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Item Environmental impact assessment for the development of tuna purchasing and storage facility, GA. Raaverrehaa, North Huvadhu Atoll(2016-01) Riyaz, Mahmood; Adam, M. Shiham1- This is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for proponent ̶ Ensis Fisheries Pvt. Ltd. ̶ to develop and operate fish purchase and storage facility in Raaverrehaa North Huvadhu Atoll. The EIA was prepared as partial fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry Fisheries and Agriculture (MoFA) for acquiring permission for the Project. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of development projects is a requirement by the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) (law 4/93) of the Government of the Republic of Maldives. 2- This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy in 2012 and covers both negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed project. Major findings of this report are based on information gathered during the field inspection of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, and ongoing similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives and through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere. 3- Initially the proposed development was planned in Ga. Kedheraa Island and environmental Decision Statement was obtained to go ahead with the project. Shifting the planned development to Raaverrehaa was decided based on strategic analysis of the development, which found potential operational disadvantages that may impede smooth operation of the facility. Most importantly lack of shallow reef space to develop a harbour, which is an important infrastructure for the facility, remoteness of the island and being far from the airport and major fishing islands are also some of the shortcomings of Kedheraa. 4- The proposed activity will take place on Raaverrehaa Island and surrounding Falhu. Ga. Raaverrehaa Island is an uninhabited found on the North Eastern side of Huvadhu Atoll located at the periphery in an elongated, N-S oriented reef platform measuring a length of 20 km is shared by multiple islands. The reef is shared by three more islands including Villingili Island. The eastern part of the reef extends in the form shallow lagoon into eastern rim of the Atoll. The elongated-oval-shaped island of Raaverrehaa is lying in the western half of the reef. The coral reef system of Raaverrehaa is 20km long and the width is 0.8-1.8km. Reef perimeter is 43km and the area is approximately 25sqkm. The distance from the edge of the beach to the reef edge in both eastern and western sides is fairly consistent measured approximately 1km on the east and 400m on the western side. Raaverrehaa is an elongated-oval shape, N-S oriented island, with a length of 415m and width 100-119m and has an area of 4.7 ha. Average depth of the reef flat is less than -1 to -0.5m m from MSL. 5- Major operation that will be undertaken in Raaverrehaa Island will be loading/unloading storage and transportation of fish to Ensis processing facilities located in Hulhumalé Island. The facility will have 500 tonnes cold storage capacity and will produce ice needed for the fishermen to keep the fish fresh until they reach the storage facility from the fishing grounds. Necessary infrastructure needed to operate the facility will be developed on the island including the accommodation facilities for the staff working on the island. Electricity and water required for operations will be produced in the island. 100x3 KvA generator sets will be will be installed at the powerhouse to provide the electricity needed for the island. Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination plants with total production capacity of 40MT per day will be installed to provide necessary water requirement for the operations. The proponent will ensure that the powerhouse and desalination plant implies with the relevant regulations. The exhaust chimneys, lightening conductors, sound attenuators, and CO2-based fire fighting equipment will be installed. Ear mufflers will be provided for staff working at louder areas of the facility. EIA Ensis Fisheries – Raaverrehaa Shore-based Facility – M. Riyaz & M.S Adam 15 | 90 6- The raw material, mainly skipjack and yellowfin tuna caught by pole-and-line and handline by Maldivian on local fishing vessels will be purchased entirely from the Maldivian fishermen. With Ensis’s long reputation in the country, it is expected that a large number of vessel will sell fish to the Ensis Fisheries Pvt Ltd. Ice will be provided free of charge from all the Ensis facilities as incentive for fishing and to encourage loyalty to the company. In addition the proponent will provide iceboxes for fishing operation startups in the area. 7- During the preparation of the EIA report an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for identifying the possible impacts of project activities, has been created for proposed development project Raaverrehaa Island. The activities carried out during the construction and operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The impact outcomes from this analysis are considered and appropriate mitigation measures both in the development and operational phased has been provided. 8- The report has identified the main environmental impacts associated with the proposed activities and found that high water and energy consumption and the discharge of effluent with a high organic content are the major issues. Vegetation clearance and construction waste during the construction phase and noise, odor, solid wastes occupational health and safety issues may also be concerns of the operational phase. The study has found that most significant negative environmental impact identified during the operational phase of this project is release of untreated effluent into the sea. Liquid, solid and other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the operational phase has also been identified as significant impact associated with the project and appropriate mitigation measures are suggested for each and every impact identified in relation to the project. 9- The study has evaluated alternative options for the project and found that the proposed development is the right development for the right place. To enhance the water circulation in the reef and to limit the access to Raaverrehaa it is recommended to cut a channel through the walkway or remove it as an alternative for keeping the solid walkway which blocks cross reef water motion, increase nutrient enrichment and subsequent growth of seagrass on the eastern side of the reef and provides unlimited land access to the island. It is suggested to under-take post-development extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the development and its operation and make necessary adjustment to the activities and its operation of the project based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 10- The overall positive environmental impact from the development project is to integrate the existing product lines and the value-addition of fishery products rather than exporting the whole fish for processing. Job creation and stimulation of local economy, and exports is the most significant positive environmental impact of this activity. The long-term sustainability of the activity however, will depend on the sustainability of the fish stock. Skipjack and yellowfin tuna are highly migratory and their stocks straddle across the countries’ exclusive economic zones into the high seas spreading out into the entire Indian Ocean. The stocks are being managed by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission which among its 32 coastal and distant water fishing nations. Maldives is a full member and now heavily engaged, partly due to its existing Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification of its pole and line skipjack and yellowfin tuna fishery. The current assessed status of the skipjack and yellowfin tuna stock is considered ‘not overfishing’. The total average Indian Ocean catches are below the assessed maximum sustainable levels and the spawning biomass is healthy well above the point of recruitment impairment. The Maldives fishery component takes 17% of Indian Ocean skipjack and some 15% of the yellowfin. The most recent MSY is around at 680,000 Mt per year for skipjack and 350,000 Mt for yellowfin tuna. 11- Raaverrehaa is occasionally used for local picnic and it is the only remaining island for picnickers in the vicinity Villingili. Proposed fish purchase and storage facility development in Raaverehaa will limit the public accessibility for local picnickers. To overcome potential social problems that may rise in association with this development, the proponent has proposed to develop a picnic facility in any location identified by the public and Villingili Council. At present council is consulting with the people to identify the most suitable area to develop for local picnickers. 12- On the basis of the findings of this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures proposed in the report will be duly implemented and recommendations are given due consideration, it is concluded that the benefits of the planned Ensis fish purchasing and storage facility development in Raaverrehaa Island will substantially outweigh an unwelcomed demand of burden on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed six storey building with a basement, land lot A-10079 Hulhumalè, Maldives(2016-10) Riyaz, Mahmood1. The report has been prepared for Ms. Maanaa Raafiu M. Kuredhige to fulfill the legal requirement of EIA regulation 2012 Schedule D which requires obtaining environmental clearance from The Environmental Protection Agency prior to construction of a building with a basement or buildings that have a foundation deeper than 5feet from the ground level. The proposed project involves development of a six storey building with a basement in Hulhumalè Lot 10079 (A-133) located on the north eastern side Dhiggaa Magu in Neighbourhood 1 (N1). 2. The total area of the lot is 152.8m2 and the building footprint is on 137.5m2. The proposed 6- Storey private residential building will have apartments in mezzanine, first, second, third and fourth floors. The terrace will have a 12.5m2 swimming pool and a raised deck. The basement will have provision for accommodation on one half and other half for vehicle parking. 3. The inclusion of a basement floor in the building requires the foundation to be laid at a deeper depth than the foundation of a typical building without a basement and so it is proposed to be at 2.11m below ground level. The biggest concern in excavating for this depth is the protection of foundation s of the adjacent buildings. Since the foundation depth of the proposed building will be deeper than the foundation depth of adjacent buildings. Detailed procedure to be used to construct the foundation of the building is described in the report. 4. Ambient noise levels, road traffic condition, groundwater, soil, vegetation, and a exterior visual survey of the surrounding buildings and roads have been undertaken to assess the environmental condition of the area. 5. The study showed that the road traffic is extremely low approximately one vehicle in every 1- 2 minutes. Exterior visual survey of the surrounding buildings show no significant structural defects apart from the minor surface cracking. Road condition of Dhigaa magu Nirolhumagu 06 Goalhi and Nirolhumagu 09 Goalhi are in good condition. It is unlikely the existing road structures will be affected from the proposed development. The land plot is covered with various types’ of plants (shrubs and creepers) due to human intervention. The dominating low level bush contains a large number of Ipili pili (Leucaena leucocephala) and a medium sized Casuarina plant was found inside the land plot. The removal bushes, creeper and the Casuarina plant from the project area will be insignificant in terms of environmental impacts. 6. The environmental impact assessment study for construction of six-storey building with a basement in Hulhumalè Lot A10079 found that foundation excavation and dewatering and waste are two main activities that would cause significant negative environmental impacts. 7. Of these a long term impact would be from constructional waste. The waste material generated during construction phase needs to be appropriately disposed if not aesthetic conditions of the surrounding environment will be degraded in addition to health risks, dust odour and smell nuisance to nearby residents is anticipated. Hazardous waste such as waste oil and lubricants if not disposed properly it will contaminate and pollute the groundwater. These impacts would be cumulative and can be managed through proper monitoring and addressing them in a timely manner. Based on the scale of the construction projects that is taking place in Maldives at the time of this writing, impacts associated with this project activity is insignificant. 8. Impact of dewatering on groundwater table will be short-term in nature, including loss of groundwater from the project boundary and vicinity. Major impact of dewatering would be increased salinity of ground water within the vicinity areas for s short period of time. Considering the fact that most of the households nowadays are using piped water for daily house hold uses, there will be no direct impact to the households from increased salinity but the impact would be felt for the trees nearby the site. 9. The study has evaluated alternative options for the project activities and evaluated potential option for power generation and alternative foundation options. Even though there is no very significant impact from this project after the report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring environmental changes associated with the project and make necessary adjustment based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 10. The study found that the proposed project is in line with key legal and policies maintained by the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure and EPA including Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, EIA Regulations, Hulhumalè Planning Guidelines and Maldives National Building Code. 11. Therefore on the basis of this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures proposed in the report will be duly implemented and recommendations are given due consideration, it is concluded that the benefits of the proposed construction of six storey building with a basement is Hulhumalè Plot A 10079 will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environmentItem Environmental impact assessment for the proposed levelling and earthworks of football arena in Nadella, South Huvadhu Atoll(2016-08) Riyaz, Mahmood1- This is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for Gdh Nadellaa Island Council to undertake earthwork and ground leveling of Gdh Nadellaa football ground. The project is funded under the sports arena development project carried out the by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in all inhabited islands. The project involves dredging of 50x144.4 area in front of the boatyard in Gdh Nadellaa lagoon and sources the material for ground leveling and earthwork of the football field. The EIA was prepared as fulfillment of the requirement by the Environmental Protection Agency under the dredging and reclamation regulation (Regulation 2013/R-15) for granting permission for the project. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of development projects is a requirement by the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) (law 4/93) of the Government of the Republic of Maldives. 2- This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy 2012 and covers both negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed project in Gdh Nadellaa Island. Major findings of this report are based on information gathered during the field inspection of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives. 3- The proposed project activity will take place in Gdh Nadellaa Island. Gdh Nadellaa is an inhabited island and lies in Huvadhu Atoll in a 30 km long elongated reef located on the south western periphery of Gdh. Atoll. Nadella is rectangular in shape, oriented NW-SE, and is found in a huge reef that contains over 85 islands of various sizes and shapes. The vegetated area of Gdh Nadellaa is 44 hectares the island is approximately 817m long and 526m wide. Total area of the house reef is 5615 ha (56 km2). The island occupies 0. 007 % of the total reef area. Average depth of the reef flat greatly varied along the reef platform ranging from 20-0.2m from MSL. The distance between the island shoreline and ocean-ward reef rim is 250m and on the atoll- ward side is approximately 1.2km 4- The terrestrial environment is similar to other inhabited islands across the Maldives. The topography of the island is almost flat and the relative variation in ground level in different parts. Existence of Kulhi on the northern part of the island indicates that the island slanting northwards. Gdh Nadellaa has lush tropical vegetation around the island dominated by coconut palms but Scaevola taccada (magoo) Kuredhi boashi, Halaveli and coconut palms surrounding the island. Hibiscus tiliaceus (dhigga) is abundant throughout the island followed by Thespesia populnea (hirundhu). Occasionally, Cordia subcordata (kaani) can be seen in the wooded area and rarely mature Fiscus benghalensis (nika) . 5- The northern shoreline of the island has been altered after the harbour development in 2009. Large area of the island was reclaimed adjacent to the harbour area. Semi enclosed water body which has openings to the lagoon was completely reclaimed by filling with dredged material from harbour and access channel development process. The playground has been development on the lowest part of the island that seems be the main reason for exposure for flooding during the rainy season. 6- The proposed project involves dredging 50x144.4 area adjacent to the dredged area in front of Nadellaa boatyard to a depth of -3m and source the dredged material, approximately 21675m3sand, for earthworks and leveling of Nadellaa playground. The area proposed for dredging and sources material for earthwork and leveling is a very shallow (0.5 at high tide, exposed at low tide) sand accretion zone in Nadellaa lagoon. The area is covered with sand and seagrass. Coral reef on the northern side, atoll ward side, is approximately 1.2km away from the shoreline. Comparison of historical photographs shows that seagrass developed on Nadellaa lagoon after the harbour development work. There are numerous coral patches and individual coral patches in the lagoon. 7- During the preparation of the EIA report an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for identifying the possible impacts of project activities, has been created for proposed development project in Gdh Nadellaa Island. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. 8- The report has identified and described in detail possible change that would occur to the existing environment during the construction phase and have suggested appropriate mitigation measures for each and every impact identified in the report. Lagoon dredging has been identified as the most significant negative environmental impact that could be associated with the proposed project. Post development impact of the project, after the earthwork and leveling, has been identified very minor. Also the report found, based on similar project activities elsewhere in the Maldives, the island and the lagoon environment will recover from the expected impacts rapidly and will re-establish a new ecological balance soon. However the report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme to monitor, mainly beach dynamics and ground water quality that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the development and make necessary adjustment to the activities of the project based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan 9- The study has evaluated alternative options for some components of the project and discussed alternative location for the football ground, alternative sources of fill material and alternatives location to dredge and source fill material. On the basis this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures proposed in the report will be duly implemented and recommendations are given due consideration, it is concluded that the activities of the project could go ahead as proposed. As the project is expected to bring numerous social benefits and minimize its negative impact on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed artificial beach in Ga. Villingili, North Huvadhu Atoll(2016-11) Riyaz, Mahmood; Adam, Mohamed Shiham1- This is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for GA Villingili Island Council to develop a public recreation area for swimming and picnics on the north eastern end of Villingili Island. The project is funded by the Ensis Fisheries Pvt. Lts as part of their Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) related to the proposed fisheries development in GA Raaverehaa. The island was used by locals for picnics. The project involves deepening 3859m2 swimming area, and sources the material for beach replenishment, coastal protection work and construction of toilets showers and changing rooms in the beach area. The EIA was prepared as fulfillment of the requirement by the Environmental Protection Agency under the dredging and reclamation regulation (Regulation 2013/R-15) for granting permission for the project. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of development projects is a requirement by the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) (law 4/93) of the Government of the Republic of Maldives. 