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Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed harbour reconstruction project in Maamendhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll(2013-02) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the proposed harbour development project in Maamendhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Housing & Infrastructure. The main rationale for the project is to improve the access facilities of Maamendhoo Island to facilitate improvement in the social and economic condition of the island. The existing harbour in the island is in urgent need of repair and maintenance. Maamendhoo harbour is used by large fishing vessels, safari boats and cargo vessels, and the of the fishing and transport sectors of the island requires expansion of the harbour facilities for access and anchorage. The project involves new and maintenance dredging of an area of 22,230 m2 to a depth of -3.0 m MSL, extension of the existing breakwater and construction of quay wall and revetments. A total area of 5,625 m2 will be reclaimed to +1.5 m (MSL) and protected using revetments. The existing harbour will be expanded by about 400 ft in length. All project activities will be in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives, and relevant international conventions that Maldives is party to. The key laws and regulations applicable to this project are: Environmental Protection and Preservation Act and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. Significant impacts of this project during construction phase of the project are the potential impact of sedimentation on the marine water quality and consequent impact on marine life, direct loss of marine life within the project footprint and the health and safety risks to construction workers. All these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation measures recommended in the report The main mitigation measures include carrying out construction activities during low tide hours and calm weather, deployment of silt screen or construction of bunds on the northern side and where appropriate to reduce sediment dispersal and avoid adverse sedimentation impacts, relocation of live coral recruits to locations with similar conditions, and proper supervision of all activities by qualified personnel. The work schedule and duration will also be planned to avoid disruptive weather conditions and complete construction activities in the shortest time possible. The alternatives evaluated for the project are dredging methods, sediment control methods, dredge waste disposal sites, alternative entrance channel and alternative harbour layout. The “No Project” option has also been explored and this option is not deemed preferable, given the current condition of the harbour and the need for expansion. The monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, coastal changes and depth variations of harbour area as well the marine water quality as these are the key areas that will be impacted from this project. The management plan for this project is designed to produce a framework for anticipated impacts, including practicable and achievable performance requirements and systems for monitoring, reporting and implementing corrective actions. In addition provide evidence of compliance to legislation, policies, guidelines and requirements of relevant authorities. In conclusion, this project has been designed in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations of Maldives. The most significant impacts are expected to be short-term impacts on the marine water quality, coral reef and lagoon bottom habitats. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts.Item Environment impact assessment for the establishment of a floating fish processing facility at Hulhumale’(2013-03) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to maintain the existing fish processing facility anchored in hulhumale harbour area. The proponent of this project is Ocean Seafood Pvt Ltd. The project is solely designed, implemented and financed by the proponent. The existing facility has all necessary facilities for fish processing. Including ice plants, desalination plants, generator sets etc.. The processing is divided into fish filleting, storing, packing and transporting to Male’ International Airport for airfreight. All project activities will be in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives, and relevant international conventions that Maldives is party to. The key laws and regulations applicable to this project are Environmental Protection and Preservation Act and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. The project site is Hulhumale’ harbour area designated for such vessels and many safari and tourist vessels are moored in this area. There environmental impacts from the project are to marine water quality and to subseuesnt marine life. The impacts are rather cumulative as sewage and waste water are expelled to lagoon by all the vessels in the area.. However, measures have been put forward to minimise moderate impacts and any unpredicted impacts and accidents. This project will generate new jobs in Male’ Region, which is a significant positive impact. The main alternatives assessed for the project are alternate sewage and waste water disposal methods, alternate site and island. “No project” option has also been considered and given the economic and environmental factors the best option would be to proceed with the project. Housing Development Cooperation (HDC), the main regulating authority in Hulhumale’. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes marine water of the site and waste generation from the facility. The management plan for this project is designed to produce a framework for anticipated impacts, including practicable and achievable performance requirements and systems for monitoring, reporting and implementing corrective actions. In addition provide evidence of compliance to legislation, policies, guidelines and requirements of relevant authorities.