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Item Environmental impact assessment report harbour reconstruction at Vaadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll(2011-06) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is to fulfill the regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives prior to the proposed harbor restoration at Vaadhoo in GDh Atoll. 2. Project proponent of the proposed harbor restoration project is Ministry of Housing and Environment. The project was bided as a design and contract project. The main design consulting company MTCC is assigned to carry out the design works, and LaMer Group Pvt Ltd is assigned the EIA Consultancy. 3. Vaadhoo is located in GDh atoll, 440km from Male’. It is just about 40km from Kaadedhoo Airport. Nearest inhabited island is Fares-Maathodaa (8km on the south western side). In terms of geographic coordinates, it is located at 00° 14' 45" N and 73° 16' 30" E. Nearest islands are Vashavarrehaa approximately 4.1km north east and Farukolhuhuttaa approximately 5.2km south west of Vaadhoo. 4. The proposed development project involves renovation and restoration of Vaadhoo harbor with approximately 82m addition to the existing length of the harbor. With this expansion the overall length of the harbor basin would be 244 meters. Under the proposed project, new quay wall (concrete sheet piles, L section) and breakwaters (armor rocks) will be constructed at the existing foot prints. The harbor basin will also undergo maintenance dredging to -3MSL (where necessary). The concept plan is formulated in light of the new third generation harbor concept which is focused at functionality of the harbor. In this regard harbor usage components such as passenger embarking/disembarking, loading unloading area, fish landing, water and fuel recharging and mooring area will be demarcated. 5. The existing harbor facility is located at the northern side of the island and is accessed by an entrance channel north of the harbor. The project boundaries are existing footprint of harbor and 82.95m east of harbor where the harbor will undergo expansion. Under the proposed project harbor expansion and maintenance dredging will be carried out at the basin and entrance area where necessary. The project boundaries are; harbor front, side breakwaters, entrance area and breakwaters on side on entrance channel. Under the proposed project maintenance dredging will be carried out at the basin and entrance area where necessary and this activity will generate sediment plumes west wards. Dredged material removed during the maintenance dredging works and harbor extension works will be reused for construction. 6. The harbor will have a total length of 226.19m of breakwater at the east and western side of the entrance channel. The breakwater will be constructed of armor stones and remains of existing breakwater as core. The side quay will have a total length of 136m of type 2 design quay wall, while the main quay will have a length of 244m. 7. Approximately 16000m3 of dredged material will be generated by the maintenance dredging works. This sand will be reused during construction stage, thereby avoiding the need for disposal. 8. The existing harbor footprint will be expanded to eastwards to 82.95m under the proposed project. The existing quay wall and breakwaters will be replaced with concrete quay wall and rubble mound breakwaters. The size of harbor basin after completion of the project will be 244m in length and 78m in width. The length of entrance channel is approximately 123m, while width is 30m. The depth of basin is at average -3.0MSL, areas where design depth is not met will be deepened to -3MSL. Depth of entrance channel will be -4MSL. 9. Existing environment was examined to identify significant environmental components that would be affected and to establish a baseline condition of the site. Available and relevant literature on environmental impacts associated with similar projects was evaluated to identify possible impacts. Oceanographic data and information on local hydrodynamics were qualitatively assessed to determine the current pattern around the island which was based on monsoonal wind patterns, wind generated waves, tidal flushing, geographic setting, the topography of the lagoon and shape of the shoreline. 10. The reef flat area in front of harbor was dominated by massive life forms of Porites and faviids. Numerous small table coral colonies were observed behind the reef flat area dominating the rocky back reef towards the lagoon. Further inwards the reef flat is predominantly covered by sea grass meadow. 11. Project is predominantly a restoration project, environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are considered minor. Significant environmental components that are likely to be affected include coral community and sea grass bed at harbor front and harbor expansion area. The most significant impact associated with the project would be impact on these habitats from sedimentation. Dredging and excavation often carry a heavy load of sediments increasing sediment load in the water column causing discoloration due to suspended sediments of the impact area for a prolonged period. Since the project is small in scale in addition to restoration in nature, the extent of sediment plum is expected to be small and limited to the harbor basin and vicinity. 