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Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed reclamation of eastern side of a Dh. Fenfushi(2016-04) Maldives Energy and Environmental Company1. This report provides the finding of an environmental impact assessment conducted for a proposed reclamation project in A Dh. Fenfushi, initiated by Fenfushi island council in accordance with the Environmental Act and EIA Regulations 2012. The report was compiled by Maldives Environment and Energy Company (MEECO) to fulfil the requirements of law. The main objective of the project is to create space to establish developmental infrastructures that have been planned, which include providing the necessary recreational facilities to the island population. 2. Fenfushi is situated at the southern tip of A Dh. Atoll and has a land area of 218,422 m2. The island is situated close to a resort and an uninhabited island which has been leased to the resort. Surveys show that eastern side of the island is populated while the western side largely remains natural. The island has a population of 1,000. Most of the people from the island are employed in the tourism sector. Since the majority of the island consists of young adults, the need for public recreational facilities are great. However, the island does not have enough recreational facilities such as football fields. The only football field on the island is next to a cemetery. Sightings of human remains lead to the field being abandoned. The project was devised to address the needs of islands main population group which comprises of young adults who require recreational facilities. The current football field is situated next to the island cemetery and part of the field is on top of the cemetery few inches above burial sites. This has created a sense of fear amongst its users as playing on top of burial sites is emotionally stressing and on religious terms unacceptable. In order to address the issue, the council had initially designed to construct a football field and net ball court within the current footprint of the island, however lack of space available in the island specially populated side (eastern) of the island prompted the council to devise and propose reclamation of eastern side of the island to solve the developmental and space issues faced by the island. 3. The proposed project will involve reclamation of of 39,314 m2 from the eastern lagoon of the island. Field surveys indicated 28,477m3 sand will be required as fill to reclaim up to +1.4 m MSL. The study also revealed that the required fill material can be obtained by dredging the current harbour basin. Three zones have been distinguished within the harbour basin which can be used to obtain the dredge material. When combined, the three zones have enough fill material to reclaim the proposed area in the lagoon. 4. Sedimentation resulting from dredging and reclamation was identified to be the main environmental impact arising from the project. However, due to the existing quay wall on the southern side of the reclamation area which would act as a sediment barrier, distance of house reef from reclamation area, its depth, and hydrographical conditions observed at the site and based on expert opinion from MWSRP, sedimentation resulting from the proposed project is not envisaged to have any negative impacts on marine protected area located in A Dh. Atoll. It is recommended to install bunds as specified in the report to enclose area before reclamation further mitigate sediment transportation. 5. The report also assessed alternative materials, methods and locations. The comparison of alternative reclamation areas through comparative option analysis of three locations (East, South and West) suggested that the proposed location was most feasible. It was close to the populated areas of the island where infrastructure for electricity exists and the groyne installed at the site would act as a sediment barrier that would mitigate sediment transportation. 6. No irreversible major negative impacts to the environment have been identified due to the proposed project. Impact assessments done for the construction phase (reclamation) and operational phase of the project resulted in minor/moderate temporary negative impacts. Appropriate and practical mitigation measures have been identified and included in this report to address these negative impacts. These include monitoring water quality at set locations to assess extent of sedimentation. Constructing sand bunds surrounding the reclamation area to contain sedimentation due to reclamation. Significant positive impacts were identified for the implementation phase of the project. The project is expected to significantly contribute to social and developmental aspect of the island. Most importantly create land space for recreational activities of the island. 7. The Proponent of the project, Fenfushi Island Council guarantees their commitment to undertake the necessary mitigation measures and monitoring during all stages of the project that has been proposed in the report. The project complies to national development polices of the government and is planned to be executed in compliance with the relevant laws and regulations of the Maldives relevant to conservation of the environment if implemented in accordance with the report. 