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Item Environmental impact assessment : for the removal of seagrass beach replenishment activities in Herathera Island Resort, Addu atoll, Maldives(2010-09) CDE ConsultingThe Herathera Island has been experiencing seaweed overgrowth for a number of years, even before construction began on the island. Similarly, the island does not have a natural beach system which is suitable for a resort product. An attempt was made in 2007 and 2008 to remedy these shortcomings by removing seagrass and undertaking beach replenishment. Unfortunately, the beach replenishment design and implementation was flawed and new seagrass colonies have started to emerge. The island is currently is a worse condition, particularly its beach system. These environmental issues are decreasing the economic value of the tourism product being offered Resort and is reaching a point where the product may be unviable. Immediate action is required to address these issues, thus, a new and improved beach replenishment and seagrass removal programme. The proposed project involves the removal of sea grass colonies and beach replenishment. Details of the proposed project components are outlined below. a) Sea grass removal The primary component of the project is seagrass removal. Seagrass areas covering approximately 200,000 – 250,000 m2 is proposed to be cleared (see Site plan in Appendix B), 100,000 m3 of dredge waste. TwoEIA for the proposed Seagrass Removal and Beach Replenishment Activities in Herathera Island Resort Prepared by: CDE Consultancy Page| ix methods have been proposed for the project: 1) using a sand pump; 2) using an excavator and; 3) soft measures. b) Beach Replenishment Beach replenishment has been considered as part of the project to mitigate the severe erosion on the island. The dredged waste from the sea grass removal activity, after cleaning and sorting, will be used to replenish the a 2900 m beach up to 10 m from the existing shore line. Additional sand will be dredged from borrow areas within the lagoon using sand pumps and excavators. Replenishment will be carried out using a three staged process. The first stage will collect and filter sediments on designated sites. The second stage will transfer the cleaned sediments to severe erosion zones using trucks. The final stage will profile the beach using fine sand. For the direct replenishment, sand will be pumped or transferred via barges to a designated location, where loaders and trucks and move the material.Item Environmental impact assessment : first addendum : for the development of resort development project on Gaakoshibee Island, Shaviyani Atoll(2010-03) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to assess the potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures for the proposed changes to the resort development concept plan of Gaakoshibee. This document has been produced with reference to the original Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed resort and the EIA for developing a reef entrance near the island. 2. The primary rationale for the proposed alterations is to adjust the development plan from the observed shortcomings of the initial plan. The purpose of the proposed coastal protection measures is to control the predicted severe erosion in selected areas and to protect the investments (jetties and restaurants) going into these areas. 3. The study area for the purposes of this addendum is the Gaakoshibee Island and its immediate reef environment. Social impacts are not considered in this assessment as the general impacts of resort development have been addressed in the initial EIA. 4. The baseline conditions of the island are largely based on the original EIA documents. Additional information on some major changes to the environment is provided where appropriate. 5. The main developments proposed for the island include erosion prevention measures, wave energy reduction measures and changes to the locations of some buildings and jetties. Detailed description of the changes are provided in the next section. 6. This report covers the new changes proposed for the concept, its potential negative and positive impacts on the environment, potential mitigation measures required to minimize or manage these impacts and a detailed monitoring program. 7. This report is produced in accordance to the technical guidelines and EIA regulations prepared by the Environment Protection Authority. The principal approval for the changes to the concept was provided by the Ministry of Tourism on 22 February 2010 subjected to the EIA addendum approval (See Appendix A). This report is submitted to fulfill this requirement. 8. The Terms of Reference (ToR) for this project was issued after scoping meeting held at Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on 23 May 2010. The ToR is attached in Appendix L.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 Environment impact assessment for the proposed construction of Island Waste Management Centre at Maabaidhoo, Laamu Atoll(2017-10) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to construct the Island Waste Management Centre (IWMC) in Maabaidhoo, Laamu Atoll. The proponent of this project is United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) The contractor for this project is Uni Maldives Private Limited. The main rationale for the project is to establish a sustainable waste management system in the island so that the waste is disposed and managed properly. The project is intended at constructing an island level waste management centre, with a compost ground and machineries and equipment to collect and to manage the waste. This project forms part of Low Emission and Climate Resilient Development (LECReD), a United Nations joint programme which seeks to mainstream LECReD issues into local development planning and service delivery for greater community-level ownership and sustainability of programme benefits. The proposed project involves the construction of the waste management centre. The IWMC will have a compost pit, waste segregation lots, equipment room, toilet, rainwater tank. This will be implemented as part of this project. The proposed IWMC will measure 89ft by 83ft and will be built at southern tip of the island. The proposed centre will be developed to manage the waste generated in the island