Environment - ތިމާވެށި
Browse
13 results
Search Results
Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed water supply and sewerage system in Hulhumalé Phase II, Malé City, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives(2016-02) SandcaysThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study under the proposed water supply and sewerage system project in the newly reclaimed Phase II of Hulhumalé. The project is proposed by Malé Water and Sewerage Company Ltd. The project entails establishment of a comprehensive water and sewerage system in Hulhumalé Second Phase. The proposed system is similar to the existing system in phase 1 and includes the provision of water and sewerage services to all of the proposed neighbourhoods and commercial areas including the proposed Tourism District, Yacht Marina and Knowledge Park. The project takes place in the newly reclaimed phase 2 of Hulhumalé on the north of existing phase 1. Hulhumalé is part of the nation’s capital Malé, developed as a separate island but soon to be connected by the largest bridge in the Maldives. The existing size of the island is approximately 320 hectares including the reclaimed area of Phase 2. Hulhumalé is the most planned development in the Greater Malé Region so far. The proposed water supply system incorporates desalination facility with a total capacity of 10,000 m3 per day to be installed in different phases of the project. All requested facilities will be provided with metered connections. HDPE pipes will be laid on the roads as shown. In addition, a number of alternatives to the proposed project components have been identified in this document. Some of these alternatives consider alternative means of wastewater disposal including ground disposal, alternative means of water supply and alternative outfall locations. The most preferable alternative to the proposed desalination only water scheme is integration of a rainwater harvesting component. Though this alternative has few advantages over the proposed, at this stage in development of Hulhumale’ Phase II, it would be impractical to implement it. It has also been recommended to use solar desalination technologies since the initial demand would be low and production capacity minimal. Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operational phase of the project. Most of the environmental impacts identified for the construction phase of the project were minor negative; these include excavation and its impact on the landscape of reclaimed land and sedimentation from installing the outfalls. However, the impacts identified for the operational phase of the project were mostly moderate to major positive; averting possible contamination and salinization of ground water and reduction of related health hazards. Disposal of sewage via a sea outfall is considered as minor negative impact while the alternative of disposing to ground has numerous major negative impacts. The provision of safe and adequate supply of potable water enhances living environment and provides economic opportunities such as tourism establishments including guest houses and city hotels. The main mitigation measures for this project during the construction phase are similar to other water and sewerage projects such as dust control plans, working during low- tide as much as possible and rigorous supervision. The design shall also ensure that dewatering is minimized. As for the operational phase trained maintenance staff to service the water and sewerage system and regular check-ups has been suggested in addition to monitoring water quality as well as reef health for potential impacts. In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical, administrative, socio-economic, health and an environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed water and sewerage system development project. It is recommended to proceed the project as proposed.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed shore protection project in Kurendhoo, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives(2015-12) SandcaysThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study under the shore protection project proposed for Kurendhoo in Lhaviyani Atoll. The project is proposed by Ministry of Environment and Energy. The project comprises of the protection of the eroding area on the southeast corner end of the island, adjoining the football ground. Shoreline at this part of the island has to be protected for safeguarding the football ground and protect the area from severe erosion. A 220m long rock boulder revetment has been proposed. The project also involves backfill of the proposed revetment area and behind the previously proposed breakwater on the north by getting sand from approved borrow areas. The project will be undertaken together with the ongoing harbour project and is estimated to take about 120 days with a manpower requirement estimated at 27 and involving heavy machinery including excavator, dump truck, loader and crane. A number of alternatives to the proposed project components have been identified in this document. Of these, the preferred alternative is a groyne field with a nearshore submerged breakwater. The cost of the preferred alternative is similar and the protection to updrift and downdrift locations are further enhanced by appropriately-designed groyne field. Other alternatives include just a groyne field or a semi-submerged breakwater. Rock boulders is the preferred material for the proposed shore protection while geotextile bags or geotextile tubes may be used as a cheaper alternative but would not be as effective as rock boulders. There are not many options to be identified as borrow areas since the island is surrounded by quite narrow reef flats and there are no lagoon areas with fine sand. Therefore, the alternative would be to bring material from a lagoon nearby and have the material taken to the fill location in trucks or pumped to fill location. However, due to the small scale of the project, alternative borrow areas have not been considered except those areas that have already been approved. Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operational phases of the project. Most of the direct, negative environmental impacts identified for the construction phase of the project were minor negative; the main impact being sedimentation during the filling of the proposed fill areas. However, these impacts are of low significance while the benefits of the proposed project outweigh the negative impacts including the protection to the football field, shore protection to the beach in the area as well as downdrift locations. The fill areas shown in the proposed project are the same areas identified in the EIA and the EIA Addendum for the harbour project. Therefore, in principle those areas have been approved. However, for the purpose of this EIA, the borrow areas are different from those proposed earlier. According to the Council, the area identified on the SW side is preferable for dredging because this area is more suitable for a creating an area for swimming since the reef extent on this area is greater than in other areas. Since it does not have adequate swimming depths, deepening this area provides the required fill for the southeast end while creating swimming area for the island that lacks swimmable area around the island. The creation of the swimming area or an artificial beach in the proposed area, however, is not within the scope of this EIA report. The impact on coral reef is also less in this area since the net flow in this area is generally towards the eroded southern end and the reef flat and slope are devoid of live coral and mainly with bedrock. For the fill area on the north, the harbour area would be quite suitable as it would provide sufficient material for the proposed fill area while keeping the impacts to an already impacted area. Therefore, it is considered most suitable to dredge material for the northern fill from the harbour area and that for the southeast fill from the southwest lagoon. The small borrow area shown on the north may be considered only if adequate fill material cannot be obtained. Since there are a few impacts, there are no specific mitigation measures for the proposed project. General mitigation measures, involving appropriate construction management such as working during low-tide as much as possible and rigorous supervision during project implementation are recommended Since monitoring has not been undertaken in the past for the harbour project, it is recommended to carry out monitoring for this project. This project has linkages with the harbour project and therefore the recommended mitigation measures and monitoring programmes in the EIA and Addendum for the harbour project shall be undertaken in conjunction with the proposed shore protection project. In conclusion, it appears justified, from a technical and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed shore protection project. Since alternatives have not been considered or discussed with the relevant stakeholders including the Council, it is recommended to consider all potential alternatives to shore protection, including those identified by the EIA Consultants, before proceeding with the project.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed sewerage system in Ihavandhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives(2015-11) SandcaysThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study under the proposed sewerage system project at HA. Ihavandhoo. The project is proposed by Ministry of Environment and Energy. The project entails establishment of a proper island-wide sewerage system with a sea outfall. The proposed project will involve installing a pipe network to collect sewage from all the households on the island and necessary pumping stations. Currently raw sewage is disposed onto the ground via house-level soak-pits; polluting groundwater greatly. The proposed outfall will pump wastewater beyond the house-reef at over 7m depth. A number of alternatives to the proposed project components have been identified in this document. Of these, the preferred alternative is to change the outfall location. It is also proposed to consider a treatment plant in the design, though the consultants are of the opinion, proposed system without a treatment plant but changed outfall location is the best option. Other alternatives include considering different disposal options; ground and lagoon, which are not recommended for reasons of greater environmental pollution. Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operational phase of the project. Most of the environmental impacts identified for the construction phase of the project were minor negative; these include sedimentation from installing the outfall and temporary salinization of groundwater from de-watering to lay out the pipe network and pump stations. However, the impacts identified for the operational phase of the project were mostly moderate to major positive; improvement of groundwater quality from stopping the current sewage disposal practise and reduction of related health hazards. Disposal of sewage via proposed sea outfall is considered to have a minor negative impact. The main mitigation measures for this project during the construction phase are similar to other sewerage projects such as dust control plans, working during low- tide as much as possible and rigorous supervision. In case of deterioration of groundwater quality due to potential dewatering during construction of lifting stations in residential area, measures to water plants in the area that may be affected due to dewatering shall be in place. The design shall also ensure that dewatering is minimized. As for the operational phase trained maintenance staff to service the sewerage system and regular check-ups has been suggested in addition to monitoring water quality as well as reef health for potential impacts. Increasing awareness on groundwater conservation and promoting sustainable groundwater aquifer management, especially the skimming well technology has been suggested. The Proponent is willing to undertake monitoring during and after the construction phase in addition to undertaking the mitigation measures proposed by the consultants. In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical, administrative and to some extent environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed sewerage system development project. The alternative of wastewater treatment will involve greater operational costs; therefore, it is recommended to proceed the project as proposed while keeping the option open for future wastewater treatment, as and when required.