Environmental audit for registration of the existing powerhouse and desalination plant at Vilu Reef Beach And Spa Resort, South Nilandhe Atoll

Abstract

The purpose of this Environmental Audit report is to fulfill the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the registration of the desalination plant at Vilu Reef Beach and Spa Resort, Dhaalu atoll, Maldives. The project involves the existing powerhouse and the desalination plant in Vilu Reef. The power generation system involves a powerhouse building that houses four diesel fired generator sets with total capacity of 2815 KVA and a fuel storage facility with total capacity of 103,155 litres. Desalination system involves three plants with a total capacity of 991 m3 per day and three water storage tanks. The structural integrity of the facilities is considered good. The main environmental impacts associated with this project include, increased noise levels and other emissions, potential risk for groundwater and soil contamination due to fuel spills and leaks, damages to vegetation due to heat and smoke generated from the power house, potential impact on the marine environment due to brine discharge from the desalination process. Marine water quality tests identify no increase in salinity due to discharge of brine. Noise levels are perceived as high for a mixed residential and industrial zone although it must be taken into account that space is limited and location of staff areas near powerhouse is inevitable. Visual observation identifies no notable damage to existing vegetation around the powerhouse building and no indication of any fuel spills around the powerhouse area. Also there is no significant vegetation in and around the vicinity of powerhouse. Groundwater quality tests are insufficient to draw conclusions. Product water quality shows inadequate level of disinfection and needs to be investigated further. Mitigation measures that are in place to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the operation of the two facilities include planting of trees in high noise areas and improved maintenance of generator sets. In order to protect the environment from potential fuel spills, fuel storage facilities are bunded to contain any spills and proper pipelines are established for safe fuel transfers. A monitoring plan is proposed to observe any changes taking place due to the operation of powerhouse and desalination plant. In the event that monitoring indicates that any environmental quality is deteriorating to unacceptable levels, the proponent will correct operation procedures that are contributing to the problem and/or undertake necessary engineering installations.