| Abstract: | The purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental
clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to install the proposed Water Production
Supply System at Eydhafushi, Baa. Atoll. The proponent of this project is Ministry of
Environment and Energy.
The main rationale for the project is to improve the health condition and quality of life of
residents of B. Eydhafushi by establishing a proper potable water supply system that will
provide clean and safe water for the residents of Eydhafushi. The project is intended at providing
an integrated water supply system covering rainwater and desalinated water production and
supply.
The proposed project involves installation and establishment of two 8,000 litres/hour reverse
osmosis plant systems that consist of construction of tube well to supply raw water for the RO
plants, construction of elevated water storage tanks, construction of brine discharge outfall and
house connections. Furthermore, the project aims at laying of separate pipe networks for water
distribution, rainwater collection and rainwater treatment system. Duration of the project is
approximately 18 months.
Currently the island population sources water from shallow wells constructed at individual
households or in public areas. This is supplemented by collection of rainwater. These methods
provide inadequate quantity and unacceptable quality due to the over abstraction and the
unreliability of rainwater harvesting.
All project activities will be in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives, and
relevant international conventions that Maldives is party to. The key laws and regulations
applicable to this project are: Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, Environmental
Impact Assessment Regulation 2012, Desalination Systems Regulations, and Waste
Management Regulation 2013.
The existing condition of the island and the proposed RO plant site was assessed for this report.
Assessments conducted include marine assessments at the proposed brine outfall and alternative
outfall locations. Groundwater quality and baseline noise level measurements were also taken.
The assessments showed that there is no marine protected or environmentally sensitive site in the
area and locations proposed for brine outfall showed mostly dead rock and rubble.
The assessment shows that the RO systems can be developed on the island with limited
implications on the environment. The assessment shows that the proposed developments involve
moderately significant impacts on the marine environment due to brine outfall construction,
brine discharge, ground excavation and operation of vehicles and machinery. The project also
involves moderately significant health and safety risks due to equipment handling and pollution.
However, the predicted impacts can be minimized considerably with the proposed mitigation
measures. Significant impacts of operation stage include marine degradation due to brine
discharge, ground water salinization and increased GHG emissions due to RO plant and
operation of pumps stations, and increased cost of living due to additional cost in purchasing
water. The assessment shows that the proposed project has many positive impacts including
improved quality and accessibility to potable water, protection of groundwater aquifer, reduction
of water related disaster risk, and increased employment and business opportunities.
The alternatives evaluated for the project is the alternative brine outfall location. The “No
Project” option has also been explored and this option is not deemed preferable, given the
current condition of portable water. An alternative site for brine outfall was also explored, but
given the advantages associated with the proposed outfall, it is the preferred option.
Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island,
ground and marine water quality as these are the key areas that will be impacted from this
project. Monitoring costs is estimated at around Rf100,000 per annum, most of which involves
water quality tests.
The management plan for this project is designed to produce a framework for anticipated
impacts, including practicable and achievable performance requirements and systems for
monitoring, reporting and implementing corrective actions. In addition, it will provide evidence
of compliance to legislation, policies, guidelines and requirements of relevant authorities.
Stakeholder consultations were held with Eydhafushi Island council, FENAKA, Eydhafushi
public and Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. A willingness-to-pay survey was also
conducted during field assessments. Both Eydhafushi Island Council and public highlighted the
need for a potable water supply system on the island. Majority of Eydhafushi public is also
willing to pay for the service. Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure recommended the
proponent to coordinate with them on project timings and components.
In conclusion, this project has been designed in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations
of Maldives but requires final approval from EPA for the detailed drawings. MEE has requested
the council to increases the allocated land area, as the desired plot size does not match the plot
size issued by the Island Council. The most significant impacts are expected to be short-term
impacts for the construction phase. Operational stage impacts are mainly limited to brine outfall
location and emission due to power generation. However, mitigation measures have been
proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts. |
