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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 the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Mulah Island, Meemu Atoll, Maldives(2016-11) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfill obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed setup of the sewerage system (hereafter referred to as the project) in Mulah island, Meemu Atoll, Maldives. The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored and corrective measures can be undertaken. The proposed project aims to establish an island wide sewerage collection and disposal system. At present household wastewater is disposed on site by the use of septic tanks and this has contributed to the contamination of the groundwater to a state that it cannot be utilized for any portable use. The project therefore involves the following components: a) Installation of an island wide sewage collection network. b) Installation of new catch pits for each house / institution. c) Construction of pump stations in strategic locations to collect and convey raw sewage from the households and to the final disposal station. d) Construction of a sea outfall to discharge the sewage into deep sea. The proposed project will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur on the near shore environments resulting from potential private outfall connections in the future that may arise as a result of groundwater pollution from septic tanks. The project is expected to bring several positive impacts on the environmental quality of the island and the surrounding reef. Particularly, the most significant benefit would be achieved through improvement in the bacteriological quality of the groundwater. The health benefits of the project are also worthy of noting as the improvement in water quality are going to bring significant health benefits to the community. At present, the people of the island risk contracting sin and water borne diseases due to the potential contamination of groundwater that escalates to various levels throughout the year. Children are particularly at higher risk and continue to pose a threat to human development and well-being of the islanders. Environmental impacts and mitigation measures Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, impacts are likely to occur on the marine and terrestrial environment (groundwater) as the proposed project does necessitate construction of an outfall. Most of the impacts during the construction period are impacts related to construction waste, dust emission, damage to the reef during sea outfall construction and noise as well as disruption to the daily life of islanders due to construction activities. During the operational stage of this project, there will be both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include the improvement of the ground water quality of the island. Negative impacts include the increased in extraction of groundwater for toilet flushing. This project does foresee some negative impacts even during the construction stage but is geared towards improving the overall environmental quality of the island, most notably the environmental health. The project does not pose serious threats to the marine or terrestrial environment and will directly benefit the environment and the community, both in the short and long term. Minor negative impacts with varying significance will occur as the project is implemented such as dust emissions during pipe laying work and some reef damage during the process of outfall construction. The pump stations have also been placed around the various locations in the island, some requiring removal of trees while others does not foresee much tree removal. The project will benefit the community and the island in the long term. It is important to ensure that the project implementation is carried in a sustainable manner and in such the sewerage system can be maintained in a cost effective manner as and when required.Item Environmental impact assessment for the development of tuna purchasing and storage facility, GA. Raaverrehaa, North Huvadhu Atoll(2016-01) Riyaz, Mahmood; Adam, M. Shiham1- This is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for proponent ̶ Ensis Fisheries Pvt. Ltd. ̶ to develop and operate fish purchase and storage facility in Raaverrehaa North Huvadhu Atoll. The EIA was prepared as partial fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry Fisheries and Agriculture (MoFA) for acquiring permission for the Project. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of development projects is a requirement by the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) (law 4/93) of the Government of the Republic of Maldives. 2- This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy in 2012 and covers both negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed project. Major findings of this report are based on information gathered during the field inspection of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, and ongoing similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives and through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere. 3- Initially the proposed development was planned in Ga. Kedheraa Island and environmental Decision Statement was obtained to go ahead with the project. Shifting the planned development to Raaverrehaa was decided based on strategic analysis of the development, which found potential operational disadvantages that may impede smooth operation of the facility. Most importantly lack of shallow reef space to develop a harbour, which is an important infrastructure for the facility, remoteness of the island and being far from the airport and major fishing islands are also some of the shortcomings of Kedheraa. 