Harbour Development Works at Landhoo, N Atoll, Maldives

Ministry of Construction and Public Infrastructure

Environmental Impact Assessment Study

Harbour development works at Landhoo, N atoll, Maldives

June 2008

Land and Marine Environmental Resources Group Pvt Ltd, Maldives

Declaration of the Consultant

I hereby certify that the statements made in this environmental impact study for the development of harbour at N. Landhoo are true, complete and correct

Hussein Zahir EIA Consultant (Registration Number: EIA 04/07)

Date: 9 June 2008

Table of contents

1. Executive Summary ...... 7

2. Introduction ...... 10

2.1 Purpose of the report and need for the eia ...... 10

2.2 Structure of the report ...... 11

3. Project setting ...... 12

3.1 Environmental protection and preservation act of maldives ...... 12

3.2 Second national environmental action plan (1999) ...... 13

3.2.1 National biodiversity strategy and action plan ...... 14

3.2.2 Protected areas and sensitive areas ...... 15

3.2.3 Cutting down, uprooting, digging out and export of trees and palms from one island to another ...... 15

3.2.4 Guideline for land use planning ...... 16

4. Methodology ...... 17

5. public consultation ...... 21

5.1 Institutional arrangement ...... 21

5.2 Community consultations and stakeholder meetings ...... 22

6. Project description ...... 28

6.1 Project proponent ...... 28

6.2 The project ...... 28

6.3 Need for the project ...... 28

6.4 Location and extent of site boundaries ...... 29

6.5 Construction phases and schedule for implimentation ...... 30

6.6 Major inputs ...... 31

6.6.1 Mobilization and material unloading ...... 31

6.6.2 Workforce ...... 31

6.6.3 Heavy machinery and power generation ...... 32

6.6.4 Construction methods ...... 33

6.6.4.1 Excavation method ...... 34

6.7 Major outputs ...... 34

6.7.1 Harbour basin ...... 34

6.7.2 Dredged material ...... 34

6.7.3 Risk associated with the project ...... 36

7. Existing environment ...... 38

7.1 General setting ...... 38

7.2 Geographic location and general setting of landhoo ...... 39

7.3 Climate and Oceanography ...... 40

7.3.1 Wind climate ...... 40

7.3.2 Wave climate ...... 44

7.3.3 Tide ...... 47

7.3.4 Currents ...... 49

7.3.5 Beach environment ...... 50

7.4 Marine Environment ...... 52

7.5 Water quality ...... 55

7.5 Hazard vulnerability ...... 57

7.6 Social Environment ...... 60

7.7 Terrestrial Environment (Mangrove Swamps) ...... 62

8. Environmental impacts ...... 65

8.1 Limitation and uncertainity of impact prediction ...... 66

8.2 Construction impacts ...... 67

8.2.1 Schedule, logistics and loading and unloading construction materials ...... 67

8.2.2 Construction materials and solids waste ...... 68

8.2.3 Impact due to construction methods ...... 69

8.2.4 Impact on vegetation ...... 71

8.2.5 Coastal structures ...... 72

8.2.6 Social impacts, noise and air pollution ...... 72

8.2.7 Impact on groundwater ...... 73

8.3 Operational impacts ...... 74

8.3.1 Impact to hydrodynamic pattern ...... 74

8.3.2 Social impacts ...... 75

8.3.3 Wastwater disposal or littering of harbour ...... 76

9. Alternatives ...... 77

9.1 Construction method and materials ...... 77

9.2 The “no project” scenario ...... 78

10. Mitigation ...... 79

11. Monitoring program ...... 84

12. Conclusion ...... 86

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Location and GPS coordinates of the wave gauge set at N. Landhoo harbour area ...... 18

Figure 2 Location and GPS coordinates of the reef survey, seawater sampling and swamp water sampling locations ...... 19

Figure 3 Location of proposed harbour and entrance channel at N. Landhoo western side ...... 30

Figure 4 Site office for the harbour construction works at N. Landhoo ...... 32

Figure 5 machinery in use for the harbour construction works at N.Landhoo ...... 33

Figure 6 dredged spoil disposed at the northern side of the harbour where severe erosion is observed (left), dredged material spread at the harbour front area, some of the coconut palms retained (right) ...... 35

Figure 7 Deepened harbour basin already in use during rough weather (left), harbour access road cleared to join the islands main roads (right) ...... 35

Figure 8 Map showing the proposed harbour, reclaimed area, marsh land filled area and dredged material filled area for leveling work at the western side of Landhoo ...... 36

Figure 9 Geographic location of N. Landhoo ...... 39

Figure 10 Summary wind rose for 15 years data of Hanimaadhoo ...... 41

Figure 11 Wind rose plots for individual months ...... 43

Figure 12 Example of wave record (Wave burst 5) and wave spectrum for this record ...... 44

Figure 13 Time series plot of Hs at the location of Landhoo Harbour ...... 45

Figure 14 Time series plot of Ts at the location of Landhoo harbour ...... 45

Figure 15 Time series of Hmax at the location of Landhoo harbour ...... 45

Figure 16 Time series plot of Tmax at the location of Landhoo harbour ...... 46

Figure 17 Distribution of Hmax for the wave data ...... 46

Figure 18 Spectral density for the tide of Hanimaadhoo ...... 47

Figure 19 Time series plot of the dominant constituents of the tide at Hanimaadhoo showing the significance of each of these tidal constituents in the tidal signal ...... 48

Figure 20 Tide recordings at the location of wave measurements at N. Landhoo ...... 48

Figure 21 Current flow pattern at Landoo reef system. The green arrows shows the direction of current depending on swell and wind wave directions ...... 49

Figure 22 Sediment movement pattern at N. Landhoo derived from analysis of wind and wave observation. The red arrows shows the sediment flow direction ...... 51

Figure 23 Typical nature of the bottom in the vicinity of the harbour basin and construction site. Rock coral outcrops are the dominant category with rubble and sand in a significantly lower abundance ...... 52

Figure 24 Some coral species that are resilient to normal sedimentation but maybe affected with chronic input of sediments such as from dredging operations ...... 53

Figure 25 Acropora coral smothered by fines sediment from the harbour excavation works ...... 53

Figure 26 Reef fish composition at N. landhoo western side near harbour ...... 55

Figure 27 Tsunami hazard zones, category 5 is the highest risk zone while 1 is the lowest (figure derived from UNDP report on Disaster Risk Profile for Maldives November 2006) ...... 57

Figure 28 Track of severe storms affecting Maldives during 1877‐2004 ...... 58

Figure 29 Cyclone Hazard Zoning (figure derived from UNDP report on Disaster Risk Profile for Maldives November 2006) ...... 59

Figure 30 Surge Hazard Zones (figure derived from UNDP report on Disaster Risk Profile for Maldives November 2006) ...... 60

Figure 31 Overlooking the canopy of the vegetation at Mangrove swamp behind the harbour construction site (top), the highest trees in the picture are Kulhavah trees and dominant vegetation at foreground are Thela. Kandoo trees (bottom) in the outer fringe of the swamp with saline intrusion influenced by tide ...... 64

Figure 32 Sediment plum associated with project activities and natural spill area observed at the southern side ... 69

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Status of works related to the Landhoo harbour construction ...... 30

Table 2 Summary of four seasons experienced in Maldives ...... 40

Table 3 frequency distribution based on direction and speed ...... 41

Table 4 Magnitude of the dominant tidal constituents for the tide at Hanimaadhoo ...... 48

Table 5 Seawater and swamp water parameter tested and their results at the sampling location at Landhoo. Data analysis was carried out by the National Health Laboratory, MFDA. Report number NHL/RE/WC 656. “Na” is test not available at the time of sampling. HB=harbour Basin ...... 56

Table 6 Vessels registered to Landhoo as of December 2007 ...... 61

Table 7 Population statistics of N Atoll community...... 62

Table 8 Mangrove types recorded in the swamp ...... 63

Table 9 Impact prediction categorized ...... 65

Table 10 mitigation measures proposed for the harbour development work at Landhoo ...... 80

Table 11 Monitoring program and cost for individual parameter ...... 85

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is to fulfill the regulatory requirement under the environmental preservation act of Maldives for the ongoing harbour development at Landhoo, N. Atoll.

N. Landhoo harbour development initiated during early 2008, but the works were halted by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water because EIA report for the works wasn’t submitted and that fact that individual from N. Landhoo complained to MEEW regarding filling of Marsh land adjacent to the harbour area. At present almost 75% of excavation works are completed. According to the MCPI works are halted because 25ft of land inside vegetation line of the island has to be incorporated to the harbour. Therefore MCPI wants to go ahead with this component of the work after completion of EIA report.

At present an area of 16,600m2 is already reclaimed using the dredged material removed from previous excavation works, from this area approximately 5,500m2 is marsh land. A stock pile of approximately 2000m3 of sediment is piled at the northern side of the harbour. Estimated volume of dredged material from the remaining excavation works are estimated to be approximately 5000m3.

The major output of the proposed project is a 300 ft by 200 ft harbour facility on the western side of the island of Landhoo. The harbour basin will have a depth of -3m MSL. Entrance to the harbour will be located on the northern side of the harbour facing north western direction. The entrance channel into the harbour is 75m long and 25m wide. These are the standard dimensions of island harbours under various government policies and strategies to provide safe harbours for inhabited islands.

As part of public consultation process for this project, relevant stakeholders from the Landhoo community and the public and private sectors were consulted. The Landhoo community met on three occasions, twice prior to the EIA process on an unspecified date and on 12th February 2008. The community meeting held later with representative of the La Mer Group was on 26th April 2008.

The consultative process was based on meetings and discussions with community members. Representatives of La Mer met with members of the Island Development Committee, the Harbour Committee and members of the Landhoo general public to discuss the need for the EIA, what would be done in the EIA and for the community to air their issues and questions on the extent of the harbour works with regard to the community’s needs.

Noonu Atoll is the latter part of a massive atoll that encompasses Haa Alif, Haa Dhaal, Shaviyani and Noonu Atolls, divided so for administrative purposes. Landhoo is one of the eastern most islands in Noonu Atoll. Located at 05° 52' 53" N and 73° 27' 58" E, Landhoo is found between the islands of Maalhendhoo to the north and Maafaru to its south. Laandhoo is an island separate from all other islands, surrounded by its own reef, as is typical for the northern atolls of the Maldives. Maalhendhoo Kandu is to the island’s north and Landhoo Kandu is to the island’s south. The capital of Noonu Atoll is Manadhoo, 13km to the south of Landhoo.

Study of the wind directions for individual months show that the winds from the 2nd quadrant (between E and S) are mainly confined to the months of November, December, January, February and March. The strongest winds from a southwesterly direction mainly occur during the month of December. The cumulative frequency of occurrence of winds at speeds greater than 7m/s from a southeasterly quadrant is just 1.06%. The total percentage of occurrence of winds from southeasterly quadrant sums up to 9.6%.

Results of wave analysis indicated that during the period for which wave data were collected the averaged significant wave height was 0.39m with an averaged significant wave period of 3.32 sec. The highest significant wave height estimated for this period was 0.56m that has a wave period of 3.32sec. The maximum wave heights indicated that the highest wave height recorded for this period was 0.99m that had a wave period of 3.0sec. Wave data evidently indicated that the location at which Landhoo harbour is been built is a highly exposed location and therefore the harbour protection structures (breakwaters) would have to take this factor into consideration.

It is important to note that the most significant impact associated with the project would be impact on the marine environment from sedimentation. Dredging and excavation often carry heavy load of

8 sediments increasing sediment load in the water column causing discoloration (due to suspended sediments) of the of the impact area for a prolonged period. The proposed development will have direct impact on the benthos in all excavated areas.

Environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are considered minor to moderate. The significant environmental components that are likely to be affected are the coral community established on the reef flat and changes to littoral drift and near-shore coastal hydrodynamics. Impact on the coral community from sedimentation as a result of excavation is inevitable.

Mitigation measures were provided in the report for impacts that were categorized minor to moderate. Impact mitigation measures and monitoring is carried out to compare predicted and actual impacts occurring from project activities to determine the efficiency of the mitigation measures. The environmental monitoring proposed here is to determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures and long term change to the benthic community (especially coral community) where the current baseline information was collected. In addition to this additional monitoring station would be established at the reef slope (channel entrance) to determine the changes to this habitat by sediment deposition transported through the reef access channel.

With due consideration to main environmental components identified and the magnitude of impacts on these components from the proposed developments, the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures are given to correct and minimize unfavourable environmental consequences. Furthermore the public and community consultation responses were in favour of the project due to the socio-economic benefits.

2. INTRODUCTION

The contractor for the project is MTCC Plc who was awarded the bid for the harbour construction under competitive bidding through government approved procedures. Land and Marine Environment Resources Group Pvt Ltd was awarded the contract for preparation of EIA report in a competitive bidding procedure.

