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Item Environmental impact assessment for the development of aquatic animal quarantine facility at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport(2016-07) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed construction of a live aquatic animal quarantine facility at the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. The proponent of the project is the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. The proposed project is a part of the institutional strengthening component of the Mariculture Enterprise Development Project (MEDeP) implemented by the Ministry. It involves construction and set up of the live aquatic animal quarantine facility, which is inclusive of a quarantine building and pump station. The seawater for the holding tanks will be sourced through a seawater well located at the lagoon area to the west of project site (back reef area of Hulhule reef), while wastewater discharge will be through pipeline laid from facility to the western reef (pipeline south of facility and run near quay wall of harbor southern side of Hulhule Island Hotel, close to the along-side berthing area for fuel tanker ships). 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. The impacts identified are also described according to their location, extent and characteristics. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. Impacts due to project were few and minimal, mainly with low effects. Impacts were mainly envisaged on seawater quality and marine environment, as well as vegetation (due to removal of coconut palms). Details of impact analysis are discussed in Section 9 of the report. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Given the minimal impacts, mitigation measures due to project are few. However, the formulation of contingency plans in case of equipment breakdown or incidence of other events such as fire and floods should be given a priority. Due to the scope of the project and the means of implementation, an alternative scenario has also been given for the means of wastewater disposal. The „no project‟ alternative is also considered. Although this would mean avoidance of environmental impacts, this option is not feasible due to the necessity of the project, especially if the mariculture sector was to expand. Hence the project, with current designs and methods is considered feasible, and Consultant feels that appropriate mitigation measures have been given in 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 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 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 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 for resort development at Kudavillingili, Kaafu Atoll(2011-10) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1.1 BACKGROUND The non technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed development of a 700 bed five star luxury resort on the island of Kudavillingili by Kudavillingili Development Pvt Ltd, a Maldivian registered company which is a joint venture between Yacht Tours Maldives and Government of Maldives (95% and 5% shares respectively). 1.2 PROJECT DETAIL Kudavillingili will be developed as a 5 star luxury resort offering a unique and exclusive product. The project will involve construction of land villas, water villas, service facilities, support facilities and a yacht marina. The project also involves beach creation and back filling works at Kudavillingili as well as reclamation of land to increase the land area of the island to accommodate the targeted bed capacity.Item Environmental impact assessment report harbor development works at Milandhoo, Shaviyani Atoll(2010-03) 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 Milandhoo in South Male Atoll. 2. Design and size of the harbor are decided by the Harbor Technical Committee, which the former Ministry of Planning and National Development heads (now Department of National Planning, Ministry of Finance and Treasury). The implementation agency of the harbor project is former Ministry of Construction and Public Infrastructure (now Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment). The harbor location is finalized with the consent of the Island Development Committee (IDC) and Harbor Committee of Milandhoo. 3. The existing entrance at Milandhoo was cleared some 15 years back during the initial development of the island for resettlement of Sh Maakandoodhoo population. Since then the entrance has not been maintenance dredged. At present large vessels such as cargo dhonis can navigate the channel lagoon up to the two access jetties of the island at the western bay shape area. 4. The proposed development project involves development of a 229.4m x 91m harbor and a 22m wide, 200m long entrance channel. The harbor protection walls will be constructed using armor stones, while the wharves will be of “L” section concrete elements. Dredged material will be used for back filling at the back of the harbor, either side of the harbor and rest of the dredged material will be stockpiled for future use such as leveling of roads. Sand stock pile is to be located east of the harbor at the marsh land (proposed by IDC). Revetment walls will be constructed at northern and southern sides of the harbor for additional protection. The harbor development will be funded by the government of Maldives under the Access Improvement Programme implemented by the Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment (MHTE). 5. This report provides the results of the fieldwork carried out on Milandhoo in July and December 2008 and associated public and community consultations that followed. The environmental impacts arising from the proposed developments are predicted based on the findings of the fieldwork along with the activities that cause these impacts during the construction and operational phases. 6. 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. 7. Two sites were selected to assess reef benthos and selected fish community as the baseline data which would also be considered for long-term monitoring program to monitor the impact of the project. In addition to the fish and benthic surveys, seawater quality was assessed in the lagoon at the west central area. 8. The substrate of the lagoon is mostly abiotic. The area to be dredged is dominated with rock and sand, while entrance area has significant cover of laminar and branching forms of acroporids. At the slope area massive and tabular forms are abundant. Compared to survey site proximity of project area, the site RF1 (near existing entrance), live coral cover is low. Large patch of Porties cylindrica is observed just inside either side of existing entrance. 9. The southern side of the harbor is near low laying marshy area; this area is entirely composed of Dhiggaa. Mangrove pond is observed at the south western side of the island, facing the southern quadrant. The harbor front area will be filled and located off the existing shoreline therefore no direct impacts are envisaged. 10. It is important to note that the most significant impact associated with the project would be impact on the marine environment from sedimentation. Dredging and excavation often carry a heavy load of sediments increasing sediment load in the water column causing discoloration due to suspended sediments of the impact area for a prolonged period. 