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Item Environmental impact assessment for harbor extension works at Fares-Maathodaa, Gdh. Atoll(2016-04) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupBackground The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed harbour extension works at Fares-Maathodaa, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. The proponent of the proposed project is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The total estimated cost of this project is USD 843,060. The proposed project involves extension of the existing facility (which lies on the northern side of the island) by addition of 61m (along its length) to the eastern side of the facility. The project also involves construction of the main quay wall along the extension area and a sand bund breakwater along the outer boundary. Dredged material sourced will be disposed along the shoreline to the east of extension area. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment have been considered for the constructional phase and post constructional phase of the project. These impacts 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. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. The impacts identified are described according to their location, probability of impact, magnitude, significance and duration. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are irreversible in nature. Impact analysis showed that the main impact due to the project was during the construction phase, due to dredging activity. This impact was also anticipated to be of low effect due to the location (shallow intertidal area with seagrass beds) and scale of project (even though loss of seagrass beds from project site is a permanent impact). Overall, impacts identified were found to be of low effect and restricted to the project site, with temporary effects. Positive impact due to the project is the availability of a bigger and more planned area (dedicated area for unloading and passenger use) for use by the numerous vessels of the island and those who visit the island. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, such as limiting dredging activity to low tide phase to reduce possible sedimentation impacts. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Given the scope of the project and need alternative has only been considered for the material to be used for breakwater construction and location of extension. The no-project scenario which was also considered, is not feasible, given the scope of project and associated impacts on environment which are which are mainly of low effect and short term. The benefits on continuation of project outweigh the impacts and hence the no-project scenario is not considered a feasible option. The Consultant feels that the project is feasible with proper implementation of the mitigation measures proposed to minimize the impact on the environment. Stakeholder Consultation Stakeholder consultation was undertaken with Island Council regarding the concept drawing formulated by MHI. The council stated that they require a side quay wall to be included in the eastern side and if excess dredged material is available back filling areas where erosion is observed. Based on the stakeholder consultation, MHI agreed to change the concept design to include a side quay wall at the eastern side. The revised final drawing is provided in Appendix 5 of this report.Item Environmental impact assessment report development of 100 bed hospital at Addu City(2017-10) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1.1 Background The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the construction and development of a 100 bed tertiary level hospital at Hithadhoo, Addu City. The proponent of this project is the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure and total estimated cost of the project is approximately MVR 162 million. The proposed project will be developed through redevelopment of the Equatorial Convention Centre which was developed in Addu City to host the SAARC Summit in 2011. Parts of some ponds introduced for aesthetic and flood control purposes within landscaping of ECC development would be backfilled for the construction of the Services and Utilities buildings on the south western and south eastern side of the main building. Once completed, the hospital will be handed over to the Ministry of Health, as the main operator and regulator of the Health sector in the Maldives. The facility will be constructed and developed to provide care in a number of departments and areas, details of which are provided in Section 5.2.1. 1.2 Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project development work (constructional impacts) and operational impacts 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 projects. Impacts were analysed for their significance with the aid of a Leopold Matrix. In any development project, major direct impacts to the environment occur mainly during the construction phase. Potential direct or indirect impacts on the environment from the proposed project include: Moderate impacts on pond water and groundwater resource due to backfilling works; Minor impact on vegetation due to the need to cut down vegetation located at the plots allocated for construction of infrastructure; Impact due to air and noise pollution during construction work; Impact due to flooding within vicinity Impact due to waste generation, especially during operational phase Risk of accidents on hospital staff and patients Positive impact on social wellbeing and health due to provision of good quality care Mitigation measures are discussed for the activities which would have potential impacts during the construction and operational phase of the project. In general, during the construction stage it is important to use a method of construction which has the least impact on the environment. Specific measures highlighted include: • Preplanning ways so as to expose backfill material sourced from MRDC, Addu City to rainfall, to decrease its salinity • Proper waste management and disposal to mitigate issues due to domestic waste and hospital related biohazardous waste • Establish Standard Operating Procedures for all departments and facilities at the hospital, so as to avoid accidents which pose risks to the staff and patients Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Alternatives has been