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Item 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 Environmental impact assessment for the proposed coastal protection at Embudhoo Village, South 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 Embudhoo. The environmental monitoring that had been carried out at Embudhoo for the past 3 years indicates that the western side is undergoing chronic erosion and the coastal protection structures on the island are not functioning. Hence, there is a need to modify the existing coastal protection around and undertake beach replenishment as to recover the lost beach. It is proposed that a set of groynes will be established on western side and a breakwater on eastern side of the island using geotextile material. Beach nourishment will be undertaken using a sand pump aided by excavators. The material required for the beach nourishment works will be obtained from the proposed borrow areas on western side of the island. The total volume of material that needs to be obtained for beach nourishment on western and eastern side of the island is estimated to be 6400 m3. 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 breakwater and beach replenishment. The main impact would be that of sedimentation on the lagoon. This impact is considered to be short‐term and cumulative. Nevertheless, mitigation measures have been proposed for anticipated negative impacts. Mitigation measures for these 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 replenishment areas. 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, which may cause death or partial death of corals. The proponent commits to undertake the mitigation and monitoring programme set out in this EIA report knowing that monitoring will help to identify the effectiveness of the mitigation measures and take precautions to minimize any damage to the main tourist attraction of the island, which is its environment. Therefore, it appears justified from a technical, social, economic and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed modifications.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed harbour reconstruction work in Foakaidhoo Island Shaviyani Atoll(2011-03) CDE ConsultingThis Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an evaluation of the potential environmental, socio-economic and natural impacts of the proposed harbour upgrading project in Foakaidhoo, Shaviyani Atoll. This project is proposed by Works Cooperation Limited. The main components of the proposed project involves renovation and restoration, including replacement and operation of quay wall, harbour maintenance dredging, and excavation of new entrance channel and disposal of dredge waste by land reclamation. The construction of the harbour is expected to begin during mid 2011 and will be completed within 12 months. This EIA has been developed based on the Term of Reference (ToR) issued by MHE on 28 February 2011.This document is submitted by the proponent to the MHTE to fulfill the requirements for an EIA under Article 5 of the Environment Protection and Preservation Act (4/93). The EIA Regulations 2007 have been used as the basis for developing this document.Item Environmental impact assessment report harbour reconstruction at Vaadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll(2011-06) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is to fulfill the regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives prior to the proposed harbor restoration at Vaadhoo in GDh Atoll. 2. Project proponent of the proposed harbor restoration project is Ministry of Housing and Environment. The project was bided as a design and contract project. The main design consulting company MTCC is assigned to carry out the design works, and LaMer Group Pvt Ltd is assigned the EIA Consultancy. 3. Vaadhoo is located in GDh atoll, 440km from Male’. It is just about 40km from Kaadedhoo Airport. Nearest inhabited island is Fares-Maathodaa (8km on the south western side). In terms of geographic coordinates, it is located at 00° 14' 45" N and 73° 16' 30" E. Nearest islands are Vashavarrehaa approximately 4.1km north east and Farukolhuhuttaa approximately 5.2km south west of Vaadhoo. 4. The proposed development project involves renovation and restoration of Vaadhoo harbor with approximately 82m addition to the existing length of the harbor. With this expansion the overall length of the harbor basin would be 244 meters. Under the proposed project, new quay wall (concrete sheet piles, L section) and breakwaters (armor rocks) will be constructed at the existing foot prints. The harbor basin will also undergo maintenance dredging to -3MSL (where necessary). The concept plan is formulated in light of the new third generation harbor concept which is focused at functionality of the harbor. In this regard harbor usage components such as passenger embarking/disembarking, loading unloading area, fish landing, water and fuel recharging and mooring area will be demarcated. 5. The existing harbor facility is located at the northern side of the island and is accessed by an entrance channel north of the harbor. The project boundaries are existing footprint of harbor and 82.95m east of harbor where the harbor will undergo expansion. Under the proposed project harbor expansion and maintenance dredging will be carried out at the basin and entrance area where necessary. The project boundaries are; harbor front, side breakwaters, entrance area and breakwaters on side on entrance channel. Under the proposed project maintenance dredging will be carried out at the basin and entrance area where necessary and this activity will generate sediment plumes west wards. Dredged material removed during the maintenance dredging works and harbor extension works will be reused for construction. 