| Abstract: | Batch Construction Pvt. Ltd. proposes to develop a 10-storey mixed-use residential and commercial complex in Block D10-4C in Hulumale. The Block is located on Fithuroanu Magu on the western side of Hulhumale’. The total area of the plot is 14,767ft2. With a setback, the total building footprint area will be 11,357ft2. Hence, a total of 3,410ft2 will be left as open space within the plot. Upon completion of the proposed project, the complex will have 2 – 3 bedroom 69 residential apartments (Second Floor to Ninth Floor). The Ground Floor and First Floors of the complex will be developed as commercial, parking and access ways.
This EIA is prepared as per the Terms of Reference (TOR) approved by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on 24 November 2016. It is a legal requirement under the Amended EIA Regulation to prepare and approve EIAs for commercial, economic and development projects enlisted in Schedule D. Environmental clearance is obtained through approval of the EIA and issuance of EIA Decision Statement from EPA.
Block D10-4C is located at 4°12'49.17"N / 73°32'14.18"E on the western side of Hulhumale’ on Fithroanu Magu.
In order to understand existing environmental conditions of Block D10-4C, assessments have been undertaken including noise levels, traffic flow and volume, ecological and structural assessments, and groundwater..
The highest noise level was recorded at Site 2 close to the project site having 58dB. This is because of the Customs Area located in front of the plot where a number of vehicles have been observed by the area. Noise levels at Site 1 and Site 3 were 56dB and 49dB respectively along Fithuroanu Magu. The least noise level was recorded at Site 4 behind the project plot having 44dB.
Fithuroanu Magu is a main road found along the western side of Hulhumale’ that connects to the main ferry terminal. Two-way traffic flow by the project site has been observed. The highest traffic along the road recorded was from motorcycles having 34 during the hourly period. The road is also a regular bus route and around 8 bus trips were recorded during the same hour.
There is no vegetation found inside the project boundary. However, some mature vegetation primarily consisting of Beefwood (Grevillea spp), which has been planted along the roadside
are found. These plants are outside of the proposed plot, hence, there is no requirement for removing these vegetation.
There are no existing building adjacent to the project area. Condition of the roads around the proposed project site is observed to be in good condition. No cracks or physical damages are observed on the roads.
The environmental impacts that may be associated with the proposed project are predicted and assumed in the EIA Report. These environmental impacts are divided into construction phase and operation phase environmental impacts. Most of the construction phase environmental impacts are believed to occur from excavation, dewatering, construction activities, operation of construction machinery and vehicles and construction waste disposal. The main environmental impacts believed to occur during operation phase of the project include household waste and increased traffic within and around areas.
As part of the proposed project, a number of mitigation measures have been proposed in the EIA Report including using corrugated sheets supported by iron beams as a safety measure for protecting the excavated area for foundation, dewatering will be undertaken in opens spaces in Hulhumale to reduce loss of ground water, while preparing the site ready for construction, measures such as installation of safety and dust protection nets, appropriate signage will be placed to make aware people on the development. Also, important mitigation measures that will be implemented include complete elimination of waste disposal during construction and operation stages of the development into the project boundaries as well as promotion of a greener lifestyle have identified important aspects of the proposed development.
The overall environmental performance will be monitored by an environmental monitoring framework that will be implemented as part of the proposed development of the mixed use residential complex.
Although during construction of the project, negative environmental impacts from construction activities have been envisaged, with appropriate environmental management and mitigation measures, these impacts will be reduced to a considerable level. Also, with positive socio-economic outlook of the project and considering the overall importance of such a development in Hulhumale’ to alleviate housing stress, it is concluded that the project should go ahead as planned. |
