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Item Environmental impact assessment : wharf reconstruction and upgrading of the existing berthing facility and slipway at FSM Thilafushi plot(2013-03) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe slipway and berthing facility used by Fuel Supplies Maldives Pvt Ltd on Thilafushi is located on the northeastern side of the island. The facility has undergone extensive damage over the years and is also not sufficient to fully cater to the needs of the company. The proposed project involves the repair of the existing slipway and modification of seaward wharf of the plot. The seaward wharf will be extended by 311 and protected by sheet piles. The wharf will be designed to cater to vessels of 2000 tonnes (alongside berthing facility). The Slipway will be designed to cater for vessels of 200 tonnes. The project also involves reconstruction of the plot separating the wall from adjacent plot at the eastern side. The proponent of the proposed project is Fuel Supplies Maldives Pvt Ltd (FSM). Fuel Supplies Maldives, incorporated on 18th December 2000 is now a joint venture between State Trading Organisation (STO) and the Maldives National Oil Company (MNOC) formed with the main objective of streamlining fuel distribution in the country and to offer easy and convenient access to fuel throughout the country (FSM website, accessed March 2013). The total estimated cost of this project is ME 1.5 million. This document presents the findings of an Environmental Impact Assessment (HA) for the repair of the existing slipway and modification of seaward wharf of the plot used by ESM Pvt Ltd in Thilafushi. Developers of such development projects are required to carry out EIA. studies under the Environmental Act of Maldives. The developer is required to obtain approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), prior to the implementations of any development activities on the island. Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group Pvt Ltd have been engaged by FSM Pvt Ltd to prepare the EIA and to provide assistance in other environmental related activities. This HA is prepared in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012 and the environmental policy and guidelines of the Government of Maldives.Item Initial environmental evaluation (IEE) : dive centre jetty construction at Guraidhoo, South Male' Atoll, Republic of Maldives(2011-03) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupWater proof Sports limited (a UK based company in association with Mr. Jalaal (resident of Guraidhoo, south Male atoll has proposed to establish a professional dive and water sports centre at Guraidhoo. The proposal has been submitted to the government of Maldives for development approval. Land has been leased to the developer at Guraidhoo after assessment of the proposal by the Ministry of Home affairs and, province office and island office respectively. A copy of the proposal is given in appendix 1 as reference. Copy of the lease permit for the construction of the dive school is provided in Appendix 2. As part of the infrastructure associated with the dive school, a small size jetty dedicated to the dive school has been proposed to develop by the proponent. Coastal development structure such as jetties are required to submit an environmental impact assessment report as specified in the EIA regulation of Maldives that came effective in 2007. A scoping meeting to agree on the terms of reference was held at EPA on 29th December 2010. Based on the description of components project at the scoping meeting it was agreed among the stakeholder that a full EIA would not be required for the project. This was based on the small scale of the project and also its related impacts based on the environmental setting and location of the project. It was decided that an Initial Environmental Evaluation would be sufficient. This Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) report thus fulfils the requirements specified in the Terms of Reference (ToR) prepared for this project as output of the scoping meeting held at EPA between EIA consultant, proponent, representatives from EPA and other relevant stakeholders. In preparing the report consideration has been given to cover the environmental requirements that need to be covered by EIA regulations giving due consideration to the scale, location and usage of the project and its outputs. The Terms of Reference to the project is approved by EPA on 9th January 2011. A copy of ToR is given in Appendix 3. This IEE was based on the fieldwork visit by the consultant to Guraidhoo (project site) in January 2011 to collect site specific information on the project and qualitatively assess the environmental components that would be affected from the implementation of the project.Item Initial environmental evaluation report : construction of jetty at Vaadhoo Resort, South Male’ Atoll(2011-06) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe proposed project involves construction of jetty connecting existing detached honeymoon bungalows at the southern side of Vaadhoo to the island. Coastal development structure such as jetties are required to submit an environmental impact assessment report as specified in the EIA regulation of Maldives that came effective in 2007. A scoping meeting to agree on the terms of reference was held at EPA on 21st April 2011. Based on the description of project components at the scoping meeting it was agreed among the stakeholders that a full EIA would not be required for the project. This was based on the small scale of the project (addition to an existing facility) and also its related impacts based on the environmental setting and location of the project. It