and to ensure proper and sustainable disposal of waste. The waste management centre will also composting tools, compacting machineries to manage the waste. A truck of 1.5 tonnes and bins will be provided for waste collection. The duration of the construction of IWMC will take approximately 3 months. Once constructed, it will be handed over to the council for operation. The island community previously disposed waste at different locations of the island and the waste is not segregated. Following the efforts during the mangrove conservation project, all waste is now disposed to the location designated to build the IWMC under this project. All 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 and Waste Management Regulations and Maldivian Land Act and Decentralisation Act. The existing condition of the island and the proposed IWMC was assessed for this report. Assessments conducted include groundwater quality assessments, and terrestrial assessments. Baseline noise levels were also recorded at the site. The assessment shows that during construction stage of IWMC, main impacts will be increased noise level, air quality degradation, loss terrestrial flora and fauna. The proposed location is a vegetated area where already most of the vegetation has been cleared. However, prior to construction few of the pioneer species will need to be cleared. Other impacts during construction stage possible contamination of groundwater and soil due to leakage of chemical and oil. During operational stage, the most significant impacts on the groundwater, greenhouse gas emission and on biodiversity. If the IWMC is poorly constructed including composting pit, likelihood leachate leaking into the ground is high and this may have irreversible impacts on groundwater quality. During operational stage, the IWMC may be receiving waste that cannot be managed at the site if unsupervised, this may result in open burning waste that result in the emission of toxic gases and chemicals which will degrade the air quality and cause GHG emission. Accumulation and mismanagement of waste also has the tendency to impact the biodiversity in the island whereby certain species are replaced by crows and rats, which will feed on waste stockpiles. The proposed is an aesthetically pleasing site and the visual amenity of the area will also be disrupted. Since the proposed site used to be a wetland, before it was reclaimed from waste, risk of flooding the area during swell tides or torrential rain is high. This may significantly impact the operation of the IWMC. Proper mitigation measures must be taken to reduce the risk of flooding. Overall this is an environmental improvement project.. Through composting and selling recyclable materials the project will also open up business opportunities for the island. In addition, irresponsible dumping and littering around the island may be stopped following the implementation of IWMC and waste management plan. The alternative options were evaluated for the no project option and alternative locations for IWMC. The “No Project” option is deemed infeasible, given the current condition of waste management and disposal in the island. Alternative locations for IWMC were also considered, however as there are no other apt locations in the island, it is proposed to go ahead with the proposed location, with stringent measures to mitigate flooding in the area. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the physical of the island, ground water quality as these are the key areas that will be impacted from this project. Monitoring costs is estimated at MVR 25,000 – 35,000 per annum. 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. Stakeholder consultations were held with Maabaidhoo Island council, Maabaidhoo public, Laamu Atoll Council, Ministry of Environment and Energy, Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure and Environmental Protection Authority. Both Maabaidhoo Island Council and public are in favour of this project. In conclusion, this project has been designed in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations of Maldives. Operational stage impacts are mainly on climate change, groundwater contamination and on biodiversity. Overall, the project will have positive impacts to the island community under supervised and effective management of the IWMC. . The EIA recommends to go ahead with the project and to develop the IWMC and to follow the mitigation measures to avoid significant impacts. Stringent mitigation measures must be taken to reduce the risk of flooding at the proposed location. It is strongly recommended to develop and implement an environmental management plan to maximise the benefits of IWMC and ensure sustainability of operations.Item Third addendum to the environmental impact assessment for the proposed Hulhulé-Malé bridge project(2016-05) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to assess the potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures for the proposed changes to the Hulhulé-Malé Bridge project. This document is an addendum to the original Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prepared for the Bridge project in November 2015. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The addendum is prepared to address the need to use Gulhifalhu NE reef flat to temporarily store large steel structures (Steel Pipe Piles, and Steel Casings) of the bridge. The main rationale for selecting this lagoon is the short distance to the project site, availability of space, access to deep water and relatively calms sea conditions to safely store the structures. The pipes will be removed in 7-8 months. The main reason why the piles have to be stored is due to the difficulties in holding a chartered barge for a 7 month period to store the pipes. The study area of this project considers the proposed storage site in Gulhifalhu Lagoon and surrounding areas that are likely to be affected by the proposed changes. The site has been affected by past reclamation activities and human activities. The site is also earmarked for future reclamation. The proposed developments are generally in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives. The key impacts from the proposed changes are on the marine water quality, marine biodiversity within the pipeline footprint, and health and safety risks to workers. A number