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Item Enviornmental impact assessment for island access and jetty construction project in Fehendhoo, Baa. Atoll(2017-07) މަހްމޫދު ރިޔާޒް; Riyaz, Mahmood; މުޙައްމަދު ޝިހާމް އާދަމް; Adam, Mohamed Shiham1. The proponent of B. Fehendhoo Island access and Jetty development project is the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure (MHI). The Ministry is the government’s responsible body for the development and regulate the housing and infrastructure of the country. Maldives Road Development Cooperation (MRDC) has been contracted to undertake the jetty and access channel construction work in B. Fehendhoo. 2. Two freelance EIA consultants has been contracted through public bidding process to provide preparation services of an Environmental Impact Study (EIA) by (MHI) for the jetty and access channel construction work project in B. Fehendhoo Island. 3. 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. 4. The island community constructed a Jetty and an access channel in B. Fehendhoo in early 2010 on the northern side of the island. They have always been using the northern side to access the island. Access from the southern side is extremely rough and far from the remaining islands in B. Atoll. Even though an access channel through the reef flat has been developed, island access issue has never been solved as the lagoon on the northern side is very shallow covered with thick seagrass which is exposed at low tide also the approach channel exposed to strong swells particularly during the onset of SW Monsoon. Due to this, boats and Dhonies that carry goods and people (island and atoll ferries) don’t access Fehendhoo directly. They usually dock at the harbour in Goidhoo, then people and goods are transported to Fehendhoo is small Dinghy’s through the manually deepened pathways in the lagoon. 5. The need for an access for the island has been recognised by the government and decided to develop a jetty and cut an access channel on the northern side to provide safe access for the vessels operating to and from B. Fehendhoo Island. 6. The study investigates impacts associated with the channel dredging and jetty construction of B. Fehendhoo and areas for disposal of dredged material. The proposed access channel will have a width of 24m and a length of 417m and the entrance channel which will be cut through the reef into the ocean ward will lead to a small rectangular shaped dredged area (harbour basin ) 40m wide and 40m long, for vessel turning and temporary mooring purposes. The proposed mooring basin and the access channel will be dredged to maintain an average depth of -3m with respect to the MSL. A total of approximately 28280m3 of dredged material is expected to be produced. This material will be used for jetty backfill and the excess will be used for the nourishment of the beach on the northern coast of the island which at present is undergoing severe erosion. 7. Main focus this reports is to document the general baseline condition surrounding island and particularly the proposed area for channel dredging and jetty construction. The following studies have been carried out as part of this assessment. a. Assessment of the marine and coastal species and habitats in surrounding impact areas. b. Coastal beach profiles to set baseline conditions of coastal processes. EIA for B. Fehendhoo island access & Jetty Project | Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure | July 2017 Page 13 of 76 c. Wave and shoreline assessment study to evaluate the potential for the proposed channel dredging and jetty construction to impact adjacent shorelines. d. Climatic and oceanographic conditions of the project site. 8. Findings from the environmental studies are summarized as follows; a. Access to the island is extremely difficult from the southern side sea roughness and long distance from the remaining islands in B. Atoll. b. Northern side is very shallow covered with thick seagrass which is exposed at low tide c. Approach channel exposed to strong swells particularly during the onset of SW Monsoon. d. Due to this, boats and Dhonies that carry goods and people (island and atoll ferries) don’t access Fehendhoo directly. They usually dock at the harbour in Goidhoo, then people and goods are transported to Fehendhoo is small Dinghy’s through the manually deepened pathways in the lagoon. e. Fehendhoo probably is the only island without a primary school. At present there are primary 12 students in Fehendhoo who are attending the Primary school in Goidhoo located two Kilometres west. Students and their parents commute between the Goidhoo and Fehendhoo twice a day on small Dinghies. 9. This EIA has been carried out on the basis that it is necessary to carry out the jetty construction and island access project at the northern side of B. Fehendhoo to facilitate socioeconomic development and easy access to the island. 10. 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 development project in B. Fehendhoo Island. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. 11. The environmental impact assessment study shows there are two main activities that would cause minor to moderate negative environmental impacts. Those, in order of minor to moderate impact, are: 1. Channel and mooring basin dredging 2. Jetty construction and backfilling 12. Of these a long term impact would be from dredging and beach backfilling of jetty area and nourishment of Kattihuraa at the East of entrance channel and the excess to replenish the eroding areas on the northern side of the island. These impacts would be cumulative occurring over long period of time and so can be managed through proper monitoring and addressing them in a timely manner. Based on the scale of dredging and beach nourishment work projects that is taking place in Maldives, impacts associated with the proposed dredging activity is insignificant. The positive socio economic impacts from the proposed development outweigh the temporary negative impacts of dredging. 13. The study has evaluated alternative locations for the jetty and suggested shifting the jetty 20m east of the existing one for the convenience of the island community. Even though there is no significant impact from this project particularly with the recommended T-jetty construction, EIA for B. Fehendhoo island access & Jetty Project | Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure | July 2017 Page 14 of 76 the report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring coastal and marine environmental changes associated with the development to make necessary adjustment based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 14. Therefore, on the basis of this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures in the report will be duly implemented, it is concluded that the benefits of island access development project in B. Fehendhoo will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment , development of the fish processing facility of seaspire Maldives Pte Ltd., at Hulhumale’ industrial zone 1(2017-01-01) Riyaz, Mahmood; Adam, Shiham1- This is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for Seaspire Maldives Pte. Ltd. to develop and operate the proposed fish processing plant in Hulhumalé Industrial Zone one. The EIA was prepared as fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry Fisheries and Agriculture (MoFA) 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 project. 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, and ongoing projects in the vicinity of the project site and through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere. 3- The proposed project activity will take place on Land Plots 10604, 10605, and 10606 in Hulhumalé Industrial Zone one. Total area of the two land plots is 1434 m2. The three land plots are located adjacent to each other on the north of the existing MMP fish processing facility. Proposed fish processing facility will be developed in a self-contained three storey building. Ground floors of the building will be dedicated for fish, loading unloading, handling and processing, cold and ice storage, chill room, G&G and HG packing/processing area storage. The first floor will be used for administration which will include office space meeting rooms, staff cafeteria, packing material storage laboratory, kitchen, prayer room, laundry RO plant etc. The second and third floor is designated for accommodation and ancillary facilities. The facility will be accessible from both Onugas Magu. 4- The fish processing facility will produce fresh frozen yellowfin tuna sword fish and types of fish products for export. In the past the company used to process their raw fish at EU approved processing facilities in Ocean fresh Processing factoryOcean seafood processing factory both in Hulhumalè' lagoon, to export as frozen skipjack to Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Canada, U.S.A, Japan and Srilanka. The Processing capacity of the factory will be 30 MT of whole fish per day. 5- The Factory should be assessed for EU-compliance by the National Competent Authority of EU - The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA). The factory has an approved fish processing and packing flow plan endorsed by the MFDA prior to the construction of the factory. After the completion the factory dry runs of the entire process will be undertaken to ensure the process followed the approved HACCP plan. The facility will be inspected every six months. 6- Electricity and water required for the proposed fish processing will be produced in the facility. Two generator sets of 240kVA 200 Va will be installed. Eighty tonnes of desalinated water production capacity will be established in the facility. Electricity and water supply from the utilities STELCO and MWSC will be used as a backup and provision for emergency use. The proponent will ensure that the powerhouse and desalination plant implies with the relevant regulations and meet the standards. 7- Yellowfin tuna needed for the Seaspire Maldives Pte. Ltd processing facility will be purchased mainly from the local fishermen mainly operating at the central atoll who are interested in selling fish for a competitive price. Seaspire Maldives pte. Ltd., also intend to establish a longline fishing fleet in the Maldives with the permission of the Fisheries Ministry. Ice will be provided free of charge from the processing facility in Hulhumale as an incentive for fishing and to encourage loyalty to the company. 8- 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 development project in Hulhumalé Industrial Zone. The activities carried out during the construction and operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The impact outcomes from this analysis are considered and appropriate mitigation measures both in the development and operational phased has been provided. 9- The report has identified the main environmental impacts associated with fish processing activities and found that high water and energy consumption and the discharge of effluent with a high organic content are the major issues. Noise, odors, solid wastes occupational health and safety issues may also be concerns for tuna canning and processing plants. The study has found that most significant negative environmental impact identified during the operational phase of this project is release of effluent into the sea through the local sewer network. Liquid, solid and other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the operational phase has also been identified as significant impact associated with the project and appropriate mitigation measures are suggested for each and every impact identified in relation to the project. 10- The study has evaluated alternative options for some components of the project and has suggested alternative for waste water discharge and ways to reduce water and energy consumption for the caning process. The report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the development and make necessary adjustment to the activities of the project based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 11- The overall positive environmental impact from the development project is to integrate the existing product lines and the value-addition of fishery products to fetch higher export prices. Job creation and stimulation of local economy, and exports is the most significant positive environmental impact of this activity. The long-term sustainability of the activity however, will depend on the sustainability of the fish stock. Tuna is highly migratory and its stock is spread out to the entire Indian Ocean. The stock is being managed by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission which Maldives is now a full member. The current status of the stock is healthy and the total catch is below the assessed maximum sustainable level. The Maldives fishery component takes only 15% of the total Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna catch which is currently around 300,00 Mt. 12- The study found that the proposed project is in line with key legal and policies maintained by the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture and EPA including Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, EIA Regulations, Hulhumalè Industrial Zone Planning Guidelines and Maldives Food and Drug Authority regulations. 13- On the basis of the findings 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 planned Seaspire fish processing facility development in Hulhumalé Industrial Zone will substantially outweigh an unwelcomed demand of burden on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment : fish purchase, pack and export facility of Addu Fresh, Addu city, Hithadhoo(2016-01) Riyaz, Mahmood; Adam, Mohamed Shiham; Naseer, Abdulla1- This is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for proponent ̶ Addu Fresh Pvt. Ltd. ̶ to operate fish purchase, pack and export facility in Addu City Hithadhoo. Addu Fresh Pvt. Ltd. (or Addu Fresh) is one that does not undertaken an EIA study prior to their establishment on Addu City Hithadhoo five years ago in 2010. The EIA Regulation requires the EIA study be undertaken before the project start. However, in this case the EIA is done only for completing formalities and obtaining the license from the MoFA. While the ToR may not entirely reflect this, the readers and evaluators of this report keep this in mind. The EIA was prepared as partial fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry Fisheries and Agriculture (MoFA) for acquiring permission to renew the fish purchase pack and export licence from the relevant government authorities. 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 in 2012 , amended in 2015 and covers both negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the operation of fish purchase, pack and export facility. Major findings of this report are based on information gathered during the site visit of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, and ongoing similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives and through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere. 3- The proposed activity will take place on Addu Fresh fish purchase, pack and export facility located at Addu City, Hithadhoo harbour area on Bandherimagu. Addu Fresh Pvt Ltd is located on North eastern side of Addu City Hithadhoo harbour. Addu Fresh fish purchase pack and export facility occupies 4800m2 area and the factory and processing facilities are constructed in 1500m2 area of land on the main road at the Hithadhoo harbour Bandherimagu. 4- Major operation that will be undertaken in Addu Fresh is fish purchase, pack (G&G/HG) and export to EU and Asian markets. Water and energy needed for the facility will be purchased, on commercial rates, from the local utility providers. An emergency powerhouse will be established at the back of the facility. The proponent will ensure that the powerhouse implies with the relevant regulations and will be registered at MEA. The exhaust chimneys, lightening conductors, sound attenuators, and CO2-based fire fighting equipment will be installed. Ear mufflers will be provided for staff working at louder areas of the facility. 5- The raw material, mainly skipjack and yellowfin tuna caught by pole-and-line and handline by Maldivian on local fishing vessels will be purchased entirely from the Maldivian fishermen. Addu Fresh has been operating fish purchase, pack and export activities in Hithadhoo for over two years therefore, the company is well known among the fishermen in the southern region. 6- During the preparation of the EIA report an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for identifying the possible impacts of operational phase, has been arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The impact outcomes from this analysis are considered and appropriate mitigation measures in the operational phase has been provided. 