
Look after safe operation of the plant and rehabilitation of affected

persons.
Declare all clear situation after the emergency is cover.
7.5.5 Responsibilities of Site Incident Controller (SIC)

The responsibilities of SIC be as under:
Assess the severity of the accident.
Initiate emergency actions to ensure the safety of personnel and minimum

damage to the installations and material.
Direct rescue and fire fighting operation.
Search for casualties.
Evacuation of non-essential personnel to assembly area.
Setup communication with SMC and ATC.
Look after the responsibilities of SMC in his absence.
Give information and advice to external emergency services working at

the site.
7.5.6 Responsibilities of Auxiliary Team Controller (ATC)

The responsibilities of ATC will be as under:
Provide all possible services to SIC so as to enable him to concentrate

fully to handle the emergency.
Provide first aid to injured persons.
Evacuate seriously injured persons to hospitals.
Ensure safe shut down of the installations, if necessary.

7-6
Direct precautionary measures to eliminate propagation of accident in

unaffected areas.
Ensure availability of water, power, necessary equipments and materials

for tackling emergency.
Organize an efficient communication system within the project site and

between project site and outside agencies.
Regulate movement of emergency services in and out of the operational

area.
7.5.7 Responsibilities of SIC Supervisors

Five SIC supervisors will have the following responsibilities:
S1 -
Control of emergency including fire fighting
S2 -
Search, rescue and evacuation.
S3 -
Communication with Emergency Control Centre.
S4 -
Liaison with external emergency services, if required.
S5 -
Available for deployment as per the need.
7.5.8 Responsibilities of ATC Supervisors

A1 -
First aid to injured personnel.
A2 -
Evacuation of seriously injured persons to hospital.
A3 -
Ensure safe shut down of the installations and take steps to prevent
propagation of accident.
A4 -
Ensure availability of critical facilities, equipments and materials for

tackling emergency.
A5 -
Communication within the plant and with outside agencies.
7.5.9 Warning System

A high pitch warning system may be installed at exploratory drilling and
testing site for announcing the emergency and giving the all clear signal. SMC
will declare the emergency level and operational personnel and, if necessary,

7-7
public in surrounding villages will be notified about the nature of the
emergency by using alarm system in the following manner:
Level 1 Emergency Single beep every five seconds
Level 2 Emergency Double beep every five seconds
Level 3 Emergency Continuous wailing of alarm
7.5.10 Emergency Plan Initiation
On declaration of emergency, SMC, SIC and ATC will take charge in their
respective control rooms and confer with one another about the best way to
deal with the emergency. Emergency response personnel will report to their
respective control centers and immediately take charge of their duties as
enumerated in Sections 7.5.4 to 7.5.8. It is of paramount importance that the
measures to contain and control the accident as well as those for rescue and
evacuation are implemented immediately.
7.5.11 Emergency Procedures
7.5.11.1 Level 1 Emergencies
Accident is small and isolated and may not require the shut down of any
installation/unit at the drilling/testing site. Effort shall be made to arrest its
propagation. Level 1 fire may be extinguished with water, sand, earth or fire
extinguishers. Level 1 hazardous chemical release, if any, can be contained
and controlled quickly without requiring shut down of any installation/unit or
the evacuation of persons working in the affected area.
The affected unit will be brought to a safe shut down while continuing
emergency supplies of water and power. Level 2 fires will be extinguished by
mobilizing fire tenders and foam extinguishers. Level 2 hazardous chemical
release, if any, will require evacuation of personnel including those working in
downwind direction towards upwind or cross wind direction to minimize the
injurious effect of hazardous gas release.

7-8
Level 3 emergencies are not applicable to drilling and testing operational area
as indicated in Section 7.3.
7.5.12 Accident Site Clean Up
While cleaning the site after explosion and fire accidents, care shall be taken
against the probability of fire of flammable material lying buried in the debris
of fire accident. Information regarding the cleaning up of spills of hazardous
materials, if used, is available in material safety data sheets.
7.5.13 Emergency Response Personnel Safety
All emergency response personnel from the OIL and outside agencies shall
enter the accident site under instruction of SIC. These persons shall invariably
wear appropriate protective gear, such as, fire suits, helmets, boots, respirators
and gas masks, before entering the accident site.
7.6
ALL CLEAR SIGNAL AND PUBLIC STATEMENT
For Level 1 and 2 emergencies Site Main Controller will authorize an all clear
signal in the form of long high pitched alarm with intermittent pauses, say,
two minutes alarm followed by one minute pause repeatedly. Public
statements regarding the emergency will be issued only by SMC.

