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Technical ReportItem 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. Technical ReportItem 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. Technical ReportItem Environment impact assessment for the proposed swimming pool construction and beach replenishment project in Irufushi Beach and Spa Resort, Noonu Atoll(2013-12) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the proposed swimming pools construction and beach replenishment project in Irufushi Beach and Spa, N. Atoll. The proponent of this project is Sun Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd. The main rationale for the project is to enhance and upgrade the tourism operations at Irufushi Beach and Spa Resort by building 45 swimming pools attached to existing 45 Beach Villas and to replenish the beach to provide a better product for the visiting guests. Moreover, Irufushi Island has ongoing seasonal erosion which requires to be mitigated. The project involves upgrading and expanding the resort operations by construction of 45 swimming pools attached to existing 45 Beach Villas on the Northern side of the resort and ongoing beach replenishment for the next two years (on a need basis) on Irufushi Island for mitigating seasonal erosion. Two areas have been proposed for replenishment totalling a maximum of 11,100 cbm. Replenishment height is 1.5 m and will be sloped as a beach at 1:7 scales. Replenishment width is 10 m from the registered shoreline. Five areas have been proposed for borrow areas totalling a maximum volume of 20900 cbm. The dredge depth will be a maximum of 1.0 m from the existing depths. In exceptional circumstances depths may be increased to 1.5 m. The borrow area distance from the registered shoreline is 50 m. The borrow area had no visible live corals. The area mainly consists of rubble and mussy sand. 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 the Tourism Act. Significant impact associated with the components of the project; beach replenishment and swimming pool construction involves sedimentation on the marine water quality and consequent impact on marine life, direct loss of marine life within the project footprint, impact on the islands groundwater, impact on the flora at the project site and the health and safety of construction workers and swimming pool users. All these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation measures recommended in the report. The main mitigation measures include carrying out sand pumping and construction activities during low tide hours and calm weather, and proper supervision of all activities by qualified personnel. The work schedule and duration will also be planned to avoid disruptive weather conditions and complete construction activities in the shortest time possible. And continuous monitoring for the diagnosis of further problems. The alternatives evaluated for the project are dredging methods as the project involves dredging the lagoon for materials required for beach replenishment. The use of sand pump is the preferred option for beach replenishment work, since it is the most common, practical and cost-effective method. The “No Project” option has also been explored for both beach replenishment and construction of swimming pools nonetheless, this option is not deemed preferable, given the current condition of the beach and the status of the resort. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, coastal changes and depth variations of harbour area as well the 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. 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 on the marine water quality, coral reef and lagoon bottom habitats. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts. Technical ReportItem Environment impact assessment for the proposed swimming pool construction and beach replenishment project in Irufushi Beach and Spa Resort, Noonu Atoll(2013-12) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the proposed swimming pools construction and beach replenishment project in Irufushi Beach and Spa, N. Atoll. The proponent of this project is Sun Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd. The main rationale for the project is to enhance and upgrade the tourism operations at Irufushi Beach and Spa Resort by building 45 swimming pools attached to existing 45 Beach Villas and to replenish the beach to provide a better product for the visiting guests. Moreover, Irufushi Island has ongoing seasonal erosion which requires to be mitigated. The project involves upgrading and expanding the resort operations by construction of 45 swimming pools attached to existing 45 Beach Villas on the Northern side of the resort and ongoing beach replenishment for the next two years (on a need basis) on Irufushi Island for mitigating seasonal erosion. Two areas have been proposed for replenishment totalling a maximum of 11,100 cbm. Replenishment height is 1.5 m and will be sloped as a beach at 1:7 scales. Replenishment width is 10 m from the registered shoreline. Five areas have been proposed for borrow areas totalling a maximum volume of 20900 cbm. The dredge depth will be a maximum of 1.0 m from the existing depths. In exceptional circumstances depths may be increased to 1.5 m. The borrow area distance from the registered shoreline is 50 m. The borrow area had no visible live corals. The area mainly consists of rubble and mussy sand. 