Terms of Agreement
with NEERI
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SETHUSAMUDRAM SHIP CANAL PROJECT
TERMS OF REFERENCE 1.1 Assignment – 1 : To establish Techno-Economic Viability of the Project : (i) To study future traffic potential over a short, medium and long term time horizon (2020 AD). in terms of volumes of cargoes in tonnage and also number, size and category of ships like container, dry liquid bulk and other types of vessels taking into due consideration the future economic growth in the liberalized economic regime, GNP/GDP growth, hinterland developments, likely competition from other modes of transports like pipelines (for liquid bulk transport). Railways and Roadways, growth of nearby national and regional ports, national targets of shipping over the time horizon of assessment of traffic potential, prospect of development of container ‘hub’ port(s) in the vicinity like Tuticorin, Cochin etc., with the objective to establish the need for Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project for use by ships which are likely to be deployed in carrying the assessed sea borne trade.
(ii) From the above, to arrive at the optimal design size viz. DWT/TEUs, LOA, Beam, Draught (max), for the design of canal from economic considerations; while doing so, to examine the alternative of moving in large vessels (like VLCCs, modern bulk carriers) on the existing routs (going round Srilanka) and operation of relatively smaller vessels through the proposed canal.
(iii) To study the earlier reports on Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project, especially the Laxminarayan’s Committee Report (1983) and the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Report(1998), by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, which made an initial examination of the environmental aspects related to the project based on the limited data already available/collected. To start with, critically examine the new alignment of canal suggested in the NEERI’s Report, with reference to environmental factors, navigational aspects, morphological aspects, sedimentation likely to be induced by the cross currents in the canal after its creation and during operation with a view to establish, prima facie, suitability of the alignment. If the alignment is found, prima facie, to be not suitable suggest any changes/modification taking into account various aspects such as sea bed movements sedimentation, dredging, navigation, security considerations, proximity of the medical line between India and Sri Lanka etc.
(iv) Based on the suggested, modified alignment, assess the required marine, geophysical, hydrographic and hydraulic (mathematical-simulated ) investigations required to be carried out to confirm the modified alignment, the dredge depths, canal dimensions, quantum and material of dredging, disposal grounds (offshore and onshore) etc. To conduct necessary topographical, seismic and confirmatory geo technical investigation including land and marine bore holes at 2 km. Intervals to study soil stratification profiles with special reference to dredge ability, hydrographic, hydraulic and coastal morphological investigations, for the acceptable canal lay out arrived at (iii) above. The bore holes may have to be either along the center line or in two parallel lines as determined by the ‘Engineer’. If changes in sea bed profiles are encountered especially hard/rocky sea beds warranting additional confirmatory bore holes at closer interval, such bore holes have also to be done for detailed classifications and volume computations. Hydrographic survey shall be conducted with grids of 100m intervals along the canal with determination of hard strata at the same interval with accurate and suitable echo/seismic instruments. To further simultaneously collect the required basic data of the sea sea bed with particular reference to the ‘Environment Impact Assessment’ study to be conducted (under Assignment-2, if decided by the Govt. of India)
(v) To collect the necessary marine and meteorological data like winds, waves, tides, currents fresh water inflows and other climatologically data required for the study (including EIA study) and cyclonic data for the last 30 years and consolidate them and for the present study, collect these data for the current year covering both the N-E and S-W monsoons and non- monsoons period by installing suitable instruments/data buoys etc., and also to assess the sea bed movement, siltation and sedimentation patterns etc., for the entire cyclic period.
(vi) To work out the technical parameters of the canal, keeping in view the optimal design ship as arrived at para (ii) above and review the technical parameters of the canal so arrived as above in the light of the results of the geotechnical and other investigation results referred to in para (iv) and (v) above with a view to optimize the dimensions and lane widths of the canal, to arrive as a techno-economically viable option of the canal.
(vii) The assess and conduct necessary mathematical model studies and if necessary to prove by hydraulic model to confirm the technical parameters finally arrived under (vi) above.
(viii) From the foregoing studies to establish other broad parameters in terms of the dimensions like additional canal widths, including widening at segmental turning points if required for single lane or widths for two lane canal traffic.
