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Item Environmental impact assessment proposed 13 storey building construction at M. Dhimyaath, Male’(2017-09) Jameel, Ahmed; Mohamed, HamdhoonThis report is based on the proposed 13 storey building construction at the residence, M. Dhimyaath in the capital city, Male’. The project is being developed and constructed by Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. He will be undertaking 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 favorable 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 south western side. There is no natural terrestrial environment at site. The existing environment therefore was focused 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 neighborhood. 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 Addendum to environmental impact assessment soft coastal measure at western shoreline of Thinadhoo, Gdh Atoll(2014-10) Jameel, Ahmed; Faiz, IbrahimThis report discusses the findings of an environmental study undertaken as an Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment carried out for the project to undertake soft coastal measure at western shoreline of Thinadhoo, GDh Atoll. This environmental study has been undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the changes that had been brought to the scope of the soft coastal protection project at GDh. Thinadhoo. This Addendum to the EIA shall only be used for the purpose of issuing the Environmental Permit under the EIA Regulation 2012 and Environment Law 4/93. The demonstration coastal protection project is proposed by Ministry of Environment and Energy and Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) is the contractor for the project. Demonstration of soft coastal measure at western shoreline of GDh. Thinadhoo, is being implemented through Integrating Climate Change Risks into Resilient Island Planning (ICCRRIP) in the Maldives project. This is the first climate adaptation project implemented in the Maldives. The demonstration coastal protection project at western shoreline of GDh. Thinadhoo using soft coastal measure involves nourishment of 1,065m reclaimed shoreline on western side of the island and protection of the shoreline through the construction of an artificial ridge and geo-bag revetment. The project also involves the creation of a vegetated drainage system adjacent to the elevated ridge, which will allow drainage of flood water due to waves and rain. The details of the project has been provided in the Environmental Impact Assessment carried out for the project to undertake soft coastal measure at western shoreline of Thinadhoo, GDh Atoll (2014) which had been approved by EPA. The Ministry of Environment and Energy is proposing to change the location of the borrow area of to excavate 30,000 m3 of sand required for filling of the geo bags and back filling of the area to create a vegetated ridge. The contractor was unable to excavate sand from the approved two borrow areas located on north and southern side of the island. This EIA Addendum report has identified that the major impacts of the borrowing sand from the new borrow site will be felt on the marine environment of the island. Impacts on the marine environment will be felt through sedimentation and siltation caused by excavation activity in the lagoon and the associated indirect impacts on the coral reef, during this period. Baseline data has been collected and report in the EIA report. Impact on the marine environment associated with the borrowing sand from new borrow site will be identified through the monitoring. This will be reported in follow up environmental monitoring reports. The most significant impact will be felt on the lagoon bottom and adjacent coral reef on eastern side of the island. Alternatives to the project have also been considered. An alternative would be to use a mini dredger to dredge the required amount of sand from the approved borrow site located on northern side of the island. But this option would not be practical as it would be possible to mobilise a mini dredger to dredge 30,000 m3 of sand. Dredgers are feasible if the volume of sand is above 150,000 m3. Towards, the end of the report, a monitoring programme has been suggested which mainly covers the marine environment. These include coral cover and marine water quality among many other parameters.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 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 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.