Environmental impact assessment for undertaking costal protection at coastline Thilafushi site, Thilafushi, Kaafu Atoll

Abstract

This report discusses the findings of an addendum that carried out for the environmental impact study (EIA) which was carried out by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Coastline Investment Pvt Ltd in July 2016. This EIA report has been approved by EPA. Please refer to the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Undertaking Coastal Protection at Coastline Thilafushi Site, Thilafushi, Kaafu Atoll (2016) to find details of the coastal protection project at Coastline Thilafushi Site. This EIA Addendum report covers for changes that had been made to the breakwater proposed as part of the coastal protection project at Coastline site at Thilafushi. Thilafushi Coperation Limited informed to Coastline that Government has plan to connect Male’ to Thilafushi via a bridge which will be located on south eastern side of Thilafushi. Thilafushi Cooperation does not want to build any permanent structures on south eastern side of the island as it may obstruct the design of the bridge. Since the quay wall at the Coastline Site needs protection from exposed wind and waves, Coastline is proposing to build a temporary breakwater on southern and south eastern side of the island in two phases. In Phase 1, sand from the dredging shallow lagoon on south side of the island would create a sand bund wall which will provide protection to the quay wall. Phase 2 would follow to provide protection using geotextile bags. This phase would be carried out when TCL provide the approval to undertake the coastal protection using geo bags. It is not seen that any significant environmental impacts would be due to the changes that had been brought to the breakwater construction component other than those outlined in the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Proposed Undertaking Coastal Protection at Coastline Thilafushi Site, Thilafushi, Kaafu Atoll (2016). The project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts to the natural environment of the island. Environmental impacts of propose coastal protection project were assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project were identified as resulting from the dredging and reclamation works. Dredging work will be undertaken using excavators and this is particularly a method that creates lot of sedimentation. Creation of sand bund involves reclamation contributes to significant amount of sedimentation and it is the biggest threat to the marine environment. It is inevitable that there would be negative environmental impacts of the project with the changes as proposed. As a result, a mitigation and monitoring component has been suggested which takes into consideration, the most important elements that require monitoring, most importantly a mechanism and means to measure and value the social benefit of the project. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the potential negative impacts. As outlined in the EIA report (2016), the coastal protection of Thilafushi Coastline Site does pose threats to the marine environment of the area. There will be direct and indirect damage to marine environment in the vicinity of the project site. However there is positive benefits of the project as it provide safe moorable condition of vessel at the quaywall during loading and unloading during rough weather in south western monsoon. This project is justifiable in the light of the positive impacts.