4- The proposed activity will take place on Raaverrehaa Island and surrounding Falhu. Ga. Raaverrehaa Island is an uninhabited found on the North Eastern side of Huvadhu Atoll located at the periphery in an elongated, N-S oriented reef platform measuring a length of 20 km is shared by multiple islands. The reef is shared by three more islands including Villingili Island. The eastern part of the reef extends in the form shallow lagoon into eastern rim of the Atoll. The elongated-oval-shaped island of Raaverrehaa is lying in the western half of the reef. The coral reef system of Raaverrehaa is 20km long and the width is 0.8-1.8km. Reef perimeter is 43km and the area is approximately 25sqkm. The distance from the edge of the beach to the reef edge in both eastern and western sides is fairly consistent measured approximately 1km on the east and 400m on the western side. Raaverrehaa is an elongated-oval shape, N-S oriented island, with a length of 415m and width 100-119m and has an area of 4.7 ha. Average depth of the reef flat is less than -1 to -0.5m m from MSL. 5- Major operation that will be undertaken in Raaverrehaa Island will be loading/unloading storage and transportation of fish to Ensis processing facilities located in Hulhumalé Island. The facility will have 500 tonnes cold storage capacity and will produce ice needed for the fishermen to keep the fish fresh until they reach the storage facility from the fishing grounds. Necessary infrastructure needed to operate the facility will be developed on the island including the accommodation facilities for the staff working on the island. Electricity and water required for operations will be produced in the island. 100x3 KvA generator sets will be will be installed at the powerhouse to provide the electricity needed for the island. Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination plants with total production capacity of 40MT per day will be installed to provide necessary water requirement for the operations. The proponent will ensure that the powerhouse and desalination plant implies with the relevant regulations. The exhaust chimneys, lightening conductors, sound attenuators, and CO2-based fire fighting equipment will be installed. Ear mufflers will be provided for staff working at louder areas of the facility. EIA Ensis Fisheries – Raaverrehaa Shore-based Facility – M. Riyaz & M.S Adam 15 | 90 6- The raw material, mainly skipjack and yellowfin tuna caught by pole-and-line and handline by Maldivian on local fishing vessels will be purchased entirely from the Maldivian fishermen. With Ensis’s long reputation in the country, it is expected that a large number of vessel will sell fish to the Ensis Fisheries Pvt Ltd. Ice will be provided free of charge from all the Ensis facilities as incentive for fishing and to encourage loyalty to the company. In addition the proponent will provide iceboxes for fishing operation startups in the area. 7- During the preparation of the EIA report an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for identifying the possible impacts of project activities, has been created for proposed development project Raaverrehaa Island. The activities carried out during the construction and operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The impact outcomes from this analysis are considered and appropriate mitigation measures both in the development and operational phased has been provided. 8- The report has identified the main environmental impacts associated with the proposed activities and found that high water and energy consumption and the discharge of effluent with a high organic content are the major issues. Vegetation clearance and construction waste during the construction phase and noise, odor, solid wastes occupational health and safety issues may also be concerns of the operational phase. The study has found that most significant negative environmental impact identified during the operational phase of this project is release of untreated effluent into the sea. Liquid, solid and other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the operational phase has also been identified as significant impact associated with the project and appropriate mitigation measures are suggested for each and every impact identified in relation to the project. 9- The study has evaluated alternative options for the project and found that the proposed development is the right development for the right place. To enhance the water circulation in the reef and to limit the access to Raaverrehaa it is recommended to cut a channel through the walkway or remove it as an alternative for keeping the solid walkway which blocks cross reef water motion, increase nutrient enrichment and subsequent growth of seagrass on the eastern side of the reef and provides unlimited land access to the island. It is suggested to under-take post-development extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the development and its operation and make necessary adjustment to the activities and its operation of the project based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 10- The overall positive environmental impact from the development project is to integrate the existing product lines and the value-addition of fishery products rather than exporting the whole fish for processing. Job creation and stimulation of local economy, and exports is the most significant positive environmental impact of this activity. The long-term sustainability of the activity however, will depend on the