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Item Environmental impact assessment reclamation of 15 hectares of land at Thilafushi for development of the regional waste management facility for Zone 3(2017-11) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Ministry of Environment and Energy for the proposed reclamation of 15 hectares from the shallow lagoon at Thilafalhu, Male’ Atoll. Thilafalhu is the lagoon where Thilafushi is located. The reclamation and coastal protection project is the first step to establish a Regional Waste Management Facility for Zone III at Thilafushi to manage and dispose waste which is generated from islands in the central 4 atolls of the Maldives. The reclamation project involves reclamation 15 hectares of shallow lagoon at Thilafalhu, Thilafushi to height of +1.7 m above mean sea level. Sand is proposed to be borrowed from the lagoon of Thilafushi near the reclamation area located on northern side of the proposed site. It is estimated that total of 525,000 cbm of sand will be required for this reclamation. The sand would be dredged using Cutter Suction Dredger and dredged sand will be pumped to the reclamation area from the dredger. The reclaimed land would be protected using 510 m rock boulder revetment on southern side and 475 m revetment on northern side. Ministry of Environment and Energy would undertake a detail design using their engineer based on observations, issues, and concerns raised during the EIA process. Environmental impacts of this project were assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting from the dredging and reclamation works. Dredging to borrow sand for the reclamation work will be undertaken using Cutter Suction Dredger and this is particularly a method that creates lot of sedimentation. Reclamation work for filling and levelling work would be undertaken using excavators and bulldozer which will have an impact on the marine environment during the initial stage of the project. It is anticipated that impacts of this projects will be felt on the marine environment of the Thialfushi reef system. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in the report. Sedimentation control methods have been specifically focused to reduce its impact on the surrounding marine environment. An important mitigation measure is the use of bund walls in the reclamation area to contain sedimentation and reduce its impact on the marine environment. In addition, completing the dredging and filling works in the shortest time frame, during north east monsoon is also a significant mitigation measure to minimize the impact of sedimentation on the marine environment. The proposed mitigation measures shall be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The measures proposed to mitigate environmental impacts is considered to be appropriate, thereby minimizing the impact by about 90%. The negative environmental impacts of the proposed project would be sedimentation and destruction of the lagoon and damage to some areas of the reef, which will cause death of corals in the direct impact zone and partial death of corals in other areas of the coral reef. During dredging works, the sedimentation will also affect the fish species in the vicinity of the project area. Several alternatives to the proposed project were considered, all of these alternatives cannot be implemented for various reasons including issues related to regulations, cost, and environment factors. The present project design seems to be feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. It is inevitable that there would be negative environmental impacts of this project. It will not be possible to avoid environmental damage entirely, but ways to minimize damage are critical factors to consider during implementation. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) with environmental monitoring has been recommended including important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component shall be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to the implementation of the proposed project. As the socioeconomic impacts are going to be felt in the long term, monitoring these changes is very essential. The proposed reclamation pose threats to the marine environment of the Thilafushi and its lagoon. There will be direct and indirect damage to marine environment in the vicinity of the project site. Some of the corals patches, mostly in the reclamation area in the shallow lagoon will die due to smothering as well as from construction activities. But these are damages that cannot be entirely avoided. The project involves negative environmental impacts, such impacts are not severe as not to go ahead with this project. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed 14 storey building construction at G. Noomaraage Aage, Malé(2017-10) Development Advisory ServicesThis report discusses the findings of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out for the proposed 14 storey building at Noomaraage aage, Galolhu, Rahdhebai Magu, 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.Item Environmental impact assessment for the harbour rehabilitation project, Maaungoodhoo Island, Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives(2015-11) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt Ltd at the request if Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the proposed harbour rehabilitation project at Maaungoodhoo, Shaviyani Atoll. The project involves the rehabilitation of the existing harbour in Maaungoodhoo, Shaviyani Atoll. This project is initiated by the government of Maldives. The harbour of Maaungoodhoo has been damaged to various extents and requires rehabilitation and upgrading, including deepening the harbour basin, extending beaching area, constructing east channel breakwater, constructing quay wall on the extended area and reconstructing harbour breakwater using the existing rock boulders. In addition to this, filling the eroding area on north side of the island and filling the area on the west side of the harbour using dredged material is also proposed in this project. A detail