Environment - ތިމާވެށި
Browse
12 results
Search Results
Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed implementation of small scale desalination and bottling plant in Hulhudhoo, Addu City(2016-06) Musthafa, Mohamed; Hussain, ZahirThe project has been proposed by a local entrepreneur (Mr. Abdulla Mutheeu, Nest Mead, S Hulhudhoo) to build and operate a small-scale water bottling plant in Hulhudhoo in Addu City. The proposed location of the facility is a leased land plot of 20000sq to the proponent from Addu City Council on the western side of Hulhudhoo. The land has been leased for a period of 10 years. The source water for desalination is to be drawn from a deep borehole drilled and installed within the site. The source water for the bottling will be purified desalinated water produced at site through desalination of deep groundwater (saline) through Reverse Osmosis (RO) process. The RO reject brine will be discharged into deeper lagoon in the west coast of Hulhudhoo. The electricity required for the operation will be obtained from the existing island power grid through FENAKA cooperation Hulhudhoo Meedhoo Branch which has been arranged. In emergencies electricity will be provided by the standby generator set of 200Kw to be installed along with the bottling plant. The daily production capacity of desalination unit will be at 80m3/day. The estimated daily production of bottled water will be at 350-400 bottles of 20L capacity (refillable) and 300 -500 bottles of 5L and 1.5L capacity. The focused market is local communities in Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo. The client aims to expand the production and thus sell these products in other islands in the atoll based on the demand. The potential environmental impacts during works implementation and during operation of the system are identified with appropriate mitigation measures. Positive and negative impacts, impact significance and impact severity from the proposed development have been primarily identified using checklist method along with consultations, expert opinions and professional judgements. Key impact zones identified are at vegetation clearance site and brine disposal location in marine water. Key impacts expected to be caused from the proposed project activities include loss of vegetation at building site due to vegetation clearance and suspension and increase of sedimentation at brine disposal site in marine water. These impacts are however low and insignificant due to the small scale of the project and appropriate mitigation measures and monitoring protocols have been proposed. Given the small scale of the project with minor environmental impacts and the existing need for purified bottled water in these communities, the consultants feel the project is feasible to be implemented as proposed provided the given mitigation measures are taken and monitoring is carried out.Item Environmental impact assessment proposed beach and swimming area development Himmafushi Island, Male’ Atoll(2016-06) Zuhair, Mohamed; Shakir, IbrahimThe Secretariat of the Himmafushi Council (Himmafushi Island Council), Male’ Atoll proposes to develop a beach having 220m on the northern side of the island and a swimming are within the lagoon on the northern side. The swimming are will be developed after removing seagrass found within the lagoon from an area having 1,300sqm. It is expected that a total of 3,252cbm of material will be obtained from the removal of seagrass. The seagrass content will be removed before the material will be used on the proposed beach. The proposed beach will be developed having an average width of 10m and a height of 1.4m above MSL. Two methods of material excavation will be used during the project implementation. Initially removal of seagrass will be undertaken by use of excavator and sand from the area will be obtained by using a sand pump. Under the Maldives Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law No. 4/93) and EIA Regulation 2012, the proposed beach and swimming area development project requires an EIA to be carried out. The report presents major findings of the EIA report. This EIA is prepared as per the Terms of Reference (TOR) approved by Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on 20 March 2016. Baseline environmental condition of the proposed project site as well as socio-economic environment was conducted for which the environmental impacts and mitigation measures as well as project alternatives are presented. It was found that there is a great need from the community for developing the beach and swimming area on the island, which is recognized as an important community need. The assessments carried out on the biophysical environment on the northern side of the island indicate that the coral reefs within the project boundary had very little live coral cover and limited reef fish abundance and diversity. The depth of the project area ranges from -0.4m MSL in the nearshore areas to -0.8m MSL at the proposed burrow site. The current flow was from east to west reaching to speeds of 0.14m/s and 0.18m/s. The area in close proximity to the project has known surf points. Most of the lagoon environment was covered with seagrass Thalassia hemprichii. There are two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within close proximity of the project location. Thamburudhoo Thila MPA is located close to the project site at distance of 1.2km NE and Lankan Thila MPA is located 5km SW. There are two Sensitive Sites (SSs) within the vicinity of the project site, they are Huraagandu SS located at a distance of 4.3km north and Okebe Thila SS located at a distance of 7.4km SW. Key environmental impacts from the proposed project will be from sedimentation to the reef areas on the northern and NW sides, changes in the hydrodynamics of the burrow area and nearshore lagoon on northern side of the island as well as potential changes to the northern shoreline of the island and these impacts can be reduced by implementing various environmental management and mitigation measures such as undertaking excavation, sand pumping and beach nourishment operations coinciding with low tide and on calm days to reduce spread of sedimentation as well as undertaking the operations in the quickest possible timeframe to reduce impact exposure period. Although there are some environmental impacts from the proposed project, most of these impacts can be reduced and mitigated by use of appropriate methodology and timing. The effectiveness of these methodologies can be documented by implementing a comprehensive monitoring programme. Also, with positive socio-economic outlook of the project and the community needs for the project, it is concluded that the project should go ahead as planned.