Academic Articles -- ޢިލްމީ ލިޔުންތަކުގެ ޖަމާ
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Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed geotechnical students at thilafushi lagoon, Kaafu Atoll(2017-08) ސީޑީއީ ކޮންސަލްޓިންގު; CDE ConsultingThis document is submitted by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited to fulfil the requirements for an EIA under Environment Protection and Preservation Act and EIA Regulations to undertake the proposed geotechnical investigations on Thilafushi Lagoon. The proposed activity requires drilling nine boreholes to depth of 30-40 m and extracting sediment samples for laboratory assessments. The project site is the presently undeveloped shallow northwest corner of Thilafushi Lagoon. This site has been designated as a zone for port development in the previous Thilafushi Master Plans. The proposed drill size is 6” and will be undertaken using a drill rig mounted on a small floating platform. Platform will be anchored using weights. Drilled holes will be filled with Bentonite up to the top 1 m. The remaining areas will be filled with sand. This activity is part of the Thilafushi Container Port Study. The Proponent and Ministry of Economic Development has signed an MoU for an exclusive negotiation towards entering int0 an investment agreement for the construction, operation, management and financing of a seaport and free trade zone at Thilafushi Island, Male’ Atoll. The project is at its initial phase where its technical and financial feasibility is assessed. The project will only go into a design and construction phase only depending on the outcome of the assessment and the negotiations between the two parties. For the moment, the project requires surveying the project site to determine the technical feasibility. These include bathymetry surveys, geotechnical surveys and hydrodynamic studies. The project site comprise of shallow reef flat and deep lagoon. The surroundings are in poor condition. The coral reef is largely dead with limited new recruits. The proposed impact foot print is covered with coral rubble and sand. Thilafushi lagoon has undergone years of modification and the marine water quality around it is known to be in the worst conditions of any lagoon in the Maldives. The proposed activities are in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives, and relevant international conventions that Maldives is party to. The key laws and regulations applicable to this project are: Environmental Protection and Preservation Act and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. This assessment shows that there are no significant impacts from the proposed activity. This is due to the limited the number of drill sites, the diameter of the drilling pipe, shallow depth at most sites, short drilling period, small impact foot print and absence of live coral cover or suitable substrate at the proposed drilling locations. Thus, no major mitigations measures are recommended. However, best environmental practices when working coral reef environments have been recommended. Consultations were held with Ministry of Economic Development and Thilafushi Corporation (TCL). Both parties consulted have no reservations on proceeding with the project. TCL has raised the concern that the overall port project MoU has been agreed with China Harbour Engineering without their input and asks MED to consult in the matter in the future. However, they have no issue in proceeding with the study. TCL have placed come conditions before the work can be carried out. These include regulatory clearances from EPA and to inform TCL one week prior to the start of work on site. The alternatives evaluated for the project were the no project option, reduced number of boreholes and alternative options do deal with the abandoned drill holes. No alternative option was necessary as the activities as currently designed do not have significant impacts. Monitoring programme proposed has focussed on water quality, noise and reef health. It is recommended to proceed with the project using the mitigation measures and management plan presented in this EIA.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed seagrass removal at Maafaru Island, Noonu Atoll(2017-08) ސީޑީއީ ކޮންސަލްޓިންގު; CDE ConsultingThis document is submitted to the Environment Protection Agency, by the proponent to fulfil the requirement of an EIA under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) of the Maldives (4/93). This report provides the background to the proposed project components as well as an assessment of their likely environmental and social impacts, both beneficial and adverse. The proposed enhancement and mitigation measures are outlined where necessary together with an environment management plan and a monitoring programme. The project involves the removal of seagrass colonies from the eastern side of the island next to the existing settlement. The aim is to create a safe recreational swimming area for the local community. At the moment, Maafaru Island contains the largest seagrass colony in the northern Maldives and covers almost all coastal areas around the existing settlement. Locals are currently reluctant to use the lagoon for swimming as the seagrass is not conducive for standing upon and swimming. The low visibility also makes it risky for swimmers with chances of stepping on poisonous creatures such as urchins and rays. Project activities will be in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives, and relevant international conventions that Maldives is party to. The key laws and regulations applicable to this project are: Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012, Dredging and Reclamation Regulation, Waste Management Regulation 2013, and the Environmental Liability Regulation. The project parameters cannot adhere to the dredging reclamation regulation as is states that no dredging can be undertaken within 500 m form the ocean side reef edge and 50 m from vegetation