8-1
CHAPTER 8: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
8.1
INTRODUCTION
After the Environmental Impact Assessment process of the proposed

exploratory drilling and assessment testing operations for the wells, it is
essential to identify project specific actions for implementation during
exploratory drilling and assessment testing operations. These actions are
compiled in the form of an Environment Management Plan (EMP) which
delineates the mitigation measures. Though most of the environmental impacts
identified in the proposed exploratory drilling and assessment testing are
temporary and localized, project specific recommendations are given below
for implementation.
8.2
MITIGATIVE
MEASURES
FOR
MINIMISING
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
8.2.1 General Measures Required During Drilling and Assessment
Testing
The
following
environmental
management
requirements
are
to
be
implemented by the exploratory drilling and production testing personnel:

1. Cutting of trees/shrubs/tall grasses and damage to agricultural crops should
be avoided as far as possible.
2. Any loss of agricultural crops due to drilling activities should be
compensated.
3. Khawnglang Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the south-eastern part of the block
area and no drilling activity should be carried out by OIL in the same. In
the forested area chosen for drilling necessary approvals from Chief
Conservator of Forests, Mamit, Aizawl, Serchhip and Lunglei districts,
shall be taken for the entries into designed forest areas and felling of
minimum number of trees necessary for carrying out exploratory/appraisal
drilling at each location. Compensatory afforestation should also be
planned close to each drilling site through District Forest Departments as
per the statutory requirements.

8-2
4. Domestic waste water as well as food left-over and other organic solid
wastes generated in temporary camp facilities at operational area should be
disposed off in safe manner as per the approved procedures.
5. Appropriate arrangements should be made for sewage disposal for
maintaining hygienic conditions at temporary camp facilities site for
exploratory drilling and production testing personnel.
6. Plastic and other hazardous wastes, such as, spent batteries and waste oil,
should be disposed off as per approved safe procedures.
7. Transfer of HSD required for trucks/vehicles from storage tank or road
tanker should be leak proof to avoid contamination of soil by HSD.
8. Only HSD of low sulphur (0.25% maxm.) content should be used for DG
sets and vehicles needed during exploratory drilling and assessment testing
operations.
9. Persons working in high noise area should be advised to use ear
muffs/plugs.
10. Whenever ambient dust levels in work area become very high and above
the safe limit due to natural cause and/or exploratory drilling and testing
activities, workers should be encouraged to use dust mask.
11. Workers should not engage in hunting of any wild animal/bird for their
meat in the exploratory drilling and adjoining areas.
12. Local persons should be engaged preferably as unskilled and/or semiskilled labour during project period as far as possible.
8.2.2 Specific Measures Required During Exploratory Drilling and
Production Testing
The following environmental management measures are to be implemented by
exploratory drilling and assessment testing personnel:
1. Drilling discharges (rock cuttings) and wasted drilling fluid (WBM) shall
always be discharged in HDPE lined impervious shallow effluent pits to be
constructed near shale shaker of WBM treatment and recycling system at
drilling site.

8-3
2. On-shore discharge standards should always be met before discharging

any treated liquid effluent from effluent pits to nearby nullah/river. The
discharge should be at a controlled rate to ensure that the water quality of
the nullah/river as a result of discharge of treated effluents is not adversely
affected. The treated water from ETP will be recycled and will be used for
drilling activities.
3. Because of bedded nature fissility and high angle of dip there may be
requirement of grouting in the ETP pits to prevent leaching and
contamination of soil and water.
4. Consumption of water for drilling activities should be minimized which

will automatically minimize liquid effluent generation rate. Since the
drilling action will require huge amount of water and exploiting ground
water seems to be a difficult proposition and only viable option is to tap
the monsoonal flow by constructing a series of check dams along the
feeder channels.
5. Oil based mud, if used during emergency, should not be discharged in the
effluent pits. It should be stored in steel barrels and brought to the base
camp for proper disposal.
6. On completion of exploratory drilling and testing of the well, all drill
cuttings and other oily solid wastes after requisite treatment should be put
in HDPE lined effluent pit, covered on top with HDPE sheet and then with
a thick layer of soil and sealed to form a mound with proper slope to
prevent rainwater seepage and water source contamination in nearby area.
7. In order to avoid any adverse impact on populated areas of villages, it is
desirable to choose drilling locations at 500 m or more but in no case less
than 300 m from such an area.
8. Compensatory plantation through the district forest department should be
carried out if cutting of significant number of trees and shrubs at road side,
agricultural fields and community places becomes necessary.

