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    Technical Report
    EIA for the proposed digital terrestrial television broadcasting network development project
    (2018-02-11) Energy Consultancy
    Public Service Media ( PSM) is undertaking the project to mount communication towers in 22 sites to improve Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcast (DTTB). Based on the Decision statement issued on Environmental screening by EPA, out of 22 sites, only 9 sites are required to do an EIA before the project work begin on the sites, and they are Ha. Dhidhdhoo, HDh. Kulhudhuffush, Sh. Funadhoo, N. Manadhoo, ADh. Dhangethi, V. Felidhooo, Th. Guraidhoo, L. Gan and GDh. Fiyori. In each of these islands a communication tower of heights from 40 meters to 90 meters, with a service station with two story height would be constructed. This EIA is a requirement under 5thclause of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (law 4/93) and PSM as the proponent of this project gives their full commitment to undertake all the mitigation prescribed by this EIA for the adverse impact that may cause from the various components of this project. Apart from undertaking this EIA, the proponent needed to take dewatering permit from EPA prior to dewater in order to carry the required dewatering during construction of the foundation. In general, the existing environment of the sites allocated in these nine islands includes few matured trees and coconut palms with tall and medium size of bush grasses. In order to erect the towers the trees and grasses will be removed. From nine islands a total of 237 trees will be removed to clear the nine sites. The main impact to from the project activities were identified is to be depletion of groundwater due to dewatering during foundation work. However this depletion would be very short, infect, it would be restricted to the duration of dewatering. Once the dewatering is stopped, the groundwater will resume being normal through evenly distribution of the existing water lens and also infiltration takes place during rainfall. Loss of species of fauna and flora would be none due to the vegetation clearance. Apart from this, proper mitigation such as piling around the foundation bed would be done to reduce horizontal water flow and to prevent possible landslide. In conclusion, in order to complete DTTB network, PSM required to upright the communication antennas on these nine islands. Without these nine antenna, there will be a gap between the rest of the network, therefore without theses antennas the network will not function properly
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    Technical Report
    EIA for the proposed digital terrestrial television broadcasting network development project
    (2018-04-01) Energy Consultancy
    Public Service Media (PSM) is undertaking the project to mount communication towers in 22 sites to improve Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcast (DTTB). Based on the Decision statement issued on Environmental screening by EPA, out of 22 sites, initially only 9 sites are required to do an EIA before the project work begin on the sites, and they are Ha. Ga. Nilandhoo , HDh. Kulhudhuffush, Sh. G.Dh. Thinadhoo, N. Manadhoo, ADh. Dhangethi, V. Felidhooo, Th. Guraidhoo, L. Gan and GDh. Fiyori. Upon proposing to sheet pile option for three islands, G.A. Nilandhoo, G.Dh. Thinadhoo and S. Hithadho, EPA has issued Screening decision to carry out an EIA. In each of these islands a communication tower of heights from 40 meters to 90 meters, with a service station with two story heights would be constructed. This EIA is a requirement under 5th clause of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (law 4/93) and PSM as the proponent of this project gives their full commitment to undertake all the mitigation prescribed by this EIA for the adverse impact that may cause from the various components of this project. Apart from undertaking this EIA, the proponent needed to take dewatering permit from EPA prior to dewater in order to carry the required dewatering during construction of the foundation. The main impact to from the project activities were identified is to be depletion of groundwater due to dewatering during foundation work. However, this depletion would be very short, infect, it would be restricted to the duration of dewatering. Once the dewatering is stopped, the groundwater will resume being normal through evenly distribution of the existing water lens and also infiltration takes place during rainfall. Loss of species of fauna and flora would be none due to the vegetation clearance. Apart from this, proper mitigation such as piling around the foundation bed would be done to reduce horizontal water flow and to prevent possible landslide. In conclusion, in order to complete DTTB network, PSM required to upright the communication antennas on these islands. Without these antenna, there will be a gap in the network, therefore without theses antennas the network will not function properly
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    Technical Report
    Environmental impact assessment : proposed development of 10 storey apartment building with basement in M. Two Friends, Male'
    (2018-02) Musthafa, Amir
    This report is based on the proposed 10 storey building construction with basement at the residence, M. Two Friends in the capital city, Male‟. The project is being developed and constructed by the proponent, Rasheed Carpentry and Construction Pvt. Ltd. An Environmental Impact Assessment was necessary for the works outlined in this report as they fall under „Jadhuvalu R‟ of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012 of the Maldives. Specifically, the inclusion of a basement comes under the Regulation. In addition to meeting the regulatory requirements, the report would further assist the proponent and important stakeholders to make decisions based on favourable environmental conditions with the main focus on sustainability. The project also adheres to several other rules and regulations in the Maldives and has obtained permit from the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the project to proceed. The area the project is proposed to be undertaken is a moderately built area in the western side of Male‟ in Maaveyo Magu. There is no natural terrestrial environment at site. The existing environment therefore was focussed on the regional climate of Male‟, and the traffic distribution, and