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Title: | Environment impact assessment for the proposed drainage system development for flood control in the taro fields at Fiyoary Island, Gaafu Dhaal Atoll |
Authors: | CDE Consulting |
Keywords: | Project description Policy and legal framework Existing environment Impacts and identification Significant impacts and mitigation measures Environmental management plan Environmental monitoring plan Stakeholder consultation |
Issue Date: | Dec-2012 |
Citation: | CDE Consulting. (2012). Environment impact assessment for the proposed drainage system development for flood control in the taro fields at Fiyoary Island, Gaafu Dhaal Atoll. Male': Maldives |
Abstract: | The purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental
clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out the proposed Drainage
system at Taro fields of GDh Fiyoary. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Fisheries and
Agriculture
The project is to bring many socio economic benefits to the people of Fiyoary as during flooding
SW monsoon the wetland area where the Taro and Reed fields are present gets flooded
damaging the crops. As Taro cultivating is a livelihood of most women in Fiyoary and Reed/Hau
is used for traditional mat weaving it impacts the the whole mat weaving community, namely
craftswomen from Rathafandhoo and Gadhoo. The project aims to ensure a drainage system that
could manage the water in wetland during floods.
All project activities will be in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives, and
relevant international conventions that Maldives is party to. The key laws and regulations
applicable to this project are Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, Environmental
Impact Assessment Regulation 2012.
The project components are 1(mobilisation) equipment and construction materials will be
brought to the project site, 2(Site preparation) this includes vegetation clearance and storage of
construction equipment and machinery, (3) Drainage construction and decommissioning. The
project duration is expected to be between 4-8 weeks and a total of 15 staffs are required for the
construction works.
Significant impacts that are expected to arise from the project include (1) impacts on
groundwater, seawater and wetland water quality, (2) Health and safety risks as the working
environment is a marshy land. (3) Loss of Terrestrial flora and fauna (4) Loss to biodiversity
including birds. All these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation measures
recommended in the report. On the other hand, significant positive impacts to the local economy
and traditional mat weaving community of Gadhoo and Rathafandhoo are also anticipated due to
this project.
The main mitigation measures include carrying out construction with propoer safety standards
while following strict environmental protocols. This includes storage of oil and grease and other
construction materials in proper bunded locations. Storing materials at a certain distance and
proper supervision by an experienced professional at all times. Vegetation clearance impacts can
be minimised by keeping the vegetation clearance to absolute minimum and replanting the
removed vegetation where possible. Alternatives evaluated for project activities are alternative drainage pipe sites depending on the
topography, alternative drainage pipeline network and alternative infiltration system design and
size. The “No Project” option has also been explored but is not deemed preferable, due to the
significant economic opportunities and environmental and economic impacts caused if the
project does not proceed.
The monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the ground water, wetland water
quality and marine water quality. In addition to monitor impacts of expulsion of water to the
marine environment beach profiles and reef health checks are included in the monitoring plan.
The management plan for this project is designed to produce a framework for anticipated
impacts, including practicable and achievable performance requirements and systems for
monitoring, reporting and implementing corrective actions. In addition provide evidence of
compliance to legislation, policies, guidelines and requirements of relevant authorities.
In conclusion, this project has been designed in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations
of Maldives. The most significant impacts are expected to be impacts on vegetation and ground
water quality of the island. Anticipated long-term impacts of the operational phase can and
should be managed by proper implementation of proposed mitigation measures.
The project commencement is highly anticipated by the locals as the damage to Taro fields is an
annual event which causes immeasurable damage to the island socioeconomically. |
URI: | http://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/jspui/handle/123456789/3992 |
Appears in Collections: | ތިމާވެށި Environment A
|
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