Environmental impact assessment : reclamation phase of the proposedfuelstorage facility at Bodugiri

Abstract

This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study (EIA) undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of State Trading Organisation (STO). This EIA report covers the reclamation phase of the proposed storage facility at Bodugiri. The reclamation and coastal protection at Bodugiri is the first step to develop proposed fuel storage facility at Bodugiri. This project would reclaim 16 hectres of land at Bodugiri and undertake coastal protection. The 471,000 cubic meters of the fill materials for the reclamation would be borrowed using Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger from borrow sites identified byEPA. Due to strong demand for fuel in the central regions of the Maldives, there is a strong need to increase the fuel storage capacity. At the same time, there is a strong need to relocate the fuel farm of STO which is located at Funadhoo to an alternative locations. Government of Maldives has provided Bodugiri to STO to develop a fuel storage facility. Bodugiri is located close to Greater Malé region and close to an area that is appropriate to develop a fuel storage facility. Bodugiri Fuel Storage Facility development project was initiated by STO to address the issue of relocating the fuel farm at Funadhoo in North Malé Atoll, to expand its fuel storage capacityand to bring the fuel storage facility to international standard. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed. The reclamation of the shallow lagoon, reef flat, creation of an alongside berth would have irreversible impacts on the Bodugiri reef. The impacts of the project result mainly from dredging and reclamation work. The impact of both activities would be of sedimentation. This impact is considered to be minor and short-term. During dredging and reclamation activity, impact of sedimentation on inhabited islands, resorts and diving sites are a concern that needs to address. The reclamation and coastal protection of Bodugiri would have socio-economic benefits to the greater Malé region. The socio-economic benefit outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the Bodugiri especially allowing creation of land to develop a large fuel storage facility that would allow to relocate the storage tanks from Funadhoo. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation and stagnation control methods and measures for minimizing negative effects of generation of waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established based on the master plan that was approved by the Government. Alternative locations and alternative designs have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be an feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhered to and would allow to assess the changes due to the reclamation to create land at Bodugiri Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as to not undertake the project in accordance with the actionplan