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Item Environmental impact assessment for harbor extension works at Fares-Maathodaa, Gdh. Atoll(2016-04) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupBackground The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed harbour extension works at Fares-Maathodaa, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. The proponent of the proposed project is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The total estimated cost of this project is USD 843,060. The proposed project involves extension of the existing facility (which lies on the northern side of the island) by addition of 61m (along its length) to the eastern side of the facility. The project also involves construction of the main quay wall along the extension area and a sand bund breakwater along the outer boundary. Dredged material sourced will be disposed along the shoreline to the east of extension area. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment have been considered for the constructional phase and post constructional phase of the project. These impacts have been identified through interviews with the project management team, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant in similar development projects. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. The impacts identified are described according to their location, probability of impact, magnitude, significance and duration. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are irreversible in nature. Impact analysis showed that the main impact due to the project was during the construction phase, due to dredging activity. This impact was also anticipated to be of low effect due to the location (shallow intertidal area with seagrass beds) and scale of project (even though loss of seagrass beds from project site is a permanent impact). Overall, impacts identified were found to be of low effect and restricted to the project site, with temporary effects. Positive impact due to the project is the availability of a bigger and more planned area (dedicated area for unloading and passenger use) for use by the numerous vessels of the island and those who visit the island. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, such as limiting dredging activity to low tide phase to reduce possible sedimentation impacts. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Given the scope of the project and need alternative has only been considered for the material to be used for breakwater construction and location of extension. The no-project scenario which was also considered, is not feasible, given the scope of project and associated impacts on environment which are which are mainly of low effect and short term. The benefits on continuation of project outweigh the impacts and hence the no-project scenario is not considered a feasible option. The Consultant feels that the project is feasible with proper implementation of the mitigation measures proposed to minimize the impact on the environment. Stakeholder Consultation Stakeholder consultation was undertaken with Island Council regarding the concept drawing formulated by MHI. The council stated that they require a side quay wall to be included in the eastern side and if excess dredged material is available back filling areas where erosion is observed. Based on the stakeholder consultation, MHI agreed to change the concept design to include a side quay wall at the eastern side. The revised final drawing is provided in Appendix 5 of this report.Item Environmental impact assessment report for construction of 14 storey mix use building at STELCO compound, Male’(2016-11) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1.1 Background This report is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the development of a 14 storey mix use building at State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) compound. The proponent of the proposed project is State Electric Company Limited (STELCO). 1.2 Project Detail The proposed project involves development of a mix use building in the compound of the current STELCO plot, right next to the current STELCO head office building in Male‟. The basement level and part of the ground level is dedicated to parking while the remaining area of the ground floor is allocated for the lobby, circulation and showroom. The first floor of the building is allocated for shops and the second and third floors are to be used as office spaces. The fourth and fifth floor are dedicated for use as convention halls and floors six to ten are to be used as offices. The floors eleven and twelve are allocated for residential apartments while the thirteenth floor has recreational areas such as aerobics/saloons/pool bar/café/pool and gymnasium. Finally, the fourteenth floor which is the terrace has a space allocated for the green roof while the lower roof has tanks for rainwater collection. As part of the construction works, ground improvement measures will be undertaken through micropiling work. 1.3 Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives 1.3.1 Key impacts Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project have been identified through interviews with the proponent, field data collection and surveys as well as based on past experience in similar construction projects. In any development project major direct impacts to the environment (either short-term or long-term) occur mainly during the construction phase. Potential direct or indirect impacts which are anticipated to arise due to the proposed works are as outlined below: Ground water contamination/salinisation due to dewatering works. This is foreseen to be minor and short termed. Social impacts due to groundwater shortage: impact is foreseen to be minor and short termed Noise and air pollution during the construction works due to machinery and equipment; impact intensity will vary during different phases of the project Vibration impacts during micropiling work Impact on traffic due to road closure during foundation and floor slab casting periods: minor to moderate impact which is short termed and only during a few days of the project Operational phase of the project is not envisaged to have significant negative impacts. 