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Title: | Environmental impact assessment for the proposed maintenance dredging project in Orimasfaru, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll |
Authors: | CDE Consulting |
Keywords: | Project description Policy and legal framework Existing environment Impacts identification Significant impacts and mitigation measures Alternatives Environmental monitoring plan Environmental management plan |
Issue Date: | Apr-2013 |
Citation: | CDE Consulting. (2013). Environmental impact assessment for the proposed maintenance dredging project in Orimasfaru, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. Male': Maldives |
Abstract: | The purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental
clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the proposed maintenance
dredging works in the existing Orimas Faru reef entrance. The proponent of this project is
Vilamendhoo Investments Pvt Ltd.
The main rationale for the project is to resolve the access difficulties to the seaplane pontoon in
Orimasfaru reef entrance as it has become very shallow in some area. Since the resort operations
depend on the seaplane pontoon, closure of the channel will affect the resort operations during
periods of bad weather in the SW monsoon
The project involves maintenance dredging of the shallow areas within the existing channel and
dredge waste disposal on to the small islands adjoining the channel. The total volume of sand to
be dredged and disposed is approximately 1000 cbm in a 650 sq m area. The material will be
disposed on the eastern island. In addition, a submerged groyne using large coral pieces will be
assembled to minimise sediments from seeping into the channel. Project will be completed in 2
weeks.
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 and Environmental
Impact Assessment Regulation 2012.
The existing entrance channel had no visible live corals and had moderate turbidity
Significant impacts of this project during construction phase of the project are the potential
impact of sedimentation on the marine water quality and consequent impact on marine life,
direct loss of marine life within the project footprint and the health and safety risks to
construction workers. All these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation measures
recommended in the report
The main mitigation measures include carrying out construction activities during low tide hours
and calm weather and proper supervision of all activities by qualified personnel. The work
schedule and duration will also be planned to avoid disruptive weather conditions and complete
construction activities in the shortest time possible.
The alternatives evaluated for the project are dredging methods; dredge waste disposal sites and
alternative location. The “No Project” option has also been explored and this option is not deemed preferable, given the current condition of the harbour and the need for expansion. No
changes are proposed.
The original monitoring plan is upgraded to include any changes to the coral reef environment of
the island and the marine water quality as these are the key areas that will be impacted from this
project.
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 short-term impacts on the marine
water quality, coral reef and lagoon bottom habitats. However, mitigation measures have been
proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts |
URI: | http://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/jspui/handle/123456789/3999 |
Appears in Collections: | ތިމާވެށި Environment A
|
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