| Abstract: | Background
The non-technical summary outlines findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the
retrofitting of berthing area and expansion of fuel storage capacity at K. Funadhoo by the project
proponent, State Trading Organization Plc. Ltd. (STO). The total estimated cost of this project is
USD 6,000,000.
The existing fuel storage facilities on the island has total capacity of storing 502kl kerosene,
17,690kl diesel and 3,400kl petrol. Due to the growing demand in fuel supply, expanding the
current fuel storage facility is critical to meet the supply and demand. Therefore, STO intends to
expand its fuel storage capacity, and has proposed to construct new steel storage tanks of total
capacity 28,000 MT (three of 8000 MT and one of 4000 MT).
Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives
Environmental impacts due to the project have been identified through interviews with the
project management team, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience
of consultant in similar development projects. The impacts identified are described according to
their location, extent and characteristics. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts
which are irreversible in nature.
Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. Key impacts due to the project are
envisaged to be minor to moderate, such as minor impact on groundwater quality due to dewatering
and impact on seawater quality due to retrofitting works. Vegetation clearance is also required,
though overall with a moderate impact due to need for removal of several mature trees and coconut
palms.
Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, including the following:
Relocation of mature plants which are not too deeply rooted to area identified in the
report
Dewatering to be carried out as per guidelines, and disposal of extracted water inland to
allow re-percolation back into the water table.
All machinery used should be well maintained and relevant staff well trained to avoid
accidental spillage during construction phase
Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report.
ix
Given the scope of the project, alternatives can only be considered for the method of retrofitting
of the berth area, which is to repair and upgrade damaged areas as proposed, or to demolish and
reconstruct whole berth.
The no-project scenario, although considered, is not a feasible option, due to the need for repair
of the berthing facility and expansion of fuel supplies which would then enable the proponent to
better cater to the needs of the increasing fuel demand of the nation. Hence benefits are seen to
outweigh the environmental impacts due to the project.
The Consultant, therefore concludes that the project and current design and methodology is
feasible with proper implementation of the mitigation measures proposed in the report, to minimize
the impacts on the environment. |
