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Item Environmental impact assessment for harbor extension works at Fares-Maathodaa, Gdh. Atoll(2016-04) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupBackground The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed harbour extension works at Fares-Maathodaa, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. The proponent of the proposed project is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The total estimated cost of this project is USD 843,060. The proposed project involves extension of the existing facility (which lies on the northern side of the island) by addition of 61m (along its length) to the eastern side of the facility. The project also involves construction of the main quay wall along the extension area and a sand bund breakwater along the outer boundary. Dredged material sourced will be disposed along the shoreline to the east of extension area. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment have been considered for the constructional phase and post constructional phase of the project. These impacts have been identified through interviews with the project management team, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant in similar development projects. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. The impacts identified are described according to their location, probability of impact, magnitude, significance and duration. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are irreversible in nature. Impact analysis showed that the main impact due to the project was during the construction phase, due to dredging activity. This impact was also anticipated to be of low effect due to the location (shallow intertidal area with seagrass beds) and scale of project (even though loss of seagrass beds from project site is a permanent impact). Overall, impacts identified were found to be of low effect and restricted to the project site, with temporary effects. Positive impact due to the project is the availability of a bigger and more planned area (dedicated area for unloading and passenger use) for use by the numerous vessels of the island and those who visit the island. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, such as limiting dredging activity to low tide phase to reduce possible sedimentation impacts. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Given the scope of the project and need alternative has only been considered for the material to be used for breakwater construction and location of extension. The no-project scenario which was also considered, is not feasible, given the scope of project and associated impacts on environment which are which are mainly of low effect and short term. The benefits on continuation of project outweigh the impacts and hence the no-project scenario is not considered a feasible option. The Consultant feels that the project is feasible with proper implementation of the mitigation measures proposed to minimize the impact on the environment. Stakeholder Consultation Stakeholder consultation was undertaken with Island Council regarding the concept drawing formulated by MHI. The council stated that they require a side quay wall to be included in the eastern side and if excess dredged material is available back filling areas where erosion is observed. Based on the stakeholder consultation, MHI agreed to change the concept design to include a side quay wall at the eastern side. The revised final drawing is provided in Appendix 5 of this report.Item Environmental impact assessment report harbour reconstruction at Vaadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll(2011-06) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is to fulfill the regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives prior to the proposed harbor restoration at Vaadhoo in GDh Atoll. 2. Project proponent of the proposed harbor restoration project is Ministry of Housing and Environment. The project was bided as a design and contract project. The main design consulting company MTCC is assigned to carry out the design works, and LaMer Group Pvt Ltd is assigned the EIA Consultancy. 3. Vaadhoo is located in GDh atoll, 440km from Male’. It is just about 40km from Kaadedhoo Airport. Nearest inhabited island is Fares-Maathodaa (8km on the south western side). In terms of geographic coordinates, it is located at 00° 14' 45" N and 73° 16' 30" E. Nearest islands are Vashavarrehaa approximately 4.1km north east and Farukolhuhuttaa approximately 5.2km south west of Vaadhoo. 4. The proposed development project involves renovation and restoration of Vaadhoo harbor with approximately 82m addition to the existing length of the harbor. With this expansion the overall length of the harbor basin would be 244 meters. Under the proposed project, new quay wall (concrete sheet piles, L section) and breakwaters (armor rocks) will be constructed at the existing foot prints. The harbor basin will also undergo maintenance dredging to -3MSL (where necessary). The concept plan is formulated in light of the new third generation harbor concept which is focused at functionality of the harbor. In this regard harbor usage components such as passenger embarking/disembarking, loading unloading area, fish landing, water and fuel recharging and mooring area will be demarcated. 5. The existing harbor facility is located at the northern side of the island and is accessed by an entrance channel north of the harbor. The project boundaries are existing footprint of harbor and 82.95m east of harbor where the harbor will undergo expansion. Under the proposed project harbor expansion and maintenance dredging will be carried out at the basin and entrance area where necessary. The project boundaries are; harbor front, side breakwaters, entrance area and breakwaters on side on entrance channel. Under the proposed project maintenance dredging will be carried out at the basin and entrance area where necessary and this activity will generate sediment plumes west wards. Dredged material removed during the maintenance dredging works and harbor extension works will be reused for construction. 6. The harbor will have a total length of 226.19m of breakwater at the east and western side of the entrance channel. The breakwater will be constructed of armor stones and remains of existing breakwater as core. The side quay will have a total length of 136m of type 2 design quay wall, while the main quay will have a length of 244m. 7. Approximately 16000m3 of dredged material will be generated by the maintenance dredging works. This sand will be reused during construction stage, thereby avoiding the need for disposal. 