Curtin Sarawak 1st International Symposium on Geology (ISG1-2009)
“Utilizing innovative technologies for sustainable Energy Resources 2009” (5th Sep’ 2009)
A study on Environmental Impact of
Madukkarai limestone mine, Coimbatore
District, Tamil Nadu, South India
S.Ravichandran
Assistant Engineer, TWAD Board
Rural Water Supply,
Dharampuri, Tamil Nadu, India
V. Gayathri
Lot.5802, Desa Senadin,
98000, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Email : gayathriv4@rediffmail.com
Abstract: Rapid urbanization and
industrialization particularly in developing
countries have resulted in a considerable impact on
the environment. Mining is the second largest
industry after the agriculture and has played a vital
role in the development of civilizations from times
immemorial. In India, generally mineral resources
and forest cover are seen together. Man is compelled
to increase and diversify mining activity to meet his
increasing demand, and on the other hand resultant
changes in both rural and urban areas. Mining, in
short, contains inevitably the seeds of pollution; if
unchecked; they will grow and spread widely or
sparsely as the case may be. Thus the
environmental impacts of mining could be broadly
classified into five categories, namely water, air,
land, noise and Ground vibrations problems.
Human has caused severe degradation of his
environment, by mismanaging both the renewable
and non-renewable resources. Environmental
impact is any alteration of environmental condition
or creation of new set of environmental conditions,
adverse or beneficial, caused or induced by the
action or set of actions under consideration. The
Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) should
contain an analysis of the proposed action,
alternative actions and associated impacts on the
environment. Therefore, this paper attempts to
assess the rapid environmental impacts of
Limestone mining and the preparation of
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the
proposed and expansion of the Madukkarai
limestone mines using matrix method. The
magnitude of impact varies in broad range. Each
mining action having an impact on environmental
attribute is given a weight or Parameter Importance
Unit (PIU) viewed by experts. The overall impacts
have been assessed and remedies have been
suggested for the Madukkarai Limestone Mine
expansion project.
The monitoring program will help in observing
the improvements of various environmental
parameters and will provide useful guidelines for
taking remedial measures in time for the present
R. Nagarajan
Department of Science and Mathematics
School of Engineering and Science
Curtin University of Technology
98009, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Email: nagarajan@curtin.edu.my
and future development activities. Adoption of
various environmental friendly measures such as
modern technological processes, installation of
pollution control equipment for reduction of
pollution loads, elaborate afforestation (126 Ha so
far undertaken for afforestation) could reduce the
mining impact on our environment. The present
status of environmental and ecological scenario
overall socio economic impact in the core zone and
buffer zone of existing Madukkarai limestone mine
put together positive effects.
Keywords: Environmental Impact Analysis,
Madukkari limestone, Coimbatore, India;
I. INTRODUCTION
Environment is the totality of surroundings in
which one is located. Man has caused severe
degradation of his environment, by mismanaging
both the renewable and non-renewable resources
all the way through his development. Mining is
the second largest industry after the agriculture
and has played a vital role in the development of
civilizations from times immemorial. In India,
generally mineral resources and forest cover are
seen together. Mining implies selection, selection
in turn implies rejection of waste; and the very
process of selection may produce smoke, dust,
noises and other undesirable effects. The major
impacts include impact of existing and proposed
mining operations on ambient air quality and
sensitive receptors, water quality, availability and
uses of water, land use pattern, wild life habitats,
socio-economic profile and occupational pattern
of the neighboring population and infrastructure.
Mining creates huge wastes and requires space for
their dumping and thus triggers a number of
environmental problems like degradation of
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, water
pollution, etc., further huge quantities of air and
water pollutants are added to the environment
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 Curtin Sarawak 1st International Symposium on Geology (ISG1-2009)
“Utilizing innovative technologies for sustainable Energy Resources 2009” (5th Sep’ 2009)
during beneficiation of minerals. Mine may have
impact on the physical, chemical and biological
attributes of surrounding environment.
Environmental impact is any alteration of
environmental condition or creation of new set of
environmental conditions, adverse or beneficial,
caused or induced by the action or set of actions
under consideration (EPA, 1989). The
Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) should
contain an analysis of the proposed action,
alternative actions and associated impacts on the
environment. The basic objective of
Environmental Impact Assessment and
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) exercise
is to minimize adverse impacts of any
development on the environment (EGI, 1985;
Abasis and Arya, 2000). This environmental
impact assessment was carried out for the
Madukkarai Limestone Mine owned by The
Associated Cement Companies Limited located at
Madukkarai in Coimbatore District of Tamilnadu,
which is quarrying the lime stone from the year
1934 to till the day and proposed to mine up to the
year 2020 and may be renewed in future.
Therefore, this thesis attempts to assess the Rapid
Environmental impacts of Limestone mining and
the preparation of Environmental Management
Plan for the proposed and expansion of the
Madukkarai limestone mines.
II. METHODOLOGY
To assess the environmental impacts of
limestone mining in the proposed expansion of
Madukkarai Limestone Mine, reconnaissance
survey was conducted and sampling locations
were identified on the basis of Topography,
location of surface water bodies like ponds,
canals and rivers; baseline data were collected
and various environmental factors were
considered for this study. Field was conducted for
a period of three months (February 2003 to April
2003 – partly winter, pre monsoon seasons) to
determine seasonal variation and also to
determine existing conditions of various
environmental attributes such as Ambient air
quality (SPM, SO2, NOx), Meteorology, Water
quality, Ecology, Noise levels, Soil
characteristics, Land use, Socio-Economic
aspects, Geology and Hydrology etc. At the
selected sites, soil samples were collected using
Auger/Core cutter. Approximately 2kg of
samples were collected in polythene bags, sealed
well and transported to laboratory for analysis for
its physico-chemical characteristics. The
methodology adopted for monitoring surface
observations is as per the standard norms laid
down by Bureau of Indian Standards (IS: 8829),
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and
APHA, 1977. On-site monitoring was
