Environmental impact assessment report : construction of 11 storey residential building at M. Titan, Male’

Abstract

1.1 Background This report is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the development of an 11 storey residential building at M. Titian. The proponent of the proposed project is Ali Naeem (Maldivian ID card number A058199). 1.2 Project Detail The proposed project involves development of a residential building at M. Titian. The proposed plot for development has an area of 176.68m2. The proposed design includes a small parking garage at the basement level with areas allocated for shops on the first and second floors. Floors 3 to 10 will be constructed with two apartments on each floor (1 three-bedroom and 1 two bedroom apartment). 1.3 Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives 1.3.1 Key impacts Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project have been identified through interviews with the proponent, field data collection and surveys as well as based on past experience in similar construction projects. In any development project major direct impacts to the environment (either short-term or long-term) occur mainly during the construction phase. Potential direct or indirect impacts which are anticipated to arise due to the proposed works are as outlined below: Groundwater contamination/salinisation due to dewatering works: impact is foreseen to be minor and short termed, Social impacts due to groundwater shortage: impact is foreseen to be minor and short termed, Noise and air pollution during the construction works due to machinery and equipment; impact intensity will vary during different phases of the project, Impact on traffic due to road closure during foundation and floor slab casting periods: minor to moderate impact which is short termed and only during a few days of the project. Operational phase of the project is not envisaged to have significant negative impacts. Positive impacts during this phase of the project include availability of new accommodation facilities and monetary benefit to the proponent and national economy. ix 1.3.2 Mitigation measures There are a number of actions that can be taken to minimize the identified impacts. Mitigation measures are selected to reduce or eliminate the severity of any predicted adverse environmental effects and improve the overall social and environmental performance of the project. Mitigation measures are mainly discussed for the construction stage since no significant operational impacts are envisaged in such projects apart from maintenance works. During the construction stage it is important to take measures to minimize dust spread, assess adjacent building condition during dewatering and excavation works and monitor groundwater shortages. Dewatering should also be carried out as per outlined in the Dewatering Regulation which came into effect from January 31st, 2014. Detailed mitigation measures are outlined in Table 13 of the report. The report also highlights Grievance redress mechanisms in Section 11.1 of the report. 1.3.3 Alternatives Given the scope of the project and the utilization of typical construction methodology and foundation types, alternatives have only been considered for method of foundation protection. Additionally, a ‘no-project’ scenario has also been considered, but not considered feasible due to the loss which would be incurred to the proponent and national economy, if this option was to be selected. Furthermore, selection of this option would also mean that the accommodation facilities which would be available after completion of the project would no longer be available. Hence given that the impacts to the environment due to the project are only minor impacts, this option has been considered not feasible. Alternatives are discussed in Section 10 of the report. Based on the assessment of work methodology, various environmental components and their associated impacts due to proposed work, the consultant, thus feels that the project is feasible. The consultant also stresses the importance of proper implementation of all mitigation measures proposed in the report and concludes that these should be in place, when the project is implemented, so as to carry out the project with minimal impact on the environment.