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Item Addendum 1 for environmental impact assessment of Hulhule-Hulhumale connecting link road development project in North Male‟, Atoll(2017-09) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings for the first addendum of the environmental impact assessment undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd for undertaking the construction of the link road project between Hulhule-Hulhumale.. The project is proposed by Housing Development Corporation (HDC). The island of Hulhumale has been an important growth centre since its development. Presently, Hulhumale is the fastest growing urban centre and has residential as well as industrial developments to a scale that has never been experienced anywhere in the Maldives. Being close to Male‟ and the airport, Hulhumale has been attracting migrants from all over the Maldives. Construction of the Male‟ to Hulhule Bridge is presently the biggest infrastructure project of its kind under construction in Maldives. This project is very much tied with the present link road as this link road will provide direct connection of Hullhumale and the bridge, ultimately making the traffic flow from Hulhumale to Male‟. This road will be constructed on the east side of the existing land mass of Hulhule airport by reclaiming a small area further west of the existing island. The proposed road will consists of three zones. The details of the link road project is given in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report which is prepared by Water Solutions in August 2017 and the reason for the preparation of this first addendum report is due the change in location of sand burrow areas. In the Environmental Impact Assessment Report it was said that the sand will be obtained from the Hulhumale‟ phase 2, phase 1 and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). However now that idea has been dropped out and it is now planned to obtain sand from the eastern side of Uthuru Thila Falhu and the bathymetry shows the depth varies between 40 to 60 meters approximately. The details of the geographic coordinates are given in the section project descriptions and Study Area. This lagoon has been used as a sand burrow area for previous similar projects and is estimated to dredge 410,000 cubic meters of sand from this location. The dredging project is subcontracted to the Dredging International (Cyprus) and it is estimated to complete the project in five to seven days. Environmental impacts were assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting mainly from the coral reef damage caused by reclamation of additional land. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, especially sedimentation control methods. The most important mitigation measure is the use of bund walls in the fill areas. This EIA addendum was undertaken to assess the environmental impacts of the proposed dredging and reclamation to acquire more land for the link road construction project. Based on the assessment, it has been identified that the major impacts of the project will be felt on the marine environment during the dredging and discharging of sand. This EIA addendum report also highlights some of the studies and research work undertaken in similar environments, especially in Male‟، to understand the impacts of reclamation and construction works close to reef slope and how this knowledge can be transferred to similar environments based on the type of coastal protection methods in use. The mitigation measures are provided in the report with alternatives. It is vital to conduct the activities, during both project planning and construction phase, in line with mitigation measures emphasized in the report. Socio-economic impacts of the proposed project will be immense as direct land connection of Male‟ and Hulhumale would bring significant benefits to the general public. Connection of Hulhumale, Male‟ and the airport is a vital transportation link that would save time and money for more than 200,000 people residing in the greater Male‟ region. The environmental impacts of various projects that are currently being undertaken in the airport region have caused significant damage to reef in various areas. This project will also have its impacts, but the impacts will not be anything greater than to what the environment has already been subjected to. Therefore a comprehensive monitoring programme has been suggested which covers components of coastal and marine environment to assess how the critical components of this project will affect the environment and to what extent. It is important to follow this monitoring programme not only to comply with the regulation but also to ensure that the impacts are measures in realistic terms. Though some of the components of this project contravenes with the Dredging and reclamation regulation; the amendments brought to the regulation facilitates that this project could be implemented. Hulhule island is a special zone and Under clause 10 of the dredging and reclamation regulation, special projects are exempted. As the environmental consultants, it is our opinion that this project should be allowed to proceed as the environmental impacts of this project does not pose serious concerns to the natural environment. It is a project that has far greater socio-economic benefits than these limited environmental impacts.Item Addendum 1 to environmental impact assessment for the proposed resort development at Maadhoo Finolhu, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives(2014-08) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental study undertaken as an Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment carried out for the resort development at Maadhoofinolhu, Kaafu Atoll. This environmental study has been undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the changes that had been brought to the scope of the resort development project at Maadhoofinolhu which has been approved by 12 August 2014 by Ministry of Tourism. This Addendum to the EIA shall only be used for the purpose of issuing the Environmental Permit under the EIA Regulation 2012 and Environment Law 4/93. This project is proposed by DPC Private Limited. The island is proposed to be developed as a 100 villa resort island. Main changes that had been brought to the scope of the resort development project are; creating a sand bank C with an area of 3,400 sqm to develop , relocation of the guest arrival facilities to north western side of the island allowing development of additional beach