Environmental impact assessment for road development Male’ Izzudheen magu

Abstract

1. The purpose of this EIA is to critically analyse and assess the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed development of Izzudheen Magu and expose the solutions and preferred alternatives as well as mitigation measures to minimize any negative impacts whilst trying to derive the maximum positive impacts from the project; 2. Izzudheen Magu is one of the key access roads to Male’ Industrial Village area and also shall be a major route within the ring road plan of the city. Therefore it is very important to develop this road by asphalting and developing drainage system as heavy machinery will be travelling on this road. The drainage systems are critical to control the flooding which occurs on this road almost every time there is a heavy rainfall. 3. A full baseline of water quality was established at the proposed development area as it is anticipated to impact negatively on the groundwater quality. In addition to this, it was found that 18 Sea Hibiscus tress and 3 Coconut Palm would need to be removed from the project area; 4. Additionally, this study also involved identification of alternative options in place of the proposed development. The considered options were no project scenario and use of concrete paving instead of asphalt, both of which are economically less feasible. 5. The construction works of the proposed development presented in this report are not expected to adversely impact the environment if the mitigation measures mentioned in the report are followed. The most important mitigation measures are daily maintenance of machinery, following chemical handling procedures, waste segregation and storage in closed labelled containers until disposal to Thilafushi; 6. Potential groundwater contamination from chemical spills and oil spills and vegetation clearance are the most significant environmental impacts associated with the project; 7. Overall, the proposed project is expected to bring in positive outcomes. It is expected that the newly developed road will improve traffic flow of the area, increase water infiltration during heavy rainfall and reduce flooding as well as improve landscape integrity of the area; 8. Monitoring is essential to ensure that environmental thresholds are not exceeded and mitigation measures proposed are working. Water quality monitoring will be done according to the proposed monitoring schedule.