6. The harbor will have a total length of 226.19m of breakwater at the east and western side of the entrance channel. The breakwater will be constructed of armor stones and remains of existing breakwater as core. The side quay will have a total length of 136m of type 2 design quay wall, while the main quay will have a length of 244m. 7. Approximately 16000m3 of dredged material will be generated by the maintenance dredging works. This sand will be reused during construction stage, thereby avoiding the need for disposal. 8. The existing harbor footprint will be expanded to eastwards to 82.95m under the proposed project. The existing quay wall and breakwaters will be replaced with concrete quay wall and rubble mound breakwaters. The size of harbor basin after completion of the project will be 244m in length and 78m in width. The length of entrance channel is approximately 123m, while width is 30m. The depth of basin is at average -3.0MSL, areas where design depth is not met will be deepened to -3MSL. Depth of entrance channel will be -4MSL. 9. Existing environment was examined to identify significant environmental components that would be affected and to establish a baseline condition of the site. Available and relevant literature on environmental impacts associated with similar projects was evaluated to identify possible impacts. Oceanographic data and information on local hydrodynamics were qualitatively assessed to determine the current pattern around the island which was based on monsoonal wind patterns, wind generated waves, tidal flushing, geographic setting, the topography of the lagoon and shape of the shoreline. 10. The reef flat area in front of harbor was dominated by massive life forms of Porites and faviids. Numerous small table coral colonies were observed behind the reef flat area dominating the rocky back reef towards the lagoon. Further inwards the reef flat is predominantly covered by sea grass meadow. 11. Project is predominantly a restoration project, environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are considered minor. Significant environmental components that are likely to be affected include coral community and sea grass bed at harbor front and harbor expansion area. The most significant impact associated with the project would be impact on these habitats from sedimentation. Dredging and excavation often carry a heavy load of sediments increasing sediment load in the water column causing discoloration due to suspended sediments of the impact area for a prolonged period. Since the project is small in scale in addition to restoration in nature, the extent of sediment plum is expected to be small and limited to the harbor basin and vicinity. 12. Mitigation measures have been provided for impacts associated with the project related works that have been categorized as minor to moderate. Impact mitigation measures and monitoring is carried out to compare predicted and actual impacts occurring from project activities to determine the efficiency of the mitigation measures. It has to be noted that no EIA has been carried out for the development of the harbor and no environmental monitoring has been done since the completion of harbor in 1997, and extent of changes to habitats such as sea grass, coral reef and shoreline is not known. 13. Stakeholder consultations were carried out as part of the EIA process. It was strongly emphasized by the stakeholders that the location of Vaadhoo makes it a good transit point for many trade vessels and Safaris boats making the harbor is fairly crowded. In addition, during good fishing season the harbor is also used by fishing vessels from other atolls as well. Due to this reason the community feels strongly that the harbor needs to be expanded. Since resorts are opening near the island, additional usage of harbor is envisaged therefore burden on harbor will increase. Overall the IDC and harbor committee was in favor of the project and very little issues apart from extension of harbor were raised during the stakeholder meeting 14. With due consideration to main environmental components identified and the magnitude of impacts on these components from the proposed developments, the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures are given to correct and minimize unfavorable environmental consequences. Furthermore, the public and community consultation responses were in favor of the project due to the socio-economic benefits foreseen to the community from a functional harbor.Item Environmental impact assessment for coastal protection and erosion control on west of runway 18, Malé International Airport, Hulhulé, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives(2010-04-05) SandcaysThis report addresses the environmental concerns of the proposed quaywall strengthening and erosion control of western coast of Runway 18, Malé International Airport, Hulhulé, Kaafu Atoll. The primary objective of the project is to enhance the safety of the airstrip at the turning pad area, which is prone to flooding during rough weather due to wave overtopping from existing sheetpile structure. As a result there is scour behind the sheetpile wall increasing the threat of subsidence or structural weakening of the western edge of the