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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 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 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 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 Environmental impact assessment for the proposed MWSC customer service building development project(2016-10) SandcaysThis report discusses the findings of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out for the proposed 10-storey customer service building of Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC). The project is proposed by the MWSC, the contract for construction phase has been awarded to Amin Construction. This project requires EIA as the building has a basement, under EIA regulations 2012 buildings with basement require EIA clearance. The main objective of the EIA is to identify potential impacts of excavation, construction of foundation and dewatering and consider mitigation measures that can be adopted. In addition, the EIA would also consider other construction phase and operational phase activities such as waste management, energy and water supply although they are not directly related to the scope of the EIA. The project is to commence as soon as the EIA is approved and the duration of the project is estimated to be completed by December 2017. Substructure works, which is considered to be the most sensitive component (socially and environmentally), is expected to be completed within two months. The critical elements of excavation and dewatering are expected to be completed within 80 days. Therefore, the project has a critical impact timeframe of less than 4 months. Currently MWSC does not have dedicated customer service centre, where all services can be attained from one stop. The proposed project ensures such a service base to the customers are provided, thus meeting this existing need of the company. This improved service also means that additional jobs will be created thus contributing positively to the economy. Looking at the existing environment of the site, the site is devoid of any significant flora or fauna. The traffic is considerably high in Ameenee Magu during peak office and school hours and majority of the structures within close radius of the site is structurally sound. The groundwater quality is not very saline when compared to some other parts of Male’. Almost all of the negative impacts envisioned for the project occurs during construction phase and as highlighted previously most of these impacts are associated with substructure works. However, almost all these impacts are minor and can be reduced to negligible levels with the mitigation measures proposed in this report. In this regard, the potential negative impacts associated with this project can be summarised as impacts related to groundwater quality and quantity, impacts on nearby buildings in terms of structural damage, impacts on air quality, impact on ambient noise, impacts on utility services, impacts on traffic and impacts on health and safety. Mitigation measures proposed for the project like minimizing dewatering to the shortest possible time, ensuring proper storage and transport of construction material and waste, restricting noisy activities to day time, undertaking works by experienced operators and supervisors, avoiding closure of roads during peak rush hours and implementing international best practice health and safety standards will help to reduce the influence of most of the envisioned impacts to negligible levels. The EIA report proposes a monitoring program that will help to identify the actual impacts and to identify the effectiveness of the implemented mitigation measures. In this regard monitoring will include, monitoring of groundwater quality, monitoring of dust and noise, visual assessment of nearby buildings and monitoring of traffic condition. The monitoring reports will be submitted to EPA every two months during construction phase and once thereafter to meet the requirements of the EIA regulations. The reports will be submitted in the format specified in the EIA regulations. Overall, this project is a positive project and the negative impacts envisioned are only for the construction phase and all these impacts can be easily mitigated.Item Addendum to environmental impact assessment for the Male’ west coast re-development project(2016-01) Musthafa, AmirThis is the First Addendum to the approved main EIA prepared for the redevelopment of the Male’ west coast area. The main EIA was approved on 10th September 2015. The proponent of the project is Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. This addendum is based on the proposed transplantation of 70 young coconut palms from K. Kaashidhoo to the on going Male’ West Coast Development project. It is a legal requirement under the Amended EIA Regulation 2012 that EIAs/Addendums be prepared and approved for projects that may generate negative environmental impacts. This Addendum has been prepared as per the approved Terms of Reference (TOR) on 7 December 2015. The scope of this EIA involves studying the existing environmental condition of the proposed project areas and surrounding environment, identifying potential environmental impacts, propose environmental management and mitigation measures to minimize environmental impacts and propose an environmental monitoring plan. The palms are to be uprooted from the site for the proposed construction of jail and from households. This site for jail construction is at the western end of the island and is under the Jurisdiction of Maldives Correctional Services. It is envisaged that the project will have several socio-economic benefits. This includes providing a means of shelter and relaxation to the community in Male’ City, especially in the Maafannu district. Moreover, it would assist in alleviating the burden these large no. of trees had been causing the community in K. Kaashidhoo. From this perspective, the project can be regarded as means to balance the amenities in both communities. The economic benefits to the coconut tree owners from the sale of the coconut palms could also be considered as a direct positive impact. Furthermore, the Kaashidhoo council had committed to plant 2 trees for each palm that has been removed in more strategic locations in the island, where tree plantation is required. Negative impacts include the holes that would be left after the digging. It