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Item Environment impact assessment for flood mitigation and reclamation works at Fares-Maathoda, Gdh Atoll(2013-02) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the development of flood mitigation measures at Fares-Maathodaa in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the South of Maldives. The island is susceptible to flooding due to storm surges and powerful swells and was one of the worst affected islands during the powerful swells which hit the Maldives in 2007, with the entire island of Fares and one third of Maathodaa being flooded. Hence the need for proper flood mitigation measures is crucial in order to ensure the safety of the community of the island during possible similar events which may occur in the future. The project proponent of this project is United Nations Office for Project Services, who were requested by United Nations Development Programme to provide support of developing a comprehensive coastal protection and drainage management support approach to the southern island of Fares-Maathodaa. This project is part of a climate change package from the Danish Government of about $10 million to UNDP. The bid for the provision of consultancy services for carrying out detailed designs for flood mitigating measures at Fares-Maathodaa Island was won by Lanka Hydraulic Institute Ltd (LHI) (and their local counterpart, Riyan Pvt Ltd) and UNI Consulting Services. After conducting a study at the site and undertaking numerical modeling of five engineering interventions which were then proposed to UNOPS and the Government of Maldives it has been decided to construct a continuous offshore breakwater structure of length 734 m, joining the headlands of Fares and Maathodaa on the southwestern side of the island. Physical modeling was then conducted on this option. The breakwater would be constructed using armour rocks of varying sizes and weights which have been chosen based on their ability to resist extreme wave conditions without significant displacement. The core of the breakwater will be filled with dredge material obtained from within the enclosed lagoon area. The project also involves the reclamation of the enclosed lagoon area of 191,700 m2, though this component will be carried out as a second phase of the project, within a short duration of completion of the breakwater construction. Details of this phase will be addressed in a separate report formulated prior to commencement of this project. The construction of the breakwater will be undertaken by UNOPS, while reclamation will be funded and undertaken by the Government of Maldives.Item Environmental impact assessment : wharf reconstruction and upgrading of the existing berthing facility and slipway at FSM Thilafushi plot(2013-03) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe slipway and berthing facility used by Fuel Supplies Maldives Pvt Ltd on Thilafushi is located on the northeastern side of the island. The facility has undergone extensive damage over the years and is also not sufficient to fully cater to the needs of the company. The proposed project involves the repair of the existing slipway and modification of seaward wharf of the plot. The seaward wharf will be extended by 311 and protected by sheet piles. The wharf will be designed to cater to vessels of 2000 tonnes (alongside berthing facility). The Slipway will be designed to cater for vessels of 200 tonnes. The project also involves reconstruction of the plot separating the wall from adjacent plot at the eastern side. The proponent of the proposed project is Fuel Supplies Maldives Pvt Ltd (FSM). Fuel Supplies Maldives, incorporated on 18th December 2000 is now a joint venture between State Trading Organisation (STO) and the Maldives National Oil Company (MNOC) formed with the main objective of streamlining fuel distribution in the country and to offer easy and convenient access to fuel throughout the country (FSM website, accessed March 2013). The total estimated cost of this project is ME 1.5 million. This document presents the findings of an Environmental Impact Assessment (HA) for the repair of the existing slipway and modification of seaward wharf of the plot used by ESM Pvt Ltd in Thilafushi. Developers of such development projects are required to carry out EIA. studies under the Environmental Act of Maldives. The developer is required to obtain approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), prior to the implementations of any development activities on the island. Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group Pvt Ltd have been engaged by FSM Pvt Ltd to prepare the EIA and to provide assistance in other environmental related activities. This HA is prepared in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012 and the environmental policy and guidelines of the Government of Maldives.Item Environmental impact assessment for the development of MNDF coast guard base and berthing facility phase 1- reclamation works, Uthuruthilafalhu, North Male’ Atoll(2013-03) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupItem Environmental impact assessment for construction of sand filled deck at Bandos Island Resort and Spa(2013-03) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed construction of a sand filled sun deck on Bandos Island Resort and Spa, by the resort management as the proponent of the project. Bandos Island Resort and Spa located in Nort The project involves the construction of a sand filled sun deck on the southern margin of the small harbour facility on the southwestern side of the island. The area is currently filled with rock and rubble which was excavated during the construction of the harbour facility. Hence by constructing the sun deck, the resort management is looking into making the area usable and aesthetically more pleasing to the eye. Sand for this project will be sourced from the harbour basin and additional material will be purchased should this not be sufficient. The sun deck would be protected by a seawall constructed using sand/cement bags with a smooth cement finish. The total estimated cost of this project is USD 00,000 including sand filling works and construction of revetment walls. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project development work (constructional impacts) and post constructional impacts have been identified through interviews with the resort management team, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant in similar development projects. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. The main impact associated with the project is minor short term impact on the marine ecosystem quality of nearby areas (to burrow area) due to sedimentation (as a result of dredging activities). No negative impacts on the environment are expected during the post constructional phase, although a huge positive impact in terms of the utilization of an area which has been impacted and unusable is guaranteed. Mitigation measures have been discussed for the construction stage of the project. The main mitigation measure proposed is the construction of a bund and seawall around the area for sundeck construction prior to backfilling the area, in order to avoid release of fines and minimize sedimentation impact. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Given the small scale of the project the only component for which an alternative has been considered is in terms of the material used to construct the sea wall. The - option has also been considered, though this would mean that the area remains unusable and filled with rock and rubble. It also means that there would be no impact on the environment from development of this project. The proposed development is assessed to bring minor short term impacts to the environment in general. Hence the "no-project" scenario is not seen as a feasible option and it is the conclusion of the consultant that the project can be carried out with minimal impact on the environment, with the proper implementation of mitigation measures discussed in the report.Item Environmental impact assessment for coastal modification works at Robinson Club Maldives, Funamaudua, GA. Atoll(2013-04) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed construction of geo-bag revetment structure at Robinson Club Maldives (GA. Funamaudua). The proponent of the proposed project is Robinson Club Maldives. The total estimated cost of this project is USD 1.5 million. The proposed project involves the construction of a 215 m long geo-bag revetment structure on the northwestern side of the island from the deck area of the main restaurant up to the jetty to the water villas. The project also involves maintenance dredging work at the entrance and channel on the southwestern side of the island and removal of tombolo formed near the service islet. Impacts on the environment from various activities of the construction work and during the operation of the facility have been identified through interviews with the project management team, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant in similar development projects. The impacts identified are also described according to their location, extent and characteristics. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are irreversible in nature. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. The main impacts foreseen for the construction phase are the impacts on marine environment and habitat in terms of loss of habitat, disturbance to lagoon bottom and reef flat area and sedimentation impacts. However, these impacts are expected to be minor to moderate at the entrance channel. Sedimentation impacts due to both maintenance dredging at entrance channel and revetment bed leveling works are also envisaged to the minor to moderate due to low live coral cover at the areas and small scale of work. During the operational stage, the small islet is expected to be a cause of formation of future tombolo. Therefore shoreline monitoring is one of the key mitigation measures recommended in the report. Positive impacts due to the project are expected to be beach formation due to accretion of sand by natural process as a result of the gradual slope of new revetment structure. Alternatives have been considered for various components of the project and are given as possible options that may be either more practical or less expensive to the preferred options. The proposed alternatives also have taken into consideration the environmental consequences resulting from these options as compared to the preferred options. The following components of the project have been discussed in providing their alternatives; Coastal protection method Design and materials used for construction of revetment structure Method of excavation Burrow area location The no-project scenario is also considered, which would mean that all environmental impacts due to the project would no longer be an issue. However, given that impacts to the environment due to the project are minor to moderate, this option is not seen as a feasible option, as the benefits to the proponent in terms of environmental advantages (control of current erosion issues due to presence of tombolo) and financial advantages (currently, damage to restaurant deck area makes it unsafe for guest use) from the continuation of the project, outweigh the impacts on the environment due to the implementation of the project. Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 9 of the report.Item Addendum to the environmental impact assessment for the development of a transit hotel and luxury villa at Finolhas, Baa Atoll(2013-05) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThis non-technical summary highlights the findings of the Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed development of a Transit Hotel and Luxury Villas on the island of Finolhas in Baa Atoll by Coastline Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd. The proponent has brought changes to the concept plan, based on which the EIA the EIA for the project was developed. The EIA report was submitted and approved on 21st January 2013. A revised concept plan has been approved and a conditional development approval by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has been provided, conditional to environmental clearance by EPA. The changes proposed to the concept are; Change in location of the Swimming Pool and Public Area Change in type, location and number of 1 Bed Beach Houses on Western side of island (revised to be Lagoon Houses) Change in numbers of Tree Houses, Beach Houses on Northeastern side and Ocean Houses Development of a Marine Bio Center at the Service Jetty Area (previously proposed to develop an Overwater Cinema) These changes are fully discussed in Section 4 of the report, while impacts and monitoring required are discussed in Sections 5 and 6. While the proposed changes to the concept range from minor to moderate (few cases), the environmental footprint of the proposed changes are anticipated as low. Hence no additional impacts are expected to occur due to the changes to the concept plan. Therefore, it is concluded that the mitigation and monitoring proposed in the EIA for this development is more than sufficient to address these requirements of the project.Item 1st addendum to the EIA report development of city hotel, hospitality institute and resort development At Bodufinolhu And Gasfinolhu Laamu Atoll(2012-01) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThis first addendum to EIA report for Development of City Hotel, Hospitality Institute and resort development at Bodufinolhu and Gasfinolhu is prepared to address the construction of a temporary causeway connecting L. Gan City Hotel area and Bodufinolhu for the duration of construction phase of Bodufinolhu. EPA instructed the proponent to remove the temporary cause way constructed connecting the two islands during December 2011 after a complaints raised from an individual from L. Gan. A temporary cause way was constructed by the proponent using dredged material and three concrete culverts connecting the two islands (L. Gan and Bodufinolhu) for transporting construction material from L. Gan to Bodufinolhu. In consultation with EPA and Tourism ministry it was decided that temporary cause way can be constructed with environmental clearance in the form of an addendum. The temporary cause way will be constructed at the channel area between L. Gan and Bodufinolhu (shortest length). The cause way will be constructed west of main road (to locate cause way within the City Hotel boundary) at L. Gan and connected at the southern end of Bodufinolhu. The proposed causeway is 31.59m long and 4m wide. Culverts will be placed at 1m intervals of opening size 1.5m. The culverts will be constructed with reinforced concrete. Excavators will be used for transporting the culverts to designated locations (13 culverts will be constructed). Water current speed measure was taken near the existing culverts to record the current speed flowing behind the causeway and at the eastern side of Bodufinolhu and Gasfinolhu. Water current at the eastern side of Bodufinolhu and Gasfinolhu is low (0.21m/s near Bodufinolhu and 0.16m/s near Gasfinolhu). Current speed just west of culvert is at an average 0.74m/s during high tide. During low tide due to the sediment build up near the culvert water flow is completely blocked. Shoreline survey was carried out using precision GPS; recording beach toe and low tide line. Since the eastern side of L. Gan and Bodufinolhu is an intertidal area (mostly near Gan) beach toe was recorded for the eastern side. Qualitative assessment was carried out at the proposed causeway location. Since already a causeway is construction area east of the causeway was assessed. The qualitative survey carried out at the area showed that dominant benthic substrate was sea grass. The area was sandy with few rock patches. Two species of sea grass was observed at the area these are; Thalassia hemprichii and Syringodium sp. Impacts on the environment by the construction of temporary causeway have been identified through interviews with the project management team, field data collection surveys (survey data from initial EIA and data collected for this addendum) and based on past experience in similar development projects. Possible impacts arising from the resort development and operation works are categorized in to reversible and permanent (irreversible) impacts. The impacts identified are also described according to their location, Extent (magnitude) and characteristics. Reversible and irreversible impacts are further categorized in to intensity of impacts (negligible, minor, moderate and major) for identifying best possible remedial (mitigation measures) action to be taken. Since the area is already modified and is planned for additional coastal modifications additional impacts in relation to construction of temporary causeway is minor to negligible. Operational impact envisaged due to the proposed modification is change in hydrodynamic regime (which is existing condition due to present causeway) due to the reduction of flow of water through the culverts. This change in hydrodynamic regime is expected to be moderate since the new causeway is design to allow maximum flushing (32% open based on 13 culverts of opening width 1.5m). The proposed causeway for use during the construction stage of Bodufinolhu resort development is 4m wide and 31.59m long; constructed of concrete culverts and dredged material. Alternatives are jetty structure constructed