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Item Environmental Impact assessment : for the proposed development of heavy load site in Thilafushi(2010-09) Zahid, AhmedThis report addresses the environmental concerns of the proposed reclamation of an area of about 25,300m2 (2.53hectares) to a height of about 1.3m above MSL by dredging a harbour inside the area that is reclaimed. The total volume of sand required for the reclamation is estimated to be about 56,000 cubic metres. In order to get this volume of sand using the proposed borrow area (harbour), it is estimated that the borrow area has to be dredged to about 5m. Otherwise, an additional volume of about 18,000m3 of sand would be required to reclaim the given area. The primary objective of the project is to create a harbour for the several barges, landing crafts and other vessels owned and operated by Heavy Load, to provide safe and adequate access to the facility and to provide space for the different activities carried out on the site as well as to improve the services provided by the facility. The proposed project area is on the southeast corner of Thilafushi, which is the official landfill island for the entire Maldives. Currently, the site has two sand beds on the west and eastern sides, which mark the eastern and western edges of the proposed reclamation area. The exact area is being currently finalised by Thilafushi Corporation Limited (TCL). Once TCL finalises the exact dimensions of Heavy Load Site, dredging and reclamation works will begin. The entire external periphery of the dredge area would be sheet piled prior to dredging and filling works so as to minimize sedimentation. The southern periphery, which faces the sea, would have further protection using rock boulders, which would be installed as a final step. The project is, therefore, expected to take about eight to twelve months. A large proportion of the reef flat on the southeast end of Thilafushi has been dredged to provide access to the different industrial plots of land in the area by large vessels with an entrance channel at the southeast corner of Thilafushi reef. The proposed dredging is similar in size, however, would have less impact on the marine environment in the area. The reef flat in this area is almost completely dead with a few live porites. The reef slope is also mainly dead. Given the currents in the proposed dredge area is slow and generally in a westerly direction, the potential for the sediments to move to the reef flat would be small. However, it should be noted that there is a lack of long term data to support this observation. Therefore, sediment settlement on the reef has to be minimized and the most practicable means to achieve this would be to sheet pile the reclamation area prior to dredging. This would minimize sedimentation while further mitigation measures including silt curtains at the discharge points of the silt passages may be used. However, this would only be necessary if the silt levels reach very high levels.Item Environmental impact assessment : for the removal of seagrass beach replenishment activities in Herathera Island Resort, Addu atoll, Maldives(2010-09) CDE ConsultingThe Herathera Island has been experiencing seaweed overgrowth for a number of years, even before construction began on the island. Similarly, the island does not have a natural beach system which is suitable for a resort product. An attempt was made in 2007 and 2008 to remedy these shortcomings by removing seagrass and undertaking beach replenishment. Unfortunately, the beach replenishment design and implementation was flawed and new seagrass colonies have started to emerge. The island is currently is a worse condition, particularly its beach system. These environmental issues are decreasing the economic value of the tourism product being offered Resort and is reaching a point where the product may be unviable. Immediate action is required to address these issues, thus, a new and improved beach replenishment and seagrass removal programme. The proposed project involves the removal of sea grass colonies and beach replenishment. Details of the proposed project components are outlined below. a) Sea grass removal The primary component of the project is seagrass removal. Seagrass areas covering approximately 200,000 – 250,000 m2 is proposed to be cleared (see Site plan in Appendix B), 100,000 m3 of dredge waste. TwoEIA for the proposed Seagrass Removal and Beach Replenishment Activities in Herathera Island Resort Prepared by: CDE Consultancy Page| ix methods have been proposed for the project: 1) using a sand pump; 2) using an excavator and; 3) soft measures. b) Beach Replenishment Beach replenishment has been considered as part of the project to mitigate the severe erosion on the island. The dredged waste from the sea grass removal activity, after cleaning and sorting, will be used to replenish the a 2900 m beach up to 10 m from the existing shore line. Additional sand will be dredged from borrow areas within the lagoon using sand pumps and excavators. Replenishment will be carried out using a three staged process. The first stage will collect and filter sediments on designated sites. The second stage will transfer the cleaned sediments to severe erosion zones using trucks. The final stage will profile the beach using fine sand. For the direct replenishment, sand will be pumped or transferred via barges to a designated location, where loaders and trucks and move the material.Item Environmental impact assessment : for the development of a 14 Storey Building at H. Filigasdhoshuge, Malé, Maldives(2010-06) Jameel, AhmedMr. Ali Shareef is proposing to build a 14 storey hotel at H. Filigasdhoshuge. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been prepared in order to meet the requirements of Clause 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives to assess the impacts of proposed development at H. Filigasdhoshuge, Male’. The report has looked at the justifications for undertaking the proposed project components. Alternatives to proposed components or activities in terms of location, design and environmental considerations were suggested. A mitigation plan and monitoring programme before, during and after the works has also been proposed. The project component that has the greatest potential for environmental impact is the foundation component. The foundation type has been considered taking into consideration the noise and vibration impact from the deep pile foundation construction of project which was undertaken in the vicinity to the proposed site at Holiday Inn. The proposed project has proposed a raft foundation where piling technology has been chosen as a mechanism for shoring for the foundation construction process. A geotechnical investigation of the proposed project site was undertaken by the ELS – Amin International Pvt Ltd of Maldives in September 2008. The geotechnical investigation included the borehole investigation and Standard Penetration Tests. The geotechnical investigation revealed that the estimated settlement under the foundation would be less than 50mm which is acceptable for the type of foundation chosen for the building. Since the settlement under the foundation is small and a setback of 1 m has been provided between the plot boundary and the foundation, the ground settlement beyond the limits of the boundary would be too small to induce any significant damage to the neighbouring structures. A survey of the existing structural damage was carried out for all buildings that were located within a radius of 20m from the proposed building. The proposed project is expected to increase the housing units and commercial floor area available in Malé. It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts, especially when excavation is undertaken. Nevertheless, these negative impacts are not so severe to the extent that the project should not be allowed to take place. As a result, a comprehensive monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of 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 are they positive, but most importantly would they remain positive for a long term. Therefore, it appears justified from a technical and from an environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed project in light of the existing socio‐economic developments.Item Initial environmental examination for a coral frame project(2010-07) Systems Engineering and Marine ConsultingThe potential environmental impacts of the development of a coral propagation project on the island of H.A. Manafaru are assessed. Manafaru is leased to Beach House Maldives and is operated by the Waldorf Astoria collection of the Hilton group. The assessment exposes the solutions and preferred alternatives as well as mitigation measures to minimize any negative impacts whilst trying to derive the maximum positive impacts from the project. Manafaru has very little coral cover after being degraded by the 1998 bleaching event. As it is important to be proactive in reef restoration, the resort management wishes to enhance the value of the island by propagating corals using the coral frame technique. The frames will be installed near the water villas and sparsely on the house reef. Coral fragments will be attached by a marine biologist and will develop into full colonies within a few years. Coral fragments from the house reef will provide a small number of fragments and will heal rapidly. Preference will be given to damaged colonies. 136 frames of 1m2 will be initially deployed, and after the first batch, the existing frames will provide fragments for transplantation. The project will start as soon as approval is granted, and as this is a long term project, it could span several years before completion. The island of Manafaru is located inside the northernmost atoll of the Maldives, and is subject to high winds and warming waters, which may be a cause of low coral survival. As the island is located in the middle of the atoll, the waves reaching its shores are diffraction of swells, and wind waves. As the energy encountered are of second magnitude, and the reef does not form a proper crest, the waves reach the island with less obstruction than most areas. Sand displacement depends on the predominant influence during different monsoons, forming a bulging beach rather than a sand tip.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed development of an agricultural island Dhurureha Thaa Atoll, Maldives(2017-09) SandcaysThis report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study under the proposed development of agriculture on Dhururehaa, Thaa Atoll. The project is proposed by Mohamed Latheef. The proponent aims at developing Dhurureha as an agricultural island; providing job opportunities, reducing dependency on imported produce and ultimately working towards economic diversification and growth of Maldivian economy. The agricultural activities on Dhurureha will be carried out in greenhouses as a hydroponics system. A total of 12 greenhouses (100ft by 50ft each) is proposed to be built for growing tomato, capsicum, bell pepper and lettuce. Additionally, a 60m by 30m nursery will be built on the island. Access to the island is to be provided by dredging an access channel and a 200m jetty. Water requirement for the project is to be met by utilizing an RO plant. A suitable size diesel generator will be used throughout the project to meet power requirement. Staff facilities such as accommodation, mesh room, mosque and office building will also be constructed on the island. A cold storage, general storage and small packaging facility will also be constructed on the island during construction stage. A waste collection and management station will be established for using during construction phase and operational phase of the project At present, Dhurureha is an uninhabited island not used for any purpose. However, locals of the nearby communities use the island to collect coconuts, go on picnics and gather firewood. Alternatives to project components have been identified in the project document. These include alternative uses of the island such as for a tourist resort. However, upon closer analysis of these options, the proposed development of the island for agricultural purpose was found to be more viable based on the present circumstances under which the island has been leased. Therefore, the consultants propose exploring use of alternative renewable sources to the proposed fuel based energy generation. Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operation phase of the project. Most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as minor negative with highly positive socio-economic impacts. The main negative impacts from the project include habitat loss from vegetation clearance, sedimentation and consequent impacts on marine wildlife health and waste generation during the operational phase. The mitigation measures outlined for these impacts include conserving mature trees to the greatest possible extent, relocating large live corals at the proposed access channel area and establishing dust control plans in addition to employing best-practice guidelines during the operational phase. The most positive socio-economic impacts related to the project are increase in job opportunities, reduction in prices of agricultural produce and increase of national revenue. It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts. However, most of the impacts of the proposed project are minor compared to the positive socio-economic benefits of the proposed system. Yet, monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed project would be necessary. Therefore, a monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to construction and implementation of the proposed agriculture project. Monitoring is specifically focussed on employment opportunities, price changes in the market, direct and indirect economic ventures, ground and marine water quality, changes in the hydrodynamics of the project area as well as impacts on the reef or marine ecological area of importance. In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed project to develop Dhurureha as an agricultural island.Item Environmental management plan for the proposed development of Island Waste Management Center in TH. Vandhoo(2017-09) Zuhair, Ahmed HassaanThe proposed development of Island Waste Management Center (IWMC) in Th Vandhoo is funded by the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) of the Government of Maldives. The aim of this project is to alleviate current waste management problems endured by the island community and thereby improve the overall environmental and public health condition of the island. The proposed IWMC will be developed in a 500 square meters’ area located in the South East side of the island. This site is at a considerable distance away from the residential population and vegetation line and meets the land allocation criteria of both Maldives Land and Survey Authority (MLSA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). At present, no major vegetation exists in the site except some scrubs. However, according to the information provided by the Island Council, 7 mature coconut palms and 3 mature trees (Alexandrian laurel) were previously present at the site. The Island Council has been undertaking land clearance works since 2015, as the site has been identified by the council to develop IWMC in 2015. An EPA declared environmentally sensitive mangrove area exists in the north western side of the island. However, this area is 400 meters away from the proposed IWMC and therefore, no negative impacts to this area are envisaged to occur as a result of the project. The project will provide basic infrastructure necessary to manage waste at island level and ensure composting is undertaken in the island. After completion of civil works, the IWMC will be operated by the Island Council in accordance to the Island Waste Management Plan. Training on composting for island level staffs and machinery such as, shredders, wood chippers and bottle crushers will be provided to facilitate adequate functioning of the IWMC. Waste that is not manageable at the island level will be stored and regularly transferred to a regional waste management facility (RWMF). All civil works of the project are expected to be completed within 6 months. Environmental impacts of the project were evaluated using the Rapid Impact Assessment Method (RIAM). Majority of the impacts envisaged for the project are highly positive. The project is expected to bring numerous economic benefits to the island community, in additional to the perceivable environmental and public health related benefits. The only permanent negative impact likely to occur as a result of the project is related to the removal of vegetation. However, the amount of vegetation clearance involved is minimal and therefore, if the mitigation measures proposed in this management plan are adhered, almost all the negative impacts can be brought to an acceptable level. The monitoring program proposed in the EMP will ensure the implementation of the mitigation measures and assist in the identification of unforeseen impacts throughout the project. Overall, the project is expected to provide significant socio-economic and environmental benefits for the local community.