line. The island‟s eastern shoreline is located within 500 m of the ocean side reef edge and proposed swimming area covers areas within 50 m of the shoreline. Therefore, discussions must be held between the proponent and the Ministry before the commencement of the project in order to solve this issue. The assessment shows that the proposed development involves major impacts on the marine environment particularly temporary loss of benthic organisms, and potential changes to coastal hydrodynamics and beach stability. Key mitigation measures for the construction stage include undertake construction works during calm weather conditions as much as possible particularly when wave activity is calmer, and carrying out the activities in as short a time period as possible to allow normal conditions to reestablish in the area as soon as possible. Operational stage impacts are limited to potential erosion arising from changes to the coastal hydrodynamics. The changes to the beach will likely occur as the new beach system tries to achieve equilibrium with the changed coastal conditions. However as it is not possible to determine beforehand whether this will occur, no specific erosion prevention measures are proposed but appropriate action will be decided after monitoring the changes. The alternatives were evaluated for the project but the current designs and methods have been preferred due to the significant advantages that the proposed design has over alternatives. An alternative location which was considered on the South East section of the island was rejected due to the practical, financial, and environmental limitations. Other locations could not be considered as significant developments have been proposed for locations both to the North and South of the existing community. The only feasible location is the proposed location on the North West of the island. Silt screens were considered as an alternative sedimentation control measure. However given the small size of the project area, the use of the proposed bund walls is preferred as it is more financially feasible. Monitoring of the project is crucial particularly the changes to hydrodynamics, shoreline, water quality, and lagoon benthos recovery. Particular attention should be given to monitor the erosion patterns along the Eastern section of Maafaru island. The management plan for this project is designed to produce a framework for anticipated impacts, including practicable and achievable performance requirements and systems for monitoring, reporting and implementing corrective actions. In addition provide evidence of compliance to legislation, policies, guidelines and requirements of relevant authorities. In conclusion, the project provides significant socio-economic benefits for the local community.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed shore protect in Madaveli, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll(2017-06) ސީޑީއީ ކޮންސަލްޓިންގު; CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out the proposed shore protection project in Madaveli, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Environment & Energy (MoE). The main rationale of the project is to mitigate coastal flooding on the northern side of Madaveli Island. The houses within close proximity to the wetland has been subject to seasonal coastal flooding and associated personal property damage. The project activities is expected to protect the affected houses from future damage. The project mainly involves construction of approximately 350 m long rock boulder revetment on the NE corner of Madaveli Island, and backfilling an area of 10,000 sq. m behind the revetment by dredging 25,000 cbm of sand from the island lagoon. The development is designed based on environmental best practices suitable for marine construction in Maldives. It is anticipated that the completion of the whole project will take approximately 4 to 5 months. Madaveli is an inhabited island and has been experiencing coastal flooding on its northern end due to low elevation and settlement expansion into flood risk zones. The area is question is a low lying tidal flat covering at least 20% of the island. The environmental concerns relating to this project also centres around the tidal flat. The area does not appear to have much of a floral uniqueness as most of the vegetation contains Kuredhi and the usual mangrove vegetation associated with such inter-tidal zones are absent. The ecology in the area is in good condition but is subject to preservation of inter-tidal conditions. The proposed concept master plan has gone through iterations based on consultations with the public, proponent and contractor. The original design proposed a 450 m long revetment blocking the entire northern tidal flat area. The long-term vision of the locals to were to one day undertake reclamation in the areas. It was recommended not close the inter-tidal zone without a proper plan and funding to develop the area. The EIA consultants with endorsement from EPA during consultations proposed a partial revetment and partial breakwater, that would allow for tidal flushing. The public (as informed by Island Council) agreed but discussion between MoE and Contractor deemed the option to be beyond the budget. A compromised solution was reached between MoE and contractor to leave one opening. The present plan reflects this solution. However, further assessment reveals that the opening may allow waves to come through the opening due to its positioning. An alternative option to put a breakwater to prevent direct approach of waves has been proposed, if project budget can accommodate it. All project activities are in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives, and relevant international conventions that Maldives is party to. The key laws and regulations applicable to this project are: Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, Dredging and Reclamation regulation and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. Additional