An EIA is necessary because coal mining, especially surface mining has a negative impact on the environment. This is because it requires disturbance of large areas of land which leads to an increase in environmental challenges. Some of these challenges include soil erosion, pollution of the environment with dust, noise and contamination of water. All these factors negatively affect the biodiversity. There is need to minimize the overall effect of coal mining on the environment. This can be achieved through pre-planning projects which are carefully drawn, implementation of pollution control measures in the mined sites, carefully monitoring the effects of mining on the environment, rehabilitation of the mined areas, minimization of the impact of coal mining on the neighboring communities in terms of noise and dust, and consideration of the effect both immediate and long term of land capability and usage (World Coal Institute, 2010). Another reason an EIA is needed because mining can be a very dangerous enterprise for workers. As Liu (2009) claims, according to the latest official mining statistics, from 2003 to 2006, more than 20, 000 people died from coal mining accidents in China. Illnesses like black lung disease, also called silicosis, are common in miners and current policy is not preventing this disease. In the U.S. there is consistent evidence that exposure at the current United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) permissible exposure limits of 0.1 mg/m3 for 100% respirable crystalline silica dust is not protective against silicosis (Chen, 2001). A new EIA is needed to protect workers better in coal mining, and reduce the permissible exposure limits of 0.1mg/m3. Along with safety of health, an EIA is needed to increase safety from accidents. Recently, two coal mining incidents in China and U.S have brought about new concerns in coal mining industry. In United States, an increase in methane gas in coal mine in Virginia led to explosion that claimed more than 25 people (Ramsey, 2010). In China, flooding in a coal mine left miners trapped for more than two weeks until they were rescued although the exact numbers of miners were not known (Ramsey, 2010). The concern is that mines are not planned with safety in mind because not all factors presenting danger are pre-analyzed. Exploiting coal is critically important for a country's long-term economic growth. Low overall commercial energy consumption can hold back the country's economy. Sustainable development of coal will provide the country with a vital new source of sustainable energy. Coal can increase exports, increase industrial development and the subsequent governmental revenues. A coal project can do more than just develop a coal mine; it will also serve as a catalyst for major economic development and will help the country alleviate poverty and achieve sustainable growth. The coal production project will increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide more direct and indirect jobs (Lahiri-Dutt, 2006). An EIA importantly addresses transportation routes for the coal. It is important to understand barging, and offshore reloading facility for transfer to seafaring vessels (See appendix 1 for an example). All of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) plans are important to the sustainability. ESIA consists of environmental management plans, a comprehensive resettlement plan, an indigenous peoples development plan, a public consultation, and disclosure plan (Asia Energy Corporation (Bangladesh) , 2006). Mining must take into account, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) environmental and social safe guard policies. Such issues as involuntary resettlement, indigenous peoples, and cultural property must be taken into account (Asia Energy Corporation (Bangladesh) , 2006). A coal EIA includes three main components: the coal mine component; a transportation component; and a component to build a coal terminal which may include barging activities facility and an offshore reloading facility for transfer of coal to seagoing ships (See appendix 1 for an example). The principal potential negative impacts on the environment from coal mining are ambient air pollution, noise, groundwater changes, surface water pollution, spills, dredging, and ship collision (Asia Energy Corporation (Bangladesh) , 2006). Air pollution mitigation measures will take place such as emission reducing equipment and the spraying of coal in various sectors of the transportation chain (Asia Energy Corporation (Bangladesh) , 2006)
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