Initial environmental examination (IEE) for Maremax Fish Processing Complex in Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll, Maldives

Abstract

This report provides an audit of the existing facility and identifies the potential environmental impacts of the proposed fish processing facility owned and operated by Maremax Pvt. Ltd. in Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll. The primary objective of this report is the licensing of the facilities for the export of tuna and to assure compliance to environmental standards or requirements. This report focuses mainly on the fish processing facility. According to Schedule D of EIA Regulations, Environmental Impact Assessment is required for all fish processing facilities. Therefore, an EIA needs to be done for this fish processing facility. However, given the delays in project EIA screening, it was decided by the EPA to undertake an audit of the existing facilities and a screening of potential impacts based on available information in order to speed up the EIA approval process. It is noteworthy that the facility was purchased by Maremax after the construction was completed. Therefore, this report will assess the compliance and performance of the facility and screening of potential impacts along with mitigation measures. The audit findings are given as part of the existing project components. Therefore, the existing environmental conditions of the site are discussed in the Project Description section of the report as part of the audit of the existing facilities. In addition to discussing the findings of the audit, screening of the environmental impacts and mitigation measures have been incorporated in the report. A management plan along with a monitoring programme has been suggested in order to ensure that the environmental impacts are constantly monitored and mitigation measures are taken to avoid environmental damage before it occurs. The management plan focuses on fuel and power management, emergency preparedness and water quality management. The monitoring programmes also focuses on these areas in addition to monitoring the quantity and quality of the output.