(ix) (a) To estimate the quantum of capital dredging-soil classification wise (according to PIANS standards) and to the required level of dredging with reference to Chart Datum indicating the nature physical and chemical properties and also to assess the dredgeability of the sea bed based on the results of investigations referred to in para (iv) above, testing for UCS, tensile strength grain size, compaction, shear strength, density, cohesive properties, plasticity index etc. and all other assessments as appropriate to soils and/rocky sea bed identified including special properties like ‘Total Core Recovery’ (TCR), ‘Rock Quality Designation’ (RQD) etc.
(b) To compute the dredge volumes reachwise with reference to principal dimensions of the canal taking into account appropriate side slopes according to international standards and inclusive of dredging tolerances to the identified dredge materials and the type of dredge.
(c) To spell out on-shore and off-shore disposal areas (within Indian territory) of the dredged materials to satisfy the statutory requirements of State/Central Govn. Deptt.,/Ministry of the Chief Conservator of Forests, Archaeological Deptt., Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board, Tamilnadu Maritime Board etc., so as to ensure that the dumping of dredged materials will not adversely affect the water quality and in case of open dumping in sea water to further ensure that there is no large movement of material from the dumping spot detriment to adjoining coastlines on either side of the canal. In case of onshore disposal, the type and dimensions of bunds, filter etc., are to be suitably designed to avoid/minimize adverse effects like disturbance to the ecosystem, coastal erosion, seepages into the land sea etc. (d) To assess the quantum of maintenance dredging per annum, the periodicity of such dredging the locations, the dredgeable period and their disposal locations. (x) Based on the above and taking into account the available working seasons to carry out dredging effectively in the quickest possible time, to work out and suggest the best suited methods, type and capacity of main and ancillary dredging equipment(s) as well as other equipments for the dredging, transportation and dumping disposal of the dredged materials.
(xii) To furnish (a)
the details of the other components/ancillary requirements of
shipping canal, like leading breakwaters/dolphins, land canal/lock,
navigational aids, appropriate Vessel Traffic Management System/Radar
System, flotilla such as tugs, launches, mooring boats etc. (b)
land acquisition details which are required for creating
on-shore facilities for administration, operation and maintenance of
the canal system at required locations (c)
other ancillary facilities required along the canal for proper
operation (d) any other requirements for better construction, operation and maintenance (x) Based on the above and taking into account the available working seasons to carry out dredging effectively in the quickest possible time, to work out and suggest the best suited methods, type and capacity of main and ancillary dredging equipment(s) as well as other equipments for the dredging, transportation and dumping disposal of the dredged materials.
(xiii) To work out realistic time frame to execute the project in terms of number of months, working conditions, fair weather seasons etc., and to furnish a detailed schedule of implementation of the project including mobilization and demobilization period.
(xiii) To furnish the total project cost including the following:
Note: While furnishing the cost of works especially dredging, foreign exchange components for each of the items, duties, taxes, insurance, interest components involved the costs of fuel, wages, lubricants third party hire, repairs and maintenance shall be brought out separately. (xiv) To work out financial viability of the project duly taking into account the initial capital cost and recurring annual operating/maintenance costs and the ‘direct revenue’ from canal does tarrifs(tolls) from the vessels using the canal and furnish the financial IRRs including sensitivity analysis. (xv) To work out the socio economic benefits on account of the project like saving in travel time of ships saving in fuel consumption, savings to shippers, saving in foreign exchange etc. To study the savings in costs of transportation of goods over the international routes through the canal and by-passing the canal to enable to appreciate the usefulness/viability of the project. Based on the above data furnishing economic IRRs including sensitivity analysis. a) Through a joint venture between the State Govt., Central Govt., and selected shipping interests. b) Non government joint venture firms who are interested in the shipping, along with the participating ports in the vicinity. c) Any other arrangements the consultant may suggest with broad Terms of Reference for the recommended arrangement. While suggesting the alternatives, the consultants shall take care of the latest government policies and guidelines on the matters of privatization and attraction of global investment. 1.2
Assignment 2: To conduct a detailed Environment Impact
Assessment (EIA) Study.
