Abstract:
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water
Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the registration of the existing desalination plant and powerhouse in
Embudhu Village. The registration of the existing desalination plant and powerhouse at
Embudhu Village is being proposed by Kaimoo Hotel and Travel Services. This report has identified that the power house location, emission from powerhouse stack,
noise from generators, desalinated water, bunding of the fuel tank, discharge of brine from
the RO process through the brine outfall are the main components that could have an
impact on the environment. Since desalination plant and powerhouse are existing facilities on the island and it is being
operated, no alternatives have been suggested in this report. A number of mitigation measures has been already taken into the design and engineering
as to minimise the impact on the environment of the island. The powerhouse has been
located at the centre of island to minimize the impact of its noise to the guests, sound
proofing has been carried out to minimize the noise heard from the power house, the stack
of the powerhouse has been raised to minimise the visual impact of smoke, desalination
has been introduced as to prevent the dependence on groundwater and there by reducing
the groundwater depletion. A bund has been constructed around the fuel tank to prevent
the accidental spill of fuel to the environment and there by reducing the groundwater
pollution. Towards, the end of the report, a monitoring programme for the existing desalination
plant and powerhouse has been suggested. This monitoring programme will mainly focus
on desalinated water, ground water and marine water quality. Since desalination plant
and powerhouse are existing facilities on the island and it is being operated, no
alternatives have been suggested in this report. Hence the power plant and desalination Reverse Osmosis plant at the island could be
registered at Maldives Energy Authority and Environmental Protection Agency.