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed water production and distribution facility at Milandhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives(2016-12) Zuhair, Mohamed; Abdul Fathah, Mariyam Shujaa-ath; Shareef, Mohamed1. The purpose of this EIA is to critically analyse and assess the potential environmental impacts associated with the development of the proposed water production and distribution facility at Sh. Milandhoo and expose the solutions and preferred alternatives as well as mitigation measures to minimize any negative impacts whilst trying to derive the maximum positive impacts from the project; 2. Currently, rainwater is widely used in all houses as cooking water and groundwater is used for various other domestic uses. Almost all houses have a rainwater storage tank. Bottled water is now mainly used as drinking water. Nevertheless, the groundwater lens in the islands of Maldives is depleted and highly saline due to over use and polluted in some areas and not fit for use for domestic purposes. Even though rainwater is widely used, it is not a reliable source as rainwater cannot be collected during dry season. Therefore, it is understood that residents of Milandhoo are in urgent need of a clean water facility; 3. In the proposed facility the water production system is designed for 15 years whereas the distribution system for 35 years; 4. Proposed project involves installation of an RO plant with a capacity of 65 tonnes per day with three independent drains. Seawater intake is proposed from two bore wells 30 m deep at a site near the desalination plant. In addition to the bore wells, the facility will also incorporate rain water collected from public roofs, hence this is an integrated water resource management facility. Project also includes laying of distribution pipeline to existing household and a fire hydrant system; 5. A full baseline of groundwater quality, seawater quality, vegetation clearance and marine environment was established. Marine environment study showed that living substrata and fish count at the proposed outfall location was low; 6. The construction works of new RO plant presented in this report are not expected to adversely impact the environment if the mitigation measures mentioned in the report are followed. The most important mitigation measures are daily maintenance of machinery, following chemical handling procedures, waste segregation and storage in closed labelled containers until disposal; 7. Overall, the proposed project is expected to bring in positive outcomes. It is expected that the newly established water production and distribution facility will ensure water security to the population of Milandhoo in addition to greatly reducing health impacts associated with the use of polluted water; and 8. Monitoring is essential to ensure that environmental thresholds are not exceeded and mitigation measures proposed are working. Water quality and marine environment monitoring shall be done as per the proposed monitoring schedule.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed water production and distribution facility at Hoarafushi, Haa Alif Atoll, Maldives(2016-11) Zuhair, Mohamed; Abdul Fathah, Mariyam Shujaa-ath; Shareef, Mohamed1. The purpose of this EIA is to critically analyse and assess the potential environmental impacts associated with the development of the proposed water production and distribution facility at HA. Hoarafushi and expose the solutions and preferred alternatives as well as mitigation measures to minimize any negative impacts whilst trying to derive the maximum positive impacts from the project; 2. Currently, rainwater is widely used in all houses as cooking water and groundwater is used for various other domestic uses. Almost all houses have a rainwater storage tank. Bottled water is now mainly used as drinking water. Nevertheless, the groundwater lens in the islands of Maldives is depleted and highly saline due to over use and polluted in some areas and not fit for use for domestic purposes. Even though rainwater is widely used, it is not a reliable source as rainwater cannot be collected during dry season. Therefore, it is understood that residents of Hoarafushi are in dire need of a clean water facility; 3. In the proposed facility the water production system is designed for 15 years whereas the distribution system for 35 years; 4. Proposed project involves installation of an RO plant with a capacity of 80 tonnes per day with three independent drains. Seawater intake is proposed from two bore wells 13 m deep at a site near the desalination plant. In addition to the bore wells, the facility will also incorporate rain water collected from public roofs, hence this is an integrated water resource management facility. Project also includes laying of distribution pipeline to existing household and a fire hydrant system; 5. A full baseline of groundwater quality, seawater quality, vegetation clearance and marine environment was established. Marine environment study showed that living substrata and fish count at the proposed outfall location was low; 6. The construction works of new powerhouses presented in this report are not expected to adversely impact the environment if the mitigation measures mentioned in the report are followed. The most important mitigation measures are daily maintenance of machinery, following chemical handling procedures, waste segregation and storage in closed labelled containers until disposal; 7. Overall, the proposed project is expected to bring in positive outcomes. It is expected that the newly established water production and distribution facility will ensure water security to the population of Hoarafushi in addition to greatly reducing health impacts associated with the use of polluted water; and 8. Monitoring is essential to ensure that environmental thresholds are not exceeded and mitigation measures proposed are working. Water quality and marine environment monitoring shall be done as per to the proposed monitoring schedule.