Environment impact assessment for the establishment of a floating fish processing facility at Hulhumale’

Abstract

The purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to maintain the existing fish processing facility anchored in hulhumale harbour area. The proponent of this project is Ocean Seafood Pvt Ltd. The project is solely designed, implemented and financed by the proponent. The existing facility has all necessary facilities for fish processing. Including ice plants, desalination plants, generator sets etc.. The processing is divided into fish filleting, storing, packing and transporting to Male’ International Airport for airfreight. 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 project site is Hulhumale’ harbour area designated for such vessels and many safari and tourist vessels are moored in this area. There environmental impacts from the project are to marine water quality and to subseuesnt marine life. The impacts are rather cumulative as sewage and waste water are expelled to lagoon by all the vessels in the area.. However, measures have been put forward to minimise moderate impacts and any unpredicted impacts and accidents. This project will generate new jobs in Male’ Region, which is a significant positive impact. The main alternatives assessed for the project are alternate sewage and waste water disposal methods, alternate site and island. “No project” option has also been considered and given the economic and environmental factors the best option would be to proceed with the project. Housing Development Cooperation (HDC), the main regulating authority in Hulhumale’. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes marine water of the site and waste generation from the facility. 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.