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed small scale experimental aquaculture development project at Thumbafushi, North Male’ Atoll(2013-05) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out the proposed experimental aquaculture of grouper at Thumbafushi, North Male’ Atoll. The proponent of this project is Mr Mohamed Moosa of Ma Champa Heaven, Maldives. The main rationale for the project is to explore the potential and feasibility of aquaculture of grouper in Maldives to expand the fishing industry in order to diversify local economy and increase foreign currency by reducing the import of reef fish into the country and exporting cultured grouper products in future. The project involves three main components: (1) physical infrastructure development, (2) import of fingerlings, (3) aquaculture activities. Key infrastructure include quarantine facilities, growout facilities, indoor Hall for RAS tanks, laboratory facilities, pump house and wastewater holding and treating facilities are among the physical infrastructure to be developed. All physical infrastructure will be developed on land. Aquaculture activities include importing fingerlings and culturing grouper to the marketable size. All project activities will be in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives, and relevant international conventions that Maldives is party to. The key laws and regulations applicable to this project are Environmental Protection and Preservation Act 1993 and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012. The proposed project site is on the north western edge of the island and the area is barren land with no vegetation. Live coral cover at the north western side of the island is low with 6-15% variation. Benthic cover is dominated with rocky basement. No unique or threatened species or habitats are found in the close proximity to the proposed project site. No marine protected areas are located within 10 km radius of the proposed project site. Significant adverse impacts of this project during construction phase of the project are anticipated to be the health and safety risks to construction workers. The potential impacts are hugely reduced with RAS system however significant impacts during operational phase include potential contamination of marine water with pathogens and impacts of biodiversity if an infected animal is released to the wild. All these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation measures recommended in the report. Key mitigation measures for the construction stage include use of desalinated water for construction and use of completing the works in shortest time possible. Use of sustainable systems (RAS) and maintaining a quarantine facility with lab facility are suggested to minimise adverse impacts during the operational stage. The alternatives evaluated for the project are alternative location, culture techniques and source of fingerlings. In addition no project alternative is also considered and this option is not deemed preferable. The monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the marine environment of the island, as well the groundwater and marine water quality as these are the key areas that may be impacted from this project in the long term. Use of chemicals and treated wastewater water from the facility will also be monitored. The management plan for this project is designed to produce a framework for anticipated impacts, including practicable and achievable performance requirements and systems for monitoring, reporting and implementing corrective actions. In addition it will provide evidence of compliance to legislation, policies, guidelines and requirements of relevant authorities. In conclusion, this project has been designed in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations of Maldives. The most significant impacts are expected to be on marine water quality and marine biodiversity due to introduction of pathogens and release of infected organism into the wild , as well as the potential risk to health and safety during construction. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to minimise these impacts. This project, if successful, is expected to provide significant beneficial socio-economic benefits.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed submerged breakwater construction at Coco Island Resort, North Male’ Atoll(2013-08) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to construct the proposed submerged seawall at Coco Island Resort, Makunufushi, South Male’ Atoll. The proponent of this project is Orchid Resorts Management Pvt Ltd, Maldives. The main rationale for the project is to reduce impact from wave, currents and propeller activity to the lobster cage of the Cocoa Island resort located on the Northern side of the island. Given the condition of the area, occasional strong current usually results in physical damage to the lobsters in the cage and in many occasions death. There is an urgent need to reduce the damage to the lobsters to make this activity viable. Thus, it is proposed to construct a 10 m long submerged seawall that would reduce the impacts. All project activities will be in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives, and relevant international conventions that Maldives is party to. The key laws and regulations applicable to this project are: Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 and the Tourism Act. The proposed project site was observed to have a pile of dead coral placed during construction phase of the resort. The area, at present, consists of dead coral. Significant impacts during construction phase of the project are the potential sedimentation, reduction in marine water quality, temporary turbidity, and subsequent impact on marine life and safety risks to construction workers. All these impacts can be minimized with proper mitigation measures recommended in the report The main mitigation measures include carrying out construction activities during low tide hours and calm weather, and proper supervision of all activities by qualified personnel. The work schedule and duration will also be planned to avoid disruptive weather conditions and complete construction activities in the shortest time possible. The alternatives evaluated include an alternative project site. The proposed site is the preferred option as this site already has dead corals and environmental damage is less compared to the alternative site. The “No Project” option has also been explored and this option is not deemed preferable, given the condition of the existing conditions. The management plan for this project is designed to produce a framework for anticipated impacts, including practicable and achievable performance requirements and systems for monitoring, reporting and implementing corrective actions. In addition, it provides evidence of compliance to legislation, policies, guidelines and requirements of relevant authorities. In conclusion, this project has been designed in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations of Maldives. The most significant impacts are expected to be short-term impacts on the marine water quality, coral reef and lagoon bottom habitats. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impactsItem Environment impact assessment for the proposed land reclamation and resort development project in Dhiffushi Reef, Kaafu Atoll(2013-06) CDE ConsultingThis Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report is an evaluation of the potential environmental impacts the proposed land reclamation and resort development project in Dhiffushi Reef, North Male’ Atoll. The proponent of this project is Mr. Hamid Ismail, H. Hirifushi, Male’ Maldives. The project contractor has not been finalised yet. The EIA consultant is CDE Consulting. Architect is Gedor Architecture, Maldives. This EIA has been developed based on the Term of Reference (ToR) issued by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on 28 February 2013. This document is submitted by the proponent to EPA to fulfil the requirements for an IEE under Article 5 of the Environment Protection and Preservation Act (4/93). The EIA Regulations 2007 have been used as the basis for developing this document. The Government of the Maldives (GOM) in its efforts to enhance the economic potential of the Maldives has been trying to speed up the planned increase in tourist bed capacity in order to meet the steady increase in tourist arrivals. So far, the construction of resorts has lagged behind and there is a need to introduce more beds as soon possible. This project forms part of the overall effort to increase bed capacity. The Male’ region with its proximity to the Male’ International Airport offers unparalleled advantages to develop certain types of tourism products. However, there are not enough islands in the Atoll or even the region to consider for new developments. Almost all available islands have been leased or handed over to relevant authorities for economic or infrastructure development. The only available option is to reclaim land from shallow reefs. A number of resorts have already been enlarged through reclamation such as One and Only Reethi Rah, the former Dhonveli Beach Resort, Sonevagili Island Resort, Paradise Island Resort, Fun Island Resort and Olhuveli Island Resort. These islands have increased their bed capacity through reclamation. There are also a number of new islands being created from land reclamation in Male’ Atoll such as Hulhumale’ Island and Gulhifalhu Island. This method is now accepted in Maldives as the main means to relieve land shortage. In 2008, the GOM decided to lease a section of the reef of Kaashidhoo Island (an inhabited island) located in Male’ Atoll. The project was opened for bidding and Mr. Ahmed Shafeeg (Ma. Nivico, Male’) won the bid. Kaashidhoo Island is one of the largest islands of Maldives located in the Kaashidhoo Channel as an Oceanic Island or a separate ‘one island” atoll. The reef area allocate for the development was northern end of the reef system. Following the award, Mr. Ahmed Shafeeg came to an agreement with Mr. Hamid Ismail to finance and build the property. Mr. Hamid Ismail has now been granted the rights to build the property. The proponent initiated studies to develop the concept plan for the resort. However, it soon became apparent that the proposed site is highly exposed to strong wave activities during both NE and SW monsoon. The cost of development was found to be extremely high due to the existing conditions on the site. There were concerns that the existing Kaashidhoo Island shoreline may also undergo drastic changes due to any reclamation in the reef. Moreover, accessibility to the island was identified as being difficult due the need to cross the notoriously rough South Kaashidhoo Channel. Given the challenges and difficulties in financing the project in Kaashidhoo Reef, the proponent requested GoM for a location change to another site in Male’ Atoll. During 2011, GoM decided to develop some of the sand banks within Male’ Atoll already leased for resort activities to be reclaimed and developed as resort islands. Under this programme, three reefs have already been finalised for reclamation. This includes ‘Navaagan Island” and Nakachchaa Huraa reef in Male’ Atoll. There were also a number of other reefs in consideration including 10 islands in one reef comprising 100 ha and 10 other islands from various locations within atoll reef (M. Solih, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism 2012, Pers. Comm, 15 Jan). Under this programme, the GoM decided to allow the proponent to switch the location to Dhiffushi Reef in Male’ Atoll. It has to be noted that this would be the first time where an island is proposed to be reclaimed from scratch to develop a resort island. Approval has also been granted to reclaim and enlarge an existing island (Kuda Viligilli) about 3 km south of the proposed site. The proposed location within the reef has been suggested by the Ministry of Tourism and the final location was fixed by the proponent in consultation with the Ministry.Item Environmental audit for registration of desalination plant at Vilamendhoo Resort, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives(2011-04) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this Environmental Audit report is to fulfill the requirements of Maldives Water and Sanitation Authority guidelines to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the registration the utility services. The project involves auditing of the existing desalination plant in Vilamendhoo Resort and Spa. Desalination system involves two plants with capacity 200 m3 per day each and two water storage tanks with a capacity of 710 m3. The seawater intake is located on the southern side of the island with a length of 170 m from the desalination plant house. The brine discharge point is located on the northern side of the island at a distance of 130 m from the desalination plant house. The structural integrity of the facilities is considered good. Noise levels are perceived as high for a mixed residential and industrial zone although it must be taken into account that space is limited and location of staff areas near