sustainability of the fish stock. Skipjack and yellowfin tuna are highly migratory and their stocks straddle across the countries’ exclusive economic zones into the high seas spreading out into the entire Indian Ocean. The stocks are being managed by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission which among its 32 coastal and distant water fishing nations. Maldives is a full member and now heavily engaged, partly due to its existing Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification of its pole and line skipjack and yellowfin tuna fishery. The current assessed status of the skipjack and yellowfin tuna stock is considered ‘not overfishing’. The total average Indian Ocean catches are below the assessed maximum sustainable levels and the spawning biomass is healthy well above the point of recruitment impairment. The Maldives fishery component takes 17% of Indian Ocean skipjack and some 15% of the yellowfin. The most recent MSY is around at 680,000 Mt per year for skipjack and 350,000 Mt for yellowfin tuna. 11- Raaverrehaa is occasionally used for local picnic and it is the only remaining island for picnickers in the vicinity Villingili. Proposed fish purchase and storage facility development in Raaverehaa will limit the public accessibility for local picnickers. To overcome potential social problems that may rise in association with this development, the proponent has proposed to develop a picnic facility in any location identified by the public and Villingili Council. At present council is consulting with the people to identify the most suitable area to develop for local picnickers. 12- On the basis of the findings of this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures proposed in the report will be duly implemented and recommendations are given due consideration, it is concluded that the benefits of the planned Ensis fish purchasing and storage facility development in Raaverrehaa Island will substantially outweigh an unwelcomed demand of burden on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment (EIA) for establishment of a katsuobushi processing facility in Hithadhoo, Addu City(2015-12) Adam, M. Shiham; Ahusan, Mohamed1. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for proponent Yours Maldivian Addu Katsuobushi Pvt. Ltd. to develop and operate a katsuobushi plant on a leased plot of land from the RAF area of Hithadhoo Island, Addu City. The EIA is prepared as fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry of Environment and Energy for granting permission for the Project. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of development projects is a requirement by the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) (law 4/93) of the Government of the Republic of Maldives. 2. This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy in 2012 and covers environmental and socio-economic impacts arising from the proposed project. Major findings of this report are based on data and information gathered during the field inspection of the existing environment. In addition, expert judgement and published literature were used to predict the possible impacts from the project. 3. The development project is located in the western side of the southern section of Hithadhoo Island, Addu Atoll. The plot is separated from the western beach by about 65m of coastal vegetation. Terrestrial vegetation around the plot area is a mix of salt and salinity tolerant trees and shrubs. The population of the Island is mostly concentrated to the northern end of the island while the southern end is sparsely inhabited resulting in an abundant. 4. Tuna to be processed will be sourced from the local fishermen. While only skipjack tuna will be used to make katsuobushi, other species in the catch (yellowfin tuna and small amounts of bigeye tuna) will also be purchased and processed into other products and marketed to the locals. This is in order to incentivize the fishermen to sell their catch to the proponent and ensure a steady supply of raw materials. 5. Pole-and-line tuna fishery of the Maldives exploits the wider Indian Ocean stocks, the management of which falls on the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). Maldives is a full member of IOTC and takes a lead role in promoting management of the Indian Ocean tuna stocks. Most recent assessments for skipjack tuna (2014) indicate that the skipjack tuna stock is being exploited at safe levels. However, 2015 assessment of yellowfin tuna stocks showed that the stock has been overfished and is being overfished. 6. The development project involves construction of a 100 by 100 feet processing facility, its supporting infrastructure and a staff accommodation block for the employees of the facility. All construction will use general construction materials such as cement, imported river sand and aggregate, deformed steel bars etc. Construction materials and crew will be transferred to, and waste removed from the facility via existing dirt roads. 7. Major waste stream from the factory would consist of organic waste (fish offal) and blood water from gutting and cleaning raw fish, domestic sewage diluted in flushed water and greywater from the staff accommodation block and ash from the smoking process. 8. Organic waste (consisting of viscera, cuttings, skin and bones) will be collected in leak proof containers and routinely removed from the facility before it becomes putrid. This will be disposed of in the sea by an external party during the first year and later used to make agricultural fertilizer. Blood water and water generated from cleaning the facility will be discharged onto the reef flat on the western side of the island. Septic tanks will be used for the treatment of domestic sewage and greywater from the accommodation block. 