may become a public nuisance, although the area is seldom used by the community. As a mitigation measure, the holes would be filled with sand available onsite, without the need for dredging. Provisions such as monitoring are proposed to understand the overall impacts of the project over the long term. Therefore, considering the beneficial nature of the project for both communities, and minimum environmental impact that can be easily mitigated, it is proposed to proceed with the project. However, it is recommended to have proper monitoring in place to observe any future impacts that project may result in.Item First environmental impact assessment addendum for the proposed reclamation of Himmafushi, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives : change of borrow area(2016-06) Musthafa, AmirThis report is the Addendum to the EIA undertaken for the Proposed Reclamation of K. Himmafushi, Maldives. This addendum is based on the change of borrow area after the sand search campaign has been undertaken. An Environmental Impact Assessment was necessary for the works outlined in this report as they fall under the ‘Jadhuvalu R’ of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012 of the Maldives. This report would further conform to the Dredging and Reclamation regulation. In addition to meeting the regulatory requirements, the report would further assist the proponent and important stakeholders to make decisions in an environmentally sound manner. Potential borrow areas in Kaafu Atoll was originally investigated and subsequently Ari Atoll area was also studied. The dredging location chosen is about 10 km west of the proposed borrow area 1, area 2, and area 3 given in the original EIA. The overall environmental impacts of the project have been assessed using frameworks found on literature and the results indicate that the proposed project has minimum negative impact and have an overall net positive outcome. The main environmental positive impacts due to this change comes from the fact that it is relatively closer to some resort islands and sensitive areas than the originally proposed areas. However, the dredging location is still over 500m away from any location of importance. Dredging activities will no doubt increase sedimentation impacts in the area, although lasting impacts are not envisaged. Bait fishing in the vicinity of the borrow area will have an impact for the duration of the project. There are no additional impacts due to reclamation as there is no change in scope with regards to this component. Furthermore, it is important to note that the approved dredge locations in the initial EIA were closer to the “Havza Thila” a popular diving spot. Important new stakeholders for the project include Atoll council, AA. Ukulhas council, AA. Mathiveri council and AA. Bodufulhadhoo council in addition to resort islands. The main reservations by the stakeholders is the fact that sand is borrowed from Ari Atoll for a reclamation in Kaafu atoll. All the stakeholders expressed their disapproval at this. Moreover, they expressed their concerns on the impact of dredging works on the fisheries and tourism of the Atoll. AA. Bodufulhadhoo council especially did note that the shallow reef North of the borrow area was used for bait fishing, and fishermen from Mathiveri and Bodufulhadhoo use the general area and channel for fishing. The stakeholders were informed of the previous islands reclaimed under the same project and how the impacts were minimal. Addendum to the EIA for the Reclamation of K. Himmafushi Alternative borrow area options are not viable as the sand search campaign concluded that there are no other significant sand depots within either North Male’ Atoll or North Ari Atoll. Alternative areas are those that have already been excluded. The only other viable alternative is to source sand from even further away, which was not feasible at all. Importing sand from abroad will be very costly and will have further negative impacts at the reclaim site. It is recommended to continue to monitor the impacts of the proposed project by regular monitoring of marine water quality. The monitoring plan proposed in the original EIA is slightly updated to include more monitoring locations, near borrow area. A two stage monitoring plan is given, which recommends quarterly monitoring during the 1st year and less frequent monitoring for the next 5 years. Undertaking the monitoring, along with the mitigation measures is necessary to ensure the sustainable development of the project with minimum harm to the environment. It is thus recommended that since the project has major socio-economic benefits and environmental benefits as detailed in the initial EIA, it is advisable to allow the project to proceed as proposed. Moreover, since the change in scope is relatively small, and since the initial EIA has been approved, and also considering the fact that the sand search campaign resulted in only one location within reasonable distance from Himmafushi to obtain sand, there is no viable reason to postpone or cancel the project due to this change. However, mitigation measures should be in place and continuous monitoring should be undertaken.Item Environmental impact assessment to upgrade/renovation of vessel loading jetty at STO go-down (plot no 2) and shore protection of the (plot no 111), at K. Thilafushi, Maldives(2016-11) Development Collaborative Partnership1- This is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report carried out for the State Trading Organisation (STO) for the proposed upgrade/renovation work for vessel loading jetty at STO go-down (plot no 2) and shore protection work (plot no 111). The project involves removal of existing quaywall, Extension of shoreline 20m from the existing quaywall boundary, sheet pilling and back filling Plot No 2. Main renovation work in Plot no 111 involves removal of existing seawall and construction of a new revetment by using rock boulders. The EIA was prepared as fulfillment of the requirement by the Environmental Protection Agency under the dredging and reclamation regulation (Regulation 2013/R-15) for granting permission for the project. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of development projects is a requirement by the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (EPPA) (law 4/93) of the Government of the Republic of Maldives. 