12. Mitigation measures have been provided for impacts associated with the project related works that have been categorized as minor to moderate. Impact mitigation measures and monitoring is carried out to compare predicted and actual impacts occurring from project activities to determine the efficiency of the mitigation measures. It has to be noted that no EIA has been carried out for the development of the harbor and no environmental monitoring has been done since the completion of harbor in 1997, and extent of changes to habitats such as sea grass, coral reef and shoreline is not known. 13. Stakeholder consultations were carried out as part of the EIA process. It was strongly emphasized by the stakeholders that the location of Vaadhoo makes it a good transit point for many trade vessels and Safaris boats making the harbor is fairly crowded. In addition, during good fishing season the harbor is also used by fishing vessels from other atolls as well. Due to this reason the community feels strongly that the harbor needs to be expanded. Since resorts are opening near the island, additional usage of harbor is envisaged therefore burden on harbor will increase. Overall the IDC and harbor committee was in favor of the project and very little issues apart from extension of harbor were raised during the stakeholder meeting 14. With due consideration to main environmental components identified and the magnitude of impacts on these components from the proposed developments, the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures are given to correct and minimize unfavorable environmental consequences. Furthermore, the public and community consultation responses were in favor of the project due to the socio-economic benefits foreseen to the community from a functional harbor.Item Environmental impact assessment report harbour construction at Gan, Addu City(2011-07) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThis Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is to fulfill the regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives prior to the proposed harbor development at Gan Airport Island in Addu City. 2. Project proponent of the proposed harbor development project is Ministry of Housing and Environment. The contractor assigned for the project is Maldives Transport and Contracting Company Plc (MTCC). 3. The proposed development project involves development of a harbor facility at S. Gan International Airport. Under the proposed project a harbor of length 76m and width 53m will be constructed at S. Gan. The proposed harbor design incorporates the existing entrance channel near the terminal building area. Although existing entrance channel will be used, maintenance dredging will be done to deepen the entrance channel to design depth. 4. The island of Gan lies at the southern side of Gan-Hithadhoo reef, south east of Feydhoo in Addu atoll. Measuring approximately 2.7 km in length and 1.3 km in width (at maximum), the island covers an area of 2,872,244m2. The island is oriented east to west and is located at 00° 41' 37" N and 73° 09' 20" E. The proposed harbor facility will be constructed just east of the terminal building aligning to the existing entrance channel at the area. 5. The harbor design includes a 4,600m2 basin and a 76m long sheet pile quay wall. Two breakwater segments will be located at the northern side of the harbor (25m length at the western side and 84m at the eastern side. The entrance channel will have a length of 30m while the width will be 18m. The harbor basin and entrance channel will have a finished depth of -3MSL. 6. Dredge material removed from the harbor basin will be used for back filling behind the quay wall. Approximately 15,300m3 of dredged material will be removed from the harbor basin. Dredged material needed for filling the offset area is 1,500m3. The surplus material will be temporarily stocked piled near the harbor area and will be used for other related infrastructure development projects, road leveling and back filling works at Gan harbor. 7. Drainage system will be installed at the quay wall area for draining storm water, while the finished level of harbor quay wall will be 1.5MSL. 8. Since baseline data and long term monitoring data from Marine Research Centre is available, secondary available was enough to describe the existing reef health. Base line water test done for the 2008 EIA will be used as the baseline for water quality. The Entire shoreline of Gan is modified (with revetment structure, apart from a small section), therefore beach profiles were not taken. 9. Most significant impact associated with the project would be impact on the marine environment from sedimentation. Dredging and excavation often carry a heavy load of sediments increasing sediment load in the water column causing discoloration (limiting light penetration which is essential for coral growth) due to suspended sediments of the impact area for a prolonged period. 