Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/jspui/handle/123456789/3834
Title: Environmental audit for registration of desalination plant at Vilamendhoo Resort, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
Authors: CDE Consulting
Keywords: Desalination plant
Legislative and regulatory considerations
Existing baseline conditions
Physical environment
Biological environment
Human environment
Environmental impacts
Mitigation measures
Environmental impact assessments
Issue Date: Apr-2011
Citation: CDE Consultancy. (2011). Environmental audit for registration of desalination plant at Vilamendhoo Resort, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives. Male': Maldives
Abstract: The purpose of this Environmental Audit report is to fulfill the requirements of Maldives Water and Sanitation Authority guidelines to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the registration the utility services. The project involves auditing of the existing desalination plant in Vilamendhoo Resort and Spa. Desalination system involves two plants with capacity 200 m3 per day each and two water storage tanks with a capacity of 710 m3. The seawater intake is located on the southern side of the island with a length of 170 m from the desalination plant house. The brine discharge point is located on the northern side of the island at a distance of 130 m from the desalination plant house. The structural integrity of the facilities is considered good. Noise levels are perceived as high for a mixed residential and industrial zone although it must be taken into account that space is limited and location of staff areas near plant house is inevitable. The environmental impacts associated with this project include, increased noise levels and impact on marine environment due to brine discharge. 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. Noise measurements taken during the field visit conforms to international standards while marine water quality tests show normal conditions although there are limitations in the parameters tested due to unavailability of tests at National Health Laboratory. Marine life needs to be further monitored at the brine discharge location to ascertain whether there is a long term impact from discharge of brine. Visual observation identifies no notable damage to existing vegetation around the desalination plant house and no indication of any fuel spills or leaks around the area. Groundwater quality tests that could be conducted shows that the groundwater is in good condition. Mitigation measures that are in place to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the operation of the facility include appropriate distance of brine and seawater pipes from shoreline and installation of sound attenuators to reduce the noise levels from the plant house. In order to protect the environment from potential fuel spills, proper pipelines are established and fuel storage is in bunded areas. 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.
URI: http://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/jspui/handle/123456789/3834
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