7- The report has identified the main environmental impacts associated with the proposed activities and found that high water and energy consumption and the discharge of effluent with a high organic content are the major issues. Noise, odour, solid wastes occupational health and safety issues may also be concerns of the operational phase. The study has found that most significant negative environmental impact identified during the operational phase of this project is release of untreated effluent into the Hithadhoo harbour area. Liquid, solid and other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the operational phase has also been identified as moderate impact associated with the project and appropriate mitigation measures are suggested for each and every impact identified in relation to the project. 8- The study has evaluated alternative options for some of the activities of the operational phase of the project and has suggested alternatives for wastewater discharge, emergency powerhouse and fish waste. It is suggested to under-take an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the commencement of operations to make necessary adjustment to the activities and its operations based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 9- The overall positive environmental impact from the operation of Addu Fresh is to integrate the existing product lines and the value-addition of fishery products. Job creation and stimulation of local economy, and exports is the most significant positive environmental impact of this activity. The long-term sustainability of the activity however, will depend on the sustainability of the fish stock. Skipjack and yellowfin tuna are highly migratory and their stocks straddle across the countries’ exclusive economic zones into the high seas spreading out into the entire Indian Ocean. The stocks are being managed by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission which among its 32 coastal and distant water fishing nations. Maldives is a full member and now heavily engaged, partly due to its existing Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification of its pole and line skipjack and yellowfin tuna fishery. The current assessed status of the skipjack and yellowfin tuna stock is considered ‘not overfishing’. The total average Indian Ocean catches are below the assessed maximum sustainable levels and the spawning biomass is healthy well above the point of recruitment impairment. The Maldives fishery component takes 17% of Indian Ocean skipjack and some 15% of the yellowfin. The most recent MSY is around at 680,000 Mt per year for skipjack and 350,000 Mt for yellowfin tuna. 10- 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 operation of Addu Fresh fish purchase, pack and export facility will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment : for the proposed development on Kohdhdhipparu Island, North Male' Atoll : for the development of fresh fish packing facility and construction of a harbour(2008-02) Riyaz, Mahmood; M.S AdamThis is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for the development of necessary facilities in Kodhdhipparu Island to establish a business of purchasing packaging and export of fresh fish products. The proposed project includes dredging a harbor (201x102m), reclaiming area of 20,500 sqm by using dredged material and development of project facilities and infrastructure to establish and operate the business of purchasing packaging and export of fresh fish products in Kodhdhipparu Island. Due to the small size of the island any such development could not be accommodated and the proposed dredging and reclamation has been identified as a necessary need to establish and operate the proposed development. The EIA was prepared as fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources (MoFAMR) 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. The total cost of the proposed project is approximately 61.74 million Maldivian Rufiyaa. The project will be developed within 18 months. The project will create a relatively large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities throughout the country. Therefore the project will significantly contribute to the economic growth, particularly fisheries sector, and other relevant socio economic activities This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment Energy and Water in May 2007 and covers both negative and positive environmental and socioeconomic impact arising from the proposed project in Kodhdhipparu Island. Major findings of this report are based on previous IEIA report prepared for the reclamation of the island and 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. The proposed project activity will take place in Kodhdhipparu island (man-made island by the act of accreting sand around existing small sand bank by using coastal structures constructed on the shallow areas on the eastern side of Kodhdhipparu Falhu). The island lies on an irregular shape reef, with a deep lagoon at the center. Kodhdhipparu Island is located on the eastern end of the E-W oriented Kodhdhipparu Falhu on the southwestern side of North Male Atoll. Kodhdhipparu being located on the southwester rim of the atoll it is exposed to high energy oceanic swells during the southwest monsoon and refracted, reflected and regenerated indirect fetch waves during the northeasterly monsoon. Due to the exposure of Kodhdhipparu reef to the direct oceanic waves during southwest monsoon the calmest area within the Falhu is on the eastern end. Hence Mr.Ali Fulhu who started constructing the island was aware that the eastern end of the reef is the most stable area with the least energy within Kodhdhipparu Falhu. Analysis of the aerial photo of the 1969 shows, that the island was initiated and developed on the lee side of Kodhdhipparu reef from a nodal point. The nodal point was formed on the northwestern part of Kodhdhipparu reef where incident wave energy from both NW and western side of the reef was low and sediment load carried by the wave were dumped and deposited around this nodal point and shaped by the prevailing current direction. The fact that Kodhdhipparu Island being a man-made cay, it does not have a proper soil layer with humus content. Most of the existing plant species are very young and introduced by the workers in order to stabilize the cay and hold sediments. Most of the vegetation consists of very basic salt and spray tolerant coastal plants, dominated mainly with, Scaevola sp. Tournafortia sp. Pemphis sp. and some coastal shrubs. Recently planted beach hibiscus, coconut trees, and Thespesia sp exist at the central part of the island. Love birds and parrots are being introduced and reared at the island in cages. Shorebirds and seabirds were known to visit the island. Two species of reptiles were observed, these were the mourning gecko (Lapidodactylus lugubris) and the garden lizard (Calotes versicolor). The overall reef of Kodhdiipparu reef is not in a good condition However, small Acropora colonies were observed which indicates that coral recruitment is taking place. Generally the live coral cover does not exceed 10% in any part of the surveyed area and consists of coral mainly branching and table corals. Percentage of dead coral was found to be very high 30-75% in most areas, particularly on the northern and northwestern side. Sixty species of fish belonging to 16 families were observed during the survey. Large school of redtoothed trigger fishes, Odonus niger were observed on the reef slope. The water in Kodhdhipparu is highly saline and not usable for washing or gardening. At present fresh water on the island is transported from Male and supplemented by the rainwater catchments. 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 development project in Kodhdhiipparu. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The report has identified and described in detail possible change that would occur to the existing condition of the environment caused during the construction phase and have suggested appropriate mitigation measures for each and every impact identified in the report. Sedimentation and increase in suspended sediment level in the water, has been identified as the most significant negative environmental impact that could be associated with dredging and reclamation, breakwater construction, improper location of stockpiles and storage of construction material etc. High level of sedimentation and suspended sediment in the water will increase lagoon turbidity, which affects benthic organism and fish and prolonged periods of sedimentation could cause ‘suffocation’ and smothering of coral and the overall ecology of the shallow marine environments. Installation of silt screens construction of settling ponds and bundwalls has been suggested as mitigation measures of anticipated impacts from increased sedimentation and turbidity level of the water column during dredging and reclamation. The report recommended to take the dredging and reclamation activities in calmer weather condition and preferably at low tides during NE monsoon period because it is expected to transport the bulk of sediments suspended in the water by the currents into the deep waters and disperse faster, this will contribute for significant reduction in impacts associated with sedimentation. Liquid, solid and other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the construction and operational phase has also been identified as significant impact associated with the project and appropriate mitigation measures are suggested for each and every waste related impact identified in the study. The report has recommended that if the proposed Kodhdhipparu facility is to be maintain the international industry standards it should achieve and maintain the emission and effluent levels as the guideline for the industry, which is the environmental management and performance indicator, yardstick to weigh the performance of similar project in the world. The study has evaluated alternative options for some components of the project and has suggested some modifications for the harbour and breakwater design to allow better protection of the harbor and water circulation within the harbour basin. For the safe disposal of chemicals, laboratory wastes plastic wastes and other wastes that are non-biodegradable, the report recommends to procure an incinerator of appropriate capacity for the project. Also the report found, based on the similar project activities elsewhere in the Maldives, the island and the reef will recover from the expected impacts rapidly and will re-establish a new ecological balance soon. However the report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the development and make necessary adjustment to the activities of the project based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring and environmental management plan. On the basis 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 planned redevelopment in Kodhdhipparu Island will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Item Environmental impact assessment fish packing and processing facility Euroglobal Maldives Pvt Ltd Huraa, North Malé Atoll(2013-03) Adam, M. Shiham; Riyaz, Mahmood1. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently noted some fish processing facilities in operation do not have environmental clearance for their projects. EPA informed Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture that all fisheries projects should have submitted the Decision Note on environmental clearance before issuing the Fish Processing License. 2. Euroglobal Maldives Pvt Ltd established on island of K. Huraa Island falls under this category. Originally built and owned by the erstwhile HMS Pvt Ltd, Euroglobal acquired the facility during November 2009. There were no records of an EIA for Huraa’s fish processing and packing facility by HMS either. When Euroglobal Pvt Ltd appeared to renew its Fish Processing License, the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture issued a temporary Fish Processing license and requested to undertake EIA for the project. 3. The work of Euroglobal Maldives Pvt Ltd is essentially packing fresh yellowfin tuna (Thynnus albacares) in variety of forms and exporting to EU-Territories and the USA. Their main products are gill and gutted, head and gutted, loins and fillets. The lowgrade tuna and off-cuttings including belly flaps, trimming are sold in Malé outlets through their agents in Malé. Fresh yellowfin tuna are sourced from Maldivian fishermen fishing from local boats. The catch is exclusively caught from the handline method which used livebait, but has little of no-by catch. The fish are gill and gutted and bled before storing in ice boxes. Trips may last 10-14 days fish normally sold for the highest offer, currently range from MVR 65-160 per kg. 4. The fish processing and packing facility is located on the north western corner of reclaimed area of Huraa, at the northern end of the urbanized area. The landing and access to the facility faces to the north which also happens to be the mouth of the mangrove area – Kulhi, which is a protected site. Tidal currents flow along the seawall in an out of the mangrove area. The area, slightly west, is also where the fishing vessel alongside the sea-wall for landing the catch. Sediment run off from the mangrove area has made the area shallower almost completely exposing during low tide. The area also has a seagrass bed on the western side nourished (and fertilized) by the nutrients run off from the mangrove area. 5. The waste water stream from the factory is released directly to the area, in front of the mouth into the tidal stream. Waste water includes, sewage mixed with water released from the collection septic tank, blood water mixed with drainage from the factory floors and reject (brine) water from RO plants. Because the area is shallow little water mixing takes place causing eutrophication and foul smell. Water quality tests show high nutrient load (sulphate + ammonia). As a result water quality test showed high BOD and excessive counts of coliform colonies and faecal coliforms. It was recommended to make direct connection to Huraa sewerage network or pump the waste stream outside reef into deep water into the channel. 6. The water production and power generation takes place in the compound. Two diesel generators with 500kvA capacity are in operation. A diesel fuel tank on a metal frame outside the power house serves the fuel to the generators. However, signs of oil spill during filling and change of oil filters was evident on the ground. These were identified as impacts and remedial measures were proposed. Water production takes place from two RO plants. Electricity from domestic grid is also present but due to high electricity demand during ice and water production it has not been possible to use effectively the local power supply. 7. Feed water for RO plant and ice production is sourced from the lagoon on the western side of the facility. The intake pipe is placed in a concrete well with the granite aggregate serving as a sand filter. Intake from the sea is difficult to main and prone to contamination given that intake is actually not far from the polluted are on the northern side. It was recommended to install a bore-hole for sourcing water for the plants. Water production is supplemented by rainwater harvest from the roof of the main building. There is about 50,000 Litres of water storage on the site. Both water plant and power generation plant required to be registered in EPA and Maldives Energy Authority respectively. 8. There are three ice plants with a total capacity of 150 MT/day. Again sea-water from the lagoon is used as feed water. Ice is given to fishermen free of charge, but only for fishermen who sell their catch. 9. Raw material (fresh fish) is supplied by the Maldivian fishermen who conduct fishing in local vessel with local crew. During 2012, record show some 150 unique vessel sold fish to Euroglobal Pvt. Ltd. During the initial stages of these processing companies supported fishermen on condition of selling the catch to facilities. Euroglobal Pvt Lrd provided icebox and start-up capital was provided. 10. The economic activity been done don by the Euroglobal is highly profitable. At present some US$ 40million per year is declared at the Customs which represents close to 50% of the total marine export earnings to the country. Although there are no accurate records at MoFA, 50% of the licensed fishing vessel (total ~750) is likely to be exclusively handline yellowfin fishing vessels. This gives the scale of this activity and positive socioeconomic impact from this activity. 