assessment of the environmental and social conditions was assessed based on which a rehabilitation project has been proposed. This EIA has been prepared to assess the social and environmental impacts of this proposed rehabilitation project. The major impacts have been identified as resulting from the dredging works, which has been proposed inside the harbour basin and west of the existing harbour basin. However, as this is a rehabilitation project, environmental impacts from the dredging works will be minor to moderate as it is done on an already dredged area. To support this, the report has identified baseline conditions of the predicted impact zones of the marine environment and they appear to be limited as the reef itself has limited live coral coverage on the proposed site. Dredged spoil has been proposed to be disposed to the northern side of the island. Therefore sedimentation during the filling process is anticipated which will impact nearby reef areas. The impacts on coastal dynamics also seem to be limited as there will not be any layout changes to the harbour that will significantly affect the sediment movement around the island. The harbour has already disrupted the sediment movement around the island, which is seen during both seasons. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation control methods and other measures. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups, including the community and the client in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project. It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts, especially when dredging is undertaken. In Maaungoodhoo, the environmental impacts are limited and not significant as this is a rehabilitation project. Most of the negative impacts will be confined during the construction stage. As a result, a comprehensive monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require regular checks both during and after construction. This monitoring component will assess long term changes, despite the limited nature of the impact. The most important consideration is the socioeconomic impacts that have been assessed mainly as positive in nature. Not only they are positive, but most importantly in the long term. In this project, there are more positive benefits than negativeItem Environmental impact assessment for the construction of a harbour quaywall at Maduvvari, Meemu Atoll(2015-01) Maldives Energy and Environmental CompanyThis document is prepared to meet the necessary requirements to get clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency in order to carry out the proposed harbor quaywall reconstruction project at Meemu atoll Maduvvari. It has been prepared in compliance with the EIA regulation of 2007, under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Act No. 4/93). The islands existing harbor had been badly damaged by the 2004 Tsunami, rendering it unsafe and unsuitable. A breakwater had not been initially developed, and the rough monsoon waves made the existing quaywall unguarded against the elements of nature. The proposed development will reconstruct a new quaywall and will greatly improve the socio economic conditions of the island by providing a safer harbor with easier access. This Executive Summary highlights the key findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for this project, which is proposed by the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure and executed by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The proposed development comprises of the following key elements: ‐ Removal of the existing quaywall and reconstruction of a new quay wall of the same length, using T‐block elements. ‐ Construction of a pavement alongside the length of the new quaywall. ‐ Carrying out maintenance dredging of the basin to a depth of 3m below sea level. ‐ Reclaiming land at the northern side of the island using the demolished quaywall ‐ Using the dredged material (approximated at 550 m3) to level the road on the northern side of the island. Justification and Socioeconomic Considerations This project, instead of the alternatives, is best suited and the most feasible design solution, offering benefits in terms of the proposed location, environment, project activities, and future land developments of the island. The proponent considers that the views of major stakeholders and the community are important in the planning and design of the project. Public consultation has been conducted throughout the planning stages. The Maduvvari community supports the development of the project and their views have been considered in the planning and design process. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures The potential impacts will be minor and localized, with the impacts identified as being caused by the following main project activities. ‐ Impacts due to maintenance dredging ‐ Impacts due to reclamation of land on the northern side of the island ‐ Impacts due to leveling of roads on the northern side of the island The impacts are however, found to be temporary and weighs less than the benefits of the socio‐economic impacts caused by the development. The major negative impacts are listed as follows: ‐ Noise pollution potential source of noise pollution will arise during the construction phase of the project, with the usage of heavy machinery and equipment ‐ Unavoidable sedimentation caused by dredging works, which will increase the turbidity of the surrounding waters and adversely impact the marine organisms. Sedimentation of silt on the reef flat will be caused by excavation. ‐ Changes in the hydrodynamics of the island which could potentially affect the issue of coastal erosion of the island. Nevertheless, there are greater socioeconomic benefits. These include facilitating easier access to the harbor for the vessels, and minimizing of floods during high tide. Mitigation measures have been proposed for all the potential adverse impacts arising from the project activities. They include, among others: ‐ Carrying out the excavation during high tides to allow maximum flushing of the sediments. ‐ Reclaiming during