9. Assessment of the existing terrestrial environment in the vicinity of the site showed that the area consist of typical island vegetation except for a dominance of coconut palms (Cocos nucifera). Site of the project does not contain strong vegetation as it was cleared prior to leasing to the proponent. Small scale farming takes place in plots around the project site. 10. The island being located on the western atoll rim reef and the project site being located on the western side of the island, is in close proximity to the marine environment. The beach is exposed to strong swell waves originating in the Western Indian Ocean. Breaking of waves on the reef creates longshore currents which would allow almost instant mixing and dilution of effluent discharged. Benthic cover on the reef flat/lagoon showed a predominant abundance of seagrass and a lack of live corals and associated benthic fauna. 11. Minimal environmental impacts are predicted for the project. Key negative impacts include a transient deterioration of water quality at the effluent discharge site and likely deterioration of groundwater due to sewage from the accommodation block. Further, a localized reduction in air quality is expected due to gaseous (NOX) and particulate emissions from the smoking process. 12. The project is expected to have a number of positive impacts on the local economy and wellbeing of locals especially fishermen. Firstly, fishermen will be paid a competitive price for their catch in order to ensure a reliable supply of raw materials. The project will also open up employment opportunities for locals. Further, it will contribute to the local economy by outsourcing some aspects of the project such as waste disposal and sea transport of products to Male’ and contribute to government’s policy of value0addition of fishery catch.Item Environmental impact assessment for rehabilitation and repair of harbour at Inguraidhoo Island, Raa Atoll(2015-08) Maldives Energy and Environmental Company1. The Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure requested the services of Maldives Energy and Environmental Company (MEECO) to provide an Environmental Impact Study (EIA) for the rehabilitation and repair of the harbour, Inguraidhoo Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives. 2. 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. 3. Inguraidhoo harbour was developed in 1998 by dredging into the island from the original coastline of the Island to create the required space for the harbour basin. Since then there was a major repair done in the year 2005, however, the repair and maintenance activity for the harbour had been performed was not adequate. Moreover, the island envision of expanding the basin to cater to the growing demand of increasing vessels in the island. 4. Inguraidhoo has a registered population of 1,842 people. Due to the poor design and workmanship during the construction of its existing harbour, it has failed to provide much anticipated protection and safety for the travellers and vessels. Consequently, the people of the island have suffered enormously. The present entrance channel creates dangerous situations particularly during the rough weather conditions. There had been several incidents of damages to the vessels, people and to property while trying to pass through the channel. In addition to the problems caused due to the deterioration of the breakwater, the original height of the seawall is not adequate to prevent overtopping of waves into the harbour basin creating very rough conditions during bad weather. Similarly the low height of the quay wall allows overtopping of waves into the coast causing flooding. 5. In order to alleviate the above problems the Proponent intends to rehabilitate the breakwater, extending the breakwater to provide protection for the harbour entrance, constructing revetment on the northern and southern ends of the harbour adjoining the land, maintenance dredging of shallow areas within the harbour basin and the entrance channel. 6. The Consultants assessed the potential environmental impacts using sound scientific methodology, literature review and experiences from the past projects of similar nature. In addition views and opinions of the key stakeholders have been reflected in the report. The main findings have been summarised in the following sub-paragraphs. a. Due to the critical role the harbour plays in the socio-economic development of the island, the existing problems associated with the harbour need to be addressed as a matter of priority. b. Environmental impacts assessment carried out for the project indicates that the project can be successfully implemented without an irreversible significant damages to the environment and that the socio-economic benefits to the community and the region far outweighs minor damages that may arise out of the project. c. The project, however, has inevitable low magnitude negative impacts, including, sedimentation over parts of the reef, noise and vibration due to piling and construction activities, pollution from solid and hazardous waste. Hence, the project shall put in place the mitigation measures prescribed in the report while undertaking the project activities. 7. The Inguraidhoo harbour maintenance and rehabilitation project is of utmost importance to the people of the island. The project is in line with the government’s policies and can be implemented in fully compliance with the relevant laws and regulations. The Proponent has given full commitment to undertake mitigation measures given in the report during the project implementation. Hence the negative impacts can be effectively mitigated through the prescribed actions and the project could be implemented successfully.