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Item Environmental impact assessment for the reconstruction of Guraidhoo harbour, Thaa Atoll, Maldives(2016-04) Maldives Energy and Environmental CompanyThe Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure requested the services of Maldives Energy and Environmental Company (MEECO) to provide an Environmental Impact Study (EIA) for the re-construction of harbour at Guraidhoo Island, Thaa Atoll. The assessment addresses specific key issues stated in the Terms of Reference (TOR) as agreed between EPA and the Proponent following the Scoping Meeting held on the matter. This EIA report was prepared for the fulfilment of the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2012 with the purpose of conducting an assessment of possible impacts on biophysical and human environment arising from proposed development project. The project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure, Maldives. The proposed harbour reconstruction project include the following components; 1. Reconstruction of improved breakwaters for harbour basin and entrance channel; 2. Reconstruction of improved main quay wall and a side quay wall; 3. Maintenance dredging of the harbour; 4. Extension of the harbour basin; 5. Reclamation of small area of land by dredge sediment disposal; 6. Construction of revetments on a 14m section for the newly reclaimed land; 7. Installation of navigational lights. The present harbour facility at the Guraidhoo Island is greatly damaged and is not serving its intended function of providing safe access to the island and safe mooring of vessels. Additionally, the size of the harbour is identified as inadequate for the present need and expected economic growth of the island. The harbour forms a key part in many livelihood activities of the island and is frequently used by passenger and cargo vessels as well as vessels travelling to and from Laamu atoll. Hence, the improvement of harbour facility will greatly benefit the island community while also enabling future economic development at the island. The proposed project is not expected to cause any long term major irreversible environmental impacts, though few temporary impacts during the construction phase is expected. These impacts can be successfully mitigated by following the measures recommended in this EIA. The construction phase of the project is also expected to present several negative socio-cultural and economic impacts, which can also be mitigated by following measures presented in this EIA. Since the successful operation of the ice plant facility present at the island, after the reconstruction of the harbour is seen as a major economic benefit to island as well as protection of the private property of the business must be ensured when implementing the proposed project, it is highly recommended that the necessary relocation of the ice plant’s pump station and the pipeline is resolved before implementing the proposed project by following the proposed mitigation measures in this report. Overall, the project is expected to yield major positive impacts in socio-cultural and economic sector when the new harbour comes into operation. Based on the results of the assessments, this EIA study concludes that with the proposed mitigation in place, the project is justifiable, would be environmentally acceptable and could proceed in compliance with the relevant environmental legislations and regulations. In this EIA, the consultants have proposed an Environmental management plan to ensure that the construction phase of the project does not cause major unexpected impacts on the environment as well as to ensure that the proposed measures are working effectively to safeguard the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for harbor extension works at Fares-Maathodaa, Gdh. Atoll(2016-04) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupBackground The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed harbour extension works at Fares-Maathodaa, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. The proponent of the proposed project is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The total estimated cost of this project is USD 843,060. The proposed project involves extension of the existing facility (which lies on the northern side of the island) by addition of 61m (along its length) to the eastern side of the facility. The project also involves construction of the main quay wall along the extension area and a sand bund breakwater along the outer boundary. Dredged material sourced will be disposed along the shoreline to the east of extension area. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment have been considered for the constructional phase and post constructional phase of the project. These impacts have been identified through interviews with the project management team, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant in similar development projects. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. The impacts identified are described according to their location, probability of impact, magnitude, significance and duration. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are irreversible in nature. Impact analysis showed that the main impact due to the project was during the construction phase, due to dredging activity. This impact was also anticipated to be of low effect due to the location (shallow intertidal area with seagrass beds) and scale of project (even though loss of seagrass beds from project site is a permanent impact). Overall, impacts identified were found to be of low effect and restricted to the project site, with temporary effects. Positive impact due to the project is the availability of a bigger and more planned area (dedicated area for unloading and passenger use) for use by the numerous vessels of the island and those who visit the island. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, such as limiting dredging activity to low tide phase to reduce possible sedimentation impacts. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Given the scope of the project and need alternative has only been considered for the material to be used for breakwater construction and location of extension. The no-project scenario which was also considered, is not feasible, given the scope of project and associated impacts on environment which are which are mainly of low effect and short term. The benefits on continuation of project outweigh the impacts and hence the no-project scenario is not considered a feasible option. The Consultant feels that the project is feasible with proper implementation of the mitigation measures proposed to minimize the impact on the environment. Stakeholder Consultation Stakeholder consultation was undertaken with Island Council regarding the concept drawing formulated by MHI. The council stated that they require a side quay wall to be included in the eastern side and if excess dredged material is available back filling areas where erosion is observed. Based on the stakeholder consultation, MHI agreed to change the concept design to include a side quay wall at the eastern side. The revised final drawing is provided in Appendix 5 of this report.Item Third addendum to the environmental impact assessment for the proposed Hulhulé-Malé bridge project(2016-05) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to assess the potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures for the proposed changes to the Hulhulé-Malé Bridge project. This document is an addendum to the original Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prepared for the Bridge project in November 2015. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The addendum is prepared to address the need to use Gulhifalhu NE reef flat to temporarily store large steel structures (Steel Pipe Piles, and Steel Casings) of the bridge. The main rationale for selecting this lagoon is the short distance to the project site, availability of space, access to deep water and relatively calms sea conditions to safely store the structures. The pipes will be removed in 7-8 months. The main reason why the piles have to be stored is due to the difficulties in holding a chartered barge for a 7 month period to store the pipes. The study area of this project considers the proposed storage site in Gulhifalhu Lagoon and surrounding areas that are likely to be affected by the proposed changes. The site has been affected by past reclamation activities and human activities. The site is also earmarked for future reclamation. The proposed developments are generally in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives. The key impacts from the proposed changes are on the marine water quality, marine biodiversity within the pipeline footprint, and health and safety risks to workers. A number of mitigation measures are proposed for the most significant impacts from the project. These include ensuring only licensed, well-qualified and experienced personnel operate vessels and machineries; undertaking unloading and loading works in calm sea conditions; ensuring strict health and safety measures are followed at site; and to place the pipe fully and perpendicular to the reef flat. Alternative site was assessed to store the steel structures, at Thilafushi Reef Flat, Hulhumale Reef flat and Hulhule reef. The Hulhumale’ site is not suitable due to flight path restrictions and proximity to resorts. Hulhule site does not have enough space and there is too much marine activity in the area. Thilafushi site is suitable but when compared to Gulhifalhu site the distance to bridge site is longer and is more exposed to SW monsoon conditions. All sites have similar environmental impacts. Thus, the proposed Gulhifalhu site was preferred. Gulhifalhu Investment Limited (GIL) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were they key stakeholders consulted for this addendum. The key recommendations from GIL were to take all practical measures to avoid and minimize damage to the reef, and to ensure that the pipes do not block the entrance channel to Gulhifalhu located on the eastern side of the reef. The main recommendations by EPA were to plan all works according to approved EIA and addendums. If any additional components are required to properly follow the EIA procedure. All works conducted outside the scope of the approved EIA reports must be presented as an audit in this addendum. EPA also recommended assessment of Hulhulé site as an alternative for storage of the proposed steel structures. This report is prepared in accordance to the technical guidelines and EIA regulations, prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the terms of reference issued by the EPA for this EIA addendum.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed water supply system in Vilufushi, Thaa Atoll(2016-07) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to install the proposed Water Production Supply System at Vilufushi, Thaa. Atoll. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Environment and Energy. The main rationale for the project is to improve the health condition and quality of life of residents of Th.Vilufushi by establishing a proper potable water supply system that will provide clean and safe water for the residents of Vilufushi. The project is intended at providing an integrated water supply system covering rainwater and desalinated water production and supply. The proposed project involves installation and establishment of two 6,500 litres/hour reverse osmosis plant systems that consist of construction of tube well to supply raw water for the RO plants, construction of elevated water storage tanks, construction of brine discharge outfall and house connections. Furthermore, the project aims at laying of separate pipe networks for water distribution, rainwater collection and rainwater treatment system. Duration of the project is approximately 18 months. Currently the island population sources water from shallow wells constructed at individual households or in public areas. This is supplemented by collection of rainwater. These methods provide inadequate quantity and unacceptable quality due to the over abstraction and the unreliability of rainwater harvesting. 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, Desalination Systems Regulations, and Waste Management Regulation 2013. The existing condition of the island and the proposed RO plant site was assessed for this report. Assessments conducted include marine assessments at the proposed brine outfall and alternative outfall locations. Groundwater quality and baseline noise level measurements were also taken. The assessments showed that there is no marine protected or environmentally sensitive site in the area and locations proposed for brine outfall showed mostly dead rock and rubble. The assessment shows that the RO systems can be developed on the island with limited implications on the environment. The assessment shows that the proposed developments involve significant impacts on the marine environment due to brine outfall construction, brine discharge, ground excavation and operation of vehicles and machinery. The project also involves moderately significant health and safety risks due to equipment handling and pollution. However, the predicted impacts can be minimized considerably with the proposed mitigation measures. Significant impacts of operation stage include marine degradation due to brine discharge, increased GHG emissions due to RO plant and operation of pumps stations, and increased cost of living due to additional cost in purchasing water. The assessment shows that the proposed project has many positive impacts including improved quality and accessibility to potable water, protection of groundwater aquifer, reduction of water related disaster risk, and increased employment and business opportunities The alternatives evaluated for the project is the alternative brine outfall location. The “No Project” option has also been explored and this option is not deemed preferable, given the current condition of portable water. An alternative site for brine outfall on the southwest corner was also explored against the present option and the alternative option was recommended. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, ground and marine water quality as these are the key areas that will be impacted from this project. Monitoring costs is estimated at USD 5,000 per annum. 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. Stakeholder consultations were held with Vilufushi Island council, FENAKA, Vilufushi public and Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. A willingness-to-pay survey was also conducted during field assessments. Both Vilufushi Island Council and public highlighted the need for a potable water supply system on the island. Vilufushi public is also willing to pay for the service. Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure stated they have laid duct lines to facilitate pipeline installations. Since the roads are already sealed with asphalt the public and the Council would like to see the road resealed to the original state of the road. In conclusion, this project has been designed in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations of Maldives but requires final approval from EPA for the detailed drawings. The most significant impacts are expected to be short-term impacts for the construction phase. Operational stage impacts are mainly limited to brine outfall location and emission due to power generation. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts. Overall, the project will have positive impacts to the island community of Vilufushi.Item Environmental impact assessment for the establishment of a water bottling plant at State Electric Company Limited (STELCO)(2016-03) 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 ‘Establishment of a Water Bottling Plant Project’ at State Electric Company (STELCO), Male’. The proponent of this project is State Electric Company Limited (STELCO). This project mainly involves establishing a bottling plant on STELCO’s main premise in Male’ city with a production capacity of 6000 bottles per day. A prefabricated building has been assembled on site to house the bottling plant. The project will be using the existing desalination plant at STELCO. All project activities are 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, Hygiene Regulation for Food Establishments 2014 and Waste Management Regulation 2013. The proposed site for the installation of the bottling plant is located on the main premises allocated to STELCO on the southern end of Male’. Proposed project activities do not require any major alterations to the terrestrial and marine environment. The most significant impact from this project is the increase in plastic waste. The proponent is looking into the prospects of a recycling venture for their bottles to mitigate this impact. This project will generate new jobs in Male’, which is a significant positive impact. The main alternatives assessed for the project are alternative bottling materials and alternative site for establishing the bottling plant. “No project” option has also been considered and given the economic and environmental factors the best option would be to proceed with the project. Stakeholder consultations were conducted with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA). EPA’s main concern was to get the desalination plant of STELCO registered at EPA before starting the bottling process. MFDA did not have any major concerns but advised to carryout the necessary water quality assessments. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) 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. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the physical environment as well as operational aspects of the resort.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed design and build basis for water supply network, ground storage tanks and reverse osmosis plant, allied works based on integrated water resource approach in R. Meedhoo, Maldives(2016-08) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to install the proposed Water Production Supply System at Meedhoo, Raa Atoll. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Environment and Energy. The main rationale for the project is to improve the health condition and quality of life of residents of Meedhoo Island by establishing a proper potable water supply system that will provide clean and safe water for the residents of Meedhoo. The project is intended at providing an integrated water supply system covering rainwater and desalinated water production and supply. The proposed project involves installation and establishment of two 40 m3 reverse osmosis plant systems that consists construction of a borehole to supply raw water for the RO plants, construction of elevated water storage tanks, construction of brine discharge outfall and house connections. An area of 9,557 sq ft has been approved and given to the proponent for this project. The project will also install the required water storage tanks including 500 m3 storage tank for desalinated water and 1,000 m3 storage tank for rainwater. The project aims at laying of separate pipe networks for water distribution, rainwater collection and rainwater treatment system. Duration of the project is approximately 11 months. Currently the island population sources water from shallow wells constructed at individual households or in public areas. This is supplemented by collection of rainwater. These methods provide inadequate quantity and unacceptable quality due to the over abstraction and the unreliability of rainwater harvesting. 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, Desalination Systems Regulations, and Waste Management Regulation 2013. The existing condition of the island and the proposed RO plant site was assessed for this report. Assessments conducted include marine assessments at the proposed brine outfall and alternative outfall locations. Groundwater quality and baseline noise level measurements were also taken. The assessments showed that there is a marine protected area within 11 km from the island. Marine assessments indicated that the proposed outfall location is mainly composed of dead coral. The assessment shows that the RO systems can be developed on the island with limited implications on the environment. The assessment shows that the proposed developments involve significant impacts on the marine environment due to brine outfall construction, brine discharge, ground excavation and operation of vehicles and machinery. The project also involves moderately significant health and safety risks due to equipment handling and pollution. However, the predicted impacts can be minimized considerably with the proposed mitigation measures. Significant impacts of operation stage include marine degradation due to brine discharge, increased GHG emissions due to RO plant and operation of pumps stations, and increased cost of living due to additional cost in purchasing water. The assessment shows that the proposed project has many positive impacts including improved quality and accessibility to potable water, protection of groundwater aquifer, reduction of water related disaster risk, and increased employment and business opportunities The alternatives evaluated for the project is the alternative brine outfall location. The “No Project” option has also been explored and this option is not deemed preferable, given the current condition of portable water. An alternative site for brine outfall was also explored, but given the advantages associated with the proposed outfall, it is the preferred option. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, ground and marine water quality as these are the key areas that will be impacted from this project. Monitoring costs is estimated at Rf 75,000 per annum. 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. Stakeholder consultations were held with Meedhoo Island council, FENAKA, Meedhoo public, Health Protection Agency and Environmental Protection Agency. A willingness-to-pay survey was also conducted during field assessments. Both Meedhoo Island Council and public highlighted the need for a potable water supply system on the island and are in favour for the project. Majority of the people consulted wish to pay as per usage. HPA, currently does not have any regulations for quality of potable water, however they stressed the importance of disinfecting and treating water prior to releasing to the supply network. EPA advised on ways to implement the project and its components. In conclusion, this project has been designed in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations of Maldives but requires final approval from EPA for the detailed drawings. The most significant impacts are expected to be short-term impacts for the construction phase. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts. Overall, the project will have positive impacts to the island community of MeedhooItem Environmental impact assessment for the proposed water supply system in L. Fonadhoo(2016-06) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to establish the proposed Water Supply System at Fonadhoo, Laamu Atoll. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Environment and Energy (MEE). Project contractor is Sierra Construction Private Limited. The main rationale for the project is to enhance the quality of services and quality of life of residents of L. Fonadhoo by establishing a proper potable water supply system that will provide clean and safe water for the residents of L.Fonadhoo. The project is intended at providing an integrated water supply system covering rainwater and desalinated water production and supply. The project is expected to be completed in 12 months. The proposed project involves installation and establishment of two 150cbm/day reverse osmosis plant systems, construction of two boreholes to supply water for the RO plants, construction of RO plant building, construction of water storage tanks, construction of brine discharge outfall, preparation of catchment areas, establishment of water treatment systems, laying of pipe networks for water distribution and rainwater collection, and household connections. Currently the island population sources water from shallow wells constructed in individual households or in public areas (e.g. a mosque). This is supplemented by collection of rainwater. These methods provide inadequate quantity and unacceptable quality due to the over abstraction, pollution from the existing sewage disposal system of septic tanks and the unreliability of rainwater harvesting. 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, Desalination Systems Regulations, and Waste Management Regulation 2013. The proposed location for RO plant is a reclaimed area with ground cover species such as grasses and few shrubs. No trees of significant importance are required to be removed for this project. Marine surveys conducted at the proposed brine outfall location showed that the area is made up of a thick sea grass bed. No coral colonies were observed within this area. Current flow on the western lagoon, where brine outfall is proposed to be located, is expected to be low for most part of the year. This may lead to flushing issues during some periods of the year. The assessment shows that the RO systems can be developed on the island with limited implications on the environment. The assessment shows that the proposed developments involve significant impacts on the marine environment and terrestrial environment due to brine outfall construction, brine discharge, ground excavation and operation of vehicles and machinery. The project also involves moderately significant health and safety risks due to equipment handling and pollution. However, the predicted impacts can be minimized considerably with the proposed mitigation measures. Significant impacts of operation stage include marine degradation due to brine discharge, increased GHG emissions due to RO plant and operation of pumps stations, and increased cost of living due to additional cost in purchasing water. The assessment shows that the proposed project has many positive impacts including improved quality and accessibility to potable water, protection of groundwater aquifer, reduction of water related disaster risk, and increased employment and business opportunities The alternatives evaluated for the project are „No Project‟ alternative and alternative brine outfall locations. The “No Project” option is not deemed preferable, given the disadvantages of existing situation of potable water in the island. Two alternative sites were explored as brine outfall locations, both in the same location as the proposed outfall location but with different lengths; (i) outfall pipe 700m from the site and (ii) 350m from the site. Alternative option 2 is preferred. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, terrestrial environment, the ground and 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. Stakeholder consultations for this EIA were conducted with Fonadhoo Island Council, Fonadhoo Utility and Telecommunications providers, public of Fonadhoo, and National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT). In general, all stakeholders consulted were supportive of the proposed project. The island council and public expressed strong expectations from the project. 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 for the construction phase. Operational stage impacts are mainly limited to brine out fall location and emission due to power generation. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed water supply system in Guraidhoo, Kaafu Atoll(2016-07) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to install the proposed Water Production Supply System at Guraidhoo, Kaafu. Atoll. The proponent of this project is State Electric Company Limited. The main rationale for the project is to improve the health condition and quality of life of residents of K.Guraidhoo by establishing a proper potable water supply system that will provide clean and safe water for the residents of Guraidhoo. The project is intended at providing an integrated water supply system covering rainwater and desalinated water production and supply. The proposed project involves the establishment of an integrated water resource management system using the existing RO plant and rainwater harvesting system. The project will integrate the existing 2 RO plants of capacity 30 m3 per day to the water supply network. The project also involves establishment water supply network system and water storage tanks. Consequently, a 502 m3 RO tank will be established and rainwater holding tank of 1,007 m3 will be established. The project will utilise the existing borehole and brine outfall line for the project. Duration of the project is approximately 12 months. An area of 11,128.22 sq ft has been approved to implement the project. Currently the island population sources water from shallow wells constructed at individual households or in public areas. This is supplemented by collection of rainwater. These methods provide inadequate quantity and unacceptable quality due to the over abstraction and the unreliability of rainwater harvesting. 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, Desalination Systems Regulations, and Waste Management Regulation 2013. The existing condition of the island and the existing RO plant site was assessed for this report. Assessments conducted include marine assessments at the existing brine outfall and alternative outfall location. Groundwater quality and baseline noise level measurements were also taken. The assessment shows that the water supply system can be developed on the island with limited implications on the environment. The assessment shows that the proposed developments involve significant impacts on the marine environment due to brine outfall construction, brine discharge and operation of vehicles and machinery. The project also involves moderately significant EIA for the proposed Water Supply System in Guraidhoo, Kaafu Atoll Prepared by: CDE Consulting Page|xiii health and safety risks due to equipment handling and pollution. However, the predicted impacts can be minimized considerably with the proposed mitigation measures. Significant impacts of operation stage include marine degradation due to brine discharge, increased GHG emissions due to RO plant and operation of pumps stations, and increased cost of living due to additional cost in purchasing water. The assessment shows that the proposed project has many positive impacts including improved quality and accessibility to potable water, protection of groundwater aquifer, reduction of water related disaster risk, and increased employment and business opportunities The alternatives option were evaluated for the no project option and alternative brine outfall location. The “No Project” option is deemed infeasible, given the current condition of portable water. An alternative site for brine outfall was also explored, but given the advantages associated with the existing outfall, it is the preferred option. Recommendations have been made to use an alternative if plant size is expanded substantially. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, ground and marine water quality as these are the key areas that will be impacted from this project. Monitoring costs is estimated at USD 5,000 per annum. 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. Stakeholder consultations were held with Guraidhoo Island council, Guraidhoo public and Health Protection Agency. A willingness-to-pay survey was also conducted during field assessments. Both Guraidhoo Island Council and public are in favour of this project. Guraidhoo public is also willing to pay for the service. HPA, currently does not have any regulations for quality of potable water, however they stressed the importance of disinfecting and treating water prior to releasing to the supply network. In conclusion, this project has been designed in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations of Maldives but requires final approval from EPA for the detailed drawings. The most significant impacts are expected to be short-term impacts for the construction phase. Operational stage impacts are mainly limited to brine outfall location and emission due to power generation. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts. Overall, the project will have positive impacts to the island community of Guraidhoo.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed water supply system in HA. Dhihdhoo(2016-07) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to establish the proposed Water Supply System at Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Environment and Energy (MEE). Project contractor is Sierra Construction Private Limited. The main rationale for the project is to enhance the quality of services and quality of life of residents of Ha.Dhidhdhoo by establishing a proper potable water supply system that will provide clean and safe water for the residents of Ha.Dhidhdhoo. The project is intended at providing an integrated water supply system covering rainwater and desalinated water production and supply. The project is expected to be completed in 12 months. The proposed project involves installation and establishment of two 220 cbm/day reverse osmosis plant systems, construction of two boreholes to supply water for the RO plants, construction of RO plant building, construction of water storage tanks, construction of brine discharge outfall, preparation of catchment areas, establishment of water treatment systems, laying of pipe networks for water distribution and rainwater collection, and household connections. Currently the main sources of water in the island are shallow wells constructed in individual households or in public areas (e.g. a mosque). This is supplemented by collection of rainwater. These methods provide inadequate quantity and unacceptable quality due to the over abstraction, pollution from past sewage disposal system of septic tanks and the unreliability of rainwater harvesting. A reverse osmosis desalination plant of capacity 10 ton is in operation, but the production capacity of this plant is not sufficient to meet the public water demand. 