Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads.

Advantages of Pithead Coal-Fired Thermal Plants

Locating thermal plants near coal mines reduces transportation costs and associated environmental impacts (like diesel emissions from trucks). It also ensures a stable fuel supply, crucial for consistent power generation. However, these benefits are often offset by localized, intense environmental degradation.

Environmental Impacts – A Categorical Analysis

1. Air Quality Impacts

• Particulate Matter (PM2.5 & PM10): Coal handling, combustion, and ash disposal release significant amounts of particulate matter, leading to respiratory problems and reduced visibility.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Coal combustion is a major source of carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to climate change. Methane (CH4) leakage during coal mining also adds to the greenhouse effect.
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) & Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): These gases cause acid rain, respiratory issues, and contribute to smog formation.
• Trace Elements: Coal contains trace amounts of mercury, arsenic, and other heavy metals, which are released during combustion and pose serious health risks.

2. Water Quality Impacts

• Acid Mine Drainage (AMD): Exposure of pyrite (iron sulfide) in coal mines to air and water creates sulfuric acid, which leaches heavy metals into nearby water bodies, making them unsuitable for drinking and aquatic life.
• Thermal Pollution: Cooling water discharged from the plant raises the temperature of receiving water bodies, harming aquatic ecosystems.
• Heavy Metal Contamination: Fly ash and bottom ash contain heavy metals that can leach into groundwater and surface water.
• Water Consumption: Thermal plants require large volumes of water for cooling, potentially depleting local water resources.

3. Land Degradation Impacts

• Mining Impacts: Open-cast coal mining leads to deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat loss.
• Ash Pond Management: Large ash ponds require significant land area and pose a risk of dam failure, leading to widespread contamination. The improper disposal of fly ash can also contaminate soil and groundwater.
• Subsidence: Underground coal mining can cause land subsidence, damaging infrastructure and agricultural land.
• Loss of Biodiversity: Habitat destruction due to mining and plant construction leads to a decline in local flora and fauna.

4. Impacts on Biodiversity

The combined effects of air, water, and land degradation significantly impact biodiversity. Fragmentation of habitats, loss of food sources, and pollution stress lead to a decline in species richness and abundance. Endangered species are particularly vulnerable.

Mitigation Strategies & Regulatory Framework

• Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD): To reduce SO2 emissions.
• Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs): To control particulate matter emissions.
• Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD): To minimize water pollution.
• Ash Utilization: Promoting the use of fly ash in cement, brick making, and road construction.
• Ecological Restoration: Reclaiming mined land through afforestation and soil stabilization.
• Stringent EIA Compliance: Ensuring thorough and transparent EIA processes with public participation.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) regulates these plants through the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and specific notifications related to coal mining and thermal power plants. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) also plays a crucial role in enforcing environmental regulations.