turning pad area. Therefore, there is an immediate need to protect this area by strengthening existing sheetpile quaywall with additional protection measures. Hence, different options for the coastal protection have been evaluated and the most practicable options not entailing excessive costs have been recommended. Since this is an immediate and temporary measure, minimal protection has been proposed, which is the protection of the immediate area behind the turning pad where sheetpile structure has been placed. The length of protection is about 100m. The other areas with concrete gravity seawalls have not been considered for protection as these areas are not severely affected and the entire area, including the 100m coastline which is proposed for immediate protection, would be reclaimed in the near future, as per the Airport Master Plan. The different options for the protection of the proposed 100m coastline immediately behind the turning pad area include revetments along the coastline or offshore breakwaters covering a length of about 250m on the dead reef flat at about 100m from the sheetpile coastline. Two types of materials have been considered for the revetments: single layer Core-Loc armour units and 2.5m3 geotextile containers filled with sand. The Core-Loc units have very high permeability (50-60% voids) to absorb wave energy while the geotextile containers have no voids when placed together. Therefore, the design using geotextile containers have been revised to incorporate about 15% voids, thereby improving the wave energy absorption capacity. Based on the costs and wave energy absorption potential of each type of material, it is recommended to use the Core-Loc units. However, these units are not readily available in the Maldives, therefore, geotextile containers have been recommended due to the urgency of the project. In both cases, the revetments have been designed to provide adequate wave runup to minimize the force of the wave. Additional protection would not be required. For the breakwater also, the above two types of materials have been considered and submerged breakwaters as well as emerged breakwaters have been considered. The breakwater option is expensive given the length of the breakwater. Also, the distance between the potential breakwater location and the shore area to be protected is about 100m, which makes it less effective as wind-generated waves will reoccur inside the lee of the breakwater. Other options such as groynes have not been considered because the lagoon on this side has been dredged. Imported rock boulders could also be used for both the revetment option and the breakwater option. However, the cost of boulders and the time to deliver to site makes it impracticable and has not been considered. Moreover, a structure with rock boulders would be less permeable (about 30-40%) than the proposed Core-Loc armour units. Hence, cost was the deciding factor in choosing the Core-Loc units and geotextile containers over rock boulders. The reef flat at the area in which the proposed offshore breakwater would be constructed is almost entirely dead with high levels of sediment resuspended in the water column. This is due to the increased sediment level from dredging that had taken place in the area. There is also the cumulative effect of sediment resuspension resulting from the Hulhumalé reclamation, but this is expected to be small. The reef slope and edge in this area would not be severely affected as no machinery would be used in or closer to these areas during the implementation of the proposed project activities. All machinery would be used on the shallow reef flat area, which consists of bedrock and a few dead coral porites. Given the level of dredging, reclamation and coastal protection works that have been carried out in the area, the cumulative impacts of the proposed project would be negligible. Therefore, this project is not considered to have adverse environmental or social impacts but there would be economic impacts that would be positive in that the dangers of potential subsidence of the airstrip turning pad is minimized with greater flood control and protection afforded by the proposed temporary coastal protection structures. However, mitigation measures to minimize any damage to reef will be in place and the project components will be well planned considering minimal aesthetic impact although this area is not aesthetically sensitive. Environmental monitoring is not recommended for the project under consideration except monitoring of the effectiveness of the structures for at least one year after construction. However, it is recommended that the Maldives Airports Company in association with other operators in Hulhulé initiate and conduct an island-wide environmental monitoring programme which would cover the environmental monitoring needs of all projects undertaken on the island.Item EIA report for restoration of K. Kaashidhoo harbour under construction of harbours for Tsunami Victims Project(2010-11-07) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is to fulfill the regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives prior to the proposed harbor restoration at Kaashidhoo in Kaafu Atoll. 2. Kaashidhoo harbor restoration project is part of the Construction of Harbors for Tsunami Victims Project. This restoration project involves repair of harbors at 10 islands. The project is funded by a joint loan taken from Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the Saudi Government and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) by the government of Maldives. The design consultancy was awarded to Alhabshi Consultants Office, a Kuwaiti Company in association with Riyan Pvt Ltd (a Maldivian company). The Agreement for consultancy was signed on 6th November 2008 between the Government of Maldives and Alhabshi Consultant. 