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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 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 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 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 developments works at Hulhumeedhoo, Addu City(2010-04) 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 development at Hulhumeedhoo in Addu City. 2. Project proponent of the proposed harbor development 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 construction of a harbor facility at Hulhumeedhoo, Addu City. Under the proposed project, a new harbor facility will be constructed in between Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo village at the lagoon area approximately 465m away from the existing shoreline. The proposed harbor’s eastern edge (main quay wall side) is aligned to the quay wall line marked in the land use plan of the island. Existing main access route will be maintenance dredged and used, while the shallow section leading to the proposed harbor will be deepened. Strip of land behind harbor will be reclaimed to use as harbor front, while a reclaimed walkway will connect the harbor to the island. 4. The island of Hulhumeedhoo lies at the north eastern corner of Addu, separate from the other three inhabited islands. The island is triangular in shape, while at the southern side Kedevaaheraa is joined with Hulhumeedhoo. Previously Herethere was also joined, but few years back a channel was dug separating the two islands. Measuring 2.3 km in length (approximate length to channel area) and around 1.7 km in width (at maximum), the island covers an area of approximately 283ha; the island is oriented north to south, while the northern side is wider. The island is located at 00° 35' 19" N and 73° 13' 53" E. 5. The design of the harbor is formulated in light of future development. The land use plan of the island is done with a harbor basin in between Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo village of size 786m by 222m. Due to budgetary constraints the proposed harbor size will be 366m by 91m. The sediment generated by the proposed project is too little for the level of reclamation proposed in the land use plan (sediment required for reclamation according to the land use plan is approximately 700,000m3, sediment generated from the proposed project is 110333m3), therefore a temporary access road is proposed connecting the island and harbor facility. 6. The harbor front area proposed for reclamation is 514m long and 100m, while a 30m wide and 372.8m long access road will connect the harbor to the island. The proposed harbor design includes 366m long main quay wall and 152m length of side quay walls (two side quay wall length). The main quay wall and side quay walls will be constructed of L section concrete elements. The proposed entrance channel will be 748m long, from this 125m is existing cleared (previously blasted areas) area where depth exceeds design depth of -3MSL. Approximately 623m length of entrance channel will require excavation to attain design depth of -3MSL. The harbor design includes a side quay wall at the southern side and northern for use as fish land and loading and unloading area respectively. The harbor basin and entrance channel will have a finish depth of -3MSL. 7. Although reefs are closely associated with harbors as in typical reef flat environments where the reef edge is close to the harbor basin the environmental setting at Hulhumeedhoo is somewhat different. There is no proper consolidated reef slope as a continuous reef morphological feature. It is rather a discontinuous reef margin with isolated reef patches that reach to a few meters below the sea surface. As such there is an extensive lagoon of several kilometers wide starting from the rudimentary or discontinuous reef to the shoreline. The distance between the edge of proposed harbor and reef slope is estimated over 2 km. There are several patch reefs as larger reef areas and smaller coral out crops within the larger lagoonal area. 8. 20 genera were recorded on reef flat among all coral patches surveyed. Porites, Goniastrea and Favia and Favites were the dominant genera recorded. Many massive colonies of Porites lobata and Goniastrea retiformis were observed in the area, many of the colonies exceeding 1m in maximum in diameter. Encrusting life form of Echinopora lamellose colonies were also observed in high numbers. Among other poritids, Porites lutea, Porites rus was recorded. The most dominant live coral groups are of massive growth forms such as Poritids and Faviids. Other encrusting species recorded includes, Favites Abdita, Favites helicora, Pavona varians, Astreopora myriophthalma, Pocillopora demicornis, Platygyra sinensis. 9. Sea grass forms the dominant benthic marine ecosystem where the proposed harbor would be located. The dominant species are Thallassia hemprichii, Thalassodendron ciliate, Syringodium filiforme, commercially important seaweed Eucheuma cotoni fc sp was present at various location of the sea grass meadow. This species does not naturally occur in the Maldives. Therefore the occurrence of this species in this area is difficult to explain. However, this species was a mariculture species that was introduced to Maldives as a commercially viable species for export. Several efforts were made to culture this in wild such as in Laamu and Baa atoll. The brood stock for this was made available from Marine Research Centre of Maldives who shows interest to culture this in the wild. As such this species may have been introduced to this environment and may be the reason for the presence of this species in this habitat. 