8. In conclusion, the EIA has looked into the key factors that shall be taken into account during construction and operational stage of the project. Even though this project does have significant environmental impacts to the immediate marine environment, with appropriate measures, minor negative impacts envisaged can be further mitigated. Given that the Proponent has committed to the mitigation actions it is anticipated that the project can be implemented with minimum negative residual environmental and socio-economic impacts.Item Environmental impact assessment for the relocation of feul tanks at MWSC compound, Male’ City(2016-02) Land and Marine Environmental Resources GroupBackground The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed relocation of existing fuel tanks of the Male’ Water and Sewerage Company Pvt Ltd. The proponent of the proposed project is Male’ Water and Sewerage Company Pvt Ltd. The total estimated cost of this project is MVR 1,000,000.00 The proposed project involves relocation of the existing fuel tanks of the Male’ Water and Sewerage Company Pvt Ltd which is as per recommendation by the MNDF, following the fire incident which occurred at the facility in 2015. Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Impacts on the environment from various activities of the construction work and during the operation of the facility 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. Mitigation measures have also been identified for impacts which are irreversible in nature. Impact analysis was done using the Leopold matrix. Impact analysis showed that impact due to the project was due to possible accidental spillage and leakage during the construction phase and operational phase. However, this impact was envisaged to be minor to moderate during both phases and reasons for this are discussed in Section 9. Mitigation measures are discussed in the report for potential impacts, including mitigation in the event of accidental spillage/leakage and consequent groundwater contamination. Measures include careful handling and daily inspection of fuel lines/bund wall for detection of leakage. Given the scope of the project and the need, the “do-nothing” option or no project scenario is the only alternative available for the project. If this is chosen the fuel tanks would remain at the existing location, which has been identified as one which is not feasible or ideal technically or safety-wise. Furthermore, the existing location does not confirm to regulation regarding fuel handling and storage. Hence the no-project scenario is considered not feasible and thus the project will be continued. Furthermore, with due consideration to the project need, which is urgent and environmental impacts, which have been found to be minor, the Consultant feels that the project is feasible and that appropriate mitigation measures have been considered to further minimize impact on the environment.Item Environmental impact assessment for development of a new power house at G.Dh. Thinadhoo(2016-04) Abdul Wahhab, Mahfooz; Jaleel, Mohamed Ibrahim; Shareef, AliThe proposed project aims to provide sustainable electricity supply for G.Dh Thinadhoo by the development of a new powerhouse within the existing FENAKA premises. The project is essentially required because the existing powerhouse was burned down to the extent it can no longer be used due to an accidental fire. The new powerhouse will be constructed using pre-fabricated sheets and blocks. The generators in the temporary facility will be transferred to the new powerhouse and connected to the grid. The new powerhouse is essential as the noise and smoke disturbance from the generators is high. However with the development of new powerhouse it is expected that the noise and smoke disturbance will be reduced greatly. The negative impacts during the construction will be loss of vegetation and risk of groundwater contamination. During operation also there is risk of groundwater contamination. However with proper daily maintenance and following proper chemical handling procedures the risks can be minimized. The positive impacts from the project will be very high as Fenaka Corporation would be able to provide electricity sustainably to Thinadhoo.Item Fourth addendum for the environmental impact assessment report for the reclamation and expansion at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport(2016-10) Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group1.1 Background The non-technical summary outlines the findings of the Addendum 4 to the Environmental lmpact Assessment for Reclamation and Expansion at lbrahim Nasir lnternational Airport (INIA), Hulhulhe, Kaafu Atoll, which involves construction of a temporary water production facility at the Hulhule for the period of the construction works of the INIA expansion project, The proponent and contractor of this project is Male’ Airports Company Limited (MACL), main contractor is Chinese Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) and subcontractor for RO plant, borehole and storage tank construction is Static Company Pvt Ltd. 1.2 Project Detail The proposed project involves construction of a temporary water production facility at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport under the Reclamation and Expansion at lbrahim Nasir lnternational Airport (INIA) project. The water production facility will include RO plant house (housing two RO plants of 250ton/day, two boreholes, settlement tanks, 2 water storage tanks of capacity 500tons each, brine discharge line and also pipeline connecting temporary facility to existing MACL water grid near the project temporary site). This temporary facility will be located at the south eastern side of Hulhule. The diameter of the boreholes is 8 inch while the depth is 40m. Water extracted through the borehole will be used as feed water for the 2 RO plants (250ton/day). 