11. An indirect impact from the work of Euroglobal Pvt Ltd would be the potential negative impact to the yellowfin tuna stock. Yellowfin tuna is considered to be straddling and highly migratory and the stock is distributed across to the entire Indian Ocean. However, since the current catches from Maldives represent only 7-8% of the total Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna catch (~300,000 MT/year) local harvesting levels may not cause much impact at the current level of fishing mortality. 12. Taking together all the activities of the Euroglobal Pvt Ltd (the main work of the sourcing fish, cutting, cleaning and packing and the support activities of producing electricity, water, ice and waste) the positive environmental impact far outweighs the negative impacts from the waste. These impacts can be made reversible and remedied. If the recommendation and mitigation measures are implemented, the development project of Euroglobal Pvt Ltd should be environmentally sound.Item Environmental impact assessment for agriculture development in Gdh. Hudhuvaarulaa, Menthanhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa, Gaaf Dhaalu Atoll(2016-08) Riyaz, Mahmood; Adam, Mohamed ShihamThe report constitutes the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study carried out for Hummingboy Farms (HBF) Pvt.Ltd. for the proposed development of 10 hectares of commercial scale agricultural farmland and the necessary infrastructure in Gdh, Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonireha islands located, southeaster section of South Huvadhu Atoll. The EIA was prepared as fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture (MoFA) 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- Initial estimate of the project cost is USD 10.2 million and is expected to recoup within six years. Major part of the investment will be on development of seawater cooling system, harbour and access channel, retractable roof envelope, rainwater harvesting system and condensate water collection system, electro chemical sewerage system, solar photo voltaic energy system, infrastructure for staff and service areas, other main infrastructures and equipment. The project will be developed in two main phases. Phase one includes development of an access channel 425x15m and a harbour 50x50m and 3 hectares of advanced hydroponic greenhouses (Approximately 4 hectares of land clearance in GDh. Hulhuvaarulaa), development of power grid, integrated rainwater harvesting system, electro chemical waste water recycling units, installation and operation of deep sea cooling system, Infrastructure construction including power house, oil storage tanks, waste management facility staff accommodation etc.. All key systems will be contained within bunded enclosures, such as the backup generators and fuel storage, and the Solar Power battery centre. In the growing operation best practice in storage and use of all bulk nutrients will be employed. Most of these developments will take place in Hulhuvaarulaa Island. 3- Phase two of the project includes clearance of 6 hectares of land for green house development (2 Hectares from Hulhuvaarulaa and 4 hectares from Menthanduaa and Golhaalaa); construction and operation of accommodation, green houses and other facilities; operation and management of 10 hectares of farm land in four islands. 4- The main produce of the farm will be commercial scale production of tomatoes, strawberry, raspberry and bell pepper. 5- This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy 2012 and considers a wide range of negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed project (development and operations) in the four islands. Major findings of this study was based on information gathered during the field inspection of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, and on-going agricultural projects through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives. 6- The proposed project activity will take place on Gdh Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa and the reef. The four islands are uninhabited islands and shares the same house reef with 6 more islands, Maavaarulaa, Kondaanahutta, Farehulhedhoo, Kalhemamal, Maavadhuvaa and the inhabited island of Gadhoo. Four island Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa are vegetated islands (thee islands Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa are sand cays and Dhoonirehaa is a rubble cay) situated on the south eastern rim of Gaafu Dhaalu (Gdh) Atoll. The cluster of four islands are located northern half of Gadhdhoo reef which is a huge reef platform EIA Report for Agriculture development in Gdh Atoll , Hummingboy Farms Pvt. Ltd over 10km long with varying width ranging between 1-1.8km. The total area of the reef platform is over 14.5km2. 7- Vegetation on the four islands is different due to the nature of the soil content; mainly Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa are different from Hulhuvaarulaa. Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa are vegetated shingle cays (rubble cays) and the eastern part of Menthandhoo is also dominated by rubble. Hulhuvaarulaa formation is completely different form the rest of the islands as the main soil content of the island is calcareous coral sand hence the vegetation succession of the island is more or less similar to the majority of islands in the Maldives. In the three islands that are facing the semi enclosed water bodies, vegetation facing the water body (eastern side of Hulhuvaarulaa, western side of Menthandhoo and Golhaala) have similar vegetation type, where the outer layer consists mainly of, Pemphis acidula (kuredhi), Tournefortia argentea (boashi) Pandanus tectoris (Boakashikeyo) Scaevola taccada (Magoo) with occasional Guettarda speciosa (Uni), Hibiscus tilaceus (Dhiggaa) and Calophyllum inophyllum (Funa), Ochrosia Oppositfolia (Dhunburi), Cordia Subcordata (Kaani) Thespesia Populnea (Hirundhu), Ficus Benghalensis (Nika). Coconut palm Cocos nucifera is scattered in various parts of the three islands Hulhuvaarulaa Menthandhoo and Golhaalaa and abundant mostly in the inner and central parts of the three islands. Few Barringtonia asiatica (Kinbi) trees were encountered in Hulhuvaarulaa and two Mangrove trees were found on the western side Menthandhoo. Only few coconut palms are observed in Dhoonirehaa. 8- The total vegetated area of Hulhuvaarulaa is 251,092m2, Golhaalaa 150,588m2, Menthandhoo 104,027 m2 and in Dhoonirehaa 52,336m2. Vegetation clearance required for land based construction, including pathways etc., is approximately, 73,664m2 in Hulhuvaarulaa, 21,000m2 Menthandhoo, 21,000m2 Golhaalaa, and 13,88m2 in Dhoonirehaa. This represents approximately 29% of Hulhuvaarulaa, 20% Mendhandhoo, 13% of Golhaalaa and 2% of Dhoonirehaa vegetation cover. 9- Parts of Gadhdhoo Reef encompassing the 4 islands of Hulhuvaarulaa, Golhaallaa, Menthandhoo and Dhoonirehaa can be characterized by distinct bio geomorphic zones. Fore ref zone on the eastern side, backreef rubble zone, backreef seagrass bed on the eastern side, shallow lagoon at the atoll lagoon ward side and seagrass bed in between the islands in the central tidal flat semi enclosed bay area. The reef system reef and lagoon is rich in fish diversity and abundance. 10- In the process of EIA study an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for identifying the possible impacts of project activities, was assembled for the proposed development project in Gdh. Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a consequence of project activities. 11- The report has identified and described in detail possible change that would occur to the existing condition of the environment caused during the construction phase and have suggested appropriate mitigation measures for each and every impact identified in the report. The study has identified that most severe negative environmental impact for the islands would be from clearance of 10 hectares of vegetation reef-flat and lagoon excavation for access channel and harbour development and trenching to lay the deepsea cold water intake and outfall pipeline. Liquid, solid and other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the construction and operational phase has also been identified as significant impact associated with the project and appropriate mitigation measures are suggested for each and every waste related impact identified in the study. 12- The study has evaluated alternative options for some components of the project and has suggested some alternative design for harbour recommended to locate harbour basin between the reef flat and EIA Report for Agriculture development in Gdh Atoll , Hummingboy Farms Pvt. Ltd the island approximately 100 off the shoreline and use a piled jetty to connect the harbour basin and the shoreline. However, given the nature of the proposed development and the fact that fairly heavy load will be transported frequently through the infrastructure, practicality of such a harbour needs to be considered and evaluated as an alternative to the proposed harbour in Hulhuvaarulaa. Also the study found, based on similar project activities elsewhere in the Maldives, the island and the reef will recover from the expected impacts rapidly and will re-establish a new ecological balance relatively soon (around 3-5 years). IN order to gather consistent data on possible changes taking place it is proposed to undertake an extensive post-development monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the development and make necessary adjustment to the activities of the project based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 13- The study has identified the following beneficial effects form the proposed agricultural development project in Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa: • Creation of competitive agriculture market for locally grown fruits and vegetables; • Availability of locally grown high quality salad crops that can cater for the high-end tourist resort • Employment: Temporary (10-30 job opportunities during construction period) permanent (over 10-20 jobs during operational phase); • Development of business opportunities in supply and services; and • Capacity building and technology transfer opportunities in modern farming practices. • Improvement of public facilities and infrastructure, general improvement of social conditions and service industry activities, in addition to the increased national agriculture and economic infrastructure. • Better guardianship of the terrestrial and marine resources of the four islands; • Improvements in environmental quality of the island; • Stimulation of local economy, cultivation and small business opportunities within the nearby island communities; and • Increased government revenue and increased GDP. The study found no evidence that the project requires or involves: • loss of unique habitat or wilderness areas; • resettling of local communities; • removing or destroying cultural properties or archaeological sites; • contravening national government of the Republic of Maldives, or island community policies, regulations, criteria, customs or aspirations concerning environment, economy, employment, cultural traditions or life styles. 14- 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 agriculture development project in Gdh Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa will substantially outweigh an unwelcomed demand of burden on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for beach nourishment and maintenance dredging of access channels and harbour in Thulhaagiri Island(2014-01) Adam, M. Shiham; Riyaz, Mahmood1. Thulhaagiri is a small round island in the central North Malé Atoll. Located just north of Bandos Island resort, the island may be considered one of the oldest resorts in the Maldives, now operating for over 25 years. Currently in full operation, the resort has 52 beach bungalows and 34 over-water bungalows equipped with modern facilities and amenities. The current management of the resort is Angiri Resorts and Management Operation Pvt Ltd, which have been operating the resort for close to 15 years. 2. Owing to its somewhat isolated location in the centre of a large atoll basin, the island is exposed to wind driven waves from eastern and western side of the reef. Consequently the operators have been using two sides of the island for entry into the reef. During the SW monsoons season when winds are blowing from west the eastern entry is used and during north NE Monsoon when the winds are blowing from East and northwest the entry on the western side is used. 3. The inner reef flat used as a harbour sheltered by the well-developed reef crest. The area is shallow, but over time the reef flat becomes shallower due to deposition of sand. In order to maintain the depth at safer levels for the speedboats and vessels, a small pump is used to dredge the areas that get shallower. This has been the practice the resort operators. 4. The objective of the proposed project is to undertake maintenance dredging of the channels on the eastern and western side of the island and to deepen the reef flat area that is being used as harbour. And finally it is proposed to make use of the dredged sand to nourish the receding beaches on the north eastern side of the island. 5. The project activity is justified since these regular pumping and deepening of the channels and reef flat is inconvenient and hinders the smooth operation of the resort. During bad weather entry into the Thulhaagiri is dangerous and risky. There is also a need to rebuild the lost beach on the north-eastern side of the island, now felt necessary by the operators to maintain Thulhaagiri’s market position. 6. Following the recently established regulation on dredging and reclamation of the islands and lagoons, a permit was first obtained for the proposed reclamation and dredging followed by the scoping of the environmental impact assessment of these activities. This EIA is follows the Terms of Reference developed and agreed at the scoping meeting. 7. Dredging will be carried out by using a dredger mounted on a flat-top shallow-draft barge. A temporary sand bed may be constructed on the excavations area. Sand required for the construction of the bed will be obtained by excavation from the adjacent shallow areas. 8. Excavated material deposited on the barge will be transported and deposited on the beach identified for extending where it will be sieved. The coarse material will be deposited first for filling and extending the area followed the finer material on top. Temporary measures will be taken to avoid the sediment washing into the lagoon. Nourished beach will then be levelled using excavators, loaders or manually by the labourers. 9. It has been proposed that timing of this activity should be restricted to February and March, which is the transition period from northeast to southwest monsoon. Wind frequency and magnitude during the period is on the lower side. 10. The total time taken for this activity is estimated at 30 days following approval (or issuing of decision note) following successful evaluation of this report. The key mitigation measures other then timing is that limit dredging activity at lower or slack tide as much as possible. 11. The proponent has provided a commitment letter confirming accepting and confirming their responsibility on mitigation measures suggested in the report and environmental compliance during this undertaking of the proposed activities.Item Environmental impact assessment for development of a city hotel at Hanimaadhoo, H.Dh. Atoll(2014-05) Riyaz, Mahmood; Zuhair, MohamedThis is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for Island Expert Pvt. Ltd to develop and operate a three star City Hotel on the north western part of Hanimaadhoo Island located in North East of H.Dh Atoll. The proposed project includes development of 41 guest rooms and necessary infrastructure to establish and operate the city hotel. The EIA was prepared as fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry Tourism (MoT) 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. The total cost of the proposed project is approximately 6 million USD. The project will be developed within 18 months. The project will create a relatively large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities throughout for the people of Hanimaadhoo Island and particularly to the islands on the northern part of the Maldives. Therefore the project will significantly contribute to the economic growth, particularly tourism sector, and other relevant socio-economic activities 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 project in Hanimaadhoo Island. This report also presents an assessment of the ongoing work at the land plot allocated for Hanimaadhoo city hotel development following a report by Hanimaadhoo council during the EIA scoping meeting that the developer has already started construction and site clearance work prior to EIA approval. 