Environmental impact assessment for establishment of sewer network at F. Bilehdhoo, Sh. Feevah, G.Dh Madaveli & R. Innaamaadhoo

Abstract

1. The purpose of this EIA is to critically analyse and assess the potential environmental impacts associated with the establishment of a sewer network in F.Bilehdhoo, Sh.Feevah, GDh.Madaveli and R.Innamaadhoo 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. Existing sewer situation at the aforementioned islands are not proper and are subject to cause ground water contamination. The frequent use of ground water for daily household needs may lead to health risks of individuals and may give chance to developing diseases caused by unsafe sanitary conditions in the community level 3. In addition to this, the existing localised sewer networks at neighbourhood level do not comply with the requirements of the EPA standards. Therefore, it is understood that the locals of these 4 islands are in dire need of a solution to the above-mentioned problems; 4. In this sewer establishment project, sewer facilities are proposed to be constructed at a location whereby public nuisance could be minimised along with little disturbance to the natural setting of the proposed locations of sewer facility and allied pump stations for the network. All the components of the sewer network will be constructed according to EPA specification complying to both MEE and EPA regulations; 5. A full baseline of air quality and water quality was established. It was found that the water samples of tested had certain parameters exceeding the EPA standard of safe drinking water. 6. Additionally, this study also involved identification of several alternative locations for laying the outfall and selecting the most ideal location based on thorough study of the tidal flow, seasonal changes, proximity to the public recreational beaches and ease of design effectiveness. The preferred locations were selected based on best met design criteria of EPA and environmental options; 7. The construction works of sewer network 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 or R. Vandhoo and most importantly following the EPA guidelines for operation of sewer system; 8. Potential groundwater contamination from damages to sewer network, potential impacts to marine life from dish charge of sewerage from the outfall and vegetation clearance are the most significant environmental impacts associated with the project. Therefore, it is extremely important to follow the operation and maintenance manual of the sewer system. Since some of the proposed locations are amidst densely vegetated areas on each island, vegetation clearance is inevitable; 9. Overall, the proposed project is expected to bring in positive outcomes. It is expected that the newly established sewer network will ensure safe sanitation services to the 4 islands in addition to greatly reducing further disturbance and contamination of the ground water and surrounding environment; and 10. Monitoring is essential to ensure that environmental thresholds are not exceeded and mitigation measures proposed are working. Water quality and air quality monitoring will be done according to the proposed monitoring schedule.