undertaken for various meteorological variables
in order to generate the site-specific data. The
Central Monitoring Station (CMS) equipped with
continuous monitoring equipment was installed
on top of the existing limestone mines office at a
height of 4.0m above ground level to record wind
speed, direction, relative humidity, temperature
and atmospheric pressure. Rainfall is monitored
by rain gauge. Hourly average, maximum and
minimum values of wind speed, direction,
relative humidity, rainfall, atmospheric pressure
and temperature have been recorded continuously
at this station, for the study period starting from
1st February to 25th April 2003, the above
generated Meteorological data were considered.
Secondary information on meteorological
conditions has been collected from the nearest
IMD station at Coimbatore. Pressure,
temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, cloud
cover, wind speed and direction are measured
twice a day viz., at 0830 and 1730 hr. The wind
speed and direction data of IMD, Coimbatore
station has been obtained for the past available 10
years (1993-2002). Ground water sources
covering 5 km radial distance were examined for
physico-chemical parameters in order to assess
the effect of limestone mining and other activities
on ground water. The samples were collected
and analyzed as per the procedures specified in
“Standard Method for the Examination of water
and waste water” published by American Public
Health Association (1991) (APHA). The ground
vibration was monitored within the mine lease
boundary to assess the impact of ground vibration
due to mine blasting. 4493 V 2.5 Minimate
vibration measuring equipment of Fast Fourier
Transform (FFT) analyzer was used to measure
the status of the vibration levels at the time of
blasting (Lenard, 1975).
III. STUDY AREA
A. Geography and Physiography
Limestone deposit at Madukkarai is located
2.50 km away from Madukkarai Cement Works,
which lies 10 km from Coimbatore and is on
National Highway – 47 connecting Cochin and
Salem. Geographically the mining lease area
(ML3) fall between the latitude 10° 55’ to 10° 56’
and longitude 76° 56’ to 76° 59’ and are covered
on the survey of India Topo sheet no.58 B/13, 58
F/1,58 A/16. Madukkarai block is bounded on the
north by Perur, on the NE by Sulur, on the east by
Sultanpet, on the south by Kinathukadavu and on
the west side by Thondamuthur blocks of
Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu. The average
elevation ranges from 362m to 465m in the area.
The topography is gently undulated and
surrounded by Calc – granulites hills. Ettimadai,
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 Curtin Sarawak 1st International Symposium on Geology (ISG1-2009)
“Utilizing innovative technologies for sustainable Energy Resources 2009” (5th Sep’ 2009)
Dharmalingam Malai and Ayyaswami Malai are
the hill ranges located in 10 km radius from the
limestone mining area, which are covered by
shrubs and bushes. The area is characterized by a
tropical climate. The temperature varies in the
range of 14.9°Cto 37.8°C. The total annual
rainfall in the area is about 574.2mm. The
average humidity of the area ranges from 29% to
81%. The winds in the area are light to moderate
during summer and winter. However, the speed
of the wind increases during the end of the
summer season .predominant wind direction is
from southwest followed by northwest. The
rainwater from the area drains out through
seasonal nallas, which ultimately join the Munjiar
nalla. The study covers core area of 10 km radius
with the proposed expansion of the Lime Stone
mining area as center.
Area under the mining leases (ML3) of
Madukkarai limestone mines is undulating with
intermittent ridges/hillocks. Kurichi section of
mining lease of ML1 located on the foot hill of
the hillocks has abandoned quarry of about 15 m
depth whereas, the roadside East section of ML3
has partly abandoned quarries covering the
cuttings along the hillock slope upto a height of
400 m RL. These pits have 25 meter maximum
depth from the surrounding ground level. The
south east and north east corners of the roadside
west section of ML3 has waste dumps built upto
a height of 15 m. The roadside west section has a
gentle slope towards east, i.e. towards NH 47.
Beyond the southern limit of roadside west
section, Dharmalingamalai hills having the
highest peak at 615 m RL exist. ML1 is divided
into northern and Kurichi sections by Munjar
nallah passing through the lease area. Kurichi
section is located around the foothill of a hillock
extending to a maximum height of 400 MRL. In
this section narrow abandoned quarry of 1.7 km
length worked to the maximum depth of 15 m
exist.
B. General Geology
The study area has huge deposits of limestone
in Madukkarai, and Ettimadai region within 10
km radius. Country rock is garnetiferous
sillimanite schist in most of the places, at places
the limestone also occurs in association with
charnockite and calc gneiss. The main crystalline
limestone resources of Tamilnadu occurs mainly
in four major belts. a. Tirunelveli –
Ramanathapuram, b. Madurai – Dindigul –
Tiruchi, c. Sankaridurg – Tiruchengodu –
Namakkal and d. Madukkarai – Ettimadai.
Madukkarai area is mainly associated with
metamorphic rocks and are considered to belong
to the middle Dharwars of southern peninsular
shield with the following succession of rocks,
Basic Dykes, Chiefly dolerites
---------------------------------
Felsites and porphyry dykes
Chamockites
Norite dykes
Hornblendic dykes
Peninsular gneiss
--------- Unconformity -----------------
Upper Dharwars – Cherty, Ferruginous silts,
clays, calcareous silts.
Middle Dharwars – Basic and ultrabasic
intrusives with iron stone, Limestones etc.
Lower Dharwars – Rhyolites, Basic
Volcanics, Dykes and Flows.
C. Geology of the Study area
The Madukkarai mining lease area is part of
locally referred roadside west block of
Madukkarai limestone deposit as they constitute
the Western portion of single deposit separated
by the National Highway 47. Four distinct
limestone bands namely Band 1,2,3 and 4 of
varying width are well exposed in roadside west
block with intervening calc granulite bands. The
limestone is greyish white and light to dark grey
in colour, crystalline and coarse to fine grained in
nature. It is generally observed that at the contact
zone with calc granulite, the limestone is pink in
colour. The limestone commonly shows
inclusion of diopside, biotite, muscovite and
graphite. Limestone bands are separated by calc
granulite and at places there are thin lenses of
calc granulite within the limestone band itself.
Intrusions of pegmatite and occasional thin quarts
veins are common within limestone. Occurrence
of clay within the limestone is commonly
observed. The clay infillings along the joints and
fractures in the limestone appear to have been
derived from the overburden soil. Another
occasional impurity of reddish brown bodies are
observed within limestone and locally termed as
“oda”. This body is of two types, one is the
Kankar variety which has appreciable calcium
carbonate content and the other a harder type with
quartz nuclii.
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 Curtin Sarawak 1st International Symposium on Geology (ISG1-2009)
“Utilizing innovative technologies for sustainable Energy Resources 2009” (5th Sep’ 2009)