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed artificial beach in Ga. Villingili, North Huvadhu Atoll(2016-11) Riyaz, Mahmood; Adam, Mohamed Shiham1- This is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for GA Villingili Island Council to develop a public recreation area for swimming and picnics on the north eastern end of Villingili Island. The project is funded by the Ensis Fisheries Pvt. Lts as part of their Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) related to the proposed fisheries development in GA Raaverehaa. The island was used by locals for picnics. The project involves deepening 3859m2 swimming area, and sources the material for beach replenishment, coastal protection work and construction of toilets showers and changing rooms in the beach area. The EIA was prepared as fulfillment of the requirement by the Environmental Protection Agency under the dredging and reclamation regulation (Regulation 2013/R-15) for granting permission for the project. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of development projects is a requirement by the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) (law 4/93) of the Government of the Republic of Maldives. 2- This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy in 2012 and covers both negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed project in GA Villingili Island. Major findings of this report are based on information gathered during the field inspection of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives. 3- The proposed project activity will take place in GA Villingili Island. Villingili is the capital of GA Atoll and lies in Huvadhu Atoll in a 20 km long elongated N-S oriented reef located on the north eastern periphery of GA Atoll. Villingili is an elongated-oval shape, N-S oriented island large part of the island has been reclaimed. Average depth of the reef flat is on the eastern side of the island is between less than -0.5 to -1.5m m from MSL. Reef perimeter is 43km and the area is approximately 25sqkm. The reef is shared by three more islands including Villingili Island. The distance from the edge of the reclaimed beach to the reef edge in both eastern and western sides is fairly consistent measured approximately 160-200m on the east and 200m on the western side. 5- The proposed development will take place on the north eastern coastal area of the Villingili. The coastal environment of GA Villingili has been extensively modified, particularly the eastern and western sides of the island. Over 40 hectares of land has been reclaimed from the eastern side under the land reclamation project. With the extensive reclamation and expansion and subsequent urbanisation the two marshy lands that exists on the northern and southern side of the island has significantly decreased in size and the natural environment has been altered. The eastern shoreline has been protected by a rock boulder revetment. Two harbours are developed on the western side of the island. The harbours are protected with a rock boulder breakwater and a quay wall has been constructed at the inner edge of the harbour. Three entrance channels have been cut through the reef flat into the inner atoll lagoon on the western side. 6- The proposed project involves deepening of 3859m2 area to a depth of 1-2m and source the dredged material, approximately 5788.5-7718m3 sand, for beach replenishment. 182m long coastal protect made of rock boulders will be constructed around the swimming and beach replenished area. The area proposed for dredging a very shallow (0.5-1.5m exposed at low tide) on the eastern reef flat of Villingili Island. The area is covered with sand, seagrass and rubble. There are numerous coral patches and individual coral colonies on the reef flat. 7- During the preparation of the EIA report an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for identifying the possible impacts of project activities, has been created for proposed development project in GA Villingili Island. The activities carried out during the construction and post-construction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The environmental impact assessment study for proposed development of artificial beach in GA Villingili shows there are two main activities that would cause significant negative environmental impacts are lagoon dredging, beach nourishment and coastal structures and impacts of solid waste during the operational phase Of these a long term impact would be from lagoon dredging and beach nourishment activity to create a beach and deepen the swimming area. Potential erosion/accretion and adjustment of the existing beach to create a new equilibrium with the surrounding environmental conditions are likely to extend to medium to long term. These impacts would be cumulative occurring over long period of time and so can be managed through proper monitoring and addressing them in a timely manner. Based on the scale of dredging and beach nourishment work projects that is taking place in Maldives, impacts associated with the proposed dredging activity is insignificant. Inadequate methods of solid waste management during the operation phase of the artificial beach will generate marine pollution in the surrounding area, which in turn will have detrimental impacts on coral reefs as well as on reef fish populations and coastal vegetation. Thus, the beach will become aesthetically unattractive and unpleasant, which