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Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed development of an agricultural island Dhurureha Thaa Atoll, Maldives
(2017-09) Sandcays
This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study under the proposed development of agriculture on Dhururehaa, Thaa Atoll. The project is proposed by Mohamed Latheef. The proponent aims at developing Dhurureha as an agricultural island; providing job opportunities, reducing dependency on imported produce and ultimately working towards economic diversification and growth of Maldivian economy. The agricultural activities on Dhurureha will be carried out in greenhouses as a hydroponics system. A total of 12 greenhouses (100ft by 50ft each) is proposed to be built for growing tomato, capsicum, bell pepper and lettuce. Additionally, a 60m by 30m nursery will be built on the island. Access to the island is to be provided by dredging an access channel and a 200m jetty. Water requirement for the project is to be met by utilizing an RO plant. A suitable size diesel generator will be used throughout the project to meet power requirement. Staff facilities such as accommodation, mesh room, mosque and office building will also be constructed on the island. A cold storage, general storage and small packaging facility will also be constructed on the island during construction stage. A waste collection and management station will be established for using during construction phase and operational phase of the project At present, Dhurureha is an uninhabited island not used for any purpose. However, locals of the nearby communities use the island to collect coconuts, go on picnics and gather firewood. Alternatives to project components have been identified in the project document. These include alternative uses of the island such as for a tourist resort. However, upon closer analysis of these options, the proposed development of the island for agricultural purpose was found to be more viable based on the present circumstances under which the island has been leased. Therefore, the consultants propose exploring use of alternative renewable sources to the proposed fuel based energy generation. Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operation phase of the project. Most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as minor negative with highly positive socio-economic impacts. The main negative impacts from the project include habitat loss from vegetation clearance, sedimentation and consequent impacts on marine wildlife health and waste generation during the operational phase. The mitigation measures outlined for these impacts include conserving mature trees to the greatest possible extent, relocating large live corals at the proposed access channel area and establishing dust control plans in addition to employing best-practice guidelines during the operational phase. The most positive socio-economic impacts related to the project are increase in job opportunities, reduction in prices of agricultural produce and increase of national revenue. It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts. However, most of the impacts of the proposed project are minor compared to the positive socio-economic benefits of the proposed system. Yet, monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed project would be necessary. Therefore, a monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to construction and implementation of the proposed agriculture project. Monitoring is specifically focussed on employment opportunities, price changes in the market, direct and indirect economic ventures, ground and marine water quality, changes in the hydrodynamics of the project area as well as impacts on the reef or marine ecological area of importance. In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed project to develop Dhurureha as an agricultural island.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment proposed milkfish aquaculture project Matu, Gaafu Alif Atoll
(2017-07) Sandcays
This report addresses the environmental concerns of the proposed milkfish (Chanos chanos) hatchery project in Ga. Matu. The project is proposed by Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. Concerns about live-bait availability over prolonged periods are being raised in recent years, especially in the southern atolls of Maldives. The development of aquaculture for selected bait species is seen as one possible measure to manage the live bait shortage currently faced by local fishermen. Cultured milkfish has been in use for the longlining industry in different parts of the world, and successfully piloted for the pole-and-line industry in Indonesia and Kiribati. Unlike most of the live bait species currently in use in the pole-and-line fishery, hatchery technology is well developed for milkfish. In addition, the relatively short duration to reach bait-size makes milkfish an ideal species for aquaculture development. Supplementing the tuna fishermen with cultured bait is expected to reduce the time spent on bait search, and in turn, result in increased effort directed to the tuna fishery. As live bait shortage is mostly reported from the southern atolls, the proposed hatchery site was selected from Gaafu Alif atoll, for logistical ease in distribution for the most needed areas can be made. The selected island, Matu from Ga. Atoll is 5.9 Ha small uninhabited island