Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/jspui/handle/123456789/4064
Title: Environmental impact assessment for the upgrading / installation of the sewerage treatment plant (stp) in Adaaran Hudhuranfushi, North Male’atoll, Maldives
Authors: Water Solutions
Keywords: Project description
Project setting
Methodology
Existing environment of Maldives
Status of fish abundance
Environmental impacts
Stakeholder consultations
Alternatives
Environmental management and monitoring plan
Issue Date: Oct-2013
Citation: Water Solutions. (2013). Environmental impact assessment for the upgrading / installation of the sewerage treatment plant (stp) in Adaaran Hudhuranfushi, North Male’atoll, Maldives . Male': Maldives
Abstract: This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfill obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed upgrading / installation of the sewerage treatment plant (hereafter referred to as the project) in Hudhuranfushi island, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives. Hudhuranfushi is a resort operated under the trade name “Adaaran Hudhuranfushi” (hereafter refered to as the “project site”). The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long term economic benefits to the client after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored and corrective measures can be undertaken. Sewerage treatment plants (STP) are mandatory in all resorts under the Tourism regulation, and hence it is required under the law to have one in every resort. There is no single STP that is right nor vice versa. STP’s come in various sizes and with many levels of technical complexity. From collection to disposal, different STPs will vary in the way they work and the way it impacts the environment. This is the main reason why an EIA needs to be undertaken, that is to identify what kind of impacts are likely to occur from a given STP. The proposed project aims to establish a much enhanced treatment network than what is currently available in the island. Over the years, the operators of the resort have realized that the present system needs upgrading as it is unable to meet the demands of the present day. Furthermore, it is also vital to find a solution whereby costs can be recovered in the long term by exploring the possibilities of reusing wastewater for applications in the resort island that are environmentally acceptable, such as toilet flushing and for gardening. Hence, the project aims to treats a percentage of the wastewater for recycling, namely for use in toilet flushing and for gardening. The project therefore involves the following components: a) Upgrading of the existing STP plant in the resort from 100 cubic meters per day (cbm) to an STP with a capacity of 160 cbm. b) Installation of a completely new STP with a capacity of 140 cbm. c) Upgrading of the sewerage pipes that are damaged badly beyond repair. This includes replacing them with new unplasticized poly (vinyl chloride) (uPVC) pipes. d) Installation of new catch pits and upgrading of damaged catch pits. The proposed project will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur as the disposed effluent will stick to EPA guidelines. These measures are expected to bring several positive impacts on the environmental quality of the resort and the surrounding reef. While the project has a component of water recycling, the treatment standards have been set to ensure that the groundwater will not be contaminated as a result of recycling the water. Various alternative to the proposed system were also studied. One of the options identified include deep bore well disposal and using a small bore system. Based on the assessment, these alternatives were assessed to identify their potential application in Hudhuranfushi against the proposed system. Environmental impacts and mitigation measures Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, impacts are u likely to occur on the marine and terrestrial environment (groundwater) as the proposed project does not necessitate construction of an outfall or large scale construction activities such as clearing trees. Most of the impacts during the construction period are impacts related to construction waste, dust emission and noise. During the operational stage of this project, there will be both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include the improvement of the ground water quality of the island and also the quality improvement of the near shore environment. Sludge, which will be a byproduct will provide a resource that can be used to condition the soil and act as a fertilizer. Thus, the resorts organic garden will benefit greatly both in terms of financial savings and through provision of a usable by product. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups, including the resort’s engineering team, the client and the contractor who will undertake the proposed works including supply and installation of the systems. The client indicated that this project is vital for the environment of the resort as well as to remain within the legal boundaries of Tourism and other governmental regulations. Appropriate sewage treatment facilities will also boost the environmental value of the resort. This project does not foresee much negative impacts even during the construction stage and is geared towards improving the environmental quality of the resort. The project does not pose any threat to the marine or terrestrial environment and will directly benefit the environment and the client, both in the short and long term. Based on this assessment, it is advised to undertake this project.
URI: http://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/jspui/handle/123456789/4064
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