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    Technical Report
    Addendum 1 for environmental impact assessment of Hulhule-Hulhumale connecting link road development project in North Male‟, Atoll
    (2017-09) Water Solutions
    This 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.
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    Technical Report
    Environmental impact assessment for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Mulah Island, Meemu Atoll, Maldives
    (2016-11) Water Solutions
    This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfill obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed setup of the sewerage system (hereafter referred to as the project) in Mulah island, Meemu Atoll, Maldives. The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored and corrective measures can be undertaken. The proposed project aims to establish an island wide sewerage collection and disposal system. At present household wastewater is disposed on site by the use of septic tanks and this has contributed to the contamination of the groundwater to a state that it cannot be utilized for any portable use. The project therefore involves the following components: a) Installation of an island wide sewage collection network. b) Installation of new catch pits for each house / institution. c) Construction of pump stations in strategic locations to collect and convey raw sewage from the households and to the final disposal station. d) Construction of a sea outfall to discharge the sewage into deep sea. The proposed project will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur on the near shore environments resulting from potential private outfall connections in the future that may arise as a result of groundwater pollution from septic tanks. The project is expected to bring several positive impacts on the environmental quality of the island and the surrounding reef. Particularly, the most significant benefit would be achieved through improvement in the bacteriological quality of the groundwater. The health benefits of the project are also worthy of noting as the improvement in water quality are going to bring significant health benefits to the community. At present, the people of the island risk contracting sin and water borne diseases due to the potential contamination of groundwater that escalates to various levels throughout the year. Children are particularly at higher risk and continue to pose a threat to human development and well-being of the islanders. Environmental impacts and mitigation measures Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, impacts are likely to occur on the marine and terrestrial environment (groundwater) as the proposed project does necessitate construction of an outfall. Most of the impacts during the construction period are impacts related to construction waste, dust emission, damage to the reef during sea outfall construction and noise as well as disruption to the daily life of islanders due to construction activities. During the operational stage of this project, there will be both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include the improvement of the ground water quality of the island. Negative impacts include the increased in extraction of groundwater for toilet flushing. This project does foresee some negative impacts even during the construction stage but is geared towards improving the overall environmental quality of the island, most notably the environmental health. The project does not pose serious threats to the marine or terrestrial environment and will directly benefit the environment and the community, both in the short and long term. Minor negative impacts with varying significance will occur as the project is implemented such as dust emissions during pipe laying work and some reef damage during the process of outfall construction. The pump stations have also been placed around the various locations in the island, some requiring removal of trees while others does not foresee much tree removal. The project will benefit the community and the island in the long term. It is important to ensure that the project implementation is carried in a sustainable manner and in such the sewerage system can be maintained in a cost effective manner as and when required.
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    Technical Report
    Environmental impact assessment for road development project at R. Dhuvaafaru
    (2016-10) Water Solutions
    This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. This EIA report covers road development project at Dhuvaafaru, Raa Atoll. This project would undertake total length of the roads that would be 3.2 km. The roads will be built with pavements on either side of the roads on wider roads. A pavement will be one side on narrower roads. The pavements would have 3 service ducts which can be used for provision of the utility services to the island. The surface of the pavements will be of precast concrete blocks and driving surface would be of asphalt. Drainage areas are provided between pavement and driving surface and provision for tree planting is given on regular intervals. Dhuvaafaru is one of the islands in a group of islands that government has selected to undertake the road project implemented by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Dhuvaafaru is the most populated island in Raa Atoll. After the 2004 Tsunami R. Kandholhudhoo people was relocated to Dhuvaafaru in 2008. Road Development project is implemented at islands where there is a huge demand for residential and commercial land. The proposed project would help to improve the living condition of the island and facilitate the focus island development at the selected island. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed. The road developed and associated work with the project would have significant impacts on the island of Dhuvaafaru. The impacts of the project result mainly from vegetation removal and excavation of the harbour basin and beaching area to borrow the backfill material to level the road surface and levelling work carried out at the roads. The impact of the excavation activities would be of sedimentation. This impact is considered to be minor and short-term. The implementation of the project and paving the road surface would have socio-economic benefits to the island. The socio-economic benefit outweighs the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the Dhuvaafaru. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation control methods and measures for minimizing negative effects of generation of waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established based on the landuse plan that had been developed for Dhuvaafaru. Alternative designs and technologies have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhere to and would allow assessing the changes due to the road development project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as to not undertake the project in accordance with the landuse plan developed for the island. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.
