Environment - ތިމާވެށި
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Item Addendum 2 environmental impact assessment for the reclamation and expansion at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Hulhulhé, Kaafu Atoll(2015-10) Jameel, AhmedThis report discusses the findings of an addendum that had been carried out for the environmental impact study (EIA) which was carried out by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Maldives Airports Company Limited in July 2014. This EIA Addendum 2 report covers for changes that had been made to the reclamation component of the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) expansion project. The report also covers proposed 7.1 m wide road development on southern end of the island and development of a 4.84 km sewerage collection, treatment and disposal system via 495m ocean outfall as part of the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport expansion and modernisation project. Refer to the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Proposed Expansion and Reclamation at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (2015) for the details of the project. This EIA report has been approved by EPA. Environmental impacts were assessed and most of the environmental impacts from the changes that had been brought to the reclamation and expansion project at INIA would be from dredging and reclamation component. Dredging and reclamation constitute sedimentation and it is a threat to the marine environment. Sewerage collection, treatment and disposal will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur. The main negative environmental impact from changes to the project would be sedimentation and destruction of the lagoon and some areas of the reef due to dredging and reclamation and construction of the outfall of the sewerage system. Sedimentation cause by the dredging and reclamation will cause death of corals in the direct impact zone and partial death of corals in other areas. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts from the changes to the dredging and reclamation component have been identified and outlined in detail. Sedimentation control methods have been specifically focused as mitigation measure to minimise the impact of sedimentation on marine environment. Use of bund walls in the fill areas is an option to mitigate impacts of sedimentation on the marine environment. The proposed mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The measures proposed to minimize or mitigate environmental impacts may be considered to be quite appropriate, thereby minimizing the impact by about 90%. A coastal protection method and extents have also been suggested in the EIA in order to protect the shoreline. Stakeholder consultations were held with Trans Maldivian Airways and MWSC as identified by the TOR. TMA is aware of the details of the proposed dredging component of the project and these were finalised in consultation with the stakeholders. MWSC informed that they does not any plans to develop water and sewerage system at INIA. Stakeholder views on the changes that had been brought to the project have been incorporated in the report. It is inevitable that there would be negative environmental impacts of this project. However, balancing these negative impacts and the socioeconomic benefits gained is something that is very difficult. As a result, a monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require monitoring, most importantly a mechanism and means to measure and value the social benefit of the project. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the potential negative impacts. As the socioeconomic impacts are going to be felt in the long term, monitoring these changes is very essential. It is not seen that any significant environmental impacts would be due to the changes that had been brought to the reclamation component, addition of the road and sewerage system as part of the development, other than those outlined in the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Proposed Expansion and Reclamation at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (2015). The project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts to the natural environment of the island. Nevertheless, this project will benefit the community significantly.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 and audit of the desalination plants in Meradhoo Island, Gaafu Alifu Atoll(2011-04) Jameel, AhmedThe report documents the finding of the environmental impact assessment and audit of the desalination facilities at Meradhoo Island. Emphasis is given to the existing desalination plant at the main island, while the proposed desalination plant at the water villa area in the separate lagoon is also investigated and documented. When investigating the impacts and compliance of the plants, the existing environment is first investigated based on the field visit and previous studies undertaken on the island. Two previous studies have been undertaken assessing the environmental impacts of the resort development in Meradhoo Island and these have been referred to where appropriate. The environmental compliance of the desalination plant is comparatively good, although there are some issues that need to be addressed as mentioned in detail in environmental compliance and in environmental mitigation. Also some impacts are predicted to be caused due to the implementation of the desalination plant in the water villa area. However, these impacts are small in magnitude and are reversible. Both desalination plants can be used sustainably if the necessary mitigation measures are taken. A monitoring plan is crucial to implementing effective mitigation measures, and as such a monitoring plan is detailed while concluding the report.Item Environmental audit of the existing desalination plant and powerhouse in Medhufushi Island Resort(2011-08) Jameel, Ahmed; Musthafa, AmirThis report has been prepared in order to assess the environmental performance of the existing desalination plant and powerhouse in Medhufushi island resort for the purpose of registration of the plants according to the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency of Maldives. This report focuses only on the desalination plant and powerhouse of the resort development and associated areas of impact. The major effects the existing plants may have on the environment include the following impacts; ‐ Impact on energy and water resources ‐ Impact on coral cover in the reef ‐ Impact on marine life in the lagoon ‐ Impact on ground water quality ‐ Impact on marine water quality ‐ Visual impacts ‐ Impact due to noise pollution Such significant environmental issues can be resolved by implementing mitigation measures outlined in the document. The audited facility at Medhufushi Island can be regarded as being in compliance, despite few issues that require mitigation. The plant site is among the better sites observed in the Maldives. There were minimum leaks and maintenance had been undertaken on a regular basis, while appropriate safety measures were also taken. General operations and maintenance was up to standards as experienced staff was given the responsibilities of maintaining the plant. The resort management and staff should do their utmost to maintain the water quality standards and follow the environmental monitoring program outlined in this report for the sustainable use of the plants.