8. The existing harbor footprint will be expanded to eastwards to 82.95m under the proposed project. The existing quay wall and breakwaters will be replaced with concrete quay wall and rubble mound breakwaters. The size of harbor basin after completion of the project will be 244m in length and 78m in width. The length of entrance channel is approximately 123m, while width is 30m. The depth of basin is at average -3.0MSL, areas where design depth is not met will be deepened to -3MSL. Depth of entrance channel will be -4MSL. 9. Existing environment was examined to identify significant environmental components that would be affected and to establish a baseline condition of the site. Available and relevant literature on environmental impacts associated with similar projects was evaluated to identify possible impacts. Oceanographic data and information on local hydrodynamics were qualitatively assessed to determine the current pattern around the island which was based on monsoonal wind patterns, wind generated waves, tidal flushing, geographic setting, the topography of the lagoon and shape of the shoreline. 10. The reef flat area in front of harbor was dominated by massive life forms of Porites and faviids. Numerous small table coral colonies were observed behind the reef flat area dominating the rocky back reef towards the lagoon. Further inwards the reef flat is predominantly covered by sea grass meadow. 11. Project is predominantly a restoration project, environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are considered minor. Significant environmental components that are likely to be affected include coral community and sea grass bed at harbor front and harbor expansion area. The most significant impact associated with the project would be impact on these habitats from sedimentation. Dredging and excavation often carry a heavy load of sediments increasing sediment load in the water column causing discoloration due to suspended sediments of the impact area for a prolonged period. Since the project is small in scale in addition to restoration in nature, the extent of sediment plum is expected to be small and limited to the harbor basin and vicinity. 12. Mitigation measures have been provided for impacts associated with the project related works that have been categorized as minor to moderate. Impact mitigation measures and monitoring is carried out to compare predicted and actual impacts occurring from project activities to determine the efficiency of the mitigation measures. It has to be noted that no EIA has been carried out for the development of the harbor and no environmental monitoring has been done since the completion of harbor in 1997, and extent of changes to habitats such as sea grass, coral reef and shoreline is not known. 13. Stakeholder consultations were carried out as part of the EIA process. It was strongly emphasized by the stakeholders that the location of Vaadhoo makes it a good transit point for many trade vessels and Safaris boats making the harbor is fairly crowded. In addition, during good fishing season the harbor is also used by fishing vessels from other atolls as well. Due to this reason the community feels strongly that the harbor needs to be expanded. Since resorts are opening near the island, additional usage of harbor is envisaged therefore burden on harbor will increase. Overall the IDC and harbor committee was in favor of the project and very little issues apart from extension of harbor were raised during the stakeholder meeting 14. With due consideration to main environmental components identified and the magnitude of impacts on these components from the proposed developments, the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures are given to correct and minimize unfavorable environmental consequences. Furthermore, the public and community consultation responses were in favor of the project due to the socio-economic benefits foreseen to the community from a functional harbor.Item EIA report for restoration of K. Kaashidhoo harbour under construction of harbours for Tsunami Victims Project(2010-11-07) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is to fulfill the regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives prior to the proposed harbor restoration at Kaashidhoo in Kaafu Atoll. 2. Kaashidhoo harbor restoration project is part of the Construction of Harbors for Tsunami Victims Project. This restoration project involves repair of harbors at 10 islands. The project is funded by a joint loan taken from Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the Saudi Government and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) by the government of Maldives. The design consultancy was awarded to Alhabshi Consultants Office, a Kuwaiti Company in association with Riyan Pvt Ltd (a Maldivian company). The Agreement for consultancy was signed on 6th November 2008 between the Government of Maldives and Alhabshi Consultant. 3. Project proponent of the proposed harbor restoration project is Ministry of Housing and Environment. The project was bided as a design and consultancy project. The main design consulting company Alhabhsi Consultants is assigned to carry out the design works, preparing tender documents, carrying out EIAs and construction phase supervision consultant. 4. The proposed development project involves renovation and restoration of Kaashidhoo harbor. During the December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, Kaashidhoo harbor facility received extensive damages. These include damage to harbor quay walls and basin. Under the proposed project, new quay wall (concrete sheet piles, L section) and breakwaters (armor rocks) will be constructed. The harbor basin and entrance channel will also undergo maintenance dredging to -3MSL. Since the proposed project is only a restoration project, basin size will not be increased. The concept plan is formulated in light of the new third generation harbor concept which is focused at functionality of the harbor. In this regard harbor usage components such as passenger embarking/disembarking, loading unloading area, fish landing, water and fuel recharging and mooring area will be demarcated. 