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Item Item Environment impact assessment for the proposed land clearing and tree relocation project in Fulhadhoo island, Baa atoll(2018-02) CDE ConsultantThe 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 land clearing and tree relocation project at Fulhadhoo Island, Baa Atoll. The proponent of the project is B.Fulhadhoo Island Council. This EIA also serves as a document to be submitted to Ministry of Tourism (MoT) to transport trees from Fulhadhoo to Bolidhuffaru Reef reclamation project. An EIA has already been approved for Bolidhuffaru Resort project. However, the report excludes landscaping components, as the vegetation source islands were not identified at the time. The original EIA recommended preparing EIA Addendums when the vegetation source islands were identified. MoT now accepts reports submitted to EPA (and Decision Notes) if the project boundaries span multiple agency jurisdictions. Hence this report and Decision Note will be submitted to MoT to seek construction approval for landscaping. Fulhadhoo Island is in need for land clearing to create an access road to the western end of the island. The island council requires removing the vegetation within the road foot print but has been unable to do so due to the need for heavy equipment. The landscaping contractors for Bolidhuffaru Resort development project approached the Island Council with an offer to clear the required land in return for the opportunity to transport the trees to Bolidhuffaru for transplantation. The aim of the project from proponent’s perspective are to create the planned ring road around the island and assist in better access to the western sand spit for the booming guest houses on the island. From the contractor’s perspective the aim is to acquire a portion of the native landscaping plants required to landscape Bolidhuffaru Resort. The project has three main components: (i) Vegetation removal; (ii) transplantation, and (iii) demobilization and clean-up. Vegetation removal involves mobilization and site setup, identifying and marking areas to be cleared, and vegetation uprooting and backfilling.Transplantation involves site preparation at receiving site, transporting trees, transplantation and maintenance . The final component is demobilizing equipment and cleaning up the sites. The proposed site for land clearance is located on the undeveloped western part of Fulhadhoo island. The vegetation in this part of the island is modified with forestry areas. The proposed site (road) for vegetation removal contains both forestry areas and natural vegetation zones. The proposed dredging site has been dredged before and is currently used as a basin. The site is predominantly made up of coral sand and does not contain any live coral colonies. All project designs are in conformance to most of 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, Tourism Related Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2015, Waste Management Regulation, Regulation on Cutting Down and Uprooting Trees, and Dredging and Reclamation Regulation. The project at present is non-compliant to some of the clauses in Dredging and Reclamation Regulation. Due to the geography of the island, the proposed borrow site falls within 500 m of the reef edge, same as most of the dredging works done on the island so far. A section of the site falls within 50 m of shoreline but it has to be noted that there is an existing basin within this distance. Project will require special consideration and approval from EPA on grounds of high socio-economic benefits. EPA has the authority to provide approval in exceptional circumstances. Additional approvals are required from EPA for land clearing and dredging and reclamation before commencement of project activities. The most significant impact of this project is the impact on terrestrial biodiversity. It is anticipated that approximately 245-260 trees and plants, including 135-150 palms may need to be removed from Fulhadhoo during land clearing. All trees that are useable for replanting will be transferred to Bolidhuffaru resort and replanted. Impacts will also be felt on marine biodiversity due dredging and associated direct removal of marine flora and fauna, turbidity and sedimentation; contamination of marine and ground water and soil due to accidental spillage/leakage of fuel and waste; salinization of ground water due to use of dredged sand for backfilling and risks to the health of construction workers. There will also be positive impacts on the island community due to improved access to the western beach of the island and subsequent improvement in guesthouse businesses, and in the form of employment and business opportunities. Mitigation measures have been proposed to minimise anticipated impacts. These include replanting two trees for every tree removed from the island at designated areas in Fulhadhoo Island, storing the vegetation removed in a nursery, making reusable green waste available for the community, and restricting excavator movement within predefined routes. This report has evaluated alternative options for the most significant anticipated impacts. The options evaluated include the ‘No project’ option, alternative locations for borrow sites, alternative tree relocation sites, and alternative green waste disposal options. Since land clearing for road development is a necessity for the island and the disadvantages of not using the opportunity to transplant the trees are higher than the advantages it presents for the Island Council, it is recommended to proceed with the project with the mitigation measures proposed in this report. Consultations were carried out with members of Fulhadhoo Island Council. Island community of Fulhadhoo, Baa Atoll Council, Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure, Ministry of Environment and Energy, project contractor, and Bolidhuffaru Resort Developer. Fulhadhoo Island Council and Fulhadhoo public were very welcoming of the project as it is believed that the project will benefit the entire community. 