on the northern side of Ga.Atoll. The closest inhabited islands to the project site are Ga. Villingili and Kolamaafushi. The project aims to produce 100 tons of milkfish raised to the size of live bait used in the pole-and-line fishery. All required technical and support infrastructure will be constructed during the construction phase of the project. The operational phase will involve water circulation, feeding and rearing of cultured stock. In addition to hatchery, nursery and broodstock modules built on land, sea cages will be built for brood stock. Power will be provided for the project via diesel generators, while potable water will be provided via RO plants. Accommodation for staff and administrative buildings and waste management centre will also be constructed on the island. Access to the island will be provided via access channel and a jetty. The naturally deep lagoon will be used as a harbour during the project. Social and environmental concerns regarding the proposed project include: • Vegetation clearance during site preparation for construction of land infrastructures. This impact is considered minor negative as outmost care will be taken to reduce cutting down mature vegetation. Buildings will be adjusted as much as possible to reduce requirement of cutting or relocation of mature trees. When unavoidable, two plants for every tree cut will be planted on the island. • Sedimentation during excavation of access channel and construction of main jetty. This impact is considered as negligible as the excavation involved is very minor. Measures to reduce this impact such as working during calm weather and low-tide has been suggested as mitigation measures. • Minor impacts due to human activity in the area including littering both during construction and operational phases. • Increased nutrient loadings from faeces and uneaten food wastes, which will either dissolve or settle on the seabed beneath the cage. Since the water is deep and adequate currents exist, eutrophication is, however, unlikely. The proposed project is expected to be managed in conformity with local and international regulations and standards of relevance, especially environmental regulations and standards. Therefore, environmental impacts will be well managed, minimized and mitigated. Given that the project has major socio-economic benefits and some environmental benefits (potential to reduce pressure on wild populations of baitfish), it is recommended to allow the project to proceed as proposed. It is important to consider uncertainties and continue to monitor the project impacts and undertake appropriate mitigation measures in consultation with the EPA and other relevant government agencies. It is also necessary to undertake regular environmental monitoring activities.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed commercial sand mining project at Fushidhiggarufalhu, South Malé Atoll
(2017-11) Sandcays
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact assessment undertaken for the purpose of approval for commercial sand mining at Fushidhiggarufalhu in South Malé Atoll. The project is proposed by Endheri and Sons, who are currently involved in manual sand mining activities in Kaafu Atoll. The EIA is required because the Proponent wishes to use pumps for sand mining to increase their productivity and subsequent sales. The project involves the mining of sand by using sand pump at Fushidhiggarufalhu in South Malé Atoll. This lagoon has been approved for sand mining by the government. However, according to the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, sand mining using sand pumps or other machinery and mining of large volumes of sand for commercial purposes would require EIA for approval. The Proponent wishes to use a 4 or 6-inch sand pump for mining sand from Fushidhiggaru lagoon. The project does not cover the fill location but pumping into containers and transporting the containers in dhoni or other vessel. Appropriate locations have been identified at the edges of the deep lagoon areas. It is estimated that if these areas are dredged to the same depth as the adjoining deep lagoon, over 600,000m3/ of sand may be taken from these areas. This would be equal to about 3 years of continuous sand mining using a 6-inch sand pump. Environmental impacts identified for the project are slightly positive overall due to the socio-economic benefits from the project. The main positive impacts are revenue and employment opportunities. The use of pumps will also reduce the safety concerns associated with manual mining, which has added benefits. The use of pumps makes the mining process less manual, therefore, safer for the workforce while increasing the productivity. This does not necessarily mean reduced workforce as additional job opportunities would be created. However, the socio-economic benefits of the project are not so strong due to the scale of the project. There is the concern that other sand miners will follow suit in which case it would be necessary to identify different locations for different miners and geographic areas that can be mined and to make other arrangements such as security posts. There is the potential for growth in the sand mining industry especially with the growing construction industry and several resorts in Malé Atoll where regular beach nourishment is a necessity but where there are no lagoon areas from which sand can be pumped. However, there