Environmental impact assessment and audit of the desalination plants in Meradhoo Island, Gaafu Alifu Atoll

Abstract

The report documents the finding of the environmental impact assessment and audit of the desalination facilities at Meradhoo Island. Emphasis is given to the existing desalination plant at the main island, while the proposed desalination plant at the water villa area in the separate lagoon is also investigated and documented. When investigating the impacts and compliance of the plants, the existing environment is first investigated based on the field visit and previous studies undertaken on the island. Two previous studies have been undertaken assessing the environmental impacts of the resort development in Meradhoo Island and these have been referred to where appropriate. The environmental compliance of the desalination plant is comparatively good, although there are some issues that need to be addressed as mentioned in detail in environmental compliance and in environmental mitigation. Also some impacts are predicted to be caused due to the implementation of the desalination plant in the water villa area. However, these impacts are small in magnitude and are reversible. Both desalination plants can be used sustainably if the necessary mitigation measures are taken. A monitoring plan is crucial to implementing effective mitigation measures, and as such a monitoring plan is detailed while concluding the report.