Academic Articles -- ޢިލްމީ ލިޔުންތަކުގެ ޖަމާ
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Item Environmental management in the absence of participation : a case study of the Maldives(International Association for Impact Assessment, 2011-03) Niyaz, Aishath; Storey, Donovan; އައިޝަތު ނިޔާޒް; ޑޮނޮވަން ސްޓޯރީItem Environmental impact assessment report : construction of 11 storey residential building at M. Titan, Male’(2017-11) ލޭންޑު އެންޑު މެރިން އެންވާރުމެންޓު ރިސޯސަސް ގުރޫޕް; Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group; dewatering1.1 Background This report is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the development of an 11 storey residential building at M. Titian. The proponent of the proposed project is Ali Naeem (Maldivian ID card number A058199). 1.2 Project Detail The proposed project involves development of a residential building at M. Titian. The proposed plot for development has an area of 176.68m2. The proposed design includes a small parking garage at the basement level with areas allocated for shops on the first and second floors. Floors 3 to 10 will be constructed with two apartments on each floor (1 three-bedroom and 1 two bedroom apartment). 1.3 Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives 1.3.1 Key impacts Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project have been identified through interviews with the proponent, field data collection and surveys as well as based on past experience in similar construction projects. In any development project major direct impacts to the environment (either short-term or long-term) occur mainly during the construction phase. Potential direct or indirect impacts which are anticipated to arise due to the proposed works are as outlined below: Groundwater contamination/salinisation due to dewatering works: impact is foreseen to be minor and short termed, Social impacts due to groundwater shortage: impact is foreseen to be minor and short termed, Noise and air pollution during the construction works due to machinery and equipment; impact intensity will vary during different phases of the project, Impact on traffic due to road closure during foundation and floor slab casting periods: minor to moderate impact which is short termed and only during a few days of the project. Operational phase of the project is not envisaged to have significant negative impacts. Positive impacts during this phase of the project include availability of new accommodation facilities and monetary benefit to the proponent and national economy. ix 1.3.2 Mitigation measures There are a number of actions that can be taken to minimize the identified impacts. Mitigation measures are selected to reduce or eliminate the severity of any predicted adverse environmental effects and improve the overall social and environmental performance of the project. Mitigation measures are mainly discussed for the construction stage since no significant operational impacts are envisaged in such projects apart from maintenance works. During the construction stage it is important to take measures to minimize dust spread, assess adjacent building condition during dewatering and excavation works and monitor groundwater shortages. Dewatering should also be carried out as per outlined in the Dewatering Regulation which came into effect from January 31st, 2014. Detailed mitigation measures are outlined in Table 13 of the report. The report also highlights Grievance redress mechanisms in Section 11.1 of the report. 1.3.3 Alternatives Given the scope of the project and the utilization of typical construction methodology and foundation types, alternatives have only been considered for method of foundation protection. Additionally, a ‘no-project’ scenario has also been considered, but not considered feasible due to the loss which would be incurred to the proponent and national economy, if this option was to be selected. Furthermore, selection of this option would also mean that the accommodation facilities which would be available after completion of the project would no longer be available. Hence given that the impacts to the environment due to the project are only minor impacts, this option has been considered not feasible. Alternatives are discussed in Section 10 of the report. Based on the assessment of work methodology, various environmental components and their associated impacts due to proposed work, the consultant, thus feels that the project is feasible. The consultant also stresses the importance of proper implementation of all mitigation measures proposed in the report and concludes that these should be in place, when the project is implemented, so as to carry out the project with minimal impact on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed dredging of harbor and entrance channel at Gdh. Fiyoari(2016-01) Maldives Energy and Environmental Company1. This report provides the finding of an environmental impact assessment conducted for a dredging project in G DH.Fiyoari, devised by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure (MHI) in accordance with the Environmental Act and EIA Regulations 2012. The report was compiled by Maldives Environment and Energy Company (MEECO) to fulfil the requirements of law. The main objective of the project is to ease accessibility to the island. 