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 the Tourism Act. Significant impact associated with the components of the project; beach replenishment and swimming pool construction involves sedimentation on the marine water quality and consequent impact on marine life, direct loss of marine life within the project footprint, impact on the islands groundwater, impact on the flora at the project site and the health and safety of construction workers and swimming pool users. All these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation measures recommended in the report. The main mitigation measures include carrying out sand pumping and construction activities during low tide hours and calm weather, and proper supervision of all activities by qualified personnel. The work schedule and duration will also be planned to avoid disruptive weather conditions and complete construction activities in the shortest time possible. And continuous monitoring for the diagnosis of further problems. The alternatives evaluated for the project are dredging methods as the project involves dredging the lagoon for materials required for beach replenishment. The use of sand pump is the preferred option for beach replenishment work, since it is the most common, practical and cost-effective method. The “No Project” option has also been explored for both beach replenishment and construction of swimming pools nonetheless, this option is not deemed preferable, given the current condition of the beach and the status of the resort. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, coastal changes and depth variations of harbour area as well the 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. 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 on the marine water quality, coral reef and lagoon bottom habitats. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts Technical ReportItem Environmental Impact assessment for the proposed harbor maintenance in Narudhoo, Shaviyani Atoll(2013-09-01) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the proposed harbour maintenance project in Narudhoo, Shaviyani Atoll. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Housing & Infrastructure. The main rationale for the project is to improve the access facilities of Narudhoo Island to facilitate improvement in the social and economic condition of the island. The island has a harbour and but has become shallow overtime. This project mainly involves maintenance dredging of the 65 m × 110 m harbour basin and disposing the dredge waste on the sides of the harbour. 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, Dredging and Reclamation regulation and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. The island coastal environment has been modified due to the presence of the existing harbour. The coral cover is in moderately healthy condition. The dominant benthic substrate of the footprint is mainly sand and rubble. Significant impacts of this project during construction phase of the project are the potential impact of sedimentation on the marine water quality and consequent impact on marine life, potential impacts on ground water and the health and safety risks to construction workers. All these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation measures recommended in the report The main mitigation measures include carrying out construction activities during low tide hours and calm weather and proper supervision of all activities by qualified personnel. The work schedule and duration will also be planned to avoid disruptive weather conditions and complete construction activities in the shortest time possible. The alternatives evaluated for the project are dredging methods and dredge waste disposal sites and alternative harbour sedimentation control measures. The “No Project” option has also been explored and this option is not deemed preferable, given the current condition of the harbour. An alternative sediment flow control measure has been proposed to minimise future deposition within the harbour but its implementation will depend on fund availability. The use of excavator on a barge is the preferred option for alternative dredging method, since it is the most common, practical and cost-effective method. An alternative site plan has been recommended for this Prepared by: CDE Consultancy Page|xi EIA for the Proposed Harbour Maintenance Project in Narudhoo Island, Shaviyani Atoll project, given the less than expected sand from dredging activities. Thus, alternative locations for stockpiling sand has been proposed, instead of reclamation. This project has strong support from the island community and all site plans have been seen and approved by the Island Council. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, coastal changes and depth variations of harbour area as well the 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. 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 on the marine water quality, coral reef and lagoon bottom habitats. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts Prepared. Technical ReportItem Environmental impact assessment for the proposed harbor maintenance project in Feydhoo, Shaviyani Atoll(2013-09-01) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the proposed harbour maintenance project in Feydhoo, Shaviyani Atoll. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Housing & Infrastructure. The main rationale for the project is to improve the access facilities of Feydhoo Island to facilitate improvement in the social and economic condition of the island. The island has a harbour and but has become shallow overtime. This project mainly involves maintenance dredging of the 63 m × 94 m harbour basin, 26m x 75 m reef entrance and disposing the dredge waste on the sides of the harbour. 