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Title: | Environmental impact assessment for the proposed harbour reconstruction project in Maamendhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll |
Authors: | CDE Consulting |
Keywords: | Harbor development projects Legislative and regulatory considerations Physical environment Coastal environment Biological environment Island socio-economic setting Scientific impacts Mitigation measures Environmental management and monitoring plan Environmental impact assessments |
Issue Date: | Feb-2013 |
Citation: | CDE Consulting. (2013). Environmental impact assessment for the proposed harbour reconstruction project in Maamendhoo, Gaafu Alifu 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 harbour
development project in Maamendhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll. The proponent of this project is
Ministry of Housing & Infrastructure.
The main rationale for the project is to improve the access facilities of Maamendhoo Island to
facilitate improvement in the social and economic condition of the island. The existing harbour
in the island is in urgent need of repair and maintenance. Maamendhoo harbour is used by large
fishing vessels, safari boats and cargo vessels, and the of the fishing and transport sectors of the
island requires expansion of the harbour facilities for access and anchorage.
The project involves new and maintenance dredging of an area of 22,230 m2 to a depth of -3.0 m
MSL, extension of the existing breakwater and construction of quay wall and revetments. A total
area of 5,625 m2 will be reclaimed to +1.5 m (MSL) and protected using revetments. The
existing harbour will be expanded by about 400 ft in length.
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.
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, deployment of silt screen or construction of bunds on the northern side and
where appropriate to reduce sediment dispersal and avoid adverse sedimentation impacts,
relocation of live coral recruits to locations with similar conditions, 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, sediment control methods,
dredge waste disposal sites, alternative entrance channel and alternative harbour layout. 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.
The monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the
island, coastal changes and depth variations of harbour area as well 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/123456789/4115 |
Appears in Collections: | ތިމާވެށި Environment A
|
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