2.1 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT AND NEED FOR THE EIA

This EIA covers the environmental reporting requirements in preparation for harbour construction as stipulated by the environmental regulations of Maldives. Coastal developments such as harbours that are likely to a have a significant impacts to the environment are required to submit an EIA report by Environmental Act of Maldives. Article 5 (a) of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives (Law No. 4/93) provides for an impact assessment study to be submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water (MEEW) before implementation of any activity that may have a significant impact on the environment. The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation of Maldives (EIA Regulations, MEEW, 2007) provides a list of development proposals requiring environmental impact assessment reports which are outlined in schedule D where EIAs are mandatory for harbour development projects.

Therefore, in accordance with the above requirements and procedures to follow under the EIA regulations, a scoping meeting to discuss the development proposal and determine the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the EIA report was held between the Client (MCPI), Consultant (EIA consultant representing LaMer Group Pvt Ltd) and the Regulator (representatives from Environment Research Centre) on 4th May 2008. This report provides the results of the field work carried out on Landhoo from 25 to 29 May 2008 and associated public and community consultations that followed based on the TOR approved by MEEW.

2.2 STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT

The structure of this report follows the Terms of Reference (TOR) discussed in the presence of the developer, the EIA consultant, representative from Ministry of Construction and Public Works (MCPI), Ministry of Atolls Development (MoAD) and representatives of Environmental Research Centre (ERC) as the EIA regulatory body. Upon submission of a draft TOR by the EIA consultant it was approved by the MEEW on 18th May 2008, based on discussions between the consultant, the client and the other stakeholders. The approved Terms of Reference (TOR) for this report is attached in Appendix 1 of this document. The TOR was also copied to MCPI and MoAD.

3. PROJECT SETTING

The project conforms to the requirements of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives, Law no. 4/93. The EIA has been undertaken in accordance with the EIA Regulation (MEEW, 2007) of the Maldives by a registered consultant. Furthermore, the EIA adheres to the principles underlined in the regulations, action plans, program and policies of the following Government Ministries.

• Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water • Ministry of Construction and Public Infrastructure • Ministry of Atolls Development • Ministry of Housing and Urban Development

3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION ACT OF MALDIVES

The Articles of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law No. 4/93) addresses the following aspects of environmental management:

• Guidelines and advice on environmental protection shall be provided by the concerned government authorities. • Formulating policies, rules and regulations for protection and conservation of the environment in areas that do not already have a designated government authority already carrying out such functions shall be carried out by MEEW. • Identifying and registering protected areas and natural reserves and drawing up of rules and regulations for their protection and preservation. • An EIA shall be submitted to MEEW before implementing any developing project that may have a potential impact on the environment.

• Projects that have any undesirable impact on the environment can be terminated without compensation. • Disposal of waste, oil, poisonous substances and other harmful substances within the territory of the Maldives is prohibited. Waste shall be disposed only in the areas designated for the purpose by the government. • Hazardous / Toxic or Nuclear Wastes shall not be disposed anywhere within the territory of the country. Permission should be obtained for any trans‐boundary movement of such wastes through the territory of Maldives. • The Penalty for Breaking the Law and Damaging the Environment are specified. • The government of the Maldives reserves the right to claim compensation for all damages that are caused by activities that are detrimental to the environment.

3.2 SECOND NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN (1999)

The aim of NEAP II (MHAHE, 1999) is to provide the necessary guidance for the protection and preservation of the environment of the Maldives and to sustainably manage its resources for the collective benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

The main strategies of NEAP II are:

• Continuous assessment of the state of the environment in the Maldives, including impacts of human activities on land, atmosphere, freshwater, lagoons, reefs and the ocean; and the effects of these activities on human well being • Development and implementation of management methods suitable for the natural and social environment of the Maldives, and maintain or enhance environmental quality and protect human health, while at the same time using resources on a sustainable basis • Consultation and collaboration with all relevant sectors of society to ensure stakeholder participation in the decision making process • Preparation and implementation of comprehensive national environmental legislation in order to provide for responsible and effective management of the environment • Adhering to international and regional environmental conventions and agreements and

• Implementation of commitments embodied in such conventions.

NEAP II specifies priority actions in the following areas.

• Climate change and sea level rise; coastal zone management; • biological diversity conservation; integrated reef resources management; • integrated water resources management; • management of solid waste and sewerage; • pollution control and management of hazardous waste; • sustainable tourism development; • land resources management and sustainable agriculture • human settlement and urbanization.

NEAP II contains environmental policies and guidelines that should be adhered to in the implementation of the proposed project activities.

3.2.1 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN

The goals of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (MHAHE ,2002) are:

• Conserve biological diversity and sustainable utilization of biological resources. • Build capacity for biodiversity conservation through a strong governance framework, and improved knowledge and understanding. • Foster community participation, ownership and support for biodiversity conservation.

3.2.2 PROTECTED AREAS AND SENSITIVE AREAS

Under Article 4 of the Environment Protection and Preservation Act, the Ministry of Environment is vested with the responsibility of identifying and registering protected areas and natural reserves and drawing up of rules and regulations for their protection and preservation. At present there are no rules and regulations made available to the public on designation and protection of habitats and heritage areas.

The proposed harbour location of N. Landhoo is immediately to the forefront of a large marshy area. This marshland together with a smaller area on the south western corner of the island covers approximately 40% of the total land area of the island. Since the harbour location is within close proximity of the larger marshland on its south western tip, there are a number of social and environmental issues with regards to the harbour construction. Many of these social issues will be dealt with in depth in Section (section 5.2) under community consultation and stakeholder meetings.

The Mangrove trees at the edge of the marsh land, north of the harbour are already cleared and dredged spoil filled. At present all trees that has to be removed (for harbour front) are cleared and compensation given (according to the Island Chief). A historical site is located at Landhoo (Maabudhuge), this is located approximately 750m away from the harbour location and it is not likely that there would be any direct or indirect impacts on it from the construction of the harbour.

3.2.3 CUTTING DOWN, UPROOTING, DIGGING OUT AND EXPORT OF TREES AND PALMS FROM ONE ISLAND TO ANOTHER

Pursuant to law number 4/93 (Environment Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives), the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water has passed a by-law with the purpose of educating developers on the importance of trees. This includes best management practices for maintaining trees and provides standards for preservation of trees in the Maldives and set down rules and regulations to be adhered to prior to commencing of felling, uprooting, digging up and exporting of trees and palms from one island to another in Maldives.

The by-law states that the cuttings down, uprooting, digging up and export of trees and palms from one island to another can only be done if it is absolutely necessary and there is no other alternative. It further states that for every tree or palm removed in the Maldives two more should be planted and grown on the island. The by-law prohibits the removal of the following tree types;

• The coastal vegetation growing around the islands extending to about 15 meters into the island are protected by this by-law; • All the trees and palms growing in mangrove and wetlands spreading to 15 meters of land area is protected under this by-law; • All the trees that are in a designated protected area; • Trees that are being protected by the Government in order to protect species of animal/organisms that live in such trees; • Trees/palms that are abnormal in structure

The outer periphery of N. Landhoo marsh land near the harbour area has already been filled with sediment removed from the excavation works. Approximately 5500m2 of marsh land has already been filled. The decision for filling this area was made by the harbour committee and IDC.

3.2.4 GUIDELINE FOR LAND USE PLANNING

This guide developed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MHUD) stipulates the criteria and procedure to follow for location and construction of harbours. Clause 16.3.2 clearly states that the design and location of the harbours should consider the vulnerability of the shoreline of the island to coastal erosion. As such harbour construction should follow the environmental impact assessment procedure outlined in the EIA regulation developed under the environmental preservation act of Maldives. It states the preparation of land use plans for such islands shall be supervised by the relevant government office, in this case, Ministry of Planning and National Development and Ministry of Construction and Public Infrastructure. The guidelines also refer to a minimum of 20m wide Environmental Protection Zone (EPZ), consisting of vegetation to be provided around the outer periphery of the island between the beach and the rest of the island. However, it also states the EPZ can be excluded from areas where the land use is for harbour frontage or for commercial use.………………………………………………………………..

4. METHODOLOGY

The approach to data collection and compilation of this report includes;

• Consultation and discussion with the proponent with regard to design and work methodology that would be used to implement the proposed activities, and current status of the project works, • Examination of the project activities carried out till halting of project works by MEEW, • Examination of the existing environment to identify significant environmental components that would be affected, • Consultation with major stakeholders to exchange information on the project and to follow the procedures required for the report, and • Evaluation of available and relevant literature on environmental impacts associated with similar projects.

Information on existing environment was collected during the field visit to the project site during late April 2008. General information on the existing environment was based on available secondary data, such as climatic data for Hdh atoll in general (National Meteorological Centre at Hanimaadhoo) because no site specific data was available. Due to the general uniformity of the climatic data along Maldives climatic data from Hanimaadhoo were considered applicable to the site given the lack of availability of site specific data and also the short time available for the preparation of the report to collect such data. Oceanographic data and information used to determine the current pattern around the island was also based on monsoonal wind patterns, wind generated waves, tidal flushing, geographic setting, the topography of the lagoon and shape of the shoreline.

Wave data was collected at site by using high precision pressure gauge. Wave data was collected at the southern side of existing harbour basin, which would be having same wave condition. Wave data was collected at every 30minutes interval for a period of 18 minutes. Wave data was analyzed by using METLAB software.

Mash land 1

MABUDHUGE HISTOR( ICAL SITE)

Mash land 2

Wave guage (5º52’54.47”N 73º27’39.56”E)

Figure 1 Location and GPS coordinates of the wave gauge set at N. Landhoo harbour area

An underwater camera with housing was used to take a series of photographs for assessing reef benthic community. Due sedimentation impacts (low visibility), quantitative surveys were unable to carry out, instead qualitative surveys were carried out. Timed snorkeling surveys were carried out to assess the reef condition at Landhoo reef area. Estimated percentage of benthic categories was noted, with percentage of live coral families

Assessment of the selected fish community was also carried out at the same site as the reef benthic surveys. Fish abundance and density surveys were based on visual fish census techniques described in English et al., 1997. Timed swim method were used to assess the fish community at the area. This method is a rapid assessment method, where target species are counted in 5 minute swims at random directions to estimate the diversity and abundance of 11 targeted coral reef fish families that are commonly associated with the reef environment of Maldives. The depth of survey areas ranged between 1 and 3 meters.

Seawater quality was also assessed in the lagoon (vicinity of the proposed harbour basin) to establish a baseline for the physical and chemical parameters of seawater. But it has to be noted that the tested water quality analysis will not reflect conditions prior to excavation works thereby is not a reasonable baseline to compare with future monitoring. Visual assessment was carried out at the marsh area, while marsh boundary is mapped by using high precision GPS. The marsh area that is filled with dredged spoil were assess for visual impacts.

Mash land 1

Seawater sampling Swamp water location sampling location (5°52’56.89”N (5°52’57.24”N 73°27’.42.78”E) 73°27’.45.70”E)

Benthic survey (5°52’56.39”N 73° 27’.40.15”E)

Figure 2 Location and GPS coordinates of the reef survey, seawater sampling and swamp water sampling locations

Understanding the baseline condition of the site was therefore based on largely secondary data available and limited site specific data collected during the field visit. It is important to note that the most significant impact associated with the project would be impact to the shoreline and impact on the marine environment from sedimentation. Yet there was not enough time available to determine the existing rates of sedimentation, no such data available for the site. Such information as a baseline is important to determine the effect of sedimentation input from the project activity.

5. PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Discussions were exchanged based on the proposed project activities. The need justifications and approval of the proposed activities from the perspective of relevant institutions were inclusive of this consultative process.

Various questions and issues raised by the community on different occasions concerning the location of the harbour and works related to the harbour project were discussed. These will be discussed in Section 5.2.

5.1 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

Landhoo is administratively located in Noonu Atoll. As with all other atolls of the Maldives, the island community governed through the Ministry of Atolls Development. Day-to-day administrative and management of the island community needs together with routine reporting to relevant ministries or other institutions in Male’ is managed by the Island Chief (Katheeb) and with support from the Island Office administrative staff.

The Landhoo Harbour Development Project is being carried out under the National Harbour Development Programme implemented by the Government of Maldives. Provision of safe access and harbours to all the inhabited islands is a priority infrastructure development the government has committed to undertake as stated in the Seventh National Development Plan for 2006 -2010. Under the plan, respective ministries of the Government of Maldives have committed to continue the access improvement program for inhabited islands and facilitate the development of adequate harbours throughout the country.