was decided that an Initial Environmental Evaluation would be sufficient. This Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) report thus fulfils the requirements specified in the Terms of Reference (ToR) prepared for this project as output of the scoping meeting held at EPA between EIA consultant, proponent, representatives from EPA and other relevant stakeholders. In preparing the report consideration has been given to cover the environmental requirements that need to be covered by EIA regulations giving due consideration to the scale, location and usage of the project and its outputs. The Terms of Reference to the project was approved by EPA on 11th May 2011. A copy of the ToR for this project is given in Appendix 1. This IEE was based on the fieldwork visit by the consultant to K. Vaadhoo Resort in May 2011 to collect site specific information on the project and qualitatively assess the environmental components that would be affected from the implementation of the project.Item Initial environmental examination report : commercial sand mining at Fushidiggaru Falhu, South Male Atoll, Republic of Maldives(2011-05) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupSand mining as primary source of construction material has been on going from olden times. Traditionally sand is mined from island beaches mainly for convenience and easy access. However, due to erosion issues that result from sand mining in a given location several island communities are ware and complain about these problems. Therefore there is regulation on limiting and area where sand mining can be carried out. This is however not followed and often difficult to police. Self imposed good practice is followed by many communities shifting to near-shore lagoon area and sand cays nearby. Nevertheless sand mining from beaches is still continued. Currently there is high demand for coral sand due to booming construction industry. Limited natural resources as building material has led exploitation of this resource throughout Maldives for construction industry irrespective of the environmental issues related to marine resource extraction. The demand for natural resource is contrastingly high in Male region. As a result there are several supplier of sand in Male locally known as ‘sand miners’. Operated using a motorized boat 6-10 people travel to distance reefs and manually extract sand from shallow areas (1-2 meter depth) and bring back to Male at a designated site at south west corner of Male. Stock oiled sand is then available for sale. Recently some enterprising sand miners are seeking innovative methods for efficient and more convenient mining. Electric pump aided sand mining has initiated recently by the proponent of this project for commercial supply of sand. Sand pumps are quite commonly used for sand pumping for beach replenishment related works in the resorts. This is however screened through Environmental Impact Assessments as required by the EIA regulation of Maldives. Environmental Protection Agency of Maldives thus seek to follow the same protocol for sand pump aided or related extraction of sand for commercial purpose thus the proponent has been asked to submit an EIA report for approval before proceeding with the project any further. Prior to this the proponent has requested for a permit for sand mining from the Ministry of Fisheries (see appendix 1). Based on the above requirement, a scoping meeting to agree on the terms of reference for the EIA report was held at EPA on 21st April 2011. Based on the description of components project at the scoping meeting it was agreed among the stakeholder that a full EIA would not be required for the project. It was decided that an Initial Environmental Examination would be sufficient. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report thus fulfils the requirements specified in the Terms of Reference (ToR) prepared for this project as output of the scoping meeting held at EPA between EIA consultant, proponent, representatives from EPA and other relevant stakeholders. In preparing the report consideration has been given to cover the environmental requirements that need to be covered by EIA regulations giving due consideration to the scale, location and usage of the project and its outputs. The Terms of Reference to the project is approved by EPA on 25th April 2011. A copy of ToR is given in Appendix 2. This IEE was based on the fieldwork visit by the consultant to Fushidiggaru falhu (project site) in 25th April 2011 to collect site specific information on the project and qualitatively assess the environmental components that would be affected from the implementation of the project.Item Environmental impact assessment report : harbour developments works at Hulhumeedhoo, Addu City(2010-04) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is to fulfill the regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives prior to the proposed harbor development at Hulhumeedhoo in Addu City. 2. Project proponent of the proposed harbor development project is Ministry of Housing and Environment. The project was bided as a design and build project. The contractor for the project is Works Corporation Limited. 3. The proposed development project involves construction of a harbor facility at Hulhumeedhoo, Addu City. Under the proposed project, a new harbor facility will be constructed in between Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo village at the lagoon area approximately 465m away from the existing shoreline. The proposed harbor’s eastern edge (main quay wall side) is aligned to the quay wall line marked in the land use plan of the island. Existing main access route will be maintenance dredged and used, while the shallow section leading to the proposed harbor will be deepened. Strip of land behind harbor will be reclaimed to use as harbor front, while a reclaimed walkway will connect the harbor to the island. 4. The island of Hulhumeedhoo lies at the north eastern corner of Addu, separate from the other three inhabited islands. The island is triangular in shape, while at the southern side Kedevaaheraa is joined with Hulhumeedhoo. Previously Herethere was also joined, but few years back a channel was dug separating the two islands. Measuring 2.3 km in length (approximate length to channel area) and around 1.7 km in width (at maximum), the island covers an area of approximately 283ha; the island is oriented north to south, while the northern side is wider. The island is located at 00° 35' 19" N and 73° 13' 53" E. 5. The design of the harbor is formulated in light of future development. The land use plan of the island is done with a harbor basin in between Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo village of size 786m by 222m. Due to budgetary constraints the proposed harbor size will be 366m by 91m. The sediment generated by the proposed project is too little for the level of reclamation proposed in the land use plan (sediment required for reclamation according to the land use plan is approximately 700,000m3, sediment generated from the proposed project is 110333m3), therefore a temporary access road is proposed connecting the island and harbor facility. 6. The harbor front area proposed for reclamation is 514m long and 100m, while a 30m wide and 372.8m long access road will connect the harbor to the island. The proposed harbor design includes 366m long main quay wall and 152m length of side quay walls (two side quay wall length). The main quay wall and side quay walls will be constructed of L section concrete elements. The proposed entrance channel will be 748m long, from this 125m is existing cleared (previously blasted areas) area where depth exceeds design depth of -3MSL. Approximately 623m length of entrance channel will require excavation to attain design depth of -3MSL. The harbor design includes a side quay wall at the southern side and northern for use as fish land and loading and unloading area respectively. The harbor basin and entrance channel will have a finish depth of -3MSL. 7. Although reefs are closely associated with harbors as in typical reef flat environments where the reef edge is close to the harbor basin the environmental setting at Hulhumeedhoo is somewhat different. There is no proper consolidated reef slope as a continuous reef morphological feature. It is rather a discontinuous reef margin with isolated reef patches that reach to a few meters below the sea surface. As such there is an extensive lagoon of several kilometers wide starting from the rudimentary or discontinuous reef to the shoreline. The distance between the edge of proposed harbor and reef slope is estimated over 2 km. There are several patch reefs as larger reef areas and smaller coral out crops within the larger lagoonal area. 8. 20 genera were recorded on reef flat among all coral patches surveyed. Porites, Goniastrea and Favia and Favites were the dominant genera recorded. Many massive colonies of Porites lobata and Goniastrea retiformis were observed in the area, many of the colonies exceeding 1m in maximum in diameter. Encrusting life form of Echinopora lamellose colonies were also observed in high numbers. Among other poritids, Porites lutea, Porites rus was recorded. The most dominant live coral groups are of massive growth forms such as Poritids and Faviids. Other encrusting species recorded includes, Favites Abdita, Favites helicora, Pavona varians, Astreopora myriophthalma, Pocillopora demicornis, Platygyra sinensis. 9. Sea grass forms the dominant benthic marine ecosystem where the proposed harbor would be located. The dominant species are Thallassia hemprichii, Thalassodendron ciliate, Syringodium filiforme, commercially important seaweed Eucheuma cotoni fc sp was present at various location of the sea grass meadow. This species does not naturally occur in the Maldives. Therefore the occurrence of this species in this area is difficult to explain. However, this species was a mariculture species that was introduced to Maldives as a commercially viable species for export. Several efforts were made to culture this in wild such as in Laamu and Baa atoll. The brood stock for this was made available from Marine Research Centre of Maldives who shows interest to culture this in the wild. As such this species may have been introduced to this environment and may be the reason for the presence of this species in this habitat. 10. The shoreline of the proposed harbor location and vicinity is predominantly inter-tidal forming small creeks and tributaries at various location of the shoreline during low tide. As such this habitat becomes an important feeding habitat for several species of sea birds, fiddler crabs and sea shells. A significant habitat within the intertidal area there the island community boasts as a mud crab breading habitat is located at the southern end of the bay. The islanders apparently collect adult mud crabs (Scylla serreta). This is a commercially important species of a crab that has high value both locally and internationally. Countries such as Sri Lanka and India produce this in large numbers as cultured species. Although no adult individuals were found from the wild during the field visit several number of juveniles were found during the field surveys confirming the presence of brood stock in the vicinity. Based on their estimated abundance it is likely that the crabs can be cultured that could provide lucrative income to the island community especially with potential sale of this to the tourist industry. To explore the viability of culturing mud crabs locally it is therefore important to ensure that the brood stock and their habitat are appropriately safeguarded. With the construction of the harbor and future development plan for this area currently at planning stage have the potential to threaten or endanger this habitat. Even if the commercial value of the habitat is not seen significant from current perception the ecological importance of these types of habitats are significant nationally. Coastal development projects such as these should give due consideration to protect ecological integrity of the ecosystem where ever possible through appropriate design and decision making. 