10. Since the project is a new development, major impacts envisaged are impacts to marine environment due to various components of the construction phase. Impact on vegetation is minor. The directly impacted area during the construction phase from dredging and back filling works of the reef system is less than 1% of the total reef area of the Gan-Hithadhoo reef system. 11. Mitigation measures are provided in the report for impacts that were categorized minor to moderate. Impact mitigation measures and monitoring is carried out to compare predicted and actual impacts occurring from project activities to determine the efficiency of the mitigation measures. The shoreline of Gan is modified over the years, with coastal modifications. In this regard harbor proximity area, has no natural shoreline. 12. With due consideration to main environmental components identified and the magnitude of impacts on these components from the proposed developments, the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures are given to correct and minimize unfavorable environmental consequences. Furthermore, the proposed project will not only cater the SAARC summit but to Fuvahmulah and Addu City community.Item Ministry of housing and environment initial environmental impact assessment report harbour restoration works at Hithadhoo, Addu City(2011-03) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThis Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is to fulfill the regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives prior to the proposed harbor restoration at Hithadhoo in Addu City. 2. Project proponent of the proposed harbor restoration project is Ministry of Housing and Environment. The project was bided as a design and build project. The contractor for the project is Works Corporation Limited. 3. The proposed development project involves renovation and restoration of Hithadhoo harbor. The existing harbor quay wall is badly damaged at the southern side of the harbor and is in need for repair. Under the proposed project, new quay wall (concrete sheet piles, L section) will be constructed. The harbor basin and entrance channel will also undergo maintenance dredging to -3MSL, while the harbor will be expanded at the southern side. Approximately 230m. The concept plan is formulated in light of the new third generation harbor concept which is focused at functionality of the harbor. In this regard harbor usage components such as passenger embarking/disembarking, loading unloading area, fish landing, water and fuel recharging and mooring area will be demarcated. 4. The island of Hithadhoo lies at the north western side of the Addu atoll approximately 526km south of Capital city Male. Measuring 8.7 km in length and around 1.7 km in width (at maximum), the island covers an area of 551ha; the island is oriented north west to south east. The island is located at 00° 36' 25" N and 73° 05' 19" E. 5. The existing harbor facility is located at the eastern side of the island facing the deep lagoon. The site boundaries are harbor basin area. The harbor facility will undergo expansion, maintenance dredging and construction of new quay wall. 6. Overall existing harbor design and footprint area will not change apart from extension of the quay wall and basin southwards approximately 230m (part of basin already deepened, 80m length, therefore approximately 150m length of basin is required for deepening). The length of the harbor after completion of renovation works will be 533m and width 76. The existing entrance channel route will be used after restoration as access to harbor; no additional dredging is required at this area apart from few shallow spots. The shallow area near the quay wall will be dredged to -3.0MSL (the rest of the basin existing has a depth of -4.5 on average). 7. Dredge material removed from the harbor basin (maintenance dredging and expansion works) will be initially stockpiled near harbor area till required for construction works. Dredged material will be used for back filling makeshift harbor and areas at the quay wall extension area. Approximately 50,000m3 (back filling works) of sediment will be used of the construction work, and short coming of dredged material be met by dredged material removed from harbor restoration works at S. Feydhoo and harbor expansion area of Hithadhoo harbor. 8. Due to relative large distance from the harbor no detailed assessment of the reef was carried out. However, qualitative assessment of the sea grass and reef flat was carried out to get information on the general setting of these two habitats adjacent to the harbor. Hithadhoo protected Area (HPA) in approximately 400 meters from the harbor which may lead to some level of impacts from sedimentation associated with the harbor maintenance works such as quay wall reconstruction and back filling of quay wall. 9. It is important to note that the most significant impact associated with the project would be impact on the marine environment from sedimentation. Dredging and excavation often carry a heavy load of sediments increasing sediment load in the water column causing discoloration due to suspended sediments of the impact area for a prolonged period. Since the project is a restoration project, the extent of sediment plum will be limited at the harbor basin area; the natural deep lagoon and manmade deep channel paths at the area will limit the spread of the sediment plume. 