approvals are required before commencement of the project including detailed contractor drawings approval from the Ministry of Environment, and dredging and reclamation approval. The assessment shows that the proposed developments involve significant positive and negative impacts on the marine, coastal, terrestrial and social environment. The main impacts on the marine environment are from dredging and reclamation and resulting turbidity and sedimentation. Areas close to the dredging and reclamation site will be severely affected, in particular the seagrass bed and live coral colonies immediately east of the dredging site. The borrow site is expected to flush regularly but a cross-bund that restricts from west to east will reduce this process. The project will alter hydrodynamics on the northern side but is unlikely to affect the coastal processes to the extent that it may cause erosion elsewhere on the island. There may be significant impacts if the tidal flat if the area is to be closed. Reduction in flow will alter the habitats and may lead to stagnation. The constant contact of solid waste with an enclosed area may result in rapid water quality degradation, discoloration and smell. In the longrun, the area may become a nuisance to the public than the benefits of large shore protection structure may be able to provide. The opening proposed in the current design will keep the water flowing but it will still alter the overall condition of the tidal flat area. The project has major beneficial impacts on the public, particularly in relation to flooding risk reduction. The fact that the project is being undertaken with other marine works projects reduces the temporal impacts on marine life compared to multiple marine works being undertaken consequentially or over multiple years. Key mitigation measures for the construction stage include working during calm conditions, completing the works in the shortest time period possible, and informing stakeholders at all stages of the project to reduce social conflicts. It has also been recommended to construct drains in all areas where new reclamation is adjacent to the beach areas, particularly on the northeastern half of the island. Consultations were undertaken with Madaveli Island Council, public of Madaveli, Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure and Ministry of Environment. The island council and majority of the island public were strongly in favour of the original master plan that involved blocking the wetland area. They expressed hope that this would lead to reclamation of the wetland in the near future to create the much needed land area for immediate social needs such as housing. However after a thorough an iterative process of consultation between MEE, EIA consultant, EPA and Island council, the master plan concept of the project was further refined and it was decided that blocking the wetland was not justified since there were no plans to manage the environmental impacts associated with change in flushing in the wetland. The alternatives evaluated for the project were the no project option, alternative flood mitigation plan for the north side, and alternative borrow sites. The "no project" option is not viable due to the scale of impacts of flooding felt on northern side houses and public infrastructure and the urgency to mitigate these impacts. Four options have been evaluated in this report to mitigate flooding in the northern side; (1) A revetment across the entire length of northern shoreline (2) A part breakwater - part revetment along the northern shoreline (3) Partial revetment and beach replenishment along the northern shoreline, and (4) Alternative to the final layout which includes construction of an extra breakwater unit. Option 2 has been preferred on environmental grounds but was deemed beyond the budget during consultations between MoE and Contractor. The present concept plan reflects the compromised solution between MoE and contractor. Consultations on the new designs was conducted by MoE and Island Council and the Council has approved the new design. The proposed site plan has been necessitated over the other solutions based on budgetary limitations. However, if budget permits, it is recommended to consider option 4 to complement current design. The monitoring plan has been designed with a focus to analyse the significant impacts over time, particularly the effect on water quality and the impacts on marine life A management framework has been proposed and it is essential that this framework be used in the construction stage of the project. The operation stage management can fall within the overall environmental management framework. Given the importance of this project to the local community, it is recommended to proceed with the project with the mitigation measures and alternatives proposed in the EIA. It is imperative that works beyond those evaluated in this EIA not be undertaken on the northern side, particularly in relation to the opening created for tidal flushing.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed development of a 10-storey building at H. Tedral Aage Male’, Maldives(2017-05) ސީޑީއީ ކޮންސަލްޓިންގު; CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the proposed development of a 10-storey building H.Tedral Aage, Male’. The proponent of this project is Ahmed Nazim. The development is a family venture to develop residential apartment units members of the family and for lease. The project involves development of a 10-storey building in H.Tedral Aage located in Lonuziyaarai Magu. A total of 18 apartment units attached bathrooms will be developed in this building. A combination of two bedroom and three bedroom apartment units will be developed. It is anticipated that a maximum of 90 people will occupy in these apartment units. In addition a basement with a shop and parking space in the ground floor will also be developed. Total development footprint is 148.644 m2 and the elevation of the