3. Project proponent of the proposed harbor restoration project is Ministry of Housing and Environment. The project was bided as a design and consultancy project. The main design consulting company Alhabhsi Consultants is assigned to carry out the design works, preparing tender documents, carrying out EIAs and construction phase supervision consultant. 4. The proposed development project involves renovation and restoration of Kaashidhoo harbor. During the December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, Kaashidhoo harbor facility received extensive damages. These include damage to harbor quay walls and basin. Under the proposed project, new quay wall (concrete sheet piles, L section) and breakwaters (armor rocks) will be constructed. The harbor basin and entrance channel will also undergo maintenance dredging to -3MSL. Since the proposed project is only a restoration project, basin size will not be increased. The concept plan is formulated in light of the new third generation harbor concept which is focused at functionality of the harbor. In this regard harbor usage components such as passenger embarking/disembarking, loading unloading area, fish landing, water and fuel recharging and mooring area will be demarcated. 5. The island of Kaashidhoo lies at the eastern side of the Kardiva Channel, located 20 km north from the small Gaafaru atoll and 30 km southeast from Faadhippolhu. The formation consists of an approximately rectangular-shaped island that is situated on the southeastern side of a reef-fringed platform. Measuring 2.9 km in length and around 1 km in width, the island covers an area of 2.75 km2, making it the largest island of Male' Atoll and the fifth largest island of the entire Maldivian archipelago. The island is located at 04° 57' 20" N and 73° 27' 53" E. 6. The existing harbor facility is located at the north western side of the island facing the western quadrant. The site boundaries are harbor area and entrance channel area. The harbor facility will undergo maintenance dredging; a breakwater will be constructed at the western side of harbor. Maintenance dredging will not be required for the entire length of entrance channel, but only at the shallow areas. 7. The existing harbor footprint will not be changed due to the proposed project (area loss by putting near quay wall in front of existing one will be adjusted from breakwater area), side quay wall will be constructed at existing foot print, and a new breakwater will be constructed (existing harbor facility is without a breakwater). Therefore the existing design of the harbor will remain as it is. The length of the harbor after completion of renovation works will be 215.5m and width 85m. The existing entrance will be used after maintenance dredging. The length of entrance channel is approximately 2500m, while width is 30m. The harbor basin and entrance channel will have a depth of -3MSL after completion of the restoration works. 8. The harbor will have a total length of 252.18m of breakwater at the western side. The breakwater will be constructed of armor stones and remains of demolished quay wall (where significant damage is observed) will be used as core. The side quays will have a total length of 120m of type 2 design quay wall, while the main quay will have a length of 215.5m. 9. Dredge material removed from the harbor basin (maintenance dredging works) and entrance will be initially stockpiled near harbor area since part of the material will be required during construction works. Part of the sediment will be used for back filling the area in between the existing quay wall and new quay wall and for filling the geo textile bags of breakwaters and side quays. Approximately 6,000m3 (used as core for breakwater, filling area in between new and old quay wall and filling geo-textile bags of main quay wall and side quay walls) of sediment will be used of the construction work while rest will be disposed southern side of harbor (1000m3). The sediment will be transported to the disposal sites on trucks, although initially sediment will be stockpiled near harbor area for construction purposes. Approximately 9,000m3 of dredge material will be removed from the harbor basin and entrance channel. 10. Two sites are surveyed for assessing the reef condition, site one was located at the northern side of entrance near mouth of entrance (westerns side of reef) while site two was located at sea grass meadow western side of harbor. Live coral cover at site one was approximately 20%, while at site two was very low. 11. It is important to note that the most significant impact associated with the project would be impact on the marine environment from sedimentation. Dredging and excavation often carry a heavy load of sediments increasing sediment load in the water column causing discoloration due to suspended sediments of the impact area for a prolonged period. Since the project is a restoration project, the extent of sediment plum will be limited at the harbor basin area, while entrance channel area required for deepening is within the lagoon area and far from reef flat area. 12. Since the proposed project is restoration project, environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are considered minor to moderate. 