2. In recent times, the harbour in Fiyoari, has become one of the biggest contributors to the local economy. An ice plant managed and run by Kooddoo Fisheries provides ice and water to fishing vessels that regularly birth at Fiyoari. The harbour is also frequented by safari vessels enroute to the surfing point located at the western coast of Fiyoari. The demand for the harbour has resulted in the harbour becoming congested and shallow areas ‘giri’ that exist within the basin has made navigation and access difficult. 3. The proposed project encompasses dredging shallow areas from the harbour and entrance channel. The dredging is aimed at removing all the shallow areas in an area of 25,699 m2 from the harbour basin and 5,350 m2 from the entrance channel. Surveys concluded that a total of 11,800 m3 of dredge material would be obtained as a result of dredging these areas to – 3 m MSL. 4. Bathymetry surveys showed that two areas were shallower than – 3 m MSL in the proposed project area. They were a 2,642 m2 shallow giri in the harbour basin close to quay wall and a 1,650 m2 strip of shallow area at the southern side of the entrance channel. However, study area bathymetry and stakeholder consultations revealed that the proposed project area did not encompass all the significant shallow areas which were highlighted to cause navigational difficulties. Two main shallow areas were identified in the basin outside the project area which are shallower than – 3 m from MSL. These areas have been marked in the report. 5. Use of dredge material in the ongoing sports arena construction project at Fiyoari was determined to be the best option. 6. Environmental impacts were identified and assessed for both the construction phase (dredging) and operational phase of the project. The negative impacts of the project would be felt exclusively on the marine environment during the dredging phase of the project. No significant negative impacts have been identified due to the small scale of the project. Following careful evaluation of the minor negative impacts, appropriate and practical mitigation measures have been proposed to reduce these negative impacts. Significant positive impacts were identified for the implementation phase of the project. The project would not only address difficulty in navigation but it will also boost the economy of the island. Alternatives to the current scheme have also been provided in the report with their advantages and disadvantages discussed. 7. The Proponent, Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure is committed to undertake the necessary mitigation measures and monitoring during all stages of the project. The project is in line with the national development polices of the government and planned to be executed in compliance with the relevant laws and regulations of the Maldives pertaining to conservation of the environment. 8. In conclusion, this EIA has looked into the key factors that shall be taken into account during construction and operational stage of the project. Even though this project does have significant environmental impacts to the immediate marine environment, with appropriate measures, those negative effects can be mitigated to an acceptable level. It is also worth highlighting significant positive impacts that the project is expected to bring to the community would translate into improved living conditions and overall social well-being of the community.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed resort redevelopment project on K. Vilivaru, South Malé Atoll(2011-05) Adam, M. S.1. This Environmental Impact Assessment report concerns the proposed redevelopment of Vilivaru Island, south Malé Atoll, to a premium 5-star plus resort. The purpose of this EIA is to fulfill the obligations of the proponent under Clause 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law # 4/93) of the Maldives and the requirements of Maldives Tourism Regulation. This EIA establishes the current state of the existing environment on Vilivaru where the development takes place. All the activities of the development and operation are evaluated for their environmental impacts. Corrective and mitigation measures are proposed for reversing or improving the predicted potential impacts so as to maintain the overall quality of the environment. 2. Vilivaru is located in south Malé Atoll about 30 km from capital Malé. Closest islands are Biyaadhoo Resort, Cocoa Island Resort (Makunufushi), Kandooma Resort and the inhabited island of Guraidhoo. Vilivaru has been operating as resort since mid 1980s. On expiry of the lease period the island was put on tender in 2005 and was won by Mr. Athamaa Ibrahim Didi. Unfortunately the reclamations undertaken in 2006 as part the redevelopment plan was found to be illegal. A hefty fine was imposed on the developer/proponent and the authorities ordered the work be suspended. Since then the resort was left idle and abandoned. 