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Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the construction and setup of a sewerage system in Baarah Island, Haa Alif Atoll, Maldives
(2017-09) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfill obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed setup of the sewerage system (hereafter referred to as the project) in Baarah island, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives. The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored and corrective measures can be undertaken. The proposed project aims to establish a sewerage collection and disposal system in the island of Baarah in Haa Alifu Atoll. The concept designed for Barrah is a gravity type wastewater collection and disposal system. The existing systems are mainly based on septic tanks and small bore sewers. Without proper maintenance these systems are prone to damage and contamination of groundwater can occur. The contamination of the groundwater has occurred to the extent that it cannot be utilized for any potable use. Therefore, the current setup is not environmentally acceptable nor suitable. The sewerage system for Ha. Baarah will be a gravity sewerage system where sloping pipelines will allow waste water from the entire island to flow to three zonal pumping stations. The sewage will be pumped from the pumping station to the treatment plant where it will be treated and discharged via a sea outfall pipeline into the sea. The sewerage system will comprise of elements of a given specification for sewer mains, cleanouts, manholes, vents, pump stations, outfall pipeline and diffuser that will ensure a 30 year design flow The sewerage system therefore comprises of the following components: a) Household inspection chambers. b) A gravity sewerage reticulation network. c) Reticulation pumping stations and pressure main system. d) Construction of a sea outfall to discharge the sewage into deep sea. The proposed project will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur on the near shore environments. The project is expected to bring several positive impacts on the environmental quality of the island and the surrounding reef. Particularly, the most significant benefit would be achieved through improvement in the bacteriological quality of the groundwater. The health benefits of the project are worthy of noting as the improvement in water quality are going to bring significant health benefits to the community. Environmental & social impacts and the mitigation measures Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts, both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, impacts are likely to occur on the marine and terrestrial environment (groundwater). Most of the impacts during the construction period are impacts related to construction waste, dewatering, disruptions to the local traffic, dust emission, damage to the reef during sea outfall construction and noise. During the operational stage of this project, there will be both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include the improvement of the ground water quality of the island. Negative impacts include the increased in extraction of groundwater for toilet flushing that may increase the chances of groundwater salinization at a much accelerated rate. This project does foresee some negative impacts even during the construction stage but is geared towards improving the overall environmental quality of the island, most notably the environmental health. The project is presently planned to lay the sewer pipeline along the centre of the exiting road. During this process, dewatering and construction pose some challenges. Previous experience of sewer construction in the Maldives has indicated that excavation depths more than 3.5m are not recommended for conventional dewatering methods to avoid the risk of undermining and trench collapses as well as loss of structural integrity of the surrounding earth. For the purpose of the Baarah design, the maximum depth of excavation will not exceed 3.5m as per the Design criteria and technical specifications for conventional gravity sewerage systems guideline released by the Water and Sanitation Unit of the Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency, 2015). Strict reference to these criteria will be followed and necessary as the streets are very narrow and congested, leaving limited space for mechanical excavation between buildings for the installation of pipelines. The lack of an established land use plan for the island is also a draw back for Baarah. No land used plan means that future projections rely solely on population statistics rather than the land physically available for future development. The present design is based solely on the existing populated area, centrally located in the island. There are large areas of the island undeveloped and unzoned due to lack of a land use plan. Large areas of the island are used for agriculture and pilot projects have been established with aid agencies to try new agricultural technologies. The island is a potential hot spot for future tourism development due to the vase natural resources (beach, mangroves and thick forests and plenty of land). Different types of developments such as guesthouses and restaurants may require grease traps to prevent large influxes of unwanted material into the sewerage network. Therefore the present design of the system has not considered these future developments and in the event of such developments, the existing system will require upgrading. Requirements may need to be specified at a policy level to counter this issue. Therefore this is a potential risk factor in this project. Despite these shortcomings the project does not pose serious threats to the natural environment (marine and terrestrial) and will directly benefit the environment and the community, both in the short and long term. Minor negative impacts with varying significance will occur as the project is implemented. They include dewatering and localized salinization, disruption to public transport, dust emissions during pipe laying work and reef damage during the process of outfall construction. The pump stations have not been placed around the periphery of the island, instead are located within the population zone. This could pose the issue of foul odour in the event of a system failure whereby the foul odour abatement mechanism is affected. Incorporating the pump stations in the populated areas is a necessity and this design factor will enhance the functioning of the overall system. The project will benefit the community and the island in the long term. It is important to ensure that the project implementation is carried in a sustainable manner and in such the sewerage system can be maintained in a cost effective manner as and when required. It is therefore in the opinion of the consultant that the project does not foresee significant negative environmental impacts and should be allowed. Although the project will benefit the community, the proposed design has a number of disadvantages. Construction of pump stations underground on the streets is seen as a design issue that could have operational difficulties. Instead, the pump stations could be located within the residential block boundary with a small plot of land allocated for the pump station. Selection of sites can be focused on places such as mosque, symmetry and from other public buildings or plots of land. With the present design, a number of operational difficulties are anticipated. Experience from similar systems setup elsewhere in the Maldives have been studied and reviewed for this project. The reviews and experiences from these systems are not infavour of the present design and this is something that needs to be considered before undertaking the project. Sanitation systems must be both environmentally and socially friendly and acceptable. As important as the design is the operation and maintenance. Operation and maintenance should be viewed as a key sustainable aspect of similar projects. No matter how good a design is, the sustainability and acceptability will depend on how good the system functions in the operational period. With the pump stations being located on the road itself, there are a number of such difficulties which are equally as important as the engineering design aspects.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment reclamation of 15 hectares of land at Thilafushi for development of the regional waste management facility for Zone 3
(2017-11) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Ministry of Environment and Energy for the proposed reclamation of 15 hectares from the shallow lagoon at Thilafalhu, Male’ Atoll. Thilafalhu is the lagoon where Thilafushi is located. The reclamation and coastal protection project is the first step to establish a Regional Waste Management Facility for Zone III at Thilafushi to manage and dispose waste which is generated from islands in the central 4 atolls of the Maldives. The reclamation project involves reclamation 15 hectares of shallow lagoon at Thilafalhu, Thilafushi to height of +1.7 m above mean sea level. Sand is proposed to be borrowed from the lagoon of Thilafushi near the reclamation area located on northern side of the proposed site. It is estimated that total of 525,000 cbm of sand will be required for this reclamation. The sand would be dredged using Cutter Suction Dredger and dredged sand will be pumped to the reclamation area from the dredger. The reclaimed land would be protected using 510 m rock boulder revetment on southern side and 475 m revetment on northern side. Ministry of Environment and Energy would undertake a detail design using their engineer based on observations, issues, and concerns raised during the EIA process. Environmental impacts of this project were assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting from the dredging and reclamation works. Dredging to borrow sand for the reclamation work will be undertaken using Cutter Suction Dredger and this is particularly a method that creates lot of sedimentation. Reclamation work for filling and levelling work would be undertaken using excavators and bulldozer which will have an impact on the marine environment during the initial stage of the project. It is anticipated that impacts of this projects will be felt on the marine environment of the Thialfushi reef system. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in the report. Sedimentation control methods have been specifically focused to reduce its impact on the surrounding marine environment. An important mitigation measure is the use of bund walls in the reclamation area to contain sedimentation and reduce its impact on the marine environment. In addition, completing the dredging and filling works in the shortest time frame, during north east monsoon is also a significant mitigation measure to minimize the impact of sedimentation on the marine environment. The proposed mitigation measures shall be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The measures proposed to mitigate environmental impacts is considered to be appropriate, thereby minimizing the impact by about 90%. The negative environmental impacts of the proposed project would be sedimentation and destruction of the lagoon and damage to some areas of the reef, which will cause death of corals in the direct impact zone and partial death of corals in other areas of the coral reef. During dredging works, the sedimentation will also affect the fish species in the vicinity of the project area. Several alternatives to the proposed project were considered, all of these alternatives cannot be implemented for various reasons including issues related to regulations, cost, and environment factors. The present project design seems to be feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. It is inevitable that there would be negative environmental impacts of this project. It will not be possible to avoid environmental damage entirely, but ways to minimize damage are critical factors to consider during implementation. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) with environmental monitoring has been recommended including important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component shall be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to the implementation of the proposed project. As the socioeconomic impacts are going to be felt in the long term, monitoring these changes is very essential. The proposed reclamation pose threats to the marine environment of the Thilafushi and its lagoon. There will be direct and indirect damage to marine environment in the vicinity of the project site. Some of the corals patches, mostly in the reclamation area in the shallow lagoon will die due to smothering as well as from construction activities. But these are damages that cannot be entirely avoided. The project involves negative environmental impacts, such impacts are not severe as not to go ahead with this project. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the construction and setup of a sewerage system in Landhoo Island, Noonu Atoll, Maldives
(2017-11) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfill obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed setup of the sewerage system (hereafter referred to as the project) in Landhoo island, Noonu Atoll, Maldives. The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socioeconomic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored and corrective measures can be undertaken. The proposed project aims to establish a sewerage collection and disposal system in the island of Landhoo in Noonu Atoll. The concept designed for Landhoo is a gravity type wastewater collection and disposal system. The existing systems are mainly based on septic tanks and small bore sewers. Without proper maintenance these systems are prone to damage and contamination of groundwater can occur. The contamination of the groundwater has occurred to the extent that it cannot be utilized for any potable use. Therefore, the current setup is not environmentally acceptable nor suitable. The sewerage system for Landhoo will be a gravity sewerage system where sloping pipelines will allow waste water from the entire island to flow to three zonal pumping stations. The sewage will be pumped from the pumping station to the treatment plant where it will be treated and discharged via a sea outfall pipeline into the sea. The sewerage system will comprise of elements of a given specification for sewer mains, cleanouts, manholes, vents, pump stations, outfall pipeline and diffuser that will ensure a 30 year design flow The sewerage system therefore comprises of the following components: a) Household inspection chambers. b) A gravity sewerage reticulation network. c) Reticulation pumping stations and pressure main system. d) Construction of a sea outfall to discharge the sewage into deep sea. The proposed project will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur on the near shore environments. The project is expected to bring several positive impacts on the environmental quality of the island and the surrounding reef. Particularly, the most significant benefit would be achieved through improvement in the bacteriological quality of the groundwater. The health benefits of the project are worthy of noting as the improvement in water quality are going to bring significant health benefits to the community. Environmental & social impacts and the mitigation measures Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts, both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, impacts are likely to occur on the marine and terrestrial environment (groundwater). Most of the impacts during the construction period are impacts related to construction waste, dewatering, disruptions to the local traffic, dust emission, damage to the reef during sea outfall construction and noise. During the operational stage of this project, there will be both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include the improvement of the ground water quality of the island. Negative impacts include the increased in extraction of groundwater for toilet flushing that may increase the chances of groundwater salinization at a much accelerated rate. This project does foresee some negative impacts even during the construction stage but is geared towards improving the overall environmental quality of the island, most notably the environmental health. The project is presently planned to lay the sewer pipeline along the center of the exiting road. During this process, dewatering and construction pose some challenges. Previous experience of sewer construction in the Maldives has indicated that excavation depths more than 3.5m are not recommended for conventional dewatering methods to avoid the risk of undermining and trench collapses as well as loss of structural integrity of the surrounding earth. For the purpose of the Landhoo design, the maximum depth of excavation will not exceed 3.5m as per the Design criteria and technical specifications for conventional gravity sewerage systems guideline released by the Water and Sanitation Unit of the Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency, 2015). Strict reference to these criteria will be followed and necessary as some streets are very narrow and congested, leaving limited space for mechanical excavation between buildings for the installation of pipelines. The lack of an approved land use plan for the island is also a draw back for Landhoo. The present design is based solely on the existing populated area in the island. There are large areas