noise pollution in the area. The project area does endures moderate traffic relative to the general traffic conditions in Male‟. A general exterior overview of the existing structures in the area was also observed. It was found that most of the buildings in the area were old structures and maybe prone to some damages. However, serious structural defects are expected to be at a minimum, especially considering the standard foundation protection methods. The overall environmental impacts of the project have been assessed using frameworks found in literature. Since the development is undertaken in a moderately built area, the results indicate that the proposed project has neutral impact. However, there are some significant impacts on the environment during the construction phase of the project and these needs to be mitigated to avoid any significant damage to the environment. Significance of the impacts and mitigation measures have been provided based on previous similar projects undertaken in the Maldivian environment and based on literature. The main cause for concern regarding this project is the impact it will have on neighbours residing in this area. As such, several short-term impacts are envisaged including air pollution, noise pollution, aesthetic impacts, traffic issues and safety concerns. As there are numerous high storey building projects being undertaken in Male‟, there is no particular long term impact associated specific to this project, albeit an increase in cumulative impacts. The main reason an EIA was required for the project was due to the basement construction and associated impacts. These can be mitigated by restricting the type of storage materials in the area, implementing fire safety systems, and proper mechanical ventilation and drainage. MNDF fire and rescue services require smoke vent sysms to be in place in the basement. Furthermore, submersible pumps are proposed for the project as well as general mechanical ventilation. The other impacts that do occur can also be easily mitigated to minimise and/or completely nullify them. Mitigation measure proposed includes creating awareness among the construction staff and neighbours regarding the scope of the project. Other measures include taking protective measures to ensure people residing and utilising the vicinity will not have to endure the impacts during the construction stage. Foundation protection measures are recommended and are provided as part of the project to prevent impact on neighbouring structures in addition to a 1m offset from the adjacent building. Dewatering procedure will also be undertaken with care, details of which are given in the report. Care should also be taken to prevent any damage to the road and disruption to traffic during transport of machinery, material and equipment. Alternatives, including the no project option and alternatives for some project components are also discussed. No project option is not viable at this stage of the project. Regarding construction methodology, a few alternatives are recommended. Regarding the design, there are recommendations to make the development greener. These include interior landscaping to incorporate plants, use of green walls, use of LED lights, rooftop solar panels, etc. These are general alternatives proposed for all similar projects. An environmental monitoring program is provided at the end of the report, which provides details on the parameters to monitor on site, and the frequency in which it needs to be done. Estimated costs for the monitoring works are given. It is vital to have a building monitoring and maintenance body in place and to engage them in the monitoring program as continuous data can only be collected then. Implementation of the program is essential for the sustainable development of the project. In conclusion, it is discussed the impact such major housing projects have for the increasing population density in Male‟, and how it can be prevented at a policy level. However, taking this project as a standalone development project in an already heavily built island city, it can be concluded that no significant long-term project specific impacts are predicted, none that the island community is not yet enduring. The same conclusion had been derived for all similar building construction projects in Male‟. Therefore, it is recommended that the project go ahead as proposed with proposed precautions and mitigation measures as provided under the published guidelines and recommended in this study.
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    Technical Report
    Environmental impact assessment for the proposed 6 storey building construction at Ma. Funamaage, Malé
    (2018-02) Shareef, Ali
    This report discusses the findings of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out for the proposed 6 storey building at Ma. Funamaage, Bodufulhah goalhi, Malé. The objective of undertaking the project is to provide a residence to the proponent and family. The proponent also aims to rent out apartments in the building for residential use. The report has looked at the justifications for undertaking the proposed project components. Alternatives to proposed components or activities in terms of, design and environmental considerations were suggested. A mitigation plan and monitoring programme before, during and after the works has also been proposed. It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts, especially during excavation, dewatering and construction work is carried out. The potential environmental and social impacts from the overall project includes water contamination, shortage of groundwater, generation of waste, air pollution, noise pollution, disruption to traffic and interruption to commercial activities around the project location. After a survey and the study undertaken, these negative impacts identified are not severe enough to not allow the project. In light of possible impacts assessed, a comprehensive monitoring component has been suggested to monitor environmental (natural and social) impact during the course of this project. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the limited nature of the impact. In addition, the socioeconomic impacts that have been assessed have been identified as mostly positive impacts, not just in short term but also in long term. Therefore, from an environmental and technical point of view and in light of the existing socio-economic developments it appears justifiable to carry out the proposed project.