8-4
8.2.3 Environmental Monitoring
Monitoring programme is summarized below and should be finalized in
consultation with Assam State Pollution Control Board to meet the
requirement during exploratory drilling/testing.
Sl. No. Description
1.
2.
Ambient Air
Quality
Water Quality
3.
Soil Quality
4.
Noise Level
Number
of
Locations
3 near
operational area
3 to 4 near
exploratory well
drilling
2 to 3 near
exploratory well
drilling
2 to 3 near
operational area
Parameter to be Frequency
Monitored
As per MPCB and Quarterly
CPCB guidelines
CPCB guidelines
CPCB guidelines
CPCB guidelines
Post project monitoring programme will depend upon the techno-commercial

viability of hydrocarbons production from the exploratory well. If economic
quantities of hydrocarbons are not found, then the drilled well will be plugged,
clearly identified at site and abandoned after reinstating the drilling site to its
near original condition and handing over the same to its owner. Until such
time, the monitoring programme summarized above will continue by OIL. If
economic quantities of hydrocarbons are found, the well will be suspended
with a well head/X-mas tree in place, but all other equipment and material will
be removed from the site. HDPE lined Secured Pits will be covered with a top
HDPE liner of 1500 microns. The pit will then be backfilled with minimum of
300 mm compacted layer of local top soil to seal the pits as per the regulatory
requirement. Further monitoring programme will be decided on the basis of
further drilling requirement for hydrocarbons production in the area after
obtaining environmental clearance for developmental activities from MoEF.
8.2.4 Occupational Health Surveillance Programme

8-5
Exploration and production (E&P) activities do not have any specific
occupational health hazards and OIL has proposed to provide health
surveillance programme for the officers and workers engaged for exploratory
drilling/testing operations consisting of the following:
1. General Health Check-up.
2. Health Awareness Instructions and Suggestions.

9-1
CHAPTER 9: CONSULTANTS ENGAGED

Environmental Impact Assessment study for proposed EXPLORATORY DRILLING IN
BLOCK MZ-ONN-2004/1(MIZORAM) of OIL INDIA LTD. DULIAJAN, ASSAM was
conducted by GREEN TECH Environmental Engineer & Consultants, Assam(Sl.No.165 of
QCI/NABET List of Applicants). GREENTECH Environmental Engineer & Consultants was
set up in the year 1997-98 to fill up the need of environmental parameter monitoring services.
The organization started its activities from Sivasagar town in the upper Assam district of
Sivasagar and later set up a branch office in Guwahati during 2000-2001. GREENTECH
Environmental Engineer & Consultants is offering Environmental Consultancy Services in
different sectors spread over the entire North Eastern states. The following personnel were
involved in preparing the present report:
SL. NO.
NAME
QUALIFICATION
Mr. Pranjal Buragohain
BE (Civil)
Dr.(Mrs.) Belinda Lahon Buragoahin
PhD (Science)
Mr. Soumyendra Nath Dutta
M.Sc. (Agri. Botany)
Mr. Paresh Chandra Baruah
BE (Chemical)
Dr. Ratul Mahanta
PhD (Social Science)
Mr. K. G. Dev Krori
BE (Civil)
Mr. Khira Saikia
BE (Chemical)
Mr. Devendra Nath Kalita
BE (Civil)
Mr. Himanshu Phukan
BE (Chemical)
10
Dr. Debraj Das
PhD (Economics)
11
Mr. Sanjib Rajkhowa
B.Sc. (Geology)
12
Mr. Rupam Baruah
B.Sc. (Chemistry)
13
Mr. Abhijit Rajkonwar
HS

9-1
TABLE 4.4 WATER QUALITY IN THE STUDY AREA
Sl. No.
Characteristics
Unit
Ground Water
FROM PUBLIC WATER
POINT CONSTRUCTED BY Darlung Road
SOIL DEPARTMENT
N 230 30 18"
0
0
N 23 41 41" E92 5346"
E 920 37 24"
(Road KEIFANG to AIZAL)
GW1
GW2
Surface Water
Turial River in Turial

(N 230 43 39" E92 48.214)
Tlawng
(N 230 31 3 2"
E 920 38 18")
River
SW1
SW2
Colourless
Colourless
1.
Colour
--
Colourless
Colourless
2.
Odour
--
Odourless
Odourless
3.
4.
pH
Total Hardness (as
CaCO3)
Iron
Chlorides as Cl
Total Dissolved Solids
(TDS)
Calcium as Ca
Magnesium as Mg
Sulphate as SO4
Nitrate as NO3
Total Alkalinity as CaCO3
Phosphate as PO4
Dissolved Oxygen
BOD
Total Suspended Solids
(TSS)
--
6.9
7.2
6.9
7.78
mg/l
116
124
62.5
92
mg/l
mg/l
0.26
36.9
0.21
39.8
.12
12.6
.14
16
mg/l
166
188
102
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
mg/l
19.2
16.6
2.5
.321
110
0.29
1.4
3.2
22.4
16.6
5.8
.264
120
0.30
1.64
2.8
9.66
8.34
4.4
.198
86.8
.075
6.4
1.1
9.36
14.6
3.6
.136
59.8
.05
6.2
2.4
mg/l
40
24
112
54.4
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
16.
17.
18.
20.
Water samples were collected on 7th & 8th April 2011
Odourless
Odourless
TABLE 4.1: SOIL CHARACTERISTICS IN STUDY AREA

