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Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the construction and setup of an island sewerage system in Mulah Island, Meemu Atoll, Maldives
(2016-11) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd in order to fulfill obligatory requirements of the National Environment Protection and Preservation Act, Law No. 4/93 for the proposed setup of the sewerage system (hereafter referred to as the project) in Mulah island, Meemu Atoll, Maldives. The purpose of this EIA is to identify and minimize potential adverse environmental impacts related to this project and enhance the overall quality of the project. By examining the project location, the legal framework and the existing environmental components such as marine ecology and the socio-economic aspects, this EIA provides useful information regarding the extent, nature and the magnitude of impacts that are likely to occur. The EIA will also help to identify the long term socio-economic benefits to the community after implementing this project. It also provides a framework for future monitoring of the environment, so that changes can be monitored and corrective measures can be undertaken. The proposed project aims to establish an island wide sewerage collection and disposal system. At present household wastewater is disposed on site by the use of septic tanks and this has contributed to the contamination of the groundwater to a state that it cannot be utilized for any portable use. The project therefore involves the following components: a) Installation of an island wide sewage collection network. b) Installation of new catch pits for each house / institution. c) Construction of pump stations in strategic locations to collect and convey raw sewage from the households and to the final disposal station. d) Construction of a sea outfall to discharge the sewage into deep sea. The proposed project will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur on the near shore environments resulting from potential private outfall connections in the future that may arise as a result of groundwater pollution from septic tanks. The project is expected to bring several positive impacts on the environmental quality of the island and the surrounding reef. Particularly, the most significant benefit would be achieved through improvement in the bacteriological quality of the groundwater. The health benefits of the project are also worthy of noting as the improvement in water quality are going to bring significant health benefits to the community. At present, the people of the island risk contracting sin and water borne diseases due to the potential contamination of groundwater that escalates to various levels throughout the year. Children are particularly at higher risk and continue to pose a threat to human development and well-being of the islanders. Environmental impacts and mitigation measures Several environmental impacts of this proposed project have been examined through a number of processes. These include consultations with the project development team, field surveys, observations and assessment, and field experience gained from similar development projects implemented throughout the country. Potential positive and negative impacts on the environment have been considered. The assessment indicates environmental impacts both during the construction and operation stage. During the construction period, impacts are likely to occur on the marine and terrestrial environment (groundwater) as the proposed project does necessitate construction of an outfall. Most of the impacts during the construction period are impacts related to construction waste, dust emission, damage to the reef during sea outfall construction and noise as well as disruption to the daily life of islanders due to construction activities. During the operational stage of this project, there will be both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include the improvement of the ground water quality of the island. Negative impacts include the increased in extraction of groundwater for toilet flushing. This project does foresee some negative impacts even during the construction stage but is geared towards improving the overall environmental quality of the island, most notably the environmental health. The project does not pose serious threats to the marine or terrestrial environment and will directly benefit the environment and the community, both in the short and long term. Minor negative impacts with varying significance will occur as the project is implemented such as dust emissions during pipe laying work and some reef damage during the process of outfall construction. The pump stations have also been placed around the various locations in the island, some requiring removal of trees while others does not foresee much tree removal. The project will benefit the community and the island in the long term. It is important to ensure that the project implementation is carried in a sustainable manner and in such the sewerage system can be maintained in a cost effective manner as and when required.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for road development project at R. Dhuvaafaru
(2016-10) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. This EIA report covers road development project at Dhuvaafaru, Raa Atoll. This project would undertake total length of the roads that would be 3.2 km. The roads will be built with pavements on either side of the roads on wider roads. A pavement will be one side on narrower roads. The pavements would have 3 service ducts which can be used for provision of the utility services to the island. The surface of the pavements will be of precast concrete blocks and driving surface would be of asphalt. Drainage areas are provided between pavement and driving surface and provision for tree planting is given on regular intervals. Dhuvaafaru is one of the islands in a group of islands that government has selected to undertake the road project implemented by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Dhuvaafaru is the most populated island in Raa Atoll. After the 2004 Tsunami R. Kandholhudhoo people was relocated to Dhuvaafaru in 2008. Road Development project is implemented at islands where there is a huge demand for residential and commercial land. The proposed project would help to improve the living condition of the island and facilitate the focus island development at the selected island. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed. The road developed and associated work with the project would have significant impacts on the island of Dhuvaafaru. The impacts of the project result mainly from vegetation removal and excavation of the harbour basin and beaching area to borrow the backfill material to level the road surface and levelling work carried out at the roads. The impact of the excavation activities would be of sedimentation. This impact is considered to be minor and short-term. The implementation of the project and paving the road surface would have socio-economic benefits to the island. The socio-economic benefit outweighs the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the Dhuvaafaru. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation control methods and measures for minimizing negative effects of generation of waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established based on the landuse plan that had been developed for Dhuvaafaru. Alternative designs and technologies have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhere to and would allow assessing the changes due to the road development project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as to not undertake the project in accordance with the landuse plan developed for the island. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment reclamation of 15 hectares of land at Thilafushi for development of the regional waste management facility for Zone 3