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, Desalination Systems Regulations, and Waste Management Regulation 2013. The proposed site is located on the northern side of the island just within the old vegetation line. The site is comprised of beach vegetation mainly and has not been used in the past for any purpose. No trees of significant importance are required to be removed for this project. Marine surveys conducted at the proposed brine outfall location showed that the area is made up of mainly dead corals with sparsely distributed juvenile coral patches. No major live coral colonies were observed within this area. Current flow on the northeast corner, where brine outfall is proposed to be located, is expected to be high for most part of the year. The assessment shows that the RO systems can be developed on the island with limited implications on the environment. The assessment shows that the proposed developments involve significant impacts on the marine environment and terrestrial environment due to brine outfall construction, brine discharge, ground excavation and operation of vehicles and machinery. The project also involves moderately significant health and safety risks due to equipment handling and pollution. However, the predicted impacts can be minimized considerably with the proposed mitigation measures. Significant impacts of operation stage include marine degradation due to brine discharge ,increased GHG emissions due to RO plant and operation of pumps stations, and increased cost of living due to additional cost in purchasing water. The assessment shows that the proposed project has many positive impacts including improved quality and accessibility to potable water, protection of groundwater aquifer, reduction of water related disaster risk, and increased employment and business opportunities The alternatives evaluated for the project are „No Project‟ alternative and alternative brine outfall locations. The “No Project” option is not deemed preferable, given the disadvantages of existing situation of potable water in the island. An alternative site was explored as brine outfall locations, by reducing the length of the outfall. Due to better flushing, the proposed longer option was preferred. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the coral reef environment of the island, terrestrial environment, the ground and 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. Stakeholder consultations for this EIA were conducted with Didhdhoo Island Council, Dhidhdhoo FENAKA Office, public of Dhidhdhoo, and Health Protection Agency (HPA). In general, all stakeholders consulted were supportive of the proposed project. 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 for the construction phase. Operational stage impacts are mainly limited to brine out fall location and emission due to power generation. However, mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimise these significant impacts.Item First addendum to the environmental impact assessment for the proposed harbour project in Nilandhoo, Faafu Atoll, Maldives(2016-07) SandcaysThis is the first Addendum to the EIA for the harbour project being undertaken in Nilandhoo, Faafu Atoll. The project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The project constitutes dredging of a large harbour for the people of Nilandhoo while at the same time creating land using dredged sand including additional dredging for proposed reclamation of 10hectares of land for housing and infrastructure development including semiindustrial activities. An environmental assessment was undertaken for this project in Nov 2015, which has been subsequently approved. According to the EIA report, the objective of the harbour project is to provide a sizeable harbour to accommodate the increasing number of vessels in the island and to restore the usability of the harbour that has been filled over time with the breakwater being damaged, especially following the tsunami of 2004. The harbour on the northeast side is too small given that Nilandhoo has a lot of large fishing vessels and has been serving as the regional hub with fuelling services established on the old (tsunamidamaged) harbour on the northwest. This addendum addresses the modification to the location of the borrow area. One of the main concerns is that the performance of the dredger is affected due to having to pump up to 1km from the borrow to the fill area. Therefore, it has been considered important to move the dredge (borrow) area closer to the fill area in order to enhance dredging performance and achieve cost-effectiveness. During the first Scoping Meeting, which was cancelled by EPA stating that the project justifications were not clear, EPA identified that the borrow area needs to be moved as far as possible from the proposed quaywall as there may be stability issues. Taking this concern into consideration, further alternatives to the borrow area were also considered by the Proponent in consultation with the Contractor and the representatives of Nilandhoo people. During discussions with the Council and people of Nilandhoo, they have raised concern regarding the need to protect the proposed harbour, which would involve huge costs if the proposed option were adopted although it had been mentioned in the original EIA that harbour protection will be considered in the