Environmental impact assessment for undertaking sheet piling Hulhumale Phase 1

Abstract

This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for Housing Development Corporation. The project involves sheet piling part of Hulhumale Phase 1 west shoreline.The project aims to: • Provide safety and protection to the vessels accessing the site. • Increase the land area of the site

The proposed project area is the only section of Hulhumale Phase 1 west side shoreline that has not been protected. Therefore HDC has planned a project to develop this section of the shoreline to make best use of the area. Main components of the project include: • Sheet piling of approximate length of 190m • Dredging along the lagoon side of the sheet pile line to depth of 4m in mean sea level • Filling the area between sheet pile and shoreline using the dredged sand.

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/filling works. Sedimentation from the construction works is the biggest threat to the marine environment of Hulhumale from this project. 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 to do the sheet piling first to contain sedimentation and reduce its impact on the reef. In addition, completing the dredging works in the shortest time frame 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%. It is inevitable that there would be negative environmental impacts of this project. 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. The proposed project does pose some threats to the marine environment of the area. Even though, the existing environmental condition of the project site is degraded, there will be direct and indirect damage to marine environment in the vicinity of the project site. However there are many positive benefits of the project in long term. This project is justifiable in the light of the positive impacts.