(i) On the basis of data collected, assessment made and inferences drawn in the study under Assignment 1, to assess and work out the base parameters for the detailed Environment Impact Assessment. In case of further necessity, to collect additional confirmatory on site data like current/sediment movement to conduct the required mathematical model studies to be used as input for the Environment Management Studies.
(ii) On the basis of data collected above to conduct detailed Environment Impact Assessment of the project as per guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment & Forest, New Delhi and as per the scope of EIA study as given in Annex-1, covering physical ecological, human/economic development resources, quality of life values, fisheries, coral reef, microorganisms, archaeological/historical, aesthetics and human health; water quality parameters at three levels (surface, mid depth and bottom) covering all the physico-chemical, chemical and biological parameters, bottom sediment sampling etc. both at dredging site and dumping sites for dredged materials. The consultants may also consult the reputed NGOs like M.S. Swaminathan Committee etc. for Bio-diversity for Palk Bay Marine National Park etc. The study shall comprehensively cover the effects of
(b) ship movements in the operational phase of the canal.
(iii) To prepare detailed Environment Impact Statement (EIS) duly bringing out the likely impacts of the project, mitigation, protection and enhancement measures including impacts due to disposal of dredged materials, consideration of alternatives, ‘no change alternative’ etc with a summary and conclusion of the analysis, bringing our details of impacts on siltation erosion due to dredging, sediment pollution, effect on flora and fauna and effects on water quality and quality, noise pollution etc. both at dredging and dumping locations and to study the inherent polluting properties of the dredged materials and the resulting impact on the environment. To cover further, the environment degradation, effect on flora and fauna, ground water pollution in the adjacent areas, entry of toxic components and consequent effect on food nutrition value, damage/interferences to recreation facilities onshore etc. Each of these impacts like soil erosion/shore line changes, sediment transport, siltation, fisheries, aquatic bacteria micro organisms suspended sediment concentrations, shall be weighed against the expected advantages like employment potential, economy of hinterland, traffic to ports etc and thus to make Environment Impact Statement.
(iv) To prepare Environmental Management Plan (EMP) mainly covering mitigation measures at dredging sites, transportation route (of dredged spoil), and dumping site against air pollution, water pollution, land pollution and noise pollution and ship traverses through the canal and the maintenance dredging. EMP may essentially consist of details of work proposed under mitigative measures, implementation schedule of such measures, fund and manpower requirements and arrangements for monitoring on a long term basis.
(v) To make a presentation of the draft EIA Report to the various governmental agencies like MOST, MOEF, New Delhi and Environmental authorities of State Govt., NGOs etc to their views and comments on the draft Report.
(vi) To finalise the draft report in the light of the outcome of the exercise at (v) above and submit the final report.
The detailed time frame for the completion of the Assignments 1
and 2 is given in Annex -2
Annex
- I Scope
for Comprehensive Environment Impact and Ecological Risk Assessment
1.
Environment Impact Assessment : Broad Scope of Work
Ecosystem characteristics : Measurements on pelagic foodchain productivity, growth of benthos and vegetation phytoplankton densities, predatory fish and birds in the coastal waters. 2. Environment Impact Assessment : Detailed scope of Work 2.1 Water Environment
2.2. Biological Environment
2.3 Air Environment
2.4 Noise Environment
2.5 Socio-economic Health and Cultural Components
3.1 Risk Assessment : Broad Scope of Work · Hazard identification taking resource to hazard indices, inventory analysis etc. · Generation of release scenarios for escape of hazardous substances in the coastal/ocean environment · Computation of damage distances through consequence analysis · Assessment of risk on the basis of the above evaluation 3.2 Risk Assessment Detailed Scope of Work
Hazard Assessment and Evaluation Cru examination of hazard prone activities and regions with an accent on quantification of hazard and its evaluation. The formalized techniques to be used are:
3.3 Ecological Risk Assessment : Broad Scope of Work
Quantification of ecological risks and delineation of ecologic risk mitigation measures 3.4 Ecological Risk Assessment : Detailed Scope of Work
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