of the island undeveloped and unzoned due to lack of a proper land use plan. The island is a potential hot spot for future tourism development due to the vase natural resources (beach, mangroves and thick forests and plenty of land). Different types of developments such as guesthouses and restaurants may require grease traps to prevent large influxes of unwanted material into the sewerage network. Therefore the present design of the system has not considered these future developments and in the event of such developments, the existing system will require upgrading. Requirements may need to be specified at a policy level to counter this issue. Therefore this is a potential risk factor in this project. Despite these shortcomings the project does not pose serious threats to the natural environment (marine and terrestrial) and will directly benefit the environment and the community, both in the short and long term. Minor negative impacts with varying significance will occur as the project is implemented. They include dewatering and localized salinization, disruption to public transport, dust emissions during pipe laying work and reef damage during the process of outfall construction. The pump stations have not been placed around the periphery of the island, instead are located within the population zone. This could pose the issue of foul odour in the event of a system failure whereby the foul odour abatement mechanism is affected. Incorporating the pump stations in the populated areas is a necessity and this design factor will enhance the functioning of the overall system. The project will benefit the community and the island in the long term. It is important to ensure that the project implementation is carried in a sustainable manner and in such the sewerage system can be maintained in a cost effective manner as and when required. It is therefore in the opinion of the consultant that the project does not foresee significant negative environmental impacts and should be allowed. Although the project will benefit the community, the proposed design has a number of disadvantages. Construction of pump stations underground on the streets is seen as a design issue that could have operational difficulties. Instead, the pump stations could be located within the residential block boundary with a small plot of land allocated for the pump station. Selection of sites can be focused on places such as mosque, symmetry and from other public buildings or plots of land. With the present design, a number of operational difficulties are anticipated. Experience from similar systems setup elsewhere in the Maldives have been studied and reviewed for this project. The reviews and experiences from these systems are not in favor of the present design and this is something that needs to be considered before undertaking the project. Sanitation systems must be both environmentally and socially friendly and acceptable. As important as the design is the operation and maintenance. Operation and maintenance should be viewed as a key sustainable aspect of similar projects. No matter how good a design is, the sustainability and acceptability will depend on how good the system functions in the operational period. With the pump stations being located on the road itself, there are a number of such difficulties which are equally as important as the engineering design aspects.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the construction and setup of a sewerage system in Feeali Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives
(2017-12) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfil obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed setup of the sewerage system (hereafter referred to as the project) in Feeali island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives. The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored and corrective measures can be undertaken. The proposed project aims to establish a sewerage collection and disposal system in the island of Feeali in Faafu Atoll. The concept designed for Feeali is a gravity type wastewater collection and disposal system. The existing systems are mainly based on septic tanks and small bore sewers. Without proper maintenance these systems are prone to damage and contamination of groundwater can occur. The contamination of the groundwater has occurred to the extent that it cannot be utilized for any potable use. Therefore, the current setup is not environmentally acceptable nor suitable. The sewerage system for F. Feeali will be a gravity sewerage system where sloping pipelines will allow waste water from the entire island to flow to two zonal pumping stations. The sewage will be pumped from the pumping station to the treatment plant where it will be treated and discharged via a sea outfall pipeline into the sea. The sewerage system will comprise of elements of a given specification for sewer mains, cleanouts, manholes, vents, pump stations, outfall pipeline and diffuser that will ensure a 30 year design flow. The sewerage system therefore comprises of the following components: a) Household inspection chambers. b) A gravity sewerage reticulation network. c) Reticulation pumping stations and pressure main system. d) Construction of a sea outfall to discharge the sewage into deep sea. The proposed project will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur on the near shore environments. The project is expected to bring several positive impacts on the environmental quality of the island and the surrounding reef. Particularly, the most significant benefit would be achieved through improvement in the bacteriological quality of the groundwater. The health benefits of the project are worthy of noting as the improvement in water quality are going to bring significant health benefits to the community. Environmental & social impacts and the mitigation measures Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts, both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, impacts are likely to occur on the marine and terrestrial environment (groundwater). Most of the impacts during the construction period are impacts related to construction waste, dewatering, disruptions to the local traffic, dust emission, damage to the reef during sea outfall construction and noise. During the operational stage of this project, there will be both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include the improvement of the ground water quality of the island. Negative impacts include the increased in extraction of groundwater for toilet flushing that may increase the chances of groundwater salinization at a much accelerated rate. This project does foresee some negative impacts even during the construction stage but is geared towards improving the overall environmental quality of the island, most notably the environmental health. The project is presently planned to lay the sewer pipeline along the centre of the exiting road. During this process, dewatering and construction pose some challenges. Previous experience of sewer construction in the Maldives has indicated that excavation depths more than 3.5m are not recommended for conventional dewatering methods to avoid the risk of undermining and trench collapses as well as loss of structural integrity of the surrounding earth. For the purpose of the Feeali design, the maximum depth of excavation will not exceed 3.5m as per the Design criteria and technical specifications for conventional gravity sewerage systems guideline released by the Water and Sanitation Unit of the Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency, 2015). Strict reference to these criteria will be followed and necessary as the streets are very narrow and congested, leaving limited space for mechanical excavation between buildings for the installation of pipelines. Despite these shortcomings, the project does not pose serious threats to the natural environment (marine and terrestrial) and will directly benefit the environment and the community, both in the short and long term. Minor negative impacts with varying significance will occur as the project is implemented. They include dewatering and localized salinization, disruption to public transport, dust emissions during pipe laying work and reef damage during the process of outfall construction. The pump stations have not been placed around the periphery of the island, instead are located within the population zone. This could pose the issue of foul odour in the event of a system failure whereby the foul odour abatement mechanism is affected. Incorporating the pump stations in the populated areas is a necessity and this design factor will enhance the functioning of the overall system. The project will benefit the community and the island in the long term. It is important to ensure that the project implementation is carried in a sustainable manner and in such the sewerage system can be maintained in a cost effective manner as and when required. It is therefore in the opinion of the consultant that the project does not foresee significant negative environmental impacts and should be allowed. Although the project will benefit the community, the proposed design has a number of disadvantages. Construction of pump stations underground on the streets is seen as a design issue that could have operational difficulties. Instead, the pump stations could be located within the residential block boundary with a small plot of land allocated for the pump station. Selection of sites can be focused on places such as mosque, symmetry and from other public buildings or plots of land. With the present design, a number of operational difficulties are anticipated. Experience from similar systems setup elsewhere in the Maldives have been studied and reviewed for this project. The reviews and experiences from these systems are not infavour of the present design and this is something that needs to be considered before undertaking the project. Sanitation systems must be both environmentally and socially friendly and acceptable. As important as the design is the operation and maintenance. Operation and maintenance should be viewed as a key sustainable aspect of similar projects. No matter how good a design is, the sustainability and acceptability will depend on how good the system functions in the operational period. With the pump stations being located on the road itself, there are a number of such difficulties which are equally as important as the engineering design aspects.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the construction and setup of a sewerage system in Maakurathu Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives
(2017-12) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfil obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed setup of the sewerage system (hereafter referred to as the project) in Maakurathu island, Raa Atoll, Maldives. The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored and corrective measures can be undertaken. The proposed project aims to establish a sewerage collection and disposal system in the island of Maakurathu in Raa Atoll. The concept designed for Maakurathu is a gravity type wastewater collection and disposal system. The existing systems are mainly based on septic tanks and small bore sewers. Without proper maintenance these systems are prone to damage and contamination of groundwater can occur. The contamination of the groundwater has occurred to the extent that it cannot be utilized for any potable use. Therefore, the current setup is not environmentally acceptable nor suitable. The sewerage system for R. Maakurathu will be a gravity sewerage system where sloping pipelines will allow waste water from the entire island to flow to three zonal pumping stations. The sewage will be pumped from the pumping station to the treatment plant where it will be treated and discharged via a sea outfall pipeline into the sea. The sewerage system will comprise of elements of a given specification for sewer mains, cleanouts, manholes, vents, pump stations, outfall pipeline and diffuser that will ensure a 30 year design flow. The sewerage system therefore comprises of the following components: a) Household inspection chambers. b) A gravity sewerage reticulation network. c) Reticulation pumping stations and pressure main system. d) Construction of a sea outfall to discharge the sewage into deep sea. The proposed project will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur on the near shore environments. The project is expected to bring several positive impacts on the environmental quality of the island and the surrounding reef. Particularly, the most significant benefit would be achieved through improvement in the bacteriological quality of the groundwater. The health benefits of the project are worthy of noting as the improvement in water quality are going to bring significant health benefits to the community. Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts, both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, impacts are likely to occur on the marine and terrestrial environment (groundwater). Most of the impacts during the construction period are impacts related to construction waste, dewatering, disruptions to the local traffic, dust emission, damage to the reef during sea outfall construction and noise. During the operational stage of this project, there will be both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include the improvement of the ground water quality of the island. Negative impacts include the increased in extraction of groundwater for toilet flushing that may increase the chances of groundwater salinization at a much accelerated rate. This project does foresee some negative impacts even during the construction stage but is geared towards improving the overall environmental quality of the island, most notably the environmental health. The project is presently planned to lay the sewer pipeline along the centre of the exiting road. During this process, dewatering and construction pose some challenges. Previous experience of sewer construction in the Maldives has indicated that excavation depths more than 3.5m are not recommended for conventional dewatering methods to avoid the risk of undermining and trench collapses as well as loss of structural integrity of the surrounding earth. For the purpose of the Maakurathu design, the maximum depth of excavation will not exceed 3.5m as per the Design criteria and technical specifications for conventional gravity sewerage systems guideline released by the Water and Sanitation Unit of the Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency, 2015). Strict reference to these criteria will be followed and necessary as the streets are very narrow and congested, leaving limited space for mechanical excavation between buildings for the installation of pipelines. Despite these shortcomings, the project does not pose serious threats to the natural environment (marine and terrestrial) and will directly benefit the environment and the community, both in the short and long term. Minor negative impacts with varying significance will occur as the project is implemented. They include dewatering and localized salinization, disruption to public transport, dust emissions during pipe laying work and reef damage during the process of outfall construction. The pump stations have not been placed around the periphery of the island, instead are located within the population zone. This could pose the issue of foul odour in the event of a system failure whereby the foul odour abatement mechanism is affected. Incorporating the pump stations in the populated areas is a necessity and this design factor will enhance the functioning of the overall system. The project will benefit the community and the island in the long term. It is important to ensure that the project implementation is carried in a sustainable manner and in such the sewerage system can be maintained in a cost effective manner as and when required. It is therefore in the opinion of the consultant that the project does not foresee significant negative environmental impacts and should be allowed. Although the project will benefit the community, the proposed design has a number of disadvantages. Construction of pump stations underground on the streets is seen as a design issue that could have operational difficulties. Instead, the pump stations could be located within the residential block boundary with a small plot of land allocated for the pump station. Selection of sites can be focused on places such as mosque, symmetry and from other public buildings or plots of land. With the present design, a number of operational difficulties are anticipated. Experience from similar systems setup elsewhere in the Maldives have been studied and reviewed for this project. The reviews and experiences from these systems are not infavour of the present design and this is something that needs to be considered before undertaking the project. Sanitation systems must be both environmentally and socially friendly and acceptable. As important as the design is the operation and maintenance. Operation and maintenance should be viewed as a key sustainable aspect of similar projects. No matter how good a design is, the sustainability and acceptability will depend on how good the system functions in the operational period. With the pump stations being located on the road itself, there are a number of such difficulties which are equally as important as the engineering design aspects.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the construction and setup of a sewerage system in Rasmaadhoo Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives
(2017-12) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfil obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed setup of the sewerage system (hereafter referred to as the project) in Rasmaadhoo island, Raa Atoll, Maldives. The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored and corrective measures can be undertaken. The proposed project aims to establish a sewerage collection and disposal system in the island of Rasmaadhoo in Raa Atoll. The concept designed for Rasmaadhoo is a gravity type wastewater collection and disposal system. The existing systems are mainly based on septic tanks and small bore sewers. Without proper maintenance these systems are prone to damage and contamination of groundwater can occur. The contamination of the groundwater has occurred to the extent that it cannot be utilized for any potable use. Therefore, the current setup is not environmentally acceptable nor suitable. The sewerage system for R. Rasmaadhoo will be a gravity sewerage system where sloping pipelines will allow waste water from the entire island to flow to two zonal pumping stations. The sewage will be pumped from the pumping station to the treatment plant where it will be treated and discharged via a sea outfall pipeline into the sea. The sewerage system will comprise of elements of a given specification for sewer mains, cleanouts, manholes, vents, pump stations, outfall pipeline and diffuser that will ensure a 30 year design flow. The sewerage system therefore comprises of the following components: a) Household inspection chambers. b) A gravity sewerage reticulation network. c) Reticulation pumping stations and pressure main system. d) Construction of a sea outfall to discharge the sewage into deep sea. The proposed project will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur on the near shore environments. The project is expected to bring several positive impacts on the environmental quality of the island and the surrounding reef. Particularly, the most significant benefit would be achieved through improvement in the bacteriological quality of the groundwater. The health benefits of the project are worthy of noting as the improvement in water quality are going to bring significant health benefits to the community. Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts, both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, impacts are likely to occur on the marine and terrestrial environment (groundwater). Most of the impacts during the construction period are impacts related to construction waste, dewatering, disruptions to the local traffic, dust emission, damage to the reef during sea outfall construction and noise. During the operational stage of this project, there will be both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include the improvement of the ground water quality of the island. Negative impacts include the increased in extraction of groundwater for toilet flushing that may increase the chances of groundwater salinization at a much accelerated rate. This project does foresee some negative impacts even during the construction stage but is geared towards improving the overall environmental quality of the island, most notably the environmental health. The project is presently planned to lay the sewer pipeline along the centre of the exiting road. During this process, dewatering and construction pose some challenges. Previous experience of sewer construction in the Maldives has indicated that excavation depths more than 3.5m are not recommended for conventional dewatering methods to avoid the risk of undermining and trench collapses as well as loss of structural integrity of the surrounding earth. For the purpose of the Rasmaadhoo design, the maximum depth of excavation will not exceed 3.5m as per the Design criteria and technical specifications for conventional gravity sewerage systems guideline released by the Water and Sanitation Unit of the Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency, 2015). Strict reference to these criteria will be followed and necessary as the streets are very narrow and congested, leaving limited space for mechanical excavation between buildings for the installation of pipelines. Despite these shortcomings, the project does not pose serious threats to the natural environment (marine and terrestrial) and will directly benefit the environment and the community, both in the short and long term. Minor negative impacts with varying significance will occur as the project is implemented. They include dewatering and localized salinization, disruption to public transport, dust emissions during pipe laying work and reef damage during the process of outfall construction. The pump stations have not been placed around the periphery of the island, instead are located within the population zone. This could pose the issue of foul odour in the event of a system failure whereby the foul odour abatement mechanism is affected. Incorporating the pump stations in the populated areas is a necessity and this design factor will enhance the functioning of the overall system. The project will benefit the community and the island in the long term. It is important to ensure that the project implementation is carried in a sustainable manner and in such the sewerage system can be maintained in a cost effective manner as and when required. It is therefore in the opinion of the consultant that the project does not foresee significant negative environmental impacts and should be allowed. Although the project will benefit the community, the proposed design has a number of disadvantages. Construction of pump stations underground on the streets is seen as a design issue that could have operational difficulties. Instead, the pump stations could be located within the residential block boundary with a small plot of land allocated for the pump station. Selection of sites can be focused on places such as mosque, cemetery and from other public buildings or plots of land. After consultation, Raa atoll council allocated such empty plots for the 2 pump stations. However this brings about a minor change in the network design. With the proposed design, a number of operational difficulties are anticipated. Experience from similar systems setup elsewhere in the Maldives have been studied and reviewed for this project. The reviews and experiences from these systems are not infavour of the present design and this is something that needs to be considered before undertaking the project. Sanitation systems must be both environmentally and socially friendly and acceptable. As important as the design is the operation and maintenance. Operation and maintenance should be viewed as a key sustainable aspect of similar projects. No matter how good a design is, the sustainability and acceptability will depend on how good the system functions in the operational period. With the pump stations being located on the road itself, there are a number of such difficulties which are equally as important as the engineering design aspects.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the construction and setup of a sewerage system in Hangnaameedhoo Island, Alif Dhaal Atoll, Maldives
(2017-11) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfil obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed setup of the sewerage system (hereafter referred to as the project) in Hangnaameedhoo island, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives. The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored and corrective measures can be undertaken. The proposed project aims to establish a sewerage collection and disposal system in the island of Hangnaameedhoo island, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. The concept designed for Hangnaameedhoo is a gravity type wastewater collection and disposal system. The existing systems are mainly based on septic tanks and small bore sewers. Without proper maintenance these systems are prone to damage and contamination of groundwater can occur. The contamination of the groundwater has occurred to the extent that it cannot be utilized for any potable use. Therefore, the current setup is not environmentally acceptable nor suitable. The sewerage system for A.Dh. Hangnaameedhoo will be a gravity sewerage system where sloping pipelines will allow waste water from the entire island to flow to two zonal pumping stations. The sewage will be pumped from the pumping station to the treatment plant where it will be treated and discharged via a sea outfall pipeline into the sea. The sewerage system will comprise of elements of a given specification for sewer mains, cleanouts, manholes, vents, pump stations, outfall pipeline and diffuser that will ensure a 30 year design flow. The sewerage system therefore comprises of the following components: a) Household inspection chambers. b) A gravity sewerage reticulation network. c) Reticulation pumping stations and pressure main system. d) Construction of a sea outfall to discharge the sewage into deep sea. The proposed project will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur on the near shore environments. The project is expected to bring several positive impacts on the environmental quality of the island and the surrounding reef. Particularly, the most significant benefit would be achieved through improvement in the bacteriological quality of the groundwater. The health benefits of the project are worthy of noting as the improvement in water quality are going to bring significant health benefits to the community. Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts, both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, impacts are likely to occur on the marine and terrestrial environment (groundwater). Most of the impacts during the construction period are impacts related to construction waste, dewatering, disruptions to the local traffic, dust emission, damage to the reef during sea outfall construction and noise. During the operational stage of this project, there will be both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include the improvement of the ground water quality of the island. Negative impacts include the increased in extraction of groundwater for toilet flushing that may increase the chances of groundwater salinization at a much accelerated rate. This project does foresee some negative impacts even during the construction stage but is geared towards improving the overall environmental quality of the island, most notably the environmental health. The project is presently planned to lay the sewer pipeline along the centre of the exiting road. During this process, dewatering and construction pose some challenges. Previous experience of sewer construction in the Maldives has indicated that excavation depths more than 3.5m are not recommended for conventional dewatering methods to avoid the risk of undermining and trench collapses as well as loss of structural integrity of the surrounding earth. For the purpose of the Hangnaameedhoo design, the maximum depth of excavation will not exceed 3.5m as per the Design criteria and technical specifications for conventional gravity sewerage systems guideline released by the Water and Sanitation Unit of the Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency, 2015). Strict reference to these criteria will be followed and necessary as the streets are very narrow and congested, leaving limited space for mechanical excavation between buildings for the installation of pipelines. The project does not pose serious threats to the natural environment (marine and terrestrial) and will directly benefit the environment and the community, both in the short and long term. Minor negative impacts with varying significance will occur as the project is implemented. They include dewatering and localized salinization, disruption to public transport, dust emissions during pipe laying work and reef damage during the process of outfall construction. The pump stations have not been placed around the periphery of the island, instead are located within the population zone. This could pose the issue of foul odour in the event of a system failure whereby the foul odour abatement mechanism is affected. Incorporating the pump stations in the populated areas is a necessity and this design factor will enhance the functioning of the overall system. The project will benefit the community and the island in the long term. It is important to ensure that the project implementation is carried in a sustainable manner and in such the sewerage system can be maintained in a cost effective manner as and when required. It is therefore in the opinion of the consultant that the project does not foresee significant negative environmental impacts and should be allowed. Although the project will benefit the community, the proposed design has a number of disadvantages. Construction of pump stations underground on the streets is seen as a design issue that could have operational difficulties. Instead, the pump stations could be located within the residential block boundary with a small plot of land allocated for the pump station. Selection of sites can be focused on places such as mosque, symmetry and from other public buildings or plots of land. With the present design, a number of operational difficulties are anticipated. Experience from similar systems setup elsewhere in the Maldives have been studied and reviewed for this project. The reviews and experiences from these systems are not in favour of the present design and this is something that needs to be considered before undertaking the project. Sanitation systems must be both environmentally and socially friendly and acceptable. As important as the design is the operation and maintenance. Operation and maintenance should be viewed as a key sustainable aspect of similar projects. No matter how good a design is, the sustainability and acceptability will depend on how good the system functions in the operational period. With the pump stations being located on the road itself, there are a number of such difficulties which are equally as important as the engineering design aspects.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the construction and setup of a sewerage system in Utheemu Island, Haa Alif Atoll, Maldives
(2017-11) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfill obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed setup of the sewerage system (hereafter referred to as the project) in Utheemu island, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives. The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored and corrective measures can be undertaken. The proposed project aims to establish a sewerage collection and disposal system in the island of Utheemu in Haa Alifu Atoll. The concept designed for Utheemu is a gravity type wastewater collection and disposal system. The existing systems are mainly based on septic tanks and small bore sewers. Without proper maintenance these systems are prone to damage and contamination of groundwater can occur. The contamination of the groundwater has occurred to the extent that it cannot be utilized for any potable use. Therefore, the current setup is not environmentally acceptable nor suitable. The sewerage system for Ha. Utheemu will be a gravity sewerage system where sloping pipelines will allow waste water from the entire island to flow to two zonal pumping stations. The sewage will be pumped from the pumping station to the treatment plant location where it will be held for six (6) hours and discharged via a sea outfall pipeline into the sea. At this stage of the project, no treatment will be done but a location for future treatment plant is allocated. The sewerage system will comprise of elements of a given specification for sewer mains, cleanouts, manholes, vents, pump stations, outfall pipeline and diffuser that will ensure a 30 year design flow The sewerage system therefore comprises of the following components: a) Household inspection chambers. b) A gravity sewerage reticulation network. c) Reticulation pumping stations and pressure main system. d) Construction of a sea outfall to discharge the sewage into deep sea. The proposed project will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur on the near shore environments. The project is expected to bring several positive impacts on the environmental quality of the island and the surrounding reef. Particularly, the most significant benefit would be achieved through improvement in the bacteriological quality of the groundwater. The health benefits of the project are worthy of noting as the improvement in water quality are going to bring significant health benefits to the community Environmental & social impacts and the mitigation measures Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts, both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, impacts are likely to occur on the marine and terrestrial environment (groundwater). Most of the impacts during the construction period are impacts related to construction waste, dewatering, disruptions to the local traffic, dust emission, damage to the reef during sea outfall construction and noise. During the operational stage of this project, there will be both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include the improvement of the ground water quality of the island. Negative impacts include the increased in extraction of groundwater for toilet flushing that may increase the chances of groundwater salinization at a much accelerated rate. This project does foresee some negative impacts even during the construction stage but is geared towards