are very few places in Malé Atoll from where sand can be mined as most of the lagoons have been leased for resort development. In fact, Fushidhiggarufalhu was previously leased for resort development and would possibly be leased again in the near future. There are no positive environmental impacts related to the project although it may be argued that sand mining would be an important activity that will reduce the dependence on imported construction material, which has large environmental impacts related to transport. The negative environmental impacts related to mining of sand using sand pumps include increased sedimentation during filling. The sediment as it flows from the vessel and into the marine environment would have some degree of unwanted particles including traces of oil and rust particles that would be on the vessel. Therefore, it would be important to keep the top of the vessel, where the containers are filled, clean and tidy at all times. The proposed borrow areas are several hundred metres from the reef areas, therefore, the impacts of sedimentation are not expected to degrade the closest reef areas. Yet, sediment control measures shall be in place in and outside the vessel. Since the project has minor negative impacts, an assessment of alternatives was not considered necessary. However, since the approved Terms of Reference requires alternative borrow areas and methods to be identified, three alternative borrow areas in Malé Atoll (near Malé) and alternative work methods of excavation including using of excavator has been identified. The only possible alternative borrow locations in Malé Atoll are Gulhee Falhu, Thilafalhu and the southwest end of Velassarufalhu. These locations would have greater conflicts of interest than the Fushidhiggarufalhu at present. However, Fushidhiggarufalhu will have conflicts in case it is leased for resort development, which could be the case soon. The alternative of using excavator for mining sand would not be acceptable due to the large degree of sedimentation that it would cause followed by aesthetic impacts. It would also not be feasible due to depth limitations. However, grab hoppers with large grab buckets may be considered a more feasible option for sand mining using machinery. In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical, administrative and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed project. While a strict monitoring programme is not necessary, it is proposed to monitor and report to EPA the depths of the dredged areas and marine transect from a fixed location in the closest marine areas every six months.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed development of an agricultural island Faadhoo Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives
(2017-11) Sandcays
This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study under the proposed development of agriculture on Faadhoo, Lhaviyani Atoll. The project is proposed by Open Blue Pvt. Ltd. The project aims to use Faadhoo island for agriculture, and produce both local varieties, and some of the imported food. Among the proposed activities to be carried out on the island include the horticulture of watermelons, papayas, tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, salads, and mushrooms. Under the proposed project, there will be clearance of about 1.7ha of the land for construction of necessary infrastructure and construction of a jetty for access to the island. Services related to the proposed project such as water, sewerage, energy and waste will also be established during the construction phase. At present, Faadhoo is an uninhabited island not used for any official industrial or recreational purpose. There are two wetland areas listed as an environmental sensitive area (by EPA) on the island. The larger of the two wetlands has a mangal vegetation of 2.8ha (including the water body), dominated by Rhizophora mucronata (Ran’doo) and Bruguiera cylindrica (Kandoo); while the smaller one has a mangal vegetation of 0.5ha; with same species of mangroves. The proposed project activities will not fall within the boundary of these areas and the proponent has included a buffer zone between the ESA and project infrastructure. The small size of the Maldivian islands, and the absence of adequate natural freshwater supplies make it hard for the majority of food in the Maldives to be grown and harvested on a commercial scale within the country. Furthermore, climatic factors render it difficult to produce the imported food as well. However, there are some species such as melons, papayas, tomatoes, bananas, various herbs, and salads which can be farmed and harvested economically. The produce can be sold to the tourism industry, which imports majority of the agricultural products from other countries. Hence, the main goal of this project is to develop the agricultural industry of the Maldives, and to potentially cater for the market demand from tourism, as well as the local market. Alternatives for the proposed project have been identified in this document. These include alternative uses of the island such as development of the island as an ecotourism site due to the presence of a mangrove site, or leaving the island as it is in its natural state, which in the future may potentially increase the value of the island. The consultants recommend exploring use of renewable energy alternatives highlighted as well as organic farming and vertical farming to increase efficiency of space usage under this project. Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operation phase of the project. Most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as minor negative, with positive socio-economic impacts, especially if the agricultural methods are done organically, or with limited use of fertilisers and pesticides. The main negative impacts from the project include biomass and habitat loss from vegetation clearance, sedimentation and consequent impacts on marine wildlife, and waste generation and effluents, especially during the operational phase. The mitigation measures outlined for these impacts include conserving mature trees to the greatest possible extent, creating vegetation buffer zones, and habitat corridors, using organic agricultural methods, using natural biofertilizers and pesticides and establishing dust and emission control plans, in addition to employing best-practice guidelines for agriculture during the operational phase. The most positive socio-economic impacts related to the project are reduction in prices of agricultural produce, and increase of national revenue, and job opportunities. A monitoring mechanism to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed project is also included in this document. This monitoring component allows for the assessment of changes that will occur during the construction and implementation of the proposed agriculture project. Monitoring is specifically focussed on environmental aspects such as ground and marine water quality, changes in the hydrodynamics of the project area, as well as impacts on the reef or marine ecological area, agricultural methods, and social aspects such as labour and occupational health and safety aspects. In conclusion, the proposed project is justified in terms of environmental impacts based on predicted economic and social benefits of the project. As such, the consultants are of the opinion the project may proceed as proposed; provided the recommended mitigation measures and environmental monitoring program is implemented.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed sewerage system Ihavandhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives
(2015-11) Sandcays
This 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.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed sewerage system Gadhdhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
(2015-11) Sandcays
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study under the proposed sewerage system project at GDh. Gadhdhoo. The project is proposed by the 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 about 15m depth. A number of alternatives to the proposed project components have been identified in this document. Of these, the preferred alternative is to include a treatment plant in the design, though the consultants are of the opinion, proposed system without a treatment plan 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.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed fifth power development project Malé City Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
(2015-11) Sandcays
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact assessment for the construction and operation of the proposed 54MW power plant in Hulhumalé, Malé City under the proposed Fifth Power Development Project to provide a suitable power grid for the Greater Malé Region. This project is proposed by State Electric Company Ltd. (STELCO), an entirely state-owned and operated company. STELCO has over 700 employees working in the greater Malé region and twenty five outer islands. The total generating capacity in Malé and outer islands is approximately 29,622kW and 19,543kW respectively. With the exception of borrowings for the construction of major projects, such as the Third and Fourth Power System Development Project, STELCO finances its capital works and operations from its own revenue. The power demand in Malé has increase by 7 percent per annum within the last five years. From 2002 to 2012 no major capacity addition was installed. Instead smaller generators were installed to make up for the shortfall. These generators are high-speed generators and have a high maintenance requirement and low reliability. The operational life of a generator set is 25 years, hence by the year 2020, almost 16.5MW (DG1 to DG5) of generation capacity would have retired. The maximum power demand in Malé by the year 2018 and 2020 is expected to rise to 73MW and 85MW respectively. In order to cater for the rising demand, considering retiring of old generators, a new power project needs to be started by 2015 and is expected to complete in 26 months. Hence STELCO has formulated the Fifth power Development Project. This project will include the installation of 6 × 9MW diesel generators and other relevant accessories by the year 2018 to meet the current electricity demand in Male’. These generators will be designed and installed to operate using light fuel oils. The project will also include the installation of 4 LFO storage tanks of 800m3 and a seawater cooling system. The new generators will also be equipped with exhaust gas boilers to provide the steam required for the desalination plant and pipes to reduce the parasitic electric load of the powerhouse. The project site has been relocated to Hulhumalé which was initially planned to build in