low tides to minimize erosion of the dredged material. ‐ Reducing problems arising during construction by making the necessary announcements and posting the related sign boards. ‐ Limiting the construction hours to day time and avoiding simultaneous operation of the equipment. And environmental monitoring and management plan will be implemented during the project activities, to assess the effectiveness of the mitigation measures and compliance with the criteria. Alternate locations and technology The proposed location where the dredged material would be used is the best location as it is the most needed location to be reclaimed for future plans of the island. Alternative technology are not recommended either due to expensive process or the available technology not suitable to the environmental conditions. Conclusion This EIA report has identified and evaluated the potential environmental impacts of the project, in accordance with the rules and regulations. Overall, the report concludes that the project would be environmentally acceptable and in compliance with the environmental legislation and standards. The implementation of the mitigation measures during construction and operation stages will minimize potential negative impacts. This will be examined by a suitable monitoring and management plan.Item Environmental impact assessment for redevelopment of harbour at Meemu Atoll Dhiggaru(2015-01) Maldives Energy and Environmental CompanyThis report discusses the findings of the environmental impact study undertaken by MEECO Pvt. Ltd. at the request of the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure to redevelop the harbour of Meemu atoll Dhiggaru. This EIA report is prepared in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2007 under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Act No. 4/93). The purpose of this EIA is to fulfill the requirement of the Law and to conduct an assessment of possible impacts on ecological, biophysical environment and socioeconomics arising from the proposed reconstruction. The main rationale of this project is to increase the safety, accessibility of the current harbor. This project is particularly important as the islands economy mainly depends on fisheries sector. With the current increasing demand of the fishing vessels and the growing sizes of the vessels, an extension of the harbor is needed. This will also enable more job opportunities in Dhiggaru where unemployment rate is high. The existing landside quay wall was constructed to shore extent of the island at the time of construction. However, the quay wall was not extended with the recent reclamation and addition of land. Therefore the reclaimed shore was left as rocks and rubbles. With time, this has become unusable and become difficult for mooring the vessels. To keep pace with the growing demands for the use of the harbor, it became necessary to reconstruct the harbor covering this area. The project involves redevelopment of the exiting harbour in order to facilitate and improve the facilities provided by the harbour. The exiting quay wall on landside would be extended to a have a total length of 268m and the width of the harbour would be extended to 86m. A maintenance dredging would also be carried to a depth of 3m below MSL. In addition, the project also involves relocation of the southern breakwater to further south extending the width and raising of the breakwater heights to 2m above MSL. Breakwater of total length of 449m would also be constructed. The existing entrance channel with a width of 25m would also undergo a maintenance dredging and would be extended in length. It is estimated that approximately 15,500m3 of sand would be dredged from the basin. The dredged material would be used to reclaim the land northwest of the harbor and some of the material would be used in the graveyard. Key impacts The impacts of the project result mainly during construction from activities such as maintenance dredging and reclamation of the land on the North West. Sedimentation and increase in turbidity can impact the marine environment. The reclamation can change the hydrodynamics of the island and will take some to come to equilibrium although this will address the issue of coastal erosion in that area. Baseline environmental conditions at the project site indicated that the live coral cover was almost zero and fish count is very less, showing minimum impact on marine habitat. Indirect impact may also occur from silting which is a short term impact. However, the major socioeconomic impact is found to be positive. Easing the access and creating space for more vessels will facilitate the local users of the harbor and enable development of harbor dependent sectors and livelihood of the residents of M.Dhiggaru. Key negative impacts of the project are found to be significant in short term. These negative environmental impacts weighed against socio-economic positive impacts acts as a justification for the project. Mitigation measures Mitigation measures were taken by conducting appropriate field surveys and environmental assessment of the island, proposed and alternative locations for development of the harbor. The excavation would be carried out during the high tides to allow maximum flushing of the sediments. Reclamation would be done during low tides to minimize the erosion and washing away of the material. The necessary announcements and proper use of sign boards will be used to minimize the difficulties caused during the construction works. Alternate locations and technology The proposed location where the dredged material would be used is the best location as it is the most needed location to be reclaimed for future plans of the island. Alternative technology are not recommended either due to expensive process or the available technology not suitable to the environmental conditions. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring was developed taking into consideration the impacts and mitigation measures to be implemented. The important elements that require checks such as sediment dynamics, coral cover, shoreline changes, water quality and hydrodynamics will be monitored according to the developed monitoring program during construction and operation period. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are not serve as to not undertake the project. Mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimize the significant impacts. Hence, the project is justifiable in light of the socioeconomic conditions and anticipated benefits from the project which clearly outweigh the negative environmental impacts.Item Environmental impact assessment for the construction of the harbour in Magoodhoo, Faafu Atoll, Maldives(2014-07) 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 F. Magoodhoo. F. Magoodhoo is located on the southern rim of Faafu atoll and has a population of 781. Majority of the island community depend on fishing 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 Magoodhoo has many developmental obstacles for the island. At present the only way to access the island is by means of a damaged jetty on the north side of the island. For mooring the vessels, fisherman and other vessel owners use deep lagoons within the island reef system. In rough weather, getting in out of the island is almost impossible. Some of the vessels have to go to a nearby harbour for mooring in unfavourable weathers. This is the dilemma the islanders have faced until now. The construction of the harbour includes the following: Construction of a quay wall on inner side and both ends of the harbour using Tshaped concrete blocks. Deepening the harbour basin to 3 meters at mean sea level. Dredging of the harbour basin which is 506 feet long and 214 feet wide. Construction of 689 feet long breakwater with rock boulders. Reclamation of the area between the harbour and shoreline by using dredged material from the harbour basin. Dredging of an access channel to a depth of 3 meters at Mean Sea Level (MSL). The dredging work for the project is expected to generate around 33,239 m3 of dredged material. The dredged material will be used for reclamation purpose. A 22 m long revetment would be constructed on east side of both ends of the harbour to protect the reclaimed area from erosion. This project will be followed by a reclamation project proposed by the island council (scope of which is not covered in this EIA). The proposed project is therefore geared towards developing a third generation harbour on the north side of the island with an entrance channel and breakwaters to protect the harbour basin. Since, the harbour is proposed to be constructed on the lagoon, the area between the harbour and island shoreline will be reclaimed using the dredged material from harbour basin. The harbour is expected to ease many of the challenges faced by the islanders, especially for the vessel owners, as safe mooring will be guaranteed. A detail environmental assessment was undertaken for this project and the findings are reported in this EIA. This EIA has been prepared to assess the social and environmental impacts of this proposed project. As this is a completely new development, significant negative impacts on the island marine environment will be felt through permanent habitat modification and direct destruction of the marine environment. Similarly, the coral reef will be directly and indirectly impacted for this project. As the same time, the socio-economic impacts of this project will be significantly felt on a very large scale and not necessarily for the islanders only. In such projects, environmental damage cannot be avoided and hence the goal should be to undertake the works in 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 sting financially 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 Magoodhoo will have significant environmental impacts to the island, most of which will be felt on the coastal and the marine environment. The project takes place in an environment that has not been modified or damaged previously. However, natural erosion of the island has been affected to the southern area of the island. The biggest threat to the islands when a harbour is developed is the disruption it causes to natural movement of the beach. Social impacts of this project will be significant and will benefit the community as well as the region. The development of a harbour in Magoodhoo is expected to bring many beneficiaries to island community. Although the project involves inevitable negative impacts, the project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from this project. Therefore, it is justifiable to undertake the project.Item Environmental impact assessment L. Hithadhoo harbour rehabilitation project(2014-03) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the proposed harbour rehabilitation project at L. Hithadhoo. L. Hithadhoo is located southern side of Laamu Atoll. The island economy depends mainly on fisheries which involve boating activities. The existing harbour at the island was constructed in early 2000s. The quay wall was constructed using corals and is badly damaged. The harbour does not have a breakwater and this is causing difficulty to moore the boats in the harbour area during rough weather. The harbour has become too small to cater the large and deep draft vessels which call to the harbour. Hence the proposed project is to rehabilitee the existing harbour which can cater the growing demand for the vessels which will be using the islands for the next 10 years. The rehabilitation of the harbour includes, construction of 229 m of quay on southern side, 90 m of quay wall on eastern side and 88 m quay wall on western side of the harbour. The project also includes construction of 219m breakwater on northern side, 26 m and 24 m breakwater on either side of the entrance channel and 14 m rock boulders revetment on eastern and western side of the harbour. As part of the project, harbour basin would be deepen to – 3 at mean sea level. The harbour basin would be made 227 m long and 88 m wide. The rehabilitation of the harbour basin would generate around 23,0257 m3 sand. This material would be disposed to the area east and west of the harbour. The reclamation would require 