considered with respect to project location, as there is disagreement from the Council regarding proposed location. While proposed location is an existing structure and thus project development would have minor impact on environment, it is also considered by the island community as a site of significance and hence do not want to turn the facility into a hospital. The no-project scenario is also considered, which would mean that all environmental impacts due to the project and disagreements regarding use of ECC for the project would no longer be an issue. However, this means that health care for the population of Addu City will be provided as is now, through the Regional Hospital, which does not offer all of the facilities as proposed in the project. Hence, the community would not benefit from many benefits offered through better health care facilities and services offered through the project. The environmental impacts predicted for the project are minor to moderate, given that the project development is mainly at an existing structure. Hence the benefits of developing the hospital and better health care facilities outweigh the cost to the environment and are seen to be far more beneficial than the cancellation of the project. Therefore the “no-project” scenario is not an ideal solution and it is recommended that the project be continued, but with the proper implementation of all mitigation measures proposed in the report. One key recommendation of the consultant is the formulation and implementation of regulations which regulate the healthcare sector, especially those related to development of healthcare facilities (and criteria) and waste disposal from healthcare facilities. This is crucial for the improvement of the sector through both proper service provision and mitigating environmental impacts.Item Environmental impact assessment report agricultural development project at Hulhidhoo, Vaavu Atoll(2017-11) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1.1 Background The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed agricultural development at Hulhidhoo, Vaavu Atoll by Aarah Investment Pvt Ltd. The capital cost of the project is MVR 10.43 million. 1.2 Project Detail The proposed project involves the development of Hulhidhoo as mix-use island with an agricultural and tourism component. The agricultural component of the project utilizes hydroponics technology with a vertical farming system to cultivate vegetables and herbs. The produce will be supplied to resorts within the Atoll. The tourism component of the project involves the construction of a Water Sports Centre at the western side of the island. This will cater to the resorts, and can also be used by the atoll community, if desired. In addition to the two key components, the project also involves construction of a football court and coffee shops on the island. 1.3 Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives 1.3.1 Key impacts Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project development works (constructional impacts) and operation of the facility (operational impacts) have been identified through interviews with the resort management, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultation in similar development projects, as well as a review of similar projects. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. The potential direct or indirect impacts on the environment (on land and reef system) from the proposed project include: ➢ Moderate direct impacts on the marine ecosystem quality due to construction of access jetty (piling works) ➢ Major impact on terrestrial environment due to need for vegetation, especially that at the mangrove area ➢ Minor impact on groundwater due to dewatering during construction stage and use of septic tank system during operational stage ➢ Minor impact on seawater quality due to brine discharge during operational phase ➢ Impact on ecosystem and air quality, due to solid waste generation during construction and operational phase Positive impacts due to the project are the positive social impacts, in terms of job availability especially during the operational stage. The training programmes for the Atoll community in the area of hydroponics also opens opportunities for new business ventures. The open access to the water sports centre and football pitch is a major social benefit, as this promotes a more inclusive development. Furthermore, the implementation of the solid waste disposal programme by the proponent as a part of the CSR component of the project, is a major benefit for the community, as it addresses a key issues being faced by all islands communities of Maldives. Overall, the project has a positive impact, on the national economy, and that of the Atoll community. Additional impacts are discussed in Section 9 of the report. 1.3.2 Mitigation measures The severity of impacts is predicted by reviewing the design plans and construction methods. Mitigation measures are formulated in light of the findings by the project engineers (for the different methods to be used during the construction phase). Mitigation measures are discussed for the construction and operational stage of the project. During the construction stage it is important to take measures to minimize impact on the environment due to the various construction methods. A construction method that has the least impact on terrestrial and/or marine environment has to be utilized. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. 