Figure 1. Satellite image showing the Madukkarai
limestone mine (Soure:Goole map)
2) Soil Quality
Knowledge of soil characteristics, the
erosional aspects, soil fertility etc., is vital for the
planning and implementation of
afforestation/green belt development measures, as
part of maintaining the ecological balances of a
region. Location and functioning of limestone
mining industries, generation and dumping of
waste material etc., could directly or indirectly
affect the soil regime of the area surrounding the
limestone mining industry. Hence, the study of
the soil characteristics in and around the
limestone mining complex become an important
factor in the Environmental Impact Assessment
studies (Jain et al., 1977, Cantes, 1977).

3) Meteorology
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The meteorological data recorded during the
monitoring period is very useful for proper
A. Existing Environmental Status of The Study
interpretation of the baseline information as well
Area
as for input prediction model for air quality
dispersion.
1) Land use
The land use in general reflects the activities
of human being on land thereby changing the 4) Air Quality
land cover. Identification and periodic The levels of air pollution thus depend upon
surveillance of land use and cover at site and in the magnitude of activities in the particular area
the vicinity of any developmental activity are one as well as the meteorological conditions
of the most important aspects of EIA (Munn, (Khopkar, 1993). Thus, the study of ambient air
1975). quality is the must to assess the impact of the
industrial (Mining) activity on the environment
and for advocating control measures.

5) Water Quality
It is imperative to study the water quality of
the regime likely to be influenced by the limestone
mining and allied activities. The results of water
quality parameters shown in the table. 4.

6) Noise Level
Noise beyond limits; interfere with
communication in the work spot apart from
Figure 2. Land Use Pattern of Core Zone of Madukkarai
Limestone Mine
annoyance and health hazard. Relevant noise
emitters at Madukkarai lime stone mine are
mining machinery and blasting operation. While
blasting produces impulsive noise other mining
operations involving various mining equipment
Area not available Forest Land
for cultivation 3.11% produces continuous noise. The noise rating
23.09%
Irrigated Land
developed for community noise from all sources
Culturable Waste 33.53% is the Day-Night Sound Level (Ldn). It is similar
Land
4.62%
to a 24 hour equivalent sound level except that
during night time period (9 pm to 6 am) a 10 dB
Unirrigated Land (A) weighting penalty is added to the
35.65%
instantaneous sound level before computing the
24 hour average (NEP, 1969). The Ldn was
calculated from the hourly Leq’s equation.
Figure 3. Land use Pattern in the Study Area as per 1991
Census.
Ldn = 10 log {1/24 [16 (10 Ld/10) + 8 (10 (Ln+10)/10]}

