Academic Articles -- ޢިލްމީ ލިޔުންތަކުގެ ޖަމާ
Browse
5 results
Search Results
Item Environmental impact assessment for the reconstruction of Guraidhoo harbour, Thaa Atoll, Maldives(2016-04) Maldives Energy and Environmental CompanyThe Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure requested the services of Maldives Energy and Environmental Company (MEECO) to provide an Environmental Impact Study (EIA) for the re-construction of harbour at Guraidhoo Island, Thaa Atoll. The assessment addresses specific key issues stated in the Terms of Reference (TOR) as agreed between EPA and the Proponent following the Scoping Meeting held on the matter. This EIA report was prepared for the fulfilment of the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2012 with the purpose of conducting an assessment of possible impacts on biophysical and human environment arising from proposed development project. The project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure, Maldives. The proposed harbour reconstruction project include the following components; 1. Reconstruction of improved breakwaters for harbour basin and entrance channel; 2. Reconstruction of improved main quay wall and a side quay wall; 3. Maintenance dredging of the harbour; 4. Extension of the harbour basin; 5. Reclamation of small area of land by dredge sediment disposal; 6. Construction of revetments on a 14m section for the newly reclaimed land; 7. Installation of navigational lights. The present harbour facility at the Guraidhoo Island is greatly damaged and is not serving its intended function of providing safe access to the island and safe mooring of vessels. Additionally, the size of the harbour is identified as inadequate for the present need and expected economic growth of the island. The harbour forms a key part in many livelihood activities of the island and is frequently used by passenger and cargo vessels as well as vessels travelling to and from Laamu atoll. Hence, the improvement of harbour facility will greatly benefit the island community while also enabling future economic development at the island. The proposed project is not expected to cause any long term major irreversible environmental impacts, though few temporary impacts during the construction phase is expected. These impacts can be successfully mitigated by following the measures recommended in this EIA. The construction phase of the project is also expected to present several negative socio-cultural and economic impacts, which can also be mitigated by following measures presented in this EIA. Since the successful operation of the ice plant facility present at the island, after the reconstruction of the harbour is seen as a major economic benefit to island as well as protection of the private property of the business must be ensured when implementing the proposed project, it is highly recommended that the necessary relocation of the ice plant’s pump station and the pipeline is resolved before implementing the proposed project by following the proposed mitigation measures in this report. Overall, the project is expected to yield major positive impacts in socio-cultural and economic sector when the new harbour comes into operation. Based on the results of the assessments, this EIA study concludes that with the proposed mitigation in place, the project is justifiable, would be environmentally acceptable and could proceed in compliance with the relevant environmental legislations and regulations. In this EIA, the consultants have proposed an Environmental management plan to ensure that the construction phase of the project does not cause major unexpected impacts on the environment as well as to ensure that the proposed measures are working effectively to safeguard the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed dredging of harbor and entrance channel at Gdh. Fiyoari(2016-01) Maldives Energy and Environmental Company1. This report provides the finding of an environmental impact assessment conducted for a dredging project in G DH.Fiyoari, devised by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure (MHI) in accordance with the Environmental Act and EIA Regulations 2012. The report was compiled by Maldives Environment and Energy Company (MEECO) to fulfil the requirements of law. The main objective of the project is to ease accessibility to the island. 2. In recent times, the harbour in Fiyoari, has become one of the biggest contributors to the local economy. An ice plant managed and run by Kooddoo Fisheries provides ice and water to fishing vessels that regularly birth at Fiyoari. The harbour is also frequented by safari vessels enroute to the surfing point located at the western coast of Fiyoari. The demand for the harbour has resulted in the harbour becoming congested and shallow areas ‘giri’ that exist within the basin has made navigation and access difficult. 3. The proposed project encompasses dredging shallow areas from the harbour and entrance channel. The dredging is aimed at removing all the shallow areas in an area of 25,699 m2 from the harbour basin and 5,350 m2 from the entrance channel. Surveys concluded that a total of 11,800 m3 of dredge material would be obtained as a result of dredging these areas to – 3 m MSL. 4. Bathymetry surveys showed that two areas were shallower than – 3 m MSL in the proposed project area. They were a 2,642 m2 shallow giri in the harbour basin close to quay wall and a 1,650 m2 strip of shallow area at the southern side of the entrance channel. However, study area bathymetry and stakeholder consultations revealed that the proposed project area did not encompass all the significant shallow areas which were highlighted to cause navigational difficulties. Two main shallow areas were identified in the basin outside the project area which are shallower than – 3 m from MSL. These areas have been marked in the report. 5. Use of dredge material in the ongoing sports arena construction project at Fiyoari was determined to be the best option. 6. Environmental impacts were identified and assessed for both the construction phase (dredging) and operational phase of the project. The negative impacts of the project would be felt exclusively on the marine environment during the dredging phase of the project. No significant negative impacts have been identified due to the small scale of the project. Following careful evaluation of the minor negative impacts, appropriate and practical mitigation measures have been proposed to reduce these negative impacts. Significant positive impacts were identified for the implementation phase of the project. The project would not only address difficulty in navigation but it will also boost the economy of the island. Alternatives to the current scheme have also been provided in the report with their advantages and disadvantages discussed. 