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, Dredging and Reclamation regulation and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. The island coastal environment has been modified due to the presence of the existing harbour. The coral cover is in moderately healthy condition. The dominant benthic substrate of the footprint is mainly sand and rubble. Significant impacts of this project during construction phase of the project are the potential impact of sedimentation on the marine water quality and consequent impact on marine life, potential impacts on ground water and the health and safety risks to construction workers. All these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation measures recommended in the report The main mitigation measures include carrying out construction activities during low tide hours and calm weather and proper supervision of all activities by qualified personnel. The work schedule and duration will also be planned to avoid disruptive weather conditions and complete construction activities in the shortest time possible. The alternatives evaluated for the project are dredging methods and dredge waste disposal sites and alternative harbour sedimentation control measures. The “No Project” option has also been explored and this option is not deemed preferable, given the current condition of the harbour. An alternative sediment control measure for the operations stage has been proposed. The use of excavator on a barge is the preferred option for alternative dredging method, since it is the most common, practical and cost-effective method. A new site plan has been proposed given the small volume of sand required for dredging, as identified from detailed bathymetric assessments. This project has strong support from the island community and all site plans have been seen and approved by the Island Council. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, coastal changes and depth variations of harbour area as well the 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. 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 on the marine water quality, coral reef and lagoon bottom habitats. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts Technical ReportItem Environmental impact assessment for the proposed harbor maintenance project in Bilehefahi, Shaviyani Atoll(2013-09-01) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the proposed harbour maintenance project in Bilehffahi, Shaviyani Atoll. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Housing & Infrastructure. The main rationale for the project is to improve the access facilities of Bilehffahi Island to facilitate improvement in the social and economic condition of the island. The island has a harbour and a reef entrance, but the reef entrance has become shallow overtime and has become dangerous for navigation due to the narrow width. This project mainly involves widening the reef entrance, relocating a section on the breakwater and disposing the dredge waste in designated locations near the harbour. 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, Dredging and Reclamation regulation and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. The island coastal environment has been modified due to the presence of the existing harbour and reef entrance. The coral cover is in moderately healthy condition. The dominant benthic substrate of the footprint is mainly sand and rubble. Significant impacts of this project during construction phase of the project are the potential impact of sedimentation on the marine water quality and consequent impact on marine life, potential impacts on ground water and the health and safety risks to construction workers. All these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation measures recommended in the report The main mitigation measures include carrying out construction activities during low tide hours and calm weather and proper supervision of all activities by qualified personnel. The work schedule and duration will also be planned to avoid disruptive weather conditions and complete construction activities in the shortest time possible. The alternatives evaluated for the project are dredging methods, dredge waste disposal sites and alternative channel layout. The “No Project” option has also been explored and this option is not deemed preferable, given the current condition of the channel. The use of excavator on a barge for the deeper areas and the sand beds for the shallow areas are the preferred option for alternative dredging method, since it is the most common, practical and cost-effective method. An alternative layout for the project is proposed based on public consultation results. This project has strong support from the island community and the Island Council. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, coastal changes and depth variations of channel as well the 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. 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 on the marine water quality, coral reef and lagoon bottom habitats. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts. Technical ReportItem Environment impact assessment for the proposed tree transplantation from Maalhendhoo to Randheli Resort, Noonu Atoll Maldives(2013-06-01) CDE ConsultingThis Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an evaluation of the potential environmental, socio-economic and natural impacts of the proposed coconut palm and tree removal from Maalhendhoo to Randheli Resort of Noonu Atoll. Randheli is a resort under construction and is scheduled to open later this year. They are in the final stages of landscaping. The proponent has contracted two construction companies specializing in tree transplantation to supply coconut palms and trees required for Randheli Island landscaping. They have identified Maalhendhoo as a potential location to source trees based on a request from the Maalhendhoo Island Council to clear land for various development needs. Thus, given the close proximity of Maalhendhoo and the opportunity provide a benefit to the community as well, Maalhendhoo Island was considered for the project. The project is aimed for the clearance of roads, proposed mosque are, preschool and housing plots. Major components of the project include: Site preparation and mobilization, vegetation clearance, Transporatation to Randheli, Replanting, Dredging the eastern side lagoon to obtain bachfilling sand and levelling the roads after backfilling. The project is schedules to be completed within 05 weeks of initiation while all components at Maalhendhoo is to be completed within 04 weeks The following Laws and Regulations of Maldives and International Conventions will be strictly adhered during the implementation of the project. The key laws and regulations of the Maldives to which the proposal is applicable are: − Environmental Protection Act, − Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012, − Regulation on Cutting Down, Uprooting, Digging Out and Export of Trees and Palms from One Island to Another − Other relevant international and national conventions ‘No project’ option is evaluated for advantages and disadvantages. Alternative project site (island) is not considered as this cannot be changed. In addition, an alternative tree felling method and landing craft mooring area have been assessed as alternatives. The potential significant impacts from the project on the natural environment are summarized below: − Groundwater and marine water contamination due to chemical (vehicle fluids) leak and from dredging process. − Pollution due to waste including green waste − Marine water pollution during transportation of materials and removal of waste − Changes to island coastal environment due to creation of sediment sink Potential positive socioeconomic impacts include Economic development fostered − Flood hazard for island is reduced with maintenance of roads − Increased awareness on environmental issues and environment profile raised − Paves way for further development with new roads leading to new housing plots − Randheli Island could be completed and open for business at earliest creating job opportunities for locals − Guest satisfaction improved Monitoring program is based on the information requirements of the project. The key areas highlighted in the program are: − Groundwater quality and Marine water quality for indication of contamination by chemicals and/or dredging − Management of waste in particular hazardous waste and inappropriate disposal − Coastal changes and depth of the dredge area − Maintaining logs to monitor replanting quantities and targets are met. The proponent is committed to undertake the monitoring programme. The project poses some negative environmental impacts. However with proper caution and implementation of the given mitigation measures the project could offset the negative impacts and could be implemented smoothly. Technical ReportItem Environmental impact assessment for the proposed channel dredging project in Meedhoo island, Addu city(2013-08-01) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the remaining works of the proposed channel dredging project in Meedhoo, Addu Atoll. A part of the channel has already been dredged with the assistance of Herathera Island Resort in the past. These works were approved after an EIA but the works were ceased due to shortage of equipment. The City Council require to restart the works but the EIA has since expired. This application is to facilitiate a reissue of the decision note for the EIA.The proponent of this project is Addu City Council. The main rationale for the project is to reduce the travel distance to the ocean side for fishermen and hence decrease the transport cost of a number of vessels. At present, the boats have to travel a long distance before they could reach the fishing areas outside the eastern edge of the atoll. It is expected that there will be substantial savings in fuel and associated reduction in import demand for fuel. The channel is also expected to improve the subsistence fishing activities through the decrease in travel cost. This project will contribute to reduce emissions from vessels Maldives. The proposed channel is also expected to serve the dual purpose of providing access to Herathera Resort and the Proposed Resort in Ismalehera. The site already has about a 21 m x 790 m channel dredged. The originally planned channel was 25 m x 820 m. The proposed project mainly involves maintenance dredging of the existing channel, widening the channel upto a maximum of 35 m and dredging the a channel to a depth of – 3.0 to -3.5 m MSL. It also involves dredge waste disposal through land reclamation of an area of 14,000 m2 and construction of permanent bunds covering an area of 5,000 to 8,000 m2 to prevent erosion. All proposed 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 and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. Significant impacts of this project during construction phase of the project are the potential impact of sedimentation and turbidity on the marine water quality and consequent impact on marine life, direct loss of marine life within the project footprint including; damage to coral reef, lagoon benthos and fish population and potential loss of seagrass. The strength of the reef rim is also concern where the removal process will have strong vibratory pressures around the area. Other