3. The resort has now been bought by Parallax Venture Partners XV Ltd, an international firm based in Singapore, including the lease transfer from the previous owner. A major feature of the new redevelopment plan, proposed by the Parallax Venture Partners is re-shaping of the island including additional reclamation of about 35,000 m2 of the shallow reef flat on the west of the island. The new configuration of the island would cover the present disfigured shape. A visual feature of the new Vilivaru would be the two prominent headlands on the western side with long and wide beach in between. A total of 100 guest units have been proposed; 56 beach and 44 over-water villas. In addition specialty restaurants, bar and cafés gyms, swimming pool, meeting and banquet areas, and the usual back-of-the-house buildings are proposed. 4. Since the current concept plan does not intend to use any of the existing structures, a major first step would be the deconstruction of the existing buildings. Over 15 buildings need to be deconstructed and carefully disposed. It is proposed that the material will be transported to Thilafushi waste site. It is likely that the contractor may salvage some of the material that may be used for the construction of temporary structures for the work-force that needs to be deployed before the construction work begins. 5. A major development activity would be the proposed reclamation on the western side of the island. It is proposed that material would be borrowed from three sites clearly identified in the report. An excavator would remove material to 1 meter deep from the proposed areas to obtain about 125,000 m3 to be used for the reclamations and beach modification works. A series of options have been proposed to excavate the material. Where necessary it has been proposed dredging to take place with excavator mounted on flat-top barges and transport to the reclamation site. 6. The reclamation on the western side and the beach extension on the southern side would create considerable length of the beach around Vilivaru. Except for the existing seawall on the north eastern side beach areas would exist around the island. Proposal for shore protections are minimal. A rubble-mound revetment structures have been proposed on the headlands. Regular monitoring have been proposed that would allow proposing appropriate engineering solution to maintain the beaches if required. It is likely that regular nourishment of beaches would be required but the frequency and extent of these activities will precisely be known following the proposed monitoring activities. 7. Major project activities were assessed and evaluated for their impacts on the various characteristics of the environment in a Leopold Matrix framework. While the analysis does not provide an overall quantitative rating the Matrix portrays value judgments that help ascertain the magnitude and importance of the assumed impacts. On the 11 factors evaluated against 11 environmental characteristics significant impact causing activities were found to be dredging (for borrow material), reclamation (re-shaping the island) and construction activities (land and on water). These were found to be most influential and therefore appropriate mitigation measures and alternatives have been proposed. These activities were found to cause negative environmental impacts on lagoon, coral reef, coastal processes, and scenic views - essentially during the development phase. 8. For those major impacts, where possible, alternative and/or mitigation measures were proposed. The proponent is committed to taking responsibility on implementing them where practical. Alternatives have been proposed for dredging, reshaping the island, and borrow areas. 9. Environmental impacts relating to power generation and water production were emphasized as these require environmental compliance and for the new requirement of registration of these facilities at Maldives Energy Authority and Environmental Protection Agency respectively. 10. Aside from the re-shaping and increase in area of the island, the project activities are standard for any resort development in the Maldives. The contractor would be made responsible for the compliance and reporting required during the construction phase. 11. A monitoring programme has been proposed which include monitoring of shorelines, sand movement, coral cover, fish census and coastal processes. Reports are to be submitted as required during construction and operation phase. 12. Public consultations fared well for this project. The nearby resorts and particularly Guriadhoo community welcomed the redevelopment project after a long hiatus. Guraidhoo Council was very keen to interact with the proponent and/or management to see if a localization programme could be in place that would create job opportunities for locals.Item Environmental impact assessment report for the beach replenishment project at A.Dh Thundufushi Island Resort, South Ari Atoll, Maldives(2010-03) E-CAD AssociatesOutline of project This EIA report is prepared in accordance with Regulations, 2007 under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Act No. 4/93). The purpose of this EIA is to fulfill the requirement of the Law and to conduct an assessment of possible impacts on ecological, biophysical and human environment arising from proposed development project of beach replenishment in Thundufushi - A.Dh Atoll, Maldives. The project is proposed by Seagull group Private Limited, Maldives. The main construction activities of the proposed project involve obtaining sand using a conventional sand pump and filling the eroded areas on the western side of the island. The construction activities will be completed within 6 months from the start of the