7. The Proponent, Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure is committed to undertake the necessary mitigation measures and monitoring during all stages of the project. The project is in line with the national development polices of the government and planned to be executed in compliance with the relevant laws and regulations of the Maldives pertaining to conservation of the environment. 8. In conclusion, this EIA has looked into the key factors that shall be taken into account during construction and operational stage of the project. Even though this project does have significant environmental impacts to the immediate marine environment, with appropriate measures, those negative effects can be mitigated to an acceptable level. It is also worth highlighting significant positive impacts that the project is expected to bring to the community would translate into improved living conditions and overall social well-being of the community.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed jetty construction at Fohdhoo, Noonu Atoll, Maldives(2016-01) Maldives Energy and Environmental CompanyThe Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure requested the services of Maldives Energy and Environmental Company (MEECO) to provide an Environmental Impact Study (EIA) for the construction of a jetty at Fodhdhoo Island, Noonu Atoll. The assessment addresses specific key issues stated in the Terms of Reference (TOR) as agreed between EPA and the Proponent following the Scoping Meeting held on the matter. This EIA report was prepared for the fulfilment of the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2012 with the purpose of conducting an assessment of possible impacts on biophysical and human environment arising from proposed development project. The project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure, Maldives. The proposed jetty construction project include the following components; 1.Dismantling of the existing jetty 2.Dredging of a 122m by 50m basin around the jetty 3.Construction of a concrete access deck and a cargo loading/unloading area 4.Construction of a timber deck extension for passenger transfer 5.Leveling of roads using dredge material The proposed jetty construction project at N. Fodhdhoo has been identified as an important and a justifiable project from a socio-economic perspective as well as to achieve the government’s objective of facilitating easing transport to and from the island. The existing jetty at the island is seriously damaged, presenting various operational difficulties and safety concerns to frequent jetty users. The construction of the proposed jetty at the island will greatly improve the only transportation facility at the island. This EIA has been compiled using environmental information obtained during a field visit to the island by a team of consultants. The EIA has also incorporated the views and opinions of relevant stakeholders at the island obtained through consultations. In addition, the report looks into the possible environmental, social and economic impacts that may arise from implementation of the proposed project. The Environmental impacts assessments carried out for this survey employed sound scientific methodologies and experience of the consultants. The project is expected to have some temporary and permanent negative environmental impacts and temporary socio-economic impacts during the construction phase of the project. Most of the expected adverse environmental impacts can be minimized by following the measures proposed in this EIA, except for the permanent loss of coral reef from the proposed dredge area. The temporary socio-economic impacts during the construction phase will present difficulties to the residents of the island, though some can be effectively mitigated by following the measures proposed, while all these issues are expected to be resolved once the jetty comes into operation. Overall, most of the impacts are expected to be short-lived and only significant during the construction phase of the project. On the other hand, the socio-economic factors will greatly improve during the operational phase of the jetty as a result of the improved facility. Based on the results of the assessments, this EIA study concludes that with the proposed mitigation in place, the project is justifiable, would be environmentally acceptable and could proceed in compliance with the relevant environmental legislations and regulations. In this EIA, the consultants have proposed an Environmental management plan to ensure that the construction phase of the project does not cause major unexpected impacts on the environment as well as to ensure that the proposed measures are working effectively to safeguard the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed land reclamation of Guarantee Fibreglass Fabrication plot at Thilafushi(2016-01) Maldives Energy and Environmental Company1. This report provides the finding of an environmental impact assessment conducted for a reclamation project in K. Thilafushi, initiated by Guarantee Fibreglass Fabrications in accordance with the Environmental Act and EIA Regulations 2012. The report was compiled by Maldives Environment and Energy Company (MEECO) to fulfil the requirements of law. The main objective of the project is to ease accessibility to the company’s facility and alleviate congestion at the facility due to lack of space. 2. The marine industry, and marine transportation is a crucial sector to the national development. This sector has been rapidly expanding in recent times as local tourism had kick started in the country. With the need for better and streamlined sea transportation mechanisms to connect inhabited islands where local tourism are flourishing, Guarantee Fibreglass Fabrications has experienced an insurgence of demand. With high demand comes the need to expand the current production facility and provide better services to clients. This has become a limitation to the company as the total area (65,000 ft2) allocated and leased to the company by Thilafushi Corporation Limited was found to be inadequate to meet these needs. The eastern plot leased to the company included a very shallow water body of approximately 537 m2. Guarantee Fibreglass Fabrications, dredged this area and constructed a breakwater to develop an enclosed harbour to use it as an access point to their facility and to dock company vessels. However, with the expansion of industrial activities at Thilafushi, more plots were leased to companies which created congestion in the harbour. Issues of accessibility and inadequate space at their production facility prompted the company to construct a better accessibility facility and to reclaim the dredged harbour area to capitalise on the extra space it would create. 