Environmental impact assessment to upgrade/renovation of vessel loading jetty at STO go-down (plot no 2) and shore protection of the (plot no 111), at K. Thilafushi, Maldives

Abstract

1- This is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for the State Trading Organisation (STO) for the proposed upgrade/renovation work for vessel loading jetty at STO go-down (plot no 2) and shore protection work (plot no 111). The project involves removal of existing quaywall, Extension of shoreline 20m from the existing quaywall boundary, sheet pilling and back filling Plot No 2. Main renovation work in Plot no 111 involves removal of existing seawall and construction of a new revetment by using rock boulders. The EIA was prepared as fulfillment of the requirement by the Environmental Protection Agency under the dredging and reclamation regulation (Regulation 2013/R-15) for granting permission for the project. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of development projects is a requirement by the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) (law 4/93) of the Government of the Republic of Maldives. 2- This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy 2012 and covers both negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed upgrade/renovation work for vessel loading jetty at STO go-down (plot no 2) and shore protection work (plot no 111). Major findings of this report are based on information gathered during the field inspection of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives. 3- The proposed project activity will take place in K Thilafushi Industrial Island Plot no 2 and Plot no 111. Thilafushi is located at the west of Gulhifalhu and east of Giraavaru Resort. The island was initially reclaimed for land fill purposes, but has been further developed to carter for industrial use. The reclaimed island was later turned into the industrial hub of the Maldives and a larger proportion was reclaimed by sand filling from the inner lagoon. The industrial potential of Thilafushi grew big and Thilafushi Corporation was formed in 2009 to change the garbage island to the potential industrial hub for light and heavy industrial needs. 4- During the preparation of the EIA report an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for identifying the possible impacts of project activities, has been created for proposed upgrade/renovation work for vessel loading jetty at STO go-down (plot no 2) and shore protection work (plot no 111). The activities carried out during the construction and postconstruction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. 5- The environmental impact assessment study for the proposed upgrade/renovation work for vessel loading jetty at STO go-down (plot no 2) and shore protection work (plot no 111) shows there are two main activities that would cause significant negative environmental impacts are pile driving, backfilling, seawall construction and concrete work in Plot 2 and Coastal protection work (construction of rock boulder revetment) in Plot 111. 6- Of these a long term impact would be from pile driving, backfilling, seawall construction and concrete work in Plot 2. Sedimentation on lagoon and reef physical damage to benthic fauna and habitat loss and change in near shore flow pattern are some of the impacts. These impacts would be cumulative occurring over long period of time and so can be managed through proper monitoring. Based on the scale of coastal protection projects that is taking place in Maldives, impacts associated with this activity is insignificant. 7- Construction of rock boulder revetment adjacent to the shoreline will temporarily increase the sedimentation on the north eastern side but the impact would be short term and negligible. However, the positive socio economic impacts from the proposed development outweigh the temporary negative impacts of project. 8- The study has evaluated alternative options for the project activities and evaluated potential option of alternative sources for fill material, alternative coastal protection structures. Based on the similar project activities elsewhere in the Maldives the report found, that the Thilafushi will recover from the impacts will re-establish a new ecological balance soon. Even though there is no very significant impact from this project after the report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring coastal and marine environmental changes associated with the project and make necessary adjustment based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 9- The study found that the proposed project is in line with key legal and policies maintained by the Government authorities and EPA including Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, EIA Regulations, and land-use plans developed for Thilafushi Industrial Island by Thilafushi Cooperation. 10- Therefore on the basis of this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures proposed in the report will be duly implemented and recommendations are given due consideration, it is concluded that the benefits of the proposed upgrade/renovation work for vessel loading jetty at STO go-down (plot no 2) and shore protection work (plot no 111) in Thilafushi will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment