Second addendum to the environmental impact assessment, for the harbor development at Velidhoo Island, Noon Atoll

Abstract

This report discusses the findings of a environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Ministry of Environment and Energy. The project involves coastal protection works in Velidhoo Island, Noonu Atoll. The project aims to:  Protect Southern side of the island’s shore from erosion, by constructing a breakwater in the shallow lagoon and back filling using sand that is stockpiled in the island and additional sand borrowed from the western side of the island.  Sustainably manage and overcome chronic erosion undergoing on the western side of the island. One of the biggest environmental problems facing Velidhoo today is the ongoing erosion and lack of shore protection and management measures to combat these. Historical data collected from available sources indicate that the southern side has been undergoing erosion and the shoreline has retreated significantly inland. The most critical areas are along the southern coastline. Below is a summary of the project, and a brief outline of the issues facing Veldihoo Island. In summary, the project comprises of the following components;  Construct a 200 metre breakwater on the southern side. This breakwater will begin from the south-eastern side, starting from where an existing breakwater has been constructed.  Construction of the breakwater will be undertaken using rock boulders.  Risk of erosion is an important factor that determines the future of development of islands. Projects ranging from housing to more industrial in nature requires adequate safety and guarantee for locals and investors. These investments can be safeguarded with adequate shore protection which will ensure that sustainable land management can be undertaken by local authorities.  Erosion of the southern side has caused salinization of the ground water in the households that live close to the coastline. The resulting problems social problems are an everyday thing for the Council as they have to be answerable to the community.  Environmental impacts of this project was assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as minor. The project proposes to construct a rock boulder breakwater on southern side of the island using excavators. The rock boulder breakwater construction process does not foresee any significant environmental impacts during the construction stage.  Sand required for backfilling will be sourced from the available stockpile of sand in the island. Additional sand for the beach nourishment on this side of island would be borrowed from the shallow lagoon on south western side of the island.  Mitigation measures for the project have been identified mostly as processes and methods to ensure that the coastal protection will be sustained in the long term. They include the use of geotextile under layer, proper slope maintenance and the use of appropriate sized rock boulders. In addition, maintaining the right height have been identified as mitigation measures. In addition, completing the works in the shortest time frame is also an important mitigation factor that will help improve the overall project.  The project is mainly driven by the ongoing difficulties and risks faced due to chronic erosion in Velidhoo island. This is an essential project to be implemented at this stage to safeguard the livelihoods of many residents and other infrastructure.  During the EIA study data collection, it has been identified that the government and the Island Council has undertaken consultations to obtain community views.  Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups, including the island council, various interest group at the island and the client in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project.  This project anticipates very little negative environmental impacts during the construction stage, but has long term impacts to the environment as it completely alters the natural beach environment in most areas of the western side.