A methodology for cumulative impact assessment of opencast mining projects with special reference to air quality assessment

Abstract

It has been recognized worldwide that consideration of cumulative impacts should be an integral part of the environmental impact assessment process and that sector-specific methodologies should be evolved to address these impacts. A generic methodology for cumulative impact assessment of opencast mining projects has been developed with special reference to air quality assessment. It involved questionnaire checklists and a geographical information system for scoping of the impact assessment study, and the ISCST3 air quality dispersion model for the analysis of impacts. Its use was illustrated by a case study at an opencast iron ore mine. The methodology could identify a number of potentially significant cumulative impacts. Also, the analysis of air quality impact suggested that in some areas surrounding the mine the cumulative pollutant levels could be significantly high even if the effects of project-related impact were low.

Keywords:

• cumulative impact assessment
• opencast mining
• air quality
• India