10. Since the proposed project is a restoration project, environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are considered minor to moderate. 11. Mitigation measures are provided in the report for impacts that were categorized minor to moderate. Impact mitigation measures and monitoring is carried out to compare predicted and actual impacts occurring from project activities to determine the efficiency of the mitigation measures. The eastern side of Hithadhoo is modified over the years, with major reclamation works and coastal modifications. In this regard harbor proximity area, has no natural shoreline but composed of reclaimed shoreline and revetment structures. 12. With due consideration to main environmental components identified and the magnitude of impacts on these components from the proposed developments, the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures are given to correct and minimize unfavorable environmental consequences. Furthermore, the public and community consultation responses were in favor of the project due to the socioeconomic benefits foreseen to the community from a functional harbor.Item EIA report for reconstruction of berth at Thilafushi block 149C(2011-01-18) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is to fulfill the regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives prior to the proposed restoration of alongside berth and harbor at Thilafushi block 149C. 2. Project proponent of the proposed project is Mr Ahmed Shahir, M Furahani who is the lease holder of Thilafushi block 149C. 3. The proposed project involves construction of alongside berth and reclamation of land at Block 149C, Thilafushi. The reclamation area is confined to existing harbor basin; while berth will be constructed at reef slope side and basin side. The berth at the reef slope side will be constructed using piles and tie beams thereby cantilevering to attain depths of -20m (used for berthing large vessels). 4. The location of project site is at Thilafushi block 149C, which is located at the eastern side of Thilafushi facing the channel between Thilafushi and Gulhi Falhu. The project site, reclamation area is a dredged harbor, while the berth area is damaged breakwater (which at present is submerged). A timber walk way or jetty is observed at the area which is at present used for loading and unloading material from larger vessels. 5. Pilling works will be done using modified excavator with hydraulic system. The piles will be driven using a Tommen Vibrohammer attached to the excavator. The circular 600mm piles for the berth area will be driven to 18m below ground level (outer most piles); while the inner piles and sheet piles will be driven to a depth of 9m below ground level. The sheet piles at the harbor basin area will also be driven using the vibrohammer to a depth of 9m. 15 round piles will be driven at the alongside berth area which will be used as the super structure for tie beams and quay wall. The distance between two piles will be 5m. The sheet pile line total length is 204m, the sheet pile sections will be anchored at 3m interval. 6. The reclamation works will be carried out using construction debris from resorts (construction debris generated from reconstruction of resorts) as core material and dredged spoil from basin area as top soil. The dredged spoil from dredging of basin area will be temporarily stored at existing reclaimed land at block 149C. Excavator on barge will be used for dredging the basin area. Filling works will be done after sheet pilling and piling works of berth area is completed. The existing entrance area will also undergo maintenance dredging. The dredged harbor basin and entrance will have a depth of -4MSL. 7. The length of alongside berth is 70m, the alongside berth will have fenders at 10m intervals. The berth quay area will be concrete slab caste on top of the tie beams. The design of the berth is made such the deep water access is made without the need of dredging the reef slope area. The quay wall will be cantilevered approximately to 3m, which would attain depths of 15-20m suitable for large vessels. Behind the berth, sheet pile section will run all along the periphery of the reclaimed area. 8. The reclamation works will be done after completion of excavation and pilling works, which would effectively bund the reclamation area. Construction debris from resorts will be used for fill the area as core material. Approximately 7360m3 of construction debris will be used as core material. The top soil requirement will be met by dredged spoil generated during the deepening of basin and entrance area. Approximately 4100m3 of dredged spoil will be generated during this work. This material will be stored on land temporarily until core material filling is finished. The finish level of reclamation area is 1.5MSL (which is the finish level of paving stone). 