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed agriculture project in Funadhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll(2017-09) Musthafa, Amir; Wahhab, Mahfooz Abdul; Adam, RashihuThe proposed project is to undertake an Agricultural Project located in the island of Funadhoo in North Huvadhoo Atoll at 0°33’42.85” N and 73°31’33.83”E. The nearest airport is Koodoo airport approximately 20km north of Funadhoo. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been prepared in order to meet the requirements of Clause 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives to assess the impacts of the proposed Agriculture Project in GA. Funadhoo. The main components of the project include: creating accessibility to the island, Vegetation clearance, setting up utilities, harvesting local produce, and livestock farming. Currently, about 90% of fruits and vegetables are imported from overseas to the Maldives. The majority of this food are transported to the tourist resorts and a major portion of the remainder is used by the people of Male’, Hulhumale’, Villingili and nearby islands. The quality of the fruits and vegetables which reaches the atolls is therefore, compromised and not adequate for the population in terms of quality and volume. Therefore, there has always been great need to improve on this condition. As such, one of the main objectives of this project is to meet the needs of the local communities. Interms of harvesting and growth, based on the available land, the growing area will be allocated in a manner which has minimal effects on the natural habitat and trees to effect minimum interruption. One hectare will be designed with net houses to grow most vegetables, such as cucumber, chili, tomato, capsicum and sweet melon. In addition to that, availability of affordable fruits and vegetables to the local communities in Huvadhoo Atoll will be a priority. Goods will be produced using locally available fertilizers in order to promote healthy vegetables and fruits. Another eight hectares will be used for open growing such as coconut trees, banana, papaya, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes. A two hectare area will be allocated for facility development as well as maintaining livestock. This will help to maintain a naturally fertile land and make fresh meat available in the local area. A 30kVA gensets will be established at the project site in the powerhouse, along with Two 5kVA gensets. A 10 ton RO plant will be placed in the island along with a 6 ton plant for back up. 3 septic tank systems will be put in place as sewerage system. A rainwater collection system for building roofs would be built to subsidize and support the water production facility. A micro sprinkler system will be laid along the farm for irrigation purposes. Disease control and quarantine facilities will be in place. The project is expected to be completed in 12 months. Regarding existing environment, there are no declared environmentally sensitive areas on Funadhoo island. 9 different types of vegetation species were found on Funadho during the survey. Majority of the mature trees in the island were Screw pines, typical coastal vegetation and coconut palms. It is expected that about 30 to 40 percentage of vegetation will be removed as part of the works. However, coastal vegetation will not be removed and a 20m buffer area will be maintained. The island undergoes erosion on the eastern oceanward side, although a substantial beach could be found on the western atollward side. Groundwater quality of the island was surprisingly poor, with large number of coliforms. Eastern lagoon was covered with seagrass beds, while the seagrass beds were present only near the coast on the Western side. It was observed that the Eastern lagoon was shallower compared to the Western side, having less than 1m at low tide. The results of the surveys show that 49.9% of the western reef was composed of rock with only 1.6% live corals, and limited number of target fish were observed. The legal framework for the project includes existing policy are regulation with respect to any development sensitive to the environment such as the EIA regulation, regulation on cutting and uprooting trees, Environment protection and preservation act, regulation on coral mining, waste management regulation, dredging and reclamation regulation, etc. In addition to these, there are agriculture specific regulation and guidelines, such as the Agriculture policy, general regulation for food establishment, etc. One of the most important set of guidelines with respect to the project is the Maldives Good Agriculture Standards, which has been recently formulated. While it is not mandatory to conform to the standards currently, the study strongly emphasises on its importance and recommends its incorporation to the project. Impact evaluation is undertaken by standard accepted methods. General impacts from development in uninhabited islands exists for the development such as those including vegetation removal and marine dredging, which has been noted among the more important ones. General mobilisation and setup impacts are also there, in addition to establishing and operating utilities in the island. Waste management in a secluded island such as this is important. More specific impacts occur due to handling and using chemicals and fertilizers, animal and pest control, and harvesting procedures. Mitigation measures are given for each impact. Vegetation removal is unavoidable. However, it is recommended to transplant larger trees as much as possible, and to utilise green waste as compost for the facility. Marine dredging impacts are likewise unavoidable. But the harbour is designed in such a way as to minimise the long term impacts. With regards to agricultural practices, it is strongly recommended to follow the Maldives Good Agricultural Practices. Alternatives for the project includes assessment of the no project option as per usual where the need for the project is discussed at length. It is