2- This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy in 2012 and covers both negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed project in GA Villingili Island. Major findings of this report are based on information gathered during the field inspection of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives. 3- The proposed project activity will take place in GA Villingili Island. Villingili is the capital of GA Atoll and lies in Huvadhu Atoll in a 20 km long elongated N-S oriented reef located on the north eastern periphery of GA Atoll. Villingili is an elongated-oval shape, N-S oriented island large part of the island has been reclaimed. Average depth of the reef flat is on the eastern side of the island is between less than -0.5 to -1.5m m from MSL. Reef perimeter is 43km and the area is approximately 25sqkm. The reef is shared by three more islands including Villingili Island. The distance from the edge of the reclaimed beach to the reef edge in both eastern and western sides is fairly consistent measured approximately 160-200m on the east and 200m on the western side. 5- The proposed development will take place on the north eastern coastal area of the Villingili. The coastal environment of GA Villingili has been extensively modified, particularly the eastern and western sides of the island. Over 40 hectares of land has been reclaimed from the eastern side under the land reclamation project. With the extensive reclamation and expansion and subsequent urbanisation the two marshy lands that exists on the northern and southern side of the island has significantly decreased in size and the natural environment has been altered. The eastern shoreline has been protected by a rock boulder revetment. Two harbours are developed on the western side of the island. The harbours are protected with a rock boulder breakwater and a quay wall has been constructed at the inner edge of the harbour. Three entrance channels have been cut through the reef flat into the inner atoll lagoon on the western side. 6- The proposed project involves deepening of 3859m2 area to a depth of 1-2m and source the dredged material, approximately 5788.5-7718m3 sand, for beach replenishment. 182m long coastal protect made of rock boulders will be constructed around the swimming and beach replenished area. The area proposed for dredging a very shallow (0.5-1.5m exposed at low tide) on the eastern reef flat of Villingili Island. The area is covered with sand, seagrass and rubble. There are numerous coral patches and individual coral colonies on the reef flat. 7- During the preparation of the EIA report an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for identifying the possible impacts of project activities, has been created for proposed development project in GA Villingili Island. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The environmental impact assessment study for proposed development of artificial beach in GA Villingili shows there are two main activities that would cause significant negative environmental impacts are lagoon dredging, beach nourishment and coastal structures and impacts of solid waste during the operational phase Of these a long term impact would be from lagoon dredging and beach nourishment activity to create a beach and deepen the swimming area. Potential erosion/accretion and adjustment of the existing beach to create a new equilibrium with the surrounding environmental conditions are likely to extend to medium to long term. These impacts would be cumulative occurring over long period of time and so can be managed through proper monitoring and addressing them in a timely manner. Based on the scale of dredging and beach nourishment work projects that is taking place in Maldives, impacts associated with the proposed dredging activity is insignificant. Inadequate methods of solid waste management during the operation phase of the artificial beach will generate marine pollution in the surrounding area, which in turn will have detrimental impacts on coral reefs as well as on reef fish populations and coastal vegetation. Thus, the beach will become aesthetically unattractive and unpleasant, which can tremendously affect the prime use of the beach as a recreational area. These impacts could be managed through adoption of proper garbage management practices such as a permanent staff to look after the beach and placement of adequate number of dustbins and other relevant management measures. However, the positive socio economic impacts from the proposed development outweigh the temporary negative impacts of lagoon dredging beach replenishment and coastal protection work. The study has evaluated alternative locations for the project and found that the extended beach, five hundred meters south of the proposed area would be a more preferable option for the proposed artificial beach development in GA Villingili Island. Based on the similar project activities elsewhere in the Maldives the published report found, that the lagoon will recover from the impacts of dredging, reclamation and coastal modifications and will re-establish a new ecological balance soon. Even though there is no very significant impact from this project after the report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring coastal and marine environmental changes associated with dredging and make necessary adjustment based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. The study found that the proposed project is in line with key legal and policies maintained by the Government authorities and EPA including Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (4/93), EIA Regulations 2012, and land-use plans developed by the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Therefore, on the basis of this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures proposed in the report will be duly implemented and recommendations are given due consideration, it is concluded that the benefits of development of artificial beach and swimming area in the selected location in this study in GA Villingili will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for agriculture development in Gdh. Hudhuvaarulaa, Menthanhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa, Gaaf Dhaalu Atoll(2016-08) Riyaz, Mahmood; Adam, Mohamed ShihamThe report constitutes the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study carried out for Hummingboy Farms (HBF) Pvt.Ltd. for the proposed development of 10 hectares of commercial scale agricultural farmland and the necessary infrastructure in Gdh, Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonireha islands located, southeaster section of South Huvadhu Atoll. The EIA was prepared as fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture (MoFA) for granting permission for the project. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of development projects is a requirement by the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) (law 4/93) of the Government of the Republic of Maldives. 