First addendum to the environmental impact assessment for the proposed sewerage system in Hulhudheli, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives

Abstract

This report addresses the environmental concerns of the proposed changes to the vegetation clearance component in the vegetated areas of the island, the details of which were not provided in the original EIA for the Proposed Sewerage System in Dh. Hulhudheli. During the construction phase it was found necessary to remove some vegetation, which had not been considered in the initial planning and design. In order to provide some of the newly registered plots with sewerage connections, the pipe network in these areas required vegetation clearance consisting mainly of coconut palms. Compensation has to be paid for some of the trees which are owned by the community. Therefore, a special announcement was made by the Council and only 2 members of the community claimed ownership of 2 coconut palms. According to the Council, they would make the necessary arrangements to pay compensation to these 2 parties. Since the trees in consideration being mature coconut palms with a few younger palms, the younger palms will be replanted and the rest will be used for timber wood. For each tree that is cut down, two trees will be planted in the newly reclaimed area where extensive plantation of coconut palms have been already carried out by the community in the recent past. Therefore, the proposed vegetation clearance would not have any additional impacts and no additional mitigation measures would be necessary. There are also no additional requirements for monitoring. However, the number of coconut palms cut down and those transplanted as well as the number of coconuts planted as compensation will be included within the revised monitoring programme provided in this report.