Sl. No.
Parameters
Unit
Serchhip
S1
Khwalailung
S2
Buarpui
S3
Thenzawl
S4
Chhingchhip
S5
Tlungvel
S6
Aibawk
S7
Sialsuk
S8
-%
Brown
3.1
Light Brown
2.4
Greenish Grey
2.6
Brown
2.7
Gray
2.5
Gray
3.1
Gray
2.6
Light Brown
2.8
32.6
31.4
32.6
33.1
33.6
32.2
31.9
32.7
g/cc
1.21
1.22
1.36
1.27
1.14
1.16
1.22
1.15
-mg/100g
mg/100g
mg/100g
mg/100g
mg/100g
mg/100g
mg/100g
6.6
11.2
5.9
15.6
150
3.6
4.5
29.7
6.5
19.2
5.8
18.5
110
6.6
4.8
11.7
6.9
16.8
6.3
19.9
120
7.8
4.6
20.8
6.7
14.4
4.9
17.0
130
6.6
5.1
27.8
6.5
18.4
3.9
22.7
120
7.0
5.8
21.4
6.4
19.2
5.8
18.5
150
6.0
6.2
23.9
6.6
20.0
5.4
18.5
140
5.0
6.5
24.5
6.7
19.2
5.4
15.6
130
6.0
7.7
26.2
% w/w
0.098
0.118
0.102
0.076
0.104
0.050
0.102
0.075
%
%
0.21
0.36
0.22
0.38
0.22
0.38
0.20
0.34
0.22
0.38
0.20
0.34
0.23
0.40
0.23
0.40
meq/100g
11.62
12.47
13.10
15.54
12.52
14.35
10.40
9.25
Physical Parameters
1.
2.
3.
4.
Colour
Moisture Content
Water Holding
Capacity
Bulk Density
Chemical Parameters
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
pH
Calcium (as Ca+)
Magnesium (as Mg+)
Chloride
Total Alkalinity
Available Phosphorous
Sulphate
Potassium (as K)
Kjeldahl Nitrogen (as
N)
Organic Carbon
Organic Matter
Cation Exchange
Capacity

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Environmental Impact Assessment Report

Block MZ-ONN-2004/1 (Mizoram)

Oil India Limited

GREEN TECH ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER & CONSULTANTS

The Block map is enclosed.

Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary is about 15 km from the proposed location OIL 2.

The land use pattern indicates the presence of open forest.

Existence of extensive forest ranges support fairly large variety of wildlife.

There is essentially negligible industrial or commercial activity in the block.

Ambient Air Quality

Some cutting of trees

Clearing and timber salvage

Cutting of some trees and salvage of timber

Wild life and habitat protection

MoEF guidelines will be followed

Fuel storage and handling

Camps and staging

Temporary mobile camp facilities will be

Liquid and solid waste disposal

Insignificant temporary localized impact

archaeological Not applicable

Selection of drilling sites

The exploratory well sites will be selected

water Not applicable since drilling effluents will be

Blowout prevention plan

Necessary care will be taken during drilling

Flaring during completion and Separated gases will be flared in suitably

Will be applicable only if commercial

Reclamation for abandonment

Not applicable at present

Necessary measures will be adopted

Insignificant localized impact

Protection of natural drainage Natural drainage will be protected

RISK ANALYSIS AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN

An appropriate environmental monitoring programme during drilling and testing of wells is

OIL INDIA. LTD.

CORPORATE OBJECTIVES OF OIL

OBJECTIVE OF EIA STUDY

SCOPE OF EIA STUDY

BLOCK AREA/STUDY AREA

OBJECTIVE OF EIA STUDY

PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT UNDER NELP / NOMINATION

ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE PROCEDURE UNDER EIA 2006

ELEVATED / GROUND FLARES

DISPOSAL OF DRILL CUTTING AND DRILLING FLUIDS

JUSTIFICATION AND BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT

BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT

DRILLING OF EXPLORATORY WELLS

OIL WELL DRILLING ACTIVITIES

DRILLING OF OIL/GAS WELL

MANPOWER AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

EXPLORATORY DRILLING POLLUTION SOURCES

TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL STRATEGY FOR POLLUTANTS

BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: PHYSICAL, BIOLIGICAL,

TOPOGRAPHY AND PHYSIOGRAPHY

WATER RESOURCES AND WATER QUALITY

RAINFALL IN THE STUDY AREA

SURFACE AND GROUND WATER RESOURCES

WATER QUALITY IN STUDY AREA

CLIMATOLOGY AND METEOROLOGY

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY

METHODOLOGY OF MONITORING AND ANALYSIS