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 Curtin Sarawak 1st International Symposium on Geology (ISG1-2009)
“Utilizing innovative technologies for sustainable Energy Resources 2009” (5th Sep’ 2009)

Where, “Ld” is the equivalent sound level V. DISCUSSIONS

during the day time (6 am to 9 pm) and “Ln” is
the equivalent sound level during the night time A. Environmental Status of The Study Area
(9pm to 6 am). The field data was generated for a period of
three months i.e. from February 2003 to April
7) Ground Vibration 2003 covering partly winter, pre monsoon season.
The ground vibration during the study period The monitored ambient air quality data indicate
was monitored within the mine lease boundary to that the concentrations of SPM, SO2 and NOx are
assess the impact of ground vibration due to mine found to be in the range of 277.7 – 315.3 µg/m3,
blasting. The Table 6. represent the ground 7.7 – 12.8 µg/m3, 15.6 – 21.5 µg/m3 in core zone,
vibration monitoring details in the study period. and 71.0 – 141.2 µg/m3, 5.4 – 11.8 µg/m3, 5.8 –
18.0 µg/m3 respectively in buffer zone and the
B. Ecology: Flora and Fauna levels are well below the National Ambient Air
Quality (NAAQ) standards for industrial,
The ecological study is an important aspect of
residential and rural areas. The Noyal River is
environment, in view of the conservation of
environmental quality and protection of natural located at a distance of 5.5 km north from the
flora and fauna (Odum, 1975). In this perspective Madukkarai limestone mine.
the study/survey of biological environment of the
The study area experiences shortage for water
project area was taken up.
resources. The annual rainfall is very less and is
vagrant. Water catchment tanks in the area are
1) Types and Composition of Vegetation
only seasonal and they remain dry during most of
The type of vegetation varies from place to
the seasons. Here the ground water is developed
place and depends on various climatic factors like
by means of dug wells and bore wells and the
temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, etc. The
ground water occurs in phreatic conditions in
variation is mainly due to edaphic factors and
shallow aquifers, The hydro graphics prepared for
topo-geographical conditions. The core and
this area by the Central Ground Water Board
buffer zone contains vegetation of the Southern
(CGWB), reveals that the rainfall is the principal
tropical dry deciduous scrub and tropical dry
source of recharge for ground water. The water
evergreen species, which can be observed in
quality results indicates that Total Dissolved
patches along road sides, within villages, etc. The
Solids (TDS), Total Hardness, Chlorides in
core zone of limestone mining area was
Machchampalayam village is exceeding the
surrounded by shrubs, herbs and climbers. The
standards of 500 mg/l, 300 mg/l and 250 mg/l
trees like Neem trees, Acacia, etc have been
respectively and the Total Dissolved Solids
planted along the National Highway (NH-47) in
(TDS), Total Hardness in mine pit water is also
the mine lease areas in colonies, playgrounds,
exceeding the standards of 500 mg/l, 300 mg/l
along roads sides, etc. The main agricultural
respectively (WHO, 1993). All the other
crops in the buffer zone are Groundnut, Coconut,
parameters in all the wells and mine pit are below
Mango, Paddy, Pulses, and Plantain etc. The
their respective permissible limits except
climbers such as Cissus quadrangularis, Coccinia
coliform level in mine pit and Machchampalayam
grandis, Cuscutta sps, Diplocyclos sps, Ipomoea
village. However the water could be suitable for
sps, Passiflora foetida etc are found growing in
drinking purpose after treatment but the
the wasteland areas.
Machchampalayam village water should be used
for agricultural purpose only. Water levels
2) Fauna Assessment
monitored in buffer zone study areas within the
The core zone area is properly guarded to
range of 21.6 to 22.7 m in Machchampalayam
prevent the entry of grazing animals such cow,
village, 22.0 to 24.8 m in Kurichi Industrial
sheep, etc. However, small birds and reptiles like
Estate and 19.5 to 21.7 m in Kuniyamuthur. The
lizards, etc., are seen in this area. The birds like
average water level in the above area is 22.2 m,
Grey Pelicans, Common heron, Egret, Green
24.4 m, 20.6 m respectively. Seven samples from
Parrot, Rock Dove, Green Imperial Pigeon etc.,
agricultural and barren area within 5 km radius
are observed. The reptiles like Chamaelon,
were collected and analyzed for physical and
Monitor Lizard are also observed in Buffer zone.
chemical constituents. The pH of soil indicates
The domestic animals like cows, buffaloes, goats,
usually alkaline and neutral in nature. The soil
sheep etc are also seen everywhere. No sanctuary,
texture is found to be silty clay. The nitrogen
biosphere, or national parks are situated in the
levels were observed to be less in barren land and
buffer zone nor does if form a path for any
having better quantity in agricultural areas.
migrating birds.
Similarly the potassium levels in the study area
were observed to have very less quantity. The
phosphorus levels in the study area were

