| Abstract: | This report is based on the proposed coastal infrastructure works related to reclamation,
shore protection and dredging a new entrance channel in Funadhoo, Kaafu Atoll. Funadhoo
is located in Kaafu atoll, 1 km away from the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, in
Hulhule’. The operations of the island are under State Trading Organisation (STO). An
Environmental Impact Assessment was necessary for the project as the coastal modification
works fall under the ‘Jadhuvalu R’ of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations
2012 of the Maldives. In addition to meeting the regulatory requirements, the report would
further assist the proponent and important stakeholders to make decisions based on
favourable environmental conditions with the main focus on sustainability.
This EIA is based on the following coastal related works:
•Modifications to the North Harbour
•Reclamation of the Southern side of the island
The works include the following:
•Closing existing entrance channel
•Dredging a new entrance channel
•Construction of breakwater and revetment
•Construction of a new bollard
•Construction of an additional sheet piled quay wall.
•Reclamation of 0.6 Ha of land on the south side.
•Protecting the reclaimed shoreline
From the proposed project components, the following are the most environmentally
sensitive works
•Closing existing entrance channel
•Dredging a new channel
•Recalamation
•Construction of breakwater and revetment
The project is based on the coastal works in Funadhoo Island, Kaafu Atoll. The island is
located at coordinates 4o05’02.01” N and 73o30’44.93” E and is about just 400m north of
the capital Male’. It is the closest industrial island to the capital. The island is most famous
for fuel storage and is the main source of fuel supply in the Maldives. STO informs that
over 70% of the Maldives fuel reserve is held in this small island. The study area
encompasses the entire shoreline of the island, in addition to the lagoon and reef on the
southwest and eastern side of the island.
This EIA has been prepared by Amir Musthafa, a registered environmental consultant
experienced in both environmental consultancy and coastal engineering works. The
consultant has been actively engaged in coastal projects in the Maldives for the past 5 years.
Amir was assisted by Nafha Aujaz, an environmental science graduate and a registered
temporary consultant.
Funadhoo island is due a massive upgrade on its operation and increase in fuel capacity.
With the development in various industries in the Maldives, supply and use of fuel has been
increasing. Funadhoo is the island use for fuel storage by one of the biggest fuel suppliers in
the Maldives, State Trading Organisation Plc. (STO). Therefore, with the increase in
demand, facilities in Funadhoo require to be upgraded. As such this project proposed the 2
main developments or modifications to the islands coastal infrastructure.
Tried and trusted standard methodology was used for the observations and study of the
existing environment and subsequently to determine the potential impacts to the
environment. The most significant impact from the project is the loss of habitat due to the
dredging and reclamation; process. However, this is inevitable and also a short term impact.
Live coral cover in the work area is virtually non existent. Moderate impacts of concern
include the temporary loss of water quality due to increased turbidity from the dredging and
reclamation works, water stagnation in the north harbour, and general impacts such as due
to mismanagement of waste and health and safety issues. There are other general impacts
such as the generation of noise health hazards during construction stage. These impacts can
be mitigated by following best practices at the work place such as use of boundary walls to
demarcate project area, warning sign boards, and use of protective equipment and clothing.
Other main mitigation measures include proper planning of the project before mobilisation,
and construction of bund wall on the south side to prevent sedimentation. There are bigger
positive impacts from the project such as enabling the full use of the north harbour
throughout the year, better shore protection to the south side, ensure safer movability in the
island, etc.
Since it’s a coastal project, there are considerable alternatives to consider. Major
alternatives include implementation of a continuous nourishment program, construction of
near shore breakwaters, construction of off shore breakwaters, creating feeder headlands
and other similar designs. The main alternative discussed is the no project option. However,
mainly due to the current great need of the project, this alternative is rejected. Since the
coastal components have been designed based on the local environment, it is recommended
that most of the components proceed as proposed. It is critical to have the rock bund in
place before reclamation to prevent excessive sedimentation and loss of sand. It is
recommended to properly undertake shoreline monitoring to observe changes, and bring
alteration to the breakwater structure as necessary.
A comprehensive monitoring plan is provided at the end of the report. Monitoring is
recommended to take place every month during the construction stage, once every 3 months
for 1 year after the construction phase, and once each year for 5 years. Shoreline, water
quality, status of the marine environment has been recommended to be monitored with these
frequencies using standard methods as used in this report.
After careful consideration of the need for the project, the viable alternatives available, and
the impacts the project component causes, it is recommended that the project proceed as
proposed. However, it is also recommended to provide a greater emphasis on undertaking
proper environment monitoring as there are many unknowns in such a project and the
design may need to be ‘fine tuned’ based on subsequent observations as outlined in the
monitoring plan. Undertaking the monitoring, along with the mitigation measures proposed
in this report is necessary to ensure the sustainable development of the project with
minimum harm to the environment. |