STELCO’s existing area in Malé. There are a number of negative environmental impacts of the project. However, there are also several benefits associated. The main benefit being that the existing concerns of air and noise pollution as a result of existing power house in Malé being in mixed residential, institutional and recreational area of Malé would be addressed. Noise is a major factor while some air pollution issues have been recently associated to some extent with the powerhouse under worst case meteorological conditions. Therefore, the relocation would help to eliminate such social concerns. As has been identified in the 2006 EIA for the Fourth Power Project, lack of space in Malé has been a major drawback on future expansion of power grid for Malé. The use of LFO will also help to minimize emissions. The proposed facility would also have improved fuel handling and management. Environmental monitoring is an essential component of the EIA process. However, this has been poorly practised in the Maldives and needs to be strengthened for the benefit of greater environmental performance of projects in the future. Therefore, monitoring has been given emphasis with a comprehensive monitoring programme involving noise and air emissions as well as the ground and marine water quality. Given that the project has several environmental benefits compared to current practices and especially current location, the project can be allowed to proceed as proposed. It is also important to STELCO to consider future expansion involving sustainable energy systems such as hybrid systems with solar energy.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed resort development Maareha Gaaf Alif Atoll, Maldives
(2014-04) Sandcays
This report addresses the environmental concerns of the proposed development of a resort on Maareha, Gaafu Alifu Atoll. The island is about 16.5hectares in its size and is located on a shared reef system at the eastern side of Gaafu Alifu Atoll. The Proponent of the proposed development is Moving International Pvt. Ltd. The Proponent proposes to develop a modern resort on Maareha with 20-bed Family Villas, 98-bed Water villas, 208-bed Beach Bungalows, 84-bed Beach Twin Villas and 4-bed Presidential Villas. Furthermore, it also includes Arrival Pavillion, Diving school, Medical Clinic, Mosque, Service jetty, Main Restaurant, Souvenir and Jewellery shops, Coffee shop / Bar, Swimming pool, Sports and recreation center for guests, Cinema, AV room, Karoake, Disco, Water Sports Center, Football Ground, Basketball Court, Tennis Court, Spa Complex, Children Play, Recycle House, Staff Recreation Center, Staff Training Center, Cafes and different utilities including desalination plant, sewage treatment plant, waste management center and powerhouse. The proposed development will conform to all current environmental legislation including the Regulation on the Protection and Conservation of the Environment in the Tourism Industry. The main negative impact of the proposed development will be the impact of sedimentation on the areas of the housereef on the west where the proposed harbour and access channel will be developed and the impact of deforestation due to land clearance for proposed buildings. These impacts are inevitable. Yet, every effort is to be made to minimize the impact and footprint of the impact. The impact of sedimentation on the reef will be minimized by taking into consideration appropriate hydrodynamic and tidal conditions, creating settlement basins as the dredging activity proceeds or by using silt screens. To minimize the impact of deforestation, buildings will be designed around mature trees minimizing their removal. If a mature tree were to be removed, they will be carefully uprooted and transplanted elsewhere. The negative impacts of the water villas include impacts on sediment transport around the northwestern side of Maareha and some minor degree of sedimentation on the reef nearby. There will be no impact on neighbouring Medhuhutta, which is about 50m, due to the strong currents in the channel between the two islands (over 0.5m/s) helping them to behave as two separate littoral systems. However, there are uncertainties given the lack of data and hence monitoring hydrodynamics and changes to shoreline of both islands during the construction as well as operational phase will further help to evaluate this impact more accurately. To minimize this impact on longshore sediment transport, the walkways of water villas will stand on piles with their footings buried in the seabed. The impact of sedimentation will be minimized by taking care to move the water villas as far away from the live reef areas as possible and transplanting any live corals that may be directly impacted. Care will also be taken to minimize sedimentation on the reef when placing water villa footings and columns. Precast footings and columns will be used and excavator movements shall be minimized. Excavator is preferably moved on barge to minimize sedimentation and if high bed excavators were to be used, they shall move as far from coral reef flat areas as possible. This impact of sedimentation will be short-lived given that tidal and wind-driven currents would normally carry the sediments away from the reef at all tides and monsoons. It is vital, therefore, to monitor the condition of the reef prior to the start of works, during the works and after the works to establish the true