3. In order to solve, the issues of accessibility, congestion and unauthorised access to the harbour area, the proposed project includes reclaiming the harbour area that measures 17X30 m. The amount of fill material required for the proposed reclamation was calculated to be 1,700 m3 4. Environmental impacts were identified and assessed for both the construction phase (reclamation) and operational phase of the project. The project would result in permanent loss of a relatively small lagoon space. Reclamation would also result in sedimentation and degradation of water quality and relocation of vessels anchored at the location. Due to the small scale of the project, and that fact that the project environment has been heavily modified, with no live corals and very limited fish life, it is evident that the project would not result in loss of an ecologically important environment. Sedimentation as result of reclamation was found to be the most important environmental impact of the project. However, this will be contained as reclamation will be carried out after sheet piling the reclamation area. Significant positive impacts were identified for the implementation phase of the project. The project would not only address difficulty in accessibility but it will also aid the economic growth of the company and contribute to the wider economy of the nation. Alternative reclamation methods have also been proposed in the report with their advantages and disadvantages. 5. Baseline and acceptable thresholds have been established for monitoring any unforeseen negative effects of the project in the surrounding environment by establishing control points. Should the recommended thresholds exceed, the project shall temporarily cease, the casue of the problem shall be recognised and additional corrective measures shall be undertaken after consultation with the Project’s environmental consultant. 6. The Proponent, Guarantee Fibreglass fabrication is committed to undertake the necessary mitigation measures and monitoring during all stages of the project that has been proposed in the report. The project is in line with the national development polices of the government and planned to be executed in compliance with the relevant laws and regulations of the Maldives pertaining to conservation of the environment if implemented in accordance with the report. 7. In conclusion, the project is expected to generate economic and social benefits while as per the assessment, carrying out the project would not result in loss of environmentally sensitive or unique habitat. Since all identified negative effects of the project can be mitigated by practical measures, it is concluded that the project can proceed as planned.Item Environmental impact assessment for harbour development in Fainu Island, Raa Atoll(2014-12) Maldives Energy and Environmental CompanyThe proponent of R. Fainu harbour development project is the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The Ministry is the government's responsible body for the development and regulate the housing and infrastructure of the country. Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been contracted to undertake the harbour construction work in K Fainu. Maldives Energy and Environmental Company (MEECO) has been contracted to provide preparation services of an Environmental Impact Study (EIA) by (MTCC) for the development of a harbour in IL Fainu Island to accommodate easy access and provide mooring facilities for the vessels. The assessment addresses specific key issues stated in the Terms of Reference (TOR) as agreed between EPA and the Proponent following the Scoping Meeting held on the matter. The Government started development of a harbour in R. Fainu in early 2011. Harbour dredging work started in 2011 but mid-way through the project the dredging work was stopped and the contactor pulled out their equipment after a contractual dispute. The company left creating a mass with uncompleted work and piles of sand and dredged material gathered at the fringes of the dredged areas. Due to this the sand piles accumulated at the harbour area gradually inundated, eroded and spread on the on the reef and lagoon and deposited making the harbour shallow and unusable. At present, apart from a narrow strip, most of the dredged area is completely filled with and remaining deeper areas are hardly usable for mooring vessels. The need for a proper harbour for the island has been recognised by the government and decided to develop a new harbour west of the existing dredged area to provide safe passage and shelter for the vessels operating to and from R. Fainu Island. The study investigates impacts associated with the dredging of R. Fainu harbour basin, entrance channel, harbour protection; tinctures and areas for disposal of dredged material. Also the impact of uncompleted dredging and harbour development work to the reef and lagoon of R. Fainu Island. The proposed harbour has a width of 200ft and a length of 305ft and an entrance channel which will be cut through the reef into the atoll lagoon has a width of 18m and a length of 60m. The harbour basin will be dredged to maintain an avenge depth of -3m with respect to the MSL. A total of approximately 15,000 cubic meters of dredged material is expected to be produced. This material will be used for reclamation on both eastern and western side of the harbour and excess will be used for the nourishment of the beach on the east coast of the island which at present is undergoing severe erosion. The environmental baseline of the island has been established in the approved EIA report of Fainu Island prepared in 2010. Main focus this reports is to document the changes that occurred after the harbour dredging activities conducted in 2011. This EIA has been carried out on the basis that it is necessary to carry out harbour development project at R. Fainu to facilitate socio-economic development and easy access to the island. The project has a number positive and negative impacts. The negative impacts can be effectively mitigated through right actions and implementation of the monitoring plan.