| Abstract: | 1. The Ministry of Environment and Energy has proposed a project to establish an Island Waste
Management Centre (IWMC) in nineteen (19) islands of Zone One (Haa Alif, Haa Dhaal and
Shaviyani) in order to manage waste generated, on an island level. This project is funded by the
OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) under the “Provision of Water Supply,
Sanitation and Solid Waste Management Project”. The proponent has requested consultancy
services of MEECO for the preparation of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the
proposed project. Of the nineteen (19) islands. Maldives Environmental Protection Authority
(EPA) screening process resulted in 14 islands being classified as requiring an EMP. This EMP
includes 7 of the 14 islands, namely HA.Muraidhoo, HA. Molhadhoo, HA. Thakandhoo, HDH.
Hirimaradhoo, HDH. Finey, HDH. Kurinbi and HDH. Vaikaradhoo.
2. Current state of waste management in the project islands are as follows:
HA. Muraidhoo
There is currently no waste management system in place in HA. Muraidhoo. No area has been
demarcated or established to dispose of waste. Therefore, residents have been dumping waste
at the periphery of the residential zones. These waste include plastic, organic waste, metals, and
glass. Kitchen waste is thrown on the beach areas around the island. Along with the kitchen
waste, metal cans and glassware are also dumped on the beaches. Nappies have been buried at
the western beach of the island.
The Island Council of Muraidhoo has developed a Waste Management Plan (WMP) in 2017
for the subsequent 5 years. The WMP has not been approved by the EPA as of date.
HA. Thakandhoo
There is currently no waste management system in place in HA. Thakandhoo. In 2014, the
Island Council cleared two areas on both the northern and southern end of the island to be used
as dumpsites. While there was cooperation within some residents of the island, the two areas
established for waste dumping are unused as of today. This was mainly due to the lack of a
budget and waste management equipment, in addition to a lack of cooperation from the
residents. Therefore, residents have been disposing waste at the periphery of the residential
zones.
HA. Thakandhoo Island Council has formulated a Waste Management Plan (WMP) in 2017 for
the next five years. The WMP has been approved by the EPA.
HA. Molhadhoo
Waste is currently dumped at one specified plot of land located 250m to the east of the islands
residential zones. This plot is located 160m to the west islands wetlands. There is currently no
waste management system with the lack of a waste collection service or staff at the dumpsite
to handle waste sorting and disposal. Locals transport their waste to the designated area
themselves, mostly in wheel barrows. The area demarcated for dumping waste is managed by
the Council. Waste is sorted at the dumpsite as locals follow the Council’s guidelines while
dumping waste, with metal and construction waste, yard waste and sanitary waste dumped
separately. Organic kitchen waste is regularly dumped to the sea with no specific areas allocated
for this purpose. Sanitary wastes are buried and covered with sand in a ditch at the existing
dumpsite, when the ditch is full the waste inside is burned and covered with sand reducing the
volume of waste in the plot so that it can be used again.
The island does not have an established Waste Management Plan (WMP) as of yet. During field
visit, the Council highlighted that the WMP is in the drafting stage
HDH. Finey
An area has been cleared in HDh. Finey to dump the waste. The area is currently next to the
proposed IWMC site, with part of the footprint overlapping. The dump site is not fenced off. It
was observed on the field visit that there was an attempt to separate waste types using sign
boards. According to the Island Council, this was attempted during 2016. Although the
separation has been attempted, it was noticed that due to lack of any waste management
equipment or machinery, the stockpiles quickly became difficult to manage due to the sheer
volume. Putrescible wastes such as kitchen wastes are not dumped in this area, and as is the
norm in majority of the islands without a waste management system, they are dumped at certain
beach areas. Even though a dumpsite has been allocated by the Council, biodegradable wastes
such as green wastes are still burnt in some areas of the island.
HDh. Finey currently has no Waste Management Plan formulated as of the date of visit.
HDH. Hirimaradhoo
No area has been demarcated or established to dispose of waste. Waste has been dumped in
places such as the area south of the football ground, and a considerable amount of tree trunks
have been dumped at the periphery of the south-eastern beach area. Kitchen waste is thrown on
the beach areas around the island. Along with the kitchen waste, metal cans and glassware are
also dumped on the beaches.
The Island Council has formulated a Waste Management Plan (WMP) in 2017 for the next five
years, although it has not been approved by the EPA as of date.