nature of the impact. The other environmental impacts of the proposed development include solid waste management, water supply, sewage disposal and energy generation. Solid waste will be generated both during the constructional and operational phase of the resort. Constructional waste will be disposed of by the Contractor to Thilafushi if a regional landfill or waste management site does not exist. During the operational phase, a waste management center established on the island will segregate waste and dispose of them in a manner prescribed in tourism regulations. It is during the construction stage that the waste is often not managed properly and waste ends up in the environment. Therefore, it is vital that waste management procedures are in place during construction phase to ensure waste is appropriately dealt with. Supervision and awareness of construction workforce is highly recommended. Desalination, sewage treatment and power generation are fuel-dependent processes and fuel efficient desalination technology, STPs and, especially, generator sets will be installed in the island. Solar water heaters have been proposed and photovoltaic system incorporated, the costs of which have already been taken into consideration. Gravity sewers will deliver the sewage and only a single pumping station will be used. Treated effluent with low levels of BOD (less than 20mg/l) will be disposed to the sea at not less than 10m below MSL and 5m away from the reef edge. Therefore, the impact from sewage disposal will be almost negligible. In fact, the daily peak flows is quite small that the proposed sea outfall would provide over 500-fold dilution to the sewage effluent even if it were raw sewage, which would occur only in the unlikely event that the sewage treatment plant fails. Hence, no further mitigation measures have been considered for sewage disposal and treatment. The project encompasses clean technology and an initial investment worth a million dollars would be spent on solar energy system. This will complement the proposed diesel generator sets. In addition, solar water heaters will be installed to provide hot water to all guest units. Also, to minimize fuel and water consumption, it is proposed to install energy and water efficient technology including faucets. The costs of these have already been included in the project. Environmental monitoring has also been incorporated into the project. Arrangements for monitoring during constructional and operational phase will be considered immediately upon EIA approval. Monitoring will be undertaken according to the monitoring programme recommended in this report. Recommended monitoring for the project includes the monitoring of shoreline at predetermined and bench-marked tide level, beach profiles and drogues at locations given in the EIA report, marine water quality at the location of the intake, brine discharge, sea outfall and a control location, groundwater at a location close to the powerhouse and desalination plant and a control location and quality of product water at 3 specified locations including product water tank. Annual monitoring reports have to be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency over the monitoring period and shall include fuel and water consumption data and greenhouse gas emission calculations. 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 major socio-economic benefits although there would be some negative environmental impacts, it is recommended to allow the project to proceed as proposed.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed resort development Kandinma Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
(2014-07) Sandcays
This report addresses the environmental concerns of the proposed development of a resort on Kandinma, Dhaal Atoll. The island is about 36.9hectares in its size. The Proponent of the proposed development is Reollo Investments Pvt. Ltd. The Proponent proposes to develop a modern resort on Kandinma with 220 Beach Villas and 70 Water Villas. With restaurants, bars, spa, reception, guest shop, pool, gym, staff accommodation, staff facilities and different utilities including desalination plant, sewage treatment plant, waste management center and powerhouse, the resort is an independent economic unit. It has one jetty for guest arrival and a small harbour for use by service vessels. The island lacks beach, which is an essential component of a beach resort, therefore, beaches on the west side would be nourished using sand dredged from the channel and harbour along with sand extracted from edges of the deep lagoon. The proposed development will conform to all current environmental legislation including the Regulation on the Protection and Conservation of the Environment in the Tourism Industry. The main negative impact of the proposed development will be the impact of sedimentation on the areas of the housereef on the west where the proposed harbour and access channel will be developed and the impact of deforestation due to land clearance for proposed buildings. These impacts are inevitable. Yet, every effort is to be made to minimize the impact and footprint of the impact. As such mature trees will be further taken into consideration during the construction phase by adjusting buildings during stakeout. If a mature tree were to be removed, they will be carefully uprooted and transplanted elsewhere. The impact of sedimentation on the reef will