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    Technical Report
    Environmental impact assessment for the construction of a harbor in Filladhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives
    (2016-12) Water Solutions
    This report discusses the findings of environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the proposed harbour development project in HA. Filladhoo. HA. Filladhoo is located on the eastern rim of Haa Alifu atoll and has a population of 576 (Census, 2014). Majority of the island community depend on fishing and agriculture as their main economic activity. Until now, the island has no modern harbour facility and is one of the most crucial issues faced by the island community. This project is initiated by the government of Maldives as part of its national programme to provide safe harbour to each and every inhabited island of Maldives. Presently, lack of a harbour is an obstacle for the economic expansion and diversification of the island. Lack of a harbour in Filladhoo has many developmental obstacles for the island. At present the only way to access the island is by means of jetties on the west side of the island. For mooring the vessels, fisherman and other vessel owners use deep lagoon areas of the island. The construction of the harbour includes the following:  Construction of 312 m quay wall on inner side and both ends of the harbour using T-shaped concrete blocks.  Deepening the harbour basin to 3 meters at mean sea level.  Dredging of the harbour basin which is 650 feet long and 250 feet wide.  Construction of 298 m long breakwater with rock boulders.  Reclamation of the area between the harbour and shoreline and both sides of the harbour by using dredged material from the harbour basin.  Dredging of an access channel to a depth of 3 meters at Mean Sea Level (MSL).  Construction of 5m wide pavement along the quaywalls.  Construction of revetments to protect the proposed reclamation areas.  Clearance of an access road to the harbour. Road length is approximately 345m and 14m wide.  The dredging work for the project is expected to generate around 50,000 m3 of dredged material. The dredged material will be used for reclamation and road levelling purpose. The proposed project is therefore geared towards developing a third generation harbour on the south west side of the island with an entrance channel and breakwaters to protect the harbour basin. The harbour is expected to ease many of the challenges faced by the islanders, especially for the vessel owners, as safe mooring will be guaranteed. As this is a completely new development, significant negative impacts on the island marine environment will be felt through permanent habitat modification and direct destruction of the marine environment. Indirect impacts can also be felt on the mangrove area of Filladhoo without proper measures. Similarly, the coral reef and lagoon area will be directly and indirectly impacted for this project. As the same time, the socio-economic impacts of this project will be significantly felt on a very large scale and not necessarily for the islanders only. In such projects, environmental damage cannot be avoided and hence the goal should be to undertake the works in the most least damaging manner. As a large area of the marine and coastal environment will be affected, careful implementation of the mitigation measures and adopting methods which minimizes the damage will be the key for this project. Most of these measures are the best practice guidelines and protocols that does not require large finances to implement. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups including island council and the client in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project. Stakeholders, most importantly the island community representatives were the most significant as they have the maximum knowledge and experience from the daily difficulties faced due to lack of a harbour. The development of the harbour in Filladhoo will have significant environmental impacts to the island, most of which will be felt on the coastal and the marine environment. The project takes place in an environment that has not been modified or damaged previously. However, natural erosion of the island has been affected to the area of the island. Social impacts of this project will be significant and will benefit the community as well as the region. The development of a harbour in Filladhoo is expected to bring many beneficiaries to island community. Proposed mitigation measures need to be taken to minimize or avoid the proposed impacts. Proper measures need to be taken to protect and preserve the mangrove area near the harbour location. Although the project involves inevitable negative impacts, the project is justifiable in light of the socioeconomic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from this project.