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 Curtin Sarawak 1st International Symposium on Geology (ISG1-2009)
“Utilizing innovative technologies for sustainable Energy Resources 2009” (5th Sep’ 2009)
observed to have medium quantity in agricultural
areas. It is observed that Day time (Ld) and Nigh
time (Ln) noise levels in all the location were
below the permissible limits except the day time
noise levels in commercial zone of Kurichi
market. The study area is predominantly agro eco
system. Main crops in the region are cereals,
vegetables, pulses and fruits. The forest area is
3.11%, cultivated land (irrigated and unirrigated)
of about 69.18% in the study area. The study
area did not record the presence of any critically
threatened plant species. There is no Wildlife
Sanctuary or National Parks or Biosphere or
Hotspots in 10 km radius from the proposed and
expansion of Madukkarai Limestone mine lease
area. The Dharmalingam malai – Ettimadai R.F.
of Bollavampatti forest range location is adjacent
to the mine lease area on southwest side.
B. Environmental Impact Analysis
The magnitude of impact varies in broad
range. As a result, one would like to know the
magnitude of collective or overall impact and its
nature i.e. beneficial or adverse. Matrix Method
was used to assess the environment impact in the
study area. A matrix having rows as
environmental attributes or impact areas and
columns having proposed limestone-mining
activities is constructed. Each action having an
impact on environmental attribute is given a
weight or Parameter Importance Unit (PIU)
viewed by experts. The predicted environmental
impact rated on a scale of environmental scores
multiplied by the corresponding weight then
gives the weighted impact. All weighted impacts
added together give the overall weighted impact
of proposed Madukkarai limestone mining
expansion project on environment. Negative sign
in impact matrix indicates that the impact is of
adverse nature. Results of Environmental Impact
Analysis carried out on above concepts are
presented in Table 7. The total impact is
therefore assessed to be positive for the capacity
expansion of Madukkarai Limestone Mine of
Madukkarai Cement Works. In the matrix
analysis method the weighted impact such as
drilling, blasting, and loading are having negative
impact sign in that blasting is having higher
altitude it means that it is crating major adverse
effects.
C. Environmental Impact Pridiction
Generally, the environmental impacts can be
categorized as either primary or secondary.
Primary impacts are those, which are attributed
directly by the project and secondary impacts are
those, which are indirectly induced and typically
include the associated investment and changed
patterns of social and economic activities by the
proposed action.
The proposed limestone-mining project would
create impact on the environment in two distinct
phases: Mine development phase and Mine
operational phase. Potential Significant impacts
and their Mitigation during Mine Operational
Phase:
1) Land use Pattern
The proposed expansion of limestone mining
at expanded capacity will not have significant
impact on alteration in relief. Because majority
of mining will be concentrated in the existing
disturbed area at greater depth. Backfilling of
part of abandoned quarry at narrower portions of
the mining lease will restore the already carried
out alteration.
2) Ecological Environment
The ambient air quality standards observed
within the study area are likely to be within the
AAQ standards. Therefore, the impact of these
emissions on the surrounding agro eco system
will be insignificant. Extensive plantation
comprising of pollutant resistant will be
undertaken in and around the proposed expansion
of limestone mining project will be the mitigate
measures. So the impact due to mine operational
phase will minimal on the terrestrial eco system.
There will not be wastewater discharge into the
surface water stream. Hence, there will not any
impact on the aquatic ecology.
3) Air Quality
The observed values for all ambient air
quality parameters in the core and buffer zone
area of the study areas are within prescribed
limits (CAA, 1970). Hence there will not be any
impact on air quality. However in mine
operational phase the pollution abatement
measures will also be strictly implemented and
monitored throughout in future years of mining at
expanded capacity. Moreover deployment of
Mega Rock Breaker will completely eliminate
induced ground vibrations and air blast. It is
therefore totally eco-friendly mining activity.
4) Water Quality
Water quality in Machchampalayam well in
buffer zone is exceeding the standards; it may be
due to the leachate problem of abandoned stone
quarry exists nearby the sampling stations. So
the impact on water quality is short term and
adverse. By providing safe discharge of
wastewater from the nearest habitat will be the
mitigative measures of impact on water quality.
5) Water level
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 Curtin Sarawak 1st International Symposium on Geology (ISG1-2009)
“Utilizing innovative technologies for sustainable Energy Resources 2009” (5th Sep’ 2009)
The hydro graphics prepared for this area by
the Central Ground water Board (CGWB),
reveals that the rainfall is the principal source of
recharge for ground water and the water level
fluctuations are in response to recharge for
ground water. It is observed that, run off water
flowing over the eastern and northern flank of the
hill, Dharmalingam malai is partly entered into
the limestone mine pit. In large scale of mining
in mine operational phase, the run off flowing
into the nearby Munjiar nallah in northern side of
the mine lease area will be considerably reduced.
So this may cause the negative impact on water
