Environmental impact assessment: for the registration of desalination plant and power house in Embudhu Village, Kaafu Embudhu

Abstract

This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the registration of the existing desalination plant and powerhouse in Embudhu Village. The registration of the existing desalination plant and powerhouse at Embudhu Village is being proposed by Kaimoo Hotel and Travel Services. This report has identified that the power house location, emission from powerhouse stack, noise from generators, desalinated water, bunding of the fuel tank, discharge of brine from the RO process through the brine outfall are the main components that could have an impact on the environment. Since desalination plant and powerhouse are existing facilities on the island and it is being operated, no alternatives have been suggested in this report. A number of mitigation measures has been already taken into the design and engineering as to minimise the impact on the environment of the island. The powerhouse has been located at the centre of island to minimize the impact of its noise to the guests, sound proofing has been carried out to minimize the noise heard from the power house, the stack of the powerhouse has been raised to minimise the visual impact of smoke, desalination has been introduced as to prevent the dependence on groundwater and there by reducing the groundwater depletion. A bund has been constructed around the fuel tank to prevent the accidental spill of fuel to the environment and there by reducing the groundwater pollution. Towards, the end of the report, a monitoring programme for the existing desalination plant and powerhouse has been suggested. This monitoring programme will mainly focus on desalinated water, ground water and marine water quality. Since desalination plant and powerhouse are existing facilities on the island and it is being operated, no alternatives have been suggested in this report. Hence the power plant and desalination Reverse Osmosis plant at the island could be registered at Maldives Energy Authority and Environmental Protection Agency.