1.3 Key impacts, mitigation measures and alternatives Key impacts Impacts on the environment from various activities of the water production facility, mainly the borehole construction component and its operation have been identified through interviews with the proponent, field data collection and surveys as well as based on past experience in similar development projects. Possible impacts arising from the project have been analysed with the aid of a Leopold Matrix. In any development project major direct impacts to the environment (either shortterm or long-term) occur mainly during the construction phase. Potential direct or indirect impacts on the environment (on land and reef system) from the proposed works are limited to a relatively small number of activities, which include: Groundwater contamination/salinisation due to extraction of groundwater during and after drilling to clear out the chemicals used during the drilling process as a hardening agent for the walls of the borehole. This is foreseen to be minor to insignificant due to moderate extraction rates. Groundwater contamination due to leakage of drill slurry from the slurry collection pits Extraction of groundwater during operation phase which is foreseen to be insignificant due to moderate drilling rates. Mitigation measures The severity of impacts is predicted by reviewing the design plans and construction methodologies. Mitigation measures are formulated in light of the information revealed by the project engineers. Mitigation measures are discussed for the construction stage of the project. During the construction stage it is important to take measures to minimize impacts on the degradation of groundwater quality. Method of drilling also has to be taken into account to minimise impact. A method that has the least impact on terrestrial or marine environment has to be utilized. Alternatives Considering the alternatives for the project (alternative to setting up a temporary water production system) analysis of alternatives shows that the proposed methods and locations are the most feasible for the project. No project scenario was also considered as an alternative. However, given that the benefits greatly outweigh the negative impacts, this was not seen to be a feasible option.Item Environmental impact assessment for development of a new power house at G.Dh. Nadella(2016-04) Abdul Wahhab, Mahfooz; Jaleel, Mohamed Ibrahim; Shareef, AliThe proposed project aims to provide sustainable electricity supply for G.Dh Nadella by the development of a new powerhouse. The project is essentially required because the existing powerhouse is not in accordance with current standards and is in the middle of the residential area. The project involves the construction of a new powerhouse away from the residential area and the transfer of existing generators to new powerhouse. The relocation of powerhouse is essential as the noise and smoke disturbance from the generators to the community is high. However with the development of new powerhouse it is expected that the noise and smoke disturbance will be reduced greatly. The negative impacts during the construction will be loss of vegetation and risk of groundwater contamination. During operation also there is risk of groundwater contamination. However with proper daily maintenance and following proper chemical handling procedures the risks can be minimized. The positive impacts from the project will be very high as Fenaka Corporation would be able to provide electricity sustainably to Nadella with negligible disturbance to community.Item Environmental impact assessment for development of a new power house at B. Hithaadhoo(2016-04) Abdul Wahhab, Mahfooz; Jameel, Mohamed Ibrahim; Shareef, AliThe proposed project aims to provide sustainable electricity supply for B. Hithaadhoo by the development of a new powerhouse. The project is essentially required because the existing powerhouse is not in accordance with current standards and is in the middle of the residential area. The project involves the construction of a new powerhouse away from the residential area and the transfer of existing generators to new powerhouse. The relocation of powerhouse is essential as the noise and smoke disturbance from the generators to the community is high. However with the development of new powerhouse it is expected that the noise and smoke disturbance will be reduced greatly. The negative impacts during the construction will be loss of vegetation and risk of groundwater contamination. During operation also there is risk of groundwater contamination. However with proper daily maintenance and following proper chemical handling procedures the risks can be minimized. The positive impacts from the project will be very high as Fenaka Corporation would be able to provide electricity sustainably to Hithaadhoo with negligible disturbance to community.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed poultry farm development project at N. Ehdhufarumairah(2016-08) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Ocean Quartier Properties Pvt Ltd. This EIA report covers layer chicken poultry farm development project at Ehdhufarumairah, Noonu Atoll. Ehdhufarumairah is located on the eastern side of Noonu Atoll. This island is leased to Ocean Quartier Properties Pvt Ltd by Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. Ocean Quartier Properties Pvt Ltd is the proponent of this project. Ocean Quartier Properties Pvt Ltd had acquired knowledge and information about commercial layer chicken poultry and officials of the company had travelled to Srilanka and Thailand and visited different layer chicken poultry farms projects to gain more experience and information on different poultry businesses which could be development in islands of Maldives. The project is proposed in Ehdhufarumairah. The vision is to establish layer chicken farm in Ehdhufarumairah which ensure commercial and environmental sustainability of producing