concluded that the no project option is not viable at this stage. Other alternatives such as those for the project site, harbour area, water source, sewage options, and energy source has been discussed. The project has proposed the most simple and commonly used sources and it is recommended to proceed with these for the time being, while the harbour has been designed in the most environment friendly manner possible. Stakeholder consultations were carried out with different government authorities in addition to respective councils. The councils were generally supportive of the project. However, they all unanimously stated that they recommend more involvement of the island communities in development such as these. The government authorities expressed concern with respect to projects such as these and the agricultural industry of the Maldives in general. Monitoring program has been proposed as per usual. It is recommended to carry out annual monitoring even after the construction works have been completed. Important monitoring parameters include groundwater monitoring, marine water, marine life, shoreline, product water, general health and safety at site, etc. One of the key points with regards to impacts is, the scale/magnitude of works will be much less compared to other types of development which takes place in uninhabited islands such as airport developments or more typically, resort developments. The operation stage of the project will also be much more environment friendly than other developments. However, the main area of concern with regards to operation is apart from general good practices in maintenance and waste management, the use of fertilizers and chemicals. This can be regulated if it is ensured that the operation is in compliance with MGAP. In fact, the entire operation can be made sustainable once the operation fully conforms to the guidelines as provided by MGAP. Considering these factors and the great socio economic benefits the project will bring to the regional community, the project can be regarded to be environment friendly on a long term basis. With proper operating procedures as outlined in MGAP, mitigation measures as given in this study, and subsequent monitoring, it is recommended for the project to proceed as proposed.Item Environmental impact assessment proposed milkfish aquaculture project Matu, Gaafu Alif Atoll(2017-07) SandcaysThis report addresses the environmental concerns of the proposed milkfish (Chanos chanos) hatchery project in Ga. Matu. The project is proposed by Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. Concerns about live-bait availability over prolonged periods are being raised in recent years, especially in the southern atolls of Maldives. The development of aquaculture for selected bait species is seen as one possible measure to manage the live bait shortage currently faced by local fishermen. Cultured milkfish has been in use for the longlining industry in different parts of the world, and successfully piloted for the pole-and-line industry in Indonesia and Kiribati. Unlike most of the live bait species currently in use in the pole-and-line fishery, hatchery technology is well developed for milkfish. In addition, the relatively short duration to reach bait-size makes milkfish an ideal species for aquaculture development. Supplementing the tuna fishermen with cultured bait is expected to reduce the time spent on bait search, and in turn, result in increased effort directed to the tuna fishery. As live bait shortage is mostly reported from the southern atolls, the proposed hatchery site was selected from Gaafu Alif atoll, for logistical ease in distribution for the most needed areas can be made. The selected island, Matu from Ga. Atoll is 5.9 Ha small uninhabited island on the northern side of Ga.Atoll. The closest inhabited islands to the project site are Ga. Villingili and Kolamaafushi. The project aims to produce 100 tons of milkfish raised to the size of live bait used in the pole-and-line fishery. All required technical and support infrastructure will be constructed during the construction phase of the project. The operational phase will involve water circulation, feeding and rearing of cultured stock. In addition to hatchery, nursery and broodstock modules built on land, sea cages will be built for brood stock. Power will be provided for the project via diesel generators, while potable water will be provided via RO plants. Accommodation for staff and administrative buildings and waste management centre will also be constructed on the island. Access to the island will be provided via access channel and a jetty. The naturally deep lagoon will be used as a harbour during the project. Social and environmental concerns regarding the proposed project include: • Vegetation clearance during site preparation for construction of land infrastructures. This impact is considered minor negative as outmost care will be taken to reduce cutting down mature vegetation. Buildings will be adjusted as much as possible to reduce requirement of cutting or relocation of mature trees. When unavoidable, two plants for every tree cut will be planted on the island. • Sedimentation during excavation of access channel and construction of main jetty. This impact is considered as negligible as the excavation involved is very minor. Measures to reduce this impact such as working during calm weather and low-tide has been suggested as mitigation measures. • Minor impacts due to human activity in the area including littering both during construction and operational phases. • Increased nutrient loadings from faeces and uneaten food wastes, which will either dissolve or settle on the seabed beneath the cage. Since the water is deep and adequate currents exist, eutrophication is, however, unlikely. The proposed project is expected to be managed in conformity