13. Mitigation measures are provided in the report for impacts that were categorized minor to moderate. Impact mitigation measures and monitoring is carried out to compare predicted and actual impacts occurring from project activities to determine the efficiency of the mitigation measures. It has to be noted that environmental monitoring has not been done since the completion of harbor, and extent of changes to habitat, live coral cover and shoreline is not known. Even though the project is not envisaged to cause impacts on shoreline (since construction will be done at existing footprint), it is important to monitor shoreline changes. 14. The main issue raised in the consultation meeting at Kaashidhoo by the IDC was the issue of entrance channel, expansion of harbor and shifting of harbor 30ft inside basin area to widen the harbor front road. 15. With due consideration to main environmental components identified and the magnitude of impacts on these components from the proposed developments, the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures are given to correct and minimize unfavorable environmental consequences. Furthermore, the public and community consultation responses were in favor of the project due to the socioeconomic benefits foreseen to the community from a functional harbor.Item EIA report for restoration of HA Hoarafushi harbour under construction of harbours for Tsunami Victims Project(2010-08-19) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is to fulfill the regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives prior to the proposed harbor restoration at Hoarafushi in Ha Atoll. 2. Hoarafushi harbor restoration project is part of the Construction of Harbors for Tsunami Victims Project. This restoration project involves repair of harbors at 10 islands. The project is funded by a joint loan taken from Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the Saudi Government and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) by the government of Maldives. The design consultancy was awarded to Alhabshi Consultants Office, a Kuwaiti Company in association with Riyan Pvt Ltd (a Maldivian company). The Agreement for consultancy was signed on 6th November 2008 between the Government of Maldives and Alhabshi Consultant. 3. Project proponent of the proposed harbor restoration project is Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment. The project was bided as a design and consultancy project. The main design consulting company Alhabshi Consultants is assigned to carry out the design works, preparing tender documents, carrying out EIAs and construction phase supervision consultant. 4. The proposed development project involves renovation and restoration of Hoarafushi harbor. During the December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, Hoarafushi harbor facility received extensive damages. These include damage to harbor protection walls, side walls and quay walls. Under the proposed project, new quay wall (concrete sheet piles, L section) and breakwaters (armor rocks) will be constructed at the existing foot prints. The harbor basin will also undergo maintenance dredging to -3MSL. Since the proposed project is only a restoration project, size of the harbor basin will not be increased. The concept plan is formulated in light of the new third generation harbor concept which is focused at functionality of the harbor. In this regard harbor usage components such as passenger embarking/disembarking, loading unloading area, fish landing, water and fuel recharging and mooring area will be demarcated. 5. Hoarafushi (06° 58' 53" N and 72° 53' 48" E) is located on the west side of Ihavandhippolhu atoll, 318 km from Male’. It is approximately 27km from Dhidhdhoo which is the capital of Ha Alifu Atoll (northern most atoll in Upper North province. The existing harbor basin and facility is located at the eastern side of the island facing Ihavandhippolhu atoll basin. The project boundaries are the harbor front area, either side breakwaters, eastern side seawall and breakwater section at the harbor entrance channel. Under the proposed project maintenance dredging will be done at the basin and entrance area where necessary and this activity will generate sediment plumes east and north eastwards. Dredged material removed during the maintenance dredging works will be disposed at the western side of the island where a bay shape area is observed (surplus after reuse during reconstruction work). 6. The existing harbor footprint will not be changed due to the proposed project, breakwaters and quay wall will be constructed at existing foot print area (apart from small section of breakwater at the western side of the harbor). Therefore the existing design of the harbor will remain as it is. The length of the harbor after completion of renovation works will be 361m and width of 88m. The length of entrance channel is approximately 150m, while width is 30m. The harbor basin will have a depth of -3MSL after completion of the restoration works. 7. The harbor will have a total length of 523m (including side quay walls) of quay walls and 324m of rubble mound breakwater. The rubble mound breakwater will be constructed of demolished material from existing breakwaters while the main breakwaters will be of armored rocks. A small section of existing revetment wall will be retained at the eastern side of the harbor which is in good condition. 