Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/jspui/handle/123456789/5305
Title: Environmental impact assessment for establishment of an integrated water management system in Sh. Fokaidhoo
Authors: ޑިވަލޮޕްމެންޓޮ އެޑްވައިޒަރީ ސާރވިސަސް
Development Advisory Services
Issue Date: Aug-2017
Citation: Development Advisory Services. (2017). Environmental impact assessment for establishment of an integrated water management system in Sh. Fokaidhoo. Male': Maldives.
Abstract: This non-technical summary presents the finding of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed Integrated Water Recourse Management system development project at Foakaidhoo Island in Shaviyani atoll by the proponent Ministry of Environment and Energy. This EIA report is prepared in accordance with Environmental and Protection and Preservation Act and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. The purpose of this EIA is to fulfil the requirement of the Law and to conduct an assessment of possible impacts on ecological, biophysical environment and socioeconomics arising from the proposed resort development. The main rationale of this project is to develop and operate an Integrated Water Resource Management System on Foakaidhoo Island, Shaviyani Atoll. The specific objectives are to Development of the necessary infrastructure for the functioning of Integrated Water Resource Management System to provide safe water to the community. Implementation of the project bring economic and social benefit to the community. The project will involve the construction and operation of Integrated Water Resource Management System. Construction involves construction of operation building, installation of RO plant, construction of storage tanks, lining of water collection and distribution network, construction of infiltration galleries for ground water skimming and rain water harvesting system. Once the project is completed the Integrated Water Resource Management System will be handed to the proponent for operation. Key impacts The impacts of the project result mainly from construction activities such as land clearance, construction of the water treatment facilities, and construction pipeline network installation of brine outfall. During construction of water treatment facilities and lining of pipeline network have negative impact to the terrestrial environment of the island. It is estimated that total 132 amount coconut palm needs to be removed or relocated. Construction of the brine outfall increase in turbidity and sedimentation which can impact the marine environment. Baseline environmental marine conditions indicated that the live coral cover was very poor and fish count is negligibly less, showing minimum impact on marine habitat. Indirect impact may also occur from silting which is a short term impact. The major socioeconomic impact is found to be positive. Construction of Integrated Water Resource Management System will create a lot of job opportunities during the construction and operation of the system. Establishment of this project will improves public health, socioeconomic well-being of the island community and also it improves the ground water quality should there be less groundwater usage. Mitigation measures Mitigation measures were taken by conducting appropriate field surveys and environmental assessment of the island, proposed and alternative locations for development water treatment facilities and brine outfall location of the project and its associated infrastructure. Installation of brine outfall would be done during low tides to minimize the erosion and washing away of the material. The necessary announcements and proper use of sign boards will be used to minimize the difficulties caused during the construction works. A detailed hydrogeological survey of the area where infiltration gallery would be installed is suggested to be carried before construction begins. Care would be taken so as not to take any construction work near the coast. The generated waste would be stock piled on a frequent basis and waste segregation would be done to sort out the hazardous waste which will be transferred to Waste Management Centre. Moreover, a proper waste management facility would be established and the transfer vessels would be EPA approved and licensed vessels for waste handling. The water and sewerage facilities would be undergoing routine monitoring for the effluent water quality so that minimal to no damage would be done to the marine environment. Alternate locations and technology Alternative technologies of construction methods and alternative locations have also been considered during the assessment. Alternative locations for the construction of treatment facilities and alternative methodologies for the brine outfall was also considered. Some of the alternative technology are not recommended either due to expensive process or the available technology not suitable to the environmental conditions. Environmental management and monitoring An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring was developed taking into consideration the impacts and mitigation measures to be implemented. The important elements that require checks such as sediment dynamics, coral cover and water quality will be monitored according to the developed monitoring program during construction and operation period. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are not serve as to not undertake the project. Mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimize the significant impacts. Hence, the project is justifiable in light of the socioeconomic conditions and anticipated benefits from the project which clearly outweigh the negative environmental impacts.
URI: http://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/jspui/handle/123456789/5305
Appears in Collections:ތިމާވެށި
Environment A


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