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, it will also 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 a result of the project activities. Environmental monitoring cost of pre-construction stage (if required) is approximately MVR 35,000. Monthly environmental monitoring cost during the construction phase is MVR 25,000. The main conclusion of this report is to move forward with the proposed development on grounds of high socio-economic benefits. Environmental and socio-economic risks associated with the project are expected to be significantly reduced if the mitigation measures and monitoring programme presented in the report are properly implemented within the framework of the environmental management plan.Item Environmental impact assessment : proposed development of 10 storey apartment building with basement in M. Two Friends, Male'(2018-02) Musthafa, AmirThis report is based on the proposed 10 storey building construction with basement at the residence, M. Two Friends in the capital city, Male‟. The project is being developed and constructed by the proponent, Rasheed Carpentry and Construction Pvt. Ltd. An Environmental Impact Assessment was necessary for the works outlined in this report as they fall under „Jadhuvalu R‟ of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012 of the Maldives. Specifically, the inclusion of a basement comes under the Regulation. In addition to meeting the regulatory requirements, the report would further assist the proponent and important stakeholders to make decisions based on favourable environmental conditions with the main focus on sustainability. The project also adheres to several other rules and regulations in the Maldives and has obtained permit from the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the project to proceed. The area the project is proposed to be undertaken is a moderately built area in the western side of Male‟ in Maaveyo Magu. There is no natural terrestrial environment at site. The existing environment therefore was focussed on the regional climate of Male‟, and the traffic distribution, and noise pollution in the area. The project area does endures moderate traffic relative to the general traffic conditions in Male‟. A general exterior overview of the existing structures in the area was also observed. It was found that most of the buildings in the area were old structures and maybe prone to some damages. However, serious structural defects are expected to be at a minimum, especially considering the standard foundation protection methods. The overall environmental impacts of the project have been assessed using frameworks found in literature. Since the development is undertaken in a moderately built area, the results indicate that the proposed project has neutral impact. However, there are some significant impacts on the environment during the construction phase of the project and these needs to be mitigated to avoid any significant damage to the environment. Significance of the impacts and mitigation measures have been provided based on previous similar projects undertaken in the Maldivian environment and based on literature. The main cause for concern regarding this project is the impact it will have on neighbours residing in this area. As such, several short-term impacts are envisaged including air pollution, noise pollution, aesthetic impacts, traffic issues and safety concerns. As there are numerous high storey building projects being undertaken in Male‟, there is no particular long term impact associated specific to this project, albeit an increase in cumulative impacts. The main reason an EIA was required for the project was due to the basement construction and associated impacts. These can be mitigated by restricting the type of storage materials in the area, implementing fire safety systems, and proper mechanical ventilation and drainage. MNDF fire and rescue services require smoke vent sysms to be in place in the basement. Furthermore, submersible pumps are proposed for the project as well as general mechanical ventilation. The other impacts that do occur can also be easily mitigated to minimise and/or completely nullify them. Mitigation measure proposed includes creating awareness among the construction staff and neighbours regarding the scope of the project. Other measures include taking protective measures to ensure people residing and utilising the vicinity will not have to endure the impacts during the construction stage. Foundation protection measures are recommended and are provided as part of the project to prevent impact on neighbouring structures in addition to a 1m offset from the adjacent building. Dewatering procedure will also be undertaken with care, details of which are given in the report. Care should also be taken to prevent any damage to the road and disruption to traffic during transport of machinery, material and equipment. Alternatives, including the no project option and alternatives for some project components are also discussed. No project option is