with local and international regulations and standards of relevance, especially environmental regulations and standards. Therefore, environmental impacts will be well managed, minimized and mitigated. Given that the project has major socio-economic benefits and some environmental benefits (potential to reduce pressure on wild populations of baitfish), it is recommended to allow the project to proceed as proposed. It is important to consider uncertainties and continue to monitor the project impacts and undertake appropriate mitigation measures in consultation with the EPA and other relevant government agencies. It is also necessary to undertake regular environmental monitoring activities.Item Environmental impact assessment proposed 10 storey building construction in H. Asrafee Villa, Male’(2017-09) Musthafa, AmirThis report is based on the proposed 10 storey building construction at the residence, H. Asrafee Villa in the capital city, Male’. The project is being developed and constructed by W Construction Pvt. Ltd., which will undertake the construction works and project management including overseeing the EIA process. The proponent of the project is Adam Shafeeq. An Environmental Impact Assessment was necessary for the works outlined in this report as they fall under ‘Jadhuvalu R’ of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012 of the Maldives. In addition to meeting the regulatory requirements, the report would further assist the proponent and important stakeholders to make decisions based on favourable environmental conditions with the main focus on sustainability. The project also adheres to several other rules and regulations in the Maldives and has obtained permit from the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the project to proceed. The area the project is proposed to be undertaken is a moderately built area in the east end of Male’. There is no natural terrestrial environment at site. The existing environment therefore was focussed on the regional climate of Male’, and the traffic distribution, and noise pollution in the area. The project area does not endure much traffic relative to the general traffic conditions in Male’. A general exterior overview of the existing structures in the area was also observed. It was found that most of the buildings in the area were old structures and maybe prone to some damages. Older buildings were mostly single storey structures and there was one high rise building on the north eastern corner of the proposed site. Therefore, serious structural defects are expected to be at a minimum, especially considering the standard foundation protection methods. The report does recommend to undertake a structural defects inspection study of the buildings in the same block as the proposed site by civil engineering experts. The overall environmental impacts of the project have been assessed using frameworks found in literature. Since the development is undertaken in a moderately built area, the results indicate that the proposed project has neutral impact. However, there are some significant impacts on the environment during the construction phase of the project and these needs to be mitigated to avoid any significant damage to the environment. Significance of the impacts and mitigation measures have been provided based on previous similar projects undertaken in the Maldivian environment and based on literature. The main cause for concern regarding this project is the impact it will have on neighbours residing in this area. As such, several short-term impacts are envisaged including air pollution, noise pollution, aesthetic impacts, traffic issues and safety concerns. As there are numerous high storey building projects being undertaken in Male’, there is no particular long term impact associated with this project, albeit an increase in cumulative impacts. The main reason an EIA was required for the project was due to the basement construction and associated impacts. These can be mitigated by restricting the type of storage materials in the area, implementing fire safety systems, and proper mechanical ventilation and drainage. Submersible pumps are proposed for the project as well as mechanical ventilation. The other impacts that do occur can also be easily mitigated to minimise and/or completely nullify them. Mitigation measure proposed includes creating awareness among the construction staff and neighbours regarding the scope of the project. Other measures include taking protective measures to ensure people residing and utilising the vicinity will not have to endure the impacts during the construction stage. Foundation protection measures are recommended and are provided as part of the project to prevent impact on neighbouring structures in addition to a 1m offset from the adjacent building. Dewatering procedure also needs to be undertaken with care, details of which are given in the report. Care should also be taken to prevent any damage to the road and disruption to traffic during transport of machinery and equipment. Alternatives, including the no project option and alternatives for some project components are also discussed. No project option is not viable at this stage of the project. Regarding construction methodology, a few alternatives are recommended. Regarding the design also, there are recommendations to make the development greener. These include interior landscaping to incorporate plants, use of green walls, use of LED lights, rooftop solar panels, etc. An environmental monitoring program is provided at the end of the report, which provides details on the parameters to monitor on site, and the frequency in which it needs to be done. Estimated costs for the monitoring works are given. Implementation of the program is essential for the sustainable development of the project. In conclusion, it is discussed