Environmental audit for the registration of existing desalination plant at Meeru Island Resort Male' Atoll, Maldives

Abstract

The purpose of this Environmental Audit report is to fulfill the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the registration of the desalination plant at Meeru Island Resort. The project involves auditing of the existing desalination plant in Meeru Island Resort. Desalination system involves three plants with a combined capacity of 878.4 tons per day. Sedimentation tanks measures 76.708 m3 in its volumel. There are two water storage tanks with capacity 1269.9 m3. The seawater intake is located on the western side of the island with a length of approximately 255 m from desalination plant room . The brine discharge point is located on the eastern side of the island with a length of approximately 230 m from desalination plant room and into the lagoon. Disinfection is by chlorination and water distribution is piped network buried underground. The environmental impacts associated with this project include, increased noise levels, impingement and entrainment of marine organisms during seawater intake, impact on marine environment due to brine discharge, waste management hazards related to chemicals handling and disposal and beneficial impact of preserving the groundwater. There are indirect impacts associated with consumption of energy for desalination. Power generation has the potential to degrade air quality and contributes to global warming. In addition, fuel handling related to power generation is a potential risk for ground water and soil contamination from fuel spills and leaks. A number of mitigation measures are already in place. Facilities are located in the best area taking into account guest accommodation, staff accommodation and other guest areas. Desalination plant house building is elevated above ground level and attenuated to reduce noise level. Seawater intake and brine discharge are appropriately located from shoreline. Seawater intake is appropriately designed with mesh. In order to protect the environment from potential fuel spills, proper pipelines are established and fuel storage is in bunded areas. The desalination system is in compliance with Desalination Regulation of Maldives. Source water is from the deep sea. Sedimentation tank is appropriately sized and located. The desalination plant house is located to minimize aesthetic impact. Capacity of desalination system exceeds the demand for water. Brine discharge is at appropriate length and location although slightly hypersaline conditions were found that needs further investigating. Desalination plant house includes channel ways for drainage and is kept clean and tidy with clear pathways. Chemicals are organized with proper labeling. Operation manuals are available and easily accessible. The structural integrity of the facilities is considered good. Environmental management plan is provided particularly for desalination units, product water quality, fire prevention, chemicals handling and waste management. A monitoring plan is proposed to observe any changes taking place due to the operation of 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.