HDH. Kurinbi
The island currently has an Island Waste Management Center (IWMC), which was established
during 2013. Although the infrastructure is present, the island currently has no equipment or
machinery to manage the waste generated within the island. Waste such as plastics and metals
cannot be reduced in volume, therefore the unmanaged waste is stockpiled inside the IWMC.
Other types of (biodegradable) waste is burnt regularly near the IWMC. Waste is burnt every
week except on Saturdays and Sundays. The residue from the burning is then taken and
disposed of near the beach. Nappies are burnt in an enclosed container along with dry wastes.
Composting was attempted previously, and the IWMC workers report that 6 bags (25 kg each)
of compost was produced in 4 months.
HDH Kurinbi Island Council formulated a Waste Management Plan on 23 November 2015.
The WMP was not approved by EPA at the time of visit
HDH. Vaikaradhoo
Vaikaradhoo Council has set guidelines for disposal of waste, and waste disposal is done on a
set schedule on allocated days. It was noted that a minority do not follow these guidelines.
Waste is dumped at a demarcated dumpsite, but there are no facilities within it, therefore the
island faces difficulty in burning and reduction of waste. Kitchen waste is dumped at the coastal
area. The current dumpsite was constructed under a UNDP project by Vaikaradhoo Il’haaru
Jamiyya. The waste brought to the dumpsite is currently separated and stockpiled inside the
dump site. The Island Council has allocated staff to conduct the separation, stockpiling and
burning of waste in the dumpsite. Currently, there is no mechanism set up to transport
unmanaged waste from the island.
HDH. Vaikaradhoo has formulated a Waste Management Plan (WMP) on 29 November 2016
for a period of 5 years. The WMP was not approved by EPA at the time of visit.
3. The project locations and site conditions for the islands are as follows:
HA. Muraidhoo
The proposed site for the construction of IWMC is located in the southern region of Muraidhoo.
The site has been largely cleared of vegetation except for a few shrubs and young beach hibiscus
shoots, and is accessible by the main road “Nala Magu” stretching from the harbour area
towards the southern end of the island. The site is 26 m south of the recreational area of
Muraidhoo, while the nearest coastal vegetation is at distance of 31 m from the site. The nearest
residential area of the island is 215 m away from the site.
HA. Thakandhoo
The project site is located north of the residential area at 6°50'46.96"N, 72°59'42.17"E. An
unpaved access path is present which connects to the residential areas from the western side.
The project footprint falls on an area which includes 7 mature palm trees in addition to young
vegetation including approximately 15 young palm trees and 2 juvenile palms. In addition to
these, the site also contains sea lettuce and padanus shrubs. The site is 49 m from the closest
coastal vegetation belt, and 73 m from the nearest residential area, which fits into the buffer
zone recommended by the EPA. However, it should be noted that the site is approximately 10-
15 m away from the wetlands in the north of the island, and therefore adjustment of the
proposed site location is proposed to ensure at least a 15 m buffer.
HA. Molhadhoo
An area of 1000 sqm has been cleared for the construction of IWMC by the council. The plot
is located at the south western side of the island. 500 sqm is the recommended size for the
IWMC with regard to island’s population. The site is accessible directly from the island’s main
road and it has been cleared of all vegetation. The closest residential area is at a distance of 99
m from the site. The vegetation line of the island is 52 m from the site. There is an empty plot
of 4800 sqm next to the site which has been proposed to be leased out and used for industrial
purposes. The council highlighted that this plot could also be used to construct an extension for
the IWMC of the need arises in the future.
HDH. Finey
The proposed IWMC is located in the southwestern side of the island. The site is accessible by
a main road stretching north to south through the Island. The site allocated has an area of 25 m
by 25 m. The site location has been chosen in order to reduce the impact of odour due to
monsoonal winds and proximity to residential locations. The project site has a buffer of 300+
m from the residential as well as the recreational areas, while the site is approximately 290 m
from the wetlands, and 90 m from the coastal vegetation belt.
HDH. Hirimaradhoo
The proposed site is located in the southern region of HDH Hirimaradhoo. The site has been
cleared and has no vegetation, and is accessible by the road “Mirihi Magu” The site is 138 m
south of the recreational area of Hirimaradhoo, while the nearest coastal vegetation line is at
distance of 49 m from the site. The nearest residential area of the island is 120+ m away from
the site.