the impact such major housing projects have for the increasing population density in Male’, and how it can be prevented at a policy level. However, taking this project as a standalone development project in an already heavily built island city, it can be concluded that no significant long-term impacts are predicted, none that the island community is not yet enduring. Therefore, it is recommended that the project go ahead as proposed with proposed precautions and mitigation measures as recommended in this study.Item Addendum 1 for environmental impact assessment of Hulhule-Hulhumale connecting link road development project in North Male‟, Atoll(2017-09) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings for the first addendum of the environmental impact assessment undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd for undertaking the construction of the link road project between Hulhule-Hulhumale.. The project is proposed by Housing Development Corporation (HDC). The island of Hulhumale has been an important growth centre since its development. Presently, Hulhumale is the fastest growing urban centre and has residential as well as industrial developments to a scale that has never been experienced anywhere in the Maldives. Being close to Male‟ and the airport, Hulhumale has been attracting migrants from all over the Maldives. Construction of the Male‟ to Hulhule Bridge is presently the biggest infrastructure project of its kind under construction in Maldives. This project is very much tied with the present link road as this link road will provide direct connection of Hullhumale and the bridge, ultimately making the traffic flow from Hulhumale to Male‟. This road will be constructed on the east side of the existing land mass of Hulhule airport by reclaiming a small area further west of the existing island. The proposed road will consists of three zones. The details of the link road project is given in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report which is prepared by Water Solutions in August 2017 and the reason for the preparation of this first addendum report is due the change in location of sand burrow areas. In the Environmental Impact Assessment Report it was said that the sand will be obtained from the Hulhumale‟ phase 2, phase 1 and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). However now that idea has been dropped out and it is now planned to obtain sand from the eastern side of Uthuru Thila Falhu and the bathymetry shows the depth varies between 40 to 60 meters approximately. The details of the geographic coordinates are given in the section project descriptions and Study Area. This lagoon has been used as a sand burrow area for previous similar projects and is estimated to dredge 410,000 cubic meters of sand from this location. The dredging project is subcontracted to the Dredging International (Cyprus) and it is estimated to complete the project in five to seven days. Environmental impacts were assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting mainly from the coral reef damage caused by reclamation of additional land. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, especially sedimentation control methods. The most important mitigation measure is the use of bund walls in the fill areas. This EIA addendum was undertaken to assess the environmental impacts of the proposed dredging and reclamation to acquire more land for the link road construction project. Based on the assessment, it has been identified that the major impacts of the project will be felt on the marine environment during the dredging and discharging of sand. This EIA addendum report also highlights some of the studies and research work undertaken in similar environments, especially in Male‟، to understand the impacts of reclamation and construction works close to reef slope and how this knowledge can be transferred to similar environments based on the type of coastal protection methods in use. The mitigation measures are provided in the report with alternatives. It is vital to conduct the activities, during both project planning and construction phase, in line with mitigation measures emphasized in the report. Socio-economic impacts of the proposed project will be immense as direct land connection of Male‟ and Hulhumale would bring significant benefits to the general public. Connection of Hulhumale, Male‟ and the airport is a vital transportation link that would save time and money for more than 200,000 people residing in the greater Male‟ region. The environmental impacts of various projects that are currently being undertaken in the airport region have caused significant damage to reef in various areas. This project will also have its impacts, but the impacts will not be anything greater than to what the environment has already been subjected to. Therefore a comprehensive monitoring programme has been suggested which covers components of coastal and marine environment to assess how the critical components of this project will affect the environment and to what extent. It is important to follow this monitoring programme not only to comply with the regulation but also to ensure that the impacts are measures in realistic terms. Though some of the components of this project contravenes with the Dredging and reclamation regulation; the amendments brought to the regulation facilitates that this project could be implemented. Hulhule island is a special zone and Under clause 10 of the dredging and reclamation regulation, special projects are exempted. As the environmental consultants, it is our opinion that this project should be allowed to proceed as the environmental impacts of this project does not pose serious concerns to the natural environment. It is a project that has far greater socio-economic benefits than these limited environmental impacts.