Environment impact assessment for the proposed harbour extension project in Ukhulas, North Ari Atoll

Abstract

This Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report is an evaluation of the potential environmental, socioeconomic and natural impacts of the proposed harbour extension project in Ukulhas Island, North Ari Atoll. The project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Environment (MHE) and the project contractor is MT Højgaard, Denmark. The EIA consultant is CDE Consulting. This EIA has been developed based on the Term of Reference (ToR) issued by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on 7 July 2011. This document is submitted by the proponent to EPA to fulfil the requirements for an IEE under Article 5 of the Environment Protection and Preservation Act (4/93). The EIA Regulations 2007 have been used as the basis for developing this document. The main components of the project are: − Dredging harbour extension area − Land reclamation − Construction of harbour protection and sea wall infrastructure Ukulhas is the one of the main fishing islands of North Ari Atoll. Due to the size of the fishing fleet in Ukulhas, the island has had major problems with providing safe anchorage to fishing vessels and expanding the fishing industry. The congestion within the harbour is also making it difficult for passenger vessels to access the island. Harbour expansion has been identified as priority for island development, particularly to facilitate passenger access. A harbour redevelopment project was undertaken in 2010 through a tsunami reconstruction project funded by an international agency. However, due to budget limitations the project had to be divided into two phases. The first phase involved the maintenance dredging and upgrading of quay wall and breakwater. The first phase was completed earlier this year. Funding for the second phase of the project has been secured by the Government and the second phase in now ready for implementation. The second phase mainly involves extending the harbour, as originally planned in 2010.