Initial environment examination addendum for the proposed construction of a jetty in Lhohi Island, Dhaalu Atoll

Abstract

Executive Summary An IEE has been forwarded to EPA on April for the Jetty construction. However due to change of location of the proposed jetty an addendum IEE is being proposed. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an addendum report to the former IEE for evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed Jetty construction at Lhohi Island, Dhaalu Atoll. The proponent of this project is Mr Shiuth Hussain representing Emerald Travel Services Pvt Ltd. Introduction and Key Features of the Project Project Background and Rationale The ministry of Fisheries & Agriculture and Mr ShiuthHussain (M.Naadhiyairumathybai, ID no: A059834) has sign a lease contract dated 23 January 2012 for a duration of 21 years to develop Lhohi of DHaalu Atoll as an Agricultural island. The proposed jetty construction in Lhohi Island has been proposed for the ease of loading and unloading tools, equipment machinery and Human resources to and from the island. This project will lead to rapid implementation of the works stipulated in the contract with Mr SHiuth Hussain and Ministry of Fisheries & Agriculture. Project Objectives The project objective is to create a jetty which will make the island easier to access, loading and unloading of equipment and machinery for the future development of the island as an agricultural island with the features stipulated in the contract between Mr ShiuthHussain and Ministry of Fisheries & Agriculture. Project Scope and work methodology Main component is construction of a T-shaped jetty (dimensions: primary walkway with length of 57.9 m and width of 3.04 m and secondary walkway with length of 9.1 m and width 3.04 m) and making a channel for the entry and exit of transport vessels. This jetty will require a total of 31 concrete stilts (columns), and finished with a timber decking Jetty construction works Making an entrance channel The sub components of the project include: 1) Pre-fabricating concrete columns on the island 2) Placing prefabricated unit in lagoon 3) Constructing and assembling timber beams and the rest of the structure Project Schedule and Life Span Mobilisation for the project will begin after the IEE is approved. The project will be completed in 06 (six) months from the time of issuance of Decision statement for the project. Conformance to Laws and Regulations of Maldives and International Conventions The key laws and regulations of the Maldives to which the proposal is applicable are: Environmental Protection Act, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2021 Fisheries Act of the Maldives Regulation on Sand Mining Ban on Coral Mining Regulation on tree cutting This project conforms to these laws and regulations. Environmental Impacts The potential significant impacts from the project are summarized below; Damage to coral reef, lagoon benthos and fish population due to turbidity and sedimentation during excavation for the columns and clearance of entrance channel. Potential marine water contamination from accidental oil spills and turbidity Potential ground water contamination from usage of temporary septic tanks Loss of lagoon bottom organisms and habitats. Potential adverse impact during operation stage is the loss of benthic dwelling organisms and benthic substrate of the project site. The potential beneficial impacts during the construction phase of the proposed development are mainly socio-economic impacts. These include: Employment opportunities during construction works Business opportunity for local suppliers Opportunity for local contract workers Opportunity for atoll locals to rent out property, equipment’s, machinery, vehicles and vessels. Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures are identified for the adverse impacts highlighted. Among the main mitigation measures are: Deployment of bund walls or silt screens during jetty construction Transplanting of live corals to another site to minimise coral damage Monitoring of coastal environment for abnormal activity that may require immediate further action. Conducting work during calm weather especially calm wave activity to minimise sedimentation and dispersion of sediment. Use of temporary septic tanks for sewage and wastewater disposal Alternatives The key alternatives considered for this project are as follows: “No-project” Alternative Not creating an access channel Sedimentation control measures Environmental Monitoring Program Monitoring program is based on the information requirements of the project. The key areas highlighted in the program are: Sedimentation– Ensure that silt screens or bund walls are in place during jetty construction works and check for murkiness of water by visual observation on a daily basis. In addition the water quality of the project site shall be monitored on completion and thereafter water quality will be monitored on an annual basis Marine Water Contamination – All machinery that will be used for the proposed works/activities shall be properly tuned and maintained on a daily basis to avoid any leakage or accidental oil spillage. Water Depth – the depth of the water of the dredging site shall be monitored two months after completion of the project and thereafter annually for two years. Erosion and coastal changes: Beach profiles at given locations Two months after completion of the project and thereafter annually. Beach line at high tide and low tide and eroding areas marked using GPS two months after completion of the project and thereafter annually. Longshore currents at beach profile locations and in selected points around the lagoon will be monitored two months after completion of the project and thereafter annually. The proponent is committed to undertake the monitoring programme.