chicken eggs locally. The main aim of this poultry farm project is to lessen import of chicken eggs to meet the local demand. Work is planned for sustainable layer chicken poultry farming ensuring the use of environment friendly technology. Under this project, sea cucumber feed materials will be made using the organic waste on the island and provide sea cucumber farms in the region. The proposed layer chicken poultry would be developed by importing layer type chicks from Srilanka from CP Farm, rearing chicken in the island in cages till it is old enough to lay eggs when they are 21 weeks olds. The poultry farm would be automated as to manage the feeding operations to the layer chickens, collection of eggs from the cage houses and removal of manure from the cages houses as waste material. The project will develop the necessary infrastructure in the area of power, water, sewage and wastewater to make the proposed poultry project sustainable. The project also involves developing accommodation and living areas for the researchers and famers on the island. The EIA was undertaken to assess the environmental and social impacts of this project. Based on the assessment, it has been identified that the major impacts of the project will be felt on the terrestrial environment during the construction stage. Ehdhufarumairah is not a large uninhabited island that could develop a large poultry farm. The development on the island will have impacts on marine environment from construction of jetty and outfalls. During the operational stage, environmental concerns are much less and are associated with energy, water, and waste and wastewater management. The mitigation measures are provided in the report with alternatives. It is vital to conduct the activities, during both construction and operational stage, in line with mitigation measures emphasized in the report. Socio-economic impacts of the proposed project will be creation of job opportunities in the atoll and development of the poultry industry in the country. This project will create enormous economic opportunities both in the construction and operational stage through creation of both short-term and permanent jobs and business opportunities especially for the locals at Velidhoo and Manadhoo. This project will introduce and promote the development of layer chicken poultry for the production chicken eggs on commercial scale enabling Maldives to provide additional avenue for employment and income generation. Towards the end of the report, a monitoring programme has been suggested which covers components of terrestrial, coastal and marine environment. 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.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed police academy development project, Addu City, Maldives(2016-09) SandcaysThis report provides the finding of an Environmental Impact Assessment carried out for the proposed Police Academy in Addu City. The project is proposed by Maldives Police Service. The proposed project involves the development of a Police Academy/Institute for Security and Law Enforcement in Addu City. An 83,680m2 area in Rujjehere on the south of Hithadhoo Regional Port has been allocated for the proposed development. This includes a 35,000m2 area proposed to be reclaimed since the area is narrow and does not provide sufficient space. The reclamation is on the shallow reef flat on the west of the plot facing the rim reef of Addu Atoll. The reclamation will be undertaken by borrowing sand from the lagoon on the western side where the lagoon depth is about 1.5 to 2m on average. A 15 to 20m wide channel will be dredged for dredger entry and for use as entrance channel by vessels used by the proposed Police Academy. The area (approximately 46,000m2) will be dredged to a depth of no more than 4m from MSL. The dredged sand will be directly pumped to the site, as recommended by relevant stakeholders. The proposed project will have several support facilities including power, water, sewerage, jetty, staff, students and visitor accommodation and storage facilities developed on the project site since the area is remotely located away from Hithadhoo. These will be established on the project site during the construction phase. Under the project, the building footprint areas would be cleared of vegetation and the coconut palms and some trees removed from the cleared areas would be transplanted in the reclaimed area. The bush areas in proposed building sites has already been cleared. An area is designated for waste management and waste will be collected, managed and sent to landfill according to the requirements of the Waste Regulation. A 10-ton desalination plant will be installed initially until water supply is made available to the project area by the service provider, FENAKA. This plant will become a back-up plant once FENAKA provides the services. The sewerage system established at the project site will comprise of a gravity system that will collect sewage and wastewater from all areas into an 85kl/day treatment plant and a pumping station from where treated wastewater effluent will be disposed of at the eastern reef by an ocean outfall. The powerhouse at the facility will cater for the energy needs of the facility. A 500kVA genset will be installed to meet the needs. Fuel for powerhouse and other requirements such as vehicles will be stored in underground tanks at site. The fuel system will be developed according to the requirements of the Fuel Regulations enforced by the Maldives National Defense Force. The baseline environmental conditions were assessed using standard methods. The project areas including clearance areas and dredge and fill areas have been studied. In addition, the project site’s