11. Most significant impact associated with the project would be impact on the marine environment from sedimentation. Dredging and excavation often carry a heavy load of sediments increasing sediment load in the water column causing discoloration (limiting light penetration which is essential for coral growth) due to suspended sediments of the impact area for a prolonged period. 12. The reclamation works will cause loss of sea grass habitat and associated organism, this impact is an unavoidable impact. Also it has to be noted that a larger reclamation component is proposed at this area according to the land use plan. Potential commercially important area is located at the southern side of the proposed harbor, north of Hulhudhoo harbor (mud crab habitat), which will be indirectly impacts due to the proposed project in terms of sedimentation and smothering. This habitat is a muddy inter tidal area, therefore impacts is envisaged to be minor to moderate. But if the larger reclamation is anticipated in the future, this habitat will be lost, thereby causing habitat loss (but it has to be noted that the scope of current EIA does not involve reclamation of bay area, but disposal of dredged material and connection of harbor and island). 13. Mitigation measures are provided in the report for impacts that were categorized minor to moderate. Impact mitigation measures and monitoring is carried out to compare predicted and actual impacts occurring from project activities to determine the efficiency of the mitigation measures. The timing of future reclamation works is not yet decided, therefore temporary protection shoreline measures has to be considered for the reclaimed strip of land and access route. The mitigation measures proposed includes construction of revetments at the erosion prone areas that were identified by the consultants after reviewing the concept plan. Any erosion at the reclaimed area has the potential to cause sedimentation and water quality impacts, therefore shoreline monitoring has to be carried out to identify erosion areas and take mitigation measures. 14. With due consideration to main environmental components identified and the magnitude of impacts on these components from the proposed developments, the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures are given to correct and minimize unfavorable environmental consequences. Furthermore, the public and community consultation responses were in favor of the project due to the socioeconomic benefits foreseen to the community from a functional harbor.Item Environment impact assessment study shoreline rehabilitation and protection measures at Sun Island Resort and Spa(2011-02) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupSun Island Resort, owned by Villa Pte Ltd, Maldives is one of the largest resort hotels in the Maldives. The resort at large has a wide sandy beach around the island that is maintained by periodic beach replenishment works undertaken by the management of the resort. One of the main features for which the tourists visit Maldivian tourist resorts is the soft sandy beaches of the islands. Significant changes to the shoreline of Sun Island have been reported since 2006. Beach toe demarcation surveys carried out in 2006 and 2010 when compared show that the beach has receded several meters (reduction in beach width) especially on the northern side of the island. This report describes proposed coastal protection measures and their related environmental impacts. The shore rehabilitation works include about 800 meters length of beach replenishment in the northern side of the island, where erosion and beach loss has been most severe. With general reduction in beach area the entire northern side beach has receded from 0.3m to almost 20m as indicated by the beach toe surveys in 2006 and 2010 respectively. To ascertain a beach width of approximately 10m for the proposed length of 800m it is estimated that approximately 25000m3 of sand is required. This volume estimation was based on the beach profiles measured on the north beach face. The sand for the proposed beach fill will be burrowed from two specific locations; deepening of the existing harbor and a burrow area on the north eastern sandy lagoon. Dredging to work will be carried out by a cutter suction dredger of Model IHC Beaver 1600C or similar Environmental condition of the site in terms of near shore coastal hydrodynamics, bio physical condition of the reef has been carried in the context of proposed activities and their related impacts. Evaluation of the environmental condition of the site, the environmental condition at the site based on the hydrodynamic studies, physical environmental characteristic at the site with respect to the proposed activities and their magnitude lead to conclude that the proposed beach replenishment and coastal protection works at the specified areas can be carried out without significant environmental impacts. Environmental impacts of concern associated with the project