construction phase. The project cost is estimated as Rf 2 million. The proposed filling area is 850ft long and 50ft wide. This replenishment is aimed at regaining the lost beach areas from the island within the last few years. No concrete or any other hard material will be used as revetments to retain sand. The main operation of the within the area will be tourist recreation and sun bathing. Location of the project The proposed development project is located in the island of Thundufushi in South Ari (A.Dh) Atoll at 03° 48' 10" N and 72° 43' 40" E. The closest islands to the project location are inhabited islands of A.Dh Mandhoo approximately 8km south. The uninhabited island of Innafushi lies approximately 1.3km North of Thundufushi. Baseline environmental conditions at the project site indicated that the coral cover around the filling area was low (less than 0.5%). The coastal vegetation around the proposed development area was mainly ruh, magoo, hirundhu and dhiggaa, and does not represent any specific conservation value. Need and justification of the project Thundufushi is on the western rim of geographic Alif Atoll with a vast lagoon. The island and beach around the island remained quite stable for the past 20 years. It is until recently the erosion of beach on the western side near the arrival jetty became so grave that parts of the beach front rooms and other infrastructures have started collapsing. This had caused tremendous loss to the resort operators. Loss of beach in front of the rooms on the western side was also associated with guest complains. Therefore, to protect the island environment and the investment replenishing the lost beach is utmost important and urgent. Key impacts Key impacts of the preferred development option of the proposed project are related to a few activities of the project. These include impacts to the lagoon and reef area from sand mining and impacts due to disposal of mined sand at the eroded area. Project will also generate non-biodegradable waste including sand-pump consumables such as waste lub-oils. Negative impacts of the project are found to be insignificant in thus, justified weighed against enviro-economic positive impacts to the island and the business. Long-term ecological impacts of the proposed project can only be assessed through long-term monitoring of the entire island environment in relation to the proposed development. Mitigation measures Mitigation measures were taken by conducting appropriate field surveys and environmental assessment of the reef system. Proposed and alternative locations for obtaining sand were selected to reduce the impacts on the living reef areas of the ecosystem. Only barren sand areas which are rather far-away from the live corals were selected. Most of the sand pumping will be carried out during the low tide and in calm conditions. Any live coral colony that may be growing in the beach fill area will be replanted elsewhere where sedimentation impact will not be felt. Alternative development options Alternative for the proposed development were alternative shore protection measures such as the breakwaters, seawall, groynes and “no development” option. Alternative site for borrowing sand are also analysed for this project. It was found that any shore protection measures without beach replenishment are not viable given the critical nature of the infrastructures near the eroded areas. The alternative burrow area is at distance that would not allow economic operation of sand pumps. Environmental monitoring A comprehensive long term monitoring program was devised for this project. Main parameters to be monitored include beach profiles, water quality, coral cover near the project foot print areas and near-shore hydrodynamics around the island.Item Addendum III to environmental impact assessment for the development of a 200 bed tourist hotel on G. Dh. Magudhdhuvaa(2010-09-01) Systems Engineering and Marine ConsultingSince the beginning of the construction phase of the 200 bed resort project by Ahmet Aydeniz Pvt. Ltd. authorized by the MHTE (MEEW at the time) through a decision note (88-ES/NIMAG/ 2008/3), a number of issues have arose and a number of changes in the site plan have been made. Since some of these have an implication in terms of environmental impacts, MTDC, Ahmet Aydeniz Pvt. Ltd. and the environmental consultant were notified during a meeting with EPA that an amendment to the initial EIA should be submitted to get an authorization for these new developments. The present addendum is the third for this project, and deals with three major issues: - Due to a mis-location in the opening of the reef for the unloading area during construction works, the harbor shape has to be changed slightly to avoid a second opening in the reef crest on the eastern side - 13 additional bungalows have been granted by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and located on the eastern side of the island - The jetty on the northern side of the island will be enlarged to allow for a refreshment area The present addendum III first presents the changes brought about in the design, followed by a discussion on the environmental consequences of these changes. A summary table giving the pros and cons of the changes is finally given before concluding on the environmental appropriateness of the changes.