plant house is inevitable. The environmental impacts associated with this project include, increased noise levels and impact on marine environment due to brine discharge. There are indirect impacts associated with consumption of energy for desalination. Power generation has the potential to degrade air quality and contributes to global warming. In addition, fuel handling related to power generation is a potential risk for ground water and soil contamination from fuel spills and leaks. Noise measurements taken during the field visit conforms to international standards while marine water quality tests show normal conditions although there are limitations in the parameters tested due to unavailability of tests at National Health Laboratory. Marine life needs to be further monitored at the brine discharge location to ascertain whether there is a long term impact from discharge of brine. Visual observation identifies no notable damage to existing vegetation around the desalination plant house and no indication of any fuel spills or leaks around the area. Groundwater quality tests that could be conducted shows that the groundwater is in good condition. Mitigation measures that are in place to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the operation of the facility include appropriate distance of brine and seawater pipes from shoreline and installation of sound attenuators to reduce the noise levels from the plant house. In order to protect the environment from potential fuel spills, proper pipelines are established and fuel storage is in bunded areas. A monitoring plan is proposed to observe any changes taking place due to the operation of desalination plant. In the event that monitoring indicates that any environmental quality is deteriorating to unacceptable levels, the proponent will correct operation procedures that are contributing to the problem and/or undertake necessary engineering installations.Item Environmental assessment on proposed beach nourishment and environmental audit on desalination and power generation activities, Vakarufalhi Island Resort, South Ari Atoll, Maldives(2011-07) SandcaysThis report is on two components including an environmental audit on existing desalination and power generation facilities and environmental impact assessment of proposed beach nourishment in Vakarufalhi Island Resort. The audit addresses the environmental concerns of the existing desalination plant and power generation facilities in Vakarufalhi Island resort. The primary objective of the audit exercise is to renew desalination plant registration. Having an environmental clearance statement is a requirement the registration of desalination plants. There is one seawater desalination plant with daily production capacity 300m3 in which feed water intake and brine concentrate discharge is on the eastern side of the island. The overall performance of the desalination plant in Vakarufalhi Island Resort is adequate and acceptable. The electrical conductivity of product water was found at 50μS/cm and no coliforms were detected from product water. The groundwater quality in terms of salinity was found at 1,700μS/cm (considered as measure of salinity); this shows the aquifer is normal. Total estimated area of proposed beach filling is at 3,140m2 with an estimated volume of sand to be filled at 4,710m3. This estimation is based on the existing beach condition at the time this survey was undertaken. A monitoring program has been outlined at the end of the report which can be implemented for environmental quality improvement and informed decision making. In particular of water quality monitoring and daily log maintenance at plant site. The overall performance of the seawater desalination facility and powerhouse in Vakarufalhi Island Resort is at adequate and acceptable condition. Key aspects of the operations are in compliance to desalination plant registration regulations in Maldives. Noise emissions meet the requirements of Maldives Energy Authority and acceptable standards. The overall environmental impacts of the proposed beach nourishment indicated that there continuous beach nourishment at Vakarufalhi does not have major adverse impacts on the environment as far as current knowledge is concerned. Given that the project has major socio-economic benefits and some environmental benefits, it is advisable to allow the project to proceed as proposed. It is also recommended to continue to monitor the impacts of the proposed project by regular monitoring of shorelines, beach profiles and nearshore currents for at least two years and communicate and feed the data into the EIA system in the country.Item Environment impact assessment for the proposed harbour extension project in Ukhulas, North Ari Atoll(2011-08) CDE ConsultingThis Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report is an evaluation of the potential environmental, socioeconomic and natural impacts of the proposed harbour extension project in Ukulhas Island, North Ari Atoll. The project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Environment (MHE) and the project contractor is MT Højgaard, Denmark. The EIA consultant is CDE Consulting. This EIA has been developed based on the Term of Reference (ToR) issued by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on 7 July 2011. This document is submitted by the proponent to EPA to fulfil the requirements for an IEE under Article 5 of the Environment Protection and Preservation Act (4/93). The EIA Regulations 2007 have been used as the basis for developing this document. The main components of the project are: − Dredging harbour extension area − Land reclamation − Construction of harbour protection and sea wall infrastructure Ukulhas is the one of the main fishing islands of North Ari Atoll. Due to the size of the fishing fleet in Ukulhas, the island has had major problems with providing safe anchorage to fishing vessels and expanding the fishing industry. The congestion within the harbour is also making it difficult for passenger vessels to access the island. Harbour expansion has been identified as priority for island development, particularly to facilitate passenger access. A harbour redevelopment project was undertaken in 2010 through a tsunami reconstruction project funded by an international agency. However, due to budget limitations the project had to be divided into two phases. The first phase involved the maintenance dredging and