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. The proposed project activity will take place on the north western part of Hanimaadhoo Island. The island of Hanimaadhoo is a North-south oriented island located at the Eastern rim of H.Dh Atoll. The reef system hosting Hanimaadhoo Island is an elongated shape reef, which has a length of 6.9 km and width of 1.6km. The reef flat is wider at the western side and the island occupies the eastern half of the reef. The island of Hanimaadhoo is an inhabited island with a population of 1200 people is approximately 6.5km long and 40-700m wide and the with increases towards north. Hanimaadhoo is located at latitude 6.7536o and longitude 73.1737o in North H.Dh Atoll (Figure 1). It is approximately 288 km from the capital Male’. H.Dh Hanimaadhoo is a fairly big island having approximately 155ha with thick vegetation mostly consisting of coconut palms and woody trees. The southern part of the island has been developed as a domestic airport, which was recently converted to an International Airport. Almost 50% of the land area on the southern parts occupies airport territories, hence, vegetation clearance and alteration was greatly seen. The settlement of the island is found on the mid-northern parts and is mainly concentrated on the western areas and extending towards north. Main vegetation within the area allocated for city hotel development is fairly intact with coconut palms, funa, dhigaa, hirundhu and small amounts of nika and dhonkeyo as the main cover within the area, which makes up over 50% of the vegetation cover. Most of the vegetation found on the site is fairly young with magoo, uni as well as funa, hirundhu and dhigga. The cover of young vegetation found on the site exceeds 20%. Other types of vegetation that are sparsely distributed on the site include kaani, boashi, kashikeyo, dhonkeyo, and midhili are found in a very small content. It was observed that the vegetation of the site has been greatly altered or to a great extent used by the local communities probably for collection of fire wood, wood and timber as well as for undertaking agriculture in small areas. The reef on the NW side of Hanimaadhoo is characterized by a large reef flat having approximately 50-70m in the width and a very large lagoon having approximately 290-310m in the width. The average depth of the reef flat is about 1m and the lagoon is about 1.5m. The reef crest is found at a depth of about 2-2.5m. The reef slope is observed to be slanted with the upper portion having the most live coral, while the lower portion (below 10-15m) are mostly covered with dead corals, sand and aged rocks. The live coral cover was generally low except for the upper reef slope where the live coral percentage estimated was 12%. The reef flat and the reef crest had 4% and 6% live coral cover respectively. Based on the ground water analysis ground water of Hanimaadhoo city hotel development site is safe to use for all purposes. At present drinking water is transported from Kulhudhuffushi and supplemented by the rainwater catchments. 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 development project in Hanimaadhoo Island. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The report has identified and described in detail possible change that would occur to the existing condition of the environment caused during the construction phase and have suggested appropriate mitigation measures for each and every impact identified in the report. Vegetation clearance has been identified as the most significant negative environmental impact that could be associated with the vegetation clearance. Liquid, solid and other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the construction and operational phase has also been identified as significant impact associated with the project and appropriate mitigation measures are suggested for each and every waste related impact identified in the study. The study has evaluated alternative options for some components of the project and has suggested some modifications for city hotel layout and landscaping. Also the report found, based on the similar project activities elsewhere in the Maldives, the island and the reef will recover from the expected impacts rapidly and will re-establish a new ecological balance soon. However the report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the development and make necessary adjustment to the activities of the project based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. The report has identified the following beneficial effects form city hotel development in Hanimaadhoo: Increased direct employment and training opportunities; Improvements in environmental quality of the island; Stimulation of local economy, cultivation and small business opportunities within the nearby island communities; and Increased government revenue and increased GDP. The report found no evidence that the city hotel development in Hanimaadhoo requires or involves any of the following environmental or socio-economic impacts. loss of unique habitat or wilderness areas; resettling of local communities; removing or destroying cultural properties; contravening national government of the Republic of Maldives, or island community policies, regulations, criteria, customs or aspirations concerning environment, economy, employment, cultural traditions or life styles. On the basis 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 planned city hotel development in Hanimaadhoo Island will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for extension of Kooddoo Domestic Airport and development of a city hotel Kooddoo, GA. Atoll(2013-12) Adam, M. Shiham; Riyaz, Mahmood1. The domestic airport of Kooddoo was built during 2011 and was officially opened in 2011. This 1,200 m long airstrip in the north eastern side of the Ga Atoll serving the emerging high-end resorts have become one of the busiest and most important domestic airports in the south. It is normal to have 7-8 flights per day with mostly tourist passengers arriving and departing. Also relatively large volume local passengers make use of the route for transferring to the islands in the south or simply commuting on business trips. It was also noticed that guests with reputable business credentials were requesting to resort operators to allow their own air-craft (jet) to fly Kooddoo direct rather than having inconvenient and long layover times at Hulhule Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. 2. In order to address this need the Ministry of Tourism (previously Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture) engaged with the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Transport and Communication in a development project to extend the airstrip and also to upgrade and modernize the airport to provide services to international standards. Keong Hong Construction Pte Ltd, a reputable property developer in the region, won the airport development contract through competitive bidding tendered by the Ministry of Tourism. The negotiated contract agreement included development of a 50-room city hotel on Kooddoo and also development of Ga. Maamutaa as an upper-class tourist resort. Under the same agreement the Kooddoo airport will also be managed by Keong Hong Construction Pte Ltd, who now has an Aerodrome Certificate to run the airport under their name 3. Following the new Regulation on Reclamation and Dredging of Islands Lagoon and Reefs a permit for dredging and reclamation work was obtained before the scoping of the project took place. As such all paper works, including the dredging and reclamation permit was submitted for the Scoping Meeting held at EPA and was attended by stakeholders. 4. The scope of this development project is to reclaim about 260 m long and 150 m wide area from both ends of the island to extend the runway to 1,800 m, to dredge and create 500 m long entrance channel from the western corner of the reef connected to a harbour basin with access walkway jetty. The scope also includes the complete development works of the 50-room city hotel including upgrading of airport services and equipment following the expansion airport capacity. The most significant development activity with regards environmental change is the dredging of western side, reclamation of the both ends and development 25 over-water bungalows on the shallow lagoon on the western side. 5. Existing environmental conditions have been revised using the comprehensive set of baseline data gathered for the airport development project in 2011 but supplemented by additional field data gathered during the visit made in late November 2013. These have been used to assess and evaluate the environmental impacts from development activities. For activities with potential to cause significant impacts, appropriate and practical mitigation measures have been proposed. 6. Since management of Kooddoo airport is now under Keong Hong Construction Pte Ltd the plan is to upgrade and expand the utility services (production of water, generation of electrify and overhauling of sewerage system) to meet the additional requirements of the proposed city hotel. As such the developer plans to add on to the existing structures and arrangements as much as possible to cut down development costs and improve efficiency. 7. The developer pans to increase current water production capacity of 150 cubic meters per day to 450 cubic meters per day. This would involve installing and commissioning of 2 x 150 cubic meters day capacity RO plants. Electricity generation will be increased from its current capacity of 250kVA to 3110 kVA by adding 2x800 kVA units and 2x630 kVA units. The current septic sewerage system will be overhauled to modern Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) plant with a capacity to treat 200 cubic meters of sewage water per day The outflow water will have negligible amount of coliforms and so will be used for watering the plants and landscaping work. 8. Installation and commissioning of electricity generation and water production system will be done as per guidelines of the Maldives Energy Authority and Environmental Protection Agency respectively. Similarly, to ensure safety, drilling of boreholes for source water for RO plant and construction of 150,000 liters of fuel storage, and 20,000 liters of petrol will be stored in bunded areas. Environmental issues arising from these developments have been identified and practical mitigation measures have been proposed. It has been recommend that water production system and power generation system should be registered with the authorities before the its full commissioning. 9. Reclamation works and extension of runway will take place whilst the airport is in operation. In order to avoid disruption of flight schedules it is advised the developer/contractor provide method statements, including details on plans and schedule of activities that should be agreed in consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority. Coordination should be maintained at all times between the Air-traffic control tower and developer/contractor. Fortunately since the developer and airport management is the same company it is envisaged that there should not be any problems for this coordination. 10. The estimated volume of material recovered from dredging /excavation works is around 70,000 cubic meters. However, the estimated volume required for reclamation is estimated at 120,000 cubic meters. Alternative borrow areas have been identified to make up for this short fall. The issues were discussed at the Scoping Meeting and it was agreed that area on the south eastern side where the reef-flat is widest may be identified as a potential borrow area. Climate condition and orientation of the Kooddoo reef is such that lagoon often times becomes rough, thus prohibitive safe entry. As such hard structures (breakwaters) have been proposed for the channel and the harbor basin. 11. The proposed reclamation work on either end of the island extends close to the reef edge, creating the possibility of blocking the water exchange from the eastern and western side. It was noted that this may cause disruption of the established longshore drifts flow around the island creating areas of pockets of erosion and accretion. Since it will be difficult to predict such changes, appropriate environmental monitoring have been proposed. The developer/operator is encouraged to follow the monitoring programme and report to the authorities on a regular basis. Environmental monitoring allows detecting environmental change so that appropriate remedial action may be taken or addressed in a timely manner. 12. A Leopold Matrix has been used to classify the magnitude and importance of possible impacts which may arise during the constructional and operational phase of the project. Leopold Matrix is the most widely used methodology for identifying the impact of a project on the environment. It is a two dimensional matrix which cross references between the activities which are foreseen to have potential impacts on the environment and the existing conditions (environmental and social) which could be affected. It was concluded that the short term minor to moderate impacts as identified above outweigh the medium to long term socio-economic benefits to the region, to the tourism sector and to the country in general. 13. Since the Kooddoo Island is going to have three distinct business entities, namely Kooddoo Fisheries Maldives Ltd, Kooddoo Airport, and the Kooddoo City Hotel, the EIA report includes, an officially approved boundary demarcations in Annex 3.Item Environmental impact assessment for island access and jetty construction project in Fulhadhoo, Baa. Atoll(2017-07) މަހްމޫދު ރިޔާޒް; Riyaz, Mahmood; މުޙައްމަދު ޝިހާމް އާދަމް; Adam, Mohamed Shiham1. The proponent of B. Fulhadhoo Island access and Jetty development project is the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure (MHI). The Ministry is the government’s responsible body for the development and regulate the housing and infrastructure of the country. Maldives Road Development Cooperation (MRDC) has been contracted to undertake the jetty and access channel construction work in B. Fulhadhoo. 2. Two freelance EIA consultants has been contracted through public bidding process to provide preparation services of an Environmental Impact Study (EIA) by (MHI) for the jetty and access channel construction work project in B. Fulhadhoo Island. 3. 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. 4. A jetty has already been developed in the Southern side of Fulhadhoo in 2010. The existing jetty was built by the island community when the Government provided construction material harbour. The existing jetty is difficult to use during the SW Monsoon when the sea is rough and the lagoon on the western side is exposed to refracted fetch waves during the westerly monsoon period. Therefore the island is inaccessible during rough weather condition. To overcome the accessibility issues of the island community has requested the Government to develop proper island access facilities (jetty and an access) on the island. This project is implemented to develop island access and a jetty on the southern side of the island to enable an alternative island access to use during rough weather conditions. 5. The need for access for the island has been recognised by the government and proposed to develop a jetty and cut an access channel on the southern side to provide safe access for the vessels operating to and from B. Fulhadhoo Island. 6. The study investigates impacts associated with the proposed channel dredging and jetty construction of B. Fulhadhoo and areas for disposal of dredged material. The proposed access channel will have a width of 24m and a length of 624m and the entrance channel which will be cut through the reef into the atoll lagoon will lead to a small rectangular shaped dredged area (mooring basin ) 40mx40m, for vessel turning and temporary mooring purposes. The proposed mooring basin and the access channel will be dredged to maintain an average depth of -3m with respect to the MSL. A total of approximately 16660m3 of dredged material is expected to be produced. This material will be used for jetty backfill and the excess will be used for the nourishment of the beach on the northern coast of the island which at present is undergoing severe erosion. 