not viable at this stage of the project. Regarding construction methodology, a few alternatives are recommended. Regarding the design, there are recommendations to make the development greener. These include interior landscaping to incorporate plants, use of green walls, use of LED lights, rooftop solar panels, etc. These are general alternatives proposed for all similar projects. An environmental monitoring program is provided at the end of the report, which provides details on the parameters to monitor on site, and the frequency in which it needs to be done. Estimated costs for the monitoring works are given. It is vital to have a building monitoring and maintenance body in place and to engage them in the monitoring program as continuous data can only be collected then. Implementation of the program is essential for the sustainable development of the project. In conclusion, it is discussed the impact such major housing projects have for the increasing population density in Male‟, and how it can be prevented at a policy level. However, taking this project as a standalone development project in an already heavily built island city, it can be concluded that no significant long-term project specific impacts are predicted, none that the island community is not yet enduring. The same conclusion had been derived for all similar building construction projects in Male‟. Therefore, it is recommended that the project go ahead as proposed with proposed precautions and mitigation measures as provided under the published guidelines and recommended in this study.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed outer reef maintenance dredging project in Maafaru island, Noonu atoll(2018-02) CDE ConsultantThe 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 maintenance dredging and widening of the outer reef entrance of Maafaru Island, Noonu Atoll. The project is part of International airport development project in Maafaru, which has an existing EIA Approval. This EIA was meant to be an EIA Addendum to the project but did not qualify as an Addendum. As per EIA procedures, additional activities, although it is part of an existing project, cannot be addressed in an EIA Addendum, if the site is 500 m away from the approved project site. The proponent of the project is Regional Airports, Ministry of Tourism, Maldives. The main additional works proposed are to widen and deepen the existing outer reef entrance and to build a temporary sand bed to unload construction material and equipment on to the airport site. The changes are required to allow the Contractor’s barge to access the lagoon and the airport site for unloading. The existing reef entrance and lagoon depths are not suitable for the proposed barge to access. The proposed channel widening activity offers significant benefits to the local community and the airport. The channel is narrow and with the increase in traffic during airport operations, a widened channel offers a welcome development to the community, especially since the harbour redevelopment project is also ongoing on the island. The proposed sand bed offers no specific benefit to the community but is meant to be removed. To-date 3 EIAs have been prepared for this project for different proponents. This report takes note of the progressive changes that have taken place over the life of the project since 2009. The most recent report was approved 2 months ago. Hence, some of the baseline data used in this report uses the latest EIA results especially closer to the island. New assessments were conducted on the outer channel area. Most components of the proposed developments are generally in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives. Dredging and Reclamation Approval is required from EPA. The two proposed work sites have been heavily modified in the past. The outer channel was dredged before and the proposed location for the temporary sand bed has been used to create a similar temporary sand bed by the previous developer. Thus the foot print of the impact is largely limited to previously dredged areas. Significant impacts associated with dredging and reclamation activities are present in this project. However, given the work is being undertaken on previously dredged foot prints and due to the short-time frame of works the overall impacts are expected to be moderate compared to an untouched area. One of the most critical impacts highlighted in the assessment is the potential for dredge waste to create further environmental issues, including continued turbidity due to erosion and deposition in the dredged channel. After discussions during Scoping Meeting, Island Council meeting and Proponent consultations, it has been recommended to avoid disposing the dredge waste on the side of the channel and to transport them back to the Airport Construction site to be used for reclamation. This will help reduce the overall reclamation foot print as envisaged in the original EIA. The Island Council also sought to address the possibility of creating a new channel instead of widening the existing channel. This was due to the presence of three patch reefs in front of (but 180 m away from) the channel. The Contractor and the Proponent identified that it may be difficult to accommodate a new component to the project that has significant budget implications. Alternative options have been evaluated for the most significant impacts. Options to avoid the temporary sand beds, create a new channel and to dispose channel dredge waste was considered. Among these a new option to dispose the dredge waste preferred, as explained above. Consultations were carried out with members of Noonu Maafaru Island Council. Island community of Maafaru, Regional Airports - Ministry of Tourism, and Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Maafaru island council and the public are in favour of this project since the project is beneficial for the community. An Environment Management Plan (EMP) and Monitoring Plan (MP) are presented in this report that addresses the new activities. However, the EMP and MP presented here must be combined with the programmes presented in the Original EIA. Overall the community of Maafaru, and island council were welcoming of this project. It offers benefits to the community and the airport during operations stage. Thus, this report concludes that the project should be implemented on grounds of very high socio-economic benefits.Item Item Environmental impact assessment report : construction of 16 storey residential building at H. Navaagan, Male'(2018-01) Land and Marine Environmental Resource GroupItem Environmental impact assessment : proposed development of 15 storey mixed residential building at M. Chanbeylee Vilaa, Male’(2018-01) Musthafa, AmirThis report is based on the proposed 15 storey mixed residential building construction with basement at the residence, M. Chanbeylee Villa in the capital city, Male‟. The project is being developed and constructed by the proponent Mr. Shiham Rasheed An Environmental Impact Assessment was necessary for the works outlined in this report as they fall under „Jadhuvalu R‟ of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012 of the Maldives. Specifically, the inclusion of a basement comes under the Regulation. In addition to meeting the regulatory requirements, the report would further assist the proponent and important stakeholders to make decisions based on favourable environmental conditions with the main focus on sustainability. The project also adheres to several other rules and regulations in the Maldives and has obtained permit from the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the project to proceed. The area the project is proposed to be undertaken is a moderately built area in the western side of Male‟ in Majeedhee Magu. There is no natural terrestrial environment at site. The existing environment therefore was focussed on the regional climate of Male‟, and the traffic distribution, and noise pollution in the area. The project area does endures moderate traffic relative to the general traffic conditions in Male‟. A general exterior overview of the existing structures in the area was also observed. It was found that most of the buildings in the area were old structures and maybe prone to some damages. However, serious structural defects are expected to be at a minimum, especially considering the standard foundation protection methods. The overall environmental impacts of the project have been assessed using frameworks found in literature. Since the development is undertaken in a moderately built area, the results indicate that the proposed project has neutral impact. However, there are some significant impacts on the environment during the construction phase of the project and these needs to be mitigated to avoid any significant damage to the environment. Significance of the impacts and mitigation measures have been provided based on previous similar projects undertaken in the Maldivian environment and based on literature. The main cause for concern regarding this project is the impact it will have on neighbours residing in this area. As such, several short-term impacts are envisaged including air pollution, noise pollution, aesthetic impacts, traffic issues and safety concerns. As there are numerous high storey building projects being undertaken in Male‟, there is no particular long term impact associated specific to this project, albeit an increase in cumulative impacts. The main reason an EIA was required for the project was due to the basement construction and associated impacts. These can be mitigated by restricting the type of storage materials in the area, implementing fire safety systems, and proper mechanical ventilation and drainage. Submersible pumps are proposed for the project as well as mechanical ventilation. The other impacts that do occur can also be easily mitigated to minimise and/or completely nullify them. Mitigation measure proposed includes creating awareness among the construction staff and neighbours regarding the scope of the project. Other measures include taking protective measures to ensure people residing and utilising the vicinity will not have to endure the impacts during the construction stage. Foundation protection measures are recommended and are provided as part of the project to prevent impact on neighbouring structures in addition to a 1m offset from the adjacent building. Dewatering procedure will also be undertaken with care, details of which are given in the report. Care should also be taken to prevent any damage to the road and disruption to traffic during transport of machinery, material and equipment. Additionally, water tanks should be incorporated as part of the project to cater for both booster pumps and wet rise system, which are requirements for the building. Alternatives, including the no project option and alternatives for some project components are also discussed. No project option is not viable at this stage of the project. Regarding construction methodology, a few alternatives are recommended. Regarding the design, there are recommendations to