Environmental impact assessment for the proposed jetty construction at Fohdhoo, Noonu Atoll, Maldives

Abstract

The Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure requested the services of Maldives Energy and Environmental Company (MEECO) to provide an Environmental Impact Study (EIA) for the construction of a jetty at Fodhdhoo Island, Noonu Atoll. The assessment addresses specific key issues stated in the Terms of Reference (TOR) as agreed between EPA and the Proponent following the Scoping Meeting held on the matter. This EIA report was prepared for the fulfilment of the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2012 with the purpose of conducting an assessment of possible impacts on biophysical and human environment arising from proposed development project. The project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure, Maldives. The proposed jetty construction project include the following components; 1.Dismantling of the existing jetty 2.Dredging of a 122m by 50m basin around the jetty 3.Construction of a concrete access deck and a cargo loading/unloading area 4.Construction of a timber deck extension for passenger transfer 5.Leveling of roads using dredge material The proposed jetty construction project at N. Fodhdhoo has been identified as an important and a justifiable project from a socio-economic perspective as well as to achieve the government’s objective of facilitating easing transport to and from the island. The existing jetty at the island is seriously damaged, presenting various operational difficulties and safety concerns to frequent jetty users. The construction of the proposed jetty at the island will greatly improve the only transportation facility at the island. This EIA has been compiled using environmental information obtained during a field visit to the island by a team of consultants. The EIA has also incorporated the views and opinions of relevant stakeholders at the island obtained through consultations. In addition, the report looks into the possible environmental, social and economic impacts that may arise from implementation of the proposed project. The Environmental impacts assessments carried out for this survey employed sound scientific methodologies and experience of the consultants. The project is expected to have some temporary and permanent negative environmental impacts and temporary socio-economic impacts during the construction phase of the project. Most of the expected adverse environmental impacts can be minimized by following the measures proposed in this EIA, except for the permanent loss of coral reef from the proposed dredge area. The temporary socio-economic impacts during the construction phase will present difficulties to the residents of the island, though some can be effectively mitigated by following the measures proposed, while all these issues are expected to be resolved once the jetty comes into operation. Overall, most of the impacts are expected to be short-lived and only significant during the construction phase of the project. On the other hand, the socio-economic factors will greatly improve during the operational phase of the jetty as a result of the improved facility. Based on the results of the assessments, this EIA study concludes that with the proposed mitigation in place, the project is justifiable, would be environmentally acceptable and could proceed in compliance with the relevant environmental legislations and regulations. In this EIA, the consultants have proposed an Environmental management plan to ensure that the construction phase of the project does not cause major unexpected impacts on the environment as well as to ensure that the proposed measures are working effectively to safeguard the environment.