2- Initial estimate of the project cost is USD 10.2 million and is expected to recoup within six years. Major part of the investment will be on development of seawater cooling system, harbour and access channel, retractable roof envelope, rainwater harvesting system and condensate water collection system, electro chemical sewerage system, solar photo voltaic energy system, infrastructure for staff and service areas, other main infrastructures and equipment. The project will be developed in two main phases. Phase one includes development of an access channel 425x15m and a harbour 50x50m and 3 hectares of advanced hydroponic greenhouses (Approximately 4 hectares of land clearance in GDh. Hulhuvaarulaa), development of power grid, integrated rainwater harvesting system, electro chemical waste water recycling units, installation and operation of deep sea cooling system, Infrastructure construction including power house, oil storage tanks, waste management facility staff accommodation etc.. All key systems will be contained within bunded enclosures, such as the backup generators and fuel storage, and the Solar Power battery centre. In the growing operation best practice in storage and use of all bulk nutrients will be employed. Most of these developments will take place in Hulhuvaarulaa Island. 3- Phase two of the project includes clearance of 6 hectares of land for green house development (2 Hectares from Hulhuvaarulaa and 4 hectares from Menthanduaa and Golhaalaa); construction and operation of accommodation, green houses and other facilities; operation and management of 10 hectares of farm land in four islands. 4- The main produce of the farm will be commercial scale production of tomatoes, strawberry, raspberry and bell pepper. 5- This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy 2012 and considers a wide range of negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed project (development and operations) in the four islands. Major findings of this study was based on information gathered during the field inspection of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, and on-going agricultural projects through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives. 6- The proposed project activity will take place on Gdh Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa and the reef. The four islands are uninhabited islands and shares the same house reef with 6 more islands, Maavaarulaa, Kondaanahutta, Farehulhedhoo, Kalhemamal, Maavadhuvaa and the inhabited island of Gadhoo. Four island Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa are vegetated islands (thee islands Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa are sand cays and Dhoonirehaa is a rubble cay) situated on the south eastern rim of Gaafu Dhaalu (Gdh) Atoll. The cluster of four islands are located northern half of Gadhdhoo reef which is a huge reef platform EIA Report for Agriculture development in Gdh Atoll , Hummingboy Farms Pvt. Ltd over 10km long with varying width ranging between 1-1.8km. The total area of the reef platform is over 14.5km2. 7- Vegetation on the four islands is different due to the nature of the soil content; mainly Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa are different from Hulhuvaarulaa. Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa are vegetated shingle cays (rubble cays) and the eastern part of Menthandhoo is also dominated by rubble. Hulhuvaarulaa formation is completely different form the rest of the islands as the main soil content of the island is calcareous coral sand hence the vegetation succession of the island is more or less similar to the majority of islands in the Maldives. In the three islands that are facing the semi enclosed water bodies, vegetation facing the water body (eastern side of Hulhuvaarulaa, western side of Menthandhoo and Golhaala) have similar vegetation type, where the outer layer consists mainly of, Pemphis acidula (kuredhi), Tournefortia argentea (boashi) Pandanus tectoris (Boakashikeyo) Scaevola taccada (Magoo) with occasional Guettarda speciosa (Uni), Hibiscus tilaceus (Dhiggaa) and Calophyllum inophyllum (Funa), Ochrosia Oppositfolia (Dhunburi), Cordia Subcordata (Kaani) Thespesia Populnea (Hirundhu), Ficus Benghalensis (Nika). Coconut palm Cocos nucifera is scattered in various parts of the three islands Hulhuvaarulaa Menthandhoo and Golhaalaa and abundant mostly in the inner and central parts of the three islands. Few Barringtonia asiatica (Kinbi) trees were encountered in Hulhuvaarulaa and two Mangrove trees were found on the western side Menthandhoo. Only few coconut palms are observed in Dhoonirehaa. 8- The total vegetated area of Hulhuvaarulaa is 251,092m2, Golhaalaa 150,588m2, Menthandhoo 104,027 m2 and in Dhoonirehaa 52,336m2. Vegetation clearance required for land based construction, including pathways etc., is approximately, 73,664m2 in Hulhuvaarulaa, 21,000m2 Menthandhoo, 21,000m2 Golhaalaa, and 13,88m2 in Dhoonirehaa. This represents approximately 29% of Hulhuvaarulaa, 20% Mendhandhoo, 13% of Golhaalaa and 2% of Dhoonirehaa vegetation cover. 9- Parts of Gadhdhoo Reef encompassing the 4 islands of Hulhuvaarulaa, Golhaallaa, Menthandhoo and Dhoonirehaa can be characterized by distinct bio geomorphic zones. Fore ref zone on the eastern side, backreef rubble zone, backreef seagrass bed on the eastern side, shallow lagoon at the atoll lagoon ward side and seagrass bed in between the islands in the central tidal flat semi enclosed bay area. The reef system reef and lagoon is rich in fish diversity and abundance. 10- In the process of EIA study an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for identifying the possible impacts of project activities, was assembled for the proposed development project in Gdh. Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a consequence of project activities. 11- The report has identified and described in detail possible change that would occur to the existing condition of the environment caused during the construction phase and have suggested appropriate mitigation measures for each and every impact identified in the report. The study has identified that most severe negative environmental impact for the islands would be from clearance of 10 hectares of vegetation reef-flat and lagoon excavation for access channel and harbour development and trenching to lay the deepsea cold water intake and outfall pipeline. Liquid, solid and other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the construction and operational phase has also been identified as significant impact associated with the project and appropriate mitigation measures are suggested for each and every waste related impact identified in the study. 