improving the overall environmental quality of the island, most notably the environmental health. The project is presently planned to lay the sewer pipeline along the centre of the exiting roads. During this process, dewatering and construction pose some challenges. Previous experience of sewer construction in the Maldives has indicated that excavation depths more than 3.5m are not recommended for conventional dewatering methods to avoid the risk of undermining and trench collapses as well as loss of structural integrity of the surrounding earth. For the purpose of the Utheemu design, the maximum depth of excavation will not exceed 3.5m as per the Design criteria and technical specifications for conventional gravity sewerage systems guideline released by the Water and Sanitation Unit of the Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency, 2015). Strict reference to these criteria will be followed and necessary as the streets are very narrow and congested, leaving limited space for mechanical excavation between buildings for the installation of pipelines. The lack of an established land use plan for the island is also a draw back for Utheemu. The project does not pose serious threats to the natural environment (marine and terrestrial) and will directly benefit the environment and the community, both in the short and long term. Minor negative impacts with varying significance will occur as the project is implemented. They include dewatering and localized salinization, disruption to local transport, dust emissions during pipe laying work and reef damage during the process of outfall construction. The pump stations have not been placed around the periphery of the island, instead are located within the population zone. This could pose the issue of foul odour in the event of a system failure whereby the foul odour abatement mechanism is affected. Incorporating the pump stations in the populated areas is a necessity to reduce the number of pumps and this design factor will enhance the functioning of the overall system. It will bring maintenance and operating costs. The project will benefit the community and the island in the long term. It is important to ensure that the project implementation is carried in a sustainable manner and in such the sewerage system can be maintained in a cost effective manner as and when required. It is therefore in the opinion of the consultant that the project does not foresee significant negative environmental impacts and should be allowed. Although the project will benefit the community, the proposed design has a number of disadvantages. Construction of pump stations underground on the streets is seen as a design issue that could have operational difficulties. Instead, the pump stations could be located within the residential block boundary with a small plot of land allocated for the pump station. Selection of sites can be focused on places such as mosque, symmetry and from other public buildings or plots of land. With the present design, a number of operational difficulties are anticipated. Experience from similar systems setup elsewhere in the Maldives have been studied and reviewed for this project. The reviews and experiences from these systems are not in favour of the present design and this is something that needs to be considered before undertaking the project. Sanitation systems must be both environmentally and socially friendly and acceptable. As important as the design is the operation and maintenance. Operation and maintenance should be viewed as a key sustainable aspect of similar projects. No matter how good a design is, the sustainability and acceptability will depend on how good the system functions in the operational period. With the pump stations being located on the road itself, there are a number of such difficulties which are equally as important as the engineering design aspects.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the construction and setup of a sewerage system in Maavah Island, Laamu Atoll, Maldives
(2017-12) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfil obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed setup of the sewerage system (hereafter referred to as the project) in Maavah Island, Laamu Atoll, Maldives. The project is proposed by the government of Maldives with Ministry of Environment and Energy, and the contract to design and develop the sewerage system was awarded to Al-Habshi Consultants. Maavah is an inhabited island located in the Western rim of Laamu atoll which consists a population of 1270 (Census, 2014). The island has an area of about 37.5 hectares. The island has large mangrove wetland located in the Western region and is the most significant feature on the island. The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored and corrective measures can be undertaken. The proposed project aims to establish a sewerage collection and disposal system in the island of Maavah in Laamu atoll. The concept designed for Maavah is a gravity type wastewater collection and disposal system. The existing systems are mainly based on septic tanks and small bore sewers. Without proper maintenance these systems are prone to damage and contamination of groundwater can occur. The contamination of the groundwater has occurred to the extent that it cannot be utilized for any potable use. Therefore, the current setup is not environmentally acceptable nor suitable. The gravity sewerage system for L.Maavah contains three zonal pumping stations. The sewage will be pumped from the pumping station to the treatment plant where it will be treated and discharged via a sea outfall pipeline into the sea. The sewerage system will comprise of elements of a given specification for sewer mains, cleanouts, manholes, vents, pump stations, outfall pipeline and diffuser that will ensure a 30 year design flow The sewerage system therefore comprises of the following components: a) Household inspection chambers. b) A gravity sewerage reticulation network. c) Reticulation pumping stations and pressure main system. d) Construction of a sea outfall to discharge the sewage into deep sea. The proposed project will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur on the near shore environments. The project is expected to bring several positive impacts on the environmental quality of the island and the surrounding reef. Particularly, the most significant benefit would be achieved through improvement in the bacteriological quality of the groundwater. The health benefits of the project are worthy of noting as the improvement in water quality are going to bring significant health benefits to the community. Environmental & social impacts and the mitigation measures Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts, both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, impacts are likely to occur on the marine and terrestrial environment (groundwater). Most of the impacts during the construction period are impacts related to construction waste, dewatering, disruptions to the local traffic, dust emission, damage to the reef during sea outfall construction and noise pollution. During the operational stage of this project, there will be both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include the improvement of the ground water quality of the island. Negative impacts include the increased in extraction of groundwater for toilet flushing that may increase the chances of groundwater salinization at a much accelerated rate. This project does foresee some negative impacts during the construction stage but is geared towards improving the overall environmental quality of the island, most notably the environmental health. The project is presently planned to lay the sewer pipeline along the centre of the exiting road. During this process, dewatering and construction pose some challenges. Previous experience of sewer construction in the Maldives has indicated that excavation depths more than 3.5m are not recommended for conventional dewatering methods to avoid the risk of undermining and trench collapses as well as loss of structural integrity of the surrounding earth. For the purpose of the Maavah design, the maximum depth of excavation will not exceed 3.5m as per the Design criteria and technical specifications for conventional gravity sewerage systems guideline released by the Water and Sanitation Unit of the Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency, 2015). Strict reference to these criteria will be followed and necessary as the streets are very narrow and congested, leaving limited space for mechanical excavation between buildings for the installation of pipelines. Despite the project does not pose serious threats to the natural environment (marine and terrestrial) and will directly benefit the environment and the community, both in the short and