Environmental impact assessment for the proposed development of slipway in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives

Abstract

This report discusses the findings of an Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed development of slipway in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll. The project is proposed by Eagle Marine and Engineering Pvt. Ltd. The proposed project include dismantling of the existing pier jetty on the project site, dredging the slipway burrow to -4 MSL, sheet piling the slipway burrow and either side of the slipway (approximately 550ft). For coastal protection, sheet piling using piling hammer has been proposed. The project was planned at early 2015, however due to the coastal protection works of the Thulusdoo, subsequent to the dredging has caused some changes to the project. The project sites land area has been increased with the new reclamation. Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operation phase of the project. Due to the strong positive economic impact and minor/negligible negative environmental impacts of the project, overall impact of the project is positive for the proposed project. The main negative environmental impact of the project is identified to be the possible movement of low levels of sediment towards the reef during dredging activities. Movement and settlement of fine sediments are expected to occur on the reef flat to a small degree. However, this would be negligible due to the small volume of excavation involved in this project and absence of high live coral cover at this location. Due to the small size of project and project setting, the environmental impacts of the project are considered to be minor negative. The impact matrices done for the project indicates a net positive impact potential for the project. Major impact of such coastal excavation projects are focussed of marine environment, which includes smothering of corals and benthic fauna from sedimentation. However, presence of a deep lagoon adjacent to the project site which would act as a sand burrow before sediment reaches to the house reef the impact of sedimentation to house reef in minimal. In addition, the fill-up rate of slipway burrow will be monitored after the construction phase. Furthermore, general best practises of works have also been recommended for the proposed project in order to prevent or minimise the negative impacts that may arise from the project. Regular environmental monitoring and reporting is an essential element of the EIA process. During the construction phase, in-situ monitoring of total suspended solids and turbidity is usually undertaken in dredging projects to ensure that water quality criteria are met and sedimentation on the reef does not occur; therefore water quality tests during construction phase was proposed for this project as well. In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed development of slipway at K. Thulusdhoo.