The National Harbour and Reclamation Programme includes the construction of major harbours and big reclamation projects, was initiated by the Government of Maldives in mid 80’s. The implementation authority for the Government of Maldives is represented by the Ministry of Construction and Public Infrastructure (MCPI).

5.2 COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS AND STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS

The Harbour Development Committee was in agreement for the proposed size of the harbour as of 26th February 2008. However, later discussions showed that the Harbour Development Committee thought the proposed size of the harbour too small for the type of vessels used in the island. The Committee felt that the large fishing vessels and the commuter vessels ferrying between Landhoo and Male’ were too large to be accommodated inside the harbour.

During the community meeting held in Landhoo, the members of the IDC, Harbour Development Committee and other participants have been informed about the inevitable environmental impacts of such a development. In addition to the physical data used for the design and location of the harbour, members of the island community were consulted on the patterns of beach change and hydrodynamic pattern around the island.

However, the community was little aware of the environmental aspects of the large marshlands on the island. There are a number of varieties of edible mangrove fruits and it is the habit of the

22 community to gather these although there is no serious cultivation of the varieties. This area is open for the community to use freely. Present practices in the marshland also included burning of the mangrove vegetation in the marshland. The IDC stated that currently new housing blocks are located at the edge of marsh land and at some areas encroaching on marsh land (southern side marsh land and northern side marsh land).

A sturdy jetty had been built to service fishing and commuter vessels of the island. With the construction of the harbour, it was presumed that the community would have no longer have need of this structure and would be eventually removed. However, the community is in favour of keeping it, to continue using the structure for its fishing vessels and commuting vessels of Landhoo as well as other islands. According to the IDC and Harbour Committee, the commuter vessel (Landhoo boat) is too large to be able to maneuver in the harbour therefore it is a must to keep the jetty. Also at time when the harbour is full to its capacity, the jetty can be used as access.

Based on proposed size and location of the harbour, the community was sceptical on the ability of the harbour to accommodate the large fishing and passenger vessels of the island. The community’s justification being that a 300ft x 200ft harbour basin would be too small to accommodate the large fishing and commuter vessels registered to the island, stating that the harbour basin would not be able to accommodate the large fishing vessels registered to the island community members. The vessels trading and commuting between Male’ and Landhoo are also considerably large (approximately 95ft long). The Harbour Committee and the community feel that the harbour basin is too small to cater to all these vessels hence their vote to keep the jetty operational in order to cater to these vessels. The IDC also stated that many vessels from Sh. Atoll and other atolls come to Landhoo for trade (especially thatch weave and banana), therefore although population of the island is small many vessels would use the harbour.

The IDC had recommended shifting the harbour more to the north of the initially proposed site. The community was also in favour of moving the harbour more to the north for a number of reasons, stating that this would help the community alleviate the erosion problems experienced on that part of the island. Also this would make the harbour entrance calm during rough weather.

The residents of the island believed that if the entrance to the harbour was moved north, this side would be sheltered making the immediate entrance to the harbour calmer with less rough conditions experienced there. The Island Office as per the advice of the IDC has also informed the relevant Government Ministries including Ministry of Atolls Development and Ministry of Construction and Public Infrastructure on this issue prior to the initiation of harbour dredging works.

The community had raised the issues on various occasions on the location of the harbour based on their needs for a boatshed between the proposed harbour site and the existing jetty used by fishers and other boat owners. The initial location of the harbour, recommended by the Harbour Development Committee, placed the harbour some 750ft from the existing jetty. This was in order to accommodate a boat repair and maintenance area between the proposed harbour and the existing jetty. The initial decision of the IDC was to build the boatshed inside the harbour with a bit of reclaimed land.

The Harbour Development Committee was in favour of keeping a distance some 750ft between the jetty and the harbour. This distance of 750ft between the harbour and the jetty was also decided by the Harbour Development Committee. The community was in favour of a boat hauling and maintenance area, which they felt would be best, located between the harbour and the jetty.

The proposed distance between the jetty and harbour had been agreed at 750ft but it was later noticed by the community that this distance had become smaller once the dredging of the harbour works had begun. Community raised issues based on the fact that they were in need of a boat hauling shed which had been proposed for the area between the two. The Harbour Development Committee had also proposed that the dredging of the 200 ft boat maintenance and repair area to be made adjacent to the proposed harbour basin in conjunction with the proposed harbour. However, this could not be accommodated when the harbour basin dredging works began due to engineering and technical issues as well as budget constraints. As policy the MCPI has stated that they no longer make boatsheds inside harbour. The measurements made by the consultants revealed that harbour is located approximately 750ft from the existing jetty and this was passed on to the IDC at the consultation meeting.

Issues were also raised on where the dredge material should be disposed. The Harbour Development Committee had stated that they would like to deposit dredge material on the eroded coastline on the north western side of the island. This, together with measures to keep the material from eroding, such as the placement of coastal protection may help to alleviate the problem. The Harbour Development Committee had proposed that dredge material, since it has no plans of being used elsewhere on the island, the sediment be disposed to northern side of the harbour which is severely eroded. This was made known to MCPI and MTTC prior to the project works were commenced. Some dredge material has already been placed on both sides of the harbour but it is not clear if any group or groups have definitive plans on how to retain the sand. Best possible solution would be to place revetments on both sides where sand has been deposited.

Some 25m into the island’s vegetation line is to be allocated to the harbour. This accounts for about 2% of the harbour basin to be taken from the island. This area will be dredged to complete the dredging of the harbour basin. This would mean a considerable loss of land for development around the harbour location. To counter this loss, and because there is no other location to deposit the dredged sand, the community is in favour of putting the excess spoil on the perimeter of the marshy area just behind the harbour and northern side. The measurements made by the consultants revealed that it is only 7m of land that has to be incorporated in to the harbour. This would be just at the edge of vegetation. The vegetation line is the canopy edge as seen in the aerial or satellite photo. Therefore vegetation edge is approximately 5-7m in, large mature tree areas and may be 3-4m in less mature or bushy vegetation lines. This information was passed on to the MCPI and the IDC.

Stockpiles of dredge material have already been spread on a small part of the western end of the marshy area. This decision had been taken by the Harbour Development Committee composed of leaders of the island and members of the general public. The community has proposed that about 5790m2 of marshland be reclaimed for development in the future. This area could serve well for future developments in and around the harbour area (fish market and other commercial outlets associated with harbour).

Given the presence of the harbour, there would be need for space to set up support facilities such as fuel and water close to the harbour area. In addition, it is also likely that the presence of the harbour would also attract warehouses, fish markets, other small businesses and tea houses to set up nearby. For all these and future developments around the harbour area, additional land would be needed.

However, at present there is no land available in the harbour vicinity. It is possible that the area surrounding the harbour be cleared and made ready for such enterprise at present while the harbour development works are in progress.

Harbour Development Committee also proposed shifting of the harbour more to the north western side of the island as this area is easily and severely eroded. This part of the island is the area most affected by erosion. Community feels that this is the time to counter erosion there since there is excess dredge material from the dredging of the harbour basin and the channel. This would also alleviate the erosion on this area with the location of the harbour covering part of the eroded area. Less works would also be needed to counter the effects of erosion if this was the case. But since the harbour entrance and basin is already completed (basin almost 75%) it would be impossible to move the harbour location.

The residents of Landhoo have not been made aware of the proper environmental implications of the harbour development or the importance of the marshy areas of the island as important habitats and the environmental implications of many o their actions and activities in relation to the environment. Unfortunately, this has resulted in many misunderstandings on all sides as well as dissent between the contractors MTTC and the residents of Landhoo. However, with proper awareness and the implications of their actions it is more likely that the residents of Landhoo would be better informed for more informed decision making on their part. However, there are also many issues related to the fact that work had in fact started on the Landhoo harbour prior to the carrying out of an EIA.

The IDC requested the consultants to ask ERC or MEEW to inform the island community about the importance of the Marsh land and make aware the justification of protecting the Marsh land. Personnel from IDC stated that island community sees the Marsh land as a nuisance, a nest for mosquito proliferation and doesn’t understand the reasoning behind protection of these ecosystems. Also the IDC stated that even though Landhoo has large land area most of it are marshy areas, and even if these are protected new residential plots will be given at these areas because all dry land is occupied now. It has to be noted that regulations can be made but, to enforce it, especially if it has social issues, direct consultation and awareness should be made. Just protecting areas of an inhabited island would not solve the issue; the island community should be made aware the need for protecting these ecosystems, which are ecological heritage of Maldives.

The scoping meeting for the EIA works was held at ERC, in the meeting personnel from MEEW, MCPI and MoAD participated. The MCPI stated that location of the harbour was decided by a consultation process with the island development committee. According to the MCPI design of the harbour, including its size is standardized and limited according to the bid documents set by Harbour Technical Committee.

Personnel from Environment Ministry stated that alternative in terms of location method of construction will not be needed since the work is already done.

Personnel from MoAD stated that it is misleading to say that the works were halted because the works were done without EIA and knowledge of MEEW, since personnel from MEEW sits at the Harbour Technical Committee which makes the decisions. He also stated that special approval was given by MEEW to MCPI for harbour development project stipulating that an environment statement be submitted. He also stated that it is misleading that the works were stopped by MEEW because marsh land was being filled at Landhoo when in fact it was only the out edge that was filled and not the entire marsh land.

6. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

6.1 PROJECT PROPONENT

Project proponent of the proposed harbour development is Ministry of Construction and Public works. The project was bided as a design and built project. Financing of EIA works and Monitoring works during the construction stage will be provided by the MCPI. The contractor for the project is Maldives Transport and Contracting Company Plc. The project is financed through Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) Projects.

6.2 THE PROJECT

The proposed development project involves development of a 300 x 200ft harbour and a 75m long, 25m wide entrance channel (See Appendix 1 for site plan). The harbour protection walls will be constructed using armour stones, while the wharves will be of “L” section concrete elements.

Almost 75% of the area needed for the construction of the harbour basin has already been dredged prior to this environment impact assessment. Only about 25% of the harbour basin proper and about a 7m strip of the harbour basin that encroaches on the island needs to be dredged at present. Work on dredging had progressed considerably before issues related to harbour design and location and community related issues had impeded further works, resulting in the need for this EIA.

6.3 NEED FOR THE PROJECT

N. Landhoo has a population of 888 (Ministry of Atolls Development website) as of December 2007. The major economic activities of the island’s populace are agriculture and related activities and

28 fisheries. There are 24 vessels registered to the island, which includes one which travels between Male’ and Landhoo with the rest being large fishing vessels of considerable size. In addition, there are vessels from other islands within the atoll and from outside that stop at Landhoo. The vessels arriving at Landhoo are at present using a long concrete jetty some 750ft away from the proposed location of the harbour. This jetty although serviceable seasonally for part of the year, does not provide safe mooring or a shelter for the island’s vessels for the rest of the year and particularly during the rough weather periods. Hence, in order to provide for the safety of vessels anchored and using the harbour, it is understood that a harbour basin and access channel is needed for Landhoo.

As the major economic activities of Landhoo involve agriculture and related activities, there is the need for frequent travel between the island and the market place which is Male’. During rough conditions anchoring at the jetty becomes difficult and unsafe for the vessels and crew. Such projects for harbour development in the inhabited islands is clearly defined in the Seventh National Development Plan 2006 -2010 (MPND, 2007) which states to ‘continue access improvement programs for inhabited islands’ to ‘facilitate the development of adequate harbours throughout the country

However, there are issues from the from the local community of Landhoo on the location and extent of the harbour, which will be addressed and related to fully in Section 5 of this report.

6.4 LOCATION AND EXTENT OF SITE BOUNDARIES

The project location at N. Landhoo is at the western side of the island approximately 215m north of existing access jetty. Since almost 75% of excavation works are already completed, sediment plume associated with the remaining excavation is envisaged to be directed out of entrance channel towards south. At present rocks removed from the excavation works is lined at the harbour edges limiting flow of sediment.

Location of proposed harbour

Figure 3 Location of proposed harbour and entrance channel at N. Landhoo western side

6.5 CONSTRUCTION PHASES AND SCHEDULE FOR IMPLIMENTATION

The completion of the Landhoo harbour construction is estimated to take 3 months. Listed below are the major sub-components of construction phase. In the case of Landhoo since work on the harbour project had begun prior to the EIA, some of the work has already started, ongoing or concluded. The status of the activities started, ongoing or completed is given in table below. Table 1 provides a detailed work program and work schedule for completion of the project.