9. Status of marine environment at the project area and adjacent block area was done by visual assessment. Snorkeling survey was done at the reef flat and slope area recording the major benthic substrate cover. The reef slope at the area is very steep, with few over hangs. The reef flat area is observed with major anthropogenic impacts; these include construction waste and other debris (since these areas are reclaimed using constriction debris and similar waste). Live coral cover at the area was less than 1%, with only few encrusting forms. Reef slope area also had very few love coral (less 1%), with few laminar forms and massive colonies. Sedimentation was observed at the rock substrate possibly due to reclamation/excavation works done at other sites at Thilafushi. 10. The project involves modification of existing harbor facility at Thilafushi Block 149C. The coastline and reef area of Thilafushi has undergone major modifications over the years after establishing the island as an industrial island. At present a number of alongside berths and harbors are built at Thilafushi catering for different industrial and commercial uses. Therefore the project area is not a pristine environment. It has to be noted that major excavation/reclamation works are done at Thilafushi and adjacent reef (Gulhifalhu which has far greater environmental impacts). 11. Since the project site is already polluted by construction debris and other solid waste, it is thought that impact of mobilization and loading/unloading works will have minor impacts. Since existing basin will be used, additional impacts to reef or lagoon will be minor. 12. Thilafushi reef system especially at the inter atoll side is severely impacted due to reclamation, dredging and waste disposal works. In this regard reef area near block 149C is almost void of live coral, while the reef flat area is littered with construction debris (used for reclaiming land). Therefore it is not possible to assess and monitor changes to reef health in terms of development work at block 149C. The parameters that can be monitored are water quality (which will also need to be monitored during construction and operational stage, especially if fuel loading and unloading work will be carried out at the berth), vibration levels during piling works and visual assessment of piling area after driving each pile. 13. In conclusion, with due consideration environmental components the project is likely to effect the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures are given to correct and minimize unfavorable environmental consequences (considering environmental condition of project area).Item EIA report for restoration of K. Kaashidhoo harbour under construction of harbours for Tsunami Victims Project(2010-11-07) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is to fulfill the regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives prior to the proposed harbor restoration at Kaashidhoo in Kaafu Atoll. 2. Kaashidhoo harbor restoration project is part of the Construction of Harbors for Tsunami Victims Project. This restoration project involves repair of harbors at 10 islands. The project is funded by a joint loan taken from Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the Saudi Government and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) by the government of Maldives. The design consultancy was awarded to Alhabshi Consultants Office, a Kuwaiti Company in association with Riyan Pvt Ltd (a Maldivian company). The Agreement for consultancy was signed on 6th November 2008 between the Government of Maldives and Alhabshi Consultant. 3. Project proponent of the proposed harbor restoration project is Ministry of Housing and Environment. The project was bided as a design and consultancy project. The main design consulting company Alhabhsi Consultants is assigned to carry out the design works, preparing tender documents, carrying out EIAs and construction phase supervision consultant. 4. The proposed development project involves renovation and restoration of Kaashidhoo harbor. During the December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, Kaashidhoo harbor facility received extensive damages. These include damage to harbor quay walls and basin. Under the proposed project, new quay wall (concrete sheet piles, L section) and breakwaters (armor rocks) will be constructed. The harbor basin and entrance channel will also undergo maintenance dredging to -3MSL. Since the proposed project is only a restoration project, basin size will not be increased. The concept plan is formulated in light of the new third generation harbor concept which is focused at functionality of the harbor. In this regard harbor usage components such as passenger embarking/disembarking, loading unloading area, fish landing, water and fuel recharging and mooring area will be demarcated. 