7. Main focus this reports is to document the general baseline condition surrounding island and particularly the proposed area for channel dredging and jetty construction. The following studies have been carried out as part of this assessment. a. Assessment of the marine and coastal species and habitats in surrounding impact areas. b. Coastal processes. c. Wave and shoreline assessment study to evaluate the potential for the proposed channel dredging and jetty construction to impact adjacent shorelines. EIA for B. Fulhadhoo island access & Jetty Project | Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure | July 2017 Page 14 of 76 d. Climatic and oceanographic conditions of the project site. 8. Findings from the environmental studies are summarized as follows; a) Southern side of the island is very rough throughout the year, particularly during the onset of SW monsoon where the moored vessels on the southern side may have to be manned 24/7 during the period b) Difficult to use the existing jetty on the southern side, particularly cannot stay alongside with the jetty due to the strong wave action. c) A normal trip by a normal Dhoni from the access on the southern side will take approximately 2 hours to go from Fulhadhoo to Goidhoo and over 2.30 hour to Eydhafushi. d) Usually people travel to Goidhoo Island in small boats Dinghy’s through the deep lagoon on the southern side, during rough weather the southern side is extremely rough and cannot be used for small Dinghy’s. The alternative route for them to go to Goidhoo is through the shallow lagoon on the northern side. The northern side can be used most of the time but due to the shallowness it may become unusable at low tide. 9. With the above mentioned concerns and grievances the island community requested to shift the proposed island access channel and small mooring basin to northern side of the island 10. This EIA has been carried out on the basis that it is necessary to carry out the jetty construction and island access project in B. Fulhadhoo to facilitate socio-economic development and easy access to the island. 11. 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 development project in B. Fulhadhoo Island. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. 12. The environmental impact assessment study shows there are two main activities that would cause minor to moderate negative environmental impacts. Those, in order of minor to moderate impact, are: 1. Channel and mooring basin dredging 2. Jetty construction and backfilling 13. Of these a long term impact would be from dredging and backfilling of jetty area and nourishment of eroded beach on the northern side of the island. Potential erosion/accretion and adjustment of the existing beach to create a new equilibrium with the surrounding environmental conditions are likely to extend to medium to long term. These impacts would be cumulative occurring over long period of time and so can be managed through proper monitoring and addressing them in a timely manner. Based on the scale of dredging and beach nourishment work projects that is taking place in Maldives, impacts associated with the proposed dredging activity is insignificant. The positive socio economic impacts from the proposed development outweigh the temporary negative impacts of dredging. 14. The study has evaluated alternative locations for the project and recommended shifting the project from the proposed location from southern side to northern side of the island. Even though there is relatively insignificant impact from this project the report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring coastal and marine environmental changes associated with the development to make necessary adjustment based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 15. Therefore, on the basis of this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures in the report will be duly implemented and recommendations are given due consideration, it is concluded that the benefits of island access development project on the selected location in northern side of in B. Fulhadhoo will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environmentItem Environmental impact assessment for island access and jetty construction project in Rasgetheemu, Raa. Atoll(2017-07) މަހްމޫދު ރިޔާޒް; Riyaz, Mahmood; މުޙައްމަދު ޝިހާމް އާދަމް; Adam, Mohamed Shiham1. The proponent of R. Rasgatheemu Island access and Jetty development project is the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure (MHI). The Ministry is the government’s responsible body for the development and regulate the housing and infrastructure of the country. Maldives Road Development Cooperation (MRDC) has been contracted to undertake the jetty and access channel construction work in R. Rasgatheemu. 2. Two freelance EIA consultants has been contracted through public bidding process to provide preparation services of an Environmental Impact Study (EIA) by (MHI) for the jetty and access channel construction work project in R. Rasgatheemu Island. 3. 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. 4. The Government has already developed a harbour in Rasgatheem in 2007. The existing harbour is 60m wide and 120m long and located on the western side of the island. The existing harbour is difficult to access during the SW Monsoon where the access channel on the western side is exposed to strong swells during the westerly monsoon period. Therefore the island is inaccessible during rough weather condition. To overcome the accessibility issues of people of the island has requested the Government to develop alternative island access facilities (jetty and an access channel) on the eastern side of the island. This project is implemented to develop island access and a jetty on the north eastern side of the island to enable an alternative island access to use during rough weather conditions. 5. The need for an alternative access for the island has been recognised by the government and decided to develop a jetty and cut an access channel on the eastern side to provide safe access for the vessels operating to and from R. Rasgatheemu Island. 6. The study investigates impacts associated with the channel dredging and jetty construction of R. Rasgatheemu and areas for disposal of dredged material. The proposed access channel will have a width of 24m and a length of 28m and the entrance channel which will be cut through the reef into the ocean ward will lead to a small rectangular shaped dredged area (mooring basin ) 30m wide and 40m long, for vessel turning and temporary mooring purposes. The proposed mooring basin and the access channel will be dredged to maintain an average depth of -3m with respect to the MSL. A total of approximately 5616m3 of dredged material is expected to be produced. This material will be used for jetty backfill and the excess will be used for the nourishment of the beach on the north eastern coast of the island which at present is undergoing severe erosion. 7. Main focus this reports is to document the general baseline condition surrounding island and particularly the proposed area for channel dredging and jetty construction. The following studies have been carried out as part of this assessment. a. Assessment of the marine and coastal species and habitats in surrounding impact areas. b. Coastal beach profiles to set baseline conditions of coastal processes. c. Wave and shoreline assessment study to evaluate the potential for the proposed channel dredging and jetty construction to impact adjacent shorelines. EIA for R. Rasgetheemu Access and Jetty construction project | Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure | June 2017 Page 14 of 76 d. Climatic and oceanographic conditions of the project site. 8. Findings from the environmental studies are summarized as follows; a. Access to the existing harbour is extremely difficult particularly at the onset of SW monsoon during the Months of May June and July. Therefore based on this assessment and experience the locals are opting to have an alternative access to the island on the NE side of the island. b. Field verification of the project site has revealed that the dimensions given in the MHI proposal does not fit into the location as the reef edge is closer and there is no need for channel dredging in the proposed location at end of Kanneli Magu, Rasgatheemu. c. Based on the discussion with the people of the island and in-situ wave measurements has suggested to shift the location of the jetty and the access channel further south for various reasons detail are evaluated in the alternatives section of this report which would be the preferred location to develop island access in R. Rasgatheemu. 9. This EIA has been carried out on the basis that it is necessary to carry out the jetty construction and island access project at the eastern side of R. Rasgatheemu to facilitate socio-economic development and easy access to the island. 10. 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 development project in R. Rasgetheemu Island. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. 11. The environmental impact assessment study shows there are two main activities that would cause minor to moderate negative environmental impacts. Those, in order of minor to moderate impact, are: 1. Channel and mooring basing dredging 2. Jetty construction and backfilling 12. Of these a long term impact would be from dredging and beach backfilling of jetty area and nourishment of eroded beach on the NE side of the island. Potential erosion/accretion and adjustment of the existing beach to create a new equilibrium with the surrounding environmental conditions are likely to extend to medium to long term. These impacts would be cumulative occurring over long period of time and so can be managed through proper monitoring and addressing them in a timely manner. Based on the scale of dredging and beach nourishment work projects that is taking place in Maldives, impacts associated with the proposed dredging activity is insignificant. The positive socio economic impacts from the proposed development outweigh the temporary negative impacts of dredging. 13. The study has evaluated alternative locations for the project and recommended shifting the project 150m south of the proposed location. Also the study has evaluated two options to develop island access in the new location. Based on the alternative option evaluation, the preferred option is to construct a 65m long 4m wide T jetty with 40m long-T, standing on pad-column foundation. The recommended access jetty will eliminate the most of the impacts envisaged with the proposed development. Even though there is no significant impact from this project particularly with the recommended T-jetty construction, the report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring coastal and marine environmental changes associated with the development to make necessary adjustment based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 14. Therefore, on the basis of this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures in the report will be duly implemented and recommendations are given due consideration, it is concluded that the benefits of alternative island access development project in the selected alternative location in this study at the eastern coasts of R. Rasgetheemu will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for island access jetty reconstruction project Inmandhoo, South Ari Atoll(2017-07) މަހްމޫދު ރިޔާޒް; Riyaz, Mahmood; މުޙައްމަދު ޝިހާމް އާދަމް; Adam, Mohamed Shiham1. The proponent of ADh. Mandhoo Island access Jetty reconstruction and maintenance dredging project is the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure (MHI). The Ministry is the government’s responsible body for the development and regulate the housing and infrastructure of the country. Maldives Road Development Cooperation (MRDC) has been contracted to undertake the access jetty reconstruction and maintenance dredging work in ADh. Mandhoo. 2. Two freelance EIA consultants has been contracted through public bidding process to provide preparation services of an Environmental Impact Study (EIA) by (MHI) for the access jetty reconstruction project in ADh. Mandhoo Island. 3. 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. 4. ADh Mandhoo is an inhabited island located on the southern half of south western side of Ari Atoll. The island lies on huge reef system with fairly large deep lagoon with large number of patch reefs. The lagoon is accessible from the eastern side and can reach very close to the island shoreline. 5. The island can be accessed by using two jetties constructed from the shore and extend into the deep lagoon on the eastern side of the island. The jetty on the south eastern end of the island was constructed by the management of Conrad Maldives (Rangali) to use to access the land plot (southern part of the island) during the period they rented land from the council to establish resort support facilities. The second jetty is located approximately 190m north of the jetty, constructed by the island community in early 2008 to access the island. This is the main jetty that is used by the island community to go in and out of the island. 6. The existing jetty was built manually by the people of the island. Hence pad columns structures are not placed deep enough consequently they started scouring at the base, particularly columns in deeper water and the sandy slope. Columns are slowly collapsing and the whole structure is unstable at present. The concrete sheet on top of the pillars has crashed leaving large holes and making the jetty unsafe and risky for the public to use. The people of Mandhoo requested for Government’s assistance to reconstruct a jetty to access the island. As a response for their request the Government proposed this project to reconstruct a T- jetty at the footprint of the existing jetty. The project involves development of a T-jetty, maintenance dredging of areas near the jetty. 7. The study investigates impacts associated access jetty reconstruction and proposed maintenance dredging neat the jetty area of ADh. The access jetty will be 35 long and 6m wide the project also proposes to do some maintenance dredging in the vicinity of the jetty. 8. Main focus this reports is to document the general baseline condition surrounding island and particularly the proposed area for jetty reconstruction and maintenance dredging. The following studies have been carried out as part of this assessment. a. Assessment of the marine and coastal species and habitats in surrounding impact areas. b. Coastal conditions and coastal processes. c. Wave and shoreline assessment study to evaluate the potential for the proposed jetty reconstruction and maintenance dredging to impact adjacent shorelines. d. Climatic and oceanographic conditions of the project site. 9. Findings from the environmental studies are summarized as follows; e. The pillars in the deeper water at the slope of lagoon have already collapsed and the concrete sheet on top of the pillars has crashed leaving large holes thus, making the jetty unsafe and risky for the public to use. f. Jetty area is very deep within the range of 5-7m, therefore, it is not necessarily required to undertake maintenance dredging as proposed in the project. g. Based on the discussion with the people of the island they have requested to shift the location of the new jetty 20m south of the existing one and lengthen the jetty 4-5m into the deep lagoon and extend the shore parallel section of the T-jetty 30-40m to accommodate larger vessels. 10. Field investigation during the EIA report preparation process has identified that the initially proposed maintenance dredging of the jetty area can be excluded from the scope of the project as the area is deep enough to accommodate larger vessels. With this finding the major activity that will cause significant environmental impact has been eliminated. The proposed method for reconstruction of jetty will have very negligible environmental impact on the nearshore areas of the Mandhoo Island. In fact environmental impact assessment is not required as per the EIA regulation schedule (Raa) for jetties standing on pillars that allows water and sediment flow underneath it. However, this EIA has been completed to fulfil the requirements of the ToR issued by the EPA on 13th June 2017 based on the discussions at the scoping meeting held on the 11th of June 2017. 