be minimized by taking into consideration appropriate hydrodynamic and tidal conditions as the dredging activity proceeds. To minimize the impact on longshore sediment transport, the walkways of water villas and jetties will stand on piles with their footings buried in the seabed. Precast footings and columns will be used and excavator movements shall be minimized. Excavator is preferably moved on barge to minimize sedimentation and if high bed excavators were to be used, they will not be driven on areas with coral since no structures have been placed in areas with live coral or significant coral cover. Furthermore, sedimentation will be short-lived given that tidal and wind-driven currents would normally carry the sediments away from the reef at all tides and monsoons. The other environmental impacts of the proposed development include solid waste management, water supply, sewage disposal and energy generation. Solid waste will be generated both during the constructional and operational phase of the resort. Constructional waste will be disposed of by the Contractor to Thilafushi if a regional landfill or waste management site does not exist. During the operational phase, a waste management center established on the island will segregate waste and dispose of them in a manner prescribed in Tourism Regulations as well as the Solid Waste Management Regulations. It is during the construction stage that the waste is often not managed properly and waste ends up in the environment. Therefore, it is vital that waste management procedures are in place during construction phase to ensure waste is appropriately dealt with. Supervision and awareness of construction workforce is highly recommended. Desalination, sewage treatment and power generation are fuel-dependent processes and fuel efficient desalination technology, STPs and, especially, generator sets will be installed in the island. Gravity sewers will deliver the sewage and only a single pumping station will be used. Treated effluent with acceptable levels of BOD will be disposed to the sea at not less than 10m below MSL and 5m away from the reef edge. Therefore, the impact from sewage disposal will be almost negligible. In fact, the daily peak flows is quite small that the proposed sea outfall would provide over 500-fold dilution to the sewage effluent even if it were raw sewage, which would occur only in the unlikely event that the sewage treatment plant fails. Hence, no further mitigation measures have been considered for sewage disposal and treatment. Furthermore, the sewage treatment plant, being an energy-intense process, may be avoided given that the outfall can be located in a location where there is good mixing and a great degree of dilution and not used by tourists or locals. However, sewage treatment in tourist resorts is a legal requirement without any provisions in the Tourism Regulations. Environmental monitoring has also been incorporated into the project. Arrangements for monitoring during constructional and operational phase will be considered. Monitoring will be undertaken according to the monitoring programme recommended in this report. Recommended monitoring for the project includes the monitoring of shoreline at predetermined and bench-marked tide level, beach profiles and drogues at locations given in the EIA report, marine water quality at the location of the intake, brine discharge, sea outfall and a control location, groundwater at a location close to the powerhouse and desalination plant and a control location and quality of product water at 3 specified locations including product water tank. Annual monitoring reports have to be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency over the monitoring period and shall include fuel and water consumption data and greenhouse gas emission calculations. 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 major socio-economic benefits although there would be some negative environmental impacts, it is recommended to allow the project to proceed as proposed.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed resort development Hudhufushi Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives
(2013-10) Sandcays
This report addresses the environmental concerns of the proposed development of a resort on Hudhufushi, Lhaviyani Atoll. The island is about 0.5km2 in its size and is located on a shared reef system at the eastern side of Lhaviyani Atoll. The Proponent of the proposed development is RPI Pvt. Ltd., a company registered in the Maldives for the purpose of establishing Hudhufushi as a tourist resort. The Proponent proposes to develop a modern resort on Hudhufushi with 27 garden villas, 09 Suit villas, 30 Water villas and 134 Beach villas along with swimming pool, Dive Center, Water Sports Center, Sports Center with gymnasium, Wellness Center or Spa, a theatre, Kids Center with day care services, arrival and service jetties with mooring area or harbor, staff village with shops and different utilities including desalination plant, sewage treatment plant, waste management center and powerhouse. The proposed development will conform to all current environmental legislation including the Regulation on the Protection and Conservation of the Environment in the Tourism Industry. The main negative impact of the proposed development will be the impact of sedimentation on the areas of the housereef on the west where the proposed harbor and