Environmental impact assessment : proposed borehole construction for the existing desalination plant facility at Maldives inflight catering Hulhule’

Abstract

This report is based on the proposed borehole construction works for the existing desalination plant at Maldives Inflight Catering (MIC) in Hulhule’. The facility is located North of the island. Access to the structure is mainly by ferries and by bus operated by Hulhule’ Island Hotel, which at approximately 100m away, is the nearest establishment. The operation and maintenance of the desalination plant is carried out by the staff of MIC. The borehole construction works have been contracted to Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC). An Environmental Impact Assessment was necessary for the works outlined in this report as they fall under the ‘Jadhuvalu R’ of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012 of the Maldives. In addition to meeting the regulatory requirements, the report would further assist the proponent and important stakeholders to make decisions in an environmentally sound manner. MIC provides high quality catering services to a large number of high-class international clients and is required to give high quality services. The new establishment initiated 9 years ago was a massive step towards providing this service. Despite the fact that the existing RO plant facility is one of the best such facilities in the Maldives, there had been several issues faced due to the inconsistent volumes of water obtained from the water intake. As such, the need for the borehole construction was recognized. The overall environmental impacts of the project have been assessed using frameworks found on literature and the results indicate that the proposed project has minimum negative impact and thus have an overall net positive outcome. The main environmental positive impacts comes from the fact that use of borehole will stop the intake of small organisms from the water intake pipeline, as has continuously occurred. Moreover, from the clients perspective, the borehole gives greater control to the client and can be easily managed especially since it would be within the facility. Alternative options to constructing and using the borehole as the primary source of water are discussed. As such, it is recommended to construct a new sea water intake pipeline at a later stage to be used as a backup water intake to the borehole. The added benefit of having an alternative source of water for the RO process is favourable for an establishment such as MIC. The need for a reliable water source, which would consistently provide water in line with the automated processes of the RO plant, is high, as any disruption to services will be unacceptable by the clientele at this level. The methodology of construction as proposed by the contractor is recommended, since it has been successfully implemented in several other projects in the Maldives without significant detrimental impacts to the environment. It is recommended to continue to monitor the impacts of the proposed project by regular monitoring of ground water, marine water and product water quality. A two stage monitoring plan is given, which recommends quarterly monitoring during the 1st year and less frequent monitoring for the next 5 years. Undertaking the monitoring, along with the mitigation measures is necessary to ensure the sustainable development of the project with minimum harm to the environment. It is thus recommended that given the positive socio economic and environmental impacts from the project far outweighs the minor negative impacts, and since the project has major socio-economic benefits and environmental benefits, it is advisable to allow the project to proceed as proposed.