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Title: | Environment impact assessment for the proposed swimming pool construction and beach replenishment project in Irufushi Beach and Spa Resort, Noonu Atoll |
Authors: | CDE Consulting |
Keywords: | Project description Policy and legal framework Existing environment Impacts identification Significant impacts and mitigation measures Alternatives Environmental monitoring plan Environmental management plan Stakeholder consultations |
Issue Date: | Dec-2013 |
Citation: | CDE Consulting. (2013). Environment impact assessment for the proposed swimming pool construction and beach replenishment project in Irufushi Beach and Spa Resort, Noonu 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 swimming pools
construction and beach replenishment project in Irufushi Beach and Spa, N. Atoll. The
proponent of this project is Sun Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd.
The main rationale for the project is to enhance and upgrade the tourism operations at Irufushi
Beach and Spa Resort by building 45 swimming pools attached to existing 45 Beach Villas and
to replenish the beach to provide a better product for the visiting guests. Moreover, Irufushi
Island has ongoing seasonal erosion which requires to be mitigated.
The project involves upgrading and expanding the resort operations by construction of 45
swimming pools attached to existing 45 Beach Villas on the Northern side of the resort and
ongoing beach replenishment for the next two years (on a need basis) on Irufushi Island for
mitigating seasonal erosion.
Two areas have been proposed for replenishment totalling a maximum of 11,100 cbm.
Replenishment height is 1.5 m and will be sloped as a beach at 1:7 scales. Replenishment width
is 10 m from the registered shoreline. Five areas have been proposed for borrow areas totalling a
maximum volume of 20900 cbm. The dredge depth will be a maximum of 1.0 m from the
existing depths. In exceptional circumstances depths may be increased to 1.5 m. The borrow area
distance from the registered shoreline is 50 m.
The borrow area had no visible live corals. The area mainly consists of rubble and mussy sand.
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, Environmental
Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 and the Tourism Act.
Significant impact associated with the components of the project; beach replenishment and
swimming pool construction involves sedimentation on the marine water quality and consequent
impact on marine life, direct loss of marine life within the project footprint, impact on the islands
groundwater, impact on the flora at the project site and the health and safety of construction
workers and swimming pool users. All these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation
measures recommended in the report.
The main mitigation measures include carrying out sand pumping and construction activities
during low tide hours and calm weather, 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. And continuous
monitoring for the diagnosis of further problems.
The alternatives evaluated for the project are dredging methods as the project involves dredging
the lagoon for materials required for beach replenishment. The use of sand pump is the preferred
option for beach replenishment work, since it is the most common, practical and cost-effective
method. The “No Project” option has also been explored for both beach replenishment and
construction of swimming pools nonetheless, this option is not deemed preferable, given the
current condition of the beach and the status of the resort.
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/123456789/4170 |
Appears in Collections: | ތިމާވެށި Environment A
|
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