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed sewerage system in Nolhivaram, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives(2016-06) SandcaysThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study under the proposed sewerage system project at HDh. Nolhivaram. The project is proposed by Ministry of Environment and Energy. The project entails establishment of a proper island-wide sewerage system with a sea outfall. The proposed project will involve installing a pipe network to collect sewage from all the households on the island and necessary pumping stations. Currently raw sewage is disposed onto the ground via house-level soak-pits; polluting groundwater greatly. The proposed outfall will pump wastewater beyond the house-reef at over 7m depth. A number of alternatives to the proposed project components have been identified in this document. Of these, the preferred alternative is to change the outfall location directly north of the island. It is also proposed to consider a treatment plant in the design, though the consultants are of the opinion, proposed system without a treatment plant but alternative outfall location is the best option. Other alternatives include considering different disposal options; ground and lagoon, which are not recommended for reasons of greater environmental pollution. Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operational phase of the project. Most of the environmental impacts identified for the construction phase of the project were minor negative; these include excavation and related difficulties to road uses, sedimentation from installing the outfall and temporary salinization of groundwater from dewatering to lay out the pipe network and pump stations. However, the impacts identified for the operational phase of the project were mostly moderate to major positive; improvement of groundwater quality from stopping the current sewage disposal practise and reduction of related health hazards. Disposal of sewage via a sea outfall is considered as minor negative impact while the lack of multiple lagoon outfalls will help to improve the quality of the lagoons which is a primary recreational area of the island. The main mitigation measures for this project during the construction phase are similar to other sewerage projects such as dust control plans, working during low-tide during pipe installation and rigorous supervision. In case of deterioration of groundwater quality due to potential dewatering during construction of lifting stations in residential area, measures to water plants in the area that may be affected due to dewatering shall be in place. The design shall also ensure that dewatering is minimized. As for the operational phase trained maintenance staff to service the sewerage system and regular check-ups has been suggested in addition to monitoring water quality as well as reef health for potential impacts. Increasing awareness on groundwater conservation and promoting sustainable groundwater aquifer management, especially the skimming well technology has been suggested. The Proponent is willing to undertake monitoring during and after the construction phase in addition to undertaking the mitigation measures proposed by the consultants. In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical, administrative and to some extent environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed sewerage system development project. The alternative of wastewater treatment will involve greater operational costs; therefore, it is recommended to proceed the project as proposed while keeping the option open for future wastewater treatment, as and when required.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed water and sewerage system in Dhiffushi, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives(2016-10) SandcaysThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study under the proposed water and sewerage system project at K. Dhiffushi. The project is proposed by the Secretariat of Dhiffushi Council. The project entails establishment of a proper island-wide water supply and sewerage system. The proposed project will involve installing a pipe network to collect sewage and wastewater from all the households on the island and necessary pumping stations. Currently, raw sewage and wastewater is disposed to the lagoon via multiple outfalls polluting the nearshore environment while there are a few house-level soak-pits polluting groundwater. The proposed outfall will pump wastewater beyond the house-reef at over 7m depth. The proposed water supply network will be an integrated system consisting of harvested rainwater from roofs of community buildings with desalinated water which will be treated and distributed to households through the water supply network. Rainwater is the main source of potable water used in the island as each house has a 2500 litre tank. For other uses groundwater is used which is either pumped out by electric pump or rarely by manually using a handcrafted bucket (dhaani). Water intake will be by using boreholes. The boreholes will be drilled and installed according to the Borehole Drilling Guidelines administered by the Environmental Protection Agency. The brine discharge will be inside the harbour. It is important to provide adequate supply of potable water and provide appropriate wastewater disposal systems to provide safe and adequate supply of water and to minimize faecal contamination and foul smell in the groundwater, which the community is highly dependent upon. Furthermore, the small water storage facilities at household level presents water shortage issues during the dry season while contamination of the groundwater lens with wastewater effluent and salinization of the lens has become an increasingly important issue. Several alternatives to the proposed project components have been identified in this report. Some of these alternatives consider alternative means of wastewater disposal including treatment, alternative means of water supply and alternative outfall locations. Since groundwater wells are fixed with electric pumps to draw water which has been the main reason for excessive drawdown and subsequent salinization of the freshwater lens, alternatives involving sustainable groundwater use such as skimming wells have been recommended. Wastewater treatment is considered as a favourable option while it has been argued that if the effluent can be disposed of at an appropriate location, there would not be a need for treatment since there will be good mixing and flushing in such areas. It has also been recommended to use solar desalination technologies since the initial demand would be low. Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operational phase of the project. Most of the environmental impacts identified for the construction phase of the project were minor negative; these include excavation and related difficulties to road uses, sedimentation from installing the outfall and temporary salinization of groundwater from dewatering to lay out the pipe network and pump stations. However, the impacts identified for the operational phase of the project were mostly moderate to major positive; improvement of groundwater quality and nearshore environment from stopping the current sewage disposal practise and reduction of related health hazards. Disposal of sewage via a sea outfall is considered as minor negative impact while the lack of multiple lagoon outfalls will help to improve the quality of the lagoons which is a primary recreational area of the island. The main mitigation measures for this project during the construction phase are similar to other water supply and sewerage projects such as dust control plans, working during low-tide during pipe installation and rigorous supervision. In case of deterioration of groundwater quality due to potential dewatering during construction of lifting stations in residential area, measures to water plants in the area that may be affected due to dewatering shall be in place. The design shall also ensure that dewatering is minimized. As for the operational phase trained maintenance staff to service the sewerage system and regular check-ups have been suggested in addition to monitoring water quality as well as reef health for potential impacts. Increasing awareness on groundwater conservation and promoting sustainable groundwater aquifer management, especially the skimming well technology has been suggested. The Proponent is willing to undertake monitoring during and after the construction phase in addition to undertaking the mitigation measures proposed by the consultants. In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical, administrative and to some extent environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed water supply and sewerage system development project. The alternative of wastewater treatment will involve greater operational costs; therefore, it is recommended to proceed with the project as proposed while keeping the option open for future wastewater treatment, as and when required.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed breakwater construction in Hulhudhuffaru, Raa Atoll, Maldives(2016-02) SandcaysThe project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The project entails construction of breakwaters along the channel in the island of Hulhudhuffaru. A 130m long breakwater will be built on the northern side of the channel while 30 m structure will be built on the southern end. Additionally, the harbor basin will be dredged to obtain an even depth of 3m from MSL. Dredge material will be stockpiled north of the harbor. Proposed excavation and breakwater construction will be carried out using an excavator on barge, cranes and dump trucks. The project is expected to be completed within 250 days. Under the Maldives Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law No. 4/93) and EIA Regulation 2012, such developments require an EIA to be carried out and the environmental clearance is given in the form of a Decision Statement by EPA. The project proponent commissioned Sandcays Pvt. Ltd to carry out the EIA. The scope of the EIA report is to assess, identify, predict and document potential environmental impacts from the proposed breakwater replacement and maintenance dredging by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure in Raa. Hulhudhuffaru. As the existing channel is rough and harbor basin has become shallow due to sediment deposition from surrounding areas, the key aim of the proposed project is to provide a safe access and mooring area for as many vessels as possible during both the monsoons. Baseline environmental conditions of the site have been undertaken for which environmental impacts from the project has been identified and evaluated. Also, some alternatives, in terms of alternative materials, design and dredge material disposal to the project as well as no project development option have been stated. Preferred options have been stated over alternatives for the proposed project implementation. The environmental impacts that are associated with the proposed breakwater construction are divided into construction phase and operation phase environmental impacts. Most of the construction phase environmental impacts are believed to occur from construction of breakwater and maintenance dredging. The main environmental impacts associated with the proposed project include changes in marine water quality and possible changes in oceanographic setting of the project area. As part of the proposed development, a number of mitigation measures will be taken into consideration; such as careful planning of the project implementation, reusing and appropriately disposing of construction waste and undertaking regular environmental monitoring to asses any changes to the environment due to project activities and formulate mitigation measures to unexpected impacts. The overall environmental performance will be monitored by an environmental monitoring framework that will be implemented as part of the proposed breakwater construction project on Raa. Hulhudhuffaru.