11. Based on the scale of the proposed development project, environmental impacts associated with the proposed jetty reconstruction work is insignificant and negligible. The positive socio economic impacts from the proposed development outweigh the temporary negligible impacts related to jetty construction work. 12. Even though the impact is negligible and of short-term the report has come-up with a monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring coastal and marine environmental changes associated with the development to make necessary adjustment based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 13. Therefore, on the basis of this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures in the report, it is concluded that the benefits of the access jetty reconstruction project in ADh. Mandhoo eastern coast will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for resort development in K. Akirifushi, North Male’ Atoll(2014-08) Riyaz, Mahmood; Zuhair, MohamedThis is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for Akirifushi Investmentt Pvt. Ltd to develop and operate a resort in Akirifushi Island located in North Western part of Male Atoll. Akirifushi development project involves creation of land through reclamation and develop and operate 70 room high-end tourist resort with all the necessary facilities and amnesties. The EIA was prepared as fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry Tourism (MoT) 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. The total cost of the proposed project is approximately 20 million USD. The project will be developed within 18 months. The project will create a relatively large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities for the Maldives. Therefore the project will significantly contribute to the economic growth, particularly tourism sector, and other relevant socioeconomic activities 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 project in Akirifushi Island. 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. The proposed project activity will take place on Akririfushi Island and Falhu. Akirifushi Island is an uninhabited island and lies in an E-W oriented triangular shape reef on the western periphery of North Male Atoll. The island is situated on the south western end of Akirifushi Falhu in a north south orientation. Akirifushi ISland is a vegetated rubble cay (Huraa). Vegetated area of Akirifushi is approximately 8000 m2 and island area is approximately 1.4 hectares. Total area of the reef where Akirifushi Island is situated is approximately 75 hectares. After the land reclamation the area of the island will be 8.2 hectares. The island is characterized by fairly young natural vegetation mainly consisting of Kaani, Hirundhu, Dhigga, to a great extent and Magoo, Kuredhi, Boa Kashikeyo and Boashi to a smaller extent in the coastline. A small area covered in Kandoo (mangrove) is found on the northern side of the island in a slight depression where the ground gets occasionally flooded from tidal fluctuations. Only a couple of planted young Ruh were found in the middle of the island. The dominant vegetation on the island was observed to be Kaani, which was mostly found on the eastern parts as well as mixed with other vegetation such as Dhigga and Hirundhu in the middle parts. On the southern side, patches of Magoo were observed while on some of the northern parts mixed coastal vegetation including Magoo, Kuredhi, Boa kashikeyo and Boashi were found Akirifushi Island is found in a single reef on the NW rim of North Male’ Atoll. The reef is triangular in shape with western side slightly curved and the island is located almost at the edge of this curvature. The length of the reef including the reef slope from west to east is estimated to be 1km and the width of the reef from north to south is estimated to be 960m. The total area of the reef is estimated to be 75ha with most parts found in shallow lagoon. The large and deep Vilu on the eastern side of the island occupies almost 15% of the whole reef, while the island and the smaller Vilu on the northern side occupy approximately only 3% each of the whole reef. Hence, the shallow lagoon of the reef is approximately 79% and mostly comprised of sand and rubble, while the western side mostly composed of dead rocks. The general condition of the reef in terms of percent live coral cover is low approximately 10%. 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 development project in Akirifushi Island. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The report has identified and described in detail possible change that would occur to the existing condition of the environment caused during the construction phase and have suggested appropriate mitigation measures for each and every impact identified in the report. Dredging has been identified as the most significant negative environmental impact that could be associated with the proposed development. Liquid, solid and other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the construction and operational phase has also been identified as significant impact associated with the project and appropriate mitigation measures are suggested for each and every waste related impact identified in the study. The study has evaluated alternative options for some components of the project and has suggested some modifications to the shape of reclaimed area. Also the report found, based on the similar project activities elsewhere in the Maldives, the island and the reef will recover from the expected impacts rapidly and will re-establish a new ecological balance soon. However the report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the development and make necessary adjustment to the activities of the project based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. The report has identified the following beneficial effects form resort development in Akirifushi: Increased direct employment and training opportunities; Improvements in environmental quality of the island; Stimulation of local economy, cultivation and small business opportunities for nearby island communities; and Increased government revenue and increased GDP. The report found no evidence that the resort development in Akirifushi requires or involves any of the following environmental or socio-economic impacts. loss of unique habitat or wilderness areas; resettling of local communities; removing or destroying cultural properties; contravening national government of the Republic of Maldives, or island community policies, regulations, criteria, customs or aspirations concerning environment, economy, employment, cultural traditions or life styles. On the basis 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 planned resort development in Akirifushi Island will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for resort development in K. Kodhipparu, North Male Atoll(2014-04) Riyaz, Mahmood; Zuhair, MohamedThis is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for Kodhipparu Investment Pvt. Ltd to develop and operate a three star resort development in Kodhipparu Island located in North Malé Atoll. The proposed project includes development of 108 guest rooms and necessary infrastructure to establish and operate the resort in Kodhipparu Island. The EIA was prepared as fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry Tourism (MoT) 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. The total cost of the proposed project is approximately 15 million USD. The project will be developed within 18 months. The project will create a relatively large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities throughout the country. Therefore the project will significantly contribute to the economic growth, particularly tourism sector, and other relevant socio-economic activities 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 project in Kodhipparu Island. 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. The proposed project activity will take place in Kodhipparu Island (man-made island by accumulating sand through use of coastal structures and reclamation). The island lies on an irregular shape reef, with a deep lagoon at the center. Kodhipparu Island is located on the eastern end of the E-W oriented Kodhipparu Falhu on the southwestern side of North Malé Atoll. Kodhipparu being located on the southwester rim of the atoll it is exposed to high energy oceanic swells during the southwest monsoon and refracted, reflected and regenerated indirect fetch waves during the northeasterly monsoon. Due to the exposure of Kodhipparu reef to the direct oceanic waves during southwest monsoon the calmest area within the Falhu is on the eastern end. Hence Mr.Ali Fulhu who started constructing the island was aware that the eastern end of the reef is the most stable area with the least energy within Kodhipparu Falhu. The fact that Kodhipparu Island being a man-made island it does not have a proper soil layer with humus content. Most of the existing plant species are very young and introduced by the workers in order to stabilize the cay and hold sediments. Most of the vegetation consists of very basic salt and spray tolerant coastal plants, dominated mainly with, Scaevola sp. Tournafortia sp. Pemphis sp. and some coastal shrubs. Recently planted beach hibiscus, coconut trees, and Thespesia sp exist at the central part of the island. Love birds and parrots are being introduced and reared at the island in cages. Shorebirds and seabirds were known to visit the island. Two species of reptiles were observed, these were the mourning gecko (Lapidodactylus lugubris) and the garden lizard (Calotes versicolor). The overall reef of Kodhipparu reef is not in a good condition. Generally the live coral cover does not exceed 10% in any part of the surveyed area and consists of coral mainly branching and table corals. Percentage of dead coral was found to be very high 30-75% in most areas, particularly on the northern and northwestern side. The water in Kodhipparu is highly saline and not usable for washing or gardening. At present fresh water on the island is transported from Malé and supplemented by the rainwater catchments. 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 development project in Kodhipparu. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The report has identified and described in detail possible change that would occur to the existing condition of the environment caused during the construction phase and have suggested appropriate mitigation measures for each and every impact identified in the report. Sedimentation and increase in suspended sediment level in the water, has been identified as the most significant negative environmental impact that could be associated with the entrance clearance. Liquid, solid and other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the construction and operational phase has also been identified as significant impact associated with the project and appropriate mitigation measures are suggested for each and every waste related impact identified in the study. The study has evaluated alternative options for some components of the project and has suggested some modifications for resort layout and landscaping. Also the report found, based on the similar project activities elsewhere in the Maldives, the island and the reef will recover from the expected impacts rapidly and will re-establish a new ecological balance soon. However the report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the development and make necessary adjustment to the activities of the project based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. The report has identified the following beneficial effects form resort development in Kodhipparu: Increased direct employment and training opportunities; Better guardianship of the terrestrial and marine resources of Kodhipparu Island; Improvements in environmental quality of the island; Stimulation of local economy, cultivation and small business opportunities within the nearby island communities; and Increased government revenue and increased GDP. The report found no evidence that the resort development in Kodhipparu requires or involves any of the following environmental or socio-economic impacts. loss of unique habitat or wilderness areas; resettling of local communities; removing or destroying cultural properties; contravening national government of the Republic of Maldives, or island community policies, regulations, criteria, customs or aspirations concerning environment, economy, employment, cultural traditions or life styles. On the basis 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 planned development in Kodhipparu Island will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for resort development in K. Kuda Bandos, North Malé Atoll(2014-06) Riyaz, Mahmood; Zuhair, Mohamed; Shakir, IbrahimIn mid-2005 and early 2000 the government leased large number of uninhabited islands for development of picnic islands for a relatively low rent. Those picnic island were developed and most of them are used as exclusive high end tourist resort, but the revenue generated for the government from those islands are very low due to low land rent. Therefore in order to generate more revenue to the Government the cabinet during the MDP Government decided to eliminate all picnic island and allocated them for resort developments. This decision was enforced in 2012. In this respect if the picnic island is within 700m radius of an existing resort the government offered the island to the resort if they are willing to pay the acquisition cost of the island, which is about 6 million US$ per hectares. Malahini Holdings Pvt. Ltd, paid the acquisition cost of Kuda Bandos Island and decided to convert the island to a mixed local and foreign tourist resort retaining the local picnic concept, and established Malahini Holdings Pvt. Ltd which is a joint venture company with 10% share of the Government of Maldives. This is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for Malahini Holdings Pvt. Ltd to develop and operate a resort for mixed local and foreign tourist in K. Kuda Bandos Island located in North Central part of Malé Atoll. Kuda Bandos development project involves development and operation of 90 rooms, two and half-three star resort, with all the necessary facilities and amnesties. The EIA was prepared as fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry Tourism (MoT) 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. The total cost of the proposed project is approximately 13.5 million USD. The project will be developed within 18 months. The project will create a relatively large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities for the Maldives. Therefore the project will significantly contribute to the economic growth, particularly tourism sector, and other relevant socioeconomic activities. 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 project in Kuda Bandos Island. 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. The proposed project activity will take place on Kuda Bandos Island, an uninhabited island lies in an N-S oriented triangular shape reef on the central part of North Malé Atoll. The island is situated on the southern end of Kuda Bandos Falhu. Vegetated area of Kuda Bandos is approximately 3.27 hectares and island area is approximately 3.9 hectares. Total area of the reef where Kuda Bandos Island is situated is approximately 11.3 hectares and the total area of the reef flat is 5.8 hectares. After the proposed development the total built-up area of the island will be 7,450 m2 which is about 18% of the total land area of the island. Kuda Bandos Island has thick and healthy vegetation all around and inside the island. The canopy of the island is generally high all around the island except for the northern and western sides where a well-established vegetation mostly consisting of mature Funa, Dhigga, Magoo, Kuredhi, young Ruh, Boakashikeyo and Uni. In general, it can be estimated that the vegetation constituent of the island can be divided into around 50-55% Ruh, 20-25% trees such as Dhigga, Funa, Kaani, Uni, Magoo and Boakashikeyo and 15-20% comprising of introduced vegetation used for landscaping such as Saima, Kandholhu, Farudhaa Bageechaa, Croyton and others. Kuda Bandos is formed within its own coral reef system inside the atoll. The coral reef is triangular in shape and the island is found in the middle of the triangle in an egg-shape. This coral reef system has a perimeter of approximately 1.3km measuring from the outer reef edge. Kuda Bandos coral reef covers an area of approximately 7 hectares including the reef slope and the reef-flat. The general reef condition can be regarded as fairly good with increasing live coral cover of 12% on average and diversity towards the northern side of the reef. The lagoon system of Kuda Bandos has an average depth of 1 – 1.2m during high tide periods. It is a relatively small lagoon which is only found from north-east to the eastern side of the island having an approximate area of 8,745m2. The lagoon found on the north-west, west and south-western sides of the island are saturated with beach areas hence, very narrow areas of the lagoon were visible at the time of the assessments. 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 development project in Kuda Bandos Island. