| Abstract: | This document is submitted to the Environment Protection Agency, by the proponent to fulfil the
requirement of an EIA under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) of the
Maldives (4/93). This report provides the background to the proposed project components as
well as an assessment of their likely environmental and social impacts, both beneficial and
adverse. The proposed enhancement and mitigation measures are outlined where necessary
together with an environment management plan and a monitoring programme. The proponent of
this project is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure.
This project proposes to create a new entrance channel to provide a safer access to Kaashidhoo
Island, Kaafu Atoll. At present, vessels entering Kaashidoo uses the entrance channel on the
western side of the island, which has safety concerns due to rough conditions during the SW
monsoon. Upon request by the Kaashidhoo community, to provide safer access to the island
during the South West Monsoon, this project proposes to create an entrance channel from the
reef edge of the northern side of the lagoon. The resulting dredge waste is to be stockpiled on the
side of the harbour after reclaiming a small area. The project also includes installation of
navigational lights to improve the integrity and usability of the overall harbour infrastructure.
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, Dredging and Reclamation Regulation, Waste
Management Regulation 2013, and the Environmental Liability Regulation. The assessment
shows that the proposed development involves major impacts on the marine environment
particularly temporary loss of benthic organisms, and potential changes to coastal
hydrodynamics and beach stability.
Key mitigation measures for the construction stage include undertake construction works during
calm weather conditions as much as possible particularly when wave activity is calmer, and
carrying out the activities in as short a time period as possible to allow normal conditions to reestablish
in the area as soon as possible.
Operational stage impacts are limited to potential erosion arising from changes to the coastal
hydrodynamics. The changes to the beach will likely occur as the new beach system tries to
achieve equilibrium with the changed coastal conditions. However as it is not possible to
determine beforehand whether this will occur, no specific erosion prevention measures are
proposed but appropriate action will be decided after monitoring the changes. The alternatives were evaluated for the project but the current designs and methods have been
preferred due to the significant advantages that the proposed design has over alternatives. The
alternative options for disposing sand were explored but a combination of land reclamation and
stockpiling was recommended as stockpiling it provided the maximum long-term benefits to the
community from dredge waste. The Island Council wanted to undertake beach replenishment on
the western end “tourist beach” and two sites have been evaluated in the EIA. However, MHI
reports that there aren’t enough funds for such an activity. Silt screens were considered as an
alternative sedimentation control measure. However given the small size of the project area, the
use of the proposed bund walls is preferred as it is more financially feasible.
Monitoring of the project is crucial particularly the changes to hydrodynamics, shoreline, water
quality, and lagoon benthos recovery. Particular attention should be given to monitor the erosion
patterns along the shoreline of Kaashidhoo.
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, the project provides significant socio-economic benefits for the local community |