upgrading of quay wall and breakwater. The first phase was completed earlier this year. Funding for the second phase of the project has been secured by the Government and the second phase in now ready for implementation. The second phase mainly involves extending the harbour, as originally planned in 2010.Item Environmental audit for registration of desalination plant at Royal Island Resort & Spa, Baa Atoll(2011-04) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this Environmental Audit report is to fulfill the requirements of Maldives Water and Sanitation Authority guidelines to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the registration of the desalination plant. The project involves environmental auditing of the existing desalination plant in Royal Island Resort and Spa for registration of the desalination plant. Desalination system involves three plants with a total capacity of 330 m3 per day and one water storage tank with a capacity of 1100 tonnes. The seawater intake is located on the north‐northeast point of the island with a length of 150 m from the desalination plant house. The brine discharge point is located at the south‐southwest point of the island at a distance of 170 m from the desalination plant house. The structural integrity of the facilities is considered good. Noise levels are perceived as high for a mixed residential and industrial zone although it must be taken into account that space is limited and location of staff areas near plant house is inevitable. The environmental impacts associated with this project include, increased noise levels and impact on marine environment due to brine discharge. There are indirect impacts associated with consumption of energy for desalination. Power generation has the potential to degrade air quality and contributes to global warming. In addition, fuel handling related to power generation is a potential risk for ground water and soil contamination from fuel spills and leaks. Noise measurements taken during the field visit conforms to international standards while marine water quality tests show normal conditions. However, live coral cover in the brine discharge area was found to be low although brine discharge cannot be concluded as the cause for low level of coral cover. Visual observation identifies no notable damage to existing vegetation around the desalination plant house and no indication of any fuel spills or leaks around the area. Groundwater quality tests that could be conducted shows that the groundwater is in good condition. Mitigation measures that are in place to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the operation of the facility include appropriate distance of brine and sweater pipes from shoreline and installation of sound attenuators to reduce the noise levels from the plant house. In order to protect the environment from potential fuel spills, proper pipelines are established and fuel storage is in bunded areas. A monitoring plan is proposed to observe any changes taking place due to the operation of desalination plant. In the event that monitoring indicates that any environmental quality is deteriorating to unacceptable levels, the proponent will correct operation procedures that are contributing to the problem and/or undertake necessary engineering installations.Item Environmental audit for registration of existing desalination plant and improvement to existing football ground at Kuredu Island Resort Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives(2011-05) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this Environmental Audit report is to fulfill the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the registration of the powerhouse, desalination plant and improvement of existing football ground in Kuredu Island Resort, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives. The power generation system involves a powerhouse building that houses seven diesel fired generator sets with total capacity of 4585 KVA and a fuel storage facility with total capacity of 240,000 litres. Desalination system involves three plants with a total capacity of 210 tonnes of desalinated water per day and two water storage tanks with storing capacity of 1040 tonnes. The project involves improvements of the existing football ground which is dedicated to the staff purely for their recreational purpose. The major development proposed for this football ground is to level off the ground install drainage system. The structural integrity of the facilities is considered good. Noise levels are perceived as high for a mixed residential and industrial zone although it must be taken into account that space is limited and location of staff areas near powerhouse is inevitable. The main environmental impacts associated with this project include, increased noise levels and other emissions, potential risk for ground water and soil contamination due to fuel spills and leaks, damages to vegetation due to heat and smoke generated from the power house, potential impact on the marine environment due to brine discharge from the desalination process. Visual observation identifies no notable damage to existing vegetation around the powerhouse building and no indication of any fuel spills around the powerhouse area. Marine water quality tests identify no significant contamination. Groundwater quality tests are insufficient to draw conclusions. Improvement to the football grounds is not expected to cause significant adverse impacts. Drainage of water during operation phase will positively affect the groundwater aquifer by contributing to recharging of the aquifer. Mitigation measures that are in place to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the operation of the two facilities include planting of trees in high noise areas and improved maintenance of generator sets.In order to protect the environment from potential fuel spills, fuel storage facilities are bunded to contain any spills and proper pipelines are established for safe fuel transfers. A monitoring plan is proposed to observe any changes taking place due to the operation of powerhouse and desalination plant. In the event that monitoring indicates that any environmental quality is deteriorating to unacceptable levels, the proponent will correct operation procedures that are contributing to the problem and/or undertake necessary engineering installations.
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