resource in buffer zone after the mine operational
phase. By, providing suitable drain in
scientifically designed manner will be the
mitigative measures. However the water could be
suitable for drinking purpose after treatment but
the Machchampalayam village water should be
used for agricultural purpose only.
6) Noise level
Noise levels measurements predicted in the
buffer zone is within the standard limit. The
predicted impact on noise in core zone is within
the permissible limit. The noise pollution of the
proposed expansion of limestone mining due to
vehicular traffic is calculated. Hence noise level
impact after the mine operational phase is
negligible.
7) Ground Vibration
Ground vibration monitoring at the time of
blasting is within the standards. During the mine
operational phase the safe charge per day is
calculated for protecting even Kuchcha houses
located at 100 m distance with a factor of safety
of 2. Hence no major impacts on buildings are
anticipated.
8) Social Environment
There will be an overall socio economic
development in the study area due to the
proposed expansion of Madukkarai limestone
mine. The development will be in the spheres of
direct and indirect employment, communication,
education and reduction in out migration.
Ancillary/auxiliary industries around Madukkarai
will be developed. The impact on health will be
primarily occupational in nature. However, the
workers will be provided with ear plugs/ear
muffs. Over all impact will be positive in nature.
D. Environmental Quality Monitoring
The post project environmental quality
monitoring may be undertaken by the
Madukkarai limestone mine of Madukkarai
Cement Works on a continuous basis. This
monitoring program will help in observing the
improvements in various environmental
parameters and will provide useful guidelines for
taking remedial measures in time for the present
and future development activities. Due to
adoption of various environmental friendly
measures such as modern technological
processes, installation of pollution control
equipment for reduction of pollution loads,
elaborate afforestation for over 126 Hectares so
far undertaken by the Madukkarai Cement
Works, etc., the present status of environmental
and ecological scenario in the core zone and
buffer zone of existing Madukkarai limestone
mine is good. The hydro graphic prepared for
this area by the Central Ground Water Board
(CGWB), reveals that the rainfall is the principal
source of recharge for ground water and the water
level fluctuations are in response to recharge for
ground water.
VI. CONCLUSION
The present study reveals that Madukkarai
limestone pit act as a temporary water storage
reservoir, which helps in ground water recharge
at the micro scale as well as meeting
requirements of the core zone. Hence no impact
on ground water resources in the core zone is
envisaged. But, the negative impact on water
resource in buffer zone may be envisaged after
the mine operational phase.
By providing suitable drain in the mining area
to discharge the collected rainwater all over the
area to the Munjiar nallah facing north side of the
mine lease boundary is the mitigative measures
for strengthening the water resources in
surroundings.
As the proposed expansion of Madukkarai
limestone mine will be carried out in the existing
mining lease, there will be an adverse impact on
despoliation of land, and no rehabilitation will
rise, overall socio economic impact will be in
positive effects.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors thank the Authority of Associated
Cement Companies Limited, PWD, CGWB, IMD
Madukkari, Coimbatore for their contribution
during this study.
REFERENCES
[1] Abbasis, S. A. Arya D. S. “Environmental impact
Assessment (Available techniques, emerging trends),
Discovery publishing House, New Delhi– 2000.
[2] American Public Health Associations, “Methods of Air
sampling and Analysis”, 1977.
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 Curtin Sarawak 1st International Symposium on Geology (ISG1-2009)
“Utilizing innovative technologies for sustainable Energy Resources 2009” (5th Sep’ 2009)
[3] American Public Health Associations. “Standard
Methods for the Examination of water and wastewater”, 1991.
[4] Clean Air Amendments of 1970, 42 USC 1857 et.seq.
as amended by the Clean Air Amendments of 1970, PL 91-
604.
[5] Environmental Guidelines for industries, 1985 and
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of development
projects: Background Note, February 1989, MoEF.
[6] Indian Standard Institution. (1991). Indian Standard
Specification for drinking water, IS:10500, 1–5.
[7] Jain RK, urban LV, Stacey G.S., “Environmental Impact
Analysis.” Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York
1977.
[8] Khopkar, S.M. “Environmental pollution Analysis,”
Wiley Eastern Limited, New Delhi, 1993.
[9] Larry W.canter, “Environmental impact Assessment”,
McGraw Hill Book Co., 1977.
[10] Leonard Meirovitch, “Elements of vibration Analysis”,
McGraw – Hill, Inc, 1975.
[11] Munn R.E. “Environmental Impact Assessment
Principles and Procedures”. John Wiley & Sons, New York –
Toronto, 1975.
[12] National Environmental Pollution Act:42, USC 4321
et.seq. PL 91-190, 1969.
[13] Section 109 (j) Title 13, 23 USC 109 (j), Added by
Section 136 (B)of Federal Aid Highway Act, PL 91-605,
1970.
[14] The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and
Environment (Protection) Rules (1989) issued there under
including the Public Hearing Gazette Notification of 10th
April, 1997.
[15] WHO (World Health Organization). (1993). Guidelines
for drinking water quality, recommendations (2nd ed).
Geneva.
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 Curtin Sarawak 1st International Symposium on Geology (ISG1-2009)
“Utilizing innovative technologies for sustainable Energy Resources 2009” (5th Sep’ 2009)