HDH. Kurinbi
HDh. Kurinbi currently has an IWMC constructed in the island. The Island Waste Management
Centre (IWMC) infrastructure is located in the eastern side of the island. The site is accessible
by a cleared road. The site complies with the EPA recommended buffers for the coastal
vegetation (37 m), nearest freshwater well (114 m), nearest recreational / public area (132 m),
wetlands (160+ m) and residential areas (165 m).
HDH. Vaikaradhoo
The project site is located in the south of HDH. Vaikaradhoo. Access roads are present on both
sides of the site. The site is located next to the current waste dumpsite used in the island. The
site has been cleared by the Island Council. Therefore, no vegetation, mature or young, is
present on site. The site is at a distance of 57 m from the closest vegetation line, and the closest
residential area is 130 m from the site.
4. The main activities involving the construction of the IWMC include shallow excavation,
substructure and superstructure works as well as masonry works. The proposed design of the
IWMC requires a shallow foundation due to the structure being a single story structure. After
the structural works are done, masonry, plastering, roofing works are completed prior to the
addition of the services components such as electricity and plumbing. The construction phase
of the project is expected to be completed within 10 weeks. The IWMC is made up of an
equipment room, and separate areas to store metal waste, paper and cardboard, plastic waste,
glass waste as well as hazardous waste.
5. The operational phase of the project includes waste collection from households, institutions,
and public spaces, sorting, volume reduction and stockpiling of recyclables, composting of
organics, and storage of hazardous waste. The IWMC has a capacity of 39 m3 for composting,
and approximately 7.9 m3 capacity compartments for glass, plastic, metals and hazardous
wastes.
6. Key activities anticipated to have a negative impact during construction phase are:
Table 2: Impacts envisaged during construction phase and proposed mitigations
Activity Main Impacts Major mitigations
Workers Influx and Settlement Impacts on flora and fauna Orient workers on sensitive sites, against
catching birds and animals, damage to
flora, workforce kept at minimum,
littering prohibited.
Impacts on resource use Encourage choosing of local contractors,
Sociocultural impacts Encourage choosing of local contractors,
ensure work permits, worker orientation.
Transportation of Materials Marine and terrestrial pollution Cleaning of litter, hazardous waste
management and spill kits, secure loads.
GHG Emissions Obtain materials from closest source,
buy materials in bulk, reduce wastage,
use of well serviced, efficient, vehicles
conforming to regulations.
Roads deterioration Include in agreement to repair any
damages after project, Use the shortest
route for transportation, only the
required amount and size vehicles shall
be used.
Accidents & Injuries Licensed drivers, avoid transportation at
night, secure loads being transferred.
Site Demarcation and Fencing Impacts on flora and fauna Surveyors understand scope of works,
qualified surveyors, accurate equipment
used.
Environmental Management Plan for Establishment of IWMC 7 Islands Zone 1 Page 10
Accidents & Injuries Protective clothing, works done during
daytime, insect repellent to be available
Site clearing and earthworks Loss of vegetation Setting out survey, demarcate the plot,
fence off, vegetation targeted for
removal marked
Terrestrial pollution Excavated material used as backfilling
and grading.
Accidents & Injuries Licensed machine operators, secure
loads being transferred.
Noise Provide PPE equipment, use well
serviced plant and machinery, reduce
vehicle idling time.
Construction Material storage Equipment fenced off, no new facilities
developed, National Fire Code followed
for handling fuel, firefighting
equipments available.
Terrestrial pollution Temporary storage area set onsite,
cleaning of litter, hazardous waste and
spill kits, transfer all waste to Thilafushi
Noise Provide PPE equipment, use well
serviced plant and machinery, reduce
vehicle idling time.
Impacts on flora and fauna Setting out survey, demarcate the plot,
fence off site.
Accidents & Injuries Occupational safety plan, orientation,
PPE provided.
Waste Generation Marine and terrestrial pollution Waste management plan followed,
follow 3R steps, municipal and sanitary
waste managed, waste transported to
Thilafushi after works are completed.
Resource Use Water Initiate rainwater harvesting and storage,
practice water conservation.
Electricity consumption Use well maintained and efficient
equipment
The impacts identified for the construction phase were all identified to be minor due to the scale
of the works of the project.
Key activities anticipated to have a negative impact during operation phase were:
Table 3: Impacts envisaged during operational phase and proposed mitigations
Activity Main Impacts Major mitigations
Waste collection and
transportation
Terrestrial pollution Covered vehicles, littering is prohibited
and impose penalties on littering.