can tremendously affect the prime use of the beach as a recreational area. These impacts could be managed through adoption of proper garbage management practices such as a permanent staff to look after the beach and placement of adequate number of dustbins and other relevant management measures. However, the positive socio economic impacts from the proposed development outweigh the temporary negative impacts of lagoon dredging beach replenishment and coastal protection work. The study has evaluated alternative locations for the project and found that the extended beach, five hundred meters south of the proposed area would be a more preferable option for the proposed artificial beach development in GA Villingili Island. Based on the similar project activities elsewhere in the Maldives the published report found, that the lagoon will recover from the impacts of dredging, reclamation and coastal modifications and will re-establish a new ecological balance soon. Even though there is no very significant impact from this project after the report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring coastal and marine environmental changes associated with dredging and make necessary adjustment based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. The study found that the proposed project is in line with key legal and policies maintained by the Government authorities and EPA including Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (4/93), EIA Regulations 2012, and land-use plans developed by the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Therefore, on the basis of this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures proposed in the report will be duly implemented and recommendations are given due consideration, it is concluded that the benefits of development of artificial beach and swimming area in the selected location in this study in GA Villingili will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment : fish purchase, pack and export facility of Addu Fresh, Addu city, Hithadhoo(2016-01) Riyaz, Mahmood; Adam, Mohamed Shiham; Naseer, Abdulla1- This is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for proponent ̶ Addu Fresh Pvt. Ltd. ̶ to operate fish purchase, pack and export facility in Addu City Hithadhoo. Addu Fresh Pvt. Ltd. (or Addu Fresh) is one that does not undertaken an EIA study prior to their establishment on Addu City Hithadhoo five years ago in 2010. The EIA Regulation requires the EIA study be undertaken before the project start. However, in this case the EIA is done only for completing formalities and obtaining the license from the MoFA. While the ToR may not entirely reflect this, the readers and evaluators of this report keep this in mind. The EIA was prepared as partial fulfilment of the requirement by the Ministry Fisheries and Agriculture (MoFA) for acquiring permission to renew the fish purchase pack and export licence from the relevant government authorities. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of development projects is a requirement by the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) (law 4/93) of the Government of the Republic of Maldives. 2- This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy in 2012 , amended in 2015 and covers both negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the operation of fish purchase, pack and export facility. Major findings of this report are based on information gathered during the site visit of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, and ongoing similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives and through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere. 3- The proposed activity will take place on Addu Fresh fish purchase, pack and export facility located at Addu City, Hithadhoo harbour area on Bandherimagu. Addu Fresh Pvt Ltd is located on North eastern side of Addu City Hithadhoo harbour. Addu Fresh fish purchase pack and export facility occupies 4800m2 area and the factory and processing facilities are constructed in 1500m2 area of land on the main road at the Hithadhoo harbour Bandherimagu. 4- Major operation that will be undertaken in Addu Fresh is fish purchase, pack (G&G/HG) and export to EU and Asian markets. Water and energy needed for the facility will be purchased, on commercial rates, from the local utility providers. An emergency powerhouse will be established at the back of the facility. The proponent will ensure that the powerhouse implies with the relevant regulations and will be registered at MEA. The exhaust chimneys, lightening conductors, sound attenuators, and CO2-based fire fighting equipment will be installed. Ear mufflers will be provided for staff working at louder areas of the facility. 5- The raw material, mainly skipjack and yellowfin tuna caught by pole-and-line and handline by Maldivian on local fishing vessels will be purchased entirely from the Maldivian fishermen. Addu Fresh has been operating fish purchase, pack and export activities in Hithadhoo for over two years therefore, the company is well known among the fishermen in the southern region. 6- During the preparation of the EIA report an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for identifying the possible impacts of operational phase, has been arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. The impact outcomes from this analysis are considered and appropriate mitigation measures in the operational phase has been provided. 