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The report has identified and described in detail possible change that would occur to the existing condition of the environment caused during the construction phase and have suggested appropriate mitigation measures for each and every impact identified in the report. Vegetation clearance has been identified as the most significant negative environmental impact that could be associated with the proposed development. Liquid, solid and other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the construction and operational phase has also been identified as significant impact associated with the project and appropriate mitigation measures are suggested for each and every waste related impact identified in the study. The study has evaluated alternative options for some components of the project and has suggested some modifications to the proposed layout based on the considerations given to the maximum land use and preserve the existing trees and minimise vegetation clearance which will have more impacts on the island. The report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the development and make necessary adjustment to the activities of the project based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. As part of the assigned tasks of EIA a list of stakeholders were provided in the TOR to undertake extensive stakeholder consolation during the EIA preparation process. This is because some concerns were raised by the media, soon after the Government’s decision to convert Kuda Bandos to a resort, stating that the island will be closed for local picnics after the development. The issue was discussed with the stakeholders and the truth about the misconception was cleared during the consultation. All the stakeholders except Malé City Council welcomed the proposed development. Malé City Council is on the opinion that Kuda Bandos is the only remaining island near Malé for the picnickers from Malé City and it is the only place where people of this congested city can go and take a breath of fresh air. Therefore they are in the opinion that resort development in Kuda Bandos should not go ahead and the island should be left as it is only for the picnickers from Malé despite the fact that the island will still be accessible for local picnickers after the proposed resort development. The following improvements for the facilities for picnickers and camping site in Kuda Bandos was suggested by the stakeholders during the discussions. 1. Increase the number of public toilets and improve the quality and maintenance 2. Provision of feeding rooms for babies 3. Increase the number of showerheads and properly maintain the water network 4. Increase the number of life guards and first aid facilities 5. Increase the number of guest rooms allocated for the Maldivians 6. Properly demark the picnic and tourist areas with appropriate signage The report has identified the following beneficial effects form resort development in Kuda Bandos: Establishment of local tourism opportunities mixed with international tourism Establishment of readily available picnic facilities and other amenities such BBQ pits, dining areas etc. Increased direct employment and training opportunities; Better guardianship of the terrestrial and marine resources of Kuda Bandos Island; Improvements in environmental quality of the island; Stimulation of local economy, cultivation and small business opportunities within the nearby island communities; and Increased government revenue and increased GDP. The report found no evidence that the resort development in Kuda Bandos requires or involves any of the following environmental or socio-economic impacts. loss of unique habitat or wilderness areas; resettling of local communities; removing or destroying cultural properties; contravening national government of the Republic of Maldives, or island community policies, regulations, criteria, customs or aspirations concerning environment, economy, employment, cultural traditions or life styles. 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 resort development in Kuda Bandos will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for the development of tuna purchasing and storage facility, GA. Raaverrehaa, North Huvadhu Atoll(2016-01) Riyaz, Mahmood; Adam, M. Shiham1- This is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for proponent ̶ Ensis Fisheries Pvt. Ltd. ̶ to develop and operate fish purchase and storage facility in Raaverrehaa North Huvadhu Atoll. The EIA was prepared as partial fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry Fisheries and Agriculture (MoFA) for acquiring 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 in 2012 and covers both negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed project. 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, and ongoing similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives and through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere. 3- Initially the proposed development was planned in Ga. Kedheraa Island and environmental Decision Statement was obtained to go ahead with the project. Shifting the planned development to Raaverrehaa was decided based on strategic analysis of the development, which found potential operational disadvantages that may impede smooth operation of the facility. Most importantly lack of shallow reef space to develop a harbour, which is an important infrastructure for the facility, remoteness of the island and being far from the airport and major fishing islands are also some of the shortcomings of Kedheraa. 4- The proposed activity will take place on Raaverrehaa Island and surrounding Falhu. Ga. Raaverrehaa Island is an uninhabited found on the North Eastern side of Huvadhu Atoll located at the periphery in an elongated, N-S oriented reef platform measuring a length of 20 km is shared by multiple islands. The reef is shared by three more islands including Villingili Island. The eastern part of the reef extends in the form shallow lagoon into eastern rim of the Atoll. The elongated-oval-shaped island of Raaverrehaa is lying in the western half of the reef. The coral reef system of Raaverrehaa is 20km long and the width is 0.8-1.8km. Reef perimeter is 43km and the area is approximately 25sqkm. The distance from the edge of the beach to the reef edge in both eastern and western sides is fairly consistent measured approximately 1km on the east and 400m on the western side. Raaverrehaa is an elongated-oval shape, N-S oriented island, with a length of 415m and width 100-119m and has an area of 4.7 ha. Average depth of the reef flat is less than -1 to -0.5m m from MSL. 5- Major operation that will be undertaken in Raaverrehaa Island will be loading/unloading storage and transportation of fish to Ensis processing facilities located in Hulhumalé Island. The facility will have 500 tonnes cold storage capacity and will produce ice needed for the fishermen to keep the fish fresh until they reach the storage facility from the fishing grounds. Necessary infrastructure needed to operate the facility will be developed on the island including the accommodation facilities for the staff working on the island. Electricity and water required for operations will be produced in the island. 100x3 KvA generator sets will be will be installed at the powerhouse to provide the electricity needed for the island. Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination plants with total production capacity of 40MT per day will be installed to provide necessary water requirement for the operations. The proponent will ensure that the powerhouse and desalination plant implies with the relevant regulations. The exhaust chimneys, lightening conductors, sound attenuators, and CO2-based fire fighting equipment will be installed. Ear mufflers will be provided for staff working at louder areas of the facility. EIA Ensis Fisheries – Raaverrehaa Shore-based Facility – M. Riyaz & M.S Adam 15 | 90 6- The raw material, mainly skipjack and yellowfin tuna caught by pole-and-line and handline by Maldivian on local fishing vessels will be purchased entirely from the Maldivian fishermen. With Ensis’s long reputation in the country, it is expected that a large number of vessel will sell fish to the Ensis Fisheries Pvt Ltd. Ice will be provided free of charge from all the Ensis facilities as incentive for fishing and to encourage loyalty to the company. In addition the proponent will provide iceboxes for fishing operation startups in the area. 7- 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 development project Raaverrehaa Island. The activities carried out during the construction and operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The impact outcomes from this analysis are considered and appropriate mitigation measures both in the development and operational phased has been provided. 8- The report has identified the main environmental impacts associated with the proposed activities and found that high water and energy consumption and the discharge of effluent with a high organic content are the major issues. Vegetation clearance and construction waste during the construction phase and noise, odor, solid wastes occupational health and safety issues may also be concerns of the operational phase. The study has found that most significant negative environmental impact identified during the operational phase of this project is release of untreated effluent into the sea. Liquid, solid and other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the operational phase has also been identified as significant impact associated with the project and appropriate mitigation measures are suggested for each and every impact identified in relation to the project. 9- The study has evaluated alternative options for the project and found that the proposed development is the right development for the right place. To enhance the water circulation in the reef and to limit the access to Raaverrehaa it is recommended to cut a channel through the walkway or remove it as an alternative for keeping the solid walkway which blocks cross reef water motion, increase nutrient enrichment and subsequent growth of seagrass on the eastern side of the reef and provides unlimited land access to the island. It is suggested to under-take post-development extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the development and its operation and make necessary adjustment to the activities and its operation of the project based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 10- The overall positive environmental impact from the development project is to integrate the existing product lines and the value-addition of fishery products rather than exporting the whole fish for processing. Job creation and stimulation of local economy, and exports is the most significant positive environmental impact of this activity. The long-term sustainability of the activity however, will depend on the sustainability of the fish stock. Skipjack and yellowfin tuna are highly migratory and their stocks straddle across the countries’ exclusive economic zones into the high seas spreading out into the entire Indian Ocean. The stocks are being managed by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission which among its 32 coastal and distant water fishing nations. Maldives is a full member and now heavily engaged, partly due to its existing Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification of its pole and line skipjack and yellowfin tuna fishery. The current assessed status of the skipjack and yellowfin tuna stock is considered ‘not overfishing’. The total average Indian Ocean catches are below the assessed maximum sustainable levels and the spawning biomass is healthy well above the point of recruitment impairment. The Maldives fishery component takes 17% of Indian Ocean skipjack and some 15% of the yellowfin. The most recent MSY is around at 680,000 Mt per year for skipjack and 350,000 Mt for yellowfin tuna. 11- Raaverrehaa is occasionally used for local picnic and it is the only remaining island for picnickers in the vicinity Villingili. Proposed fish purchase and storage facility development in Raaverehaa will limit the public accessibility for local picnickers. To overcome potential social problems that may rise in association with this development, the proponent has proposed to develop a picnic facility in any location identified by the public and Villingili Council. At present council is consulting with the people to identify the most suitable area to develop for local picnickers. 12- On the basis of the findings 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 planned Ensis fish purchasing and storage facility development in Raaverrehaa Island will substantially outweigh an unwelcomed demand of burden on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed agriculture project on Dhandhoo, Baa. Atoll(2013-03) Adam, M. Shiham; Riyaz, MahmoodBaa Atoll Hanifaru was leased in 2008 to Mr. Mohamed Shareef of Maafannu Sunny Coast to develop agricultural activities. Following Environmental Regulation, an EIA Screening Form was submitted to EPA during early 2009. However, after elapse of some considerable period, the erstwhile Ministry of Housing and Environment declared Hanifaru Bay (lagoon) as a protected site under environmental law. Later Hanifaru was also declared as a protected site. In order compensate for this unexpected ‘taking away’ of Hanifaru, the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, in consultation with Mr. Mohamed Shareef, arranged an alternative island – Baa Dhandhoo. The proposal under consideration is to develop Baa Atoll Dhandhoo as an agricultural island along with three other minor functions. The primary business model is based on production of high quality agricultural products. The island would also be a facility providing complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) services. To complement this function a small nursery of about 4,000 sq feet is proposed to grow indigenous medicinal plants that are becoming rare/extinct. Finally a small visitor centre is proposed which would allow visitors to learn about the activities on the island. Two main approaches − the AutoPot and hydroponics systems − are proposed for the production of rock-melon, cucumber, capsicum, chillies, lettuce, tomatoes etc. The growth system is completely contained either in the grow pots or in water medium. The main development feature of the island is 6 x 4,000 sq feet green houses to set up the AutoPot and hydroponics system. The green houses will be imported and assembled at site. Similarly the AutoPot system will be imported and assembled at site. The hydroponics system will be constructed locally from the imported material. Construction of the buildings will be kept to a minimum; staff accommodation, kitchen / dining facilities will be constructed to accommodate no more than 15 people for the agricultural works. Treatment rooms for CAM treatments will be built on the northern side of the island. A small stilt-jetty is constructed on the western side of the island. A complete list of the buildings is given in the layout plan. The island would be self-contained, and so water production and power generation will take place on the island. An RO plant of 10 cubic meters / day capacity is proposed with intake from the lagoon. To supplement the water production rainwater will be harvested from every possible roof on the island. A 25kW diesel power generator will installed for producing electricity. Storage of diesel on the island will be minimal transporting the required amounts from the nearby islands. The baseline environmental conditions were assessed using standard methods. Significant erosion was observed on the north-western and northern side of the island while accretion was evident on the western side. There appears to be a directional shift of the island to west. However, observation of such magnitude of movement has entirely due to seasonal erosion and accretions have been observed in some islands of Baa Atoll. No interventions for mitigating erosion were proposed at this stage. Biannual monitoring of shoreline was proposed to determine the seasonal dynamics of the island beach. No hard structures are proposed at this stage. A Leopold Matrix was used to determine the scale and extent of the impacts. The short-term environmental impact from this development project would to the island ecosystem from clearance of vegetation. About 60-80 palms may have to remove and/or relocated for the development work that will be replaced accordingly. Loss of top-soil, and shade and the clearance may affect the vegetation around the periphery. It is recommended that clearance take place only where necessary. Septic tanks systems have been proposed for disposing human waste and pose no long-term negative environmental impact considering the small number of people expected to be based on the island. It is recommended that non-biodegradables should be regularly removed from the island for disposal in to another island with arrangement made with the Council. Biodegradable waste from the plant material will be left to appropriately degrade on the island, thereby contributing nutrients pool of the island ecosystem. The Atoll Council and the resorts were consulted regarding the project and their views were considered. There was full support of the Council and no issues were highlighted. There were also no issues raised from the resorts except they wished see only minimal landscape Impacts during the operation phase are considered to be negligible. Overall the impact from the Project will be positive – demonstration of effective economic and sustainable use of uninhabited small islands inducing encouragement for climatesmart type agriculture.