Environmental impact assessment swimming area development at Bodufolhudhoo, AA Atoll

Abstract

1 Non-technical Summary Background The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed swimming area development in AA Bodufolhudhoo. The proponent of the proposed project is Bodufolhudhoo Island Council. The total estimated cost of this project is MVR 200,000.00. The proposed project involves dredging the sea grass meadow at the south eastern side of Bodufolhudhoo and creation of a recreational beach and swimming area for community use. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment from various activities of the construction work and during the operation have been identified through interviews with the island council, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant in similar development projects. Possible impacts arising from the project are categorized into reversible and irreversible impacts. The impacts identified are also described according to their location, extent and characteristics. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are irreversible in nature. In any development project major direct impacts to the environment (either short-term or long-term) occur mainly during the construction phase, while some impacts are inevitable during the operation stage. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. Impact analysis showed that the project is envisaged to have minor impacts on the environment due to dredging works at the proposed swimming area (sea grass meadow). Positive impacts due to the project are anticipated to be few, including availability of recreational beach and swimming area for the community and guest operations at the island. Other positive impacts include potential indirect income opportunities in the future through the development of guest house industry. Other impacts are discussed in Section 9 of the report. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, including the reclamation of a sand bund at the outer perimeter of the swimming area to reduce extent of sediment plume. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Alternatives have been considered for various components of the project and are given as possible options that may be either more practical or less expensive to the preferred options. The proposed alternatives also have taken into consideration the environmental consequences esulting from these options as compared to the preferred options. The following components of the project have been discussed in providing their alternatives; 􀀁 Equipment/method used for dredging 􀀁 Location of swimming area 􀀁 Location of dredged material disposal areaThe no-project scenario is also considered, which would mean that all environmental impacts due to the project, which is minor in terms of the impact on live coral cover and marine habitats would no longer be an issue. Given the minor environmental impacts, positive impacts outweigh the negative in terms of positive social impacts. Hence discontinuation of project is not seen to be feasible. Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 10 of the report. The consultant feels that the project with its minimal impact on the environment is feasible and can be continued with the implementation of proper mitigation measures as outlined in the report.