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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 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 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 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. PreparedItem First addendum to environmental impact assessment for harbour development project at M. Dhiggaru(2016-10) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of a study undertaken as an addendum to environmental impact study undertaken by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the harbour development project at M. Dhiggaru at the request of Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. This Fist Addendum to EIA for the Harbour Development Project at M. Dhiggaru report covers fishing vessel beaching area to be developed as additional work for the harbour development project currently being implemented at M. Dhiggaru. This EIA Addendum report is prepared in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2012 under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Act No. 4/93). The purpose of this EIA is to fulfill the requirement of the Law and to conduct an assessment of possible impacts on environment arising from the proposed fishing vessel beaching area at M. Dhiggaru. The project is at the island of Dhiggaru in Meemu atoll. The island is located at the northern edge of the Meemu atoll. The island is situated in a large reef system. The closest island to Dhiggaru is Madduvari which is about 1 km to the east of Dhiggaru. The harbour development project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure representing the government of Maldives and the Ministry is responsible for all development and regulation of the construction sector. The contractor for the project is Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The beaching area for the fishing vessel has been proposed as an extension of the harbor development project at M. Dhiggaru. Currently there is no area for beaching of vessel at the island. This has caused a lot of difficulty for the fishing vessel to undertake dry dock repairs which is routinely required. The island has a population size of approximately 1300. The main economic activity of the island is fishing1 The island of Dhiggaru is famous for “dhiggaru rihaakuru” which provides a good economic income to the community. The project involves dredging of 60 m by 45 m basin area to a depth of -3.0 m MSL, an entrance channel of 20 m wide and 117 m long. The dredging is expected to generate 12,600m3 of dredged material. This dredged material would be used to reclaim 8,400 m2 of area on western side of the island. The new land created would be used for boat repair work. All project activities will be 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 and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 and its subsequent amendments The study for the addendum to EIA was undertaken to assess the environmental impacts of changes to the harbour development project on the island. The proposed site (lagoon) and entrance channel had no visible live corals and was highly turbid. seagrass is found at the lagoon. Based on the assessment, it has been identified that the major impacts of the project will be felt on the marine environment during the construction stage. Dhiggaru is not a large inhabited island but located on a very large reef system. The development of the beaching area on the island will have impacts on marine environment. During the operational stage, environmental concerns are much less and are associated with waste and wastewater management of the fishing vessels. 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 beaching area development project will help the community to beach their vessel onto the island for dry dock maintenance work. This project will create economic opportunities both in the construction and operational stage through creation of both short-term and permanent jobs and business opportunities. Towards the end of the report, a monitoring programme has been suggested which covers components of 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 measured in realistic terms.Item Environmental impact assessment for undertaking sand dredging at Gulhifalhu jetty area, Gulhifalhu, Kaafu Atoll(2016-10) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for Gulhifalhu Investment Ltd. The project involves maintenance dredging of the Gulhifalhu Jetty area. The project aims to: Deepen the existing jetty basin Provide safety and protection to the vessels accessing the jetty area Increase the usable area of the jetty Gulhifalhu is an industrial island which lease land plots for different industrial purposes. Many private vessels travel Gulhifalhu to access their sites every day. There is an existing jetty area in Gulhifalhu that is used by these vessels to access the island to load and unload materials. However, now the jetty basin is very shallow due to accumulation of sand in the basin. Some areas of the basin are less than a meter deep making it impossible to moor vessels to jetty. This project aims to dredge this area to provide a safe basin and larger accessible area. Approximate total of 9000 cbm of sand will be dreged from this area. This sand will be stockpiled temporarily in Gulhifalhu and then will be transported to Thilafushi MRDC site for later use. Environmental impacts of this project were assessed and have been identified as resulting from the dredging works. Dredging work will be undertaken using excavators and sand pumps and this is particularly a method that creates lot of sedimentation which is a big threat to the marine environment. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in the report. Completing the dredging works in the shortest time frame and in low tide hours is a significant mitigation measure to minimize the impact of sedimentation on the marine environment. In addition, dredging should be avoided in bad weather conditions. The proposed mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The measures proposed to minimize or mitigate environmental impacts may be considered to be appropriate, thereby minimizing the impact by about 90%. The main negative environmental impact of the proposed project would be sedimentation and destruction of the lagoon and damage to some areas of the nearby reefs, which will cause partial death of corals in other areas of the coral reef. During dredging works, the sedimentation will also affect the fish species in the vicinity of these areas and hence, their population will drop in areas affected by sedimentation. It is inevitable that there would be negative environmental impacts of this project. As a result, a mitigation and monitoring component has been suggested which takes into consideration, the most important elements that require monitoring, most importantly a mechanism and means to measure and value the social benefit of the project. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the potential negative impacts. The dredging of Gulhifalhu jetty area does pose some threats to the marine environment of the area. There will be direct and indirect damage to marine environment in the vicinity of the project site. However there are many positive benefits of the project in long term. This project is justifiable in the light of the positive impacts.