vegetation, vegetation line and shorelines have been mapped. It has been estimated from the vegetation surveys that a total of 88 coconut palms and 33 other mature trees would need to be cleared, but some of it can be preserved if the buildings are appropriately designed/setout. The proposed jetty area has adequate depths for jetty installation and leads to the proposed borrow area, which will be used for mooring vessels. Environmental impacts were identified and assessed for both construction phase and operational phase of the project. Some of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as positive resulting mainly from improved security and law enforcement services in the country, increased economic activities in Addu City, direct and indirect employment opportunities, and increased business opportunities. The main negative environmental impacts of the project are identified to be the changes to the terrestrial ecosystem from clearance of vegetation, impacts on longshore sediment transport on the western side due to reclamation and shore protection and impact on the marine environment from dredging and jetty installation works. Given the large degree of impacts on longshore transport due to the projecting reclamation area with the long jetty at the Hithadhoo Regional Port, the proposed jetty would not have impacts on longshore sediment transport. However, it shall be designed for minimal impact. Since the dredge area proposed with the EIA application was at over 300m from the shore, the dredge area has been later revised to suit a shorter jetty while minimizing on a wider borrow area. The jetty has been kept at about 100m so that the dredged basin is at necessary distance from beach as recommended in the Dredging and Reclamation Regulation. As an important mitigation measure to minimize sedimentation during filling, it is recommended to enclose the fill areas with jumbo bags or the rock boulder revetment prior to filling the area or as filling progresses. Other mitigation measures for the proposed project would be that clearance take place only where necessary and coconut palms are transplanted on the reclaimed area and other available spaces. It is also required to plant two trees for every mature tree or coconut tree cut down. Septic tank systems have been proposed for disposing human waste during the construction phase and pose no long-term negative environmental impact considering the small number of people expected to be based on the site. These will be decommissioned once the sewerage system is built and operational. The activities proposed in the project comply with environmental laws and regulations of the Maldives. These have been outlined in the report. Alternatives have been identified in the project document. These include alternative reclamation location on the eastern side, thereby minimizing largely on the shore protection on the western side and providing more space at less overall cost of dredging, reclamation and shore protection. This alternative is recommended, however, shall be considered in light of potential issues. The other option is to modify the shape of the proposed fill area so as to minimize any negative impact on longshore sediment transport. Also, changes to the fill area shape based on recommendations of EPA during the Scoping Meeting, changes to reclamation area and filling methodologies based on suggestions from stakeholders. The “nodevelopment” option was also analyzed in light of alternative uses of the project site, no reclamation option and other potential options for the development of the proposed facility. Considering the other potential alternative uses of the area, the closeness to the port does not make it most-suited for tourism development or other recreational development. The area is also quite narrow for residential development but may be more suited for industrial developments. The proposed project has several merits in terms of location and suitability, therefore, the no project option may not be as favourable as the proposed option. Alternatives to water supply, wastewater disposal and electricity have also been considered. The use of groundwater for water supply such as flushing may be appropriate if water skimming technologies or infiltration galleries can be introduced. Wastewater treatment would have negative impacts for the proposed project in terms of use of fuel-based electricity for the treatment process. Therefore, the proposed disposal to sea/ocean is considered appropriate for such a small scale operation. Alternative sources of power have also been looked at and recommend the use of solar (photo-voltaic) technology to the greatest possible extent. 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 project. Yet, monitoring for about 3 years from the end of construction phase to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed project would be necessary. Therefore, a monitoring component has been suggested. This monitoring component will be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to construction and implementation of the proposed project. Monitoring is specifically focussed on ground and marine water quality, changes to coastal hydrodynamics, as well as impacts on the reef or marine ecological area of importance. Project performance indices can be added too. In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed project to develop the proposed Police Academy in Addu City. The recommended alternatives may be considered in the light of improving environmental performance of the proposed project.Item First addendum to the environmental impact assessment of oceanside channel dredging project in Meedhoo Island, Addu City(2016-07) CDE ConsultingThe purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out the remaining works of the proposed Oceanside channel dredging project in Meedhoo, Addu City. A part of the channel has already been dredged and completed but the outer rim of the channel could not be dredged or dislodged using conventional methods. It is proposed to undertake controlled reef blasting to dislodge the hard substrate. The proponent of this project is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The rationale for the proposal to blast the reef entrance is based on the fact that all other options available in the Maldives have failed to dislodge the hard substrate. The project already has had two contractors, both of whom had failed to cut through the outer reef rim. The present contractor was handed the task of finishing the project by Ministry of Housing based on a special request by the Meedhoo locals. The contractor has tried a number methods, including drop hammer, but has not been successful in dislodging the substrate. The only remaining financially feasible option is to use controlled blasting. The project has been dragging on for six years and the longer marine works continue, the higher the impacts on marine and coastal environment. Failure to complete the channel will also be a waste of public money as 90% of the project has already been completed. The site already has about a 905 m x 35 m channel dredged to a depth of -3.5 m. The originally planned channel was 920 m x 35 m. The area in question is the last 15 m of hard substrate before it reaches the ocean. The project proposes to dislodge the 15 m x 27 m section of the reef using about 50 bags of 25 kg Ammonia Nitrate placed 1 m apart along two rows. All proposed project activities are in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives, and relevant international conventions that Maldives is party to. The key laws and regulations applicable to this project are: Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 and Dredging and Reclamation Regulation. Significant impacts of this project during construction phase of the project are the potential impact of underwater noise and vibration on marine life, potential damage to property due to vibration, potential formation of reef slope cracks and sedimentation and turbidity associated with dredging. The project is being carried out in proximity to a listed sensitive area. All these impacts apart from potential geological impacts are reversible. Any damage to the reef substrate could be irreversible. Thus, the potential geological impacts will be a risk for this project. The main mitigation measures include carrying out construction activities during low tide hours and calm weather, carrying out the work during daylight hours, informing the public about blasting activities and, schedule and proper supervision of all activities by qualified personnel. A precautionary approach is required for this project due to the unknowns associated with the geological impacts. It is recommended to minimised the charges to the lowest required levels and reduce the critical ground vibration distance (i.e. 10 mm/s) from the blast site. The site should be monitored for reef cracks. If any cracks are observed and depending on the severity of the cracks, all reef blasting activity must be ceased until geological assessments determine it is safe to proceed. Windy days should be avoided especially if the wind is blowing from the west. There are safety risks associated with this project. It has been recommended not to allow any snorkelling or diving within a 1.5 km radius of the blast site. This should include sand miners, fishermen and tourists, among others. The “No Project” option was explored. The project involves significant risks to physical environment. Given the community’s desire to complete this channel, the benefits it bring to the fishing community, and potential loss of public money if this project is not completed, the No Project option has a higher opportunity cost. However, in the absence of a viable alternative, it was recommended that EPA consider approving this project based on conditions. Alternative methods to dislodge the hard substrate were considered, but these options have already been tried and failed. The monitoring plan is designed to assess damages to reef structure, infrastructure and housing, and loss of marine life. Physical environment damage will be checked using marine surveys and damage to nearby buildings will be undertaken in specific sites and based on complaint. Damage to biological environment will focus on larger fish and protected species. The management plan for this project has been updated to include the key management requirements before and during blasting activity. The support for this project is mixed. In the consultations undertaken for the original EIAs and this Addendum, there is overwhelming support by the locals from Meedhoo and Hulhudhoo for this project. The City Council supports this project but is apprehensive about reef blasting as they believe it is detrimental to the future of Addu City. EPA and MRC do not encourage reef blasting. This report has highlighted the risks and impacts associated with reef blasting on the site. It has also provided actions that can avoid or minimize the known risks. This report should now be used as a decision making tool by the implementing agency and regulatory authority to determine how to proceed with the project. There is no legal hindrance for this project to go ahead. If the proponent and EPA decides to move forward with the project, the following course of action is essential to align the project with sustainable development principles. 