7- The report has identified the main environmental impacts associated with the proposed activities and found that high water and energy consumption and the discharge of effluent with a high organic content are the major issues. Noise, odour, solid wastes occupational health and safety issues may also be concerns of the operational phase. The study has found that most significant negative environmental impact identified during the operational phase of this project is release of untreated effluent into the Hithadhoo harbour area. Liquid, solid and other forms of wastes and particularly hazardous waste generated during the operational phase has also been identified as moderate impact associated with the project and appropriate mitigation measures are suggested for each and every impact identified in relation to the project. 8- The study has evaluated alternative options for some of the activities of the operational phase of the project and has suggested alternatives for wastewater discharge, emergency powerhouse and fish waste. It is suggested to under-take an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring the environmental changes associated with the commencement of operations to make necessary adjustment to the activities and its operations based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 9- The overall positive environmental impact from the operation of Addu Fresh is to integrate the existing product lines and the value-addition of fishery products. Job creation and stimulation of local economy, and exports is the most significant positive environmental impact of this activity. The long-term sustainability of the activity however, will depend on the sustainability of the fish stock. Skipjack and yellowfin tuna are highly migratory and their stocks straddle across the countries’ exclusive economic zones into the high seas spreading out into the entire Indian Ocean. The stocks are being managed by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission which among its 32 coastal and distant water fishing nations. Maldives is a full member and now heavily engaged, partly due to its existing Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification of its pole and line skipjack and yellowfin tuna fishery. The current assessed status of the skipjack and yellowfin tuna stock is considered ‘not overfishing’. The total average Indian Ocean catches are below the assessed maximum sustainable levels and the spawning biomass is healthy well above the point of recruitment impairment. The Maldives fishery component takes 17% of Indian Ocean skipjack and some 15% of the yellowfin. The most recent MSY is around at 680,000 Mt per year for skipjack and 350,000 Mt for yellowfin tuna. 10- On the basis of this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures proposed in the report will be duly implemented and recommendations are given due consideration, it is concluded that the benefits of the operation of Addu Fresh fish purchase, pack and export facility will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for development of drainage works and storm water infiltration galleries in H. DH. Kulhudhuffushi, Maldives(2014-09) Maldives Energy and Environmental CompanyKulhudhuffitshi Island with a population of over 8900 people is the most populated island in the northern region of the country and is considered to be the third largest population in the Maldives. The island is currently the hub of all commercial activities in the north. Physical and infrastructure developments have although brought socio-economic improvements to the resident community it has also come at an environmental cost. Among the environmental issues faced to the island, stormwater flooding has been considered having impacts on the people in many different ways. Land reclamation, reclamation of the wetland, destruction of the coastal vegetation belt and increased use of vehicles on sandy roads without an engineered drainage system have all contributed to the occurrences of stormwater flooding in the island. In an attempt to address the issue of stormwater in Kulhudhuffushi, the Integrating Climate Change Risks into Resilient Island Planning Project (ICCRRIP) commissioned Male Water Supply and Sewerage Company (MWSC) and Engineering Consultant PVT. Ltd to undertake a study to identify technical options available to solve the flooding problem. Subsequently a report on the findings was submitted to ICCRRIP in 2013. The study proposed a number of options for stormwater management in the island. The recommended method being that stormwater from the gutters and soak pits be connected to a pipeline terminating into underground storage tanks consisting of blocks of AquaCell which has an extensive range of modular cell products and are known to provide an efficient and sustainable method of storing large volumes of run-off for water attenuation or soakaway applications. These underground water tanks would hold the water and release into the ground slow enough for the ground to be able to absorb water and ultimately re-charging the groundwater lens. The report divides the island catchment areas into four zones and recommends two flood prone areas in the northern and the southern part of the island for piloting flood control by this method. However, due to the limited financing available for the piloting flood control by this method. However, due to the limited financing available for the project, it has been decided to pilot the drainage activities in the north eastern region of the island only. This would involve diversion of storm water from six roads namely, Marukazu Magu, Miskiy Magu, Soafiya Higun, Madharusaa Magu, Dhanbu Magu and Orchid Magu. Approved project cost is MVR 16 million. Maldives Road Development Corporation (MRDC) has been selected as the contractor for the