36,019 m3 sand. Additional materials required for the reclamation would be borrowed from the borrow site on east of the existing harbour area.. Environmental impacts of the project were assessed. The impacts of the project result mainly from excavation of the harbour basin, entrance channel, excavation of the area on land to shift the quay wall by 50ft inland and disposal of excavated materials. The impact of excavation would be that of sedimentation. This impact is considered to be minor and shortterm. Re-excavation of the entrance channel and harbour basin would have irreversible impacts. The socio-economic benefits of the project may be considered to outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the island especially increasing the usable space on the quay wall, mooring area at the island’s harbour and additional land that would be available to develop fish processing industry. The proposed project conforms to prevalent environmental legislation and thrives to achieve its objectives in an environmentally friendly manner. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation and stagnation control methods and measures for minimizing negative effects demolition of the quay wall and the generation of construction waste. These mitigation measures need to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established after considering the needs and requirements of the community by assessing and incorporating the outcomes from the community consultations held during the data collection stage. The EIA also allowed to explore the possible alternatives for the proposed development and identified key mitigation strategies. Alternative locations and alternative designs have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring plan has been developed including important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to construction of the harbour. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are not severe as to not undertake the project. The project is justifiable in light of the socioeconomic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.Item Environmental impact assessment : B. Thulhaadhoo harbour rehabilitation project(2014-10) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the proposed harbour rehabilitation project at B. Thulhaadhoo. B. Thulhaadhoo is located southern side of Baa Atoll. The island economy depends mainly on fisheries and tourism related works. Thulhaadhoo is famous for lacquer works. The existing harbour at the island is the borrow site for the previous reclamation project. There is a concrete quay wall constructed on the land side and rock boulder revetment on both sides of the harbour. There is no breakwater in the harbour. Hence the proposed project is to construct a 545 m breakwater in the harbour. Land side quay walls will not be replaced under this project. However new quay walls will be built on both east and west side of the harbour replacing the revetments there. In addition to this, entrance channel will be deepened. The dredged material from this project will be used to reclaim the area that adjoins the side quay walls and land. Approximately 26,100.95 cbm material will be produced during this project. Environmental impacts of the project were assessed. The impacts of the project result mainly from excavation of the entrance channel and disposal of excavated materials. The impact of excavation would be that of sedimentation. This impact is considered to be minor and short-term. The impact of breakwater construction is it will damage lagoon bottom area where the breakwater will be placed. This will be a long term impact. The socio-economic benefits of the project may be considered to outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the island especially increasing the usable space on the quay wall, mooring area at the island’s harbour and additional land that would be available to develop fish processing industry. The proposed project conforms to prevalent environmental legislation and thrives to achieve its objectives in an environmentally friendly manner. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation and stagnation control methods and measures for minimizing negative effects demolition of the quay wall and the generation of construction waste. These mitigation measures need to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established after considering the needs and requirements of the community by assessing and incorporating the outcomes from the community consultations held during the data collection stage. The EIA also allowed to explore the best possible alternatives for the proposed development and identified key mitigation strategies. Alternative locations and alternative designs have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring plan has been developed including important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to construction of the harbour. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are not severe as to not undertake the project. The project is justifiable in light of the socioeconomic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed resort development in Than’burudhoo Island, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives(2014-02) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt Ltd for the development of Than‟burudhoo Island in North Male‟ atoll in to a resort. This project is proposed by Than‟burudhoo Pvt Ltd. The resort will be completed and operational in 2015 with a total bed capacity of 182. Than‟burudhoo is located in North Male‟ Atoll, on the eastern rim of the atoll on its own reef system. The island will be developed into a resort with 91 rooms. The island has two distinct geographical landmass, namely the main island and a small islet approximately 300 meters north of the main island separated by a shallow lagoon. The main island is geographically one of the unique islands in Maldives with almost beaches non-existent. However, the small islet on the north has a large and accreting beach that keeps growing annually (observed from historical photographs). The development of