Environmental impact assessment harbor construction works at Maduvvaree, Raa Atoll

Abstract

Background The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed harbor construction at R. Maduvvaree. The proponent of the proposed project is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The total estimated cost of this project is USD 1.45 million. The proposed project involves construction of the harbor facility on the southern side of R. Maduvvaree. The harbor will have dimensions of length 211m and maximum width of 86m. The entrance will be from the existing entrance on the south eastern end of the facility. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment from various activities of the construction work and during the operation of the facility 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. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are irreversible in nature. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. Impact analysis showed that impact due to the project was due to dredging works which is anticipated to have a moderate impact on marine habitats as a result of sedimentation. Positive impact foreseen is availability of safe harbor for the fishing fleet of the island and additional of land area. Other minor to moderate impacts are discussed in section 9 of the report. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, including mitigation for the event that the project might be stopped prior to the completion of all works. In such cases, it is advised to ensure that the mitigation measures outlined for this scenario in Table 9 are implemented prior to the departure of contractors. 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 resulting 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 harbor The “do-nothing” option or no project scenario would mean that the large fishing vessel fleet of island would face the same existing difficulty of not having appropriate berthing and safe harbor. However, the no-project scenario also means that the environmental impacts due to the project, which are moderate in terms of the impact on live coral cover and marine habitats, will be completely avoided. The existing facility is in need of repair; the outer breakwaters are damaged and does not properly stop waves during NE monsoon. Hence the community feels that southern area is adequate for a harbor, furthermore the area is already dredged therefore cost for construction will also be lower. Therefore given that the benefits of construction of the facility are more significant than the environmental impacts, continuation of the project is considered feasible with proper implementation of the mitigation measures proposed to minimize the impact on the environment. Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 10 of the report.