(2017-11) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Ministry of Environment and Energy for the proposed reclamation of 15 hectares from the shallow lagoon at Thilafalhu, Male’ Atoll. Thilafalhu is the lagoon where Thilafushi is located. The reclamation and coastal protection project is the first step to establish a Regional Waste Management Facility for Zone III at Thilafushi to manage and dispose waste which is generated from islands in the central 4 atolls of the Maldives. The reclamation project involves reclamation 15 hectares of shallow lagoon at Thilafalhu, Thilafushi to height of +1.7 m above mean sea level. Sand is proposed to be borrowed from the lagoon of Thilafushi near the reclamation area located on northern side of the proposed site. It is estimated that total of 525,000 cbm of sand will be required for this reclamation. The sand would be dredged using Cutter Suction Dredger and dredged sand will be pumped to the reclamation area from the dredger. The reclaimed land would be protected using 510 m rock boulder revetment on southern side and 475 m revetment on northern side. Ministry of Environment and Energy would undertake a detail design using their engineer based on observations, issues, and concerns raised during the EIA process. 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 Cutter Suction Dredger and this is particularly a method that creates lot of sedimentation. Reclamation work for filling and levelling work would be undertaken using excavators and bulldozer which will have an impact on the marine environment during the initial stage of the project. It is anticipated that impacts of this projects will be felt on the marine environment of the Thialfushi reef system. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in the report. Sedimentation control methods have been specifically focused to reduce its impact on the surrounding marine environment. An important mitigation measure is the use of bund walls in the reclamation area to contain sedimentation and reduce its impact on the marine environment. In addition, completing the dredging and filling works in the shortest time frame, during north east monsoon is also a significant mitigation measure to minimize the impact of sedimentation on the marine environment. The proposed mitigation measures shall be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The measures proposed to mitigate environmental impacts is considered to be appropriate, thereby minimizing the impact by about 90%. The negative environmental impacts 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 the project area. Several alternatives to the proposed project were considered, all of these alternatives cannot be implemented for various reasons including issues related to regulations, cost, and environment factors. The present project design seems to be feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. It is inevitable that there would be negative environmental impacts of this project. It will not be possible to avoid environmental damage entirely, but ways to minimize damage are critical factors to consider during implementation. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) with environmental monitoring has been recommended including important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component shall be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to the implementation of the proposed project. As the socioeconomic impacts are going to be felt in the long term, monitoring these changes is very essential. The proposed reclamation pose threats to the marine environment of the Thilafushi and its lagoon. There will be direct and indirect damage to marine environment in the vicinity of the project site. Some of the corals patches, mostly in the reclamation area in the shallow lagoon will die due to smothering as well as from construction activities. But these are damages that cannot be entirely avoided. The project involves negative environmental impacts, such impacts are not severe as not to go ahead with this project. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed land reclamation at Thilafushi Industrial Zone Plot S8-136
(2016-01) Water Solutions
This 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.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for undertaking coastal protection at Coastline Thilafushi Site, Thilafushi, Kaafu Atoll
(2016-07) Water Solutions
This 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.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed coastal protection at Dhihdhoo Island, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives
(2016-09) Water Solutions
This 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.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed shore / coastal protection at Gahdhoo Island, Gahdhoo Atoll, Maldives
(2016-09) Water Solutions
This 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.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed shore / coastal protection at Guraidhoo Island, Thaa Atoll, Maldives
(2016-08) Water Solutions
This 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.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed shore protection project at Madifushi Island, Thaa Atoll, Maldives
(2016-03) Water Solutions
This 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.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the harbour rehabilitation project, Maaungoodhoo Island, Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives
(2015-11) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt Ltd at the request if Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the proposed harbour rehabilitation project at Maaungoodhoo, Shaviyani Atoll. The project involves the rehabilitation of the existing harbour in Maaungoodhoo, Shaviyani Atoll. This project is initiated by the government of Maldives. The harbour of Maaungoodhoo has been damaged to various extents and requires rehabilitation and upgrading, including deepening the harbour basin, extending beaching area, constructing east channel breakwater, constructing quay wall on the extended area and reconstructing harbour breakwater using the existing rock boulders. In addition to this, filling the eroding area on north side of the island and filling the area on the west side of the harbour using dredged material is also proposed in this project. A detail assessment of the environmental and social conditions was assessed based on which a rehabilitation project has been proposed. This EIA has been prepared to assess the social and environmental impacts of this proposed rehabilitation project. The major impacts have been identified as resulting from the dredging works, which has been proposed inside the harbour basin and west of the existing harbour basin. However, as this is a rehabilitation project, environmental impacts from the dredging works will be minor to moderate as it is done on an already dredged area. To support this, the report has identified baseline conditions of the predicted impact zones of the marine environment and they appear to be limited as the reef itself has limited live coral coverage on the proposed site. Dredged spoil has been proposed to be disposed to the northern side of the island. Therefore sedimentation during the filling process is anticipated which will impact nearby reef areas. The impacts on coastal dynamics also seem to be limited as there will not be any layout changes to the harbour that will significantly affect the sediment movement around the island. The harbour has already disrupted the sediment movement around the island, which is seen during both seasons. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation control methods and other measures. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups, including the community and the client in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project. It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts, especially when dredging is undertaken. In Maaungoodhoo, the environmental impacts are limited and not significant as this is a rehabilitation project. Most of the negative impacts will be confined during the construction stage. As a result, a comprehensive monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require regular checks both during and after construction. This monitoring component will assess long term changes, despite the limited nature of the impact. The most important consideration is the socioeconomic impacts that have been assessed mainly as positive in nature. Not only they are positive, but most importantly in the long term. In this project, there are more positive benefits than negative

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