future. Therefore, in order to reduce the overall cost of the proposed project and to increase the usability of the proposed harbour even during rough southwest monsoon, appropriate alternatives were considered to the harbour design as well although it is beyond the scope of this EIA. A number of alternatives to the proposed harbour design was considered in the original EIA report. Of these, the option of upgrading the existing harbour on the northwest has been given due consideration in the light of improving on social concerns related to limitations in land reclamation. An alternative analysis that have been done in the original EIA and during the current Addendum indicated that the preferred alternative to redesign the existing harbour would have several advantages over the proposed especially the ease of use during rough southwest monsoon while leaving the possibility of an external quaywall if it becomes necessary at a later stage. However, some stakeholders believe that the proposed option has advantages over the preferred alternative as it has better opportunities for future expansion and growth of the economic potential of the island. Some of the other alternatives considered in the original EIA report including the expansion of existing harbour on the northeast to the northwest has cost advantages while it has restrictions over future expansion that the recommended alternative in this Addendum provides. Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operational phases of the project. Most of the direct, negative environmental impacts identified for the construction phase of the project were minor negative; the main impact being the impact on sedimentation from the proposed borrow area to the coral colonies in the vicinity and more importantly sedimentation during the filling of the proposed fill areas, which have already been covered in the original EIA report. Therefore, the impact of dredging has been considered in this Addendum. The main impact arising from the proposed new dredge area is the damage to the inner reef as a result of the dredging. There was a concern relating to the closeness of the dredge area to the proposed quaywall and the potential failure of the structure due to a collapse of the sides of the dredged basin. However, since the dredged basin would need to be dredged to less than 4m from the existing seabed, which is less than 6m in depth at present, there should not be such a problem. Only a few berths or quaywalls just adjacent to the reef edge dropping to 30m suddenly have failed whereas the proposed structure is over 110m from the dredge area, which will be dredged to only about 10m and not more than 13m under the current proposal. Furthermore, most of the naturally deep lagoon areas in similar islands would be about 10m in the middle areas with some areas having 15m depths. Therefore, the direct removal of some of the corals due to proposed option can be avoided by not dredging from the inner reef flat areas but the deep lagoon only, as in the proposed alternative. Reclamation of land considering current and future potential use is a favoured development activity in many islands today. However, based on the experience of most of the land reclaimed in many islands, the cost recovery of the project is low and taxpayers have reason to question the outcome of the project. Yet, if the project objectives were achieved by renting the reclaimed land for semi-industrial activities and housing developments, it may be a justifiable cost. It is sad to note that the proposed reclaimed land has yet to find itself a landuse plan and development scenario after several months of EIA approval that had passed by. This is a cause for concern in terms of the afore-mentioned socio-economic impact of the project, although it is beyond the scope of the EIA. If the land is appropriately managed, the project is considered to have several socio-economic benefits that will certainly outweigh the negative environmental impacts, which are of low significance. Although the impacts are not significant due to the absence of sensitive ecological elements that would be directly impacted, some project-specific mitigation measures have been discussed. These include consideration of the preferred alternative (which is also the or one of the alternatives discussed in the original EIA report) to mitigate the impacts of wave activity at the proposed quaywall, to consider shore protection as the reclamation progresses to minimize erosion and to move any live corals that may be directly affected into safer locations. General mitigation measures, involving appropriate construction management such as working during low-tide as much as possible and rigorous supervision during project implementation are also recommended. It is recommended to carry out regular monitoring as proposed in this Addendum, which replaces the monitoring programme given and approved in the original EIA report. It would be important to assess the movement of the sediment plume regularly and to ensure that sediment plume does not severely affect the reef areas. Turbidity levels are expected to be measured within the sedimentation zone on a regular basis up to 6 months after the project. In conclusion, it appears justified, from a technical and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed project. Since alternatives have not been considered or discussed with the relevant stakeholders including the Council, it is recommended to consider all potential alternatives, including those identified by the EIA Consultants, before proceeding with the project. The preferred alternative borrow areas including the existing harbour on the northwest is recommended.