Environmental impact assessment for establishment of sewer network at Aa. Ukulhas

Abstract

The purpose of this EIA is to critically analyse and assess the potential environmental impacts associated with the establishment of a sewer network in AA.Ukulhas and expose the solutions and preferred alternatives as well as mitigation measures to minimize any negative impacts whilst trying to derive the maximum positive impacts from the project; Existing sewer situation at the aforementioned island are not proper and are subject to cause ground water contamination. In this sewer establishment project, sewer facilities are proposed to be constructed at a location whereby public nuisance could be minimised along with little disturbance to the natural setting of the proposed locations of sewer facility and allied pump stations for the network. All the components of the sewer network will be constructed according to EPA specification complying to both MEE and EPA regulations; Additionally, this study also involved identification of several alternative locations for laying the outfall and selecting the most ideal location based on thorough study of the current patterns, proximity to the public recreational beaches and ease of design effectiveness. The preferred locations were selected based on best met design criteria of EPA and environmental options; The construction works of sewer network presented in this report are not expected to adversely impact the environment if the mitigation measures mentioned in the report are followed. The most important mitigation measures are daily maintenance of machinery, following chemical handling procedures, waste segregation and storage in closed labelled containers until disposal to Thilafushi and most importantly following the EPA guidelines for operation of sewer system; Potential groundwater contamination from damages to sewer network, potential impacts to marine life from discharge of sewerage from the outfall, excavation and dewatering are the most significant environmental impacts associated with the project. Therefore, it is extremely important to follow the proposed mitigation measure, relevant guidelines and regulations and the operation and maintenance manual of the sewer system during the operational phase. Overall, the proposed project is expected to bring in positive outcomes. It is expected that the newly established sewer network will ensure safe sanitation services to islandާ community in addition to greatly reducing further disturbance and contamination of the ground water and surrounding environment; and Monitoring is essential to ensure that environmental thresholds are not exceeded and mitigation measures proposed are working. Ground water and marine water quality monitoring will be done according to the proposed monitoring schedule.