the resort has incorporated these unique geographical features in the architectural master plan of the island. The development of Than‟burudhoo will include land and over water structures. All the public facilities including restaurant, kitchen, staff area, fuel storage, waste management area etc. will be located inside the main island. All of the guest villas will be developed both on land (land villas) and over water (water villas). The design of Than‟burudhoo concentrates the land villas on the periphery of the main island and public facilities are concentrated in the centre of the main island. This includes staff and back of house areas as well. One of the most challenging issues in this island is safe access and therefore a mooring area has been recommended to be developed on the north western side of the island. As the island is exposed to strong waves most days of the year, a jetty access was considered a difficult choice. As there are limited locations for a jetty, it was decided to develop a mooring area as it provides a more safer option. Hence, a mooring area approximately 45 meters by 33 meters will be created by dredging the north-west tip of the lagoon. The dredged material from the mooring basin will be deposited on the north-west side of the island immediately east of the mooring area as well as on the northern tip of the island. The deposited material will be protected using an appropriate method of coastal protection. At present, it has been proposed to protect using a rock revetment. The mooring area was not included in the approved master plan; however, the mooring plan proposed in this EIA is more efficient and safer while being in the same location as the originally proposed jetty. The decision to develop the mooring area arose during the EIA study where onsite data and historical data about the island was gathered. The conclusions from the EIA study were therefore used as a basis for developing the mooring area. As the island does not have any beach, it has been proposed to create an artificial beach on the north-east side of the main island. This beach creation will be a “nourished” beach and has already been approved by the EPA. The beach will be created by constructing a series of breakwaters and groynes on the eastern lagoon and nourishment of the beach using sand. As the island does not have any suitable borrow areas, sand will be bought from local sand miners. The final location of the breakwaters and the groynes on the eastern side will be decided after a 6 months monitoring which is currently being undertaken by the environmental consultant. Neverthless, their present position will remain as it is, only the sizes and design may differ. The six (6) months duration is required to study and understand the wave conditions and their strength which will help to determine the optimal orientation, design and sizes for the breakwaters. At the same time, it also ensures that they do not impact the surfing waves while providing appropriate conditions to retain the beach sand. Water villas have been proposed on the north lagoon as well as on the lagoon between the main island and the small islet. The two islands will be connected using a jetty with an approximate height not less than 2 meters at mean sea level (MSL). During the construction stage, construction waste will be managed by periodically transporting them to Thilafushi. During the operation stage, management of the resort‟s waste will be undertaken through the waste management centre that will address all the types of waste generated in the island. Wastes that can be managed on the island, such as green waste and food wastes will be managed on the island using a combination of incinerators, composting and deep water disposal. This EIA report has identified impacts during construction and operational stage. During the construction stage, impacts will be felt on the terrestrial, coastal and the marine environment. Impacts on the marine environment will be felt through direct destruction of the seabed, beach rocks, sedimentation and siltation caused by the construction activities on the lagoon and the associated indirect impacts on the coral reef, during this period. Of these, the most significant negative impact would be caused by the dredging of the mooring basin. This will require the removal of the hard rock layer and dredging to create the mooring basin. During the dredging period, there will be sedimentation of the lagoon and the coral reef areas. It is estimated that the sediment plume to spread to a maximum distance of a 300 meter radius from the work area. As the main island does not have any beaches, the impacts on the coastal environment is expected to be more positive rather than negative. As the island is developed in to a resort, several components of the project will have positive impacts on the coastline such as the coastal protection on the east side and also on the western and northern sides brought about as a result of better protection measures on either side of the island. The main island‟s northern areas including the tip is a highly eroded area with fallen trees and water lines almost touching the tree line. The development of the resort will address this area particularly as erosion cannot be allowed to continue. This vulnerable and narrow area will be protected by fill material obtained from the mooring basin and with coastal protection around its periphery. This modification will retain the island‟s tip and prevent further erosion. Impacts on the terrestrial environment impacts will be felt through land clearing and cutting of trees. Due to the limited size and trees on the island, especially coconut trees, all mature and large trees will be retained and their removal will only be undertaken when absolutely required. The most significant impacts during the operational stage will be felt as a result of the on-going waste generation and how well it is managed during the operational stage. Alternatives to the project have also been considered in detail and several alternatives to the proposed project were considered. The advantages and disadvantages