5. The island of Kaashidhoo lies at the eastern side of the Kardiva Channel, located 20 km north from the small Gaafaru atoll and 30 km southeast from Faadhippolhu. The formation consists of an approximately rectangular-shaped island that is situated on the southeastern side of a reef-fringed platform. Measuring 2.9 km in length and around 1 km in width, the island covers an area of 2.75 km2, making it the largest island of Male' Atoll and the fifth largest island of the entire Maldivian archipelago. The island is located at 04° 57' 20" N and 73° 27' 53" E. 6. The existing harbor facility is located at the north western side of the island facing the western quadrant. The site boundaries are harbor area and entrance channel area. The harbor facility will undergo maintenance dredging; a breakwater will be constructed at the western side of harbor. Maintenance dredging will not be required for the entire length of entrance channel, but only at the shallow areas. 7. The existing harbor footprint will not be changed due to the proposed project (area loss by putting near quay wall in front of existing one will be adjusted from breakwater area), side quay wall will be constructed at existing foot print, and a new breakwater will be constructed (existing harbor facility is without a breakwater). Therefore the existing design of the harbor will remain as it is. The length of the harbor after completion of renovation works will be 215.5m and width 85m. The existing entrance will be used after maintenance dredging. The length of entrance channel is approximately 2500m, while width is 30m. The harbor basin and entrance channel will have a depth of -3MSL after completion of the restoration works. 8. The harbor will have a total length of 252.18m of breakwater at the western side. The breakwater will be constructed of armor stones and remains of demolished quay wall (where significant damage is observed) will be used as core. The side quays will have a total length of 120m of type 2 design quay wall, while the main quay will have a length of 215.5m. 9. Dredge material removed from the harbor basin (maintenance dredging works) and entrance will be initially stockpiled near harbor area since part of the material will be required during construction works. Part of the sediment will be used for back filling the area in between the existing quay wall and new quay wall and for filling the geo textile bags of breakwaters and side quays. Approximately 6,000m3 (used as core for breakwater, filling area in between new and old quay wall and filling geo-textile bags of main quay wall and side quay walls) of sediment will be used of the construction work while rest will be disposed southern side of harbor (1000m3). The sediment will be transported to the disposal sites on trucks, although initially sediment will be stockpiled near harbor area for construction purposes. Approximately 9,000m3 of dredge material will be removed from the harbor basin and entrance channel. 10. Two sites are surveyed for assessing the reef condition, site one was located at the northern side of entrance near mouth of entrance (westerns side of reef) while site two was located at sea grass meadow western side of harbor. Live coral cover at site one was approximately 20%, while at site two was very low. 11. It is important to note that the most significant impact associated with the project would be impact on the marine environment from sedimentation. Dredging and excavation often carry a heavy load of sediments increasing sediment load in the water column causing discoloration due to suspended sediments of the impact area for a prolonged period. Since the project is a restoration project, the extent of sediment plum will be limited at the harbor basin area, while entrance channel area required for deepening is within the lagoon area and far from reef flat area. 12. Since the proposed project is restoration project, environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are considered minor to moderate. 13. Mitigation measures are provided in the report for impacts that were categorized minor to moderate. Impact mitigation measures and monitoring is carried out to compare predicted and actual impacts occurring from project activities to determine the efficiency of the mitigation measures. It has to be noted that environmental monitoring has not been done since the completion of harbor, and extent of changes to habitat, live coral cover and shoreline is not known. Even though the project is not envisaged to cause impacts on shoreline (since construction will be done at existing footprint), it is important to monitor shoreline changes. 14. The main issue raised in the consultation meeting at Kaashidhoo by the IDC was the issue of entrance channel, expansion of harbor and shifting of harbor 30ft inside basin area to widen the harbor front road. 15. With due consideration to main environmental components identified and the magnitude of impacts on these components from the proposed developments, the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures are given to correct and minimize unfavorable environmental consequences. Furthermore, the public and community consultation responses were in favor of the project due to the socioeconomic benefits foreseen to the community from a functional harbor.Item EIA report for restoration of HA Hoarafushi harbour under construction of harbours for Tsunami Victims Project(2010-08-19) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is to fulfill the regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives prior to the proposed harbor restoration at Hoarafushi in Ha Atoll. 2. Hoarafushi harbor restoration project is part of the Construction of Harbors for Tsunami Victims Project. This restoration project involves repair of harbors at 10 islands. The project is funded by a joint loan taken from Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the Saudi Government and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) by the government of Maldives. The design consultancy was awarded to Alhabshi Consultants Office, a Kuwaiti Company in association with Riyan Pvt Ltd (a Maldivian company). The Agreement for consultancy was signed on 6th November 2008 between the Government of Maldives and Alhabshi Consultant. 3. Project proponent of the proposed harbor restoration project is Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment. The project was bided as a design and consultancy project. The main design consulting company Alhabshi Consultants is assigned to carry out the design works, preparing tender documents, carrying out EIAs and construction phase supervision consultant. 