Impact study and impact management of limestone mining for the Na Phra Lan industry, Saraburi Province

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the impact of limestone mining for industrial purposes in Na Phra Lan area on surrounding communities, and 2) study the roles of government and private organizations in managing the impact of limestone mining for industrial purposes. The study was conducted using a mixed research methodology of quantitative and qualitative research. The quantitative method used a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview as instruments. The sample group consisted of 5 communities, totaling 335 people, and 19 key informants. The results were presented in the form of descriptive statistics and tables.

          The research results found that the most environmentally affected communities had a mean of 2.09 and a standard deviation of 0.76, and a mean of 1.39 and a standard deviation of 0.69, respectively. The second most affected communities were those with quality of life, followed by communities within a radius of 1-2 kilometers that were affected economically, and communities within a radius of 3 kilometers were affected by human utilization values. The study of the roles of government and private organizations in managing the impact of limestone mining found that limestone mining operators, the Office of Primary Industries and Mining, Region 7, Saraburi, the Saraburi Provincial Industrial Office, and local administrative organizations in the area It has a role and duty in managing impacts from mining as specified in various acts, by managing impact reduction (from dust, transportation, noise and vibration, water quality), monitoring and following up to watch the environment, and managing complaints. People in the area are satisfied with the management of impacts from mining, even though they are still affected to some extent, but at an acceptable level.