8. Dredge material removed from the harbor basin (maintenance dredging works) will be initially stockpiled near harbor area since part of the material will be required during construction works. Part of the sediment will be used for back filling the area in between the existing quay wall and new quay wall and for filling the geo textile bags of breakwaters and side quays. Part of the sediment will also be used to level the harbor front area here a large scour pit is observed. Approximately 22000m3 of sediment will be excavated from deepening of harbor basin. A fair proportion of this sediment would be used for several aspects of harbor repair and construction work while any remains will be disposed at the erosion prone areas at the eastern side of the island. The sediment will be transported to the disposal sites on trucks, although initially sediment will be stockpiled near harbor area for construction purposes 9. Existing environment was examined to identify significant environmental components that would be affected and to establish a baseline condition of the site. Available and relevant literature on environmental impacts associated with similar projects was evaluated to identify possible impacts. Oceanographic data and information on local hydrodynamics were qualitatively assessed to determine the current pattern around the island which was based on monsoonal wind patterns, wind generated waves, tidal flushing, geographic setting, the topography of the lagoon and shape of the shoreline. 10. The harbor front area surveyed during the field visit had live coral cover less than 5%. 11. It is important to note that the most significant impact associated with the project would be impact on the marine environment from sedimentation. Dredging and excavation often carry a heavy load of sediments increasing sediment load in the water column causing discoloration due to suspended sediments of the impact area for a prolonged period. Since the project is a restoration project, the extent of sediment plum will be limited. The existing damaged breakwaters will act as bunds therefore limiting the spread of sediment fines. 12. Since the proposed project is restoration project, environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are considered minor to moderate. The significant environmental components that are likely to be affected are the coral community established on the reef flat and changes due to maintenance dredging works. 13. Mitigation measures are provided in the report for impacts that were categorized minor to moderate. Impact mitigation measures and monitoring is carried out to compare predicted and actual impacts occurring from project activities to determine the efficiency of the mitigation measures. It has to be noted that environmental monitoring has not been done since the completion of harbor, and extent of changes to habitat, live coral cover and shoreline is not known. Even though the project is not envisaged to cause impacts of shoreline (since construction will be done at existing footprint), it is important to monitor shoreline changes. 14. The IDC and harbor committee stated that the size of harbor has to be increased due to increase of vessels and size of vessels. Since the project is a restoration project funded by a loan the scope of work is limited. Although the community stressed the issue of harbor expansion the community was in consent to the proposed project. The existing harbor facility was badly damaged during the 2004 tsunami and is in urgent need of repairs. 15. With due consideration to main environmental components identified and the magnitude of impacts on these components from the proposed developments, the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures are given to correct and minimize unfavorable environmental consequences. Furthermore, the public and community consultation responses were in favor of the project due to the socioeconomic benefits foreseen to the community from a more functional harbor.Item Environmental impact assessment : coastal protection at Paradise Island Resort, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives(2010-08-01) SandcaysThis report addresses the environmental concerns of the proposed coastal protection at Paradise Island Resort located on Lankanfinolhu in North Malé Atoll. The primary objective of the project is to protect the coastal infrastructure of Paradise Island Resort and also enhance the natural environmental of Paradise and to improve the services offered to guests thereby minimizing operational and environmental costs. As such the project encompasses the replenishment of approximately 200m of beach at the arrival jetty and swimming pool area on the western side and about 300m of shoreline on the eastern side at the base of the water villas jetty. Paradise Island is surrounded by a large expanse of lagoon or reef flat on the eastern side and similar but not so great expanse of reef flat and lagoon on the western side. The western side beach is, therefore, much more prone to wave attack than the eastern side. The western side is exposed to wind generated waves during the southwest monsoon while the eastern side is exposed to wind generated waves during the northeast monsoon as well as swells during both monsoons. The eastern side reef flat has recently been subjected to anthropogenic changes during the construction of water villas which were destroyed by the tsunami of 2004 as a result of which the erosion of the eastern beaches at the foot of the water villa jetty has been severed. However, the western side beaches have been