Academic Articles -- ޢިލްމީ ލިޔުންތަކުގެ ޖަމާ
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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 Initial environmental examination report for construction of 10 storey building with basement at M. Sunny Inn(2011-09) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupSunny Inn is a 3998 square feet plot located on Kanbaa Aisa Rani Higun road in Maafannu district of Male’. Mr. Ahmed Ismail Maniku (M. Dheefram aage, ID number A012866), as the Client, has proposed to develop a ten storey building with an underground basement. The basement is designed to be used as a parking area, while the ground and first floors will be used as a commercial space and the remaining upper floors will be used as residential apartments. The superstructure of the building is a concrete frame and the substructure of the building is a raft foundation. The proposed project will be carried out in two phases. In the first phase of the project all concrete works will be completed; the second phase will involve finishing works. At the time of report preparation contractor for floor finishing and completion is not yet contracted. This report is an Initial Environmental Examination for the proposed 10 storey building with a basement parking at M. Sunny Inn, Male’. This document has been produced to fulfill the requirements under Article 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (4/93) of the Maldives and has been structured to meet the requirements of the EIA Regulations 2007. EPA circular number EPA (203)‐ EIA/IU/2010/4 states that building projects exceeding 10 storey’s requires an EIA. The proposed project involves construction of a 10 storey building with a basement thus a total of 11 storeys.Item Initial environmental evaluation (IEE) : dive centre jetty construction at Guraidhoo, South Male' Atoll, Republic of Maldives(2011-03) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupWater proof Sports limited (a UK based company in association with Mr. Jalaal (resident of Guraidhoo, south Male atoll has proposed to establish a professional dive and water sports centre at Guraidhoo. The proposal has been submitted to the government of Maldives for development approval. Land has been leased to the developer at Guraidhoo after assessment of the proposal by the Ministry of Home affairs and, province office and island office respectively. A copy of the proposal is given in appendix 1 as reference. Copy of the lease permit for the construction of the dive school is provided in Appendix 2. As part of the infrastructure associated with the dive school, a small size jetty dedicated to the dive school has been proposed to develop by the proponent. Coastal development structure such as jetties are required to submit an environmental impact assessment report as specified in the EIA regulation of Maldives that came effective in 2007. A scoping meeting to agree on the terms of reference was held at EPA on 29th December 2010. Based on the description of components project at the scoping meeting it was agreed among the stakeholder that a full EIA would not be required for the project. This was based on the small scale of the project and also its related impacts based on the environmental setting and location of the project. It was decided that an Initial Environmental Evaluation would be sufficient. This Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) report thus fulfils the requirements specified in the Terms of Reference (ToR) prepared for this project as output of the scoping meeting held at EPA between EIA consultant, proponent, representatives from EPA and other relevant stakeholders. In preparing the report consideration has been given to cover the environmental requirements that need to be covered by EIA regulations giving due consideration to the scale, location and usage of the project and its outputs. The Terms of Reference to the project is approved by EPA on 9th January 2011. A copy of ToR is given in Appendix 3. This IEE was based on the fieldwork visit by the consultant to Guraidhoo (project site) in January 2011 to collect site specific information on the project and qualitatively assess the environmental components that would be affected from the implementation of the project.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.Item Initial environmental examination report : commercial sand mining at Fushidiggaru Falhu, South Male Atoll, Republic of Maldives(2011-05) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupSand mining as primary source of construction material has been on going from olden times. Traditionally sand is mined from island beaches mainly for convenience and easy access. However, due to erosion issues that result from sand mining in a given location several island communities are ware and complain about these problems. Therefore there is regulation on limiting and area where sand mining can be carried out. This is however not followed and often difficult to police. Self imposed good practice is followed by many communities shifting to near-shore lagoon area and sand cays nearby. Nevertheless sand mining from beaches is still continued. Currently there is high demand for coral sand due to booming construction industry. Limited natural resources as building material has led exploitation of this resource throughout Maldives for construction industry irrespective of the environmental issues related to marine resource extraction. The demand for natural resource is contrastingly high