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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 EIA report for restoration of B. Goidhoo harbour under construction of harbours for tsunami victims project(2010-09) Land and Marine Environment Resources Group1. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is prepared to fulfill the regulatory requirements under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives prior to the proposed harbor restoration at B. Goidhoo in Baa Atoll. 2. B. Goidhoo harbor restoration project is part of the Construction of Harbors for Tsunami Victims Project. This restoration project involves repair of harbors at 9 islands. The project is funded by a joint loan taken from Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the Saudi Government and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) by the government of Maldives. The design consultancy was awarded to Alhabshi Consultants Office, a Kuwaiti Company in association with Riyan Pvt Ltd (a Maldivian company). The Agreement for consultancy was signed on 6th November 2008 between the Government of Maldives and Alhabshi Consultant. 3. Project proponent of the proposed harbor restoration project is Ministry of Housing and Environment. The project was bided as a design and consultancy project. The main design consulting company Alhabhsi Consultants is assigned to carry out the design works, preparing tender documents, carrying out EIAs and construction phase supervision consultant. 4. The proposed development project involves renovation and restoration of B. Goidhoo harbor. During the December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, B. Goidhoo harbor facility received extensive damages. These include damage to harbor protection walls, side walls and quay walls. Under the proposed project, new quay wall (concrete sheet piles, L section) and breakwaters (armor rocks) will be constructed. Existing harbor basin will be expanded from 73m x 50m to 150m x 80m. The existing section of harbor basin will also undergo maintenance dredging to -3MSL. The concept plan is formulated in light of the new third generation harbor concept which is focused at functionality of the harbor. In this regard harbor usage components such as passenger embarking/disembarking, loading unloading area, fish landing, water and fuel recharging and mooring area will be demarcated. 5. Goidhoo atoll (N4° 49′ – N 4° 53′; E 72° 50′-73° 00′) is a geographically separate atoll approximately 13 km south of main Baa atoll (N5° 00′ – N 5° 22′; E 72° 48′-73° 12′). Goidhoo atoll is categorized as an oceanic faro covering an area of 112 km2. Only a single natural reef opening exist providing the entrance into the atoll lagoon is located on the southern side. An artificially created harbour access channel is located on the northern side of the atoll. The length and width of Goidhoo atoll is approximately 18 and 8km respectively. The existing harbor facility is located at the northern side of the island with an access channel located northern side of harbor. The project boundaries are the harbor front area, either side breakwaters, eastern side existing harbor to distance of 75m (expansion area). Two options are put forward as the dredged material removed disposal areas; option 1 at the north western side of the island where severe erosion is observed and option 2, at the two muddy areas (marshy areas) eastern side of fringing mangrove habitat (proposed by island community during stakeholder meeting at the island) . Dredged material will be used during construction works and only surplus disposed. 6. Existing harbor basin will be expanded from 73m x 50m to 150m x 80m. The length of entrance channel is approximately 415m, while width is 30m. The harbor basin and entrance channel will have a depth of -3MSL after completion of the restoration works. 7. The harbor will have a total length of 145.3m of breakwater on the northern side of the harbor. The breakwater will be constructed of armor stones and remains of existing breakwater as core. The harbor basin will be open at eastern and western side, while the existing access channel to boat hauling area will also be deepened to -3MSL. 8. Dredge material removed from the harbor basin (maintenance dredging and expansion works) and entrance will be initially stockpiled near harbor area since part of the material will be required during construction works. Part of the sediment will be used for back filling the area in between the existing quay wall and new quay wall and for filling the geo textile bags of breakwaters and side quays. Approximately 2,500m3 will be used for back filling and leveling the harbor front area, western side quay area and front of harbor. Approximately 43,500m3 of dredge material will be removed from the harbor basin (maintenance and expansion component) and entrance channel. 9. Approximately 1,000m3 will be used as core material for type 2 breakwaters, while approximately 2,500m3 will be used of filling the area between the existing quay wall and proposed quay wall. The remaining 37,500m3 will be disposed at the areas where severe erosion is observed, north western side or the marshy areas (as proposed by the island community and Island Office). 10. 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. 11. Two sites were survey as part of marine environment assessment, site R1 is located at the western side of manmade entrance (entrance to harbor) while site R2 is located at the sea grass bed north of boat hauling area. 12. The reef survey site R1 is located at the western side of entrance channel. The area is dominated by consolidated rock foundation, with massive to encrusting forms of live coral dominating the reef area. These life forms of coral are normally found in typical high energy areas such as the survey area. Dominant live coral observed at the area is Porites and Goniastrea. Live coral cover at site R1 was 25%. 13. The survey site R2, is located at the northern side of the boat hauling area at the sea grass meadow. The area was dominated by single species Thallasia hemprichii, sea grass cover is estimated to be over 90%. Very few live coral was observed at the area, these include Porites cylindrica a species often found at this type of habitat and Psammacora sp. Few small rock heads were also observed at the area, these rock heads were observed colonized with encrusting and massive life forms of coral (mostly small colonies). 14. 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. Since the project is a restoration project, the extent of sediment plum will be limited at the harbor basin area, whereas the entrance channel mouth area is needed to be deepened. The sediment plume is envisaged to be directed towards eastern side inter atoll waters. 15. During the reef surveys two Hawksbill turtles were observed at site R1, due to vast sea grass meadows near the island many turtles are sited at the lagoon (according to the boat operator hired for reef survey). During the shoreline mapping works of the island, dozens of dead carcasses of turtles were observed at the shoreline area near the western tip area of the island. Among the carcasses 3 hawksbill turtle heads and 8 green turtle heads and shells were recorded. The boat operator informed that some of the people at Goidhoo use long lines to catch green turtles at the western side sea grass bed where many green turtles are sited. According to the boat operator turtle meat is also available at the island. 16. Since the project is a restoration project but also includes harbor expansion works, additional impacts to the environment is thought to be limited, impacts envisaged will be limited to dredging works. The harbor basin will be expanded eastwards approximately 75m. The directly impacted area during the construction phase from dredging and disposal of surplus dredged material is less than 1% of the total reef area of the reef system hosting B. Goidhoo. 17. 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. It has to be noted that environmental monitoring has not been done since the completion of harbor, and extent of changes to habitat, live coral cover and shoreline is not known. Even though the project is not envisaged to cause additional impacts on shoreline, it is important to monitor shoreline changes. 18. The main issue raised by island community during the meeting held at B. Goidhoo was the issue of harbor expansion, entrance channel widening and disposal of dredged material at the marsh areas (two marsh areas at eastern 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 socioeconomic benefits foreseen to the community from a functional harbor.Item 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.Item EIA report for restoration of Ga Dhevadhoo harbour under construction of harbours for tsunami victims project(2010-08-01) Ministry of Housing, Transport and environmentThis 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 restoration at Ga Dhevadhoo in Ga Atoll. Ga Dhevadhoo harbor restoration project is part of the Construction of Harbors for Tsunami Victims Project. This restoration project involves repair of harbors at 10 islands. The project is funded by a joint loan taken from Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the Saudi Government and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) by the government of Maldives. The design consultancy was awarded to Alhabshi Consultants Office, a Kuwaiti Company in association with Riyan Pvt Ltd (a Maldivian company). The Agreement for consultancy was signed on 6th November 2008 between the Government of Maldives and Alhabshi Consultant. Project proponent of the proposed harbor restoration project is Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment. The project was bided as a design and consultancy project. The main design consulting company Alhabhsi Consultants is assigned to carry out the design works, preparing tender documents, carrying out EIAs and construction phase supervision consultant. The proposed development project involves renovation and restoration of Ga Dhevadhoo harbor. Under the proposed project, new quay wall (concrete sheet piles, L section) and breakwaters (armor rocks) will be constructed at the existing foot prints. The harbor basin will also undergo maintenance dredging to -3MSL (where necessary). Since the proposed project is only a restoration project, basin size will not be increased. The concept plan is formulated in light of the new third generation harbor concept which is focused at functionality of the harbor. In this regard harbor usage components such as passenger embarking/disembarking, loading unloading area, fish landing, water and fuel recharging and mooring area will be demarcated. Ga Dhevadhoo is located at Ga atoll, 400km from Male’. It is just about 28km from Kaadedhoo Airport. Nearest inhabited island is Ga Nilandhoo (24km at eastern side) and GDh Thinadhoo (26km at the western side of Dhevadhoo). In terms of geographic coordinates, it is located at 00° 33' 26" N and 73° 14' 32" E. Nearest islands are Hagadhoo approximately 4.5km south west and Funamudua approximately 5km west of Dhevadhoo. The existing harbor facility is located at the western side of the island, while access to the harbor is via an entrance channel south western side of harbor. The project boundaries are the harbor front area, either side breakwaters, eastern side seawall and entrance area). Under the proposed project maintenance dredging will be done at the basin and entrance area where necessary and this activity will generate sediment plumes west wards. Dredged material removed during the maintenance dredging works will be reused for construction. The existing harbor footprint will not be changed due to the proposed project, breakwaters and quay wall will be constructed at existing foot print area (apart from small section of breakwater at the southern side of the harbor for protection of entrance channel). Therefore the existing design of the harbor will remain as it is. The length of the harbor after completion of renovation works will be 149.2m and width 95m. The length of entrance channel is approximately 63m, while width is 40m. The harbor will have a total length of 190m of breakwater at the western side. The breakwater will be constructed of armor stones and remains of existing breakwater as core The side quay will have a total length of 190m of type 2 design quay wall, while the main quay will have a length of 149.2m. Approximately 1500m3 of dredged material will be generated by the maintenance dredging works. This sand will be reused during construction stage, thereby avoiding the need for disposal. 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. The reef flat area in front of harbor was dominated by tabulate life forms of Acropora and massive life forms of Porites. Large table corals and branching coral colonies were abundant at the area. Numerous small table coral colonies were observed behind the reef flat area dominating the rocky back reef towards the lagoon. The reef slope area was dominated by large table corals and branching forms of acropora. Live coral cover at the reef flat area is approximately 45%, from which 30% is estimated to be Acroporids. Large porties bommies were mainly observed just off the crust area at the reef slope. Other live coral generas observed are Pocillopora, Pavona, Echinopora, Goniastrea, Psammacora and Favites. 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. Since the project is a restoration project, the extent of sediment plum will be limited at the harbor basin area. Since the proposed project is restoration project, environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are considered minor. The significant environmental components that are likely to be affected are the coral community at harbor front area. 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. It has to be noted that environmental monitoring has not been done since the completion of harbor, and extent of changes to habitat, live coral cover and shoreline is not known. Even though the project is not envisaged to cause impacts to shoreline (since construction will be done at existing footprint), it is important to monitor shoreline changes. One of the main issues highlighted by most of the participants of the meeting held at Dhevadhoo as part of stakeholder consultation was the issue of repeated surveys and no action. The community strongly feels that the restoration project would only ease the accessibility issue but will not resolve the issue of accommodating all the vessels used by the community especially the fishing fleet. The participants of the meeting stated that the harbor facility is in need for expansion (800x300ft). The participants stated that due to location of Dhevadhoo many trade vessels and Safaris use Dhevadhoo harbor as a transit point, therefore the harbor is always crowded. Also during fishing season the harbor is used by fishing vessels from other atoll as well. Due to this reason the community feels very strongly that the harbor needs to be expanded. Since resorts are opening near the island, additional usage of harbor is envisaged therefore burden on harbor will increase. Overall the IDC and harbor committee was in favor of the project and very little issues apart from extension of harbor were raised during the stakeholder meeting 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 a functional harbor.