Table 1 Status of works related to the Landhoo harbour construction

Nature of the work Status • Vegetation clearance Completed • Mobilization, material download Ongoing (all machinery already at site)

• Excavation of the harbour basin 75% of the work completed prior to the EIA, remaining works area estimated to take 2 to 3 weeks to complete • Excavation of entrance channel Completed • Disposal of dredged material Almost 80% already disposed at the northern side of the island adjacent to the harbour • Construction of quay wall 2 months • Construction of harbour walls, entrance 3 months walls and revetments

6.6 MAJOR INPUTS

6.6.1 MOBILIZATION AND MATERIAL UNLOADING

Most of the equipment and material needed for the construction of the harbour at Landhoo has already been taken to the island. This was done at the initiation of the project, prior to the decision for the requirement of this EIA. All heavy machinery for the proposed project is at site.

Material for construction of harbour protection walls and breakwaters will be transported to the site on barges. Since the entrance and major portion of harbour basin is excavated, this area can be used for material unloading. The material can be stored at existing reclaimed land at the northern side of the harbour.

6.6.2 WORKFORCE

Total work force currently mobilized for the project is between 30 to 35 workers. All workers will be accommodated in existing residential houses. Food and other facilities will be met by existing

31 facilities on the island. No additional temporary sheds or accommodation units will be constructed. A site office is located at the project site (container based office unit) and a small construction yard for storing of concrete elements. Since work has already begun on the Landhoo harbour, the office set up and accommodation for workers have been arranged.

Figure 4 Site office for the harbour construction works at N. Landhoo

6.6.3 HEAVY MACHINERY AND POWER GENERATION

Machinery used for the proposed project are, excavators, cranes and trucks. Excavators will also be used for construction of harbour protection walls and entrance channel walls. Power for the project site will be met by the island’s existing power house. Cranes will be used for construction of the quay wall; the L section concrete elements will be put in place by cranes. Cranes will also be used to unload material from barge because basin excavation is not complete and barge cannot be berthed at the land side.

Figure 5 machinery in use for the harbour construction works at N.Landhoo

6.6.4 CONSTRUCTION METHODS

The concrete elements for the quay walls will be casted at Thilafushi in MTCC construction yard and transported to site on barges. Therefore only minor concrete works will be carried out at site. The element toe area will be deepened and leveled. After placing the elements, toe area will be refilled. After placing the concrete element, tie rods will be used fix and anchor the L section to anchor slabs. After placing the concrete elements the quay wall will be joined together with a capping beam. The area behind the quay wall will be back filled to stabilize the quay wall structure. In similar projects by the MCPI the bid document states the quay wall should be 6cm above the ground level.

Approximately 221m of breakwater will be constructed. The breakwater will be enclosed with breakwater heads at both ends of the breakwater in the entrance channel. The breakwater will be constructed using armour stones. The stones for the filter layer will be made by sieving the dredged materials. A geotextile layer will be placed in between the filter layer and filled base.

About 70m of revetment will be constructed on the southern side of the harbour. The revetment wall will be constructed outside the back filled area southern side of the harbour. Similar to the breakwaters, a geotextile will layer will be laid on top of the back filled substrate and a filter stone

33 layer will be laid over it. Filter stone will be accumulated by filtering the dredge spoil. The outer layer of the revetment will be of armour

6.6.4.1 EXCAVATION METHOD

The remaining area of the harbour basin will be deepened using excavators. Two excavator and two trucks will be used during excavation. Access bond is already made at the remaining area of the basin, while rest can be dredged without access bond. The excavated area of the harbour basin is already deepened to -3MSL. Entrance and entrance channel are already cleared and deepened to required depth. Remaining area for deepening is approximately 1980m2.

6.7 MAJOR OUTPUTS

6.7.1 HARBOUR BASIN

6.7.2 DREDGED MATERIAL

The IDC recommends reclaiming land at the northern side of the harbour as it has been done before stopping of project works by MEEW. The IDC wants to fill part of the marsh land (outer periphery) in this process. At present the northern side of the harbour is observed with severe erosion, observing the shoreline area, it is noted that large tree trunks (now almost leveled to substrate level) are observed near the shoreline approximately up to 10m. The IDC also states that erosion has already felled much of outer peripheral vegetation of the marshy lands edge.

Approximately 6000m2 of land will be reclaimed by the dredged material at the southern side adjacent to the already reclaimed area. Since width of lagoon is very narrow at this area it is not feasible to reclaim the entire area at the lagoon, therefore part of the land will be filled marsh land, approximately 1000m2.

Figure 7 Deepened harbour basin already in use during rough weather (left), harbour access road cleared to join the islands main roads (right)

Area where marsh land is filled Reclaimed area

Dredged material spread for leveling purposes

Figure 8 Map showing the proposed harbour, reclaimed area, marsh land filled area and dredged material filled area for leveling work at the western side of Landhoo

6.7.3 RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROJECT

Major risks associated with the project are short term damage to the marine environment due to sedimentation by excavation works at Landhoo. Chronic impacts such as this can be cumulative and long term. Coastal erosion due to the proposed project is minor since, the northern side of the harbour, according to the IDC has been eroding for past 30 years. At the southern side of the harbour accretion is envisaged, while if not reclaimed, northern side is envisaged to be the side prone to erosion. The reclamation at this area would ensure stability of the coast at this side, but since no protection is proposed over the years this side will again start losing land.

Damage to live coral is inevitable in development projects such as the proposed harbour construction at N. Landhoo. The reason for selecting the proposed site is due to lobbying of the island community. Alternative site is south of the proposed location adjacent to existing jetty.

In terms of social impacts, positive impacts are envisaged by the proposed project. Positive social impacts include safety of people accessing the island, safe loading and unloading of materials and goods and possible economic opportunities due to usage of the harbour by fishing vessels operating in the area. Therefore with the development of the harbour it will provide a safe harbour not only the Landhoo community but for others as well.

Filling of the marsh land will inevitably destroy part of the wetland ecosystem, but land lost is approximately 2% of total marsh land at N.Landhoo. Mangrove trees that would be lost are Bruguiera cylindrica and Excoecaria agallocha L. The mangrove at the area is very thickly vegetated, therefore was not possible to do a count. Sonneratia caseolaris trees were observed mainly at the central area of the marsh land.

7. EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

7.1 GENERAL SETTING

The Maldives archipelago consists of a double chain of coral atolls, 80 – 120km wide stretching 860km from latitude 7° 6’ 30” N to 0° 41’ 48” S and longitude 72° 32’ 30 E to 73° 45’ 54” E (Ministry of Construction and Public Works, 1999). The double chain of the Maldivian atolls lies on the parallel submarine ridges in the central part of Indian Ocean known as Lacadive-Chagos ridge. The archipelago comprises 25 natural atolls (Naseer, 2004) grouped into 20 administrative units. The atolls are separated by east-west running deeper channels. The atolls vary in shape from circular and oval to elliptical. The atolls contain 1190 islands, of which only 198 are inhabited. The total reef area of Maldives is 4,493.85km2 while the total land area is 227.45km2 (Naseer, 2004). Approximately 80% of Maldivian land area is less than 1m above mean sea level.

The characteristics of reefs and coral islands of the Maldives vary considerably from north to south. The atolls to the north are broad banks discontinuously fringed by reefs with small coral islands and with numerous patch reefs and faros (the word faros is derived from the Maldivian word “faru”) in the lagoon. To the south the depth of atoll lagoon increases, faros and patch reefs are rare in the lagoon, the continuity of the atoll rim is greater and a large proportion of the perimeter of the atolls is occupied by islands (Woodroffe, 1992). The islands have shallow reef flats on their seaward side, some with shingle ramparts at the seaward limit of the reef flat. The islands and the shingle ramparts owe their origin to the deposition of shingle or coral debris during storms. A number of islands can be found on a single reef. These islands may be separated by shallow passages that run across the reef flat. The width of some of these passages could be less 100m while some passages are over few hundred meters wide.

7.2 GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND GENERAL SETTING OF LANDHOO

Noonu Atoll is the latter part of a massive atoll that encompasses Haa Alif, Haa Dhaal, Shaviyani and Noonu Atolls, divided so for administrative purposes. Landhoo is one of the eastern most islands in Noonu Atoll. Located at 05° 52' 53" N and 73° 27' 58" E (Figure 9), Landhoo is found between the islands of Maalhendhoo to the north and Maafaru to its south. Laandhoo is an island separate from all other islands, surrounded by its own reef, as is typical for the northern atolls of the Maldives. Maalhendhoo Kandu is to the island’s north and Landhoo Kandu is to the island’s south. The capital of Noonu Atoll is Manadhoo, 13km to the south of Landhoo.

Figure 9 Geographic location of N. Landhoo

7.3 CLIMATE AND OCEANOGRAPHY

The climate of the Maldives is divided into two distinct seasons the south-west monsoon and the north-east monsoon. But sometimes the locals described them as four seasons including the changeover of the seasons. These seasons are marked by very different characteristics of wind and rainfall patterns. These four seasons are (Table 2) the NE monsoon described as the dry period, the transition period from NE to SW monsoon (Hulangu Halha), the SW monsoon known as the wet season and the transition period from the SW to NE monsoon (Iruvai Halha).

Table 2 Summary of four seasons experienced in Maldives

Seasons Month NE Monsoon (Iruvai Moosun) December, January and February Transition from NE to SW (Hulangu Halha) March and April SW Monsoon (Hulangu Moosun) May to September inclusive Transition from SW to NE (Iruvai Halha) October and November

Generally the SW monsoon generates westerly winds and the seas are rough and the period is wetter than the NE monsoon. The NE monsoon in the Maldives archipelago is marked by north-northeast winds (Woodroffe, 1992) which are generally lighter and the period is dryer. Storms and gales are infrequent in this part of the globe and cyclones do not reach as far south as the Maldives archipelago (Ministry of Construction and Public Works, 1999).

7.3.1 WIND CLIMATE

For detail analysis of wind patterns for the four seasons daily averaged wind data for the years between 1991 and 2006 for Hanimadhoo that lies at 100km north of Landhoo have been studied. The wind data from Hanimadhoo showed that the strongest winds in the northern regions of the Maldives are from directions between SW and NW. Winds from WNW are the direction of highest frequency of occurrence (Figure 10). The least frequency of occurrence is from SSE direction. The

40 magnitude of winds from SSE was also recorded to be less than 7m/s. The frequency of occurrence from SSE direction was estimated to be 0.4% (Table 3).

Study of the wind directions for individual months show that the winds from the 2nd quadrant (between E and S) are mainly confined to the months of November, December, January, February and March (Figure 11). The strongest winds from a southwesterly direction mainly occur during the month of December. The cumulative frequency of occurrence of winds at speeds greater than 7m/s from a southeasterly quadrant is just 1.06%. The total percentage of occurrence of winds from southeasterly quadrant sum up to 9.6%

Table 3 frequency distribution based on direction and speed

Wind % of Occurance of Wind Speed [m/s] Direction 2345678910111213 N 0.05% 1.36% 3.11% 1.50% 0.35% 0.02% NNE 0.05% 0.69% 0.78% 0.67% 0.21% NE 0.05% 1.01% 2.28% 1.15% 0.35% 0.09% WNE 0.02% 1.33% 1.98% 1.38% 0.39% 0.05% E 0.09% 1.04% 1.54% 1.43% 0.83% 0.28% 0.16% 0.02% 0.02% ESE 0.02% 0.25% 0.53% 0.64% 0.39% 0.14% 0.09% 0.09% 0.02% 0.02% SE 0.14% 0.30% 0.18% 0.05% 0.09% SSE 0.14% 0.09% 0.14% 0.02% S 0.23% 0.25% 0.12% 0.12% 0.07% 0.05% SSW 0.23% 0.28% 0.30% 0.16% 0.07% SW 0.02% 0.09% 0.46% 0.97% 0.46% 0.39% 0.07% 0.02% 0.02% 0.02% WSW 0.02% 0.60% 1.96% 1.91% 1.93% 1.01% 0.76% 0.14% 0.12% 0.12% 0.02% W 0.02% 0.97% 2.46% 3.11% 3.48% 2.65% 1.59% 0.71% 0.41% 0.23% 0.02% 0.02% WNW 0.07% 0.85% 2.60% 4.67% 4.93% 4.35% 3.18% 1.93% 1.13% 0.25% 0.09% 0.02% NW 0.05% 0.92% 2.65% 3.06% 2.44% 1.77% 0.97% 0.44% 0.18% 0.16% 0.02% 0.05% NNW 0.07% 1.47% 2.09% 1.68% 0.85% 0.44% 0.28% 0.05% 0.02%

Figure 10 Summary wind rose for 15 years data of Hanimaadhoo

January February

March April

May June

July August

September Octoberl

November December

Figure 11 Wind rose plots for individual months

7.3.2 WAVE CLIMATE

Limited wave measurements were made at Landhoo for the period of field surveys. These measurements were made using a high precision pressure gauge. The wave gauge was deployed within the lagoon just offshore of the proposed harbour at a mean depth of 1.71m (Figure 1). The wave measurements were made in busts of 2048 recordings once every hour and sampled at a frequency of 2Hz. The wave bursts were analysed to determine the following parameters:

• Significant wave height (Hs) • Significant wave period (Ts) • Maximum wave height (Hmax) • Period of Hmax

Analysis of wave data was carried out using spectral analysis method. This method allows determination of the distribution of wave energy and average statistics for each wave frequency by converting time series of the wave record into a wave spectrum (Figure 12). This is essentially a transformation from time-domain to the frequency domain, and was accomplished using a mathematical tool known as the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) technique.

0.4 0.2 0

Height [m] -0.2 -0.4

0 400 800 1200 0.1 Time [s] ]

-1 0.08 Hz 2

Mean water depth [dav] = 1.91m [m y Signififanct Wave height [H ] = 0.42m 0.06 s Maximum Wave height [Hmax ] = 0.7m

Significant Wave period [Ts] = 3.06sec al Densit r Wave Period of Hmax [Tmax ] = 3.00sec 0.04 Spect r

0.02 Powe

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 Frequency [Hz]

Figure 12 Example of wave record (Wave burst 5) and wave spectrum for this record

Results of wave analysis indicated that during the period for which wave data were collected the averaged significant wave height was 0.39m (Figure 13) with an averaged significant wave period of 3.32 sec (Figure 14). The highest significant wave height estimated for this period was 0.56m that has a wave period of 3.32sec. The maximum wave heights indicated that the highest wave height recorded for this period was 0.99m (Figure 15) that had a wave period of 3.0sec (Figure 16). m ) - s 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2

Significant Wave Height (H Height Wave Significant 4/26/08 4/26/08 4/27/08 4/27/08 4/28/08 4/28/08 Date

Figure 13 Time series plot of Hs at the location of Landhoo Harbour

- s s 6

) of H ) of 5 s (T

d 4 io r 3 2 Wave pe Wave 4/26/08 4/26/08 4/27/08 4/27/08 4/28/08 4/28/08 Date

Figure 14 Time series plot of Ts at the location of Landhoo harbour

m ) -

max 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 Wave Height (H Height Wave m

u 0.2 m

4/26/08 4/26/08 4/27/08 4/27/08 4/28/08 4/28/08 Maxi Date

Figure 15 Time series of Hmax at the location of Landhoo harbour

- s

max 10 H f

) o 8 max 6 (T d io

r 4 2 Wave Pe 4/26/08 4/26/08 4/27/08 4/27/08 4/28/08 4/28/08 Date

Figure 16 Time series plot of Tmax at the location of Landhoo harbour

The frequency distribution curve for the waves indicates that the maximum wave heights are most frequent at wave height of approximately 0.6m with a standard deviation of 0.147. This analysis showed that for over 13% of the time during the period of wave measurement Hmax was reaching nearly 0.6m.

Frequency Distribution for Hmax

Frequency 6

2 Mean = 0.5915 Std. Dev. = 0.147 0 N = 74 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00 Hmax (m)

Figure 17 Distribution of Hmax for the wave data

These limited wave data evidently indicated that the location at which Landhoo harbour is been built is a highly exposed location and therefore the harbour protection structures (breakwaters) would have to take this factor into consideration. However, the wave data reported in this EIA is not even nearly enough for working out the engineering details for the breakwaters. The engineers would have to base their design either on a very conservatively or would have to carry out a more detail wave forecasting model.

7.3.3 TIDE

All coastal development projects require determination of the water level or water datum. The tide which consits of number of wave forms, termed tidal constituents generate many different water levels that are used as different datums. The most commonly used tidal datum in the Maldives is the Mean Sea Level (MSL).

The astronomical tide at Landhoo has been assumed to be same as that at Hanimaadhoo (closest tide station). Longterm water-level records for Hanimadhoo are available from the web site of University of Hawaii. Analysis of the longterm tidal records from Hanimadhoo (Nov 2002 – Nov 2007) indicated that the tide at Hanimadhoo is a mixed diurnal – semi diurnal tide with a dominant lunar semidiurnal constituent followed by the Luna-solar declinational diurnal constituent (Figure 18 and Figure 19). The diurnal constituent of the tide at Hanimadhoo is 23% greater than the second largest constituent (Luna solar declinational diurnal constituent) (Table 4).

90 M2 80 70 K1 hr]

2 60 50 40 30

Magnitude [m S2 20 O1 10 0 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.09 Frequency [hr-1]

Figure 18 Spectral density for the tide of Hanimaadhoo

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

-0.2

Tide Rel (m) MSL -0.4

-0.6

-0.8

-1 11/11/2007 11/11/2007 12/11/2007 12/11/2007 13/11/2007 00:00 12:00 00:00 12:00 00:00 Date-Time

Tide M2 S2 N2 K1 O1

Figure 19 Time series plot of the dominant constituents of the tide at Hanimaadhoo showing the significance of each of these tidal constituents in the tidal signal

Table 4 Magnitude of the dominant tidal constituents for the tide at Hanimaadhoo

Tidal Constutuent Magnitude

M2 - Principal lunar semidiurnal constituent 80.84

S2 – Principal solar semidiurnal constituent 21.68

N2 - Larger Lunar elliptic semidiurnal constituent 2.92

K1 - Luni-solar declinational diurnal constituent 62.34

O1 - Lunar declinational diurnal constituent 16.94

2 1.8 m

e - 1.6 d

Ti 1.4 1.2

4/26/08 4/26/08 4/27/08 4/27/08 4/28/08 4/28/08 Date

7.3.4 CURRENTS

The current regime of the reef system is determined by the oceanic swell induced currents and surface currents induced by the wind waves. The Dominant wind wave direction at the area is West North West, while the dominant swell waves are refracted swells hitting from the oceanic side of the reef (eastern side). The oceanic swells hitting the eastern side creates a current towards the northern and southern side because of the shape of the island, while the dominant wind waves creates a flow towards the southern side of the island.

T ida l f lux Dominant wind direction during NE monsoon

Mash land 1

Dominant wind direction

West west north MABUDHUGE (HISTORICAL SITE)

Mash land 2

T ida l f lux

Oceanic swells

Figure 21 Current flow pattern at Landoo reef system. The green arrows shows the direction of current depending on swell and wind wave directions

7.3.5 BEACH ENVIRONMENT

At present beach is observed at N. Landhoo at the west and southern side of the island, rest of the shoreline is rocky, with small stretches of sandy beach. The northern sand north eastern side of the island is rocky, with beach rock formations. The north western corner and southern corner of the island is very near to the reef flat. The beach stretches at the eastern side is mainly composed of pebble size shingles and coarse sand, while western and southern side beaches are coarse to fine sand.

Erosion is observed at entire eastern segment of the island, at some areas the marsh land ponds are almost breached (individual ponds, three ponds were observed, approximately 20m by 15m). The north western side shows severe signs of erosion, many tree trunks were observed at the shoreline area (possibly earlier vegetation edge area). According to the IDC the area has severely eroded and considerable area of land is already lost. The Marsh land boundary or edge vegetation is almost gone at this area.

The beach at southern side is wide and composes of fine to coarse sand. The main reason for beach formation at this area is due to combine effects of refracted or wrapping of swells and wind wave condition. The oceanic waves wrap around the southern side and push the sediment westwards, while the wind waves push the sediment south wards (Figure 22). With the monsoonal change the beach spit forms at the western side during NE monsoon and southern side during SW monsoon. According to the IDC the north western and northern side has always been rocky, but the southern and south western side is sandy.

Rocky shore

N. LANDH OO

0m 50m 100m 200m 300m Land and Marine Environm ental Resources Group Pvt Ltd Surveyed on 27 April 2008 Land area inside beach toe 859,183 squaremetres Land area inside vegetation line beach toe 818257.15 squaremetres Marsh land 1 area 261,519.46 squaremetres Marsh land 2 area 42,185.46 squaremetres Mash land 1

Dominant wind direction

West west north M A BUDH UGE ( HIS TO RIC A L S IT E)

Rocky shore

Mash land 2

Sandy shore

Oceanic swells

Figure 22 Sediment movement pattern at N. Landhoo derived from analysis of wind and wave observation. The red arrows shows the sediment flow direction

7.4 MARINE ENVIRONMENT

The status of the marine environment at the harbour construction site at Landhoo was carried out using a snorkeling survey to estimate the overall ecological condition of the reef. The primary reason choosing this survey method and for qualitative assessment was primarily due to the fact that the harbour basin was already excavated and the visibility in the vicinity of the harbour was substantially reduced due to the suspended sediments. This therefore limited the extent of the reef benthic category assessment due to the sediments in suspension as well as some level of smothering of benthic organisms especially the smaller sized coral.

In general it was estimated that the coral cover was less than 10%. Rocky out crops dominate the upper reef flat and the reef slope (Figure 23). Among the live coral cover include; acroporids, favids and poritids. Some corals such as poritids appear to be resilient due to their large colony size. Porites colonies in excess of 2-3 meters in diameter were present in the vicinity of the harbour basin which appears to be somewhat affected but tolerant to the sedimentation (Figure 24). Porites are often among the corals that are more tolerant to acute sedimentation. Large Porites corals are often found in lagoonal environments exposed to periodic sedimentation.

Figure 24 Some coral species that are resilient to normal sedimentation but maybe affected with chronic input of sediments such as from dredging operations

During the assessment it was observed that some of the corals were smothered with sediments generated from the excavation works. It is often the smaller corals and corals that exhibit laminar growth forms that are more vulnerable to extended sedimentation. Figure 25 shows an example of a laminar coral (in this case a tabulate Acropora) and its upper surface loaded with sediments. Fine sediments with rapid rate of deposition is detrimental to certain corals especially the tabulate form s of corals. Such sediments blocks the coral polyps from feeding and the lack of nutrition and other physiological stress such as respiration eventually starves and suffocated the corals leading to death. Finely deposited sediments are often difficult to get rid off even with strong currents.

Figure 25 Acropora coral smothered by fines sediment from the harbour excavation works

This is a good example of the impact of sedimentation such as in dredging operation. Such cannot be avoided in the immediate vicinity of the dredging operation (e.g. harbour basin). Mitigation measures to avoid or minimize damage to the corals would be to relocate the corals to elsewhere on to the reef. Such operation is often costly depending on the number of corals to be transplanted or may not even be practical if the sizes of the corals are large. From the existing condition of the reef based on the qualitative assessment it can be concluded that the coral community was poor at the reef site. Therefore even of the coral community at the site maybe affected directly (within the harbour basin) and indirectly (immediately outside the harbour basin) and which cannot be avoided, the overall impact on the site as of a thriving coral community is low. It should also be noted that the excavation works was almost finished and the any mitigation measures that may be practical is too late to implement. From a practical and realistic point of view it is the opinion of the consultant that some of the damage imposed to the marine and near-shore environment by the harbour construction cannot be avoided. Indirect impacts are also to some extent inevitable. However, due to the scale and extent of the project (as in this case a small harbour) the coral community with its natural capacity to recover (with any additional chronic impact) is high. Such a recovery may often be to its former state or an alternative state.

Reef fish survey showed that dominant reef fish family at the area was Acanthuridae. Dominant species recorded was Ctenochaetus striatus. Other families recorded in high abundance were Labridae, and Pomacentridae. Due to poor visibility most cryptic species (like Groupers) were unable to locate. Dominant pomacentrid observed was Pomacentrus nagasakiensis, while dominant Labrids was Thalassoma Hardwicke. Altogether 9 families of fish recorded during the field survey. It is recommended establish new baseline after completion of the harbour during the monitoring program since the surveys was carried out at extreme conditions (low visibility and rough weather causing strong wave action at harbour front area).

5% 2% 8% Acanthuridae 28% Labridae 2% Pomcanetridae

9% Chaetodontidae Scaridae 2% Lutjanidae Mullidae

25% Balistidae 19% Lethrinidae

Figure 26 Reef fish composition at N. landhoo western side near harbour

7.5 WATER QUALITY

Water is an important natural resource for functioning of all living organisms. Good water quality is also important from health and safety perspective of the organisms and the people who benefits from the goods and services associated by these resources. There are several sources that can lead to increased nutrients in coastal waters, e.g. sedimentation and terrestrial storm water runoff. Sediment stirrup can also lead to release of nutrients within the sediments especially when there is large scale excavation and dredging involved.

The most important nutrients of concern in coastal waters are nitrates and phosphates. In excessive quantities these can cause rapid growth of phytoplankton and result in algal blooms. Visual quality of the water is also important, a beach environment is much more attractive when the water is clean and one can see the sea bottom. However, even clear water may sometimes be polluted. Dredging and excavation often carry heavy load of sediments increasing sediment load in the water column causing discoloration of the of the impact area for a prolonged period.