long term. Minor negative impacts with varying significance will occur as the project is implemented. They include dewatering and localized salinization, disruption to public transport, dust emissions during pipe laying work and reef damage during the process of outfall construction. The pump stations have not been placed around the periphery of the island, instead are located within the population zone. This could pose the issue of foul odour in the event of a system failure whereby the foul odour abatement mechanism is affected. Incorporating the pump stations in the populated areas is a necessity and this design factor will enhance the functioning of the overall system. The project will benefit the community and the island in the long term. It is important to ensure that the project implementation is carried in a sustainable manner and in such the sewerage system can be maintained in a cost effective manner as and when required. It is therefore in the opinion of the consultant that the project does not foresee significant negative environmental impacts and should be allowed. Sanitation systems must be both environmentally and socially friendly and acceptable. As important as the design is the operation and maintenance. Operation and maintenance should be viewed as a key sustainable aspect of similar projects. No matter how good a design is, the sustainability and acceptability will depend on how good the system functions in the operational period. With the pump stations being located on the road itself, there are a number of such difficulties which are equally as important as the engineering design aspects.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the construction and setup of a sewerage system in Kaashidhoo Island, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
(2017-12) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfil obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed setup of the sewerage system (hereafter referred to as the project) in Kaashidhoo island, kaafu Atoll, Maldives. The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored and corrective measures can be undertaken. The proposed project aims to establish a sewerage collection and disposal system in the island of Kaashidhoo in Kaafu Atoll. The concept designed for Kaashidhoo is a gravity type wastewater collection and disposal system. The existing systems are mainly based on septic tanks and small bore sewers. Without proper maintenance these systems are prone to damage and contamination of groundwater can occur. The contamination of the groundwater has occurred to the extent that it cannot be utilized for any potable use. Therefore, the current setup is not environmentally acceptable nor suitable. The sewerage system for Kaashidhoo will be a gravity sewerage system where sloping pipelines will allow waste water from the entire island to flow to nine zonal pumping stations. The sewage will be pumped from the pumping station to the treatment plant where it will be treated and discharged via a sea outfall pipeline into the sea. The sewerage system will comprise of elements of a given specification for sewer mains, cleanouts, manholes, vents, pump stations, outfall pipeline and diffuser that will ensure a 30 year design flow. The sewerage system therefore comprises of the following components: a) Household inspection chambers. b) A gravity sewerage reticulation network. c) Reticulation pumping stations and pressure main system. d) Construction of a sea outfall to discharge the sewage into deep sea. The proposed project will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur on the near shore environments. The project is expected to bring several positive impacts on the environmental quality of the island and the surrounding reef. Particularly, the most significant benefit would be achieved through improvement in the bacteriological quality of the groundwater. The health benefits of the project are worthy of noting as the improvement in water quality are going to bring significant health benefits to the community. Environmental & social impacts and the mitigation measures Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts, both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, impacts are likely to occur on the marine and terrestrial environment (groundwater). Most of the impacts during the construction period are impacts related to construction waste, dewatering, disruptions to the local traffic, dust emission, damage to the reef during sea outfall construction and noise. During the operational stage of this project, there will be both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include the improvement of the ground water quality of the island. Negative impacts include the increased in extraction of groundwater for toilet flushing that may increase the chances of groundwater salinization at a much accelerated rate. This project does foresee some negative impacts even during the construction stage but is geared towards improving the overall environmental quality of the island, most notably the environmental health. The project is presently planned to lay the sewer pipeline along the centre of the exiting road. During this process, dewatering and construction pose some challenges. Previous experience of sewer construction in the Maldives has indicated that excavation depths more than 3.5m are not recommended for conventional dewatering methods to avoid the risk of undermining and trench collapses as well as loss of structural integrity of the surrounding earth. For the purpose of the Kaashidhoo design, the maximum depth of excavation will not exceed 3.5m as per the Design criteria and technical specifications for conventional gravity sewerage systems guideline released by the Water and Sanitation Unit of the Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency, 2015). Strict reference to these criteria will be followed and necessary as the streets are very narrow and congested, leaving limited space for mechanical excavation between buildings for the installation of pipelines. Despite these shortcomings, the project does not pose serious threats to the natural environment (marine and terrestrial) and will directly benefit the environment and the community, both in the short and long term. Minor negative impacts with varying significance will occur as the project is implemented. They include dewatering and localized salinization, disruption to public transport, dust emissions during pipe laying work and reef damage during the process of outfall construction. The pump stations have not been placed around the periphery of the island, instead are located within the population zone. This could pose the issue of foul odour in the event of a system failure whereby the foul odour abatement mechanism is affected. Incorporating the pump stations in the populated areas is a necessity and this design factor will enhance the functioning of the overall system. The project will benefit the community and the island in the long term. It is important to ensure that the project implementation is carried in a sustainable manner and in such the sewerage system can be maintained in a cost effective manner as and when required. It is therefore in the opinion of the consultant that the project does not foresee significant negative environmental impacts and should be allowed. Although the project will benefit the community, the proposed design has a number of disadvantages. Construction of pump stations underground on the streets is seen as a design issue that could have operational difficulties. Instead, the pump stations could be located within the residential block boundary with a small plot of land allocated for the pump station. Selection of sites can be focused on places such as mosque, symmetry and from other public buildings or plots of land. With the present design, a number of operational difficulties are anticipated. Experience from similar systems setup elsewhere in the Maldives have been studied and reviewed for this project. The reviews and experiences from these systems are not infavour of the present design and this is something that needs to be considered before undertaking the project. Sanitation systems must be both environmentally and socially friendly and acceptable. As important as the design is the operation and maintenance. Operation and maintenance should be viewed as a key sustainable aspect of similar projects. No matter how good a design is, the sustainability and acceptability will depend on how good the system functions in the operational period. With the pump stations being located on the road itself, there are a number of such difficulties which are equally as important as the engineering design aspects.

Academic Articles -- ޢިލްމީ ލިޔުންތަކުގެ ޖަމާ

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