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed artificial beach in Ga. Villingili, North Huvadhu Atoll(2016-11) Riyaz, Mahmood; Adam, Mohamed Shiham1- This is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for GA Villingili Island Council to develop a public recreation area for swimming and picnics on the north eastern end of Villingili Island. The project is funded by the Ensis Fisheries Pvt. Lts as part of their Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) related to the proposed fisheries development in GA Raaverehaa. The island was used by locals for picnics. The project involves deepening 3859m2 swimming area, and sources the material for beach replenishment, coastal protection work and construction of toilets showers and changing rooms in the beach area. 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 in 2012 and covers both negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed project in GA Villingili Island. 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 GA Villingili Island. Villingili is the capital of GA Atoll and lies in Huvadhu Atoll in a 20 km long elongated N-S oriented reef located on the north eastern periphery of GA Atoll. Villingili is an elongated-oval shape, N-S oriented island large part of the island has been reclaimed. Average depth of the reef flat is on the eastern side of the island is between less than -0.5 to -1.5m m from MSL. Reef perimeter is 43km and the area is approximately 25sqkm. The reef is shared by three more islands including Villingili Island. The distance from the edge of the reclaimed beach to the reef edge in both eastern and western sides is fairly consistent measured approximately 160-200m on the east and 200m on the western side. 5- The proposed development will take place on the north eastern coastal area of the Villingili. The coastal environment of GA Villingili has been extensively modified, particularly the eastern and western sides of the island. Over 40 hectares of land has been reclaimed from the eastern side under the land reclamation project. With the extensive reclamation and expansion and subsequent urbanisation the two marshy lands that exists on the northern and southern side of the island has significantly decreased in size and the natural environment has been altered. The eastern shoreline has been protected by a rock boulder revetment. Two harbours are developed on the western side of the island. The harbours are protected with a rock boulder breakwater and a quay wall has been constructed at the inner edge of the harbour. Three entrance channels have been cut through the reef flat into the inner atoll lagoon on the western side. 6- The proposed project involves deepening of 3859m2 area to a depth of 1-2m and source the dredged material, approximately 5788.5-7718m3 sand, for beach replenishment. 182m long coastal protect made of rock boulders will be constructed around the swimming and beach replenished area. The area proposed for dredging a very shallow (0.5-1.5m exposed at low tide) on the eastern reef flat of Villingili Island. The area is covered with sand, seagrass and rubble. There are numerous coral patches and individual coral colonies on the reef flat. 7- 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 development project in GA Villingili Island. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The environmental impact assessment study for proposed development of artificial beach in GA Villingili shows there are two main activities that would cause significant negative environmental impacts are lagoon dredging, beach nourishment and coastal structures and impacts of solid waste during the operational phase Of these a long term impact would be from lagoon dredging and beach nourishment activity to create a beach and deepen the swimming area. Potential erosion/accretion and adjustment of the existing beach to create a new equilibrium with the surrounding environmental conditions are likely to extend to medium to long term. These impacts would be cumulative occurring over long period of time and so can be managed through proper monitoring and addressing them in a timely manner. Based on the scale of dredging and beach nourishment work projects that is taking place in Maldives, impacts associated with the proposed dredging activity is insignificant. Inadequate methods of solid waste management during the operation phase of the artificial beach will generate marine pollution in the surrounding area, which in turn will have detrimental impacts on coral reefs as well as on reef fish populations and coastal vegetation. Thus, the beach will become aesthetically unattractive and unpleasant, which can tremendously affect the prime use of the beach as a recreational area. These impacts could be managed through adoption of proper garbage management practices such as a permanent staff to look after the beach and placement of adequate number of dustbins and other relevant management measures. However, the positive socio economic impacts from the proposed development outweigh the temporary negative impacts of lagoon dredging beach replenishment and coastal protection work. The study has evaluated alternative locations for the project and found that the extended beach, five hundred meters south of the proposed area would be a more preferable option for the proposed artificial beach development in GA Villingili Island. Based on the similar project activities elsewhere in the Maldives the published report found, that the lagoon will recover from the impacts of dredging, reclamation and coastal modifications and 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 dredging and make necessary adjustment based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 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 (4/93), EIA Regulations 2012, and land-use plans developed by the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. 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 development of artificial beach and swimming area in the selected location in this study in GA Villingili will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed levelling and earthworks of football arena in Nadella, South Huvadhu Atoll(2016-08) Riyaz, Mahmood1- This is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for Gdh Nadellaa Island Council to undertake earthwork and ground leveling of Gdh Nadellaa football ground. The project is funded under the sports arena development project carried out the by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in all inhabited islands. The project involves dredging of 50x144.4 area in front of the boatyard in Gdh Nadellaa lagoon and sources the material for ground leveling and earthwork of the football field. 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 project in Gdh Nadellaa Island. 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 Gdh Nadellaa Island. Gdh Nadellaa is an inhabited island and lies in Huvadhu Atoll in a 30 km long elongated reef located on the south western periphery of Gdh. Atoll. Nadella is rectangular in shape, oriented NW-SE, and is found in a huge reef that contains over 85 islands of various sizes and shapes. The vegetated area of Gdh Nadellaa is 44 hectares the island is approximately 817m long and 526m wide. Total area of the house reef is 5615 ha (56 km2). The island occupies 0. 007 % of the total reef area. Average depth of the reef flat greatly varied along the reef platform ranging from 20-0.2m from MSL. The distance between the island shoreline and ocean-ward reef rim is 250m and on the atoll- ward side is approximately 1.2km 4- The terrestrial environment is similar to other inhabited islands across the Maldives. The topography of the island is almost flat and the relative variation in ground level in different parts. Existence of Kulhi on the northern part of the island indicates that the island slanting northwards. Gdh Nadellaa has lush tropical vegetation around the island dominated by coconut palms but Scaevola taccada (magoo) Kuredhi boashi, Halaveli and coconut palms surrounding the island. Hibiscus tiliaceus (dhigga) is abundant throughout the island followed by Thespesia populnea (hirundhu). Occasionally, Cordia subcordata (kaani) can be seen in the wooded area and rarely mature Fiscus benghalensis (nika) . 5- The northern shoreline of the island has been altered after the harbour development in 2009. Large area of the island was reclaimed adjacent to the harbour area. Semi enclosed water body which has openings to the lagoon was completely reclaimed by filling with dredged material from harbour and access channel development process. The playground has been development on the lowest part of the island that seems be the main reason for exposure for flooding during the rainy season. 6- The proposed project involves dredging 50x144.4 area adjacent to the dredged area in front of Nadellaa boatyard to a depth of -3m and source the dredged material, approximately 21675m3sand, for earthworks and leveling of Nadellaa playground. The area proposed for dredging and sources material for earthwork and leveling is a very shallow (0.5 at high tide, exposed at low tide) sand accretion zone in Nadellaa lagoon. The area is covered with sand and seagrass. Coral reef on the northern side, atoll ward side, is approximately 1.2km away from the shoreline. Comparison of historical photographs shows that seagrass developed on Nadellaa lagoon after the harbour development work. There are numerous coral patches and individual coral patches in the lagoon. 7- 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 development project in Gdh Nadellaa Island. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. 8- The report has identified and described in detail possible change that would occur to the existing environment during the construction phase and have suggested appropriate mitigation measures for each and every impact identified in the report. Lagoon dredging has been identified as the most significant negative environmental impact that could be associated with the proposed project. Post development impact of the project, after the earthwork and leveling, has been identified very minor. Also the report found, based on similar project activities elsewhere in the Maldives, the island and the lagoon environment will recover from the expected impacts rapidly and will re-establish a new ecological balance soon. However the report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme to monitor, mainly beach dynamics and ground water quality that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the development and make necessary adjustment to the activities of the project based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan 9- The study has evaluated alternative options for some components of the project and discussed alternative location for the football ground, alternative sources of fill material and alternatives location to dredge and source fill material. On the basis 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 activities of the project could go ahead as proposed. As the project is expected to bring numerous social benefits and minimize its negative impact on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed six storey building with a basement, land lot A-10079 Hulhumalè, Maldives(2016-10) Riyaz, Mahmood1. The report has been prepared for Ms. Maanaa Raafiu M. Kuredhige to fulfill the legal requirement of EIA regulation 2012 Schedule D which requires obtaining environmental clearance from The Environmental Protection Agency prior to construction of a building with a basement or buildings that have a foundation deeper than 5feet from the ground level. The proposed project involves development of a six storey building with a basement in Hulhumalè Lot 10079 (A-133) located on the north eastern side Dhiggaa Magu in Neighbourhood 1 (N1). 2. The total area of the lot is 152.8m2 and the building footprint is on 137.5m2. The proposed 6- Storey private residential building will have apartments in mezzanine, first, second, third and fourth floors. The terrace will have a 12.5m2 swimming pool and a raised deck. The basement will have provision for accommodation on one half and other half for vehicle parking. 3. The inclusion of a basement floor in the building requires the foundation to be laid at a deeper depth than the foundation of a typical building without a basement and so it is proposed to be at 2.11m below ground level. The biggest concern in excavating for this depth is the protection of foundation s of the adjacent buildings. Since the foundation depth of the proposed building will be deeper than the foundation depth of adjacent buildings. Detailed procedure to be used to construct the foundation of the building is described in the report. 4. Ambient noise levels, road traffic condition, groundwater, soil, vegetation, and a exterior visual survey of the surrounding buildings and roads have been undertaken to assess the environmental condition of the area. 5. The study showed that the road traffic is extremely low approximately one vehicle in every 1- 2 minutes. Exterior visual survey of the surrounding buildings show no significant structural defects apart from the minor surface cracking. Road condition of Dhigaa magu Nirolhumagu 06 Goalhi and Nirolhumagu 09 Goalhi are in good condition. It is unlikely the existing road structures will be affected from the proposed development. The land plot is covered with various types’ of plants (shrubs and creepers) due to human intervention. The dominating low level bush contains a large number of Ipili pili (Leucaena leucocephala) and a medium sized Casuarina plant was found inside the land plot. The removal bushes, creeper and the Casuarina plant from the project area will be insignificant in terms of environmental impacts. 6. The environmental impact assessment study for construction of six-storey building with a basement in Hulhumalè Lot A10079 found that foundation excavation and dewatering and waste are two main activities that would cause significant negative environmental impacts. 7. Of these a long term impact would be from constructional waste. The waste material generated during construction phase needs to be appropriately disposed if not aesthetic conditions of the surrounding environment will be degraded in addition to health risks, dust odour and smell nuisance to nearby residents is anticipated. Hazardous waste such as waste oil and lubricants if not disposed properly it will contaminate and pollute the groundwater. These impacts would be cumulative and can be managed through proper monitoring and addressing them in a timely manner. Based on the scale of the construction projects that is taking place in Maldives at the time of this writing, impacts associated with this project activity is insignificant. 8. Impact of dewatering on groundwater table will be short-term in nature, including loss of groundwater from the project boundary and vicinity. Major impact of dewatering would be increased salinity of ground water within the vicinity areas for s short period of time. Considering the fact that most of the households nowadays are using piped water for daily house hold uses, there will be no direct impact to the households from increased salinity but the impact would be felt for the trees nearby the site. 9. The study has evaluated alternative options for the project activities and evaluated potential option for power generation and alternative foundation options. 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 environmental changes associated with the project and make necessary adjustment based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 10. The study found that the proposed project is in line with key legal and policies maintained by the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure and EPA including Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, EIA Regulations, Hulhumalè Planning Guidelines and Maldives National Building Code. 11. 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 construction of six storey building with a basement is Hulhumalè Plot A 10079 will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment