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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 proposed beach and swimming area development Himmafushi Island, Male’ Atoll(2016-06) Zuhair, Mohamed; Shakir, IbrahimThe Secretariat of the Himmafushi Council (Himmafushi Island Council), Male’ Atoll proposes to develop a beach having 220m on the northern side of the island and a swimming are within the lagoon on the northern side. The swimming are will be developed after removing seagrass found within the lagoon from an area having 1,300sqm. It is expected that a total of 3,252cbm of material will be obtained from the removal of seagrass. The seagrass content will be removed before the material will be used on the proposed beach. The proposed beach will be developed having an average width of 10m and a height of 1.4m above MSL. Two methods of material excavation will be used during the project implementation. Initially removal of seagrass will be undertaken by use of excavator and sand from the area will be obtained by using a sand pump. Under the Maldives Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law No. 4/93) and EIA Regulation 2012, the proposed beach and swimming area development project requires an EIA to be carried out. The report presents major findings of the EIA report. This EIA is prepared as per the Terms of Reference (TOR) approved by Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on 20 March 2016. Baseline environmental condition of the proposed project site as well as socio-economic environment was conducted for which the environmental impacts and mitigation measures as well as project alternatives are presented. It was found that there is a great need from the community for developing the beach and swimming area on the island, which is recognized as an important community need. The assessments carried out on the biophysical environment on the northern side of the island indicate that the coral reefs within the project boundary had very little live coral cover and limited reef fish abundance and diversity. The depth of the project area ranges from -0.4m MSL in the nearshore areas to -0.8m MSL at the proposed burrow site. The current flow was from east to west reaching to speeds of 0.14m/s and 0.18m/s. The area in close proximity to the project has known surf points. Most of the lagoon environment was covered with seagrass Thalassia hemprichii. There are two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within close proximity of the project location. Thamburudhoo Thila MPA is located close to the project site at distance of 1.2km NE and Lankan Thila MPA is located 5km SW. There are two Sensitive Sites (SSs) within the vicinity of the project site, they are Huraagandu SS located at a distance of 4.3km north and Okebe Thila SS located at a distance of 7.4km SW. Key environmental impacts from the proposed project will be from sedimentation to the reef areas on the northern and NW sides, changes in the hydrodynamics of the burrow area and nearshore lagoon on northern side of the island as well as potential changes to the northern shoreline of the island and these impacts can be reduced by implementing various environmental management and mitigation measures such as undertaking excavation, sand pumping and beach nourishment operations coinciding with low tide and on calm days to reduce spread of sedimentation as well as undertaking the operations in the quickest possible timeframe to reduce impact exposure period. Although there are some environmental impacts from the proposed project, most of these impacts can be reduced and mitigated by use of appropriate methodology and timing. The effectiveness of these methodologies can be documented by implementing a comprehensive monitoring programme. Also, with positive socio-economic outlook of the project and the community needs for the project, it is concluded that the project should go ahead as planned.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed land reclamation at Thilafushi Industrial Zone Plot S8-136(2016-01) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) for Ministry of Home Affairs. MTCC has been awarded the project by Ministry of Affairs. The project involves reclamation of land which has been allocated to Ministry of Home Affairs by Thilafushi Cooperation at Thilafushi Industrial Zone. After completion of the project, Ministry of Home Affairs would relocate the transmission antennas which are located on eastern side of Male’ at Henveru Park. These antennas is being relocated as part of the project to develop the China Maldives Friendship Bridge between Male’ and Hulhumale’. The project aims to: Dredge the borrow material from the shallow lagoon of Thilafushi for reclamation works Excavation of an estimated that of 14,000 cbm of sand as borrow material for the reclamation work Reclamation of 137 m by 183 m area of the plot using excavated sand. Reclamation of 25,071 m2 of land which is located on western side of the Thilafushi Industrial Zone. Levelling the reclaim land at +1.5 m above mean sea level. Environmental impacts of this project were assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting from the dredging and reclamation works. Dredging to borrow sand for the reclamation work will be undertaken using excavators and this is particularly a method that creates lot of sedimentation. This is a threat to the marine environment. Dredging has been proposed from the western side of the island. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in the report. Sedimentation control methods have been specifically focused due to its seriousness. An important mitigation measure is the use of bund walls in the reclamation area to contain sedimentation and reduce its impact on the reef. In addition, completing the dredging and filling works in the shortest time frame, before the on setting of south west monsoon is also a significant mitigation measure to minimize the impact of sedimentation on the marine environment. The proposed mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The measures proposed to minimize or mitigate environmental impacts may be considered to be appropriate, thereby minimizing the impact by about 90%. The main negative environmental impact of the proposed project would be sedimentation and destruction of the lagoon and damage to some areas of the reef, which will cause death of corals in the direct impact zone and partial death of corals in other areas of the coral reef. During dredging works, the sedimentation will also affect the fish species in the vicinity of these areas and hence, their population will drop in areas affected by sedimentation. It is inevitable that there would be negative environmental impacts of this project. However, balancing these negative impacts and the socio-economic benefits gained is something that is very difficult. It will not be possible to avoid environmental damage entirely, but ways to minimize damage are critical factors to consider during implementation. As a result, a mitigation and monitoring component has been suggested which takes into consideration, the most important elements that require monitoring, most importantly a mechanism and means to measure and value the social benefit of the project. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the potential negative impacts. As the socioeconomic impacts are going to be felt in the long term, monitoring these changes is very essential. The proposed reclamation does pose threats to the marine environment. There will be direct and indirect damage to marine environment in the vicinity of the project site. Some of the corals, mostly in the lagoon and shallow areas of the reef slope will die due to smothering as well as from construction activities. But these are damages that cannot be entirely avoided.Item Environmental impact assessment for undertaking coastal protection at Coastline Thilafushi Site, Thilafushi, Kaafu Atoll(2016-07) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for Coastline Investment Pvt Ltd. The project involves coastal protection works of the Thilafushi Coastline Site. The project aims to: Protect the harbour basin in this site. Provide safety and protection to the vessels accessing the harbour. Deepen the existing harbour basin. Increase the area of the site One of the challenges facing Coastline Thilafushi Site is lacking of protection to the harbour basin area. Therefore impacts of waves and storm surges on the basin create unsafe harbour condition in unfavourable weather conditions. This project aims to protect this area to provide safety for the crews and vessels operating here. Main components of the project include: Construction of 146m rock boulder breakwater Construction of 195.7m rock boulder revetment Backfilling of the revetment for a width of 10m Constructing a seawall on the lagoon side of the backfill area to retain sand from entering the basin Dredging of existing basin to -3.5m during mean sea level Reclamation of 1200m2 area Environmental impacts of this project were assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting from the dredging and reclamation works. Dredging work will be undertaken using excavators and this is particularly a method that creates lot of sedimentation. Such coastal protection project that involves reclamation contributes to significant amount of sedimentation and it is the biggest threat to the marine environment. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in the report. Sedimentation control methods have been specifically focused due to its seriousness. An important mitigation measure is the use of bund walls in the reclamation area to contain sedimentation and reduce its impact on the reef. In addition, completing the dredging and filling works in the shortest time frame is also a significant mitigation measure to minimize the impact of sedimentation on the marine environment. The proposed mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The measures proposed to minimize or mitigate environmental impacts may be considered to be appropriate, thereby minimizing the impact by about 90%. The main negative environmental impact of the proposed project would be sedimentation and destruction of the lagoon and damage to some areas of the nearby reefs, which will cause death of corals in the direct impact zone and partial death of corals in other areas of the coral reef. During dredging works, the sedimentation will also affect the fish species in the vicinity of these areas and hence, their population will drop in areas affected by sedimentation. It is inevitable that there would be negative environmental impacts of this project. As a result, a mitigation and monitoring component has been suggested which takes into consideration, the most important elements that require monitoring, most importantly a mechanism and means to measure and value the social benefit of the project. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the potential negative impacts. The coastal protection of Thilafushi Coastline Site does pose additional threats to the marine environment of the area. There will be direct and indirect damage to marine environment in the vicinity of the project site. However there are many positive benefits of the project in long term. This project is justifiable in the light of the positive impacts.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed coastal protection at Dhihdhoo Island, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives(2016-09) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Ministry of Environment and Energy. The project involves coastal protection works in Dhihdhoo Island, Haa Alifu Atoll. The project aims to: Protect western side of the island’s shore from erosion, by constructing a revetment along these areas and back filling using sand that is stockpiled in the island. Sustainably manage and overcome chronic erosion undergoing on the western side of the island. One of the biggest environmental problems facing Dhihdhoo today is the ongoing erosion and lack of shore protection and management measures to combat these. Historical data collected from available sources indicate that the western side has been undergoing erosion and the shoreline has retreated significantly inland. The most critical areas are along the Centre of the western coastline. Below is a summary of the project, and a brief outline of the issues facing Dhihdhoo Island. In summary, the project comprises of the following components; Construct a 450 metre revetment on the western side. This revetment will begin from the south-west side, starting from where a previous revetment has been constructed. Construction of the revetment will be undertaken using rock boulders. Risk of erosion is an important factor that determines the future of development of islands. Projects ranging from housing to more industrial in nature requires adequate safety and guarantee for locals and investors. These investments can be safeguarded with adequate shore protection which will ensure that sustainable