using piles or piers, barge used for transport of material across the channel and the no project scenario. Mitigation provided in the EIA report is sufficient for mitigating impacts identified in this addendum to the EIA report. Mitigation for Solid waste handling and construction related impacts are provided in the initial EIA report. No additional monitoring is required as a result of the proposed temporary causeway. Monitoring works proposed in the EIA report includes reef and shoreline monitoring of all three project islands (including beach profiles and mapping of shoreline using high precision GPS). The proposed causeway is designed to allow maximum flow of water with structural integrity to allow transport of dumper trucks across to Bodufinolhu. The design of the causeway is formulated based on the consultation with EPA (during inspection visit to site by EPA personnel in regards to complaint raised by an islander from L. Gan due to the construction of causeway blocking the flow of water between Gan and Bodufinolhu) and EIA consultant. The causeway will be used only for the duration of Bodufinolhu construction work and will be removed once construction is completed (12 months).Item Environmental audit report for powerhouse registration at Taj Coral Reef Maldives, Hembadhoo, North Male Atoll(2011-10) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupVivanta by Taj-Coral Reef resort is always seeking ways to provide a better service to its customers. Thereby the resort is about to upgrade the existing powerhouse to provide reliable power and to meet the future power demands of the resort. This report provides the status of the existing environment and assesses the possible measures which could be undertaken to minimize any impact on the environment by the operation of the power facility. Currently the powerhouse is operated under a provisional license from Maldives Energy Authority for the operation of tourist resorts. This island is equipped with all the necessary equipment and facilities required for providing quality services to tourists who arrive at the island. Figure 1 shows the resort with the water villas.The purpose of this Environment Audit (EA) report is to meet the regulations of Maldives Energy Authority (MEA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the registration of power generation facilities at the Vivanta by Taj-Coral Reef resort. This EA would attempt to assess the type of project, its impacts on the environment and potential mitigation options to meet the requirements of MEA and EPA on operation of power generation facility. A Term of Reference (TOR) specifying component of the report was drawn in accordance to the EIA regulation of Maldives. Copy of the TOR is given in Appendix 1. Similarly a copy of the MEA regulation with regard to powerhouse registration is given in Appendix 2.Item Initial environmental examination report for construction of 10 storey building with basement at M. Sunny Inn(2011-09) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupSunny Inn is a 3998 square feet plot located on Kanbaa Aisa Rani Higun road in Maafannu district of Male’. Mr. Ahmed Ismail Maniku (M. Dheefram aage, ID number A012866), as the Client, has proposed to develop a ten storey building with an underground basement. The basement is designed to be used as a parking area, while the ground and first floors will be used as a commercial space and the remaining upper floors will be used as residential apartments. The superstructure of the building is a concrete frame and the substructure of the building is a raft foundation. The proposed project will be carried out in two phases. In the first phase of the project all concrete works will be completed; the second phase will involve finishing works. At the time of report preparation contractor for floor finishing and completion is not yet contracted. This report is an Initial Environmental Examination for the proposed 10 storey building with a basement parking at M. Sunny Inn, Male’. This document has been produced to fulfill the requirements under Article 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (4/93) of the Maldives and has been structured to meet the requirements of the EIA Regulations 2007. EPA circular number EPA (203)‐ EIA/IU/2010/4 states that building projects exceeding 10 storey’s requires an EIA. The proposed project involves construction of a 10 storey building with a basement thus a total of 11 storeys.Item Environmental impact assessment report for resort development at Fushivelavaru, Noonu Atoll(2011-04) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupFushivelavaru is one of the islands the Government of Maldives had recently released for tourism development. These islands were leased on the basis that Maldives had to meet the current projected bed-capacity needs in the Maldives. The non technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed development of a 100 bed resort on the island of N. Fushivelavaru. The resort at N. Fushivelavaru will be operated by Gladonia Maldives Pvt Ltd. This document presents the findings of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for resort development at N. Fushivelavaru. Developments of this nature are required to carry out EIA studies under the Environmental Act of Maldives. The developer is required to obtain approval of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) of Ministry of Housing and Environment (MHE), Maldives prior to the implementation of any development activities on the island. Land and Marine Environmental Resource Group Pte Ltd have been engaged Gladonia Maldives Pvt Ltd to prepare the EIA and to provide assistance in other environmental related activities. This EIA is prepared in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2007 and the Government of Maldives environmental policy and guidelines.