Ambient air quality parameters in the project area are well within national standards. Temporary impact on ambient air quality is expected during construction phase linked to site preparation activities (foundation and road excavation, leveling, land clearing), vehicle movement and other activities. Mitigation measures, to minimize this adverse impact, are proposed including minimization of disturbance of vegetation, covered transportation of loose construction material/excavated earth and stockpiles, water sprinkling, and management of pollution from vehicular and equipment emissions.

Baseline noise levels at nearest habitations exceed the permissible limits (national ambient noise standards) both during day and night time for some locations. However, this is attributed mostly to the commercial activity and traffic movement in the area. Major noise sources in construction phase include operation of cranes, excavation, movement of construction machinery, operation of DG sets, vehicular movement, etc. Incremental noise level increases during construction will be temporary and limited to the vicinity of the noise generating source, except in case of movement of material through/near habitations or other sensitive receptors.

DJEPL and UUPPL will, implement the traffic management plan and other mitigation measures (like use of noise barriers at potentially high noise area/locations, PPEs, restriction on traffic movement during night hours, regular maintenance of vehicles, minimizing ground vegetation clearance etc). As a part of its oversight procedures, DJEPL and UUPPL will, undertake six monthly monitoring of ambient noise level in order to understand the increase in noise levels due to the project operation. The noise impact assessment for operation phase indicates that material noise impact on sensitive receptors is not expected due to the project.

Water requirement for the construction stage will be about 62.1KLD and 1.35 KLD during the operations phase. These will be sourced from authorized vendors in the area/region. The project will not extract/use water from water bodies located close to the site or in the nearby area. Analysis of ground and surface water quality in the area has shown compliance to Indian drinking water standards IS: 10500. Domestic wastewater during construction and O&M phases will be disposed through septic tank and soak pits. There will be no discharge of waste water to any surface water body. While construction will be generally avoided during rainy periods, appropriate mitigation measures to minimize erosion and water pollution will be implemented. Material impact on water sources is not expected on account of the project both during construction and operation stages.

Construction waste such as packaging and crating material of turbines, construction debris like small concrete, metal, bins, scraps and debris will be collected, stored, segregated and disposed of accordingly. Waste from earthmoving activities and hazardous waste generated from use of heavy machinery /equipment  like waste oil, gearbox oil, hydraulic oil, lubricant, cleaning fluids, paints, degreasers and other similar substances will be disposed as per the Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling &Trans boundary Movement) Rules, 2008 through authorized entities. DJEPL and UUPPL will, as a part of contractor oversight, require the contractor to implement the waste management plan and ensure that the waste generated at the site are securely stored, handled/used with appropriate care and personal protective equipment; segregated; and disposed of in accordance with the waste management plan requirements. It will also ensure that: transformers do not use PCB containing oils; and ozone depleting substances banned/phased out under Montreal Protocol are not used. The project will result in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. 

Land disturbance from construction activities such as excavation, leveling, cut and fill, topsoil stockpiling, installation of tower foundation are expected during the construction stage of the project. These will however be short-term and temporary in nature (limited to construction phase). All the excavated material will be stockpiled at a pre-determined staging area with an intention to minimize impact on fertile agricultural top soiland to protect grass spores that may be present. These will be used for back filling and road leveling work. Proper care will be taken to minimize ground vegetation clearance and soil erosion.