of these alternatives have been discussed and they include environmental as well as financial reasons. Therefore, several design considerations, although initially were considered, has been rejected due to these reasons, but they have been discussed in the report. Towards, the end of the report, a monitoring programme has been suggested which covers components of terrestrial, coastal and the marine environment. These include coral cover and marine water quality among many other parameters. The opening of the resort will increase the bed capacity of North Male‟ Atoll and the Maldives and hence increase job opportunities in the tourism sector. It is also going to open up opportunities for the local surfing community to engage and get involved in surfing related jobs as the resort will primarily cater for surfing tourism. This will have a profound impact on the possibilities of jobs and open up opportunities for locals engaged in the surfing industry.Item Addendum to environmental impact assessment for the changes that had been made to the harbour rehabilitation project at Kurendhoo Island, Lavaiyani Atoll, Maldives(2013-03) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the changes proposed to harbour rehabilitation project at Lh, Kurendhoo. Kurendhoo with a total land area of about 19.9 hectares is located at 5º32’59’ N and 73º27’57” E. The island is inhabited island, with slightly over 72.0 persons per hectare. Kurendhoo is in a strategic location given that it is located in the middle of all inhabited islands of the atoll with easy access for inter- and intra-atoll travel. The closest inhabited island is Maafilaafushi, which was chosen by the Government as a potential growth-focused island. The Ministry of Housing and Environment awarded the Kurendhoo harbor developed project to Works Cooperation Limited in 2011 to develop the harbor in accordance with the “EIA for the proposed rehabilitation of harbour in Kurendhoo, Lhaviyani Atoll, February 2011”. EPA approved the proposed harbor development project at Kurendhoo which was outlined in the EIA report. The actual harbor development project deviated from the original plans that were approved by EPA. EPA intervened and stopped the project in 2012. When EPA intervened, 12,000 m2 of area was reclaimed on south of harbor from the material that was excavated from the harbor basin. This was the material that needs to dispose to the area that was eroding on north eastern side of the island. 166 m of the quay wall has been completed and the dredging of the harbor basin has been completed. The island community, island council and the MP of the island has requested the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure to bring some changes to the original plan that had been approved. Hence following changes has been made to the Kurendhoo Harbour Development project. - Extending the quay wall to northern section of the harbor. Total quay wall would be 300 m - Construction of a rock boulder revetment on north eastern side of the island to mitigate sever erosion - Construction of a rock boulder breakwater on either side of the entrance channel - Construction of 450 m of rock boulder breakwater to protect the harbor basin - Construction of 276 m of coral revetment to protect the area that had been reclaimed - Removal of the 6,875 m2 of sand from the area that had been reclaimed on south side of the island. - Replenishment of 3,900 m2 of area on north eastern side of the island and 1,570 m2 on south eastern side of the island. - Placement of marker lights on the entrance channel and the navigation light to mark the entrance channel to the atoll. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the additional works for the harbour development project were assessed. The impacts of the project result mainly from excavation of the harbour basin of the area that had not been excavated, placement of the breakwater, construction of the breakwaters at the entrance channel, construction of the revetment and disposal of the excavated materials as to mitigate the erosion on north west and south eastern side of the island. The impact of excavation would be that of sedimentation. The excavation area also falls to the hard rock area of the reef flat and hence this would cause difficult to excavate using light machineries. It is recommended to use heavy machineries to excavate the western sections of the harbour basin. The project would help to address the current erosion problem by replenishing the eroding beach with the materials borrowed from the harbour basin. The socio-economic benefits of the project may be considered to outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the island especially increasing the usable space on north western side of the island. The proposed project conforms to prevalent environmental legislation and thrives to achieve its objectives in a environmentally friendly manner. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation and stagnation control methods and measures for minimizing negative effects of construction waste. These mitigation measures need to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the additional component of the project have been established after considering the needs and requirements of the community by assessing and incorporating the outcomes from the stakeholder consultations held during the data collection stage. The EIA also allowed to explore the best possible alternatives for the proposed development and identified key mitigation strategies. Alternative locations and alternative designs have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability, safety and incorporation of the expectation of all stakeholders. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring plan has been developed including important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to construction of the harbour. Although the project involves negative environmental impacts, such impacts are not severe as to not bring changes to the original harbour development project. The changes to project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.