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Evaluation of Possible Environmental Impacts for Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant and Coal Mine

Md. J. B. Alam
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shah Jalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet-3114, Bangladesh

A. A. M. Ahmed
Department of Civil Engineering, Leading University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh

M. J. H. Khan
Department of Civil Engineering, Leading University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh

B. Ahmed
Department of Civil Engineering, Leading University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Barapukuria is the only natural coalmine reserve in Bangladesh that is in operation. In this study, an attempt was taken to conduct environmental impact assessment of Barapukuria thermal power and coal mining project through environmental, socio-economical and meteorological study. The analysis showed that, the Mn concentration was found in the satisfactory range. The pH was found slightly alkaline and surface water was bacteria contaminated. SO₄^2-concentration was in the range of WHO standard. Calculated SO_x loading was almost same of monitored emission. Corresponding estimated concentration of SO_x was in acceptable range, which may not bring any matter of concern. In the study, an attempt was also made to evaluate the health impacts of SPM (suspended particulate matter) emitted from the combustion of coal in the power plant. The socio economic condition was also considered a dominating factor, for the EIA along with the chemical parameters since increased employment for the project. In general, this study includes comprehensive baseline data for decision makers to evaluate the feasibility of coal power industry at Barapukuria and the coalmine itself.

Keywords: Coalmine, Power plant, Environmental impact assessment (EIA)

Location: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shah Jalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Resource Development and Management

Non-commodity: Impact

Objectives:

(i) To assess the socioeconomic impacts of these projects, (ii) To assess the impacts on land use pattern and (iii) To identify and quantify the environmental effects.

Methodology:

The study was based on field observations, sample collections and testing. Coal, soil and drain water samples were collected from the study area for sampling. Coal sample and soil were collected from coalmine in a container. Coalmine water was also collected from the drain. pH is determined directly by ‘pH meter’. Arsenic was measured using standard method. SO₄^2- was measured by sulfa ver 4 method using ultra violet- spectrophotometer. Manganese was measured using standard method. NO₃-N was measured by cadmium reduction method by using UV-spectrophotometer. Pollutants emission rates from the power plant are calculated by using the fuel consumption rate and emission factor for the unit consumption. The Gaussian Plume Model was used to estimate the pollutant concentration at the selected location in a three-dimensional field downwind of the point source. Change in mortality from exposure to SPM can be estimated from the doseresponse relationship. Evaluations of impacts were based on standard EIA procedures and experts opinion. Problem identification and prediction techniques were used for evaluation of the project. Graded matrix system was used to denote the magnitude and importance of the impacts by numerical values.

Source of Information: Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management Vol. 2(5), pp. 126-131, May 2011; ISSN 2141-2391

Article Link (Online Journal): http://www.academicjournals.org/JSSEM

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The Leopold matrix depicted a result of totaling +950 positive scores, certainly favors to environment. It is clear from the analysis that the Mn concentration was found in the range of 0.19 to 0.26 mg/L. The pH was found slightly alkaline (7.2 to 7.4). Bacteria contaminated surface water. The concentration of bacteria was found from 7.5×10⁴ to 10x10⁴ C.F.U/100 ml. SO₄^2- concentration was in the range of 2.4 to 3.1 mg/L, it is within the WHO range. Calculated SO_x loading was 0.85 ton/h which is almost the same of monitored emission (0.735 ton/h). The suspended solids of the coal water discharge into the field and water quality in the surface water excess in the experimental report. Corresponding estimated concen-tration of SO_x was 0.318×10^-3 ppm, which does not cause any matter of concern. In the study, an attempt was also made to evaluate the health impacts of SPM (suspended particulate matter) emitted from the combustion of coal in the power plant. It was found from the cumulative analysis of the study that the impact was positive.

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