1.3.2 Mitigation measures There are a number of actions that can be taken to minimize the identified impacts. Mitigation measures are selected to reduce or eliminate the severity of any predicted adverse environmental effects and improve the overall social and environmental performance of the project. Mitigation measures are mainly discussed for the construction stage since no significant operational impacts are envisaged in such projects apart from maintenance works. During the construction stage it is important to take measures to minimize dust spread, assess adjacent building condition during dewatering, excavation and micropiling works and monitor groundwater shortages. Dewatering should also be carried out as per outlined in the Dewatering Regulation which has been gazetted on 31st December 2013 and will come into effect from January 31st 2014. Detailed mitigation measures are outlined in Table 21 of the report. The report also highlights Grievance redress mechanisms in Section 10.1 of the report. While the operational stage is not envisaged to have significant negative impacts, it should be noted that the proponent has already identified certain measures to conserve energy, and minimize the impact on the environment due to various operational activities. These measures are identified in Section 5.10 of the report. 1.3.3 Alternatives Given the scope of the project and the utilization of typical construction methodology and foundation types, alternatives have only been considered for very few components including: the method used for soil stabilization discharge location of extracted ground water Additionally, a „no-project‟ scenario has also been considered, but not considered feasible due to the need for the project (increased office space and convention halls). Hence given that the impacts to the environment due to the project are mostly minor impacts, this option has been considered not feasible. Alternatives are discussed in Section 9 of the report. The Consultant concludes that the proposed project and methods identified are feasible and can be carried out with minimal impact on environment, especially through implementation of mitigtion measures identified in the report.Item Environment impact assessment for the construction of weather mast at Hoarafushi, HA. Atoll(2016-03) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the construction of a 77m (with the instrument boom and lightning arrester total hight will be 82m) high weather mast at HA. Hoarafushi for collection of wind data. The proponent of the proposed project is Ministry of Environment and Energy. The total estimated cost of this project is USO 191,000.00. . This project is a component of "Renewable Energy Resource Mapping and Geo-spatial Resource Mapping - Maldives Project". The current works are part of second phase of the project which involves data collection for 24 months at several locations around Maldives for developing a validated mesoscale wind atlas for the Maldives. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives The proposed project is not expected to have any impacts during the operational phase. The Impacts on the environment from various activities of the construction work have been identified through interviews with the project management team, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. Impact analysis showed that impact due to the project was minor and on various parameters of the terrestrial environment such as vegetation and groundwater. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts. Given the scope of the project the only possible alternatives for the project was a no-project scenario or alternative location for construction of tower. The "do-nothing" option or no project scenario would mean that the data requirement for the wind model will not be available and alternative island to be selected. The selection of the island is made based on phase one of the project which identified locations for data points spread around the island for modeling purposes. Since renewable energy ventures and development of the sector is a policy of government it is essential to undertake all data collection and feasibility studies to be able to make an informed decision. Furthermore the project is a grant from World Bank and government is required to fulfill its obligation in facilitating the project. Therefore given that the benefits of project are high and environmental impacts are low, the no project scenario is rejected.Item Environmental impact assessment for construction and development of water supply system at Dhangethi, Adh. Atoll(2016-12) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the construction and development of a freshwater production and distribution system at ADh. Dhangethi. The proponent of this project is the Ministry of Environment and Energy and total estimated cost of the project is MRF 17 million. To meet the water supply demand and to provide a quality treated water RO desalination with rainwater collection scheme is proposed for the island. The project involves the setup of a RO plant facility with two RO plants each with a capacity of producing 60m3 of freshwater per day One RO plant will be operational at anyone time while the remaining plant will be kept as a backup. Rainwater will be collected from the public buildings which will go through separate treatments before being mixed with RO desalinated water. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment from various activities of the project development work (constructional impacts) and operational impacts have been identified through interviews with the Project management team, field data collection and surveys and are also based on past experience of consultant in similar projects. Impacts were analysed for their significance with the aid of a Leopold Matrix. In any development project, major direct impacts to the environment occur mainly during the construction phase. Potential direct or indirect impacts on the environment from the proposed project include: Minor to moderate impacts to the groundwater resource during drilling and construction work Impact on vegetation due to the need to cut down vegetation located at the plot Impact due to air and noise pollution during construction work Impact on marine environment due to discharge of brine Positive impact on social wellbeing and health Mitigation measures are discussed for the activities which would have potential impacts during the construction and operational phase of the project. In general, during the construction stage it is important to use a method of construction which has the least impact on the environment. Specific measures highlighted include following of established guidelines when carrying out excavation works and dewatering and transplantation of Coconut palms around the periphery of the project site. Detailed mitigation measures are discussed in Section 11 of the report. Alternatives have been considered for various components of the project and are given as possible options that may be either more practical or less expensive to the preferred options. The proposed alternatives also have taken into consideration the environmental consequences resulting from these options as compared to the preferred options. The following components of the project have been discussed in providing these alternatives; Location of RO plant facility Source of feedwater for RO plant Brine discharge location The no-project scenario is also considered, which would mean that all environmental impacts due to the project would no longer be an issue. However, this also means that the community would have to continue using only rainwater and groundwater as main freshwater sources. Additionally, it would also mean increased health risks faced by the community due to the use of contaminated water and the loss of potential additional job creation during the operation of the service. The environmental impacts predicted for the project are minor to moderate, hence the benefits of establishing the system, though with a cost to the environment is seen to be far more beneficial than the cancellation of the project, as the health risks faced by the community is not something that should and can be overlooked. Therefore the “no-project” scenario is not a feasible solution and it is recommended that the project be continued, but with the proper implementation of all mitigation measures proposed in the report. Details of the various alternatives considered and the selected alternatives are shown in Section 10 of the report.Item Addendum 2 to the environmental impact assessment report for the development of a transit hotel and luxury villas at Baa Finolhas(2014-11) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThis non-technical summary highlights the findings of the Second Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed development of a Transit Hotel and Luxury Villas on the island of Finolhas in Baa Atoll by Coastline Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd. The proponent has brought changes to the concept plan, based on which the EIA for the project was approved. The EIA report was submitted and approved on 21st January 2013. A revised concept plan has been approved and a conditional development approval by the Ministry of Tourism has been provided, conditional to environmental clearance by EPA. This addendum therefore covers description of these changes, their environmental impacts and any mitigation measures that are required in context of environmental impacts and mitigation measures described in the EIA of 2013, The changes proposed to the concept are; Quay wall construction on the land side of the harbour basin Revetment construction on the south western shoreline Construction of a temporary jetty on north eastern lagoon These changes are fully discussed in Section 4 of the report, while impacts and monitoring required are discussed in Sections 5 and 6. While the proposed changes to the concept range from minor to moderate (few cases), the environmental footprint of the proposed changes are anticipated as low. Revetment works proposed is likely to have a positive impact to the shoreline where it has been proposed and nearby shoreline, as the primary objective of the revetment was to control severe erosion in this area. Quay wall, although not part of original concept would provide additional mooring space within the harbour in addition to reducing sediment fill up into the harbour basin without the quay wall. The quay wall construction will not completely block water flow across the harbour along the shoreline as there are gaps in the revetment beneath harbour wall ways. Temporary jetty has been proposed for the construction period only (second phase of the overall project, described in EIA 2013). Hence no significant additional impacts are expected to occur due to the changes to the concept plan and construction of temporary jetty. Therefore, it is concluded that the mitigation and monitoring proposed in the EIA for this development is more than sufficient to address these requirements of the project.Item Environment impact assessment for flood mitigation and reclamation works at Fares-Maathoda, Gdh Atoll(2013-02) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThe non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the development of flood mitigation measures at Fares-Maathodaa in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the South of Maldives. The island is susceptible to flooding due to storm surges and powerful swells and was one of the worst affected islands during the powerful swells which hit the Maldives in 2007, with the entire island of Fares and one third of Maathodaa being flooded. Hence the need for proper flood mitigation measures is crucial in order to ensure the safety of the community of the island during possible similar events which may occur in the future. The project proponent of this project is United Nations Office for Project Services, who were requested by United Nations Development Programme to provide support of developing a comprehensive coastal protection and drainage management support approach to the southern island of Fares-Maathodaa. This project is part of a climate change package from the Danish Government of about $10 million to UNDP. The bid for the provision of consultancy services for carrying out detailed designs for flood mitigating measures at Fares-Maathodaa Island was won by Lanka Hydraulic Institute Ltd (LHI) (and their local counterpart, Riyan Pvt Ltd) and UNI Consulting Services. After conducting a study at the site and undertaking numerical modeling of five engineering interventions which were then proposed to UNOPS and the Government