Environmental impact assessment for the proposed project construction and establishment of sewerage system at N. Holhudhoo

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 construction and establishment of sewerage project in Holhudhoo, Noonu Atoll. The proponent of this project is Male Water and Sewerage Company Pvt. Ltd. The main rationale for the project is to facilitate improvement in the health and wellbeing and enhance the quality of services and quality of life of residents at N. Holhudhoo by establishing a proper sewerage system. This project comprises of establishing sanitation facilities in Noonu atoll Holhudhoo through design and build basis for sewerage collection network, sewerage pump stations and sea outfall pumping station and allied works. 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 and The Dewatering Regulation. Significant impacts during construction phase of the project are mainly construction waste disposal and installation of pipelines during construction stage. In the operation stage significant impacts are from power consumption and contribution to GHG emissions and impact of raw sewage effluent on the marine environment. Most of these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation measures recommended in the report. The existing environment of the proposed outfall location site represents an altered environment. The dominant benthic cover in the lagoon areas close to the shore is sand, pavement and rubble. Live coral cover and fish abundance was low in the site. The main mitigation measures include carrying out construction activities during low tide hours and calm weather, to reduce sediment dispersal and avoid adverse sedimentation impacts. The work schedule and duration will also be planned to avoid disruptive weather conditions, especially for excavation and dewatering and complete construction activities in the shortest time possible. The alternatives evaluated for the project are “No project” option, alternative sewerage systems, alternative outfall location, alternative methods for installation of outfall pipeline and raw sewage effluent against treated effluent. The monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, coastal changes groundwater quality and 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.