in Male region. As a result there are several supplier of sand in Male locally known as ‘sand miners’. Operated using a motorized boat 6-10 people travel to distance reefs and manually extract sand from shallow areas (1-2 meter depth) and bring back to Male at a designated site at south west corner of Male. Stock oiled sand is then available for sale. Recently some enterprising sand miners are seeking innovative methods for efficient and more convenient mining. Electric pump aided sand mining has initiated recently by the proponent of this project for commercial supply of sand. Sand pumps are quite commonly used for sand pumping for beach replenishment related works in the resorts. This is however screened through Environmental Impact Assessments as required by the EIA regulation of Maldives. Environmental Protection Agency of Maldives thus seek to follow the same protocol for sand pump aided or related extraction of sand for commercial purpose thus the proponent has been asked to submit an EIA report for approval before proceeding with the project any further. Prior to this the proponent has requested for a permit for sand mining from the Ministry of Fisheries (see appendix 1). Based on the above requirement, a scoping meeting to agree on the terms of reference for the EIA report was held at EPA on 21st April 2011. Based on the description of components project at the scoping meeting it was agreed among the stakeholder that a full EIA would not be required for the project. It was decided that an Initial Environmental Examination would be sufficient. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report thus fulfils the requirements specified in the Terms of Reference (ToR) prepared for this project as output of the scoping meeting held at EPA between EIA consultant, proponent, representatives from EPA and other relevant stakeholders. In preparing the report consideration has been given to cover the environmental requirements that need to be covered by EIA regulations giving due consideration to the scale, location and usage of the project and its outputs. The Terms of Reference to the project is approved by EPA on 25th April 2011. A copy of ToR is given in Appendix 2. This IEE was based on the fieldwork visit by the consultant to Fushidiggaru falhu (project site) in 25th April 2011 to collect site specific information on the project and qualitatively assess the environmental components that would be affected from the implementation of the project.Item Environmental audit report : Taj Coral Reef Maldives (Hembadhoo, North Male Atoll) : powerhouse registrations(2011-10) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupItem Environmental impact assessment (EIA) report : 13 storey parliament building extension project(2011-12) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThis report is an Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the proposed 13 storey building as an extension to the existing Parliament Building. This document has been produced to fulfill the requirements under Article 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (4/93) of the Maldives and has been structured to meet the requirements of the EIA Regulations 2007. EPA circular number EPA (203)-EIA/IU/2010/4 states that building projects exceeding 10 storey’s requires an EIA. The proposed project involves construction of a 13 storey building thus exceeding the 10 storey limit. The existing Parliament Building is situated at a 4635 square meter plot located at the corner of Medhuziyaaraiy Magu and Hakuraa Goalhi in Henveiru district of Male’ with a 2 storey building of area of 1765 square meters . The Secretariat of the People’s Majlis, as the Client, has proposed to develop a thirteen storey building with a finished height of 45m. The ground floor will be used as a parking area/general administrative use and for and other outlets. The first floor will be used for general use and will house the catering and related sections as well as a lounge for members. The second floor is to be used as a main hall for the parliament meeting with additional area for Management and Administrative use. Floors 3 and 4 will be used as separate office areas for the members. Floors 5 to 11 will mainly house the committee and meeting rooms while the 12th floor will house the gymnasium and other recreational areas. The existing Parliament Building does not have sufficient space for meetings of individual committees and public meetings to be held at the same time when the need arises. This is needed for more efficient running of the Majlis. The new building will house individual sub-committee meeting rooms and will have abundant space for larger meetings should the need arise. Physical environment components such as soil and adjacent building conditions were assessed by structural engineers of Riyan Pvt Ltd and EIA consultant respectively. The social assessment was carried out together with the structure assessment of the adjacent buildings. Visual walk through inspection of buildings in the 30m radius of the project site was conducted to assess the current structural condition of existing structures and identify the potential hazards. Groundwater sample was collected at the plot and tested in-situ using Hanna multi probe water test meter (HI 9828). Noise was measured using Precision Gold Mini Sound Level Meter (N05CC) with a measuring range of 30-150dB and accuracy within ±1.5dB. Social assessments carried out include consultations with responsible persons of all households