It is worthwhile to note here that there is no direct input source of nutrients in the coastal waters as a result of the proposed activities but rather a potential release of nutrients associated with dredging

55 or excavation. The main objective determination of the water quality was to establish a baseline prior to the proposed development activities. However, the field surveys for the EIA were carried out after the harbour basin was almost completely dredged and the status of the water samples tested (sweater from the harbour basin and water from the mangrove swamp) was a reflection of the water quality at the time of the surveys. Water sampling locations and GPS coordinates are given in Figure 2. A list of parameters tested and their values for two locations are given in Table 5. Dissolved oxygen, BOD, COD requested for analysis are not available due to the lack of reagents at NHL at the time of the request for analysis. Although these analyses were not carried out, it is unlikely that any of the chemical parameters requested for testing would be in significant quantities since there are no anthropogenic chemical inputs into the marine environment.

The salinity of the swamp water is approximately 10 times lower than seawater indicating that the swamp acts as a freshwater reservoir or a sink. It was noted during the field visit that there is some level of seawater inundation that may change the salinity of the swamp water. During the field visit was raining heavily for a couple of days which may also be the reason for the low salinity observed. The ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels in the swamp water is much higher that seawater.

Parameters Marine (HB) Swamp pH 8.1 6.9 Turbidity (NTU) -46 Nitrite (mg/l) 0.005 0.04 Nitrate (mg/l) 00.44 Phosphate (mg/l) 0.06 0.4 Ammonia (mg/l) 0.4 1.64 Total Dissolved solids (mg/l) 25900 2700 Sulphate (mg/l) 3250 375 Salinity (mg/l) 34000 2900 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Na Na Biological Oxygen demand (mg/l) Na Na Chemical Oxygen Demand (mg/l) Na Na Electrical conductivity (μs/cm) 52100 - Hydrogen sulphide (mg/l) 0-

7.5 HAZARD VULNERABILITY

Hazard vulnerability of Landhoo is assessed based on the literature available and field data collection. The report prepared by the UNDP on disaster risk assessment of Maldives states that the Landho region falls in to high risk category in terms of tsunami risk (Figure 27). Landhoo falls in to category 5, which is the highest scale given in the risk assessment. Although this may be the case the impact on Landhoo during the 2004 tsunami event is minor.

Figure 27 Tsunami hazard zones, category 5 is the highest risk zone while 1 is the lowest (figure derived from UNDP report on Disaster Risk Profile for Maldives November 2006)

Hazardous weather systems, other than general monsoons (heavy rain and strong winds) that affect Maldives are Tropical Storms (tropical cyclone) and Severe Local Storms (thunder storms/thunder squalls).Tropical cyclones are extreme weather events with positive and negative consequences. At times, these are very destructive due to associated strong winds (often exceeding 150 kmph), heavy rainfall (often exceeding 30 to 40 cm in 24 hours) and storm tides (often exceeding 4 to 5 meters). Strong winds can damage structures, houses, communication systems, roads, bridges and vegetation. Heavy rainfall can cause serious flooding. Storm surge is a sudden rise of sea level elevation along the coast caused by cyclonic winds. Sea level also rises twice daily due to astronomical reasons. The combined effect of surge and tide is knows as storm tide. Storm tides can cause catastrophe in low lying areas, flat coast and island territories such as Maldives.

Islands of Maldives are also affected by severe local storms (thunder storms/thunder squalls). Hazards associated with thunderstorms are strong winds (often exceeding 100kmph), heavy rainfall, lightning and hail. They give birth to tornadoes in some preferred regions (other than equatorial regions). In general thunderstorms are more frequent in equatorial region compared to other areas (Figure 28). Land areas get more thunder storms compared to open ocean areas. However, thunderstorms close to the equator are less violent compared to those of other parts of tropics and extra-tropics. Maldives being close to the equator thunderstorms are quite frequent here but are less violent. Strong winds generated by severe local storms consequently generate larger wind driven waves, which are hazardous to the islands of the Maldives.

Figure 28 Track of severe storms affecting Maldives during 1877‐2004

Landhoo falls in to category 5, which is the highest scale given in the risk assessment of cyclones or storms (see Figure 29). The major zones affecting are the mid and northern parts of the Maldives. During the field surveys weather was very bad and windy, few trees were toppled over with the gusting winds.

Figure 29 Cyclone Hazard Zoning (figure derived from UNDP report on Disaster Risk Profile for Maldives November 2006)

Bathymetry around Maldives shows that the ocean slope close to east coast is steep compared to the same on the west coast. This led us to conclude that eastern islands of Maldives are vulnerable to higher surge hazard compared to western islands. Landhoo region falls in to zone 5 (Highest risk zone) in the cyclone hazard zoning categories (Figure 30).

Figure 30 Surge Hazard Zones (figure derived from UNDP report on Disaster Risk Profile for Maldives November 2006)

The island of Landhoo consist of two marsh lands which are low lying, the rest of the island is relatively high. The proposed harbour area and existing jetty area is lower compared to residential area (harbour area level 1.2 to 0.6MSL) Because of the terrain formation the natural drainage of the residential area is towards the marsh lands on the southern and northern side of the island. Since the dredged material disposal site and harbour frontage area is just in front or adjacent to the marsh land, drainage should be directed towards the marsh land. If reclamation area is leveled to existing island level at the area there is possibility of wave wash up and associated issues.

7.6 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

Noonu Atoll has 64 islands, of which only 13 are inhabited islands, Landhoo being located on the eastern rim of the atoll. The capital of Noonu Atoll is Manadhoo, with a total population of 1,617. Landhoo is located approximately 189 km north of Male. The total area of Landhoo is approximately 81.2 hectares and the population of Landhoo stands at 888 as of December 2007

(Ministry of Atolls Development Website). The total population of Noonu atoll is 14,384 (Ministry of Atolls Development Website). There are two newly established tourist resorts in the atoll.

Economic activities on the island include agriculture, fisheries and services. Major economic activities of Landhoo are agriculture, fishing, thatch and rope weaving and tourism related activities (MoAD, December 2007). Landhoo cultivates bananas and also exports thatch to a large extent. Fishing is also an important activity on the island with 23 fishing vessels of varying sizes registered on the island (see Table 6).

Table 6 Vessels registered to Landhoo as of December 2007

Vessel Type Total Used For Bokkura 10 Fishing Mechanised Dhoni 4 Fishing Sathari Dhoni 1 Travels between Male' and Atolls Vadhu Dhoni 9 Fishing

Source: Ministry of Atolls Development website

Major environmental issue facing the island is erosion. The island has two marsh areas which cover about 40% of the island’s area. The houses of Landhoo are placed in the centre of the island between the two marsh areas. As the population increases and there is in more demand for housing and development on the island, more area is needed to expand the housing and urban area of the island. As a result, recently, about 13,667m2 of the smaller marshland has been filled and new housing plots allocated from there. It is also likely that more of the marsh area will be filled in the future to accommodate future housing and development needs.

Although the present jetty serves the large fishing vessels and goods and passenger vessels of the island, the islanders are always faced with difficulty of not having a safe mooring for fishing and other types of vessels. During rough weather at SW monsoon the jetty is not accessible because of wave action at the area.

Table 7 Population statistics of N Atoll community

Short Island Name Island Area Length Width Distance Population Population Total Name Letter (Ha) (m) (m) from Female Male Population Male (Km) N Henbandhoo D2 19.70 650 550 198.89 315 326 641 N Kendhikulhudhoo D3 218.70 4880 6550 196.33 795 776 1571 N Maalhendhoo D5 31.40 1430 500 190.53 378 411 789 N Kudafaree D6 22.50 680 430 188.46 310 375 685 N Landhoo D7 81.20 1230 100 188.09 453 435 888 N Maafaru D8 114.30 4630 630 182.55 552 491 1043 N Lhohee D9 35.20 980 500 181.46 367 397 764 N Miladhoo D10 18.10 680 350 178.83 664 675 1339 N Magoodhoo D11 30.50 750 530 177.54 172 191 363 N Manadhoo D12 92.20 1650 950 175.72 747 870 1617 N Holhudhoo D13 17.20 630 380 176.57 1005 1058 2063 N Foddhoo D14 24.60 780 430 176.18 210 210 420 N Velidhoo D15 42.60 1130 650 166.52 1067 1134 2201

7.7 TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT (MANGROVE SWAMPS)

Mangrove swamps and its associated flora and fauna are important ecological habitats in the Maldives which are found both in the northern and southern atolls. In Maldives, a total number of 13 true mangrove species are recorded (Trees and shrubs of Maldives, FAO report). Some of the plants that grow in the terrestrial environment and pure halophytes (plants that grow only in saline environment) are also found within or in the peripheral area of mangrove wetlands. These species are considered as mangrove associates.

Two major mangrove swamp area are found in Landhoo; one in the proximity of the proposed location of the harbour and the other on the southern end of the island. The total area of this swampy land is approximately 303700 m2 which is approximately 40% of the total area of Landhoo.

The following table (Table 8) represents the mangrove species found in the swamps with their relative abundance. Thela (Excoecaria agallocha) and Kandoo (Bruguiera cylindrica) are the two most abundant species whereas Kaharuvah gas (Heritiera littoralis) and Bodu kandoo (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza) are rare. Kuhlhavah (Sonneratia caseolaris) were not very common but found in considerable

62 quantities. Kuhlhavah trees are large (~10-20m height) indicating that these are part of the mangrove swamp for the past several decades.

Mangrove associated vegetation found in the periphery of the mangrove swamp and the shoreline include Pemphis scidula (Kuredhi), Hibiscus tilaceus (Diggaa) and Thespasia populnea (Hirundhu).

Table 8 Mangrove types recorded in the swamp

Scientific Name Dhivehi name Abundance

Excoecaria agallocha Thela Abundant

Heritiera littoralis Kaharuvah gas Rare

Lumnitzera racemosa Burevi Common

Bruguiera cylindrica Kandoo Abundant

Bruguiera gymnorrhiza Bodu kandoo Rare

Sonneratia caseolaris Kuhlhavah Rare/common

Historically, the island community has several socioeconomic use of the mangrove swamp, especially the use of the trees for its fruits for eating, timber for house construction, boat building and also as firewood. However, these practices are diminishing due to the availability of alternative building materials and cooking fuel. Kuhlhavah (Sonneratia caseolaris) is still a delicacy as a juice and a savory with coconut mix which is favoured by the island community.

8. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Impacts on the environment from various activities of the development works (construction impacts) and operation of the harbour (operational impacts) have been identified through interviews with the Island Development Committee, field data collection and surveys and based on past experience in similar development projects. Possible impacts arising from the construction and operation works are categorized into reversible and permanent (irreversible) impacts. The impacts identified are also described according to their location, extent (magnitude) and characteristics. Reversible and irreversible impacts are further categorized by intensity of impacts (negligible, minor, moderate and major) for identifying best possible remedial (mitigation measures) action to be taken. Below are the impact categories (Table 9).

Table 9 Impact prediction categorized

Impact Description Reversible/irreversible Cumulative category impacts

Negligible the impact has no significant risk to Reversible no environment either short term or long term

Minor the impact is short term and cause Reversible no very limited risk to the environment

Moderate Impacts give rise to some concern, Reversible May or may may cause long term environmental not problems but are likely short term and acceptable

Major- impact is long term, large scale Reversible and Irreversible Yes, mitigation environmental risk measures has to be addressed

Since work of the proposed project has already been completed partially, impacts will be discussed for activities that are remaining and its potential cumulative or long term impacts. The directly impacted area during construction phase (dredging and reclamation) at the reef system is approximately 1% of the total reef area of N. Landhoo reef system. While the direct impact area on land (in terms of vegetation clearance, irreversible impact) is 1.75% of the total inside vegetation (this includes vegetation clearance for harbour facilities and access road to closest road).Total area loss due to filling of marsh land is 2% of total marsh land (approximately 40% of land inside vegetation is marsh land).

The severity of impacts is predicted by reviewing the design plans and construction methodologies and resources exposed to the impact. Mitigation measures are formulated in light of the information revealed by the project architects (vegetation clearance method, construction method of quay wall, excavation method and equipment or machinery used).

8.1 LIMITATION AND UNCERTAINITY OF IMPACT PREDICTION

Uncertainty of impact prediction are mainly due to the lack of long term data (shoreline, local currents and wave climate), Inherent complexity of ecosystem (reef environment, habitat and terrestrial environment although in a lesser extent) and lack of coordinated monitoring programs with inconsistent methodologies which can be used to predict outcomes or reliability of predictions of previous projects.

The impacts are predicted by reviewing the survey data collected during the field visits and information revealed by the designers and engineers. The data collected during the field visit is limited to 3-4 days, which limits the overall understanding of even the short term environmental conditions (wave condition, currents, and littoral movement).