make the development greener. These include interior landscaping to incorporate plants, use of green walls, use of LED lights, rooftop solar panels, etc. An environmental monitoring program is provided at the end of the report, which provides details on the parameters to monitor on site, and the frequency in which it needs to be done. Estimated costs for the monitoring works are given. Implementation of the program is essential for the sustainable development of the project. In conclusion, it is discussed the impact such major housing projects have for the increasing population density in Male‟, and how it can be prevented at a policy level. However, taking this project as a standalone development project in an already heavily built island city, it can be concluded that no significant long-term project specific impacts are predicted, none that the island community is not yet enduring. The same conclusion had been derived for all similar building construction projects in Male‟. Therefore, it is recommended that the project go ahead as proposed with proposed precautions and mitigation measures as provided under the published guidelines and recommended in this study.Item Environmental management plan for the proposed development of island waste management center in Dh. Rinbudhoo(2018-01) Zuhair, Ahmed HassaanThe proposed development of Island Waste Management Center (IWMC) in Dh Rinbudhoo is funded by the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) of the Government of Maldives. The aim of this project is to alleviate current waste management problems endured by the island community and thereby improve the overall environmental and public health condition of the island. The proposed IWMC will be developed in a 625 square meters’ area located in the south west side of the island. This site maintains sufficient distance from the residential population and vegetation line and meets the land allocation criteria of both Maldives Land and Survey Authority (MLSA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, the beach immediately adjacent to the proposed site is subjected to erosion. The Island Council is currently in the process of establishing coastal protection measure to alleviate erosion and the works are expected to be completed within this year prior to the operationalization of the proposed IWMC. Furthermore, the young coconut palms found at the proposed site will be relocated to strengthen the south west vegetation line of the island during site clearance works, which would enhance the island’s natural defense against coastal erosion. 30 mature coconut palms, 22 young palms and one Indian Almond tree is found at the location. The mature coconut palms are owned by individuals and therefore, compensation will be provided to the owners prior to commencement of construction works. No environmentally protected or sensitive sites are present close to the IWMC. The project will provide basic infrastructure necessary to manage waste at island level and ensure composting is undertaken in the island. After completion of civil works, the IWMC will be operated by the Island Council in accordance to the Island Waste Management Plan. Training on composting for island level staffs and machinery such as, shredders, wood chippers and bottle crushers will be provided to facilitate adequate functioning of the IWMC. Waste that is not manageable at the island level will be stored and regularly transferred to a regional waste management facility (RWMF). All civil works of the project are expected to be completed within 6 months. Environmental impacts of the project were evaluated using the Rapid Impact Assessment Method (RIAM). Majority of the impacts envisaged for the project are highly positive. The project is expected to bring numerous economic benefits to the island community, in additional to the perceivable environmental and public health related benefits. The only permanent negative impact likely to occur as a result of the project is related to the removal of vegetation. However, the amount of vegetation clearance involved is minimal and therefore, if the mitigation measures proposed in this management plan are adhered, almost all the negative impacts can be brought to an acceptable level. The monitoring program proposed in the EMP will ensure the implementation of the mitigation measures and assist in the identification of unforeseen impacts throughout the project. Overall, the project is expected to provide significant socio-economic and environmental benefits for the local community.Item Proposed 5000 social housing units development project in Hulhumale’ phase II : environment impact assessment(2018-01) Musthafa, AmirThis report is based on the proposed 5000 social housing units proposed for Hulhumale’ Phase II. 40 buildings in total will be built as part of the project, each 14 storeys high. The exact number of housing units to be developed as part of the project is 5040 units. The project is being developed by Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and constructed by China Nantong Sanjian Construction Group Co. Ltd, which will oversee the development and project management including managing the EIA process. An Environmental Impact Assessment was necessary for the works due to the large scale of the project with high rise buildings. In addition to meeting the regulatory requirements, the report would further assist the proponent and important stakeholders to make decisions based on favourable environmental conditions with the main focus on sustainability. The project