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    Technical Report
    Environmental & social impact assessment for the proposed construction of sewerage system in Maamigilli, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
    (2016-11) Water Solutions
    This EIA report is prepared for the construction of a sewerage system in the island of Maamigilli Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. The project will be implemented by MWSC.  The proposed project aims to establish a sewerage system where household wastewater gets collected in to a sewer network and gets discharged into the open ocean via an outfall. Surveys and assessments were done in Maamigilli to identify the best possible option and suitable system including evaluating alternatives to the project.  The proposed system will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the groundwater and the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur. These measures are expected to bring multiple positive impacts to the health of the people other than improving the environmental quality.  Various alternatives to the proposed system were also studied. One of the options identified include treatment of sewage and the use of vacuum systems. Based on the assessment, these alternatives were assessed to identify their potential application in Maamigilli against the proposed system. Advantages and disadvantages of these options have also been discussed in the report.  The island‟s existing sanitation is developed on traditional septic tank system. All the houses have toilet facilities which have onsite septic tanks. The ground water of the island is been used for toilet flushing and for purposes other than drinking. The main portable water is from the private water tanks in individual houses or from the community water plant. Desalination plant is operated in the island by Villa Shipping and Trading Company.  The assessment reveals that the project can be implemented without significant impact on the natural environment of the island.  The impact area due to the implementation of the project would be the loss of vegetation from the construction of the pump station, excavation and laying of the sewer network and the reef environment due to the construction of the outfall. These impacts would be unavoidable as trees have to be cleared from the site before construction can begin for the pump station. The outfall needs to be properly anchored to hard substrate of the reef.  Therefore, the most significant direct impacts are going to be resulting from the loss of flora and fauna from the area where the pump station as well on the marine environment where outfall will be constructed. The Maamigilli Island Council will provide compensation to the owners of the coconut palms or trees that need to be removed from the land allocated for pump stations.  The proponent and contractor should avoid any project activity that will directly impact the MPA of Maamigilli. Waste water outfall should be monitored in regular basis to study the impact area.  The proponent of the project shall develop necessary plans and implement the mitigation measures in association with relevant agencies to mitigate the predicted impacts.  Several alternatives for the proposed project have been identified and they are discussed in detail. For this project, proposed concept is the best option. The current concept is designed after an initial survey by MWSC. Outfall location is proposed after the stakeholder consultation and EIA survey.  All activities of the project will be closely monitored by Maamigilli Island Council. A monitoring plan is developed for this project. It is very important to adhere this monitoring program to study whether the projected impacts.  In light of this assessment, the proposed project has been found to have more positive than negative impacts, both environmentally and socially. It is crucial for the client to manage the project in consultation and assistance with other stakeholders if the environmental impacts are to be minimized.
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    Technical Report
    Environmental impact assessment for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Island, Meemu Atoll, Maldives
    (2016-11) Water Solutions
    This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfill obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed setup of the sewerage system (hereafter referred to as the project) in Dhiggaru island, Meemu Atoll, Maldives. The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored and corrective measures can be undertaken. The proposed project aims to establish an island wide sewerage collection and disposal system. At present household wastewater is disposed on site by the use of septic tanks and this has contributed to the contamination of the groundwater to a state that it cannot be utilized. There is also a private sewer main pipes laid in some roads which outfalls into the shallow lagoon by gravity. This is a basic system of pipes that was constructed at the community level, but without any proper assessment or design. The project therefore involves the following components: a) Installation of an island wide sewage collection network. b) Installation of new catch pits for each house / institution. c) Construction of pump stations in strategic locations to collect and convey raw sewage from the households and to the final disposal station. d) Construction of a sea outfall. The proposed project will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur on the near shore environments. The project is expected to bring several positive impacts on the environmental quality of the island and the surrounding reef. Particularly, the most significant benefit would be achieved through improvement in the groundwater quality. The health benefits of the project are also worthy of noting as the improvement in water quality are going to bring significant health benefits to the community. Various alternatives to the proposed system were also studied. One of the options identified include deep bore well disposal and gravity systems among others. Based on the assessment, these alternatives were assessed to identify their potential application in the island against the proposed system. Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, impacts are likely to occur on the marine and terrestrial environment (groundwater) as the proposed project does necessitate construction of an outfall but avoids large scale construction activities such as clearing trees. Most of the impacts during the construction period are impacts related to construction waste, dust emission, damage to the reef during outfall construction and noise. During the operational stage of this project, there will be both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include the improvement of the ground water quality of the island and also the quality improvement of the near shore environment. Negative impacts include the increased in extraction of groundwater for toilet flushing. This project does not foresee many negative impacts even during the construction stage and is geared towards improving the environmental quality of the island, most notably the environmental health. The project does not pose serious threats to the marine or terrestrial environment and will directly benefit the environment and the community, both in the short and long term. Nevertheless, negative impacts with varying significance will occur as the project is implemented. Based on this assessment, it is advised to undertake this project.
