| Abstract: | DAMAS Company Pvt. Ltd. proposes to develop a mixed-use residential and commercial complex in Block C4-3 in Hulumale. The Block is located on Fithuroanu Magu on the north-western side of Hulhumale’. The total area of the plot is 25,000ft2. With a setback, the total building footprint area will be 16,500ft2. Hence, a total of 8,500ft2 will be left as open space within the plot. Upon completion of the proposed project, the complex will have a total of 95 apartments in the two wings, comprising of 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom apartment and penthouses. The northern wing will have a total of 44 units and southern wing will have a total of 51 units. The Ground Floor and First Floors of the complex will be developed as commercial, car and motorcycle parking lots.
This EIA is prepared as per the Terms of Reference (TOR) approved by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on 29 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 C4-3 is located at 4°13'14.14"N / 73°32'21.44"E on the north-western side of Hulhumale’ on Fithroanu Magu.
In order to understand existing environmental conditions of Block C4-3, assessments have been undertaken including noise levels, traffic flow and volume, vegetation, soil, groundwater and structural assessments.
The highest noise level was recorded at Site 1 located on the southern side of the project site having 55dB. The main reason for the high noise levels at Site 1 was because it was located close to another road that connects to Fithuroanu Magu. The lowest noise level was recorded from Site 4 having 43dB, which was located right behind the proposed plot. This site was empty and there is no activity happening close to the site.
Fithuroanu Magu is a two-lane road where traffic is allowed to move both ways as it is a main road found along the north-western side of Hulhumale’ that connects to the main ferry terminal. The highest traffic along the road recorded was from motorcycles having 46 during the hourly period. The road is also a regular bus route and around 4 bus trips were recorded during the EIA –Mixed Use
same hour. The second highest traffic volume is from cars, mainly taxis having an hourly movement of 29 at the time of the assessment.
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 currently no buildings adjacent to the proposed plot, however, some buildings similar to the proposed project is planned to be undertaken within the vicinity. Also, about 150m south of the proposed project, a site is getting ready for construction. A temporary facility and some materials are already in place.
Only one road is currently found by the project area, which is found in front. The physical condition of the road is good. No damages and cracks have been observed.
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 |