a victim of wave-induced erosion during the southwest monsoon for as long as the island existed. Therefore, regular beach nourishment by pumping sand from nearshore areas has helped to keep the beaches intact to some extent. Such frequent beach nourishment creates more sediment suspension and resuspension in the water column causing deterioration of the quality of the main product, which is the natural environment. Continuous beach nourishment would also provide little protection to these eroding areas without structural protection. Shore protection measures have, therefore, been evaluated and most practicable option(s) chosen to protect the eroding areas and minimize the frequency of beach nourishment. The proposed coastal protection structure is a breakwater that would be submerged at high tide. Such a breakwater is expected to provide adequate protection from wave induced erosion on both sides, which is the cause for concern at present. The overall environmental impacts of the project have been assessed using appropriate matrices and the results indicated that the proposed project has a net positive impact. That is, the project has no major adverse impacts on the environment as far as current knowledge is concerned. Given that the project has major socio-economic benefits and some environmental benefits, it is advisable to allow the project to proceed as proposed. It is also recommended to continue to monitor the impacts of the proposed project by regular monitoring of shorelines and nearshore currents for at least two years and communicate and feed the data into the EIA system in the country.Item Addendum to the environmental impact assessment for the proposed coastal protection in Alidhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives(2010-05-01) Water SolutionsThis is an addendum to the EIA submitted in April 2008 for the proposed coastal protection of Alidhoo resort in Haa Alif Atoll. This Addendum highlights the maintenance component to the initial project that was proposed in the EIA report. In principle, the addendum addresses maintenance component only. These include, deepening the existing mooring area and repairing part of the vertical emerged breakwater which has been damaged by bad weather. The breakwater repair will not modify the breakwater and it is intended to restore the breakwater to its original design. The proposed maintenance work will not increase the foot print on the marine environment. The proposed deepening of the existing mooring area which is located on north eastern side of the island will aim to restore the depths initially proposed for the mooring area. The mooring area has become very shallow, causing difficulty for the boats to access during low tide. The project is proposed to deepen the existing mooring area to a depth of 3 meters at low tide, only in areas where filling has taken place. Since fine sand and few coral rubble is the main benthic substrate found in the mooring area, the deepening operations with a sand pump is not expected to have a significant impact on the marine environment. Approximately 450 cubic meters of sand will be dredged from the mooring basin. The maintenance work proposed is aimed at restoring the original project to meet its original objectives and to ensure that the resort operation is not affected. Hence, this addendum highlights these issues which need to be undertaken. The proposed maintenance work appears justified from an environmental point of view as there are no additional moderate to major impacts on the environment due to the proposed works. Through this EIA addendum, the proponent proposes to undertake the maintenance work and also a permit to undertake annual deepening of the mooring area.Item Addendum III to environmental impact assessment for the development of a 140 rooms tourist resort on Lh. Kanifushi(2010-01-01) Systems Engineering and Marine ConsultingLh. Kanifushi was awarded to be developed as a tourist resort to Mohamed Nasheed. Initially to be developed by One and Half Degree Pvt. Ltd., an EIA as well as two addenda were submitted to get approval to start with the construction. A number of issues presented in that report are still relevant at present and the bulk of the information is available in the main EIA report. The authorization was granted through decision note (88-ES / MIS / 2007/ 41) which was partly carried out. In a later development, Kanifushi Investment Pvt. Ltd will be taking over and proposes a number of changes to be brought about in the site plans and was asked by the Ministry of Tourism (88-DS / NI – KAN / 2010 / 1 0) to submit an environment assessment of the changes brought about. This assessment is the subject of the present addendum. The major differences brought about are listed below: • Channel entrance and breakwaters • Harbor basin • Beach replenishment and coastal structures for erosion control • Shape of water villa jetty • Building on the western part of Lh. Kanifushi • Building on the Eastern part of Lh. Kanifushi • Positioning of the water bungalows on the northern shore exclusively • Building of the spa and food and beverage outlets on the southern side of the island The present addendum first presents the changes brought about in the design, followed by a discussion on the environmental consequences of these changes. Appropriate mitigation measures are presented together with alternative options. A summary table giving the pros and cons of the changes is given before concluding on the environmental appropriateness of the changes.