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 Environment impact assessment for the proposed dredging component of the resort development project in Ithaafushi Reef, South Male’ Atoll(2016-07) CDE ConsultingThis Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is the evaluation of the potential environmental, socioeconomic and natural impacts of the proposed dredging component of resort development project in Ithaafushi reef. The EIA Regulations published by EPA has been used as the basis for preparing this document. The proponent of this project is Ithaafushi Investments Private Limited. An EIA has been prepared and approved for the project on October 2015 under the Tourism Law. The First Addendum to the EIA was submitted MoT on June 2016 and is pending approval. This EIA has been specifically necessitated as the proponent has opted to use a Trailing Hopper Suction Dredger (THSD), which requires dredging from atoll lagoon. Any development outside the boundary of tourist property requires a separate EIA approval from EPA. Thus, this report only looks into the dredging component of the project. The overall project involves reclaiming a total area of 20.8 Ha in Ithaafushi Reef and the development of the necessary infrastructure for the functioning of a stand-alone 240 bed (120 room) bed capacity. The property will comprise of three separate islands but will be operated as single property. The component proposed under this EIA is to use a THSD to dredge about 500,000 cbm of sand from the atoll lagoon of North Male Atoll and reclaim the proposed island. The rationale for the proposed dredging technology is due to the availability of a TSHD in the Maldives. THSD was proposed as the preferred option on the original EIA if a ship was to become available. The proposed borrow area is located in the atoll lagoon in North Male’ Atoll approximately 27-30 km from Ithaafushi reef. Distance to nearest Marine Protected Area from the borrow site is 1.8 km and distance to sensitive environment is about 1.1 km. A total of 500,000 cbm of sand will be dredged for reclaiming Ithaafushi reef. The site has been identified due to the presence of sand, reusability and proximity to reclamation site. Dredging activity will take approximately two to two-and-a-half weeks and a total of 17 trips will be made by TSHD. Duration of the overall project is 24 to 30 months. The proposed borrow site has also been used to reclaim the Male’ SW harbour area. The proposed developments are generally in conformance to the relevant laws and regulations. Additional approvals are required for the following before commencement of project activities. They include dredging and reclamation approval from EPA, detailed drawings approval from the Ministry of Tourism and construction approval from Ministry of Tourism. Existing environment utilises the baseline data collected for the original EIAs. Works already completed in the reef include construction of sand bunds for Island B and dredging the entrance channel. For this report, borrow area sediment quality, marine environment and marine water quality around borrow sites was assessed. In addition, a detailed bathymetry survey was undertaken. Results of the assessment at proposed borrow site showed limited fines and 80 – 90% moderate sized material suitable for reclamation. The nearest MPA to the proposed dredging site Giraavaru Kuda Haa has excellent coral life and abundance fish. The most significant negative impact from this project during construction are typical impacts associated with dredging and reclamation. All marine organisms within the footprint of dredging will be lost. In addition, increased levels of turbidity and sedimentation inhibit corals ability to successfully reproduce. Others include impacts on ambient noise level, air quality and greenhouse gas emission, marine water quality, changes in hydronamics, impacts on unique habitats and impacts on visual amenity for nearby resorts. Main socioeconomic impacts include the impacts on marine biodiversity and visibility around house reefs of nearby resorts and dive spots in the region. Loss of marine fauna and impact on reef systems will cause a direct impact on the revenue of the resorts. The presence of sensitive environment within the vicinity is a concern, particularly due to the recent coral bleaching event, cumulative impacts from the recently completed Hulhumale’ reclamation project and cumulative impacts of dredging from the same site for Male’ SW harbour construction project. The key mitigation measures proposed for the construction stage include finding options to mitigate noise and air pollution, increased turbidity and sedimentation, resource and social conflicts. To mitigate turbidity and sedimentation, bund walls are proposed to control sediment dispersal during dredging and reclamation and use of ‘green valves’ in the TSHD to minimise impacts from the water overflow during loading into the hopper. Relevant stakeholder must be informed about the project at all stages to mitigate any resource and social conflicts. Alternative options were evaluated for the activities that are identified to have significant impacts on the project. Alternative options have been explored for no changes to dredging method, shore protection and to master plan. Alternatives have also been explored for harbour options, outfall locations and alternative locations for borrow sites. Given strong benefits for the project it is recommended to proceed with changes and preferred option for harbour is proposed northwest corner for aesthetics. Four sites have been studied for potential borrow sites, but South Male’ atoll is left untouched due to the manoeuvring difficulties for a large ship in the area. It is proposed to use the proposed borrow site with stringent adherence to TSHD overflow control. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for this project is designed to produce a framework for anticipated impacts associated with THSD activities, including practicable and achievable performance requirements and systems for monitoring, reporting and implementing corrective actions. The Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the physical environment as well as operational aspects of the resort, particularly in relation to THSD operations. The monitoring plan in the addendum has been updated as per the changes made to the project. The total cost of mitigation and monitoring are estimated to be USD 5,000 per year. Since the project already has a monitoring programme approved for the original EIA under MoT, the overall programme must incorporate the programme presented in this report. The report must be submitted to both MoT and EPA. Stakeholder consultations were held with Environmental Protection Agency, Marine Research Centre, The proponent, Baros Maldives, Centara Rasfushi Resort and Spa and Diver’s Lodge Maldives. Attempts were made to consults with Kohdhipparu island but were non-responsive. Stakeholder consulted raised concerns on the impacts dredging activity will have on notable dives spots and house reefs of the nearby resorts. Given the vicinity of a MPA around the dredging site, stakeholders recommended exploring alternative borrow sites. The proponent emphasized on the importance of the changes made to the project. EPA noted that a separate EIA may be required to be approved by EPA. This EIA has been initiated based on this suggestion. The main conclusion of this report is to move forward with the proposed changes with the proposed alternatives and the suggested mitigation measures. It has been proposed to move forward with THSD use as it reduces the timeframe of impacts by 6 months which is a substantial environmental benefit compared to a CSD.