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed dredging of harbor and entrance channel at Gdh. Fiyoari(2016-01) Maldives Energy and Environmental Company1. This report provides the finding of an environmental impact assessment conducted for a dredging project in G DH.Fiyoari, devised by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure (MHI) in accordance with the Environmental Act and EIA Regulations 2012. The report was compiled by Maldives Environment and Energy Company (MEECO) to fulfil the requirements of law. The main objective of the project is to ease accessibility to the island. 2. In recent times, the harbour in Fiyoari, has become one of the biggest contributors to the local economy. An ice plant managed and run by Kooddoo Fisheries provides ice and water to fishing vessels that regularly birth at Fiyoari. The harbour is also frequented by safari vessels enroute to the surfing point located at the western coast of Fiyoari. The demand for the harbour has resulted in the harbour becoming congested and shallow areas ‘giri’ that exist within the basin has made navigation and access difficult. 3. The proposed project encompasses dredging shallow areas from the harbour and entrance channel. The dredging is aimed at removing all the shallow areas in an area of 25,699 m2 from the harbour basin and 5,350 m2 from the entrance channel. Surveys concluded that a total of 11,800 m3 of dredge material would be obtained as a result of dredging these areas to – 3 m MSL. 4. Bathymetry surveys showed that two areas were shallower than – 3 m MSL in the proposed project area. They were a 2,642 m2 shallow giri in the harbour basin close to quay wall and a 1,650 m2 strip of shallow area at the southern side of the entrance channel. However, study area bathymetry and stakeholder consultations revealed that the proposed project area did not encompass all the significant shallow areas which were highlighted to cause navigational difficulties. Two main shallow areas were identified in the basin outside the project area which are shallower than – 3 m from MSL. These areas have been marked in the report. 5. Use of dredge material in the ongoing sports arena construction project at Fiyoari was determined to be the best option. 6. Environmental impacts were identified and assessed for both the construction phase (dredging) and operational phase of the project. The negative impacts of the project would be felt exclusively on the marine environment during the dredging phase of the project. No significant negative impacts have been identified due to the small scale of the project. Following careful evaluation of the minor negative impacts, appropriate and practical mitigation measures have been proposed to reduce these negative impacts. Significant positive impacts were identified for the implementation phase of the project. The project would not only address difficulty in navigation but it will also boost the economy of the island. Alternatives to the current scheme have also been provided in the report with their advantages and disadvantages discussed. 7. The Proponent, Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure is committed to undertake the necessary mitigation measures and monitoring during all stages of the project. The project is in line with the national development polices of the government and planned to be executed in compliance with the relevant laws and regulations of the Maldives pertaining to conservation of the environment. 8. In conclusion, this EIA has looked into the key factors that shall be taken into account during construction and operational stage of the project. Even though this project does have significant environmental impacts to the immediate marine environment, with appropriate measures, those negative effects can be mitigated to an acceptable level. It is also worth highlighting significant positive impacts that the project is expected to bring to the community would translate into improved living conditions and overall social well-being of the community.Item Environmental impact assessment for proposed farming development project in B. Aidhoo Island(2016-11) Zuhair, Mohamed; Shakir, IbrahimMr. Mohamed Saeed of M. Snowflakes has proposed to develop a farming project on Aidhoo Island located in Baa Atoll. As part of the project, it is proposed to undertake different types of farming methods by using modern technology including setting up of a vertical farm, hydroponics farm, orchid farm and container farm. Separate plots will be developed for each farming method where lettuce, tomato, melon, chili, cucumber, bell pepper, etc are proposed to be produced. The project will be developed with all support facilities, services and infrastructure. This EIA is prepared as per the Terms of Reference (TOR) approved by Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on 19 October 2016. For such development projects, a mandatory EIA is required as per the EIA Regulations of 2012 before commencement of any activity relating to the project. The scope of this EIA is to assess the existing environmental condition of Aidhoo Island and surrounding environment, identify potential environmental impacts, propose environmental management and mitigation measures to minimize environmental impacts as well as propose an environmental monitoring plan with appropriate environmental parameters to monitor changes on a regular basis. Aidhoo Island is located at 5°11'13.73"N and 73°9'48.93"Eand is found on the eastern periphery of Baa Atoll rim in a single reef system. The island is found on the western parts of the reef in an elliptical shape similar to the reef and has an orientation from E-W. The closest inhabited island is Dhonfanu located at 4.2km west, the closest tourist resort is Kihaad Maldives located at 3km west and the closes uninhabited island is Hanifaru Island found within Hanifaru Marine Protected Area located at 1.5km SW of Aidhoo. The Domestic Airport in Dhravandhoo is found 4.5km south. The island is about 280m long from the longest point and 115m wide from the widest point and has an approximate