4. The proposed development project involves renovation and restoration of Hoarafushi harbor. During the December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, Hoarafushi harbor facility received extensive damages. These include damage to harbor protection walls, side walls and quay walls. Under the proposed project, new quay wall (concrete sheet piles, L section) and breakwaters (armor rocks) will be constructed at the existing foot prints. The harbor basin will also undergo maintenance dredging to -3MSL. Since the proposed project is only a restoration project, size of the harbor basin will not be increased. The concept plan is formulated in light of the new third generation harbor concept which is focused at functionality of the harbor. In this regard harbor usage components such as passenger embarking/disembarking, loading unloading area, fish landing, water and fuel recharging and mooring area will be demarcated. 5. Hoarafushi (06° 58' 53" N and 72° 53' 48" E) is located on the west side of Ihavandhippolhu atoll, 318 km from Male’. It is approximately 27km from Dhidhdhoo which is the capital of Ha Alifu Atoll (northern most atoll in Upper North province. The existing harbor basin and facility is located at the eastern side of the island facing Ihavandhippolhu atoll basin. The project boundaries are the harbor front area, either side breakwaters, eastern side seawall and breakwater section at the harbor entrance channel. Under the proposed project maintenance dredging will be done at the basin and entrance area where necessary and this activity will generate sediment plumes east and north eastwards. Dredged material removed during the maintenance dredging works will be disposed at the western side of the island where a bay shape area is observed (surplus after reuse during reconstruction work). 6. The existing harbor footprint will not be changed due to the proposed project, breakwaters and quay wall will be constructed at existing foot print area (apart from small section of breakwater at the western side of the harbor). Therefore the existing design of the harbor will remain as it is. The length of the harbor after completion of renovation works will be 361m and width of 88m. The length of entrance channel is approximately 150m, while width is 30m. The harbor basin will have a depth of -3MSL after completion of the restoration works. 7. The harbor will have a total length of 523m (including side quay walls) of quay walls and 324m of rubble mound breakwater. The rubble mound breakwater will be constructed of demolished material from existing breakwaters while the main breakwaters will be of armored rocks. A small section of existing revetment wall will be retained at the eastern side of the harbor which is in good condition. 8. Dredge material removed from the harbor basin (maintenance dredging works) will be initially stockpiled near harbor area since part of the material will be required during construction works. Part of the sediment will be used for back filling the area in between the existing quay wall and new quay wall and for filling the geo textile bags of breakwaters and side quays. Part of the sediment will also be used to level the harbor front area here a large scour pit is observed. Approximately 22000m3 of sediment will be excavated from deepening of harbor basin. A fair proportion of this sediment would be used for several aspects of harbor repair and construction work while any remains will be disposed at the erosion prone areas at the eastern side of the island. The sediment will be transported to the disposal sites on trucks, although initially sediment will be stockpiled near harbor area for construction purposes 9. Existing environment was examined to identify significant environmental components that would be affected and to establish a baseline condition of the site. Available and relevant literature on environmental impacts associated with similar projects was evaluated to identify possible impacts. Oceanographic data and information on local hydrodynamics were qualitatively assessed to determine the current pattern around the island which was based on monsoonal wind patterns, wind generated waves, tidal flushing, geographic setting, the topography of the lagoon and shape of the shoreline. 10. The harbor front area surveyed during the field visit had live coral cover less than 5%. 11. It is important to note that the most significant impact associated with the project would be impact on the marine environment from sedimentation. Dredging and excavation often carry a heavy load of sediments increasing sediment load in the water column causing discoloration due to suspended sediments of the impact area for a prolonged period. Since the project is a restoration project, the extent of sediment plum will be limited. The existing damaged breakwaters will act as bunds therefore limiting the spread of sediment fines. 12. Since the proposed project is restoration project, environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are considered minor to moderate. The significant environmental components that are likely to be affected are the coral community established on the reef flat and changes due to maintenance dredging works. 13. Mitigation measures are provided in the report for impacts that were categorized minor to moderate. Impact mitigation measures and monitoring is carried out to compare predicted and actual impacts occurring from project activities to determine the efficiency of the mitigation measures. It has to be noted that environmental monitoring has not been done since the completion of harbor, and extent of changes to habitat, live coral cover and shoreline is not known. Even though the project is not envisaged to cause impacts of shoreline (since construction will be done at existing footprint), it is important to monitor shoreline changes. 14. The IDC and harbor committee stated that the size of harbor has to be increased due to increase of vessels and size of vessels. Since the project is a restoration project funded by a loan the scope of work is limited. Although the community stressed the issue of harbor expansion the community was in consent to the proposed project. The existing harbor facility was badly damaged during the 2004 tsunami and is in urgent need of repairs. 15. With due consideration to main environmental components identified and the magnitude of impacts on these components from the proposed developments, the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures are given to correct and minimize unfavorable environmental consequences. Furthermore, the public and community consultation responses were in favor of the project due to the socioeconomic benefits foreseen to the community from a more functional harbor.