Environmental impact assessment for the road development project at Dhihdhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll : first addendum

Abstract

This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Maldives Road Development Cooperation. This EIA Addendum report covers road development project at Dhihdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll. The EIA of the project was submitted in May 2015 to EPA and EIA approval was issued to undertake this project on 16th June 2015 from EPA; Ref: 203-ADMIN/138/2015/128. Presently the project is ongoing and changes to the borrow location has been proposed by the proponent to expedite the project and complete on as soon as possible. Initially it was proposed to borrow sand for backfilling from sand piled on the reclaimed site which is located on North Western side of the island. However the sand from the area were too fine and not suitable for backfilling. Therefore the additional sand required for backfilling will be borrowed by dredging the South end side of the island, where development of vessel beaching area project is ongoing. The proposed project will have negative environmental impacts as the borrowing is proposed from island lagoon with close proximity to south side reef. As identified in the EIA process, during dredging, there will be sedimentation in the area. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including measures for minimizing negative effects of the sedimentation. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. Alternative designs and technologies have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhere to and would allow assessing the changes to the road development project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as not to undertake the project with proper mitigation and monitoring. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.