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    Technical Report
    Environmental impact assessment : proposed development of 15 storey mixed residential building at M. Chanbeylee Vilaa, Male’
    (2018-01) Musthafa, Amir
    This report is based on the proposed 15 storey mixed residential building construction with basement at the residence, M. Chanbeylee Villa in the capital city, Male‟. The project is being developed and constructed by the proponent Mr. Shiham Rasheed An Environmental Impact Assessment was necessary for the works outlined in this report as they fall under „Jadhuvalu R‟ of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012 of the Maldives. Specifically, the inclusion of a basement comes under the Regulation. In addition to meeting the regulatory requirements, the report would further assist the proponent and important stakeholders to make decisions based on favourable environmental conditions with the main focus on sustainability. The project also adheres to several other rules and regulations in the Maldives and has obtained permit from the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the project to proceed. The area the project is proposed to be undertaken is a moderately built area in the western side of Male‟ in Majeedhee Magu. There is no natural terrestrial environment at site. The existing environment therefore was focussed on the regional climate of Male‟, and the traffic distribution, and noise pollution in the area. The project area does endures moderate traffic relative to the general traffic conditions in Male‟. A general exterior overview of the existing structures in the area was also observed. It was found that most of the buildings in the area were old structures and maybe prone to some damages. However, serious structural defects are expected to be at a minimum, especially considering the standard foundation protection methods. The overall environmental impacts of the project have been assessed using frameworks found in literature. Since the development is undertaken in a moderately built area, the results indicate that the proposed project has neutral impact. However, there are some significant impacts on the environment during the construction phase of the project and these needs to be mitigated to avoid any significant damage to the environment. Significance of the impacts and mitigation measures have been provided based on previous similar projects undertaken in the Maldivian environment and based on literature. The main cause for concern regarding this project is the impact it will have on neighbours residing in this area. As such, several short-term impacts are envisaged including air pollution, noise pollution, aesthetic impacts, traffic issues and safety concerns. As there are numerous high storey building projects being undertaken in Male‟, there is no particular long term impact associated specific to this project, albeit an increase in cumulative impacts. The main reason an EIA was required for the project was due to the basement construction and associated impacts. These can be mitigated by restricting the type of storage materials in the area, implementing fire safety systems, and proper mechanical ventilation and drainage. Submersible pumps are proposed for the project as well as mechanical ventilation. The other impacts that do occur can also be easily mitigated to minimise and/or completely nullify them. Mitigation measure proposed includes creating awareness among the construction staff and neighbours regarding the scope of the project. Other measures include taking protective measures to ensure people residing and utilising the vicinity will not have to endure the impacts during the construction stage. Foundation protection measures are recommended and are provided as part of the project to prevent impact on neighbouring structures in addition to a 1m offset from the adjacent building. Dewatering procedure will also be undertaken with care, details of which are given in the report. Care should also be taken to prevent any damage to the road and disruption to traffic during transport of machinery, material and equipment. Additionally, water tanks should be incorporated as part of the project to cater for both booster pumps and wet rise system, which are requirements for the building. Alternatives, including the no project option and alternatives for some project components are also discussed. No project option is not viable at this stage of the project. Regarding construction methodology, a few alternatives are recommended. Regarding the design, there are recommendations to make the development greener. These include interior landscaping to incorporate plants, use of green walls, use of LED lights, rooftop solar panels, etc. An environmental monitoring program is provided at the end of the report, which provides details on the parameters to monitor on site, and the frequency in which it needs to be done. Estimated costs for the monitoring works are given. Implementation of the program is essential for the sustainable development of the project. In conclusion, it is discussed the impact such major housing projects have for the increasing population density in Male‟, and how it can be prevented at a policy level. However, taking this project as a standalone development project in an already heavily built island city, it can be concluded that no significant long-term project specific impacts are predicted, none that the island community is not yet enduring. The same conclusion had been derived for all similar building construction projects in Male‟. Therefore, it is recommended that the project go ahead as proposed with proposed precautions and mitigation measures as provided under the published guidelines and recommended in this study.