Climate impacts Regularly service vehicles. Restrict use of
vehicles only during stated time in WMP
Environmental Management Plan for Establishment of IWMC 7 Islands Zone 1 Page 11
Accidents and injuries Occupational safety plan, orientation,
well trained personnel to use vehicles.
Air quality Well serviced vehicles, vehicle covered,
spray water to suppress dust.
Waste management activities
(sorting, reduction and
composting)
Health impacts Regular transport of unmanaged waste to
a central waste management facility,
provision of temporary storage for
untransported waste, reduction of bio
aerosol release to the atmosphere by best
practices, siting of IWMC, provide
protective clothing to workers.
Groundwater impacts HDPE linings provided through design,
leachate collection system, usage of
windrow covers, waste not stockpiled on
the ground.
Amenity impacts Prohibit littering within the premises and
en route to the site on the island, impose
penalties for littering, regular cleaning
and supervision of the IWMC, keep
stockpiles of organics low, keep pest and
vermin population low.
Air quality impacts Cover putrescible wastes, follow
composting best practices
Fire hazards Formulate fire management plan, provide
firefighting equipment and training,
Naked flames shall not be allowed at
IWMC, placing awareness signs at the
premises.
Noise and vibration impacts Provide PPE, equipment well maintained
and use scheduled
Accidents and injuries Formulate occupational safety plan,
worker training, provide PPE, use
licensed drivers and operators, placing a
first aid kit at IWMC.
Waste generation Groundwater pollution Hazardous waste managed in closed
containers, spill kits provided.
Terrestrial pollution Prohibit eating and cooking in IWMC
Resource consumption Water Ensure compost windrow is shaded
during dry periods, use a spray hose to
decrease water consumption,
Electricity consumption Ensure the equipment are properly
serviced and maintained, use the
shredders and compactors under a plan
Positive impacts are expected from the operation of the IWMC, which includes positive impacts
to the overall health and well-being of the island community, and positive impacts on the
groundwater, terrestrial and marine environment. The local economy is also envisaged to have
such impacts due to the generation of jobs, business opportunities through transportation of
waste, and income from selling of compost, and other recyclable materials such as metals, glass
and plastics.
7. It is expected that approximately 20 - 30% of the waste generated within the islands can be
managed at the IWMC. Therefore in order to avoid the IWMCs reaching capacity for storage
and composting, it is recommended to conduct regular trips to transport unmanaged waste to a
central waste management facility. In contingency for cases where transportation is delayed, it
is recommended to provide 660 L wheelie bins within the premises to temporarily store the
unmanaged organic waste. Within the given size of the IWMCs, 25 nos. of wheelie bins can be
kept on site, which can store unmanaged organic waste while alternative transportation options
are arranged.
8. It should be noted that without the proper assistance, financially (in terms of budgetary
allowances) and technically (in terms of provision of trainings and equipment), the IWMC runs
the risk of potentially turning into a dumpsite, exacerbating the possible negative impacts to the
receptors. Provision of resources to the Island Councils, in the form of budgetary allocations,
proper training and waste management equipment is seen as a central cog in ensuring the proper
management of waste in the island. The proponent shall ensure the aforementioned assistance
is provided to the IWMC.
9. Implementation of the Islands’ Waste Management Plan, in addition to the Waste Management
Regulations and Guidelines for the islands is seen as crucial in achieving proper waste
management within the island. The Island Councils shall ensure the proper operation of the
IWMC and waste management within the island through enforcing penalties on nonconformances
to gazetted waste management regulations and guidelines for the islands. This
will ensure the positive impacts envisaged through this EMP.
10. A reporting mechanism has been proposed for each island with this EMP, which includes the
IWMC occupier, the Island Council, and the Proponent. Proper reporting of the IWMC
operations within the mechanism can ensure the continued monitoring and evaluation of the
operations, provision of required assistance, and provide crucial information for future planning
and policy decisions for the Proponent.
11. The Proponent of the project, Ministry of Environment and Energy guarantees their
commitment to undertake the necessary mitigation measures and monitoring during all stages
of the project that has been proposed in the report.
12. In conclusion, the findings of the EMP shows that the proposed activities for this project has
minor negative impacts during the construction phase, and minor negative impacts as well as
positive impacts during the operational phase. With appropriate measures, the envisaged
negative impacts can be mitigated, and the positive impacts enhanced. Given that the Proponent
has committed to the mitigation actions it is anticipated that the project can be implemented
with minimum negative environmental impacts, and ensure the positive impacts envisaged from
this much-needed project. |