1.3.3 Alternatives Considering the alternatives for the project in terms of location and type of economic activity to be carried out has been decided by the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture and the proponent, through lease of the island to the proponent for a specific purpose. Apart from the type of economic activity and location, other aspects for which alternatives have been considered in the report are: ➢ Construction method of jetty ➢ Location of M&E facilities building ➢ Feed water intake method Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 10 of the report. Of these, the location of M&E facilities building is of significance, as the alternative location greatly minimizes the impact due to vegetation clearance, as it offers the opportunity to avoid clearance from the mangrove area. Thus, from an environmental aspect the consultant strongly feels the alternative location is the more feasible option and thus this option is selected. The no-project scenario is also considered, which would mean that all environmental impacts due to the project would no longer be an issue. Environmental impacts due to the proposed project are minor to moderate overall, while discontinuation of the project means a loss of income and revenue to the proponent and the national economy, as well as a loss of number of benefits for the Atoll community. Hence, it is concluded that continuation of the project with the implementation of the different mitigation measures to minimize environmental impacts is a feasible option.Item Environmental impact assessment harbor construction works at Maduvvaree, Raa Atoll(2015-12) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupBackground The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed harbor construction at R. Maduvvaree. The proponent of the proposed project is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The total estimated cost of this project is USD 1.45 million. The proposed project involves construction of the harbor facility on the southern side of R. Maduvvaree. The harbor will have dimensions of length 211m and maximum width of 86m. The entrance will be from the existing entrance on the south eastern end of the facility. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives 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. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are irreversible in nature. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. Impact analysis showed that impact due to the project was due to dredging works which is anticipated to have a moderate impact on marine habitats as a result of sedimentation. Positive impact foreseen is availability of safe harbor for the fishing fleet of the island and additional of land area. Other minor to moderate impacts are discussed in section 9 of the report. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, including mitigation for the event that the project might be stopped prior to the completion of all works. In such cases, it is advised to ensure that the mitigation measures outlined for this scenario in Table 9 are implemented prior to the departure of contractors. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. 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; Equipment/method used for dredging Location of harbor The “do-nothing” option or no project scenario would mean that the large fishing vessel fleet of island would face the same existing difficulty of not having appropriate berthing and safe harbor. However, the no-project scenario also means that the environmental impacts due to the project, which are moderate in terms of the impact on live coral cover and marine habitats, will be completely avoided. The existing facility is in need of repair; the outer breakwaters are damaged and does not properly stop waves during NE monsoon. Hence the community feels that southern area is adequate for a harbor, furthermore the area is already dredged therefore cost for construction will also be lower. Therefore given that the benefits of construction of the facility are more significant than the environmental impacts, continuation of the project is considered feasible with proper implementation of the mitigation measures proposed to minimize the impact on the environment. Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 10 of the report.Item Environmental impact assessment swimming area development at Bodufolhudhoo, AA Atoll(2015-11) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1 Non-technical Summary Background The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed swimming area development in AA Bodufolhudhoo. The proponent of the proposed project is Bodufolhudhoo Island Council. The total estimated cost of this project is MVR 200,000.00. The proposed project involves dredging the sea grass meadow at the south eastern side of Bodufolhudhoo and creation of a recreational beach and swimming area for community use. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment from various activities of the construction work and during the operation have been identified through interviews with the island council, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant in similar development projects. Possible impacts arising from the project are categorized into reversible and irreversible impacts. 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. In any development project major direct impacts to the environment (either short-term or long-term) occur mainly during the construction phase, while some impacts are inevitable during the operation stage. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. Impact analysis showed that the project is envisaged to have minor impacts on the environment due to dredging works at the proposed swimming area (sea grass meadow). Positive impacts due to the project are anticipated to be few, including availability of recreational beach and swimming area for the community and guest operations at the island. Other positive impacts include potential indirect income opportunities in the future through the development of guest house industry. Other impacts are discussed in Section 9 of the report. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, including the reclamation of a sand bund at the outer perimeter of the swimming area to reduce extent of sediment plume. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. 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 esulting from these options as compared to the preferred options. The following components of the project have been discussed in providing their alternatives; Equipment/method used for dredging Location of swimming area Location of dredged material disposal areaThe no-project scenario is also considered, which would mean that all environmental impacts due to the project, which is minor in terms of the impact on live coral cover and marine habitats would no longer be an issue. Given the minor environmental impacts, positive impacts outweigh the negative in terms of positive social impacts. Hence discontinuation of project is not seen to be feasible. Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 10 of the report. The consultant feels that the project with its minimal impact on the environment is feasible and can be continued with the implementation of proper mitigation measures as outlined in the report.Item Environmental impact assessment report for construction of 14 storey mix use building at STELCO compound, Male’(2016-11) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1.1 Background This report is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the development of a 14 storey mix use building at State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) compound. The proponent of the proposed project is State Electric Company Limited (STELCO). 1.2 Project Detail The proposed project involves development of a mix use building in the compound of the current STELCO plot, right next to the current STELCO head office building in Male‟. The basement level and part of the ground level is dedicated to parking while the remaining area of the ground floor is allocated for the lobby, circulation and showroom. The first floor of the building is allocated for shops and the second and third floors are to be used as office spaces. The fourth and fifth floor are dedicated for use as convention halls and floors six to ten are to be used as offices. The floors eleven and twelve are allocated for residential apartments while the thirteenth floor has recreational areas such as aerobics/saloons/pool bar/café/pool and gymnasium. Finally, the fourteenth floor which is the terrace has a space allocated for the green roof while the lower roof has tanks for rainwater collection. As part of the construction works, ground improvement measures will be undertaken through micropiling work. 1.3 Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives 1.3.1 Key impacts Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project have been identified through interviews with the proponent, field data collection and surveys as well as based on past experience in similar construction projects. In any development project major direct impacts to the environment (either short-term or long-term) occur mainly during the construction phase. Potential direct or indirect impacts which are anticipated to arise due to the proposed works are as outlined below: Ground water contamination/salinisation due to dewatering works. This is foreseen to be minor and short termed. Social impacts due to groundwater shortage: impact is foreseen to be minor and short termed Noise and air pollution during the construction works due to machinery and equipment; impact intensity will vary during different phases of the project Vibration impacts during micropiling work Impact on traffic due to road closure during foundation and floor slab casting periods: minor to moderate impact which is short termed and only during a few days of the project Operational phase of the project is not envisaged to have significant negative impacts. 1.3.2 Mitigation measures There are a number of actions that can be taken to minimize the identified impacts. Mitigation measures are selected to reduce or eliminate the severity of any predicted adverse environmental effects and improve the overall social and environmental performance of the project. Mitigation measures are mainly discussed for the construction stage since no significant operational impacts are envisaged in such projects apart from maintenance works. During the construction stage it is important to take measures to minimize dust spread, assess adjacent building condition during dewatering, excavation and micropiling works and monitor groundwater shortages. Dewatering should also be carried out as per outlined in the Dewatering Regulation which has been gazetted on 31st December 2013 and will come into effect from January 31st 2014. Detailed mitigation measures are outlined in Table 21 of the report. The report also highlights Grievance redress mechanisms in Section 10.1 of the report. While the operational stage is not envisaged to have significant negative impacts, it should be noted that the proponent has already identified certain measures to conserve energy, and minimize the impact on the environment due to various operational activities. These measures are identified in Section 5.10 of the report. 1.3.3 Alternatives Given the scope of the project and the utilization of typical construction methodology and foundation types, alternatives have only been considered for very few components including: the method used for soil stabilization discharge location of extracted ground water Additionally, a „no-project‟ scenario has also been considered, but not considered feasible due to the need for the project (increased office space and convention halls). Hence given that the impacts to the environment due to the project are mostly minor impacts, this option has been considered not feasible. Alternatives are discussed in Section 9 of the report. The Consultant concludes that the proposed project and methods identified are feasible and can be carried out with minimal impact on environment, especially through implementation of mitigtion measures identified in the report.Item Environment impact assessment for the construction of weather mast at Hoarafushi, HA. Atoll(2016-03) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the construction of a 77m (with the instrument boom and lightning arrester total hight will be 82m) high weather mast at HA. Hoarafushi for collection of wind data. The proponent of the proposed project is Ministry of Environment and Energy. The total estimated cost of this project is USO 191,000.00. . This project is a component of "Renewable Energy Resource Mapping and Geo-spatial Resource Mapping - Maldives Project". The current works are part of second phase of the project which involves data collection for 24 months at several locations around Maldives for developing a validated mesoscale wind atlas for the Maldives. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives The proposed project is not expected to have any impacts during the operational phase. The Impacts on the environment from various activities of the construction work have been identified through interviews with the project management team, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. Impact analysis showed that impact due to the project was minor and on various parameters of the terrestrial environment such as vegetation and groundwater. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts. Given the scope of the project the only possible alternatives for the project was a no-project scenario or alternative location for construction of tower. The "do-nothing" option or no project scenario would mean that the data requirement for the wind model will not be available and alternative island to be selected. The selection of the island is made based on phase one of the project which identified locations for data points spread around the island for modeling purposes. Since renewable energy ventures and development of the sector is a policy of government it is essential to undertake all data collection and feasibility studies to be able to make an informed decision. Furthermore the project is a grant from World Bank and government is required to fulfill its obligation in facilitating the project. Therefore given that the benefits of project are high and environmental impacts are low, the no project scenario is rejected.Item Environmental impact assessment for construction and development of water supply system at Dhangethi, Adh. Atoll(2016-12) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the construction and development of a freshwater production and distribution system at ADh. Dhangethi. The proponent of this project is the Ministry of Environment and Energy and total estimated cost of the project is MRF 17 million. To meet the water supply demand and to provide a quality treated water RO desalination with rainwater collection scheme is proposed for the island. The project involves the setup of a RO plant facility with two RO plants each with a capacity of producing 60m3 of freshwater per day One RO plant will be operational at anyone time while the remaining plant will be kept as a backup. Rainwater will be collected from the public buildings which will go through separate treatments before being mixed with RO desalinated water. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project development work (constructional impacts) and operational impacts 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 projects. Impacts were analysed for their significance with the aid of a Leopold Matrix. In any development project, major direct impacts to the environment occur mainly during the construction phase. Potential direct or indirect impacts on the environment from the proposed project include: Minor to moderate impacts to the groundwater resource during drilling and construction work Impact on vegetation due to the need to cut down vegetation located at the plot Impact due to air and noise pollution during construction work Impact on marine environment due to discharge of brine Positive impact on social wellbeing and health Mitigation measures are discussed for the activities which would have potential impacts during the construction and operational phase of the project. In general, during the construction stage it is important to use a method of construction which has the least impact on the environment. Specific measures highlighted include following of established guidelines when carrying out excavation works and dewatering and transplantation of Coconut palms around the periphery of the project site. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. 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 these alternatives; Location of RO plant facility Source of feedwater for RO plant Brine discharge 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, this also means that the community would have to continue using only rainwater and groundwater as main freshwater sources. Additionally, it would also mean increased health risks faced by the community due to the use of contaminated water and the loss of potential additional job creation during the operation of the service. The environmental impacts predicted for the project are minor to moderate, hence the benefits of establishing the system, though with a cost to the environment is seen to be far more beneficial than the cancellation of the project, as the health risks faced by the community is not something that should and can be overlooked. Therefore the “no-project” scenario is not a feasible solution and it is recommended that the project be continued, but with the proper implementation of all mitigation measures proposed in the report. Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 10 of the report.Item Environmental impact assessment for backfilling of lake area and reconstruction of boundary wall at Funadhoo, Kaafu Atoll(2016-05) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the backfilling of Lake area/water body and reconstruction of boundary wall at K. Funadhoo. The proponent of the proposed project is State Trading Organization Plc. The total estimated cost of this project is USD 200,000.Due to the scope of the project, impacts on the environment have only been considered for the constructional phase of the project. These impacts 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 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. Since majority of the work for the backfilling of Lake area had already been completed prior to consultation with the EIA consultant, any further impacts were mostly insignificant. Terrestrial vegetation was identified as the most sensitive component of this project. Moreover, impact analysis showed that most of the proposed works are anticipated to have positive outcomes. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, including the following: Relocation of mature plants which are not too deeply rooted All machinery used should be well maintained and relevant staff well trained to avoid accidental spillage during construction phase Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Given the scope of the project, alternative has only been considered for the technique used for the bracing pipe/rod connection. The no-project scenario which was also considered is not feasible, given the scope of project and associated impacts on environment which are minor. Hence the project is considered feasible with proper implementation of the mitigation measures proposed to minimize the impacts on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for coastal modification and construction of a causeway between Hoan’dehdhoo and Madaveli, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll(2016-10) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the construction of a causeway of length 441m, linking Hoan‟dehdhoo and Madaveli and the reclamation of 3.5ha of land area in Madaveli in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the South of