1. Use the minimum charge possible to effectively dislodge the substrate and minimise the radius of critical ground vibration (i.e. 10 mm/s) 2. Continuous monitoring of the site for reef cracks. If any cracks are observed and depending on the severity of the cracks, all reef blasting activity must be ceased until geological assessments determine it is safe to proceed. 3. Given the potential impact of this project on the public and the future generations, it is recommended that EPA take all possible measures to solicit views from the public for this EIA 4. Safety precautions are essential. Divers, sand miner, fishermen and swimmers need to be properly informed in a timely manner and monitored during work days.Item Environment impact assessment for the proposed nationwide submarine cable by Ooredoo Maldives(2016-05) CDE ConsultingThis document is submitted by the proponent to the Environmental Protection Agency to fulfil the requirement for an EIA under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (4/93). The EIA Regulation 2012 has been used as the basis for preparing this document. The proponent of this project is Ooredoo Maldives. The project involves laying a communication submarine cable stretching the entire archipelago of Maldives. The estimate length of the cable is 11,000 km, and is divided into 5 main segments with 6 landings sites. The main rationale for the project is to increase the capacity, and improve the quality of all telecommunication services provided by Ooredoo Maldives. The proponent estimates that they will not be able to cater for the growing demand for telecommunication services in a near future with the existing system. In each island a cable ship will lay the submarine cable and it will be passed to the reef flat using experienced divers and small boats. A concrete stabiliser clamped on reef flat will be used to pass the cable line from reef flat to a precast concrete trench on the seabed in each island. An existing trench will be used in B.Eydhafushi and Hulhumale’. Cable line will pass through the trench to Beach Manhole (BMH). In Gdh, Thinadhoo, geo-bags at beachfront will have to be cleared to facilitate the transfer of cable to BMH. MTCC has been contracted to clear the geobags and to build the precast concrete trench in Thinadhoo. Submarine cable will be connected to a land cable inside BMH and the land cable will then pass through an earth trench to Connecting Landing Station (CLS) in each island. The proposed development plans are generally in conformance to the laws and regulations of the Maldives. The key laws and regulations applicable are: Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, Maldives Telecommunication Act, Fisheries Act, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012, Waste Management Regulation 2013, The Environmental Liability Regulation, EIA decision note is required before implementation of this project. The cable landing sites for all the proposed islands are existing Ooredoo Antenna Stations and does not require the removal of any vegetation from these areas. The cable laying route (on land) up to the cable landing site in each of the islands follow an existing road or pathway from the beach with the exception of Hdh.Kulhudhuffushi and S.Hithadhoo. The reefs flat at all islands are mainly made up of rocky bottom, with low live coral coverage. Large seagrass patch occurs on the reef flat near shore along the cable route in Kolhufushi. Live coral abundance is higher mainly near the reef edge of all islands. Highest live coral coverage was recorded at Thinadhoo, while the lowest was recorded in Kulhudhuffushi. The most significant negative impacts from this project during construction stage would be, loss of sessile marine life within the cable route, and the potential health and safety risks to the workers and general public associated with offshore cable deployment, and excavation works on land. The project mainly has positive socio-economic benefits; via improvement in quality and speed of telecommunication service provided by Ooredoo Maldives across the Maldives. The key mitigation measures proposed for the construction stage include relocation of live coral colonies on the reef flat of project sites to nearby locations, and strict measures to minimize healthy and safety risks to workers and the general public from the project. Alternative options were evaluated for the activities that are identified to have significant impacts on the project. Alternative options have been considered for method of excavation on land. Main concern of the utility providers and telecommunication service providers in all the islands is potential damage to their existing infrastructure in the footprint of proposed land cable during excavation works. Manual excavation has been recommended over the use of an excavator to reduce the risk of damage to existing cables and pipelines. It has also been recommended to inform these institutions prior to commencing the earth trenching works. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for this project is designed to produce a framework for anticipated impacts, including practicable and achievable performance requirements and systems for monitoring, reporting and implementing corrective actions. In addition, provide evidence of compliance to legislation, policies, guidelines and requirements of relevant authorities. Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the physical environment as well as operational aspects of the project. The total cost of mitigation and monitoring are estimated around US$ 4000 annually. The main conclusion of this report is to move forward with the proposed development after with the proposed alternatives and the suggested mitigation measures. Prepared
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