TABLE I. SOIL ANALYSIS RESULTS IN CORE AND BUFFER ZONE OF LIMESTONE MINING STUDY AREA.

S.No Soil Sample Identity

Parameters of Analysis Unit
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7
1. pH of 10% suspension - 7.8 9.0 7.2 7.8 7.4 7.8 7.2
2. Moisture content at 105°C % 6.5 2.8 6.2 6.8 8.5 7.5 7.6
3. Water holding capacity % 175.4 170.2 175.4 180.4 220.5 186.4 175.8
4. Organic carbon % 0.18 NIL 0.38 0.41 0.46 0.41 0.48
5. Free Ammonia cal Nitrogen % 36 NIL 145.0 180.0 296.0 161.4 180.0
6. Potassium as K % 12.0 NIL 23.5 26.4 16.0 39.7 34.0
7. Phosphorus as P % 13.8 NIL 24.2 42.7 35.2 47.3 29.0
8 Particle size distribution
Gravel % 17.30 22.48 13.89 10.24 9.50 10.24 16.80
Coarse sand % 22.48 16.32 15.68 2.88 3.50 2.88 23.50
Medium sand % 14.25 21.27 18.26 3.75 3.48 3.75 15.20
Fine sand % 15.49 21.32 24.23 3.67 3.86 3.67 16.30
Coarse silt % 22.46 15.30 22.18 28.65 32.35 28.65 20.62
Medium silt % 2.42 1.17 2.25 5.92 6.20 5.92 2.25
Fine silt % 4.24 1.02 2.24 16.24 15.45 16.24 3.77
Clay % 1.36 1.12 1.27 28.65 25.66 28.65 1.56
Textural class Silty Silty Silty Silty Silty Silty Silty
clay sandy clay clay clay clay clay
S1 - Topsoil in Lease Area, S2- Overburden, S3 – Madukkaraiwest, S4- Madukkarai East, S5 - Kurichi, S6-Machchampalayam, S7-Pulakkadu

TABLE II. THE METEOROLOGICAL DATA GENERATED AT LIMESTONE MINING LEASE AREA (1ST FEB – 25TH APRIL 2003)
Total Rainfall
Temperature (°C) Relative Humidity (%)
Month (mm)
Max. Min. Max Min
February 37.1 21.2 3.7 3.4 1.0
March 38.0 20.1 3.9 3.4 62.5
April 39.1 14.2 3.8 3.5 Nil

TABLE III. THE AMBIENT AIR QUALITY RESULTS

SPM µg/m3 SO2 µg/m3 NOx µg/m3

Station 98% 98% 98%
Max Min Avg Max Min Avg Max Min Avg
Hile Hile Hile
AAQ1 314.5 290.3 305.4 314.5 12.0 7.7 9.6 12.0 21.5 17.1 19.5 21.5
AAQ2 301.5 277.7 286.6 301.5 11.6 8.5 20.4 11.6 18.0 15.6 16.7 18.0
AAQ3 315.3 291.6 305.6 315.3 12.8 8.5 6.2 8.5 19.2 16.5 17.5 19.20
AAQ4 127.6 98.7 111.8 127.6 9.7 5.8 8.1 9.7 11.8 6.0 9.4 11.8
AAQ5 105.3 82.4 96.0 105.3 9.1 5.5 7.2 9.1 11.2 6.4 9.0 11.2
AAQ6 135.8 101.0 115.7 135.8 11.8 5.4 8.4 11.8 13.1 5.8 9.7 13.1
AAQ7 141.2 99.7 114.1 141.2 11.5 6.2 8.6 11.5 12.6 7.1 9.6 12.6
AAQ8 127.6 88.4 108.0 125.6 11.3 8.8 10.3 11.3 13.7 10.6 11.8 13.3
AAQ9 89.6 71.0 77.8 89.6 8.4 6.5 7.5 8.4 18.0 15.7 16.9 18.0
AAQ10 120.4 89.4 103.4 118.9 10.2 7.5 8.7 10.1 11.7 8.7 10.1 11.6
Station details AAQ1- AAQ10: Mining area view point, Mines Office, Haulage Road Rest Hall, Madukkarai West Village, Madukkarai School, Kurumbapalayam, Near Kurichi
Industrial Estate, Ichchanari Village, Kuniyamuhur village and Kovaiputhur respectively.

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 Curtin Sarawak 1st International Symposium on Geology (ISG1-2009)
“Utilizing innovative technologies for sustainable Energy Resources 2009” (5th Sep’ 2009)

