| Abstract: | This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study under the
proposed runway extension at Gan International Airport, Gan, Addu City. The project is
proposed by Addu International Airport Pvt. Ltd.
The project is targeted at extending the runway by reclamation of land from the surrounding
lagoon so that larger aircrafts can be accommodated. The dredged area will be utilized for sea
plane operations in the near future. Coastal protection of the reclaimed area as well as the
dredge area for seaplane operations will form an integral part of the project.
At present large aircrafts A320 and Boeing 777 can only do an emergency landing and regular
operations is not possible. With the increasing demand for large international carriers the
runway needs to be extended. The airport not only caters for Addu City but is the international
hub in the south of the Maldives catering for a large local population and an ever increasing
tourist population in Addu City, Fuah Mulah and Huvadhoo Atolls. Therefore, the proposed
runway extension is an immediate need for Gan International Airport. In addition, resort and
other economic developments in the southern atolls will increase the demand for seaplane
operations and this demand is very strong at present. Therefore, adequate areas need to be
identified for seaplane operations. Shallow lagoon areas which can be easily protected from
waves is most suitable and the proposed dredge areas on the southern lagoon of Gan are the
only potential areas for seaplane operations and their future expansion.
Alternatives have been identified in the project document. These include alternatives for the
runway extension as well as dredge areas. The runway has been proposed to be extended to
350m initially with the possibility of further expansion in the future. The proposed area for
extension is the western end of the runway between Gan and Feydhoo. Two dredge areas
were identified as the southwest lagoon area and the southeast lagoon areas. These two
options are being currently studied by comparing costs of dredging against operational costs.
In terms of their social and environmental impact, both options are equally suitable. Further
options were identified during the EIA process including the scoping meeting. One important
option identified by the environmental consultants was extending the runway more to the
eastern end than the west in order to minimize the impact on the flow between Gan and
Feydhoo. This option has been favoured by the Consultants initially. However, taking into
consideration the greater negative impacts on the marine environment from the option, the
consultants chose to recommend the alternative of reclaiming the entire area between
Feydhoo and Gan and to not extend the runway to the eastern side. This option may have
additional dredging costs, however, the costs of protecting the reclaimed area is expected to
counter balance the increased costs of dredging. In addition, the onshore and offshore
protection proposed under the project together with a groyne system for Feydhoo and other
affected areas, proposed as mitigation measures, will help to minimize the impacts on
longshore transport. Therefore, this option may be favoured.
Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operation phase of the
project. Most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as positive
resulting mainly from improved transportation, increased economic activities in the southern
atolls of the Maldives, direct and indirect employment opportunities, increase in related
business ventures, and so on. The main negative environmental impact of the project is
identified to be the changes in hydrodynamics between Feydhoo and Gan and the resulting
impacts on the southern, especially southeastern shoreline of Feydhoo. The Proponent is
willing to undertake monitoring and if necessary computer modelling to identify mitigation
measures and undertake such measures at their cost. There are also few negative impacts of
the project relating to changes in landuse as a result of the project. The main impact relating
to landuse would be further developments on the southeast corner of Feydhoo, which is the
only area of Feydhoo with nice sandy beach. Land owners in the area may be affected.
However, industrial developments could take place in the area.
The main mitigation measure for the proposed project would be the provision of shore
protection to the southeast beach on Feydhoo. The City Council raised concern that this area
is even at present under threat of erosion during storms and that they have been considering
shore protection measures for this side. Therefore, it would be ideal if such shore protection
can be incorporated as mitigation measures under the proposed runway extension project.
Secondly, there will be the well-known impact of sedimentation from dredging and
reclamation and mitigation measures that shall be implemented. These include provision of
bunds and control of dredge water flow in to the environment. Methods of sediment control
have been discussed in the report in detail. Use of silt screens where relevant has been
identified as an important measure. It is recommended to ensure that sedimentation is kept to
a minimal as such use of cutter suction dredger has been recommended.
It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts. However, most of
the impacts of the proposed project are minor compared to the positive socio-economic
benefits of the proposed system. Yet, monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed
project would be necessary. Therefore, a monitoring component has been suggested which
takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require regular checks. This
monitoring component will be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to
construction and implementation of the proposed extension of the runway. Monitoring is
specifically focussed on water quality, mainly turbidity and total suspended solids during the
construction phase. Changes in the hydrodynamics of the project area as well as impacts on
the reef or marine ecological are of importance.
In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical and environmental point of view, to carry
out the proposed project to extend the runway of Gan International Airport to the west.
However, there are alternative that may be more suitable and shall be considered with caution
and after understanding the costs and discussions with relevant government authorities. |