also adheres to several other rules and regulations in the Maldives and has obtained permit from HDC to proceed. HDC is a 100% government entity, which also has the responsibility to set guidelines and oversee all developments in Hulhumale’. The project consists of the development of 1/3 of the larger program by HDC to establish 15,000 social housing units in Hulhumale’ within the next 2 – 3 years. Other similar EIAs have been done recently, most notably for the 7000 housing units project, 2500 housing unit project and 1394 housing unit project. Apartments in these buildings can generally be regarded as being targeted towards lower class members of the community, who cannot afford commercial housings. The project will contribute to the grand plan by the government of reducing congestion in Male’ by providing a large number of housing opportunities in Hulhumale’. By 2019, it is projected that the new housing units would accommodate approximately 80,000 people. Similar to the other building EIA’s in Phase II, the existing environment at the project site does not consist of any significant vegetation and the water test result shows normal water quality. There are no residents living in Phase II yet and there is no other structure at the site as well. However, there are other similar developments previously stated projects. Other development in the land include development of the 7000 housing units, shore protection and road construction, which is currently ongoing. During the construction stage, health and safety standards of the workers at site, and waste generation is the major areas of concern as is the case for similar developments. With proper planning and project management, this can be easily mitigated. Impacts on water quality due to dewatering as identified can be mitigated by dewatering inland. Waste is the main concern during the operational stage of the project, in addition to social issues. Since this will be developed as a condominium with multiple tenants owning the rights of the building, it has to be ensured that the tenants are held responsible to properly maintain the building. Impacts that may occur due to conflicts with other developments being undertaken simultaneously can be mitigated with proper communication and planning before project implementation. Long term social issues are envisaged due to a large population living in a concentrated area. Several social and legislative mitigation measures are proposed to counter this, including greater policing activities, larger public spaces, etc. Also concerns regarding fire safety exists. Proper fire safety measures are very important to be established as well as additional features such as sprinkler systems in each floor. In addition to fire safety, other impacts due to fuel storage at site and use and storage of chemicals are cause for concern. These can be mitigated by following the fuel and chemical storage standards and best practice methods. Regarding alternatives, there are no viable alternatives available for the project with respect to location, as the most suitable location had been predetermined during the planning stage. The no project option is also not plausible at this stage and possibilities are outside the scope of this study. Other alternatives including material, foundation type, construction methodology are not necessarily recommended. Recommendations had been made to proceed with the project as planned. It is recommended to dewater inland to an empty land close to the project site after excavating the area to ensure that water is contained in the allocated area, and will not have any negative impact on the groundwater aquifer. An environmental monitoring plan is proposed to be carried out with 2 phases; one for the construction stage, and one for 2 years post construction. Factors to investigate include surveying the amount of waste generation, noise pollution, traffic flow, health and safety at site and water quality. The project in general has minimum impact as it is being undertaken in newly developing land, similar to the other current developments in the area. All project specific building related impacts highlighted in the study, including those related for fire risks, health and safety, and fuel and chemical storage and use can be mitigated. The socio-economic benefits to Greater Male’ City from projects such as these is very high. The project would go a long way in providing much needed additional housing opportunities, which would contribute to alleviating the housing issues in Male’ City, and therefore mitigating the issues related to congestion. Thus, after consideration of all these perspectives, it is recommended that this project proceed as planned, after incorporating the mitigation measures given in this study with the commitment to implementing the monitoring plan given. Furthermore, proper planning and stronger legislation is required to ensure sustainability of all these new major condominium projects and to ensure maximum benefits are reaped from them. Building maintenance legislation needs to be strengthened to ensure such projects provide the maximum benefits to the community with minimum risks over a long period.Item Environmental impact assessment : for the proposed development of 6-storey operations building for Male' Water and Sewerage Company, Male'', Maldives(2018-01) CDE ConsultantThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the proposed development of the operations building of Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) Private Limited, Male’. The