Initial environment examination report for the oil storage facility in Ihavandhippolhu, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives

Abstract

This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is an evaluation of the potential environmental, socio-economic and natural impacts of the proposed crude and refined oil storage project at Ihavandhippolhu. The project is proposed by State Trading Organization Plc (STO). The main components of the project include reclamation of a 50 Ha island, development of a crude oil hub terminal on the reclaimed land and the operation of the terminal. Maldives is strategically located from north to south between latitudes 7.07’N and 0.43’S. Thus, the Maldives Archipelago has been identified as an optimal location for a crude and refined oil storage project. Maldives is located central to crude oil shipping routes originating from North and East Africa, as well as routes doubling the Cape of Good Hope. Given the strategic location of Maldives and reputation of STO in import storage and distribution of fuel in Maldives, STO is looking into taking advantage of extensive maritime traffic through the channel between Sri Lanka and Maldives. STO therefore is using this opportunity to check the viability to develop an oil storage facility in Ihavandhiopplhu. The EIA is being developed as per the EIA regulation (2007) of the Maldives and the Terms of Reference that was developed by the consultant (CDE Consulting). The EIA is well represented as per the TOR and respective chapters describing the environment and potential impacts and mitigation measures are discussed in the consecutive chapters and most importantly all these work have being discussed with all the key stakeholders before submission and their views on the project is also being depicted in this EIA.