changes include changes to coastal process and potential erosion, potential marine water contamination from accidental oil spill, potential ground water contamination from stockpiling of dredge material for land reclamation, local air pollution from increased emission, potential increase in flood risk and the health and safety risks to construction workers. All these impacts are expected to be minimized with proper mitigation measures recommended in the report. The potential beneficial impacts during the construction phase of the proposed development are mainly socio-economic impacts. These include: employment opportunities during construction works, business opportunity for local suppliers, opportunity for local contract workers and the opportunity for locals to rent out property, equipments, machinery, vehicles and vessels. The potential beneficial impacts during the operational phase of the proposed development include: reduced distance of travel between Fuvahmulah and, Meedhoo and Hulhudhoo, reduced fuel costs and usage by fishermen, thereby increasing the productivity and profitability of fishing industry, reduced fuel usage, thereby reducing imports and green house gas emissions and availability of extra land area which can be used by islanders to host a variety of community events. The main mitigation measures include carrying out construction activities during low tide hours and calm weather, construction of bunds to reduce sediment dispersal and avoid adverse sedimentation impacts, and proper supervision of all activities by qualified personnel. The work schedule and duration will also be planned to avoid disruptive weather conditions and complete construction activities in the shortest time possible. The alternatives evaluated for the project are alternative dredge waste disposal methods for reef entranc, dredging Alternatives, alternative reef entrance design, alternative location of the channel The “No Project” option has also been explored. The monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, coastal changes and the 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. In conclusion, this project has been designed in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations of Maldives. The most significant impacts involve substantial impacts on the marine environment and hydrodynamics hence expected to be long-term and cannot be avoided. However, the impacts predicted for the construction and operation stage can be minimized with the proposed mitigation measures, alternatives and design principles proposed in this document. Operational stage impacts will require adherence to the environmental management plans provided in this document to minimize the effects on the marine environment. Technical ReportItem Environmental impact assessment for the proposed harbour reconstruction project in Maamendhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll(2013-02) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the proposed harbour development project in Maamendhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Housing & Infrastructure. The main rationale for the project is to improve the access facilities of Maamendhoo Island to facilitate improvement in the social and economic condition of the island. The existing harbour in the island is in urgent need of repair and maintenance. Maamendhoo harbour is used by large fishing vessels, safari boats and cargo vessels, and the of the fishing and transport sectors of the island requires expansion of the harbour facilities for access and anchorage. The project involves new and maintenance dredging of an area of 22,230 m2 to a depth of -3.0 m MSL, extension of the existing breakwater and construction of quay wall and revetments. A total area of 5,625 m2 will be reclaimed to +1.5 m (MSL) and protected using revetments. The existing harbour will be expanded by about 400 ft in length. 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 and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. Significant impacts of this project during construction phase of the project are the potential impact of sedimentation on the marine water quality and consequent impact on marine life, direct loss of marine life within the project footprint and the health and safety risks to construction workers. All these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation measures recommended in the report The main mitigation measures include carrying out construction activities during low tide hours and calm weather, deployment of silt screen or construction of bunds on the northern side and where appropriate to reduce sediment dispersal and avoid adverse sedimentation impacts, relocation of live coral recruits to locations with similar conditions, and proper supervision of all activities by qualified personnel. The work schedule and duration will also be planned to avoid disruptive weather conditions and complete construction activities in the shortest time possible. The alternatives evaluated for the project are dredging methods, sediment control methods, dredge waste disposal sites, alternative entrance channel and alternative harbour layout. The “No Project” option has also been explored and this option is not deemed preferable, given the current condition of the harbour and the need for expansion. The monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, coastal changes and depth variations of harbour area as well the 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. 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 on the marine water quality, coral reef and lagoon bottom habitats. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts.