Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/jspui/handle/123456789/4872
Title: Environmental impact assessment for the proposed land reclamation at Thilafushi Industrial Zone Plot S8-136
Authors: Water Solutions
Keywords: Land reclamation
Dredging
Existing marine environment
Existing coral reef environment
Existing coastal environment
Environmental impacts
Mitigation measures
Environmental management and monitoring plan
Environmental impact assessments
Issue Date: Jan-2016
Citation: Water solutions. (2016). Environmental impact assessment for the proposed land reclamation at Thilafushi Industrial Zone Plot S8-136. Male': Maldives
Abstract: This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) for Ministry of Home Affairs. MTCC has been awarded the project by Ministry of Affairs. The project involves reclamation of land which has been allocated to Ministry of Home Affairs by Thilafushi Cooperation at Thilafushi Industrial Zone. After completion of the project, Ministry of Home Affairs would relocate the transmission antennas which are located on eastern side of Male’ at Henveru Park. These antennas is being relocated as part of the project to develop the China Maldives Friendship Bridge between Male’ and Hulhumale’. The project aims to:  Dredge the borrow material from the shallow lagoon of Thilafushi for reclamation works  Excavation of an estimated that of 14,000 cbm of sand as borrow material for the reclamation work  Reclamation of 137 m by 183 m area of the plot using excavated sand.  Reclamation of 25,071 m2 of land which is located on western side of the Thilafushi Industrial Zone.  Levelling the reclaim land at +1.5 m above mean sea level. Environmental impacts of this project were assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting from the dredging and reclamation works. Dredging to borrow sand for the reclamation work will be undertaken using excavators and this is particularly a method that creates lot of sedimentation. This is a threat to the marine environment. Dredging has been proposed from the western side of the island. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in the report. Sedimentation control methods have been specifically focused due to its seriousness. An important mitigation measure is the use of bund walls in the reclamation area to contain sedimentation and reduce its impact on the reef. In addition, completing the dredging and filling works in the shortest time frame, before the on setting of south west monsoon is also a significant mitigation measure to minimize the impact of sedimentation on the marine environment. The proposed mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The measures proposed to minimize or mitigate environmental impacts may be considered to be appropriate, thereby minimizing the impact by about 90%. The main negative environmental impact of the proposed project would be sedimentation and destruction of the lagoon and damage to some areas of the reef, which will cause death of corals in the direct impact zone and partial death of corals in other areas of the coral reef. During dredging works, the sedimentation will also affect the fish species in the vicinity of these areas and hence, their population will drop in areas affected by sedimentation. It is inevitable that there would be negative environmental impacts of this project. However, balancing these negative impacts and the socio-economic benefits gained is something that is very difficult. It will not be possible to avoid environmental damage entirely, but ways to minimize damage are critical factors to consider during implementation. As a result, a mitigation and monitoring component has been suggested which takes into consideration, the most important elements that require monitoring, most importantly a mechanism and means to measure and value the social benefit of the project. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the potential negative impacts. As the socioeconomic impacts are going to be felt in the long term, monitoring these changes is very essential. The proposed reclamation does pose threats to the marine environment. There will be direct and indirect damage to marine environment in the vicinity of the project site. Some of the corals, mostly in the lagoon and shallow areas of the reef slope will die due to smothering as well as from construction activities. But these are damages that cannot be entirely avoided.
URI: http://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/jspui/handle/123456789/4872
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