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed shore protection project at Hoarafushi, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives(2015-12) SandcaysThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study under the shore protection project proposed for Hoarafushi in Haa Alifu Atoll. The project is proposed by Ministry of Environment and Energy. The project comprises of the protection of the eroding area on either sides of the harbour. A 570m long rock boulder revetment on the northwest of the harbour and 230m breakwater on the southeast of the harbour has been proposed. The project also involves backfill of the proposed revetment areas using an estimated total of 17,000cbm of sand. The sand is proposed to be taken from the lagoon on the north of Hoarafushi. The project will be undertaken as part of the ongoing harbour project and is estimated to take about 180 days with a manpower requirement estimated at 27 and involving heavy machinery including excavator, dump truck, loader and crane. A number of alternatives to the proposed project components have been identified in this document. Of these, the preferred alternative is a groyne field with a smaller revetment adjoining the harbour. The cost of the preferred alternative is similar or slightly less but provides beach in these areas and better protection to downdrift locations, if the structures are designed properly. Other alternatives include a groyne field with a semi-submerged breakwater or just a groyne field or a semi-submerged breakwater only. Rock boulders is the preferred material for the proposed shore protection while geotextile bags or geotextile tubes may be used as a cheaper alternative but would not be as effective as rock boulders. Sand is available from the large span of lagoon on the north of Hoarafushi including the three options considered by the Contractor. The shallow channel between Ungulufinolhu on the south and Hoarafushi is also an alternative that will help to minimize the magnitude of flow between these two islands since Kudafinolhu on the northwest of Hoarafushi is now naturally connected with Hoarafushi. Even when the island on the north was not connected with Hoarafushi, there was severe erosion on the south of Hoarafushi, as identified in the EIA report. Therefore, deepening this channel would help to ease the erosion on the southern end of Hoarafushi. This area is more feasible for the fill behind the proposed revetment on the south of the harbour. The harbour is also an option, however, may not have material suitable for beach fill. Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operational phases of the project. Most of the direct, negative environmental impacts identified for the construction phase of the project were minor negative; the main impact being sedimentation during the filling of the proposed fill areas. However, these impacts are of low significance while the benefits of the proposed project outweigh the negative impacts including the protection to the area, which has been eroded mainly as a result of constructing the harbour. In fact, these shore protection measures should have been proposed as mitigation measures within the EIA for the harbour project. However, the measures could have been avoided at that time due to budgetary constraints. Since there are a few impacts, there are no specific mitigation measures for the proposed project except to keep the borrow areas at least 50m from shore, as per the requirements of the Dredging and Reclamation Regulation. However, in order to mitigate the impacts on the aesthetics of the beach area due to the revetment, it is recommended to minimize the revetment and consider groyne field or offshore structure as proposed in the alternatives. However, the proposed revetments may provide better protection to the areas under consideration. Therefore, it is a choice that the Proponent can make in consultation with the Engineers and other stakeholders. General mitigation measures, involving appropriate construction management such as working during low-tide as much as possible and rigorous supervision during project implementation are recommended. Since monitoring has not been undertaken in the past for the harbour project, it is recommended to carry out monitoring for this project. This project has linkages with the harbour project and therefore the recommended mitigation measures and monitoring programmes in the EIA for the harbour project shall be undertaken in conjunction with the proposed shore protection project. Therefore, a holistic monitoring programme has been recommended for the eastern shoreline of the island under this project. In conclusion, it appears justified, from a technical and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed shore protection project. Since alternatives have not been considered or discussed with the relevant stakeholders including the Council, it is recommended to consider all potential alternatives to shore protection, including those identified by the EIA Consultants, before proceeding with the project.Item Environmental management plan for the proposed sewage treatment plant in Maayaafushi Tourist Resort, Alif Alif Atoll, Maldives(2014-09) SandcaysThis EMP will identify key aspects of environmental management of the proposed Sewage Treatment Plant to be installed at Maayaafushi Tourist Resort, Alif Alif atoll with emphasis on how to manage environmental impacts and take necessary measures to minimize any impacts that may arise during the construction phase and operational phase of the project. The report will further provide a monitoring plan which can be implemented during and after completion of the proposed development works. The EMP was compiled based on qualitative and quantitative data collected from Maayaafushi during the site inspections and assessments carried out on 4th of June 2014. It has to be noted, the limitation on collecting and compiling the data on a very short period due to logistical and other issues such as unavailability of long-term base line data has made the consultants to restrict the management plan on data collected recently from the field, personal judgments and experiences gained from similar projects. Similarly, long term data on some aspects such as meteorology and climate were collected from secondary sources through previously published reports. This EMP report has been compiled in accordance with EIA Regulations 2012, which is enforced by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the Maldives. It was initially believed that the proposed project would involve the installation of an outfall for the disposal of treated sewage including an emergency outfall as required by EPA. However, during the scoping meeting the Proponent identified that there would be no additional discharge pipeline but the existing pipeline would be used. Therefore, it was decided by EPA during the Scoping Meeting that this project does not require an EIA and an Environmental Management Plan would suffice. This EMP is prepared in accordance with the guidelines given in the EIA Regulations of the Maldives. The principal environmental institution that implements the EIA process in the country is the Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, the Ministry of Environment and Energy provides policy guidance and directions while Atoll Councils and Island Councils also provide approvals before projects are implemented.