of Maldives it has been decided to construct a continuous offshore breakwater structure of length 734 m, joining the headlands of Fares and Maathodaa on the southwestern side of the island. Physical modeling was then conducted on this option. The breakwater would be constructed using armour rocks of varying sizes and weights which have been chosen based on their ability to resist extreme wave conditions without significant displacement. The core of the breakwater will be filled with dredge material obtained from within the enclosed lagoon area. The project also involves the reclamation of the enclosed lagoon area of 191,700 m2, though this component will be carried out as a second phase of the project, within a short duration of completion of the breakwater construction. Details of this phase will be addressed in a separate report formulated prior to commencement of this project. The construction of the breakwater will be undertaken by UNOPS, while reclamation will be funded and undertaken by the Government of Maldives.Item Environmental impact assessment for the development of MNDF coast guard base and berthing facility phase 1- reclamation works, Uthuruthilafalhu, North Male’ Atoll(2013-03) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupItem Addendum to the environmental impact assessment for the development of a transit hotel and luxury villa at Finolhas, Baa Atoll(2013-05) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupThis non-technical summary highlights the findings of the Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed development of a Transit Hotel and Luxury Villas on the island of Finolhas in Baa Atoll by Coastline Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd. The proponent has brought changes to the concept plan, based on which the EIA the EIA for the project was developed. The EIA report was submitted and approved on 21st January 2013. A revised concept plan has been approved and a conditional development approval by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has been provided, conditional to environmental clearance by EPA. The changes proposed to the concept are; Change in location of the Swimming Pool and Public Area Change in type, location and number of 1 Bed Beach Houses on Western side of island (revised to be Lagoon Houses) Change in numbers of Tree Houses, Beach Houses on Northeastern side and Ocean Houses Development of a Marine Bio Center at the Service Jetty Area (previously proposed to develop an Overwater Cinema) These changes are fully discussed in Section 4 of the report, while impacts and monitoring required are discussed in Sections 5 and 6. While the proposed changes to the concept range from minor to moderate (few cases), the environmental footprint of the proposed changes are anticipated as low. Hence no additional impacts are expected to occur due to the changes to the concept plan. Therefore, it is concluded that the mitigation and monitoring proposed in the EIA for this development is more than sufficient to address these requirements of the project.Item Environmental audit report for powerhouse registration at Taj Coral Reef Maldives, Hembadhoo, North Male Atoll(2011-10) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupVivanta by Taj-Coral Reef resort is always seeking ways to provide a better service to its customers. Thereby the resort is about to upgrade the existing powerhouse to provide reliable power and to meet the future power demands of the resort. This report provides the status of the existing environment and assesses the possible measures which could be undertaken to minimize any impact on the environment by the operation of the power facility. Currently the powerhouse is operated under a provisional license from Maldives Energy Authority for the operation of tourist resorts. This island is equipped with all the necessary equipment and facilities required for providing quality services to tourists who arrive at the island. Figure 1 shows the resort with the water villas.The purpose of this Environment Audit (EA) report is to meet the regulations of Maldives Energy Authority (MEA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the registration of power generation facilities at the Vivanta by Taj-Coral Reef resort. This EA would attempt to assess the type of project, its impacts on the environment and potential mitigation options to meet the requirements of MEA and EPA on operation of power generation facility. A Term of Reference (TOR) specifying component of the report was drawn in accordance to the EIA regulation of Maldives. Copy of the TOR is given in Appendix 1. Similarly a copy of the MEA regulation with regard to powerhouse registration is given in Appendix 2.Item Initial environmental examination report for construction of 10 storey building with basement at M. Sunny Inn(2011-09) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupSunny Inn is a 3998 square feet plot located on Kanbaa Aisa Rani Higun road in Maafannu district of Male’. Mr. Ahmed Ismail Maniku (M. Dheefram aage, ID number A012866), as the Client, has proposed to develop a ten storey building with an underground basement. The basement is designed to be used as a parking area, while the ground and first floors will be used as a commercial space and the remaining upper floors will be used as residential apartments. The superstructure of the building is a concrete frame and the substructure of the building is a raft foundation. The proposed project will be carried out in two phases. In the first phase of the project all concrete works will be completed; the second phase will involve finishing works. At the time of report preparation contractor for floor finishing and completion is not yet contracted. This report is an Initial Environmental Examination for the proposed 10 storey building with a basement parking at M. Sunny Inn, Male’. This document has been produced to fulfill the requirements under Article 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (4/93) of the Maldives and has been structured to meet the requirements of the EIA Regulations 2007. EPA circular number EPA (203)‐ EIA/IU/2010/4 states that building projects exceeding 10 storey’s requires an EIA. The proposed project involves construction of a 10 storey building with a basement thus a total of 11 storeys.