Environment - ތިމާވެށި
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Item Environmental impact assessment : for the development of a 14 Storey Building at H. Filigasdhoshuge, Malé, Maldives(2010-06) Jameel, AhmedMr. Ali Shareef is proposing to build a 14 storey hotel at H. Filigasdhoshuge. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been prepared in order to meet the requirements of Clause 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives to assess the impacts of proposed development at H. Filigasdhoshuge, Male’. The report has looked at the justifications for undertaking the proposed project components. Alternatives to proposed components or activities in terms of location, design and environmental considerations were suggested. A mitigation plan and monitoring programme before, during and after the works has also been proposed. The project component that has the greatest potential for environmental impact is the foundation component. The foundation type has been considered taking into consideration the noise and vibration impact from the deep pile foundation construction of project which was undertaken in the vicinity to the proposed site at Holiday Inn. The proposed project has proposed a raft foundation where piling technology has been chosen as a mechanism for shoring for the foundation construction process. A geotechnical investigation of the proposed project site was undertaken by the ELS – Amin International Pvt Ltd of Maldives in September 2008. The geotechnical investigation included the borehole investigation and Standard Penetration Tests. The geotechnical investigation revealed that the estimated settlement under the foundation would be less than 50mm which is acceptable for the type of foundation chosen for the building. Since the settlement under the foundation is small and a setback of 1 m has been provided between the plot boundary and the foundation, the ground settlement beyond the limits of the boundary would be too small to induce any significant damage to the neighbouring structures. A survey of the existing structural damage was carried out for all buildings that were located within a radius of 20m from the proposed building. The proposed project is expected to increase the housing units and commercial floor area available in Malé. It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts, especially when excavation is undertaken. Nevertheless, these negative impacts are not so severe to the extent that the project should not be allowed to take place. As a result, a comprehensive monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the limited nature of the impact. The most important consideration is the socioeconomic impacts that have been assessed mainly as positive in nature. Not only are they positive, but most importantly would they remain positive for a long term. Therefore, it appears justified from a technical and from an environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed project in light of the existing socio‐economic developments.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed 11-storey building construction at Ma. Andhalus, Male’(2016-02) Jameel, Ahmed; Musthafa, AmirThis report is based on the proposed 11 storey building construction at the residence, Ma. Andhalus in the capital city, Male‟. The project is being developed and constructed by FEDO Pvt. Ltd. They are to undertake the construction works and project management including overseeing the EIA process. An Environmental Impact Assessment was necessary for the works outlined in this report as they fall under „Jadhuvalu R‟ of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012 of the Maldives. In addition to meeting the regulatory requirements, the report would further assist the proponent and important stakeholders to make decisions based on favourable environmental conditions with the main focus on sustainability. The project also adheres to several other rules and regulations in the Maldives and has obtained permit from the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure to proceed. The area the project is proposed to be undertaken is a moderately built area in the heart of Male‟, more towards the southern side. There is no natural terrestrial environment at site, The existing environment therefore was focussed on the regional climate of Male‟, and the traffic distribution, and noise pollution in the area. As could be seen from the data, this area does not encourage much traffic relative to the busier roads in Male‟. There were several existing construction sites in the neighbourhood. A general exterior overview of the existing structures in the area was also observed. It was found that most of the buildings in the area were in good condition. Older buildings were mostly single storey structures. Therefore, serious structural defects are expected to be at a minimum. However, the report recommends to undertake a structural defects inspection study of the buildings in the same block as the proposed site by civil engineering experts. The overall environmental impacts of the project have been assessed using frameworks found in literature. Since the development is undertaken in a moderately built area, the results indicate that the proposed project has neutral impact. However, there are some significant impacts on the environment during the construction phase of the project and these needs to be mitigated to avoid any significant damage to the environment. Significance of the impacts and mitigation measures have been provided based on previous similar projects undertaken in the Maldivian environment and based on literature. The main cause for concern regarding this project is the impact it will have on neighbours residing in this area. As such, several short-term impacts are envisaged including air pollution, noise pollution, aesthetic impacts, and safety concerns. As there are numerous high storey building projects being undertaken in Male‟, there is no particular long term impact associated with this project. One significant impact specific to this project is the cumulative impact on the neighbourhood due to the sheer no. of construction projects that are simultaneously undertaken in the area. The impacts that do occur however can be easily mitigated to minimise and/or completely nullify them. The first mitigation measure proposed includes creating awareness among the construction staff and neighbours regarding the scope of the project. Other measures include properly demarcating the area, putting up dust screens, and taking other protective measures to ensure people residing and utilising the vicinity will not have to endure the impacts during the construction stage. Foundation protection measures are recommended and are provided as part of the project to prevent impact on neighbouring structures. Dewatering procedure also needs to be undertaken with care, details of which are given in the report. During the operation stage of the project, parking and waste management are issues of note. Alternatives, including the no project option and alternatives for some project components are also discussed. Regarding project design, a few alternatives are recommended such as providing a green area at the terrace, while the pros and cons of making a larger parking area is also discussed. An environmental monitoring program is provided at the end of the report, which provides details on the