5. The island of Kaashidhoo lies at the eastern side of the Kardiva Channel, located 20 km north from the small Gaafaru atoll and 30 km southeast from Faadhippolhu. The formation consists of an approximately rectangular-shaped island that is situated on the southeastern side of a reef-fringed platform. Measuring 2.9 km in length and around 1 km in width, the island covers an area of 2.75 km2, making it the largest island of Male' Atoll and the fifth largest island of the entire Maldivian archipelago. The island is located at 04° 57' 20" N and 73° 27' 53" E. 6. The existing harbor facility is located at the north western side of the island facing the western quadrant. The site boundaries are harbor area and entrance channel area. The harbor facility will undergo maintenance dredging; a breakwater will be constructed at the western side of harbor. Maintenance dredging will not be required for the entire length of entrance channel, but only at the shallow areas. 7. The existing harbor footprint will not be changed due to the proposed project (area loss by putting near quay wall in front of existing one will be adjusted from breakwater area), side quay wall will be constructed at existing foot print, and a new breakwater will be constructed (existing harbor facility is without a breakwater). Therefore the existing design of the harbor will remain as it is. The length of the harbor after completion of renovation works will be 215.5m and width 85m. The existing entrance will be used after maintenance dredging. The length of entrance channel is approximately 2500m, while width is 30m. The harbor basin and entrance channel will have a depth of -3MSL after completion of the restoration works. 8. The harbor will have a total length of 252.18m of breakwater at the western side. The breakwater will be constructed of armor stones and remains of demolished quay wall (where significant damage is observed) will be used as core. The side quays will have a total length of 120m of type 2 design quay wall, while the main quay will have a length of 215.5m. 9. Dredge material removed from the harbor basin (maintenance dredging works) and entrance will be initially stockpiled near harbor area since part of the material will be required during construction works. Part of the sediment will be used for back filling the area in between the existing quay wall and new quay wall and for filling the geo textile bags of breakwaters and side quays. Approximately 6,000m3 (used as core for breakwater, filling area in between new and old quay wall and filling geo-textile bags of main quay wall and side quay walls) of sediment will be used of the construction work while rest will be disposed southern side of harbor (1000m3). The sediment will be transported to the disposal sites on trucks, although initially sediment will be stockpiled near harbor area for construction purposes. Approximately 9,000m3 of dredge material will be removed from the harbor basin and entrance channel. 10. Two sites are surveyed for assessing the reef condition, site one was located at the northern side of entrance near mouth of entrance (westerns side of reef) while site two was located at sea grass meadow western side of harbor. Live coral cover at site one was approximately 20%, while at site two was very low. 11. It is important to note that the most significant impact associated with the project would be impact on the marine environment from sedimentation. Dredging and excavation often carry a heavy load of sediments increasing sediment load in the water column causing discoloration due to suspended sediments of the impact area for a prolonged period. Since the project is a restoration project, the extent of sediment plum will be limited at the harbor basin area, while entrance channel area required for deepening is within the lagoon area and far from reef flat area. 12. Since the proposed project is restoration project, environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are considered minor to moderate. 13. Mitigation measures are provided in the report for impacts that were categorized minor to moderate. Impact mitigation measures and monitoring is carried out to compare predicted and actual impacts occurring from project activities to determine the efficiency of the mitigation measures. It has to be noted that environmental monitoring has not been done since the completion of harbor, and extent of changes to habitat, live coral cover and shoreline is not known. Even though the project is not envisaged to cause impacts on shoreline (since construction will be done at existing footprint), it is important to monitor shoreline changes. 14. The main issue raised in the consultation meeting at Kaashidhoo by the IDC was the issue of entrance channel, expansion of harbor and shifting of harbor 30ft inside basin area to widen the harbor front road. 15. With due consideration to main environmental components identified and the magnitude of impacts on these components from the proposed developments, the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures are given to correct and minimize unfavorable environmental consequences. Furthermore, the public and community consultation responses were in favor of the project due to the socioeconomic benefits foreseen to the community from a functional harbor.