The time limitation of EIA field data collection and report preparation is also a hindrance to properly understanding the environmental factors dictating the conditions of the habitat. The baseline data collected during the field surveys will not reflect on the conditions prior to initiation of

66 project works. Area already has been impacted by the excavation works. The baseline water quality results may not be the best control values to assess future or unexpected impacts.

8.2 CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS

Any development work involving excavation or dredging will have major impacts on reef, lagoon and coastal hydrodynamics. The Impacts of excavation can range from smothering of live coral to kill of live coral. Coastal modification involved in the construction of the harbour can have short to long term impacts. Potential direct or indirect impacts on the environment (on land and reef system) from the proposed works are limited to relatively small number of activities, these include:

• Excavation works at the harbour basin remaining area (approximately 25% of excavation remains) • Physical damage to the reef during loading and unloading (equipment and material for quay wall and breakwater construction) using barges (minor impact since the already cleared basin and entrance can be utilized for material unloading) • Direct loss of habitat and disturbance to the lagoon bottom and reef flat area by construction works (harbour wall construction) at lagoon (already the near shore or harbour wall area is impacted by the excavation works so further impacts are envisaged to be minor to moderate) • Loss of vegetation due disposal of dredged spoil (approximately 1000m2 of marsh land will be filled, already 5500m2 of marsh land is filled) • Impact on lagoon environment by the reclamation or dredged material disposal at the northern side of the island (harbour quay wall protection and back filling area)

8.2.1 SCHEDULE, LOGISTICS AND LOADING AND UNLOADING CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

All construction materials will be transported to the site on cargo dhonis and barges, and unloaded already deepened harbour basin. Material unloaded will be stored at the northern side of the harbour

67 at existing reclaimed land or filled marsh land. (Cement, aggregate, armour rock, filter stones, concrete “L” section…etc). Impacts arising due to mobilization and unloading of materials include;

• Accidental spillage of construction materials (cement bags, rocks) • Accidental oil spills (used for excavators and other heavy machinery)

Construction yard and site office is already setup at the project site; this area was cleared as the main harbour access road connecting to island existing main road.

8.2.2 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND SOLIDS WASTE

Transportation of construction materials such as cement, timber, plywood, sheet pile, armour rocks and fuel for excavators and trucks to the site has the potential to aesthetically damage the marine environment especially the lagoon areas due to accidental spillage. Quite often construction waste finds their way into the marine environment during the course of their disposal unless necessary measures are taken to avoid this from happening.

Pollution of the lagoon and reef system can be caused by waterborne and windblown debris escaping from the construction site or from transportation vessels such as landing crafts and barges. Waste and residue arising from construction activities such as oil spills and other waste (used wooden moulds) may affect the marine environment.

At present very little solid waste is generated, mainly packing material, paper waste and used oil filters or air filters are the main types of solid waste. The waste that can be burnt (burnable items, since Landhoo has several waste disposal area according to IDC that usually burns the waste as a disposal method) can be disposed at N. Landhoo disposal sites. The materials that are categorized as hazardous waste such as used oil filters and luboil should be transported to government designated disposal site (Thilafushi).

8.2.3 IMPACT DUE TO CONSTRUCTION METHODS

Since excavators will be used for the deepening works (at the remaining area of the proposed harbour basin), sedimentation is inevitable and this is an impact that will be unavoidable. But the level of sedimentation will be minor and at moment only route for sediment plume to be released outside of harbour basin is through the entrance. Sediment fines were observed moving out of the harbour at ebb tide during the field visit. The bottom of harbour basin was covered in dredge silt. Some level of sedimentation is also observed at the harbour sides (small area reclaimed during excavation works at the basin. As observed in reef survey reef area south of the harbour had minor impact of sedimentation, but the area close to the entrance had major impact of sedimentation.

Mash land 1 Direction of sediment plume

MABUDHUGE (HISTORICAL SITE)

Mash land 2

Figure 32 Sediment plum associated with project activities and natural spill area observed at the southern side

Although sedimentation is unavoidable the impacts will be short termed. The strong currents (to and fro at the either side of the island) experience at the channel and reef system will ensure dispersal or removal of fine sediment from the area. It is possible that fines will be transported to the western side due the wave condition (SW monsoon dominant direction West North West). Therefore sedimentation impacts maybe experienced at this area indirectly. Since live coral cover is relatively low at this area impacts are thought to be minor to moderate. The presence of turf algae and filamentous at the immediate project area and indirect impact area (southern side) may cause trapping of fine sediment, which would kill the algae. Presence of fine layer of sediment may hinder coral recruitment.

Major environmental concerns associated with dredging and reclamation works are direct habitat loss, sedimentation and deterioration in water quality. High levels of sedimentation and silt from dredging activities is a major source of reef degradation. The consequences of excessive sedimentation on corals are well known and include:

- direct physical impacts like smothering of corals and other benthic reef organisms, - reduces light penetration, which has a direct effect on zooxanthellae photosynthesis and thus the net productivity of corals. It also reduces coral growth, calcification rates and reproduction. - dredged silt may form false bottoms, characterised by shifting unstable sediments - silt suspension may increase nutrient release, leading to eutrophic blooms - silt may act as sink or trap for many pollutants, which are absorbed onto the sediments

Construction of wharfs and protection walls will be done using armour rock layers; sediment removed from the excavation works will be used for back filling work. Back filling work will be carried out by using excavator.

The harbour entrance channel wall construction will involve use of excavator, trampling of live coral is possible. But since the out entrance area is relative deep, excavator will be operated on barge. At the harbour basin side, the excavator may be operated on the lagoon bed, but since very few live coral is observed impacts will be minimal.

Initially it was thought that relocating the harbour at present location will involve encroaching in land approximately 25m inside the vegetation line. But the survey and mapping done by the consultants revealed that only 7m will be inside the vegetation line. The vegetation line mentioned here is defined as the canopy edge and not the edge of vegetation. Therefore the harbour boundary will not be encroaching in-land; rather it will be just at the edge of vegetation. Since the existing basin was deepened by excavator, it safe to assume that excavator can deepen the remaining area. Therefore no blasting would be required.

8.2.4 IMPACT ON VEGETATION

Major area at the harbour front has already been cleared. According to the island chief compensation for the trees are being arranged. The number and types of trees felled was not available at the time of the field visit. The consultant requested to island chief to send the information once compensation is settled. According to the island chief major vegetation at the harbour front area was Sea Hibiscus, Coconut trees and Iron wood trees.

Already 5500m2 of marsh land has been filled, prior to MEEW ceasing the project activities. The area was dominated by Bruguiera cylindrica and Excoecaria agallocha L. The proposed area to dispose remaining dredge spoil according to the IDC is the northern side of the harbour, where already major portion of dredge spoil is disposed (area estimated to be filled by remaining dredged spoil is 1000m2). All trees and palms growing in mangrove and wetlands spreading to 15 meters of land are protected under the By Law “Cutting down, uprooting, digging out and export of trees and palms from one island to another”.

By filling the outer edge of the marsh land positive impacts are envisaged (if properly managed), since erosion at this area breaching the edge of marsh land will be stabilized. The drainage issue also has minor impacts, since the natural drainage of the island is directed towards the marsh areas. It has to be noted that marsh land will be filled by islanders due to establishment of new housing blocks at the northern and southern marsh area. Already many house plots are given at the southern side marsh area. Some of the Sonneratia caseolaris trees were burnt at new housing plots by islanders.

Impacts on marsh land vegetation due to salt seepage from dredge material will be minor since the marsh vegetations are tolerant of saline conditions.

8.2.5 COASTAL STRUCTURES

The impact of new physical structures such as breakwaters, access channels and harbours on the hydrodynamic regime, can be quite significant and often permanent. It can interfere with littoral sediment transport patterns and seasonal coastal dynamics resulting in a number of impacts. These include:

• Change of near shore hydrodynamic (currents and wave patterns) • Possible erosion due to the proposed harbour (south of harbour during SW monsoon) • Sedimentation or increased turbidity due to movement of sediment around the structure (harbour walls or protection walls), which intern reduces light penetration, which has a direct effect on zooxanthellae photosynthesis and thus the net productivity of corals • Alteration of substrate topography, hydrodynamic regime and the continual re-suspension of dredged sediments can result in increasing sedimentation and forming dredge silts • Degradation of sea water quality due to turbidity

8.2.6 SOCIAL IMPACTS, NOISE AND AIR POLLUTION

Operation of heavy machinery and construction related equipment will contribute to noise pollution. Noise pollution during the dredging works will be mainly due to the operation of excavator and trucks. Construction noise at Landhoo will be dictated by the predominant wind direction. As the Dredging works will be finished first, estimated time of completion within two-three weeks, this falls on early July (SW monsoon). Therefore wind direction will be form West or West North West. Since the residential area at Landhoo is considerable distance away from the harbour location noise impact will be none or minor. Dredging will be carried out during low tide; therefore noise level will not be sustained throughout the day. But it has to be noted that dredging has to be carried out during the night hours too (during low tide).

No social impact is envisaged due to the transport of dredged material to the northern side, since material will be transported reclaimed land and no residential areas are nearby.

Air pollution due to the project will be mainly due to operation of heavy machinery like excavator, trucks and boats. But in since use of heavy machinery will be limited to a short period of time; impacts are envisaged to be minor.

Development of a harbour at Landhoo will have positive impacts in terms of easy and safe accessibility and economically. Since Landhoo is renowned for its banana and thatch weave trade many vessels comes to the island to by the products. Previously if bad weather is experienced trade is not possible. The only access to the island the jetty at the western side is not accessible during rough weather. At present the trade boat travelling between Male’ and Landhoo is harboured at Maalhendhoo because Landhoo reef is not sheltered and deep enough for the vessel to anchor. The fishing vessels operated in the island are also anchored at Maalhendhoo harbour. This has many social issues because the fishermen cannot come to the island and has to stay in Maalhendhoo at times of bad weather.

8.2.7 IMPACT ON GROUNDWATER

Impact to groundwater due to the proposed project is minimal. The reclamation or sediment disposal site is located at the northern side of the island at the narrow lagoon. Over time fresh water lens would regenerate at this area. At present water test done at the marsh land shows that the water is saline (2900mg/l).

8.3 OPERATIONAL IMPACTS

Environmental impacts associated from the operational phase of the current proposed development project are limited to a relatively few activities. These activities can cause short term to long term impacts on the reef environment. Below are some of the possible impacts:

- degradation of sea water quality from possible alteration of littoral sediment transport regime causing turbidity (short to long term impact) - possible impacts due to accidental spillage of oil (by boats using the harbour) - following construction, the proposed development may influence existing hydrodynamic patterns affecting water circulation and possibly leading to “dead spot” in the inner harbour areas where floating litter and other pollutants could accumulate (the breakwaters are constructed as porous structures, armour rock, therefore flushing would be satisfactory). Since the size of harbour is small, tidal flux is sufficient for flushing of basin waters. - accidental spillage of waste - Possible erosion problems at the southern side of harbour (during SW monsoon), due to obstruction of current flow - loss of vegetation due to erosion (long term impact which is a cumulative impacts arising from the obstruction and alteration of hydrodynamic regime) - possible impacts to live coral due spreading of fines by wave action at the reclaimed area (because no revetment is proposed)

8.3.1 IMPACT TO HYDRODYNAMIC PATTERN

Development of harbour would inevitably have impacts on the hydrodynamic regime. The major impact is obstruction of natural current and sediment flow due to the coastal structures. At present the natural flow of sediment is dictated by the coupling effect of prevailing wind and swell induced currents. The dominant wind wave that is sustained during SW monsoon is in the direction of West North West, while the prevailing wind direction during NE monsoon is North to North eastern

74 direction. The prevailing wind direction during the SW monsoon pushes the sediment southwards, while the near constant swells hitting the eastern side from the Indian Ocean pushes the sediment in the direction of east to southerly direction. The current sand spit observed at the southern side of the island is energy relief area where sediment flow from western side (due to SW monsoonal wind wave currents) and eastern side (swell induced currents) meets. During NE monsoon the sand spit will move west wards but will be limited due to swell induced waves coming from the northern side (refracted swells wrapping around the northern side).

Based on the wind analysis, erosion prone area will be the immediate southern side of the harbour, while the northern side will probably accrete but also is prone to erosion. Since no protection measures are proposed, the oceanic swells wrapping around the northern side will push the sediment west wards and probably result in erosion. If revetment of other coastal protection is not implemented chances of entrance channel filling up is high, therefore frequency of deepening works will increase, causing cumulative or successive impacts.

