Environmental impact assessment report for the operation of electricity generating facility and dieselination plant at Ethere Madivaru, North Ari Atoll

Abstract

Ethere Madivaru is located in the North Ari Atoll and it is operated as a picnic island by the Banyan Tree Maldives. It consists of 4 rooms and other facilities required for the operation of the service. This EIA is in accordance with the requirement of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Maldives Energy Authority (MEA) guidelines that requires submitting an EIA in applying for registration to generate electricity and produce desalinated water. The power generation and desalination in the island has been operating under the license for the operation of Picnic Island in Madivaru Island. The island is equipped with all the necessary equipment, in particular a sewage treatment plant, a powerhouse, fuel tanks and desalination plants. The peak demand of power is 90 kW, and the powerhouse is equipped with 2 x 200 kW generators. The fuel tanks are in a concrete bund, and supply is done via a pipe laid from the supply jetty. The water necessary for the resort is produced through reverse osmosis plants and the peak demand is estimated at 400 m3/ day. Eventually, during the operations, the main environmental concern is global with the increased emission of green house gases. Since both of the facilities are in operational stage and are vital components of the island operations. Alternative to the project include the do-nothing scenario where the operation continues without registration which will ultimately lead to difficulties in upgrading of the facility.