11. The proposed entrance is at the south western side of the harbor, which would probably increase the maintenance dredging frequency. The dominant flow of sediment at the reef system (assessing the satellite images and beach) is west wards from southern and northern side accreting at the west central area. Therefore entrance will sit at an area where sediment flow will be highest. Increased maintenance dredging also means sustained sedimentation, which would give less time for the reef habitat to recover. Also it has to be noted that cutting a new entrance will have impact on the hydrodynamic regime of the island possibly causing change lagoonal current flow. In terms of live coral cover the proposed entrance location has higher cover compared to existing entrance area. 12. Considering the environmental impacts envisaged, the consultants recommend changing the location of the entrance. At present an existing entrance is located at the west central area of the reef cutting to the lagoon. This entrance was cut some 15 years back is has been used by the community as an access to the island. It has to be noted that this entrance is approximately 300-350m from harbor basin (depending of shape of entrance), also according to the island office, this entrance can be used through out the year apart from few days when extreme weather is experienced. 13. Environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are considered minor to moderate. The significant environmental components that are likely to be affected are the coral community established on the reef flat and changes to littoral drift and near-shore coastal hydrodynamics. Impact on the coral community from sedimentation as a result of excavation is inevitable. 14. 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 environmental monitoring proposed here is to determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures and long term change to the benthic community, especially coral community and beach, where the baseline information was collected. 15. With due consideration to main environmental components identified and the magnitude of impacts on these components from the proposed developments, the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible with the alternatives 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 the harbor.Item EIA report for reconstruction of berth at Thilafushi block 149C(2011-01-18) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is to fulfill the regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives prior to the proposed restoration of alongside berth and harbor at Thilafushi block 149C. 2. Project proponent of the proposed project is Mr Ahmed Shahir, M Furahani who is the lease holder of Thilafushi block 149C. 3. The proposed project involves construction of alongside berth and reclamation of land at Block 149C, Thilafushi. The reclamation area is confined to existing harbor basin; while berth will be constructed at reef slope side and basin side. The berth at the reef slope side will be constructed using piles and tie beams thereby cantilevering to attain depths of -20m (used for berthing large vessels). 4. The location of project site is at Thilafushi block 149C, which is located at the eastern side of Thilafushi facing the channel between Thilafushi and Gulhi Falhu. The project site, reclamation area is a dredged harbor, while the berth area is damaged breakwater (which at present is submerged). A timber walk way or jetty is observed at the area which is at present used for loading and unloading material from larger vessels. 5. Pilling works will be done using modified excavator with hydraulic system. The piles will be driven using a Tommen Vibrohammer attached to the excavator. The circular 600mm piles for the berth area will be driven to 18m below ground level (outer most piles); while the inner piles and sheet piles will be driven to a depth of 9m below ground level. The sheet piles at the harbor basin area will also be driven using the vibrohammer to a depth of 9m. 15 round piles will be driven at the alongside berth area which will be used as the super structure for tie beams and quay wall. The distance between two piles will be 5m. The sheet pile line total length is 204m, the sheet pile sections will be anchored at 3m interval. 6. The reclamation works will be carried out using construction debris from resorts (construction debris generated from reconstruction of resorts) as core material and dredged spoil from basin area as top soil. The dredged spoil from dredging of basin area will be temporarily stored at existing reclaimed land at block 149C. Excavator on barge will be used for dredging the basin area. Filling works will be done after sheet pilling and piling works of berth area is completed. The existing entrance area will also undergo maintenance dredging. The dredged harbor basin and entrance will have a depth of -4MSL. 7. The length of alongside berth is 70m, the alongside berth will have fenders at 10m intervals. The berth quay area will be concrete slab caste on top of the tie beams. The design of the berth is made such the deep water access is made without the need of dredging the reef slope area. The quay wall will be cantilevered approximately to 3m, which would attain depths of 15-20m suitable for large vessels. Behind the berth, sheet pile section will run all along the periphery of the reclaimed area. 8. The reclamation works will be done after completion of excavation and pilling works, which would effectively bund the reclamation area. Construction debris from resorts will be used for fill the area as core material. Approximately 7360m3 of construction debris will be used as core material. The top soil requirement will be met by dredged spoil generated during the deepening of basin and entrance area. Approximately 4100m3 of dredged spoil will be generated during this work. This material will be stored on land temporarily until core material filling is finished. The finish level of reclamation area is 1.5MSL (which is the finish level of paving stone). 9. Status of marine environment at the project area and adjacent block area was done by visual assessment. Snorkeling survey was done at the reef flat and slope area recording the major benthic substrate cover. The reef slope at the area is very steep, with few over hangs. The reef flat area is observed with major anthropogenic impacts; these include construction waste and other debris (since these areas are reclaimed using constriction debris and similar waste). Live coral cover at the area was less than 1%, with only few encrusting forms. Reef slope area also had very few love coral (less 1%), with few laminar forms and massive colonies. Sedimentation was observed at the rock substrate possibly due to reclamation/excavation works done at other sites at Thilafushi. 10. The project involves modification of existing harbor facility at Thilafushi Block 149C. The coastline and reef area of Thilafushi has undergone major modifications over the years after establishing the island as an industrial island. At present a number of alongside berths and harbors are built at Thilafushi catering for different industrial and commercial uses. Therefore the project area is not a pristine environment. It has to be noted that major excavation/reclamation works are done at Thilafushi and adjacent reef (Gulhifalhu which has far greater environmental impacts). 11. Since the project site is already polluted by construction debris and other solid waste, it is thought that impact of mobilization and loading/unloading works will have minor impacts. Since existing basin will be used, additional impacts to reef or lagoon will be minor. 12. Thilafushi reef system especially at the inter atoll side is severely impacted due to reclamation, dredging and waste disposal works. In this regard reef area near block 149C is almost void of live coral, while the reef flat area is littered with construction debris (used for reclaiming land). Therefore it is not possible to assess and monitor changes to reef health in terms of development work at block 149C. The parameters that can be monitored are water quality (which will also need to be monitored during construction and operational stage, especially if fuel loading and unloading work will be carried out at the berth), vibration levels during piling works and visual assessment of piling area after driving each pile. 13. In conclusion, with due consideration environmental components the project is likely to effect the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures are given to correct and minimize unfavorable environmental consequences (considering environmental condition of project area).