2- This report has been prepared in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy 2012 and covers both negative and positive environmental and socio-economic impact arising from the proposed upgrade/renovation work for vessel loading jetty at STO go-down (plot no 2) and shore protection work (plot no 111). Major findings of this report are based on information gathered during the field inspection of both the existing environment and possible effects of the project activities, through extensive literature review and experiences gained from similar projects elsewhere in the Maldives. 3- The proposed project activity will take place in K Thilafushi Industrial Island Plot no 2 and Plot no 111. Thilafushi is located at the west of Gulhifalhu and east of Giraavaru Resort. The island was initially reclaimed for land fill purposes, but has been further developed to carter for industrial use. The reclaimed island was later turned into the industrial hub of the Maldives and a larger proportion was reclaimed by sand filling from the inner lagoon. The industrial potential of Thilafushi grew big and Thilafushi Corporation was formed in 2009 to change the garbage island to the potential industrial hub for light and heavy industrial needs. 4- During the preparation of the EIA report an impact matrix, which is a standard tool for identifying the possible impacts of project activities, has been created for proposed upgrade/renovation work for vessel loading jetty at STO go-down (plot no 2) and shore protection work (plot no 111). The activities carried out during the construction and postconstruction or operational phases are arrayed against a selection of environmental factors that may be affected directly or indirectly as a result of project activities. 5- The environmental impact assessment study for the proposed upgrade/renovation work for vessel loading jetty at STO go-down (plot no 2) and shore protection work (plot no 111) shows there are two main activities that would cause significant negative environmental impacts are pile driving, backfilling, seawall construction and concrete work in Plot 2 and Coastal protection work (construction of rock boulder revetment) in Plot 111. 6- Of these a long term impact would be from pile driving, backfilling, seawall construction and concrete work in Plot 2. Sedimentation on lagoon and reef physical damage to benthic fauna and habitat loss and change in near shore flow pattern are some of the impacts. These impacts would be cumulative occurring over long period of time and so can be managed through proper monitoring. Based on the scale of coastal protection projects that is taking place in Maldives, impacts associated with this activity is insignificant. 7- Construction of rock boulder revetment adjacent to the shoreline will temporarily increase the sedimentation on the north eastern side but the impact would be short term and negligible. However, the positive socio economic impacts from the proposed development outweigh the temporary negative impacts of project. 8- The study has evaluated alternative options for the project activities and evaluated potential option of alternative sources for fill material, alternative coastal protection structures. Based on the similar project activities elsewhere in the Maldives the report found, that the Thilafushi will recover from the impacts will re-establish a new ecological balance soon. Even though there is no very significant impact from this project after the report has come-up with an extensive monitoring programme that will keep on monitoring coastal and marine environmental changes associated with the project and make necessary adjustment based on the findings of various measured environmental parameters suggested in the monitoring plan. 9- The study found that the proposed project is in line with key legal and policies maintained by the Government authorities and EPA including Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, EIA Regulations, and land-use plans developed for Thilafushi Industrial Island by Thilafushi Cooperation. 10- Therefore on the basis of this environmental impact assessment study and the impact mitigation measures proposed in the report will be duly implemented and recommendations are given due consideration, it is concluded that the benefits of the proposed upgrade/renovation work for vessel loading jetty at STO go-down (plot no 2) and shore protection work (plot no 111) in Thilafushi will substantially outweigh its imposition on the environmentItem First addendum to the EIA report for the proposed coastal protection project at Villimale, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives(2016-07) SandcaysThis report addresses environmental concerns of the proposed change to shore-protection measures for Villingilli western coast. The initial proposal had a rock boulder revetment at the western side of the island. However, due to distance between reef edge and proposed revetment, a section of this revetment could not be implemented. The proponent therefore proposes this section of revetment to be constructed using concrete T- Unit Blocks. The total length of proposed revetment is 255m; currently 200m of the revetment is constructed using rock boulders; 55m of the remaining revetment is proposed to be constructed using T-Blocks. As the only proposed change is material used for revetment, there is little change to impacts predicted during the initial EIA process. The most significant of which is change to local wave and current regime due to relatively less energy absorption by the T- Unit blocks and change to wave dispersion mechanism. Compared to initially proposed rock boulders, T-Unit blocks reflect waves more and may therefore induce turbulence; however, construction of rockboulder revetments require more space for base. The proposed location for revetment construction is very close to reef edge and a section of proposed revetment could not be implemented due to absence of enough space for rockboulder revetment base. As identified in the EIA process, during construction of the revetment, there will be some degree of sedimentation in the area. However, due to strong currents and small amount of excavation required, sedimentation is not expected to cause significant environmental loss. Due to limited negative impacts predicted for the proposed change in revetment, no major mitigation measures were identified. However, it is strongly recommended to adhere to mitigation measures proposed in initial EIA.