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed project to upgrade the sewerage system Chaaya Island Dhonveli, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives(2013-04) SandcaysThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study under the proposed sewerage system upgrading project at Chaaya Island Dhonveli. The project is proposed by Tranquility Pvt. Ltd. The project entails upgrading the sewerage system to incorporate sewage treatment. The proposed system is similar to sewerage systems in other resorts. As such a comprehensive sewerage system with gravity flow pipes that convey the wastewater from buildings to several lift stations that pump the wastewater to the sewage treatment works for tertiary treatment of the influent. The treated effluent is proposed to be used for gardening/landscaping and toilet flushing. Upon recommendation from the EIA Consultants and the EPA (during the EIA Scoping Meeting), an emergency bypass has been included in the design with a pumping station that pumps the wastewater to a location beyond the reef at about 10-15m depth. Alternatives have been identified in the project document. Of these the recommended alternative involves minimizing the number of lift stations/pump stations and to maximize the use of gravity flow pipes to the greatest possible extent. Other alternative proposed include the no project option, which is the most practicable option in terms of economic as well as environmental impacts, however, this option is not feasible due to legal requirements that a sewage treatment plant has to be incorporated in the sewerage system of any tourist resort in the Maldives, as per Tourism Regulations. The main environmental concern in the project is the number of lift stations/pump stations in the revised design, which is too many for a small island. According to the project Engineers, it is difficult to get appropriate gradients without altering the existing sewer network. However, the EIA Consultants are of the opinion that the number of lift stations can be minimized and it has been recommended to minimize the number of lift stations/pump stations to the greatest possible extent. Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operation phase of the project. Most of the environmental impacts identified for the proposed development were positive; these include reduced use of RO plant, reduced pollution of the groundwater and recycling of minerals such as nitrates, phosphates and sulphates. The main negative environmental impacts of the project would be temporary loss of groundwater quality during the construction phase due to dewatering and small amount of sedimentation induced from installing the emergency outfall. The latter could be regarded as insignificant due to its small magnitude and spatial constriction. The proponent is willing to undertake monitoring during and after the construction phase in addition to undertaking the mitigation measures proposed by the consultants. The main mitigation measures for this project during the construction phase is similar to other construction projects such as dust control plans, working during low- tide as much as possible and avoiding operation of loud machineries during late hours. As for the operation phase, implementation of backup systems and trained maintenance staff to service the STP and reducing the production of fatty and oily waste from the resort has been proposed. In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical, administrative and to some extent environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed project to upgrade the existing sewerage system to incorporate a treatment plant into the existing sewerage network. However, there are alternative that may be more suitable and shall be considered with caution and after understanding the costs and discussions with relevant government authorities.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed harbour development in Velidhoo, Noonu Atoll, Maldives(2011-03) SandcaysThe proposed harbour development project in Noonu Velidhoo is of medium scale project in which the proposed project falls under rehabilitation of an existing harbour, which has been in need of extensive repair and improvement through modification and improved design. Under the proposed project, a 24 m wide entrance will be dredged (modification of an existing entrance) along with deepening of harbour basin. The existing harbour basin from quay wall will be dredged to a width of 76.2 m and a length of 289m. An additional 30m quaywall with associated harbour basin dredging will also be undertaken. The proposed concept has not been discussed with the community so far. Therefore, some of the community views that have been incorporated in this EIA report along with further formal consultations need to be given consideration in finalising the design. However, the community has been waiting for the project for quite some time and the first elected Island Council is under a lot of pressure to initiate the works. Therefore, it is recommended to allow the project to proceed while any further modifications to the proposed design can be finalized in consultation with the relevant stakeholders during the construction phase. Taking this into consideration the environmental impacts have been assessed for the worst case scenario in which the Proponent takes into consideration all demands of the community and provide the final detailed design to the EPA in due course. The recommended alternative proposed in this EIA report has been based on informal community consultations held with some key members of the community. The overall environmental impacts of the project have been assessed using appropriate matrices and the results indicated that the proposed project has net positive impact. Given that the project has several socio-economic benefits although there would be some negative environmental impacts, it is recommended to allow the project to proceed as proposed.