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    Technical Report
    Addendum to the environmental impact assessment for the harbour development at Kelaa, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives
    (2016-03) Water Solutions
    This report is an addendum to the EIA for the harbour development project at HA. Kela carried out in 2015 based on the change of the scope of the project. This addendum to EIA has been undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the change of scope to the harbour expansion and redevelopment project at HA. Kela. Refer to the EIA for the harbour development project at HA. Kela (2015) for the details of the harbour development project at HA. Kela. Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure awarded the harbour development contract to Capital Investment and Finance Limited. Capital Investment and Finance Limited recommended Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure to expand the harbour to east than to west as this would reduce the breakwater development cost of the project. Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure in consultation with Kelaa Island Council and Kelaa Island Community agreed to expand the harbour expansion to east of the exiting harbour. The main change to scope of the project is to expand harbour to east of the existing harbour. Additionally, it is proposed to extend the breakwater by 15 m on north eastern side as protection measure to protect the area which would be reclaimed as part of the project. The new harbour expansion would allow to reuse the existing quay wall blocks which is located on north eastern side of the harbour. EPA has granted an approval to carry out the required dredging and reclamation associated with the harbour development at the island with the revised harbour design. Environmental impacts due to the changes to scope of the harbour development project at Kelaa have been assessed. The impacts on the island due to the extending the harbour to east and extending the length of breakwater to north east would not be significant as those identified in the EIA for the harbour development in HA. Kelaa (2015). The impact of excavation would be that of sedimentation. This impact is considered to be minor and short-term. Excavation would have irreversible impacts. Reclaiming the adjacent area north east of harbour would improve the condition of beach on this side of the island. Moving the harbour extension from west to east would help to keep the huge beach on western side of the island keeping the identity of the island. The changes brought to the scope of the project conform to prevalent environmental legislation. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined, including sedimentation and stagnation control methods. These mitigation measures need to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The project scope has been changed considering the needs and requirements of the community by consulting members of the Island Council and Island Community. The EIA Addendum also allowed to explore alternatives for the changes brought to the project and identified key mitigation strategies. Alternative locations and alternative designs have been investigated for the harbour development. However, the present project design seems to be an acceptable the island council and island community.
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    Technical Report
    Environmental impact assessment for the harbour development at Omadhoo, Thaa Atoll, Maldives
    (2016-03) Water Solutions
    This report discusses the findings of environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the proposed harbour development project in Th. Omadhoo. Th. Omadhoo is located on the southern rim of Thaa atoll and has a population of 456. Majority of the island community depend on fishing as their main economic activity. Until now, the island has no harbour facility and is one of the most crucial issues faced by the island community. This project is initiated by the government as part of its national programme to provide safe harbour to each and every inhabited island of Maldives. Presently, lack of a harbour is an obstacle for the economic expansion and diversification of the island. Lack of a harbour in Omadhoo has many developmental obstacles for the island. At present the only way to access the island is by means of a damaged jetty on the north side of the island. For mooring the vessels, fisherman and other vessel owners use deep lagoons within the island reef system. In rough weather, getting in out of the island is almost impossible. Some of the vessels have to go to a nearby harbour for mooring in unfavourable weathers. This is the dilemma the islanders have faced until now. The construction of the harbour at Th. Omadhoo includes construction of a quay wall on inner side and both ends of the harbour using T-shaped concrete blocks, deepening the harbour basin to 3 meters at mean sea level, dredging of the harbour basin which is 500 feet long and 250 feet wide, construction of 563 feet long breakwater with rock boulders, reclamation of the area between the harbour and shoreline by using dredged material from the harbour basin, reclamation of area east of harbour, dredging of an access channel to a depth of 3 meters at Mean Sea Level (MSL). The dredging work for the project is expected to generate around 28,462 m3 of dredged material. The dredged material will be used for reclamation purpose. A 563 ft long seawall would be constructed on western side of the area which would be reclaimed between harbour and the island to protect the reclaimed area from erosion. The project also include construction of 146 ft seawall at the area which is presently used to access the island. The proposed project is therefore geared towards developing a third generation harbour on the north side of the island with an entrance channel and breakwaters to protect the harbour basin. Since, the harbour is proposed to be constructed on the lagoon, the area between the harbour and island shoreline will be reclaimed using the dredged material from harbour basin. The harbour is expected to ease many of the challenges faced by the islanders, especially for the vessel owners, as safe mooring will be guaranteed. A detail environmental assessment was undertaken for this project and the findings are reported in this EIA. This EIA has been prepared to assess the social and environmental impacts of this proposed project. As this is a completely new development, significant negative impacts on the island marine environment will be felt through permanent habitat modification and direct destruction of the marine environment. Similarly, the coral reef will be directly and indirectly impacted for this project. As the same time, the socio-economic impacts of this project will be significantly felt on a very large scale and not necessarily for the islanders only. In such projects, environmental damage cannot be avoided and hence the goal should be to undertake the works in a least damaging manner. As a large area of the marine and coastal environment will be affected, careful implementation of the mitigation measures and adopting methods which minimizes the damage will be the key for this project. Most of these measures are the best practice guidelines and protocols that does not require sting financially to implement. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups including island council, island community, Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure and Ministry of Environment and Energy in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project. Stakeholders, most importantly the island community representatives were most significant as they have the maximum knowledge and experience from the daily difficulties faced due to lack of a harbour. Alternative locations and alternative designs have been investigated for the harbour development. The development of the harbour in Omadhoo will have significant environmental impacts to the island, most of which will be felt on the coastal and the marine environment. The project takes place in an environment that has not been modified or damaged previously. However, natural erosion of the island has been affected to the southern area of the island. The biggest threat to the islands when a harbour is developed is the disruption it causes to natural movement of the beach. Social impacts of this project will be significant and will benefit the community as well as the region. The development of a harbour in Omadhoo is expected to bring many beneficiaries to island community. Although the project involves inevitable negative impacts, the project is justifiable in light of the socioeconomic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from this project. Therefore, it is justifiable to undertake the project.
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    Technical Report
    Environmental impact assessment for the proposed Blue’s 300 apartments at Hulhumalé
    (2014-08) Water Solutions
    EIA report has been prepared to assess the environmental and social impacts of constructing 300 housing units at Hulhumalé of Kaafu Atoll. This project will be implemented by Noomadi Resort & Residences Anstalt for Maldives Police Services. The land areas identified for the housing project has no major tree and hence there will be no tree clearing as part of the project. The project is part of the Government commitment to provide affordable housing to people of the Maldives. The project aims to build 300 housing units which can accommodate 300 families of Maldives Police Service. All activities of the project will be closely monitored by site supervisors to be identified by Noomadi Resort & Residences Anstalt. This is mainly to avoid any environment and social issues. A close relationship and open communication need to be established to avoid any future disagreements and social issues during execution of the project work with the Hulhumalé community. The most significant impacts of the project will be resulting from the construction waste that would be generated as part of the project. As a mitigation measures, construction waste would be managed in accordance with the waste management guidelines issued by Environmental Protection Agency. The construction waste generated at the island would be collected and temporarily stored at designated area. The collected waste then will be transported to Thilafushi for final disposal. This report will highlight major findings and predicted impacts of the proposed housing project. The report is developed in consultation with project proponent and in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhered to and would allow to assess the changes due to the implementation of the project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as to not undertake the project in accordance with the master plan. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.
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    Technical Report
    Environmental impact assessment for the proposed SIFCO apartments at Hulhumalé
    (2014-11) Water Solutions
    This EIA report has been prepared to assess the environmental and social impacts of constructing 300 housing units at Hulhumalé of Kaafu Atoll. This project will be implemented by NOOMADI Resorts and Residences Anstalt for Maldives National Defence Force. This report highlighted major findings and predicted impacts of the proposed housing project. The report is developed in consultation with project proponent and in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 and Environmental Protection Agency. The land areas identified for the housing project has no major tree and hence there will be no tree clearing as part of the project. The project is part of the Government commitment to provide affordable housing to people of the Maldives. The project aims to build 300 housing units which can accommodate 300 families of Maldives National Defence Force. Under this project have two bed rooms and three bed rooms would be developed. The project would be implemented at Lot No: 11490, 11491 and 11492. The total plot area for the developed is 4,922.22 m2. The total area that would be allocated for the residential use would be 44,989.32 m2 and commercial use would be 3,819.43 m2. All activities of the project will be closely monitored by site supervisors to be identified by Noomadi Resorts and Residences Anstalt. This is mainly to avoid any environment and social issues. A close relationship and open communication need to be established to avoid any future disagreements and social issues during execution of the project work with the Hulhumalé community. The most significant impacts of the project will be resulting from the construction waste that would be generated as part of the project. As a mitigation measures, construction waste need be managed in accordance with the waste management guidelines issued by Environmental Protection Agency. The construction waste generated at the island would be collected and temporarily stored at designated area. The collected waste then will be transported to Thilafushi for final disposal by the contractor. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to be adhered and would allow to assess the changes due to the implementation of the project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as not to undertake the project in accordance with the Hulhumale development master plan. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.