First addendum environmental impact assessment for the proposed resort development Mushimasmigili, North Ari Atoll

Abstract

This report addresses the environmental concerns of the proposed development of a small marina as part of the proposed resort on Mushimasmigili, North Ari Atoll. This report shall be read in conjunction with the proposed EIA report for the development of a resort on Mushimasmigili. The island, which is about 2hectares in its size, has been reclaimed in around 2004 and the proposed marina is connected to the reclaimed portion. The impact footprint of the marina component is much less than that of the entire project. The marina component also falls in the least ecologically sensitive area and an area that has been previously impacted due to reclamation. The proposed marina will be used only as part of the operations of the resort. Purpose built vessels similar to safari dhonis will be used and these vessels will each be sold as part of the package tied to a room in the island, specifically for personal day excursions by tourists. Hence, there will be no provisions to cater for other vessels (safaris or yachts). Fuel, power and water will be provided to these vessels from the existing powerhouse and desalination plants on the island. Solid and liquid waste will also be managed within the already proposed mechanisms. The proposed marina project is not envisaged to have significant negative constructional impacts, however, there will be minor potential environmental impacts from the operations including small cumulative contribution to atmospheric emissions both from power generation and water consumption, which has been covered in the EIA. Minor negative impacts from waste disposal and potential spills may also be considered. If an oil spill occurs, the impact would be significant but the probability of occurrence is almost zero. Since the marina will be a floating structure anchored by precast concrete blocks placed carefully at its location, there will be no impacts on the overall sediment transport regime of the island. Additional environmental monitoring has been identified to be water quality at the location of the marina for basic physical parameters including turbidity and grease and oil or any other parameter that could measure grease/oil. Arrangements for monitoring during constructional and operational phase remains the same as that proposed in the EIA report. Given that the project has major socio-economic benefits and few minor negative environmental impacts, it is recommended to allow the project to proceed as proposed.