land management can be undertaken by local authorities. Erosion of the western side has caused salinization of the ground water in the households that live close to the coastline. The resulting problems social problems are an everyday thing for the Council as they have to be answerable to the community. Erosion has caused the loss of vital and large trees on the coastal belt including damage to boats that have been beached for repair and maintenance. The project will completely destroy the western beach face almost nearly 70%. Access to the lagoon will then be possible only with the use of staircases that can be designed with the revetment. Environmental impacts of this project was assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as minor. The project proposes to construct a rock revetment along the western side of the island using excavators. The revetment construction process does not foresee any significant environmental impacts during the construction stage. Sand required for backfilling will be sourced from the available stockpile of sand in the island. Mitigation measures for the project have been identified mostly as processes and methods to ensure that the coastal protection will be sustained in the long term. They include the use of geotextile under layer, proper slope maintenance and the use of appropriate sized rock boulders. In addition, maintaining the right height have been identified as mitigation measures. In addition, completing the works in the shortest time frame is also an important mitigation factor that will help improve the overall project. The project is mainly driven by the ongoing difficulties and risks faced due to chronic erosion in Dhihdhoo island. Although the project will completely deprive the western side of the island from a natural beach, this is an essential project to be implemented at this stage to safeguard the livelihoods of many residents and other infrastructure. During the EIA study data collection, it has been identified that the government and the Island Council has not undertaken proper island wide consultations to obtain community views. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups, including the island council and the client in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project. Stakeholders, most importantly the island community represented by the Island council was the most significant as they have the maximum knowledge and experience from the daily difficulties faced and issues of the island. On a daily basis, the council receives request / complains from the general public on various issues and these have been incorporated in the report. The Council receives a number of complains from locals especially those living close to the beach areas in Dhihdhoo island about erosion and the threats to their livelihoods. Although the Island Council was consulted, it appears that this project has not been properly communicated nor consulted with the community. Due to chronic erosion, the groundwater on the western side houses in close vicinity have completely being salinized. This is a significant social and health issue as groundwater is used for multiple uses from bathing to cleaning and washing among others. This project anticipates very little negative environmental impacts during the construction stage, but has long term impacts to the environment as it completely alters the natural beach environment in most areas of the western side.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed shore / coastal protection at Gahdhoo Island, Gahdhoo Atoll, Maldives(2016-09) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Ministry of Environment and Energy. The project involves shore or coastal protection works in Gahdhoo Island, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. The project aims to: Protect critical areas of the shore from erosion, by constructing a revetment around these areas and back filling. Sustainably manage and overcome chronic erosion undergoing in the island. One of the biggest development challenges facing Gahdhoo today is the lack of proper shore protection and management measures. Due to the limited availability of land, reclamation was undertaken in 2008 and the total land area of Gahdhoo has been increased significantly. During this process, a nearby uninhabited island was joined and is now part of Gahdhoo Island. Although reclamation was completed, no coastal protection has been undertaken since then. As a result, erosion has occurred and will continue to threaten the land from several key areas. Most critical areas have been identified as the southern tip of the island where more than 20 meters of land has been lost over the years. This is partly attributed to the strong waves breaking on the shore from the south and south-east. As reclamation costs lot of financial burden to the national budget, it is important to ensure that the investments made are recovered or protected. Managing and controlling erosion in the newly reclaimed land is a significant environmental issue that needs to be dealt with. The success of this project will not only help the local environmental, but also safeguard the investment that is going to be a vital factor for the future growth of the local economy. Risk of erosion is an important factor that determines the future of development of islands. Projects ranging from housing to more industrial in nature requires adequate safety and guarantee for investors. These investments can be safeguarded with adequate shore protection which will ensure that sustainable land management can be undertaken by local authorities. Environmental impacts of this project was assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as minor. However, some of the components such as dredging will be undertaken in this project to obtain back fill material and is considered to be significant and negative in nature. The project proposes to construct a rock revetment along the critical areas of the shore using excavators. The revetment will be constructed in an area that has been highly modified and damaged by the previous reclamation project and as such, does not foresee any significant environmental impact. Nevertheless the dredging component will have far more negative impacts. Mitigation measures for the project have been identified mostly as processes and methods to ensure that the coastal protection will be sustained in the long term. They include the use of geotextile under layer, proper slope maintenance and the use of appropriate sized rock boulders. In addition, maintaining the right height have been identified as mitigation measures. In addition, completing the works in the shortest time frame is also an important mitigation factor that will help improve the overall project. Mitigation measures for the dredging component include setting of a minimum 50 meter buffer from the shore; limiting the total dredging duration as well as some kind of sand bunds around the dredging area to control and limit sedimentation of the lagoon. The project is mainly driven by the socio- economic gain for the development of Gahdhoo island. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups, including the island council and the client in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project. Stakeholders, most importantly the island community represented by the Island council was the most significant as they have the maximum knowledge and experience from the daily difficulties faced and issues of the island. On a daily basis, the council receives request / complains from the general public on various issues and these have been incorporated in the report. Apart from these, key inputs from the contractor, the client and community representatives were taken in the design of the project. This project anticipates some negative environmental impacts. However, there are always ways to improve things through monitoring and careful supervision as well as following good construction guidelines and practices. The coastal protection of Gahdhoo’s shore does foresee some negative environmental impacts, but are manageable and can be mitigated. The project will have far too many positive impacts.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed shore / coastal protection at Guraidhoo Island, Thaa Atoll, Maldives(2016-08) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The project involves shore or coastal protection works in Guraidhoo Island, Thaa Atoll. The project aims to: Protect the east, south and south-west side from erosion, by constructing a revetment around the shore. Construct four groynes along the shoreline where areas of the shore will be left to form a beach. Ensure that erosion does not occur and that the reclaimed land is protected. One of the biggest development challenges facing Guraidhoo today is the lack of space. Due to the limited availability of land, reclamation of the island began in 2013 and is presently underway. The island has been previously joined to the nearby island of Kandaru as part of the harbour development. Despite these transformations, the island is still faced with land shortages. Although the majority of reclamation is completed, no coastal protection has been undertaken. As a result, erosion has already occurred and will continue to threaten the land. As reclamation costs lot of financial burden to the national budget, it is important to ensure that the investments made are recovered or protected. Managing and controlling erosion in the newly reclaimed land is a significant environmental issue that needs to be dealt with. The success of this project will not only help the local environmental, but also safeguard the investment that is going to be a vital factor for the future growth of the local economy. Risk of erosion is an important factor that determines the future of development. Environmental impacts of this project was assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as minor or negligible. No dredging or reclamation will be undertaken in this project. Excavators will be used to construct the groynes and the revetments in an area that has been highly modified and damaged by the reclamation project. Mitigation measures for the project have been identified mostly as processes and methods to ensure that the coastal protection will be sustained in the long term. They include the use of geotextile under layer, proper slope maintenance and the use of appropriate sized rock boulders. In addition, maintaining the right height for the groynes have been identified as mitigation measures. In addition, completing the works in the shortest time frame is also an important mitigation factor that will help improve the overall project. The project is mainly driven by the socio- economic gains for the development of Guraidhoo island. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups, including the island council and the client in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project. Stakeholders, most importantly the island community represented by the Island council was the most significant as they have the maximum knowledge and experience from the daily difficulties faced and issues of the island. On a daily basis, the council receives request / complains from the general public on various issues and these have been incorporated in the report. This project anticipates very minimal negative environmental impacts. However, there are always ways to improve things through monitoring and careful supervision as well as following good construction guidelines and practices. The coastal protection of Guraidhoo’s reclaimed area does not foresee concerning negative environmental impacts.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed shore protection project at Madifushi Island, Thaa Atoll, Maldives(2016-03) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The project involves shore or coastal protection works around the newly reclaimed land of Madifushi island, Thaa Atoll. The project aims to: Protect the newly reclaimed land area Construct a set of groynes and breakwater to create a beach area t Ensure that a sustainable beach is available on the island while at the same time protecting the island’s shore from erosion. One of the biggest development challenges facing Madifushi today is the lack of space for housing and other infrastructure. To ease this issue government of Maldives has an on-going land reclamation project in Madifushi. More than 90% of the reclamation project is completed in Maidifushi and Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure has proposed a coastal protection project to protect the newly reclaimed land. The proposed coastal protection of Madifushi has the following components: Construction of 1440m long revetment protecting approximately 80% of the whole reclaimed perimeter. Construction of rock boulder breakwaters (70 m x 4) and groynes (30m x 2) on the beach area designated for recreation. Backfilling of revetments. Sand for backfilling will be obtained from ongoing reclamation project. Environmental impacts of this project were assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting from the construction of coastal protection structures and backfilling. Coastal protection projects contribute to significant amount of sedimentation and it is the biggest threat is to the marine environment. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, and sedimentation control methods have been specifically focused due to its seriousness. The most important mitigation measure is to revetment construction and backfilling in parallel so that the revetment will act as a bund to minimize sedimentation. In addition, completing the project works in the shortest time frame is also a significant mitigation measure that can help avoid serious and prolonged reef damage. The proposed mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The measures proposed to minimize or mitigate environmental impacts may be considered to be quite appropriate, thereby minimizing the impact by about 90%. The main negative environmental impact of the proposed project would be sedimentation and destruction of the lagoon and damage to some areas of the reef, which will cause death of corals in the direct impact zone and partial death of corals in other areas of the coral reef. It is inevitable that there would be negative environmental impacts of this project. However, balancing these negative impacts and the socio-economic benefits gained is something that is very difficult. It will not be possible to avoid environmental damage entirely, but ways to minimize damage are critical factors to consider during implementation. As a result, a comprehensive mitigation and monitoring component has been suggested which takes into consideration, the most important elements that require monitoring, most importantly a mechanism and means to measure and value the social benefit of the project. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the potential negative impacts. As the socioeconomic impacts are going to be felt in the long term, monitoring these changes is very essential. In light of socioeconomic benefits this project appears justifiable. However, alternative concepts given in this EIA report needs to be considered along with the community participation when preparing a final concept. This will help to achieve the project targets in a more sustainable way.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 for proposed farming development project in B. Aidhoo Island(2016-11) Zuhair, Mohamed; Shakir, IbrahimMr. Mohamed Saeed of M. Snowflakes has proposed to develop a farming project on Aidhoo Island located in Baa Atoll. As part of the project, it is proposed to undertake different types of farming methods by using modern technology including setting up of a vertical farm, hydroponics farm, orchid farm and container farm. Separate plots will be developed for each farming method where lettuce, tomato, melon, chili, cucumber, bell pepper, etc are proposed to be produced. The project will be developed with all support facilities, services and infrastructure. This EIA is prepared as per the Terms of Reference (TOR) approved by Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on 19 October 2016. For such development projects, a mandatory EIA is required as per the EIA Regulations of 2012 before commencement of any activity relating to the project. The scope of this EIA is to assess the existing environmental condition of Aidhoo Island and surrounding environment, identify potential environmental impacts, propose environmental management and mitigation measures to minimize environmental impacts as well as propose an environmental monitoring plan with appropriate environmental parameters to monitor changes on a regular basis. Aidhoo Island is located at 5°11'13.73"N and 73°9'48.93"Eand is found on the eastern periphery of Baa Atoll rim in a single reef system. The island is found on the western parts of the reef in an elliptical shape similar to the reef and has an orientation from E-W. The closest inhabited island is Dhonfanu located at 4.2km west, the closest tourist resort is Kihaad Maldives located at 3km west and the closes uninhabited island is Hanifaru Island found within Hanifaru Marine Protected Area located at 1.5km SW of Aidhoo. The Domestic Airport in Dhravandhoo is found 4.5km south. The island is about 280m long from the longest point and 115m wide from the widest point and has an approximate area of 2.3ha. The island has healthy vegetation in the middle parts and young and pioneering vegetation all around it. A dynamic sand spit is found on the western tip of the island while surf breaks are found on the eastern side of the island. During the construction period, key environmental impacts are believed to occur from site clearing and construction waste disposal. During operation a number of significant environmental impacts have also been envisaged including solid waste disposal and inappropriate methods of wastewater disposal from the island will generate long-term impacts on the environment including effects on island environment, changes in reef community structure, damage to coral reefs and degraded seawater quality, etc The socio-economic impacts of the proposed development have been identified to be mostly positive. These include, opening of new employment opportunities, contribution to improving living standards of nearby communities through direct and indirect economic benefits, development of skills as well as contribution to the local economy from the above. In order to mitigate and reduce environmental impacts from the proposed project, key considerations have been given to minimize vegetation clearance on island for facilities and farming development, development of an appropriate waste management center with equipment and staff. An Environmental Monitoring Plan, which will be implemented during construction and operation phases of the development will be undertaken. An environmental monitoring report will be prepared twice a year, which will be submitted to relevant government authorities. Although there are a number of environmental impacts from the proposed development, most of these impacts can be reduced and mitigated by use of appropriate methodology. The effectiveness of these methodologies can be documented by implementing a comprehensive monitoring programme. Also, with positive social and economic outlook of the project and considering the overall contribution of the project to local and national economies, it is concluded that the project could be undertaken.