12- The study has evaluated alternative options for some components of the project and has suggested some alternative design for harbour recommended to locate harbour basin between the reef flat and EIA Report for Agriculture development in Gdh Atoll , Hummingboy Farms Pvt. Ltd the island approximately 100 off the shoreline and use a piled jetty to connect the harbour basin and the shoreline. However, given the nature of the proposed development and the fact that fairly heavy load will be transported frequently through the infrastructure, practicality of such a harbour needs to be considered and evaluated as an alternative to the proposed harbour in Hulhuvaarulaa. Also the study found, based on similar project activities elsewhere in the Maldives, the island and the reef will recover from the expected impacts rapidly and will re-establish a new ecological balance relatively soon (around 3-5 years). IN order to gather consistent data on possible changes taking place it is proposed to undertake an extensive post-development monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the development and make necessary adjustment to the activities of the project based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 13- The study has identified the following beneficial effects form the proposed agricultural development project in Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa: • Creation of competitive agriculture market for locally grown fruits and vegetables; • Availability of locally grown high quality salad crops that can cater for the high-end tourist resort • Employment: Temporary (10-30 job opportunities during construction period) permanent (over 10-20 jobs during operational phase); • Development of business opportunities in supply and services; and • Capacity building and technology transfer opportunities in modern farming practices. • Improvement of public facilities and infrastructure, general improvement of social conditions and service industry activities, in addition to the increased national agriculture and economic infrastructure. • Better guardianship of the terrestrial and marine resources of the four islands; • Improvements in environmental quality of the island; • Stimulation of local economy, cultivation and small business opportunities within the nearby island communities; and • Increased government revenue and increased GDP. The study found no evidence that the project requires or involves: • loss of unique habitat or wilderness areas; • resettling of local communities; • removing or destroying cultural properties or archaeological sites; • contravening national government of the Republic of Maldives, or island community policies, regulations, criteria, customs or aspirations concerning environment, economy, employment, cultural traditions or life styles. 14- On the basis of this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures proposed in the report will be duly implemented and recommendations are given due consideration, it is concluded that the benefits of the proposed agriculture development project in Gdh Hulhuvaarulaa, Menthandhoo, Golhaalaa and Dhoonirehaa will substantially outweigh an unwelcomed demand of burden on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for development of a city hotel at Hanimaadhoo, H.Dh. Atoll(2014-05) Riyaz, Mahmood; Zuhair, MohamedThis is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for Island Expert Pvt. Ltd to develop and operate a three star City Hotel on the north western part of Hanimaadhoo Island located in North East of H.Dh Atoll. The proposed project includes development of 41 guest rooms and necessary infrastructure to establish and operate the city hotel. The EIA was prepared as fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry Tourism (MoT) for granting permission for the project. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of development projects is a requirement by the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) (law 4/93) of the Government of the Republic of Maldives. The total cost of the proposed project is approximately 6 million USD. The project will be developed within 18 months. The project will create a relatively large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities throughout for the people of Hanimaadhoo Island and particularly to the islands on the northern part of the Maldives. Therefore the project will significantly contribute to the economic growth, particularly tourism sector, and other relevant socio-economic activities This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy 2012 and covers both negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed project in Hanimaadhoo Island. This report also presents an assessment of the ongoing work at the land plot allocated for Hanimaadhoo city hotel development following a report by Hanimaadhoo council during the EIA scoping meeting that the developer has already started construction and site clearance work prior to EIA approval. Major findings of this report are based on information gathered during the field inspection of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives. The proposed project activity will take place on the north western part of Hanimaadhoo Island. The island of Hanimaadhoo is a North-south oriented island located at the Eastern rim of H.Dh Atoll. The reef system hosting Hanimaadhoo Island is an elongated shape reef, which has a length of 6.9 km and width of 1.6km. The reef flat is wider at the western side and the island occupies the eastern half of the reef. The island of Hanimaadhoo is an inhabited island with a population of 1200 people is approximately 6.5km long and 40-700m wide and the with increases towards north. Hanimaadhoo is located at latitude 6.7536o and longitude 73.1737o in North H.Dh Atoll (Figure 1). It is approximately 288 km from the capital Male’. H.Dh Hanimaadhoo is a fairly big island having approximately 155ha with thick vegetation mostly consisting of coconut palms and woody trees. The southern part of the island has been developed as a domestic airport, which was recently converted to an International Airport. Almost 50% of the land area on the southern parts occupies airport territories, hence, vegetation clearance and alteration was greatly seen. The settlement of the island is found on the mid-northern parts and is mainly concentrated on the western areas and extending towards north. Main vegetation within the area allocated for city hotel development is fairly intact with coconut palms, funa, dhigaa, hirundhu and small amounts of nika and dhonkeyo as the main cover within the area, which makes up over 50% of the vegetation cover. Most of the vegetation found on the site is fairly young with magoo, uni as well as funa, hirundhu and dhigga. The cover of young vegetation found on the site exceeds 20%. Other types of vegetation that are sparsely distributed on the site include kaani, boashi, kashikeyo, dhonkeyo, and midhili are found in a very small content. It was observed that the vegetation of the site has been greatly altered or to a great extent used by the local communities probably for collection of fire wood, wood and timber as well as for undertaking agriculture in small areas. The reef on the NW side of Hanimaadhoo is characterized by a large reef flat having approximately 50-70m in the width and a very large lagoon having approximately 290-310m in the width. The average depth of the reef flat is about 1m and the lagoon is about 1.5m. The reef crest is found at a depth of about 2-2.5m. The reef slope is observed to be slanted with the upper portion having the most live coral, while the lower portion (below 10-15m) are mostly covered with dead corals, sand and aged rocks. The live coral cover was generally low except for the upper reef slope where the live coral percentage estimated was 12%. The reef flat and the reef crest had 4% and 6% live coral cover respectively. Based on the ground water analysis ground water of Hanimaadhoo city hotel development site is safe to use for all purposes. At present drinking water is transported from Kulhudhuffushi and supplemented by the rainwater catchments. During the preparation of the EIA report an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for identifying the possible impacts of project activities, has been created for proposed development project in Hanimaadhoo Island. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The report has identified and described in detail possible change that would occur to the existing condition of the environment caused during the construction phase and have suggested appropriate mitigation measures for each and every impact identified in the report. Vegetation clearance has been identified as the most significant negative environmental impact that could be associated with the vegetation clearance. Liquid, solid and other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the construction and operational phase has also been identified as significant impact associated with the project and appropriate mitigation measures are suggested for each and every waste related impact identified in the study. The study has evaluated alternative options for some components of the project and has suggested some modifications for city hotel layout and landscaping. Also the report found, based on the similar project activities elsewhere in the Maldives, the island and the reef will recover from the expected impacts rapidly and will re-establish a new ecological balance soon. However the report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the development and make necessary adjustment to the activities of the project based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. The report has identified the following beneficial effects form city hotel development in Hanimaadhoo: Increased direct employment and training opportunities; Improvements in environmental quality of the island; Stimulation of local economy, cultivation and small business opportunities within the nearby island communities; and Increased government revenue and increased GDP. The report found no evidence that the city hotel development in Hanimaadhoo requires or involves any of the following environmental or socio-economic impacts. loss of unique habitat or wilderness areas; resettling of local communities; removing or destroying cultural properties; contravening national government of the Republic of Maldives, or island community policies, regulations, criteria, customs or aspirations concerning environment, economy, employment, cultural traditions or life styles. On the basis this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures proposed in the report will be duly implemented and recommendations are given due consideration, it is concluded that the benefits of the planned city hotel development in Hanimaadhoo Island will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for resort development in K. Akirifushi, North Male’ Atoll(2014-08) Riyaz, Mahmood; Zuhair, MohamedThis is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for Akirifushi Investmentt Pvt. Ltd to develop and operate a resort in Akirifushi Island located in North Western part of Male Atoll. Akirifushi development project involves creation of land through reclamation and develop and operate 70 room high-end tourist resort with all the necessary facilities and amnesties. The EIA was prepared as fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry Tourism (MoT) for granting permission for the project. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of development projects is a requirement by the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) (law 4/93) of the Government of the Republic of Maldives. The total cost of the proposed project is approximately 20 million USD. The project will be developed within 18 months. The project will create a relatively large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities for the Maldives. Therefore the project will significantly contribute to the economic growth, particularly tourism sector, and other relevant socioeconomic activities This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy 2012 and covers both negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed project in Akirifushi Island. Major findings of this report are based on information gathered during the field inspection of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives. The proposed project activity will take place on Akririfushi Island and Falhu. Akirifushi Island is an uninhabited island and lies in an E-W oriented triangular shape reef on the western periphery of North Male Atoll. The island is situated on the south western end of Akirifushi Falhu in a north south orientation. Akirifushi ISland is a vegetated rubble cay (Huraa). Vegetated area of Akirifushi is approximately 8000 m2 and island area is approximately 1.4 hectares. Total area of the reef where Akirifushi Island is situated is approximately 75 hectares. After the land reclamation the area of the island will be 8.2 hectares. The island is characterized by fairly young natural vegetation mainly consisting of Kaani, Hirundhu, Dhigga, to a great extent and Magoo, Kuredhi, Boa Kashikeyo and Boashi to a smaller extent in the coastline. A small area covered in Kandoo (mangrove) is found on the northern side of the island in a slight depression where the ground gets occasionally flooded from tidal fluctuations. Only a couple of planted young Ruh were found in the middle of the island. The dominant vegetation on the island was observed to be Kaani, which was mostly found on the eastern parts as well as mixed with other vegetation such as Dhigga and Hirundhu in the middle parts. On the southern side, patches of Magoo were observed while on some of the northern parts mixed coastal vegetation including Magoo, Kuredhi, Boa kashikeyo and Boashi were found Akirifushi Island is found in a single reef on the NW rim of North Male’ Atoll. The reef is triangular in shape with western side slightly curved and the island is located almost at the edge of this curvature. The length of the reef including the reef slope from west to east is estimated to be 1km and the width of the reef from north to south is estimated to be 960m. The total area of the reef is estimated to be 75ha with most parts found in shallow lagoon. The large and deep Vilu on the eastern side of the island occupies almost 15% of the whole reef, while the island and the smaller Vilu on the northern side occupy approximately only 3% each of the whole reef. Hence, the shallow lagoon of the reef is approximately 79% and mostly comprised of sand and rubble, while the western side mostly composed of dead rocks. The general condition of the reef in terms of percent live coral cover is low approximately 10%. During the preparation of the EIA report an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for identifying the possible impacts of project activities, has been created for proposed development project in Akirifushi Island. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The report has identified and described in detail possible change that would occur to the existing condition of the environment caused during the construction phase and have suggested appropriate mitigation measures for each and every impact identified in the report. Dredging has been identified as the most significant negative environmental impact that could be associated with the proposed development. Liquid, solid and other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the construction and operational phase has also been identified as significant impact associated with the project and appropriate mitigation measures are suggested for each and every waste related impact identified in the study. The study has evaluated alternative options for some components of the project and has suggested some modifications to the shape of reclaimed area. Also the report found, based on the similar project activities elsewhere in the Maldives, the island and the reef will recover from the expected impacts rapidly and will re-establish a new ecological balance soon. However the report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the development and make necessary adjustment to the activities of the project based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. The report has identified the following beneficial effects form resort development in Akirifushi: Increased direct employment and training opportunities; Improvements in environmental quality of the island; Stimulation of local economy, cultivation and small business opportunities for nearby island communities; and Increased government revenue and increased GDP. The report found no evidence that the resort development in Akirifushi requires or involves any of the following environmental or socio-economic impacts. loss of unique habitat or wilderness areas; resettling of local communities; removing or destroying cultural properties; contravening national government of the Republic of Maldives, or island community policies, regulations, criteria, customs or aspirations concerning environment, economy, employment, cultural traditions or life styles. On the basis this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures proposed in the report will be duly implemented and recommendations are given due consideration, it is concluded that the benefits of the planned resort development in Akirifushi Island will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed agriculture project on Dhandhoo, Baa. Atoll(2013-03) Adam, M. Shiham; Riyaz, MahmoodBaa Atoll Hanifaru was leased in 2008 to Mr. Mohamed Shareef of Maafannu Sunny Coast to develop agricultural activities. Following Environmental Regulation, an EIA Screening Form was submitted to EPA during early 2009. However, after elapse of some considerable period, the erstwhile Ministry of Housing and Environment declared Hanifaru Bay (lagoon) as a protected site under environmental law. Later Hanifaru was also declared as a protected site. In order compensate for this unexpected ‘taking away’ of Hanifaru, the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, in consultation with Mr. Mohamed Shareef, arranged an alternative island – Baa Dhandhoo. The proposal under consideration is to develop Baa Atoll Dhandhoo as an agricultural island along with three other minor functions. The primary business model is based on production of high quality agricultural products. The island would also be a facility providing complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) services. To complement this function a small nursery of about 4,000 sq feet is proposed to grow indigenous medicinal plants that are becoming rare/extinct. Finally a small visitor centre is proposed which would allow visitors to learn about the activities on the island. Two main approaches − the AutoPot and hydroponics systems − are proposed for the production of rock-melon, cucumber, capsicum, chillies, lettuce, tomatoes etc. The growth system is completely contained either in the grow pots or in water medium. The main development feature of the island is 6 x 4,000 sq feet green houses to set up the AutoPot and hydroponics system. The green houses will be imported and assembled at site. Similarly the AutoPot system will be imported and assembled at site. The hydroponics system will be constructed locally from the imported material. Construction of the buildings will be kept to a minimum; staff accommodation, kitchen / dining facilities will be constructed to accommodate no more than 15 people for the agricultural works. Treatment rooms for CAM treatments will be built on the northern side of the island. A small stilt-jetty is constructed on the western side of the island. A complete list of the buildings is given in the layout plan. The island would be self-contained, and so water production and power generation will take place on the island. An RO plant of 10 cubic meters / day capacity is proposed with intake from the lagoon. To supplement the water production rainwater will be harvested from every possible roof on the island. A 25kW diesel power generator will installed for producing electricity. Storage of diesel on the island will be minimal transporting the required amounts from the nearby islands. The baseline environmental conditions were assessed using standard methods. Significant erosion was observed on the north-western and northern side of the island while accretion was evident on the western side. There appears to be a directional shift of the island to west. However, observation of such magnitude of movement has entirely due to seasonal erosion and accretions have been observed in some islands of Baa Atoll. No interventions for mitigating erosion were proposed at this stage. Biannual monitoring of shoreline was proposed to determine the seasonal dynamics of the island beach. No hard structures are proposed at this stage. A Leopold Matrix was used to determine the scale and extent of the impacts. The short-term environmental impact from this development project would to the island ecosystem from clearance of vegetation. About 60-80 palms may have to remove and/or relocated for the development work that will be replaced accordingly. Loss of top-soil, and shade and the clearance may affect the vegetation around the periphery. It is recommended that clearance take place only where necessary. Septic tanks systems have been proposed for disposing human waste and pose no long-term negative environmental impact considering the small number of people expected to be based on the island. It is recommended that non-biodegradables should be regularly removed from the island for disposal in to another island with arrangement made with the Council. Biodegradable waste from the plant material will be left to appropriately degrade on the island, thereby contributing nutrients pool of the island ecosystem. The Atoll Council and the resorts were consulted regarding the project and their views were considered. There was full support of the Council and no issues were highlighted. There were also no issues raised from the resorts except they wished see only minimal landscape Impacts during the operation phase are considered to be negligible. Overall the impact from the Project will be positive – demonstration of effective economic and sustainable use of uninhabited small islands inducing encouragement for climatesmart type agriculture.