area of 2.3ha. The island has healthy vegetation in the middle parts and young and pioneering vegetation all around it. A dynamic sand spit is found on the western tip of the island while surf breaks are found on the eastern side of the island. During the construction period, key environmental impacts are believed to occur from site clearing and construction waste disposal. During operation a number of significant environmental impacts have also been envisaged including solid waste disposal and inappropriate methods of wastewater disposal from the island will generate long-term impacts on the environment including effects on island environment, changes in reef community structure, damage to coral reefs and degraded seawater quality, etc The socio-economic impacts of the proposed development have been identified to be mostly positive. These include, opening of new employment opportunities, contribution to improving living standards of nearby communities through direct and indirect economic benefits, development of skills as well as contribution to the local economy from the above. In order to mitigate and reduce environmental impacts from the proposed project, key considerations have been given to minimize vegetation clearance on island for facilities and farming development, development of an appropriate waste management center with equipment and staff. An Environmental Monitoring Plan, which will be implemented during construction and operation phases of the development will be undertaken. An environmental monitoring report will be prepared twice a year, which will be submitted to relevant government authorities. Although there are a number of environmental impacts from the proposed development, most of these impacts can be reduced and mitigated by use of appropriate methodology. The effectiveness of these methodologies can be documented by implementing a comprehensive monitoring programme. Also, with positive social and economic outlook of the project and considering the overall contribution of the project to local and national economies, it is concluded that the project could be undertaken.Item Environmental impact assessment for the construction of a harbor in Filladhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives(2016-12) Water SolutionsThis 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.Item Environmental & social impact assessment for the proposed construction of sewerage system in Maamigilli, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives(2016-11) Water SolutionsThis 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.Item Environmental impact assessment for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Dhiggaru Island, Meemu Atoll, Maldives(2016-11) Water SolutionsThis 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.Item Environmental impact assessment for proposed access channel and boat mooring area deepening in Fehendhoo Island, Baa Atoll(2016-03) Zuhair, MohamedThe Secretariat of the Fehendhoo Council (Fenhendhoo Island Council) proposes to develop an access channel and a boat mooring area by deepening a 244m long, 10m wide access channel and a 45.75m long and 30.50m wide boat mooring area on the northern side of Fehendhoo Island. These areas will be excavated to a depth of 3m at low tide. Also, as part of the proposed project, a retain wall by use of concrete blocks on the island-ward side of the boat mooring area will be undertaken. An area of 2,440sqm from the access channel and an area of 1,395sqm from the boat mooring area require to be excavated as part of the proposed project. A total of 6,100cbm from the access channel and 3,488cbm from the boat mooring area (total 9,588cbm) will be obtained from these locations. Two areas have been identified for use of the excavated material from the proposed project including use of material on the small islet by the existing partial access channel on the northern side and on the NW shoreline of Fehendhoo where long-term beach erosion has been identified. Under the Maldives Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law No. 4/93) and EIA Regulation 2012, the proposed deepening of access channel and boat mooring area project requires an EIA to be carried out. The report presents major findings of the EIA report. Baseline environmental condition of the proposed project site as well as socio-economic environment was conducted for which the environmental impacts and mitigation measures as well as project alternatives are presented. It was found that there is a great need for developing an access channel and a boat mooring area on the island, which is recognized as an important community need. The assessments carried out on the biophysical environment indicate that the coral reefs within the project boundary had very little live coral cover and limited reef fish abundance and diversity. The depth of the project area ranges from 2.7m on the north to 0.4m on the south below MSL. The current flow was from north to south taking a slightly westward direction and strong currents were identified on the outer reef area and decreased currents were observed in the lagoon closer to the island. Most of the lagoon environment was covered with seagrass in the nearshore and isolated corals, rubble and rock in the middle lagoon areas. As a result of the proposed project during construction phase, some environmental impacts such as sedimentation, direct destruction of lagoon habitats, turbid marine water quality and certain degree of impacts to corals and seagrasses have been identified. Most significant impacts based on evaluation will be from excavation works where the impacts have been identified to be moderately significant. With regards to mitigating most severe impacts, work will be carried out during low and on calm days in order to reduce spread of sedimentation related impacts. Although there are some environmental impacts from the proposed project, most of these impacts can be reduced and mitigated by use of appropriate methodology and timing. The effectiveness of these methodologies can be documented by implementing a comprehensive monitoring programme. Also, with positive socio-economic outlook of the project and the community needs for the project, it is concluded that the project should go ahead as planned.