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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 for construction and development of water supply system at Dhangethi, Adh. Atoll(2016-12) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the construction and development of a freshwater production and distribution system at ADh. Dhangethi. The proponent of this project is the Ministry of Environment and Energy and total estimated cost of the project is MRF 17 million. To meet the water supply demand and to provide a quality treated water RO desalination with rainwater collection scheme is proposed for the island. The project involves the setup of a RO plant facility with two RO plants each with a capacity of producing 60m3 of freshwater per day One RO plant will be operational at anyone time while the remaining plant will be kept as a backup. Rainwater will be collected from the public buildings which will go through separate treatments before being mixed with RO desalinated water. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project development work (constructional impacts) and operational 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 projects. Impacts were analysed for their significance with the aid of a Leopold Matrix. In any development project, major direct impacts to the environment occur mainly during the construction phase. Potential direct or indirect impacts on the environment from the proposed project include: Minor to moderate impacts to the groundwater resource during drilling and construction work Impact on vegetation due to the need to cut down vegetation located at the plot Impact due to air and noise pollution during construction work Impact on marine environment due to discharge of brine Positive impact on social wellbeing and health Mitigation measures are discussed for the activities which would have potential impacts during the construction and operational phase of the project. In general, during the construction stage it is important to use a method of construction which has the least impact on the environment. Specific measures highlighted include following of established guidelines when carrying out excavation works and dewatering and transplantation of Coconut palms around the periphery of the project site. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Alternatives have been considered for various components of the project and are given as possible options that may be either more practical or less expensive to the preferred options. The proposed alternatives also have taken into consideration the environmental consequences resulting from these options as compared to the preferred options. The following components of the project have been discussed in providing these alternatives; Location of RO plant facility Source of feedwater for RO plant Brine discharge location The no-project scenario is also considered, which would mean that all environmental impacts due to the project would no longer be an issue. However, this also means that the community would have to continue using only rainwater and groundwater as main freshwater sources. Additionally, it would also mean increased health risks faced by the community due to the use of contaminated water and the loss of potential additional job creation during the operation of the service. The environmental impacts predicted for the project are minor to moderate, hence the benefits of establishing the system, though with a cost to the environment is seen to be far more beneficial than the cancellation of the project, as the health risks faced by the community is not something that should and can be overlooked. Therefore the “no-project” scenario is not a feasible solution and it is recommended that the project be continued, but with the proper implementation of all mitigation measures proposed in the report. Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 10 of the report.Item Environmental impact assessment for the development of aquatic animal quarantine facility at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport(2016-07) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed construction of a live aquatic animal quarantine facility at the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. The proponent of the project is the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. The proposed project is a part of the institutional strengthening component of the Mariculture Enterprise Development Project (MEDeP) implemented by the Ministry. It involves construction and set up of the live aquatic animal quarantine facility, which is inclusive of a quarantine building and pump station. The seawater for the holding tanks will be sourced through a seawater well located at the lagoon area to the west of project site (back reef area of Hulhule reef), while wastewater discharge will be through pipeline laid from facility to the western reef (pipeline south of facility and run near quay wall of harbor southern side of Hulhule Island Hotel, close to the along-side berthing area for fuel tanker ships). Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment from various activities of the construction work and during the operation of the facility have been identified through interviews with the project management team, field data collection and surveys. The impacts identified are also described according to their location, extent and characteristics. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. Impacts due to project were few and minimal, mainly with low effects. Impacts were mainly envisaged on seawater quality and marine environment, as well as vegetation (due to removal of coconut palms). Details of impact analysis are discussed in Section 9 of the report. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Given the minimal impacts, mitigation measures due to project are few. However, the formulation of contingency plans in case of equipment breakdown or incidence of other events such as fire and floods should be given a priority. Due to the scope of the project and the means of implementation, an alternative scenario has also been given for the means of wastewater disposal. The „no project‟ alternative is also considered. Although this would mean avoidance of environmental impacts, this option is not feasible due to the necessity of the project, especially if the mariculture sector was to expand. Hence the project, with current designs and methods is considered feasible, and Consultant feels that appropriate mitigation measures have been given in the report.Item Environmental impact assessment for backfilling of lake area and reconstruction of boundary wall at Funadhoo, Kaafu Atoll(2016-05) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the backfilling of Lake area/water body and reconstruction of boundary wall at K. Funadhoo. The proponent of the proposed project is State Trading Organization Plc. The total estimated cost of this project is USD 200,000.Due to the scope of the project, impacts on the environment have only been considered for the 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. The impacts identified are described according to their location, extent and characteristics. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are irreversible in nature. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. Since majority of the work for the backfilling of Lake area had already been completed prior to consultation with the EIA consultant, any further impacts were mostly insignificant. Terrestrial vegetation was identified as the most sensitive component of this project. Moreover, impact analysis showed that most of the proposed works are anticipated to have positive outcomes. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, including the following: Relocation of mature plants which are not too deeply rooted All machinery used should be well maintained and relevant staff well trained to avoid accidental spillage during construction phase Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Given the scope of the project, alternative has only been considered for the technique used for the bracing pipe/rod connection. The no-project scenario which was also considered is not feasible, given the scope of project and associated impacts on environment which are minor. Hence the project is considered feasible with proper implementation of the mitigation measures proposed to minimize the impacts on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for coastal modification and construction of a causeway between Hoan’dehdhoo and Madaveli, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll(2016-10) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the construction of a causeway of length 441m, linking Hoan‟dehdhoo and Madaveli and the reclamation of 3.5ha of land area in Madaveli in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the South of Maldives. This project was earlier addressed through another EIA submitted in 2012 (SEAMARC, 2012), though due to delays in implementation of the project, the EIA period is now void. Furthermore, design of the causeway and changes to other components of the project, requires submission of a second EIA for the project, prior to commencement. The project proponent of the proposed project for coastal modification and construction of causeway between Hoan‟dehdhoo and Madaveli is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure while the contractor for the project is Maldives Transport and Contracting Company Plc.The project includes two components: 1. Construction of a causeway linking the islands of Hoan‟dehdhoo and Madaveli. The proposed causeway has a total length of 441m and width of 15m. The causeway between the two islands will be constructed in two parts connected by the uninhabited island of Haadhoo which lies in the shallow lagoon area between the two islands. Construction of the causeway will be through reclamation of land area between the islands, whereby stretch of land between Madaveli to Haadhoo is proposed to have a length of 261m, while that between Haadhoo and Hoan‟dehdhoo is proposed to have a length of 180m. The area will be reclaimed to a height of 1.4m above Mean Sea Level (MSL) and protected through construction of a sand cement bag revetment along the whole length of both sides of the causeway. Concrete culverts at 50m apart will be placed along the length of the causeway to allow tide flow. The length of the culverts is equal to the width of the causeway (15m) and 6m wide. 2. The second component of the project is the reclamation of 3.5ha of land at the southeastern side of Madaveli. Reclamation of the land will be to a height of 1.3m above MSL, using sand sourced from the lagoon area. Proposed borrow area for the project is located at the eastern side lagoon between the two islands. A total of 73,500m3 of sand is required for this work and the recommended borrow area is proposed to be dredged to a depth of -3m from the seabed.Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project (both during construction and operation) 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. Impacts which have been identified were analysed with the aid of a Leopold Matrix, which gives numerical assessment of the magnitude and importance of an impact. The proposed project involves construction of a causeway between Madaveli and Hoan‟dehdhoo and reclamation of 3.5ha of land area on the southeastern side of Madaveli. The main construction stage impact associated with the project is due to dredging and reclamation works, which have the potential to greatly impact the marine environment through direct habitat loss and indirectly through sedimentation. Impacts discussed are; Direct loss of habitat due to dredging and reclamation work Sedimentation impact due to dredging and reclamation work Mobilization of equipment and labor Impact on vegetation due to causeway and road construction Noise, vibration and disturbance to nearby residents Impact on vegetation Pollution of natural environment due to possible spillage, solid waste, disposal of untreated waste water Risk of accidents and pollution on workers and local population The proposed borrow area is located at the eastern side of the reef between the two islands. Dredging works is proposed to be undertaken using excavator and transported using interim bonds. Dredging works at the borrow area will create sediment plume and expected to flow eastwards (tidal currents). Sand bund is proposed around the periphery of dredging area hence spread of fines will be reduced. The causeway construction works will close the aperture between Madaveli/Haadhoo/Hoan‟dehdhoo and stop flow of water. The culverts will be laid after connecting the islands, hence sediment plume will be minor and only depend on tidal currents (west to east on the eastern side of causeway). Impacts of sedimentation during causeway reclamation are therefore categorized as moderate and short termed. Significant negative impact on western side (southern side bay area of both islands) shoreline and immediate land area adjacent to proposed causeway is envisaged in the operational phase. In the event of storm surge (udha), water will pile up at the western side bay area causing rise of water level consequently causing flooding. Even at present, periodic flooding is experienced during SW monsoon due to storm surge. Therefore protection against storm surge is thought to be less and negative impacts high due to current design of the causeway. Mitigation measures for the various components which are expected to have impacts, have been proposed in the report, including the recommendation to revise the current design of causeway and include revetment at the southern side of reclamation area. Given that this project is developed specifically for these two islands, an alternative location is not considered. Alternatives for the project have been considered for the following; Design of the causeway Materials used to construct the revetment Borrow location Reclamation design The no-project scenario is also considered, the environmental impacts which arise due to the project such as change to hydrodynamics and loss of marine habitat and possible increase in surge related flooding can be avoided. However, should this option be chosen, this means that the social benefits (increased employment opportunities, easier travel between islands, better public services and increased housing plots) provided by the project will be cancelled. Hence given the high positive impact on the socioeconomic environment, discontinuation of the project is not seen to be a feasible option. Although this may be the case, the current causeway design is envisaged to increase surge related flooding hence this component is not feasible and needs to be revised. Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 10 of the report. The consultant concludes that the proposed project component, especially the causeway with current design which lacks coastal protection measures in the vicinity of the causeway on either island is likely to cause significant environmental damage (specifically coastal flooding) at both islands. It is therefore recommended that an alternative design for the causeway should be considered.Item Environmental impact assessment for the development of MNDF coast guard base and berthing facility phase 1- reclamation works, Uthuruthilafalhu, North Male’ Atoll(2013-03) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupItem Environmental impact assessment for construction of sand filled deck at Bandos Island Resort and Spa(2013-03) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed construction of a sand filled sun deck on Bandos Island Resort and Spa, by the resort management as the proponent of the project. Bandos Island Resort and Spa located in Nort The project involves the construction of a sand filled sun deck on the southern margin of the small harbour facility on the southwestern side of the island. The area is currently filled with rock and rubble which was excavated during the construction of the harbour facility. Hence by constructing the sun deck, the resort management is looking into making the area usable and aesthetically more pleasing to the eye. Sand for this project will be sourced from the harbour basin and additional material will be purchased should this not be sufficient. The sun deck would be protected by a seawall constructed using sand/cement bags with a smooth cement finish. The total estimated cost of this project is USD 00,000 including sand filling works and construction of revetment walls. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project development work (constructional impacts) and post constructional impacts have been identified through interviews with the resort 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 main impact associated with the project is minor short term impact on the marine ecosystem quality of nearby areas (to burrow area) due to sedimentation (as a result of dredging activities). No negative impacts on the environment are expected during the post constructional phase, although a huge positive impact in terms of the utilization of an area which has been impacted and unusable is guaranteed. Mitigation measures have been discussed for the construction stage of the project. The main mitigation measure proposed is the construction of a bund and seawall around the area for sundeck construction prior to backfilling the area, in order to avoid release of fines and minimize sedimentation impact. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Given the small scale of the project the only component for which an alternative has been considered is in terms of the material used to construct the sea wall. The - option has also been considered, though this would mean that the area remains unusable and filled with rock and rubble. It also means that there would be no impact on the environment from development of this project. The proposed development is assessed to bring minor short term impacts to the environment in general. Hence the "no-project" scenario is not seen as a feasible option and it is the conclusion of the consultant that the project can be carried out with minimal impact on the environment, with the proper implementation of mitigation measures discussed in the report.Item Environmental impact assessment for coastal modification works at Robinson Club Maldives, Funamaudua, GA. Atoll(2013-04) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed construction of geo-bag revetment structure at Robinson Club Maldives (GA. Funamaudua). The proponent of the proposed project is Robinson Club Maldives. The total estimated cost of this project is USD 1.5 million. The proposed project involves the construction of a 215 m long geo-bag revetment structure on the northwestern side of the island from the deck area of the main restaurant up to the jetty to the water villas. The project also involves maintenance dredging work at the entrance and channel on the southwestern side of the island and removal of tombolo formed near the service islet. Impacts on the environment from various activities of the construction work and during the operation of the facility 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. The impacts identified are also described according to their location, extent and characteristics. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are irreversible in nature. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. The main impacts foreseen for the construction phase are the impacts on marine environment and habitat in terms of loss of habitat, disturbance to lagoon bottom and reef flat area and sedimentation impacts. However, these impacts are expected to be minor to moderate at the entrance channel. Sedimentation impacts due to both maintenance dredging at entrance channel and revetment bed leveling works are also envisaged to the minor to moderate due to low live coral cover at the areas and small scale of work. During the operational stage, the small islet is expected to be a cause of formation of future tombolo. Therefore shoreline monitoring is one of the key mitigation measures recommended in the report. Positive impacts due to the project are expected to be beach formation due to accretion of sand by natural process as a result of the gradual slope of new revetment structure. Alternatives have been considered for various components of the project and are given as possible options that may be either more practical or less expensive to the preferred options. The proposed alternatives also have taken into consideration the environmental consequences resulting from these options as compared to the preferred options. The following components of the project have been discussed in providing their alternatives; Coastal protection method Design and materials used for construction of revetment structure Method of excavation Burrow area location The no-project scenario is also considered, which would mean that all environmental impacts due to the project would no longer be an issue. However, given that impacts to the environment due to the project are minor to moderate, this option is not seen as a feasible option, as the benefits to the proponent in terms of environmental advantages (control of current erosion issues due to presence of tombolo) and financial advantages (currently, damage to restaurant deck area makes it unsafe for guest use) from the continuation of the project, outweigh the impacts on the environment due to the implementation of the project. Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 9 of the report.Item Environmental impact assessment report for resort development at Fushivelavaru, Noonu Atoll(2011-04) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupFushivelavaru is one of the islands the Government of Maldives had recently released for tourism development. These islands were leased on the basis that Maldives had to meet the current projected bed-capacity needs in the Maldives. The non technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed development of a 100 bed resort on the island of N. Fushivelavaru. The resort at N. Fushivelavaru will be operated by Gladonia Maldives Pvt Ltd. This document presents the findings of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for resort development at N. Fushivelavaru. Developments of this nature are required to carry out EIA studies under the Environmental Act of Maldives. The developer is required to obtain approval of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) of Ministry of Housing and Environment (MHE), Maldives prior to the implementation of any development activities on the island. Land and Marine Environmental Resource Group Pte Ltd have been engaged Gladonia Maldives Pvt Ltd to prepare the EIA and to provide assistance in other environmental related activities. This EIA is prepared in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2007 and the Government of Maldives environmental policy and guidelines.Item Initial environmental examination : taro field water control system at Gan, Gdh. Atoll(2011-11) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1. The island of Gan has been infamous for agricultural produce, especially taro production in Huvadhoo Atoll. It has been especially designated by (MOFA) as a farmland for Gadhdhoo island community and is locally administered by the Gadhdhoo Island Council. 2. Among the crops grown in Gan, taro with a cylindrical central corm is found to be the most extensively cultivated crop. Taro is generally cultivated as a wetlands crop. It has been estimated that there are about 150 farmers where the taro fields have been managed and handed over through several generations of same family. 3. Due to the taro farming practice used by farmers water stagnation during the rainy season within the plot for a longer time period has been the case. According to farmers, about half meter of standing water does exist in taro fields. As a result the taro fields get damaged during the rainy season affecting taro cultivation. 4. This assessment report presents the present situation, and strategies and recommendations for water control of taro cultivation in the Gan Island. 5. There are three major areas of taro cultivation in the Gan Island; Hutuwarumaththa, Galakondiyaa and Katamaththa. The total area of the Gan Island as 246 hectares and the relative areas for Hutuwarumaththa, Galakondiyaa and Katamaththa were found to be 12, 12 and 2 ha, respectively. 6. In the process of preparation and designing water management strategy meetings were held with farmers, IDC members and GP members. During these meetings, it was revealed that excess water should be removed from taro field, but needed to retain within the island without directly draining into the sea. 7. Three drain outlets from each of major taro field will be constructed. Two major drains are identified while four sub-drains are identified. These drain outlets will discharge water to nearby areas using absorption canals through a main control gate located several meters away from taro fields. The main drain canal in each taro field will be connected to three absorption drains and each of sub-main canals will be connected to two absorption drains. 8. Locations of main drainage canals and absorption areas were decided based on the general surface water flow pattern considering the lowest possible elevation points, shape of the entire taro field, and by observing the surrounding area. 2 The directions of main canals were decided mainly according the groundwater direction. 9. Three options of water level management in taro plots were identified (i) few centimeters [5-10 cm] of water level on the soil surface, (ii) water level just below the soil surface and (iii) water level below the root zone. The best option found during the discussions as well as experiences from other Islands is the maintaining of few centimeters [5 to 7 cm] of water in plots. The storage of drainage water within the island can be done either as a surface storage or as sub-surface water. 10. All the receiving water from rainfall is retaining within the Island which helps to recharge the groundwater resource and the freshwater lens aquifer as it is the only freshwater resource available in this island. 11. Considering benefits in constructing these drainage Systems, it is expected to have an increase of about 30-40% of taro yield with a proper drainage water management strategy in this island. 12. Farmers are willing to do the operation and maintenance (O & M) of proposed drainage canals with the help of island officials. They want to have a drainage system with control gates where they will be able to manage the amount of water that should be maintained within their fields. With regular O & M the systems can be used for a longer period. In addition, island officials are expected to form farmer organization during this project period where farmer organization will be given more responsibilities in managing their works and other societal activities. 13. The investment on constructing these proposed drainage canals will help farmers to enhance their socio economic status by cultivating taro crop. With a proper water management system, young generation will also engage in taro cultivation which is not very common at present 14. The main maintenance works associated with drainage system would be the removals of silts from drain canals and proper maintenance of the control gates. However, special attention should also be given to absorptions canals especially until the system become a natural wetland. Regular maintenance works such as removal of debris and widening and/or lengthening of absorption canals as required in order to facilitate the infiltration process are necessary.