project while MWSC will supervise their work. MRDC intends to merge pilot project activities with the on-going road construction works. The project planning, design and surveying began in July 2014 and is entire project is expected to completed and handed over by the contractor during the first half of November. The site clearance and the earthworks is expected to start as soon as EIA clearance is sought and have been planned to be completed within about 30 days. hi order to proceed with the proposed drainage works and installation of the stormwater infiltration galleries and EIA was commissioned to obtain environmental clearance and the EIA was conducted based on the Terms of Reference agreed between the Consultant and the EPA. The EIA recognizes the importance and urgency of addressing the heavy rain associated flooding in Kulhudhuffushi based on the field investigations backed by Detailed Island Risk Assessment in Maldives (2007) and Detailed Island Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (2013). The impact analysis show no significant negative impact expected to be arising out of any activity associated with the project. Project involves minor excavations, potential dewatering, filling back and operation of vehicles and temporary enclosure of the project sites. These may have minor and temporary negative impacts to the scenic view and vista. Potential post-project negative enviromnental impact could arise out of breeding of mosquitos and pests in the tanks, in the pipeline and soakpits due to standing water. Through proper maintenance of the system the problem could be largely avoided. Potential socio-cultural impacts associated with the pilot project include, disruption to services, and temporary obstacles to right of way. Minor negative socio-cultural and environmental impacts associated with the project are temporary and reversible in nature. These further could be mitigated through appropriate mitigation measures. The most expected positive impact expected from the project will be improvement to the drainage. With the project the project is expected to alleviate drainage issue from an area measuring 175,000m2 of urban land with better drainage, and as indirect positive impacts, the project is expected to further improve groundwater, reduce potential contaminants reaching the marine environment, leading to improved public health and quality of life through reduced risk of waterborne and water-related diseases and increased public satisfaction with the urban environment. The project is expected to bring some minor positive impacts to the local economy during the three phases of the project as a results of temporary opportunities created during the works. Several major realistic and practical alternatives have been assessed including the 'no project alternative'. Without the project, the funds allocated for the project could be saved but may run the risk of losing it since the project may not have adequate time left before closure. Since, detailed designs, engineering drawings and contractor for the project has already been selected it would be completely unrealistic and wasteful to even consider utilizing the funds for a different activity. Considering meeting the objectives of the project, environmental and economical superiority of the alternatives evaluated, undertaking a pilot project in one of the flood prone area using underground tanks in empty available space for drainage has been found to the best practical option. The Council expressed their wish implement the project in the Zone A (the south east region) as opposed to Zone B (north east region). They were of the view that Zone A floods more severely compared to Zone B and therefore, the project would have greater impact by this shift. Considering that the detailed design has already been done for this zone, it is recommended to change the project location as suggested by the Council in order to increase public acceptability of the project. The intended positive impacts of the project can only be accurately determined by the post-project monitoring scheme. In order to ensure effectiveness of underground stomi water collection tanks in mitigating against flooding it is essential to monitor, collect information, evaluate the information collected and disseminated. With the following recommendations duly considered or addressed appropriately, the ETA found that the positive aspects of the project far outweigh its negative impacts. ■ Bank of Maldives Branch at Kulhudhuffushi have not been consulted during the design phase on the possible installation of an underground tank within their compound. ETA suggests that prior to the onset of ground work that the Bank be consulted for their consent. ■ Location identified for the tank at the football ground need to be relocated from the southwest corner to the northwest corner in order to reduce the pipeline length as well as the associated costs. ■ Capacity of the underwater tank proposed for Bank of Maldives' compound seem to be of inadequate capacity since it the region covers 53% of the total pilot project area. ■ It is not clear how the existing design will address the over-flow should such a situation arise. This issue need to be resolved prior to the construction. ■ Post project maintenance and management shall be discussed and agreed with the island council in order to avoid potential mosquito and other pest issues as a result of the project. If the pilot project is successful in managing storm water in the piloted area, the system will be expended to other regions of Kulhudhuffushi Island and similar systems it could be replicated elsewhere in the Maldives.