building will be 30.48 m. The proposed project covers: mobilisation, excavation and dewatering, foundation and concrete works, mechanical and electrical works, exterior and electrical work. The project is estimated to take 12 months to complete. The proposed designs and plans are also generally in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives. Additional approvals are required for the following before commencement of project activities. They include; dewatering application and approval before commencement of any dewatering activities; connections to sewer systems; water connections; power connections and approvals to use the building for housing. The project will be implemented on Lonuziyaarai Magu, a one-way street. There is one construction site next to the proposed site. The proposed land area is a vacant with a few cement bags, plastic bottles and pipes. These will need to cleared prior to commencing the construction work. The existing environment was assessed as part of this EIA. As such, groundwater condition in the project site, noise measurements, air quality assessment around the project site and a traffic study was conducted. In addition a visual observation of the nearby buildings was carried out. Noise assessment showed that the noise level around the area beyond the recommended levels by OECD limits for residential areas and as per traffic study most number of vehicles are observed during the daytime. The negative impacts from this project are typical impacts associated with building in Male’. The most significant impact from this project during construction stage would be those associated with dewatering and potential damage to neighbouring buildings during excavation. The contractor has decided to pay compensations for any damage to the nearby buildings during the construction stage. Groundwater quality and soil condition may also be impacted through accidental leakage and spillage of oil and chemicals. Traffic is also expected to be significantly disrupted in the area during concreting works, as the one way road Lonuziyaaarai Magu will need to be closed for approximately 2 days during foundation laying period. In addition, given there is a school and a hospital in close proximity of the project site, closure of the road will further exacerbate the traffic flow around the area. During concreting works it is anticipated that noise and air quality around the area will be negatively impacted. Given there is another construction site next to the proposed site, the cumulative impacts from this project will also be felt. Since the area is a residential area, with sensitive buildings such as hospital, school and food go down, this impact is considered significant. The construction activities will also be an eyesore for the nearby residents. There will also be additional burden on waste management and utilities. The project mainly has positive socio-economic benefits, including increased direct and indirect job opportunities for local businesses. During operational stage, one of the key impacts is the health and safety of the occupants of the building and demand on utility providers for power, water, sewerage and waste management. In addition, it is expected that demand for parking space and impact on traffic flow will be negatively impacted during the operational stage of the building. The key mitigation measures for the construction stage include use of proper shoring methods, dewatering only when required, minimising traffic disruption by limiting working hours to evenings and weekends, and consulting with Maldives Traffic Police regarding traffic flow and road closure. To mitigate the impacts to air quality, it is recommended to keep the construction area damp at all times and to minimise the impact of noise to nearby residential houses, businesses it is recommended to fence the site with solid panels. Monitor all occupational areas to ensure noise levels do not exceed WHO standards. In addition, nearby properties must be notified by the proponent and an issues registry must be maintained. To avoid impacts on health and safety during operational stage, the building must be designed for fire and safety with sprinklers, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors installed. All the occupants must be trained atleast once a year. Alternative options were evaluated with “No Project” alternative and for the activities that are identified to have significant impacts on the project. These include options for foundation foundation methods. The currently proposed options are preferred. Consultations were held with Health Protection Agency, STELCO and WAMCO nearby residents and businesses for this EIA. HPA stressed to maintain the health and safety of the workers and the nearby residents. STELCO and MWSC recommended to allocate adequate space and follow the standards for easy provision and delivery of their services. WAMCO advised to segregate the waste during operation stage and to allocate a specific area in the building for waste collection. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for this project is designed to produce a framework for anticipated impacts, including practicable and achievable performance requirements and systems for monitoring, reporting and implementing corrective actions. In addition, provide evidence of compliance to legislation, policies, guidelines and requirements of relevant authorities. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the physical environment as well as human environment. The total cost of mitigation and monitoring are estimated between USD 3,000 – 5,000 annually. The main conclusion of this report is to proceed with the project but after incorporating the mitigation measures proposed in this report. Safety of the adjacent buildings and occupational health and safety must be a priority. Care must also be taken to minimise the impacts on the nearby residents and businesses work must be completed in the shortest time frame possible.