access channel will be developed and the impact of deforestation due to land clearance for proposed buildings. These impacts are inevitable. Yet, every effort will be made to minimize the impact and footprint of the impact. The impact of sedimentation on the reef will be minimized by undertaking the excavation at low tides and creating settlement basins as the dredging activity proceeds or by using silt screens. Due to the direction and strength of currents in the proposed jetty and mooring area, the consultants recommend moving the jetty to an alternative location on western side of the island. To minimize the impact of deforestation, buildings will be designed around mature trees minimizing their removal. If a mature tree were to be removed, they will be carefully uprooted and transplanted elsewhere. Impact of water villas is considered to be minor negative given that they are in the lagoon and at a considerable distance from the housereef. To minimize this impact on longshore sediment transport, the walkways of water villas will stand on piles with their footings buried in the seabed. The impact of sedimentation will be minimized by taking care to move the water villas as far away from the live reef areas as possible and transplanting any live corals that may be directly impacted. Care will also be taken to minimize sedimentation on the reef when placing water villa footings and columns. Precast footings and columns will be used and excavator movements shall be minimized. Excavator is preferably moved on barge to minimize sedimentation and if high bed excavators were to be used, they shall move as far from coral reef flat areas as possible. This impact of sedimentation will be short-lived given that tidal and wind-driven currents would normally carry the sediments away from the reef at all tides and monsoons. It is vital, therefore, to monitor the condition of the reef prior to the start of works, during the works and after the works to establish the true nature of the impact. The other environmental impacts of the proposed development include solid waste management, water supply, sewage disposal and energy generation. Solid waste will be generated both during the constructional and operational phase of the resort. Constructional waste will be disposed of by the contractor, to Thilafushi if a regional landfill or waste management site does not exist. During the operational phase, a waste management center established on the island will segregate waste and dispose of them in a manner prescribed in tourism regulations. It is during the construction stage that the waste is often not managed properly and waste ends up in the environment. Therefore, it is vital that waste management procedures are in place during construction phase to ensure waste is appropriately dealt with. Supervision and awareness of construction workforce is highly recommended. Desalination, sewage treatment and power generation are fuel-dependent processes and fuel efficient desalination technology, STPs and, especially, generator sets will be installed in the island. Gravity sewers will deliver the sewage and only a single pumping station will be used. Treated effluent with low levels of BOD (less than 20mg/l) will be disposed to the sea at not less than 10m below MSL and 5m away from the reef edge. Therefore, the impact from sewage disposal will be almost negligible. In fact, the daily peak flows is quite small that the proposed sea outfall would provide over 500-fold dilution to the sewage effluent even if it were raw sewage, which would occur only in the unlikely event that the sewage treatment plant fails. Hence, no further mitigation measures have been considered for sewage disposal and treatment. Environmental monitoring has also been incorporated into the project. Arrangements for monitoring during constructional and operational phase will be considered immediately upon EIA approval. Monitoring will be undertaken according to the monitoring programme recommended in this report. Recommended monitoring for the project includes the monitoring of shoreline at predetermined and bench-marked tide level, beach profiles and drogues at locations given in the EIA report, marine water quality at the location of the intake, brine discharge, sea outfall and a control location, groundwater at a location close to the powerhouse and desalination plant and a control location and quality of product water at 3 specified locations including product water tank. In addition, water, energy, fuel and waste production/usage statistics will have to be collected. Annual monitoring reports have to be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency over the monitoring period and shall include fuel and water consumption data and greenhouse gas emission calculations. 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 major socio-economic benefits although there would be some negative environmental impacts, it is recommended to allow the project to proceed as proposed with recommended mitigation measures in place. One of the important mitigation measures or development options identified during the consultative meetings is to declare the coastal inlet as a protected area while providing the Proponent adequate compensation. This has been agreed in principle between the Proponent and EPA and further discussions are underway.

Environment - ތިމާވެށި

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