During NE monsoon it is possible that accretion is observed at the southern side of the harbour because of total obstruction of the currents and waves coming in the northerly direction. Already erosion is observed at the eastern of the island, but this is a natural cause (because of swells hitting from Indian Ocean). No additional impact is envisaged on the eastern side due to the development of harbour at the western side of the island.

8.3.2 SOCIAL IMPACTS

Positive impacts are envisaged in terms of social impacts. At present the island community and trade vessels from other islands face lots of difficulties in accessing the island. During rough weather the existing jetty cannot be used due to strong wave action. Development of harbour will ensure safe harbour for vessels operated by the island community and trade vessels from other islands.

According to IDC many vessels comes to Landhoo for purchasing bananas, thatch weave and also Kulha vah (Sonneratia caseolaris), at many times left because they can’t access the island or load

75 products. Development of the harbour would benefit economically and in turn social well being of the island community.

8.3.3 WASTWATER DISPOSAL OR LITTERING OF HARBOUR

Improper disposal of organic (fish waste, sewage, fuel) and inorganic waste (tins, cans, plastic bottles) to the harbour basin will cause degradation of the harbour basin waters. Dumping of fish waste and other organic waste will increase the nutrient levels of the harbour, facilitating proliferation of algae. Floating waste such as empty cans, plastic bottles, and plastic bags will be accumulated at the dead zones (corners). Proper harbour management plan has to be formulated to address the use of harbour. Sign boards have to be made, as an awareness tool to inform people using the harbour not to contaminate or dispose waste at the harbour basin. In addition to that dustbins should be placed at the harbour area.

9. ALTERNATIVES

In the Scoping meeting held at ERC on 4th May 2008, it was decided that alternatives will not be included since the project has already been initiated and major part of the basin is deepened and dredged spoil disposed. Therefore alternative location of harbour and dredged material disposal site will not be discussed in this report.

9.1 CONSTRUCTION METHOD AND MATERIALS

Apart from these, alternatives can be discussed for type of material used and method of construction but it has to be noted that already contractor is assigned and work initiated all detail drawings are done and types of material to be used decided. Any changes will cause delays which mean addition impact to environment due to partial excavation harbour and exposed interim bonds that may cause further sedimentation impacts.

The proposed method of quay wall construction is by placing L section concrete elements. Alternative can be sheet pile. But considering cost and method of implantation concrete elements are better. In terms of environmental impacts sheet pile method at times at problems because it has to driven in to lagoon bottom and if hard substrate is encountered before sufficient depth is reached blasting or other means of clearance is needed. Same goes for concrete elements but since it is placed on basin bottom and not driven in chances of blasting is none to minor. In this current project no blasting will be required since already major area is cleared.

In terms of breakwater or harbour protection walls, the most ideal material will be used in the proposed project, which is armour stone that have life expectancy of 50yrs if properly designed. Therefore this expect of the project will not be discussed.

9.2 THE “NO PROJECT” SCENARIO

If considering the no project scenario, the significant environmental impacts due to sedimentation and suspension of fine silt in the water column can be avoided. But since the project has been already commenced, major portion of excavation completed and dredged material disposed this alternative for the project will not be discussed in this EIA report.

10. MITIGATION

There are a number of actions that can be taken to minimize the identified impacts. Those that are explored below emerged out of the discussions and consultations during this EIA and from the past experience of the consultant (Table 10). Mitigation measures are selected to reduce or eliminate the severity of any predicted adverse environmental effects and improve the overall environmental performance and acceptability of the project.

Mitigation measures are discussed for the activities that are remaining in the proposed project. Since almost all excavation works are carried out mitigation for excavation works will not be discussed in this EIA report.

Table 10 mitigation measures proposed for the harbour development work at Landhoo

Possible Time frame Institutional Mitigation measures Location Impact intensity Cost (MRF) Impacts (Phase) responsibility

Littering on Littering, accidental disposal and Reef flat, lagoon During construction Minor, short term Contractor, N/A terrestrial and spillage of any construction wastes and land (2 months) impact MCPI marine should be avoided by pre-planning ways environment of their transportation and disposal. Careful planning of the work activities can also reduce the amount of waste generated (form work, transport of armour rocks, cement and aggregate)

During construction of protection walls Lagoon, reef flat During construction Minor Contractor N/A, should be and break waters, all construction (2 months) included in the related waste collected and disposed at contract of work Landhoo waste disposal area

Damage to reef Awareness raising of project managers Reef flat and During construction Minor, short term Contractor, N/A by loading and on environmentally friendly practices to reef slope (3 weeks impact MCPI unloading works minimize negative impacts. lagoon

Use already deepened harbour basin for Lagoon During construction Minor Contractors N/A all material unloading process (3 weeks

Loss of habitat, Stakes put at the corners of the harbour Reef flat, lagoon During construction Major, short Contractor, N / A damage or death boundary area thereby avoiding phase (2 months) term, may have a MCPI of coral at the unnecessary loss of or trampling of live positive impact entrance area, coral during construction of harbour on long term by protection wall protection and entrance walls. creating area additional substrate for coral growth Since live coral cover is very low at the immediate project area, trampling by workers at protection wall areas will be minor

Air pollution Completing the excavation and Air Construction phase Minor/short Contractor, N/A construction of harbour walls as soon (2 months) termed MCPI as possible.

Noise pollution Completing the excavation and land Construction phase Minor/short term Private Donor N/A construction of harbour walls as soon (2 months) as possible.

Dead spots at the Culverts placed at either side of the beach, lagoon Construction phase Moderate, long MCPI Should be harbour basin harbour (should be place at the seaward term impact included in the side rather than shoreward side to avoid contract filling of harbour basin designing component

Possible erosion Construction of revetment at the back South western Construction phase Moderate, long MCPI Should be at the southern fill area of the harbour (southern side side beach term and included in the side of the adjacent to unpredictable design, cost is

harbour quay wall protection) harbour impact difficult to (time or severity) determine at the time

Shoreline monitoring work done every South western Operational phase Long term impact MCPI Included in the 3months in the first year and every 6 side beach (uncertain Monitoring months in the coming year for adjacent to impact), program identification of erosion harbour unpredictable impact

Solid waste Employee a staff for monitoring and Harbour Operational Phase Minor, long term Island Based on cleaning the harbour for the Island Development monthly salary Development Committee Committee equivalent to government employees, 2100.00

MRF 30,000.00- Construction of toilet facilities for 40,000.00 vessels anchored at the harbour

MRF 500.00- Placement of dustbins at the harbour 1000.00 area

Accidental Put up sign boards advising good Harbour Operational phase Minor, long term Island 1000.00 - spillage (oils, practices Development 1500.00 materials) Committee

During the consultation meetings the IDC and harbour committee, the island chief and members of IDC stated that they are planning for constructing infrastructure associated with the harbour. As such fish market and toilet facilities for vessels using the harbour were discussed as prime infrastructure. The island Chief stated that economic gain from tourism is expected due to the historical site present at Landhoo therefore to cater guest and other visitors a toilet facility and temporary storage facility is a must.

The island chief also stated that they are planning to construct protective measures for the reclaimed area. According to the island chief they are planning to construct revetments using concrete wells and filling it with sediment. The wells will be placed once after the other aligned with the reclaimed shoreline. Cost for this is not given by the island chief, also island chief stated that funds are not yet allocated for these activities.

The toilet facilities, sign boards and employee for harbour cleaning works are recommendation by the consultants since it is important to maintain the harbour. A clean harbour would be reduction of pollution by littering and disposal of organic waste. It has to be noted that funding for such activities by the island community is difficult since most of the funds comes from government or donors.

The consultants also recommend MEEW (ERC) to conduct awareness program to Landhoo community to inform them about the reasons for protecting Maldives ecological heritage. It will not be fruitful to just protect an area without the consent of the island community, whom may have social issue relating to such places. The Landhoo community looks at swamps and marsh lands as nuisance (mosquito proliferation). To successfully protect the wet lands and large old trees (many Sonneratia caseolaris trees observed at the two marsh lands) and to have an environmentally sustainable development (urbanization), the island community must be made aware and made to appreciate the important role of swamps and marsh lands. The island chief and IDC confirmed that the small level of flooding that occurred during the tsunami was also diverted towards the marsh land because of the level difference. This itself determines the importance of these areas.

11. MONITORING PROGRAM

Monitoring is the systematic collection of information over a long period of time. It involves the measuring and recording of environmental variables associated with the development impacts. Monitoring is needed to;

• Compare predicted and actual impacts • Test the efficiency of mitigation measures • Obtain information about responses of receptors to impacts • Enforce conditions and standards associated with approvals • Prevent environmental problems resulting from inaccurate predictions • Minimize errors in future assessments and impact predictions • Make future assessments more efficient • Provide ongoing management information • Improve EIA and monitoring process

Impact and mitigation monitoring is carried out to compare predicted and actual impacts occurring from project activities to determine the efficiency of the mitigation measures. This type of monitoring is targeted at assessing human impacts on the natural environment. Impact monitoring is supported by an expectation that at some level anthropogenic impacts become unacceptable and action will be taken to either prevent further impacts or re-mediate affected systems. Mitigation monitoring aims to compare and predicted actual (residual) impacts so that effectiveness of mitigation measures can be determine.

The environmental monitoring proposed here is to determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures and long term change to the benthic community (especially coral community). The baseline data collected are not of pristine environment since the projects excavation works were initiated before EIA field data was collected. Only qualitative data was collected because due to sedimentation and low visibility. In addition to this additional monitoring station would be established at the reef slope (channel entrance) to determine the changes to this habitat by sediment

deposition transported through the reef access channel. All monitoring activities will be carried out under the supervision of an environmental monitoring and management consultant. The detail of the monitoring program is given in Table 11.

Table 11 Monitoring program and cost for individual parameter

Parameter Methodology Sampling frequency Estimated cost for monitoring Coral and other benthic cover Photo quadrat After completion of Rate per field construction works and after survey USD six month 500.00

After completion of Reef fish community, diversity and Fish visual census Rate per field construction works and after abundance survey USD six month 500.00

Quadrate method including photo- Rate per field Coral recruitment, growth rates and After completion of quadrate methodology survey USD mortality construction works and after 500.00 six month

Sedimentation rates Quantitative assessment of sediment Every month during Rate per field loading on the reef benthos sediment remaining excavation and survey USD traps deployed at the predetermined construction works and after 200.00 locations six months

Vegetation clearance Counting number of trees and types During disposal of remaining N/A felled at the marsh area edge. This has to dredged material (should be be done in association with the IDC or submitted in the monitoring island office. report)

Seawater quality Water samples sent to Food and drug Rate per test set Twice( during and after authority for analysis. Following USD 100.00 completion of project) parameters are to be tested; salinity, pH, Electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phosphate, Sulphates

Shoreline monitoring Shoreline mapping by using high After the completion of the Rate per field precision GPS (beach line, vegetation project and after six months survey USD line, reclaimed area to identify possible 1000.00 erosion problems)

12. CONCLUSION

The long term environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are considered minor to moderate. This conclusion is based on the evaluation and various components of the proposed project, implementation methods discussed, finding of the existing environment and environmental components that are likely to be affected. The significant environmental components that are likely to be affected are changes to littoral drift and near-shore coastal hydrodynamics, sedimentation impacts on coral community from dredging and habitat loss. The marine surveys showed that large massive porites colonies are intact but most of the table corals at close proximity of the harbour area with sedimentation impacts. But in a coastal development project such as harbour development it inevitable has major impact to reef habitat, but his tends to be short termed if fines are flushed from the system. Since Landhoo is located at the eastern periphery strong swell induced currents are experienced at the northern corner which would flush the fines from the reef area. Impact on the coral community from sedimentation as a result of excavation is inevitable. The extent of direct or indirect damage to the coral community can be minimized through the mitigation measures discussed.

The socio economic justification for the project is the strongest; the island is renowned for agricultural products and fishing. Many vessels comes to the island for trading, a safe harbour would increase the number of vessels visiting the island thereby increasing the economic condition of the island.

The main reason for stopping the project works by the MEEW was due to filling of the Marsh land. The field surveys showed that only the periphery was filled and this was done with consent of the IDC. Alternative disposal sites are limited at Landhoo due to narrow lagoon at all sides of the island. The only practical location is the existing disposal area, because disposal of dredged material at this area will stabilize the coast (may be short termed if shore protection is not made). Therefore, with due consideration environmental components the project is likely to effect the consultant concludes that the project components and designs are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures are given to correct and minimize unfavorable environmental consequences. Furthermore the public and community consultation responses were in favor of the project due to the socio-economic benefits.

Appendix 1 Site Plan

Appendix 2 Current status of the harbour project

Appendix 3 Bathymetry of western side of Landhoo

Appendix 4 Documents gathered during consultation meeting with Landhoo IDC

Appendix 5 References

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Appendix 6 Terms of Reference (ToR)