parameters to monitor on site, and the frequency in which it needs to be done. Estimated costs for the monitoring works are given. Implementation of the program is essential for the sustainable development of the project. In conclusion, it is discussed the impact such major housing projects have for the increasing population density in Male‟, and how it can be prevented at a policy level. However, taking this project as a standalone development project in an already heavily built island city, it can be concluded that no significant long-term impacts are predicted. Therefore, it is recommended that the project go ahead as proposed with precautions and mitigation measures in place.Item Environmental impact assessment for the development of waste management centre at Gdh. Faresmathoda(2013-01) Jameel, AhmedThis report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken at the request of UNDP. This project is to construct of a waste management system and establishment of a waste collection system at GDh. Faresmathoda. The development of the waste management center includes clearance of the land which is allocated for the waste management center, construction of the boundary wall fence and construction of the waste management center. The waste management center will be constructed as such to receive sorted waste. The centre would process the greenwaste to make compost. The glass would be crushed and stored. The metal would be compacted and plastic would be shredded and stored at the centre. The waste collection system includes establishment of a 2 bin system at the households to collect wet and other waste that is generated from the households. A pickup truck would be used to collect the waste that is collected at the bins from the household and transport it to waste management center. Presently it is suggested that wet waste would be collected daily and other waste would be collected twice a week from the households. Solid Waste produced by the population of 1700 people in the island of Faresmathodaa is disposed around the coastline and other areas of the island. Waste is burnt in these multiple locations without segregation. The island lack a waste management system and awareness needed to adequately manage the waste generated in the Island. This is a socially-driven project to develop a waste management centre and a collection system at the island to address the current issue of waste disposal at the island. The project is being coordinated by UNDP and implemented by the island council. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed. Construction phase will have the major, direct short-term impacts and some secondary long-term impacts on the environment. Removal of the coconut trees, clearance of the vegetation in the boundary of the project and levelling of the ground will have the most of the impact during the construction phase of the project. Dewatering would be required to lay the foundation of the boundary fence post as the water level at the project site is very shallow. However, it is not anticipated that large amount of water would need to dewatered. During the construction phase, construction waste would be generated. This waste needs to managed and disposed without causing much impact on the island’s environment. The socio-economic benefits of the project may be considered to outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the island. The proposed project conforms to prevalent environmental legislation and thrives to achieve its objectives in an environmentally friendly manner. Mitigation measures for the anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including reduction of the impact of the vegetation clearance, dewatering and construction waste. These mitigation measures need to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established after considering the needs and requirements of the community by assessing and incorporating the outcomes from the community consultations held during the data collection stage. The EIA also allowed to explore alternatives for the proposed development and identified key mitigation strategies. Alternative locations and alternative designs have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring plan has been developed including important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered during the implementation of the project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are not severe as to not undertake the project. The project is justifiable in light of the socioeconomic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.Item Environmental impact assessment report construction of powerhouse and distribution network at M.Kolhufushi Island(2011-10) Jameel, AhmedThis Environmental Impact Assessment report is an evaluation of the potential environmental, socioeconomic and natural impacts caused during the construction of powerhouse and distribution network at Kolhufushi Island. This Environmental Impact Assessment report is prepared in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment regulation. The report has looked at the impacts that might cause during pre construction and construction phase of the powerhouse and impact that might cause after commissioning of the power system. The report also includes a mitigation plan for the impacts identified. The proposed Project will augment power generating capacity and improve electricity distribution in Kolhufushi Island. The added generating capacity of 650 kW and the expansion and rehabilitation of the distribution system will enable to relieve the present electricity shortage and meet the anticipated increase in electricity demand for next 10 year. The Project will enhance the quality of supply through greater reliability and improve efficiency through the reduction of distribution losses. Project will reduce the emission and noise pollution as the new power system will be equipped with modern technologies. Pollution caused by smoke from the existing powerhouse will be made negligible as the new powerhouse will be located away from the community. As always negative impacts cannot be avoided on these kinds of projects. In this project also some of the negative impacts will occur during site clearing, excavation and dewatering. The adverse impacts from overall project includes water contamination, generation of contraction waste, Air, noise pollution and loss of vegetation and loosing of habitat to fauna community. Having provision to reliable electricity to the island community, there would be more job opportunities and electricity excess to everybody will bring social happiness and development. The proposed powerhouse of 650kW under the Project is not of sufficient size to pose any significant threat to the environment. The proposed power station site is located at the south-eastern corner of the island to minimize the effect of smoke emission as the prevailing wind across the island is either in a north-easterly or south-westerly direction. The proposed site faces the sea on one side and flanked on the other three sides by vacant area. There is therefore, an effective buffer zone between the powerhouse and the adjoining properties and the presence of foliage should serve as a natural sound absorbing barrier. It is recommended to include features to minimize nuisance from noise, vibration, oil spillage and exhaust emission while construction of the power generating facility.