within a 30m radius of the proposed development property. The identification of uses of groundwater and also briefing about the nature of the project and possible impacts was included during these consultations. Traffic counts were also made at the junction of Hithaffinivaa Magu and Hakuraa Goalhi. The project is estimated to be completed within 30 months. Demolition work has already been completed and once the environmental clearance is granted by EPA, excavation and foundation casting works will be commenced. The excavation work together with foundation protection measures is estimated to take 35 days. Foundation work (including foam work, arrangement of raft components and dewatering) is estimated to last 28 days. Once the foundation and starter columns are cast, the work on floor slab casting will be commenced (26 days per slab) The raft foundation of 13 storey building is to be laid at 1800mm below the natural ground level. The required bearing pressure for the foundation is 180kN/m2 and the Contractor shall be responsible for all necessary soil testing to ensure that it is within the allowable bearing pressure. Prior to excavation barriers/boarding will be put up at 600mm away from the edge of the proposed construction. Overhead and other visible sign boards will be used to warn off pedestrians and other users. Foundation protection method proposed by the Engineer is to be using 6mm thick 2.4m long and 1.2m wide steel sheets horizontally between 100mm equal angles (as soldiers) driven at 800 centers. The soldiers will be propped in all feasible directions. This foundation protection process will be continued until all four sides of the excavation are support. The total volume of sand to be excavated from the site is approximately 1228m3. The excavation will be done using a back hoe excavator and all excavated material will be transported to a disposal area or nearby empty land. De-watering will be continued throughout until casting of the foundation. Two pumps each with the flow rate of 10-12 litres per second will be located at specific locations to pump out the water to the temporary junctions provided by the MWSC. Dewatering will be timed during a period of the year when rain fall is less or there is no rainfall (NE monsoon). This is to avoid rainwater percolating into the soil beneath the foundations of adjacent buildings. If this happens, the water could loosen the soil particles and reduce its shear strength. Traffic load at the junction between Hithaffinivaa Magu and Hakuraa Goalhi was assessed by counting number of vehicles crossing the junction at assumed peak hours. In this regard traffic counts were carried out on the 21st of December 2011 from 8:30-9:30, 12:30-13:30 and 16:30-17:30. Highest number of vehicles was recorded during the 12:30-13:30 peak hour, while 8:30 -9:30 was the lowest There are no national standards for air quality by any relevant authorities such as Ministry of Transport and Communication or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The primary source of pollution that is likely to contribute to air quality is exhaust fumes from transport vehicles (marine and land), engines associated with power generation and other mechanized machinery and heavy equipment such as those associated with the construction industry. Impacts on the human and physical environment from various activities of the construction work have been identified through interviews with the residents within 30m radius of Majlis plot (radius taken from proposed building corners), field data collection and surveys (traffic counts, noise level and ground water assessment) and based on past experience in similar development projects (experienced engineers who have designed and worked in similar projects). Possible impacts arising from the construction work are categorized into reversible and permanent (irreversible) impacts. The impacts identified are also described according to their location, extent (magnitude) and characteristics Reversible and irreversible impacts are further categorized by intensity of impacts (negligible, minor, moderate and major) for identifying best possible remedial (mitigation measures) actions to be taken. Air pollution due to the proposed project would arise from the use of concrete machines, machinery used for cutting tiles, grinders, cutting tools (timber saw) and dust from cement work, sand blasting process in plastering and wall putty application. Construction projects, especially building construction projects often generates significant amount of solid waste. These include packing material, excess or reject material, sand excavated during foundation works, excess metal, excess electrical wire, conduits, damaged or excess tiles and used timber. There are a number of actions that can be taken to minimize the identified impacts. Mitigation measures are proposed based on discussions and consultations during this EIA with the project engineers and from the past experience of the consultant. Mitigation measures are selected to reduce or eliminate the severity of any predicted adverse environmental effects and improve the overall social and environmental performance of the project. Mitigation measures are discussed for the construction stage only since no significant operation impacts are envisaged in such projects apart from maintenance works. During the construction stage it is important to take measures to minimize dust spread, assess adjacent building condition during dewatering and monitor groundwater shortages.