TABLE IV. WATER QUALITY ANALYSIS RESULTS WITHIN CORE & BUFFER ZONE OF MADUKKARAI LIMESTONE MINE
Water quality of Samples collected within Limit as
Sl.
Parameters Unit Core Zone Buffer Zone per
No.
W1 W2 W3 W4 W5 W6 IS:10500
1. pH - 7.2 7.5 7.3 7.2 7.4 7.5 6.5 – 8.5
2. Colour Hazen 4 6 3 2 <1 3 10
3. Taste - Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable
4. Odour - Unobjectio- Unobjectio- Unobjectio- Unobjectio Unobjectio- Unobjectio- Unobjectio-
nable nable nable -nable nable nable nable
5. Temperature OC 23 25 24 23 22 23 $
6. Residual chlorine Mg/l < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 0.2
as d2
7. Total Dissolved Mg/l 415 621 397 455 412 690 500
Solids (TDS)
8. Total suspended Mg/l < 0.5 0.63 < 0.5 < 0.5 < 0.5 < 0.5 $
solids
9. Dissolved Mg/l 4.3 3.8 4.1 4.0 4.4 3.7 $
oxygen
10. BOD (3 days at Mg/l < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 < 3.0 3.0
27°C)
11. Total hardness as Mg/l 164 312 174 288 240 540 300
CaCO3
12. Total Alkalinity Mg/l 184 322 84 125 268 340 $
as CaCO3
2+
13. Calcium as Ca Mg/l 61.5 71.1 58.9 62.6 62.5 64.6 75
14. Magnesium as Mg/l 13.4 22.4 11.2 13.8 13.4 15.6 30
Mg 2+
15. Chlorides as Cl Mg/l 140 205 95 230 200 634 250
16. Sulfates as SO42 Mg/l 41.2 42.3 41.2 35.6 34.4 37.6 $
17. Fluorides as F Mg/l 0.4 0.7 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.4 1.0
18. Nitrates as NO3 Mg/l 14.5 15.3 12.6 13.4 12.3 14.2 45
19. Total Coliforms MPN/ Absent 4 Absent Absent Absent 2 Absent
100ml
NOTE: ($) Indicates no limits have been specified. Locations: W1 to W6: Madukkarai Limestone Mine Pit Kovaiputhur, Kurichi Industrial Estate,
Kuniyamuthur and Machchampalayam respectively

TABLE V. NOISE LEVEL LIMITS ON THE STUDY AREA

Sl. Location Category L10 L50 L90 Leq Lday Lnight Ldn
No
N1 Madukkarai East Residential/Rural area. 51.9 49.7 47.5 50.0 54.2 42.6 53.7
N2 Kurichi Market Commercial area 66.3 59.4 55.0 61.6 67.2 54.5 66.6
N3 Ichchanari Residential/Rural area. 44.8 39.2 35.5 44.1 45.6 39.0 47.1
N4 Kuniamuthur Residential/Rural area 51.0 44.7 39.5 46.9 48.7 40.6 47.4
N5 Kovaipudur Residential/Rural area 46.8 41.6 38.8 49.1 50.5 42.0 51.2
N6 ACC Main Gate Industrial area 68.9 63.4 58.7 65.1 67.4 63.4 70.7
(Time Office)

TABLE VI. GROUND VIBRATION MONITORING DATA AT MADUKKARAI LIMESTONE MINE

Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) mm/sec

Date Time Location Details
Transverse Vertical Longitudinal
06.02.2003 15:16:22 Blast is taken at R.EAST pit no.1. Distance of
10.7 1.78 3.3
observation is 100m. Record time is 4.0 Sec at 1024 SPS.
20.02.2003 16:02:18 Blast is taken at R.EAST pit no.1. Distance of
14.7 3.94 5.37
observation is 100 m. Record time is 4.0 Sec at 1024 SPS
07.03.2003 16:38:08 Blast is taken at R.EAST pit no.1. Distance of
10.8 7.87 8.14
observation is 100 mts. Record time 4.0 Sec at 1024 SPS
09.04.2003 16:30:23 Blast is taken at R.EAST pit no.1. Distance of
5.46 2.35 4.57
observation 50 mts.

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 Curtin Sarawak 1st International Symposium on Geology (ISG1-2009)
“Utilizing innovative technologies for sustainable Energy Resources 2009” (5th Sep’ 2009)

TABLE VII. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MATRIX FOR THE PROPOSED MADUKKARAI LIMESTONE MINING EXPANSION PROJECT

Sl. Mining Activities Total

Environmental Attribute
No. I II III IV V VI Score
1. Air quality -2 5 -1 5 -3 7 -3 5 -3 7 3 5 -57
2. Noise levels -2 3 -1 3 -2 3 -2 3 -2 3 2 3 -21
3. Land use 0 3 -1 3 -2 5 -1 3 -1 5 3 5 -6
4. Soil Chemistry -1 5 -1 3 -1 5 -1 3 -1 5 1 5 -16
5. Crop Yield -1 3 -1 3 -2 3 -1 3 -2 5 0 0 -25
6. Occupational Structure 4 7 2 3 1 5 1 3 7 10 1 3 115
7. Terrestrial/ aquatic flora and fauna -2 3 -2 3 -3 7 -1 3 -1 3 3 5 -24
8. Social interactions 2 3 3 5 -1 2 1 3 3 5 1 3 40
9. Transportation - - -1 7 - - - - 3 5 - - 8
10. Aesthetics 0 3 -1 3 0 3 -2 3 0 3 5 7 26
11. Economy (5*7) - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Total Score 4 -12 -66 -33 50 97 40
Mining Activities: I to VI; Drilling, Blasting, Loading, Crushing, Transportaion, Plantation/Landscaping

47