10. The shoreline of the proposed harbor location and vicinity is predominantly inter-tidal forming small creeks and tributaries at various location of the shoreline during low tide. As such this habitat becomes an important feeding habitat for several species of sea birds, fiddler crabs and sea shells. A significant habitat within the intertidal area there the island community boasts as a mud crab breading habitat is located at the southern end of the bay. The islanders apparently collect adult mud crabs (Scylla serreta). This is a commercially important species of a crab that has high value both locally and internationally. Countries such as Sri Lanka and India produce this in large numbers as cultured species. Although no adult individuals were found from the wild during the field visit several number of juveniles were found during the field surveys confirming the presence of brood stock in the vicinity. Based on their estimated abundance it is likely that the crabs can be cultured that could provide lucrative income to the island community especially with potential sale of this to the tourist industry. To explore the viability of culturing mud crabs locally it is therefore important to ensure that the brood stock and their habitat are appropriately safeguarded. With the construction of the harbor and future development plan for this area currently at planning stage have the potential to threaten or endanger this habitat. Even if the commercial value of the habitat is not seen significant from current perception the ecological importance of these types of habitats are significant nationally. Coastal development projects such as these should give due consideration to protect ecological integrity of the ecosystem where ever possible through appropriate design and decision making. 11. 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. 12. The reclamation works will cause loss of sea grass habitat and associated organism, this impact is an unavoidable impact. Also it has to be noted that a larger reclamation component is proposed at this area according to the land use plan. Potential commercially important area is located at the southern side of the proposed harbor, north of Hulhudhoo harbor (mud crab habitat), which will be indirectly impacts due to the proposed project in terms of sedimentation and smothering. This habitat is a muddy inter tidal area, therefore impacts is envisaged to be minor to moderate. But if the larger reclamation is anticipated in the future, this habitat will be lost, thereby causing habitat loss (but it has to be noted that the scope of current EIA does not involve reclamation of bay area, but disposal of dredged material and connection of harbor and island). 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. The timing of future reclamation works is not yet decided, therefore temporary protection shoreline measures has to be considered for the reclaimed strip of land and access route. The mitigation measures proposed includes construction of revetments at the erosion prone areas that were identified by the consultants after reviewing the concept plan. Any erosion at the reclaimed area has the potential to cause sedimentation and water quality impacts, therefore shoreline monitoring has to be carried out to identify erosion areas and take mitigation measures. 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 socioeconomic benefits foreseen to the community from a functional harbor.Item Environmental impact assessment report : development of Transit Hotel and Marina Finolloss, Baa Atoll(2011-09) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupBackground The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed Transit Hotel and a Marina facility on the island of Finolhoss, Baa atoll. This hotel is developed as part of the airport development project in Dharavandhoo, Baa atoll. The Transit Hotel at Finolhoss will be operated by Coastline Hotels and Resorts under Coastline Group of Companies Pvt Ltd. Project Detail Finolhoss will be developed as a luxury hotel, accommodating 200 beds offering a unique and exclusive product. The project will involve construction of 17 land villas (duplex), 32 water villas, and a small marina catering for small to medium sized yachts (8-15m yachts). The water villas would be constructed at the lagoon area from the northwest point of the island, while the land villas are to be built on the northern side of the Island. The marina and support facilities would be constructed at the southern side of the island within the shallow lagoon. Environmental Component of the project As the project is set in a coral reef based island the proposed component of the project are very much related to the surrounding environmental components. These include, the terrestrial vegetation, marine environment which includes reef, near-shore lagoon and intertidal beach. Use of field data collected during the field visit to the site in October 2010 and available secondary data on the said environmental components has been used to assess and evaluate potential environmental impacts that are likely to arise from implementation of the proposed project activities especially in the context of the magnitude and duration of the project components. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Possible impacts arising from the resort development and operation works are categorized into reversible and permanent (irreversible) impacts. The impacts identified are also described according to their location, extent (magnitude) and characteristics. Reversible and irreversible impacts are further categorized into intensity of impacts (negligible, minor, moderate and major) for identifying best possible remedial (mitigation measures) actions to be taken. 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 on the environment (on land and reef system) from the proposed works are limited to number of causes. These include: Construction debris blown away by wind or spillage during transportation on to the reef or lagoon (initially material will be unloaded using barge, but after completion of harbor dredging works, the harbor will be used for material unloading), Potential changes to the long shore transport and littoral regime of the island due to the coastal developments (beach creation, backfilling works and harbor deepening works), Possible impacts from excessive sedimentation on the reef by beach creation works and harbor deepening works, as these may alter the local hydrodynamic regime within the system resulting in siltation and increased water turbidity, Direct loss of habitat and disturbance to the lagoon bottom and reef flat area by harbor dredging and piling works at the water bungalow construction areas, Direct loss of habitat and disturbance to the lagoon bottom by footing clearance for piling works for the over water structures, Loss of vegetation due to clearing vegetation for creating space for new constructions, Groundwater contamination by digging trenches or dewatering for placing foundations of building and possible spillage of fuel or other hazardous chemicals. Operation of heavy machinery and construction related equipment will contribute to noise pollution. Noise pollution during the construction works will be mainly due to the operation of excavators, trucks and concrete machines. Air pollution due to the project will be mainly due to operation of heavy machinery like excavators, trucks, concrete machines, power generator, burning of waste and boat operations. Mitigation measures Mitigation measures are discussed for the construction and operational stages of the project. During the construction stage it is important to take measures to minimize generation of construction waste; impacts due to disposal of construction waste may cause significant degradation of terrestrial habitat or groundwater quality or reef health. Method of construction also has to be taken in to account for minimized impact. A construction method that has the least impact on terrestrial or marine environment has to be utilized. Waste generated during the construction phase will be sorted and reused as much as possible (construction debris for construction works as filling, timber for form work). All burnable items will be burnt, rest sorted and sent to local disposal site or Thilafushi (disposal at Thilafushi will be costly due to long distance transportation). Project management staff will be appointed for monitoring waste generation and management of the contractors working on the island. All waste generated at end of each working day will collected and sorted and then sent to the waste management building. All burnable waste (timber flakes, saw dust, paper, and packing material) will be incinerated. Reusable items such as gunny bags, saw dust (for making compost) will be reused as much as possible. Food waste generated at the temporary accommodation and kitchen area will be collected in waste collection bins. Separate bins will be placed for collection of metal tins/glass bottles and plastics. All burnable items will be incinerated; glass bottles crushed, metal tins compacted and sent to local disposal site or disposed at deep sea. During construction stage green waste will be generated from the vegetation clearance works. All major vegetation (large mature trees) removed will be replanted elsewhere to the greatest extent possible. Daily cleaning works will also generate green waste; these would be used for making compost at the nursery. Alternatives Considering the alternatives for the project in terms of location, type of economic activity to be carried out has been decided by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Apart from the type of economic activity and location other aspects that can have alternatives are; Construction method of over water structures Location of over water structures Sewage treatment method Feed water intake method, outfall and brine discharge pipes Beach creation and back filling work Harbor basin deepening method Conclusion Assessment of the project components and their associated impacts have been considered in the context of baseline environmental information collected at the project location as part of this EIA report. It has been the general finding that the project components will bring environmental alterations to the project site if the activities are implemented. Several projects of similar nature have been developed over the past several decades as part of the Maldives tourism industry. No serious environmental damage has been reported or documented due to implementation of these projects. With due consideration given to the fragility of the natural environment, this document has discussed and identified mitigation measures for the potential impacts to the natural environment. The economic benefits from the project are likely to beneficial to the national economy at large.