Environmental impact assessment for the construction of a harbour quaywall at Maduvvari, Meemu Atoll

Abstract

This document is prepared to meet the necessary requirements to get clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency in order to carry out the proposed harbor quaywall reconstruction project at Meemu atoll Maduvvari. It has been prepared in compliance with the EIA regulation of 2007, under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Act No. 4/93). The islands existing harbor had been badly damaged by the 2004 Tsunami, rendering it unsafe and unsuitable. A breakwater had not been initially developed, and the rough monsoon waves made the existing quaywall unguarded against the elements of nature. The proposed development will reconstruct a new quaywall and will greatly improve the socio economic conditions of the island by providing a safer harbor with easier access. This Executive Summary highlights the key findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for this project, which is proposed by the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure and executed by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The proposed development comprises of the following key elements: ‐ Removal of the existing quaywall and reconstruction of a new quay wall of the same length, using T‐block elements. ‐ Construction of a pavement alongside the length of the new quaywall. ‐ Carrying out maintenance dredging of the basin to a depth of 3m below sea level. ‐ Reclaiming land at the northern side of the island using the demolished quaywall ‐ Using the dredged material (approximated at 550 m3) to level the road on the northern side of the island. Justification and Socioeconomic Considerations This project, instead of the alternatives, is best suited and the most feasible design solution, offering benefits in terms of the proposed location, environment, project activities, and future land developments of the island. The proponent considers that the views of major stakeholders and the community are important in the planning and design of the project. Public consultation has been conducted throughout the planning stages. The Maduvvari community supports the development of the project and their views have been considered in the planning and design process. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures The potential impacts will be minor and localized, with the impacts identified as being caused by the following main project activities. ‐ Impacts due to maintenance dredging ‐ Impacts due to reclamation of land on the northern side of the island ‐ Impacts due to leveling of roads on the northern side of the island The impacts are however, found to be temporary and weighs less than the benefits of the socio‐economic impacts caused by the development. The major negative impacts are listed as follows: ‐ Noise pollution potential source of noise pollution will arise during the construction phase of the project, with the usage of heavy machinery and equipment ‐ Unavoidable sedimentation caused by dredging works, which will increase the turbidity of the surrounding waters and adversely impact the marine organisms. Sedimentation of silt on the reef flat will be caused by excavation. ‐ Changes in the hydrodynamics of the island which could potentially affect the issue of coastal erosion of the island. Nevertheless, there are greater socioeconomic benefits. These include facilitating easier access to the harbor for the vessels, and minimizing of floods during high tide. Mitigation measures have been proposed for all the potential adverse impacts arising from the project activities. They include, among others: ‐ Carrying out the excavation during high tides to allow maximum flushing of the sediments. ‐ Reclaiming during low tides to minimize erosion of the dredged material. ‐ Reducing problems arising during construction by making the necessary announcements and posting the related sign boards. ‐ Limiting the construction hours to day time and avoiding simultaneous operation of the equipment. And environmental monitoring and management plan will be implemented during the project activities, to assess the effectiveness of the mitigation measures and compliance with the criteria. Alternate locations and technology The proposed location where the dredged material would be used is the best location as it is the most needed location to be reclaimed for future plans of the island. Alternative technology are not recommended either due to expensive process or the available technology not suitable to the environmental conditions. Conclusion This EIA report has identified and evaluated the potential environmental impacts of the project, in accordance with the rules and regulations. Overall, the report concludes that the project would be environmentally acceptable and in compliance with the environmental legislation and standards. The implementation of the mitigation measures during construction and operation stages will minimize potential negative impacts. This will be examined by a suitable monitoring and management plan.