villas on western side of the island , relocation of the entrance channel to north western side of the island, shifting the water villas on northern side of the island, relocation of the spa complex on sand bank B and developing an overwater resturant between the main island and sand bank B. The materials from dredging of the entrance channel would be used for the reclamation of the island. The materials for the creation of the sand bank C would be obtained by dredging shallow lagoon on north eastern side of the island near the proposed water villas on this side of the island. The dredged area would be used as a swimming area by the guests at the water villas. This EIA Addendum report has identified that the major impacts of the project will be felt on the marine environment of the island. Impacts on the marine environment will be felt through sedimentation and siltation caused by reclamation activity in the lagoon and the associated indirect impacts on the coral reef, during this period. Baseline data has been collected and reported in the EIA report. Impact on the marine environment will be identified through the monitoring. This will be reported in follow up monitoring reports. The most significant impact will be felt on the lagoon bottom and adjacent coral reef. Alternatives to the project have also been considered. An alternative would be to create additional land at sand bank B that would be created on north eastern side of the island. But this option would bring the real estate value as creating a separate sand bank to develop the presidential suite. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, especially sedimentation control methods. The proposed mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The main negative environmental impact of the proposed project would be sedimentation, which may cause death of corals. The coral reef being the main tourism asset needs to be protected. In fact, there is a great economic imperative to protect reefs. Hence, the mitigation measures have been selected with that in mind. For this reason, the proponent finds it easier to accept the proposed mitigation measures and have made commitment to undertake the mitigation measures as proposed in the EIA report. Towards, the end of the report, a monitoring programme has been suggested which mainly covers the marine environment. These include coral cover and marine water quality among other parameters. As the impacts are felt on the marine environment, it is important to undertake this monitoring. The proposed project conforms to environmental and tourism legislation and thrives to achieve its objectives in an environmentally acceptable manner. Therefore, it appears justified from a technical, social, economic and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed development project according to the proposed methodologies including proposed mitigation measures and environmental monitoring programme.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed resort development at Olhahali, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives(2014-07) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt Ltd for the development of Olhahali Island in North Male‟ atoll in to a resort. This project is proposed by Grand Meridian Pvt Ltd. The resort is developed with a total bed capacity of 100. Olhahali is located in the North Male‟ Atoll, on the northern rim of the atoll on its own reef system. The island will be developed into a resort with 40 villas. Olhahali island is located about 75 km from capital Male‟ and lies southwest of Gaafaru island with a distance of 7.4 km. Olhahali island is formed within a coral reef system at the north edge of the North Male‟ atoll. The reef is triangular in shape with the widest area towards the east. There are two distinct deep lagoons formed in the reef system on the west side of the island. Olhahali is a very small island which had been used as a picnic island before the island was closed for redevelopment. As such, the island has existing buildings that was used as restaurant, kitchen, staff quarters and guest rooms. The land area of the island is not adequate to develop a resort island. Hence, it was proposed to extend the island and Ministry of Tourism approved the plan to increase the size of the island by 2.29 hectares under the proposed redevelopment. The island area after the reclamation would be 4.83 hectares. Discussions among the proponent, architects and environmental consultants have led to island extension possibilities thereby reducing the amount of fill material required for the extension. One of the main reasons for doing this was to ensure that there is minimal dredging from island‟s lagoon. These alternative designs are considered to be environmentally and economically favourable. In addition to design alternatives, alternative methods of dredging and filling have been considered so that minimal siltation would take place. The purpose of this is to protect the beautiful house reef from short term damage that may cause irreversible ecological loss. The recommended option considers minimal island extension together to minimise effect on long shore sediment transport and possible eutrophication in certain areas due to island extension. In order to ensure minimal sedimentation, bunds around the reclamation area recommended to be placed around the filling areas. 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 resulting mainly from pumping and filling sand for island extension. Similar impact has been identified for the excavation of the inner and outer entrance channels. The second most important environmental impact would be that arising from the construction of water villas, especially the impact on marine environment. For both dredging and water villa construction, the main impact would be that of sedimentation on the nearby reef areas. This impact is considered to be short-term and cumulative, adding to the impacts from snorkelling and dhoni or boat operations. The impact significance is considered to be major (without mitigation) given that the reef flat and slope around the island is quite alive, especially at the proposed development area, more towards the existing island. The impact of the machinery is also considerable given that works would be undertaken in reef flat areas. The socio-economic benefits of the project are quite high and may be considered to outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the island, if adequate measures are taken to protect the environment. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, especially sedimentation control methods. The proposed mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The main negative environmental impact of the proposed project would be sedimentation, which may cause death of corals. The coral reef being the main tourism asset needs to be protected. In fact, there is a great economic imperative to protect reefs. Hence, the mitigation measures have been selected with that in mind. For this reason, the proponent finds it easier to accept the proposed mitigation measures and have made commitment to undertake the mitigation measures as proposed in the EIA report. The proposed project conforms to environmental and tourism legislation and thrives to achieve its objectives in an environmentally acceptable manner for both reclamation and resort development component. Therefore, it appears justified from a technical, social, economic and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed redevelopment project according to the proposed methodologies including proposed mitigation measures and environmental monitoring programme.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed resort development at Olhahali, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives(2014-05) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt Ltd for the development of Olhahali Island in North Male’ atoll in to a resort. This project is proposed by Grand Meridian Pvt Ltd. The resort is developed with a total bed capacity of 100. Olhahali is located in the North Male’ Atoll, on the northern rim of the atoll on its own reef system. The island will be developed into a resort with 40 villas. Olhahali island is located about 57 km from capital Male’ and lies southwest of Gaafaru island with a distance of 7.4 km. Olhahali island is formed within a coral reef system at the north edge of the North Male’ atoll. The reef is triangular in shape with the widest area towards the east. There are two distinct deep lagoons formed in the reef system on the west side of the island. Olhahali is a very small island and the land area is not adequate to develop a resort island. Hence it was proposed to extend the island and Ministry of Tourism approved the plan to increase the size of the island. Therefore, it has been approved by the Tourism Ministry to extend the island by 2.29 hectares under the proposed redevelopment. The island area after the reclamation would be 4.83 hectares. Discussions among the proponent, architects and environmental consultants have led to island extension possibilities thereby reducing the amount of fill material required for the extension. One of the main reasons for doing this was to ensure that there is minimal dredging from island’s lagoon. These alternative designs are considered to be environmentally and economically favourable. In addition to design alternatives, alternative methods of dredging and filling have been considered so that minimal siltation would take place. The purpose of this is to protect the beautiful house reef from short term damage that may cause irreversible ecological loss. The recommended option considers minimal island extension together to minimise effect on long shore sediment transport and possible eutrophication in certain areas due to island extension. In order to ensure minimal sedimentation, bunds around the reclamation area recommended to be placed around the filling areas. 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 resulting mainly from pumping and filling sand for island extension. Similar impact has been identified for the excavation of the inner and outer entrance channels. The second most important environmental impact would be that arising from the construction of water villas, especially the impact on marine environment. For both dredging and water villa construction, the main impact would be that of sedimentation on the nearby reef areas. This impact is considered to be short-term and cumulative, adding to the impacts from snorkelling and dhoni or boat operations. The impact significance is considered to be major (without mitigation) given that the reef flat and slope around island is quite alive, especially at the proposed development area, more towards the existing island. The impact of the machinery is also considerable given that works would be undertaken in reef flat areas. The socio-economic benefits of the project are quite high and may be considered to outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the island, if adequate measures are taken to protect the environment. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, especially sedimentation control methods. The proposed mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The main negative environmental impact of the proposed project would be sedimentation, which may cause death of corals. The coral reef being the main tourism asset needs to be protected. In fact, there is a great economic imperative to protect reefs. Hence, the mitigation measures have been selected with that in mind. For this reason, the Proponent finds it easier to accept the proposed mitigation measures and have made commitment to undertake the mitigation measures as proposed in the EIA report. The proposed project conforms to environmental and tourism legislation and thrives to achieve its objectives in an environmentally acceptable manner for both reclamation and resort development component. Therefore, it appears justified from a technical, social, economic and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed redevelopment project according to the proposed methodologies including proposed mitigation measures and environmental monitoring programme.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed resort development at Vommuli, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives(2012-05) Water SolutionsItem Environmental impact assessment for the proposed concept change in Vagaru, Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives(2011-03) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Vagaru holdings Pvt Ltd to assess the impact of the proposed concept change in Vagaru. The project involves bringing some modifications to the original concept for Vagaru. Vagaru island has been under construction since 2006 and over the past 4 to 5 years, the change in the hotel operator has created the need to bring some concept changes in order to align with the new operators requirements. Most of these proposed modifications do not involve any physical alteration of the environment. However, some components of the change do involve physical alteration of the environment. Environmental impacts of the proposed project have been identified as resulting mainly from the construction of the new additional water villas and from the creation of the entrance channel. In view of the assessment, the environmental damage to marine resources have not been considered major from the water villa construction as this area has already sustained a lot of damage over the course of the construction. However, the impact of creating the channel has been considered significant. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in the report, including sedimentation control methods and other measures. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. In this project, it is inevitable that there would be negative environmental impacts. However, these negative impacts are applicable only for some of the proposed changes. Therefore, it appears justified from a technical and from a developmental point of view, to carry out the proposed modification project in light of the existing and future needs of the developer.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed reclamation of 24 hectare at Thimarafushi, Thaa Atoll, Maldives(2011-12) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact assessment undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd for undertaking the propose reclamation of 24 hectares in Thimarafushi island, Thaa Atoll. An area of 240,000 square meters or24 hectares will be reclaimed in order to expand the available land space for Thimarafushi, mostly for housing and industrial activities. This EIA report discusses the findings of the reclamation project. The project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Environment. The biggest challenge facing Thimarafushi is lack of space and overcrowding. Reclamation is a real need for Thimarafushi as the island is saturated and there are no additional land for housing plots nor industrial activities. The presently reclaimed area, although it is quite huge, most of which cannot be used for domestic use as majority of this land will be allocated to develop an airport and its boundaries. The present population of the island is 2817 and there are 350 households. This is 8 people on average per house. The island needs an additional 400 houses as existing houses are over crowded and too many families having to live in the same house is creating social and health issues. Twenty hectares will be reclaimed from area 1 and approximately 50% of this area would be usable domestic purposes due to airport development restrictions. Further development of Thimarafushi can only be achieved through creating additional land. Reclamation is therefore very much a serious requirement for the people as lack of space is causing many problems. Environmental impacts were assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting mainly from the coral reef damage from dredging and reclamation works. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, especially sedimentation control methods. The most important mitigation measure is the use of bund walls in the fill areas. The proposed mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The measures proposed to minimize or mitigate environmental impacts may be considered to be quite appropriate, thereby minimizing the impact by about 90%. The main negative environmental impact of the proposed project would be sedimentation and destruction of the lagoon and some areas of the reef, which will cause death or partial death of corals. Coastal protection of the reclaimed area 2 will be undertaken in order to protect the shore. The project is mainly driven by the economic gain to the development of Thimarafushi, mainly through benefits achieved from increased land.Item Environmental impact assessment for the coastal protection project at Coco Palm Boduhithi Island Resort(2012-07) Water SolutionsItem Environmental impact assessment for the proposed coastal protection of Summer Island (Ziyaaraifushi Island), North Male’ Atoll, Maldives(2011-01) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact assessment undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd for undertaking the coastal protection works at Summer island resort (Ziyaaraifushi). Summer island is currently under operation. For many years, the island has been a victim of chronic erosion. As a result, various coastal protection methods have been used to combat and manage erosion. However, despite these measures, the problem of erosion seems to be taking its toll and the northern part of the island has suffered greatly as a result. Although Summer island has various types of coastal protection structures build around the island, not all of them are functioning and some areas of the coastline are undergoing very serious erosion. Some of the rooms have been completely destroyed and in response, desperate measures have been taken around the island. Roughly 400 meters of emerged breakwater is already constructed on the eastern side of the island from coral rubble, but most of it is now damaged and do not perform the function for which they were designed for. Repairs and realignment of the breakwater is thus required in order to make them properly functional. The coral rubble from which the breakwater has been constructed have failed due to their small size as the exposure of the breakwater to extreme weather do not match their design capacity. Summer island is in desperate need for new, robust and durable coastal protection measures as without them, the island will further fall victim to erosion. This report outlines the details of such measures proposed which includes the rehabilitation of damaged structures, construction of new structures and compensation for erosion through beach replenishment. This EIA is focused on measures aimed at controlling this ongoing and chronic erosion.The proposed project conforms to all prevalent environmental and tourism legislation and thrives to achieve its objectives in the most environmentally friendly manner. 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 resulting mainly from beach replenishment. The main impact from beach replenishment would be that of sedimentation of the lagoon. This impact is considered to be short‐term and cumulative. The other most significant impact will be the permanent alteration of the shore due to the new coastal protection structures proposed. These structures are going to change the shape and size of the beach line permanently.Item