Maldives. This project was earlier addressed through another EIA submitted in 2012 (SEAMARC, 2012), though due to delays in implementation of the project, the EIA period is now void. Furthermore, design of the causeway and changes to other components of the project, requires submission of a second EIA for the project, prior to commencement. The project proponent of the proposed project for coastal modification and construction of causeway between Hoan‟dehdhoo and Madaveli is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure while the contractor for the project is Maldives Transport and Contracting Company Plc.The project includes two components: 1. Construction of a causeway linking the islands of Hoan‟dehdhoo and Madaveli. The proposed causeway has a total length of 441m and width of 15m. The causeway between the two islands will be constructed in two parts connected by the uninhabited island of Haadhoo which lies in the shallow lagoon area between the two islands. Construction of the causeway will be through reclamation of land area between the islands, whereby stretch of land between Madaveli to Haadhoo is proposed to have a length of 261m, while that between Haadhoo and Hoan‟dehdhoo is proposed to have a length of 180m. The area will be reclaimed to a height of 1.4m above Mean Sea Level (MSL) and protected through construction of a sand cement bag revetment along the whole length of both sides of the causeway. Concrete culverts at 50m apart will be placed along the length of the causeway to allow tide flow. The length of the culverts is equal to the width of the causeway (15m) and 6m wide. 2. The second component of the project is the reclamation of 3.5ha of land at the southeastern side of Madaveli. Reclamation of the land will be to a height of 1.3m above MSL, using sand sourced from the lagoon area. Proposed borrow area for the project is located at the eastern side lagoon between the two islands. A total of 73,500m3 of sand is required for this work and the recommended borrow area is proposed to be dredged to a depth of -3m from the seabed.Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project (both during construction and operation) 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. Impacts which have been identified were analysed with the aid of a Leopold Matrix, which gives numerical assessment of the magnitude and importance of an impact. The proposed project involves construction of a causeway between Madaveli and Hoan‟dehdhoo and reclamation of 3.5ha of land area on the southeastern side of Madaveli. The main construction stage impact associated with the project is due to dredging and reclamation works, which have the potential to greatly impact the marine environment through direct habitat loss and indirectly through sedimentation. Impacts discussed are; Direct loss of habitat due to dredging and reclamation work Sedimentation impact due to dredging and reclamation work Mobilization of equipment and labor Impact on vegetation due to causeway and road construction Noise, vibration and disturbance to nearby residents Impact on vegetation Pollution of natural environment due to possible spillage, solid waste, disposal of untreated waste water Risk of accidents and pollution on workers and local population The proposed borrow area is located at the eastern side of the reef between the two islands. Dredging works is proposed to be undertaken using excavator and transported using interim bonds. Dredging works at the borrow area will create sediment plume and expected to flow eastwards (tidal currents). Sand bund is proposed around the periphery of dredging area hence spread of fines will be reduced. The causeway construction works will close the aperture between Madaveli/Haadhoo/Hoan‟dehdhoo and stop flow of water. The culverts will be laid after connecting the islands, hence sediment plume will be minor and only depend on tidal currents (west to east on the eastern side of causeway). Impacts of sedimentation during causeway reclamation are therefore categorized as moderate and short termed. Significant negative impact on western side (southern side bay area of both islands) shoreline and immediate land area adjacent to proposed causeway is envisaged in the operational phase. In the event of storm surge (udha), water will pile up at the western side bay area causing rise of water level consequently causing flooding. Even at present, periodic flooding is experienced during SW monsoon due to storm surge. Therefore protection against storm surge is thought to be less and negative impacts high due to current design of the causeway. Mitigation measures for the various components which are expected to have impacts, have been proposed in the report, including the recommendation to revise the current design of causeway and include revetment at the southern side of reclamation area. Given that this project is developed specifically for these two islands, an alternative location is not considered. Alternatives for the project have been considered for the following; Design of the causeway Materials used to construct the revetment Borrow location Reclamation design The no-project scenario is also considered, the environmental impacts which arise due to the project such as change to hydrodynamics and loss of marine habitat and possible increase in surge related flooding can be avoided. However, should this option be chosen, this means that the social benefits (increased employment opportunities, easier travel between islands, better public services and increased housing plots) provided by the project will be cancelled. Hence given the high positive impact on the socioeconomic environment, discontinuation of the project is not seen to be a feasible option. Although this may be the case, the current causeway design is envisaged to increase surge related flooding hence this component is not feasible and needs to be revised. Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 10 of the report. The consultant concludes that the proposed project component, especially the causeway with current design which lacks coastal protection measures in the vicinity of the causeway on either island is likely to cause significant environmental damage (specifically coastal flooding) at both islands. It is therefore recommended that an alternative design for the causeway should be considered.
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