are mainly sedimentation resulting from the dredging activities. Measures to minimize these impacts have been proposed. It is noted that the exact behavior of the beach after beach will and coastal protection works will be difficult to determine. Therefore a specific monitoring program has been proposed to ensure that appropriated timed shoreline surveys are carried out both before and after (at frequent intervals for appropriate time) so that such information is used for future replenishment worksItem Environmental impact assessment report harbour development works at Rashdhoo, Alifu Alifu Atoll(2010-01-01) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThis Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is to fulfill the regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives prior to the proposed harbor development at Rashdhoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll. Rashdhoo harbor concept design was formulated after meeting by MHTE, president of Maldives and the island community during the visit by president to Rashdhoo. Large natural deep lagoon and entrances are located at the northern quadrant of the island, which is used by the island community as the main access point to the island. The proposed project involves construction of a 228.6m by 78.7m harbor facility at the northern side of the island, located west of the old jetty head. L shaped concrete elements (precast) will be used for the quay wall structure; and armored rocks will be used for the break waters. The harbor development will be funded by the government of Maldives under the Access Improvement Programme implemented by the Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment (MHTE). The harbor design incorporates the new harbor design concept (third generation harbor), which includes separate loading and unloading area constructed as a T jetty. Part of the basin will include existing deep lagoon area (eastern side of harbor) the rest will be located on shallow lagoon flat. Sediment excavated to deepen the harbor basin would be disposed at either side of the harbor and back of the harbor (backfilling of the quay wall). The estimated volume of dredged sediment is sufficient for filling either side of the harbor and behind the quay wall only. This report provides the results of the fieldwork carried out on Rashdhoo in September 2009 and January 2010 and associated public and community consultations that followed. The environmental impacts arising from the proposed developments are predicted based on the findings of the fieldwork along with the activities that cause these impacts during the construction and operational phases. Existing environment was examined to identify significant environmental components that would be affected and to establish a baseline condition of the site. Available and relevant literature on environmental impacts associated with similar projects was evaluated to identify possible impacts. Oceanographic data and information on local hydrodynamics were qualitatively assessed to determine the current pattern around the island which was based on monsoonal wind patterns, wind generated waves, tidal flushing, geographic setting, the topography of the lagoon and shape of the shoreline. Three sites were selected to assess reef benthos and selected fish community as the baseline data which would also be considered for long-term monitoring program to monitor the impact of the project. In addition to the fish and benthic surveys, seawater quality was assessed in the lagoon at the north western side of the island (proposed harbor area). The substrate of the lagoon is mostly abiotic. The area to be dredged is dominated with sand and rubble. It is important to note that the most significant impact associated with the project would be impact on the marine environment from sedimentation. Dredging and excavation often carry a heavy load of sediments increasing sediment load in the water column causing discoloration due to suspended sediments of the impact area for a prolonged period. However, there is no established coral community that would be directly affected except perhaps a few isolated coral colonies in the lagoon area. Indirect impact area has high cover of live coral. Environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are considered moderate to major. The significant environmental components that are likely to be affected are the coral community established on the reef flat and changes to littoral drift and near-shore coastal hydrodynamics. Impact on the coral community from sedimentation as a result of excavation is inevitable. Mitigation measures are provided in the report for impacts that were categorized moderate to major. Impact mitigation measures and monitoring is carried out to compare predicted and actual impacts occurring from project activities to determine the efficiency of the mitigation measures. The environmental monitoring proposed here is to determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures and long term change to the benthic community, especially coral community, where the baseline information was collected. The participants of the consultation meeting held at Rashdhoo stressed the need for mitigation the severe erosion problem at the western side of the island. With due consideration to main environmental components identified and the magnitude of impacts on these components from the proposed developments, the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures are given to correct and minimize unfavorable environmental consequences. Furthermore, the public and community consultation responses were in favor of the project due to the socio-economic benefits foreseen to the community from the harbor.