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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 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.Item Initial environmental evaluation report for the registration of power generation facility at 9 storey building at Iskandharu Koshi, Male’(2011-01) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThis Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) addresses environmental aspects of operation of a 650KVA generation facility to meet the electricity needs of Iskandharu building developed by Maldives Police Services as their technical headquarters and labs. This Initial Environment Examination (IEE) report is carried out in order to meet the requirements of MEA regulations to register the power generating facility. This is in accordance with the requirement of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Maldives Energy Authority (MEA) guidelines that requires submitting an IEE in applying for registration of an electricity generating facility. Iskandharu Koshi currently houses a 9 storey office building and a 4 storey accommodation building. The 9 storey office building is meant to be used for the forensic and technical works of police work. And it is expected that all forensic and technical labs would be transferred to this building from Shaheed Hussain Adam building. The expected increase in demand and the rising electricity cost from STELCO would increase the operational cost of the facility. In order to reduce the cost and safety measure during power outages, they have planned to use their own power generation to meet their electricity needs in office hours. Initially the power generating facility was installed as a backup power system. However, due to increase in electricity tariff and increase demand for electricity for the building has made the proponent to go for separate power generation for operating the building during peak hours (daytime). The Building is equipped with all the necessary equipments required to operate a power house. It comprises of a generator with extra space for installation of another generator set, distribution network and a panel room. The peak demand for the facility at the moment is estimated to be 90 kW. Once the laboratories and other facilities are established the peak demand of power for the building is expected to rise to be 260 kW. The powerhouse is equipped with 1x 520 kW generators. At present fuel tank in cooperated with the diesel engine set is used; however additional fuel tanks will be installed in future. Presently fuel is pumped using a pipe line attached to the fuel handling vehicle. The main environmental concern in running this facility is emission of green house gases and noise pollution created by this facility. Several actions such as raising the height of the smoke stack, use of smoke filters, increasing the height of the walls and using sound proof materials are proposed to reduce the impact on the environment.Item Initial environmental examination : taro field water control system at Gan, Gdh. Atoll(2011-11) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1. The island of Gan has been infamous for agricultural produce, especially taro production in Huvadhoo Atoll. It has been especially designated by (MOFA) as a farmland for Gadhdhoo island community and is locally administered by the Gadhdhoo Island Council. 2. Among the crops grown in Gan, taro with a cylindrical central corm is found to be the most extensively cultivated crop. Taro is generally cultivated as a wetlands crop. It has been estimated that there are about 150 farmers where the taro fields have been managed and handed over through several generations of same family. 3. Due to the taro farming practice used by farmers water stagnation during the rainy season within the plot for a longer time period has been the case. According to farmers, about half meter of standing water does exist in taro fields. As a result the taro fields get damaged during the rainy season affecting taro cultivation. 4. This assessment report presents the present situation, and strategies and recommendations for water control of taro cultivation in the Gan Island. 5. There are three major areas of taro cultivation in the Gan Island; Hutuwarumaththa, Galakondiyaa and Katamaththa. The total area of the Gan Island as 246 hectares and the relative areas for Hutuwarumaththa, Galakondiyaa and Katamaththa were found to be 12, 12 and 2 ha, respectively. 6. In the process of preparation and designing water management strategy meetings were held with farmers, IDC members and GP members. During these meetings, it was revealed that excess water should be removed from taro field, but needed to retain within the island without directly draining into the sea. 7. Three drain outlets from each of major taro field will be constructed. Two major drains are identified while four sub-drains are identified. These drain outlets will discharge water to nearby areas using absorption canals through a main control gate located several meters away from taro fields. The main drain canal in each taro field will be connected to three absorption drains and each of sub-main canals will be connected to two absorption drains. 8. Locations of main drainage canals and absorption areas were decided based on the general surface water flow pattern considering the lowest possible elevation points, shape of the entire taro field, and by observing the surrounding area. 2 The directions of main canals were decided mainly according the groundwater direction. 9. Three options of water level management in taro plots were identified (i) few centimeters [5-10 cm] of water level on the soil surface, (ii) water level just below the soil surface and (iii) water level below the root zone. The best option found during the discussions as well as experiences from other Islands is the maintaining of few centimeters [5 to 7 cm] of water in plots. The storage of drainage water within the island can be done either as a surface storage or as sub-surface water. 10. All the receiving water from rainfall is retaining within the Island which helps to recharge the groundwater resource and the freshwater lens aquifer as it is the only freshwater resource available in this island. 11. Considering benefits in constructing these drainage Systems, it is expected to have an increase of about 30-40% of taro yield with a proper drainage water management strategy in this island. 12. Farmers are willing to do the operation and maintenance (O & M) of proposed drainage canals with the help of island officials. They want to have a drainage system with control gates where they will be able to manage the amount of water that should be maintained within their fields. With regular O & M the systems can be used for a longer period. In addition, island officials are expected to form farmer organization during this project period where farmer organization will be given more responsibilities in managing their works and other societal activities. 13. The investment on constructing these proposed drainage canals will help farmers to enhance their socio economic status by cultivating taro crop. With a proper water management system, young generation will also engage in taro cultivation which is not very common at present 14. The main maintenance works associated with drainage system would be the removals of silts from drain canals and proper maintenance of the control gates. However, special attention should also be given to absorptions canals especially until the system become a natural wetland. Regular maintenance works such as removal of debris and widening and/or lengthening of absorption canals as required in order to facilitate the infiltration process are necessary.Item Initial environmental evaluation report construction of new STP at Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Raa Atoll(2011-08) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe proposed project involves construction and set up of a new sewage treatment plant on Adaaran Select Meedhupparu resort. Development of such structures require the submission of an environmental impact assessment report as specified in the EIA Regulations of Maldives that came effective in 2007. A scoping meeting to agree on the Terms of Reference (ToR) was held at EPA on 11th May 2011. Based on the description of project components at the scoping meeting it was agreed among the stakeholders that a full EIA would not be required for the project. This was based on the small scale of the project and also its related impacts based on the environmental setting and location of the project. It was decided that an Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) would be sufficient. This Initial Environmental Evaluation report thus fulfils the requirements specified in the Terms of Reference prepared for this project as the output of the scoping meeting held at EPA between the EIA consultant, proponent, representatives from EPA and other relevant stakeholders. In preparing the report, consideration has been given to cover the environmental requirements that need to be covered by EIA regulations giving due consideration to the scale, location and usage of the project and its outputs. The Terms of Reference for the project was approved by EPA on 5th June 2011. A copy of the ToR for this project is given in Appendix 1. This IEE was based on the fieldwork visit by the consultant to Adaaran Select Meedhupparu Resort in June 2011 to collect site specific information on the project and qualitatively assess the environmental components that would be affected from the implementation of the project.