proponent of this project is MWSC. The proposed project covers: mobilisation, excavation and dewatering, foundation and concrete works, masonry, mechanical and electrical works, exterior and electrical work, monitoring and evaluation, interior works and demobilisation. The project is estimated to take 2 years to complete. The proposed designs and plans are also generally in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives. Additional approvals are required for the following before commencement of project activities. They include; dewatering application and approval before commencement of any dewatering activities; connections to sewer systems; water connections; power connections and approvals to use the building for housing. The project will be implemented on Nikagas Hingun. There is one construction site in the same block as the proposed site. The proposed land area is a vacant but is occupied by vehicles and stored pipes. These will need to be cleared prior to commencing the construction work. The existing environment was assessed as part of this EIA. As such, groundwater condition in the project site, noise measurements, air quality assessment around the project site and a traffic study was conducted. In addition a visual observation of the nearby buildings was carried out. Noise assessment showed that the noise level around the area beyond the recommended levels by OECD limits for residential areas and as per traffic study most number of vehicles are observed during the daytime. The negative impacts from this project are typical impacts associated with building in Male’. The most significant impact from this project during construction stage would be those associated with traffic and parking, dewatering and potential damage to neighbouring buildings during excavation. The contractor will pay compensations for any damage to the nearby buildings during the construction stage. Groundwater quality and soil condition may also be impacted through accidental leakage and spillage of oil and chemicals. In addition, given there is a mosque with a mortuary and government offices in close proximity of the project site. During concreting works it is anticipated that noise and air quality around the area will be negatively impacted. Given there is another construction site in the same block as the proposed site, the cumulative impacts from this project will be an issue. There will also be additional burden on waste management and utilities. The project mainly has positive socio-economic benefits as it will enhance the operations and services of MWSC and improve staff recreation. During operational stage, one of the key factors to study is the health and safety of the occupants of the building and demand on utility providers for power, water, sewerage and waste management. In addition, it is expected that demand for parking space and impact on traffic flow will be negatively impacted during the operational stage of the building as no additional parking is provided in the building. The key mitigation measures for the construction stage include use of proper shoring methods, dewatering only when required, minimising traffic disruption by limiting working hours to evenings and weekends, consulting with Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure and Maldives Traffic Police regarding traffic flow and road closure and informing stakeholder prior to road closure by the proponent and a complaint and issues registry must be maintained. To mitigate the impacts to air quality, it is recommended to keep the construction area damp at all times. It is recommended to fence the site with solid panels to minimise the impact of noise to nearby buildings, businesses. It is also recommended to monitor all occupational areas to ensure noise levels do not exceed WHO standards. To avoid impacts on health and safety during operational stage, the building must be designed for fire and safety with hose reel system, dry raiser system, sprinklers, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors installed. All the occupants must be trained at least once a year. Alternative options were evaluated with “No Project” alternative and for the activities that are identified to have significant impacts on the project. These include options for foundation methods. The currently proposed options are preferred. Consultations were held with STELCO and Ministry of housing nearby institutions for this EIA. Multiple stakeholders recommended to mitigate dust and noise pollution. In addition, the Maldives National University and Ministry of Islamic Affairs also requested getting informed prior to road closure. Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure and STELCO also advised on getting all the permits and approvals prior to the elevant construction phase. Billabong further expressed concerns on moving large vehicles and construction materials and expressed concern on the safety of students due to falling objects, air pollution, and increasing number of foreign labourers. 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 human environment. The total cost of mitigation and monitoring are estimated between USD 3,000.–5,000 annually. The main conclusion of this report is to proceed with the project but after incorporating the mitigation measures proposed in this report. Safety of the adjacent buildings and occupational health and safety must be a priority. Care must also be taken to minimise the impacts on the nearby offices and businesses, work must be completed in the shortest time frame possible.