of mitigation measures are proposed for the most significant impacts from the project. These include ensuring only licensed, well-qualified and experienced personnel operate vessels and machineries; undertaking unloading and loading works in calm sea conditions; ensuring strict health and safety measures are followed at site; and to place the pipe fully and perpendicular to the reef flat. Alternative site was assessed to store the steel structures, at Thilafushi Reef Flat, Hulhumale Reef flat and Hulhule reef. The Hulhumale’ site is not suitable due to flight path restrictions and proximity to resorts. Hulhule site does not have enough space and there is too much marine activity in the area. Thilafushi site is suitable but when compared to Gulhifalhu site the distance to bridge site is longer and is more exposed to SW monsoon conditions. All sites have similar environmental impacts. Thus, the proposed Gulhifalhu site was preferred. Gulhifalhu Investment Limited (GIL) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were they key stakeholders consulted for this addendum. The key recommendations from GIL were to take all practical measures to avoid and minimize damage to the reef, and to ensure that the pipes do not block the entrance channel to Gulhifalhu located on the eastern side of the reef. The main recommendations by EPA were to plan all works according to approved EIA and addendums. If any additional components are required to properly follow the EIA procedure. All works conducted outside the scope of the approved EIA reports must be presented as an audit in this addendum. EPA also recommended assessment of Hulhulé site as an alternative for storage of the proposed steel structures. This report is prepared in accordance to the technical guidelines and EIA regulations, prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the terms of reference issued by the EPA for this EIA addendum.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed water supply system in Vilufushi, Thaa Atoll(2016-07) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to install the proposed Water Production Supply System at Vilufushi, Thaa. Atoll. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Environment and Energy. The main rationale for the project is to improve the health condition and quality of life of residents of Th.Vilufushi by establishing a proper potable water supply system that will provide clean and safe water for the residents of Vilufushi. The project is intended at providing an integrated water supply system covering rainwater and desalinated water production and supply. The proposed project involves installation and establishment of two 6,500 litres/hour reverse osmosis plant systems that consist of construction of tube well to supply raw water for the RO plants, construction of elevated water storage tanks, construction of brine discharge outfall and house connections. Furthermore, the project aims at laying of separate pipe networks for water distribution, rainwater collection and rainwater treatment system. Duration of the project is approximately 18 months. Currently the island population sources water from shallow wells constructed at individual households or in public areas. This is supplemented by collection of rainwater. These methods provide inadequate quantity and unacceptable quality due to the over abstraction and the unreliability of rainwater harvesting. All 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, Desalination Systems Regulations, and Waste Management Regulation 2013. The existing condition of the island and the proposed RO plant site was assessed for this report. Assessments conducted include marine assessments at the proposed brine outfall and alternative outfall locations. Groundwater quality and baseline noise level measurements were also taken. The assessments showed that there is no marine protected or environmentally sensitive site in the area and locations proposed for brine outfall showed mostly dead rock and rubble. The assessment shows that the RO systems can be developed on the island with limited implications on the environment. The assessment shows that the proposed developments involve significant impacts on the marine environment due to brine outfall construction, brine discharge, ground excavation and operation of vehicles and machinery. The project also involves moderately significant health and safety risks due to equipment handling and pollution. However, the predicted impacts can be minimized considerably with the proposed mitigation measures. Significant impacts of operation stage include marine degradation due to brine discharge, increased GHG emissions due to RO plant and operation of pumps stations, and increased cost of living due to additional cost in purchasing water. The assessment shows that the proposed project has many positive impacts including improved quality and accessibility to potable water, protection of groundwater aquifer, reduction of water related disaster risk, and increased employment and business opportunities The alternatives evaluated for the project is the alternative brine outfall location. The “No Project” option has also been explored and this option is not deemed preferable, given the current condition of portable water. An alternative site for brine outfall on the southwest corner was also explored against the present option and the alternative option was recommended. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, ground and marine water quality as these are the key areas that will be impacted from this project. Monitoring costs is estimated at USD 5,000 per annum. 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. Stakeholder consultations were held with Vilufushi Island council, FENAKA, Vilufushi public and Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. A willingness-to-pay survey was also conducted during field assessments. Both Vilufushi Island Council and public highlighted the need for a potable water supply system on the island. Vilufushi public is also willing to pay for the service. Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure stated they have laid duct lines to facilitate pipeline installations. Since the roads are already sealed with asphalt the public and the Council would like to see the road resealed to the original state of the road. In conclusion, this project has been designed in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations of Maldives but requires final approval from EPA for the detailed drawings. The most significant impacts are expected to be short-term impacts for the construction phase. Operational stage impacts are mainly limited to brine outfall location and emission due to power generation. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts. Overall, the project will have positive impacts to the island community of Vilufushi.Item Environmental impact assessment for the establishment of a water bottling plant at State Electric Company Limited (STELCO)(2016-03) 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 ‘Establishment of a Water Bottling Plant Project’ at State Electric Company (STELCO), Male’. The proponent of this project is State Electric Company Limited (STELCO). This project mainly involves establishing a bottling plant on STELCO’s main premise in Male’ city with a production capacity of 6000 bottles per day. A prefabricated building has been assembled on site to house the bottling plant. The project will be using the existing desalination plant at STELCO. 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, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012, Hygiene Regulation for Food Establishments 2014 and Waste Management Regulation 2013. The proposed site for the installation of the bottling plant is located on the main premises allocated to STELCO on the southern end of Male’. Proposed project activities do not require any major alterations to the terrestrial and marine environment. The most significant impact from this project is the increase in plastic waste. The proponent is looking into the prospects of a recycling venture for their bottles to mitigate this impact. This project will generate new jobs in Male’, which is a significant positive impact. The main alternatives assessed for the project are alternative bottling materials and alternative site for establishing the bottling plant. “No project” option has also been considered and given the economic and environmental factors the best option would be to proceed with the project. Stakeholder consultations were conducted with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA). EPA’s main concern was to get the desalination plant of STELCO registered at EPA before starting the bottling process. MFDA did not have any major concerns but advised to carryout the necessary water quality assessments. 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 operational aspects of the resort.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed design and build basis for water supply network, ground storage tanks and reverse osmosis plant, allied works based on integrated water resource approach in R. Meedhoo, Maldives(2016-08) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to install the proposed Water Production Supply System at Meedhoo, Raa Atoll. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Environment and Energy. The main rationale for the project is to improve the health condition and quality of life of residents of Meedhoo Island by establishing a proper potable water supply system that will provide clean and safe water for the residents of Meedhoo. The project is intended at providing an integrated water supply system covering rainwater and desalinated water production and supply. The proposed project involves installation and establishment of two 40 m3 reverse osmosis plant systems that consists construction of a borehole to supply raw water for the RO plants, construction of elevated water storage tanks, construction of brine discharge outfall and house connections. An area of 9,557 sq ft has been approved and given to the proponent for this project. The project will also install the required water storage tanks including 500 m3 storage tank for desalinated water and 1,000 m3 storage tank for rainwater. The project aims at laying of separate pipe networks for water distribution, rainwater collection and rainwater treatment system. Duration of the project is approximately 11 months. Currently the island population sources water from shallow wells constructed at individual households or in public areas. This is supplemented by collection of rainwater. These methods provide inadequate quantity and unacceptable quality due to the over abstraction and the unreliability of rainwater harvesting. All 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, Desalination Systems Regulations, and Waste Management Regulation 2013. The existing condition of the island and the proposed RO plant site was assessed for this report. Assessments conducted include marine assessments at the proposed brine outfall and alternative outfall locations. Groundwater quality and baseline noise level measurements were also taken. The assessments showed that there is a marine protected area within 11 km from the island. Marine assessments indicated that the proposed outfall location is mainly composed of dead coral. The assessment shows that the RO systems can be developed on the island with limited implications on the environment. The assessment shows that the proposed developments involve significant impacts on the marine environment due to brine outfall construction, brine discharge, ground excavation and operation of vehicles and machinery. The project also involves moderately significant health and safety risks due to equipment handling and pollution. However, the predicted impacts can be minimized considerably with the proposed mitigation measures. Significant impacts of operation stage include marine degradation due to brine discharge, increased GHG emissions due to RO plant and operation of pumps stations, and increased cost of living due to additional cost in purchasing water. The assessment shows that the proposed project has many positive impacts including improved quality and accessibility to potable water, protection of groundwater aquifer, reduction of water related disaster risk, and increased employment and business opportunities The alternatives evaluated for the project is the alternative brine outfall location. The “No Project” option has also been explored and this option is not deemed preferable, given the current condition of portable water. An alternative site for brine outfall was also explored, but given the advantages associated with the proposed outfall, it is the preferred option. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, ground and marine water quality as these are the key areas that will be impacted from this project. Monitoring costs is estimated at Rf 75,000 per annum. 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. Stakeholder consultations were held with Meedhoo Island council, FENAKA, Meedhoo public, Health Protection Agency and Environmental Protection Agency. A willingness-to-pay survey was also conducted during field assessments. Both Meedhoo Island Council and public highlighted the need for a potable water supply system on the island and are in favour for the project. Majority of the people consulted wish to pay as per usage. HPA, currently does not have any regulations for quality of potable water, however they stressed the importance of disinfecting and treating water prior to releasing to the supply network. EPA advised on ways to implement the project and its components. In conclusion, this project has been designed in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations of Maldives but requires final approval from EPA for the detailed drawings. The most significant impacts are expected to be short-term impacts for the construction phase. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts. Overall, the project will have positive impacts to the island community of MeedhooItem Environmental impact assessment for the proposed water supply system in L. Fonadhoo(2016-06) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to establish the proposed Water Supply System at Fonadhoo, Laamu Atoll. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Environment and Energy (MEE). Project contractor is Sierra Construction Private Limited. The main rationale for the project is to enhance the quality of services and quality of life of residents of L. Fonadhoo by establishing a proper potable water supply system that will provide clean and safe water for the residents of L.Fonadhoo. The project is intended at providing an integrated water supply system covering rainwater and desalinated water production and supply. The project is expected to be completed in 12 months. The proposed project involves installation and establishment of two 150cbm/day reverse osmosis plant systems, construction of two boreholes to supply water for the RO plants, construction of RO plant building, construction of water storage tanks, construction of brine discharge outfall, preparation of catchment areas, establishment of water treatment systems, laying of pipe networks for water distribution and rainwater collection, and household connections. Currently the island population sources water from shallow wells constructed in individual households or in public areas (e.g. a mosque). This is supplemented by collection of rainwater. These methods provide inadequate quantity and unacceptable quality due to the over abstraction, pollution from the existing sewage disposal system of septic tanks and the unreliability of rainwater harvesting. All 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, Desalination Systems Regulations, and Waste Management Regulation 2013. The proposed location for RO plant is a reclaimed area with ground cover species such as grasses and few shrubs. No trees of significant importance are required to be removed for this project. Marine surveys conducted at the proposed brine outfall location showed that the area is made up of a thick sea grass bed. No coral colonies were observed within this area. Current flow on the western lagoon, where brine outfall is proposed to be located, is expected to be low for most part of the year. This may lead to flushing issues during some periods of the year. The assessment shows that the RO systems can be developed on the island with limited implications on the environment. The assessment shows that the proposed developments involve significant impacts on the marine environment and terrestrial environment due to brine outfall construction, brine discharge, ground excavation and operation of vehicles and machinery. The project also involves moderately significant health and safety risks due to equipment handling and pollution. However, the predicted impacts can be minimized considerably with the proposed mitigation measures. Significant impacts of operation stage include marine degradation due to brine discharge, increased GHG emissions due to RO plant and operation of pumps stations, and increased cost of living due to additional cost in purchasing water. The assessment shows that the proposed project has many positive impacts including improved quality and accessibility to potable water, protection of groundwater aquifer, reduction of water related disaster risk, and increased employment and business opportunities The alternatives evaluated for the project are „No Project‟ alternative and alternative brine outfall locations. The “No Project” option is not deemed preferable, given the disadvantages of existing situation of potable water in the island. Two alternative sites were explored as brine outfall locations, both in the same location as the proposed outfall location but with different lengths; (i) outfall pipe 700m from the site and (ii) 350m from the site. Alternative option 2 is preferred. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, terrestrial environment, the ground and marine water quality, as these are the key areas that will be impacted from this project. 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. Stakeholder consultations for this EIA were conducted with Fonadhoo Island Council, Fonadhoo Utility and Telecommunications providers, public of Fonadhoo, and National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT). In general, all stakeholders consulted were supportive of the proposed project. The island council and public expressed strong expectations from the project. In conclusion, this project has been designed in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations of Maldives. The most significant impacts are expected to be short-term impacts for the construction phase. Operational stage impacts are mainly limited to brine out fall location and emission due to power generation. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts.